By Kelly Rouse
There are many benefits to living not only in Florida, but especially on its beautiful Gulf Coast: warm weather; a vibrant wildlife and ecosystem; near endless water and river excursions; and certainly not least of these, a rich and bountiful array of restaurants serving some of the best seafood and fish America has to offer. It is easy to become overwhelmed by the plethora of enticing restaurants to choose from, so this month we have three suggestions, any of which are sure to hit that peckish spot.
HOOKIN’ AIN’T EASY
Nestled along 22nd Ave. S (aka Gulfport Boulevard) east of Gulfport, is the breezy and welcoming Hookin’ Ain’t Easy Seafood Co. Opened in 2020 by owner Matt Neumann and his wife, this now must-visit café started as a fresh fish and seafood market, which still thrives today adjacent to the café. The market is a one-stop-shop for any fish or seafood lover, with its nearly unlimited variety of gulf caught goodies – from the many species of fish to crab, scallops, mussels, shrimp and just about any other watery delicacy you can imagine. Having been commercially fishing the waters off St. Pete for 30 years, Matt knows good fish and seafood, which is obvious from the sights, smells, and layout in their roomy market. If you’re looking to whip up a meal or provide snacks locally caught, you can’t do better than Hookin’s market.
Adjacent to the market is Hookin’s outdoor café, replete with crushed shells, sand, picnic tables and a cozy bar straight out of Jimmy Buffet’s imagination. This is a space you can only find on the coasts of Florida. It’s laid back, friendly and open. The food? It’s some of the best you can find in the city. A list of succulent appetizers the length of your arm – conch fritters, raw oysters, biscuits, fried zucchini and more. Fish dinners with multiple varieties from the day’s catch and a whole crab section. One of the staples of Gulf cuisine is of course grouper and there’s almost a religious fervor folks have toward finding the perfect grouper sandwich. Well, having eaten it in countless locales, for my money Hookin’s blackened grouper is simply the finest grouper sandwich in town. A huge portion, moist and perfectly cooked, it sits in a soft brioche bun with perfect seasoning. Whether to stock up on seafood for a cookout or sit back and enjoy the live music while eating a great meal,
Hookin’ Ain’t Easy Seafood Company, 3660 22nd Ave. S, St. Pete is now a must-visit destination for seafood lovers. Market hours: Mon.-Fri. 10:30am-7pm, Sat. 9am-7pm, Sun. 11am-5pm. Café hours: Sat. 11am-7pm, Sun. 11am-5pm, closed Mon.-Tues. facebook.com/HAESeafood
THE HELM
On Blind Pass Road, across from Mastry’s Brewing Company, The Helm captures the essence of seaside cuisine and comfort. The ambiance at The Helm is modern yet still very rooted in old school Florida warmth. With spacious indoor seating and a well laid out patio, this is a destination for anyone looking for a great meal. They’re open for breakfast and brunch, and the food is exquisitely tasty. The Helm boasts a menu brimming with coastal delicacies that celebrate the bounty of the sea, from delicious starters of crab, lobster and carpaccio, served in different succulent forms all bursting with vibrant flavors, to a tasty raw bar of clams and oysters.
For those seeking lighter fare, The Helm also offers a selection of salads featuring fresh produce, as well as grilled options that highlight the natural flavors of the ingredients. If you’re looking for a little heartier spread, their “Deck Hands” offer robust options. Subs and lobster rolls, crabcake sandwiches and the Captain’s catch provide lots of choices. Crab eggs benedict or lobster grilled cheese – who could say no? And no visit to this beachside paradise would be complete without sampling their signature cocktails, expertly crafted with tropical fruits and top-shelf spirits, perfect for toasting to another day in paradise. The Helm: Provisions & Coastal Fare, 7736 Blind Pass Rd., St. Pete Beach. Tues.-Fri. 10:30am-4pm, Sat. 10am-4pm, Sun. 10am-2pm, 727-363-4356 www.helmtampabay.com
WALT’Z FISH SHAK
Cozily nestled behind John’s Pass Village, down the boardwalk from Hubbard’s Marina, Walt’z Fish Shak offers an authentic coastal dining experience. Family owned and operated, Walt’z is like a home-cooked meal, but let’s be honest, far tastier. With a casual atmosphere and simple decor, it’s all about the fresh, no-fuss scrumptious seafood. With a chalkboard menu that can change based on the day’s local delicacy, this straightforward but delectable stable of food is cooked with care and served with a side of seaside charm. Whether diving into their fresh amberjack, wild-caught gulf shrimp or the conch chowder and smoked fish spread, friendly staff and the sound of waves lapping nearby enhances your experience of the yummy eats. Well known and loved in the community, this quaint eatery is very popular, so get there early. It’ll be worth it. 224 Boardwalk PL. E., Madeira Beach. Tues.-Sat. 5-8pm, closed Sun.-Mon., 727-395-0732 facebook.com/WaltzFishShak
