Unearth The Voyage
The Florida Panhandle is famous for sugar-white beaches, but locals know the real treasures hide along riverbanks and backroads. These old-school fish camps serve up family-style seafood suppers that rarely make it onto tourist maps. If you want authentic coastal flavor, here are the spots worth seeking out.
1. Ouzts Too Oyster Bar – St. Marks
A ramshackle spot with a loyal following, Ouzts Too is where locals head for raw Apalachicola oysters, fried mullet, and live music on weekends. It’s rough around the edges, but that’s the point – ice-cold beer, no frills, and the kind of seafood you can only get this fresh in the Panhandle.
The wooden tables are often filled with happy chatter, and the aroma of freshly fried seafood fills the air. It’s a place that brings people together, locals mingling with curious outsiders who have stumbled upon a hidden gem.
For a true taste of the Panhandle’s coastal life, Ouzts Too Oyster Bar offers an experience that’s as authentic as it is delicious.
2. The Original Oyster House – Eastpoint
Steps from Apalachicola Bay, this fish camp has been shucking oysters for decades. Go for the all-you-can-eat mullet platter and stay for the porch seating where fishermen still haul in the day’s catch. It’s as close as you’ll get to dining inside the seafood industry itself.
The ambiance is both relaxing and invigorating, with the salty breeze and the sound of the bay setting the scene.
Fishermen in work boots sit beside families enjoying a hearty meal. The Original Oyster House is where you taste history and community, one oyster at a time.
3. Webb’s Seafood – Youngstown
Half market, half camp kitchen, Webb’s is tucked away off Highway 231. The hushpuppies come out hot, the catfish fillets are cornmeal-crispy, and you’ll be eating alongside fishermen still in their work boots.
The atmosphere is down-to-earth, a place where the community gathers to share meals and stories.
Webb’s Seafood is more than just a dining spot; it’s a slice of everyday life in the Panhandle. The taste of fresh catfish paired with local camaraderie makes it a must-visit for anyone seeking authenticity.
4. White’s Fish Camp – Milton
A true Old Florida landmark, White’s has been around since the 1930s. The vibe is rustic: picnic tables, screened porches, and suppers featuring fried mullet, coleslaw, and grits. It’s a time machine to a Florida that barely exists anymore.
The charm of this camp lies in its simplicity and nostalgia, transporting guests back to a simpler era.
White’s Fish Camp is a celebration of tradition and taste, offering a glimpse into the past with every meal served. It’s a place where history and flavor intertwine, creating an unforgettable dining experience.
5. Posey’s Steam Room & Oyster Bar – Panacea
Posey’s has been serving Wakulla County seafood lovers for decades. The menu is small but classic: steamed oysters, deviled crab, fried grouper sandwiches, and mullet platters. Inside, the space is cozy, with wooden tables and plenty of locals who treat the place like their second home.
Don’t expect fancy service – it’s all about fresh seafood, good company, and casual charm. Posey’s has that fish-camp feel where everyone knows each other, and strangers are welcome to join in. It’s the kind of place you discover once and then keep coming back to year after year.
6. Angelo & Son’s Seafood – Panacea
Part of the legendary El Governor Motel grounds, this fish fry has been a tradition since the 1960s. Tourists usually drive right past, but insiders stop for the all-you-can-eat Friday night fish fry and sides that feel homemade.
The air is filled with the scent of frying seafood, and the vibe is jovial and welcoming. It’s a gathering place for both locals and those in the know, sharing laughter and stories over generous plates.
El Governor’s Fish Fry is more than a meal; it’s a cherished local custom that offers a taste of community spirit and culinary delight.
7. Boss Oyster – Apalachicola
Boss Oyster has built a reputation for serving oysters in nearly every style imaginable. From raw and grilled to baked with unique toppings, there’s something for every oyster lover. The restaurant sits right on the Apalachicola River, offering breezy views from the deck.
While Apalachicola has plenty of seafood spots, Boss has that old fish-camp energy – laid back, simple, and all about the oysters. Locals especially love the smoked fish dip and gumbo, which pair perfectly with a cold beer. It’s one of those places that feels both hidden and legendary at the same time.
