Hey seafood lovers! As a Tampa Bay local and shrimp enthusiast I’ve spent countless weekends hunting down the best spots for boiled shrimp. Let me share my insider knowledge about where to grab some delicious Gulf shrimp without breaking the bank!
Best Local Seafood Markets in Tampa Bay Area
Tampa Locations
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Land & Sea Market Tampa Palms
- Address: 14943 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa
- What’s great:
- Fresh Gulf shrimp daily
- Various preparation options
- Also offers shrimp skewers wrapped in bacon
- Premium seafood selection
-
The Crab Hut
- Address: 3824 N. 51st St., Tampa
- Highlights:
- Daily specials on shrimp
- Fresh-caught local options
- Great roadside prices
- Family-owned business
-
West Fortune Street Fish Market
- Address: 1926 W. Main St., Tampa
- Specialties:
- Ready-to-eat seafood boils
- Hot meal options
- Catering services
- Butter and garlic shrimp preparations
St. Petersburg & Gulfport Area
-
JB’s Seafood Market
- Address: 1948 49th St. S., St. Petersburg
- Popular for:
- Shrimp trays
- Cooked by the pound options
- Complete seafood platters with sides
- Party-size portions available
-
Gulf Coast Seafood
- Address: 4921 9th Ave. S., Gulfport
- Features:
- Fresh shrimp platters
- Plain or Old Bay seasoned options
- Steam-to-order service
- Bulk purchasing available
-
Key West Seafood Co.
- Address: 1449 49th St. S., Gulfport
- Offers:
- Local caught options
- Home delivery service
- Various sauce selections
- Fresh daily catch
Tips for Buying Boiled Shrimp
What to Look For
- Fresh shrimp should have:
- Firm texture
- Mild ocean smell
- Clear eyes
- No black spots or discoloration
Best Times to Buy
- Early morning for freshest catch
- Weekday mornings for better prices
- Holiday pre-orders recommended
- Season peaks (typically Spring/Summer)
Price Ranges (as of 2025)
| Size Category | Price per Pound |
|---|---|
| Small (50-60 count) | $12-15 |
| Medium (31-35 count) | $15-18 |
| Large (16-20 count) | $18-22 |
| Jumbo (13-15 count) | $22-26 |
Pro Tips from a Local
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Call Ahead: Many markets will boil your shrimp while you wait. Just give em’ a ring 30 mins before pickup!
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Bulk Orders: Planning a party? Most places offer discounts for orders over 5 pounds. Trust me, your wallet will thank you!
-
Seasoning Options: Don’t be shy to ask for custom seasoning levels. I always go for medium-spicy – perfect kick without overwhelming the shrimp’s natural sweetness.
-
Best Days: Tuesdays and Thursdays are usually when most markets get fresh deliveries. That’s your best bet for the freshest catch!
Seasonal Considerations
- Spring (March-May): Peak season! Best prices and selection
- Summer (June-August): Good availability but higher prices
- Fall (September-November): Decent selection, moderate prices
- Winter (December-February): Limited availability, premium prices
My Personal Recommendations
As someone who’s tried pretty much every seafood market in Tampa Bay, here’s my honest opinion:
-
Best Value: The Crab Hut
Their daily specials are unbeatable, and the quality is consistently good.
-
Best Quality: Land & Sea Market
A bit pricier, but their Gulf shrimp are always top-notch.
-
Best for Parties: JB’s Seafood Market
Their party trays are amazing, and they’ve never let me down for big events.
Ordering Tips
-
Always specify:
- Size preference
- Seasoning level
- Whether you want heads on/off
- If you need it peeled and deveined
-
Ask about:
- Daily specials
- Bulk pricing
- Preparation time
- Storage recommendations
Storage and Handling
Once you’ve got your boiled shrimp, here’s how to keep ’em fresh:
- Store on ice in fridge (max 2-3 days)
- Keep in sealed container
- Don’t let sit in melted ice water
- Best eaten within 24 hours
Final Thoughts
Finding great boiled shrimp in Tampa Bay ain’t rocket science – it’s all about knowing where to look! These markets are my go-to spots, and I’m pretty sure they’ll become yours too. Just remember to call ahead during peak times (especially holidays), and don’t be afraid to ask questions about the catch of the day.
Whether you’re planning a party, craving a seafood feast, or just want some good ol’ boiled shrimp, these spots got you covered. And hey, if you try any of these places, lemme know how it goes – I’m always excited to hear about fellow seafood lovers’ experiences!
Happy shrimping, y’all!
#seafood #TampaBay #LocalFood #BoiledShrimp #FreshSeafood #GulfShrimp
Don’s Full Menu of Cajun Seafood Favorites
DINNER LUNCH KIDS SIDES TOPPINGS DESSERTS APPETIZERS (GF) – Gluten-Free Menu Item; (EF) – Ochsner Eat Fit Item
Oysters on the half shell, charbroiled with garlic butter and Romano cheese.
Half Dozen $16 / Dozen $26
The Perfect SHRIMP BOIL Recipe Everyone LOVES!
FAQ
What is the best shrimp to use for a boil?
I recommend using large shrimp in the shell, which helps prevent over-cooking and imparts its own flavor to both the shrimp and broth. Timing is key: Add dense ingredients like potatoes and corn first, then sausage, then shrimp. Customize the flavors to your taste, including the final seasoning.
What is a shrimp boil called?
Shrimp boil, also known as Lowcountry Boil or Frogmore Stew Lowcountry Boil with shrimp, potatoes, corn, and sausage.
How much shrimp to buy per person for shrimp boil?
Shrimp Boil Ingredients
Shrimp: You’ll want about 1/2lb of shrimp, per person. I like to use JUMBO shrimp, about 16/20 pieces to a pound. My favorite kind to use is tail-on, peeled and deveined shrimp, but you can also use shrimp without tails, or unpeeled shrimp. Potatoes: You’ll need some potatoes.
Is superior seafood a good place to buy shrimp?
“I absolutely love buying shrimp and other seafood at Superior seafood. It is easy to get to and being “cash only” doesn’t bother me. It is well worth getting a big box of fresh shrimp that will feed many people at a great price. I stop by every time we plan to have a big party so I can have enough shrimp for our guests.
Is it worth getting a big box of shrimp?
It is well worth getting a big box of fresh shrimp that will feed many people at a great price. I stop by every time we plan to have a big party so I can have enough shrimp for our guests. We make shrimp cocktail, fried shrimp and shrimp pasta. It is a seafood lover’s feast!
How much does frozen white shrimp cost per pound?
Frozen white shrimp costs $9.24 per pound at Shop H-E-B. (Previously Frozen, Raw White Shrimp Peeled And Deveined Tail-Off, Farm Raised, 31-40 shrimp/lb)
How much does H-E-B’s wild caught shrimp cost?
H-E-B’s $9.24 per pound ($0.58/oz) Wild Caught Key West Pink Raw Shell-On Large Shrimp, 31-40 shrimp/lb. Add to cart
How much does shrimp and shellfish cost on snap?
Shrimp & Shellfish on H-E-B is eligible for SNAP and has the following price ranges: $0 – $9.99 for 35 items, $10 – $19.99 for 21 items, $20 – $29.99 for 7 items, and $30 – $39.99 for 1 item.
How much does seafood cost with EBT?
Shop H-E-B offers a variety of seafood items that are SNAP EBT Eligible. The prices range from $0 – $59.99. These include Frozen Shrimp, Lobsters, Crab, Scallops, Oysters, Clams, & Mussels, Seafood Entrees & Meals.