The Ultimate Guide: Best Fried Shrimp Spots Near South Plainfield, NJ (Local’s Favorites 2025)

Looking for that perfect crispy fried shrimp fix? As a local food blogger who’s tried pretty much every seafood joint in the South Plainfield area, I’m gonna share my top picks for the best fried shrimp spots that’ll make your taste buds dance!

Joe’s Crab Shack – South Plainfield’s Seafood Star

Location: 4901 Stelton Rd, South Plainfield, NJ 07080
Contact: (908) 753-4204

Y’all, let me tell you about my favorite spot! Joe’s Crab Shack is basically the king of fried shrimp in our area. Here’s what they’re serving up

Fried Shrimp Options:

• Crispy Fried Shrimp ($20.99)

  • Comes with fresh fries
  • Homemade coleslaw
  • Hushpuppies (trust me, these are addictive!)

• Shrimp & Fish Combo ($2299)

  • Perfect if you can’t decide between shrimp and fish
  • Includes both crispy fried shrimp and fish fillet
  • Same awesome sides as above

• Shrimp & Seafood Ensemble ($2499)

  • The motherload of fried seafood!
  • Features:
    • Crispy fried shrimp
    • Coconut shrimp
    • Popcorn shrimp
    • Fish fillet
    • All the classic sides

Delivery Options (When You’re Too Comfy to Leave Home)

We’ve all been there – craving fried shrimp but don’t wanna change outta our PJs. Good news! Joe’s partners with:

• DoorDash
• Postmates
• UberEats

Pro tip: Order during their happy hour (Monday-Friday) for better deals!

What Makes Their Fried Shrimp Special?

1. Freshness Factor

   • They don’t mess around with frozen stuff
   • Shrimp is always crispy on outside, tender inside

2. Portion Sizes

   • Trust me, you won’t leave hungry
   • Sides are generous too

3. Customization Options

   • Can add extra sides ($4.99 each)
   • Upgrade with:
     • Cup of soup
     • Side salad
     • Just $4.49 extra

More Than Just Fried Shrimp

While we’re talking about shrimp, they also offer:

• Peel ‘n Eat Shrimp

  • 1/2 pound ($15.99)
  • 1 pound ($23.99)
  • Served hot or cold with Old Bay® seasoning

• Coconut Shrimp ($21.99)

  • Comes with pineapple plum sauce
  • Same awesome sides

When to Visit

Currently, Joe’s is temporarily closed in South Plainfield (yeah, I know, total bummer), but they’re working on reopening soon. When they do:

• Best times to visit: Early dinner hours
• Weekday happy hours = best deals
• Weekend nights can get pretty packed

My Personal Tips

1. Getting the Most Bang for Your Buck

   • Join their E-Club for special offers
   • Watch for daily specials
   • Happy hour deals are legit amazing

2. Must-Try Combinations

   • Add a cup of their New England Clam Chowder
   • The hushpuppies are non-negotiable
   • Get extra sauce (trust me on this one)

3. What to Skip

   • Don’t bother with the basic sandwiches
   • Stick to their seafood specialties

Final Thoughts

While Joe’s is temporarily closed, they’re def worth watching for when they reopen. Their fried shrimp is honestly some of the best I’ve had in the area – and I’ve eaten A LOT of fried shrimp!

For now, you might wanna check out some other local spots through DoorDash or UberEats. But keep an eye on Joe’s – when they’re back, you’ll wanna be first in line for that crispy, golden-fried goodness!

Remember to sign up for their E-Club to get notified when they reopen. And hey, if you end up trying their fried shrimp when they’re back in business, drop a comment below – I’d love to hear what you think!

P.S. Don’t forget to bring your stretchy pants – their portions are no joke!