Skully’s Low Country Boil photo
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Yelp just announced its best seafood restaurants across the country, and the Florida winner is definitely not in South Florida. (Although Fort Lauderdale and Miami certainly have some of the best seafood markets and restaurants in the state). According to Yelp, the top seafood spot in the Sunshine State is Skyully’s Low Country Boil, all the way up in Port St. Joe.
The ranking identified the top seafood restaurant in every state by analyzing a massive volume of user reviews and star ratings. While the local scene is currently obsessed with $100 Wagyu hot dogs and Michelin stars, Yelp’s data shows that people are favoring a much more “Old Florida” experience.
In its write-up, Yelp describes the ranking as a “passport to discovering the freshest, most delicious catch in every state,” and specifically highlights Skully’s gumbo and shrimp buckets as must-order items.
Skully’s Low Country Boil photo
The Roadside Setup
Located at 5544 Cape San Blas Rd., Skully’s is the opposite of a “clubstaurant.” It is a no-frills roadside spot surrounded by picnic tables on a gravel lot. The setup is simple: You order at the window, grab a seat outdoors, and wait for a bucket of steaming seafood. Owners often greet guests personally, and it is common to find local musicians playing guitar on the nearby grass.
The menu focuses on a few things done well. The “Small Bucket” comes filled with Gulf shrimp, sausage, corn, and potatoes. Regulars say it easily feeds three people. There is also a signature gumbo that is so popular it frequently sells out within 30 minutes of the shack’s 4:30 p.m. opening.
Skully’s Low Country Boil photo
Why It Beat the Big Cities
The Yelp rankings weigh star ratings alongside the volume and consistency of reviews. Skully’s maintains a nearly perfect 4.9-star rating, with reviewers citing the hospitality and the quirkier perks, like the cooler sitting out front with free drinks for customers.
The vibe is the biggest departure from what you find in Miami. There is no dress code, no loud music, and no reservations. It is cash only, and you should probably bring bug spray for the outdoor seating.
While Miami holds the crown for luxury, this ranking is a reminder that some of the state’s most beloved seafood is found in a tiny Panhandle village. If you are planning a road trip north, get there early – especially if you’re craving gumbo.
Skully’s Low Country Boil. 5544 Cape San Blas Rd., Port St. Joe; skullyslowcountryboil.com.
