Matter of Taste: Savory Shrimp Selections

From the tip of Pass-A-Grille to the shores of Clearwater Beach, shrimp is a hot item on any menu. We narrowed it down to our five favorite places to enjoy a shrimp dinner.

Sea Critter’s Cafe: 2007 Pass-A-Grille Way, St. Pete Beach
Crunchy Fried Shrimp: A pub favorite and usually on menus everywhere is some sort of fried shrimp. Sea Critter’s Cafe puts their own spin on the tradition with their Crunchy Fried Shrimp. Shrimp is rolled in a crunchy almond coating, fried to perfection and served with a side of spicy cocktail sauce.
Cost: $8.29

PJ’s Oyster Bar: 595 Corey Avenue- Suite F, St. Pete Beach
Buffalo Shrimp: For an added kick to plain, ole’ fried shrimp, try the Buffalo Shrimp at PJ’s. The kitchen takes these little guys and rolls them in flour before deep frying them. Afterwards, they are tossed in PJ’s wing sauce, drenched just enough.
Cost: $7.99

Bubba Gump Shrimp Company: 185 Boardwalk Place W (@John’s Pass), Madeira Beach
Cajun Shrimp: Although it’s a chain, we had to put Bubba Gump on the list because their Cajun Shrimp can’t be found anywhere else on the beach. The shrimp is sauteed in a hot and spicy Cajun butter sauce before making its way to the plate. Garlic bread comes on the side for a dipper’s delight.
Cost: $8.59

Guppy’s on the Beach Bar & Grill: 1701 Gulf Boulevard, Indian Rocks Beach
Shrimp Saute: Guppy’s shrimp selection goes above and beyond any other offering. The shrimp is sauteed then mixed with kalamata olives, feta and sun-dried tomatoes. Fried Green Tomatoes lie beneath the heaping pile of goodness.
Cost: Light Order- $15.95, Full Order- $17.95

Watercolour Steakhouse and Grille: 1201 Gulf Boulevard (@ the Marriot Hotel), Clearwater Beach
Barbecue Shrimp Stack: Watercolour’s high end appeal is no match for the messy, barbecue style shrimp they have up for grabs. A stack of fresh shrimp is piled high with peppered bacon and smothered in a spicy barbecue sauce.
Cost: $13.00