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Best Seafood Restaurants in the U.S.
Summer's over in Maine, but you\u2019d hardly know it from the queue of vacationers and regulars at the Clam Shack. A teenager shouts out orders of clam strips, chowder, and fried shrimp. But it's the whole, handpicked lobster piled onto a buttered roll that earns this eatery a place among the seafood greats.\u00a0
\r\nToday\u2019s culinary landscape is all about \u00fcber-local ingredients and farm-to-table cooking. But before there were menus crediting farmers for their kale or acorn-fed pork, there were dockside establishments serving just-caught crab and lobster or oysters farmed a few miles up the shore. America\u2019s seafood restaurants were sourcing fish from their backyard long before it was popular.
\r\nThese iconic, unfussy joints, for many of us, define seafood at its best. After all, what could be better than plump, juicy bivalves paired with a cold beer and views of bobbing boats? Or picking crabs on brown paper\u2013covered communal tables, your hands a mess of clarified butter and Old Bay?
\r\nOur top picks include as many (if not more) down-and-dirty restaurants\u2014where no-frills d\u00e9cor meets the freshest grouper, blackened, simply dressed with mayo and lettuce, and served on a toasted bun\u2014as high-end ones helmed by toques who marry French techniques and worldly ingredients with pristine bluefin, cobia, and escolar.
\r\nYou\u2019ll find America\u2019s best seafood at a shanty overlooking Florida\u2019s Sarasota Bay, and on Maui\u2019s northern shore in a kitschy, yet romantic South Seas setting where the catch changes so often that menus are printed twice daily, but also in Atlanta, where seafood meets southern society over oysters and putt-putt at the Optimist.\u00a0
\r\nWhether high or low, one thing is consistent: Each of these local favorites, in big cities and small towns, is a catch.
"}},{"active":true,"caption":"This River North restaurant wows with its nautical good looks: Dutch Master\u2013style oil paintings of stormy seas, fishermen\u2019s-netting chandeliers, and a massive chalkboard drawing of a swordfish skeleton are cool rather than kitschy when paired with cane-backed chairs, gold-trimmed black tables, and plush banquettes. But the real reason to come is Giuseppe Tentori\u2019s cooking: tuna poke with mangoes and cucumbers; taro chips with smoked haddock dip; and clam bake in a cauldron with corn, sausage and spicy seaweed in a white wine broth.
\r\n\r\nSee the T+L Insider Video: Top Seafood Restaurants
","created_at":"2012-10-11T15:48:54Z","created_user_id":null,"hd_slide_image_url":null,"id":78742,"image_alt":"Best Seafood Restaurants in the U.S.: GT Fish & Oyster","is_master":null,"old_slide_id":null,"old_slideshow_id":null,"position":2,"slideshow_id":1034,"title":"GT Fish & Oyster, Chicago","updated_at":"2012-10-11T15:48:54Z","updated_user_id":null,"version":null,"video_embed_code":"","slide_image_data":{"src":"/images/amexpub/0032/9504/201209-w-best-seafood-gt-fish-and-oyster.jpg","photo_credit":"Courtesy of GT Fish & Oyster","alt":"Best Seafood Restaurants in the U.S.: GT Fish & Oyster","video_embed":"","title":"GT Fish & Oyster, Chicago","caption":"This River North restaurant wows with its nautical good looks: Dutch Master\u2013style oil paintings of stormy seas, fishermen\u2019s-netting chandeliers, and a massive chalkboard drawing of a swordfish skeleton are cool rather than kitschy when paired with cane-backed chairs, gold-trimmed black tables, and plush banquettes. But the real reason to come is Giuseppe Tentori\u2019s cooking: tuna poke with mangoes and cucumbers; taro chips with smoked haddock dip; and clam bake in a cauldron with corn, sausage and spicy seaweed in a white wine broth.
\r\n\r\nSee the T+L Insider Video: Top Seafood Restaurants
"}},{"active":true,"caption":"There\u2019s nothing understated or outdated about this Maui classic, est. 1973. The setting\u2014palm trees, tide pools, white sand beach\u2014is beyond romantic, and the fish is as fresh as it gets. Menus, printed twice daily, credit fishermen by name, and may include local catches like opah, onaga, and ono, baked in a macadamia-nut crust, served up-country style with caramelized onions, avocado, and baby bok choy, or marinated in lime and coconut milk.
","created_at":"2012-10-11T15:48:55Z","created_user_id":null,"hd_slide_image_url":null,"id":78745,"image_alt":"Best Seafood Restaurants in the U.S.: Mama's Fish House","is_master":null,"old_slide_id":null,"old_slideshow_id":null,"position":3,"slideshow_id":1034,"title":"Mama's Fish House, Maui","updated_at":"2012-10-11T15:48:55Z","updated_user_id":null,"version":null,"video_embed_code":"","slide_image_data":{"src":"/images/amexpub/0032/9569/201209-w-best-seafood-mamas-fish-house.jpg","photo_credit":"Courtesy of Mama's Fish House","alt":"Best Seafood Restaurants in the U.S.: Mama's Fish House","video_embed":"","title":"Mama's Fish House, Maui","caption":"There\u2019s nothing understated or outdated about this Maui classic, est. 1973. The setting\u2014palm trees, tide pools, white sand beach\u2014is beyond romantic, and the fish is as fresh as it gets. Menus, printed twice daily, credit fishermen by name, and may include local catches like opah, onaga, and ono, baked in a macadamia-nut crust, served up-country style with caramelized onions, avocado, and baby bok choy, or marinated in lime and coconut milk.
"}},{"active":true,"caption":"On Stock Island, Key West\u2019s less rowdy neighbor, this low-key spot, tucked between a trailer park and the shrimp docks, is known for its pinks\u2014Key West shrimp, distinguished by a pink dot in the center of its shell\u2014and for its hogfish. The former come fried and barbecued, stuffed in tacos, or battered with coconut. But there\u2019s really only one way to order hogfish. Ask for the Killer, which pairs fried, just-caught hogfish with melted Swiss cheese and mushrooms on Cuban bread.
","created_at":"2012-10-11T15:48:56Z","created_user_id":null,"hd_slide_image_url":null,"id":78758,"image_alt":"Best Seafood Restaurants in the U.S.: Hogfish Bar & Grill","is_master":null,"old_slide_id":null,"old_slideshow_id":null,"position":4,"slideshow_id":1034,"title":"Hogfish Bar & Grill, Stock Island, FL","updated_at":"2012-10-11T15:48:56Z","updated_user_id":null,"version":null,"video_embed_code":"","slide_image_data":{"src":"/images/amexpub/0032/9517/201209-w-best-seafood-hogfish.jpg","photo_credit":"Courtesy of Hogfish Bar and Grill","alt":"Best Seafood Restaurants in the U.S.: Hogfish Bar & Grill","video_embed":"","title":"Hogfish Bar & Grill, Stock Island, FL","caption":"On Stock Island, Key West\u2019s less rowdy neighbor, this low-key spot, tucked between a trailer park and the shrimp docks, is known for its pinks\u2014Key West shrimp, distinguished by a pink dot in the center of its shell\u2014and for its hogfish. The former come fried and barbecued, stuffed in tacos, or battered with coconut. But there\u2019s really only one way to order hogfish. Ask for the Killer, which pairs fried, just-caught hogfish with melted Swiss cheese and mushrooms on Cuban bread.
"}},{"active":true,"caption":"This midtown power lunch go-to has gone from staid to stylish thanks to a recent renovation that ushered in twisted aluminum and undulating wood, a massive seascape triptych by Brooklyn artist Ran Ortner, and a sleek, new lounge for cocktails with seafood-centric small plates. But the transformation hasn\u2019t altered the fact that Eric Ripert is New York\u2019s reigning roi de poisson.
","created_at":"2012-10-11T15:48:57Z","created_user_id":null,"hd_slide_image_url":null,"id":78759,"image_alt":"Best Seafood Restaurants in the U.S.: Le Bernardin","is_master":null,"old_slide_id":null,"old_slideshow_id":null,"position":5,"slideshow_id":1034,"title":"Le Bernardin, New York","updated_at":"2012-10-11T15:48:57Z","updated_user_id":null,"version":null,"video_embed_code":"","slide_image_data":{"src":"/images/amexpub/0032/9543/201209-w-best-seafood-le-bernardin.jpg","photo_credit":"Daniel Krieger","alt":"Best Seafood Restaurants in the U.S.: Le Bernardin","video_embed":"","title":"Le Bernardin, New York","caption":"This midtown power lunch go-to has gone from staid to stylish thanks to a recent renovation that ushered in twisted aluminum and undulating wood, a massive seascape triptych by Brooklyn artist Ran Ortner, and a sleek, new lounge for cocktails with seafood-centric small plates. But the transformation hasn\u2019t altered the fact that Eric Ripert is New York\u2019s reigning roi de poisson.
"}},{"active":true,"caption":"On Bourbon Street, amid jacket-and-tie establishments and strip clubs, this casual, family-friendly restaurant pairs colorful, funky d\u00e9cor (oyster-shaped mirrors, bar stools ornamented with alligators, and fish mobiles suspended from the ceiling) with creative interpretations of New Orleans seafood. The BBQ oysters\u2014flash-fried, tossed in Crystal Hot Sauce, and served with blue cheese dressing\u2014are a clever riff on Buffalo wings.
\r\n","created_at":"2012-10-11T15:48:57Z","created_user_id":null,"hd_slide_image_url":null,"id":78760,"image_alt":"Best Seafood Restaurants in the U.S.: Red Fish Grill","is_master":null,"old_slide_id":null,"old_slideshow_id":null,"position":6,"slideshow_id":1034,"title":"Red Fish Grill, New Orleans","updated_at":"2012-10-11T15:48:57Z","updated_user_id":null,"version":null,"video_embed_code":"","slide_image_data":{"src":"/images/amexpub/0032/9582/201209-w-best-seafood-red-fish-grill.jpg","photo_credit":"Courtesy of Red Fish Grill New Orleans","alt":"Best Seafood Restaurants in the U.S.: Red Fish Grill","video_embed":"","title":"Red Fish Grill, New Orleans","caption":"On Bourbon Street, amid jacket-and-tie establishments and strip clubs, this casual, family-friendly restaurant pairs colorful, funky d\u00e9cor (oyster-shaped mirrors, bar stools ornamented with alligators, and fish mobiles suspended from the ceiling) with creative interpretations of New Orleans seafood. The BBQ oysters\u2014flash-fried, tossed in Crystal Hot Sauce, and served with blue cheese dressing\u2014are a clever riff on Buffalo wings.
\r\n"}},{"active":true,"caption":"You\u2019ll find shrimp, scallops, oysters, and clams at this waterfront seafood shack, just over the Severn River from downtown Annapolis. And, of course, the house specialty of crab, specifically Maryland blue hard-shells, hauled in daily from the Chesapeake, steamed live, doused with J.O. Spice, and served on communal tables covered in brown paper.
","created_at":"2012-10-11T15:48:56Z","created_user_id":null,"hd_slide_image_url":null,"id":78754,"image_alt":"Best Seafood Restaurants in the U.S.: Cantler's","is_master":null,"old_slide_id":null,"old_slideshow_id":null,"position":7,"slideshow_id":1034,"title":"Cantler\u2019s Riverside Inn, Annapolis, MD","updated_at":"2012-10-11T15:48:56Z","updated_user_id":null,"version":null,"video_embed_code":"","slide_image_data":{"src":"/images/amexpub/0032/9465/201209-w-best-seafood-cantlers.jpg","photo_credit":"Courtesy of Cantler's","alt":"Best Seafood Restaurants in the U.S.: Cantler's","video_embed":"","title":"Cantler\u2019s Riverside Inn, Annapolis, MD","caption":"You\u2019ll find shrimp, scallops, oysters, and clams at this waterfront seafood shack, just over the Severn River from downtown Annapolis. And, of course, the house specialty of crab, specifically Maryland blue hard-shells, hauled in daily from the Chesapeake, steamed live, doused with J.O. Spice, and served on communal tables covered in brown paper.
"}},{"active":true,"caption":"When Tyson Cole opened his first restaurant in a refurbished bungalow just south of Town Lake, he introduced taco-obsessed Austinites to serious sushi with a Texan twist. At Uchiko, Uchi\u2019s younger, sexier sibling, Top Chef winner Paul Qui draws on the same Japanese fusion flavors\u2014and on inspiration from Thailand, Vietnam, and his native Philippines. At either restaurant, the omakase menu is the way to go; it might include maguro sashimi with goat cheese, Fuji apple, and pumpkin-seed oil, or maplewood-smoked baby yellowtail with yucca chips, marcona almonds, and garlic brittle.
","created_at":"2012-10-11T15:48:56Z","created_user_id":null,"hd_slide_image_url":null,"id":78757,"image_alt":"Best Seafood Restaurants in the U.S.: Uchi + Uchiko","is_master":null,"old_slide_id":null,"old_slideshow_id":null,"position":8,"slideshow_id":1034,"title":"Uchi + Uchiko, Austin, TX","updated_at":"2012-10-11T15:48:56Z","updated_user_id":null,"version":null,"video_embed_code":"","slide_image_data":{"src":"/images/amexpub/0032/9699/201209-w-best-seafood-uchi-and-uchiko.jpg","photo_credit":"Paul Bardagjy","alt":"Best Seafood Restaurants in the U.S.: Uchi + Uchiko","video_embed":"","title":"Uchi + Uchiko, Austin, TX","caption":"When Tyson Cole opened his first restaurant in a refurbished bungalow just south of Town Lake, he introduced taco-obsessed Austinites to serious sushi with a Texan twist. At Uchiko, Uchi\u2019s younger, sexier sibling, Top Chef winner Paul Qui draws on the same Japanese fusion flavors\u2014and on inspiration from Thailand, Vietnam, and his native Philippines. At either restaurant, the omakase menu is the way to go; it might include maguro sashimi with goat cheese, Fuji apple, and pumpkin-seed oil, or maplewood-smoked baby yellowtail with yucca chips, marcona almonds, and garlic brittle.
"}},{"active":true,"caption":"Named for a Lewis Carroll poem and located in a former shipping factory, this Ballard neighborhood newbie has become a fast favorite. Credit goes largely to the oysters (Samish Sweets, Hammersleys, Treasure Coves varieties), all from local waters, all expertly shucked and served in metal baskets with fresh lemon, shaved horseradish, and cheat sheets to let you identify one bivalve from the next. You could also make a meal here of small plates, like grilled sardines and house-smoked trout with lentils, walnuts, cr\u00e8me fra\u00eeche, and pickled onions.
\r\n","created_at":"2012-10-11T15:48:56Z","created_user_id":null,"hd_slide_image_url":null,"id":78755,"image_alt":"Best Seafood Restaurants in the U.S.: The Walrus and the Carpenter","is_master":null,"old_slide_id":null,"old_slideshow_id":null,"position":9,"slideshow_id":1034,"title":"The Walrus and the Carpenter, Seattle","updated_at":"2012-10-11T15:48:56Z","updated_user_id":null,"version":null,"video_embed_code":"","slide_image_data":{"src":"/images/amexpub/0032/9686/201209-w-best-seafood-the-walrus-and-the-carpenter.jpg","photo_credit":"Geoffrey Smith","alt":"Best Seafood Restaurants in the U.S.: The Walrus and the Carpenter","video_embed":"","title":"The Walrus and the Carpenter, Seattle","caption":"Named for a Lewis Carroll poem and located in a former shipping factory, this Ballard neighborhood newbie has become a fast favorite. Credit goes largely to the oysters (Samish Sweets, Hammersleys, Treasure Coves varieties), all from local waters, all expertly shucked and served in metal baskets with fresh lemon, shaved horseradish, and cheat sheets to let you identify one bivalve from the next. You could also make a meal here of small plates, like grilled sardines and house-smoked trout with lentils, walnuts, cr\u00e8me fra\u00eeche, and pickled onions.
\r\n"}},{"active":true,"caption":"Whether you swing by the first-come, first-served oyster bar, which serves bivalves on the half shell and opens to a courtyard with a putt-putt course, or go for a full meal at the barrel-vaulted main restaurant, in the former headquarters of Talmadge Country Hams, it\u2019s clear that chef Adam Evans knows seafood. One must-order dish: the peel-and-eat Georgia shrimp, with \u201ccome back\u201d sauce (a souped-up Russian dressing) and duck fat\u2013poached swordfish.
\r\n","created_at":"2012-10-11T15:48:56Z","created_user_id":null,"hd_slide_image_url":null,"id":78753,"image_alt":"Best Seafood Restaurants in the U.S.: The Optimist","is_master":null,"old_slide_id":null,"old_slideshow_id":null,"position":10,"slideshow_id":1034,"title":"The Optimist, Atlanta","updated_at":"2012-10-11T15:48:56Z","updated_user_id":null,"version":null,"video_embed_code":"","slide_image_data":{"src":"/images/amexpub/0032/9673/201209-w-best-seafood-the-optimist.jpg","photo_credit":"Andrew Thomas Lee","alt":"Best Seafood Restaurants in the U.S.: The Optimist","video_embed":"","title":"The Optimist, Atlanta","caption":"Whether you swing by the first-come, first-served oyster bar, which serves bivalves on the half shell and opens to a courtyard with a putt-putt course, or go for a full meal at the barrel-vaulted main restaurant, in the former headquarters of Talmadge Country Hams, it\u2019s clear that chef Adam Evans knows seafood. One must-order dish: the peel-and-eat Georgia shrimp, with \u201ccome back\u201d sauce (a souped-up Russian dressing) and duck fat\u2013poached swordfish.
\r\n"}},{"active":true,"caption":"Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo, the duo behind Animal, have followed up their paean to all things carnivorous with this tribute to their Florida roots. The place goes for a cavelike, maritime-man aesthetic: deer busts, life preservers, and knickknacks salvaged from Dotolo\u2019s grandfather\u2019s garage. Reservations are limited, so grab a seat at the bar and prepare to wait for your meal of small plates like peel-and-eat Santa Barbara prawns and two-bite lobster rolls with celery and lemon aioli.
","created_at":"2012-10-11T15:48:55Z","created_user_id":null,"hd_slide_image_url":null,"id":78752,"image_alt":"Best Seafood Restaurants in the U.S.: Son of a Gun","is_master":null,"old_slide_id":null,"old_slideshow_id":null,"position":11,"slideshow_id":1034,"title":"Son of a Gun, Los Angeles","updated_at":"2012-10-11T15:48:55Z","updated_user_id":null,"version":null,"video_embed_code":"","slide_image_data":{"src":"/images/amexpub/0032/9621/201209-w-best-seafood-son-of-a-gun.jpg","photo_credit":"Courtesy of Son of a Gun","alt":"Best Seafood Restaurants in the U.S.: Son of a Gun","video_embed":"","title":"Son of a Gun, Los Angeles","caption":"Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo, the duo behind Animal, have followed up their paean to all things carnivorous with this tribute to their Florida roots. The place goes for a cavelike, maritime-man aesthetic: deer busts, life preservers, and knickknacks salvaged from Dotolo\u2019s grandfather\u2019s garage. Reservations are limited, so grab a seat at the bar and prepare to wait for your meal of small plates like peel-and-eat Santa Barbara prawns and two-bite lobster rolls with celery and lemon aioli.
"}},{"active":true,"caption":"At this glass-walled former Pontiac dealership, fisherman and chef-owner Bryan Caswell pays homage to catch from the Gulf of Mexico\u2014making this the place to sample wahoo or sheepshead. He also showcases the diverse melting pot that is Houston, turning out steamed mussels in Shiner Bock and ancho chile broth, Thai-style whole fish, and roasted grouper with collard greens and pecan-shallot crackling.
\r\nSee the T+L Insider Video: Top Seafood Restaurants
","created_at":"2012-10-11T15:48:54Z","created_user_id":null,"hd_slide_image_url":null,"id":78741,"image_alt":"Best Seafood Restaurants in the U.S.: Reef","is_master":null,"old_slide_id":null,"old_slideshow_id":null,"position":12,"slideshow_id":1034,"title":"Reef, Houston","updated_at":"2012-10-11T15:48:54Z","updated_user_id":null,"version":null,"video_embed_code":"","slide_image_data":{"src":"/images/amexpub/0032/9595/201209-w-best-seafood-reef.jpg","photo_credit":"Shannon O'Hara","alt":"Best Seafood Restaurants in the U.S.: Reef","video_embed":"","title":"Reef, Houston","caption":"At this glass-walled former Pontiac dealership, fisherman and chef-owner Bryan Caswell pays homage to catch from the Gulf of Mexico\u2014making this the place to sample wahoo or sheepshead. He also showcases the diverse melting pot that is Houston, turning out steamed mussels in Shiner Bock and ancho chile broth, Thai-style whole fish, and roasted grouper with collard greens and pecan-shallot crackling.
\r\nSee the T+L Insider Video: Top Seafood Restaurants
"}},{"active":true,"caption":"Rick Moonen takes sustainable seafood seriously, which means you\u2019re more likely to find Arctic char, mackerel, and wild-caught swordfish on the menu at his bi-level restaurant than the usual suspects (salmon, snapper, tuna). Go haute with a tasting menu at RM Upstairs, or prop up the raw bar at R Bar Caf\u00e9 for Moonen\u2019s famous take on the Sloppy Joe: chunks of catfish, onion, and pepper saut\u00e9ed in barbecue sauce, topped with sliced pickles and potato chips, and served on a buttered, toasted hamburger bun.
","created_at":"2012-10-11T15:48:54Z","created_user_id":null,"hd_slide_image_url":null,"id":78743,"image_alt":"Best Seafood Restaurants in the U.S.: RM Seafood","is_master":null,"old_slide_id":null,"old_slideshow_id":null,"position":13,"slideshow_id":1034,"title":"RM Seafood, Las Vegas","updated_at":"2012-10-11T15:48:54Z","updated_user_id":null,"version":null,"video_embed_code":"","slide_image_data":{"src":"/images/amexpub/0032/9608/201209-w-best-seafood-rm-seafood.jpg","photo_credit":"Courtesy of RM Seafood","alt":"Best Seafood Restaurants in the U.S.: RM Seafood","video_embed":"","title":"RM Seafood, Las Vegas","caption":"Rick Moonen takes sustainable seafood seriously, which means you\u2019re more likely to find Arctic char, mackerel, and wild-caught swordfish on the menu at his bi-level restaurant than the usual suspects (salmon, snapper, tuna). Go haute with a tasting menu at RM Upstairs, or prop up the raw bar at R Bar Caf\u00e9 for Moonen\u2019s famous take on the Sloppy Joe: chunks of catfish, onion, and pepper saut\u00e9ed in barbecue sauce, topped with sliced pickles and potato chips, and served on a buttered, toasted hamburger bun.
"}},{"active":true,"caption":"Sunburned tourists (and locals) queue up at this nondescript trailer in downtown Kennebunkport for generously portioned servings of fried clam strips, hand-cut onion rings, and\u2014naturally\u2014lobster rolls. This is a purist\u2019s sandwich, with an entire lobster\u2019s worth of handpicked meat served with a smear of mayo, a drizzle of warm butter, or both on a toasted round bun.
","created_at":"2012-10-11T15:48:54Z","created_user_id":null,"hd_slide_image_url":null,"id":78744,"image_alt":"Best Seafood Restaurants in the U.S.: The Clam Shack","is_master":null,"old_slide_id":null,"old_slideshow_id":null,"position":14,"slideshow_id":1034,"title":"The Clam Shack, Kennebunkport, ME","updated_at":"2012-10-11T15:48:54Z","updated_user_id":null,"version":null,"video_embed_code":"","slide_image_data":{"src":"/images/amexpub/0032/9647/201209-w-best-seafood-the-clam-shack.jpg","photo_credit":"Robert Denis","alt":"Best Seafood Restaurants in the U.S.: The Clam Shack","video_embed":"","title":"The Clam Shack, Kennebunkport, ME","caption":"Sunburned tourists (and locals) queue up at this nondescript trailer in downtown Kennebunkport for generously portioned servings of fried clam strips, hand-cut onion rings, and\u2014naturally\u2014lobster rolls. This is a purist\u2019s sandwich, with an entire lobster\u2019s worth of handpicked meat served with a smear of mayo, a drizzle of warm butter, or both on a toasted round bun.
"}},{"active":true,"caption":"A dockside joint as bare bones as it gets: small kitchen, cash-only counter, and eight picnic tables behind a wholesale market. But the views of Sarasota Bay, swooping pelicans, and stilted fishing sheds are iconic Florida, and the seafood, served in paper boxes, is perfect in its simplicity. Grouper, mullet, shrimp, and oysters are grilled, fried, blackened, and saut\u00e9ed and served with hush puppies, coleslaw and French fries. If you have room, we say go for the Key lime pie.
\r\n","created_at":"2012-10-11T15:48:55Z","created_user_id":null,"hd_slide_image_url":null,"id":78746,"image_alt":"Best Seafood Restaurants in the U.S.: Star Fish Company","is_master":null,"old_slide_id":null,"old_slideshow_id":null,"position":15,"slideshow_id":1034,"title":"Star Fish Company, Cortez, FL","updated_at":"2012-10-11T15:48:55Z","updated_user_id":null,"version":null,"video_embed_code":"","slide_image_data":{"src":"/images/amexpub/0032/9634/201209-w-best-seafood-star-fish-company.jpg","photo_credit":"Karen Bell","alt":"Best Seafood Restaurants in the U.S.: Star Fish Company","video_embed":"","title":"Star Fish Company, Cortez, FL","caption":"A dockside joint as bare bones as it gets: small kitchen, cash-only counter, and eight picnic tables behind a wholesale market. But the views of Sarasota Bay, swooping pelicans, and stilted fishing sheds are iconic Florida, and the seafood, served in paper boxes, is perfect in its simplicity. Grouper, mullet, shrimp, and oysters are grilled, fried, blackened, and saut\u00e9ed and served with hush puppies, coleslaw and French fries. If you have room, we say go for the Key lime pie.
\r\n"}},{"active":true,"caption":"Despite its moniker, the Cajun crustacean is not the main draw at this downtown Portland institution, which has been in business for more than a century. This is an old-school Pacific fish house\u2014white tablecloths, wood paneling, and waiters in white jackets\u2014with oysters on the half shell, fried calamari, and scampi-style prawns. The menu changes daily, and the best dishes make use of local seafood: chinook salmon grilled on a cedar plank, petrale sole Parmesan and anything stuffed with Dungeness crab.
","created_at":"2012-10-11T15:48:55Z","created_user_id":null,"hd_slide_image_url":null,"id":78747,"image_alt":"Best Seafood Restaurants in the U.S.: Jake's Famous Crawfish","is_master":null,"old_slide_id":null,"old_slideshow_id":null,"position":16,"slideshow_id":1034,"title":"Jake\u2019s Famous Crawfish, Portland, OR","updated_at":"2012-10-11T15:48:55Z","updated_user_id":null,"version":null,"video_embed_code":"","slide_image_data":{"src":"/images/amexpub/0032/9530/201209-w-best-seafood-jakes-famous-crawfish.jpg","photo_credit":" Alison G. Webster","alt":"Best Seafood Restaurants in the U.S.: Jake's Famous Crawfish","video_embed":"","title":"Jake\u2019s Famous Crawfish, Portland, OR","caption":"Despite its moniker, the Cajun crustacean is not the main draw at this downtown Portland institution, which has been in business for more than a century. This is an old-school Pacific fish house\u2014white tablecloths, wood paneling, and waiters in white jackets\u2014with oysters on the half shell, fried calamari, and scampi-style prawns. The menu changes daily, and the best dishes make use of local seafood: chinook salmon grilled on a cedar plank, petrale sole Parmesan and anything stuffed with Dungeness crab.
"}},{"active":true,"caption":"At this narrow institution with original tiles and gilded mirrors, muscled men shuck oysters, raked from a metal cooler, at a standing-only bar near the entrance. Do as the regulars do and slurp down a half-dozen or so while waiting for a table (there are just 12) and the main attraction: the oyster loaf, which pairs plump bivalves, dredged in corn flour and fried in lard, with thick slices of buttered pan bread and pickles.
","created_at":"2012-10-11T15:48:55Z","created_user_id":null,"hd_slide_image_url":null,"id":78748,"image_alt":"Best Seafood Restaurants in the U.S.: Casamento's","is_master":null,"old_slide_id":null,"old_slideshow_id":null,"position":17,"slideshow_id":1034,"title":"Casamento\u2019s, New Orleans","updated_at":"2012-10-11T15:48:55Z","updated_user_id":null,"version":null,"video_embed_code":"","slide_image_data":{"src":"/images/amexpub/0032/9478/201209-w-best-seafood-casamentos.jpg","photo_credit":"Cheryl Gerber","alt":"Best Seafood Restaurants in the U.S.: Casamento's","video_embed":"","title":"Casamento\u2019s, New Orleans","caption":"At this narrow institution with original tiles and gilded mirrors, muscled men shuck oysters, raked from a metal cooler, at a standing-only bar near the entrance. Do as the regulars do and slurp down a half-dozen or so while waiting for a table (there are just 12) and the main attraction: the oyster loaf, which pairs plump bivalves, dredged in corn flour and fried in lard, with thick slices of buttered pan bread and pickles.
"}},{"active":true,"caption":"An hour north of San Francisco, this seafood shanty with makeshift tables overlooking Tomales Bay is the place for the area\u2019s famous oysters. The owners farm their own bivalves, which come raw, smoked, and baked. But the preferred preparation is grilled, topped with the tangy house-made barbecue sauce and served with buttery bread. Pair them with a bottle of crisp white wine (sold at the store) and views of bobbing boats.
","created_at":"2012-10-11T15:48:55Z","created_user_id":null,"hd_slide_image_url":null,"id":78749,"image_alt":"Best Seafood Restaurants in the U.S.: Marshall Store","is_master":null,"old_slide_id":null,"old_slideshow_id":null,"position":18,"slideshow_id":1034,"title":"Marshall Store, Tomales Bay, CA","updated_at":"2012-10-11T15:48:55Z","updated_user_id":null,"version":null,"video_embed_code":"","slide_image_data":{"src":"/images/amexpub/0032/9660/201209-w-best-seafood-the-marshall-store.jpg","photo_credit":"Gwendolyn Meyer","alt":"Best Seafood Restaurants in the U.S.: Marshall Store","video_embed":"","title":"Marshall Store, Tomales Bay, CA","caption":"An hour north of San Francisco, this seafood shanty with makeshift tables overlooking Tomales Bay is the place for the area\u2019s famous oysters. The owners farm their own bivalves, which come raw, smoked, and baked. But the preferred preparation is grilled, topped with the tangy house-made barbecue sauce and served with buttery bread. Pair them with a bottle of crisp white wine (sold at the store) and views of bobbing boats.
"}},{"active":true,"caption":"A 10-foot mermaid sculpture presides over this two-story restaurant in an Art Deco building, where a glass-walled balcony and massive angled mirrors treat diners to a view of the bustling scene. The menu references the mid-Atlantic, the Gulf Coast, and the Pacific Rim; executive chef Jeff Tunks\u2019s Chinese-style smoked lobster with crispy spinach has been a favorite since the restaurant opened in 1998.
\r\n","created_at":"2012-10-11T15:48:55Z","created_user_id":null,"hd_slide_image_url":null,"id":78750,"image_alt":"Best Seafood Restaurants in the U.S.: DC Coast","is_master":null,"old_slide_id":null,"old_slideshow_id":null,"position":19,"slideshow_id":1034,"title":"DC Coast, Washington, D.C.","updated_at":"2012-10-11T15:48:55Z","updated_user_id":null,"version":null,"video_embed_code":"","slide_image_data":{"src":"/images/amexpub/0032/9491/201209-w-best-seafood-dc-coast.jpg","photo_credit":"Courtesy of Chris Granger","alt":"Best Seafood Restaurants in the U.S.: DC Coast","video_embed":"","title":"DC Coast, Washington, D.C.","caption":"A 10-foot mermaid sculpture presides over this two-story restaurant in an Art Deco building, where a glass-walled balcony and massive angled mirrors treat diners to a view of the bustling scene. The menu references the mid-Atlantic, the Gulf Coast, and the Pacific Rim; executive chef Jeff Tunks\u2019s Chinese-style smoked lobster with crispy spinach has been a favorite since the restaurant opened in 1998.
\r\n"}},{"active":true,"caption":"The succinct, blackboard-scrawled menu at this 24-seat bo\u00eete on the border of Queen Village and Bella Vista changes daily, but the flavorful combination of seafood and pork\u2014big-eye tuna and pork shoulder, octopus and pork belly, sturgeon and cracklings\u2014features prominently year-round. Start with the oysters: half a dozen each of the East Coast and West Coast bivalves.
\r\n","created_at":"2012-10-11T15:48:55Z","created_user_id":null,"hd_slide_image_url":null,"id":78751,"image_alt":"Best Seafood Restaurants in the U.S.: Little Fish BYOB","is_master":null,"old_slide_id":null,"old_slideshow_id":null,"position":20,"slideshow_id":1034,"title":"Little Fish BYOB, Philadelphia","updated_at":"2012-10-11T15:48:55Z","updated_user_id":null,"version":null,"video_embed_code":"","slide_image_data":{"src":"/images/amexpub/0032/9556/201209-w-best-seafood-little-fish_.jpg","photo_credit":"Joseph Brugger\u00a0","alt":"Best Seafood Restaurants in the U.S.: Little Fish BYOB","video_embed":"","title":"Little Fish BYOB, Philadelphia","caption":"The succinct, blackboard-scrawled menu at this 24-seat bo\u00eete on the border of Queen Village and Bella Vista changes daily, but the flavorful combination of seafood and pork\u2014big-eye tuna and pork shoulder, octopus and pork belly, sturgeon and cracklings\u2014features prominently year-round. Start with the oysters: half a dozen each of the East Coast and West Coast bivalves.
\r\n"}},{"active":true,"caption":"Originally conceived of as an East Coast fish house (albeit one set in a turn-of-the-century warehouse in industrial-chic SoMa), this go-to spot for Bay Area pescatarians is expanding its horizons under the direction of chef Vernon Morales, whose r\u00e9sum\u00e9 includes stints at El Bulli and Daniel. Expect globally inspired plates\u2014chorizo and clams, bacalao with piri-piri sauce, and cuttlefish-and-squid-ink risotto\u2014plus traditional favorites like clam chowder and a Maine-style lobster roll with Old Bay kettle chips.
\r\n","created_at":"2012-10-11T15:48:56Z","created_user_id":null,"hd_slide_image_url":null,"id":78756,"image_alt":"Best Seafood Restaurants in the U.S.: Anchor & Hope","is_master":null,"old_slide_id":null,"old_slideshow_id":null,"position":21,"slideshow_id":1034,"title":"Anchor & Hope, San Francisco","updated_at":"2012-10-11T15:48:56Z","updated_user_id":null,"version":null,"video_embed_code":"","slide_image_data":{"src":"/images/amexpub/0032/9452/201209-w-best-seafood-anchor-and-hope.jpg","photo_credit":"Paige Green","alt":"Best Seafood Restaurants in the U.S.: Anchor & Hope","video_embed":"","title":"Anchor & Hope, San Francisco","caption":"Originally conceived of as an East Coast fish house (albeit one set in a turn-of-the-century warehouse in industrial-chic SoMa), this go-to spot for Bay Area pescatarians is expanding its horizons under the direction of chef Vernon Morales, whose r\u00e9sum\u00e9 includes stints at El Bulli and Daniel. Expect globally inspired plates\u2014chorizo and clams, bacalao with piri-piri sauce, and cuttlefish-and-squid-ink risotto\u2014plus traditional favorites like clam chowder and a Maine-style lobster roll with Old Bay kettle chips.
\r\n"}},{"active":true,"caption":"This fish market\u2013cum\u2013fry joint on the Miami River has been serving boat-to-plate fare to downtown execs for nearly 40 years. At lunch, the dolphin sandwich\u2014with plantains or buttery parsley potatoes and a cold beer\u2014is the way to go. But the extensive menu also includes chowders and fish platters, jumbo shrimp and stone crab, stuffed lobster and conch steak. If possible, grab a seat on the deck, where you\u2019ll have views of fishing boats, cargo ships, and the skyline.
","created_at":"2012-10-11T15:48:57Z","created_user_id":null,"hd_slide_image_url":null,"id":78762,"image_alt":"Best Seafood Restaurants in the U.S.: Garcia's","is_master":null,"old_slide_id":null,"old_slideshow_id":null,"position":22,"slideshow_id":1034,"title":"Garcia\u2019s Seafood Grille & Fish Market, Miami","updated_at":"2012-10-11T15:48:57Z","updated_user_id":null,"version":null,"video_embed_code":"","slide_image_data":{"src":"/images/amexpub/0033/0843/201210-w-best-seafood-garcia.jpg","photo_credit":"Brenda Benoit","alt":"Best Seafood Restaurants in the U.S.: Garcia's","video_embed":"","title":"Garcia\u2019s Seafood Grille & Fish Market, Miami","caption":"This fish market\u2013cum\u2013fry joint on the Miami River has been serving boat-to-plate fare to downtown execs for nearly 40 years. At lunch, the dolphin sandwich\u2014with plantains or buttery parsley potatoes and a cold beer\u2014is the way to go. But the extensive menu also includes chowders and fish platters, jumbo shrimp and stone crab, stuffed lobster and conch steak. If possible, grab a seat on the deck, where you\u2019ll have views of fishing boats, cargo ships, and the skyline.
"}},{"active":true,"caption":"This tiny corner storefront in Elliotborough welcomes all comers with it signature flounder\u2014dredged in seasoned flour and fried to order with hoppin\u2019 John and lima beans served in Styrofoam containers. There\u2019s also fried shrimp, scallops and devil crab, black-eyed peas, collard greens, and steak fries. Officially, closing time is 11 p.m., but the place is packed until the wee hours. 42 Morris St., Charleston; (843) 577-7943
","created_at":"2012-10-11T15:48:57Z","created_user_id":null,"hd_slide_image_url":null,"id":78763,"image_alt":"Best Seafood Restaurants in the U.S.: Dave's Carry-Out","is_master":null,"old_slide_id":null,"old_slideshow_id":null,"position":23,"slideshow_id":1034,"title":"Dave\u2019s Carry-Out, Charleston, SC","updated_at":"2012-10-11T15:48:57Z","updated_user_id":null,"version":null,"video_embed_code":"","slide_image_data":{"src":"/images/amexpub/0033/0817/201210-w-best-seafood-daves-carry-out.jpg","photo_credit":" Michael Stern ","alt":"Best Seafood Restaurants in the U.S.: Dave's Carry-Out","video_embed":"","title":"Dave\u2019s Carry-Out, Charleston, SC","caption":"This tiny corner storefront in Elliotborough welcomes all comers with it signature flounder\u2014dredged in seasoned flour and fried to order with hoppin\u2019 John and lima beans served in Styrofoam containers. There\u2019s also fried shrimp, scallops and devil crab, black-eyed peas, collard greens, and steak fries. Officially, closing time is 11 p.m., but the place is packed until the wee hours. 42 Morris St., Charleston; (843) 577-7943
"}},{"active":true,"caption":"Helmed by hot Boston exports Gabriel Frasca and Amanda Lyon, this gray-shingled restaurant overlooking the harbor updates seafood classics: fish and chips is reimagined as panko-crusted halibut with fingerling potatoes, while clambake is made over as sweet corn chowder topped with lobster, littlenecks, and chorizo. If you\u2019re after a light bite, head to the next-door bar for smoked bluefish p\u00e2te, fish taquitos, and swordfish skewers.
","created_at":"2012-10-11T15:48:57Z","created_user_id":null,"hd_slide_image_url":null,"id":78764,"image_alt":"Best Seafood Restaurants in the U.S.: Straight Wharf","is_master":null,"old_slide_id":null,"old_slideshow_id":null,"position":24,"slideshow_id":1034,"title":"Straight Wharf Restaurant, Nantucket, MA","updated_at":"2012-10-11T15:48:57Z","updated_user_id":null,"version":null,"video_embed_code":"","slide_image_data":{"src":"/images/amexpub/0033/0921/201210-w-best-seafood-straight-wharf.jpg","photo_credit":"Judge Dice","alt":"Best Seafood Restaurants in the U.S.: Straight Wharf","video_embed":"","title":"Straight Wharf Restaurant, Nantucket, MA","caption":"Helmed by hot Boston exports Gabriel Frasca and Amanda Lyon, this gray-shingled restaurant overlooking the harbor updates seafood classics: fish and chips is reimagined as panko-crusted halibut with fingerling potatoes, while clambake is made over as sweet corn chowder topped with lobster, littlenecks, and chorizo. If you\u2019re after a light bite, head to the next-door bar for smoked bluefish p\u00e2te, fish taquitos, and swordfish skewers.
"}},{"active":true,"caption":"Introducing Water Grill 2.0: a downtown institution whose $1.5 million renovation resulted in oversize Pullman booths, herringbone oak floors, live seafood tanks with spiny lobsters, ridgeback shrimp, Dungeness crab, and a marble slab raw bar. Luckily, the new look hasn\u2019t altered the seafood, still fresh and done very, very well. Start with the seafood platter, a massive compilation of oysters (three kinds), shrimp, lobster, crab, and sea urchin.
\r\n","created_at":"2012-10-11T15:48:57Z","created_user_id":null,"hd_slide_image_url":null,"id":78765,"image_alt":"Best Seafood Restaurants in the U.S.: Water Grill","is_master":null,"old_slide_id":null,"old_slideshow_id":null,"position":25,"slideshow_id":1034,"title":"Water Grill, Los Angeles","updated_at":"2012-10-11T15:48:57Z","updated_user_id":null,"version":null,"video_embed_code":"","slide_image_data":{"src":"/images/amexpub/0033/0934/201210-w-best-seafood-water-grill.jpg","photo_credit":"Courtesy of Water Grill","alt":"Best Seafood Restaurants in the U.S.: Water Grill","video_embed":"","title":"Water Grill, Los Angeles","caption":"Introducing Water Grill 2.0: a downtown institution whose $1.5 million renovation resulted in oversize Pullman booths, herringbone oak floors, live seafood tanks with spiny lobsters, ridgeback shrimp, Dungeness crab, and a marble slab raw bar. Luckily, the new look hasn\u2019t altered the seafood, still fresh and done very, very well. Start with the seafood platter, a massive compilation of oysters (three kinds), shrimp, lobster, crab, and sea urchin.
\r\n"}},{"active":true,"caption":"This hot spot in Brooklyn\u2019s Williamsburg neighborhood made its reputation with a dollar-an-oyster happy hour, absinthe cocktails, and tables full of hipsters. As of August 2012, there\u2019s more to look forward to: new chef Jared Stafford-Hill (formerly of Bobo, Adour Alain Ducasse, and Gramercy Tavern) introduced an extended menu. Heavy-hitting dishes include king salmon with smoked caviar, cr\u00e8me fra\u00eeche, and caraway oil, olive oil\u2013poached bluefin belly with a summer gazpacho and langoustines, and roasted sweetbreads with a sweet onion pur\u00e9e.
\r\n","created_at":"2012-10-11T15:48:57Z","created_user_id":null,"hd_slide_image_url":null,"id":78766,"image_alt":"Best Seafood Restaurants in the U.S.: Maison Premiere","is_master":null,"old_slide_id":null,"old_slideshow_id":null,"position":26,"slideshow_id":1034,"title":"Maison Premiere, New York City","updated_at":"2012-10-11T15:48:57Z","updated_user_id":null,"version":null,"video_embed_code":"","slide_image_data":{"src":"/images/amexpub/0033/0869/201210-w-best-seafood-maison-premiere.jpg","photo_credit":"Melissa Hom","alt":"Best Seafood Restaurants in the U.S.: Maison Premiere","video_embed":"","title":"Maison Premiere, New York City","caption":"This hot spot in Brooklyn\u2019s Williamsburg neighborhood made its reputation with a dollar-an-oyster happy hour, absinthe cocktails, and tables full of hipsters. As of August 2012, there\u2019s more to look forward to: new chef Jared Stafford-Hill (formerly of Bobo, Adour Alain Ducasse, and Gramercy Tavern) introduced an extended menu. Heavy-hitting dishes include king salmon with smoked caviar, cr\u00e8me fra\u00eeche, and caraway oil, olive oil\u2013poached bluefin belly with a summer gazpacho and langoustines, and roasted sweetbreads with a sweet onion pur\u00e9e.
\r\n"}},{"active":true,"caption":"This minnow-size raw bar seats only 44\u201418 at the subway-tiled counter and 26 at marble-topped tables\u2014so show up early, or prepare to wait. An affordable wine list complements the wide array of bivalves, including more than a dozen varieties of oysters. A bottle of Riesling goes nicely with the Neptune Plateau, a tower of oysters, clams and shrimp, and the lobster roll\u2019s fine with any meal, served warm on a butter-slicked brioche bun.
","created_at":"2012-10-11T15:48:58Z","created_user_id":null,"hd_slide_image_url":null,"id":78767,"image_alt":"Best Seafood Restaurants in the U.S.: Neptune Oyster","is_master":null,"old_slide_id":null,"old_slideshow_id":null,"position":27,"slideshow_id":1034,"title":"Neptune Oyster, Boston","updated_at":"2012-10-11T15:48:58Z","updated_user_id":null,"version":null,"video_embed_code":"","slide_image_data":{"src":"/images/amexpub/0033/0882/201210-w-best-seafood-neptune.jpg","photo_credit":"Reena Bamme\n","alt":"Best Seafood Restaurants in the U.S.: Neptune Oyster","video_embed":"","title":"Neptune Oyster, Boston","caption":"This minnow-size raw bar seats only 44\u201418 at the subway-tiled counter and 26 at marble-topped tables\u2014so show up early, or prepare to wait. An affordable wine list complements the wide array of bivalves, including more than a dozen varieties of oysters. A bottle of Riesling goes nicely with the Neptune Plateau, a tower of oysters, clams and shrimp, and the lobster roll\u2019s fine with any meal, served warm on a butter-slicked brioche bun.
"}},{"active":true,"caption":"Queue up with local fishermen and cannery workers for fish chowder, fish tacos, king salmon sandwiches\u2014and the best beer-battered halibut in Alaska at this tiny, no-frills restaurant within a seafood processing plant in the fishing village of Petersburg. The popularity of adding a side of French fries to your order inspired the nickname McCoastal, but this experience is as original and authentic as fast food gets.
\r\nfishbroker.tripod.com/coastalcoldstorageinc
","created_at":"2012-10-11T15:48:58Z","created_user_id":null,"hd_slide_image_url":null,"id":78768,"image_alt":"Best Seafood Restaurants in the U.S.: Coastal Cold Storage","is_master":null,"old_slide_id":null,"old_slideshow_id":null,"position":28,"slideshow_id":1034,"title":"Coastal Cold Storage, Petersburg, AK","updated_at":"2012-10-11T15:48:58Z","updated_user_id":null,"version":null,"video_embed_code":"","slide_image_data":{"src":"/images/amexpub/0033/0804/201210-w-best-seafood-coastal-cold-storage.jpg","photo_credit":"istockphoto.com","alt":"Best Seafood Restaurants in the U.S.: Coastal Cold Storage","video_embed":"","title":"Coastal Cold Storage, Petersburg, AK","caption":"Queue up with local fishermen and cannery workers for fish chowder, fish tacos, king salmon sandwiches\u2014and the best beer-battered halibut in Alaska at this tiny, no-frills restaurant within a seafood processing plant in the fishing village of Petersburg. The popularity of adding a side of French fries to your order inspired the nickname McCoastal, but this experience is as original and authentic as fast food gets.
\r\nfishbroker.tripod.com/coastalcoldstorageinc
"}},{"active":true,"caption":"James Beard Award\u2013winning chef Tim McKee has won over meat-and-potato-loving locals with his inventive, sustainable seafood at this restaurant on the ground floor of the Jean Nouvel\u2013designed Guthrie Theater in downtown. The most ordered dish is the grilled octopus with salsa verde, Spanish peppers, and piment\u00f3n. Not far behind is the bouillabaisse with house-made aioli and toasted French bread.
\r\n","created_at":"2012-10-11T15:48:58Z","created_user_id":null,"hd_slide_image_url":null,"id":78769,"image_alt":"Best Seafood Restaurants in the U.S.: Sea Change","is_master":null,"old_slide_id":null,"old_slideshow_id":null,"position":29,"slideshow_id":1034,"title":"Sea Change, Minneapolis","updated_at":"2012-10-11T15:48:58Z","updated_user_id":null,"version":null,"video_embed_code":"","slide_image_data":{"src":"/images/amexpub/0033/0895/201210-w-best-seafood-sea-change.jpg","photo_credit":"Courtesy of Sea Change","alt":"Best Seafood Restaurants in the U.S.: Sea Change","video_embed":"","title":"Sea Change, Minneapolis","caption":"James Beard Award\u2013winning chef Tim McKee has won over meat-and-potato-loving locals with his inventive, sustainable seafood at this restaurant on the ground floor of the Jean Nouvel\u2013designed Guthrie Theater in downtown. The most ordered dish is the grilled octopus with salsa verde, Spanish peppers, and piment\u00f3n. Not far behind is the bouillabaisse with house-made aioli and toasted French bread.
\r\n"}},{"active":true,"caption":"Founded in 1897, this is Atlantic City\u2019s oldest restaurant and the menu is fittingly old school. There are even a handful of items\u2014like oyster stew and crab meat au gratin\u2014that have been on the menu since the establishment opened. This is traditional Jersey Shore\u2013style seafood: oysters Rockefeller, clams casino, shrimp cocktail, and whole lobster, steamed or broiled with drawn butter. After all, why mess with success?
\r\n","created_at":"2012-10-11T15:48:58Z","created_user_id":null,"hd_slide_image_url":null,"id":78770,"image_alt":"Best Seafood Restaurants in the U.S.: Dock's Oyster House","is_master":null,"old_slide_id":null,"old_slideshow_id":null,"position":30,"slideshow_id":1034,"title":"Dock\u2019s Oyster House, Atlantic City, NJ","updated_at":"2012-10-11T15:48:58Z","updated_user_id":null,"version":null,"video_embed_code":"","slide_image_data":{"src":"/images/amexpub/0033/0830/201210-w-best-seafood-docks-oysters.jpg","photo_credit":"istockphoto","alt":"Best Seafood Restaurants in the U.S.: Dock's Oyster House","video_embed":"","title":"Dock\u2019s Oyster House, Atlantic City, NJ","caption":"Founded in 1897, this is Atlantic City\u2019s oldest restaurant and the menu is fittingly old school. There are even a handful of items\u2014like oyster stew and crab meat au gratin\u2014that have been on the menu since the establishment opened. This is traditional Jersey Shore\u2013style seafood: oysters Rockefeller, clams casino, shrimp cocktail, and whole lobster, steamed or broiled with drawn butter. After all, why mess with success?
\r\n"}},{"active":true,"caption":"There\u2019s fresh catch to be enjoyed in the Rocky Mountains, thanks to this 16-year-old fish house that flies in more than a dozen types of bivalves and fresh seafood from both coasts. Jax has been an incubator for young chefs, including Top Chef winner Hosea Rosenberg, who makes a guest appearance from time to time. Go for $1.25 oysters and $2 beers during the daily happy hour, but be prepared for a crowd on game days (the Coors Field is three blocks away). And look for another Jax in Boulder.
\r\n","created_at":"2012-10-11T15:48:58Z","created_user_id":null,"hd_slide_image_url":null,"id":78771,"image_alt":"Best Seafood Restaurants in the U.S.: Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar","is_master":null,"old_slide_id":null,"old_slideshow_id":null,"position":31,"slideshow_id":1034,"title":"Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar, Denver","updated_at":"2012-10-11T15:48:58Z","updated_user_id":null,"version":null,"video_embed_code":"","slide_image_data":{"src":"/images/amexpub/0033/0856/201210-w-best-seafood-jax-denver.jpg","photo_credit":"Courtesy of Jax","alt":"Best Seafood Restaurants in the U.S.: Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar","video_embed":"","title":"Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar, Denver","caption":"There\u2019s fresh catch to be enjoyed in the Rocky Mountains, thanks to this 16-year-old fish house that flies in more than a dozen types of bivalves and fresh seafood from both coasts. Jax has been an incubator for young chefs, including Top Chef winner Hosea Rosenberg, who makes a guest appearance from time to time. Go for $1.25 oysters and $2 beers during the daily happy hour, but be prepared for a crowd on game days (the Coors Field is three blocks away). And look for another Jax in Boulder.
\r\n"}},{"active":true,"caption":"Part of the Kevin Costner movie Message in a Bottle was filmed here in the late 1990s, and little has changed. Shaw\u2019s still serves up New England fare in a casual setting from mid-May to mid-October. Handwritten boards behind the counter display the menu, which features everything you\u2019d expect (lobsters, chowders, fried clams), plus salads, steaks, burgers, sandwiches. Head out to the wharf or deck to watch the lobster boats come in and out of the harbor. Shaw\u2019s also has an outdoor raw bar and a lower-level Lobster Room, where guests can watch the live lobsters swimming around the tanks.
","created_at":"2012-10-11T15:48:59Z","created_user_id":null,"hd_slide_image_url":null,"id":78772,"image_alt":"Best Seafood Restaurants in the U.S.: Shaw's Fish and Lobster","is_master":null,"old_slide_id":null,"old_slideshow_id":null,"position":32,"slideshow_id":1034,"title":"Shaw's Fish and Lobster, New Harbor, ME","updated_at":"2012-10-11T15:48:59Z","updated_user_id":null,"version":null,"video_embed_code":"","slide_image_data":{"src":"/images/amexpub/0033/0908/201210-w-best-seafood-shaws-lobster.jpg","photo_credit":"Haj A.\n","alt":"Best Seafood Restaurants in the U.S.: Shaw's Fish and Lobster","video_embed":"","title":"Shaw's Fish and Lobster, New Harbor, ME","caption":"Part of the Kevin Costner movie Message in a Bottle was filmed here in the late 1990s, and little has changed. Shaw\u2019s still serves up New England fare in a casual setting from mid-May to mid-October. Handwritten boards behind the counter display the menu, which features everything you\u2019d expect (lobsters, chowders, fried clams), plus salads, steaks, burgers, sandwiches. Head out to the wharf or deck to watch the lobster boats come in and out of the harbor. Shaw\u2019s also has an outdoor raw bar and a lower-level Lobster Room, where guests can watch the live lobsters swimming around the tanks.
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Robert Denis
The Clam Shack, Kennebunkport, ME
Sunburned tourists (and locals) queue up at this nondescript trailer in downtown Kennebunkport for generously portioned servings of fried clam strips, hand-cut onion rings, and—naturally—lobster rolls. This is a purist’s sandwich, with an entire lobster’s worth of handpicked meat served with a smear of mayo, a drizzle of warm butter, or both on a toasted round bun.
