Having grown up in New England, I have a particular fondness for seafood. Baked, steamed, or fried in particular, Yankee folk love their seafood.
The Shrimp Shack of Ft. Myers is co-owned by three women and touts their menu as "New England-style seafood." While their menu does not have lobster or pasta, you will not miss it among the wealth of seafood they have to choose from. They take pride in their prompt, friendly service and fresh (never frozen!), made-to-order menu.
I've been to Florida a great many times, but considering the accessibility of Gulf, Atlantic, and Caribbean seafood, it is surprisingly challenging to find any remarkable seafood restaurants once you get off the beach communities. The Shrimp Shack takes the best of local seafood and includes national choices as well (Maine clam bellies, a New England specialty, are a customer favorite here). They have an extremely affordable menu, and you get good value for what you've ordered.
When I dined here recently, I had the Pirate’s Pleasure (broiled grouper, shrimp, and scallops served on a bed of crab meat stuffing, with french fries, coleslaw, and hush puppies; $12.99) and could barely finish the plate, I was so stuffed! All their food is wonderfully fresh, and everything just looks so tasty coming out of the kitchen. Of particular note are their hush puppies—another New England favorite—which are generally made of a flour/corn flour base with spices or other ingredients and fried. The Shrimp Shack's hush puppies were outstanding; I think I could have simply eaten a plate full of those and walked away happy! Also, their chowders do not contain potatoes, a sure sign of quality!
The Shrimp Shack is constantly busy—we were there at 11am and the place was already 3/4 full!—but they are well-staffed and food is delivered fast and hot. Their dress code is flexible—local businessmen in suits rub elbows with construction workers and tourists alike. They offer a solid value for the money and have great staff. Highly recommended!
Shrimp Shack
1400 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33907 - (239) 277-5100
13361 Metro Pky*, Fort Myers, FL 33912 - (239) 561-6817
* has drive-up window
Monday to Saturday, 10:30am to 9:30pm; Sunday, 11am to 9pm (both locations)