Short answer: Seafood in St. Johns, FL centers on shrimp, because Northeast Florida has a long shrimping history. The most common picks are fried shrimp, blackened shrimp or fish tacos, and a fresh fish sandwich. Adults are advised to eat at least 8 ounces of seafood a week, and shrimp is an easy way to get there.
Blackened seafood is fish or shrimp coated in a dark spice blend and seared hot until the outside chars.
Key takeaways
- Shrimp is the local star: Jacksonville calls itself Florida’s Shrimp Capital, so shrimp is the seafood to try first.
- Eat it every week: Adults should aim for at least 8 ounces of seafood a week, with less for children.
- Every style works: Fried, grilled and blackened are all safe when fish reaches 145°F and shrimp turns opaque.
- Plan party trays early: Shrimp trays come in 40, 60 or 80 pieces and need at least 48 hours’ notice.
What seafood is the St. Johns, FL area known for?
Shrimp is the seafood this corner of Florida is known for. Visit Jacksonville calls the city “Florida’s Shrimp Capital.” Commercial shrimping has shaped Mayport Village for over 150 years (Source: Visit Jacksonville).
That history shapes most seafood in St. Johns, FL today. You will find shrimp fried in baskets, tucked into tacos and tossed onto salads. Fish is the other staple, usually served as a fresh catch in a sandwich or taco.
New to the area? Start with shrimp. Our guide to restaurants on CR 210 covers more places to eat nearby.
How much seafood should you eat each week?
Most adults should eat at least 8 ounces of seafood per week. The FDA bases that advice on a 2,000-calorie diet and recommends smaller amounts for children (Source: U.S. Food & Drug Administration).
Split across two meals, that works out to about 4 ounces each.
Shrimp makes the goal easier to reach. The same guidance places shrimp on its “Best Choices” list, so it is a simple pick to repeat.
Rotate shrimp with fish for variety, and add a salad or grilled veggies. For weekday ideas, see our post on lunch near Durbin Park.
Why is shrimp America’s favorite seafood?
Shrimp is the most eaten seafood in the United States. Americans ate 19.7 pounds of seafood per person in 2022. Shrimp kept its spot as the most consumed species (Source: National Fisheries Institute).
The appeal is easy to see. Shrimp cooks fast, takes on almost any seasoning and works in a basket, taco or salad. Its mild flavor wins over picky eaters, too.
It also travels well. Fried shrimp holds its crunch on a short drive home, and blackened shrimp stays juicy in a taco. For more bold flavors, read about the dishes that make taste buds dance.
Is fried, grilled or blackened seafood the better choice?
No single style wins, because each one suits a different craving. Fried is crisp and comforting, grilled is the lightest, and blackened adds spice and a charred crust.
Whatever the style, safe cooking comes first. Fish should reach 145°F or cook until the flesh is no longer translucent. Shrimp should cook until the flesh is pearly or white and opaque (Source: FoodSafety.gov).
Here is how the seafood dishes on the Quig’s menu compare.
| Seafood dish | Style options | What comes with it | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fried Shrimp (12 pieces) | Fried | Fries, plus tartar or cocktail sauce | A classic seafood basket |
| Shrimp or Fish Tacos (2) | Fried, grilled or blackened | Cabbage, cheese, Q-Sauce and 1 side | Trying more than one style |
| Fish Sandwich | Fresh catch fish | Lettuce, tomato and 1 side | A full, handheld meal |
| Buffalo Shrimp (8 pieces) | Buffalo style | Served as a starter | Sharing before the meal |
| Tropical Salad with shrimp | Shrimp on greens | Mango, strawberries, cheese and coconut lime dressing | A lighter seafood plate |
Can’t decide? Order the tacos, so two people can try two styles. The full list sits on the menu.
Where can you get seafood in St. Johns, FL?
You can get seafood in St. Johns, FL at casual spots along CR 210 and in the newer shopping centers nearby. Options keep growing with the area. St. Johns County is one of the fastest-growing counties in both Florida and the United States (Source: St. Johns County).
For seafood, freshness matters most. Look for a kitchen that cooks each order fresh instead of holding it under a heat lamp. Fried shrimp loses its crunch fast when it sits. Our post on why made-to-order food beats fast food explains the difference.
Quig’s Meats & Eats sits on County Road 210, in the Gateway Circle plaza shared with Papa John’s (Source: Papa John’s). Drive times depend on traffic:
- Beachwalk: about 3 miles, under 10 minutes
- Twin Creeks: about 4 miles, under 10 minutes
- Pavilion at Durbin Park: about 4.7 miles, about 10 minutes
- Nocatee Town Center: about 7 miles, about 14 minutes
How many shrimp should you order for a party?
Order by piece count, and plan to serve the tray within 2 hours. Quig’s shrimp trays come fried or blackened in 40, 60 or 80 pieces, so you can size up for a bigger crowd.
Timing is the safety rule that matters most. Bacteria grow fastest between 40°F and 140°F and can double in as little as 20 minutes. Never leave food unrefrigerated over 2 hours, or 1 hour above 90°F (Source: USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service).
That 1-hour rule matters at Florida backyard parties. Keep hot shrimp at or above 140°F in a chafing dish or warming tray. Keep cold sides at or below 40°F.
Round out the spread with sides. Medium side trays serve 6 to 10 people and large trays serve 20 to 30. Request a quote on the We Cater page and allow at least 48 hours’ notice. Teams and school groups can start with school and team catering.
How does Quig’s serve seafood in St. Johns?
Quig’s Meats & Eats is a family-owned restaurant that has served St. Johns since 2023. Every order is made fresh to order and never held under a heat lamp, which matters most for fried seafood. Learn why family-owned restaurants stand out.
The Fried Shrimp comes as 12 pieces, which the menu describes as local fried shrimp, with fries and tartar or cocktail sauce. The Fish Sandwich features fresh catch fish with lettuce, tomato and one side.
Not everyone wants seafood. The same menu has 100% Angus beef burgers, jumbo wings with nine sauces and fried chicken tenders and sandwiches.
You can dine in, order online for pickup, or get delivery through a third-party platform. The restaurant is at 100 Gateway Circle, Saint Johns, FL 32259, and is open every day from 11am to 9pm. Call 904-784-7844 with questions.
Frequently asked questions
Is shrimp a healthy seafood choice?
Shrimp can fit into a healthy week of eating. The FDA lists shrimp among its “Best Choices.” It advises most adults to eat at least 8 ounces of seafood each week. Cooking style changes the meal, though. Grilled or blackened shrimp in a taco or on a salad is lighter than a fried basket with fries. Mix it up: choose fried for comfort, and grilled or blackened on lighter days. Pair it with greens, slaw or grilled veggies for balance.
What is the difference between grilled and blackened shrimp?
Grilled shrimp is cooked over direct heat with light seasoning, so its natural sweet flavor comes through. Blackened shrimp is coated in a dark spice blend first, then seared hot until the outside forms a charred, flavorful crust. Blackened is bolder and a little spicy, while grilled is milder and simpler. Both skip the breading, so they feel lighter than fried shrimp and pair well with salads or slaw. Either way, the shrimp is done when the flesh turns pearly or white and opaque.
Can I order shrimp trays for a party in St. Johns?
Yes. Quig’s Meats & Eats offers fried or blackened shrimp trays in 40, 60 or 80 pieces for parties and events in St. Johns. Add side trays like coleslaw or seasoned fries to round out the spread. To order, request a quote on the We Cater page or call 904-784-7844. Every catering order needs at least 48 hours’ notice, so plan ahead for birthdays, game days and team events. Once the food arrives, serve it within 2 hours, or within 1 hour if it is above 90°F outside.
Can I get seafood for takeout or delivery in St. Johns?
Yes. Fried shrimp, fish tacos and fish sandwiches all travel well, so seafood is an easy takeout pick. At Quig’s Meats & Eats, you can order online for pickup or get delivery through a third-party platform. Each order is made fresh, so it is cooked when you order rather than waiting under a heat lamp. For the crispiest fried shrimp, pickup is the better bet. The restaurant is open every day from 11am to 9pm at 100 Gateway Circle, Saint Johns, FL 32259.
Seafood in St. Johns, FL is easy to love once you know what to order. Start with shrimp, try it blackened at least once, and keep party trays safe with the 2-hour rule. When you are ready, browse the menu or stop by for a fresh basket. More local food guides live on the blog.
Sources
- U.S. Food & Drug Administration: Advice about Eating Fish
- FoodSafety.gov: Cook to a Safe Minimum Internal Temperature
- USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service: Danger Zone (40°F to 140°F)
- St. Johns County: St. Johns County Profile
- Visit Jacksonville: Mayport Shrimp & Seafood Trail
- National Fisheries Institute via Perishable News: NFI Annual Top 10 List Looks at Seafood’s Most Consumed Species in 2022
- Papa John’s: Store locator, 100 Gateway Circle, Saint Johns, FL
Hungry yet?
Order online for pickup, dine in, or call 904-784-7844. Open 7 days a week, 11am to 9pm.