We all know our neighbors in Clearwater Beach have a plethora of competitive places for the best grouper sandwich, but what many don’t realize is that Tampa has quite a few restaurants that serve up quality grouper sandwiches as well. If you want to save the trip or grab a lunch that doesn’t entail a lengthy drive, check out these Tampa restaurants serving some of the best grouper sandwiches in Tampa, FL.
Big Ray's Fish Camp – Family owned and operated, Big Rays is arguably one of the best restaurants in Tampa when you want a grouper sandwich. Striving daily for freshness and quality Ray fries his grouper to perfection, bakes or blackens it on request. This tiny Tampa restaurant tucked away south of Gandy off Interbay Blvd. in South Tampa is a must-try for anyone who loves seafood. Go for the best grouper sandwich in Tampa or one of the many other delicious seafood options at Big Rays Fish Camp.
Hula Bay – This beautiful waterfront location in South Tampa offers up incredible service, nightlife entertainment, and an amazing grouper sandwich. What makes their grouper sandwich unique is the Hawaiian essence added to the meal from the Hawaiian sweet bun to the “guy we brought in from Honolulu” who bakes them. This nameless ‘guy’ is said to put the magic touch on their grouper sandwich that can only be understood when tasted, not described.
Skipper's Smokehouse – Combining live music and entertainment with the flavors of Louisiana and the Caribbean, Skipper's Smokehouse in North Tampa has long been a local favorite for more than their tasty grouper sandwich. Still, many embark to Skipper’s to try their grouper and find themselves enjoying much, much more, like the live entertainment. Another famous dish they serve up is the alligator ribs, for the more adventurous of appetites.
Circles Waterfront Restaurant – A cozy restaurant in the quiet community of Apollo Beach is Circles Bar and Grillat Lands End. Circles is the perfect place to park your car or boat for drinks, food, and music while enjoying views of Tampa Bay. They serve a Fresh Florida Gulf Grouper sandwich for lunch or dinner.
Whiskey Joe's - Called the 'Grand Grouper' you can delight in a substantial piece of beer-battered or blackened grouper, served on soft, fresh brioche bun with crispy fries, coleslaw, and a garlic dill pickle at this waterfront restaurant in Rocky Point. Enjoy Joe's tiki bar, fire pits and more as you dine in the sunshine on one of the best grouper sandwiches in Tampa.
Catch Twenty Three - In the Westchase area of North Tampa, Catch Twenty Three is a casual, upscale restaurant in Tampa serving certified fresh seafood prepared on a pecan wood grill to the sounds of smooth island music. Sit inside or out, as you enjoy Catch Twenty Three's Caribbean/Latin fusion grouper sangy!
Oystercatchers - Tucked away in the mangroves behind The Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay on Rocky Point you find Oystercatchers. An upscale waterfront restaurant with fabulous views and equally stunning food. Pricier than others on this list, the quality, service, ambiance, and unique choices keep us coming back. Oystercatchers offer a tender, meaty hunk of black grouper dressed untraditionally with grilled onions and a delicate remoulade made with a touch of spice. Unlike any other grouper sandwich you find in Tampa, we highly recommend giving this one a try!
Shells of Brandon - Shells is a small local chain started on South Dale Mabry in Tampa, FL. Now with (5) locations, they remain popular as ever sticking to the original concept of serving the finest quality ingredients, prepared by experts in a fun, casual atmosphere where it's not about a fancy atmosphere as much as it is keeping the price down. Besides Brandon and South Tampa find them in St. Pete Beach, North Tampa and Carrollwood serving a traditional fresh grouper sandwich on a soft, slightly sweet potato roll!
Ulele- Everything made at Ulele is good, but their Grouper Sandwich is great! They serve up a fresh grilled grouper with leaf lettuce, vine-ripened tomato, red onion, house-made zucchini pickles and smoked tomato rémoulade on a brioche bun. Stop by today to bite into this juicy fish fillet in between two slices of bread!
Check out all the seafood restaurants in Tampa and make sure to let us know what you think. We invite you to register, rate and review your favorite places for a Grouper Sandwich in Tampa, FL! You might also enjoy reading: Find the Best Restaurants, Deals and Charters During Grouper Week in the 727area.
