St Pete Beach is renowned for its stunning Gulf Coast views and vibrant culinary scene. If you’re searching for the quintessential beach dining experience, look no further than the St Pete Beach Restaurants On The Beach. Among these gems, Shrimpy’s Blues Bistro stands out as a true local favorite, offering a delightful fusion of New Orleans flavors and fresh Florida seafood right on the waterfront. Having heard whispers of its excellence for years, we finally ventured in, and we’re thrilled to share our experience at this must-visit St Pete Beach eatery.
Located conveniently on St Pete Beach, just before crossing over to Treasure Island, Shrimpy’s Blues Bistro might seem unassuming from the outside, nestled in a strip mall corner. However, stepping inside reveals a welcoming atmosphere with indoor dining options at two full liquor bars or cozy tables, and the real draw – outdoor seating right by the water. Imagine enjoying your meal with gentle sea breezes and the sounds of live music, which graces the deck Thursday through Sunday evenings. This isn’t just another tourist trap; Shrimpy’s is a genuine hidden gem cherished by locals. Be sure to arrive early or prepare for a wait, especially during peak season, as this popular spot fills up quickly.
Shrimpy’s menu is a delightful exploration of small plates, comforting soups, fresh salads, satisfying sandwiches, and impressive dinner entrees. The culinary philosophy here is a vibrant blend, marrying the zest of New Orleans cuisine with the relaxed, fun-loving spirit of beach life. They pride themselves on serving only the freshest, highest-quality seafood, sourcing both wild-caught options and local Gulf catches. This commitment to quality ensures that every dish is bursting with flavor.
On our initial visit, eager to sample as much as possible, we opted for a selection of small plates to share, along with a couple of other enticing items. Many of these small plate offerings are also available as full-sized dinner portions, giving you the flexibility to explore.
We began our culinary journey with the Fish Cakes. Originally a blend of three different fish, these have evolved into exquisite blue crab cakes. They were an immediate hit with our group, perfectly crisp on the outside and incredibly flavorful within.
Next, we indulged in the Fish Spread, a creamy and smoky concoction made from mullet, drum, and smoked salmon, sourced from a local supplier. Shrimpy’s elevates this classic by incorporating chopped vegetables, adding a delightful textural contrast and fresh burst of flavor. We particularly enjoyed it with the peppers, though personal preference leans towards crackers over bread for dipping – either way, it’s a must-try.
The Scallops Rockefeller immediately caught our attention – sea scallops sautéed with savory bacon, nestled on a bed of grilled spinach, and finished with hollandaise sauce and parmesan cheese. This dish was an absolute revelation. The scallops were perfectly cooked, and the combination of flavors was rich and decadent. In fact, it surpassed even our fondness for oysters Rockefeller!
Perhaps the most surprisingly delightful dish was the NOLA BBQ Shrimp. Despite the name suggesting a traditional BBQ sauce, these are Langostino shrimp sautéed in a luscious butter and roasted garlic sauce, seasoned with white and black pepper. Both our server and the owner, Richard, insisted we try them, and we are eternally grateful we listened. The sauce was so incredibly flavorful and rich that we soaked up every last drop with the accompanying bread. This dish is now a non-negotiable order on every future visit – truly amazing.
Venturing into the Bayou Classic Soup section of the menu, we sampled both the Shrimp & Lobster Bisque and the Louisiana Seafood Gumbo. The gumbo is a dark roux masterpiece brimming with crab, shrimp, scallops, cod, andouille sausage, okra, and rice. Choosing a favorite between these two incredible soups proved impossible. The bisque was luxuriously rich, creamy, and delicately flavored, while the gumbo, deceptively presented with rice on top, was packed with seafood, sausage, and vegetables in a deeply flavorful roux. Both were outstanding.
Taking advantage of happy hour, we also sampled the Prime Rib Sliders. Served with horseradish mashed potatoes and bone marrow au jus, these sliders were a delightful surprise. While not our absolute favorite item, they were certainly delicious, with the au jus adding a wonderful depth of flavor. However, the true stars of this plate were the mashed potatoes – exceptionally creamy and flavorful, a rare find and an absolute highlight.
Moving on to sandwiches, we couldn’t resist the Blackened Grouper Sandwich. This quintessential Florida dish was perfectly fresh and flavorful. While some might prefer a bolder seasoning, the quality of the grouper shone through, making it a fantastic sandwich choice.
For shrimp and grits aficionados, Shrimpy’s Shrimp-n-Grits is a must-try. Featuring creamy cheese grits topped with sautéed shrimp, bacon, andouille sausage, tomato, and scallion, this dish is a flavor explosion. The use of langostinos, as with many of their shrimp dishes, elevates it to another level, offering a richer, almost lobster-like taste. The bacon and andouille sausage provide a satisfying heartiness, while the tomatoes and scallions add a bright, fresh counterpoint. The grits themselves were perfectly cooked – rich, creamy, and with just the right consistency.
On a subsequent visit with family, we continued our exploration of Shrimpy’s menu. We started with the Chilled Shrimp Cocktail, also available during happy hour. The shrimp were incredibly fresh and delicious, complemented by an exceptionally flavorful cocktail sauce.
My cousin ordered the Hush Puppies, served with a remoulade for dipping. While enjoyable, they weren’t the standout dish for me, but hush puppy enthusiasts will likely be pleased with their crispy texture.
We shared a Classic Caesar salad as a side, and it was devoured quickly – a testament to its fresh and flavorful preparation.
Kevin tried the Smashburger, and was thoroughly impressed. The hand-cut fries were cooked to crispy perfection, exactly as desired, and the burger itself was very satisfying.
My cousin raved about the Chargrilled Salmon, glazed with a pineapple ginger teriyaki sauce, especially praising it alongside the mashed potatoes. The salmon looked incredibly appetizing and was clearly a hit.
I opted for the Fresh Catch of the Day Special – Wahoo, grilled. While I love wahoo, this particular piece was slightly overcooked and a bit dry. The flavor was still excellent, and the accompanying broccoli and mashed potatoes were, as always, fantastic. Considering the sheer number of dishes we sampled, having only one minor imperfection is truly remarkable!
For a true taste of the South combined with fresh seafood and stunning waterfront views, Shrimpy’s Blues Bistro is an absolute must-visit among st pete beach restaurants on the beach. This local gem is no longer a secret to those in the know, and after our experience, we wholeheartedly agree with the rave reviews.
Shrimpy’s Blues Bistro
- Phone: 727-575-7222
- Cuisine: Fresh Seafood, Waterfront Beach Dining, Live Music
- Hours:
- Tue – Thu: 11:30am – 10:00pm
- Fri: 11:30am – 11:00pm
- Sat: 10:00am – 11:00pm
- Sun: 10:00am – 10:00pm
- Menu: View Menu
- Address: 9524 Blind Pass Rd, St Pete Beach, FL 33706, US
Shrimpy’s Blues Bistro offers a unique dining experience with New Orleans and Florida fusion cuisine, featuring fresh and wild-caught seafood. Enjoy indoor or outdoor waterfront seating, live music on weekends, and a full liquor bar. It’s truly one of the best st pete beach restaurants on the beach for a memorable meal.
