Tucked away on a busy street in St. Petersburg, Florida, Fourth Street Shrimp Store looks like a simple neighborhood spot — but one bite of their famous fried clams will change everything you thought you knew about Southern seafood. With over 3,900 five-star reviews and a loyal following that spans decades, this casual seafood gem has earned a reputation that stretches far beyond Pinellas County.
Whether you’re a local who drives an hour just to get here or a first-time visitor stumbling upon it by accident, the food speaks for itself. Here’s everything that makes this unassuming Florida restaurant a must-visit destination for seafood lovers.
The Legendary Fried Clams That Started It All
Some dishes earn their reputation one plate at a time, and the fried clams at Fourth Street Shrimp Store have been doing exactly that for years. Reviewers describe them as the best clam strips they’ve ever tasted — crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and seasoned just right.
One customer called them “best clam strips I’ve ever had,” which is saying a lot when you consider how many seafood spots Florida has to offer. The batter clings perfectly without being heavy, letting the natural flavor of the clams shine through.
Paired with their signature coleslaw or a cup of rich clam chowder, this dish becomes a full-on experience. If you’ve never tried fried clams before, this is the place to start.
And if you think you’ve already had great ones, Fourth Street will make you reconsider everything.
Clam Chowder That Belongs in a Hall of Fame
Not all clam chowder is created equal, and Fourth Street Shrimp Store proves that point with every single bowl. Customers consistently rank it among the top three best clam chowders they’ve ever eaten — and the secret seems to be in the size of those clam strips tucked inside.
“I have never had a clam chowder with such large clam strips in it,” one reviewer wrote. Rich, creamy, and loaded with perfectly balanced potatoes, this chowder feels more like a hearty meal than a starter.
It’s the kind of bowl that warms you from the inside out.
Whether you’re stopping in on a cool evening or just craving something comforting, this chowder delivers every time. It’s also a great way to kick off your meal before moving on to the fried clams or shrimp baskets that the restaurant is famous for.
Fresh Fried Shrimp Done Absolutely Right
Ask any regular at Fourth Street Shrimp Store what they order first, and chances are high the answer is fried shrimp. The shrimp are always fresh, the batter is well-seasoned and flavorful, and the portions are genuinely generous — not the skimpy servings you’d expect at a tourist-trap seafood spot.
One longtime customer put it simply: “Delicious fried shrimp, freshly steamed and buttery broccoli and delicious coleslaw.” Another noted that even after passing by for years thinking it might be a chain restaurant, the fried shrimp completely won them over on the first visit.
The shrimp basket is a go-to lunch order, especially when paired with their famous sweet coleslaw and a side of hush puppies. Fresh, affordable, and cooked to order — this is what good fried shrimp is supposed to taste like.
No shortcuts, no disappointments.
Hush Puppies Worth Every Single Bite
Hush puppies might seem like a simple side dish, but Fourth Street Shrimp Store treats them like they deserve top billing on the menu. Hot, crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and packed with flavor — these little golden bites have their own fan club among regulars.
“Hush puppies to die for,” one reviewer wrote, and another described them as “hot and fresh, a nice crispy exterior. Just perfect.” Six come in an order, which sounds like a lot until you realize you’ll wish there were twelve.
They arrive piping hot, which makes all the difference. Cold or soggy hush puppies are a letdown, but these hit the table the way they’re supposed to.
Pair them with a cup of chowder or enjoy them as a snack while you wait for your main course. Either way, don’t skip them.
The Sweet Coleslaw Everyone Keeps Talking About
Coleslaw is one of those sides that most people barely think about — until they try the version at Fourth Street Shrimp Store. Customers can’t stop raving about it, comparing it favorably to the sweet, choppy-style coleslaw that fans of classic American comfort food grew up loving.
“I really like coleslaw, and this is the place for you because it’s so fresh and more choppy!” one reviewer enthusiastically shared. Even a self-described coleslaw skeptic admitted it was some of the best they’d ever eaten.
That’s a serious endorsement for a humble side dish.
The freshness is what sets it apart. There’s nothing wilted or watery about it — just crisp, sweet, well-dressed cabbage that balances out the richness of the fried seafood perfectly.
It may sound like a small detail, but great coleslaw can absolutely make or break a seafood meal.
Blackened Grouper That Hits Every Note
Florida is grouper country, and Fourth Street Shrimp Store honors that tradition with a blackened grouper preparation that customers describe as phenomenal. The fish comes out beautifully seasoned, with a charred crust on the outside that locks in all the moisture and flavor inside.
Multiple reviewers called it out specifically alongside other standout dishes, noting that the blackened grouper was “also phenomenal” even in a lineup that included fried clams and coconut shrimp — which is tough company to keep. The quality of the fish is consistent, which matters more than people realize.
Grouper can be tricky to cook well — too long on the heat and it dries out fast. Fourth Street nails the timing every visit.
Whether you pair it with broccoli, rice, or coleslaw, this dish is a satisfying choice for anyone who wants a lighter but still deeply flavorful seafood dinner.
Coconut Shrimp That Steals the Spotlight
Coconut shrimp has a reputation for being a crowd-pleaser, but Fourth Street Shrimp Store’s version rises above the average. Reviewers who ordered it as part of a larger spread still made a point of highlighting it, which says a lot when it’s competing with fried clams and blackened grouper for attention.
The shrimp are coated in a light, crispy coconut breading that delivers a subtle sweetness without overwhelming the natural shrimp flavor. They come out hot and golden, with just the right crunch on every bite.
One reviewer who ordered the special Mahi dish still made sure to include coconut shrimp on the side — and didn’t regret it.
This is the kind of dish that converts people who think they don’t like coconut shrimp. It’s playful, satisfying, and pairs beautifully with a cold drink on the outdoor patio.
Order it once and it becomes a habit.
Shrimp Scampi for the Garlic Obsessed
If there’s one dish at Fourth Street Shrimp Store that was clearly made for garlic lovers, it’s the shrimp scampi. Reviewers describe the shrimp as “swimming in garlic and butter,” which is exactly the kind of over-the-top generosity that keeps people coming back to a restaurant year after year.
“Shrimp Scampi was purely a garlic lovers dream,” one reviewer wrote, adding that the leftover butter and garlic sauce was so good they used the peel-and-eat shrimp to scoop it up. That’s the mark of a truly great sauce — when people find creative ways to make sure none of it goes to waste.
The portion is satisfying, the flavors are bold, and the quality of the shrimp holds up well to the richness of the sauce. For anyone who appreciates classic Italian-American seafood done with Florida-fresh ingredients, this scampi is an easy win every single time.
Key Lime Pie Worth Saving Room For
Finishing a meal at Fourth Street Shrimp Store without ordering the key lime pie would be a genuine mistake. Multiple reviewers go out of their way to mention it by name, with one enthusiastically declaring it “IMPECCABLE” and urging readers to “get it and thank me later.”
Key lime pie is Florida’s unofficial state dessert, and a good version is tart, creamy, and balanced in a way that feels refreshing even after a heavy seafood meal. Fourth Street’s version checks every box.
The filling has that perfect puckery tang, and the crust provides just enough crunch to round it out.
Another reviewer mentioned sharing it with family after a meal of blackened Mahi and coconut shrimp — and calling the whole experience “absolutely incredible.” When a dessert earns that kind of praise alongside standout entrees, you know it belongs on your table. Don’t leave without it.
Bourbon Infused Bread Pudding That Blows Minds
Here’s a fun challenge: try to feel full after a plate of fried clams, hush puppies, and coleslaw — and then somehow still make room for the Bourbon Infused Bread Pudding. Customers who manage to do it report that it’s absolutely worth the effort.
“The Bourbon Infused Bread Pudding is ridiculously mind blowing A++,” one reviewer wrote after admitting they were already way too full to consider dessert. That kind of willpower-breaking quality is a rare thing in any restaurant, let alone a casual neighborhood seafood spot in St. Pete.
Warm, rich, and laced with just enough bourbon to give it depth without being overpowering, this dessert is the kind of thing you’ll think about on the drive home. Share it with someone at the table, or don’t — there’s no judgment here.
Either way, order it.
Massive Portions That Deliver Real Value
One of the most common themes running through Fourth Street Shrimp Store’s reviews is pure shock at how much food lands on the table. “The portions are real!” one reviewer exclaimed after receiving a piece of salmon larger than anything they’d ever been served at a restaurant.
Another customer described their early bird dinner of fried clams and shrimp with coleslaw as “huge,” while their husband’s fried shrimp dinner was equally generous. At a price point marked as moderate, this kind of portion size feels almost like a secret that regulars are reluctant to share too widely.
For families, groups, or anyone who hates leaving a restaurant still hungry, this place delivers in a way that many higher-priced spots simply don’t. You get real food, real quantity, and real flavor without spending a fortune.
That combination is harder to find than it should be.
A Dining Atmosphere Full of Personality
Walking into Fourth Street Shrimp Store feels like stepping into a place that has stories to tell. The walls are covered in beach-themed murals, vintage Pinellas County license plates, and ocean-inspired decorations that make every corner worth looking at twice.
“The decor here was a true bright spot! Absolutely loved that my eye kept catching something new,” one reviewer noted.
Another described the atmosphere as “old time Pinellas County,” which captures the nostalgic, lived-in charm that sets this restaurant apart from generic chain seafood spots.
There’s also a small bar area where you can grab a drink and settle in, plus multiple seating areas both inside and outside on the patio. The outdoor space is especially popular on warm Florida evenings.
Whether you’re dining with family or catching up with friends, the atmosphere makes the whole experience feel relaxed and genuinely enjoyable.
A Staff That Keeps People Coming Back for 25 Years
Great food keeps people coming back once. Great service keeps them coming back for decades.
At Fourth Street Shrimp Store, the staff has been a consistent highlight in reviews spanning years — and some employees have been there for eight years or more, which is practically unheard of in the restaurant industry.
“I’ve been enjoying this spot for 25+ years and am NEVER disappointed!” one loyal customer wrote. Another praised a server named Peyton for being “friendly and efficient” on multiple visits.
Attentive drink refills, patience with large groups, and a genuinely welcoming energy are mentioned again and again.
That kind of consistency doesn’t happen by accident. It reflects a workplace culture where people feel valued enough to stay long-term — and that loyalty flows directly into how guests are treated.
When the staff loves where they work, customers feel it. At Fourth Street, they absolutely do.
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