If you’re driving down Coastal Highway in Crawfordville, Florida, and you don't keep your eyes peeled, you might just cruise right past some of the best fried shrimp in the Panhandle. It’s basically a food truck. Well, a food truck with a permanent roof and a lot of personality. Hutton's Seafood & More has been sitting at 3096 Coastal Hwy since 2007, and honestly, it’s one of those "if you know, you know" spots that locals guard like a state secret.
It’s not fancy. Let’s get that out of the way.
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You aren't getting white tablecloths or a wine list. You’re getting your food in a box, probably sitting on a shaded picnic table, and fighting off a few Florida gnats if the breeze dies down. But the trade-off is fresh, local seafood that hasn’t been sitting in a freezer for six months.
The Mystery of the Coastal Highway Staple
Most people think "food truck" means something that popped up last Tuesday during a brewery event. Hutton's is different. Being in the same spot for nearly two decades gives a place a certain kind of gravity. It’s family-owned and operated, which usually sounds like a marketing cliché, but here it means the person taking your order actually cares if your flounder is crispy.
They’ve built a reputation on being consistent.
In a world where restaurant quality swings wildly based on who’s working the fry station, Hutton's feels weirdly dependable. You’ve probably seen the line on a Friday afternoon. It’s a mix of contractors in muddy boots, tourists who got lost on their way to St. Marks, and retirees who know exactly which day the mullet is freshest.
What’s Actually on the Menu?
Everything is made to order. That’s the catch—literally. If you’re in a rush, maybe go somewhere else. Because they aren't pre-frying batches of shrimp to sit under a heat lamp, you’re going to wait. Usually, it’s worth it.
- The Fried Shrimp: This is the heavy hitter. People travel from Tallahassee just for these. They’re large, they aren't buried in three inches of flavorless batter, and they actually taste like shrimp.
- Soft-Shell Crab: This is sort of their cult classic. It’s a "giant bug-like but delicious" blue crab, usually fried until the shell is soft enough to eat whole. If you’ve never had one, it looks intimidating, but the flavor is incredible.
- The Grouper Sandwich: A Florida staple. At Hutton's, it’s a thick cut, often served as a combo with sides like cheese grits or fried okra.
- The Unexpected Stuff: They call it "Seafood & More" for a reason. You can actually get BBQ ribs, pulled pork, and chicken wings here. It’s a weird flex for a seafood joint, but it works for the families where one person just doesn't like fish.
The sides are a bit of a mixed bag, to be totally honest. The cheese grits are usually a hit—creamy, salty, and very "Deep South." The fried green tomatoes? Awesome. But you’ll see some reviews mention the hushpuppies can be hit or miss depending on the day. It’s part of the charm of a roadside shack.
Why People Keep Coming Back
It’s about the value.
Have you seen the price of a seafood platter at a sit-down restaurant lately? It’s getting ridiculous. At Hutton's Seafood & More, the portions are massive. A "Choice of 2" or "Choice of 3" plate (where you mix things like oysters, scallops, and mullet) is usually enough to feed two people if you aren't absolutely starving.
The atmosphere is "Natural North Florida" at its peak.
There’s something about eating fried mullet under a metal shelter while the humidity tries to melt your shirt that just feels right. It’s authentic. It’s not a corporate version of a fish camp; it is a fish camp.
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A Quick Reality Check on the Crab Cakes
One thing you’ll notice if you dig into local chatter is the crab cake debate. Some people swear by them. Others have complained about finding bits of shell in the mix.
It’s a reminder that this is a high-volume, hand-prepped operation. If you’re a stickler for "perfectly manicured" food, the crab cakes might be a gamble. But if you want real crab meat that hasn't been processed into a puck by a machine, that’s the risk you take.
How to Do Hutton’s Right
If you’re planning a trip, don't just wing it. They have specific quirks.
- Check the Calendar: They are historically closed on Sundays and Mondays. Don't be the person who pulls into a dark gravel lot with a craving for scallops.
- Weather Matters: Since it’s mostly outdoor seating, a Florida thunderstorm will ruin your lunch plans. Most people just grab it to go (takeout is huge here) and head toward the coast.
- The "Sea Monster" Po Boy: If you’re feeling ambitious, this is a massive hoagie loaded with a mix of fried seafood. It’s messy. Bring extra napkins.
- Order Ahead: You can actually use apps like DoorDash or their online portal now. It saves you from standing in the sun for 20 minutes while your fish fries.
The Verdict on Hutton's Seafood & More
Is it the best seafood in the entire world? Probably not. But for a roadside spot in Wakulla County, it’s pretty hard to beat. It represents a specific type of Florida dining that is slowly disappearing—simple, fresh, and completely unpretentious.
When you go, stick to the basics. Get the fried shrimp or the grouper. Try the cheese grits. Sit at a picnic table, enjoy the shade, and don't expect a waiter to refill your sweet tea every five minutes.
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It’s just good food, served by friendly people, in a spot that hasn't changed much since 2007. Sometimes, that’s exactly what you need.
Your next move: If you’re in the area, check their current hours online before you head out, as roadside spots can sometimes shift their schedule during the off-season. Grab a "Choice of 2" platter with shrimp and scallops, find a spot by the water in nearby Panacea, and enjoy a real North Florida lunch.