It may not get as much attention as the Cuban or the Key lime pie, but the grouper sandwich is as much a Florida institution as any other dish. There are some great ones out there, just a hunk of fresh-caught fish between a bun, maybe a dollop of tartar sauce and dressed with a bright tomato slice. But how do you track down the state’s best grouper grub? We’ve done it for you. Here are seven sandwiches deserving of your next road trip adventure. 

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Bird’s Aphrodisiac Oyster Shack

Tallahassee

Look to the name of this Tallahassee staple for a hint as to how their grouper sandwich will make you feel. Fried or grilled, you can’t go wrong when the perfectly-seasoned fish is sandwiched between two golden brioche buns.

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Dockside Seafood Restaurant

Jacksonville Beach

Perched in a crook off the Intracoastal, this Jacksonville go-to has built a cult following on the reputation of its fresh-off-the-boat fish sandwiches, with classic grouper a star attraction. Order a basket with fries and watch the boats go by. 

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Frenchy’s

Pinellas County

With five locations in Pinellas County, Frenchy’s does up a grouper sandwich in more ways than most (reuben, Cajun, buffalo, et al). For a real boat-to-table experience, head to the Clearwater Beach docks from 8 to noon to see the arrival of Frenchy’s fleet hauling in line-caught grouper daily.

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Big Ray’s Fish Camp

Tampa

Chef Raymond “Nick” spent his summers growing up fishing, cleaning and cooking alongside his grandpa just blocks away from where he is now serving up fresh fish and legit grouper sandwiches on the daily. Round out your plate with their fried Key lime pie for a fully-Floridian meal.

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Grouper & Chips

Naples

They’ve been offering grouper sandwiches between challah bread for nearly three decades from this strip mall spot north of downtown Naples. You can add a slice of American for a bit of McD’s nostalgia.

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The Snook Inn

Marco Island

It’s worth the trip up to the northern end of Marco Island just for a margarita under the chickee hut, with its view of dolphins jumping in the inlet. The good news is that the grouper sandwich is also excellent, especially the fried version, with its crispy edges jutting well outside the bun.

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Keys Fisheries

Marathon

Considering the never-ending crowds and its spot just off the Overseas Highway, you would be mistaken to write off this roadside Keys spot as a tourist trap. Although most notably known for the lobster reuben, they serve up one of the best fish sandwiches in the state, and the grouper hand-held just might be your new fave.

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For more of our Florida food finds, click here.

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