10 Hole-In-The-Wall Ohio Seafood Shacks Locals Swear Are Better Than Fancy Restaurants
Ohio might be landlocked, but that hasn’t stopped locals from building a thriving seafood scene that rivals any coastal town. Hidden in strip malls, tucked along lakefronts, and squeezed into unassuming buildings, these seafood shacks serve up fresh catches that’ll make you forget about white tablecloths and overpriced menus.
After years of exploring, I’ve found the places where the fish is at its freshest, the flavors pack a punch, and the atmosphere is way more lively than any upscale restaurant.
1. Jolly Roger Seafood House
Walking into this place feels like stepping onto a pirate ship that decided to settle down in Port Clinton. The nautical decor isn’t trying too hard, and that’s exactly what makes it charming.
You’ll find this gem at 1737 East Perry Street, Port Clinton, OH 43452, and trust me, it’s worth the drive.
Their Lake Erie perch is what dreams are made of—lightly breaded, perfectly crispy, and so fresh you’d think they caught it that morning. The portions are generous enough to share, but you probably won’t want to.
Their tartar sauce has a secret kick that locals refuse to let them change.
What really sets this spot apart is the no-nonsense service and prices that won’t make your wallet cry. The staff treats regulars and newcomers exactly the same: like family who showed up hungry.
On weekends, expect a wait, but the picnic tables outside make it easy to enjoy the lakeside breeze while you do.
2. Berardi’s Restaurant
Family recipes passed down through generations are the secret weapon at this Ashtabula treasure. Since 1977, the Berardi family has been frying up some of the best seafood on Ohio’s north coast.
Located at 4000 Lake Road East, Ashtabula, OH 44004, this spot looks modest from the outside but delivers knockout flavors inside.
Their fish and chips could convert anyone into a seafood lover. The batter is light and crispy without being greasy, and the fish inside stays flaky and moist.
But here’s the insider tip: order the walleye almondine if it’s available as a special.
The dining room has that comfortable, lived-in feel where mismatched chairs and faded photographs on the walls tell stories of decades feeding hungry locals. Prices remain stuck in a better era, which means you can feed a family without taking out a loan.
The coleslaw is homemade daily, and their hush puppies disappear faster than they can make them during the Friday fish fry.
3. Dock’s Beach House Bar & Grille
Sandals are acceptable footwear here, and that should tell you everything about the vibe. Right on the shores of Lake Erie at 1968 Cleveland Road West, Huron, OH 44839, this place nails the beach bar aesthetic without feeling like a tourist trap.
Sand between your toes and seafood on your plate—what more could you want?
Their blackened mahi tacos are legendary among regulars, topped with a mango salsa that brings just enough sweetness to balance the spice. The shrimp baskets come piled high, and they don’t skimp on the cocktail sauce.
During sunset, grab a spot on the outdoor deck and watch the sky turn pink while you work through their steamer bucket.
Live music on weekends adds to the laid-back atmosphere, and the bartenders pour drinks with a heavy hand. Kids love the casual environment where spills aren’t a catastrophe, and parents appreciate the reasonable prices.
The fried calamari stays tender instead of rubbery, proving they know their way around seafood preparation better than restaurants charging triple the price.
4. Brennan’s Fish House
Simplicity done right is the motto at this Cleveland institution. You won’t find fancy presentations or complicated sauces here—just perfectly cooked fish that speaks for itself.
Head to 4626 State Road, Cleveland, OH 44109, and prepare for a seafood experience that strips away the pretension and focuses on what matters: quality and flavor.
Their broiled salmon is a masterclass in restraint. Seasoned with just butter, lemon, and herbs, it lets the fish shine through without drowning it in unnecessary additions.
The grilled swordfish steak comes thick and juicy, with char marks that add a smoky depth.
What I love most is how the staff actually knows their menu inside and out. Ask about the catch of the day, and you’ll get honest recommendations based on what came in freshest.
The sides rotate seasonally, but the roasted vegetables and wild rice pilaf are standouts. Portions are substantial without being wasteful, and the prices make you wonder how they stay in business.
This is the kind of place where quality beats quantity, though you get plenty of both.
5. Pickle Bill’s Lobster House
Lobster in Ohio sounds suspicious until you taste what they’re serving at this Grand River landmark. Perched right on the water at 101 River Street, Grand River, OH 44045, this quirky spot has been slinging seafood since the 1970s.
The building itself looks like it survived a few storms, which only adds to its authentic charm.
Their Maine lobster gets flown in fresh, and they prepare it a dozen different ways. The lobster roll is overstuffed with sweet meat and just enough mayo to hold it together.
But the real showstopper is their Lake Erie perch sandwich, which locals argue is the best in the state.
The outdoor seating overlooks the marina, where you can watch boats come and go between bites. Inside, the walls are covered with nautical knick-knacks and signed dollar bills from visitors spanning decades.
Service is friendly in that small-town way where everyone seems to know everyone. Prices are fair considering the quality, and the portions ensure nobody leaves hungry.
Their clam chowder on a cold day might just change your life.
6. Thimmes Fish Shack
Calling this place a shack is accurate and also completely unfair to how good the food is. Tucked away at 4915 East Lake Road, Sheffield Lake, OH 44054, this little spot punches way above its weight class.
The building looks like a strong wind might knock it over, but the kitchen produces seafood that would make coastal chefs jealous.
Their beer-battered cod is crispy perfection, with a golden crust that shatters at first bite. The fish inside stays incredibly moist, and they serve it with homemade chips that are dangerously addictive.
Their shrimp scampi comes swimming in garlic butter that you’ll want to drink with a straw.
Seating is limited to a handful of picnic tables, so timing matters if you want to avoid the rush. But the wait is always worth it because everything gets cooked to order.
The owners clearly care about every plate that leaves the kitchen. Prices are almost absurdly low for the quality, making this a regular stop for anyone who knows good seafood.
Cash only, so hit the ATM before you go.
7. Eadie’s Fish House
Cleveland’s west side has been keeping this secret close to their chest for years. Located at 16119 Hilliard Road, Lakewood, OH 44107, Eadie’s has that neighborhood joint energy where regulars have their own bar stools and the staff remembers your order.
The space is tiny, but the flavors are enormous.
Their walleye fingers are addictive little strips of heaven, fried until golden and served with a zesty remoulade that elevates every bite. The fish tacos come loaded with fresh slaw and a chipotle aioli that brings just enough heat.
They also smoke their own salmon on-site, and it’s worth ordering as an appetizer even if you’re not usually a smoked fish person.
What makes this place special is the attention to detail. They hand-cut their fries, make their sauces from scratch, and refuse to use frozen seafood.
The daily specials board always features something interesting, from grilled octopus to pan-seared scallops. Portions are generous without being wasteful, and the prices reflect a genuine desire to feed the neighborhood well rather than maximize profits.
8. Kai’s Crab Boil
Messy eating is not just accepted here—it’s encouraged. At 2232 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights, OH 44118, Kai’s brings Louisiana-style seafood boils to Ohio with authentic spices and generous portions.
Bibs are provided, and you’ll definitely need one because things get wonderfully chaotic when your seafood bag arrives at the table.
Choose your seafood, pick your spice level, and watch as they dump everything into a bag with corn, potatoes, and sausage. The garlic butter sauce is dangerously good, and even the mild spice level has a pleasant kick.
Snow crab legs come cracked and ready to eat, while the crawfish are seasoned so perfectly you’ll keep reaching for more despite burning your fingers.
The atmosphere is loud, fun, and completely unpretentious. Families, college students, and everyone in between crowd around communal tables covered with butcher paper.
They pour your seafood directly onto the table, and you eat with your hands like civilized society never happened. Prices are reasonable considering you get pounds of seafood, and the experience alone is worth the visit.
Bring cash for tips because your server will work hard keeping your drinks full.
9. Boil Shack
Columbus finally got a seafood boil spot worth shouting about when this place opened at 1441 Parsons Avenue, Columbus, OH 43207. The concept is similar to other boil joints, but the execution here is noticeably better.
They don’t cut corners on seafood quality, and the spice blends taste custom rather than generic.
Their signature Boil Shack sauce hits all the right notes—buttery, garlicky, with a cayenne kick that builds gradually. The shrimp are consistently large and perfectly cooked, never rubbery or overdone.
Adding the king crab legs is pricey but worth the splurge for special occasions. The sausage they include is actually good quality, not the cheap stuff other places use as filler.
Service is fast and friendly, with staff happy to adjust spice levels or make recommendations. The space is bright and clean, with a fun vibe that works for date nights or family dinners.
They offer combination platters that let you sample multiple seafood types without committing to pounds of one thing. Prices are fair for the portion sizes, and they frequently run specials that make already reasonable prices even better.
Takeout is popular, but eating there ensures everything stays hot and fresh.
10. DeMore’s Offshore Bar & Grill
Nothing says Ohio summer like sitting on a deck overlooking Lake Erie with a basket of fried fish in front of you. At 1000 North Buck Road, Rossford, OH 43460, DeMore’s captures that perfect lakeside dining experience without the tourist trap pricing or attitude.
Boats dock right next to the restaurant, and the whole place has that relaxed marina energy.
Their perch dinner is a local favorite, featuring multiple fillets fried to golden perfection with a light, crispy coating. The coleslaw is tangy and fresh, cutting through the richness of the fried fish beautifully.
They also grill a mean salmon that comes with seasonal vegetables and rice pilaf, proving they can handle preparations beyond the fryer.
The outdoor bar area gets lively on weekends, with live music and a crowd that knows how to have a good time. Inside, the dining room offers lake views and a slightly quieter atmosphere for those who prefer conversation with their dinner.
Service is attentive without being intrusive, and the menu offers enough variety to please seafood lovers and landlubbers alike. Sunset views are spectacular, making reservations smart during peak season.