Seafood galore at Crystal River

Sam's Crystal River Seafood specializes in, yes, seafood.
Photo Submitted by Kha'Mari Mitchell.

Sizzling, golden-fried pollock and shrimp rest next to a baked potato while two jumbo crab cakes and their secret sauce sit on the edge of the plate. This entree can be found on the lunch menu with many other dishes all for just $12. 

Seafood any way one can imagine is exactly what Sam’s Crystal River seafood  specializes in. From gator tail and shrimp scampi to frog legs and calamari, Sam’s wants to please every seafood craving that one might have.

Offering specials for active and retired military and also having a senior menu, Sam’s prices are affordable and definitely college-student friendly.

It’s been my experience growing up in Florida that coming across low seafood prices is not common because there is such a high demand all year round. To have fresh, reasonably priced seafood in Tallahassee and as close as North Monroe Street is amazing.

Unlike most seafood restaurant Sam’s doesn't have a fresh catch every day but it does cater and meet requests that customers have if they want a specific fish. Recently most customers have requested mullet so that is the fresh catch that has been displayed.

Having more than just seafood Sam’s can satisfy just about any craving including pasta , chicken and certified Angus ribeye entrees.

Catering to all ages, the kids menu offers fried shrimp, fish, corn dog, mac and cheese, chicken strips and bite size shrimp. Just incase one might have a sweet tooth after all that seafood the restaurant features  homemade Key lime pie and peanut butter pie. They also sell whole pies for those who want to enjoy a slice at home.

Sam’s father founded a seafood restaurant two blocks from the St. Johns River in Jacksonville. Following in his footsteps Sam Bajalia Jr bought the family business to Tallahassee. In 1987 when Sam’s Crystal River Seafood Restaurant opened. Having opened four restaurants in Florida, Alabama and Georgia over the last 10 years, this family oriented restaurant takes pride in  its food and quality of service.

Sam’s Crystal River Seafood Restaurant Tallahassee is located at 2721 North Monroe St., just south of I-10.