Backwater Fins - Carte

Kelly's Half Shell Pub

➤ 390 N Suncoast Blvd, Crystal River I-34429-5466, United States

Carte • Pubs • Irish • Burgers • American

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"My husband and I have stayed in Crystal River three times while visiting family in Tampa and always enjoy the laidback, retro atmosphere. Usually we drive down from Georgia on Sunday or Monday; we have discovered those are not good restaurant days in Crystal River and it took some looking on Tripadvisor to find one open on Monday. Kelly’s turned out to be a happy discovery! Although it is a lively pub the acoustics are good and there is no loud music. Our server was most pleasant and efficient, with a short wait for our food. I am a connoisseur of lobster rolls, Key West lobster rolls being the measure of excellence. Kelly’s East Coast style lobster roll is a close second and my husband said his lightly-battered fish and chips were excellent. We shall return!"

Tea House 650 Cafe

➤ 650 N Citrus Ave (at Hwy 19), Crystal River, Florida, USA, 34428, United States

Carte • Tea • Coffee • American • North American

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"we had a nice lunch on Thursday. now they are only on Thursday, Friday, Saturday open) the inner was full when we arrived. it was very hot to sit outside. we sat on the bar. They waited for us quickly. we had tasted some of the specialties already made. my mother-in-law had the quiche and the salat. we both thought the quiche was delicious. neither of us liked the arugula earlyling mix salat. only not our preference. the teehaus panini with the suppe du jour chicken rice) was wonderful. I had the sauce on the side, only for the case, it was very filled. we bought some suppen mixes, and of course tees. it is a great place to eat near the shopping in crystal river. I'm going back. check the hours before they leave."

Bubbaque's Crystal River

➤ 631 N Citrus Ave, Crystal River I-34428-3922, United States

Carte • Pizza • Pasta • American • Barbecue

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"Listen, be careful about reading bad reviews. Sometimes (not always there might be an ulterior motive to the bad review. Honestly, There were three of us dining today, and we all got different meals. The turkey dinner was fantastic. Some of the best steamed broccoli I’ve ever had. The turkey was Juicy and seasoned perfectly, and a very big helping I may add. Pulled pork dinner was also very good Also, like that, you can pick your own barbecue sauce to go on it nice touch. Third dinner was a chicken sandwich with fries. One word, •••••••delicious!!! Our server, who, by the way, was extremely nice, Persuading us into dessert (wink wink And we’re glad she did. Fried Oreos or amazing and funnel fries••••out of this world!!!! Here’s a tip though Pay with cash because if you pay with credit card you’re going to be stuck with the 2.5% charge On top of your bill. To me it’s no big deal just paying cash but to some people it is a turn off that’s the only thing I would change about this place"

The Crab Plant

➤ 201 NW 5th St, 34428, Crystal River, United States

Carte • Cheese • Seafood • American • North American

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"Let’s start with the positives: the server was very attentive, the food arrived quickly, and everything was served hot. Despite being busy, the restaurant managed its operations well. However, there were a few downsides. The shrimp, which came fried in the trio, were cooked for a bit too long and ended up being quite tough. While it wasn't a dealbreaker, I just wanted to mention it without making a fuss at the restaurant. Additionally, the cheeses could have used more salt, and the portion sizes were on the smaller side. Overall, the food was average in terms of flavor and seasoning compared to what I tried from my family's plates; I was hoping for a bit more. Lastly, they only accept cash, which is clearly indicated, so it's not really a complaint—just a personal preference since I'd rather pay with a card."

Cajun Jimmy's Seafood Seller Cafe

➤ 300 SE US Highway 19, Crystal River, United States

Carte • Cafe • Creole • American • North American

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"We arrived about 5 pm on a Sunday and had about a 20 minute wait. We tried sitting at the bar but it's pretty high compared to the seats we were sitting in.I wondered about this place since it's in a strip mall but it so exceeded expectations. We had a few encounters with several employees, hostess, waitress ours was named Heavenly and she really was a delight), manager I didn't catch her name when she told me cause it was loud with the kitchen doors opening), food runners, bar runner, bartender, and all of them were friendly. The placemats and online talk about everyone being treated like family. We saw and experienced that.We tried and loved the fish spread! They make it with smoked amberjack and habanero peppers. The heat isn't front and center. It appears at the end of the bite and not overpowering.The salads were fresh, cold and crisp with lettuce, tomatoes and bell peppers.My husband enjoyed the oysters on the half shell.I had the blackened grouper with steamed broccoli and my husband had the stuffed shrimp with steamed broccoli. The broccoli was cooked perfect and was a pretty green color. We asked for melted butter to pour over it. The grouper was cooked perfect and wasn't fishy tasting or smelling. It was nice and fresh off their boat s). The shrimp was wrapped in bacon with a bit of blue crab cake, then battered and fried. The coating adhered to the shrimp and stuffing and was a nice golden brown.Every bit of food we saw being carried to the tables, from appetizers to dessert, looked magnificent.They also have a fish counter where you can buy fresh seafood to take home and cook. We saw some seasonings, sauces and frozen prepackaged boudin in the case for sale also.By the time we had 2 entrees, 2 appetizers and a bottle of wine for $38 our total was over $100.We visited again, August 2023, about 5pm on a Sunday and had about a 20 minute wait just like in January 2023. We ordered the delicious fish spread again ?. We both ordered shrimp and grits. The waitress asked if we wanted cheese on top so we said sure. Cheese wasn't mentioned on the menu. They put lots of sautéed onions and bell peppers on top of the grits. So my husband scooped most of his off. The shrimp have a nice seasoning. They are served with the tales still on instead of mixed in with the grits like I've had at other places. Not that that's bad it's just an FYI for anybody who'd like to know ahead of time. My husband enjoyed the slice of warmed bourbon pecan pie. They make the pralines there. We bought 2 to bring home. They are packed full of pecans! So was the pecan pie. When we got the check the shrimp and grits were $24 a plate instead of $21 like the menu showed. I asked our waitress and she said she hasn't worked there that long and was told to ask if people want cheese but didn't know there's an extra charge. She spoke with the manager and they took the extra charge off. That was nice of them to do since the menu doesn't have that listed nor did the waitress know to tell us. Extra charge for cheese is commonplace in lots of restaurants however $3 for cheese is absolutely ridiculous!!!Dietary restrictions: The main menu says to ask about their gluten free menu.Parking: With the restaurant in a strip mall there is a big parking lot with room for small cars to 18 wheelers and vehicles pulling boats.Kid-friendliness: They had a couple things on the kids menu."