If you’re looking for fresh oysters, fried fish, or other local favorites from Apalachicola Bay, it’s hard to go wrong with this little eatery. Hole in the Wall Seafood is easy to miss, tucked behind one of the blocks facing the Apalachicola River. It’s just a quick jaunt away from the Oyster City Brewing Company and a slew of small local shops, making it a convenient stop when you’re spending a day exploring the town.
Visitors report mouthwatering food but very inconsistent service. You might wait half an hour or more to be acknowledged or seated if you visit when it’s busy, and the staff isn’t always the most accommodating. With that said, their food is consistently fresh, hot, and delectable. Oysters on the half shell are one of the most popular menu items, but you’ll also find piping hot fresh shrimp, chicken, fish, or crab baskets, fish sandwiches, and burgers for the not-so-seafood inclined.
Seating here is limited to four tables and several bar stools, so visiting at peak hours can be a gamble. They do offer patio seating, and the tap room bar is a fun option. The dining area isn’t always the cleanest, so don’t expect a five-star dining experience. The decor is cozy, local, fishy, and fun. If you’re looking for a reliably tasty oyster run that won’t break the bank, Hole in the Wall might be the perfect stop.
Some of our favorite menu items include…
Oysters
The raw oysters served up here are fresh, flavorful, and delicious. They’re also available steamed, baked (with parmesan garlic or bacon, jalapeño, and cheddar topping), or Rockefeller-style. Many guests note that these are the best oysters they’ve ever eaten anywhere in the U.S., and they make a point to stop anytime they’re in the area.
Fried Grouper Basket
Hole in the Wall serves up freshly caught grouper (actual grouper, as opposed to the other fish sometimes served as grouper). It’s seasoned, breaded, and fried up with a generous helping of fries and house-made tartar sauce. It’s hard to go wrong with that combination. This is one of the most popular menu items after the oysters, and for good reason: you can expect hot, fresh, flaky fish every time.
Gumbo
The gumbo packs a powerful punch. It’s loaded with sausage, chicken, shrimp, and the perfect seasoning blend–just enough spice. The perfect pairing to go with a drink from the Hole in the Wall Tap Room.
Dessert
Hole in the Wall’s chocolate mousse cheesecake and key lime pie are also fan favorites. Portions of these desserts aren’t huge, but they are rich and satisfying–the perfect finish to a savory seafood dinner.
The kid’s menu doesn’t offer a very wide selection, though they do offer grilled cheese sandwiches and chicken strips in kid-sized portions. The cheeseburgers are also a hit with younger visitors.
Location
Hole in the Wall Seafood is located just a couple of blocks from the Apalachicola River bridge. It’s a short walk from Battery Park and the fishing pier.
Insider Tip:
Did you get lucky while fishing? Some diners have reported they brought their fresh catch in to have it prepared here–with excellent results.