"Legendary" FL Seafood Shack Lee & Rick's Oyster Bar Is A Beloved Dive In Business Since the 50s

Photo byFacebook Screenshot, Lee and Rick's Oyster Bar

Florida has no shortage of seafood dives like JB Fish Camp, The Back Porch Seafood & Oyster House, and Snack Jack to name just a few examples. However, none of the above made Southern Living's recent list of "legendary Florida restaurants," but a longtime, beloved seafood shack - Lee & Rick's Oyster Bar - did. And it has also been called one of Orlando's best seafood restaurants.

Lee & Rick's Oyster Bar: The dive and shack aesthetic of this eatery is unique in that the exterior of Lee & Rick's looks like an old barge. This eatery started in 1950 with humble beginnings. It featured a 9-stool restaurant in the front and the family's home in the back.

Because of the fresh oysters that Rick picked up from Apalachicola, the eatery gained quick success and became a local favorite. Today, the restaurant is known for its 80-foot concrete bar that seats 50 and allows patrons to see employees freshly shuck their oysters.

Lee & Rick's is still a local eatery as one of the couple's sons runs the restaurant. USA Today has called the restaurant one of Orlando's best seafood offerings.

Orlando patrons give Lee & Rick's a high 4.5 out of 5 on Google reviews, where it has been rated over 2,500 times. Many mention words like "old school," "down home," and "gem."

A reviewer named Merritt wrote:

"By far the best raw/steamed oysters I've ever had. Jennifer and Tony usually shuck (them) for us and are always friendly and accommodating. The mussels and steamed shrimp are delicious - even the crinkle fries leave me wanting more. Seafood lovers will not be disappointed!"

Is Lee & Rick's Reasonably Priced?: Seafood is pricey, and the oysters are charged at market price, but there are arguably some inexpensive options. For example, 1/2 pound of steamed shrimp is $12.95, 1/2 dozen steamed clams are $8.95, and a crawfish basket is $14.95.

The author is not affiliated with Lee & Rick's or any other restaurants.