"Iconic" Florida Waterfront Bar & Grill Shuckers To Be Replaced With Upscale Hotel. Patrons Unhappy

Photo byInstagram Screenshot, shuckersmiami

Florida has several waterfront eateries that have graced the Sunshine State for many years and become part of the landscape. A few examples are Rusty Bellies and Captain Jacks. However, one casual eatery in this genre, Shuckers, is closing to make way for an upscale hotel and eatery and some Floridians are not happy about it.

About Shuckers: The website for this Miami Beach eatery calls itself "iconic." Located on the island of North Bay Village, it has been serving the community for 30 years.

Shuckers is laid back, with TVs to watch a game and drinks for a festive atmosphere. There's also a beautiful view and comfort foods like wings and fresh seafood. Boaters can enjoy the eatery's "sail away" menu right on their boat.

Miami Beach patrons have reviewed Shuckers over 5,300 times. Many praise the views and some noted the "old Florida" feel. A reviewer named Vanessa wrote, in part:

"Shuckers is one of the few waterfront restaurants that still has that true old Florida feel in Miami! Beautiful bay views, especially around sunset in the early evening..."

The Closure And New Hotel And Eatery: In 2023, it was announced that as part of new development, Shuckers would be rebuilt, and a neighboring Best Western would be knocked down and replaced with a high rise.

However, in the summer of 2024, it was announced that Shuckers would close by the end of 2024 and be replaced with an upscale hotel and eatery.

The new development will be called Palm Tree Club and will have a restaurant and 118 upscale suites.

Some Patrons Are Unhappy: In an Instagram post by the Miami New Times, some patrons expressed their displeasure. A poster named Davey wrote:

"If you grew up here, everything you knew is being replaced."

And someone named Johnny James wrote:

"Can we not just have chill spots anymore? Shuckers is an institution. Big loss."

The author is not affiliated with Shuckers or any other restaurants.