Top Spots for Fresh Seafood and Crustaceans in Cleveland, MS

The Best Places for Fresh Seafood and Crustaceans in Cleveland, MS

Cleveland, Mississippi is a seaside city known for its amazing Southern cuisine. And when it comes to fresh seafood and crustaceans, Cleveland has no shortage of great local spots to get your fix. From boiled crawfish to hand-breaded shrimp, you'll find delicious coastal flavors throughout the city.

The Mississippi Delta has blessed Cleveland with access to incredible seafood from the Gulf of Mexico. Locals have perfected recipes for cooking up crabs, oysters, shrimp and more that have been passed down for generations.

Whether you're a Cleveland native or just visiting, be sure to check out these top restaurants, markets and shacks for the city's best crustaceans and fresh coastal dishes:

1. Airport Grocery

Airport Grocery is a local favorite for boiled seafood feasts. Load up on hot, spicy crawfish, snow crab legs, mussels and clams by the pound. They also have po' boys, seafood platters and homemade sides like potato salad and gumbo. Get your seafood to go or dine at their casual counter.

2. Delta Fast Food

This aptly-named spot serves up seafood with speedy service. Pop in for crispy shrimp baskets, oyster po' boys, and catfish fillets. Be sure to also try their shrimp burger topped with house tartar sauce. Make it a meal with fries and coleslaw.

3. Hayes Restaurant

Hayes Restaurant is upscale dining with an emphasis on quality local seafood. Their seasonal menu features favorites like seafood stuffed snapper, crab cakes, and fresh raw oysters on the half shell. You'll also find steak and chicken dishes with a touch of coastal flavor.

4. Blue Crab Seafood Market

This seafood market inside Shelby's IGA is your one-stop shop for fresh crustaceans and fish in Cleveland. Pick up live blue crabs, head-on Gulf shrimp, crawfish, and more. You can also have seafood boiled on-site to take home ready to eat.

5. The Shrimp Basket

True to its name, The Shrimp Basket serves up all things shrimp. Crunchy fried shrimp, shrimp po' boys, and butterfly shrimp plates are all house specialties. But they also have oysters, catfish, and chicken for those who want a break from shrimp.

6. Capt. Joe's Seafood

Capt. Joe's Seafood is a low-key seafood market with an amazing selection. Snag fresh shrimp, oysters, crabmeat and crawfish sourced right from the Gulf. Ask for cooking tips or have your seafood steamed while you wait. Outdoor picnic tables make for seaside dining.

7. New South Seafood

New South Seafood is a Cleveland institution known for boiling up massive seafood feasts. Their outdoor tables allow you to get hands-on with buckets of head-on shrimp, snow crab legs, mussels, crawfish and Dungeness crab. Bring an empty stomach!

8. Schooner's

With a lively environment and nautical theme, Schooner's nails coastal cuisine. Must-try menu items include their famous seafood gumbo, fried crab claws, and Low Country shrimp and grits. Daily specials keep things fresh.

9. Delta Bistro

For fine dining with French flair, Delta Bistro elevates Gulf seafood to new heights. Seared scallops with truffle risotto and lobster ravioli in champagne cream sauce exemplify their mastery. Save room for the bread pudding.

10. The Boiling Pot

The Boiling Pot brings a taste of Louisiana to Cleveland with steaming pots of crawfish, shrimp, snow crab and more. Kids will love dumping out their boil on newspaper covered tables. Add some corn and potatoes for the full experience.

Popular Types of Seafood and Crustaceans in Cleveland

From the Gulf Coast waters, Cleveland enjoys an abundance of amazing seafood. Here are some of the top varieties found on local menus and in markets:

Shrimp

Plump, juicy shrimp are a staple in Cleveland. Large Gulf shrimp are perfect for boiling, frying, grilling or sauteing. Locals love shrimp po' boys, shrimp and grits, and classic shrimp cocktail.

Crawfish

These small, spicy crustaceans are perfect for boiling up for a feast. Crawfish boils with corn, potatoes and andouille sausage are a Cleveland tradition. Just be ready to peel your own shells!

Blue Crabs

Cleveland seafood joints pride themselves on live, local blue crabs simply steamed or boiled and served with melty butter. Cracking into blue crab claws and picking the sweet meat is a satisfying experience.

Oysters

Fresh, briny oysters from the Gulf are a delicacy in Cleveland. They're served roasted, fried or raw on the half shell with tangy mignonette sauce. Locals debate the best oyster hangouts.

Catfish

In Cleveland, catfish is king. Farm-raised or caught wild, catfish filets are turned into crispy fried plates, po' boys, tacos and more. When done right, the sweet, mild flavor of catfish shines.

Soft Shell Crabs

A seasonal treat, soft shell crabs are blue crabs that have recently molted. Cleveland chefs lightly fry or saut these delicacies to crispy perfection. Their sweet crab flavor in an edible soft shell is divine.

Tips for Cooking Seafood at Home

Want to recreate your favorite coastal dishes at home? Here are some tips for handling and cooking seafood like a pro:

Buy Fresh

Quality ingredients are key. Inspect seafood for freshness and buy from reputable sellers. Look for clear eyes on whole fish and tight, firm shells on crustaceans.

Store Properly

Keep seafood very cold, close to 32 F. Use ice or freezer packs if transporting it. Don't let it sit at room temperature longer than 2 hours total.

Prep Appropriately

Rinse clams, mussels and oysters before cooking. Peel and devein shrimp. Scale fish and remove gills and guts. Cut away soft shells on crabs.

Know Cooking Times

Seafood cooks fast, often just 3-4 minutes per side. Set a timer and don't overcook. Check for opaque, flaky fish and reddish shells on crustaceans.

Use Proper Methods

Grilling, broiling, pan searing, and light frying are all good cooking methods. Baked fish stays moist if wrapped in parchment.

Consider Safe Handling

Practice safe handling techniques to avoid contamination or foodborne illness. Disinfect areas, wash hands, prevent cross-contamination and refrigerate all leftovers.

Where to Buy Fresh Seafood in Cleveland

You have ample options for sourcing fresh, high-quality seafood around Cleveland:

Supermarkets

Major grocery store chains like Kroger, Publix and Walmart stock fresh seafood. Look for Gulf shrimp, catfish, frozen crab and more. Inspect carefully.

Seafood Markets

Visit local seafood markets like Blue Crab Seafood, Capt. Joe's Seafood and New South Seafood for the day's catch. Many will also cook, fry or boil your order.

Farmers Markets

The Cleveland Farmers Market and other seasonal markets have vendors selling locally farmed catfish and shellfish. Ask how items were

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.