Philippi Creek Oyster Bar, 5353 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota

Thanks to a librarian in South Carolina, the seafood boil can be traced back to the ‘60s, when a shrimper named Richard Gay threw his daily catch and a bunch of leftovers into a pot–calling it a day and unknowingly starting a time-honored tradition. The summer classic varies from state to state, some adding beer, others dousing in Old Bay seasoning but the tried and true trifecta seems to be agreed upon: corn, potatoes and an assortment of local seafood.

The King’s Boil Boat at Philippi Creek Oyster Bar and Restaurant starts with corn and potatoes and just keeps the seafood coming. Lobster tails, king crab legs, peel & eat shrimp and mussels are piled sky-high and served unironically in the only vessel large enough to fit it all–a mini boat. It would appear their chef made a delicious decision regarding the seafood element that diners shouldn’t have to settle for just one featured fish. Swimming in a veritable sea of sweet, melted butter, garlic and parsley, the boil is fit for a table of four or one King Triton. Garnishing the top of this mullusk mountain is an entire baguette of garlic bread and more melty butter is provided to dip your hard-earned king crab.

The perfect end to a day out on the water, bring a table full of friends and some clothes you don’t mind getting messy and set sail on the tastiest boat ride you’ll ever have–on land. Philippi Creek Oyster Bar is open everyday from 11am to 9pm.

Philippi Creek Oyster Bar, 5353 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota

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