San Antonio's Best Fried Shrimp [Updated 2024]

Having tasted my way through 15 amazing spots, I can confidently say that San Antonio boasts some truly unforgettable fried shrimp dishes.

From classic Southern-style preparations to innovative local twists, there’s something for every palate to enjoy.

In this article, I will highlight my top choices, sharing what makes each dish stand out.

Whether you’re a lifelong shrimp lover or just curious to try something new, I promise you’ll find your next favorite meal right here.

So, let’s dive into the savory, crispy world of fried shrimp in San Antonio!

Bill Miller's Laguna Madre Seafood Company

Highlights
Great service
Quick meal delivery
Freshly cooked food
Generous portion sizes
Highly recommended fish tacos

Stepping into Bill Miller's Laguna Madre Seafood Company felt like diving into a coastal paradise right in the heart of San Antonio. I was immediately greeted by the friendly staff who ensured my dining experience started on a high note. I ordered their famous fried shrimp, and let me tell you—each bite was a celebration of freshness! The shrimp were perfectly cooked to golden perfection, which made them irresistibly crispy on the outside while remaining juicy on the inside.

What really stood out was the generous portion size; it’s not a meal that'll leave you hungry. The shrimp paired beautifully with their zesty cocktail sauce, adding just the right kick. While I was there, I couldn’t resist slipping in a side order of their highly recommended fish tacos—a decision I absolutely don’t regret! They were a delightful complement to the star of the show.

If you're in the mood for a quick meal without compromising quality, this spot is a must-visit. With excellent service and a menu brimming with fresh ingredients, Bill Miller’s has clearly earned its place as one of the best spots for fried shrimp in San Antonio!

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Sea Island Shrimp House

Highlights
Excellent casual atmosphere
Friendly and helpful staff
Affordable family dining
Homemade-tasting hush puppies
Spacious parking availability

Sea Island Shrimp House quickly became a delightful haven during my pursuit of the best fried shrimp in San Antonio. As soon as I stepped inside, the casual yet welcoming atmosphere enveloped me, making it the perfect spot for families and food lovers alike. The friendly and attentive staff greeted me with warm smiles, setting the tone for an enjoyable dining experience.

Now, let’s talk about the star of the show—the fried shrimp! The moment they arrived, I was captivated by their golden, crispy allure. Each bite was a perfect blend of crunch and tender, succulent shrimp. To complement this fantastic dish, the homemade-tasting hush puppies were nothing short of addictive. I found myself savoring every bite, wishing for a bottomless basket!

One of the best aspects of Sea Island is its affordability, making it ideal for a family dining experience without breaking the bank. Plus, I appreciated the spacious parking availability, which made my visit all the more convenient. If you're on the hunt for exceptional fried shrimp, this charming gem in San Antonio should definitely be at the top of your list!

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The Lighthouse Seafood

Highlights
Delicious food
Friendly atmosphere
Great value
Clean restaurant
Large portions

From the moment I walked into The Lighthouse Seafood, I knew I was in for a treat. The aroma of delicious, sizzling fried shrimp filled the air, instantly making my taste buds dance with anticipation.

The staff greeted me with warm smiles and made me feel right at home in their friendly and welcoming atmosphere. As I perused the menu, I was pleased to find that the prices were very reasonable, offering great value for the quality of the food.

I ordered their famous fried shrimp, and boy, was I impressed! Each bite was a burst of flavor, with a crispy outer coating and a perfectly tender interior. The shrimp were large and succulent, a true seafood lover's delight.

The restaurant itself was spotless, a testament to their commitment to cleanliness. The Lighthouse Seafood takes pride in their establishment, and it shows.

One thing that stood out to me was the generous portion size of the fried shrimp. They didn't skimp on the shrimp, ensuring that every customer gets their money's worth.

In conclusion, The Lighthouse Seafood is a hidden gem in San Antonio when it comes to fried shrimp. Their delicious food, friendly atmosphere, great value, and clean restaurant make it a top choice for seafood lovers. Don't miss out on this delightful experience!

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Bourbon Street Seafood Kitchen Downtown

Highlights
Amazing food
Accommodating service
Wide wine selection
Lovely scenery
Exceptional server

Let me start off by saying, the fried shrimp at Bourbon Street Seafood Kitchen Downtown is out of this world! As soon as I took my first bite, I knew I had found a hidden gem in the heart of San Antonio.

The restaurant itself had a charming and cozy atmosphere, adorned with rustic decor that gave it a Cajun twist. The scenery was lovely, with dim lighting and soft jazz playing in the background, transporting me to the streets of New Orleans.

The service was nothing short of exceptional. From the moment I walked in, the staff made me feel welcome and went out of their way to accommodate my every need. Our server was attentive and friendly, making recommendations from their wide selection of wines to complement our meal.

Now, let's talk about the star of the show: the fried shrimp. Each piece was cooked to perfection, with a golden crispy coating that gave way to succulent and tender shrimp inside. The flavor was nothing short of amazing, a delicate balance of spices and seasonings that added a delightful kick to each bite.

But what truly made Bourbon Street Seafood Kitchen Downtown stand out was the attention to detail. The dish was beautifully plated, showcasing the chef's artistic flair while also ensuring that every bite was a feast for the eyes.

In conclusion, if you're on the hunt for the best fried shrimp in San Antonio, look no further than Bourbon Street Seafood Kitchen Downtown. With its amazing food, accommodating service, wide wine selection, and lovely scenery, this restaurant truly delivers a dining experience that is hard to beat.

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Rudy's Seafood

Highlights
Great seafood
Delicious
Plenty of food
Exceptional portions
Reasonable pricing

From the moment I stepped inside Rudy's Seafood, I knew I was in for a treat. The aroma of great seafood wafted through the air, tantalizing my taste buds and igniting my enthusiasm. I eagerly placed my order for their famous fried shrimp, excited to see if it lived up to its reputation.

When my plate arrived, I couldn't help but be amazed by the sheer deliciousness set before me. The golden-brown batter had been expertly fried to perfection, creating a crispy exterior that gave way to succulent, tender shrimp. Each bite was a delightful explosion of flavors, a joyful dance of textures that left me wanting more.

What impressed me the most about Rudy's Seafood was the generous portion size. There was certainly no shortage of food here! The exceptional portions ensured that every penny was well spent, leaving me feeling fully satisfied with a happy, contented belly.

And speaking of value, I was pleasantly surprised by the reasonable pricing. Rudy's Seafood offers an incredible culinary experience without breaking the bank, making it accessible to all seafood enthusiasts.

In conclusion, my visit to Rudy's Seafood was a delightful and memorable experience. With its great seafood, delicious fried shrimp, plenty of food, exceptional portions, and reasonable pricing, this establishment has certainly earned its place on the list of the best fried shrimp destinations in San Antonio.

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Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen

Highlights
Exceptional food
Outstanding service
Lively atmosphere
Reasonable prices
Extensive menu options

Let me start by saying, wow! Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen truly exceeded my expectations. From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with a warm smile, setting the tone for an excellent dining experience.

The highlight of my visit was, of course, their fried shrimp. These plump, succulent morsels of goodness were perfectly breaded and fried to golden perfection. With each bite, I was met with a satisfying crunch followed by a burst of mouthwatering flavors. It was a delightful dance between the crispiness of the batter and the tender juiciness of the shrimp itself.

Not only was the food exceptional, but the service was also top-notch. The staff at Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen went above and beyond to ensure that I felt welcome and taken care of. From recommending their signature shrimp dish to promptly refilling my drink, the attentiveness demonstrated by the waitstaff was truly outstanding.

The lively atmosphere at Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen added an extra layer of enjoyment to my meal. The vibrant energy of the restaurant, coupled with the jovial chatter of fellow diners, created a spirited ambiance that made me feel right at home.

What's even better is that all of this fantastic experience comes at a reasonable price. Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen offers a wide range of menu options, giving diners plenty of choices for any budget.

If you're on a quest for the best fried shrimp in San Antonio, look no further than Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen. Their exceptional food, outstanding service, lively atmosphere, and reasonable prices make it an absolute must-visit for any seafood lover.

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Bourbon Street Seafood Kitchen

Highlights
Amazing seafood
Fresh and flavorful
Excellent service
Large portion sizes

Let me start off by saying, if you're a seafood lover like myself, then you'll absolutely fall in love with Bourbon Street Seafood Kitchen. It's a hidden gem nestled right here in San Antonio and boy, are they serving up some seriously amazing seafood!

From the moment I sat down, I could tell this was going to be a memorable experience. The aroma of freshly cooked seafood filled the air, making my mouth water with anticipation. I wasted no time in ordering their famous fried shrimp.

When the plate arrived at my table, I was blown away by the beautiful presentation. The shrimp were golden-brown, perfectly crispy, and seasoned to perfection. Fresh and flavorful is an understatement here. Each bite was a delightful explosion of flavors that danced on my taste buds.

But it wasn't just the food that stole the show. The staff at Bourbon Street Seafood Kitchen provided excellent service throughout my entire visit. They were attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable about the menu. They made me feel right at home.

Now, let's talk about portion sizes. Trust me when I say, they don't skimp on the shrimp here. The plate was filled to the brim with succulent shrimp, leaving me completely satisfied. It's safe to say that you won't leave Bourbon Street Seafood Kitchen hungry.

In conclusion, if you're on the hunt for the best fried shrimp in San Antonio, look no further than Bourbon Street Seafood Kitchen. Their incredible seafood, amazing flavors, outstanding service, and generous portion sizes make it a true standout in the city. Visit them and prepare to be blown away!

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La Playa Seafood

Highlights
Great seafood
Reasonable price
Packed during lunch hour
Best kept secret

La Playa Seafood is truly a hidden gem. Tucked away in a nondescript corner of San Antonio, this place is a well-kept secret among seafood lovers. As soon as I walked in, I was struck by the delightful aroma of freshly fried seafood that permeated the air. My taste buds were tingling with anticipation!

The menu at La Playa Seafood offers a variety of options, but the star of the show is undoubtedly their fried shrimp. These succulent morsels of goodness were perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. The shrimp were so fresh, I could practically taste the ocean with every bite.

Not only was the quality top-notch, but the prices were reasonable too. I was pleasantly surprised at how affordable their fried shrimp was compared to other seafood establishments in the area. It's a rare find to enjoy such high-quality seafood without breaking the bank.

Now, let me warn you, La Playa Seafood gets packed during the lunch hour. It's no surprise considering the outstanding flavor they deliver. I recommend getting there early or be prepared to wait in line. But trust me, it's absolutely worth it.

Overall, my experience at La Playa Seafood was nothing short of delightful. From the moment I walked in, I felt welcomed by the friendly staff and could tell that they take great pride in their craft. Without a doubt, La Playa Seafood is a must-visit for any fried shrimp enthusiast in San Antonio.

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Bayseas Catfish House

Highlights
Inviting experience
Fantastic food
Friendly staff
Excellent service
Amazing oxtails

As I walked into Bayseas Catfish House, I instantly felt an inviting ambiance that set the stage for what turned out to be a truly memorable dining experience.

Let's talk about the food, shall we? The fried shrimp was nothing short of fantastic. Each bite was a crunchy delight, the shrimp perfectly breaded and cooked to perfection. The flavors were rich, and the batter was light and crispy, adding a satisfying contrast to the succulent shrimp. It was a true seafood lover's dream come true.

The staff at Bayseas Catfish House were incredibly friendly and attentive. They made the entire dining experience even more enjoyable with their warm smiles and willingness to cater to our every need. Their service was nothing short of excellent.

Speaking of service, did I mention the oxtails? I know this review is about fried shrimp, but I couldn't resist mentioning them. Bayseas Catfish House served some of the most amazing oxtails I've ever had. They were tender, flavorful, and fell off the bone with each bite. It was an unexpected delight that added an extra layer of excitement to the meal.

Overall, my visit to Bayseas Catfish House was an absolute delight. The inviting atmosphere, fantastic food, friendly staff, and excellent service made it a standout experience. If you're looking for the best fried shrimp in San Antonio, Bayseas Catfish House is definitely worth a visit.

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SAT Asian Seafood Restaurant & Bar

Highlights
Perfectly cooked bag boils
Amazing flavor
Great lunch specials
Delicious fried shrimp
Plenty of parking space

Walking into SAT Asian Seafood Restaurant & Bar, I immediately felt a sense of excitement. With its modern yet cozy interior, this place seemed promising. The menu boasted a variety of seafood dishes, and the fried shrimp caught my attention.

First and foremost, the fried shrimp at SAT Asian Seafood Restaurant & Bar is downright delicious. The batter was perfectly crispy, providing a satisfying crunch with each bite. The shrimp itself was tender and juicy, cooked to absolute perfection. It was evident that the chef knew their way around a frying pan.

But what sets SAT Asian Seafood Restaurant & Bar apart from the competition is the amazing flavor they infuse into their fried shrimp. Each morsel was bursting with a harmonious blend of spices and seasonings that lingered on my taste buds, leaving me craving for more.

Not only is the fried shrimp exceptional, but SAT Asian Seafood Restaurant & Bar also offers a variety of other delectable seafood options. From bag boils to lunch specials, there is something for everyone's cravings. Their attention to detail and commitment to quality shine through in every dish.

In addition to the fantastic food, SAT Asian Seafood Restaurant & Bar also scores points for the plenty of parking space available. No need to waste time circling the block, searching for a parking spot. Convenience is always a plus!

If you're on a quest for the best fried shrimp in San Antonio, SAT Asian Seafood Restaurant & Bar is a must-visit. It's a hidden gem that will delight your taste buds and leave you craving more. Trust me, you won't be disappointed.

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Fish City Grill

I must admit, I was hooked from the moment I stepped inside Fish City Grill. The atmosphere was vibrant and full of energy, making me feel like I had just stepped into a seaside paradise. But let's talk about the star of the show: their fried shrimp. These bad boys were crispy, golden, and simply irresistible. Each bite was like a culinary adventure in itself, with the perfect balance of flavors and a satisfying crunch. The shrimp were cooked to perfection, tender and juicy on the inside while maintaining a delightful crispiness on the outside. The portion size was more than generous, ensuring that I left with a happy and satisfied belly. And let's not forget about the dipping sauces! From tangy cocktail sauce to zesty tartar sauce, each one added an extra layer of deliciousness to the already amazing dish. Fish City Grill truly knows how to elevate the humble fried shrimp to a whole new level. So, if you're in San Antonio and craving some mouthwatering fried shrimp, do yourself a favor and head over to Fish City Grill. You won't be disappointed, I promise.

J Anthony's Seafood

J Anthony's Seafood in San Antonio was an absolute delight! Their fried shrimp was crispy perfection with a flavorful batter that had me licking my fingers. The shrimp were juicy and the portion size was generous. With their friendly staff and cozy atmosphere, this place is a must-visit for all shrimp lovers in San Antonio.

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. in San Antonio certainly knows how to serve up some seriously delicious fried shrimp! The variety on their menu is impressive and every option is bursting with flavor. From the crispy coating to the tender, juicy shrimp inside, it's a match made in seafood heaven. Plus, the playful atmosphere and friendly staff make dining here a fun-filled experience. Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. is definitely a top contender for the best fried shrimp in San Antonio!

Landry's Seafood House

The moment I took a bite into Landry's fried shrimp, I traveled to a world of crispy perfection. The shrimp were juicy and the batter was light and flavorful. The staff's warm hospitality and the cozy ambiance made it a delightful dining experience.

Red Hook Seafood

Red Hook Seafood in San Antonio is a hidden gem for fried shrimp enthusiasts like me. Their shrimps were perfectly seasoned and had a crunchy and succulent texture. The flavor explosion put me on cloud nine. If you're looking for the best fried shrimp in San Antonio, Red Hook Seafood won't disappoint.