Florida’s Forgotten Coast Stories: Indian Pass Raw Bar
Indian Pass Raw Bar | Image by James Lewis
When the universe speaks to you, listen to it.
Score Card and Beer Taps | Images by James Lewis
I have found that life usually works out better that way. Case in point, my wife Amanda and I started exploring Florida’s Forgotten Coast a few years ago based on the recommendation(s) of others. And throughout our adventures one restaurant in particular has consistently been endorsed by tourists and locals alike. So, on a recent visit to Cape San Blas, we took the hint and ventured over to the Indian Pass Raw Bar. We were extremely pleased with what we discovered.
Oddly enough it all started back in 1903 when James McNeill, Sr. founded a turpentine business (not a raw bar). He soon opened a commissary and company store to support his employees. And when Highway 30A was completed in 1929, he moved the store to its present location in between Port St. Joe and Apalachicola where his successor and son James McNeill, Jr. “Jimmie” eventually founded the Indian Pass Seafood Company which incorporated in 1982. But in 1985 Hurricane Kate changed everything. With no power and a huge inventory of seafood, Jimmie Mac (Jimmie’s son) suggested cooking and selling it by the pound rather than letting it spoil, which unofficially launched the restaurant. Even in the aftermath of Hurricane Michael (2018), the original structure still stands with an addition of a stage and courtyard which features live music in Jimmie Mac’s memory. Be sure to check out their Facebook and Instagram pages for events and showtimes.
Steamed Crab Legs with drawn butter | Image by James Lewis
This no-frills establishment is open Tuesday to Sunday from 12 pm to 9 pm. We pulled up at 2:30 pm to a crowd of happy patrons sipping cold beer on the front porch. The raw bar (which has nine barstools) was full and so was every table. The hostess was very accommodating and explained that the raw bar is first come, first served and drinks are self-served on the honor system and handed us our official “Score Card.”
Since it was just the two of us, we opted to hold out for a couple of barstools in lieu of putting our name at the bottom of the waitlist (which was very long).
And after 20 minutes, we bellied up and ordered a dozen raw oysters, a pound of crab legs served with corn on the cob and a side of cheese grits which was recommended by the gentleman sitting next to us who said he has “been eating here for 25 years.” Ironically, he was also visiting from Georgia and was happy to give us the lay of the land. From our front row seats to the open kitchen, we could see all the action which was non-stop. Two shuckers were on full throttle pausing every so often to take a sip of their beers. The line cook constantly rotated in trays of shrimp and crab while releasing clouds of seasoned steam into the air. We chatted with her briefly over a few more drafts as we finished our meal which we capped off with a piece of peanut butter pie.
If I hadn’t been so full, I absolutely would have sampled the baked oysters which are served on the half shell and topped with lemon, butter, garlic and parmesan (no-brainer). But I also wanted to give Amanda and me an excuse to come back, not that we needed one.
If you have been searching for a come as you are, flip-flops accepted, old Florida joint, look no further. This is the kind of word-of-mouth experience you will tell your friends about. The next time you find yourself somewhere along the Forgotten Coast, don’t let this opportunity ‘pass’ you by. Follow the advice of my little sister whose words stay with me to this day, “The world is your oyster, Shuck It!”