If seafood could have a crown, it would be the royal red shrimp from Joe Patti’s. For decades, this Pensacola market has drawn fishermen, chefs, and seafood lovers to its bustling stalls, where the catch isn’t just fresh — it’s legendary.
The air hums with the scent of saltwater and sizzling grills. Ice beds glint under the morning sun, cradling shrimp, crab, and fish that practically leap off the counter.
Step inside, and the energy hits you. Customers haggle, laugh, and share tips.
Staff move with practiced grace, cleaning, weighing, and packaging the day’s treasures. Every shrimp has a story, every crab a promise of dinner that will impress.
From backyard grills to high‑end kitchens, Joe Patti’s has supplied generations of seafood dreams. Here, the royal red shrimp isn’t just a menu item — it’s a reason to celebrate the Gulf, one juicy bite at a time.
How to navigate the take-a-number system like a local
First thing when you walk in, grab a ticket from the number dispenser and a basket. That little slip controls your turn at the long, gleaming seafood counter, so keep it handy and watch the overhead display.
While you wait, scan the case, read the labels, and note which species are fresh versus previously frozen, then decide on portions.
When your number is called, raise your hand or step forward with confidence. Point to what you want, ask for head-on or peeled, and request steaming if available for shrimp.
The crew works fast, so have your order ready, but do not be shy about asking for cooking tips or storage advice.
Bring a cooler with ice packs if you are driving any distance. They can bag items with ice, but your own cooler keeps temperature stable on warm Gulf Coast days.
If you plan multiple stops, consider picking up last to preserve freshness.
Pay attention to signage for seasonal items like royal reds, pompano, and oysters. Availability changes with the weather and boats, so flexibility pays off.
If something looks great today, grab it. You can always freeze portions at home for a quick seafood dinner later.
Royal red shrimp 101 at Joe Patti’s
Royal reds are the head-turners here, prized for their sweet, lobster-like flavor and tender texture. They are deep-water shrimp, so availability can vary, and sometimes they are not from Florida depending on season and fishery conditions.
Ask the counter team what is freshest that day and whether head-on options are available.
For the easiest meal, request steaming on the spot with mild, medium, or spicy seasoning and lemon. The crew nails the timing, delivering juicy shrimp that travel well for a picnic or ride home.
If you are cooking yourself, boil briefly or quickly sauté with butter and garlic.
Plan on about half a pound to three quarters per person, more if it is the main event. Grab cocktail sauce, remoulade, or their house Boom Boom sauce for dipping.
Fresh French bread or baguettes from the deli pair perfectly and turn it into a feast.
If you want to freeze some, portion into meal-size bags and chill quickly in your cooler. Label with date and weight for later.
Royal reds shine in pasta, shrimp rolls, or over grits. Keep it simple to let that natural sweetness do the talking.
What is freshest and when to go
Joe Patti’s opens at 8 AM daily, and early shoppers often see the most abundant selection. Weekends can be busy, but the system moves quickly if you are prepared.
Watch for seasonal peaks in Gulf species like pompano, snapper, and oysters.
Availability shifts with weather, boats, and fisheries, so flexibility helps. If you are set on a particular catch, call ahead or check the website for current offerings.
Staff will steer you to the best alternatives if your first choice is out.
Look for clear eyes and bright, moist flesh on fish, and firm shells on crustaceans. Ask whether items are fresh or previously frozen and where they were caught.
Transparency is part of the culture here, and you will get straight answers.
Bring a cooler to preserve quality as you head home. If you plan to cook that night, ask for skin-on fillets to keep moisture, or request special cuts.
For grilling, thicker fillets like grouper or snapper hold up beautifully. For ceviche or poke, ask for sushi-grade choices and handling tips.
Steamed-to-order shrimp and seasoning choices
One of the joys at Joe Patti’s is having shrimp steamed while you wait. Choose your size, peeled or shell-on, and pick a seasoning level from mild to spicy.
Add lemon and ask for extra napkins if you plan to snack right away.
Steaming locks in sweetness and keeps the meat tender. For road trips, ask for ice packaging to keep everything safe until you arrive.
Pair with their cocktail sauce, remoulade, or a buttery garlic dip for a quick, no-mess meal.
If you are feeding a crowd, plan two pounds for four hungry people. Sides are easy: deli coleslaw, a loaf of fresh French bread, and maybe a key lime pie for dessert.
It all travels well and turns any rental or beach day into a celebration.
Leftovers make excellent shrimp salad or tacos the next day. Save shells for stock if you are cooking at home.
The counter team is happy to suggest seasoning combos that match your spice comfort. Keep it simple so the shrimp stays the star.
Sushi bar in the back: Summers Sushi
After you grab seafood, head to the back for Summers Sushi, a local favorite tucked inside the market. The vibe is casual, and the fish is pristine thanks to the shared supply.
Expect bright nigiri, rolls with Gulf flair, and quick service that fits a shopping trip.
Ask what is best that day, and try simple cuts to appreciate the quality. If you are new to sushi, start with tuna, salmon, or a mild white fish.
You can enjoy a light meal before you shop the deli and wine section.
Timing matters, so aim for off-peak hours to snag a seat. If lines are long, order to go and eat outside.
A few rolls plus miso soup make an easy lunch that will not slow your errands.
For at-home sushi nights, ask the fish counter about sushi-grade options and storage. Pick up nori, rice vinegar, and soy from the grocery shelves.
Keep fish cold and handle gently. Whether you dine in or take out, the sushi bar is an underrated perk of Joe Patti’s.
Deli, bakery, and sauces you should not skip
The deli at Joe Patti’s is stacked with chowders, tuna dip, shrimp salad, and ready-to-eat sides. The bakery turns out fresh baguettes and French bread that elevate any seafood haul.
Grab a loaf warm if you can, then pick up remoulade, cocktail sauce, and Boom Boom for effortless dipping.
Build a picnic with crab salad, crackers, and a tub of smoked fish dip. Round things out with gelato for dessert or a cheesecake slice to share.
Everything travels well, and you can be eating within minutes of leaving the register.
For a dinner plan, add a bagged salad and a bottle from the wine section. Chianti, crisp whites, or local craft beer pair nicely with shrimp or snapper.
The market makes it easy to turn fresh fish into a complete meal without extra stops.
Ask staff for reheating tips on soups and how long items keep. Most dips are best within a couple days, and bread freezes nicely.
If you need gluten-free options, ask for ingredient lists. You will leave with sauces that make weekday cooking feel special.
What locals buy for a crowd on a budget
Feeding a group does not need to break the bank if you shop smart at Joe Patti’s. Consider royal reds when available, or Key West pinks as a steady option.
Add mussels, clams, or a whole red snapper for roasting to stretch flavor and portions.
Pre-bagged frozen shrimp can be a lifesaver for big family dinners. The quality remains solid, and you can season and steam at home.
Pick up house sauces and fresh bread to build filling plates without fuss.
Crab legs steamed to order are party-pleasers that still cost less than dining out. Plan sides that travel easily, like coleslaw, corn, and potatoes.
A cooler keeps everything safe while you set up at your rental or a nearby park.
Ask the counter for per-person estimates and cooking pointers. They do this every day and will steer you right.
With smart choices, you can feed eight people and still feel like you are spoiling everyone. The trick is mixing premium items with value picks and letting freshness shine.
Storage, transport, and food safety tips
Bring a hard-sided cooler with ice packs, especially in warm weather. Ask staff to pack seafood tightly with ice and drain plugs open so meltwater does not soak packages.
Keep the cooler closed and out of direct sun during your ride.
At home, move fish to the coldest fridge spot on a tray with paper towels. Cook within one to two days for best quality, and freeze anything you will not use quickly.
Label packages with dates and weights so you can plan meals later.
For shrimp and shellfish, store over ice and drain daily to avoid waterlogging. Reheat steamed items gently to preserve texture.
When in doubt, trust your senses and do not push the limits on delicate seafood.
If you are traveling longer distances, ask about gel packs and double-bagging. The team knows how to prepare orders for road trips.
Keep raw and cooked items separate, and sanitize coolers after use. A little planning means your seafood tastes as good at home as it did at the counter.
Whole fish, filleting, and special cuts
Whole fish at Joe Patti’s are a treat for roasting or grilling, and the team can clean and prepare them to your preference. Ask for scaled and gutted, leave the head on for presentation, or request fillets and keep the bones for stock.
Snapper, grouper, and pompano are frequent standouts.
If you are unsure, ask for a simple preparation plan. Salt, pepper, lemon, and olive oil deliver clean flavor that highlights freshness.
Staff can suggest cooking times by weight and thickness so you hit perfect doneness.
For tacos, request skin-on fillets to keep moisture and easy flipping. For delicate pan-searing, ask for uniform thickness so pieces cook evenly.
If you want sashimi at home, discuss sushi-grade handling and storage specifics.
Bring your cooler and plan space for longer fish. A roasting pan or grill basket helps at home.
Take photos of labels so you remember species and origin. Cooking whole teaches you a lot fast, and Joe Patti’s team makes it approachable.
Make it a one-stop shop: wine, gelato, gifts
Beyond seafood, Joe Patti’s surprises with a wine and craft beer selection, gelato counter, and a gift shop. It is convenient when you want to turn a fresh catch into a complete evening.
You can even find cigars and pantry items to round out the experience.
Pick a bright white for shrimp or a medium-bodied red for richer fish soups. Ask staff for pairings if you are undecided.
Gelato or beignets make a fun treat while you wait or a sweet ride-home snack.
For visitors, souvenirs and spices make easy gifts that pack well. Grab extra sauces, crackers, and dips for beach rentals or family gatherings.
The market is organized and clean, so browsing never feels chaotic.
Check hours before you go, since they close at 6 PM daily. Arrive with time to explore without rushing.
With everything under one roof, your Pensacola seafood night becomes effortless. You will leave stocked, happy, and already planning the next visit.