Tucked away on Pompano Avenue in New Smyrna Beach sits a waterfront treasure that locals have been keeping somewhat quiet for years. JB’s Fish Camp delivers exactly what Florida dining should be: fresh seafood, stunning sunset views, and an atmosphere so relaxed you might forget to check your phone.
Whether you arrive by car, boat, or even kayak, this Southern-style seafood spot offers an authentic taste of Old Florida that visitors and residents alike can’t get enough of.
Waterfront Dining on the Indian River
Picture yourself sitting on a wooden deck with the Indian River stretching out before you, boats bobbing gently in the distance. That’s what awaits at JB’s Fish Camp, where the outdoor seating area steals the show.
The restaurant sits right on the water, offering both indoor and outdoor dining options that let you soak in those famous Florida sunsets.
Guests can grab a cold drink and settle onto the dock area between courses, watching manatees swim by during the warmer months. The covered patio stays comfortable even on hot days, with ceiling fans keeping things breezy.
Many visitors arrive by boat, tying up at the dock before grabbing a table.
The location creates an atmosphere that money can’t buy in fancy restaurants. Pelicans dive for fish while you enjoy yours on a plate.
The sounds of water lapping against pilings mix with laughter and live music, creating the perfect Florida soundtrack.
Tables sit far enough apart for comfortable conversations without feeling crowded. Families, couples, and groups of friends all find their perfect spot here.
This waterfront setting transforms a simple meal into a memorable experience that captures the essence of coastal living.
Famous Coconut Shrimp
When people say jumbo, they usually exaggerate. Not at JB’s Fish Camp, where the coconut shrimp arrives looking like something from a cartoon.
These massive shrimp come wrapped in a perfectly crispy coconut coating that crunches with every bite, revealing tender, sweet shrimp underneath.
The breading hits that sweet spot between thick enough to taste and light enough not to overwhelm. Golden flakes of toasted coconut add both texture and flavor that pairs beautifully with the accompanying dipping sauces.
Each order comes with enough shrimp to satisfy even the heartiest appetite, with portions generous enough for sharing if you’re feeling kind.
Regulars swear by this dish, returning trip after trip for these oversized beauties. The quality stays consistent whether you visit on a Tuesday afternoon or a packed Saturday night.
Fresh ingredients make all the difference, and you can taste it in every bite.
The presentation keeps things simple but appealing, letting the food speak for itself. Paired with coleslaw and hush puppies, this becomes a complete meal.
First-timers often underestimate the portion size, only to find themselves happily stuffed halfway through their plate.
Homemade Hush Puppies
Some things deserve legendary status, and JB’s hush puppies earn that title bite after bite. These aren’t the dry, forgettable balls you get elsewhere.
Made from scratch daily, they arrive at your table warm, with a golden exterior that gives way to a soft, slightly sweet interior.
The recipe strikes that perfect balance between cornmeal texture and fluffy lightness. Each hush puppy puffs up just right, creating little pockets of Southern comfort food that disappear quickly.
Many guests specifically mention these in their reviews, calling them the best they’ve ever tasted.
They come as a side with many entrees, but smart diners order an extra basket. The slight sweetness pairs wonderfully with the savory seafood dishes, acting as a flavor palate cleanser between bites.
Pop one in your mouth while waiting for your main course, and suddenly the wait feels much shorter.
Traditional Southern cooking shines through in these simple rounds of deliciousness. The outside offers a satisfying crunch while staying grease-free.
Inside, the texture remains moist and flavorful, with just enough density to feel substantial. Ask any regular what they can’t skip, and hush puppies make the top three every time.
Decadent Key Lime Pie
Finish your meal with a slice of Florida sunshine in dessert form. The Key lime pie at JB’s captures everything great about this Sunshine State classic.
Tart, creamy, and perfectly balanced, it tastes like the real deal made with actual Key limes rather than regular limes dyed green.
The graham cracker crust provides a buttery foundation that doesn’t crumble into a mess on your fork. Filling reaches that ideal consistency where it’s firm enough to hold its shape but soft enough to melt on your tongue.
Topped with fresh whipped cream, each bite delivers that signature pucker followed by sweet relief.
Orange Creme Pie also makes appearances on the dessert menu, offering a different citrus experience. Both pies come highly recommended by repeat visitors who save room specifically for these treats.
The portions run generous without being overwhelming, perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself.
Many guests mention these pies in their five-star reviews, which says something when competing against all that amazing seafood. The desserts get made fresh, never frozen, which you can taste immediately.
After a hearty seafood meal, this light and refreshing finale cleanses your palate perfectly.
Live Music Under the Stars
Pull up a chair, order a cold margarita, and let the music wash over you. JB’s hosts live musicians on their outdoor stage several evenings each week, turning dinner into a full sensory experience.
Talented local artists play acoustic sets that range from classic rock to island-inspired tunes, creating the perfect soundtrack for waterfront dining.
The stage sits positioned so diners can enjoy the music without it overwhelming conversation. Volume stays at that sweet spot where you can sing along or chat with your dining companions.
On weekends, the place fills with locals and visitors who time their arrival to catch their favorite performers.
Between songs, you might catch sight of a manatee surfacing near the dock or boats cruising past in the fading light. The combination of live music, fresh seafood, and natural beauty creates something magical.
Couples find it romantic while families appreciate the family-friendly song selections.
No cover charge means entertainment comes free with your meal. Musicians typically perform Friday through Sunday evenings, though schedules can vary seasonally.
Many guests arrive early for a drink at the dock, securing a good table before the music starts. The relaxed atmosphere encourages toe-tapping and spontaneous dancing.
Award-Worthy Crab Cakes
Most crab cakes disappoint, stuffed with more filler than actual crab. JB’s takes the opposite approach, packing these golden beauties with sweet, lumpy crab meat that actually tastes like the ocean.
Each cake arrives beautifully browned with a crispy exterior that shatters to reveal chunks of tender crab inside.
The ratio heavily favors crab over breading, which is exactly how it should be. Light seasonings enhance rather than mask the natural sweetness of the crab meat.
Pan-seared to perfection, they develop that desirable crust while staying moist throughout.
Visitors specifically call out these crab cakes in reviews, rating them among the best they’ve eaten anywhere. The accompanying sauce provides tang without overpowering, though honestly, these cakes shine even without it.
Order them as an appetizer to share or as an entree with sides.
Fresh ingredients make obvious differences in seafood, and these crab cakes prove that point deliciously. They arrive hot from the kitchen, plated simply but elegantly.
Pair them with the clam chowder for a surf-and-surf experience that showcases JB’s commitment to quality seafood preparation. Regulars know to order these early because they sometimes sell out on busy nights.
No-Frills Atmosphere with Maximum Flavor
Forget white tablecloths and stuffy waiters. JB’s Fish Camp embraces its casual roots with paper plates, plastic trays, and zero pretension.
This laid-back approach puts the focus squarely on what matters: incredible food, cold drinks, and good times. The atmosphere screams authentic Old Florida, where fishing boats and flip-flops fit right in.
Walk through the small gift shop before entering the dining area, where you’ll find coastal-themed souvenirs and local products. Inside, the decor keeps things simple with nautical touches and comfortable seating.
Outside, picnic-style tables overlook the water, creating that perfect fish camp vibe.
Service stays friendly and efficient without being rushed or hovering. Staff members offer helpful suggestions and genuinely seem to care about your experience.
Servers handle large groups with ease, maintaining their warm demeanor even during peak hours. Dog owners appreciate the pet-friendly outdoor seating area where four-legged friends receive water bowls and head scratches.
The casual setting means kids feel welcome and adults can relax completely. No dress code, no pressure, just good food in a beautiful location.
This no-frills approach actually enhances the experience, stripping away everything unnecessary to focus on what creates real memories: fresh seafood, waterfront views, and genuine Florida hospitality.
Kayak Rentals and Water Adventures
Why choose between lunch and adventure when you can have both? JB’s Fish Camp doubles as a kayak and paddleboard rental spot, letting you work up an appetite before eating or burn off that grouper sandwich afterward.
The friendly staff at the rental shop helps load and unload watercraft, making the process painless even for first-timers.
Paddle out onto the Indian River Lagoon, one of Florida’s most biodiverse estuaries. The calm waters suit beginners while offering enough exploration opportunities to satisfy experienced paddlers.
Manatees, dolphins, and countless bird species call these waters home, creating wildlife watching opportunities with every stroke.
Rental prices stay reasonable, and the location provides perfect access to both the lagoon and nearby waterways. Staff members offer route suggestions based on your skill level and time available.
Many visitors bring their own kayaks, appreciating the convenient launch point and knowing they can refuel with seafood afterward.
The combination of outdoor recreation and great food makes JB’s unique among area restaurants.