Atlanta Hwy Seafood Market — Restaurant in Gainesville

If you love or enjoy fresh seafood, then you don't want to miss this fantastic restaurant. In addition to having a restaurant, they are also a fully stocked market carrying all types of fresh seafood. If I had to sum this place up into one single word, I would have to say: Astounding.

The first time I pulled in the parking lot is tight and typically full. Finding a parking place can be difficult during peak times, but as I soon found out, there is a good reason for the lot being so packed. They have the best and freshest seafood outside of one of the charter boats that will clean and cook your catch for you. The outside of this place looks like a hole in the wall on the side of a busy strip shopping center. I laugh now as we bring friends for the first time as they make comments about it looking sketchy.

Once you walk inside you are met with a bright, clean ordering area with large display cases are filled with varieties of fresh seafood on ice. A closer look and the prices will leave you to wonder, how can they sell this so much cheaper than the big chain stores. I have bought a lot of seafood home, and it has always been delicious. If you are looking for Fresh or Wild Caught, versus farm-raised, then this is the place to go. You can order items from the coolers to take home, or you can choose from the vast selection posted on the menu board over the counter to have your food cooked fresh and served to your table. Most items can be ordered fried, baked or grilled.

There is a small dining area to the side of the counter where you can make your own drinks. The dining area is always busy but is clean and comfortable. You are given a number, and as soon as your food is prepared, it is brought out to your table. There is also a door from the dining room that leads to an outside seating area.

I have visited this establishment almost weekly since finding it and my wife, and I have brought many friends along who all say they had no idea anything like this was located in our area. I have not ever had a bad or even mediocre meal here. My wife and I recently traveled up to the east coast where we stopped to eat at our favorite seafood market and left agreeing that the Atlanta Highway Seafood Market is the best we have...

Service was quick enough I couldn't finish a cigarette before my plate showed up.

Fries are crisp and tender. Piled up enough to make you proud.

Hish puppies are perfect. Couple of corn kernels to let you know they care.

Cole slaw is rather bland to my tastes. Could use more color from carrots or red cabbage, more flavor from something that provides it.

5 pieces of a proud sized fried shrimp. OMG they're spectacular. You can two or three bite em and be just as happy with the mouth stuffing one bite. They need no dipping, but I'll do it anyway...

Cocktail sauce, and tartar sauce are both bland, but in their defense, they take nothing away from the best fried shrimp I've ever had. I can't fault this meal about that.

5 Fried oysters of a good size, with spice flecks and a sultry smile. It's like biting into a crispy cloud. The crust is complementary, not cumbersome. The oyster is so soft and tender. Absolutely delicious. No dipping here. The flavor is too subtle for even a bland sauce.

I can only dream of what these folks can do with a fried chicken liver.

I notice there's no wait staff hovering over me, as the bussers are quick to clear tables. These folks know from quality service.

Atmosphere is family, quit, and inviting. Ages span the little girl laughing at herself, to the elder couple bragging on their selections.

Conclusions?

Price: Shrimp & Oyster Dinner, $21, and $1 for my root beer.

Great, flavorful value.

Food Quality: Awesome for what I came here for, bland on the extras. But as flavorful and filling as the main was, the extras are superfluous.

Staff: Attentive, not botheringly obsessed. They must be well aware the food sells itself.

Recommendation:

Highest. Quality and quantity at this price, in these times, is to...

YUM! Can't say enough about this popular treasure! Food: consistently prepared to order perfectly. Staff: your wish, their command. Prices: reasonable, July, 2018 full on meal under $15. Freshest, truly best variety of line caught fish in area...Cobia? Dolphin/Mahi? Kingfish? Wahoo? YES Omg!!! Full on plates of ample portions of fish comes with grilled onions (never enough) with fries (lots, hot, light seasoning, crispy but soft), cole slaw (nice size cup, ok, but personally I prefer more vinegar and they gladly offer balsamic) 2 hush pups (perfectly sweet/savory, not greasy), plus gumbo, always a winner. Authentic Cajun influence in spot-on-roux gumbo, red beans/rice, etouffe are treats you have to try. Even humble green beans entice with special seasoning. I get whatever fish I can't find elsewhere on a salad, let me tell you, crispy mix of lettuces, shaved carrots, onions, sliced tomatoes, not a single wilted/sad piece of anything ever, so rare. Refills on drinks plus to-go cups. No-frills ambiance of market in front, place order from huge chalkboard menu, get number, sit, self-serve beverages, meals delivered quickly with quiet smiles in simple dining area plus covered porch with fans/heaters (nice touch) is clean and cheerful, and with this quality of fine food it could be a cave, still one of our favorite seafood restaurant of many countries. Packed ===not kidding == from opening at 11:30 am till 2 every day, then good crowd 5-8. Now anyone reading this will make it busier,...