We then sampled Conch Fritters, seasoned Boiled Peel & Eat Shrimp, and Fried Buffalo Shrimp. The conch fritters were loaded with tender conch, and served with a honey mustard sauce, a nice change from the usual tartar sauce. The fritters were light and crispy, a little sweet, and perfectly cooked. The boiled shrimp were seasoned mildly and served with cocktail sauce. The shrimp were flawlessly cooked, and the portion quite generous. No matter how long I live on Amelia Island, I will never get tired of delicious, local shrimp! The fried shrimp were very spicy, coated with “wing” sauce, and served with a creamy ranch dressing. The batter on these shrimp was exceptionally light and crisp—just fantastic.

Wohlfarth, who was born and raised in San Antonio, wanted to have us sample one of their newest dishes, one that I now hope becomes a regular item on their menu: Fish Tacos. Featuring tilapia, a mild white fish that had been grilled with blackening spices, Wohlfarth tops hot and crispy corn tortillas with the fish, along with Pico de Gallo, sour cream, and fresh cilantro. This dish was amazing, and I felt it was so much healthier than a traditional taco, with a lot of zing from the salsa, and fresh Tex Mex flavors.

The Crab Trap opened during Shrimp Festival weekend in 1979, in the 120-year-old Seydel Building on North 2nd Street. Steeped in local history, the restaurant is cozy and eclectic, sporting sturdy wooden tables with holes in the center for your seafood shells. The thing I love about The Crab Trap is its casual atmosphere, which is very family-friendly. It’s a real come-as-you-are kind of place. Some of their other specialties include a famous Seafood Casserole, Crabber’s Delight Seafood Platter, and Oysters. For landlubbers, there are also succulent Angus Beef steaks and burgers, as well as a children’s menu. Co-owners Max and Holly Wohlfarth and Richard Germano state, “Our reputation is only as good as the last meal served,” and the trio welcomes comments and suggestions from their customers.

Before we headed home that evening, we had to have a slice of Key Lime Pie, homemade, of course, perfectly tart and sweet, and chased down with a cup of coffee for the road. With a great meal and great people, The Crab Trap is sure to continue as a celebrated Amelia Island landmark for years to come.