Discovering Essex Seafood House Two: A Taste of Coastal Tradition in Pierson, Florida
Nestled in the heart of Central Florida, slightly removed from the bustling coastal hubs, lies a culinary gem that has quietly cultivated a reputation for exceptional freshness and authentic preparation: Essex Seafood House Two. Located specifically at 1360 West, 1360 FL-40, Pierson, FL 32180, United States, this establishment offers more than just a meal; it provides an experience rooted in quality ingredients and time-honored cooking techniques. While Pierson might be known for its agricultural heritage, Essex Seafood House Two brings the bounty of the ocean inland, serving patrons who seek genuine, high-quality seafood without the pretense often associated with fine dining.
The atmosphere at Essex Seafood House Two strikes a perfect balance between casual comfort and dedicated service. It is a place where local families gather, travelers stop for a satisfying break during their journey across Florida, and seafood aficionados can depend on consistency. The commitment here is clear: sourcing the best available catches and treating them with the respect they deserve. This dedication to quality sourcing and preparation is what sets the restaurant apart in a region saturated with dining options. For anyone traveling through or residing near the Pierson area, seeking a truly satisfying seafood encounter, this house stands as a reliable and highly recommended destination.
Understanding what makes Essex Seafood House Two a local favorite requires looking beyond the address and into the core values that drive their operation. They focus intently on the dining experience, ensuring that every plate leaving the kitchen reflects their high standards. This focus translates into dishes that highlight the natural flavors of the sea, complemented by thoughtful, traditional sides that enhance, rather than overpower, the main ingredient.
Here are several key aspects that define the appeal of Essex Seafood House Two:
Commitment to Freshness: The restaurant places paramount importance on the quality and freshness of its seafood offerings. This dedication ensures that whether you choose a classic fried platter or a more delicately prepared grilled item, the inherent flavor of the ocean is present and vibrant in every bite. This focus on ingredient integrity is foundational to their culinary philosophy.
Authentic Preparation Methods: Essex Seafood House Two honors traditional seafood cooking styles. They understand that certain preparations—be it perfectly seasoned frying, slow steaming, or careful grilling—are best suited to specific types of fish and shellfish. This adherence to proven methods results in consistently delicious and texturally satisfying meals that resonate with those who appreciate classic seafood preparation.
Welcoming, Community-Focused Environment: The dining space is designed to feel inviting and accessible to all guests. It fosters a relaxed environment where patrons can enjoy high-quality food without feeling rushed or overly formal. This community-centric approach makes it an ideal spot for everything from a quick lunch to a leisurely family dinner.
Strategic Location for Travelers: Situated conveniently along a major route in Pierson, the restaurant serves as an excellent stopping point for those traversing the state. It offers a substantial, memorable meal that breaks up the monotony of travel, providing a taste of local flavor that is far superior to standard roadside fare.
In summary, Essex Seafood House Two represents a steadfast dedication to delivering superior seafood in a setting that values comfort and genuine hospitality. It is a testament to the idea that exceptional dining doesn't always require elaborate fanfare; sometimes, it simply requires the freshest ingredients handled by people who care deeply about their craft. For residents of Pierson and visitors passing through on FL-40, this establishment offers a compelling and consistently rewarding culinary experience, solidifying its place as a significant dining landmark in the region.
Amenities and More
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Outdoor seating
Takeaway
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Fast service
Great coffee
Serves local specialty
Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining
Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Coffee
Comfort food
Healthy options
Quick bite
Small plates
Wine
Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Seating
Table service
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Crowd
Groups
Tourists
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Cash only
Children
Good for kids
High chairs
Kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Plenty of parking
Menus
Photos
Reviews Essex Seafood House Two
Michelle Giraud
13-12-2025
Quaint country style restaurant with friendly servers and happy patrons. We ordered the fried clams that they’re famous for. The clam strips and the batter were almost flavorless, the breading could use some seasoning but they were … More
Michele Ploof
07-12-2025
Great place good food, busy, but Quick place to grab really good fried fish and clams. Their onion rings are the best!! CASH ONLY, no checks, no cards. More
Administration
05-12-2025
I decided to try this place out on the way to Daytona from Orlando......a ride in the country. Anyway, arrived about noon.....the crowds we're starting to arrive. I tried the fried clams and the grouper. Both were great. The servers … More
James Caverly
03-12-2025
The place is a gift. The drive to get there makes it a treat.
Food: 5…
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Marlo Denning
23-11-2025
I surprised my Mom with lunch here and she loved her full belly clam dinner. This place is great. The food is delicious and the waitresses are really nice. … More
chris more
17-11-2025
Exceptional seafood! Everyone loved there food. I felt like I had stepped into a New England seafood place. Fried clamstrips are amazing, huge lobsters and fun Boston creme pie. Not a fancy atmosphere but food n service made it worth it. Dinner can be pricey be ready for cash only too. More
Michael McClure
14-11-2025
Awesome quality seafood at a great price. Must bring cash only however you won’t be disappointed.
Pri…
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Bryan Preble
05-11-2025
Unfortunately food quality has dropped. Everything was bland compared to many trips in the past portions are much smaller. Scallops are barley half the size they use to be. They fill the plate now with more french fries then 3 people could … More
Martin Heenan Jr
02-11-2025
Easily one of the best meals I've had in a very long time! The clam strips were lightly breaded and fried perfectly with a little salt and pepper in the batter. And you have to have a slice of their homemade Boston cream pie! BRING CASH!!
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4
Noise level
Moderate noise
Group size
Suitable for all group sizes
Wait time
No wait
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking options
Free parking lot
Parking
Plenty of room for me to pull in with my tractor-trailer.
Lona Linda
26-09-2025
We drove 1 and 1/2 hours to come here for lunch. Well worth it. I haven't had whole belly class cooked this good since we left new England. And my husband had clam strips, he said we're good also. We raved so my daughter and her husband made the drive the next day. She also was so happy, she did get the Boston cream pie, and suggested she grab my other daughter to go for pie.
The service was great. Prompt and friendly. Just remember cash only.
Price per person
$10–20
Noise level
Very quiet
Group size
Suitable for all group sizes
Special events
No special event
Wheelchair accessibility
The dining room is small. We managed to use my manual chair. Not sure if a large chair would fit.
Lori Hogan
07-09-2025
We drove over an hour to Essex 2 and it was fabulous! Had haddock, shrimp, lobster roll, steamers, fried clams , and onion rings. All were outstanding! If you crave true New England style seafood, this is the place! More
Jen Nie
21-07-2025
It is a seafood restaurant so of course the smell of seafood is overwhelming when you walk in. This also could be due to old spills on the carpet . First time I saw a restaurant , a seafood restaurant at that, with carpeted floors. I would change out the stained rugs to a hard floor that would be easier to clean. It is very small there and tables are tight. I am petite, but the people behind me had their chair against mine because they are so close together.However, food was good! It is hard to find whole belly clams around here so we were happy to see the variety of their menu.
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 2
Recommended dishes
Whole Bellied Fried Clams, Long Neck Steamed Clams
Noise level
Moderate noise
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking options
Free parking lot
Wheelchair accessibility
I don't believe there was a ramp, just stairs. But even if there is, it would be very difficult to move around in a wheelchair.
Billy Brady
15-07-2025
From New England and the whole Belly clams were sweet ! Just the best seafood and worth the drive . The Food was plentiful and HOT !! More
Bruce Rinehart
01-07-2025
Ok, it's pretty much all fried, and yes it's super casual on a lonely stretch of SR 40, but it's good. Where else can you get a huge pile of Whole Belly Clams? And the fried oysters are as good as it gets. Just don't order a Chef's Salad and watercress sandwich. The staff is great too. More
Paul K
17-06-2025
I heard this place had good steamer clams. Very delicious. I don't do fried foods but I observed the portions that people received and was impressed. Servers were attentive and friendly. I did try a seafood mix and some hush puppies. They all were ok but not as memorable as the clams delicious flavor. The place could really use a freshing up/ light renovation/ paint inside and outside. Potholes need to be addressed in the parking lot also. Cash only place. So be prepared for that.
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 3
Steve Keator
21-05-2025
Excellent food and very reasonable prices. A true New England style restaurant, the owners are only here 6 months and then go back to New England for the other 6 months! The lobster roll is stuffed to overflowing with nice chunks of lobster. Probably should have had the Bun instead of the hot dog roll! Serves beer, cash only More
Andy Bodnar
06-05-2025
The best fresh fried clam bellies! A little dive seafood place off route 40 that gets fresh Ipswich clams flown in 3 times a week! The bellies are shucked fresh, deep fried, and served immediately nice and hot! … More
Thomas Caywood
06-05-2025
Great seafood. Not bad prices either. A little housekeeping would be nice here. The restrooms could be cleaner and my water refilled. The taste of the food kept this place at 4 stars. More
Robin Hattaway
05-05-2025
We love Essex seafood house. The food is always fresh comes out hot and fried. The clam bellies are amazing. The lobster rolls the shrimp. They have wine and beer. The waitresses are sweethearts and it’s just an amazing place that we go to every time we visit Florida.
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
First Last
22-04-2025
Solid little dive of a seafood joint. Cash only. The grilled fish was a highlight for me. Portions are giant for anything fried, including sides. A platter could feed two people. The fries are those good double battered ones. It seems like they make their own batter for fish and onion rings, it was a little underseasoned but I added salt and it was perfect. Maybe they think about people on low sodium diets and figure the rest of us can add. We finished it off with the best Boston cream pie I’ve ever had in my life. Hubby said it tasted like it was box cake mix but I don’t care- it was delicious- I ate a slice and a half. The service was beyond excellent/attentive. Tables are a little tight and the inside is no frills but I like that sort of vibe. Would go again. Platters were about $20/each on average, if you want less food get a “boat”, that sounds bigger but I guess it’s not.
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4
Noise level
Quiet, easy to talk
Group size
Suitable for all group sizes
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking options
Free parking lot
Mike Czosnek
13-04-2025
I’m from the coast of Maine, Essex Seafood House was a great find. Fish is very fresh! I had the clams, wonderful! Nice folks for service too. Prices were about half as much for the Clams that I would have in Maine! You won’t be disappointed. More
RANDY MILLER
08-04-2025
This place was a great stop and half way point from st Augustine and ocala. Stoped to meet some friends and everything was great. The fried shrimp were amazing and the onion straws made it. A couple things to avoid the baked potato was old and brown and the fish was way over cooked and dry. The star of the show was that Boston cream pie, AMAZING!!! If you come here don’t skip out on dessert you’ll regret it. I would come back but avoid those 2 items. Nice and cozier and the staff was great.
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4
Recommended dishes
Seafood Plate, Boston Cream Cake
Group size
Suitable for all group sizes
Seating type
Indoor dining area
Pokey Jowho
30-03-2025
This place is excellent! Whole belly clams and steamers were absolutely delicious! Our server Taylor was top notch! The prices for what you get is great too. It’s definitely worth the drive and the money. 😋💯
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$100+
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 3
Group size
Not sure
Wait time
No wait
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Kid-friendliness
Yes
Wheelchair accessibility
Yes
James Caverly
22-03-2025
The place is a gift. The drive to get there makes it a treat.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 3
Kevin O'Maley
26-02-2025
Born and raised in Boston!! Retired to Mount Dora 23 years ago! This is “The Best Sesfood I’ve had in the last 23 years!! Their fried clams made me feel like a kid again!! I will be a loyal patron of this restaurant as long as The Lord allows me! Amen!! More
Woody W
20-02-2025
Service was great; friendly staff. Premises, parking area & facilities could use a face lift. My wife and I ordered blackened/grilled fish entrees, which was more like sprinkled paprika (not blackened at all), quite bland; probably a better experience for patrons wanting to feast on fried food. Just not our type of place for seafood. More
Constance Collupy
01-02-2025
Had dinner tonite. Love the service! Those ladies are great. The whole belly fried clams and the onion strings amazing! Unfortunately, the lobster roll was uninspiring. The roll was not buttered and barely grilled. I left it. The lobster meat was a bit chewy. Live and learn. I’ll stick to the clams from now on. More
Eleanor Mcisaac
28-01-2025
We moved to central Florida from the south shore of Massachusetts 6 years ago. These guys fly the product in daily from the very famous Essex seafood in Massachusetts. This is where we go when my husband needs his New England seafood fix.
J C
17-01-2025
Took the wife here for a lunch date. Im surprised this place wasn't busier. Nice lil small town restaurant. We came from Daytona and it was def worth the drive. The food was AMAZING!!! They def keep their great and fryers clean. It shows in … More
GAA
09-01-2025
Our first time there (we are in Crescent City), but won't be the last. We ordered the seafood platter and split it, with onion strings. All fried, of course. We got clam strips, fish, shrimp , & scallops. All were excellent. The clams were exceptional, as were the onion strings.
Service was exceptional - very friendly.
We got there around 11:45 am on a Wednesday and there were plenty of tables. Food was quick to arrive at our table, all was hot.
Overall we really enjoyed the meal and will absolutely return.
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4
Noise level
Quiet, easy to talk
Wait time
No wait
Kyle Keezer (2AJeepClub.com)
29-12-2024
Amazing food and service, highly recommend this place for lunch or dinner. This a cash only location, but the food was served super fresh and was really good. The building needs some repair and needs to be updated, but everything else was 5 stars. Service was spot on, and the ladies there were so friendly.
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$30–50
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4
Recommended dishes
Lobster Roll
Wait time
No wait
Vegetarian options
Deep fried Mushrooms.
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking options
Free parking lot
Kid-friendliness
Yes.
Wheelchair accessibility
Yes.
Reviews Essex Seafood House Two