1. Pike Place Fish Market, Seattle, Washington
Now that New York’s Fulton Fish Market has moved from its longtime Manhattan home to a warehouselike building in the Bronx, Pike Place can claim undisputed status as the nation’s most colorful seafood market. It’s also the most fun. The fish fly here, hurled through the air by employees. So do the jokes, though the shop is serious about its seafood and will ship almost everything it sells for next-day delivery. Other attractions at the 9-acre Pike Place Market include Washington wines and the original Starbucks; 800/542-7732 or pikeplacefish.com.
2. Browne Trading Company, Portland, Maine
This old, family-run business has acquired some recent dazzle through its association with such celebrity chefs as Daniel Boulud of New York City’s Daniel restaurant. The market offers a wide range of caviars, plus smoked seafood, fish from around the world, and the usual favorites—lobster, cod, clams, and the like. Patrons can shop via phone or online. Or they can do what many chefs prefer: Head to Merrill’s Wharf in the Old Port area of Portland and pick out what looks most appealing; 800/944-7848 or browne-trading.com.
3. Joe Patti’s Seafood Co., Pensacola, Florida
Since its 1931 beginnings on Joe and Anna Patti’s back porch, this seafood shop has grown into a sprawling waterfront institution. Joe Patti’s has changed with the times, adding delectable extras such as a sushi bar and Anna Patti’s Amangiari Gourmet Shop, plus online ordering and overnight shipping. Still, the huge selection of terrific seafood remains its primary appeal. The extended Patti family runs the place with an emphasis on neighborly service; 800/500-9929 or joepattis.com.
4. Lexington Market, Baltimore, Maryland
Some call it the home of the world’s best crab cakes. At the risk of starting an argument, we’re inclined to agree. Lexington Market, like the rest of downtown Baltimore, has seen palmier days since its founding in 1782. But it retains an undeniable energy as diverse cuisines jostle for attention; 410/685-6169 or lexingtonmarket.com.
Among the market’s six seafood purveyors, Faidley Seafood stands out for its legendary lump crab cakes, best enjoyed immediately, while standing at the worn counters. For those forced by geography into delayed gratification, Faidley’s ships; 410/727-4898 or faidleyscrabcakes.com.
5. Sun Fat Seafood Co., San Francisco, California
Sun Fat, in the Mission District, draws raves for its helpful employees. They patiently explain not only what’s what, but also how to cook it. They’ll even cut up your choices for you; 415/282-9339.
Honorable mention goes to Ferry Plaza Seafood, in the Ferry Building Marketplace. Though the seafood selection is limited, the views of San Francisco Bay are expansive; 415/274-2561 or ferryplazaseafood.com.
