Suwannee, Florida is not a big town. The Suwannee zip code shows a population of 442. The racial breakdown is 434 White, 3 Hispanic, 1 Black, and 4 misc. The zip code encompasses areas beyond the town itself however. I asked around with some of the locals and one told me that there were 850 houses in Suwannee – the vast majority of which are mostly unoccupied vacation homes. This was confirmed when I drove through the town after dark – most houses were unlit.
There are two restaurants in town; the Salt Creek Shellfish Company and Sarah’s Suwannee Café. The two establishments are locked in a fierce death match to capture the limited market. Well, not really. Sarah’s is closed on Wednesday to Thursday and so the owner was happily hanging out at the competition socializing.
Since Sarah’s was closed we will have to limit our review to the Salt Creek Shellfish Company. I’ve eaten there several times and have not been disappointed. I recommend the grouper sandwich. Their blackened grouper sandwich is one of the tastiest I’ve ever had. Everything was right, fresh grouper, lightly toasted bun, and spiced just right with a slight peppery kick. It was not the most generous but for $7.95 is was a great deal if smaller than $12 sandwiches I’ve had elsewhere. This establishment is of course right on the banks of Salt Creek and has a boat dock and a nicely appointed outside area on the water. Service was friendly and prompt. Nice place.
Suwannee is in essence a tiny town surrounded by the natural beauty of the Gulf of Mexico, Suwannee River, and wildlife preserves. Suwannee is a unique piece of Old Florida holding out quite well from the 21st Century.
Sarah's Suwannee Cafe was closed. We hope to try it when it opens.
Suwannee post office.
Suwannee post office.
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