About Shooters

Celebrating our 20th anniversary!

Owned and operated by the Merrell family since 1988, Shooters has been a destination for both visitors and locals alike. The Merrell family takes pride in offering a relaxed, family atmosphere with fresh local seafood and hand-cut Black Angus steaks. Shooters serves dinner seven days a week, in season. Shooters also serves a full country breakfast on Saturdays and Sundays, in season. Please visit our menu for full details or contact us for our daily specials.

After a tragic fire in June of 1996 the original Shooters burnt to the ground. The current building is structured after a turn-of-the-Century Coast Guard station, a concept that was developed by Gary Merrell, who was also heavily involved in the overall construction of the building. A unique craftsmanship is displayed in the woodwork throughout the building – from the tongue-in-groove wood paneling to the custom-made wormy maple tables and booths. The gorgeous, expansive bar is a deep Brazilian Cherry wood, handpicked and shipped in from Rio de Janeiro.

The creative touch of local artist Theresa Merrell is all around the building. From the stained-glass Shooters entryway, to the historic waterway navigation maps that line the walls of the bar, the artwork captures the true essence of the Crystal Coast. As you will see, the restaurant is covered with local nautical memorabilia, outlining the storied pasts of commercial fisherman, locally referred to as “squatters.” The Merrell family has always loved life on the Island and thinks it is the perfect setting for creating great memories with unique local flavors, fresh ingredients, and a great wine selection – all in a comfortable, casual atmosphere.

Clarke Merrell, Shooters’ General Manager and the oldest son of Gary and Theresa, grew up working at the restaurant and takes great pride in providing customers with outstanding food and exemplary service. Clarke has grown to love entertaining, cooking, and creating memorable experiences for the many guests he has come to know during his culinary career. After graduating with a degree in Culinary Arts from the Florida Culinary Institute in Palm Beach, Florida, Clarke has worked in a variety of restaurants and trained with some of the best chefs in the industry. He looks forward to the chance to serve you, your family, and your friends.

While dining at Shooters you may also find Kira, the oldest daughter of Gary and Theresa, delivering a basket of hot hush puppies or showing off our homemade desserts, all with her contagious smile and laugh. Ryan Merrell is often in the kitchen making sure your shrimp are grilled to perfection and your steak is seasoned just right. Erika, or Peanut as her older siblings call her, may be mixing up one of our specialty martinis at the bar, ensuring that you and your friends have a great time.

If you’d prefer to enjoy some of the Shooters menu options at home feel free to call-in your order, we can prepare any meal for carryout. You can also take home Shooters memorabilia – we offer a variety of t-shirt designs and koozies – it’s a great way to remember your visit and they also make a perfect gift!

Shooters can accommodate all of your corporate/event function needs, offering both on- and off- site catering. Shooters has played host to numerous wedding receptions, rehearsal dinners, holiday parties, business meetings and more. Shooters conducts most of their off site catering under the umbrella of their sister organization, White Collar Catering. Visit www.whitecollarcatering.com for details on planning the menu for your next event.

Stop by Shooters today! We’re located at 2604 W. Fort Macon Road in Atlantic Beach, across from the Sheraton or call (252) 240-3393.