Dixie Crossroads - Titusville, FL

Posted By Michael Stern on April 6, 2011 3:48 AM

Rock shrimp once were considered trash. If a fisherman went trawling in the deep waters of the Atlantic for easy-to-peel white shrimp but decked a thousand pounds of tough-hulled rock shrimp instead, he heaved the hard-heads back into the drink and cursed his bad luck. Today, sitting at the tables of the Dixie Crossroads restaurant, seafood lovers are delighted when waitresses bring forth rock shrimp by the dozens – split apart for easy pickin' and broiled to pearly pinkness. The formerly worthless crustaceans have become a delicacy.

The place that transformed the rock shrimp from junk to jewel is Dixie Crossroads, whose founder, Rodney Thompson, devised a method to transform the hard-shelled critter into easy eating. His daughter, Laurilee, suggested he split the shrimp, butter them, then put them under a broiler. The results were delicious enough to inspire Thompson to create a machine that split and cleaned them in a trice, making them easier to eat than just about any other shellfish.

Available by the dozen ($13.99) or on an all-you-can-eat plan ($39.99), rock shrimp arrive marshaled in rows, splayed open and waiting to be plucked from their shells. Size varies with the season, which starts in July and runs through March. At their smallest, each one is scarcely over an inch long – a delicate, bite-sized morsel. At the peak of the season, late winter, they are as plump and luscious as lobster. Drawn butter is provided for dunking, but here is an instance where it seems like gilt for the lily, for there is hardly any seafood more inherently buttery than these glistening creatures.

Remember how good these shrimp are when you are presented with a basket of sugar-dusted corn fritters at the beginning of the meal. It's all too easy to overindulge, and if you eat them all the waitress will bring more. Beware: they will steal your appetite. By the way, the menu is replete with other seafood, including wild ocean shrimp in various sizes, fried coconut or bacon shrimp, scallops, catfish, salmon, and mullet.

Dixie Crossroads is extremely popular. Expect to wait for a table at mealtime.

***All photos courtesy of The Travelin' Man.

Overall Rating

Corn Fritters

Rock Shrimp (12)

Medium Shrimp (12)

Shrimp Soup

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Posted By Dan Adams on April 12, 2011 4:38 PM

My wife and I try to go to Walt Disney World every year. Even though we are in our fifties, we are in touch with our inner child. Anyway, we definitely plan time for Dixie Crossroads while there. Our favorite seafood place anywhere. As a matter of fact, we are planning three trips to Dixie while in Florida next month. Absolutely the best!

Overall Rating

Mullet

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Posted By John Chimera on April 11, 2011 11:54 PM

I used to live across the street from this restaurant. Best seafood in Brevard County and lots of it. You definitely won't leave hungry.

Overall Rating

Corn Fritters

Rock Shrimp (12)

Medium Shrimp (12)

Shrimp Soup

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Posted By Marlo Kitchen on April 10, 2011 5:05 PM

Just discovered the Dixie Crossroads on our trip to Sebastian, FL. The rock shrimp are wonderful, but the real treat are the red shrimp. The sign outside touted that they had just arrived. They were served hot, basted in butter and sweet as sugar. I don't know how long the season lasts, but if you go when they are on the menu, make sure to try them!

Overall Rating

Corn Fritters

Rock Shrimp (12)

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Posted By Denny Robinson on April 7, 2011 12:09 AM

We live about 25 miles away. Really like the food and prices at Crossroads.

Overall Rating

Shrimp Soup

Rock Shrimp (12)

Medium Shrimp (12)

Corn Fritters

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Posted By Paul E. Smith on April 6, 2011 10:40 AM

I have been to the original Dixie Crossroads, close to Titusville, several times during a birding trip to the island. Not only are the shrimp very good but the outdoor landscaping is super. The shrimp are sorta small and I always get a couple of dozen. I am glad you posted this. I have been a fan of theirs for years. They also are one of the sponsors of the birding event which is huge and attended by thousands.

Overall Rating

Rock Shrimp (12)

Corn Fritters

Shrimp Soup

Mullet

Medium Shrimp (12)

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Posted By Beki Chambers on January 9, 2011 10:40 AM

We took a "detour" to Titusville to give this one a try. It was worth it! Service was great! The bite-sized corn fritters with a dusting of powdered sugar were really good. I had the rock shrimp, and was very pleasantly surprized at the sweet lobster like taste. If you are anywhere within an hour or so, stop in. It's worth the visit!

Overall Rating

Rock Shrimp (12)

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