The Big Bates Fish Market Menu with Prices tells you exactly what the morning catch is worth before it hits the fryer. You don’t need to call ahead or guess when you walk in, because the board is always current. This place keeps things simple: fresh fish, fair portions, and numbers that don’t shock your wallet.
Most folks come for the fried shrimp basket, but the real value sits in the daily specials. The menu changes with the tide, so you might see grouper one day and flounder the next. Prices shift a little too, but they always stay within a range that feels honest for the quality.
Big Bates Fish Market Menu With Prices
Before you order, you should know that the menu splits into two sides. One side is the market counter where you buy raw fillets by the pound. The other side is the hot kitchen, which serves plates with sides and hushpuppies. Both are good, but they price differently.
Fried Seafood Plates
- Shrimp Basket (8 pieces) – $12.99
- Oyster Plate (half pint) – $14.49
- Catfish Fillet Plate – $11.79
- Combination Platter (shrimp + oyster) – $16.99
- Scallop Plate – $15.29
Each plate comes with two sides and a slice of lemon. The fries are crinkle cut, and the coleslaw has a bit of celery seed in it. If you want extra tartar sauce, it is 50 cents more.
Market Counter Prices Per Pound
- Gulf Shrimp (16-20 count) – $9.99/lb
- Red Snapper Fillets – $13.49/lb
- Whole Flounder – $6.99/lb
- Smoked Mullet – $8.29/lb
- Lump Crab Meat – $18.99/lb
The counter guys will clean and gut your fish for free if you ask. They also sell seasoned shrimp boil by the bag, which runs about $2.50. That is a smart buy if you are cooking at home.
Po’ Boys And Sandwiches
- Fried Shrimp Po’ Boy – $10.99
- Grilled Grouper Sandwich – $12.49
- Soft Shell Crab Sandwich – $13.99
- Fish Taco Plate (2 tacos) – $9.79
All sandwiches come dressed with lettuce, tomato, and pickles. The bread is a soft hoagie roll that holds up well without getting soggy. You can swap fries for onion rings for an extra $1.50.
Sides And Extras
- Hushpuppies (4 pieces) – $2.99
- Onion Rings – $3.49
- Potato Salad – $2.29
- Baked Beans – $2.29
- Side Salad – $3.99
Do not skip the hushpuppies. They are sweet and dense, not the hollow kind you get elsewhere. The baked beans have bits of bacon in them, which makes them worth the extra dollar over the standard sides.
Daily Specials And Timing
Tuesday through Friday, the kitchen runs a lunch special from 11am to 2pm. You get a smaller shrimp basket with one side for $8.99. That is the best deal on the menu, but it sells out fast.
On Saturday mornings, they sell fresh grouper cheeks at the counter for $7.99 a pound. Those go quick, so show up before 9am if you want them. The market opens at 8am, but the kitchen does not start frying until 10:30am.
Payment And Ordering Tips
- Cash is accepted, but cards work too with a small 2% fee.
- Call your order ahead if you are getting more than three plates.
- Check the whiteboard near the register for the true daily price.
- Ask for the “market pack” if you want raw fish with ice for travel.
The prices listed here are from the last posted menu, but they can shift a little with the season. If you see a price that seems off, just ask the counter person. They are usually happy to explain why the snapper costs more this week than last.
One thing to note: the menu does not include drinks. Sodas are $2.00, sweet tea is $2.50, and they do not serve alcohol. You can bring your own water bottle, but there is no seating for dine-in. It is all takeout, so plan to eat at the picnic tables outside or drive home with your order.
The fried food holds up well for about 20 minutes in the box. After that, the breading gets soft, so do not wander too far. If you are driving more than 15 minutes, ask for the sauce on the side so it does not soak into the batter.
That is the full picture on Big Bates. The prices are printed clearly, the portions are generous, and the fish tastes like it came off a boat that morning. Bring cash if you can, get there early for the specials, and do not forget the hushpuppies.