Overview

El Rey Del Mar Marisqueria, nestled on University Drive NW in Huntsville, Alabama, is a standout destination for seafood lovers craving authentic Mexican flavors. This modest spot in a small shopping center might not catch your eye at first glance, but once inside, it reveals a vibrant atmosphere filled with laid-back charm and a hint of coastal Mexico.

The restaurant specializes in a rich variety of seafood dishes that cater to both casual diners and seasoned seafood aficionados. From the sizzling Camaron Zarandeados to the indulgent Molcajete Rey, and the delicately grilled Pescado a la Plancha, the menu showcases fresh, expertly prepared seafood with bold, authentic seasonings. The Michelada and Coronarita stand out as the perfect drink complements, adding refreshing zest to the overall dining experience.

One cannot talk about El Rey Del Mar without mentioning its famed garlic shrimp and succulent crab legs, praised by diners like Kenni Lewis, who called them "life-changing." Whether you’re tempted by the light and tangy ceviches or the heartier Pina Rellena, the quality and authenticity remain consistent. The familiar favorites like chips and salsa, guacamole, and empanadas provide balanced bites that enhance the main seafood offerings.

The space itself strikes a balance between casual and engaging. With music videos playing on a screen and a welcoming ambiance, the restaurant invites you to relax and enjoy. The friendly and attentive staff contribute to a warm, unpretentious dining environment where patience and politeness set the tone.

El Rey Del Mar clearly appeals to a diverse range of seafood lovers—from locals on a laid-back weekend outing to food adventurers looking to explore Latino culinary culture in Huntsville. Customers consistently highlight the freshness of the seafood and the vibrant, flavorful preparations, making it a must-visit spot for anyone who appreciates careful craft in Mexican seafood cuisine.

While a few note that service can be on the slower side, the quality of food and the overall experience more than compensate, turning first-time visitors into loyal patrons. Whether you are in the mood for a casual bite or a full-on seafood feast, El Rey Del Mar Marisqueria offers a genuine taste of Mexico’s seafood heritage without any pretense, located conveniently in Huntsville.


Amenities & Services

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining
Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Comfort food
Healthy options
Quick bite
Small plates
Spirits
Wine
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy

What Customers Say

Ellen George
Sep 7,2025
4/5
Nice little mexican seafood restaurant! The guac was delicious.
Thomas Golden
Sep 7,2025
5/5
Giving this one a 5 is premature because it's on my bucket list,several of friends have eaten here and tell me it's the best. It's located in a small unimposing shopping center on university dr,but I'm told it's fantastic. Stopped by and loved the restaurants decor,also picked up some menus for you to look at. So in essence I really can't rate the food ,only give a word of mouth rating. When I finally go there in person I will give a personal report,in the meantime my friends say that it's great!!!
Tyler Martin
Sep 7,2025
5/5
The food is delicious. Try the Botana #2 if you like whole fish. The bacon wrapped cheese stuffed shrimp are devine. The service was patient, polite, and prompt. They have a screen showing music videos while you are eating. It's very cool. A laid back fun place to eat on a Saturday afternoon.
Kenni Lewis
Sep 7,2025
5/5
New foodie adventure unlocked! What started as a casual convo with a coworker about seafood turned into an unexpected gem of an evening. After a quick trip to the Apple Store (RIP old phone – no Face ID, no fun), I ended up at El Rey del Mar Fp on University… and WOW!!!! I was craving fried shrimp but accidentally ordered Camarones al Ajo – and let me tell you, it was the best “mistake” ever! Add in a small Patas de Jaiba and a perfectly spicy Michelada preparada… chef’s kiss! The staff was super welcoming, the vibes were chill, and the food? Next level. That garlic sauce on the shrimp? That sauce on the crab legs? Life-changing. Brush up on your Español and GO! 10/10 recommend. Would I go back? In a heartbeat. #SeafoodAdventure #ElReyDelMar #FoodieFinds #ShrimpLovers #MicheladaMagic #CrabLegs #HiddenGems #FoodieLife #SupportLocalEats #LatinoFoodCulture Craving seafood now? Tag your foodie crew & make plans! Let’s eat good, live better!
David Garcia
Sep 7,2025
4/5
Amazing food! The seafood is fresh and the drinks are good too. The service is a bit slow but the food makes up for it.
Clint Watson
Sep 7,2025
5/5
This was my first time eating 100% authentic Mexican seafood inside of the United States, my good friend at work invited me to go eat at El Rey Del Mar Marisqueria and told me how good it was , I looked online at the pictures and reviews and the pictures looked absolutely amazing Well let me tell you exactly how it looks is exactly how it's coming out which is absolutely amazing looking and delicious!! We had fast service! We were seated as soon as we walked in. The waitress had tostadas and habanero and jalapeno salsa on the table before we even sat down which was awesome. I got the shrimp and cheese empanadas I got a 8 piece to share with me and my buddy and oh my gosh those things are literally a bucket list item of how good they are if you have never had them and then the sauce they bring out to with it in a little bit of tapatio hot sauce on it oh my goodness you talk about to give salivating hog heaven! And that's not even all my buddy ordered the large mix ceviche which has fish onions pickled onions octopus tomatoes other vegetables on it with lime juice that we put on it salt and tapatio and habanero salsa all on top of fresh tostada's oh mannnnnnn!!!! Then the top all that My buddy also ordered a dozen oysters with the ceviche and shrimp on top and we hit that with lime salt habanero salsa and some tapatio hot sauce ...... I'm telling you , I cannot freaking wait to go back!!!!! and their margaritas are out of this world good This place looks really cool had a bar and booths everywhere and also had a stage for karaoke and TV screens around playing nice chill music I could definitely see this as a cool spot to go have a couple of margaritas and beers at get some good food and sing some karaoke! The only negative thing about this place that I can truly say which isn't really negative at all is that they don't have any draft beer at the moment that I know of everything is in bottles or cans unless you order mixed drinks. The restaurant itself looked insanely clean all tables were immediately cleaned as soon as someone got up and left , I didn't see the restrooms while I was there so I can't say anything for them but I'm sure they are in good condition Just based off the restaurant itself. 6/5 ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ stars for the food , service , and atmosphere I will take video next time of this amazing food and I cannot wait to try one of everything on the menu!!

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Location

Opening Hours

Monday 11:00 AM - 09:00 PM
Tuesday 11:00 AM - 09:00 PM
Wednesday 11:00 AM - 09:00 PM
Thursday 11:00 AM - 09:00 PM
Friday 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Saturday 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Sunday 11:00 AM - 08:00 PM