12 Georgia Seafood Shacks That Sell Out Nightly When The Boats Come In

Georgia doesn’t just do peaches and barbecue, it knows seafood better than most states.

Along its sun-kissed coast, humble shacks and dockside joints turn the day’s catch into unforgettable meals within hours.

I’ve followed the scent of fried shrimp and buttery crab boils from Tybee Island to Brunswick, and believe me, these Georgia seafood spots are worth every mile.

1. The Original Crab Shack (Tybee Island, GA)

Perched on the edge of Chimney Creek, this place feels like a coastal fever dream in the best way possible. You’re eating under actual trees while boats drift lazily past your table, and the seafood platters are piled so high they could double as life rafts. I once saw a pelican photobomb someone’s selfie here, which pretty much sums up the vibe.

The atmosphere alone is worth the trip, but the food seals the deal. Locals and tourists alike pack this spot nightly, drawn by the promise of fresh catches and that unbeatable waterfront magic. Get there before sunset if you want to snag a table with a view—trust me, the Instagram opportunities are endless.

2. The Crab Trap (St. Simons Island, GA)

What started as a humble fish camp has evolved into a St. Simons Island institution, and the walls tell stories better than any history book. Maritime memorabilia covers every available surface, creating a museum-like atmosphere where you can actually eat fried flounder. The classic fish-camp feel hasn’t been lost despite decades of success.

Locals swear by the fried seafood here, and I’m inclined to agree after demolishing a basket of shrimp that was still crackling hot. The portions are generous without being obnoxious, and the prices won’t make your wallet weep. On busy nights, the line snakes out the door, but the turnover is surprisingly quick.

3. B&J’s Steaks & Seafood (Darien, GA)

Tucked away in the tiny coastal town of Darien, this unassuming spot sources its seafood from docks you can practically see from your table. The portions are what I’d call “aggressively generous”—like they’re personally offended by the idea of anyone leaving hungry. I ordered what I thought was a modest shrimp platter and ended up with enough food for three meals.

The small-town charm here is genuine, not manufactured for tourists. Servers know most customers by name, and the kitchen treats every plate like it’s going to their own grandmother. Fresh catches arrive daily, and the menu shifts based on what the boats bring in, keeping things exciting and unpredictable.

4. Fish Tales (Richmond Hill, GA)

Watching boats glide by while you’re elbow-deep in fresh-caught fish is basically the Georgia coastal experience distilled into one location. The riverside setting at Fish Tales makes you feel like you’re dining on someone’s very fancy dock, except with better food and fewer mosquitoes. The views alone could carry this place, but the seafood backs up the scenery.

Everything tastes like it was swimming that morning, because it probably was. The kitchen doesn’t try to get too fancy—they let the quality of the catch speak for itself, which is exactly the right call. I’ve been here on nights when they ran out of certain fish by 7 PM, so early arrival is basically mandatory.

5. Savannah Seafood Shack (Savannah, GA)

Forget fancy plates and silverware—here, your seafood boil gets unceremoniously dumped onto paper-covered tables, and you dig in with your bare hands like a true seafood enthusiast. The counter-service setup keeps things moving fast, which is good because the line of locals waiting for their fix can get intense. This isn’t a place for first dates unless you’re both comfortable getting messy.

The strong local reputation is well-earned, built on consistently fresh seafood and prices that won’t require a second mortgage. I’ve watched people literally lick their fingers clean here, which tells you everything about the seasoning. The no-frills approach means they’re focusing on what matters: incredibly fresh catches cooked to perfection.

6. Desposito’s Seafood (Thunderbolt, GA)

Walking into Desposito’s feels like stepping into a time capsule where the walls are literally papered with decades of coastal history. Photos, newspaper clippings, and maritime artifacts cover every square inch, creating an accidental museum that happens to serve great seafood. The rustic, no-frills vibe is completely authentic—this place has been weathered by salt air and satisfied customers for generations.

Long-time locals treat this spot like a second home, and newcomers are welcomed into the fold with minimal fuss. The menu is straightforward because when your seafood is this fresh, you don’t need to hide behind fancy sauces. I recommend arriving hungry and leaving your diet at the door.

7. The ShellHouse Seafood Restaurant (Savannah, GA)

Family-owned for decades, The ShellHouse has mastered the art of the seafood mountain—portions so huge they border on architectural achievements. Locals know the secret: lines start forming early because once they sell out, that’s it for the night. I showed up at 6 PM once thinking I was being clever and still waited forty minutes, which should tell you something about the demand.

The family running this place treats it like a personal mission to send everyone home stuffed and happy. You’re not just getting a meal; you’re getting enough leftovers to solve tomorrow’s lunch situation. The consistency here is remarkable—I’ve never had a bad experience, and I’ve been coming back for years whenever I’m passing through Savannah.

8. Fat & Fine Crab Shack (Brunswick, GA)

National recognition as one of America’s best seafood shacks hasn’t gone to this place’s head—prices remain shockingly affordable and the fried shrimp still tastes like coastal heaven. Located in Brunswick, Fat & Fine has cracked the code on delivering quality without the tourist-trap markup. The name is playful, but the food is seriously good.

Their fried shrimp has developed a cult following, and after one bite, you’ll understand why. The breading is perfectly crispy without being greasy, and the shrimp inside are plump and sweet. I’ve dragged friends here who claimed they didn’t like fried seafood, and I’ve watched them convert in real-time. The casual atmosphere keeps things relaxed while the kitchen works magic.

9. Pelican Pete’s Seafood (Jekyll Island, GA)

Jekyll Island’s hidden spot serves up seafood with a side of ocean breeze that makes everything taste better. The casual beachside setup means you’re dining with sand in your shoes and salt in your hair, which is exactly how coastal eating should feel. Pelican Pete’s doesn’t pretend to be fancy—it’s a shack in the best sense of the word, focusing entirely on fresh catches and cold drinks.

The outdoor seating fills up fast when the weather’s nice, which is most of the time in Georgia. I love the laid-back energy here; nobody’s in a rush, and the staff treats everyone like regulars even on your first visit. The menu changes based on daily catches, keeping things interesting and ensuring maximum freshness.

10. Skipper’s Fish Camp (St. Marys, GA)

Down in St. Marys near the Florida border, Skipper’s keeps the authentic fish camp tradition alive without turning it into a theme park version. The working docks nearby mean the seafood pipeline is about as short as it gets—boats to kitchen to your plate in record time. The wooden interior and nautical decor feel earned rather than purchased from a coastal-themed catalog.

Regulars have their favorite tables and their usual orders, creating a rhythm that newcomers quickly pick up on. The kitchen doesn’t overcomplicate things because the quality of the seafood speaks volumes on its own. I’ve watched them sell out of the day’s catch multiple times, which is both frustrating and reassuring—it means everything is genuinely fresh, not frozen backup.

11. Dockside Seafood (Hinesville, GA)

Hinesville might not be directly on the coast, but Dockside proves you don’t need beachfront property to serve exceptional seafood. The owners have relationships with local fishermen that guarantee daily fresh deliveries, and the kitchen treats every order with respect. This is where locals go when they want quality without the tourist crowds that plague more famous spots.

The atmosphere is unpretentious and welcoming, like eating at a friend’s house if your friend happened to be an excellent seafood cook. Steaming platters arrive at tables throughout the dining room, filling the air with that irresistible aroma of fresh catches and perfect seasoning. I appreciate that they’ve stayed true to their roots instead of trying to become something they’re not.

12. Captain Joe’s Seafood (Townsend, GA)

Blink and you might miss this tiny spot in Townsend, but that would be a tragedy because Captain Joe’s punches way above its weight class. The family-run operation keeps things simple: fresh seafood, generous portions, and prices that make you double-check the bill because surely it should cost more. The humble exterior hides a kitchen that knows exactly what it’s doing.

Picnic tables with checkered tablecloths set the tone for casual, satisfying dining where the food takes center stage. I’ve seen people drive from Savannah specifically for Captain Joe’s fried catfish, which tells you everything about the quality. The small size means they sell out regularly, so calling ahead isn’t a bad idea if you’re making a special trip down here.