14 Friday Fish Fries In Georgia That Locals Swear Are The Best Weeknight Finish
Georgia knows how to wrap up a busy week, and for many locals the perfect finish comes sizzling from a Friday fish fry.
I set out to find the spots where golden fillets, friendly chatter, and the smell of seasoning drifting through the air create a small celebration at the end of every weeknight grind.
Some places keep things classic, others add their own twist, but all of them deliver flavor that keeps people coming back.
1. Savannah Seafood Shack — Savannah
Savannah Seafood Shack doesn’t mess around when it comes to their Friday fish fry. Locals line up before the doors even open, armed with appetites and high expectations that never go unmet.
The catfish here gets dunked in a secret cornmeal batter that’s been perfected over years of trial and error. Each piece comes out golden and crackling, with meat so tender it practically melts on your tongue.
Pair it with their tangy coleslaw and hushpuppies that could win awards, and you’ve got yourself a weeknight finish worth bragging about.
2. Sting Ray’s Seafood — Tybee Island
Right off the sand and surf sits Sting Ray’s Seafood, where the ocean breeze carries the scent of frying fish straight to your nose. This place has been a Tybee Island staple for decades, and one bite explains why.
Their flounder is lightly breaded and fried to perfection, creating a delicate crunch that gives way to flaky, buttery fish.
The portions are generous enough to share, though you probably won’t want to. Grab a table on the deck and watch the sunset while you feast.
3. Skipper’s Fish Camp — Darien
Nestled along the marshes, Skipper’s Fish Camp feels like stepping into a postcard from old coastal Georgia. Fishermen stop by after a day on the water, still wearing their rubber boots and salt-crusted caps.
The whiting here is legendary, battered in a peppery mix that adds just enough kick without overwhelming the delicate fish.
Every Friday, the kitchen cranks out basket after basket, each one as perfect as the last. Don’t skip the cheese grits on the side because they’re creamy heaven in a bowl.
4. Jim Shaw’s Seafood — Macon
Way inland from the coast, Jim Shaw’s Seafood proves you don’t need ocean views to serve stellar fish. Macon locals have been flocking here for their Friday fix since the place opened its doors.
Their tilapia gets a light, crispy coating that shatters with every bite, revealing moist fish underneath. The tartar sauce is homemade and tangy, with just the right amount of pickle relish mixed in.
Fridays get packed fast, so arrive early or prepare to wait because this spot is worth every minute.
5. Mr. Shuck’s Seafood — Brunswick
Brunswick’s Mr. Shuck’s Seafood has mastered the art of the fish fry, and their loyal Friday crowd proves it. This no-frills joint focuses on what matters: fresh fish and expert frying technique.
The grouper here comes out crispy on the outside while staying impossibly tender inside, a feat that requires serious kitchen skill. They serve it with thick-cut fries that are equally addictive and golden brown.
Fun fact: the owner started as a shrimper before opening this place, bringing authentic coastal flavor to every plate.
6. Driftaway Cafe — Savannah
Tucked into a quiet Savannah neighborhood, Driftaway Cafe might not look like much from the outside, but locals know better. Every Friday, regulars claim their favorite tables and settle in for serious eating.
The cafe specializes in pan-fried snapper that’s crispy around the edges and perfectly seasoned with Cajun spices. Each fillet is hand-selected and cooked to order, ensuring peak freshness and flavor.
Their mac and cheese side is dangerously good, creamy and loaded with three different cheeses that complement the fish beautifully.
7. Steamhouse Lounge — Atlanta
Atlanta might be landlocked, but Steamhouse Lounge brings coastal vibes straight to the city. Their Friday fish fry has become the stuff of legend among downtown workers looking to unwind.
They serve up crispy catfish nuggets that are bite-sized pieces of heaven, perfect for sharing or hoarding all to yourself. The seasoning blend includes hints of garlic and paprika that make each piece addictive.
Wash it down with one of their signature house drinks, and suddenly the weekend feels a whole lot closer than it did an hour ago.
8. Six Feet Under Pub & Fish House — Atlanta
Perched above an old cemetery (yes, really), Six Feet Under Pub & Fish House serves fish so good it’ll bring you back to life. Their Friday crowd spills onto the rooftop, where skyline views compete with the food for attention.
The cod here is beer-battered and fried until it achieves that perfect golden-brown color that makes your mouth water. It arrives piping hot with a side of vinegar-soaked fries that taste like a trip to London.
The quirky location adds character you won’t find anywhere else in the city.
9. Marietta Fish Market — Marietta
Part fish market, part restaurant, Marietta Fish Market does double duty by selling fresh catches and frying them up on the spot. Fridays transform this place into a seafood celebration that draws families from all over town.
Their fried shrimp and fish combo platter is a crowd favorite, offering the best of both worlds in one heaping basket.
Everything gets fried in peanut oil, which adds a subtle nutty flavor that elevates the whole experience.
The welcoming atmosphere and generous portions make this spot especially popular with families craving quality seafood at the end of a long week.
10. The Shrimp Factory — Savannah
Overlooking the Savannah River, The Shrimp Factory has been frying fish since 1977, and they’ve had plenty of time to perfect their craft. The historic building adds charm that modern restaurants can’t replicate.
While shrimp gets top billing in the name, their Friday fish fry featuring fresh-caught flounder deserves equal attention.
The fish arrives delicately fried with a light, almost tempura-like coating that lets the natural flavors shine through.
Request a window seat and watch boats drift by while you demolish your plate in blissful contentment.
11. The Crab Shack — Tybee Island
Famous for its laid-back atmosphere and resident alligators (seriously), The Crab Shack turns fish fry Friday into a full-blown party. People show up in beach clothes, sandy feet and all, ready to eat with their hands.
The fried fish basket here is massive, featuring whatever was caught that morning and fried to crispy perfection. Everything gets served on paper plates with plastic forks because fancy isn’t the point here.
Between bites, wander over to check out the gators lounging in their enclosure just feet from your table.
12. Fish Dock at Pelican Point — Townsend
Hidden away in tiny Townsend, Fish Dock at Pelican Point feels like a secret only locals know about.
The fishing boats dock right behind the restaurant, meaning your Friday fish was probably swimming that same morning.
Their mullet might sound unusual to outsiders, but Georgians know this underrated fish fries up beautifully with a crispy skin and rich, oily flesh.
The kitchen seasons it simply with salt, pepper, and lemon, letting quality ingredients speak for themselves. Cash only here, so hit the ATM before you make the drive out.
13. A-J’s Dockside — Tybee Island
A-J’s Dockside sits right where the boats come in, so freshness is guaranteed from the moment you walk through the door.
Their Friday fish fry draws both tourists and locals who know good seafood when they taste it.
The mahi-mahi here gets a light cornmeal dusting before hitting the fryer, emerging with a satisfying crunch that complements the firm, flavorful fish.
Portions are restaurant-sized but feel homemade, with care evident in every bite. Arrive by boat if you can because the dock makes for a dramatic, very coastal Georgia entrance.
14. Ray’s Millpond Cafe — Ray City
Way down in South Georgia, Ray’s Millpond Cafe serves up small-town hospitality alongside some of the best fried catfish in the state. This place doesn’t need ocean access to nail the Friday fish fry tradition.
Their catfish fillets are thick, meaty, and coated in a cornmeal batter that achieves maximum crispiness without any greasiness.
The fish comes with all the Southern fixings: collard greens, cornbread, and sweet tea served in mason jars. Everyone knows everyone here, and by your second visit, they’ll probably know your order by heart too.