7 Georgia Seafood Shacks Worth Every Delicious Detour

There’s something magical about a no-frills seafood shack serving up the freshest catches just hours from the ocean.

Georgia’s coastline hides some incredible treasures where paper plates and plastic forks deliver seafood experiences that rival fancy restaurants.

I’ve spent years exploring these hidden gems, getting my hands deliciously dirty with crab legs and hush puppies.

Here are seven seafood shacks across the Peach State that deserve a spot on your culinary road trip map.

1. The Original Crab Shack (Tybee Island)

Locals call it “The Place Where the Elite Eat in Their Bare Feet” – and boy, do they nail it! My first visit involved accidentally feeding part of my crab leg to an alligator in their lagoon. Yes, real alligators hang out while you eat! The restaurant sits on Chimney Creek with a treehouse feel and weathered wooden decks perfect for watching boats drift by.

Their seafood platters could feed a small army, piled high with low country boil favorites. Don’t miss their deviled crab – a house specialty stuffed with sweet meat and just enough spice to make your taste buds dance. The place has zero pretension but delivers maximum flavor, proving sometimes the best seafood comes with sawdust floors and paper towel rolls.

2. The Crab Trap (St. Simons Island)

Family recipes dating back generations make this place special – I still dream about their hush puppies! Walking in feels like stepping into a maritime time capsule with fishing nets hanging from the ceiling and weathered buoys decorating the walls. What began as a tiny fish camp in 1975 has evolved into a St. Simons institution without losing its soul.

Their deviled crab rivals any on the coast, but the real showstopper is the seafood gumbo – thick, rich, and packed with more shellfish than broth. Grab a seat on the screened porch during summer evenings when salt marsh breezes carry the scent of fried shrimp through the air. The portions are massive, the prices reasonable, and the memories priceless – exactly what a seafood shack should deliver.

3. B&J’s Steaks & Seafood (Darien)

“Y’all want sweet tea with that?” The waitress didn’t wait for my answer before plunking down a glass the size of a small bucket. That’s how they roll at B&J’s – southern hospitality on autopilot and seafood straight from the nearby docks. Hidden in tiny Darien, this unassuming spot serves what many locals swear are Georgia’s best fried shrimp. The secret?

They’re butterflied, lightly breaded, and flash-fried to perfect tenderness. No fancy sauces needed. The wood-paneled walls display decades of fishing photos and local memorabilia that tell stories if you listen closely enough. Come hungry – portions border on ridiculous, especially the seafood platters that hang over the edges of their plates. Cash only, because some traditions never change.

4. Fish Tales (Richmond Hill)

Sunset magic happens daily at Fish Tales, where tables scattered along the Ogeechee River offer nature’s dinner theater. My jacket still smells faintly of the hickory smoke from their outdoor cookers after I spent an entire evening mesmerized by both the food and the view. Fishing boats pull right up to the dock, sometimes delivering the catch you’ll eat that very evening.

Their blackened fish tacos – made with whatever was biting that morning – come topped with a mango salsa that should be illegal it’s so good. Kids can play in the sandy area while parents sip cold beers and wait for platters of steamed oysters. The place feels more like a friend’s backyard party than a restaurant. When dolphins occasionally swim by during dinner, even the servers stop to watch.

5. Savannah Seafood Shack (Savannah)

Seafood boil in a paper bag? Count me in! My first “Lowcountry Boil Bag” here left me with buttery fingers and a permanent smile. The concept is brilliantly simple – they dump a steaming hot seafood boil directly into a paper bag at your table. Unlike many tourist traps in historic Savannah, this place delivers authentic flavors without the inflated prices.

Their seafood is locally sourced whenever possible, and you can taste the difference in everything from the sweet Georgia shrimp to the plump mussels. The casual counter-service setup keeps things moving quickly, but nobody rushes you once you’re seated. Don’t skip their seafood egg rolls – a fusion creation that somehow perfectly represents this port city’s multicultural heritage. Grab extra napkins – you’ll thank me later.

6. Desposito’s Seafood (Thunderbolt)

Time stands gloriously still at Desposito’s! When my plastic basket of steamed blue crabs arrived with nothing but a wooden mallet and roll of paper towels, I knew I’d found seafood heaven. The building has been serving fishermen and locals since 1965 without changing much beyond the occasional coat of paint. Newspaper-covered tables hint at the delicious mess you’re about to make. Their specialty is simple steamed seafood – crabs, shrimp, and oysters – cooked perfectly and served without fuss. The seasoning blend is a closely guarded family secret that I’ve tried unsuccessfully to replicate at home. Arrive early on weekends when locals pack the place elbow-to-elbow. The walls are decorated with decades of dollar bills signed by satisfied customers – including one from my last visit that simply says “Worth the drive from Atlanta!”

7. King Claw (Morrow)

Seafood bibs aren’t usually fashion statements, but at King Claw, they’re badges of honor! During my first visit, I accidentally launched a crab leg across the room while trying to crack it – the staff just laughed and brought me another one. This inland treasure brings coastal flavors to Atlanta’s suburbs with impressive authenticity. Their signature garlic butter sauce has a cult following – I’ve watched people literally drink the remaining sauce after finishing their seafood.

The Cajun-Asian fusion approach creates flavor combinations that shouldn’t work but absolutely do. Weekend nights feature seafood boil “combos” where crawfish, shrimp, crab, and corn swim together in spicy broth. Despite being newer and more polished than traditional shacks, King Claw maintains the communal, hands-on spirit that makes seafood dining special. The perfect spot for seafood lovers away from the coast.