10 Georgia Waterfront Restaurants Serving Lowcountry Boil With A Side Of Relaxation
Nothing beats the combination of fresh seafood and waterfront views when you’re looking to unwind in Georgia. Lowcountry boil – a delicious mix of shrimp, sausage, corn, and potatoes – tastes even better when enjoyed with water lapping nearby.
From Tybee Island to Jekyll River, these coastal eateries offer the perfect blend of Southern flavors and peaceful scenery.
1. The Original Crab Shack – Tybee Island’s Marsh Masterpiece
Perched over Chimney Creek’s marshlands, this Tybee Island institution serves their legendary Lowcountry boil on rustic wooden decks where the breeze carries salt air and relaxation.
Locals know it as the place “where the elite eat in their bare feet” – their signature seafood feast arrives piled high with fresh shrimp, crab, and all the fixings. The no-frills atmosphere lets the food and setting do all the talking.
Watch for the resident alligators while you crack, peel, and savor each bite of this coastal classic.
2. The Shrimp Factory – Historic River Street Dining
Savannah’s bustling River Street provides the backdrop for this seafood haven, where ships pass by as you dig into a perfectly seasoned Lowcountry boil.
Housed in a restored cotton warehouse, The Shrimp Factory balances historic charm with mouthwatering cuisine.
Their traditional recipe features plump shrimp, smoky sausage, tender potatoes, and sweet corn kernels bursting with flavor.
Grab a table by the windows for prime people-watching along the promenade while savoring every bite of this Southern specialty.
3. Fiddler’s Crab House & Oyster Bar – Riverfront Revelry
The balcony seats at Fiddler’s offer front-row tickets to Savannah’s riverfront action while you tackle their generous Lowcountry boil.
I still remember my first visit – perched above River Street with container ships gliding by as I cracked into perfectly steamed shellfish.
The memory of that meal with the sun setting over the Savannah River still makes my mouth water years later.
Their hearty portion comes with all the classics plus hushpuppies for sopping up the flavorful broth.
4. The Wharf – Jekyll Island’s Riverside Gem
Nestled along the Jekyll River, this dockside treasure offers Lowcountry boil, with clams and crab legs available as add-ons or in steamer combinations.
Boaters often dock directly at the restaurant after a day on the water, creating a lively yet laid-back atmosphere. When evening falls, live music floats across the water while strings of lights twinkle overhead.
The combination of fresh seafood, gentle river breezes, and island time makes this spot a must-visit for coastal cuisine enthusiasts.
5. Zachry’s Riverhouse – Casual Waterside Comfort
Just steps from Jekyll Island’s marina, Zachry’s serves up no-nonsense Lowcountry boil in a setting where boat shoes and flip-flops are the footwear of choice.
The first time I visited, a dolphin surfaced right beside the outdoor deck as if checking the menu! That magical moment paired perfectly with the steaming platter of seafood goodness placed before me.
Their version comes with hushpuppies that achieve the perfect balance of crispy exterior and fluffy inside, ideal for cleaning your plate.
6. Fish Tales at Fort McAllister Marina – Ogeechee River Retreat
Tucked away in Richmond Hill, this open-air hangout offers Lowcountry boil with a side of genuine local flavor and stunning river views.
Fishing boats return to the marina throughout the day, bringing fresh catches that might end up on your plate. The restaurant’s relaxed vibe matches the slow-moving Ogeechee River that stretches out before you.
Families gather at picnic-style tables to share heaping platters while watching the sunset paint the sky in brilliant oranges and pinks.
7. Sunbury Crab Company – Hidden Coastal Treasure
Off the beaten path in tiny Sunbury, this dockside eatery draws seafood lovers from miles around for their exceptional steamed seafood platters featuring just-caught blue crabs.
I stumbled upon this place during a coastal road trip and nearly drove past the unassuming building. What a mistake that would have been! The owner greeted me like family before serving up the freshest seafood I’d encountered in years.
Diners gaze across the marina to endless marsh views while cracking, peeling, and savoring each perfectly seasoned morsel.
8. The Fish Dock at Pelican Point – Old-School Sapelo River Dining
This Townsend gem captures the authentic fish camp spirit with a Lowcountry boil featuring locally harvested Sapelo Sea Farms clams alongside wild Georgia shrimp.
The weathered wooden building sits right on the water, with fishing boats bobbing alongside the restaurant.
Their time-honored recipe includes grilled corn instead of boiled, a small but significant twist that adds smoky sweetness to the meal.
Savor each bite while watching dolphins play in the Sapelo River and pelicans dive for their own seafood dinner.
9. Bubba Gumbo’s – Lazaretto Creek’s Dockside Delight
Tybee Island’s working waterfront provides the backdrop for this laid-back spot where shrimp boats deliver their catch just steps from your table.
The restaurant’s weathered wooden deck extends right over Lazaretto Creek, putting you practically on the water.
Their Lowcountry boil celebrates Georgia’s famous wild shrimp paired with spicy andouille sausage that kicks the flavor up several notches.
Watch fishermen unload the day’s catch while pelicans perch on nearby pilings, hoping for scraps as you enjoy this quintessential coastal meal.
10. Pier 16 Seafood Restaurant – Ocean Breeze Dining
Steps from Tybee’s famous beach, Pier 16 offers multiple levels of outdoor seating where salt air enhances every bite of their classic Lowcountry boil.
The rooftop deck provides elevated views over Tybrisa Street, with the Atlantic Ocean just a short walk away. Bright red potatoes, sweet corn, and smoky sausage complement the star of the show – tender local shrimp that practically melt in your mouth.
Sand still between your toes from a beach day? No problem at this casual spot where seafood and relaxation go hand in hand.