These 9 “Under-the-Radar” Georgia Seafood Joints Are Pure Legend

Georgia’s coastline might not be as long as Florida’s, but what it lacks in miles it makes up for in incredible seafood spots. From Tybee Island to Atlanta, hidden gems serve up fresh catches that locals have been quietly enjoying for decades. These nine seafood joints might not always make the national headlines, but their flavors and atmosphere have earned them legendary status among those in the know.

1. The Crab Shack (Tybee Island) — “Where the elite eat in their bare feet.”

Salt air mingles with the aroma of seafood boils at this marsh-front institution. Since the early ’80s, The Crab Shack has been drawing seafood lovers to its rustic outdoor setting where shoes are optional but appetites must be substantial.

Alligators swim in an on-site lagoon while diners crack into mountainous platters of fresh crab, shrimp, and oysters at weathered picnic tables. The signature Lowcountry boil arrives steaming hot, loaded with corn, potatoes, sausage, and whatever’s freshest from local waters.

Locals know to arrive before sunset for the best views across the marsh grasses, turning golden in the fading light.

2. Sunbury Crab Company (Midway/Sunbury) — Wild Georgia shrimp with a dockside view.

Pelicans perch on weathered pilings as fishing boats drift past this family-owned treasure nestled on the Medway River. Far from tourist crowds, Sunbury Crab Company feels like stumbling upon a local secret that’s been hiding in plain sight.

The open-air deck offers front-row seats to coastal Georgia’s natural rhythms while plates of wild-caught Georgia shrimp arrive at wooden tables. Sweet creek shrimp, harvested just hours before serving, need nothing more than a light touch from the kitchen and perhaps a squeeze of lemon.

Regulars time their visits with the tides, knowing the scenery shifts dramatically as waters rise and fall around the docks.

3. The Fish Dock at Pelican Point (Townsend/Belleville) — Dock-to-plate heritage on the Sapelo River.

Charlie Phillips isn’t just the owner—he’s the fisherman bringing your dinner to shore. This reborn riverside establishment connects diners directly to Georgia’s fishing heritage, with the day’s catch often moving from boat to plate in mere hours.

Wooden chairs scrape against the weathered deck as conversations flow as steadily as the Sapelo River below. Fried flounder, grilled grouper, and peel-and-eat shrimp showcase the simplicity that makes coastal cooking special.

The restaurant’s revival story mirrors the resilience of Georgia’s fishing communities—adapting to changing times while honoring traditions that stretch back generations. Sunset transforms the river into a ribbon of gold, the perfect backdrop for seafood storytelling.

4. The ShellHouse (Savannah) — Savannah stalwart since 1983.

Tucked away from Savannah’s historic squares, this family-run establishment has been quietly perfecting seafood classics for nearly four decades. The Garrett family’s dedication shows in every overstuffed seafood platter that emerges from their kitchen.

Red-checkered tablecloths and nautical décor create an unpretentious backdrop for seriously good eating. Regulars bypass the menu entirely, trusting whatever’s freshest that day.

While tourists flock to River Street, savvy locals head here for crab legs that require both hands and several napkins. Their hushpuppies—golden-brown with crispy exteriors giving way to steamy, sweet interiors—have achieved near-mythical status among Savannah residents who guard their favorite seafood spot with protective pride.

5. Six Feet Under Pub & Fish House (Atlanta) — Casual seafood with skyline energy.

Urban energy meets coastal flavor at this Atlanta favorite where rooftop tables offer skyline views alongside platters of fresh oysters. The original Grant Park location sits across from Oakland Cemetery—hence the playful name that locals appreciate.

Exposed brick walls and industrial touches create a space where business lunches and casual date nights flow seamlessly into weekend brunches. Their seafood gumbo carries just enough heat to remind you you’re in the South, while the fish tacos blend Gulf traditions with city innovation.

Despite being hours from the coast, Six Feet Under maintains relationships with fishermen ensuring Atlanta gets genuine maritime flavor. The restaurant proves that excellent seafood isn’t just a coastal privilege—it’s an Atlanta right.

6. The Optimist (Atlanta) — Nationally acclaimed, still a local catch.

Chef Ford Fry’s seafood temple sparkles like a polished pearl in Atlanta’s Westside. Despite national accolades and magazine covers, The Optimist maintains the soul of a neighborhood fish camp—albeit one with impeccable design and service.

The dramatic open kitchen sends out wood-fired whole fish and perfectly seared scallops to a dining room that hums with energy. Their oyster bar serves as both culinary theater and social hub, where shuckers work with the precision of surgeons and the flair of bartenders.

Even with its sophistication, there’s something refreshingly unpretentious about a place that serves hushpuppies alongside its most elegant offerings. The restaurant’s name reflects its sunny outlook on bringing coastal bounty inland.

7. Kimball House (Decatur) — Oyster royalty in a restored rail depot.

History whispers through the restored 1891 Decatur train depot where Kimball House now showcases one of the South’s most impressive oyster programs. Chalkboards list the day’s bivalve offerings with tasting notes that would make a sommelier proud.

Bartenders in suspenders craft pre-Prohibition cocktails behind a gleaming marble bar, perfect companions to trays of oysters arranged like jewelry. Beyond shellfish, seasonal catches transform under the kitchen’s thoughtful touch—local trout might arrive with Georgia peaches in summer or roasted root vegetables in winter.

The restaurant’s Michelin recognition feels like an official acknowledgment of what locals already knew: this former ticket office now punches tickets to seafood heaven.

8. A-J’s Dockside (Tybee Island) — Sunset suppers on the Back River.

Escape the main beach crowds and you’ll discover this waterfront hideaway on Tybee’s quieter Back River side. Since 2003, A-J’s wooden dock has been the perfect perch for watching dolphins play while digging into seafood that tastes like vacation.

Kayakers paddle up to the restaurant’s dock, securing their boats before climbing up for cold drinks and hot platters. Their deviled crab might be the island’s best-kept secret—packed with sweet meat and just enough spice to make you reach for your sweet tea.

As the sun sinks behind the marsh grass, the wooden deck fills with a mix of sunburned tourists and tanned locals, all united in appreciation of simple food served in a spot that feels magically removed from everyday life.

9. The Shrimp Factory (Savannah) — River Street time capsule with coastal classics.

Massive cargo ships glide past the windows of this 1820s cotton warehouse, now home to one of River Street’s longest-running seafood institutions. Exposed brick walls and wooden beams frame a dining room that feels delightfully frozen in time.

Generations of the same families have been coming here since 1977 for shrimp prepared every way imaginable—blackened, fried, stuffed, and the perennial favorite, boiled with Old Bay seasoning. Their she-crab soup, rich with cream and sherry, has remained unchanged for decades because perfection needs no updates.

While newer restaurants come and go along the riverfront, The Shrimp Factory stands as a testament to getting the basics right—fresh seafood, genuine hospitality, and those mesmerizing river views.