There’s something about the briny air on Tybee Island that makes seafood taste like nowhere else. Whether you’re strolling sandy lanes or kicking back with a view of the marsh, the promise of a memorable meal lingers everywhere. I’ve spent enough evenings here chasing that perfect shrimp basket or forkful of flaky fish to know—this island has some real gems, and the hunt is half the fun.
If you’re serious about finding the best seafood on Tybee Island, you’re in good hands. I’ve sampled my way up and down the coast, from battered baskets to sophisticated catches of the day. In the spots that follow, you’ll get local favorites and standout newcomers, each one worth your time. Keep reading, and you’ll be set to explore an island full of good decisions and even better plates.
1. Bubba Gumbo’s
Nestled on the edge of Lazaretto Creek, Bubba Gumbo’s greets you with no-frills charm and waterfront breeze. This family-run spot leans into Tybee’s laid-back spirit, making it a favorite for both locals and folks just passing through.
The seafood here is caught locally and it shows. Every bite tastes fresh off the boat. The gumbo is thick with shrimp and blue crab—comforting as a summer thunderstorm rolling through the marsh. I’m partial to their blackened fish basket, which never misses, and the peel-and-eat shrimp keeps conversations going a little longer than planned.
Bubba Gumbo’s stands out for its genuine flavors and easy atmosphere. When you pair the food with the sunset views, you get the kind of meal that turns vacationers into regulars.
2. Sundae Cafe
Sundae Cafe surprises everyone who steps inside. Don’t let the unassuming location fool you—this spot serves up plates with remarkable finesse. Dining here feels like finding a secret side of Tybee, where Southern style meets a coastal twist.
The seafood is impossible to ignore. Their fried shrimp, for instance, always lands crisp and perfectly seasoned. The seared tuna earns its reputation for purity and rich flavor, and their crab cakes are the kind that make you stop mid-sentence. Portions never skimp, and there are smart vegetarian and gluten-free choices too.
On every visit, I leave feeling like I’ve stumbled onto something special. Sundae Cafe brings the polish without losing the island’s easy soul.
3. Salt Island Fish & Beer
Salt Island Fish & Beer feels like slipping into your friend’s beach house—if your friend could cook. Its cozy, cottage setting has a relaxed energy that makes lingering over lunch or dinner easy. The menu stays close to the coast with fish-forward dishes and ingredients sourced as local as it gets.
You won’t go wrong with the fish tacos. They’re bright, fresh, and layered with just enough punch. The grouper sandwich is another standout, balancing flaky fish and inventive toppings. Both dishes capture what Salt Island does best: simplicity with just the right twist.
Craft beers and smart cocktails round things out, and the kitchen’s scratch approach means nothing feels phoned in. Every visit feels just right, no matter how sandy your shoes.
4. The Crab Shack
The Crab Shack captures everything you expect from a coastal hangout—rambling decks, views of the marsh, and heaping plates built for sharing. Eating here is as much about the setting as the seafood, with friendly chaos and easygoing family vibes all around.
The star of the show is their Low Country boil: shrimp, corn, potatoes, and sausage tumble together in a steamy, fragrant pile. It’s messy, communal, and absolutely rooted in Tybee tradition. Crab legs crack easy and taste like they barely left the water.
The Crab Shack stands out for its playful energy and abundance of local seafood. Bring friends, roll up your sleeves, and make a memory or two with every bite.
5. A-J’s Dockside Restaurant
There’s nothing quite like unwinding at A-J’s Dockside Restaurant. With its breezy back deck and vibrant sunset views over the river, you get a front-row seat to Tybee’s more peaceful side. It’s a local favorite for lazy lunches and evenings that linger well into dusk.
The menu keeps one foot in tradition and the other in playful invention. I never pass up the blackened mahi sandwich—flaky fish, crisp lettuce, and just the right kick of spice. Their peel-and-eat shrimp are another highlight, fresh and unfussy, perfect for sharing over laughter and waterfront chatter.
A-J’s stands out for its easygoing atmosphere and reliably fresh seafood. If you want classic Tybee flavor with an unbeatable view, this is your place.
6. The Deck Beachbar and Kitchen
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With the sound of waves and a salt-flecked breeze, meals at The Deck Beachbar and Kitchen feel like an endless summer day. The open-air vibe puts you steps from the sand, and the menu delivers on its promise of fresh, beach-inspired comfort.
I always end up ordering the grilled fish tacos—light, lively, and balanced with crisp slaw and tangy sauce. The peel-and-eat shrimp taste like they were hauled in that morning, and pair well with a cold drink and a sky turning pink over the water.
The Deck stands out for its unfussy food, laid-back energy, and unbeatable beachside location. It’s the kind of place that turns a simple meal into a memory, every single time.
7. StingRay’s on Tybee
StingRay’s on Tybee has that beach town energy—a mix of laughter, live music, and families sharing platters under the sun. You know you’re in the right spot when you see baskets piled high with shrimp and folks cracking crab legs with a grin.
The fried shrimp basket is a must. Perfectly golden, never greasy, and best paired with homemade hush puppies. Their Low Country boil brings generous helpings of shrimp, potatoes, and corn, capturing Tybee’s laid-back flavor in every bite.
StingRay’s stands out for its festive atmosphere and local seafood classics. For easy sunsets, toes in the sand, and food that keeps you coming back, this place has you covered.
8. Pier 16 Seafood
Pier 16 Seafood brings the coastal mood inside, with airy spaces and plates designed for easy sharing. Conveniently close to the beach, it’s a prime spot to refuel after sand and surf. You can sense their care in every dish—even classics get a fresh spin here.
The blackened grouper sandwich always delivers—juicy, perfectly seasoned, and topped with a crisp slaw. Their shrimp tacos are another highlight, bright and zesty with a squeeze of lime. This place knows how to balance bold flavors with just the right casual touch.
Pier 16 stands out for its upbeat vibe and creative approach to local seafood. Whether you’re inside or out on the deck, you get the sense you’re eating right where you belong.
9. Bernie’s Oyster House
Classic, rowdy, and full of character, Bernie’s Oyster House is a Tybee staple where the tables rattle with laughter and baskets of seafood. The vibe is unfussy but lively, perfect for a casual lunch or a laid-back night with friends.
This is the place to go if you crave oysters—raw, steamed, or chargrilled. Their shrimp po’ boy is stacked high, juicy, and finished with just the right tang of sauce. The baskets overflow, making it easy to share (or not) as you watch the local scene unfold outside.
Bernie’s stands out for its easygoing hospitality and a menu that puts oysters front and center. Come as you are; you’ll leave well fed and smiling.
10. Spanky’s Beachside
Right on the edge of the sand, Spanky’s Beachside is a go-to for easygoing meals and familiar favorites. The energy is playful, with ocean views and salty breezes adding flavor to the whole experience. Grab a seat by the window if you can—the people-watching is almost as good as the plates.
The seafood here is no-nonsense and satisfying. Their fried fish sandwich is crispy outside and flaky within, while the jumbo shrimp basket gets two thumbs up for both portion and freshness. Sauces come in generous pours, adding a bit of kick wherever you want it.
Spanky’s stands out for beachside convenience and crowd-pleasing classics. When you want a simple, well-made meal just steps from the surf, this is where to land.
Frequently Asked Questions
What seafood is Tybee Island famous for?
Tybee Island is known for its fresh local shrimp, blue crab, oysters, and catches like grouper and flounder. The Low Country boil—a dish with shrimp, corn, potatoes, and sausage—is a true local specialty.
Are there kid-friendly seafood restaurants on Tybee Island?
Yes, many places like The Crab Shack, A-J’s Dockside Restaurant, and Spanky’s Beachside offer relaxed settings and kids’ menus. The friendly vibe keeps everyone at the table happy.
Do restaurants on Tybee Island serve gluten-free or vegetarian options?
Several spots including Sundae Cafe, Salt Island Fish & Beer, and The Deck offer gluten-free and vegetarian dishes. Just ask—most kitchens are happy to accommodate preferences or dietary needs.
Can I get local seafood year-round on Tybee Island?
Absolutely. Most restaurants source local fish and shellfish all year, though specific types may vary with the season and catch.