Couples traveling to the island from nearby Savannah can explore delightful attractions such as the preserved 19th-century Fort Screven, which showcases intact concrete gun batteries, and the Tybee Island Light Station and Museum, which preserves an 18th-century lighthouse that still operates to this day. Delicious seafood restaurants serve up local specialties like steamed blue crabs, wild Georgia shrimp, and Lowcountry feasts stuffed with all-you-can-eat seafood and side dish options. Many restaurants are located right on the water, offering stunning romantic ambiance at sunset as fishing boats come into nearby marinas.
A-J's Dockside Restaurant
A-J's Dockside Restaurant is a favorite dining destination for Tybee Island locals and visitors, serving up high-quality seafood entrees at a beautiful dining space overlooking the island's Back River. The restaurant, which was opened to the public in 2003, was the former world headquarters for Tybee Island's Bomb Squad during the Cold War, selling nuclear bomb-related apparel and souvenirs to commemorate its search for a rumored lost weapon off the Tybee coastline. Indoor and outdoor seating are offered for diners throughout the week, including boat-in dining space along the restaurant's shores. Couples can choose from a wide variety of delicious seafood options, including favorites like oyster or shrimp po'boy sandwiches, lump crab cake burgers, deviled crab with cream cheese-stuffed salmon, and the restaurant's signature shrimp and sausage gumbo. Nearly four dozen bottled beers are offered to complement all meals, including local and domestic selections.
1315 Chatham Ave, Tybee Island, GA 31328, Phone: 912-786-9533
Bubba Gumbo's
Bubba Gumbo's is a delightful family-operated restaurant located along the banks of Tybee Island's Lazaretto Creek, reopened under new management in 2015. The restaurant, which is now helmed by restaurateur Caitlin Burns and executive chef Gordon Card, serves up some of the island's best seafood entrees in a gorgeous dining environment adjacent to the Tybee Island Marina. Entrees are prepared with fresh daily fish catches and shrimp caught right on the dock, served up in view of nearby fishing boats. Diners can enjoy peel-and-eat shrimp platters, crab cake dinners, or fried fish sandwiches, complemented by a steamer menu featuring favorites like Alaskan snow crab and Lowcountry boil. Signature sides like homemade hush puppies are complemented by shareable appetizers like baked scallops and local fried oysters with buffalo sauce.
1 Old US Hwy 80, Tybee Island, GA 31328, Phone: 912-786-4445
Sting Ray's Seafood
Sting Ray's Seafood is Tybee Island's best choice for all-you-can-eat seafood, voted as the island's best seafood restaurant in the Tybee Breeze's Breezy Awards in 2005. The restaurant, which was opened in 2000 by local crabber Ray Rogers, Sr., offers relaxed outdoor dining spaces under shady beach umbrellas and presents live local music performances on Friday and Saturday nights. Couples can choose from delicious main courses like mahi-mahi sandwiches, fried oyster po'boys, and Alaskan snow crab by the pound or enjoy all-you-can-eat feasts of local steamed blue crabs on weekday evenings. Lowcountry feasts are also served up, showcasing a selection of shrimp, sausage, and side dish specialties. Shareables range from homemade hush puppies and fresh fish fingers to spicy buffalo shrimp and smoked fish dip platters.
1403 Butler Ave, Tybee Island, GA 31328, Phone: 912-786-0209
The Crab Shack
The Crab Shack is one of Tybee Island's longest-operating restaurants, opened in the 1980s by married duo Belinda and Jack Flanigan. The restaurant is located on the site of a former fishing village property, converting an old marina and bait shop into a delightful dining experience right on the waterfront. Peel-and-eat seafood platters take center stage throughout the week at lunch and dinner, accompanied by personal trash cans at each table for convenience and cleanliness. Diners can enjoy signature specialties like the restaurant's Captain Crab's Sampler Platter, a delicious Lowcountry feast piled high with Georgia shrimp, mussels, crawfish, crab legs, sausage, corn, and potatoes. Savory land entrees are also on the menu, including favorites like chili cheese nachos and St. Louis-style barbecue pork rib racks.
40 Estill Hammock Rd, Tybee Island, GA 31328, Phone: 912-786-9857
