Exploring the Best Restaurants on Tybee Island
Tybee Island might be best known for its sun-kissed beaches and laid-back vibe, but if you look beyond the shorelines, you’ll find a vibrant food scene that’s just as enticing as its ocean views. This small coastal destination punches far above its weight when it comes to culinary delights, offering everything from casual, toes-in-the-sand eateries to upscale dining that rivals the best city bistros. Whether you’re here for a quick day trip or a week-long getaway, one thing’s for sure, you won’t leave Tybee Island hungry.
What makes Tybee’s culinary landscape so special? For starters, it’s rooted in the island’s natural bounty. The Atlantic waters provide an endless supply of fresh seafood, while the surrounding region embraces the rich traditions of Low Country cooking. Local restaurants use this to their advantage, blending timeless Southern flavors with unique coastal flair. Fresh shrimp in every shape and form, buttery crab legs, and oysters so delicious they’ll ruin you for anywhere else, and this is just the beginning.
But seafood is just part of the story. Tybee Island caters to every palate, with plenty of options for carnivores, vegans, and sweet-tooths alike. Imagine kicking off your day at a cozy, hidden café, enjoying a mid-afternoon break at a lively taco shack, and ending with a candlelit dinner overlooking the ocean, all of it steeped in that relaxed, come-as-you-are Tybee charm. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly spot, a romantic night out, or simply the best spot to satisfy your cravings, Tybee’s restaurants deliver. Below, we’ve rounded up the island’s must-visit spots for an unforgettable dining experience.
Seafood Staples: Where to Find the Freshest Catch
When you’re on an island, seafood is a given. On Tybee, it’s a lifestyle. Local eateries take pride in serving fresh, locally-caught fish and shellfish prepared with creativity and care.
One iconic spot is The Crab Shack, a Tybee treasure that’s all about flavor and no-frills atmosphere. Seated under twinkling lights on an expansive deck surrounded by water, you’ll dig into massive platters of crab, shrimp, and crawfish. Want the full Southern seafood experience? Order the Low Country boil, it’s served with heaps of sausage, corn, and potatoes alongside your fresh catch. And keep an eye out for the gators (don’t worry, they’re in a pond for guests to observe safely).
For a slightly more refined take on seafood, A-J’s Dockside blends fantastic dishes with unmatched sunset views. Their blackened shrimp tacos and seared ahi tuna salads are packed with bold, fresh flavors, but it’s the crab-stuffed flounder that leaves people talking. Pair your meal with one of their famous Tybee Island sunsets, viewed right from your table on their deck.
If you’re an oyster fan, Bubba Gumbo’s is the place to be. Nestled next to Lazaretto Creek, this quirky spot serves up some of the best oysters on the island, prepared raw, steamed, or in savory po’boys. Their menu extends beyond oysters, making it a great stop for groups with diverse tastes.
Southern Comfort: Low Country Cuisine on Tybee
Southern hospitality isn’t just about service, it’s also about food that comforts your soul. Tybee Island doesn’t disappoint when it comes to Low Country cuisine, tying its historic roots to delicious, hearty meals.
Sunrise Restaurant is a breakfast and brunch favorite, known for its Southern-style cooking. Their shrimp and grits are legendary, a creamy symphony of cheesy grits topped with sautéed shrimp, bacon, and just the right hint of spice. If you’re in the mood for something sweeter, their fluffy pancakes and praline-topped French toast are equally unforgettable.
For comfort food that speaks to your heart as much as your stomach, visit The Breakfast Club, a long-standing Tybee institution. Don’t be surprised by the wait, it’s part of the experience. But once you’re inside, you’ll be treated to over-the-top omelets, biscuits smothered in gravy, and cheesy hash browns that hit the spot every time.
Craving Southern classics for dinner? The Savannah Riverboat Company, located a short distance off Tybee, takes Low Country cooking to new heights. Think buttery biscuits, fried green tomatoes, and perfectly cooked shrimp swimming in a Creole sauce.
Beachside Bites: Casual Dining with a View
Sometimes, the best meals are the ones you never dress up for. Tybee’s casual dining spots are dotted along the beach, offering killer views and laid-back atmospheres that keep the good vibes flowing.
North Beach Bar & Grill perfectly embodies Tybee’s easy-going spirit. Located steps away from the shore, this open-air gem serves a unique blend of Caribbean-inspired dishes and Southern staples. Whether you’re digging into their jerk-seasoned chicken wings or a tropical fish taco, you’ll love the sound of the waves as your backdrop.
Fannie’s on the Beach, meanwhile, puts the fun in funky. This three-level, neon-hued beach bar offers great people-watching along with casual eats like burgers, pizza, and fresh mahi-mahi sandwiches. Bonus points for their specialty cocktails, especially the Tybee Lime Pie drink, which tastes like dessert in a glass.
For kids and adults alike, Tybean Art & Coffee Bar is a quick stop that keeps it simple. Grab a flaky croissant, a piping hot espresso, or one of their refreshing smoothie bowls before hitting the sand.
Hidden Gems: Off-the-Beaten-Path Eateries
Every island has its hidden spots, and Tybee’s are worth seeking out. These charming, under-the-radar places offer food and hospitality that rivals the big-name spots—sometimes with even better prices.
A standout on this list is 80 East Gastropub, a quiet gem serving an eclectic menu perfect for adventurous eaters. Standouts include their truffle parmesan fries, Korean barbecue sliders, and tender duck confit served with garlic mashed potatoes. It’s the kind of place that turns even a casual dinner into an experience.
Then there’s Coco’s Sunset Grille, perched right on the marsh. The daily catch defines most of their menu, but their coconut shrimp and she-crab soup are must-orders. And because this is Tybee, the sunsets here, are vivid, golden, and seemingly endless, and add extra magic to the evening meal.
If you’re looking for classic BBQ with unbeatable flavor, Bennie’s on Tybee is the answer. This no-fuss, roadside spot offers barbecue ribs and pulled pork smoked to perfection alongside comfort sides like mac and cheese, baked beans, and Southern slaw.
Sweet Treats and Cool Drinks: Desserts and Cocktails
Every great meal deserves an equally memorable ending, or in some cases, a delightful midday pick-me-up. Tybee Island knows how to satisfy your sweet tooth.
For ice cream that melts your worries away, head to The Sugar Shack, a local institution serving up scoops of creamy goodness alongside decadent milkshakes and sundaes. Kids love their variety of flavors, while adults opt for spiked shakes that add a little kick to the sweetness.
Another fan-favorite is Tybee Island Pops, where gourmet popsicles steal the show. They’ve got flavors that range from classic strawberry lemonade to adventurous choices like peach bourbon and chocolate sea salt. Each icy bite is refreshing after a day in the sun.
Craving a drink more than dessert? Tybee’s nightlife offers plenty of spots to quench your thirst. From frozen daiquiris at Wet Willie’s to craft cocktails at The Tybee Post Theater, there’s something for everyone. For margarita lovers, Agave Bar and Grill does a fresh lime version that can’t be beaten.
Tybee’s Flavorful Finale
From shrimp-laden feasts to hidden foodie nooks, Tybee Island’s restaurant scene is every bit as colorful and inviting as the island itself. With a focus on fresh ingredients, local charm, and dining experiences that cater to every kind of traveler, Tybee’s eateries make each meal a small celebration.
The only problem? You’ll wish you had more time to try them all. Whether you’re planning your first trip or your fifteenth, one thing is certain, Tybee Island is as much a destination for your taste-buds as it is for your soul.