Here on Tybee Island, we at TVR know just where to go to get great seafood from the coast. These are all favorites of our staff members and our guests as well. They all have their own style and atmosphere, but all of them serve delicious seafood and other specialties. So if youre craving seafood, come and check out these restaurants today!.
Welcome to Js Dockside Restaurant, a seafood lover’s dream! Since it opened in January 2003, it has been Tybee Island’s best place to find the freshest and tastiest seafood. They’ve made a dining experience like no other at 1315 Chatham Avenue, right next to the beautiful Back River. They have everything you need, whether you just want a quick and tasty lunch or want to watch the sunset from our deck and enjoy Tybee Island. Categories About Dining Planning Things to do.
As a seafood lover who has vacationed on Tybee Island for years I’m always on the hunt for the freshest shrimp around. There’s nothing better than peeling and deveining some plump shrimp right on the rental house porch and tossing them straight on the grill. While you can find shrimp at any market on the island I’ve discovered a couple go-to spots that consistently deliver high-quality shrimp perfect for any beach dinner or appetizer.
In this article I’ll share my top picks for the best places to buy fresh wild shrimp on Tybee Island. Whether you’re staying in a rental house or hotel, you’ll be able to find amazing shrimp close by.
Shop at BG’s Seafood Co-Op
For the absolute freshest shrimp straight off the boat, head to BG’s Seafood Co-Op located right on the docks at Tybee Marina. Here’s what I love about their shrimp:
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Just Caught The shrimp boats unload their catch directly at the wharf behind the market,
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Great Prices: As the middleman is cut out, the prices are very reasonable.
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Knowledgeable Staff: The team will let you know what was caught that day and offer cooking tips.
BG’s has a wide selection beyond shrimp too like grouper, tuna, oysters and blue crab. Definitely stop by this hidden gem for shrimp cooked well in under 10 minutes.
Swing By the Tybee Seafood Market
Near the pier on Tybrisa Street, this market offers fresh seafood and local favorites. For shrimp, here’s what you can expect
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Local Wild Caught: They source shrimp and fish from local Tybee waters.
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Quick Boil Options: You can get raw or boiled shrimp by the pound.
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Family Owned: This market has been run by the same family for years.
Prices are very reasonable here too. It’s super convenient if you’re staying nearby and want a quick shrimp dinner without a long drive.
Check Out the Seafood Selection at IGA
The IGA grocery store on the island has a nice seafood section as well. Here are some benefits of buying your shrimp here:
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One Stop Shopping: Grab shrimp along with all your other groceries in one trip.
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Wide Selection: Choose from bags of frozen peeled shrimp or fresh shrimp behind the counter.
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Familiar Brands: They carry major national brands you know like Sea Best.
The IGA may not have the absolute freshest catch like the dedicated seafood shops, but it’s still high-quality shrimp. You can even find giant tiger prawns sometimes!
Consider an Online Retailer for Delivery
If you really want to wow your family or vacation crew with huge premium shrimp, order them delivered from an online seafood company like Lobster Anywhere. Here’s what I like about their shrimp:
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Two Jumbo Sizes: Get 16-20 count “Colossal” or 8-12 count “Super Colossal”.
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Overnight Delivery: The shrimp arrives fresh on ice to your rental house.
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Eco-Friendly: The wild shrimp are sustainably sourced.
Ordering online does cost more than buying locally, but could be worth it for a special beach birthday dinner or seafood boil.
Tips for Choosing the Best Shrimp
No matter where you get them on Tybee, keep these tips in mind when selecting shrimp:
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Look for plump, firm texture – avoid mushy or thin shrimp.
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Check for vibrant, natural color without dull or grey spots.
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Make sure the shrimp smell pleasant, not fishy or ammonia-like.
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For ease, buy deveined and peeled shrimp unless cooking in shells.
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Figure 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 lb per person depending on appetite and recipe.
