The Shell House

Savannah is the perfect destination for folks who love seafood.  There are dozens of dining choices available with a wide range of price options.  One option in Southside Savannah is The Shell House.  This restaurant may not be the first one that comes to mind if you ask locals for a recommendation, but it might be worth a try.  Located at the intersection of GA 204 and I-95, The Shell House seems to be a staple for a lot of locals.  I stopped by on a Saturday late afternoon around 5:30 p.m. and there were already about 75 cars in the gravel parking lot.  I thought I was in for a long wait, but the restaurant is deceptively large. (It is available for banquets and private parties as well.)  My party was immediately seated.  Within 10 minutes from parking the car, we had placed our food order.

At first glance, the menu seems a little pricey by Savannah standards.  However, the portions are large.  I shared a fried shrimp dinner and both of us had more than a dozen shrimp each, along with a side salad, corn on the cob, hush puppies, and sausage --- all for about $30.  I’d say that was a bargain.  The food was tasty, served hot, with a smiling server who kept our drinks full.  An added bonus was the ability to look out at the peaceful lagoon.  Having said all that, don’t expect a “fine dining” experience.  The food is served on disposable plates with plastic tableware.  You'll sit at a typical oyster shucking table, wood with a circle carved out in the center for disposing shells, shrimp tails, or your table trash.  Diners who aren’t used to these types of tables might consider it unsanitary, but the locals understand. 

On line reviews are positive and fairly consistent.  The most frequent praise I’ve heard is for the fried shrimp, low country boil, and snow crab legs.  I’ve tried all three of those dishes and can give them a thumbs up.  However, forget about having water with your meal.  The taste is terrible.

After dinner, or between courses, check out the deck over the lagoon.  The Shell House comes with its own resident alligators who are often found swimming under the deck.  The largest one I’ve seen was about 4 feet long.  He’s sure to wow any children in your party.  Large turtles and egrets are also usually close by.