This Georgia Seafood Buffet Has Crab Worth Driving For This February
February brings a special kind of magic to Georgia’s dining scene, and The ShellHouse Seafood Restaurant captures that seasonal charm perfectly.
Located at 8 Gateway Boulevard West in Savannah, this beloved seafood destination has built its reputation on abundance, freshness, and coastal flavor. From the moment you walk in, the aroma of steamed crab, buttery shrimp, and seasoned ocean fare sets the tone for a feast worth anticipating.
The buffet is the true centerpiece, offering generous spreads of fresh crab legs, fried seafood favorites, and classic Southern sides that round out every plate. Diners move from station to station building meals that feel both indulgent and celebratory.
The atmosphere stays relaxed and welcoming, making it easy to linger over second helpings. Whether you are a lifelong seafood enthusiast or simply searching for a memorable dining experience, The ShellHouse delivers flavors and variety that keep guests returning again and again.
1. All-You-Can-Eat Crab Legs That Define Indulgence
Cracking open perfectly steamed crab legs feels like unwrapping a gift from the ocean itself. The ShellHouse serves these beauties fresh and hot throughout your meal, so you can go back as many times as your appetite allows. Each leg comes loaded with sweet, tender meat that practically falls out of the shell.
You’ll find both snow crab and king crab varieties depending on the day’s catch. The restaurant’s location in Georgia means they source from trusted suppliers who prioritize quality over quantity. I always recommend starting with a modest first plate to pace yourself.
Butter stations sit conveniently near the buffet line, offering clarified butter with hints of garlic and lemon. The meat needs little enhancement, but that warm butter adds a luxurious touch. Most guests agree that the crab legs alone justify the drive to this remarkable establishment.
2. Shrimp Prepared Six Different Ways
Variety truly becomes the spice of life when you encounter The ShellHouse’s shrimp selection. From classic fried to elegant scampi, each preparation method brings out different flavors in these delicate crustaceans. You might find yourself sampling all six styles before settling on your favorite.
The coconut shrimp arrives with a crispy golden coating that contrasts beautifully with the tender interior. Grilled options showcase the natural sweetness without heavy breading. Cajun-seasoned varieties pack a spicy punch that Southern food lovers appreciate.
Every shrimp dish maintains freshness throughout service hours, which speaks volumes about the kitchen’s attention to detail. The chefs rotate trays frequently to ensure you’re always getting hot food. Many regulars make it a personal challenge to try every preparation style in one visit, though that requires serious dedication and appetite!
3. Oyster Bar With Freshly Shucked Selections
Raw oysters might seem intimidating to newcomers, but The ShellHouse makes the experience welcoming and approachable. A dedicated staff member shucks these beauties right before your eyes, ensuring maximum freshness with every serving. The briny flavor of a perfectly fresh oyster transports you straight to coastal waters.
Several sauce options accompany the oysters, including traditional cocktail sauce and tangy mignonette. Lemon wedges sit nearby for those who prefer a simple citrus squeeze. First-timers often discover they love oysters when they taste them this fresh.
The restaurant sources oysters from reputable Gulf Coast suppliers who harvest daily. You can ask the shucker about the origin of each batch, and they’re usually happy to share details. This interactive element adds educational value to your dining experience while you enjoy these ocean gems.
4. Southern-Style Fried Catfish That Melts In Your Mouth
Fried catfish represents a cornerstone of Southern cuisine, and The ShellHouse honors this tradition beautifully. Each fillet gets coated in seasoned cornmeal before hitting the fryer, creating a crispy exterior that shatters with each bite. The fish inside stays moist and flaky, never greasy or overcooked.
Georgia’s culinary heritage shines through in this classic preparation method passed down through generations. The catfish comes from farm-raised sources that maintain sustainable practices. You’ll taste the difference that fresh fish makes compared to frozen alternatives.
Tartar sauce and hot sauce bottles line the condiment station for those who want extra flavor. However, the catfish tastes so good on its own that many guests skip the additions entirely. This dish pairs wonderfully with the hushpuppies and coleslaw available elsewhere on the buffet line.
5. Crab Cakes Made From Scratch Daily
Authentic crab cakes contain mostly crab with minimal filler, and that’s exactly what you’ll discover here. The ShellHouse kitchen team forms these patties fresh each morning using real crab meat, breadcrumbs, and a secret blend of seasonings. Each cake holds together perfectly while remaining tender throughout.
Pan-searing gives the exterior a golden crust that adds textural contrast to the soft interior. You can taste chunks of actual crab in every bite, not just processed filling. The chef’s light hand with binders means the seafood flavor takes center stage.
A homemade remoulade sauce accompanies the crab cakes, offering a creamy, slightly spicy complement. Some guests prefer them plain to fully appreciate the crab’s natural sweetness. Either way, these cakes represent comfort food elevated to an art form that showcases Georgia’s love for quality seafood.
6. Clam Chowder That Warms Your Soul
Soup might seem like an odd choice at a seafood buffet, but this clam chowder deserves its own spotlight. Thick, creamy, and loaded with tender clam pieces, it serves as the perfect starter or palate cleanser between heavier dishes. The recipe follows New England traditions while adding a subtle Southern twist.
Potatoes, celery, and onions create a hearty base that fills you with warmth. Fresh clams get added near the end of cooking to prevent them from becoming rubbery. Each spoonful delivers a balanced blend of flavors that seafood enthusiasts truly appreciate.
Oyster crackers sit in a basket beside the soup station for those who enjoy the traditional pairing. The chowder stays hot throughout service in a heated tureen. Cold February evenings make this soup especially appealing, offering comfort alongside the restaurant’s other spectacular offerings.
7. Grilled Salmon With Lemon Butter Glaze
Salmon provides a lighter alternative for guests who want seafood without the heavy fried options. The ShellHouse grills their salmon to perfection, creating beautiful char marks while keeping the center moist and flaky. A light lemon butter glaze adds richness without overwhelming the fish’s natural flavor.
Atlantic salmon arrives at the restaurant fresh multiple times per week. The kitchen staff monitors cooking times carefully to prevent dryness. You’ll notice the fish flakes easily with your fork, indicating proper preparation.
This dish appeals to health-conscious diners seeking omega-3 fatty acids and lean protein. The glaze contains real butter, fresh lemon juice, and herbs that complement rather than mask the salmon. Many guests appreciate having this sophisticated option alongside the more indulgent buffet items available throughout the restaurant.
8. Hushpuppies That Disappear From Your Plate
No Southern seafood meal feels complete without a basket of hushpuppies. These deep-fried cornmeal balls arrive crispy on the outside and soft inside, with hints of onion and sweetness in every bite. The ShellHouse makes them fresh throughout the day, so you’re always getting them at peak deliciousness.
Legend says fishermen created hushpuppies to quiet their barking dogs, hence the amusing name. The restaurant’s recipe likely comes from generations of Georgia cooks who perfected the ratio of cornmeal to flour. You might find yourself eating more than you planned because they’re genuinely addictive.
Honey butter sits nearby for those who want to add extra sweetness. The hushpuppies also taste fantastic dipped in cocktail sauce or even the clam chowder. These little spheres of joy represent Southern hospitality in its most delicious form.
9. Coleslaw With A Tangy Homemade Dressing
Coleslaw serves as the perfect cooling counterpoint to rich, buttery seafood dishes. The ShellHouse version features finely shredded cabbage and carrots tossed in a tangy dressing that balances sweet and sour notes. This classic side dish cleanses your palate between bites of heavier fare.
The restaurant makes their slaw fresh daily using a recipe that avoids the overly mayonnaise-heavy versions found elsewhere. You’ll taste vinegar, a touch of sugar, and subtle spices that enhance rather than overpower the vegetables. The crunch factor remains intact even after sitting in the dressing.
Many guests pile coleslaw onto their plates as a refreshing break from fried foods. It also works wonderfully as a topping for fish sandwiches if you want to create your own combinations. This simple side dish proves that sometimes the basics done right outshine fancier options.
10. Corn On The Cob Dripping With Butter
Sweet corn represents another Southern staple that pairs beautifully with seafood. The ShellHouse serves their corn on the cob hot and ready for butter application at your discretion. Each ear comes from local farms when possible, ensuring peak sweetness and tenderness.
Boiling the corn in slightly salted water helps the kernels retain moisture and flavor. The restaurant keeps the cooking time short to prevent mushiness. You can grab as many ears as you want, making this an excellent value for corn lovers.
Butter warmers sit conveniently near the corn station, along with salt and pepper shakers. Some guests prefer their corn plain to appreciate the natural sugars. Others load it up with butter until it drips down their fingers, embracing the messy joy of a proper seafood feast.
11. French Fries Seasoned To Perfection
Sometimes you just need classic French fries alongside your seafood, and The ShellHouse delivers them hot and crispy. These aren’t ordinary frozen fries from a bag. The kitchen cuts potatoes fresh and fries them to golden perfection with a special seasoning blend.
The exterior achieves that ideal crispiness while the interior stays fluffy and tender. Seasoning happens immediately after frying, so the salt and spices adhere properly. You might find yourself reaching for fries even when your plate already overflows with seafood.
Ketchup dispensers stand ready at the condiment station, though the fries taste great on their own. Kids especially appreciate having this familiar favorite available at a seafood-focused restaurant. The fries also work as a vehicle for leftover cocktail sauce or tartar sauce if you’re feeling adventurous with your flavor combinations.
12. Dessert Bar Featuring Southern Classics
Saving room for dessert becomes essential when you see The ShellHouse’s sweet offerings. The dessert bar showcases Southern favorites like peach cobbler, banana pudding, and pecan pie. Each dessert gets prepared in-house using traditional recipes that Georgia grandmothers would approve of.
Peach cobbler arrives warm with a buttery crust that complements the sweet fruit filling. Banana pudding features layers of vanilla wafers, creamy custard, and fresh banana slices. Pecan pie delivers that perfect balance of nutty crunch and gooey sweetness.
You don’t have to choose just one dessert since the buffet format encourages sampling. Small plates let you try multiple sweets without overdoing it. These classic endings to your meal represent the restaurant’s commitment to authentic Southern hospitality and flavor from start to finish.
13. Sweet Tea That Tastes Like Georgia Sunshine
Sweet tea flows as freely as water in Southern restaurants, and The ShellHouse brews theirs to perfection. This beverage tastes exactly how you’d expect authentic Georgia sweet tea to taste: strong, sweet, and incredibly refreshing. The sugar dissolves into hot tea before cooling, creating a smooth sweetness without grittiness.
Fresh-brewed tea happens multiple times daily to maintain quality and flavor. Lemon wedges sit nearby for those who want a citrus boost. The tea comes unsweetened too for guests who prefer to control their sugar intake.
Sweet tea pairs wonderfully with seafood, cutting through the richness of butter and fried foods. Many locals judge a restaurant’s quality by their sweet tea alone. The ShellHouse passes this test with flying colors, offering unlimited refills throughout your meal to keep you hydrated and happy.
14. Family-Friendly Atmosphere Perfect For Groups
Bringing the whole family to a restaurant can feel stressful, but The ShellHouse makes it easy and enjoyable. Spacious seating arrangements accommodate groups of all sizes, from couples to large family reunions. The casual atmosphere means kids can be kids without worrying about stuffy dining rules.
High chairs and booster seats are readily available for little ones. The buffet format lets picky eaters find something they’ll actually eat. Parents appreciate not having to negotiate menu orders with multiple children.
Staff members treat families with patience and kindness, understanding that dining out with kids requires extra attention. The noise level stays comfortably moderate, so conversation flows easily. Many Georgia families make The ShellHouse their go-to spot for birthday celebrations, anniversaries, and Sunday dinners because everyone leaves satisfied and happy.
15. Unbeatable Value For All-You-Can-Eat Dining
Quality seafood typically comes with a hefty price tag, but The ShellHouse offers remarkable value for what you receive. The all-you-can-eat format means you control how much food you get for one fixed price. Considering the variety and freshness available, most guests feel they’re getting an absolute bargain.
Crab legs alone at other restaurants might cost what you pay for the entire buffet here. Add in shrimp, oysters, fish, and all the sides, and the value becomes undeniable. The restaurant maintains quality without cutting corners, which explains their loyal customer base.
February often brings special promotions that make visiting even more affordable. Groups can dine together without worrying about splitting complicated bills. Whether you’re a local or traveling through Georgia, The ShellHouse delivers an experience worth every penny and then some.
