This Lively Georgia Seafood Spot Serves Crispy Fried Shrimp And Coastal Favorites Worth The Trip

Every entree here comes with free soft-serve ice cream and sundae toppings. Yes, every single one.

I can’t imagine a better reason to clean your plate.

The real headliner, though, is the shrimp. This kitchen serves sweet, wild-caught Georgia shrimp, hand-prepared and fried until crispy.

Readers of a local magazine voted those shrimp the best around for ten years running.

Then there’s the room itself. Giant fish hang from the ceiling, and shark jaws and buoys add to the fun.

Colorful murals cover the walls, and surfboards finish the beachy look.

I like how the place makes waiting easy, too. You get a text when your table is ready, so you can wander nearby shops instead of standing around.

So how does a seafood spot earn that kind of loyalty on the Georgia coast?

Those Wild Georgia Shrimp Are The Whole Reason To Show Up

Shrimp is the star at Iguanas Seafood Restaurant, and the kitchen isn’t shy about it. The restaurant proudly calls its shrimp the World’s Best, which is a bold claim for a seafood joint.

Here’s what backs it up. The shrimp are sweet, wild-caught Georgia shrimp, sourced locally and prepared by hand in the kitchen.

You get choices, too. Order them fried for that famous crunch, blackened for a spicy kick, or broiled for something lighter.

The fried version gets the most attention for good reason. Elegant Island Living readers voted these fried shrimp the best from 2013 through 2022.

That’s ten straight years of winning the same contest. Most of us can’t keep a houseplant alive that long.

Buying local shrimp matters here beyond flavor. The restaurant makes a point of supporting the local shrimping industry along the Georgia coast.

That means your dinner helps the boats and families who bring the catch in. It’s a nice bonus when you’re already enjoying a crispy basket.

Not sure which style to try first? Start with fried, then come back another day for blackened.

Nobody says you can only visit once.

You’ll find the restaurant at 303 Mallery Street, St. Simons Island, GA 31522. Mallery Street is a central stretch of the village.

Look Up, Because Sharks Are Hanging Over Your Table

Giant fish dangle from the ceiling inside this dining room. Shark jaws and buoys join the party, and nobody seems to mind being watched by them.

The walls carry big, bright seashore murals. Surfboards and iguana murals add even more personality to the space.

It all feels a little kitschy in the best way. The décor leans fully into the beach theme instead of playing it safe.

Kids especially tend to love this kind of room. There’s always something new to point at between bites of shrimp.

A brightly lit bar area adds energy to the main space. The colors and lights keep the whole place feeling cheerful and lively.

Seating is generous, which helps on busy island days. You’ll find spacious booths that are great for families who like to spread out.

Planning a bigger gathering? A back dining area works well for large groups and special events, like birthdays or family reunions.

My tip is simple. Take a moment after you sit down and actually look around.

The details are half the fun, and the sharks overhead make for a pretty memorable dinner photo.

Free Ice Cream Might Be The Best Policy On The Island

Dessert is already handled before you even order. Every entree at Iguanas Seafood Restaurant comes with complimentary soft-serve ice cream.

And it gets better. You also get sundae toppings, so you can build your own sweet finish however you like.

That little perk shows up again and again when people talk about this place. Free ice cream is one of its most mentioned features online.

Honestly, it makes sense. After a plate of salty fried seafood, a cool swirl of soft-serve just hits the spot.

Families with kids will appreciate this one most. Bribing little ones to finish dinner gets much easier when ice cream waits at the end.

It also takes the pressure off deciding on dessert. Nobody has to argue over splitting a pricey slice of cake.

Here’s a practical idea. Save a little room, even if those shrimp are tempting you to eat every last piece.

On a hot Georgia afternoon, that soft-serve might be the coolest part of your day. Grab your toppings, find your seat, and enjoy the easiest dessert decision you’ll make all trip.

Crab Cakes, Oysters, And Grits Keep The Menu Interesting

Shrimp may wear the crown, but the rest of the menu brings serious backup. Oysters, crab legs, and crab cakes all have a spot here.

Shrimp and grits is another popular pick. It’s a classic coastal Southern dish, and it fits this setting perfectly.

Craving something tropical? The Caribbean glazed mahi-mahi adds a sweet, sunny twist to the seafood lineup.

Pasta fans can try the blackened alfredo. It mixes creamy sauce with bold, spicy seasoning for a heartier meal.

Platters are a smart move when you can’t decide. They let you sample several seafood favorites on one plate.

The menu also includes fish dinners and clam strips. Those give you more ways to enjoy fried seafood beyond the famous shrimp.

Appetizers, salads, and sides round everything out. Hush puppies get plenty of love from diners, which is no surprise in coastal Georgia.

My advice is to share. Order a few different things for the table and pass them around.

That way everyone gets a taste of the coast. You’ll also figure out your favorite for next time.

Not Everyone Wants Seafood, And That’s Totally Fine

Every group seems to have one person who doesn’t love seafood. Luckily, this menu has them covered too.

Steaks are available, including a ribeye. That’s a solid option for anyone who wants a hearty land-based dinner.

Burgers show up as well. One of them is called the Shroomazella Burger, which sounds like a superhero and a pizza had a baby.

Chicken tender dinners make picky eaters happy. They’re also a safe bet for younger kids who want something familiar.

Sandwiches and po-boys add more casual choices. A po-boy is a great middle ground if you want seafood in a lighter, handheld form.

This variety matters more than you might expect. It keeps everyone at the table happy, so nobody grumbles through the meal.

It also makes the restaurant easy for big family trips. Grandparents, teens, and toddlers can all find something that works.

Don’t forget that the free soft-serve comes with every entree. So even the burger crowd gets in on the dessert deal.

Simple, flexible, and filling. That’s a winning formula for a beach town lunch spot.

Your Dog Is Welcome To Join You On The Patio

Good news for pet parents. The covered outdoor patio at Iguanas Seafood Restaurant is pet-friendly.

Even better, staff will bring water for your dog. That’s a thoughtful touch after a long walk around the island.

The patio has a covering overhead, which helps on sunny days. Fans also help keep the air moving when the Georgia heat turns up.

This makes the spot handy for beach days. You don’t have to leave your pup behind just to grab lunch.

Outdoor seating also gives you a view of village life. People watching is part of the fun in a busy area like this.

Just remember that patio seats can be popular. On rainy or crowded days, lots of folks may want the same spot.

A little patience helps here. Your dog might need to practice its best sit-and-stay skills while you wait.

Bring a leash and maybe a small treat. Then relax, order those shrimp, and let your furry friend enjoy the breeze.

It’s a small detail, but it makes a big difference. Traveling with pets gets so much easier when restaurants welcome them.

Shop Around While Your Phone Holds Your Place In Line

Standing in a long line is nobody’s idea of vacation fun. The waitlist system here solves that problem nicely.

Seating is first-come, first-served. You give your name and phone number at the host stand, then you’re free to roam.

When your table is ready, you’ll get a text. That means you can browse nearby shops instead of waiting by the door.

There are a few rules worth knowing. After the second text arrives, you have a ten-minute grace period to get back.

Miss that window, and your name comes off the list. So don’t wander too far or get lost in a souvenir shop.

Call-ahead seating isn’t offered. Someone from your group has to be there in person to get added.

Bigger groups should plan ahead a little. Parties of six or more are seated once most of the group has arrived.

My tip? Have one person sign in while everyone else finishes their beach cleanup.

Then meet up nearby and keep your phone volume on.

It’s a smart system that turns waiting into exploring.

The Pier Village Location Puts Everything Within Strolling Distance

Location can make or break a beach meal. This one lands right in the heart of the historic Pier Village on St. Simons Island.

That setting adds a lot to the experience. Shops line the area, which pairs perfectly with the text-based waitlist.

The ocean and pier are about a block away. You can easily pair dinner with a stroll near the water.

Free parking is available nearby, which is always welcome in a busy beach area. Still, arriving early never hurts on popular weekends.

This walkable layout makes the village great for families. Kids can burn off energy before sitting down to eat.

Planning a full afternoon is easy here. Spend the morning at the beach, then head over for shrimp and ice cream.

Afterward, wander the village and enjoy the coastal Georgia evening. Few dinner plans feel this relaxed and simple.

Good food plus a great setting is hard to beat.

A Hometown Favorite Since 2006 With Awards To Prove It

Since 2006, Iguanas Seafood Restaurant has been part of island tradition. That’s a long run in the fast-changing world of beach town dining.

The restaurant is locally owned and operated. That local connection shows up in its focus on Georgia shrimp and the island community.

Its business side has earned praise too. The Golden Isles Chamber of Commerce named it Small Business of the Year.

Add that to ten years of fried shrimp wins from Elegant Island Living readers. It’s quite the trophy shelf for a fun, laid-back spot.

Families can enjoy small extras that make visits memorable. Kids get coloring pages featuring the restaurant’s mascot.

Want a souvenir? T-shirts and hats with the iguana logo are available to buy.

That shirt might be the most cheerful thing in your suitcase. It’s also a great conversation starter back home.

The restaurant is open every day from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. That makes it easy to fit into almost any vacation schedule.

For a taste of the Georgia coast, this lizard-themed favorite is well worth the trip.