Are you in search of some of the best seafood in coastal Georgia? Then head down to Hunter’s Waterfront Café! Nestled in a modest bungalow overlooking the Julienton River in Shellman Bluff in McIntosh County, Hunter’s Waterfront Café is the kind of place where life slows down several paces and folks know each other by name. Located just off of Shellman Bluff Road near the Shellman Fishing Camp, locals know it simply as Hunter’s. Hunter’s specializes in seafood but is also widely known for their mouth-watering burgers and steaks. Hunter’s features a fully stocked bar and nightly entertainment on the weekends. You’ll know you’ve arrived when you see the screened in porch and neon beer signs.
Frivolity and laughter are commonplace at Hunter’s. Currently owned by Steve and Debbie Eason, the restaurant has been in business since 1951. Every time I’ve been to Hunter’s has been with my family and we order it for take-out on many occasions. My parents have a home in Sutherland Bluff Plantation adjacent to Shellman Bluff and Hunter’s is the preferred restaurant when we don’t feel like cooking. That was the case this past Saturday night (May 19). My mother, my three aunts, my brother and I had just come in from a ride on my uncle’s boat (he was back in Atlanta trying to sell his house to move down to Sutherland Bluff) and we were starving! I called in the following order for take-out:
- Two Hunter’s Captain’s Platters – one fried, one grilled – includes scrumptious shrimp, oysters, scallops, deviled crab and fish)
- A Grouper Special – a juicy grilled grouper filet topped with parmesan cheese over a bed of rice
- A large Caesar Salad
- Two large baked potatoes – comes with butter and sour cream
- An extra order of their famous “Bluff Battered Fries” (which come with the entrees) – I have no idea why they’re called that, but they are amazing!
All entrees range in price $17.00-$21.00 and come with coleslaw, hush puppies and french fries. You can substitute salad, baked potato or steamed vegetables for an extra $1.00 and also add $1.00 for blackened or grilled entrees (instead of fried). If you’re not into surf and like turf, try one of their hand-cut grilled Filet Mignon or Ribeye Steaks, served with fresh garden salad, Texas toast, baked potato or Hunter’s fries. Not into surf OR turf? Enjoy one of Hunter’s salads or pasta dishes. For those who are more budget-conscious or having lunch can choose from a variety of sandwiches and appetizers. I’ve heard their Grouper Filet sandwich, Shrimp Po-Boy and Steve’s Bar-B-Que sandwich are to die for. Even the children’s menu for little ones 12 and under is a winner! Since I plan to be in Shellman Bluff a good bit, I’ll get around to trying most everything on the menu, but the seafood will always call my name…
Back to my story…when I returned with all the food, my family showered me with heroic “thank yous” quickly followed by a ravenous dash to the kitchen island where I unloaded our dinner. The “mmms” and “yums” drowned out all talking as everyone fixed their plates and dined out on the porch overlooking the Sapelo River marsh. Our order also came with cocktail and tartar sauce, butter and sour cream for the baked potatoes and was packaged for easy carrying. The total order easily fed five hungry ladies and one man with leftovers.
Don’t be in a hurry when you come to Hunter’s, the locals might not approve. Dress casually, stay awhile and enjoy the view. Savor every bite of your perfectly fried shrimp, juicy steak or burger, and ice cold beverage and take in the relaxed aura of Hunter’s Waterfront Café.
The details:
Hunter’s Waterfront Café
Shellman Bluff Rd, Shellman Bluff, GA 31331
Phone: 912-832-5771
Hours of Operation:
Mon – Fri: 11:00am-2:00pm, 5:00pm-2:00am
Sat: 8:00am-2:00am
Sun: 8:00am-11:00pm
Website in progress: http://hunterswaterfrontcafe.com/
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hunters-Waterfront-Cafe/130106257002375
Directions from Savannah: Take I-95 South, take Exit 67 – Hwy 17/GA 25/South Newport, turn left off the exit, drive 2.8 miles and turn left on Minton Rd. (you will pass the Smallest Church in America!), drive 2.8 miles, at the stop sign turn left onto Shellman Bluff Rd, drive 3.3 miles and at the next stop sign take slight right onto Sutherland Rd., take 4th left onto Well St., at the end of the street take left onto Shellman Bluff Rd and Hunter’s is immediately on the left. Parking is along the river.
Written by Jamie Marie Smith
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