7 Unforgettable Reasons The Crab Trap In St. Simons, GA Is The South's No. 1 Seafood Dive
Stepping into The Crab Trap in St. Simons Island, Georgia, is like stepping back in time—in the best possible way. This iconic seafood restaurant, a true coastal landmark, has been serving up authentic, no-frills Southern seafood for over five decades. As of late 2025, The Crab Trap continues to draw massive crowds, cementing its status not just as a local favorite, but as a culinary destination recognized across the entire region. The buzz is real: it was recently voted the No. 1 seafood dive in the South by a prominent lifestyle magazine, a testament to its enduring quality and charm.
For visitors and locals alike, The Crab Trap is more than just a meal; it’s an essential part of the St. Simons Island experience. Known for its rustic, nautical atmosphere and commitment to fresh, local ingredients, this family-owned establishment has perfected the art of simple, delicious coastal dining. If you’re planning a trip to the Golden Isles, here is an in-depth look at the history, the food, and the unique elements that make The Crab Trap the undisputed champion of Southern seafood dives.
The Legacy Behind The Trap: Owners, History, and Location Profile
The Crab Trap is an island institution, one of the longest-standing and most beloved restaurants on St. Simons Island.
- Inception Date: The restaurant first opened its doors in February 1975, meaning it has been an island tradition for over 50 years as of 2025.
- Founding Owners: The original vision for The Crab Trap came from owners Gordy Merrill and Charlie Williams.
- Kitchen Foundation: A key figure in the restaurant's success since the very beginning is Easter Mae Brown, who has been with the establishment from day one, ensuring the consistent quality of the kitchen's preparation, including the essential task of peeling shrimp.
- Ownership Status: Remarkably, The Crab Trap is still owned and operated by the same family who opened it, maintaining its original charm and commitment to tradition.
- Location: The restaurant is conveniently situated at 1209 Ocean Boulevard, making it an easy stop for anyone visiting the island.
- Atmosphere: The décor is distinctly nautical, casual, and rustic, designed to welcome diners right off the beach.
This enduring commitment to family ownership and traditional recipes is the bedrock of The Crab Trap's success, allowing it to maintain an authentic, unpretentious dining experience that larger, corporate chains simply cannot replicate.
1. The World-Famous Crab Soup: A Culinary Legend
No discussion of The Crab Trap is complete without starting with its "World Famous" Crab Soup. This dish is arguably the restaurant’s most iconic offering, a true culinary legend in the Golden Isles region.
What Makes the Crab Soup So Special?
The soup is based on a closely guarded, world-famous family recipe. It is a milk-based soup, rich and creamy, generously loaded with blue crab claw meat. The final touch is a dash of sherry, which adds a layer of warmth and complexity that elevates the flavor profile beyond a standard bisque. The combination is a comforting, savory, and unforgettable appetizer that many patrons consider mandatory for every visit.
The soup is often the first thing mentioned in reviews, solidifying its place as the top must-try item on the menu. It perfectly embodies the restaurant's ethos: simple ingredients prepared expertly to deliver maximum flavor.
2. The Unbeatable Fried Seafood Platter (Featuring Georgia Shrimp)
While the crab soup is the signature starter, the fried seafood is the main event. The Crab Trap excels at classic Southern fried dishes, using high-quality, local ingredients, particularly the coveted Georgia shrimp.
The menu features a variety of fresh, local seafood options, including shrimp, scallops, oysters, and the fresh catch of the day. All fried plates are served with the classic Southern trio: battered fries, coleslaw, and hushpuppies.
- The Fried Shrimp: Consistently hailed as the "best on the island," the fried shrimp is a must-order. It is lightly battered and fried to a perfect golden crisp, ensuring the natural sweetness of the Georgia shrimp shines through.
- The Seafood Combo: For those who can't choose, the Seafood Combo allows you to select half portions of two seafood items, making it an ideal way to sample the best of the menu.
- Steamed Oysters: Available by the dozen, the oysters are steamed to perfection, offering a simple, clean taste of the coastal waters.
3. The Iconic "Hole-in-the-Table" Dining Experience
The atmosphere at The Crab Trap is as famous as its food. It is a casual, rustic, and distinctly nautical environment that prioritizes comfort and fun over formality. One of the most unique and enduring features of the restaurant is its specialized dining tables.
Many of the tables are equipped with a "hole" in the middle, a practical and charming feature used for discarding the shells from your seafood. This simple design choice is functional, minimizing table clutter, and immediately sets a casual, hands-on tone for the dining experience. It’s a small detail that speaks volumes about the restaurant’s focus on the essentials: fresh seafood and a comfortable, messy, enjoyable meal.
4. New Menu Depth Beyond the Fryer
While the classics are the foundation, The Crab Trap’s menu has evolved to include sophisticated and delicious options that cater to all seafood lovers. The kitchen prepares fresh dishes daily, demonstrating a commitment to culinary variety and quality.
Patrons can now find items that showcase the kitchen’s ability to handle complex preparations, including:
- Sweet Potato Crusted Salmon: A flavorful dish where the salmon is brushed with honey and served over braised spinach, offering a mix of sweet and savory notes.
- Stuffed Flounder Fillet: This decadent option features a flounder fillet stuffed with rich crab imperial and finished with a classic hollandaise sauce.
- Steamed Crab Legs: For the ultimate hands-on seafood feast, the "U Crack 'em!" Steamed Crab Legs are a popular choice, served hot and ready for dipping.
These varied offerings ensure that The Crab Trap remains a fresh and exciting dining option, even for repeat visitors.
5. The Family Recipe Shrimp Dip
Before diving into the entrees, another must-try appetizer is the Shrimp Dip. Like the famous crab soup, the shrimp dip is made from a cherished family recipe.
It is served chilled and dusted with paprika, accompanied by Captain's Wafers for dipping. It offers a creamy, savory, and slightly spicy flavor that is incredibly addictive. This appetizer is a perfect example of the simple, high-quality, family-driven cooking that defines The Crab Trap experience.
6. The Enduring "Island Tradition" Status
The Crab Trap is more than just a restaurant; it is an "island landmark" and a deep-rooted "island tradition."
Its longevity—over 50 years of continuous operation—is a rare feat in the competitive restaurant industry. This long history means that generations of families who vacation on St. Simons Island have made The Crab Trap their first and favorite meal upon arrival. The restaurant is a cornerstone of the community, a place where locals and tourists mix, all united by a shared love for fresh, authentic coastal fare. The staff, including long-time members like Easter Mae Brown, are part of the family, contributing to the warm, welcoming atmosphere that keeps people coming back year after year.
7. Voted The South's No. 1 Seafood Dive
The ultimate validation of The Crab Trap’s quality came with its recent recognition as the No. 1 seafood dive in the South. This award, published in a major lifestyle magazine, speaks volumes about the restaurant's identity.
The term "seafood dive" is a compliment in this context, highlighting its unpretentious, casual, and authentic nature. The Crab Trap doesn't rely on fancy decor or complicated presentation; it relies solely on the freshness of its ingredients and the perfection of its traditional recipes. This national-level recognition in 2024/2025 has brought new attention to the St. Simons Island gem, confirming that its commitment to simplicity and quality is a winning formula.
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