We love this restaurant! Delicious, fresh seafood. Very good wait-staff. The porch area outside the bar is a great place to visit with friends while you enjoy the good food. read more

If you want great southern food and you're in Macon, GA, then this is your place. I was in town for work and wanted something local and this place definitely fit the bill. It doesn't look like much from the outside, which is usually a great sign of good things inside! Julia was our server and she was a rock star! We were asking about soups and she gave her opinion and then brought small samples so we could decide (the crab soup was amazing). I ended up with the Fried Catfish (delicious) and grilled shrimp (also good) dinner with Cole slaw and a side salad, which was fresh AF and pretty big with lots of croutons. read more

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We had dinner there last week. I had the trout and my husband had the salmon. His salmon was way overcooked. My trout was very good. The crab soup was delicious. My biggest complaint was the cocktail sauce was little more than catsup and the tartar sauce had nothing in it. If I'm having cocktail sauce, please put enough horseradish in it to taste. others have liked the squash casserole but I found very little squash - it was mostly breading. I don't plan to return anytime soon and would not recommend it to friends. read more

Service was great. My trout was dry. She crab soup was watered down. The fried oyster appetizer was delicious. The grits creamy and delicious. The fried shrimp was excellent. read more

Heck yeah - lived in Georgia years ago & went to high school in this town. But never have I ever EATEN at the famous Jim Shaw's! Monday, December 30th, had been a day! Left the West Coast at the crack of dawn, landed at the ATL airport & then took the only dang shuttle in these parts, Groomes, to Macon. I was famished & these two hometown friends brought me to the right place. Service is the epitome of Southern hospitality, of course. I loved that they offer two different sections to sit in: 1. order at the counter & then find a seat or sit at the bar 2. The regular sit-down service area, which is where we landed! The menu was much more extensive than I could've imagined. My outdated idea was that EVERYTHING IS FRIED. Nope - not at all. They feature blackened AND grilled options for all the seafood, not just fried + they have SALADS! I opted for the blackened shrimp over rice: 15 healthy shrimp on a bed of rice. My two sides = coleslaw & squash casserole. Squash casserole (squash baked w/ lots of butter & cheese) was like a party in my mouth. Hush puppies are mildly sweet & addictive (yes fried little bon bons, they are). And apparently I was so hangry, I forgot to take a photo! My dish was so generous, I had leftovers. My dining companions raved about their blackened red fish and a spinach salad, topped w/ salmon. Later in the week, I came back just for an order of that squash casserole. That delectable. Stellar service & good vibes at this iconic Macon spot, on the map since 1987. read more

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This was one of the best seafood restaurants that I've ever been to! The restaurant is divided into two sections, one section is a more casual grab and go environment where you can order at the bar and eat at a table nearby. Another section is like a restaurant where servers come and serve you.I went with a few friends and ordered a variety of things on their menu and the seafood was incredibly fresh and so tasty, I highly recommend this place! read more

Jim Shaw's Restaurant - Oysters - Seafood Near Me - Macon, Georgia

This place is not what I expected but it is phenomenal. Jenny and Amy are great. They were working the bar and they are not only making drinks for the patrons but also taking food orders. Take out, eat in, everything! And they know regulars by name while taking care of tourists like me. Jenny and Amy are awesome and the food they serve is incredible. Take a shot at Jim Shaw's. It is well worth it! read more

Jim Shaw's Restaurant - Blackened Blue Crab claws - Seafood Near Me - Macon, Georgia

The food was delicious and had great flavor. Our server Winnie was awesome and kept us well taken care of. Great family friendly atmosphere, great for groups. Highly recommend this restaurant when in the Macon area. We will be back. read more

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Sindey provided wonderful service to newbies like we were regulars. She had very good recommendations and contributed to the overall Ambiance and positive culture of the restaurant. Food was fresh and cooked to perfection. Definitely will be back when I'm visiting Macon. read more

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The best of everything! I cannot say enough great things about this local gem in Macon GA. Some of the best fried seafood I have ever eaten. Gator bites and perfectly seasoned and fried Shrimp. Sides are delicious too even the hush puppies are great! Service was awesome! read more

Jim Shaw's Restaurant - Fried shrimp and gator bites combo with squash casserole and cheese grits. - Seafood Near Me - Macon, Georgia

I have been to Jim Shaw's several times, though it was before what I assume was a remodel. It has been about 18 months ago. Regardless, all the food was always well prepared and the menu had a good selection of real seafood. I look forward to seeing what the experience is like now. read more

Last night we enjoyed a Shrimp dinner in the main dining room. Our server, Ms. Winnie a mainstay at JS was great. Thank you Winnie for waiting on us. No real issues, but one recommendation, the Hushpuppies tasted like Catfish. Not sure if the fryer's oil needs to be changed or this is a procedural issue frying non fish items in the fish fryers. Thank you. read more

This was our first dinner here and it was great minus the frog legs but the waitress quickly rectified the problem and gave my fiancé another entree to go. He chose the gator. I had the combo plate of the delicious scallops and gator. The scallops were amazing and I had them grilled. And I had the cheese grits in the side. And the gator was blackened and a little too salty for me. But the show stopper of the meal was the crawfish! You must try them! We also had the oysters which were good but get the crawfish instead! Great service and not a a long wait I was scared about that when I read the reviews We can't wait to try the bar area next time read more

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Jim Shaw's never disappoints!! This is by far my husband & I's favorite restaurant in Macon. The proportions have been consistent for the past 3 years..you're likely going to have to get a box to go. The catfish is delicious! Service is quick - very much a southern hospitality feel. The venue is quaint & clean. We're basically addicted to this place! 10/10 :) read more

Jim Shaw's Restaurant - Catfish filet dinner with cheese grits, fries (unbattered), and hush puppies - Seafood Near Me - Macon, Georgia

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Was in town for just a couple of days found this place on yelp. It was very very good. Everyone loved their order. I got the grilled fish and vegetables others got alligator and french fries fries were delicious. Also had one IPA in the bar doing my weight for my food. There was a reasonable line waiting for this establishment to open, which was a good sign and the food definitely did not cease to impress. read more

Wow what a find! Great locally owned restaurant featuring great seafood options. Quaint atmosphere and friendly staff. Early bird special. Catfish and scallops for my hubby and tilapia and scallops for me. Would highly recommend read more

Great food, service, and staff. Nice place for seafood Love this place in Macon You got to try it read more

It's a country-style diner with a 4-star taste! You can even get cocktails while you wait to be seated. It tastes incredible!

Their food is good. Fish cooked perfectly. Crawfish tails were soo tender and delicious, it was all so yummy read more

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Fish was well prepared and fresh. Battered French fries were good too. Old school seafood restaurant.

Came to celebrate as a party of 3. We dined in the restaurant area, and our server was really nice. I think her name was Winnie? She was very attentive and kept coming around to ask if we were still doing ok. Ambiance of the place is nice and I liked the decor. But the food was overall just ok. Ordered the blackened crawfish tails entree with sides of baked potato and cheese grits. Entree also came with hushpuppies. We also ordered and shared the pimento cheese bites appetizer, which was my personal favorite part of the meal. The saltiness was balanced out by the hot pepper jam. But the crawfish and grits were way too salty for me. I couldn't tolerate more than a few bites of the crawfish or grits, and even that was with drinking a lot of water to chase it down. Hushpuppies were great - crunchy on the outside but fluffy inside, but also pretty salty. Ended up taking most of the meal home and balanced it with plain rice for future meals. I'd skip this place and go somewhere else for better food. read more

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We usually get carry-outs due to the small dining area and long wait times. Service is always good. The food is good as well. The portions are huge, therefore we usually split our meals. read more

A great local restaurant. It's rare to get seafood that tastes good when there's no ocean around.Either the Alligator or the Tuna bites are amazing blackened. read more

Probably some of the best seafood I've had in quite some time. The "happy hour" menu makes sense, as I had the shrimp and scallops combo and could barely eat it all. We'll definitely be back!! read more

I have been wanting to try gator for such a long time. So, for my first out of town (Millegeville) dining experience, I drove 31 miles 1-way. Arriving a few minutes before 5:00, and thinking I'd have to wait for 5hem to open, I was surprised to see the parking nearly full! :-o Turns out, they open at 4:30 on Fridays and Saturdays. When I walked into the small foyer, there were 3 or 4 people waiting (apparently for Take Out, as I was seated immediately). The small restaurant was already pretty crowed, with at least 22 people. Despite the servers being harried, the service was prompt, and friendly. I ordered 2 appetizers; fried pickle chips and fried gator bites. The pickles were delicious. And, the gator bites were very good, chewier than expected. Gator does taste like chicken. But, with a bit of a fishy taste (think of a Chicken mating with a Grouper :-o ). I'm glad that I tried the gator bites vs the main dish of gator. Though, I wouldn't mind trying gator ribs. But, insofar as the tail is concerned, I'll stick with fried shrimp, catfish, crawfish, chicken, BBQ, baked beans and Cole Slaw (dang! Now I'm hungry again). read more

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We had Grouper, Rainbow Trout and Catfish. They were all excellent. Sides were all good. Service was great, bartenders, hostesses and waitress all very friendly. Small, sort of aging building, which lead to its ambience. read more

Everything!! Great, helpful service. Best seafood in the area. Prices are very reasonable. A great variety to choose from, all excellent. read more

First time at Jim Shaws after it being recommended by multiple people. It was delicious seafood! The best scallops i've ever had. Perfectly cooked and such a good flavor. The shrimp were also delicious. The battered fries, however, were not for me. My boyfriend got the cheese grits and they were delicious...i'll be getting that next time. We got the pimento cheese bites to start and they were fantastic...warm, cheesy, with a great sweet chili sauce. We ate at the bar and it was very loud. Granted, it was a Friday evening, but at some points it was overwhelmingly loud. Service was pretty good. The place was packed so that of course slowed service down, but other than that it was a great experience! I'll be back for sure. read more

Jim Shaw's Restaurant - platter - Seafood Near Me - Macon, Georgia

Jim Shaw's Restaurant is a "local favorite" because: The fried catfish fillets and Hushpuppies are good. The Service is good. The price is average. read more

A local seafood staple to Macon, said to be worth visiting if you know the drill. Here's the drill: It fills up early and quick, and they stay on a roll all evening. There is an early bird special menu, they open at 5. There is limited waiting area inside and a small parking lot. Parking across the street is common, there is a crosswalk at the traffic light. A benched waiting area outside is ample, but lies in the narrow sidewalk to front door. This is not a multipurpose restaurant, it is a good ol' calabash style seafood joint. Blackened, grilled, fried, two sides. When available oysters in the half shell -- (Allow me to interrupt myself, a must have). Good selection of apps and entrees, chowder, a few salads and salad options, standard but delicious sides. The batter and fry on the food is light and not overly salted, the blackening not overly salty either, major bonus. There is first come first serve seating around the side at the bar entrance, which includes a cozy patio area and bar seating; order and pick up at bar is required. Seating at the bar itself is a bit cramped, there are a couple TVs, and a fire place out on patio. Again, this is the quickest option sometimes if you're okay with the ordering system. Service is really pleasant, tables are cleaned and rotated quickly and with a smile. They deliver on what is expected, offer fresh seafood, with a smile, and if you're lucky, only a small wait. I would return, but mainly for oysters personally. I'd pass if there was a long wait and no other seating options. read more

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Early bird is a good deal. Food is consistent. I love the earlybird oysters and earlybird menu.

Friendly locals atmosphere. Outstanding seafood. Try the fried shrimp, catfish, or blackened Talapia. All are delicious. Service is excellent. read more

Food is great but I wish the new waitresses would spend more time refilling drinks than trying to clear plates off of a table. It's annoying when they have come by twice to take away plates from appetizers with two drinks empty and then when you ask for refills, they get mad about it get the priorities in order you can clean the table when the customers left not before. I do get busting appetizers and clearing table sections for desserts, but seriously focus on refills over pre-busing. We don't tip you on how good you pre-bust the table I tip you on my number refills. Thank you. read more

Definitely a local favorite for seafood. I would suggest eating before 6 or after 8 unless you love bumping elbows.

This place was a pure gem find while in Macon! Will definitely dine here again. The service was excellent, our server Winnie was terrific.The food was as good and fresh as you will find on the coast!! Off the beaten path but well worth it! read more

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i have been a customer of Jim Shaw's for over 25 years , never had a bad Grouper there in all the years i've eaten there. Sept. 3rd 2024 i order a lightly season grill grouper and it was so fishy tasting i couldn't eat it. I didn't complain because we had a large group with us that afternoon. everything else was good. will not be eating there any time soon. Grouper is not a cheep fish. cindy. *** read more

I don't understand how you can even get in the bar area. Food is fantastic, girls behind the bar are the best in Macon. Good pours on drinks and wine. Filet appetizer is a must. Shrimp tacos are a good go to. Salads are fresh and house dressing should be bottled. read more

Was served old re-warmed food. Place was recommended by a friend. Food tasted bad. Won't be back

Great food super service and lots of smiles! Had shrimp best fries my wife had the tuna tidbits and she loved them! Super house salad dressing!! read more

Second time to come here. Highly recommended by a buddy when I told him I was in town and wanted some raw oysters. It is a small place between the road and a railroad track. Simple decor and clean as a whistle. The food was excellent, had some oysters and some shrimp tacos this time. Both were delicious and fresh. Service was exceptional, my server (Sarah) was a sweetheart and was "Johnny on the spot". I was in town on business so I ate alone but she made it very pleasant. I would highly recommend you give them a try. read more