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Coco's On the Beach: Casual Seafood and Drinks With Your Feet in the Sand

By Constance Obi · Culture & Recreation Writer

What to expect at Coco's On the Beach

Coco's On the Beach is a barefoot restaurant and bar on Tybee Island, just across the Georgia border from South Carolina's Lowcountry. You walk directly onto the sand to reach the dining area, which means exactly what the name promises: you eat seafood and drink with the Atlantic in front of you and sand between your toes. The menu centers on fresh catch, shrimp, and casual coastal fare—fried platters, grilled fish, sandwiches, and appetizers meant for sharing. The atmosphere is unpretentious and loud in the best way: families with kids, groups of friends, and couples all mixing together on picnic tables and in the sand.

The restaurant operates seasonally and weather-dependent, so hours and availability shift with the season and tide. On warm days, the place fills quickly, especially around sunset. There is no dress code beyond "bring a swimsuit if you want"—people arrive in beach clothes and stay that way. Service is counter-style or table service depending on the area, and the pace is relaxed rather than rushed.

Key Takeaways

  • Coco's sits directly on Tybee Island beach in Georgia, a short drive from South Carolina's coast, and you dine with your feet in the sand.
  • The menu focuses on fried and grilled seafood, shrimp dishes, sandwiches, and shareable appetizers at casual pricing.
  • Hours and operations vary by season and weather, so call ahead or check their current status before making the trip.
  • The setting is family-friendly and informal—no shoes required, no reservations taken, first-come seating on the beach.

Getting there from South Carolina

Tybee Island sits about 18 miles east of Savannah, Georgia, making it roughly a 90-minute drive from Charleston or Beaufort. From Charleston, take US-17 North toward Savannah, then follow signs for Tybee Island. From Beaufort, the drive is shorter—roughly an hour—heading north on US-21 to connect with US-80 toward Tybee. Parking at Coco's itself is limited and informal; most visitors park in the nearby beach lot or street parking along the island.

Tybee Island is a working beach town, not a resort destination, so the drive is straightforward but the island itself can feel crowded on summer weekends and holidays. The best times to visit are shoulder seasons—late spring and early fall—when the weather is warm but the crowds are lighter. Winter brings fewer tourists but also shorter hours and occasional closures.

What to order and when to go

The fried shrimp basket is the signature order: a large portion of Gulf shrimp fried golden and served with fries, coleslaw, and hushpuppies. The grilled fish sandwich changes based on what came in that day—ask what the catch is before ordering. Fried oysters, crab cakes, and fish tacos appear regularly. Appetizers like fried pickles and shrimp dip are designed for groups and work well if you are sharing a table with strangers, which happens often.

Drinks are beer-focused—local Georgia and South Carolina breweries, plus standard options—and the bar makes simple cocktails. Soft drinks and sweet tea are available for families. Prices are moderate for a beachfront restaurant; most entrees run between $12 and $18, and appetizers between $8 and $12.

Sunset is the most crowded time, especially on weekends. If you want a table and conversation, arrive before 5 p.m. or after 8 p.m. Lunch is quieter and a good option if you are traveling with young children. The restaurant closes during storms and very cold weather, so winter visits require a phone call first.

The beach setting and what to bring

Dining on the sand means sand gets everywhere—your food, your clothes, your car on the way home. Bring a beach towel to sit on, and wear clothes you do not mind getting sandy. Flip-flops or water shoes are practical, though many people go barefoot. Sunscreen is essential, especially if you plan to stay through sunset. The restaurant provides no shade except umbrellas at some tables, so consider timing your visit for late afternoon when the sun is lower.

The beach at Tybee can be rough on windy days, and the Atlantic is colder than the sounds and marshes of the Lowcountry. Swimming is possible but not the main draw—most people come to eat and watch the water. Lifeguards are on duty during summer months, but this is a working beach with boat traffic and currents, not a protected swimming area.

Nearby things to do on Tybee Island

Tybee Island Lighthouse, built in 1773, sits at the north end of the island and offers views from the top after climbing the interior stairs. The Tybee Island Marine Science Center has aquariums and touch pools focused on coastal Georgia wildlife. Both are within a few miles of Coco's and make natural additions to a beach day.

The island has several other casual restaurants and bars, a small pier for fishing, and miles of beach for walking. Most visitors treat Coco's as the main event and add an hour or two of beach time or lighthouse visiting before or after. The drive back to South Carolina is straightforward, so a day trip is realistic.

Planning your visit

Call ahead before driving over, especially in winter or on days when weather looks uncertain. Coco's does not take reservations, so seating is first-come, first-served. On busy summer days, you may wait 30 minutes to an hour for a table, though the wait moves faster than it appears because the turnover is quick and the bar area often has standing room.

Bring cash if possible—the restaurant accepts cards, but the beach setting and informal operation mean card readers sometimes go down. Bring a phone charger too, since you will be outside for a while. If you are traveling with kids, bring snacks and water in case the wait is longer than expected; the restaurant does not have a kids' menu but will serve smaller portions or simple items like fries and grilled cheese.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need shoes to eat at Coco's?

No. The restaurant is designed for barefoot dining on the beach. Wear flip-flops or water shoes if you prefer, but many people go barefoot. Just be prepared for sand in your food and clothes—it is part of the experience.

Can I make a reservation?

No, Coco's operates on a first-come, first-served basis. On busy days, especially around sunset, you may wait 30 minutes to an hour. Arriving before 5 p.m. or after 8 p.m. usually means a shorter wait.

Is Coco's open year-round?

Coco's operates seasonally and closes during storms, very cold weather, and some winter days. Call ahead before visiting, especially between November and March, to confirm they are open.

What if I do not eat seafood?

The menu is seafood-heavy, but the restaurant serves fried chicken, sandwiches, and appetizers that are not fish-based. Call ahead if you have specific dietary needs, and ask what non-seafood options are available that day.

Is the water safe for swimming?

Tybee Island is a working beach with boat traffic and currents. Lifeguards are on duty during summer months. Swimming is possible but not the main draw—most people come to eat and watch the ocean rather than swim.