6. Shrimp Factory

We went to the Shrimp Factory and while the food was pretty, the service was awful. Our server suffered from a very, very bad case of generalized indifference. As a matter of fact, so did the manager. On the good side, the Lobster Bisque soup was good. The salmon was good, but the angel hair that it sat on was oily and soggy... and too limp. The tossed salad had way too much of a mayonnaise taste. We were 6 in our party and that might have been the bad number as they instantly charge 18% gratuity for a party of six.. which had 4 adults, 14 year old and a 7 year old. My husband and I shared a meal and the manager brought our food, and we asked for an extra plate and he said he would bring it, but he never did, so we used the salad plate. When we told the waiter that we never got our plate, he said, "Oh really?"... but we still never got our plate... My son never got his straw, and the waiter said, "Oh really?" ... There was just a lack of interest on his part. We mentioned it to the manager and he wasn't moved either. We almost asked the waiter, "If there were 5 of us, would that have made a difference?" So, the experience was lousy due to the poor service. It is indeed a tourist trap!

Last night (Aug 4, 2008 around 8:30 PM), my husband and I had a lovely dinner on our first night in Savannah, but not at the Shrimp Factory. We went in, and the hostess walked us around trying to find a clean table for us. We circled around and got back to the host stand. When we got there, another couple walked in. They asked the hostess for a table. She left us standing alone, walked the new couple to a perfectly good table and seated them before us. They were walk-ins, like us. Then she came back to us, told us she'd try to find us a table, then went and cashed out a couple of parties at the register. We left, confused about what her behavior, and went to Vic's on the River. The service, food and drinks were fantastic there. Plus, the view from the bar was spectacular. We had a quiet table in the corner and were thrilled with the experience. DO NOT go to the Shrimp Factory, unless you want to be treated like cattle.

great food and atmosphere, seafood gumbo the best ever, salad with special caesar dressing exceptional, service was excellent, would go back again and again

The food was very good, but the service was lacking. Had to ask for refills on tea, and got no ice with the refill. Order a cup of soup as an appetizer, but it came out with the meal. Before we ordered we asked for separate checks, but was given one check at the end of our meal. Upon paying, the waitress realized she had forgotten to add two drinks to the bill. The food was good, but the service will keep us from returning.

Matthew the bartender was good. The floor manager had a bit of an attitude. Had 3 different shrimp appetizers, and the operative word here is "shrimp". These little puppies were 50-60 count, they couldn't have been any tinier. Flavor good, portion size, meh.

My wife and I like to vacation in Savannah. We love the restaurants on River Street and often base our trip on where we will eat. However, we now have 3 children and I learned that the Shrimp Factory does not like patrons with children. Our most recent visit was in May 2006 and we were looking forward to the skewered shrimp and lunch at the Shrimp factory. We entered the restaurant with our 2 daughters and our son was sleeping in his stroller. We were told that strollers were not allowed and would need to stay by the door (although there was only one other couple in the restaurant at the time). We asked if we could keep it with us, since our son was sleeping, and we were greeted with a rather obvious sigh and a "fine then". Our service during the meal was not much better as we were rushed and the kids did not even get their salads. We look forward to the muffins, but we never received them, even after asking 3 times. We did however notice that 2 other tables that came in after us did receive the muffins. At the end of the meal when we received our check, we ended up being charged for the kids' drinks, even though they were listed as being included on the menu. As I waited for the waiter to come by so I could pay, my wife was going to take our son and the stroller outside, as he woke up and started to cry. As my wife tried to get out the door with the stroller, the 2 Shrimp Factory employees, including the gentleman that gave us the sigh, stood there watching my wife try to struggle with the door. I got up from my seat and walked over and opened the door. Afterward, the same gentleman said in a sarcastic manner... Oh I could have got that for her. I then asked, "Then why didn't you?" He turned and walked away. Needless to say we ended up eating the next 5 days at the Boars Head and The Fiddlers Crabhouse the Dockside, and the Aqua Star restaurant in our hotel, all of which were great with the kids. I always recommend to all of our friends that they should visit Savannah and try the restaurants, but now I tell them to avoid The Shrimp Factory.

This used to be one of my favorite places to visit in Savannah. The last time I visited, the food was a little disappointing. Perhaps I ate there on an off day, but it makes me wonder about the consistency.

The Shrimp Factory is a casual, friendly "fine dining" restaurant where you can Watch the Ships Go By from almost all of the tables. My personal favorites are the Pine Bark Stew, Deviled Crab with the Curry Chutney Sauce, Pecan Flounder and Stuffed Shrimp. I also LOVE the Caesar Style Salad which has the best Caesar Dressing I have ever tasted. The hot sour dough french bread with the cheddar spread is delicious. I love that I can buy a GLASS of Petite Sirah to enjoy with the salad and bread. There are quite a few really nice wines by the glass in fact. Also, the WHITE CHOCOLATE COCONUT CREAM PIE may be #1 IN THE WORLD! Coffee served tableside in a French Press is perfect. The Banana Foster Flambe, flamed tableside is great for a special occasion. The Shrimp Factory is THE BEST RESTAURANT in Savannah, GA. Their sister restaurant, The Riverhouse Seafood has THE BEST PASTRY CHEF in the city as welll. Try the Riverhouse, after you try The Shrimp Factory!!!!