Why Locals Love Carey Hilliard's Restaurant
Carey Hilliard's Restaurant in Pooler, GA, is a beloved Southern culinary gem that artfully combines seafood, barbecue, and classic American comfort food into one warm and inviting family dining experience. Nestled just off I-95, it serves as a welcoming stop for travelers and locals alike seeking generous portions, rich flavors, and a relaxed atmosphere that feels like a home away from home.
The menu is a celebration of the South’s best tastes, with an emphasis on fresh seafood and hearty barbecue classics. Signature dishes such as the Seafood Combo Pick 2 or 3 let you mix and match favorites like fried shrimp, tilapia, flounder, catfish, deviled crab, oysters, and scallops—each item crisped to golden perfection or cooked tender and flaky, promising a delightful "duo" or "trio from the deep" that impresses both seafood connoisseurs and casual diners.
For lovers of Southern-style entrees, the Captain’s Platter is a must-try, offering a generous assortment of seafood and sides that melt together in a symphony of textures and tastes. The single side entrees, like the Large Tail-On White Shrimp and the delicately breaded Catfish, pay homage to traditional Southern flavors, fried or seasoned to perfection with each bite showcasing the region’s culinary heritage.
The dining experience is complemented by thoughtfully crafted Southern desserts. Whether indulging in the rich, creamy Classic New York-Style Cheesecake, the warm, comforting Brownie Sundae, or the refreshingly tangy Key Lime Pie, each sweet finish provides a satisfying conclusion to your meal.
What sets Carey Hilliard’s apart is more than just the food—it’s the genuine hospitality and family-friendly atmosphere. Customers frequently praise the attentive service, with friendly staff who make you feel like part of the family. One guest, Dolores, highlights the generous portion sizes and the crave-worthy Brunswick stew, while others appreciate the prompt service even during busy times, the light and flaky onion rings, and the juicy, perfectly breaded fried chicken.
The ambiance is casual and comfortable, ideal for families and groups looking to share great food without pretense. While some note that the dining area can feel cool, the overall cozy vibe invites you to relax and enjoy a Southern-style feast at your own pace. Plus, the refillable lemonade served with a to-go cup underscores the restaurant’s welcoming and accommodating spirit.
Carey Hilliard’s Restaurant is clearly more than just a meal—it’s a flavorful journey through Southern food traditions, delivered with heart and home-style warmth. Whether you’re seeking the freshest seafood, classic barbecue, or a family-friendly spot with hearty portions and genuine Southern charm, this Pooler locale captures the best of Savannah’s culinary scene with authenticity and flair.
See the Space & Food
What Makes This Place Friendly
- On-site services
- Takeaway
- Dine-in
- Delivery
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Great tea selection
- Serves local specialty
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
- Wheelchair-accessible car park
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Wheelchair-accessible seating
- Wheelchair-accessible toilet
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Late-night food
- Private dining room
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
- Toilet
- Casual
- Cosy
- Quiet
- Trendy
- Family friendly
- Groups
- Locals
- Tourists
- Accepts reservations
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
- Good for kids
- Has changing table(s)
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
- Free of charge street parking
- Free parking lot
- Parking
- Dogs allowed
- Dogs allowed outside
Real Reviews from the Community
- Mar 15, 2026
This is a lovely spot to stop if one is driving down I-95. The portion sizes are very large. I had the pulled pork plate. It came with a side of Brunswick stew which was delicious. I chose the sweet potato fries as a side (slight upcharge). The lemonade was refillable and the waitress offered us a to-go cup. It was all delicious. My only complaint was the restaurant was cold so bring a sweater or jacket.
- Mar 4, 2026
Love the server he was amazing. The good came out quick as well too. Mac n cheese is usually good but tonight it was a bit off. Probably my taste buds off considering I am pregnant lol. Overall my favorite spot in savannah to come and grab a bite. Definitely gonna keep. Coming back.
- Feb 8, 2026
There was a slight wait before getting a table, they were very busy! We began with the onion rings. The batter was so light and flaky on them, very good. I also ordered the Fried Chicken. That takes a little longer but it's way worth it! It was perfectly breaded, deliciously juicy and a huge portion! The sweet potato fries were delightful. On top of all that, the service was great, I'll definitely be back!
- Feb 2, 2026
Had bbq and brunswick stew. Brunswick stew wasnt that good. Just not for me. Bbq was good though. Great service and the atmosphere was great. Was able to talk during our meal and actually hear one another! Would definitely recommend!! Thanks guys for getting it right!!
- Jan 25, 2026
If you know anything about Savannah GA you know about this restaurant. I was born and raised in Savannah GA and I always visited the Skidaway location. I used to get my food to go and like 2 or 3 years ago dining in with family I realized how expensive the menu is because I used to always get seafood and go after getting the curbside pull up and place my order. This chain restaurant has been around since the 1960's a little back story. The food is good and delicious. This location has a lot of business and is award winning also. Pull up and support.
- Jan 9, 2026
Reyna was our server. We were first time customers. Her information was helpful and the service was excellent. The onion rings are lightly breaded in house and some of the best ever. Portion size is large. I had grilled scallops-very good. Tender and flavorful.
- Dec 18, 2025
Jacobi was an excellent server to us tonight, and I must recommend that you please ask for his services when you visit this joint! He served our party the dinner towards the restaurant’s closing time and truly completed our night with his kindness. For one instance, Jacobi very kindly requested us to gather our remaining food due to the hour, rather than rushing us in any subtle or explicit way, which I truly appreciated. He also escorted our party as much as possible although he needed to end his shift as well. As for the food, our party enjoyed the variety of vegetarian and seafood options that were available on the menu. The menu, ambiance, food and service were remarkable, and I look forward to sharing this experience with those who visit and request for Jacobi’s assistance.
- Dec 17, 2025
I ordered a captains platter because I couldn’t make up my mind which seafood I wanted to eat! The oysters and scallops alone were worth the price. The fried shrimp was very good as was the fish I left the devil crab behind due to my Maryland roots. Portions of everything were huge so I had to take some with me when I left. That meal is enough for two people! The server Jacoby was perfect!
