Savannah, Georgia, is notable for the number of restaurants on or within steps of the water. Fortunately, there is an abundance of rivers, creeks, and sounds, many of which include a dining option to arrive by boat. My family and I recently visited a partially waterfront restaurant by boat called Tubby’s Tank House. Tubby’s Tank House Savannah is positioned just outside of the city in Thunderbolt. If you’re looking to go to eat by boat or by car at a place with a water view, read this review of Tubby’s Tank House. 

Getting To Tubby’s Tank House Savannah

When it comes to getting to Tubby’s Tank House, you can come by vehicle or by boat. I personally have never driven to Tubby’s by car. With that being said, I noticed ample parking space was available. 

On this particular summer day, I ventured to the restaurant by boat along the Wilmington River. We decided to go to lunch by boat because my sister was visiting from out of town. 

Our journey started at the Landings Harbor Marina positioned on Skidaway Island. Fortunately, the route was direct, as I only needed to travel north along the Wilmington River. 

Without question, we had the perfect day for boating as the winds were light and the sun was shining bright. 

Docking A Boat At Tubby’s Tank House Savannah

I’ll be honest, Tubby’s Tank House is not positioned directly on the water but instead a few hundred yards back across a small road. However, the restaurant does have a view of the river. 

Considering the restaurant is not on the water, you will need to dock at one of two adjacent marinas. First is Bahia Blue Marina, which is positioned slightly north of the restaurant. The second is Thunderbolt Marina, just south of the restaurant. 

I planned to utilize space at Bahia Blue. However, they are limited in availability. On my arrival, I called the marina on channel 16. With that being said, I was informed docking would not be an option, so I needed to find an alternative. The alternative was Thunderbolt Marina, a few minutes from Bahia Blue. Undoubtedly, I was lucky Thunderbolt had space, or dining would not have been an option. 

The marina attendant was helpful as he helped us secure the boat to the dock. It should be noted the dock is high. For this reason, bring along extra fenders to prevent the side of the vessel from becoming scratched with passing boat wakes. However, the area is a no wake zone. 

After securing the boat, I visited the marina office to sign a waiver and pay the fee. Additionally, I was provided with a gate access code to reenter the marina on foot as we were walking. The process was made simple. 

Dining At Tubby’s Tank House Savannah

Along the half mile walk from the marina to the restaurant, we passed by numerous condos with waterfront views. Fortunately, a sidewalk continues on in its entirety. 

Tubby’s Tank House Vibe

Upon arrival, we were asked to visit the hostess stand inside to be seated. On this particular day, we requested to dine outside. Seating was widely available because we walked in as they were opening. A couple of people were sitting at the outside bar, but all the tables were open. 

Strategic planning when it comes to seating will allow you the best view of the water. We picked a table with the most shade and the best water view. 

The atmosphere was laid back, and we noted a significant number of TVs were on and tuned into sports channels.

Tubby’s appears to be dog friendly as a couple walked in and had lunch with the dog alongside the table. 

At one point, my son had to use the bathroom, so I explored inside. The inside consists of dark stained wood seating and a bar. I suggest eating and drinking outside because, to me it felt a bit cramped inside. 

Tubby’s Tank House Food

My family and I were not overly hungry only because it was a 90 plus degree day, which is common during the summer months in Savannah. 

Unquestionably, the menu is extensive and is a good mix between seafood and land based options. My sister and wife do not eat seafood. However, I love eating seafood personally. 

In the event you’re bringing along kids like we did, the restaurant has excellent options for children. My kids had chicken fingers and fries, and they ate them all. 

I was in the mood for seafood, so I ordered a cup of crab soup. The soup was combined with chicken tacos and fries that my wife and I split. Ironically, my sister also ordered chicken tacos. We were overall satisfied with the food and service. 

I should mention that the restaurant has a wide selection of bottled, tapped, and canned beer. The same goes for wine and hard liquor. On this particular day, we did not feel like drinking alcohol for lunch. 

Without a doubt, I was pleased by the affordability of the menu. I felt that the portion sizes and the quality of the food was excellent in comparison to the cost. 

Returning To The Dock

After lunch, we made the half a mile trek back to the marina. However, my sister made one stop in a small market shop within steps of Tubby’s. 

The code provided to re-enter the marina worked as it should. We hopped back into the boat, started up the engine, untied the lines, and headed home. However, we brought along the water tube so my sister and kids had the opportunity to cool off along the way. 

Tubby’s Tank House Is Worth The Visit

I certainly would go back to Tubby’s based on my personal experience. The combination of the boat ride, food, and casual setting made it an enjoyable experience. One area of disappointment is the view. While yes, you can see the water, it is limited. No matter if you come by car or by boat, you will enjoy Tubby’s Tank House Savannah.