By Mike Manitta - Photos by Wen Mcnally
Sting Ray’s Seafood
Since 2001 has been a staple in feeding the masses,
as well as tantalizing the local’s taste buds here on Tybee. Located on Butler
Avenue at 14th Street, Sting Ray’s offers indoor and outdoor seating, which
includes a newly renovated large deck. They boast a menu that ranges from
soups, salads and sandwiches, to dinners and platters for sharing.
On this afternoon we were lucky to feast on some signature fare such
as Gumbo, Shrimp Cocktail, Seared Ahi Tuna, Sting Ray’s Platter for Two,
Lucile’s Fish Po’ Boy, and Tybee Fisherman’s Platter.
First came the Gumbo and Seared Ahi Tuna. The Gumbo was thick and
hearty with a smoky flavor, packed with chicken and sausage, rice and
veggies, topped off with a pair of fried shrimp, served with toasted bread.
Totally delicious and comforting on a cool fall afternoon. The Seared Ahi
landed as promised, seared on the outside, rare on the inside, rubbed in
black and white sesame seeds and served with a side of seaweed salad,
soy sauce and wasabi and ginger. This really is one of my favorites and it
never fails to deliver. Super tender tuna cooked perfectly and complemented
by the seaweed salad, great combination, super yummy!
Then we enjoyed a Shrimp Cocktail, a generous portion of large shrimp,
boiled and chilled and draped beautifully over a martini glass and served up
with cocktail sauce for dipping. A great way to start off a meal.
Next came the Sting Ray’s Platter for Two, plenty of shrimp, snow crab,
clams, mussels, crawfish, sausage and red potatoes. Served steamed up
fresh with cole slaw and corn on the cob. So much food. I love these platters
because they are great for sharing and you get a real variety of foods. It
arrived piping hot and everything was prepared perfectly and served with
drawn butter. Delish!
Then we went on to sample some fried fare, and first up was Lucile’s Fish
Po’ Boy, a huge Grouper filet fried up golden brown served on a toasted sub
roll with lettuce, tomato and onion, served with crinkle cut fries. The fish
was so delicious, crispy on the outside and moist and flaky on the inside. If
you have a hankering for a fried fish sandwich, this is the one.
Finally, we dove into the Tybee Fisherman’s Platter for one. Again, a
generous helping of all your favorites, shrimp, fish, scallops, oysters and a
crab cake, served with fries, slaw and hush puppies. I hope you’re hungry
for this one! Everything was fried golden brown and not overcooked at all,
the scallops are probably my favorite and they were a great size and moist
and delicious. The crab cake was also super tasty with a crispy coat served
with a cool dill sauce for dipping. So good!
What an afternoon, so much delicious food, we could barely move at
the end of the meal. Dessert was offered, I do love some Key Lime Pie, but
there was no way. What a great atmosphere for tourists and locals alike,
you can find live music on the deck on most Fridays and Saturday evenings
and Sting Ray’s is open for lunch and dinner daily. Don’t forget to check out
the daily specials and some of their signature cocktails as well, you’ll be
glad you did!
32 TYBEE BEACHCOMBER | DEC 2017