Nestled along the scenic Shoal Creek waterfront in Florence, Alabama, Shaffer's Happy Hollow Marina offers a delightful seafood dining experience that’s both charmingly rustic and satisfyingly fresh. This locally cherished seafood restaurant specializes in an array of Gulf Coast favorites that are sure to excite any seafood lover’s palate.
Step into Shaffer’s and you’ll find the ambience refreshingly laid-back, with an inviting outdoor pavilion where gentle ceiling fans provide a welcome breeze as you savor your meal. Whether you arrive by car or boat—many patrons delight in docking right at the marina for a pit stop—this spot feels like a hidden gem that invites you to unwind and enjoy the simple pleasures of freshly prepared seafood.
The menu is a celebration of the Gulf’s bounty. Start your culinary journey with the addictive Cajun Boudin Balls or the fiery Jalapeno Gator Bites, both perfectly crisped and bursting with flavor. Their famous Po’boys are a must-try, each generously filled with favorites like Fried Gulf Shrimp, Fried Oyster, Fried Catfish, Texas Smoked Brisket, or Spicy Fried Chicken Breast Tenders—sandwiches built on authentic Leidenheimer French bread imported straight from New Orleans, adding an irresistible touch of genuine Southern authenticity to each bite.
For those craving something more substantial from the sea, Shaffer’s menu offers mouthwatering entrees such as Mahi sandwiches, Swordfish, Rainbow Trout, Salmon, and Flounder. Each dish arrives piping hot and tender, reflecting the kitchen’s commitment to freshness and quality. Fried Gulf Shrimp and Fried Oyster plates are especially popular, perfectly seasoned and flawlessly cooked to deliver that signature crunchy exterior and succulent interior that dithers your taste buds.
Patrons often highlight the freshness and generous portion sizes here. Brandon praised their “extremely fresh, made to order” fare, noting the large servings that left him more than satisfied. Jennifer Robinson extolled the quality of their oysters as “the best I’ve had in years,” while also appreciating the homemade remoulade, cocktail, and tartar sauces that elevate each bite. The care and craftsmanship shine through in every dish, making each meal a memorable culinary adventure.
While Shaffer’s operates on a self-service model—ordering at the counter and waiting for your name to be called—the friendly and helpful staff, including standout servers like Ashley and Summer, ensure that the experience remains warm and welcoming. Even though the fans might struggle on hotter days, the open-air pavilion beside tranquil waters more than makes up for it, offering a relaxed, communal vibe that invites conversation and leisurely dining.
Not without its quirks, some diners note the wait times and the challenge of finding seating during busier moments, yet these minor inconveniences are outweighed by the consistently fresh, high-quality food and unbeatable waterfront setting. Mike Adams’ endorsement to “go early as there may be a wait” is a testament to the restaurant’s popularity and authenticity.
For those who appreciate genuine Southern seafood served in an unpretentious, waterside setting rich with local flavor and heart, Shaffer's Happy Hollow Marina is a destination worth seeking out. Whether you’re stopping by for a casual lunch, a family gathering, or a boat day meal, the enticing menu, generous portions, and authentic taste of the Gulf elevate every visit into a cherished experience.
Contact Shaffer’s at +1 256-272-2090 or visit them at 270 Hammond Dr, Florence, AL 35634, to embark upon your own flavorful journey at this delightful Marina eatery.
Your insights help other diners decide. We’ll keep your email private. Required fields are marked *
Via Guelfa, 94/r, 50129 Firenze FI, Italy
8449 US-42 St A-B, Florence, KY 41042, United States
Piazza Dalmazia, 29r, 50141 Firenze FI, Italy
Via Vittorio Locchi, 23 R, 50141 Firenze FI, Italy
Via Pietro da Cortona, 33, 50142 Firenze FI, Italy
1358 Celebration Blvd, Florence, SC 29501, United States
Via Sant'Antonino, 34r, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
Piazza del Pesce, 3/4/5 r, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
Via dei Serragli, 100r, 50124 Firenze FI, Italy
Via di Novoli, 42/30, 50127 Firenze FI, Italy
Tooting Market, 20 Totterdown St, London SW17 8TA, United Kingdom
3/255 Lincoln Road, Henderson, Auckland 0610, New Zealand
C. del Conde de Peñalver, 90, Salamanca, 28006 Madrid, Spain
C. Luis Morales, 1, 28982 Parla, Madrid, Spain
Via E. Fermi, 42, 89047 Roccella Ionica RC, Italy
Discover new menus and trending dishes on Menustic.
Menustic helps you discover menus from restaurants, cafés, and bars around the world. Explore destinations, compare dishes and prices, and decide where to eat or drink — Fantastic Menus, One Click Away.
© 2026 Menustic. Built to help people discover menus and decide what to eat and drink.
Melanie Brazier
11/12/2025
This restaurant is just a little off the beaten path. I would not have known about it unless I drove past it, so it was a nice my GPS took me the way it did. The staff was super friendly and helpful on choosing what to eat. You order your food at the counter as you walk in from the parking lot. The drinks are either sweet tea or unsweetened tea that you can get yourself or choose a drink from the fridge. Once you seat yourself after you order your food, you get a number, and they will call your number at the serving window to come pick up your food. They give you a decent amount of food. We filled up on the fried green tomatoes alone. I would visit again. There is also a boat launch nearby. They do have gas pumps for the boats as well.
Brandon
20/11/2025
Cool little seafood restaurant. The entire dining area is outside under a pavilion with ceiling fans. We were here on a beautiful day so was nice. I had the fried catfish and my boy had the chicken tenders. Food was good and extremely fresh, made to order. Large quantities, more than I could eat. We were in town at the shooting range and will visit again when we come back to shoot.
Mike Adams
11/11/2025
Awesome food!! Go early as there may be a wait. BYOB Shrimp, oysters, frog legs, steak, froed corn nuggets, and brisket are great!! Hush puppies were overcooked. Order and wait for your name to be called. Worth the drive or boat visit!
Lena Saunders
12/10/2025
Took the boat up to Schaffer’s to get gas and get some food. We walked in and stood at the counter to order. We were not greeted, they did not smile, they were not friendly. They took our order and went to sit out in a covered patio. It was hot but not as hot as it has been, the fans barely moved any air. There were a few other people in there waiting for food. I’m sure if the weather were a little cooler and maybe some background music if would be nice. I’ve been there before and I know it’s super casual and so far it’s not sounding all that friendly or nice. The selection of food is really good….everything from po’boys, burgers, shrimp, steak, swordfish…considering the location the selection is amazing and everything is cooked to order…so yeah, there’s going to be a wait. There were four of us and we all ordered something different. My friends ordered the surf n turf and grilled swordfish. My husband and I ordered a cheeseburger w/ fries and brisket po’boy w/ o rings. The portions are extremely generous and like I said - everything made to order so it was hot. I can’t complain about the food but…a smile, greeting would be nice.
Mendy Stewart
09/09/2025
Just moved to the area and this place is a hidden gem for sure... The inside want too busy because of the time of year but the to go orders were non stop and I see why... The good was so good and not to mention hot and fresh... Ashley and Summer were super friendly and went above and beyond... We will definitely be back
Ynot MAGA
08/09/2025
Amazing food, selve seating which i dont care for, long wait for food but its freshly made and only bottled drinks or tea from the kettle. Its nice to sit outside by the water front. They had a live band but they never played till we started leaving. I really enjoyed the food. Just be prepared to shuffle around for a seat and wait for a while.
Joe Haydock
03/09/2025
Leidenheimer bread: on both our sandwiches I had a hamburger which was really great with lots of lettuce tomato onion pickles on the lightenheimer bread which was not an option but the chef was easy enough to go along with it... The other plate was an oyster poor boy. The hamburger and baked potato was really good. The price they wanted for the burger was very reasonable. Cook nicely and not overdone. With the oyster poor boy there was corn nuggets. They're kind of like hush puppies but they were like 10 times better.. fried to perfection everything was crispy on the outside oysters the nuggets everything but very moist on the inside. Which was really impressive because usually when you have fried oysters the chef usually kills the oyster inside but these were crispy on the outside for breading and the inside was tender and juicy which is really a refreshing change. The condiments are consist of a bunch of hot sauces ketchup and plastic utensils. Didn't see any salted pepper anywhere for my baked potato but at least they had some different seasonings to put on there. Overall it's a very comfortable and nice place they do not serve alcohol and you can bring your own beer which is a nice change.
Jennifer Robinson
22/08/2025
Best oysters I've had in years! Very fresh Gulf shrimp. They had corn nuggets. The bread is authentic from New Orleans, Leidenheimer's Baking Company: A company that has been making French bread using a traditional process for over 120 years. Homemade remoulade, cocktail sauce, and tartar sauce-- all quite delicious! We'll try it as a family soon. It's right on Shoal Creek. Or maybe that's Elk River? It was awesome! Happy Hollow which is near Kilburn Beach.