Best Southern Food in St Simons Island

Q: What's the difference between lowcountry, Cajun, and Creole food?

Lowcountry is St Simons Island-rooted coastal comfort (shrimp and grits, frogmore stew). Cajun comes from Louisiana swamps; Creole from New Orleans city blends. 100 restaurants specialize in these styles.

Q: Where can I try authentic soul food in St Simons Island?

Several of St Simons Island's 100 southern spots focus on soul food classics — mac and cheese, collard greens, fried chicken, and biscuits. Look for family-run places with long histories.

Q: Do southern restaurants in St Simons Island serve lunch and dinner?

Most of the 100 spots do both, though lunch service and hours vary. Check listing hours and menus before you visit — some are lunch-only.

Experience authentic southern cuisine in St Simons Island. 100 restaurants serving comfort food, lowcountry dishes, and more.

Shrimp and grits, fried green tomatoes, buttermilk biscuits — St Simons Island is southern cooking territory. These 100 restaurants celebrate lowcountry and comfort food traditions that have been passed down for generations.

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Don Que's Southern BBQ-Brunswick

4.4

Don Que’s Southern BBQ is a fast-rising Brunswick favorite serving authentic, slow-smoked barbecue and Southern soul food rooted in traditional pitmaster techniques. What began as a popular food truck has grown into a brick-and-mortar destination, earning a strong local following for its bold, handcrafted flavors. The menu features classic barbecue staples like brisket, ribs, pulled pork, and smoked chicken, alongside Southern favorites such as oxtails, mac and cheese, collard greens, and dirty rice. Each dish is cooked low and slow, delivering rich, smoky flavor and tender meats in every bite. With its casual, welcoming atmosphere and growing reputation, Don Que’s offers a true taste of Southern barbecue culture. Why travelers love it: Award-winning barbecue, authentic Southern flavors, and a fast-growing reputation that makes it one of Brunswick’s must-try BBQ spots.

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Barbara Jean's

4.4

Barbara Jean’s Barbara Jean’s is a beloved, family-run restaurant serving classic Southern comfort food and fresh seafood in the heart of St. Simons Island. Known for its “easy Southern dining” style, this local favorite has built a strong reputation for made-from-scratch dishes and warm, welcoming hospitality. The menu features hearty, home-style favorites like meatloaf, pot roast, shrimp and grits, and their famous crab cakes made with no fillers, along with signature items like rich she-crab soup and freshly baked breads. Generous portions and comforting flavors make every meal feel like a home-cooked experience. Why travelers love it: Iconic Southern comfort food, famous crab cakes and she-crab soup, homemade breads, generous portions, and a cozy, welcoming atmosphere that feels like dining at home.

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Willet's Lowcountry

Willet's Lowcountry is an upscale coastal Southern restaurant located inside The Westin Jekyll Island Beach Resort offering elevated Lowcountry cuisine, fresh Georgia seafood, prime steaks, handcrafted cocktails, and oceanfront dining in a relaxed luxury atmosphere. Known for its screened veranda overlooking the dunes and beach, the restaurant blends modern Southern flavors with classic coastal traditions inspired by the Golden Isles. Guests often mention the fresh seafood, shrimp and grits, Southern-inspired dishes, attentive service, and scenic ocean views, making it a popular destination for fine dining, date nights, and resort-style dining experiences on Jekyll Island.

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Willie's Wee-Nee Wagon

4.4

Willie’s Wee-Nee Wagon in Brunswick is a true local landmark, serving the community since the 1970s with classic hot dogs, burgers, and its famous boneless pork chop sandwich. Known for its simple, made-to-order menu, the restaurant offers a variety of signature hot dogs like chili dogs, slaw dogs, and the popular “Brunswick Dog,” all packed with bold, traditional flavors. With its casual, no-frills atmosphere and long-standing reputation for quality and consistency, it remains a must-visit spot that has been bringing locals and visitors back for generations.

Robbin's Nest

Robbin's Nest Simply Delicious, LLC is a popular, locally owned food trailer based out of Brunswick, Georgia. It is known for serving fresh seafood and classic Southern comfort food.

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Grandy's

3411 Cypress Mill Rd

4.4

Grandy's is known for serving classic American breakfast dishes alongside Southern-style meals. Guests can expect traditional options like country-fried steak and biscuits. The restaurant offers a casual dining experience centered around familiar comfort foods that reflect Southern cuisine. It provides an affordable option for those looking to enjoy hearty, home-style American meals.

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Downtown Cooter Brown's

4.2

Downtown Cooter Brown’s is a lively bar and grill in the heart of Brunswick, offering Southern comfort food with a fun, high-energy atmosphere. Known for great food, cold drinks, and nonstop sports, it’s a go-to spot for both locals and visitors. The menu features bold, Southern-inspired favorites like burgers, wings, seafood, and hearty comfort dishes, along with brunch options and late-night bites perfect for any time of day. With wall-to-wall TVs, live music, karaoke nights, and weekend brunch, the vibe is energetic yet welcoming—ideal for game day or a night out. Why travelers love it: Great food, lively entertainment, and a fun, social atmosphere that makes it a top downtown Brunswick hangout.

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Gary Lee's Market

4.9

Gary Lee’s Market in Brunswick, Georgia is a classic butcher-style BBQ spot known for its hand-smoked brisket, ribs, pulled pork, smoked sausage, and bacon cheeseburgers. The rustic indoor setting offers a down-home, family-friendly atmosphere with hearty Southern sides like mac and cheese, baked beans, collard greens, and coleslaw. Regulars praise the brisket as tender and flavorful, the ribs as fall-off-the-bone, and the bacon as perfectly crisp.

Chevere Taco

Chévere Taco is a highly rated food truck operating in Glynn County, Georgia, serving an authentic blend of Mexican street food and traditional Venezuelan

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Southern Soul Barbeque

4.6

A award-winning, oak‑smoke barbecue joint in a former gas station, serving ribs, brisket, sides, and a laid‑back, rustic vibe.

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95 WINGZ

4400 Altama Ave

5.0

95 WINGZ serves a range of chicken wings with sauces that span from tangy to spicy, including their signature Buffalo and Garlic Parmesan flavors. They also offer crispy chicken tenders and seasoned fries that pair well with their wings. The spot has a straightforward, no-frills vibe where the focus is on quick service and satisfying wing cravings. It's a casual place that works well for grabbing a meal on the go or a relaxed lunch with friends.

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Barraco's Bakery & Cafe

4.9

Barraco’s Bakery & Café in Townsend offers a warm, inviting experience featuring fresh baked goods, custom cakes, and a full menu of homemade dishes. Known for its scratch-made desserts, empanadas, and Southern-inspired favorites like shrimp and grits, the café blends comfort food with a touch of creativity. With a cozy atmosphere, friendly service, and options ranging from sweet treats to savory meals, it’s a local favorite for both casual dining and special occasions.

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Hurricane's Cafe

105 Hinson Mosley Rd

4.6

Hurricane's Cafe' and Convenience Store is a family-style, local restaurant and convenience hub located at 105 Hinson Mosley Road, Jesup, GA 31545.The casual eatery is well-regarded by the local community for offering a variety of high-quality comfort food dishes, breakfast options, and beverages in a laid-back and welcoming environment.

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Flip Flop Foods

5250 New Jesup Hwy

5.0

Flip Flop Foods serves up casual, beach-inspired bites that bring a taste of the coast to the streets. Their menu highlights include crispy fish tacos topped with tangy slaw and a drizzle of house-made sauce. The food truck has a laid-back vibe that invites you to relax and enjoy your meal outdoors. It’s a great spot to grab a quick bite that feels like a mini getaway, complete with bright colors and friendly service.

Closing Soon · 23min

Wayback Burgers

3.7

Wayback Burgers in Brunswick offers a fast-casual dining experience featuring fresh, made-to-order burgers, hand-dipped milkshakes, and classic American comfort food. Known for its signature burgers made with quality beef, the menu also includes chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, and crispy sides like fries and onion rings. With bold flavors, customizable options, and a laid-back atmosphere, it’s a great spot for a quick bite or a satisfying meal for families, locals, and visitors alike.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between lowcountry, Cajun, and Creole food?

Where can I try authentic soul food in St Simons Island?

Do southern restaurants in St Simons Island serve lunch and dinner?