This is the second summer in a row that we’ve visited Saint Simon’s Island in Georgia! One nice thing about visiting a place more than once is that you can really get to know it. You can learn the best spots to set up on the beach, the shortcuts around town and the best spots to eat out!
Ice cream at Saint Simon’s Sweets
When we go for the week we like to mix it up with meals both in and out of the rental. Visiting twice doesn’t make us experts but we do have our favorites! What’s nice about going back is that we know these spots are tried and true. We tested them the first time and we were able to try them again the next year. If you’re heading to Saint Simons Island for vacation be sure to add these spots to your list!
For Lunch or Dinner: Iguanas
From the outside Iguanas might not look like much, but you’ll definitely need to get there early to put your name in for dinner! The decor also leaves something to be desired, with close together tables and kitschy “beach” decor. After that stellar description you’re probably wondering why it’s even on my list! Two words: the food. The food at Iguanas is really, really good. The drinks are pretty good, too! A popular dish would be anything shrimp, and it’s delicious! Last time I was there I had fried shrimp with mac & cheese and a Bahama Mama to drink. Amazing!
Don’t Miss: the free soft serve ice cream machine!
For lunch or dinner: Porch
Porch is Southern comfort food at it’s best. They have delicious fried chicken, or you can get it roasted. You pick your sauce heat from no sauce at all (naked) to Napalm level. They also have catfish and shrimp. And the best sides you can imagine! Tater tots, mac & cheese and cheese grits so good they made my baby say her first word (more!). They have limited seating inside, but lots of seating outside in the front and on the wrap around porch. They also have live music some nights.
Don’t Miss: the Frosé! (they also have wine and craft beer)
For coffee: Wake Up
A local favorite, Wake Up coffee is worth skipping your normal coffee place for! They roast their own fair trade coffee and it’s really good. It’s just one of those places where you take the first sip and go “wow, that’s good coffee!” They have really interesting flavored lattes, pour over (my husbands favorite) and smoothies. You’ll also find plenty of yummy, freshly cooked bakery items for breakfast!
Don’t miss: the Island Mocha
For breakfast/brunch: Café Frederica
Cafe Frederica has a great breakfast menu with lot’s of choices! On our last trip Kim and I went here for a girls breakfast out. I got an omelet with sausage on the side and Kim got eggs benedict! We had to try the famous cinnamon rolls, too, and we were not disappointed! The cinnamon roll was delicious, and a meal in itself. Thankfully we split one so we had room for our regular food, too. The coffee wasn’t all that bad either!
Don’t miss: the cinnamon rolls!
Photo courtesy of Southern Soul
For Dinner: Southern Soul
Hands down the best BBQ I’ve ever had! Southern Soul can be found at the round about and you can eat there or do take out. They have awesome smoked brisket, pork and chicken. To me though, what really makes a good BBQ place is the sides! They have some of the best southern style sides! Mac and cheese, black eyed peas and fried okra are a few of my favorites! If you’ve never tried fried okra, I’d definitely recommend it! The food is so good here that I actually forgot to pause and take a picture before digging in!
Don’t miss: it. Seriously though, you’ll be sad if you go to Saint Simons and miss out on Southern Soul.
Have you been to Saint Simons Island? What are your favorites?
