Outdoor dining is especially enjoyable on St. Simons Island, as spring breezes, long summer evenings, crisp fall days, and mild winter weather bring plenty of ways to enjoy a meal. Here, you’ll find everything from the freshest seafood and Lowcountry favorites to Southern cooking, barbecue, and more, with some of the best restaurants offering patios, decks, porches, and waterfront seating.
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Fiddler’s
Address: 410 Arnold Road
For fresh seafood and generous portions, and dining with a view, Fiddler’s is a favorite among residents and visitors alike. Try the coconut rice bowl with grilled shrimp or scallops, then pair your meal with one of the restaurant’s well-rounded beer selections. Friendly service and a welcoming staff round out the experience, making this a great place to settle in and enjoy the marsh views.
Porch
Address: 549 Ocean Boulevard
There’s a comforting, come-as-you-are feel at Porch, like showing up at grandma’s house after church on Sunday, only with cornhole outside, pooches permitted, and Nashville chicken on the menu. Try the signature Motherclucker, a fried chicken breast topped with homemade pimento cheese and pickles on a bun, then choose your heat level from none to seriously spicy. If Guy Fieri’s on board, we are too. And if you love it, the owners also run Palmer’s Village Cafe, another great place for a down-home meal.
Southern Soul BBQ
Address: 2020 Demere Road
What started as a coffee shop open just one day a week has grown into a beloved barbecue destination at Southern Soul BBQ. Pulled pork, brisket, chicken, and St. Louis-style ribs take center stage, served alongside slaw and baked beans. But you’ll also find a few Southern specialties on the menu, including collards, mac n’ cheese, fried okra, hoppin’john, and Brunswick stew, a hearty tomato-based dish made with pork, brisket, and beans. The outdoor picnic tables and Channel Marker Bar set in a converted gas station make this a memorable stop on any BBQ itinerary. Southern Living, Garden and Gun, Yelp, Diner’s Drive-Ins and Dives and many others have all caught on to our island secret.
Iguana’s
Address: 303 Mallery Street
Gather at a picnic table on the covered patio at Iguana’s and settle into a meal centered around fresh seafood, with shrimp, oysters, crab cakes, scallops, fish, and clams all making an appearance on the menu. The shrimp and grits are a true Southern staple and a must-try, while the po’boys, burgers, and included soft serve ice cream for dessert deserve a special call-out. Steaks, pasta, and salads are also available, as are craft cocktails, draft and bottled beer, and wines by the glass.
The Half Shell
Address: 504 Beach View Drive
The Half Shell brings an elevated seafood menu to an unpretentious island setting, with outdoor seating and a menu worth lingering over. If you don’t know where to begin, we suggest starting with the Georgia Shrimp Ceviche or a dozen baked Cajun oysters, then dig into savory favorites like blue crab cakes or fresh seafood prepared blackened, grilled, or fried. Add an oyster shooter and top it off with a cider, lager, or ale, and call it a day! (Check out their Instagram feed if you need a little more inspiration!)
Beachcomber BBQ
Address: 319 Arnold Road
As featured on Food Network, Beachcomber BBQ serves up delicious down-home barbecue without the fuss. We’re talking low-and-slow-cooked pork shoulder, flavorful ribs, and tender brisket. Hours in the pit let the smoke and heat build rich flavor, and you taste it in every mouthwatering bite. The laid-back setting includes an outdoor bar serving frozen craft cocktails and select beers, plus with live music on Sundays; it’s a great place to kick back and take in the island breezes just steps from the beach.
Halyard’s
Address: 55 Cinema Lane
Halyard’s brings a thoughtful farm-to-table approach to St. Simons Island dining, with a scratch menu built around locally sourced seafood and fresh ingredients from nearby farmers and fishermen. The menu changes seasonally, but you’ll typically find savory seafood dishes, prime steaks, and mouthwatering chicken. Pair your favorite with a glass of Pinot Grigio or a Shiraz selected from an extensive wine list, then sip and savor on the dog-friendly patio.
Tramici
Address: 75 Cinema Lane
Tramici infuses the same polished approach to dining, but with Italian-inspired fare. Whether you’re sitting on the shaded patio or gathering for a special event, you won’t be disappointed. A sister restaurant to Halyard’s, its name literally means “among friends,” and that welcoming spirit comes through as soon as you walk through the door. The menu covers everything from salads, sandwiches, pasta, and pizza, served for both lunch and dinner. You can’t go wrong with their house specialties, but the white chicken lasagna and truffled shrimp pasta stand out as especially delicious choices.
More to Consider Beyond Outdoor Dining on St. Simons Island
After sampling your way through the Golden Isles outdoor dining scene, you’ll want a comfortable place to kick back and enjoy the rest of your getaway. Stay with Hodnett Cooper and choose a St. Simons vacation rental for a place to relax between meals!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best waterfront restaurants in the Golden Isles?
Fiddler’s offers the best marsh views on the island!
Which restaurants are best for fresh seafood?
Iguana’s and The Half Shell on St. Simons all put fresh, local seafood at the center of their menus.
Are there outdoor restaurants that can host large groups or events?
Yes! Tramici on St. Simons would also love to host your special event.
Where can I find barbecue with outdoor seating?
St. Simons Island is home to two barbecue favorites: Southern Soul BBQ, with outdoor picnic tables in a converted gas station, and Beachcomber BBQ, with an outdoor bar and a laid-back setting.
Which Golden Isles restaurants with outdoor seating are dog-friendly?
Several spots welcome four-legged companions, including Halyard’s, Southern Soul BBQ, Beachcomber BBQ, and Porch.
Can you dine outdoors on St. Simons year-round?
Yes! Mild winters mean outdoor dining is enjoyable in every season, from spring breezes and summer evenings to crisp fall and winter nights on the patio.
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