Barbara Jean's
A cozy diner serving classic Southern comfort food and seafood, famous for its crab cakes and homemade breads.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Barbara Jean's
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A cozy diner serving classic Southern comfort food and seafood, famous for its crab cakes and homemade breads.
Avoid Peak Hours
Visit during off-peak times to avoid crowds and potential service issues.
Don't Skip the Bread
Try their homemade bread basket, it's fresh, fragrant, and a must-have starter.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Southern
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Signature Crab Cakes
Renowned for Eastern Shore-style crab cakes, made with no fillers and bursting with flavor.
Homemade Bread Basket
Savor the warm, fragrant bread basket featuring pumpkin bread, cornbread, and rolls.
Cozy Southern Atmosphere
Experience a homey diner ambiance with warm hospitality and friendly staff.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Avoid Peak Hours
Visit during off-peak times to avoid crowds and potential service issues.
Don't Skip the Bread
Try their homemade bread basket, it's fresh, fragrant, and a must-have starter.
Consider Soup Starters
Order the She Crab Soup or corn chowder for flavorful and satisfying starters.
Dog-Friendly Patio
Dine with your dog on one of the four covered outdoor tables; water bowls provided.
Tips
from all over the internet
Avoid Peak Hours
Visit during off-peak times to avoid crowds and potential service issues.
Don't Skip the Bread
Try their homemade bread basket, it's fresh, fragrant, and a must-have starter.
Consider Soup Starters
Order the She Crab Soup or corn chowder for flavorful and satisfying starters.
Dog-Friendly Patio
Dine with your dog on one of the four covered outdoor tables; water bowls provided.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Barbara Jean's is celebrated for its delicious, homestyle Southern cooking and particularly its renowned crab cakes. Many patrons praise the warm hospitality, generous portions, and the delightful homemade bread basket. However, some reviews mention inconsistencies in food preparation and occasional issues with service.
"Had an amazing dinner yesterday at Barbara Jeans! The inside view feels like a comfy home cooked restaurant. The onion rings were pretty good (great crisp), but the Shrimp and Grits were to die for!! Crab cakes were legit all crab which was amazing! Would definitely recommend to anyone!"
Aaron Russell
"Located right next to Saint Simons pier. Quaint and comfortable atmosphere.
Basket of bread included pumpkin bread, cheese and jalapeno corn bread and a roll. The corn bread was scrumptious.
Hubby had the coconut shrimp. They were large shrimp and very tasty, but he didn't care for the orange marmalade that came with them. He said the red beans and rice were out of this world good. He also had the cheese grits.
I had the crab cake which was filled with a lot of crab and very little else. It was good but I wish it was served with remoulade instead of tarter. I enjoyed the coleslaw because it wasn't sweet. The squash casserole, however, was delicious.
Service was extremely fast and very friendly."
Melissa Jackson Jordan
"Perfect local relaxed restaurant with massive portions of fresh cooked eats. I had the blackened chicken sandwich and my wife had the chicken but made with real chicken breast. Sides of cheese grits and roasted veggies were uniquely tasty! Service was ultra friendly and the whole atmosphere was quiet and relaxed! Heartily recommend this place."
Thomas Gale
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Barbara Jean's is most famous for its Eastern Shore-style crab cakes, which are known for being packed with crab meat and having minimal filler.
Yes, they offer several vegetable dishes, and the squash casserole is highlighted as a good option for vegetarians.
Guests often rave about the complimentary bread basket, which typically includes pumpkin bread, cornbread, and rolls.
Yes, Barbara Jean's offers four covered outdoor tables where you can dine with your dog, and they provide water bowls.
The She Crab Soup, corn chowder, and homemade onion rings are popular and flavorful choices for appetizers.
To avoid crowds and potential service delays, it's recommended to visit Barbara Jean's during off-peak hours.
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Good places to eat St. Simons and Jekyll Islands
Jan, I can't believe that you live on St Simons and you didn't tell Mike about Barbara Jeans, on the corner, 214 Mallory St. I hope the place is still there. I was there about 2 years ago. This is a local spot for lunch, very casual.
10 Best Restaurants In St. Simons Island Georgia
While crab cakes may seem ubiquitous, particularly on an island, Barbara Jean’stakes this seafood culinary staple to a whole new level. If crab cakes don’t suffice, don’t forget to try Barbara Jean’s ‘shrimp and grits’.
St Simons Island GA Restaurants
Advertiser, American Southern, Bar, Breakfast, Brunch, Burgers, Children, Dinner, Distribution Point, Fathers, Food on St. Simons Island, Kid Friendly, Lunch, Men, Mothers, No Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Oysters, Restaurant, Salad, Seafood, Soup, St. Simons Island, Vegetarian, Wheelchair Access, Women. Barbara Jean's features “Easy Southern Dining,” with home-style Southern entrees that are made from scratch every day!. Signature item is the “Eastern Shore” style Crab Cakes, made with no fillers.
18 of the Best Restaurants on Saint Simons Island, Georgia
Barbara Jean’s is without a doubt the best place to find crab cakes on St. Simons Island. While her – Barbara Jean is a real person – crab cakes take the time-honored dish to the next level, there’s so much more to be had there. All manner of seafood dishes await you, as well as a host of traditional dishes like pot roast and a variety of delicious appetizers like fried onion rings, cheese fries, and more.
8 Waterfront Restaurants in St. Simons
Barbara Jean opened their first restaurant on St. Simons Island in 1998 and the family-owned business has gone from strength to strength ever since. Hearty appetizers include cheese fries, chicken fingers, and coconut shrimp, but be careful not to fill up because the huge menu of entrees is the real star of the show. Try the hand-battered catfish or for vegetarians, the squash casserole is a winner.
Where to Eat on St. Simons Island: 10 Best Restaurants
Barbara Jean’s, nestled in Pier Village, is a beloved spot for classic Southern comfort food on St. Simons Island. Known for its homestyle cooking and generous portions, Barbara Jean’s has been serving locals and tourists for years. The family-owned restaurant is famous for its crab cakes, fried chicken, and shrimp and grits, with each dish prepared with a dedication to quality and tradition.
Best St Simons Island Restaurants
At Barbara Jean’s the sweet tea is perfectly sweetened and hard to pass up so be sure to order a glass on a hot summer day with your meal. If you can’t decide between seafood dishes or your southern favorites, you’ll get the best of both worlds at this homey diner!. Have scallops with a side of green bean casserole, or mac-n-cheese with a cup of their famous clam chowder!.
15 of the best restaurants in St. Simons Island, GA
Barbara Jean’s Restaurant serves both southern style home cooking and seafood dishes that have raving fans. Located in Pier Village at 214 Mallery St., St Simons Island, GA, the restaurant is in a popular tourist district, great for a casual day on the island. The crab cakes and she crab soup are two of the most popular dishes, but save room for dessert.
St. Simons Island Pier Village
Known across the region for its fresh crab cakes, Barbara Jean’s is a staple lunch spot in Pier Village where you can enjoy a delicious home-style meal. This small-town casual restaurant serves seafood, fresh vegetables and baked from scratch breads. Some menu favorites include the “She Crab” soup and The Chocolate “Stuff” dessert.
St Simons Island Restaurants
Crab cakes at Barbara Jeans – Famous for their crab cakes—which are primarily crab and very little “cake”—the restaurant now ships these babies to an ever-growing fan base. Careful, you may get addicted. Be sure to add a side of white cheddar cheese grits!
The Top 5 Restaurants in The Golden Isles, GA
Barbara Jean's is a family-run restaurant on St. Simons Island, Georgia, about 50 miles north of Jacksonville and 60 miles south of Savannah. It was opened in 1998. They specialize in seafood and fresh, homemade, southern, and home-style meals.
Where to Eat on Saint Simons Island, Georgia – Mercy Rose
There were so many restaurants we would have liked to try on SSI. We obviously couldn’t get to all of them—or maybe even half of them, but I’m glad we went to Barbara Jean’s. We lucked out again by getting on their list before a big rush.
12 Best Seafood Restaurants in St Simons Island GA (2024)
This classic restaurant has been in the pier village for over 25 years serving up fresh local seafood and Southern home-style cooking. They are best known for their she crab soup and crab cakes which are both to die for!
Highest-rated Southern Restaurants in Brunswick by Diners
- Rating: 4.0/5 (531 reviews)- Price: $$- Address: 214 Mallery St St. Simons, GA 31522- Categories: Southern, Seafood, American (Traditional)- Read more on Yelp
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