The small fishing village of Darien Ga boasts an amazing collection of excellent restaurants. Yes, seafood is king here, but you’ll find so much more and you’ll want to try them all on your next visit. Right off Highway 17 on the river is where the local shrimp fleet docks. A walk before or after our meal and sometimes a chat with the shrimpers is one of our favorite things to do in Darien.
Darien is about 60 miles south of Savannah and just 17 miles north of Brunswick, in McIntosh County, Georgia, making it an easy day trip from either place. But why limit yourself to just a day? Make it home base for your next fishing trip, excursion to remote Sapelo Island, or visit the various historical sites along the Georgia coast. It’s one of our recommended stops along the Coastal Georgia Scenic Drive.
You might even want to think about making it your forever home. Darien was named one of the best small towns on the Georgia coast for retirees. There are a lot of reaons why.
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Our favorites for accommodations begin with the amazing Emma’s Driftwood Farm just outside of town (it’s a corporate retreat, event venue or just a great place for a getaway). Right in the heart of Darien you’ll find Oaks on the River, a luxury boutique resort. Either are great event venues as well and a full range of details about Oaks can be found here: Luxury Boutique Waterfront Event Venue in Darien.
However, we do frequently make a trip to the Darien area just for a meal – the restaurants are just that good. The best are below, in no particular order:
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Recommended Restaurants in Darien Ga
All of these restaurants are locally owned, and each has its own personality. Some offer riverside dining, and all have both new and old favorites on their menu. Most take advantage of the abundant supply of fresh, locally caught sweet Georgia shrimp!
If you’re looking for fast food we’ll let you find those on your own. Below are the locations that make Darien Georgia a special place to have a meal.
Skipper’s Fish Camp
Right on the banks of the Darien River you’ll find unparalleled views along with public boat slips, a floating dock for canoes and kayak enthusiasts, a public boat ramp and the occasional alligator visitor. But, what keeps them coming back is the great food. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu at Skipper’s. After your meal, walk out back to see if the picturesque shrimp boat, The Gravedigger, is tied up.
The Canopy Restaurant
As of this writing The Canopy is open every day but Monday. Check with them on whether they’re serving breakfast, lunch and/or dinner that day. Located in the heart of the village of Darien, they’re in a beautifully restored (circa 1875) home. The menu focuses on fresh ingredients, local foods with a subtle Asian flair.
Tabby House Brewing Co.
Right on the banks of the Darien River, you’ll find Tabby House, the new brewery in town. Built in 1815, THBC’s building is one of the last intact tabby structures in coastal Georgia and was one of the only buildings to survive the burning of Darien during the Civil War.
Today, Tabby House Brewing Co. is serving up not only delicious housemade beers but also delicious food! We love their roast beef sandwich with apple bacon sauerkraut, and the sausage & apple flatbread with goat cheese is to die for. The grazing boards are almost too beautiful to eat!
Blue Bay Mexican Grill
With inside and outside seating Blue Bay is your spot for Mexican in Darien. It’s also in the heart of historic Darien and will be an easy walk if you’re staying at Oaks on the River or one of the riverfront condos near Skipper’s.
Insider’s Tip: Going north out of town on U.S. Hwy. 17 you’ll find Darien’s answer to a grocery store – The Coastal Market. The deli/bakery here is an awesome place to pick up a homemade biscuit for breakfast or grab some grub for a picnic.
B&J’s Steaks & Seafood
Many people in the area say B&J’s has the best seafood around. Open for lunch and dinner every day but Sunday, they’re known for their Friday and Saturday night buffet. It’s located in a non-descript tabby building, but don’t let that scare you off. If casual seafood dining is your game you are at the right place.
Waterfront Wine & Gourmet
More of a tasting room than a restaurant, you can still get a nice cheese tray along with your craft beers or wine in this in-town spot. Specialty cheeses and meats, (including take home steaks) and their extensive wine list are just part of what makes Waterfront Wine a special place.
Mudcat Charlie’s
You got to love that name, don’t you? Mudcat Charlie’s is about 4 miles south of the village of Darien and offers a casual atmosphere right on the Altamaha River. The wild Georgia shrimp are as good here as you’ll find anywhere! This is traditional cuisine, coastal Georgia style.
The Lunch Box
Located on the north edge of town the Lunch Box is open weekdays for lunch only. Their menu is typical sandwiches and salads but everything is prepared with the freshest ingredients, the service is excellent and the locals keep coming back. That should tell you something.
The Shanty Cafe’
Right in the heart of downtown Darien you’ll find this cute spot. They serve breakfast, brunch and lunch every day but Sunday and have pet friendly outdoor seating. The menu has some typical items and some that are quite inventive.
The Oaks Club and Cedar Bar
Serving breakfast, brunch, lunch, cocktails, and dinner, you’ll find this upscale spot in the Oaks on the River Boutique Resort with a wonderful view of the Darien River.
A little bit of fancy comes to Darien at this spot. The food, the drinks, the happy hour specials, the exceptional service, and the river views are all top-notch. This is a favorite place in coastal Georgia for both locals and visitors.
If you find your way to Darien, Georgia, and uncover a new restaurant that we need to try and add to our list let us know! We’re always on the lookout for a fun discovery or something a little different.
Besides all of the good food there are lots of things to do in Darien. Be sure to explore it all!
Currently planning a trip? Here are some helpful resources:
- Find the best hotel options here.
- Book the cheapest flight here.
- Find tons of tours and activities here.
- Book your rental car here.
Before you go…
Be sure to check out these articles about Brunswick to the south of Darien and Savannah to the north.
- Fun Things to Do in Brunswick Ga
- Restaurants You Need to Try in Brunswick
- Best Burgers in Savannah
- Best Breweries in Savannah
- Haunted Hotels in Savannah
- Blessing of the Fleet: Coastal Georgia Style
- Dishes to Try Along Georgia’s Coast
- Fall Events in Coastal Georgia
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