In the top restaurants to try in Brunswick, Ga, you’ll find a variety that reflects the personality of this small Golden Isles city. Southern seafood and barbecue are abundant, as well as lots of outdoor seating, friendly service and lots of great character. The great places to eat are just one of many reasons Brunswick made the list for the best small towns in coastal Georgia for retirement.
This guide is divided by cuisine, but the lines are blurred in many (most) cases with seafood overlapping with soul food, pub grub with pizza and so on. Overall, what you’ll find here are the best places to find delicious food, excellent service, and a great experience on your visit to Brunswick and the surrounding area.
We’re always open to try new places, so if we’ve missed your favorite spot in Brunswick, give us a shout and we’ll get in on the short list! Without further ado, let’s begin with our list of the best restaurants in Brunswick GA!
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The Complete Guide to Brunswick gives all the details you need.
Seafood
With its location right on the coast, seafood most naturally figures prominently in the restaurants of Brunswick. Shrimp and oysters, as well as a wide variety of fish can be found prepared expertly.
Below we’ve highlighted our favorite places that focus on seafood, but keep in mind that you can get one form or the other in most every good restaurant in Brunswick.
If you come to Brunswick you really should make it a point to attend the Blessing of the Fleet. It’s held Mothers Day weekend every year.
Join the Facebook group Coastal Georgia Foodies! It’s where everyone with an interest in Coastal Georgia food can share their favorite places to eat, food events, resources for buying local and restaurant news.
Marshside Grill
First of all, that view! This is the best restaurant view in Brunswick with a deck that looks out over the “marshes of glynn”.
The view is not to be topped by the great food and the service. Anchored in seafood, you will find options on the menu for any non-seafood eaters in your group as well. As is the case with all local restaurants here, the shrimp is wild caught. We have never been served farm raised shrimp anywhere in Brunswick, or the rest of the golden isles for that matter.
You can get the seafood cooked a variety of ways, and the salads are fresh and the sides good. You may have to wait for a table at Marshside. They don’t take reservations, but the crowd just means it’s a popular joint, and with good reason.
There is a full bar, sometimes crowded with locals – another good sign. Be sure to check them out for happy hour for a great time!
Jinrights Seafood House
Just a little ways north on U.S. Highway 17 (Glynn Ave.) you’ll find the smaller, non-descript building that houses Jinrights. They’ve been there for 36+ years, and this is a favorite of my 90-something year old mother-in-law who has lived most of her life in Brunswick. That should tell you something.
The seafood is fresh, cooked to order and absolutely delicious! The customer service here is full of good old down home southern charm. Your seafood can be prepared fried (go for it!), blackened, grill or broiled. Your non-seafood eating friends can get a good burger or chicken.
There is a full bar selection with a smallish bar for seating if that’s your thing, like it is ours.
Mr. Shucks Seafood
Take one look at this eatery in a small strip center across from Walmart and you might have second thoughts. Don’t! Mr. Shucks is owned and run by fine, friendly people who know their seafood. Most everything served here comes from what we call the seafood capital of Georgia – Darien, which is just up the road a ways.
There are wings and tenders on the menu for the no-fish crowd, but this amazing place could turn them around. Oysters on the half shell are shucked to order and can be served raw, steamed or with Mr. Shuck’s secret seasoning blend.
The sides are all good and there is a full bar and outside seating.
Insiders tip: We like to cook seafood at home too, and this is our favorite place to get it. Connected to Mr. Shuck’s restaurant is their seafood market with all of the same choices they serve on the cafe’ side. Take some with you!
Home Style Cooking/Soul Food
Nick’s Buffet
Going north out of Brunswick on U.S. Highway 17 (towards Darien) is where you’ll find Nick’s. True to its name, it’s 100% buffet. There is no ordering off a menu.
Every day of the week there is reliably delicious fried chicken on the buffet plus another rotating meat. They have a fairly wide variety of side dishes, mostly southern style. Think mashed potatoes and gravy, field peas, okra and tomatoes and you’ll get the picture.
For one price you get to visit the buffet as many times as you like and a drink of iced tea or a soft drink is included. The sign reads something to the effect of “take what you like, but eat what you take”.
This plain block building has tables with plastic tablecloths, but the locals flock here. You can rely on Nick’s for a good hot meal at a reasonable price.
Insiders tip: Wednesday is Country Fried Steak day at Nick’s. This is the most tender country fried steak you’ve ever put in your mouth. You may have to wait for a table on Wednesdays because CFS Day at Nick’s is well known.
Ole Times Country Buffet
We usually do not feature chain restaurants on this site, but we make an exception for this one. Their locations are from the Macon, Georgia area to Lake City in north Florida.
There are actually several buffets in this large restaurant and the variety is so huge you can just about guarantee there is something for everyone. Fresh vegetables, seafood, bbq and a variety of meats, sides, desserts and more will have you going back “just one more time”.
Ole Times is open for lunch and dinner and is reasonably priced. There is no alcohol served and no outdoor seating.
Pub Grub
Tipsy McSway’s
Located in the downtown area, the owner of Tipsy’s is one of the people credited with having the vision to revitalize downtown Brunswick. A cool little watering hole with good eats and a good vibe is what you’ll find here. There is a dedicated crew of local (and visiting) regulars.
Tipsy McSway’s also has a full lineup of activities including trivia, live music and more. They were voted one of the top 10 pubs in Georgia by bestthingsga.com.
If you’re in Brunswick eating out you’ll always want to know about all of the “fun things to do” and this is the list.
Toucan’s Ale House
This is a large, sports bar type restaurant with a generously sized patio for outdoor seating which is dog friendly as long as they are on a leash. It’s located right off Interstate 95 so it’s a convenient place to stop when traveling.
There is a full bar, friendly bartenders and a decent selection of locally brewed beers. Toucan’s claims to have the coldest draft in town.
The food is typical pub fare with enough choices to please everyone. Wings can be ordered with 10 different sauces and 3 dry rubs. There are also soups, salads and burgers plus a couple of shrimp dishes always made with Georgia wild caught shrimp.
Most Thursdays through Saturday there is karaoke or live music on the patio. Toucan’s is very convenient if staying at any of the hotels off Exit 38 on I-95.
Barbecue Restaurants in Brunswick Ga
Brunswick is a hot spot for barbecue! Three of the seven stops on the Coastal Georgia BBQ Trail are right here in Brunswick – Twins Oaks and Gary Lee’s Market info are below. A surprise newcomer is included too. Read the whole article for the details.
Twin Oaks BBQ
Located on the edge of downtown in a brick building you can smell the barbecue for blocks before you actually get there. Twin Oaks has been in business since 1943, and you don’t get that kind of staying power unless you’re doing something right.
Besides pulled pork, ribs and smoked chicken they have Brunswick stew, burgers, chicken fingers and country fried steak. A basic pulled pork sandwich is our favorite menu item here, and if you’re a fan of battered french fries this is place to go.
Twin Oaks is open for lunch only Monday through Friday. There is no outdoor seating and no alcohol served.
Gary Lee’s Market
Located just over a mile off I-95 Gary Lee’s is known for their sausage and beef brisket as well as the pork barbecue. They have counter service in a plain building, but you’re here for the good food and you’ll also find a very friendly staff.
Gary Lee’s is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 11-7, so you’ll need to plan your visit accordingly.
Take the short drive across the FJ Torras Causeway to St. Simons Island and you’ll find a couple more great bbq joints. The whole lineup of what’s there can be found in 20 St. Simons Island Restaurants You Need to Try.
Fine Dining
As of now only a couple of restaurants in town are what we would call fine dining. Stay tuned though. The Brunswick area continues to “grow up” and new places are popping up as it settles its place on the map.
Reid’s Apothecary
Located in downtown just a couple of blocks from the waterfront, Reid’s offers an interesting menu. Starting with appetizers like pulled duck nachos you move on to soups and salads, then to a full range of delicious entrees.
They have wonderful food like steaks, shrimp and grits, grilled lamb, crab cakes and more. The build your own charcuterie board has a lot of fun options. What a great idea!
Reid’s is also home to a “speakeasy” with an eclectic atmosphere that they call The Study. You have to call between 1pm and 4pm for the password to get in. Intriguing, huh?
1509 Brunswick
The newest addition to the downtown Brunswick scene is getting great reviews. The rooftop location is just the beginning of what makes 1509 special. Live music, an eclectic menu and a great waitstaff will be waiting for you. This is an amazing option for a date night in Brunswick, but do be aware it’s pretty pricey.
There is a full bar as well as a very nice menu of cigars.
Pizza
Broomelli Boys Pizzeria
This basic, but good pizza joint is an easy stop off Interstate 95, but has a local following too. Besides the great pizza, they have salads, calzone and a few pasta options. Broomelli Boys is open for lunch and dinner every day of the week except Sunday.
Arte Pizza
Arte’s location is right in the middle of things on Newcastle Street in downtown.
Their pizzas are wood fired and their cuisine is “authentic Italian”. The options include pasta, calzone and stromboli as well as gyros. Arte is a personal favorite of ours.
Mexican Restaurants in Brunswick Georgia
There are too many to list here so we’re just highlighting personal favorites. Feel free to comment with yours and we’ll try to check them out too.
Tacos don Pancho
Good service that makes you feel like family with a menu full of authentic Mexican favorites! As is often the case with the best Mexican food, the location is in a non-descript strip shopping center.
We love the molcajete (pictured above), but you can’t go wrong with their tacos or anything else on the menu!
5 de Mayo Mexican Grill
Located on U.S. Highway 17 de Mayo has a loyal local following as well as being a great place for visitors to stop.
The fare is typical, but good, affordable Mexican food and they even have a Mariachi band some nights. They’re open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Saturday and for lunch only on Sundays.
Asian
Nakorn Thai Cuisine
Receiving consistently good reviews this spot serves classic, authentic Thai in a casual setting. It’s easy to get to off Interstate 95, and they’re open for lunch and dinner every day but Sunday. Beer and wine is served.
Tup Tim Thai Cuisine
Friendly, attentive servers that will help you decide what to order if you’re having a hard time choosing. They’re known for their curry (try the curry eggplant!) and drunken noodles. There is a dining room as well as outdoor seating. They’re open for lunch and dinner every day except Sunday.
Hwang Keum Jung Korean Restaurant
Laid back Korean restaurant. They always make us feel like family! The bulgogi is delicious, and don’t forget to try the dumplings for an appetizer. They’re open Wednesday through Sunday for lunch and dinner.
Brunswick, Ga restaurants that don’t fit in a category
Willie’s Wee-nee Wagon
Yes, you read that right. What began as a hot dog cart on Norwich Street in Brunswick has become an institution in a small yellow (mustard) building right across from the College of Coastal Georgia.
Yes, the hot dogs are top notch, but our family favorite from Willie’s is the pork chop sandwich. What you’ll get is boneless pork chops and onions that have been cooked on a griddle piled on top of a sandwich roll with mustard (and a bit of hot sauce if you like). Add some french fries to that and sit at one of the picnic tables outside to eat. Yum!
Insider Tip: Do not get your pork chop sandwich to go and think you’re going to eat it in the car. It’s a delicious mess, but it can definitely be a mess. Enjoy!
La Playa Park
This food truck park has a full bar, indoor and outdoor space and spots for the kids and the kids at heart to play. This fun spot is new in town and they’re quickly becoming known as “Brunswick’s backyard”.
There are always two food trucks with top quality dishes that are permanently located at La Playa. Besides those you’ll find a selection of rotating trucks with a wide variety of cuisine offered. You can go every week and it’s always different!
Indigo Shanty
Sometimes known as Indigo Coastal Shanty, this is how they describe themselves: “Indigo Shanty is an eclectic, coastal vibe restaurant focused on serving food that pops with service that makes you smile.“
They have an inside dining room and tables under an old oak tree outside. The best way to explain the menu is to give you a few examples: For starters you’ll find fried green tomatoes and calypso nachos along with several other choices. They have burgers, a chicken salad sandwich with Indian spices as well as a black bean burger as a vegetarian option.
The plates include a sesame crusted catfish, jerked tostadas and a fisherman’s bowl, just to name a few. Lots of fun sides to add including possibly the best sweet potato fries we’ve ever had plus peach poundcake and chocolate bread pudding for dessert.
The Shanty serves beer and wine and they’re open for lunch Monday through Friday and dinner Tuesday through Saturday.
Driftwood Wine & Cocktails
Driftwood defies categorization in the best way. It’s an upscale bar in the evening with a cozy vibe that makes you want to stay a while. Craft cocktails and their amazing charcuterie boards keeps them coming back.
During the day this is a great place to set up your laptop and get some work done. We know because we like to do that ourselves. If you’re there at lunchtime there is a great “create your own” sandwich menu to tide you over until happy hour.
Driftwood features live music in the evenings as well as singles mingles and other events.
A Moveable Feast
This is a lunch place, open Monday through Friday. Excellent quality salads, soups, sandwiches and a few baked goods keep them coming back. Favorites are the chicken breast wrap with black beans, corn, jasmine rice & cilantro jalapeno cream as well as the chicken curry salad on baby greens with cashews & golden raisins.
For a sweet treat you don’t want to miss out on the chocolate ganache cupcake. Special events include monthly wine dinners.
A Moveable Feast does a large catering business and the reviews for that are always excellent.
Grandy’s
You can go through a line and then sit in the dining room and have your food brought to you, or go through the drive through.
Grandy’s is well known for their breakfasts, and with good reason. They have fluffy biscuits and absolutely to-die-for cinnamon rolls as well as eggs, bacon, sausage and more. Breakfast service starts at 6am so if you’re an early bird, this is your place.
Lunch and dinner are both served as well, and there is a variety of meats, sides, salads and desserts. Grandy’s is open daily until 9pm. There is no alcohol served.
Grandy’s could fit in the category for seafood or home style cooking. They have a loyal following of regulars.
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More Restaurants close to Brunswick, Georgia
For even more choices, the following locations are an easy drive from Brunswick:
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