Food was generally okay. waiter was literally the worst I have seen in over 20 years service was terribly slow and the restaurant was not busy. I ordered a bowl of soup As well as an entree. So they bring all the other appetizers as they should but my soup comes with dinner. Then the waiter says well you never told me you wanted it before the main course...seriously? The kid delivering food had a serious attitude and when I asked for extra napkins was ignored. He looked at me, acknowledged me and walked away. And, how do you overcook grits? Seriously? the pathetic nature of the employees ruined this dinner. I will not be returning and will be recommending other Establishments in town that actually want your business then he brings the check puts it down Amal's walks away. Does not offer dessert, coffee... nothing. Never asked if we wanted refills of our sweet tea, water or beer. Did not even card my son who is 22 but looks young. pathetic experience. We will NOT be back read more

This place was an all around 5. The hostess was incredibly friendly and seated us right away. The homemade bread came out right away and was unbelievable - corn bread, pumpkin bread and sweet roll- we couldn't stop eating them. We had a crab cake for an appetizer and it was easily the best crab cake we have had. For entrees we had the tuna steak- cooked and seasoned perfectly, and the shrimp scampi. On the scampi the sauce was good though a bit oily and shrimp were plentiful but not as good as everything else. We were stuffed so had to come come back for dessert the next day. The chocolate stuff for which they are known is unbelievable. Do not leave here without eating it! It's the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and creamy and the juxtaposition of the warm chocolate and cool whipped cream is unbeatable. Side note, decor is a bit outdated but that almost lends to the authentic and homey charm. read more

A very nice old fashion family restaurant. The server was sweet and helpful, and the food very good, overall. The bread basket they brought before the meal was wonderful with warm pumpkin bread, jalapeño corn bread and yeast rolls that are meal in themselves. Perfectly cooked onions rings with crunchy and flavorful batter were also delicious. After that it was hard to focus on the rest of our meal. A nicely pan fried crab cake on a "big" salad was very good- the crab and texture - lovely and without unneeded junk, but it lacked a bit of seasoning. The citrus salad dressing was tasty and served on the side as requested. All of the sides we good, with the mac and cheese being a favorite. Plus the pretzel roll on the shrimp burger was a nice addition. All servings were ample and we enjoyed a lovely family meal at Barbara Jean's. We will be back. read more

Such a cute homey feel to this restaurant. Our waitress was so kind and professional. She served us bread before the meal. Pumpkin bread, jalapeño cornbread, and rolls. All were delicious. I got fried shrimp as my main course and it was hands down the best fried shrimp I've ever had. They use a buttermilk batter and it was amazing. Can't wait to come back for more delicious shrimp in the future! read more

This absolute gem of a restaurant serves classic southern fare that just about transports you back to a different time. The crab cakes are divine, as is the dirty rice and pretty much everything else on the menu. After you finish, take a stroll to St Simons Pier or enjoy the shops. read more

Service was the worst we've had so far while on the island. We waited over an hour for our food, and it was cold when it was brought out. I'm sure if the service were better and the food served hot, it would be a good spot. read more

We went to Barbara Jean's based on some Facebook friend referrals when we new we were coming to SSI. The food was delicious! I had the meatloaf...better than mom's!! Oh, and the chocolate stuff was sublime!! But, the best part was Andre, our server! He was very knowledgeable and personable. He kept us laughing! Thanks for a GREAT experience Andre!! read more

Food is great, but a 70 minute wait is excessive. Lose the legal pads and give your front of house folks ipads!

Delicious food every single visit!! If you love southern food, Barbara Jeans is a must in St. Simons!! The crab cakes & veggies are delicious! The chocolate "stuff" is the best chocolate dessert you'll ever have... The perfect mix of chocolate, butter, gooey warmth with cool thick whipped cream topping...ahhh, to die for!! I tasted my brothers "She Crab Soup" & it was delicious as well! I've never had a bad meal here & my family and I have been coming for the past 13 years! read more

Barbara Jean's Restaurants - Chocolate Stuff!!!! OMG... The best chocolate dessert I've ever had!! - Southern Near Me - St. Simons, Georgia

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We dined here on 7/6/14 for dinner. We arrived just in time because about 15 minutes afterwards they started taking names and the was a wait. By the time we left, there was a huge crowd outside, so arrive early for dinner. We had seafood (coconut shrimp, fried shrimp, she-crab soup). It was very good. The shrimp were large and tasty. The soup was crabby and creamy. The sides we chose were dirty rice, green beans, squash casserole, and ambrosia; all were excellent! The bread basket was very good too. Our service initially was good. But unfortunetly as time went on, our waiter became overwhelmed with the amount of tables he was handling. Trying to pay our bill was about a 15 minute process. It is a noisy restaurant mainly because we were surrounded by familes with rotten kids. I'm not sure why parents don't care about the other people around them. I never allowed my daughter to behave like that, and if it started getting ugly, we took her outside. But not here, crying/screaming/whinning was the norm. And the BATHROOM was disgusting (dirty and stinky). Overall, the food was good enough to bring me back again. read more

OMG - Delicious Southern Homestyle Cooking. We had the Chicken Fried Chicken, Corn, Mashed potatoes, Cheese grits.... And the Fried Catfish Filets, Dirty Rice and Cheese Fries. It was so much food, so much utterly delicious food. I would recommend even if you think would do not prefer this style of food. You MUST TRY IT! I am a believer. YUM. I would give 7 stars if I could. Good pricing and service as well. read more

I been to St. Simons Island three time already and this past time were my first time trying out this place. A group of my friends and I decided to have breakfast here on our last day on the island before heading back to Atlanta. We came in around 10:30 a.m. and already this place was packed! First thing I notice was just how cozy this restaurant were and very mellow. After being seated our waitress came over to greet us. Even though I forgot her name she left quite an impression on us. She was bubbly and were very helpful with our questions especially for one of my friend who was allergic to a specific type of crab. Eventually we place our orders and got this bread basket full of goodness. We been to many restaurants as a group before and hands down this place got the best one! Our meals arrived and we felt like we ate like kings and queens here. Delicious food, great staffs, and convenient location! I can't wait to come here again in July to try some of the dishes my friends ordered !!! (I love their crab cake ) read more

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Dined here on Mother's Day while on vacation.. Service was amazing, and food was even better! Our sever recommended dishes to both me and my husband, and she nailed them! Highly recommended, and in such a cute area :) read more

Barbara Jean's Restaurants - Blackened Tuna and Crab Cake Insanely delicious. Broccoli rice was awesome, too! - Southern Near Me - St. Simons, Georgia

Delicious country fried steak, squash casserole and well seasoned cabbage! The service was prompt and courteous, even during a busy lunch hour. Don't miss the southern sweet tea. read more

Liked the Rubin and their bread pudding was delicious. A little pricey but had great waiter.

Waste of money for crappy food poor service and waitresses have an iq lower than gas prices when trump was president

Fairly long wait to get in. Had heard good things about Barbara Jeans and the food was good but the wait time and time for food delivery was more than expected. read more

What a nice hometown southern goodness. The owners and workers are so nice. My framily and I visited on a Sunday morning. All the brunch spots were all crowded but Barbara Jean's was just opening. Barbara Jean doesn't sell breakfast but we were able to make a breakfast. The portions are huge. I got the coconut shrimp, she crab soup and grits. All were so good. Don't forget to get the bread!! The rolls, cinnamon bread and cornbread were all delicious. SSI always has the gems. read more

They really know what they are doing. I went to the one in the village and was really impressed with everything we ordered. The portions were generous. I had never been before, but I will be back. I can't imagine being near and not going. read more

Went there for a quiet evening and everything about it was terrible. No communication amongst employees and the manager was very rude and unprofessional. Will not be goi g again. read more

I have been going to Barbara Jeans since they opened ages ago. The food was excellent back then and it hasn't changed a bit since. This restaurant is absolutely consistent on all their food items! I usually have the she crab soup and the pecan encrusted chicken finger plate. I never received a plate of food that wasn't truly outstanding! The portions are massive and I have never been able to finish a plate in one sitting. The owners are truly nice people and fun to talk with. Barbaras husband is a bit gruff and cocky but what would you expect from a Marine Corps fighter pilot? read more

I accidentaly pooped in my pants the last 2 times ive been there. Barbara Jeans Restaurant gave me memories, like pooping your pants

Visited here while on vacation. The staff was very polite, super nice, we didn't have a long wait time. The food was extremely good! Everyone in my party loved their meals. Our waiter came over to the table before our food was brought out and he said that the kitchen had messed my order up, and he sent it back and got a new one, and that our food would be out in a few minutes. I thought it was amazing that he caught it before they brought it out- and even better that he didn't just bring everybody else's food out and say "sorry, you'll get your food by the time everybody else is done eating." Awesome experience and I'd Definitely go back if we were in the area again. read more

Everything was good, but the bread was cold. If the bread was warm it would have been a 5 star. No wait time. Waiter was great.

Really good food and service! I got the meatloaf and it was one of the best meatloafs I've ever had! Our server was awesome! The only thing reason I'm not giving a full 5 stars is because more highchairs are needed. We had to wait for our son to get one, but that's okay! Just a suggestion :) read more

The server was very inattentive; I asked for lemons three times and she responded yes every time yet never brought them. I'm almost tempted to say that the waitress was discriminating against us because she attended to everybody else. I won't recommend going there. read more

We had a string of good meals in St Simons over Presidents Day weekend - every meal was good! Barbara Jean's was our last stop. The she crab soup was good, chunks of crab in every spoonful & a little bit a kick. My crabcake was delicious, better than I've had in years (living in Maryland & Virginia I know my crabcakes). The coleslaw was creamy & sweet. My husband had the grilled catfish, red beans & rice. So good. Then the key lime tart - delicious delicate lime flavor - kind of like a key lime cheesecake - with real whipped cream. The staff was so friendly - we were seated by a sweet little boy (no school for him) who came back to clear our plates too! Sometimes I've been disappointed with famous restaurants or long-time favorites, but Barbara Jean's lived up to its press. read more

We have been here twice, in 7 years. The she crab soup is very yummy. This is why we went back. The crab cake is quite good also, although a bit creamy inside. If you have any stomach issues, your digestive enzymes won't work in this restaurant. The portions are huge and most stuff is cooked in butter or cream. The table beside us had onion rings that were made there and large and looked good. t is all yummy. Diner style and very quaint. The staff has that nice southern hospitality. read more

Barbara Jean's Restaurants - Crab cake. - Southern Near Me - St. Simons, Georgia

Comfort food done right. If you have a craving for some really well-made American comfort food look no further than Barbara Jean's. Everything that I have had here is great. The made-from-scratch jalapeno cornbread, pumpkin bread and wheat rolls fill you up, if you do not pace yourself. The she-crab soup, crab cakes, chicken fried chicken, chicken fried steak, pot roast, meatloaf, mashed potatoes, fried chicken, rice& beans, mac & cheese- all wonderful, all homemade. The only thing disappointing is the wait, which can be long. I can't imagine anyone not enjoying a meal here. It is a loud, family-friendly little place not romantic and quiet but if you are hungry and want some down-home cooking like mom made, this is your ticket. read more

This is not my first visit to Barbara Jean's, but it's been a while. It took only a few minutes to remember why this is a "must go" when on SSI. Megan greeted us warmly and kept us well stocked with drinks and their signature jalapeño cornbread while we waited for our meals. Buttermilk dipped fried shrimp were excellent and the crab cake, mostly crabmeat, was seasoned perfectly. My partner, a chicken Caesar salad connoisseur declared theirs a "5." Only regret was no room for their desserts. Only complaint was putting out the breakfast menu that looked incredible, but it's available only at their other locations. read more

Another visit to Barbara Jean's - and another GREAT meal. It starts with the delivery of a bread basket to your table with warm jalepeño cornbread, yeast rolls, pumpkin bread and soft, creamy butter. The huge Fried Fish I ordered was hot and crispy and completely filling with just one piece. But they serve you two. You'll have plenty to share! As my two sides, I chose White Cheddar Grits (the best) and Mashed Potatoes (your choice of white or brown gravy); you'll be hurting to leave room for dessert. Also shared at our table was the Chicken Fried Chicken (yes, you read that correctly), the signature Crab Cakes, creamy coleslaw and cool ambrosia. LOTS of regular locals nix the idea that Barbara Jean's is a trap for tourists. This is a true 'don't miss'. read more

Reasons to go to Barbara Jean's: 1) The food is really good. The food feels like a southern home cooked meal. I usually get the veggie plate and just eat an entire dinner of sides. It feels like southern/tapas fusion. 2) Water/soda/tea in a cup that might as well be a bucket. I love the feeling of unlimited amounts of beverage. 3) The service is really good so you don't need a bucket-sized drink anyways because they give you a refill as soon as you need it. Reasons to not go to Barbara Jean's: 1) You want a comfy seat. Don't go if you need a cozy seat. I have been there 3 times. Twice we were seated at a table that was directly in front of the door. The tables are just not comfy and there aren't many booths. 2) You are looking for a restaurant with a nice women's bathroom. The women's bathroom feels like it is temporary walls placed in the center of the restaurant, it is a single stall and it has a strange message about not turning off the light that i didn't quite understand. 3) You are looking for a quiet restaurant. This place is usually pretty busy. It has bright lights and lots of noise of conversation. read more

How can you go wrong when you start with a bread basket that includes Pumpkin Bread. We really enjoyed the real home cookin'; crab cake was wonderful and fresh; pot roast scrumptious and meatloaf huge and good. Ended the meal with bread pudding and chocolate stuff. Yummy! read more

Barbara Jean's Restaurants - A cup of Chocolate Stuff and a cup of Bread Pudding! No need to order a bowl, these desserts are mega rich! - Southern Near Me - St. Simons, Georgia

So delicious! I haven't tasted food this heavenly in a long time. I ordered the shrimp and grits. The smell is so good I wish I could bottle it and carry it with me at all times. The flavor is amazing. It wakes up your taste buds. You will literally go, "Mmmmmm," every time you take a bite. read more

Barbara Jean's Restaurants - She Crab Soup and Shrimp and Grits - Southern Near Me - St. Simons, Georgia

Where do I start with this place, we all loved eating at Barbara Jean's Restaurant. We spent two weeks on the island while attending classes in Brunswick. This place was our go to for dinner. We have enjoyed various items from the menu. My favorite is shrimp and grits, dirty rice was really good. We enjoyed onion rings for everyone and cheese fries. You must get the onion rings for sure. The she crab soup is out of this world good, lots of crab in this soup. They provide a dish of various breads for dinner which has a really good corn bread. The other guys really enjoyed the blackened catfish and the chicken fried chicken. You will leave full for sure because the portions are really good. They also have New Belgium 1554 beer on tap which is one of my favorite. I will really miss Barbara Jean's Restaurant. You never know if I'll be back visiting SSI and Brunswick in the future, but if I am I will be here for sure. read more

Barbara Jean's Restaurants - Southern Near Me - St. Simons, Georgia

Over rated times 10. Everything had no flavor at all and the crabs cakes were not what was I hoping for after seeing reviews

I have only visited Barbara Jean's once because of a bad experience. Food is so-so and staff isn't super friendly, even the owner. The only part I enjoyed was the pumpkin bread in the bread basket starter. Maybe I came on a bad day? read more

Shocking... I am a Corporate Event Planner traveling with a small group to St. Simons Island in June. My intention was to learn whether they can accommodate us and whether a reservation can be placed. I called the restaurant at 11:10AM MST. The gentleman (well he was a man, far from a gentleman) answered the telephone and rudely interrupted by polite greeting to say.... "You are calling right in the middle of lunch". That person should not be answering the phone and representing any company nor does he need to be anywhere near the hospitality industry... not caring whether new customers visit your restaurant is concerning. I hope the owner is monitoring YELP so they see this review. I didn't even make it to the restaurant to experience the bad customer service and very glad I didn't get the chance. read more

Went in with a group of friends for lunch. Went in at 11:15 and waited on some of the others to get there. We ordered around 11:30 and everything was fine until one of the ladies told the waitress that her crab soup didn't taste right and so the waitress told the owners wife. The wife was very rude when she came to get it. Then they started rushing us to leave and we had not had our food that long. A couple were still eating and they were taking things off the table. Then the owner came over and was very rude to the person who had the complaint. I will never go back in that restaurant again.I have never seen anyone with a business be that rude. read more

BEST CRAB-CAKES I HAVE EVER EATEN! Worth the money spent to eat at this restaurant. We will definitely be back for more. Service was great and fast. Location is good too. read more