About
With a backstory that reads like a Nicholas Sparks novel, and a menu inspired by passion and sacrifice, Barbara Jean's is your go-to for Southern staples and seafood.
Our story begins in 1998 when Barbara Barta and her husband, Jim, opened Barbara Jean's Restaurant. But to fully comprehend the ethos behind this literal "ma and pop" hotspot, we need to understand how a Catholic Brooklyn girl became an inspired Southern cook.
In the 1960s, Barbara's German-Irish family moved from the city to the suburbs, and in high school, she studied to be a dietician. It would also be where she met her high school sweetheart, Jim.
Jim joined the Marine Corps, and before heading off to Vietnam, the couple married in 1967. Barbara faithfully supported Jim throughout his military career, which translated into frequent moves.
When Jim retired from the Marines, they settled in St. Simons, where Barbara's passion for cooking took on a life of its own. Aside from being an astounding wizard in the kitchen, her true passion lies in bringing people together around the table. That, combined with the couple's stint in the restaurant business in Washington, D.C., paved the way for the inevitable: Barbara Jean's Restaurant.
While cliché, the menu really does have something for everyone! From its famous crab cakes and She Crab soup, to comfort classics like meatloaf, chicken-fried steak, and catfish.
Also noteworthy is that between 2005 and 2007, she published two cookbooks with Jim writing the Afterword.
Don't just visit because of Barbara and Jim's heartwarming story. Stop in for some of the best home-cooked food on the Golden Isles!
Vibe
The restaurant's pole sign says it all: "Easy Southern Dining." You'll find this eatery at the Pier Village Market, putting itclose to other attractions, such as the St. Simons Tree Spirit Treasure Hunt and the St. Simons Island Pier.
Inside is a relaxed, comfortable place, as promised by the sign. Earth-toned tiles cover the floor, filled with booths and tables. A painted tin ceiling adds a vintage touch, while pictures of the area dotting the walls connect vacationers with the community.
You'll find dining spaces for every kind of group at Barbara Jean's. The main dining room is ideal for big gatherings, while smaller tables offer a cozy setting for more private meals. The bar seating is always welcoming, making for a laid-back meal after touring the city with St. Simons Trolley.
Best of all, the atmosphere lives up to the sign's promise of "Easy Southern Dining."
Barbara Jean's: Menu & Drinks
Starting things off is the made-from-scratch bread. The three varieties are pumpkin bread, homemade wheat rolls, and sweet jalapeño cornbread! Best of all, every entrée comes with a basket of warm, fresh bread.
Next, you have to try the renowned crab cake. These "Eastern Shore" style cakes are all crab meat—no fillers. You come in various sizes and as a sandwich, making them the perfect pick after a day at the Sea Island Golf Performance Center.
Another popular Southern classic is Shrimp & Grits. This hearty plate features eight grilled shrimp and spicy Andouille sausage on creamy, cheesy grits.
If steak is more your style, try the "Tony's Plate." This hearty meal combines a half-pound New York strip with your choice of a 7-oz jumbo crab cake, grilled salmon fillet, grilled tuna steak, catfish fillet, eight shrimp, or fried fish.
Be sure to save room for dessert like the famous Chocolate "Stuff"! Barbara created this concoction when an early patron threatened never to return unless they added a chocolate dessert. This soft, smooth, rich chocolatey concoction with homemade whipped cream is a must-try!
The bar can whip up any cocktail you can imagine, while the beer and wine offerings are impressive. Non-alcoholic beverages include sweet tea and soft drinks.
Dining at Barbara Jean's Restaurant is a rite of passage on a Golden Isles vacation, offering lip-smacking Southern classics and homemade sides.
Local Tips
- This eatery is first-come, first-served, so get there early.
- Order one of Barbara's cookbooks as a gift or souvenir!
- Check the daily specials board for flavorful deals.
- There's a $3.00 charge for an extra plate or a shared meal.
