About
Although small, St. Simons Island is concentrated with superb restaurants. One that stands out is Porch with its Southern comfort food and homey vibe. Here, the menu brings the bold taste of Nashville hot chicken (and other meats) right to the Georgia coast.
Porch was the vision of Palmer and Amanda Fortune, who are the minds behind another popular hotspot, Palmer's Village Cafe. They knew something was missing in the St. Simons food scene—a relaxed eatery that felt just like someone's porch.
Inspired after a trip to Nashville and sampling its signature hot chicken. Palmer labored to dial in the right amount of spices to emulate Music City's hot chicken. Once he had the flavor dialed in, the couple moved forward with their vision.
Porch opened in the Golden Isles in November 2017, and it was an immediate hit with locals and vacationers.
Guy Fieri got wind of Porch's chicken and visited to showcase it on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. The show aired on February 2, 2024.
Porch has made freshness a top priority. The chicken is never frozen, and the sides are made from scratch daily. All of which demonstrates how this eatery goes the extra mile to deliver authentic Southern cuisine.
Located near St. Simons' top attractions, you're never far from a spicy meal. Within walking distance are the St. Simons Pier, the Pier Village Market, and Neptune Park.
When your crew is craving Southern cuisine with a kick, visit Porch on your Georgia getaway.
Vibe
Porch fits right in with the coastal charm in St. Simons Island. With its tin roof, rustic sign, and vintage look, its facade sets the stage for a soul-satisfying meal.
Most notable is the covered, screened-in, wrap-around porch. Here, wood tables with vintage metal chairs dot the wood floor, offering unobstructed views of the neighborhood.
The interior features a comfortable mix of rustic warmth and modern ease. Picture farmhouse touches, like weathered wood panels, exposed brick, and metal accents.
The outdoor area with picnic benches and cornhole games is a guest favorite. Children will enjoy tossing beanbags, which makes for a relaxing time for parents!
Porch is as Palmer and Amanda Fortune envisioned: it feels like someone's home, backyard, and front porch.
Porch: Menu & Drinks
Before we dive into the main menu, the carry-out Family Menu bears mentioning. It features tenders, bone-in chicken, catfish, Motherclucker "sammies," or shrimp dinners with two sides. Order one and enjoy in the comfort of your Casago rental.
Now, let's dive into the Nashville hot chicken. Just like Nashville joints, there's a Hot-O Meter to help you decide how spicy a meal or sandwich you want. You can start with "Naked" to "Novice" and "Nashville" all the way to "Napalm."The latter comes with this warning: "...at your own risk." Choose wisely!
You also get the option of roasted or fried (the Nashville way!) as well as white or dark meat. Aside from chicken, you can select catfish and shrimp with the same Hot-O Meter heat choices.
The plates come with two lip-smacking, made-from-scratch sides, which bear mentioning. These include corn on the cob, coleslaw, J.B.'s collard greens, PVC pimento cheese grits, maple-baked beans with bacon, tots, Mac and cheese, and Brussel sprouts.
The "Sammiches" are a superb pick, especially the aforementioned Motherclucker. It features a fried chicken breast, homemade pimento cheese, sliced pickles, and one side.
Also noteworthy are the salads with the option to add chicken, shrimp, or chicken salad. The two street tacos feature chicken, catfish, or shrimp. Add the cilantro, lime, and one side, and it's the perfect plate after sightseeing at Massengale Park.
The drink menu comes packed with cool, refreshing choices. The "Frosé" is a true crowd-pleaser, blending icy slush with rosé wine and a touch of fruit. You'll also find plenty of beer, tea, and soft drink choices.
Visit Porch on your Golden Isles vacation and discover first-hand why it's a beloved hotspot (pun intended!)
Local Tips
- The Rowdy Kids menu section makes it family-friendly.
- Check out the daily specials like Hot Taco Tuesday and Fried Chicken Sunday.
- Porch is a first-come, first-served restaurant; plan accordingly.
- Let Porch cater your special event or celebration.
