Dining variety adds flavor to a coastal getaway
ST. MARYS, GEORGIA–OCTOBER 2024–The picturesque town of St. Marys is a popular spot on Georgia’s Southeast coast for those who love to have a getaway their own way. Some enjoy the walkable historic downtown. Others spend time exploring the nearby parks and trails. While others take to the waters, paddling, fishing or exploring to their hearts’ content. What everyone who visits this coastal community can agree on is its bounty of easily accessible restaurants throughout downtown. From local seafood to the best treats for a sweet tooth, St. Marys has everything to satisfy a hunger for great food.
Less than an hour’s drive north of Jacksonville, Florida, off I-95, St. Marys is easy to get to and even easier to love. The combination of a walkable historic district and scenic waterfront setting can’t be beat for those looking for a place to slow down and enjoy some time away. Traversing downtown by golf cart, trails by bicycle or waterway by kayak are all options for a day of exploration.
Visitors feel at home here. Any day of the week, they can enjoy morning coffee or an afternoon sunset at the beautiful St. Marys Waterfront Park (100 West St. Marys Street, St. Marys, Georgia 31558). On Saturdays, the Community Market (311 Osborne Street, St. Marys Georgia 31558) is the spot for meeting local makers and searching out the perfect find among the vendors.
But perhaps nothing feels more like home than a great meal. St. Marys has plenty of options for that. And when exploring downtown, there is a variety of restaurants from which to choose. Morning coffee, happy hour celebrations and live music each add atmosphere when enjoying the variety of cuisine at area eateries.
Spouses Bakery & Deli (901 Dilworth Street, St. Marys, Georgia 31558; 912-439-3364) is a favorite spot for morning fare and lunch specials, including soups, quiche, specialty sandwiches and more. Homemade bread and pastries are the stars of the menu. Take-out is popular for those who want to enjoy a meal in their vacation rental or on a picnic.
Kraken Coffee Kitchen (122 Osborne Street Suite B, St. Marys, Georgia 31558; 912-510-6798) is one of St. Marys’ newest dining options and has built a reputation for a cozy atmosphere and friendly staff. The menu includes a delicious variety of coffee offerings and, from croissant to kolache, the pastries are wonderful. Open for breakfast and lunch.
The Cafe at Cottle & Gunn (711 Osborne Street, St. Marys, Georgia 31558; 912-510-0639) is another new favorite where you gather among friends and mismatched china while enjoying the company and the homemade soups, sandwiches and desserts made from locally sourced ingredients and local chefs.
Locals Dockside (307 West St. Marys Street, St. Marys Georgia 31558; 912-510-8577) is a favorite seafood and steak spot serving an extensive menu featuring the best of local fare. Seafood dishes present creative preparations of fish, scallops and oysters and seafood platters are always popular. The succulent steaks and outstanding desserts also draw praise, as does the extensive cocktail and beer menu.
Seagle’s Restaurant & Captain Seagle’s Saloon (105 Osborne Street, St. Marys, Georgia 31558; 912-882-3242) is located in a beautiful historic building on the waterfront and is St. Marys oldest dining establishment. Seafood favorites fill the menu along with an extensive list of appetizers, salads and sandwiches. This local hot spot features a restaurant, saloon and patio bar and is popular for its live music and special events.
The Riverside Café (106 West St. Marys Street, St. Marys, Georgia 31558; 912-882-3455) menu features soups, salads, specialty sandwiches and Greek-style platters including bifteki, moussaka and pasticcio. Open for lunch and dinner.
Southern River Walk (101 Stable Alley E, St. Marys, Georgia, 31558; 912-439-3806) is a favorite for families looking for food and fun and for those seeking a late-night hot spot. Its combination of restaurant, bar and arcade creates a unique and enjoyable family-friendly atmosphere that caters to both adults and children. Whether for a Big Boy Breakfast Burrito or Crab Stuffed Mahi, for tunes by local bands or karaoke stars, Southern River Walk is the place to be.
Yankee Pie Apizza (206 Osborne Street, St. Marys, Georgia 31558; 912-419-7530) has a reputation for pizza with flavor and an attitude. “It’s not a pizza. It’s ‘Ah-Beetz’!” This tradition of crispy crust, mouthwatering toppings and tangy sauce was born in Connecticut and the proprietors are proud to bring their New Haven-style pies to the South. Visitors also love the “take and bake” option to enjoy at their leisure.
The Firefly Taco Cantina (609 Osborne Street, St. Marys, Georgia 31558; 912-673-8226) is known for its upbeat atmosphere and friendly service as well as its creative, delicious menu items. From tacos to tequila flights, there is something for everyone. The extensive taco menu is joined by starters, tostadas, rice bowls and more, along with an impressive selection of margaritas and other cocktails.
Brackish Beer Company (907 Dilworth Street, St. Marys, Georgia 31558; 912-322-6743) is the spot for local brews, tunes and food truck eats in a laid back, friendly atmosphere.
Market on the Square (100 Osborne Street, St. Marys, Georgia 31558; 912-882-2215) is known as the shop on the corner that has everything. Luckily for those with a sweet tooth, that includes made-on-the-spot fudge in a tasty assortment of flavors, along with pecan pralines, chocolate covered pretzels and an extensive variety of candies.
Where to stay
St. Marys is home to a host of independent lodging options, each with a personality of its own and many with stories to tell. Bed and breakfast options include the Spencer House Inn (200 Osborne Street, St. Marys, Georgia 31558; 912-882-1872), a 14-room inn built in 1872. There are also plenty of vacation rental homes, including The Federal Quarters (314 Osborne Street, St. Marys, Georgia; 31558 912-319-5505), also known as the Archibald Clark House, where Aaron Burr stayed after his ill-fated duel with Alexander Hamilton and the cozy Merry Mermaid Cottage (202 Hall Street East, St. Marys, Georgia 31558; 31558 954-290-9873), a special one-bedroom rental in the heart of downtown. And at the historic Riverview Hotel (105 Osborne Street, St. Marys, Georgia 31558; 912-882-3242), there are verandas overlooking the downtown waterfront park, ferry dock and St. Marys River.