We were visiting my sister, who lives on the island. She recommended Barbara Jean's. This was in the summer so, it was crowded and there was a wait. The food is very good but I don't think that it is extraordinary. There are some unique takes on Southern cuisine. What I found annoying was that the waiter was really pushing flamboyant mixed drinks. Out of the group at the table, four of the seven of us were under age, and two of the other three of us would rather have a beer if we were going to have a drink.
Had fried catfish that was lightly breaded and delicious. Veggies are good southern taste. The bread basket has three kinds. Friendly service. Definitely recommend it.
The pumpkin bread was excellent before the meal. The service was decent but the food was mediocre at best. I had the meatloaf and it was ok. Alot of filler in the meatloaf made it taste like breadcrumbs. The gravy tasted from a can. The mashed potatoes were real, but a little runny and lumpy but tasted good. My wife had the grilled chicken breast and was dry as could be. Same went for my son's pork chop. The waitress was pleasant, but the decor was very dated.
Crab cakes. Go to Barbara Jean's for the crab cakes. There's lots of excellent food on the menu. You can't beat the home cooking. Meat loaf, pot roast, turkey and dressing or chicken fried steak, all are delicious. But go for the crab cakes. Eat some chocolate stuff for dessert.
She crab soup was good. The pumpkin bread they bring out was awesome. I had the crab cakes and they were good. Sides were Ok. My husband had the pot roast and it was really good. Prices weren't bad either. There is something for everyone.
The basket of bread that they give you pre-meal is worth a visit there alone. It's a basket of corn bread, pumpkin bread, and the fluffiest rolls to ever grace your taste buds. It's a little pricey, but it is on the island, so not unexpected. On my most recent trip here, I ordered the tuna burger (featured in the picture below). It was a good size portion of tuna, pretty thick, especially on a sandwich for lunch. The squash casserole is delicious, it has more of a sweeter taste than most traditional squash casseroles that I have experienced in my 19 years of life. There are a lot of southern style and seafood dishes on the menu.
I have loved this place since they opened in the late 90's. I've always gotten great service & wonderful food. Today, however, was an exception. I presented at the hostess station to let them know I was dining outside. The man at the desk asked me what I wanted to drink & said he'd send a server out. After 20 minutes of sweltering I went back inside. I was steaming, literally & figuratively. He came out of the restroom, saw me & HAULED ASS into the kitchen, letting one of the waitresses deal w/ my ire. She (& I wish I'd gotten her name) took the time to deal calmly w/ me & addressed my needs. I went back outside, the ceiling fans had been turned on & my server was there in less than a minute w/ my drink. She apologized profusely b/c she hadn't been told I was there. I assured her I knew who was at fault. She bent over backwards to make sure I was taken care of after that. From that point on everything was typical Barbara Jean'sgreat service & great food. (Avoid the guy w/ the beard!)
Another great place to eat in the Village at St. Simons Island Ga. Meat and three vegetable type place to eat. I recommend trying their Pumpkin Spice Bread which is made fresh everyday.
The best place on the island to eat! I recommend the Meat Loaf! Best i ever had! Quiet atmosphere, Friendly host and waitresses and reasonable prices. Right on the pier so you can take a nice 🚶 after you've got your belly full.
The food was outstanding. The best meal I have had in a very long time. You will not be disappointed in your visit. I will return.
My husband ordered top shelf Long Island ice tea and I orders and Apple Martini. When I tell you that our drinks were so good we had to walk them off. Our food was also great that our finicky 8 year old daughter ate her entire plate, which was white rice with gravy, hamburger plain, mandarin oranges. Healthy food. My husband never takes food home he cleans his plate but baby he brought home a take out carton. Yes him. Barbara Jean's hands down awesomeness!!!!
Karla Nichelle Badie
Greta experience at this restaurant. The food was outstanding!! The red beans and rice as well as the deity rice was authentic New Orleans style. Shocked me that a place here on St Simons had that taste and flavor. Great food and quality for the family.