The coastal Georgia barrier island of St. Simons is one of the most beautiful beach destinations in the United States today. The majestic live oaks, rich history, and access to the seaside add up to a small town full of charm.
After spending a day exploring the island, enjoying the beaches, or shopping, you probably want to unwind and have some fun. We have just the thing for you to enjoy the St. Simons Island nightlife. Check out these St. Simons Island bars for your next visit!
Ziggy Mahoney’s
If you are looking for a serious party scene, consider checking out Ziggy Mahoney’s. This option is a proper nightclub with a dance floor and DJ and some decent drink deals. It gets more popular as the night goes on.
This bar won’t be the best place for you if you don’t want to have a couple of drinks and have fun on the dance floor, but they do have some other options. Ziggy Mahoney’s has several pool tables, and they recently released a new menu with standard snacks and bar food.
Address: 206 Retreat Village, St. Simons Island, GA 31522
Village Inn and Pub
The Village Inn and Pub is a small, quaint bar nestled in the heart of downtown St. Simons. The pub itself is attached to a bed and breakfast that has plenty of its own amenities. The owners of the Village Inn renovated a 1930 beach bungalow, constructing the rest of the bed and breakfast around it.
The building is situated between old-growth oaks and feels like a part of history, inside and out. Stop by the pub for a relaxing drink by the original fireplace, weekly trivia competitions, or live music on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Expect a decent mix of locals and vacationers at this popular location.
Address: 500 Mallery St, St Simons Island, GA 31522
Gnat’s Landing
Gnat’s Landing prides itself on its laidback attitude and chill atmosphere. It is conveniently located around hotels and by the beach, so you can walk right to it for a quick dinner after a day in the ocean.
If you’re looking for fried food, this is the place to go. Gnat’s Landing has plenty of classic comfort food dishes like burgers, fried shrimp, coleslaw, and french fries. The proximity to hotels gives it more of a touristy feeling, but that’s not always a bad thing.
Address: 310 Redfern Village, St Simons Island, GA 31522
The Rooftop at Ocean Lodge
The Rooftop at Ocean Lodge is an excellent place for casual dining with a fantastic Atlantic Ocean view. It’s located on the fifth floor of the Ocean Lodge and boasts a decent variety of classic seafood dishes with an affordable range of prices.
Stop by the Rooftop if you’re looking for a nice, sit-down meal that allows you to enjoy all the aspects of island life. The seafood and seaside views are a great opener to whatever you have planned next, and if you decide to stay at the Ocean Lodge, it is incredibly convenient as well.
Address: 935 Beachview Dr, St Simons Island, GA 31522
Castaways Lounge
Castaways Lounge prides itself on inclusivity and strives to make itself accepting and welcoming to all patrons. It has dubbed itself a “peaceful island oasis,” but that doesn’t mean the nights are quiet or early. You can spend time at the Castaways Lounge until 2 in the morning on most nights.
There is plenty of fun to be had during that time, as well. Castaways Lounge boasts many bar games and more. Practice your skills on one of their three pool tables, or try for a few strikes when playing video bowling. Castaways Lounge also has an active karaoke scene!
Address: 233 Edwards Plaza PE, St Simons Island, GA 31522
Murphy’s Tavern
Murphy’s Tavern is St. Simons Island’s classic dive bar. There is an entire living room set up in one area, complete with a fireplace for the winters, and it is a long-standing tradition for many St. Simons locals.
Be warned, though — Murphy’s Tavern still allows smoking indoors, so you will undoubtedly come out smelling like cigarettes. This atmosphere can be an understandable turnoff for many, but those who can deal with the scent will find a welcoming bar staff, friendly locals, and good conversation.
Address: 415 Mallery St, St Simons Island, GA 31522
Catch 228
Fresh seafood is Catch 228’s specialty. It has a daily happy hour for oysters, one of the most popular dishes. Catch 228 has also received high reviews for its service, especially at the bar.
Keep in mind that this is one of the more popular restaurants for locals and tourists alike, so it’s common to experience a longer wait. Snag a seat at the bar, some raw oysters, and a drink or two while you wait. The food is worth the wait.
Address: 228 Redfern Village # 100, St Simons Island, GA 31522
Rafters Blues and Raw Bar
Rafters Blues and Raw Bar isn’t as well known for its seafood as it is for cheap drinks and a raucous night scene. This bar is a hole in the wall that locals frequent, especially off-duty serving staff.
Rafters has a friendly atmosphere and is another bar that allows smoking, so it is best to avoid this location if you are sensitive to cigarette smoke. There are two sections to this joint: one bar presides over a number of pool tables and other bar games, while the other one is easily accessible from the crowded dance floor.
Address: 315 Mallery St, St Simons Island, GA 31522
So dust off the sand from your day on the beach and hit the town to meet some new people, eat some good food, or try out your moves on the dance floor. Be safe, remember to tip your servers, and enjoy the St. Simons Island nightlife.
