St. Simon’s Island, Georgia

If you don't order the breakfast buffet, try the crab benedict. Photo © 2014 Carolyn Burns Bass

If you don’t order the breakfast buffet, try the crab benedict. Photo © 2014 Carolyn Burns Bass

There’s a reason why certain restaurants in tourist areas are always full. They’ve learned to cater to tourists, while satisfying the year-around residents who would never return if the food wasn’t good. St. Simon’s Island is one of those places where everyone knows everyone. If a restaurant served trendy, bloated, overpriced grub, these people would talk.

Let’s say you’ve risen to watch the sun rise from the Atlantic, beachcombed for whelk and horseshoe crab shells before other tourists hit the sand, and you’ve walked up an appetite. You could go back to your cottage or hotel and break your fast like other tourists, or you could go where the locals go.

Begin your dine around St. Simon’s Island at The Sandcastle Café and Grill. It’s just a small place tucked into a shop along the street leading to the fishing pier. A strip of tables lines one wall, with a long buffet counter separating the dining room from the kitchen. While the Sandcastle is open for lunch, the café’ is renowned for their breakfast buffet. Not only do guests serve themselves from such morning favorites as bacon, sausage (three different types), biscuits and gravy, regular and cheese grits, and corned beef ham, but they can order from the grill such items as eggs cooked to taste, waffles, pancakes, and French toast. Those who prefer to pace their appetites may order buffet items a la carte, or other breakfast menu items such as crab benedict or omelettes.

You're on vacation, have a breakfast bloody Mary. Photo © 2014 Carolyn Burns Bass

You’re on vacation, have a breakfast bloody Mary. Photo © 2014 Carolyn Burns Bass

While on vacation, it’s never too early to enjoy bloody Marys—especially when handcrafted with housemade bloody Mary mix with just the right amount of kick.

Lunch doesn’t disappoint at the Sandcastle Café and Grill. Sandwiches, salads and burgers populate the menu, with a good dose of seafood choices. It is, after all, the coast.

The Sandcastle Café and Grill celebrated its 25th anniversary in April 2014. Opened in 1989 by husband and wife team of Tim and Melissa Wellford, the couple work smoothly with Tim at the grill and Melissa waiting tables. Come early, for the Sandcastle Café and Grill serves breakfast and lunch only.

Sandcastle Café and Grill
117 Mallery St.
St. Simons Island, GA
912-638-8883