Here, while “nightlife” might include quite a few happy hours and late-night bites, it’s well rounded to include live music, ocean breezes, and even unique events – not quite what you’d expect from a quiet island town. But you do have to know where to find it! Explore our local tips on where to enjoy your evenings on into the night in the Golden Isles:
Happy Hours, Craft Brews & Cocktails
When it comes to nightlife, sometimes it’s best to stick to the tried and true – cocktails and craft brews (not to mention late-night dining!). Here are some of our favorite places for classic happy hours, craft brews and cocktails:
Brogen’s North
In a nutshell: If you’re looking for a classic Southern bar, Brogen’s North is your place! With a quieter location amidst the oaks up north on St. Simons and a slightly livelier location down south near Pier Village, you can’t go wrong with this classic.
Why it’s special: Brogen's has two great locations, one with an ocean view!
Tipsy McSway's
In a nutshell: In our opinion, Tipsy McSway’s is the best bar in Brunswick. It’s the perfect nighttime destination for cocktails, beer, and live music on Friday or Saturday nights. Add to that a chill, locals-only vibe, and you have the recipe for a great night!
Why it’s special: It’s an environment for great friends and audible conversation – something that is hard to come by at a bar. Even when there’s live music on the weekends, it’s never so loud you can’t hear your friends!
Tortuga Jack’s
In a nutshell: The only oceanfront restaurant and bar on Jekyll Island, Tortuga Jack’s offers a 3,000-square-foot tiki bar and deck from which to enjoy your late-night bites and brews, complete with gorgeous weather and ocean views as the sun goes down.
Why it’s special: Not only is this bar’s patio one of the only ways to enjoy Jekyll Island ocean views with a cocktail in hand, but it’s also pet-friendly, so you can enjoy our coastal nightlife without leaving your furry friend at home!
The Wharf
In a nutshell: Located on the Jekyll Island Historic District pier, this river-view beachy hangout is the best place to enjoy open-air dining (with Southern favorites such as peel & eat shrimp, hushpuppies, fried chicken & more) in an unmatched location over the water.
Why it’s special: The Wharf is the only on-the-water bar and restaurant to boast gorgeous views of the sunset on Jekyll – and it’s especially fun when there’s a live band playing!
Driftwood Bistro
In a nutshell: This locally owned restaurant has been serving the locals and visitors of Jekyll Island Southern cuisine and hand-crafted cocktails for 12 years! Its classic signature sides are old family recipes of the owners and staff, some favorites are the OG’s Fried Okra, Lynn’s Squash Casserole, and Augusta’s Bread Pudding!
Why it's special: Driftwood Bistro offers a full service bar featuring cocktails, frozen drinks, and beers that you can enjoy with your made from scratch, Lowcountry meal.
