To-Do in Brunswick: The Official List

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Friends and family passing through or thinking of visiting Brunswick or the Golden Isles always ask us what they should check out in town on their visit.  Jason and I thought a lot about this back when creating our wedding website, so why not share the love in a more permanent setting? Plus, the whole thing needs a good dust-off and update.  So here I give you - our favorite things to do in Brunswick. 

Brunswick - Food and Cocktails

Let's start with the important stuff - the booze and the food! 
(Click any of the headers to go to more info about these amazing places)

Tipsy McSway's

A downtown Brunswick staple, Tipsy’s food is as fun and spot on as the name. I call it our local Cheers. Order the fried goat cheese, the Green Gobbler, the Tipsy burger, fried potato salad, and/or the onion rings. Tipsy's once featured "The Loovre", the worlds tiniest fine art gallery (in a bathroom).  All of the art was created for Tipsy's by local treasure Ed Hose.  An unfortunate series of art heists led to the permanent retirement of The Loovre, but you can still look up while you're doing your business and see our boy Luke included in a mural of Brunswick Dogs Playing Poker.  Tipsy's is also the Golden Isles home of the Patti O'Furniture drag show, held about once every 3 months or so.

Our friends Chris Gantt and Kelli Hartill have created a gem of a restaurant in Downtown Brunswick. Good food, drinks, and staff. Dinner or brunch - it’s all amazing. We recommend the duck nachos, shrimp & grits, the steak, the fried chicken, the build your own charcuterie board, whatever the special is, and the chicken & waffles (at brunch).  Make sure you get a reservation - many times they're completely booked, but you might get lucky with a last minute walk-up.

Our friend Jennifer Beato had a dream of opening a stylish, killer bar on Newcastle Street and boy did she hit it out of the park.  You won't run out of interesting things to spot all over the walls. The specialty cocktail list is great, or you can go with a personal cocktail favorite or a selection of beers and wines.  They've started hosting a weekly movie on the lawn this summer (the back room is carpeted in astro turf ). Zooks is also the home of Velvet Thursdays, Brunswick's official Gay Happy Hour. This is also one of the late-night spots on Brunswick, usually serving until midnight.

A Brunswick institution, you gotta grab a bite at Willie’s while you are in town. Sure, they are famous for their hot dogs and pork chop sandwich, but get the Willie Burger - extra cheese. At our first visit, Jason was waffling back and forth between the regular cheese burger and the Willie Burger...to which the lady behind the counter challenged, " BIG BOYS eat the WILLIE BURGER!" Willie Burger it was and Willie Burger is has been since! Save time for a shower and a nap afterwards.

We love this place so much we had our wedding reception there!  The beer is fantastic, and usually Silver Bluff has a band and a rotating list of food trucks to enjoy outside. If they have it on tap, don't miss the pink lemonade seltzer if you into that kind of thing.  The Mexican Lager is also an award-winner.


Tacos La Fiesta

I'm not kidding when I tell you I have a craving for this place literally once a week. Tacos La Fiesta is a little blink-and-you'll-miss-it cinder block building on Albany north of Gloucester, but every dish that comes out of the kitchen to your table is Instagram-worthy.  They also happen to serve the best burrito I've ever tasted in my life. Those are big words, I know - but trust me! 
The seating area is tiny, so go early or late, or just order online for a quick pick-up. And get that Burrito Adovado. You're welcome.

Did I hear you say you wanted your Mexican food with a dash of the Caribbean and a
springing of South in your mouth?  Bubba Garcia's has you covered.  This is one of my favorite new spots downtown and has quickly become a default go-to for happy hour, rainy days, late night - you name it, Bubba's is good for it!  The queso is a must, and the build your own burrito is as big as your face.  If you roll up on First Friday you can even grab a to-go marg from their walk-up outside window.  Ask Miguel, Jason, or Amanda for the frozen pickle margarita if you're feeling brave! 

SchroGlo Community Bar & Restaurant

Downtown Brunswick's newest and hottest Burger Joint and Bar and a lil' brother to the original Schroeder's Market.  That double smash burger is a work of art - the tenders and rotating menu options and sauces are worth a stop.  
You can also catch live jazz, open mic nights, and some of the Golden Isles best musicians late night.  

Indigo has Caribbean-inspired dishes in a relaxed, casual atmosphere. It also has some of the prettiest outdoor dining downtown.  Ask for a table outside if the weather is nice and and try the chicken salad, the Fisherman’s Bowl, the pimento cheese burger, the meatloaf or whatever they have as the special. 
Oh...and save room for the Georgia Peach pound cake. Seriously - I don't ever crave desserts, but this one is something special. 

An old-school, hole in the wall BBQ joint, Twin Oaks is a solid go-to. I always gets the cheeseburger and Jason gets the pulled pork. Never been disappointed. 
Ask to sit in Ms. Linda’s section.  She's been there for decades! She has no idea who we are, but GOD we love her, so you better TIP HER WELL!!



Hootenanny's at the Yard

Oh y'all wanted a twist?? We've got another BBQ winner on the scene downtown!
Hootenanny's might be a new spot, but Pitmaster Judd Foster and his wife Kate make everything from scratch, including tacos and roasted salsas. That's right - this is BBQ with a flair of Mexican cuisine rolled in.  Ok I have to stop, my tastebuds have hit their flavor nexus. 

Events and Activities

First Friday

Downtown Brunswick comes alive the first Friday of each month and shows all who stop by what a fun, funky, and friendly little town it is. Make some time to pop by downtown and wander around.


I'll quote our friends from Schroeder's Market here as they laid out a perfect First Friday experience: 
  • Roll up to Downtown around 6PM. Park over near Rummage. (and man, is that store cool, so pop in).
  • First stop: @silverbluffbrewing — wait on your crew and work your way through their brewery-only selections.
  • Flip it into a plastic walkable cup and walk into every retailer in town. It’s a good way to get in your steps, and these folks work hard to keep it quirky, stylish & cool.
  • Next stop: Snack time at Schroeder’s Market — tinned fish, freshly baked bread, a cooler-full of wine. Cheeseburger Subs, Shrimp Rolls, Disco music.
  • Then: Walk back over to Newcastle and marvel at the wisely curated wines @newcastlewines - have them arrange a mixed case or a unique bottle for you or for a cool gift for a loved one. There’s sure to be a tasting calendar to peruse, too.
  • Then…off to @tipsymcsway to hang with the rockin-est crew and the Downtown Brunswick OGs. Don’t drink too much, because…
  • You should then go throw an axe @mattedoxaxethrowing — and pro-tip, they have a killer beer selection.
— WATER BREAK —
Then, if you’re raging…

Stroll the Squares

Just like Savannah, Brunswick was designed by General James Oglethorpe as a grid system interlaced with public squares. Almost all of Brunswick's original colonial town plan remains intact, meaning you can amble through the squares and take in the sites.  Signature Square of Brunswick has worked tirelessly for years to renovate and landscape many of the squares that were neglected through the late 20th century - and boy are they gorgeous now. They've also added interpretive signs in each of the renovated squares to share some of the rich history with passers-by. 

Brunswick Old Town Tours

Our friends Kate and Lance Sabbe have combined their love of Brunswick history and cycling to host this unique experience. The hour and a half bike ride through historic Downtown and Old Town Brunswick tells the story of an underdog colonial settlement overcoming hurricanes, epidemics, and economics.

The Lady Jane Shrimp Boat Cruise

The shrimp boat, the Lady Jane, has long been retired from her shrimping days. Now, she takes locals and tourist out on an educational excursion where her passengers learn about Georgia coastal ecology, local wild and sea life, and, of course, the shrimpin' bu'ness. The tour guide, a certified naturalist, drops The Lady's nets during the cruise, pulls them in, and leads an interactive education session about what he finds. Jason has been on the cruise twice and always has a blast. If you want to do something really "coastal," this is it! Check the website for availability and pricing.

The best way to really enjoy the beauty of the Golden Isles is in the seat of a kayak, and SouthEast Adventure Outfitters are great guides to do just that. From a leisurely paddle through the tidal creeks to an intense open ocean workout, SEAOs will guide and educate you on what makes this area so unique and let you have some fun in the process. Two or three hour tours leave from both the Brunswick and St. Simons Village Creek Landing sites.
Another great company that I used recently with some friends was .  We had a 3-hour tour of waterways of Jekyll, spotting manatee, pink spoonbills, and all kinds of other wildlife! 
 

For an additional boost of cool, here are some of the NEWEST things to do in Brunswick (via GoldenIsles.com):


Go Rock Climbing at Brunswick Rocks

Brunswick Rocks is one of Downtown Brunswick’s newest businesses, a nonprofit bouldering gym that works with community partners. Grab your friends and family and get ready to test your rock-climbing skills!

Book a Charter with On The Fly Fishing Excursions

Get the unique experience of a guided fly-fishing charter with On the Fly Outfitters. Embark on the waters of coastal Georgia, exploring the unique marsh ecosystem where many different species of fish thrive each season.


Throw Axes at Matted Ox

Perfect for a rainy day activity, celebration, or small group gathering, Matted Ox Axe
Throwing will show you an unforgettable time. Have fun throwing axes with the newest technology of projected targets and digital scoring. You’ll leave with great memories and a new skill!

Visit Brunswick Landing Marina

Don’t miss the beautiful views from the Brunswick Landing Marina. This 101-acre marina is the perfect spot to end the day watching the sunset after spending time discovering Downtown Brunswick. The Marina is also able to accommodate boats up to 225 feet in length.

Courtesy of the Brunswick Mural Project, public art lines the streets and sides of buildings in Downtown Brunswick. Stroll along Newcastle St., Reynolds St., and throughout Downtown Brunswick to find stunning murals that represent the local culture, history, and aspirations of the community. Learn more about the Brunswick Mural Project.


Location: Brunswick, GA, USA

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