New American, Southern small plates$$historic-district
Treylor Park anchors a string of Bay Street rooms running playful Southern bar food in a brick courtyard. Chicken-and-pancake tacos, a long bourbon list.
Signature: Chicken and pancake tacos, PB&J wings
Order: The chicken and pancake tacos, plus a round of PB&J wings.
Tip: Walk-in only; expect a wait after 19:30 on weekends. Patio fills first.
American, Wine bar$$thomas-square
Ardsley Station sits on Victory Drive in a renovated filling station. Brick-oven flatbreads, charcuterie and 20-by-the-glass wine pulling after-work locals.
Signature: Brick-oven flatbreads, Charcuterie board
Order: A flatbread plus the seasonal charcuterie board, with a glass from the natural-leaning wine list.
Tip: Book OpenTable for the patio in advance, especially Fridays; the bar runs walk-up and serves the full menu.
Australian-Southern, Brunch$$$historic-district
Anthony Debreceny's Australian Collins Quarter opened on Bull at Oglethorpe Square in 2014, the city's brunch flagship since. A second by Forsyth Park.
Signature: Avocado smash, Lavender mocha
Order: The avo smash on sourdough with poached eggs, plus a lavender mocha.
Tip: Brunch is first-come, first-served; arrive by 09:30 on weekends or expect a wait. Dinner takes OpenTable bookings.
Southern bistro, Brunch$$historic-district
B. Matthew's has run from an 1850s building on East Bay for over two decades, brick walls and wooden beams under a daily-changing brunch board. A mainstay.
Signature: Fried green tomato and crab cake benny, Bourbon bacon burger
Order: Fried green tomato and crab cake benny at brunch; the bourbon bacon burger at dinner.
Tip: Book OpenTable for brunch on weekends or expect a 30 minute wait.
Seafood, Casual coastal$$islands
The Wyld sits on the Herb River in Thunderbolt past the bridge, car or boat tie-up access. Outdoor decks over the water, casual coastal seafood, live music.
Signature: Fish tacos, Boiled peanuts
Order: The fish tacos and a side of boiled peanuts; an ice-cold Service Brewing beer with both.
Tip: Cash and card both fine. Boat tie-up free; arrive by 18:00 to beat the live-music rush.
Seafood, Oysters$$historic-district
Sorry Charlie's runs an oyster bar in one of Georgia's oldest commercial buildings, overlooking Ellis Square. Raw bar, steam pots, Bamboo Room tiki upstairs.
Signature: Raw oysters, Steam pots
Order: A dozen Sapelo oysters on the half-shell, plus a Lowcountry boil for two.
Tip: Happy hour runs daily 16:00 to 18:00 with discounted oysters. Rooftop and tiki bar open evenings.