This place is delicious and have the best seafood in the Brunswick area. Prices are cheap and food is great. Buffet items vary from day-to-day and they have a standard menu to order from. A must to try while in the area. Be aware of the speed limit as State Troopers patrol the area.
(5)
Michael y.
Conviently located off of I-95. A must stop for shrimp and oysters. I called in an order in the morning for a early lunch and they accommodated me. Also, go see the idyllic shrimp boats and kayakers
(5)
Jim T.
Fresh. Cheap. Great flavor. What a gold mine. It may not look like much, but here looks are deceiving. A friend suggested it.... So I ventured into Darien. This quaint little town, old and rustic on one side, thriving little town on the other. As I travelled up 17, I saw the sign. With all the cars in the lot, it must be next to a used car dealer I surmised. Low and behold, those are the customers. 50 people were waiting outside. Parking was more than ample, front, sides, and rear. So I wandered thru the masses and checked in. I was greeted by the host/mgr who, once he found out I was solo, sat me immediately at the end of a large table with 5 folks at the other end. The service was great!!! I had the shrimp dinner. Caught fresh that day by the local fishermen. A nice salad bar. And an impressive seafood buffet - made me realize why the locals love the place. The have beer and wine, and the assorted soft drinks and teas. I highly recommend this place. Ps. I was told the have a brunch on Sundays.
(5)
James C.
All the hype about this restaurant was true!! Me and the Mrs. Chowed down and threw down! Will be coming back Regardless of the length of travel
(5)
Anonymous F.
A complete surprise...don't let the outside fool you. The food on the lunch buffet was down home delicious. The fried chicken, mashed taters with gravy, green bean casserole .... now I want to go back! I travel every week and if I could find a place like this on every trip I wouldn't ache to get home. Can't forget about the service either...the ladies did a terrific job keeping the place clean and running smoothly.
(4)
Mary G.
I had no idea this place existed until we went here in honor of my mother's upcoming birthday on a Friday night. I'm a sucker for local seafood restaurants, so I was excited. Not fancy by any means, but then a lot of the best places are hole-in-the-wall types. We went to dinner, and ordered their weekend buffet, which runs around $19-20. The variety is astounding for such a small place. Scallops, fish, excellent local shrimp, some deviled crab. Side dishes included salad, grits, macaroni, and some others. In addition, on weekends you have the option of adding all you can eat crab legs to your dinner for a reasonable extra charge. I can't speak much for their regular menu, but a neighboring table ordered a seafood platter with enough to feed multiple people, so you obviously get your money's worth. There's also a variety of desserts. Service was surprisingly excellent given that the place was packed. Our waitress was attentive without hovering.
(5)
Mike A.
Superb fresh caught crab and shrimp, a locals favorite. be prepared for 1+ hr long wait for a table on weekends as the food is in demand and well worth the wait. down home cafe style community seating, makes a great opportunity to shoot the shit with some good ol' boys and seafood connoisseurs alike. Highly recommended !
(5)
Andrew H.
Over the past month, I have been spending a lot of time in rural Georgia, visiting the Wal Marts, Dollar Generals and McDonalds, getting to know the salt of the earth. No, I'm not running for office, but I know that I will be one of these people soon, after I fail the bar and let down my entire family. Only a week to go! But none of that mattered last night, because I was going to go to a place called B&Js. All the locals in Georgia raved about this magic place. At first, I thought it was full of exotic dancers where I could get a steak and a BJ and possibly convince one of them to kill me, but it turns out it's actually a place where I can get a steak and all the crab legs I can possible shove down my throat, which is kind of like a BJ, let me explain... B&Js is located under a bunch of cinderblocks off the side of the road in Darien, GA, a place neither you nor I should ever go to. You walk inside and you're greeted by an obese woman recommending the buffet. I sat down and the server wasted no time insisting I hit the buffet immediately, and boy, I found the most amazing things - all the fried shrimp in the world, prime rib, green beans covered in pork fat, ribs, some kind of cum looking liquid (probably for the disgruntled women), a FULL salad bar and 3 week old banana puddling. Yes, the food was great, but the people and ambiance are what make it. I had a lovely view of a 300 pound man wearing a wifebeater, and under his arm hung an armpit hair longer than any girl's hair I have ever seen! I couldn't stop staring or laughing, but I'm unsure if the laugher was due to the man's pit hair or my ever increasing descent into insanity. I really am not well. Then, I met a woman that told me a story about how her man took her there for Valentines Day, and how the line was so long they almost went to eat at Dollar General. I was shocked to learn one could eat at Dollar General! She further explained to me that if she didn't go to B&Js at least once a week, she was a pissy all week. And I thought I got cranky when I didn't get my B&Js! B&Js gets 4 stars for incredible ambiance, food, people, and a bathroom that smells worse than any runny mess I've made the morning after a Mexican meal and heavy drinking. And if you go there for anything, make sure you check the bathrooms out!
(4)
Jennifer D.
We ate on a weeknight, the time to go is Friday and Saturday for their seafood buffet. Otherwise the food was all boxes and not homemade. The fried chicken was good, the sides are all out of a box as we witnessed a person refill the buffet from the box. The desserts were also all boxed, the cream cheese frosting was awful and not fresh. My water was funky tasting, so drink the tea. If not going on Friday or Saturday, dont't go.
(2)
John M.
Four of the five reviews in the past two weeks are very poor. I'm really glad I didn't read them before eating here last Friday. I was driving north on I-95 and saw a sign for Skippers. I stopped for gas and asked the attendant. She said Skippers was mostly for tourists but B&J was the local favorite place. She was right. Well prepared local seafood. I really wanted a shrimp Poboy. It was not on the menu but the server said "why sure we can make one for you." Best ever. Will return.
(4)
Alberto R.
Love this place second time I've come and got unlimited crab legs and just as good as the first time. I love the fact that you don't feel like they want you to stop eating the crab legs they just keep them coming with no questions and buffet is good also but I do come here for the unlimited crab legs
(5)
Lynn D.
Wonderful seafood. Plan to visit on Wednesday night for the shrimp buffet or on Friday and Saturday for the seafood buffet. It will be worth your wait (and there will be one.) The steaks on the menu are excellent every day. The service is swift and the tea glasses large. Do not be put off by the exterior (or even the interior) of the building - you will be well rewarded with the best shrimp ever. Of course the crab legs are great also.
(5)
Carol J.
Checked with YELP before coming here. We knew as soon as we drove up that THIS was the place and after a 20 minute wait - we were rewarded with food that went beyond our expectations! Husband chose the shrimp basket (filled to the brim)....I managed to sneak a few & agreed they were delicious, especially with the unique dipping sauce! Grandson has their HUMONGOUS cheeseburger, which he couldn't finish....and I opted for the chicken quesadilla. It was HUGE .... I'll say it again HUGE! So flavorful & delicious! We noticed a steak being delivered to the next table & it covered the entire plate...very thick too! So many choices - many diners were enjoying crab legs, shrimp - both fried & peel your own. Too many choices to mention here! Also will mention the personal service - you're not a number - you are a friend# Well definitely be back when traveling thru the area!
(5)
Denise G.
This place is a dive. But if you ignore the dirty, concrete floors, rickety chairs & tables, sketchy restrooms, view of Dollar General and abandoned auto dealership across the street - you're in for a treat! Portions are HUGE. And in keeping with the trend of ordering non-specialty items at specialty places resulting in AMAZING food - this seafood spot has some of the best chicken tenders I ever tasted!
(4)
Monica B.
OMG, this place is crazy good. I just wish it wasn't in the middle of no where, sorry Darian! The hubs and I both ordered the unlimited crab legs for $30. I've never had such fresh crab legs at a restaurant before. We also tried the buffet, which is mostly fried goodness, the fried shrimp was excellent. I would be a regular customer if it wasn't so far away. Food 5/5 Atmosphere 2/5 (very small, not much seating, dirty bathrooms) Service 3/5 Price 5/5 (Worth it!) This place is busy, be prepared to wait at least 45 minutes during dinner time.
(5)
Elizabeth N.
Based from the reviews and several recommendations to go to this place, I am guessing that my parents and I went on a bad day, but it was reeaally bad. We were passing through Darien and my mom noted that Thursdays have an "All You Can Eat Shrimp" deal, so we stopped. Walking in, the place seemed okay- it's old and not very big, but that's fine. There was a sign that said "Seat Yourself", so we did. After sitting and awkwardly looking at one another for a couple minutes, a server arrived and asked what we wanted to drink. We chose to eat the buffet, since it was "All You Can Eat Shrimp". The buffet didn't have many options, and the ones they had were mediocre. There were only two types of shrimp: fried and then some peel-and-eat ones cooked in what appeared to be a garlic sauce. I found this odd, because "All You Can Eat" gives the impression that there will be several shrimp options. The buffet also had steak in some liquid; overcooked, falling apart ribs, some potatoes and corn cooked in cajun seasoning, grits, and a few other things. The dessert and salad bar were included in the buffet, but both looked disgusting. The lettuce was brown and the desserts looked sloppy. The entire time we were there, loud music was coming from the kitchen. From the yells and laughter, it seemed like they were also dancing. It wasn't something I wanted to hear while eating. Had I wanted to hear loud music, I would have chosen a sports bar or something similar. The entire time I asked myself, "Where is the management of this place??" I hardly ever give bad reviews, but this place was horrible. Hopefully, it was just a bad experience.
(2)
Bill W.
Very disappointing -- Over Cooked Food, Dirty Tables etc. Looking on line, this appeared to be a great place for lunch on our way to Florida from NC. Walked in and the hostess immediately walked away and did not return. A server in the back finally yelled, sit anywhere. We were intercepted on our quest to find a table and seated near the back. They had bused the table but had not taken the time to wipe down the table and food debrie from the last diners were still present. Looking around at other tables, this appears to be the norm. The buffet did not look all that appealing so we ordered off of the menu. I order the Oyster basket and my wife ordered the Philly Cheesesteak. She liked her order but my order was horrible. The oysters were fried in oil that was too hot and the outside was almost crunchy. The little bit of oyster in the center was good but it was a waste to think that these meaty bivalves gave their life in vain for such an tragic end. The French Fries were not better and were soggy and had an off taste from being cooked in the same oil as the fish. Service stated out poor and did not get much better. In the end, we went to front to pay and the cashier proceeded to grab a pitcher of tea and march off into the dinning room leaving us standing there. This place has a great reputation but you can't prove it by out experience.
(2)
Diana S.
I kept seeing the signs on the interstate for this spot as we drove to Florida. On the way back, I kinda tricked the old man into going. It was super easy to find. It's extremely cozy. We were there around Noon on a Sunday and they were running a buffet in addition to regular menu items. The place was packed. You can tell immediately that there are tons of "regulars" that frequent here. I wanted shrimp so I ordered the shrimp basket. The old man...lol, had a blacked fish sandwich. I must say, the shrimp was a decent size, EXTREMELY fresh and quite tasty and there were so many shrimp included in the basket that I was pleasantly surprised. Hubby enjoyed his fish and said it was cooked perfectly. Fries were just right and went well with the shrimp. Food took quite some time to come out but it was very busy and everything is cooked fresh. It's extremely clean and tables are cleared promptly. The service was less than stellar but nothing to complain about. I can only imagine how many passer by's they get here so I definitely understand. All in all, I was glad we stopped here.
(4)
Keisha F.
As usual the delivered on the shrimp basket. So yummy! My dad got the buffet which featured fresh flounder. I tasted a bit of his fried chicken and it was rather tasty. Never thought I'd be down here again but it was nice to go back to a place that was good and consistent. I only wouldn't buy a drink the water in the area has sulfur so everything I mean everything from the tap taste like sulfur. Get a water and only sip when you really need too. I think the locals are use to the flavor. The tea, Coke and water has the same taste.
(4)
Christopher B.
While traveling back from Florida we tried to give this place a shot due to all the the reviews. How disappointed I am... not sure if we just picked an off day but the buffet was absolutely disgusting. The Mac and cheese was gritty at best, the creamed corn was unidentifiable, and the cleanliness of the entire environment is questionable at best. Service seems friendly enough. My friends steak was the only thing edible and it was bland. Just happy they served beer So I could wash the taste out of my mouth. At least the food is cheap. Might be for the locals, but wouldn't recommend to anyone else. So disappointed. On a later note, my friend who had the semi-edible steak became sick later that night.
(1)
Jane W.
We have been out and about traveling from NJ to Florida and back for almost a month now. Stopped at B & J's for a quick pit stop before Savannah. Best meal of the whole trip! They cooked our fish for us AND we ordered two buffets.... The creamed corn and butter beans (we northerners call em Lima beans) were outstanding!!!! You gotta go!!!!!!!!
(5)
Diane F.
Being from Cape Cod , i would not rave about the seafood here but everything else i have tried in my 3 months in Darien has been good. It is crazy busy all the time so prepare to wait. It is a locals hangout, they love the buffets, different on different nights.
(4)
Shannon C.
Great dive but the cleanliness was not the best. I would work on the bathrooms for sure. Very fat laden menu but that said the frying was well done. Not overly greasy. Fast and friendly service. Could use some more veggie options on the menu.
(4)
Jim B.
WARNING: FOOD POISONING, DEAD AHEAD! It comes with great regret that I need to write about this place in such a dreadful fashion. B&J's was highly recommended to me by an esteemed colleague who's opinion I trust. Unfortunately, three members of my party became extremely sick after eating the chicken tenders last week. In B&J's defense, and perhaps why this may not affect your meal, everyone comes here for the "wild caught Georgia shrimp" that the serve deep-fried by the mound. In fact, the shrimp was pretty good. Greasy, but good. This place has the appearance and allure of a bomb shelter that was dug up by the dirty, toothless, "squeal like a pig" guy from the Deliverance movie, transplanted to a busy Southern Georgia highway, fitted with a tin roof and exhaust fan and begun serving shrimp to the masses (literally "the masses". I saw that this place sold t-shirts.... I hope they sell them in size Coleman Tent because your waistline and brisket region will be large if your frequent this establishment, as many patron's are). Considering this, however, people seemed generally quite content stuffing their oversized faces with miniature sized sea creatures... and at the buffet... of course. But, fish and fishy food must have been right up the alley of most who eat here anyways: every dude in this joint was wearing a fishing t-shirt (size Coleman Tent), and at least one guy had a fishing tattoo too. I had a fish sandwich. It was a little on the greasy and fishy side of business, but it didn't kill me. What almost killed me were the chicken tenders. My cousin ordered the chicken tenders basket but only took a couple bites because she said they were "gross". I tried one myself and agreed; they tasted as if the fryer oil hadn't been changed in a long while. Granted, I can only imagine the deep fryer here is more highly trafficked boiling cesspool than the sea of fire in hell, it's still no excuse to let it get that dirty. Another member of my party had the same thing. The three of us were so sick within hours. I spent most of the weekend in and out of the bathroom (and yes, as you could imagine, both ends). All in all, I would have given B&J's a three-star rating at best (before my insides were turned into molten lead). I decided on two stars instead of one because the shrimp is good and plentiful, but if seafood is your desire in South Georgia, then there are plenty other fish in the sea.
(2)
Brian S.
This Darien hole in the wall has the Best fried shrimp we have ever had. Lines will form early. We either call in a couple to-go orders (we make four meals out of the huge portions) or odrer it to go when we arrive. 15-20 minutes with this method.
(5)
Warren J.
The absolute best Georgia wild shrimp on the coast! No one else even comes close. Pelican Pointe, Loves Seafood, and other places don't even come close. This restaurant puts Red Lobster and every other seafood places to shame!
(5)
Erin M.
Not so much on the atmosphere...a little like stepping back into the 80's with dark wood paneling where we dined but the best fried oysters my husband had ever eaten and delicious broiled wild shrimp!
(4)
Jb M.
We were told that B & J's was the place for Georgia shrimp, where the locals go and so forth, so when we rolled in I was ready Freddy for some, and I got some and then some. But first, sweet tea was a good bit too sweet for my taste. I had a trip to the salad bar and a shrimp platter, my son had chicken parmesan, my daughter had the salad bar, and my wife had the smaller portion of shrimp. The place is small, cinder block, with all the ambiance of a small town fish camp. The salad bar was okay, somewhat small with the dressings not clearly marked, but whatever, bring on the shrimp. Those who don't know what makes Wild Georgia Shrimp so different from other shrimp whether farmed or foreign need to know that these shrimp have a unique taste due to the presence of Spartina marshgrass in their diet. This marshgrass is in the same family as sugarcane (incidentally Spartina marshgrass can also be used to construct targets for sports archery) and this is the reason for the wonderfulness of the flavor. Now, I received a whopping 34 of the fried little suckers on my plate, and I'm going to have to say that they were a little bit overcooked, and the breading was a little bit too heavy on them, but when I say a "little bit" I really do mean a little bit. Service was a little slow, but the staff were quite friendly. Next time in Darien we'll be stopping back by.
(4)
Madeline F.
As I walked in and saw the place, I was a bit skeptical that the food would be better than the decor. To my absolute surprise, the food was DELICIOUS!! I had the surf and turf, which had enough lightly fried (and crispy) shrimp to share with four people. The Mac and cheese was authentically southern, and the fish sandwich was perfect. It is definitely a place that the locals visit, and a great place to drive to when heading south on I-95. I highly recommend it.
(5)
G. D.
Best Fried Shrimp in this area. I am a local to the area and when it's time for fried shrimp, we go to B & J's. You have to time it just right to miss the rush, but even if you have to wait, it's worth the wait. Friendly Staff and owners and great service, even when they are busy. I love the new "texting seating" as well (they text you when your seat is ready). The prime rib steak is the best steak around as well and the crab legs are awesome!
(5)
Eddie R.
One word......shrimp basket. OK, two words. Hugh basket of shrimp which you might be able to finish off but don't be surprised if you don't. Oh yea, the lunch buffet is also really good and a fair price. Good veggies and fried chicken. I had the fish sandwich, to eat lite. Dang, it was as big as the other plates. So much for lite. So, would I go out of my way to eat here, no, but would I eat here again, yea I would. I recommend.
(5)
Vernon W.
This little seafood joint is on point . Some time they get really busy but they are Worth the stop . If you're in the Brunswick,GA area .
(3)
Kiefer J.
The food here is some of the best I've had in Georgia so far. But unfortunately the serviced we received was beyond dreadful. And the atmosphere was bush-league at best. There were three of us that dined here, two of us ordered chicken and one of us had ordered shrimp. Some time later the server then delivered the two chicken entrees and said the shrimp would be right out. After waiting five minutes my aunt, who ordered the shrimp, decided we had better start eating the chicken entrees or else they would be cold by the time her food arrived. About ten minutes passed and the two of us who ordered chicken were nearly finished eating. Finally when the shrimp was delivered we insisted to speak to a manager and the server got extremely rude and verbal with us insisting it wasn't her fault the shrimp was so late, not that we were accusing her in the first place. Eventually she came back not with the manager as we requested, but with our bill. She explained she discounted our fountain drinks and that should make up for the late food. She then disappeared and never returned to see how we were doing to refill our then free drinks. Obviously this restaurant has no formal training for their staff and as such we won't be returning to be mistreated again. I'm sure it's a favorite for the locals that live close, not having many other choices for dining. I would sooner dine at an uncertified roach infested food truck than return here.
(1)
Kate S.
The best shrimp I've ever had. Very sweet and tender with a thin, light, crunchy crust (I wouldn't even call it a batter). Also the service was very friendly! Recommend arriving early, they were on a 40 minute wait at 6pm on a Monday.
(5)
Ron I.
Wow! What a waste of time! Arrived at 10:25 folding up the buffet breakfast. Not busy, no small courtesies, Southern charm, does not exist. It's out of the way for a good reason.
(1)
Jay C.
Doesn't look like much from the outside (or inside either for that matter) but, the food is outstanding. When I looked at the menu I was a bit shocked by the price of the shrimp dinner, which I ordered. However, when my friendly waitress brought out that heaping plateful of beautiful shrimp I was OK with the price. When I put one in my mouth and tasted the freshness and perfectly prepared delicousness, I wanted to pay more (but I didn't). Staff were very nice. I'll definitely be back when in this area.
(5)
Robin N.
Great little hole in the wall! Good lunch buffet. The look on the outside is disconcerting. Lots of cars inthe parking lot, always a good sign. We all loved it.
(5)
Tree D.
The best shrimp I've had in quite a while! There was a great variety on the buffet, and a fresh salad bar. I will definitely return!
(5)
Peggy H.
food was excellent for a small out of the way place. The shrimp basket had loads of good size tasty shrimp with a very good light breading. Salad bar is fairly good for a small place. The blackened checkin was a huge serving and very tasty. Old fashioned friendliness with great prices and yummy food!
(5)
Fallon R.
If you want fried shrimp this is the place to go. Best fried shrimp I've ever had.The buffet always has the same things, but the fish, and sides are always good. I get the surf and turf. The turf is pretty good, nothing special but it's more than enough food. We drive over an hour just to get here, and it's always worth it. There is always a long wait unless you come late. Sometimes they will give you free shrimp which is okay. Be prepared, the wait can stretch up to 2 hrs on the weekends. Great place to check out if your in the area.
(4)
Kathy B.
Seriously people - how can you rate this restaurant so high? It is average at best. We ate there for the first time this evening after reading reviews and hearing how good it is. It is a dank dark facility, in need of a good cleanup and fixup. Ceiling panels were stained as was the carpet. The food was good, as good as any roadside diner - not any better. Another issue was that a worker was vacuuming the rug right next to me as I was eating - an hour before closing. We don't see anything special about this place - last time we will visit!
(2)
Jeff S.
Not much to look at but great food. The Georgian Brown shrimp were perfect. The fish sandwich was fresh and tender. The chicken tenders were huge. Don't waste your time as the local tourist traps this is the place for great shrimp and fish.
(4)
Aletra H.
Absolute best seafood ever!!! Great service!! Fresh food!!! LOVE this place. Planning on going next time I come down to Brunswick to visit family.
(5)
Heather A.
I have been a customer of this restaurant since I was a kid. I remember it was one of our favorite places to get lunch at with my mom and my two sisters. Over the years though, the service has slipped to the point where we were strictly getting food to go. While the food is good, it no longer covers for the incredibly poor service and apathetic manager. I can cook all of the dishes at my house, some better, or more to my liking than what I can get at this restaurant. So when I pay to dine out, I am strictly paying for service and atmosphere. I will no longer be spending my money at B and J's. The last time I called in an order, it was for a cheeseburger I was taking my mom at work. My husband then sat in the restaurant for over forty-five minutes waiting to pick it up, watching while the servers all sat at a table and ate and talked loudly with one another. When I called to see why he hadn't been given our food yet, I was hung up on. When I called back and asked to hold for the manager/owner, I waited while the phone was placed on the counter so that I could still hear the shrill laughter and gossip of the waitresses. When I was finally on the phone with the manager or owner, I was told that the waitress that knew he was waiting for the food wasn't on the clock, and the waitresses that didn't know, were too busy screwing around with the ones that shouldn't have been there to ask why the strange man had been sitting at the register for almost an hour. He offered a free burger the next time I come in, but I had to let him know that that wouldn't be happening. I know that they won't be going out of business anytime soon, the massive amounts of seafood on the weekend buffet will see to that, but I will never again be a patron of this place again. And it's sad, that a place with so many happy memories can't stand the test of time, because staff can't be made to act in a semi-professional and congenial way.
(1)
Kristin H.
When my family goes to St. Simons, we always make a point of going out of the way to go here for our shrimp fix. The shrimp are caught fresh in the morning, shelled, fried, and then served all in a matter of hours. From the street, the plain concrete structure may not catch your eye, save the always-packed parking lot. You can always count on a steady stream of locals, sheriffs, and church-goers plus the hardier tourists who are willing to venture off the beaten path. It's well worth the detour. And you get two to three times as many shrimp as the touristy joints; such a deal!
(5)
j a.
If you like the occasional fried seafood, the Shrimp Basket is great! Had the same meal passing through southbound last week; service was excellent both times.
(5)
T.M. M.
I love this place and I will drive an hour for the food. Just one thing please expand!
(5)
J W.
Wow, great local fare. The fried shrimp is unreal and fresh. The Buffett is decent. Folks, this is a local dive where all the locals go. There is a reason, the food is great, and the place is packed. Visiting here again.
(5)
Christine F.
Not usually a buffet person. BUT had it last night and this is some of the best fried shrimp I have ever tasted! Go hungry.
(5)
Christie R.
Best Wild Georgia Shrimp!! The shrimp are huge and so delicious! You can't beat the amount of shrimp for the price.
(5)
Randy R.
I ordered the shrimp basket based on the many reviews and I am so happy I did! I cannot believe they give you a 1/2 pound of fresh Georgia Shrimp for only $12.95! If the shrimp basket came with hush puppies I would have moved to Darien, GA. This place is a must!
(5)
Chuck-Terri D.
Had the shrimp dinner today. Large shrimp that were absolutely fresh with a light batter that was the best. Simply wonderful. If your looking for table cloths and cloth napkins this ain't the place. If you want GREAT shrimp...it is spot on.
(5)
Lance H.
Great place to stop along 95. The fried shrimp and seafood platter dinners were exceptional. HUGE portions...bring an appetite We'll be back!!
(4)
Karin E.
Hands down best southern cooking I've ever had. Friendly customer service and super fast!!! I got the $10 lunch buffet (fall off the bone, peppered just right tender ribs, fried fish, and tasty fried chicken, with gravy, grits, collard greens, black eyes peas and ham, biscuits, Mac n cheese, and a full up salad bar). They are known for their fried shrimp....which is spiced and deep fried perfectly. Saw a man order the steak.....holy cow it looked amazing! Definitely coming back through this town to eat here again.
(5)
Anthony P.
I heard good things about this restraunt so I decided to try it. It is a small place, expect to wait in line. I decided on the buffet (Fri-Sat) with a side on crab legs. The buffet had a wide variety of seafood. The fried shrimp was the best that I've ever eaten. The crab legs had a lot of meat. The wait staff is excellant. I noticed that people who had ordered off of the menu were getting huge portions of food. If you're in the area, this is a must visit restraunt.
(4)
Bryan L.
I had seen the billboards for B&Js Steaks and Seafood on I-95, so on my way to Jekyll Island I exited at exit 49 and drove to this small, non-descript restaurant. Decor is rather spartan, almost bus station quality, floors are well-worn dark red carpet, tables are scratched up and have definitely seen their better days. However, I didn't come to review an interior decorator, I wanted to try their seafood. I arrived at 3:00pm, and they were closing up their lunch buffet. The buffet had fried chicken and pork chops, baked mac and cheese, and some southern dishes, but it looked rather tired and I wanted some seafood. So I passed on the buffet (something I rarely do) and ordered from the menu. I ordered their shrimp basket (over 1/2 lb. of shrimp, fries and texas toast), and in about 7-8 minutes I had the hottest, freshest and largest fried shrimp I have ever had. Some of these shrimp looked more like prawns, they were so large. The meat was so sweet and so tender, it far exceeded any other shrimp I've ever eaten. The fries were seasoned and had a light coating of a tempura-like batter on them, and I didn't eat the texas toast so I can't report on it. If I was rating the food alone, i would have given this place a 5-star rating with no reservations. But to be fair to other places that have equal high-quality food and nicer dining room accomodations, I had to deduct for the restaurant's interior. But believe me, YOU WILL NOT FIND BETTER FRIED SHRIMP THAN B & J's STEAK and SEAFOOD.
(4)
Rich B.
Believe me this place is nothing to look at infact its a old gas station ive heard. But this olace has the freshest seafood ive had. Be prepared to wait..four if us were on the "short list" and waited 45 minutes.getting devoured by some sorta bugs. But it was well worth it
(5)
Ray S.
Best fried shrimp anywhere. You get a pound of fantail shrimp and two sides for $18.00. I drive the sixty miles from Savannah just to eat there for lunch.
(5)
EX H.
If your in in Brunswick, Ga, this is a must go. The lines can be a little long but that's a testimony that it is a local favorite..
(5)
Stan P.
This place is a must-stop whenever I am in the area. A friend took me there once and I've been a steady customer ever since. The friends I've recommended rave about it too! It's usually crowded at suppertime so please be patient. You will not be disappointed. You will not receive better fried shrimp in the area, pure and simple. Nobody leaves hungry, either. Avoid the salad bar and save room for the huge portions of shrimp!
(5)
Linton W.
Best wild Georgia shrimp around...
(4)
Roger R.
If you are looking for haute cuisine in a fancy restaurant, keep looking. If you are looking for the best fried shrimp in the South, you've found it! B & Js is the pride of Darien, Ga. I told my hosts in Brunswick that I wanted some seafood, and they hesitated about a microsecond before announcing we were going to B & Js. The place looks like it has seen better days. It is certainly not as manufactured as a national chain, nor as kitchy as some local "hometown" restaurants. This place if for working people who want some excellent food at a reasonable price. Service was a little slow, and the story was that one server had not shown up for work. The drinks arrived in time, and I had the obligatory sweet tea, which came in what looked to be a quart glass. On a recommendation, I ordered the 1 lb. fried shrimp dinner. The plate came mounded up with shrimp, enough for 2 normal people. The first bite told me everything I needed to know. In a word, it was perfect. Unlike most other fried shrimp, the batter was so light as to be almost not there, just enough to hold the light sprinkling of spices. The light batter let the beauty of the amazingly fresh shrimp speak for itself. You could really taste the shrimp, instead of tasting batter with a hint of shrimp. For $17.99, it was a bargain. Will I return? Absolutely!
(4)
Jim B.
This place is amazing!! I was not hoping for much - It was a small town and a country looking place and I needed a break from the road and a good lunch. The food was off the hook great!! The shrimp were delicious and cooked perfectly. The fish sandwich was awesome! The waitress was great. I sure wish this place was closer to my home! I can't wait to return. (I posted some photos)
(4)
Anne C.
We came to B & J's from Gainesville, FL. We ate here once before and wanted to experience it again. We had the buffet. The fried chicken is awesome and the mac and cheese is very cheesy. The homemade biscuits are wonderful. The price is very reasonable. It costs 8.00 for the lunch buffet with includes drink and tax. I will recommend this place to my friends.
(5)
Dana G.
Wow! Great food at reasonable prices with easy access from I-95. I had the Sunday Buffett with fried chicken (delicious!) and all the fixin's and my friend had the shrimp dinner. Everything was fresh,hot and served with a smile. Nothing fancy here, but the food was good old down home country cookin'. Do not miss the shrimp....they have a huge trophy to prove the goodness of 'em!
(5)
Thought R.
My 3rd visit. We go there after our camping excursions. Fantastic fried shrimp. Friendly family restaurant. Not a regular restaurant where they give you exactly 6 shrimp. It's a pile of shrimp! Wonderful flavor. Do not miss this great local establishment.
(5)
Guerry N.
B & J's Steaks & Seafood Restaurant in located in the downtown area of Darien, Georgia off highway 17. B & Js has some of the freshest and best fried shrimp on the Georgia Coast. We travel to Darien often from St Simons Island to this great restaurant. They also serve a breakfast and lunch buffet. Everything is great on the lunch buffet from the meats which include "The Best Fried Chicken" you will ever put in your mouth to the assortment of vegetables to choose from. Their creamed corn is out of this world. The banana pudding and cherry cobbler with vanilla ice cream is a great way to finish off a meal. The lunch buffet cost $8.50 and includes a drink. You sure cannot beat the price for the great food and service you get at this "Hidden Coastal Georgia Treasure".
(5)
J C.
OK food...should have went for the $8 lunch buffet instead of the fried oyster basket, which was huge. Our clothes did smell like the fryer after leaving though
(3)
Scott V.
I am a native of Brunswick now living in Atlanta and this place is HANDS DOWN the best location for fresh, locally harvested Georgia brown shrimp caught with the local fleet in Darien! Hole-in-the-wall place that I wouldn't change a thing about. It is ALWAYS on my list of destinations when at home visiting family and friends in the Golden Isles. Owners Terry and Nicole are always great!
(5)
Dung N.
I drove all the way from Tampa, FL to get my fix. I took care of the juicy ribeye steak that I've been craving for quite some time (about 3 years) as well as some of the best fried shrimp to my knowledge. The countdown is back on until my return...
(5)
L Z.
Came because of yelp reviews and it did not disappoint! Had shrimp basket and there were over 20 jumbo shrimp! Hubby had shrimp and oyster dinner... Giant oysters! Family run excellent service and food. Zero atmosphere and who cares!? Adds to the charm.
(5)
Mary Anne H.
Taking the coastal route, found this wonderful gem of a restaurant. Should be on diners drivins and dives = CALL GUY NOW. Great southern buffet - just delicious down home food. Get there and enjoy. The staff is terrific. What more can anyone wish for.
(4)
Greekbastard W.
You need a fried shrimp fix??? This is it! All you can eat for $17 along with peel and eat shrimp, steak, ribs, salad bar and hush puppies??? This may be the best deal in America right now!
(5)
Chris E.
Excellent! Nothing like GA shrimp. So much better than farm raised from Vietnam. No comparison. We came from Atlanta to eat here. Kind of a dumpy place, but that's OK. Service good.
(5)
PaulandAnnie R.
NOTE: Now called B&J's Steaks & Seafood! We've eaten at four restaurants in Darien, including Skipper's Fish Camp, which was excellent, and 2 incarnations of the Smoking Pig, which is getting better. They're all pretty good and we wouldn't mind returning to any one of them. However, B&J's will be our first choice. It's just a neighborhood diner, easily bypassed by an outsider speeding to a better-advertised location. Its interior cinderblock walls are adorned with mermaid murals and a tasteful amount of nautical bricabrac. The two small dining rooms are filled with long folding tables and the tables are filled with people. The people are in turn filling up on the lunch buffet, which includes fried chicken, collard greens, cole slaw, baked beans, real mashed potatoes, stewed tomatoes, a full salad bar, and macaroni and cheese that was actually made by someone's Mom. Both the food and the atmosphere are genuine, and a bonafide bargain at $7 a head for some down-home cookin'.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : No Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Divey Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Jimbo S.
This place is delicious and have the best seafood in the Brunswick area. Prices are cheap and food is great. Buffet items vary from day-to-day and they have a standard menu to order from. A must to try while in the area. Be aware of the speed limit as State Troopers patrol the area.
(5)Michael y.
Conviently located off of I-95. A must stop for shrimp and oysters. I called in an order in the morning for a early lunch and they accommodated me. Also, go see the idyllic shrimp boats and kayakers
(5)Jim T.
Fresh. Cheap. Great flavor. What a gold mine. It may not look like much, but here looks are deceiving. A friend suggested it.... So I ventured into Darien. This quaint little town, old and rustic on one side, thriving little town on the other. As I travelled up 17, I saw the sign. With all the cars in the lot, it must be next to a used car dealer I surmised. Low and behold, those are the customers. 50 people were waiting outside. Parking was more than ample, front, sides, and rear. So I wandered thru the masses and checked in. I was greeted by the host/mgr who, once he found out I was solo, sat me immediately at the end of a large table with 5 folks at the other end. The service was great!!! I had the shrimp dinner. Caught fresh that day by the local fishermen. A nice salad bar. And an impressive seafood buffet - made me realize why the locals love the place. The have beer and wine, and the assorted soft drinks and teas. I highly recommend this place. Ps. I was told the have a brunch on Sundays.
(5)James C.
All the hype about this restaurant was true!! Me and the Mrs. Chowed down and threw down! Will be coming back Regardless of the length of travel
(5)Anonymous F.
A complete surprise...don't let the outside fool you. The food on the lunch buffet was down home delicious. The fried chicken, mashed taters with gravy, green bean casserole .... now I want to go back! I travel every week and if I could find a place like this on every trip I wouldn't ache to get home. Can't forget about the service either...the ladies did a terrific job keeping the place clean and running smoothly.
(4)Mary G.
I had no idea this place existed until we went here in honor of my mother's upcoming birthday on a Friday night. I'm a sucker for local seafood restaurants, so I was excited. Not fancy by any means, but then a lot of the best places are hole-in-the-wall types. We went to dinner, and ordered their weekend buffet, which runs around $19-20. The variety is astounding for such a small place. Scallops, fish, excellent local shrimp, some deviled crab. Side dishes included salad, grits, macaroni, and some others. In addition, on weekends you have the option of adding all you can eat crab legs to your dinner for a reasonable extra charge. I can't speak much for their regular menu, but a neighboring table ordered a seafood platter with enough to feed multiple people, so you obviously get your money's worth. There's also a variety of desserts. Service was surprisingly excellent given that the place was packed. Our waitress was attentive without hovering.
(5)Mike A.
Superb fresh caught crab and shrimp, a locals favorite. be prepared for 1+ hr long wait for a table on weekends as the food is in demand and well worth the wait. down home cafe style community seating, makes a great opportunity to shoot the shit with some good ol' boys and seafood connoisseurs alike. Highly recommended !
(5)Andrew H.
Over the past month, I have been spending a lot of time in rural Georgia, visiting the Wal Marts, Dollar Generals and McDonalds, getting to know the salt of the earth. No, I'm not running for office, but I know that I will be one of these people soon, after I fail the bar and let down my entire family. Only a week to go! But none of that mattered last night, because I was going to go to a place called B&Js. All the locals in Georgia raved about this magic place. At first, I thought it was full of exotic dancers where I could get a steak and a BJ and possibly convince one of them to kill me, but it turns out it's actually a place where I can get a steak and all the crab legs I can possible shove down my throat, which is kind of like a BJ, let me explain... B&Js is located under a bunch of cinderblocks off the side of the road in Darien, GA, a place neither you nor I should ever go to. You walk inside and you're greeted by an obese woman recommending the buffet. I sat down and the server wasted no time insisting I hit the buffet immediately, and boy, I found the most amazing things - all the fried shrimp in the world, prime rib, green beans covered in pork fat, ribs, some kind of cum looking liquid (probably for the disgruntled women), a FULL salad bar and 3 week old banana puddling. Yes, the food was great, but the people and ambiance are what make it. I had a lovely view of a 300 pound man wearing a wifebeater, and under his arm hung an armpit hair longer than any girl's hair I have ever seen! I couldn't stop staring or laughing, but I'm unsure if the laugher was due to the man's pit hair or my ever increasing descent into insanity. I really am not well. Then, I met a woman that told me a story about how her man took her there for Valentines Day, and how the line was so long they almost went to eat at Dollar General. I was shocked to learn one could eat at Dollar General! She further explained to me that if she didn't go to B&Js at least once a week, she was a pissy all week. And I thought I got cranky when I didn't get my B&Js! B&Js gets 4 stars for incredible ambiance, food, people, and a bathroom that smells worse than any runny mess I've made the morning after a Mexican meal and heavy drinking. And if you go there for anything, make sure you check the bathrooms out!
(4)Jennifer D.
We ate on a weeknight, the time to go is Friday and Saturday for their seafood buffet. Otherwise the food was all boxes and not homemade. The fried chicken was good, the sides are all out of a box as we witnessed a person refill the buffet from the box. The desserts were also all boxed, the cream cheese frosting was awful and not fresh. My water was funky tasting, so drink the tea. If not going on Friday or Saturday, dont't go.
(2)John M.
Four of the five reviews in the past two weeks are very poor. I'm really glad I didn't read them before eating here last Friday. I was driving north on I-95 and saw a sign for Skippers. I stopped for gas and asked the attendant. She said Skippers was mostly for tourists but B&J was the local favorite place. She was right. Well prepared local seafood. I really wanted a shrimp Poboy. It was not on the menu but the server said "why sure we can make one for you." Best ever. Will return.
(4)Alberto R.
Love this place second time I've come and got unlimited crab legs and just as good as the first time. I love the fact that you don't feel like they want you to stop eating the crab legs they just keep them coming with no questions and buffet is good also but I do come here for the unlimited crab legs
(5)Lynn D.
Wonderful seafood. Plan to visit on Wednesday night for the shrimp buffet or on Friday and Saturday for the seafood buffet. It will be worth your wait (and there will be one.) The steaks on the menu are excellent every day. The service is swift and the tea glasses large. Do not be put off by the exterior (or even the interior) of the building - you will be well rewarded with the best shrimp ever. Of course the crab legs are great also.
(5)Carol J.
Checked with YELP before coming here. We knew as soon as we drove up that THIS was the place and after a 20 minute wait - we were rewarded with food that went beyond our expectations! Husband chose the shrimp basket (filled to the brim)....I managed to sneak a few & agreed they were delicious, especially with the unique dipping sauce! Grandson has their HUMONGOUS cheeseburger, which he couldn't finish....and I opted for the chicken quesadilla. It was HUGE .... I'll say it again HUGE! So flavorful & delicious! We noticed a steak being delivered to the next table & it covered the entire plate...very thick too! So many choices - many diners were enjoying crab legs, shrimp - both fried & peel your own. Too many choices to mention here! Also will mention the personal service - you're not a number - you are a friend# Well definitely be back when traveling thru the area!
(5)Denise G.
This place is a dive. But if you ignore the dirty, concrete floors, rickety chairs & tables, sketchy restrooms, view of Dollar General and abandoned auto dealership across the street - you're in for a treat! Portions are HUGE. And in keeping with the trend of ordering non-specialty items at specialty places resulting in AMAZING food - this seafood spot has some of the best chicken tenders I ever tasted!
(4)Monica B.
OMG, this place is crazy good. I just wish it wasn't in the middle of no where, sorry Darian! The hubs and I both ordered the unlimited crab legs for $30. I've never had such fresh crab legs at a restaurant before. We also tried the buffet, which is mostly fried goodness, the fried shrimp was excellent. I would be a regular customer if it wasn't so far away. Food 5/5 Atmosphere 2/5 (very small, not much seating, dirty bathrooms) Service 3/5 Price 5/5 (Worth it!) This place is busy, be prepared to wait at least 45 minutes during dinner time.
(5)Elizabeth N.
Based from the reviews and several recommendations to go to this place, I am guessing that my parents and I went on a bad day, but it was reeaally bad. We were passing through Darien and my mom noted that Thursdays have an "All You Can Eat Shrimp" deal, so we stopped. Walking in, the place seemed okay- it's old and not very big, but that's fine. There was a sign that said "Seat Yourself", so we did. After sitting and awkwardly looking at one another for a couple minutes, a server arrived and asked what we wanted to drink. We chose to eat the buffet, since it was "All You Can Eat Shrimp". The buffet didn't have many options, and the ones they had were mediocre. There were only two types of shrimp: fried and then some peel-and-eat ones cooked in what appeared to be a garlic sauce. I found this odd, because "All You Can Eat" gives the impression that there will be several shrimp options. The buffet also had steak in some liquid; overcooked, falling apart ribs, some potatoes and corn cooked in cajun seasoning, grits, and a few other things. The dessert and salad bar were included in the buffet, but both looked disgusting. The lettuce was brown and the desserts looked sloppy. The entire time we were there, loud music was coming from the kitchen. From the yells and laughter, it seemed like they were also dancing. It wasn't something I wanted to hear while eating. Had I wanted to hear loud music, I would have chosen a sports bar or something similar. The entire time I asked myself, "Where is the management of this place??" I hardly ever give bad reviews, but this place was horrible. Hopefully, it was just a bad experience.
(2)Bill W.
Very disappointing -- Over Cooked Food, Dirty Tables etc. Looking on line, this appeared to be a great place for lunch on our way to Florida from NC. Walked in and the hostess immediately walked away and did not return. A server in the back finally yelled, sit anywhere. We were intercepted on our quest to find a table and seated near the back. They had bused the table but had not taken the time to wipe down the table and food debrie from the last diners were still present. Looking around at other tables, this appears to be the norm. The buffet did not look all that appealing so we ordered off of the menu. I order the Oyster basket and my wife ordered the Philly Cheesesteak. She liked her order but my order was horrible. The oysters were fried in oil that was too hot and the outside was almost crunchy. The little bit of oyster in the center was good but it was a waste to think that these meaty bivalves gave their life in vain for such an tragic end. The French Fries were not better and were soggy and had an off taste from being cooked in the same oil as the fish. Service stated out poor and did not get much better. In the end, we went to front to pay and the cashier proceeded to grab a pitcher of tea and march off into the dinning room leaving us standing there. This place has a great reputation but you can't prove it by out experience.
(2)Diana S.
I kept seeing the signs on the interstate for this spot as we drove to Florida. On the way back, I kinda tricked the old man into going. It was super easy to find. It's extremely cozy. We were there around Noon on a Sunday and they were running a buffet in addition to regular menu items. The place was packed. You can tell immediately that there are tons of "regulars" that frequent here. I wanted shrimp so I ordered the shrimp basket. The old man...lol, had a blacked fish sandwich. I must say, the shrimp was a decent size, EXTREMELY fresh and quite tasty and there were so many shrimp included in the basket that I was pleasantly surprised. Hubby enjoyed his fish and said it was cooked perfectly. Fries were just right and went well with the shrimp. Food took quite some time to come out but it was very busy and everything is cooked fresh. It's extremely clean and tables are cleared promptly. The service was less than stellar but nothing to complain about. I can only imagine how many passer by's they get here so I definitely understand. All in all, I was glad we stopped here.
(4)Keisha F.
As usual the delivered on the shrimp basket. So yummy! My dad got the buffet which featured fresh flounder. I tasted a bit of his fried chicken and it was rather tasty. Never thought I'd be down here again but it was nice to go back to a place that was good and consistent. I only wouldn't buy a drink the water in the area has sulfur so everything I mean everything from the tap taste like sulfur. Get a water and only sip when you really need too. I think the locals are use to the flavor. The tea, Coke and water has the same taste.
(4)Christopher B.
While traveling back from Florida we tried to give this place a shot due to all the the reviews. How disappointed I am... not sure if we just picked an off day but the buffet was absolutely disgusting. The Mac and cheese was gritty at best, the creamed corn was unidentifiable, and the cleanliness of the entire environment is questionable at best. Service seems friendly enough. My friends steak was the only thing edible and it was bland. Just happy they served beer So I could wash the taste out of my mouth. At least the food is cheap. Might be for the locals, but wouldn't recommend to anyone else. So disappointed. On a later note, my friend who had the semi-edible steak became sick later that night.
(1)Jane W.
We have been out and about traveling from NJ to Florida and back for almost a month now. Stopped at B & J's for a quick pit stop before Savannah. Best meal of the whole trip! They cooked our fish for us AND we ordered two buffets.... The creamed corn and butter beans (we northerners call em Lima beans) were outstanding!!!! You gotta go!!!!!!!!
(5)Diane F.
Being from Cape Cod , i would not rave about the seafood here but everything else i have tried in my 3 months in Darien has been good. It is crazy busy all the time so prepare to wait. It is a locals hangout, they love the buffets, different on different nights.
(4)Shannon C.
Great dive but the cleanliness was not the best. I would work on the bathrooms for sure. Very fat laden menu but that said the frying was well done. Not overly greasy. Fast and friendly service. Could use some more veggie options on the menu.
(4)Jim B.
WARNING: FOOD POISONING, DEAD AHEAD! It comes with great regret that I need to write about this place in such a dreadful fashion. B&J's was highly recommended to me by an esteemed colleague who's opinion I trust. Unfortunately, three members of my party became extremely sick after eating the chicken tenders last week. In B&J's defense, and perhaps why this may not affect your meal, everyone comes here for the "wild caught Georgia shrimp" that the serve deep-fried by the mound. In fact, the shrimp was pretty good. Greasy, but good. This place has the appearance and allure of a bomb shelter that was dug up by the dirty, toothless, "squeal like a pig" guy from the Deliverance movie, transplanted to a busy Southern Georgia highway, fitted with a tin roof and exhaust fan and begun serving shrimp to the masses (literally "the masses". I saw that this place sold t-shirts.... I hope they sell them in size Coleman Tent because your waistline and brisket region will be large if your frequent this establishment, as many patron's are). Considering this, however, people seemed generally quite content stuffing their oversized faces with miniature sized sea creatures... and at the buffet... of course. But, fish and fishy food must have been right up the alley of most who eat here anyways: every dude in this joint was wearing a fishing t-shirt (size Coleman Tent), and at least one guy had a fishing tattoo too. I had a fish sandwich. It was a little on the greasy and fishy side of business, but it didn't kill me. What almost killed me were the chicken tenders. My cousin ordered the chicken tenders basket but only took a couple bites because she said they were "gross". I tried one myself and agreed; they tasted as if the fryer oil hadn't been changed in a long while. Granted, I can only imagine the deep fryer here is more highly trafficked boiling cesspool than the sea of fire in hell, it's still no excuse to let it get that dirty. Another member of my party had the same thing. The three of us were so sick within hours. I spent most of the weekend in and out of the bathroom (and yes, as you could imagine, both ends). All in all, I would have given B&J's a three-star rating at best (before my insides were turned into molten lead). I decided on two stars instead of one because the shrimp is good and plentiful, but if seafood is your desire in South Georgia, then there are plenty other fish in the sea.
(2)Brian S.
This Darien hole in the wall has the Best fried shrimp we have ever had. Lines will form early. We either call in a couple to-go orders (we make four meals out of the huge portions) or odrer it to go when we arrive. 15-20 minutes with this method.
(5)Warren J.
The absolute best Georgia wild shrimp on the coast! No one else even comes close. Pelican Pointe, Loves Seafood, and other places don't even come close. This restaurant puts Red Lobster and every other seafood places to shame!
(5)Erin M.
Not so much on the atmosphere...a little like stepping back into the 80's with dark wood paneling where we dined but the best fried oysters my husband had ever eaten and delicious broiled wild shrimp!
(4)Jb M.
We were told that B & J's was the place for Georgia shrimp, where the locals go and so forth, so when we rolled in I was ready Freddy for some, and I got some and then some. But first, sweet tea was a good bit too sweet for my taste. I had a trip to the salad bar and a shrimp platter, my son had chicken parmesan, my daughter had the salad bar, and my wife had the smaller portion of shrimp. The place is small, cinder block, with all the ambiance of a small town fish camp. The salad bar was okay, somewhat small with the dressings not clearly marked, but whatever, bring on the shrimp. Those who don't know what makes Wild Georgia Shrimp so different from other shrimp whether farmed or foreign need to know that these shrimp have a unique taste due to the presence of Spartina marshgrass in their diet. This marshgrass is in the same family as sugarcane (incidentally Spartina marshgrass can also be used to construct targets for sports archery) and this is the reason for the wonderfulness of the flavor. Now, I received a whopping 34 of the fried little suckers on my plate, and I'm going to have to say that they were a little bit overcooked, and the breading was a little bit too heavy on them, but when I say a "little bit" I really do mean a little bit. Service was a little slow, but the staff were quite friendly. Next time in Darien we'll be stopping back by.
(4)Madeline F.
As I walked in and saw the place, I was a bit skeptical that the food would be better than the decor. To my absolute surprise, the food was DELICIOUS!! I had the surf and turf, which had enough lightly fried (and crispy) shrimp to share with four people. The Mac and cheese was authentically southern, and the fish sandwich was perfect. It is definitely a place that the locals visit, and a great place to drive to when heading south on I-95. I highly recommend it.
(5)G. D.
Best Fried Shrimp in this area. I am a local to the area and when it's time for fried shrimp, we go to B & J's. You have to time it just right to miss the rush, but even if you have to wait, it's worth the wait. Friendly Staff and owners and great service, even when they are busy. I love the new "texting seating" as well (they text you when your seat is ready). The prime rib steak is the best steak around as well and the crab legs are awesome!
(5)Eddie R.
One word......shrimp basket. OK, two words. Hugh basket of shrimp which you might be able to finish off but don't be surprised if you don't. Oh yea, the lunch buffet is also really good and a fair price. Good veggies and fried chicken. I had the fish sandwich, to eat lite. Dang, it was as big as the other plates. So much for lite. So, would I go out of my way to eat here, no, but would I eat here again, yea I would. I recommend.
(5)Vernon W.
This little seafood joint is on point . Some time they get really busy but they are Worth the stop . If you're in the Brunswick,GA area .
(3)Kiefer J.
The food here is some of the best I've had in Georgia so far. But unfortunately the serviced we received was beyond dreadful. And the atmosphere was bush-league at best. There were three of us that dined here, two of us ordered chicken and one of us had ordered shrimp. Some time later the server then delivered the two chicken entrees and said the shrimp would be right out. After waiting five minutes my aunt, who ordered the shrimp, decided we had better start eating the chicken entrees or else they would be cold by the time her food arrived. About ten minutes passed and the two of us who ordered chicken were nearly finished eating. Finally when the shrimp was delivered we insisted to speak to a manager and the server got extremely rude and verbal with us insisting it wasn't her fault the shrimp was so late, not that we were accusing her in the first place. Eventually she came back not with the manager as we requested, but with our bill. She explained she discounted our fountain drinks and that should make up for the late food. She then disappeared and never returned to see how we were doing to refill our then free drinks. Obviously this restaurant has no formal training for their staff and as such we won't be returning to be mistreated again. I'm sure it's a favorite for the locals that live close, not having many other choices for dining. I would sooner dine at an uncertified roach infested food truck than return here.
(1)Kate S.
The best shrimp I've ever had. Very sweet and tender with a thin, light, crunchy crust (I wouldn't even call it a batter). Also the service was very friendly! Recommend arriving early, they were on a 40 minute wait at 6pm on a Monday.
(5)Ron I.
Wow! What a waste of time! Arrived at 10:25 folding up the buffet breakfast. Not busy, no small courtesies, Southern charm, does not exist. It's out of the way for a good reason.
(1)Jay C.
Doesn't look like much from the outside (or inside either for that matter) but, the food is outstanding. When I looked at the menu I was a bit shocked by the price of the shrimp dinner, which I ordered. However, when my friendly waitress brought out that heaping plateful of beautiful shrimp I was OK with the price. When I put one in my mouth and tasted the freshness and perfectly prepared delicousness, I wanted to pay more (but I didn't). Staff were very nice. I'll definitely be back when in this area.
(5)Robin N.
Great little hole in the wall! Good lunch buffet. The look on the outside is disconcerting. Lots of cars inthe parking lot, always a good sign. We all loved it.
(5)Tree D.
The best shrimp I've had in quite a while! There was a great variety on the buffet, and a fresh salad bar. I will definitely return!
(5)Peggy H.
food was excellent for a small out of the way place. The shrimp basket had loads of good size tasty shrimp with a very good light breading. Salad bar is fairly good for a small place. The blackened checkin was a huge serving and very tasty. Old fashioned friendliness with great prices and yummy food!
(5)Fallon R.
If you want fried shrimp this is the place to go. Best fried shrimp I've ever had.The buffet always has the same things, but the fish, and sides are always good. I get the surf and turf. The turf is pretty good, nothing special but it's more than enough food. We drive over an hour just to get here, and it's always worth it. There is always a long wait unless you come late. Sometimes they will give you free shrimp which is okay. Be prepared, the wait can stretch up to 2 hrs on the weekends. Great place to check out if your in the area.
(4)Kathy B.
Seriously people - how can you rate this restaurant so high? It is average at best. We ate there for the first time this evening after reading reviews and hearing how good it is. It is a dank dark facility, in need of a good cleanup and fixup. Ceiling panels were stained as was the carpet. The food was good, as good as any roadside diner - not any better. Another issue was that a worker was vacuuming the rug right next to me as I was eating - an hour before closing. We don't see anything special about this place - last time we will visit!
(2)Jeff S.
Not much to look at but great food. The Georgian Brown shrimp were perfect. The fish sandwich was fresh and tender. The chicken tenders were huge. Don't waste your time as the local tourist traps this is the place for great shrimp and fish.
(4)Aletra H.
Absolute best seafood ever!!! Great service!! Fresh food!!! LOVE this place. Planning on going next time I come down to Brunswick to visit family.
(5)Heather A.
I have been a customer of this restaurant since I was a kid. I remember it was one of our favorite places to get lunch at with my mom and my two sisters. Over the years though, the service has slipped to the point where we were strictly getting food to go. While the food is good, it no longer covers for the incredibly poor service and apathetic manager. I can cook all of the dishes at my house, some better, or more to my liking than what I can get at this restaurant. So when I pay to dine out, I am strictly paying for service and atmosphere. I will no longer be spending my money at B and J's. The last time I called in an order, it was for a cheeseburger I was taking my mom at work. My husband then sat in the restaurant for over forty-five minutes waiting to pick it up, watching while the servers all sat at a table and ate and talked loudly with one another. When I called to see why he hadn't been given our food yet, I was hung up on. When I called back and asked to hold for the manager/owner, I waited while the phone was placed on the counter so that I could still hear the shrill laughter and gossip of the waitresses. When I was finally on the phone with the manager or owner, I was told that the waitress that knew he was waiting for the food wasn't on the clock, and the waitresses that didn't know, were too busy screwing around with the ones that shouldn't have been there to ask why the strange man had been sitting at the register for almost an hour. He offered a free burger the next time I come in, but I had to let him know that that wouldn't be happening. I know that they won't be going out of business anytime soon, the massive amounts of seafood on the weekend buffet will see to that, but I will never again be a patron of this place again. And it's sad, that a place with so many happy memories can't stand the test of time, because staff can't be made to act in a semi-professional and congenial way.
(1)Kristin H.
When my family goes to St. Simons, we always make a point of going out of the way to go here for our shrimp fix. The shrimp are caught fresh in the morning, shelled, fried, and then served all in a matter of hours. From the street, the plain concrete structure may not catch your eye, save the always-packed parking lot. You can always count on a steady stream of locals, sheriffs, and church-goers plus the hardier tourists who are willing to venture off the beaten path. It's well worth the detour. And you get two to three times as many shrimp as the touristy joints; such a deal!
(5)j a.
If you like the occasional fried seafood, the Shrimp Basket is great! Had the same meal passing through southbound last week; service was excellent both times.
(5)T.M. M.
I love this place and I will drive an hour for the food. Just one thing please expand!
(5)J W.
Wow, great local fare. The fried shrimp is unreal and fresh. The Buffett is decent. Folks, this is a local dive where all the locals go. There is a reason, the food is great, and the place is packed. Visiting here again.
(5)Christine F.
Not usually a buffet person. BUT had it last night and this is some of the best fried shrimp I have ever tasted! Go hungry.
(5)Christie R.
Best Wild Georgia Shrimp!! The shrimp are huge and so delicious! You can't beat the amount of shrimp for the price.
(5)Randy R.
I ordered the shrimp basket based on the many reviews and I am so happy I did! I cannot believe they give you a 1/2 pound of fresh Georgia Shrimp for only $12.95! If the shrimp basket came with hush puppies I would have moved to Darien, GA. This place is a must!
(5)Chuck-Terri D.
Had the shrimp dinner today. Large shrimp that were absolutely fresh with a light batter that was the best. Simply wonderful. If your looking for table cloths and cloth napkins this ain't the place. If you want GREAT shrimp...it is spot on.
(5)Lance H.
Great place to stop along 95. The fried shrimp and seafood platter dinners were exceptional. HUGE portions...bring an appetite We'll be back!!
(4)Karin E.
Hands down best southern cooking I've ever had. Friendly customer service and super fast!!! I got the $10 lunch buffet (fall off the bone, peppered just right tender ribs, fried fish, and tasty fried chicken, with gravy, grits, collard greens, black eyes peas and ham, biscuits, Mac n cheese, and a full up salad bar). They are known for their fried shrimp....which is spiced and deep fried perfectly. Saw a man order the steak.....holy cow it looked amazing! Definitely coming back through this town to eat here again.
(5)Anthony P.
I heard good things about this restraunt so I decided to try it. It is a small place, expect to wait in line. I decided on the buffet (Fri-Sat) with a side on crab legs. The buffet had a wide variety of seafood. The fried shrimp was the best that I've ever eaten. The crab legs had a lot of meat. The wait staff is excellant. I noticed that people who had ordered off of the menu were getting huge portions of food. If you're in the area, this is a must visit restraunt.
(4)Bryan L.
I had seen the billboards for B&Js Steaks and Seafood on I-95, so on my way to Jekyll Island I exited at exit 49 and drove to this small, non-descript restaurant. Decor is rather spartan, almost bus station quality, floors are well-worn dark red carpet, tables are scratched up and have definitely seen their better days. However, I didn't come to review an interior decorator, I wanted to try their seafood. I arrived at 3:00pm, and they were closing up their lunch buffet. The buffet had fried chicken and pork chops, baked mac and cheese, and some southern dishes, but it looked rather tired and I wanted some seafood. So I passed on the buffet (something I rarely do) and ordered from the menu. I ordered their shrimp basket (over 1/2 lb. of shrimp, fries and texas toast), and in about 7-8 minutes I had the hottest, freshest and largest fried shrimp I have ever had. Some of these shrimp looked more like prawns, they were so large. The meat was so sweet and so tender, it far exceeded any other shrimp I've ever eaten. The fries were seasoned and had a light coating of a tempura-like batter on them, and I didn't eat the texas toast so I can't report on it. If I was rating the food alone, i would have given this place a 5-star rating with no reservations. But to be fair to other places that have equal high-quality food and nicer dining room accomodations, I had to deduct for the restaurant's interior. But believe me, YOU WILL NOT FIND BETTER FRIED SHRIMP THAN B & J's STEAK and SEAFOOD.
(4)Rich B.
Believe me this place is nothing to look at infact its a old gas station ive heard. But this olace has the freshest seafood ive had. Be prepared to wait..four if us were on the "short list" and waited 45 minutes.getting devoured by some sorta bugs. But it was well worth it
(5)Ray S.
Best fried shrimp anywhere. You get a pound of fantail shrimp and two sides for $18.00. I drive the sixty miles from Savannah just to eat there for lunch.
(5)EX H.
If your in in Brunswick, Ga, this is a must go. The lines can be a little long but that's a testimony that it is a local favorite..
(5)Stan P.
This place is a must-stop whenever I am in the area. A friend took me there once and I've been a steady customer ever since. The friends I've recommended rave about it too! It's usually crowded at suppertime so please be patient. You will not be disappointed. You will not receive better fried shrimp in the area, pure and simple. Nobody leaves hungry, either. Avoid the salad bar and save room for the huge portions of shrimp!
(5)Linton W.
Best wild Georgia shrimp around...
(4)Roger R.
If you are looking for haute cuisine in a fancy restaurant, keep looking. If you are looking for the best fried shrimp in the South, you've found it! B & Js is the pride of Darien, Ga. I told my hosts in Brunswick that I wanted some seafood, and they hesitated about a microsecond before announcing we were going to B & Js. The place looks like it has seen better days. It is certainly not as manufactured as a national chain, nor as kitchy as some local "hometown" restaurants. This place if for working people who want some excellent food at a reasonable price. Service was a little slow, and the story was that one server had not shown up for work. The drinks arrived in time, and I had the obligatory sweet tea, which came in what looked to be a quart glass. On a recommendation, I ordered the 1 lb. fried shrimp dinner. The plate came mounded up with shrimp, enough for 2 normal people. The first bite told me everything I needed to know. In a word, it was perfect. Unlike most other fried shrimp, the batter was so light as to be almost not there, just enough to hold the light sprinkling of spices. The light batter let the beauty of the amazingly fresh shrimp speak for itself. You could really taste the shrimp, instead of tasting batter with a hint of shrimp. For $17.99, it was a bargain. Will I return? Absolutely!
(4)Jim B.
This place is amazing!! I was not hoping for much - It was a small town and a country looking place and I needed a break from the road and a good lunch. The food was off the hook great!! The shrimp were delicious and cooked perfectly. The fish sandwich was awesome! The waitress was great. I sure wish this place was closer to my home! I can't wait to return. (I posted some photos)
(4)Anne C.
We came to B & J's from Gainesville, FL. We ate here once before and wanted to experience it again. We had the buffet. The fried chicken is awesome and the mac and cheese is very cheesy. The homemade biscuits are wonderful. The price is very reasonable. It costs 8.00 for the lunch buffet with includes drink and tax. I will recommend this place to my friends.
(5)Dana G.
Wow! Great food at reasonable prices with easy access from I-95. I had the Sunday Buffett with fried chicken (delicious!) and all the fixin's and my friend had the shrimp dinner. Everything was fresh,hot and served with a smile. Nothing fancy here, but the food was good old down home country cookin'. Do not miss the shrimp....they have a huge trophy to prove the goodness of 'em!
(5)Thought R.
My 3rd visit. We go there after our camping excursions. Fantastic fried shrimp. Friendly family restaurant. Not a regular restaurant where they give you exactly 6 shrimp. It's a pile of shrimp! Wonderful flavor. Do not miss this great local establishment.
(5)Guerry N.
B & J's Steaks & Seafood Restaurant in located in the downtown area of Darien, Georgia off highway 17. B & Js has some of the freshest and best fried shrimp on the Georgia Coast. We travel to Darien often from St Simons Island to this great restaurant. They also serve a breakfast and lunch buffet. Everything is great on the lunch buffet from the meats which include "The Best Fried Chicken" you will ever put in your mouth to the assortment of vegetables to choose from. Their creamed corn is out of this world. The banana pudding and cherry cobbler with vanilla ice cream is a great way to finish off a meal. The lunch buffet cost $8.50 and includes a drink. You sure cannot beat the price for the great food and service you get at this "Hidden Coastal Georgia Treasure".
(5)J C.
OK food...should have went for the $8 lunch buffet instead of the fried oyster basket, which was huge. Our clothes did smell like the fryer after leaving though
(3)Scott V.
I am a native of Brunswick now living in Atlanta and this place is HANDS DOWN the best location for fresh, locally harvested Georgia brown shrimp caught with the local fleet in Darien! Hole-in-the-wall place that I wouldn't change a thing about. It is ALWAYS on my list of destinations when at home visiting family and friends in the Golden Isles. Owners Terry and Nicole are always great!
(5)Dung N.
I drove all the way from Tampa, FL to get my fix. I took care of the juicy ribeye steak that I've been craving for quite some time (about 3 years) as well as some of the best fried shrimp to my knowledge. The countdown is back on until my return...
(5)L Z.
Came because of yelp reviews and it did not disappoint! Had shrimp basket and there were over 20 jumbo shrimp! Hubby had shrimp and oyster dinner... Giant oysters! Family run excellent service and food. Zero atmosphere and who cares!? Adds to the charm.
(5)Mary Anne H.
Taking the coastal route, found this wonderful gem of a restaurant. Should be on diners drivins and dives = CALL GUY NOW. Great southern buffet - just delicious down home food. Get there and enjoy. The staff is terrific. What more can anyone wish for.
(4)Greekbastard W.
You need a fried shrimp fix??? This is it! All you can eat for $17 along with peel and eat shrimp, steak, ribs, salad bar and hush puppies??? This may be the best deal in America right now!
(5)Chris E.
Excellent! Nothing like GA shrimp. So much better than farm raised from Vietnam. No comparison. We came from Atlanta to eat here. Kind of a dumpy place, but that's OK. Service good.
(5)PaulandAnnie R.
NOTE: Now called B&J's Steaks & Seafood! We've eaten at four restaurants in Darien, including Skipper's Fish Camp, which was excellent, and 2 incarnations of the Smoking Pig, which is getting better. They're all pretty good and we wouldn't mind returning to any one of them. However, B&J's will be our first choice. It's just a neighborhood diner, easily bypassed by an outsider speeding to a better-advertised location. Its interior cinderblock walls are adorned with mermaid murals and a tasteful amount of nautical bricabrac. The two small dining rooms are filled with long folding tables and the tables are filled with people. The people are in turn filling up on the lunch buffet, which includes fried chicken, collard greens, cole slaw, baked beans, real mashed potatoes, stewed tomatoes, a full salad bar, and macaroni and cheese that was actually made by someone's Mom. Both the food and the atmosphere are genuine, and a bonafide bargain at $7 a head for some down-home cookin'.
(5)