Chris Moncus
The Georgia Sea Grill: Moving 200 Yards Has Never Been Such an Amazing Leap.
First a bit of history: In April of 1997, Georgia Sea Grill opened with seating for only 34 in a charming alcove just off the well-tread sidewalks of the Island’s Pier and Village area. While small, this quant and quite restaurant quickly gained a big reputation for its sensational seafood and favorite coastal fare.
In early 2015, under the direction of new owner, Zack Gowen, Georgia Sea Grill made a historic move northward along Mallery Street. Georgia Sea Grill reopened in May at 407 Mallery Street (the site of the old J Macs restaurant), following a dramatic transformation that infused this old, well-known location with a new and welcoming ambiance and character.
“I was excited to have the opportunity to acquire Georgia Sea Grill and to transition and elevate this treasured restaurant brand name to a new level,” said Gowen. “I have operated Locos Grill and Pub for many years and while the experience, atmosphere and menu are dramatically different at Georgia Sea Grill, the paramount fundamental is the same: to go above and beyond to meet and exceed customer expectations for a fulfilling and exceptional experience that begs a return visit. It’s been a thrill to recreate and re-open Georgia Sea Grill.”
Working with a team of top Island designers and craftsmen, headed by Mac Holland, Gowen’s vision breathed a new and wonderful life into the gills of Georgia Sea Grill at its new, larger location. From floor to ceiling, everything that spans this nearly 4,000 square foot setting has been carefully rethought and reconfigured.
“The new restaurant space is appreciably larger than the former location,” said Gowen, “Yet it naturally welcomes a trilogy of difference experiences. Guests can enjoy our Wine Bar, cocktail lounge and main dining room. They each are intimate, yet well-connected to the essential Georgia Sea Grill experience.”
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Chris Moncus
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Chris Moncus
In this new setting with seating for nearly 150, paintings, portraits and iconic island photography line the restaurant walls, reminding guest of the breathtaking beauty of St. Simons Island. The Vine Garden Market has accented the spaces with bright plantings both inside and out.
Brilliant new menu offerings are the cornerstone of the new Georgia Sea Grill experience with a focus on locally sourced, sustainable products derived from coastal partnerships and other South Georgia purveyors. Need just a taste? Georgia Bison will be the inspiration for a new expertly prepared Carpaccio appetizer. Products and produce from Sweet Grass Dairy, Cane Water Farms Sapelo Farms, Blackwater Bees and many others will accent new and inventive offerings like Shrimp Corn Dogs with local Sorghum Mustard, Housemade Seafood Charcuterie, Baked Oysters with Country Ham and Fennel, and Scallops with Pork Belly and Bacon Jam.
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Chris Moncus
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Chris Moncus
The mind behind the Georgia Sea Grill menu is Executive Chef, Stephen Ollard, boasting more than 20 years of top-tier cooking and kitchen management experience. With a degree in Culinary Arts from Johnson and Wales, Ollard has made his mark throughout the low country, serving sustainable, local seafood and other culinary works of art. “The dinner menu at Georgia Sea Grill is something I’m immensely proud of,” stated Chef Ollard. “With every dish that leaves this kitchen, I am wanting every guest to be happy.”
Chris Moncus
The new wine bar, highlighted with live piano music, boasts an ample range of varietals from all over the world that pair perfectly with the restaurant’s diverse array of menu selections and daily specials. Of special interest is the availability of organic wines, including Bonterra, an organic vineyard in Mendocino County, California that produces vibrant wines made from 100% organically grown grapes. Also popular is the new line up of handcrafted cocktails, including the crowd-pleasing Moscow Mule and Cruz Skinny Martini. Not to be missed is Georgia Sea Grill’s Happy Hour from 5:00pm to 6:30pm daily that serves up drink specials and tempting appetizer creations. Guest may choose from house wines for $3, select cocktails for $3, domestic beers for $2 and specially priced appetizers.
Chris Moncus
For a glimpse at daily mouthwatering specials, check out Georgia Sea Grill on Facebook and Instagram, where imaginative dishes come to life and are sure to tempt your taste buds.
Dinner is served Monday through Saturday beginning at 5:00pm. Reservations are recommended and can easily be made by emailing reservations@georgiaseagrill.com or by visiting the Open Table link at GeorgiaSeaGrill.com, which allows for instant reservations and convenient confirmation. Call Georgia Sea Grill at 912.638.1197 today to plan your experience.