I’ll never forget the first time Cassie and I went to Indigo Shanty. It was almost surreal. Like we were in a completely different world… in a homey, friendly and relaxing world which nearly exactly describes the food here. It’s tucked off the beaten path a bit but close enough to walk to if you’re doing a little window shopping on Newcastle one day. Ya kinda can’t miss it when you see it. You’ll think you stumbled out of our beautiful coastal town and into the Caribbean. Underneath the oak on the patio is our favorite place to eat.
That’s right: dogs are more than welcome on that inviting deck. The inside is intimate, but not cramped. I would say something about the decor but as of writing this (October 2025) I am aware that they have just updated the interior! I’ll be sure to update the pics when I get there next.
The Menu: Big Flavors, Southern Roots with a Global Twist
Chef Judah (full name Judah “Chef J” Wright) is the creative force and co-owner of Indigo Coastal Shanty, where his “big flavor” philosophy turns humble Southern ingredients into Caribbean-kissed masterpieces. A Brunswick native with deep Georgia roots, Judah’s journey from local kitchens to international flavor hunts has shaped the Shanty’s eclectic menu into a love letter to travel, family recipes, and coastal living. This is exactly what we mean at Brunswick Eats where we say, “Every meal tells a story“. Chef Judah credits his grandmother (as everyone should) with giving him a passion for Southern cooking done right. And boy is it done right. I absolutely love the meatloaf topped with gravy!
But then Chef Judah really shines from his globetrotting days spent in the Caribbean. Get you some of that Bahamian Chicken Curry, or, as we always say, GET THE CATCH and he cooks it to perfection in a flavorful burst of jerk seasoning. Judah’s further travels show in his mastery of Venezuelan arepas, or his Asian influences shown in the Sesame Crusted Catfish with plum miso sauce, spiked tartar & isla slaw over jasmine rice. This place is a true gem.
Accolades All Around
Indigo Shanty isn’t just a Brunswick staple; it’s got serious cred. Voted Best Mainland Restaurant three years running by Elegant Island Living readers, it’s popped up in Southern Living’s Best Food Towns and Explore Georgia’s 100 Plates (shoutouts to those Jerk Tostadas and Bahamian Curry). The real glow-up? A 2024 episode of Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives where Guy Fieri raved about the laid-back coastal energy and dishes like the fried okra and sesame catfish.
Beyond all that Chef Judah was named “Chef of the Year” from the Golden Isles Culinary Association in 2022 and he’s just taken on Mullet Bay on St. Simons, and we are very happy about that! As chef would say: “Food should make you feel like you’re on vacation”. We couldn’t agree more. Get down to the Shanty today and tell them Brunswick Eats sent you!
INDIGO SHANTY
1402 Reynolds St, Brunswick, GA 31520
Monday 11am – 3pm
Tuesday – Thursday 11am – 9pm
Friday 11am – 9:30pm
Saturday 4pm – 9:30pm
Closed Sunday