Okefenokee Restaurant

Okefenokee Restaurant

1507 3rd St, Folkston, GA 31537, United States

+1 912-496-3263

Buffet restaurant, Breakfast restaurant, Restaurant
(1284)
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About This Place

Situated in the heart of Folkston, GA, Okefenokee Restaurant is a beloved local buffet and breakfast spot that serves up comforting Southern classics with an inviting, family-friendly atmosphere. Whether you’re craving hearty, homestyle breakfast plates or a diverse buffet spread, this eatery delivers genuine, satisfying flavors that capture the spirit of Southern cooking.

The buffet is a standout feature here, offering a tantalizing array of dishes that cater to all tastes. Fans of seafood are treated to staples like crispy fried shrimp, tender fried fish, and popcorn shrimp, while meat lovers can savor juicy chicken tenders, fried chicken, and a savory meatloaf. Freshly prepared sides such as creamed corn, fried okra, and golden cornbread complement the mains perfectly, creating balanced plates that feel like a warm hug on a plate. The fresh fruit and strawberry ice cream add just the right sweet touch to finish off a meal on a high note.

Breakfast lovers will appreciate traditional offerings like eggs served with bacon, sausage links, or ham, alongside indulgent choices such as chicken and waffles or a variety of omelets. The menu’s breadth – from simple grilled cheese and tuna salad sandwiches to loaded custom burgers like the BBQ Bacon Cheese Burger or the adventurous Swamp Burger – speaks to the restaurant’s commitment to satisfying every craving.

Okefenokee Restaurant radiates small-town charm, where the staff's warmth and attentiveness feel like visiting family. This friendliness shines through in their willingness to personalize orders – as one happy customer shared, the kitchen did not hesitate to prepare fresh fish specially when the buffet options were temporarily limited. Such gestures elevate the dining experience from merely good to genuinely memorable.

Stepping inside, you sense a history and comfort that instantly settle any travel weariness. The aroma of grilled steaks mingling with fried seafood creates an irresistible invitation, while the bustling buffet setup encourages exploration of multiple flavors and textures. It’s clear this is more than just a place to eat — it’s a destination to connect with local heritage and hospitality.

In every bite, Okefenokee Restaurant offers a heartfelt taste of Folkston’s traditions, making it an essential stop for travelers and locals alike who seek authentic Southern cuisine served with genuine care. Whether you’re passing through or planning a leisurely meal, the blend of savory dishes, friendly service, and welcoming atmosphere come together to create a dining experience that lingers long after the last bite.

Service options
Delivery Takeaway Dine-in
Highlights
Great coffee Great tea selection Serves local specialty
Popular for
Breakfast Lunch Dinner Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible seating Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
All you can eat Coffee Comfort food Healthy options Quick bite Salad bar Small plates Vegetarian options
Dining options
Breakfast Brunch Lunch Dinner Catering Dessert Seating Table service
Amenities
Gender-neutral toilets Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual Cosy Quiet Trendy
Crowd
Family friendly Groups Tourists
Payments
Cheques Credit cards Debit cards NFC mobile payments Credit cards
Children
Good for kids High chairs Kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking Free parking lot Parking

Opening Hours

  • Monday
    06:00 AM - 02:00 PM
  • Tuesday
    06:00 AM - 02:00 PM
  • Wednesday
    06:00 AM - 02:00 PM
  • Thursday
    06:00 AM - 08:00 PM
  • Friday
    06:00 AM - 08:00 PM
  • Saturday
    06:00 AM - 08:00 PM
  • Sunday
    06:00 AM - 02:00 PM

Map & Directions

Visitor Reviews

  • ricardo m
    1 month ago

    This was our second time visiting the restaurant. I came here 8 years ago and they had a large selection of protein/meats to select from during the buffet. Today we were told that they will be serving more stuff in a few minutes. We waited a little while and just ended up eating what they had. Don't get me wrong it was pretty good stuff but all they had was fried white fish and some BBQ meat for protein. It was nice to know that you can ask them for what you want and they will make it fresh for you, that's amazing but the point is we were waiting for more food to come out for the buffet portion and nothing new came out. I hope this bussines stays successful.

  • Derek Tippins
    2 month ago

    Okefenokee Restaurant in Folkston is more than just a buffet — it’s a place with real family history for me. My great-grandmother had her first date there. Her dad even drove her to Folkston to meet a young man from Jacksonville, and they eventually got married. Anytime I’m passing through, I stop in to eat. The food is always good, the people are friendly, and it still carries that small-town charm that’s been around for generations. A must-try if you’re in the area.

  • Kevin McKernan
    2 month ago

    The food was hot and fresh. The hand washing sink was even hotter!! The shay butter soap left my hands clean and supple. Go Dawgs!!

  • Daniel Purvis
    2 month ago

    What looks like an old hole in the wall corner restaurant will surprise you once you walk inside. There's a can't miss seafood buffet awaiting. Fried fish and shrimp, peel & eat shrimp, stuffed crab, gumbo, and scallops are grab and go. If you're lucky, the smell of grilled steak will greet you in the parking lot and is available for purchase if your desire is surf and turf. Don't skip on this hidden swamp gem.

  • Debi Davids
    2 month ago

    This place has the best buffet. We were here a year ago and Tim loved the fish. Stopped today and no fish on the buffet, but they offered to cook him up a few pieces, special for him. Unbelievable that a busy place would do that for you. Can you see this, they brought out a whole bin of fish. It was delicious. There tartar sauce is really good too.

  • Matt Schloss
    2 month ago

    Great little home town place. I will admit I was worried and about to pass on it only seeing one couple inside at 6 on a Saturday but boy am I glad we tried it. Great food, good service, and a great small town atmosphere.

  • Lorna Sales
    3 month ago

    Visiting from Villa Rica, GA. Found this place on Google Maps and the pictures looked good. The food selection was very good! The fried fish and chicken fingers were cooked just right. Loved all of the veggies and the salad bar. Only two things didn’t taste that great to me - the slaw and broccoli slaw. They didn’t have much flavor. But everything else was very yummy and we will definitely be back next time we come through.

  • Greg Kimball
    3 month ago

    I recently visited the Okefenokee Restaurant at 1507 3rd St, in Folkston, GA. I had a real nice experience having breakfast at this rest. I for these just in time to get the breakfast buffet. I had a nice breakfast and my server was so nice and close to being humorous! A nice place to get that homey feeling.

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