Dorothy’s Delicious Legacy

It’s almost here! Dorothy’s Cocktail & Oyster Bar will be opening on St. Simons Island later this month. The new mid-island restaurant will offer tantalizing lunch and dinner menus that feature mouthwatering appetizers, like the Sambal Fried Oysters, and delightful entrees, like the Lobster Roll or Whole Fried Snapper with curry. The kitchen boasts a custom-made wood burning grill and oven which will soon turn out some of the restaurant’s most flavorful dishes. From fire-kissed oysters and roasted chicken to crispy pork shanks, they’ll be serving up some sensational dishes.

But enough about the food, let’s talk beverages! Cocktail connoisseurs, you’re in for a treat! Dorothy’s will have one of the largest spirit collections on St. Simons Island. Their opening

menu features a whopping 28 cocktails. If that isn’t enough for you, you can always “Follow the Yellow Brick Road” and see what off-menu cocktail your bartender concocts. For those who prefer wine over spirits, Dorothy’s creative wine list will focus on vineyards around the world and grape varietals that are not generally present on a “by-the-glass” list. This will give their guests the opportunity to try something new with each meal.

Opening a restaurant of their own was a longtime dream of owners Claire and Daniel Auffenberg. When visiting St. Simons Island from their home in Dallas in 2019, they decided that the charming island would be wonderful place to execute their goal. “We got married here in 2018 and never imagined that we’d actually be living on this incredible island, chasing our dream,” said Claire. “But the more we thought about it, we realized this was the perfect place to realize our restaurant dream.”

So, you’re probably wondering, who’s Dorothy? Daniel explains, “In opening this restaurant, we wanted to honor the legacy of my grandmother, Dorothy, who was also known as Dottie. She cooked for her family six nights a week and loved every minute of it. She was always so welcoming and gracious. I don’t think I’ve ever met another person as sweet or as kind as she was.” He adds wistfully, “I really wish that she was here to see this. I know she would be proud, but I also know she is looking down from above with a big smile. We can’t wait to open our doors and offer people the same gracious hospitality that my grandmother always did.”

Dorothy’s Cocktail & Oyster Bar is located at 12 Market Street and will be open Tuesday through Thursday 11:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and 11:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. You can see their menu at dorothysssi.com. Keep an eye out for the opening date, then stop by for a bite and a beverage, and be sure to raise a glass to Dottie.

Owners Daniel and Claire Auffenberg