First opened at a nearby location in 1940, and once known as the Shrimp Boat Restaurant, Archie’s was a longtime Darien landmark and a favorite stop for travelers along the busy Coastal Highway (US 17).
As traffic moved off 17 and onto nearby I-95, business slowed and the restaurant was closed by 2006. The structure seen here opened circa 1975 and was demolished in 2015.
My grandmother was a black cook at Archie’s when I was a child. I remember having to go to the back of the restaurant to get my food. When I became a married adult with two children we walked through the front door and ordered our food. I did this in honor of my beautiful Grandmother.
I know your Grandmother would have been proud. What a shame it took so long.
Traveled up the coast from Jacksonville to midway for 3 years and always ate lunch at Archie’s. Great food and local ambiance. I miss them!
My wife and I used to vacation at St. Simons often, but even with all of their tremendous restaurants we always drove up to Darien at least once to eat lunch at Archie’s.
They had the best fried shrimp and hush puppies.
It actually was founded in 1937. Billy Bolin says the sign was made later. And yes it was such a Darien icon.
started working there in 1972,off and on for the next 7or 8 years,best boss and family, loved working there.made Darien … Diana Howard…archie and Bob used to be our bus boys…
Not only the best shrimp, but a plate full.