The original Pogo’s kitchen was located in the Okefenokee Swamp in North Florida. Walt Kelly, a syndicated cartoonist, created POGO, the Possum, in 1948 and the rest of the more than one hundred swamp characters within. They'd stop by Pogo’s kitchen daily to get a ‘speshul ‘meal and discuss life and the wide world beyond. We created this POGO’s Kitchen so the people of Amelia Island could stop by and have a ‘speshul’ meal and talk, laugh and eat with their friends. Unlike the swamp, our POGO’s is a cozy casual restaurant with banquet seating, bar, covered outdoor seating and a private dining room featuring a wall of wine.

POGO’s Kitchen won’t be serving alligator tail (just yet...) or swamp food, but Executive Chef Alan Heckman has crafted menus that celebrate a medley of modern flavors. Alan's storied culinary career drew him to beautiful Amelia Island, after being featured at the James Beard House and receiving a 4-star review from the New York Times.  His approach blends refined technique with approachable hospitality—food that’s elegant, comforting, and meant to be shared.

POGO’s Kitchen 2.0

After proudly serving Amelia Island for seven years, it was time to freshen up POGO’s Kitchen. POGO’s 2.0 reflects a natural evolution—honoring what guests have always loved while introducing a new, Italian-inspired dining experience.

The quality of the food and the warmth of the service remain exactly the same. What’s new is the focus: house-made pastas, thoughtfully composed plates, coastal influences, and flavors rooted in modern Italian cooking. It’s a refined update, designed to feel familiar yet exciting—comforting, elegant, and perfectly suited for gathering around the table.

At POGO’s Kitchen, every meal is still speshul—now with a fresh perspective.