Old School Diner

Old School Diner

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+1 912-832-2136+ Add website
Hours
Sun
12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Fri
5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Sat
12:00 PM - 10:00 PM
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What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
4.0
4.0 of 5 bubbles

RATINGS
Food
4.3 of 5 bubbles
Service
4.3 of 5 bubbles
Value
3.9 of 5 bubbles
Atmosphere
4.6 of 5 bubbles
Details
Someone from this business manages this listing.
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Black-owned
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PRICE RANGE
$10.00 – $38.00
CUISINES
American, Seafood, Diner
meals, features
Is this an American restaurant?
Black-owned
Tripadvisor allows businesses to update and manage their attributes and details, but does not verify the accuracy of this information.
About
Chef Jerome Brown, has 20 years in the seafood business. Our customers are our family members, we have over 10,000 photos on the walls of our restaurant! The Old School Diner, famous for the "Wheel Chair Platter!" - Come see why Ben Affleck says " Why ask, Trust your Chef" Carpeted parking lot? Yes we have that! A quick trip from Savannah and well worth the trip! A real Hidden Gem of the Southeast, that is a quote from Southern Living Magazine!
PRICE RANGE
$10.00 – $38.00
CUISINES
American, Seafood, Diner
Meals
Lunch, Dinner
FEATURES
Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Parking Available, Free off-street parking, Television, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Cash Only, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service
4.0
4.0 of 5 bubbles174 reviews
Excellent
114
Very good
23
Average
15
Poor
6
Terrible
16

ima-rph83
Ohio52 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2022 • couples
We were looking for a place with great Georgia shrimp and seafood. Luckily, our reviews led us to The Old School Diner. Even after reading the reviews, we were hesitant to go in. The decor is only to be described as eccentric. We were so glad we ventured in. We were served the most delicious shrimp, whiting fish, humongous hushpuppies and a BBQ pork steak.....wow! Perfectly seasoned and dusted, fried to perfection.
Written March 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Liz
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2021 • none
The four of us travelers considered the trip to Old School Diner to be the highlight of our trip to the Darien area. The exterior - and interior for that matter is hard to describe, but what a great experience it was once we drove down the "driveway" if you could call it that and there it was! Amazing and what character to experience. We were welcomed by Chef Jerome and his pet macaw, Maxine, as we arrived and upon entering, we were amazed and entertained by the collection photographs that graced the walls throughout. Now, for the food. Our server, Tammy, brought out a hot basket of hushpuppies for our group that we agreed were hand's down the best we'd ever put in our mouths. We were encouraged to try a side of onion rings and were not disappointed. The onions were cooked to perfection in a crispy, light batter - again the best we'd ever had. Our entrees varied and we sampled items from fried chicken, catfish to gator tails and again, we all agreed that the items were melt in your mouth delicious, perfectly prepared by Chef Jerome with a light, crispy batter cooked just right. The service was impeccable. We were never left wanting for empty water or sweet tea and the food was brought out fresh and hot. Chef Jerome came out to chat with us and was as warm and engaging as you could ever get. It's a fun adventure to experience and you won't be disappointed in Chef Jerome's excellent hospitality and great Southern cooking.
Written November 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

CommissionerGordon
Boston57 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2021 • none
Let me just say that this place is for the more adventurous diners. If you truly cherish "local eateries" and "character" this is for you as there is loads of character for sure. I surely expected to be greeted by Al Cox ,"Clem" and his missing teeth from the Vice episode "Glades". Well, frankly Chef Jerome is the greeter here and equally a character in his own right. We loved every second of our adventure after finding Old School on another travelers post as we were on our way from Boston to St. Augustine. The drive in from the roadway starts your adventure and you are not sure whether the place is still open or condemned. "Should we get out of the car" was our first reaction but this is exactly what we came for. This was our same reaction when we went to the speakeasy in Chicago called the Violet Hour and we had a fantastic time there as well. So yes, if ambiance is the main reason for driving out of your way this is a must. If you are looking for high end sustenance then you may wish to look elsewhere. My plate of ribs was delicious along with the included hush puppies. My wife was less enthused with the burger as it was not likely the best cut of beef and the bun was not toasted The prices are high and we did not order their specialty seafood as we were there at lunch time and did not want huge plates. The Chef and wait staff were so welcoming and friendly making our visit a memory of a lifetime. So check the Old School out for a great time, come for dinner as I imagine it would be even more interesting after dark!
Written August 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Tiffany D
1 contribution
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2022 • family
Don't do it. It is all hype for low quality food. We were there at 6 pm on a Saturday, they are open until 10. There was no guidance on how to get seated. After an hour we were sat at a dirty table. It took them 20 minutes before we asked for help again to get the table wiped off. We ordered the wheel chair platter for 4 and a cheeseburger plate. It took another 45 minutes to get our food. They shorted us side dishes. They ran out of potatoes, ran out of mac-n-cheese, gave us tiny servings of potatoes salad, and the meat looked like it was just anything random in the kitchen. We had a singular pork chop, some ribs, fried mystery fish, fried shrimp, fried sweet potatoe logs (that was subbed w/o talking to us). The batter was not seasoned at all. We literally waited over 2 hours in chaos for a fried platter of seafood that was lower quality than captain d's. Our bill was $146 and they gave us $20 off. This entire place is a gimmic. Go to Hunters Cafe or Pelican Point. Amazing experiences there.
Written August 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Veggie201
Atlanta70 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2022 • none
We approached the OSD with optimism. It is a bit out of the way along very pretty drive. It is eclectic to say the least in appearance. The prices STUNNED ME. My wife had Grouper ($37) and I had fried Shrimp and Oysters ($44). Beers were $7 for a Corona. The staff is friendly and works hard. I think there is only 1 mon in the kitchen. The foods was average to too salty. I won't be back. As I say, FOOL ME ONCE, shame on you.
Written September 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Deborah C
1 contribution
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2021 • none
Chose restaurant based on published reviews. Ordered wheelchair platter for two. The waiter will not tell you what is on the platter except for “seafood”. We were served a small coffee cup portion of slaw, a few fries, a small macaroni/cheese, 7 fried shrimp, 2 very small pieces of fish, and a boneless pork chop. Not one employee entered the dining area after we were served until our check was presented…$68.49 plus a tip! Evidently based on the other reviews, we went on a bad afternoon. Not worth the trip or money. Will not return!
Written October 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

brooks1881
14 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2022 • family
We have a love of finding local resturants and this was definately worth the 6 mile drive out in the country down a dirt lane. The decor itself were worth the trip. Would have thought we were in the wrong place if a friend has not posted picture on FB. Watch out and dont trip on the carpet pieces that make up the drive way. Food was delicious. Ate at 4 in the afternoon and still stuffed at 9. Had the wheelchair platter which was delicious. Would not order fries the next time but the delicous potato salad or slaw.Brought home enough for my husband and I to have another meal of the leftovers.Thumbs up.
Written September 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Shannon
North Augusta9 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2022 • friends
Not impressed at all. $8 for a canned beer. Had 2 beers and pork and shrimp dinner cost $60. Got nail in tire in parking lot. Never again. Toilets in front yard grossed me out.
Written October 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Mama sha
1 contribution
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2020 • none
It was an adventure getting out there. Desolate, dirt roads at dusk and the overall appearance of the restaurant was not appealing. Quite scary actually. It was around 8p, about to be dark and I come into a parking lot, with a big long shack. I did go into what I thought was the main entrance but there was no one up front so I thought I was at the wrong entrance. Went around to the side and it's the kitchen. The "staff" said they were open and to go around up front. I went back to where I started off and someone was there to greet me. I was nervous because I didn't see anyone and even though it is a Covid pandemic I wanted to see that other people were eating there. After confirming they were open, the waitress invited me to come inside and take a look. I got the kids to come inside too. There was an odor that my 5 year old couldn't help commenting on. It reminded me of an old house/old basement smell. There were 2 other groups inside eating so I felt a little better. Although we ultimately decided to order our food to go, the waitress helped me feel at ease. She gave us some snacks while we waited and Chef Jerome came out to greet us. He was friendly and kind. The seafood was good, although the french fries weren't seasoned at all. (FYI for anyone who cares this is a black owned establishment. Also the ride out to an unknown area like this can be very scary. I would have gone earlier so I wasn't riding in the dark but thankfully there was nothing that happened that made me feel unsafe).
Written July 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Geri S
Saint Simons Island7 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020 • none
I thought when I say the exterior of this "diner"it would prove to be an adventure, I WAS WRONG! This restaurant is not inviting on the inside and just plain horrible.There is no ceiling just insulation covered with net. The walls are papered with photos of "people". OK definitely bring your own untensils if you do decide to take a chance. THE FOOD was horrible and we had everythng they had from shrimp, fish, ribs and steak. Horrible! Cold and mine was just not edible. The prices are really outrageous for the what you are served. I would rather go to Popeyes for their shrimp and fried food and supposedly delicious chicken sandwich.
Written February 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Robyn S
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2023 • friends
Ataris and euan are amazing staff members and deserve a raise they are a credit to your team and work incredibly hard and have served me in minuets of me standing at the bar. I will absolutely be back again in future they are fantastic bar members.
Written November 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Avani S
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2023 • family
Garlic bread and roasted garlic mash with creamy peppercorn chicken steak is a mouthwatering combination! The garlic bread adds a delicious garlicky crunch, while the roasted garlic mash brings a creamy and flavorful twist.their dishes are delightful and have an excellent service
Written September 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

CarolinaGirl0420
Atlanta86 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2022 • none
My husband and I decided to take a chance and eat at the Old School Diner. From the reviews, it looked like it was to be a gem of a dive and we were excited to give it a try. I will give it an "A" for atmosphere but that is as far as it goes. First off, the prices are quite high so I expected quality food. That was not that case as I ordered Grouper that was grilled however the seasoning used was very salty-leaving the fish (which I would be surprised if that was Grouper I was served) inedible. The side was potato salad, which I was told was good. It tasted like the potato salad from Walmart or the grocery store-it was not homemade and it was not good. My husband ordered a platter (fried) and it was subpar. Fries that came with the plate were definitely frozen and the platter had small servings of shrimp and oysters. Hushpuppies were nothing special and all in all, the meal just was not good at all. I feel like the glory days of this place has long passed it by and quality and good food are no longer on the menu. Such a shame as we really wanted to like this place. For our meal, which we had 2 beers and the above-came to over $120.00-which does not include the tip. For whatever reason, they have signs stating they will take a credit card but you have to leave a cash tip. Felt really sorry for the ladies in there working their tail off to serve this subpar food and then WILL NOT get a tip if you don't leave cash. We definitely will NOT be back and I don't recommend eating here unless you want to spend a lot of money for low quality food. Pretty sure they only fool the tourist and not the locals...
Written September 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

SaltSeaSun
Savannah1 contribution
1.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2022 • none
Five stars to Chef Jerome and the waitstaff for friendliness and attentiveness. Unfortunately, the food was incredibly disappointing. My husband and I have driven past The Old School Diner many times but hadn't ever stopped. We finally decided to stop in today, especially after reading all the great reviews. We looked at the menu - it's relatively small - steak, fried chicken, pork, and of course seafood. The seafood options were shrimp, oysters, flounder, grouper, catfish, and some crab. Before we ordered, Chef Jerome came out to the table to visit and to deliver a basket of freshly fried hush puppies. The hush puppies were delicious. We opted to try the "Wheelchair Platter for 2" ($68). Because I was looking forward to shrimp, I asked our server if there was shrimp on the platter (they won't tell you exactly WHAT comes on the platter) and she confirmed that shrimp are part of it, so we ordered. The platter was delivered and it included some lightly battered shrimp, some barbecued pork steak, and some battered fish. The sides (of which we had two choices) were mac and cheese, French fries, and coleslaw. The fries were just bad - crinkle fries, straight from the freezer to the fryer, but somehow still pale and limp. The coleslaw was fine. The mac and cheese was awful - the pasta was bland and terribly overcooked, the cheese sauce was somehow flavorless and the dish just appeared to have been sitting out long enough for the top to congeal. When she brought it out to us, she gave us a quick rundown of the platter - mac & cheese, fries, coleslaw, BBQ pork steak chunks, fried shrimp. fried fish. Fried fish? What kind of fish, I asked. TILAPIA. We paid $70 for TILAPIA (and a handful of shrimp). There is NO tilapia anywhere on the menu, so I felt a little blindsided. We didn't eat the fish (brought it home for our dogs because I hate the idea of wasting it altogether) or the pork. The pork was okay, but it was LOADED with barbecue sauce, which would have been okay if it didn't taste like it was straight from a grocery store (or Sysco?) shelf. Overall, the experience was fine but the food was just bad. It was terribly disappointing and a little annoying to feel like I'd been duped into spending $70 for a platter of tilapia.
Written May 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

TERRESA T
Martinsville1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2022 • friends
Kevin went way up pass his pay scale. We loved you all. Thank you so much💞🏆🙏💞💝💯The best ever. Will be back next time we come to GA.
Written February 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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OLD SCHOOL DINER, Darien - Menu, Prices & Restaurant Reviews - Tripadvisor

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