Started with iced coffee. Got served caramel colored iced water. Tasteless. Ordered for lunch a turkey club. Served within seven minutes. The turkey was from a roll-not real. The portion was finger sized. The fries were served cold and dry, like nuked before serving. The lunch cost 11.00 including tip. Left hungry and disappointed. One trip only. read more

The Driftwood is a fun, small local's breakfast joint. I used to live in Marblehead but really only appreciated it when I moved away - now we come here at least once a summer by boat - the restaurant is right at the Marblehead harbor - tie up for a quick visit! Get in early to beat the lines. It's a small restaurant with limited seating. The bar usually has much less of a wait if you don't mind that. Sat & Sunday's they have fried dough which I just LOVE! It's a big portion - you can easily split it with others as an appetizer (yes, a breakfast appetizer!) I'm more of an egg person in the morning and I do like their omelets but their McDrift is really really good. It is kind of like Eggs Benedict but has a mustard-y sauce - make sure you ask for it WITH egg. ;) Bring cash! read more

The McDrift is a delicious one-of-a-kind treat. I get it every time. I opt to omit the ham and add two poached eggs. I'm egg-dicted !!! read more

Driftwood - American Near Me - Marblehead, Massachusetts

This place is adorable. I'd marry it if I could. As a shameless tourist, I'd like to share a bit of insider info with you: I hear this is where the fishermen eat before they go out to sea. So whether you'll be hauling hundreds of pounds of fish aboard your tiny fishing boat, or merely hauling your a$$ around Marblehead for the day, make sure you stop by Driftwood for breakfast or brunch- and bring ca$h, as they don't take anything else. read more

Solidariffic. You want greasy spoon good breakfast? You want real Marblehead? If yes, then you want to be here. Yes, there are fancier breakfast joints. Yes, there are better breakfasts out there. But this place is like putting on your favorite T-shirt, your favorite hat. It just feels right. Oh, it's perfect for the kiddies, too. read more

The Driftwood is simple - it hasn't changed in years. The decor, food and staff seem to be longtime veterans of the place. Prices were good, portions were large, and the food was decent diner fare. I want to go back on a weekend to try the fried dough! read more

This place has the best breakfast in Marblehead. I was here 3 years ago and wanted to come back the moment I knew I was going back to this area. Today, I had the blueberry pancakes which were fabulous and huge. They were loaded with fresh blueberries. The side of sausage was 4 links and tasty. The coffee was ok but I've had better. My daughter had scrambled eggs, bacon, toast, and potatoes. She loved it. Portions are healthy. The service was very good and friendly. Here is the downside to this place. We had to wait a half hour on a Sunday morning. There is no list to put your name on and you just wait on a line outside. The place is dirty and needs attention. The bathroom upstairs is beyond disgusting and includes a hole in the floor and a piece of plywood holding open the window. The floor in the restaurant hasn't been cleaned in years. The coffee mug my wife had today had three chips in it. That's part of the charm and mystique of this place. I would still go back in a second. If you are stuffy and full of yourself, don't go unless you can get off your high horse for 45 minutes. Cash only. read more

The food is sooo good!! The place is not what you expect it to look like and very out of date, but great. Only had one menu, bathroom was not clean, but food and service was very good!! read more

A+ on ye olde New England charm and decor... And prices. D+ on anything other than the basics (bacon/eggs/pancakes). Pass on the "McDrift"... Terrible open-faced breakfast sandwich with mustard sauce. Try the fried dough on weekends and holidays.... Make sure to ask for it "stretched". read more

I love the Driftwood. The girls are friendly snd the service is great! Jan!! The veggie omelet is just wonderful, with tomato, onion, spinach, cheese and broccoli. Dark rye toast! Coffee comes with it. Potatoes are extra. Sooo tasty. Then onto the harbor to get some sun:) read more

Driftwood is one of my favorite breakfast spots not only in Marblehead, but all of Massachusetts. This restaurant seems to know exactly what to do to please their customers and keep them coming back. I know some people that have been going to the Driftwood for decades, and still enjoy its food and charm. Its not just your average diner, its a part of Marblehead tradition. The seating area itself is small, but it does not deter from the experience. Even during busy times of day, the wait is short and bearable. Groups of up to 6 customers can be fit somewhat comfortably. The customer service is great, better than most restaurants I have been to. Recently, I ate at the Driftwood during the breakfast rush, but the waitress was polite, timely, and answered all of our questions even though it was extremely busy. She even gave us suggestions about what to order, not from a "script" but from her own opinion. Her advice made my experience more enjoyable. Our food was warm and cooked properly. It takes time for the food to be served, but this is understandable, because there is always a large amount of customers that need to be served and the food is high quality. My pancakes were spectacular, and my companion's omelet was flavorful and filled with vegetables. I suggest the pancakes, eggs, and bacon. Prices are reasonable as well. The prices are not low, but you pay for what you get: a well-made breakfast. There are a few cons, of course. The coffee is not the best, and the entrance lets in cold air during the winter whenever it opens. They only accept cash, which could be an issue for some, but if you come prepared with a jacket and a $20 bill or two there won't be a problem. If you are in the area and want to eat a great breakfast, try the Driftwood and you will not be disappointed. read more

A local institution. It's a hole in the wall but in a good way. If you're not there at the right time you will be jockeying for a place to sit. This place can really fill up. The apple pancakes were awesome as were the chocolate chip ones. It's cash only but that shouldn't be a deterrent. It's the best breakfast we have had so far in Marblehead. We plan on going back! read more

Just ok, fried bread was good, otherwise standard breakfast diner. Location is awesome though, right next to the harbor. Would recommend if you are just walking the area and want to get breakfast. read more

Great place to stop by for breakfast, right by the water. Quaint, service with a genuine smile, and real good broccoli/mushroom omelette and decent eggs benedict. Service was prompt and attentive. We enjoyed sitting amongst locals, the steep stairs to the attic located bathroom and the overall ambience that is inherent of a restaurant located in a centuries old building. Would definitely return. read more

Great food, extremely wet. I went to this breakfast establishment hoping to eat a hearty, protein filled meal, but instead. It was a soaking wet experience. You arrive at the dock wondering where the heck the restaurant is, and there is a stereotypical sea captain standing there. He then shoves you in the water and there is a actual piece of wood drifting there. People actually swim up and leave food out on the wood. Most of the time it slides off into the water but the little food you save from the murky depths of the Marblehead harbor, is not half bad. Little did I know, the name driftwood is very literal. How do they stay in business? The world may never know. read more

If Nish had tried their fried dough (only available on weekends), he would have given 'em five stars instead of four. I have and it's damn good. I also love their eggs, pancakes and pretty much everything else they serve. read more

This place sucks. We just ate here. The service was terrible. Coffee is bland folgers, sausages looked like they were out of the frozen section at the supermarket. The French toast was bland and cold. The upstairs bathroom staircase is narrow and extremely difficult to go up especially if you have a small child. There are also open areas of the attic upstairs that a kid could fall through. I would never go back here. Took an hour to get the worst meal I have paid for in Marblehead and that was just French toast! read more

Best hash I ever had. If Jesus loved hash this is where he would go. The quintessential greasy spoon next to the Landing at Marblehead Harbor. Try the Surf and Turf- a delicately grilled frank and a tender lightly fried shrimp roll. Ooh la la!! read more

The Driftwood is your best bet for a hearty, delicious, & cheap breakfast in Marblehead. It's frequented by tourists and locals alike, and on weekends there is often a line outside the door of people waiting for tables or a spot at the counter. The food is wonderful, and the walls inside are adorned with ocean/sailing-themed paraphernalia of all shapes and sizes. The "Masterpiece" (English muffins with eggs, ham & cheese on top) and the chocolate chip pancakes are awesome. I never visit Marblehead without having breakfast there at least once! But remember your wallet -- it's cash only. read more

I always love coming here for breakfast with friends. Food is always good, and so is the service. Very rarely will you have to wait. The only problem is that too many people what to eat here and you have to wait! read more

Love, Love, Love the Driftwood. My dad, sister, and I always make at least one visit to the Driftwood in the summer time when both she and I are home for a visit. We used to go for breakfast regularly when we were kids. They have by far the best pancakes I have ever tasted, love them with bananas! My dad gets them with blueberries and my sister loves the fried dough! Yes, there is often a wait and the service is fast and efficient! I always bring out of towners to my favorite Mhead gem! read more

Listen. If you want fancy-ass coffee and artisinal arugula croquettes, you're in the wrong place. If you want cheap, delicious scrambled eggs and pancakes, fried dough on weekends and holidays (if you, like me, are a transplanted Southerner, you will recognize these puffs of deliciousness as beignets, complete with powdered sugar and cinnamon), cinnamon-raisin toast with butter, photos of old-timers on the wall, and grapenut pudding, this is where you have to go. Opens at 5:30 am. Carryout costs forty cents extra. Right by the water, with no view, because it caters to people who spend all day on the water. read more

Going to Driftwood was an experience to say the least. Going for a Sunday morning breakfast, I was not surprised by the line that extended outside. That being said the wait was not too long and packed with action and interesting people to watch. The restaurant is highly populated with locals who know Driftwood and the Marblehead ways so let me fill you tourists in: if it is crowded do NOT go inside, just wait outside the restaurant. If you want to peek your head inside to see how long the wait is be sure to inform the entire line that you WILL NOT be cutting the line and are simply taking a look inside. Return to the end of the line as fast as possible. Once it is your turn to enter calmly walk inside the restaurant and seat yourself. It may even be common for random people to offer to sit with your party if a larger table opens up because the restaurant is pretty small. However, it is very important to make sure the table HAS ALREADY BEEN CLEANED before seating yourself. (there are signs posted warning you of this but unfortunately the pair next to us did not see these and sat in a chocolate chip and got yelled at). Food was served fast, relatively inexpensive and tasted good. I overheard one comment that the pancakes were "doughy" but pancakes are made of dough and they tasted fine to me. Would recc for the true Marblehead experience. read more

Mediocre at best. Better breakfasts can be had other places. Better service too.

Went for breakfast while staying at an Inn down the street. Came highly recommended by the locals. It was completely packed and we had to wait for a table for a good 1/2 hour. The food was good but not truly any better than your average diner. I felt that the service was lacking - not sure if its because of how busy it was or if that was just how the place operated. All in all I enjoyed my eggs and pancakes but I would not wait that long again - I would just find another place. read more

That Philly cheesesteak pretzel was gross. It was so salty, not cheesy and all of us who ate it felt sick after.

BEST clam chowder in Massachusetts! A truly homey feel for those visiting the sea side town. Lunch is just as delicious as breakfast and quick service. After eating, make sure to stroll the streets visiting the art and antique shops. read more

The fried dough is really good. Marblehead is beautiful (very quaint) and deserves a quick stop if you are in Salem. They only take cash at Driftwood, but the prices are not bad. read more

Classic old-world New England kitchen. Amazing food. Friendly service. Worth the trip.

I would put quarter of a star if I could. I've been sitting here for 45 mins waiting for food and it just came out. How long does it take to cook two eggs and home fries. Portions are ridiculously small and the prices are too high for such small amounts of food. There are better places around this is the last time I come here. read more

Open again! Same everything. The best blueberry, banana, and/or chic chip pancakes around. Great diner food. Not greasy! Right next to Marblehead Harbor. Low prices. Local favorite for years and years. A part of Marblehead history and worth a trip to Marblehead for a weekend breakfast. read more

The Driftwood may be an local institution, which it is. It maybe a quaint bait shack atmosphere, which it has. It may be listed under restaurant, which it is. Well two out of three are correct. A restaurant it is NOT. Go for the other 2 reasons but don't go for the food. Our usual fare of 2 over easy, home fries, bacon and hash were all just a bit too well for our liking. Mostly tasteless and dry best describes our breakfast. Service was reasonably fast and friendly but not what we have found elsewhere. Maybe being a local institution makes them complacent. Plenty of regulars and the mix of travelers that just "have to" experience this local legend keep them busy. To us ..not worth the wait..and oh yes the coffee.....best left in the cup. The Breakfast Guys read more

I think it's best described as a tiny little townie place. The food and prices are good and you feel like you're in a small town when you're there. I spoke with one waitress who had worked there for 48 years. Definitely a unique little hole-in-the-wall spot. Heads up - cash only! read more

If you're in the mood for a simple American style breakfast, this is a great place to try. Breakfast all day, amd they servre a fine lunch as well with folks coming from all over for the fish chowder. I eat at the Driftwood about 2-3 times a week and have for about a decade. It's the heartbeat of Marblehead, a genuine local hangout. Expect a line on the weekends, starting in June. It's worth it. Closes at 2:00pm. read more

Driftwood - Part of a Driftwood Breakfast - American Near Me - Marblehead, Massachusetts

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Driftwood is a solid old-school greasy spoon, and a really high quality one at that! Unbeatable for the early morning hunger!

Two words: Fried Dough! They also Have a great fish sandwich. The fish is super fresh perfectly cooked and their onion rings are amazing!

SKIP SKIP SKIP. Once a town favorite this place has become terrible. People can be such a-holes there including there staff. It takes way to long to get a seat, way to much time is spent waiting for the food. The staff is unfriendly and not helpful at all. read more

For me... heaven on earth! Some day I'll live in Marblehead and have breakfast again at Driftwood! Wicked good!

Really enjoyed our breakfast here! Wonderful little spot. Very affordable but cash only. A little small so I suspect that it could be a bit of a wait if you go at peak time. Delicious eggs, potatoes, & bacon. My daughter loved her blueberry pancakes loaded with blueberries. read more

Great place to go to for a no frills breakfast. Nice new tables (last time we were here was 5 or so years ago). It is still a fun place with friendly service. read more