I honestly don't even know where to start... Old School Diner was one of the best restaurant experiences my boyfriend & I have ever had. The atmosphere is SO unique and cozy. The whole place is covered in pictures and memories, and you can just feel the love in there. It doesn't feel like a normal restaurant at all--it feels like you're stepping into someone's home. The service was amazing too. Our server was so sweet and welcoming, and there was another man helping out who was just as kind. You can tell everyone there genuinely cares about the people who walk in. And Chef Jerome... oh my gosh. He is seriously the sweetest soul ever. You can tell he puts his heart into everything he makes, and the food?? INSANE. Like actually some of the best food I've ever had. Everything tasted homemade and full of flavor. What made it even more special for me was coming back after so many years. The picture of me when I was little (probably like 13-14 years ago) compared to me now... it just made the whole experience feel so full circle & emotional. Not many places can give you that kind of feeling. This place isn't just about food--it's about memories, people, and love. I would 100% recommend it to anyone. I will definitely be back read more

See all

Where to start ,,,, This place is amazing. First, it is quintessential back woods Georgia southern home-cooking made by a man who has dedicated his life to making sure you eat well and have a great time. Chef Jerome is a piece of SE Georgia history and makes some fantastic food. From the moment we pulled up to the restaurant, Chef Jerome came out and greeted us with hugs and assurances that he was going to take good care of us. The building is eclectic, quirky, rustic, and several more adjectives - but never off-putting. It is comfortable.... When you walk in, you really get a feel for the history of this place - particularly from the tens of thousands of photos that decorate the walls (virtually all of them) throughout the restaurant. There are pictures of locals, travelers and even several celebrities that have feasted at the Diner. Ben Afflect's picture is featured all over the restaurant as he frequents this place whenever he is in town (he even has his own autographed chair hanging on the wall). We were seated in the VIP room and presented with a menu with several good southern dishes from deviled crab, oysters, scallops and of course shrimp to ribs, porkchops, steaks and burgers. They are known for their Wheelchair Platter - which serves 2, 3, or 4 people. This is a collection of things that the Chef has selected for you including fried shrimp, fish, hushpuppies, pork chops, Mac 'n cheese, and other treats. Comes with slaw and potato salad (both fantastic), We ordered the platter for 2 - and it did not disappoint. We also got the sweetpotato logs with a cinnamon dipping sauce (wow!). First - those were some of the best hushpuppies I've ever eaten. Crispy on the outside but fluffy with bits of corn on the inside. yum. Everything else was cooked to perfection. Once we had eaten, Chef Jerome came out and took some pictures (for the wall of course) and had us promising (truthfully) to return soon. This place is a little out of the way. It's down a dirt road and looks a little rustic - but you will be very pleasantly surprised once you go in and let Chef Jerome take care of you. A Definite recommendation! Don't miss this treasure! read more

Old School Diner - Old School Diner - outside - Seafood Near Me - Harris Neck, Georgia

The best fried chicken cooked in fresh grease. One plate is enough for two people really. If you want truly local Seafood, he's got it and he would never consider selling a farmed shrimp unlike other local restaurants. The whole place is deliberately divish; it runs off the snooty racist people and leaves the nice ones read more

Help me say this in an old school kind of way. Let's visit the Old School Diner in Townsend, Georgia. This gyn is located down on the low country, of Townsend, Ga. Today the famous chef Jerome welcomed us, we had a look at the antique shop located across from the restaurant, then we entered the restaurant, got to meet his parrot Maggie, vibed in the nostalgia of the restaurant and enjoyed the delicious cuisine presented to us. I had fried whiting, it was crisp, fresh and delicious. This restaurant will have you reminiscing on good times of yester-years. The hospitality was awesome, between our service Angel and Chef Jerome, our experience at the diner was outstanding. read more

My wife and I came to this hidden treasure tonight with another couple who had never been before. Just like every previous time we have been, everything was great. Chef Jerome and his staff make everyone close family members and serve every customer like they are royalty. The wheelchair platter is the best and the amount of food is amazing. If you leave hungry it's your fault. Hands down my favorite place to go eat. read more

On the way home from Florida. Stopped here just a little off the I95. The place is deceptive from the outside. Off a little dirt road. Inside is a cozy eclectic environment. The chef had a pet parrot. Be sure to say hello. Friendly service EXCELLENT food! Fresh oysters, flounder and shrimp. Everything made to order. The cornbread hush puppies were to die for as well as the fried chicken. If you are driving thru Georgia to Florida, be sure to stop in Hails Neck and visit the 'Old School Diner,' where you'll be greeted by a friendly chef and his parrot! read more

See all

The food and people were awesome! Chef Jerome's ability to put together so many great meals makes us want to go back and eat more. While the outside looks like an old abandoned house and the interior is overly filled with pictures with celebrities like Ben Affleck, Miley Cyrus and others it helps to create the warm friendly feeling that Chef established with a hug as soon as we entered the door. read more

See all

Great little spot to grab lunch. Our waitress took great care of us. The food came out quickly and was delicious!

I wasn't going to write a review because I really wanted to like this place. We knew what the place looked liked before we went. A lot of great reviews. We viewed the menu online. I thought was a little pricey for this place. When we arrived there was no parking spaces so I really thought this place would be great. They do have a great staff. Utensils were dirty. Food prices had gone up $5 more for all the meals. I was shocked to see these prices. I ordered shrimp and whiting. My friend ordered shrimp and oysters. The ketchup, tarter sauce and cocktail sauce were in nasty bottles. Sticky and dirty. Food tasted fresh except all I can taste is the flour batter. No seasoning on anything. We didn't finish our food took it to go and left. Very disappointed. Over priced and not very good. read more

See all

Tonight we tried out The Old School Diner for our monthly dinner get together. It's definitely off the beaten path and very eclectic. The parking lot is carpeted and toilets line the old run down building The inside is filled with stuff and tons of memorabilia ( there is even a Ben Affleck shrine). The food was good and there was plenty of it! If you left hungry it was your own fault. We were the only customers and we were treated like family. Chef Jerome was as nice as he could be and definitely made you feel welcomed. It is BYOB too!! If you are looking for something out of the ordinary then this place is it! https://www.facebook.com/OldSchoolDiner?mibextid=LQQJ4d read more

See all

Recommended. You stop and eat at some places just because THEY IS. This place is just such a place. Chef Jerome built and has run this restaurant for decades. He is a master chef for his disciplinary area: seafood. He was a cook in the military and has continued his profession ever since his military service days. Seafood entrees are stem from local sources. All dishes are handcrafted by Jerome. You can't go wrong with a visit here. Portions are generous and tasty. The facility is an entire story in and of itself. Jermone has pictures of himself with, it seems, every customer who has ever visited this place. Pictures are the wallpaper in this place with the exception of gobs of memorabilia and odd-ball but thoughtful decorations. Take exit 67 off of I-95, drive south to the Smallest Church in America, turn left and follow the signs to the Old School Diner. Go and enjoy. read more

See all

This is a fun and quirky little restaurant with good food and a lot of love. Nothing is too fancy but the food is great, the staff are nice, and it is one unique experience! Be sure to snap a photo w/Chef Jerome if he is there! read more

Old School Diner - Exterior of establishment - Seafood Near Me - Harris Neck, Georgia

The old-school diner is the weirdest place you will find to eat as it is back in the woods with a carpeted parking lot in front of some guys house. Turns out that the "some guy" is chef Jerome who is one of the friendliest people on earth and his restaurant is completely covered with memorabilia from his very interesting life and pictures of customers from super celebrities all the way down to the everyday visitor. chef Jerome personally greets and talks to everyone that eats with him and his meals and presentation are beyond reproach. it's like you're walking into another dimension there but let me tell you, no matter how you feel about the slight musty odor or the tens of thousands of weird knick-knacks sitting around, the food is absolutely fantastic and has been top-notch every time I've been there. the portions are gigantic and you are not gonna find a better Lowcountry boil or tastier hush puppies and fried shrimp anywhere on the coast. read more

Old School Diner - Seafood Near Me - Harris Neck, Georgia

See all

Everything was hot and delicious! Trust chef ! We will be back We got the dinner for 2 and it was too much for the two of us Ribs were fall off the bone, fish and shrimp were fried to perfection read more

Old School Diner - Bar b que ribs fried fish and shrimp, French fries & Mac and cheese - Seafood Near Me - Harris Neck, Georgia

See all

This place is amazing. Amazing atmosphere. The staff here is super friendly, Chef Jerome makes everyone feel like family. I am not a hush puppies fan, but these hush puppies are one word amazing. We got the wheelchair platter, for two, come with a appetite because it comes with a lot of food, and they food here is simply amazing. I will definitely be back. If you are in the area it's a must stop. Located in McIntosh County Georgia. read more

Old School Diner - Wheelchair platter - Seafood Near Me - Harris Neck, Georgia

This is not somewhere you want to go. The place is less than desirable. Kitchen super nasty with a real live parrot hanging out in the kitchen around the sink. Super nasty place! read more

"Don't judge a book by its cover", said your momma. Remember these words of wisdom when you pull up to Old School Diner. Frequent Hollywood guest and nearby former homeowner, Ben Affleck, helped put Old School Diner on the map, but it was Chef Jerome's deliciously cooked fresh seafood that kept him, and others, coming back. By appearances, it's not the type of spot you'd think Affleck would be a regular. At the end of the dirt road, apply named Blue Crab Lane, you'll arrive to find an old house with haphazard additions, a hodgepodge of exterior decorations such as wheel hubs, old kitchen cookware, tools and license plates. Inside thousands of photos of Chef Jerome and his customers, including Affleck, adorn the walls. Fish nets hang from the ceiling holding plastic sea life "catch of the day". An eclectic mix of tables and chairs provide seating. Old, well worn carpeting adjoins areas of painted flooring. On to the food! The platter combo of crispy scored fried flounder was just as I remembered - delicious, as well as the dozen tail on fried shrimp! A sprinkling of fresh squeezed lemon juice is the only condiment you may want! Hubs had the same but with crispy seasonal oysters, fried. Equally yummy! The seafood is very good, but I saved my calories by not eating the sides. The coleslaw appeared bright and colorful , but this side is dressed in a sweet mayo based dressing - hubs loved, me not so much. If fries are your desired side, they serve frozen crinkle cut. Frankly put, I come here for the seafood, not the sides. On another note, from past experiences, we don't order The Wheelchair Platter. This large platter will most likely have BBQ, and what's served on this platter is at the discretion of Chef Jerome. Love his seafood - enough said! Our server was very attentive and friendly. Chef Jerome made his rounds greeting guest and was a wonderful host and cook! Of note: *alcohol served *Chef Jerome will accommodate parties of 12 or more on their closed days. Simply call to make arrangements for your special event. read more

See all

Me and my buddies went up to SC for the day. On the way back we wanted to get some good seafood. Well we stopped at this place and walked inside. Before we even ordered the place is looks horrible... the food is okay at best read more

Awesome atmosphere and great food! It's always great seeing Chef Jerome. Highly recommended if in the area

Excellent beer, wine and bourbon selection. Patio is great for having a cocktail and live music.

Took a substantial detour on our roadtrip up north. The Yelp reviews got us there, but upon arrival, we didn't dare to even go in. Run down dirty yard serving as a parking lot and over all feel like we might not get out if we enter. If you want to invite people in, clean out the place, the courtyard and the surrounding area..... read more

Incredible! It is a must stop for travelers heading up to Savannah or any of the states beyond that point. I was greeted by Chef Jerome upon my arrival and I gotta tell ya.. THIS MAN CAN COOK!!! My girlfriend and I ordered two shrimp baskets. I ordered mine 1/2 grilled, 1/2 fried just to get the full experience. I can't stress this enough: IT.. IS.. AMAZING! I've traveled to Korea, Thailand, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panamá, Mexico, El Salvador, Argentina, Paraguay, and several states around the US and to my utmost surprise this middle-of-nowhere hidden gem lands in my top 5 places I've ever ate in my life (Yes! Even my moms cooking is being put at stake). I hope to once return to this magical place called "The Old School Dinner" and experience heaven in the form of shrimp once again. read more

Old School Diner - 1/2 Fried, 1/2 Grilled Shrimp Sampler - Seafood Near Me - Harris Neck, Georgia

See all

I've been wanting to check out Old School Diner for months, this weekend my wife and I were finally in the area around lunch time and man was I not disappointed! We were greeted as soon as we drove up. My arm is in a cast and they were making jokes about it as soon as they saw it, haha. Made us feel welcome and right at home. Now to the food, the hush puppies came out piping hot and fresh. Delicious with just a hint of sweetness. I had the whiting and shrimp plate. Both were cooked to perfection and tasted outstanding. Portion size was more than enough, had some shrimp and fries to take home to enjoy later. My wife had the catfish. The only disappointment I had was I hadn't ordered the catfish, haha. The whiting was good, but that catfish was hands down one of the best pieces of fish I've ever eaten. Chef Jerome came by our table a couple times, talked to us like old friends, had us laughing and intently listening to his conversation. 5 out of 5, would definitely recommend and will definitely be going back. Thanks for making us feel welcome Chef and providing us with an outstanding meal. read more

Haven't been here in years. Decided to take my son and his girlfriend for his birthday dinner. Forgot how great this place is. The obvious is how unique the place is with its very eclectic decor. The people who work here are so nice. They treat you like family. The food was very good southern style seafood. We ordered the Wheelchair platter for 3. It included Fried Shrimp, Fried Fish, BBQ Pork Chops, French Fries, Potato Salad, Cole Slaw and Macaroni and Cheese. My wife had the Deviled Crab. All very good. Shrimp are some of the best I have had. Do yourself a favor and give this a try if you've never been. If it has been awhile since you have been, go back again. You won't regret it. read more

See all

Best shrimp I've ever had. Seriously. Not to mention Jerome is the sweetest man in existence. Don't sleep on this diner!!!! read more

Old School Diner - Shrimp sampler - Seafood Near Me - Harris Neck, Georgia

See all

This was an adventure for sure. We didn't believe the stories we heard about this place...didn't seem real. The food is not great. But we kind of expected that when we pulled in but we stayed for the adventure. read more

Best hush puppies I've ever had in my life. Owner, Chef Jerome is a real gentleman and great at everything he does. Really do love him and his restaurant. This place is definitely worth the trip. read more

See all

What a hidden gem way off the beaten path. Don't let outside deter you nor the inside. Step in and you will find walls and walls of photos of the happy patrons that have visited this place and had the pleasure of tasting Chef Jerome's amazing food. My partner had the ribs. Plenty of meat and lots of flavor. I had the shrimp sampler. I will say the grilled shrimp and the stuffed shrimp were my favorites. The only thing that could possibly outshine the food are the wait staff and Chef Jerome himself. Such amazing energy!!! If we are ever back this way...we will surely stop in. read more

This place is a trip. We were driving home to Savannah from Florida when we decided to venture off the beaten path and look for seafood. Once we got through Jacksonville, I pulled up Yelp and started searching close to the coast. Not sure why I picked Old School Diner, but I'm glad I did. Google maps got us to the spot but thank goodness for the exterior photos people posted or we probably would have missed it. It's true, they have a carpeted parking lot. There is not a sign anywhere and the entry is not obvious; we almost walked into the kitchen entrance, which oh by the way, was being guarded by a red parrot or macaw or something. The interior defies words. It's like a series of small shacks joined together and the walls are lined with photos and memorabilia. Very kitschy, but I'm cool with it. There was only one other table full but we were there around 4 on a Sunday. Our service was great. I knew I needed to order something fried to get the true first time experience, so I got what's claimed as the best shrimp on the Ga coast. It was pretty doggone good. It was pricey but I got a dozen and half good sized shrimp. Wayyyy to much for one person- you could easily split it. We got hush puppies brought to us while we waited and they were yummy! I had cole slaw for my side with the shrimp and loved it. My husband got the grilled grouper. I tried a bite- it was good; really buttery. Chef asked if he wanted grill sauce on it, he asked for it on the side. Probably a good thing. It was tasty, but guessing it was made with that secret southern ingredient, Coke, making it probably better suited for the ribs rather than fish. This would be a fun dining experience with a big group of people. They did have very limited beer and wine available. If you're in the area and you're adventurous, definitely try Old School- it's good people and good food read more

Fantastic food. Huge portions. Very good service and feels like you're family. The food was fresh, very hot and the best food I've had in a long time. Order the wheelchair and you'll need a wheelchair to leave read more

The hospitality was second to none. Jerome made us feel like family. The food was also great, and the portions were very generous. We will most definitely be back again, & highly recommend to anyone else! read more

Best damn soul food in the country! Love chef Jerome. His fired pork chops and fried shrimp. Are next level!

This hidden gem is a one of kind outstanding find! From the eclectic family atmosphere to the welcoming arms of Chef Jerome & staff, I knew I was in the right place as soon as we walked through the door! The food is better than amazing, I wouldn't be able to do it justice if I tried. Worth traveling the distance for. We'll definitely be back soon. read more

See all

Carpeted Driveway. I should not have to say anything else here. It may feel like you are driving to the middle of nowhere (30-45 min) from Savannah. However, that makes it all the better for the experience. We were staying with friends near this place and this was one of the highlights of my trip. Chef Jerome is welcoming and takes his photo with every guest and they paper the walls with those photos. He is proud that Ben Affleck came here when he used tolive nearby. This place is greasy southern cooking so enjoy. If you must, i believe he will grill up food for you as well. I had fried chicken and loved it. read more

See all

This place is tucked back on your way out to Harris Neck, and it is worth the drive! My wife and I ordered the catfish nuggets and the wheelchair platter for two and let me tell you, when he said wheelchair he meant it! It was a ton of delicious food! Angel our server was a sweetheart and really made the experience. She was on time with all our food, gave us some tips on places to see out here, and was all around attentive without hovering. The hush puppies were on point. The price is a bit high here and the only reason it didn't earn 5 stars plates here run about $40 so you'll want to take that into consideration. Bottom line, I'll be coming back and if you're in the area you should definitely try this place! read more

The experience begins in the restaurant's parking lot, which is, inexplicably, carpeted with large, mismatched remnants. The building, painted the color of cooked shrimp, is covered with old tools; yard art includes flea market finds, and near the front door, a wheelchair - presumably waiting to assist anyone who dares order the house specialty (read on). Chef Jerome Brown greeted us, total strangers and all, with kisses in the front room. An ebullient man in his chef's whites and toque who looks more than a little like Chef on South Park, he's obviously proud of his place, which he's apparently expanded by adding a room at a time, each with a different name and theme. He led us through each one before depositing us in the biggest - with a bar, bandstand, rear-projection TV and several nice-looking but mismatched dining tables with comfortable chairs. The walls are crammed with photos, plastic sea creatures and movie mementos. The menu tells it all: Oysters, catfish nuggets, deviled crab, even lobster and gator tails, as well as barbecued ribs ("Like going to heaven without dying!") smothered in "Chef Jerome's 'You Da Man!' Sauce." But forget all that: You're ordering the house special, The Wheel Chair Platter ($45). Why? As the menu clearly states: "Ben Affleck says, 'Why Ask? Trust Your Chef!'" (Yes, the movie star and part-time resident of nearby Hampton Island boasts his own private table.) This glorious festival of food consists of the best of what's at hand that day - in our case, a heap of crisp fried shrimp, fried whiting, fried grouper, deviled crab and a mound of ribs, heaped into a giant Melamine dip-and-chip server with a choice of side (coleslaw, potato salad or French fries) and a basket of hush puppies for the table. We definitely could have used that chair. Every dish bears the mark of a man who wants to do it right: The light batter, the creamy slaw, the outstanding housemade cocktail sauce, the fat, smoky ribs. And Brown isn't missing many angles either: Along with T-shirts, you can buy a signed menu for $3. (By the way cash and local checks are accepted --- credit cards aren't accepted.) Chef Jerome's isn't for everyone. But if you like old-school fried seafood, start planning your visit. Chef Jerome's Old-School Diner Jessie Grant Road off Harris Neck Road (near Harris Neck Wildlife Refuge) Townsend 912-832-2136 Hours: Dinner Wednesday-Saturday; lunch and dinner Sunday. Credit cards: None accepted. Cash only. Parking: Available on attached, carpeted lot. Dress code: Anything from a bathing suit to a tuxedo. read more

See all

Yes. You will drive in on carpet. My boyfriend looked at me like -are you sure you want to go up this road? It does remind me of that scene in a horror movie where you are trying to will the actors to not go in to the building. But it would be a mistake to not go in. The seafood is fresh and the batter is crispy. Great hush puppies and if chef wants you to try one of his desserts, you'd better find some room in your tummy! read more

Old School Diner - Pictures of past patrons on the walls - Seafood Near Me - Harris Neck, Georgia

See all

The hush puppies were spectacular. We enjoyed our entrees. A very dynamic environment. I think it is cool and interesting but... not for everyone. read more

First two times I drove by here and decided against stopping in. The carpet and the meth-lab looking building that was supposedly a restaurant were enough to drive me away. The third time I had the guts to come in. At first I was scared because we were the only people there and the place was dark and creepy. Then we ordered and I didn't regret it. The ribs were fall off the bone, the potato salad was great. The cheesecake was homemade. We decided to come back again. The second time we got more of the the same. The same fantastic food, the same cheery excited chef, and the best hush puppies I've ever tasted. They were so good that we ordered an extra batch to take home. It was late at night and the chef burned them slightly, so he let us have the whole batch for free! It ain't cheap. But the food is worth the trip. Those ribs are ridiculous. read more

I had a hard time finding this place, however once I did I was greeted by a very humble and unassuming man. Who spoke in a soothing relaxed tone, that could put a baby to sleep. I soon discovered he was the owner, the chef. The old school diner is unique. It's walls are full of photos of with common folk and celebrities simply having great time. The atmosphere is reminiscent of a juke joint similar to the one in the " Color Purple." I honestly felt as if I was amongst family there's a very homely vibe at the diner. Our waitress Angel was a bit stiff, but she did her job well. The other cook was personable, he brought us a wonderful dessert,I would liken to French silk pie. We ordered the "wheelchair which is a generous portion of a surprise.Dont bother asking exactly what the dish consists of, you will be gently rebuked with "trust the chef." We had a nice time, looking forward to visiting again. read more

Old School Diner - a plate of meat and sides - Seafood Near Me - Harris Neck, Georgia