Down a quiet coastal road in Townsend, Georgia, there is a place that feels like a secret passed between friends.
Old School Diner does not shout for attention, but the plates arriving from the kitchen speak loud enough.
If you crave the kind of seafood that tastes like it came straight from the dock, this is your sign to make the trip.
Bring an appetite, bring a buddy, and prepare to linger a while.
The Captain’s Seafood Platter Experience
When a platter lands at Old School Diner, you hear it before you see it, the gentle clatter of a feast that means business. The Captain’s Seafood Platter is a celebration of coastal Georgia, piled with shrimp, oysters, scallops, fish, and sometimes crab legs depending on the catch. It is the kind of order you share, but you might not want to, because every bite has that hot, just fried crunch that makes you close your eyes.
You get hushpuppies that are sweet and crisp, and coleslaw that cools everything down without getting in the way. Lemon wedges glisten like little promises, and a house dipping sauce adds peppery heat you will remember on the drive home. The portions feel generous in a way that makes you feel looked after, like the kitchen is rooting for you to be happy.
What sets this platter apart is balance. The seafood is seasoned, not smothered, so you taste the briny snap of shrimp and the butter tender scallops. The fish is flaky and clean, never greasy, and the oysters bite back with a savory pop that hints at the marsh.
You can make a whole evening out of it, splitting the platter, trading favorites, and plotting what you will order next time. If you are new to Old School Diner, this is the order that shows you how they do things: simple, soulful, and proud. It is worth the drive, and then some, because a meal like this lingers long after the plates clear.
Garlic Shrimp and Grits, Coastal Comfort
If comfort had a coastal accent, it would taste like the garlic shrimp and grits at Old School Diner. The grits come creamy and slow cooked, the kind that cling to the spoon and carry a whisper of butter. On top, shrimp sizzle in garlic and a little lemon, bathing the bowl with a savory gloss that feels like a hug.
What you get is balance without fuss. The grits stay plush and mild, a cushion for shrimp that are firm and sweet, not overworked. Garlic brings warmth rather than a punch, so you can taste the seafood shining through every bite.
There is a rhythm to the bowl that keeps you coming back for another spoonful. A bite of grits, a shrimp, a streak of buttered pan sauce, and a spritz of lemon to brighten the edges. If you like a little kick, a dab of hot sauce wakes it all up without drowning the flavor.
This dish captures what Old School Diner does best: simple ingredients treated with patience and respect. You do not need fancy tricks when the cooking is confident and the shrimp are this fresh. Pull up a chair, dig in slow, and let the garlic and grits do their quiet, perfect work.
The Famous Banana Pudding Finish
Save room, because the banana pudding at Old School Diner is the soft landing every seafood feast deserves. It is classic, layered with ripe bananas, smooth custard, and vanilla wafers that hit that perfect softened crunch. Sweet without being heavy, it cools the palate and ends the meal on a nostalgic note.
Each spoonful tastes like a family recipe, the kind passed down and guarded with a smile. The custard leans silky and clean, not gluey, and the bananas taste fresh rather than sugary. Those wafers, gently soaked, bring texture and a toastiness that ties everything together.
After a platter of fried shrimp or a bowl of grits, this dessert resets the dial. You get comfort and brightness at the same time, a dessert that feels familiar but still special. It is easy to share, though there is a good chance you will want your own dish.
In a place where the seafood steals the headlines, the banana pudding is a quiet star. It tells you the kitchen cares about the last bite as much as the first. Order it, linger, and let the sweetness ride along as you plan your next visit down Jesse Grant Road.
Low Key Atmosphere and Friendly Service
Part of what makes Old School Diner worth the drive is the room itself. It is cozy and a little quirky, lined with photos and mementos that feel lived in. You get the sense that time moves at a kinder pace here, and your server is in on that rhythm.
The staff leans warm and conversational, offering suggestions like a friend who wants you to love your meal. They will steer you toward the day’s best catch or suggest the platter if you are torn. Refill in hand, they check in without hovering, which makes the evening feel easy.
The low key setting is exactly right for seafood that does the talking. Soft lighting, simple tables, and the soundtrack of clinking plates set the tone for unpretentious good eating. You can dress up or come as you are, and nobody is keeping score.
If you have questions about hours or specials, call ahead, since they open Friday through Sunday with specific times. It is a destination spot, tucked away at 1080 Jesse Grant Rd NE, so give yourself a little extra driving time. Once you settle in, the hum of conversation and the aroma from the kitchen tell you you made the right call.
Planning Your Visit: Hours, Tips, and What to Order
Old School Diner is a destination, so a few smart moves make your visit smooth. Hours run Friday 5 to 10 PM, Saturday 12 to 10 PM, and Sunday 12 to 6 PM, with Monday through Thursday closed. It pays to call ahead at +1 912-706-8857, especially if you are driving in from the coast or I-95.
Bring friends and a big appetite, because portions are generous and made for sharing. Start with the Captain’s Seafood Platter if you want a greatest hits experience, then pivot to shrimp and grits or a fish special. Do not skip banana pudding, and consider grabbing an extra to go for the ride home.
The drive down Jesse Grant Road sets the mood: quiet pines, coastal air, and the feeling you are headed somewhere good. Parking is easy, and the vibe is relaxed, so no need to rush. If you have dietary preferences, mention them, and the staff will help you land on the right plate.
Prices feel fair for the quality and portions, and the service makes you feel like a regular. You can find details on their website at oldschooldiner.com, but the best information lives in the dining room. Take your time, try a little of everything, and let the evening stretch the way a good Georgia evening should.