Why This Georgia Coastal Café’s Fish And Chips Are Talked About Everywhere
I still remember the first time I bit into those fish and chips at Driftaway Café – the kind of crunch that makes you pause mid-conversation and wonder why you ever ordered anything else.
Tucked away in Sandfly, just southeast of downtown Savannah, this unassuming spot has been serving up coastal comfort since 2001, and their battered fish has locals and visitors alike spreading the word faster than butter on hot cornbread.
It’s the sort of place where regulars greet each other by name and first-timers feel like they’ve stumbled onto the best-kept secret in Georgia.
Sandfly’s Coastal Favorite Since 2001
Driftaway Café sits at 7400 Skidaway Road, a few miles southeast of downtown Savannah in the quiet Sandfly neighborhood. It opened its doors in 2001 and has spent more than two decades perfecting what they call Casual Coastal Cuisine.
Regulars have been making the trip here for years, drawn by the promise of fresh seafood and that laid-back vibe you just can’t fake. The café posts its phone number and hours right on the site, making it easy to plan your visit.
You can find everything you need at driftawaycafe.com before you head out.
The Headliner: Battered Fish & Chips
Picture this: golden battered fresh catch that shatters under your fork, sending tiny shards of crispy perfection across your plate. It arrives with a generous helping of fries, creamy coleslaw, and a side of tartar sauce that ties the whole basket together.
Nothing fancy, nothing fussy – just honest ingredients cooked exactly right. That first bite delivers the kind of texture contrast food dreams are made of: crisp shell giving way to tender, flaky fish inside.
Simple execution at its absolute finest, and the reason people keep coming back week after week.
Why The Crunch Travels By Word of Mouth
Savannah sits right on the coast, so locals know good seafood when they taste it. Driftaway Café built its reputation on a dock-to-dish philosophy, sourcing fresh catch and treating it with respect.
That commitment shows up in every bite – clean flavor, perfect texture, and a lightness that keeps you reaching for another piece. In a city where seafood joints line every other block, standing out takes more than just a good recipe.
It takes consistency, quality sourcing, and a kitchen that understands how to let fresh ingredients shine without drowning them in heavy batter or grease.
When To Go (And How To Miss The Rush)
Driftaway Café opens Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Many evenings feature live music, which brings a fun, buzzing energy to the dining room and patio.
If you prefer a quieter meal where you can actually hear your dinner companion, aim for an earlier time slot. The porch vibe at 5 p.m. hits differently than the packed house at 7:30.
Plan ahead, especially on weekends, and you’ll snag that perfect spot where you can enjoy your fish without competing with the crowd.
Order Like A Regular
Start with the fish and chips – no question. Ask for an extra side of tartar sauce and add a good squeeze of lemon right before you take that first bite.
If you’re dining with friends or family, kick things off with the creamy crab dip or a round of tuna nibbles while you wait for the main event. Regulars know that pacing your meal means you get to savor every layer of flavor without feeling rushed.
Trust me, that crab dip is the kind of starter that disappears before you realize you’ve scraped the bowl clean.
A Neighborhood Staple With Coastal Soul
Walk into Driftaway and you’ll notice the beach-town colors, the easygoing patio, and the unmistakable feeling that half the room already knows each other’s names. It’s a locals’ spot through and through, but first-timers get the same warm welcome.
Outdoor dining is listed as one of the café’s amenities, and on a mild Savannah evening, that patio becomes the place to be.
You’ll hear laughter spilling from nearby tables, catch snippets of conversation about weekend plans, and feel like you’ve been adopted into the neighborhood.
Comfort lives here.
Beyond The Basket: What Else They Do Well
Sure, the fish and chips steal the spotlight, but Driftaway’s menu runs deeper than one star dish. The fish sandwich delivers the same crispy magic in handheld form, while the shrimp po’boy brings a little Lowcountry flair to the table.
Fried chicken tacos offer a fun twist if you’re not in a seafood mood, and that crab dip I mentioned earlier deserves its own fan club. Groups love this variety because everyone can order something different and still leave happy.
It’s the kind of menu that keeps things interesting without trying too hard.
Key Logistics You’ll Need
Before you make the trip, double-check the address: 7400 Skidaway Road in Sandfly. The café’s phone number is posted on their website, so you can call ahead if you have questions about wait times or specials.
Driftaway updates their online menu regularly, which means you can preview pricing and see what’s fresh before you leave home. It’s a small step that saves you from any surprises when you arrive.
Head to driftawaycafe.com for the most current information, and you’ll walk in feeling prepared and ready to enjoy your meal without second-guessing anything.
One Last Bite Of Advice
If the dining room feels packed when you arrive, head straight for the patio and claim a table under the open sky. Order something cold to sip while you wait, then settle into that coastal Georgia rhythm.
Your basket will arrive hot, the batter will stay light and airy, and every bite will remind you why this place has earned its reputation. The whole scene – the friendly faces, the casual vibe, the perfectly fried fish – tastes exactly like coastal Georgia done right.
You’ll leave planning your next visit before you’ve even finished your fries.