Old School Diner Chef Jerome

Chef Jerome and The Old School Diner

One of the area’s best-kept secrets is found a half hour south of Savannah, in the small village of Townsend: The Old School Diner, owned and operated by Chef Jerome. A couple friends invited us to the restaurant, where we enjoyed some deliciously unhealthy food, and had a rollicking good time that won’t be forgotten.

Chef Jerome at the Old School Diner near Savannah
Chef Jerome

When we pulled into the Old School’s driveway to find it covered in carpets, I suspected we were in for a treat. Who carpets a driveway? The wooden building was painted in bright red, with farm tools hung on the outside walls, and we entered with our guards up. Nothing inside suggested that this was in fact a restaurant. It felt more like we were invading someone’s home. Photos hung on the walls, comfortable furniture was strewn about, and I was about to accuse our friends of trying to fool us. But soon, a girl came around a corner to greet us, and lead us into the main dining hall.

Old School Diner Wheelchair platter

We ordered beer and took a look at the menu, but there wasn’t much debate. When the menu features a special called The Wheelchair Platter, the choice has already been made: you’re going to order The Wheelchair Platter. We suspect that the name comes from the mode of transportation you’re likely to need after eating. When the platter was brought to our table, my veins seized up in fear while my stomach shuddered in ecstasy. This was a mountain range of fried food, including oysters, shrimp, chicken, clam bakes and ribs. We were five people, including four hungry guys, and couldn’t even finish it.

Upside down Christmas Tree Old School Diner

The evening really got going when Chef Jerome came out of the kitchen to greet us. He does all the cooking, and clearly enjoys meeting the people who’ve discovered his place. The first thing he did was give us all big bear hugs. “I want y’all to know, that you’re family here”. And he meant it! He took us around the restaurant, telling us about his life and work. He showed off pictures of the famous people who’ve eaten there, including Ben Affleck, and brought out the love letters he had written to his wife over the years, before her passing. He brought us into his kitchen, which was decorated with deep fryers from wall to wall.

Chef Jerome seemed genuinely upset when it was time for us to leave, and he even walked out onto the carpeted driveway to say goodbye. “Don’t forget now! This is your home!” The Old School Diner is one of those special, slightly surreal places that are most at home in the backwoods of the Deep South.

Official Website

More Photos of the Old School Diner:

  • Old School Diner Opening Hours
  • Old School Diner carpeted parking lot
  • Chef Jerome's Car Old School Diner
  • Bizarre Restaurant near Savannah
  • Hospital Worthy Restaurant
  • Cozy Restaurant Savannah
  • Old School Diner Decor
  • Old Piana at the Old School Diner
  • Fried Food Balls Old Diner
  • Old School Diner Che Jerome's Wheelchair Platter
  • On a diet friend food fun
  • Travel Bloggers at Old School Diner
  • Old School Diner Pie
  • Old School Diner kids seat
  • Spanish Lady Old School Diner
  • Spanish Fan Old School Diner
  • Living Room Restaurant Savannah
  • Photos of Guests at the old school Diner
  • Chef Jerome's love letters
  • Chef Jerome's wife old school diner
  • Scarface Fan Art
  • Table decoration old school diner
  • Guests at the old school diner
  • Restaurant toilet signs
  • Strange restaurants of the South
  • Chef Jerome with Ben Affleck
  • Old School Diner Kitchen
  • Old School Diner Kitchen and friers
  • Chef Jerome's Reflection
  • Old School Diner meat grinder
  • Creepy Restaurant of the south
  • Rows of deep friers

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Leave a Comment!

8 responses to “Chef Jerome and The Old School Diner”

  1. Sara Avatar
    Sara

    Definitely an experience. Glad we could share it with you!

  2. Alana Avatar
    Alana

    Great photos! Glad you guys enjoyed it! I went once and definitely had an interesting experience. The food and company were good but I did not love the overall creepy vibe or the fact that the chef thought it was ok to grope and kiss all of the girls there.

    1. Juergen Avatar

      I can just imagine that – LOL!

  3. Jane Avatar
    Jane

    Looks like a very unique experience! But jeez, did you happen to read the contents of the letter he wrote his wife? OMG, she’s okay with him displaying that? LOL! Incidentally, you guys take the best photos ever!!!!

    1. Juergen Avatar

      There are many more pages posted on the wall! 18+!!!!

  4. Gil Avatar
    Gil

    The deep-fried Chef of Love sounds like a remake of the old Saturday Nite Live skit with Kirstie Alley at the Italian Restaurant:

    http://www.movieweb.com/tv/TEul2vyADb3bxv/HUk7WlppIjJvnt

  5. Anne Malone Avatar
    Anne Malone

    I have read about your diner in Southern Living. Are reservations required?
    I can hardly wait to visit your establishment. Sounds like my kind of place. Is it wheel chair accessable? My friend’s mother is 90 and in a power wheelchair.
    I live in Savannah and want to become part of your family, Chef Jerome. I have just retired. Wish I lived closer and could just camp out in your restaurant and watch the show!
    Anne Malone
    Savannah (Isle of Hope)

  6. Brian Avatar

    I have lived in Glynn County, about 30min south of here, my entire life.  Don’t know how I have missed this place.  Thanks for the great photos and the blog.  I will definitely be checking it out in the not-to-distant future.  

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