The Fabulous Driftwood Bistro on Jekyll Island

This post on the Driftwood Bistro contains Trip Advisor affiliate links. If you click on the links, we may earn a fee. There is no additional cost to you. I received a dining experience at the Driftwood Bistro in exchange for my fair and honest review; all opinions are my own.

Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island

When searching for the best beaches in America, Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island is at the top of my list.

The beauty of the wood on the beach is beyond comparison. Driftwood Beach is the perfect place to take the family on a stroll, get engaged or married, or have fun in the sun.

Located steps away from Driftwood Beach is a must-eat on Jekyll, the Driftwood Bistro.

The Driftwood Bistro

The Driftwood Bistro is Jekyll Island’s number one ranked restaurant, and for a good reason. The restaurant is elegant yet comfortable. It serves traditional seafaring cuisine that people intentionally choose when vacationing on the coast. On our recent visit, a line extended around the corner before the bistro opened its doors. Many people were dressed in summer casual who were trekking right off the beach, to those dressed in their Sunday’s best. You can come as informal or formal as you like, and all are welcomed.

How the Driftwood Bistro Became #1

When you hear that Driftwood Bistro is the number one restaurant on the island by Trip Advisor, you know that this warrants a visit. The bistro celebrated its tenth anniversary in July 2019, and it has a history of exceeding expectations for tourists and locals alike.

You will find the Driftwood Bistro crowded all year long. The restaurant’s caliber of food and the dining experience has no offseason. The employees are exceptional, and the bistro appeals to all.

Owner Dan Dickerson, an army veteran, is no stranger to number one ranked restaurants. He has a history with the island, quality, and the food industry. Dickerson has been involved in food service since he was eight years old. After serving in our country’s Armed Forces, he dedicated his career to quality cuisine, thus gaining extensive experience with seafood in coastal cities.

For many years, Dickerson previously managed Latitude 31 and the Rah Bar at the Jekyll Island wharf. However, Driftwood Beach, definitely one of the most visited areas on the island, had an opportune location for a restaurant. The Jekyll Island Board of Directors approved Dickerson’s plan for the Driftwood Bistro, and its doors opened for business in 2009.

Dickerson knew that quality was key when using his talents and experience to design the perfect restaurant on the beach. His vision was quality food, quality service, and a quality location.

The Driftwood Menu

The Driftwood Bistro will exceed expectations. One area in which you will find the best value is the meals’ prices. Planning the restaurant with the locals in mind, Dickerson intentionally developed his menu with fair prices and familiar foods. The average age of locals living on the island is approximately 74 years old, and these residents are not looking for abstract cuisine.

Dickerson planned a diverse yet familiar menu around the Jekyll Island community with traditional seafood selections such as fried Georgia wild shrimp, stuffed flounder, and shrimp and grits. Many comforting sides include collard greens, macaroni and cheese, squash casserole, fried green tomatoes, and sweet potato souffle. Vegetarian options are widely available when dining at the Driftwood Bistro.

A Driftwood Bistro concept that I find phenomenal is that they offer large and small plates. Warming up leftovers does not always fare well for anyone who has visited the sea and dined at fresh seafood restaurants. Dickerson intentionally created small plates for those whose appetites cannot withstand large portions.

With the small plates, you can finish your delicious seafood and sides as they were meant to me, fresh and fabulous.

Another aspect of the small and large plate selections is that, if you are like me, I want to know what specialty appetizers and desserts are on the menu.

When dining at unique restaurants, I want the full experience. Small plates allow me to enjoy all the menu offers, including an appetizer, the main cuisine, and dessert.

However, that option is readily available for those like Sean who prefer larger main entrees.

The bistro also offers nightly specials. I chose the Shrimp Diablo, and it was fantastic! Shrimp Diablo included a saucy mix of fresh shrimp, andouille sausage, and linguine.

When You Visit

When you visit the Driftwood Bistro, be prepared for fresh seafood at its finest. Embrace the natural, seafaring atmosphere and enjoy the vast choices of traditional island cuisine and downhome favorites. Come hungry and leave relaxed and happy!

Would you like to experience fresh seafood at its finest by visiting the Driftwood Bistro? We would love to hear from you. Please drop us a line in the comment section below!

The Driftwood Bistro is located at 1175 North Beachview Drive, Jekyll Island, Georgia, 31527. Check out the menu by clicking HERE!

Visiting Jekyll? Check out Trip Advisor for fantastic lodging deals in the area.

Would you also like to experience a dolphin tour while visiting the island? Click HERE.

Interested in horseback riding or carriage rides while visiting Jekyll? Click HERE to learn more!