In my 10 or so years of writing about food in this area, I don’t know that I have ever seen the kind of anticipation for a restaurant as I have seen for the all new Ardsley Station. I have been asked bout it countless times in the last 6 months. Everyone wants their neighborhood spot back following the closing of very popular Atlantic last year. The good news is, the wait is just about over. They will open Saturday, April 24th at 4pm.
With that as a backdrop, 5 things you should know about Savannah’s newest restaurant at the corner of Drayton Street and Victory Drive.
Ardsley Station is not Atlantic
It’s pretty obvious that the anticipation for this restaurant has been in large part fueled by the love for the restaurant that was there before it. Atlantic. Surely, a new restaurant in the beloved old space means a return of something resembling the old restaurant, right? It’s not. The sooner you realize that, the more appreciative you will be of what it is.
Frankly, I don’t think it’s fair for an entirely new ownership group and chef to operate in the shadow of a previous regime, but I do believe that is human nature. Until this group creates their own path, there will be comparisons. Deserved or not.
Hits and Misses
The menu we were given was on the small side. Based on what we’ve seen, I would expect an eventual roll up to more offerings. That said, some items were good (Meatball app and Broccoli app). Some were great (Pot de Creme dessert) and some were underwhelming (Crab Risotto).
I like that the menu is a little different. For example, I don’t remember the last time I saw head-on peel and eat shrimp in Savannah. It may be out there, I just don’t remember. That’s the case here. I do believe this is a work in progress and I’m eager to see what we end up with when the newness wears off and the dust settles in a few months.
Space is Beautiful
For the record, I was a huge fan of the decor and design the first time out (see, there are the comparisons again). This has been warmed up beautifully. Lots of deep gold accents and lighting have made the same dining room look pretty different. At the same time, it’s still a bit loud in there. And I believe it will continue to be. It’s a small space, which makes it far more ‘neighborhood gathering spot’ before Junk to Funk than it does intimate dining on a Friday night. I’m not saying the latter won’t exist, but when this room is full, it will fill with energy.
There’s also a new roof outside to expand the outdoor seating.
Parking next door
There is a grass lot next door that wasn’t there before that will allow for some parking in the area. But when Ardsley Station is full, you are going to have to continue to be comfortable parking in the neighborhood or Uber.
No Reservations to start
Co-owner Tyler Kopkas told me they will eventually get to reservations, but for now, it’s a walk up situation. There is more seating than there was before, but especially at the beginning, be prepared to wait.
Hours of operation to start:
Thursday 5pm-10pm Friday & Saturday 4pm-10pm Sundays 5p-10pm
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