I had the best latte of my life at Drift Tybee Island last week.

I’ve been lurking in a couple Tybee Island Facebook groups since my arrival for a three-month stay on January 1. Drift was mentioned several times. It’s been a few years since I last visited the island and it’s a new name to me. The island is small – only three miles long and one mile wide – so it didn’t take me long to find Drift.

There’s a saying that the best food on Tybee Island is attached to gas stations.  Drift adds to the list of strong evidence that this is true. It shares a building with a gas station on the south end of the island. If you’re coming up a side road, you’ll notice an impressive mural on the building, but it’s hard to spot driving down the main drag, Butler Ave.

I popped in just to get a coffee to go before I went for a walk on the beach. But then I walked in and it was so warm, welcoming and beautiful I decided to sit down and stay.

And I’m so glad I did!

I’m only sorry it took me a month and a half to get there and now I only have a month and a half left of my stay!

Drift Tybee Island Review

There were a couple of people in line in front of me ordering at the counter so I had a chance to really take my time looking over the menu. My plan had been to eat lunch at home after the beach, but the breads and pastries in the display case look so good and the cafe smelled so delicious, I decided to treat myself to lunch.

I ordered a latte and a breakfast sandwich, even though it was afternoon. There isn’t much better than a quality breakfast sandwich and Drift Tybee Island has them available all day in a build-your-own format. I went with bacon, scrambled egg and cheddar cheese on a croissant.

The owner was the one taking orders at the counter, taking his time to answer questions and offer suggestions to each customer. He asked me if I wanted Guatemalan or Columbian coffee in my latte, explaining the differences. I went with Guatemalan coffee this time, saying I’d come back for Columbian – and am excited to do so!

You order at the counter and then sit down to wait for your food to be delivered. It’s not a large space, but it’s obvious lots of thought went into how to best maximize the space. There are several tables to sit at, as well as a counter and stools at the front window. I chose a cute little seating area with comfy chairs near the front of the cafe.

The cafe is filled with live plants. I’d just returned from a weekend at my bestie boo’s and being around the plants reminded me of his house. So warm, cozy and inviting – just like the owner of the cafe!

Latte art

My latte was delivered first and I was floored, ya’ll.

I mean…

It was ART!

This was seriously the prettiest latte I’ve ever seen.

And it was also hot and delicious – and only $3.50. It even came with a Godiva chocolate!

My croissant breakfast sandwich was served hot with each component cooked perfectly. Flaky pastry, fluffy egg, crispy bacon – all just as it should be. It was served with fresh greens with a tangy vinaigrette.

I chatted with the owner a bit while eating. Drift hasn’t even been open six months. They are open for breakfast and lunch with a variety of sandwiches, salads, quiche and crepes, as well as coffee and baked goods. They have plans for an outdoor terrace and sometimes offer wine and cheese in the evenings.

They are closed Monday and Tuesday. Tomorrow is Wednesday and I’m super excited to go back to try that latte with Columbian coffee this time and another sandwich combination. Maybe something on a baguette this time.

Drift Tybee Island is located at 1315 Buttler Ave. Check them out on Facebook.