Way Station Coffee Co. — Restaurant in Richmond Hill

Epic Coffee Quest Outside Savannah: Waystation Coffee Co. Review

We were in the Savannah area for a trip, but with a big group in tow, we made the smart call to stay just outside the city to save on lodging. And, like I always do when I travel, I fired up Google Maps and searched for a local coffee spot something with charm, a good vibe, and preferably not a chain. That’s how I landed on Waystation Coffee Company. The pictures looked solid. The reviews? Glowing. So off we went.

Let me start with the only real blemish on the experience: parking.

Now, I understand this isn’t a sprawling strip mall, but wow—parking here is a bit of a nightmare. Cars were parked at strange angles like they were auditioning for a “worst parker” reality show. I saw an open spot when I pulled in, but because someone decided lines were just suggestions, I couldn’t fit. So I went into full “stealth mode” and laid in wait, hoping for a spot to open. After some time (and an internal battle about whether I really needed coffee that badly), I snagged a space. Word of warning: there’s a church across the street with very clear signs saying “No Parking.” Don’t try it you will get towed or ticketed.

Once inside though, the experience turned around fast.

I was greeted by Mercedes, who might just be the heart and soul of the place. Despite the crowd and the rush, she was upbeat, funny, and patient. She joked with me while I was figuring out what to order—which instantly put me in a good mood. That kind of energy first thing in the morning? Priceless. She took our massive order like a pro: three hot coffees, two cold coffees, a muffin, a breakfast burrito, and two breakfast croissants. Yes, we came ready.

The inside of Waystation feels like the perfect farmhouse-coffee-shop hybrid. Think: quaint, cozy, and welcoming. Unlike many local shops that barely fit five chairs and a counter, Waystation offers ample seating—spots to enjoy your coffee, spots to wait, and spots to just take a breather. Whether you're solo or with a crew, there’s space for you here.

Watching Mercedes work was impressive. She knew her regulars by name and by order. You don’t see that level of connection often, and it says a lot about the community feel of the place. As a newcomer, I didn’t feel out of place at all they make you feel like you belong, even if it’s your first visit.

Now, the wait. I placed my order at 9:56 AM. I had it all in hand at 10:41 AM. That’s a 45-minute wait, which normally would be a dealbreaker. But to be fair, they were slammed, juggling in-store customers and online orders (probably Uber Eats or DoorDash). If I could offer one suggestion: during rushes like this, it might be wise to temporarily pause online orders so the in-store crowd doesn’t get bottlenecked.

Despite the wait, the food hit the mark. The breakfast sandwich and burrito were solid definitely better than what you’d get at a fast-food place. The coffee? A strong 7 out of 10, and that’s coming from someone who drinks a lot of coffee. It’s no exaggeration to say their lattes are far better than the big chains.

What ultimately won me over wasn’t the food or the coffee. It was the service.

People like Mercedes are rare genuinely kind, full of humor, and able to stay composed during chaos. Her interaction with regulars and newcomers alike was a masterclass in hospitality. She’s a real asset to Waystation, and frankly, one of the reasons I’d come back again.

So here’s the bottom line:

Come early if you want a parking spot.

Expect a wait if it's busy but know it’s worth it.

Enjoy the vibe, the service, and the community feel.

And if you're lucky, Mercedes will be the one taking your order.

Waystation Coffee Co. may be a little outside Savannah, but it’s 100%...

A veteran was harassed yesterday by employees due to having a service animal with him . There are laws that protect individuals with service animals, I am going to personally contact ADA and HUD regards to this as I saw the whole thing take place. This man fought for your country in Vietnam and he provided you all the documentation proving he legally has a service animal and you told him, it was a "health code" violation which is ignorant and not true. The man stated he had been coming for years and won't be returning, my family and friends won't be returning either. Educate and properly train your staff.

**How your staff treated him was wrong. You can not ask someone and Interrogated them for documentation on a service animal. The moment he said it was a service animal, the questioning should have stopped. If it was harmless, why was your employee saying having his animal was a health code violation that ended with him leaving the counter saying he's not returning? Not adding up. Several other patrons also felt it inappropriate. Going by your response I'm definitely not returning. Even if it was a misunderstanding, youve handled this poorly. I am a local and have been coming for a year since I've found...

I was in the Savannah area for a job interview. I was looking for a local coffee shop for a good cappuccino and a suitable place to write a Thank You note to the company I had just met. Because I am collecting receipts related to my job search and potential move for tax purposes, I asked for a receipt. (I should mention, I initially forgot to request one and thought to ask after they had served another patron.) They were having trouble with their system and unable to provide one at the POS. When I wasn’t satisfied with an emailed or text receipt, the barista offered to go to the office upstairs and see what she could do. While I was crafting my Thank You note, she presented a printed receipt and simply asked, “will this help?” I thanked her then and again as I left. While I appreciated her offer, I never expected her to actually do it! I am so impressed with her customer service and will visit The Way Station every opportunity I get!! May I also say, I enjoyed an...