Southern Charm and Savory Bites: The Best Eateries & Sips in Savannah You Won’t Want to Miss

Welcome to the captivating streets of downtown Savannah, Georgia, where history, culture, and culinary delights converge to create an unforgettable experience. As a proud Savannah native (“from the 1900’s”…as a Target employee once labeled me while I was presenting my ID to buy wine) and a local photographer, I know all of the hidden places that the locals really enjoy going.

Whether you are from the Low Country or it’s your first time visiting, I am delighted to share with you the my favorite places drinks & dining in the beautiful Historic Savannah, Georgia. From cozy coffee shops to hidden gems cherished by locals to places you just have to try, prepare to embark on a journey of discovery and delight in the heart of this charming Southern city. I could re-write this list every year as things continue to grow and expand in Savannah. Maybe I’ll do just that – so make sure to stay tuned.

First things first…where to eat. I’m a self-acclaimed foodie, so let’s dive on in!

But first, Coffee…

• The Collins Quarter: With two locations (in Forsyth Park and Bull Street), the Collins Quarter offers a casual yet elegant setting for enjoying specialty coffee and inspired breakfast fare. CQ is a Sunday Brunch staple…their avocado toast with smoked salmon on the side is a surefire hit. If you’re in a hurry, don’t miss their to-go window on Bull Street!
• Gallery Espresso: A beloved local haunt, Gallery Espresso invites you to savor expertly crafted coffee blends amidst an art-filled ambiance. Brace yourself and your cravings for when you go here…you won’t want to leave (but before you do…try one of their desserts)!
• Henny Penny Art Space & Cafe: Discover a hidden gem in the heart of downtown Savannah, where art and coffee converge to create a truly unique experience. If you have little ones (or just love a space to create), this place is absolutely magical.
• The Sentient Bean: Located near Forsyth Park, The Sentient Bean offers organic coffee and a welcoming atmosphere, perfect for relaxing and people-watching. They also have the most delicious vegan, vegetarian, and whole foods menu for breakfast/lunch. Oh, did I mention their pastries and bagels?? My favorite…their Everything Bagel toasted or one of their homemade vegan sweet treats made daily.
• Bitty & Beau’s Coffee: Experience the heartwarming mission of Bitty & Beau’s Coffee, where exceptional coffee and exceptional service go hand in hand, creating a truly uplifting experience. Who doesn’t love coffee with a cause? And it is REALLY good coffee served up by the kindest baristas you’ll ever meet.
• Mirabelle’s Cafe: Indulge in European-style coffee and pastries at Mirabelle’s Cafe, where Old World charm meets Southern hospitality in the heart of downtown Savannah. The bonus…it is located directly across from Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist! Talk about one heck of a view to enjoy while sipping your coffee. I lived around the corner of that block for several years and would always get a mocha latte and their ricotta toast….this is a must try!
• Franklin’s Restaurant & Bakery: Start your day on a sweet note at Franklin’s Restaurant & Bakery, where freshly brewed coffee and delicious pastries await, offering a delightful start to your Savannah adventure. The perfect mix of ambiance and delightful offerings.
• Foxy Loxy Cafe: Nestled in the Starland District, this eclectic cafe serves up artisanal coffee and delectable pastries in a cozy atmosphere.

Breakfast/Brunch…

• Collins Quarter: Indulge in a sophisticated brunch experience at Collins Quarter, known for its elegant ambiance and innovative dishes.
• B Matthews: Experience Southern hospitality at its finest at B Matthews, where classic breakfast dishes and warm hospitality await.
• Funky Brunch: Embark on a culinary adventure at Funky Brunch, where inventive dishes and vibrant flavors reign supreme.
• Franklin’s Restaurant & Bakery: Start your day on a sweet note at Franklin’s Restaurant & Bakery, where freshly brewed coffee and delicious pastries await, offering a delightful start to your Savannah adventure. The perfect mix of ambiance and delightful offerings.
• Clary’s Cafe: Step back in time at Clary’s Cafe, a historic diner serving up hearty breakfast fare and nostalgic charm since 1903.
• Mirabelle: Indulge in European-style breakfast and pastries at Mirabelle, where Old World charm meets Southern hospitality in the heart of downtown Savannah.
• Hop Atomica (Sunday Brunch): Treat yourself to a brunch experience like no other at Hop Atomica, where creative dishes and craft beers come together to create a memorable Sunday brunch.
• Cotton & Rye: Dive into a culinary journey at Cotton & Rye, where locally sourced ingredients and inventive flavors take center stage during brunch.
• The Public: Savor Southern-inspired brunch favorites at The Public, where comfort food meets culinary excellence in a welcoming atmosphere.
• Rhett: Experience elevated brunch fare at Rhett, where seasonal ingredients and creative techniques come together to create a truly unforgettable dining experience.
• Debi’s: Discover a hidden gem at Debi’s, where homemade dishes and friendly service make every visit a memorable one.

Lunch…

• Crystal Beer Parlor: Dive into Savannah’s culinary history at Crystal Beer Parlor, where classic dishes and Southern hospitality reign supreme.
• Zunzi’s: Transport your taste buds to South Africa at Zunzi’s, where flavorful sandwiches and vibrant sauces await hungry diners. Jason and I love Zunzi’s – from their sandwiches and salads to the ambience of each location (…make sure to visit them when you head out to Tybee Island, too) to their drink menu. The owners are the nicest people who are also locals, which just happens to be an added bonus.
• Green Truck Pub: Savor gourmet burgers and locally sourced ingredients at Green Truck Pub, a beloved lunch spot in downtown Savannah.
• Betty Bombers: Enjoy a nostalgic dining experience at Betty Bombers, where classic American comfort food and retro decor create a one-of-a-kind lunchtime escape. I am a huge fan of their Ceasar salad, french fries, and tacos!
• The Vault: Step into The Vault for a sophisticated lunch experience in a historic setting, where modern cuisine and timeless elegance converge. The Vault is an essential…from their edamame dumplings to their sushi – you cannot go wrong!
• Mrs. Wilkes: Experience Southern hospitality at its finest at Mrs. Wilkes, where traditional Southern dishes and communal dining create a truly memorable lunchtime experience. Get there early because the line can form around the block – but it’s worth the wait!
• Debi’s Restaurant: Enjoy homemade dishes and friendly service at Debi’s, a hidden gem where lunchtime classics are served with a smile. I’ve been going to Debi’s since I was a kid (back when it was at the original location). While the location has changed, the food remains just a delicious as ever.
• Fire Street Food: Embark on a culinary journey at Fire Street Food, where Asian-inspired flavors and creative dishes take center stage during lunch. Their tuna and seaweed bowl is my go to, along with their edamame and pad thai.
• Bull Street Taco: Savor the flavors of the world at Bull Street Taco, where inventive tacos and bold flavors reign supreme. This place…ahhh..it is like no other. Jason and I literally crave this place, their guacamole, their tacos…their margaritas! My go-to’s: buffalo cauliflower taco and the tuna tostada.
• Kayak Cafe: Enjoy fresh and healthy fare at Kayak Cafe, where locally sourced ingredients and vibrant flavors create a delicious lunchtime experience. Did someone say loaded tater tots???
• The Public: Savor Southern-inspired lunch favorites at The Public, where comfort food meets culinary excellence in a welcoming atmosphere. Fabulous eats, incredible location & people watching.
• Sly’s Sliders & Fries: Treat yourself to a casual yet satisfying lunch at Sly’s Sliders & Fries, where sliders and inventive toppings steal the show. Just go…that is all…you won’t regret it.
• Collins Quarter: Return to The Collins Quarter for a sophisticated lunch experience featuring elegant dishes and impeccable service.
• Finches: Enjoy modern Southern cuisine with a global twist at Finches, where seasonal ingredients and innovative flavors come together to create a memorable dining experience.

Dinner…

• The Pink House: Experience Southern fine dining at its best at The Pink House, where elegant surroundings and impeccable cuisine create an unforgettable dining experience. If you’ve never eaten there, then absolutely make a reservation the main house. You truly cannot go wrong with anything on the menu and the ambiance is quintessential Savannah. But, if you want to know my favorite way to enjoy The Pink House…go downstairs. Technically, it’s called Planter’s Tavern, but I always refer to it as the best part of The Pink House. It can be found downstairs under the The Pink House where you will find dark woods, leather, tapered candles melting over, and on the best nights you’ll hear the piano playing while a fire roars from the stone mantle. If that isn’t enough to entice you – then you’ll be pleased to know that the menu, wine list and bar items are the same (if not better, in my opinion, of course).
• Chive on Broughton Street. This is where you’ll find me on birthdays or when I take myself out on a date. Their Chilean Sea Bass is my absolute favorite – but I do change it up a bit by asking for it over the risotto instead of the orzo. Trust me…just do it.
• Savoy Society. There isn’t anything I can’t say about this funky little place. From vinyl playing to fabulous wine on tap to the best bartenders in the town or to the food which is phenomenal and made fresh. You cannot beat this place. It’s secretly one of my favorite places where I would go weekly when I lived downtown Savannah. The owners are some of the best people. My faves from this place: any drink that Ashley makes, fingerling potatoes, their melty grilled cheese large enough to feed a football team, the chicken and rice dish [find out name], their desserts, and their Monday night specials! Y’all…quit overthinking it and just go. Trust me. And while there, give them all a hug for me.
• Circa 1875. The French 75, the Steak & Frites, the escargot. Transport your taste buds to France at Circa 1875, where classic French dishes and an extensive wine list create a culinary experience to remember.
• Finches. Off “the beaten path”, but if you find yourself wandering out to Bonaventure Cemetery, make sure you take time to stop over for brunch, lunch or a cocktail (or all three).
• McDonoughs. I always say, “you might die from the food, but it’s worth the risk”. Their wings (parmesan-buffalo, double fried) might be the best wings I’ve had – ever – and I am a “self-appointed” wing aficionado.
• Bull Street Tacos. I crave their food. It’s THAT good. This place…ahhh..it is like no other. Their guacamole, their tacos…their margaritas! My go-to’s: buffalo cauliflower taco and the tuna tostada.
• The Wyld: Enjoy waterfront dining at its best at The Wyld, where fresh seafood and Southern favorites are served with a side of stunning views.
• Starland Yard: Discover a culinary oasis at Starland Yard, where food trucks and craft beverages converge to create a vibrant dining experience in the heart of the Starland District. And…it is pet friendly!!
• The Grey: Immerse yourself in culinary excellence at The Grey, housed in a restored Greyhound bus terminal and renowned for its innovative Southern cuisine.
• Elizabeth’s on 37th: Experience Southern hospitality at its finest at Elizabeth’s on 37th, where refined dishes and gracious service create a truly unforgettable dining experience.
• Cotton n’ Rye: Delight in Southern-inspired dishes with a modern twist at Cotton n’ Rye, where locally sourced ingredients and creative flavors take center stage.
• Cha Bella: Experience farm-to-table dining at Cha Bella, where sustainable practices and seasonal ingredients create a fresh and flavorful dining experience.
• Bella’s Italian: Indulge in classic Italian cuisine at Bella’s Italian, where homemade pasta and traditional dishes are served in a warm and inviting atmosphere. My dad took me here for the first time in 1994 and I have been going ever since. What do I eat? Well, I eat the same thing every time. Yes, I’ve tried it all, but the tortellini is my absolute favorite. Well, that along with their homemade breadsticks (that taste like unglazed donuts) that are served with fresh marinara and a compote herb & garlic butter. Bella’s is goodness on a plate wrapped in nostalgia and family memories with my dad.
• Bella Napoli: Transport yourself to Italy at Bella Napoli, where authentic Neapolitan pizza and handmade pasta await hungry diners. Make sure to make a reservation.
• Alligator Soul: Embark on a culinary journey at Alligator Soul, where global flavors and Southern hospitality combine to create a dining experience like no other.
• Husk Savannah: Delight in the flavors of the South at Husk Savannah, where seasonal ingredients and creative techniques celebrate the region’s culinary heritage.
• Vinnie Van Go-Go’s: Dive into New York-style pizza at Vinnie Van Go-Go’s, a downtown institution known for its thin crust and generous toppings. The best pizza in town, if you ask me!
• Big Bon Pizza: Discover pizza perfection at Big Bon Pizza, where wood-fired pies and locally sourced ingredients create a culinary masterpiece. Don’t forget to take home some of their bagels!
• Screamin’ Mimi’s Pizza: Treat yourself to a slice of heaven at Screamin’ Mimi’s Pizza, where traditional pies and creative combinations delight pizza lovers of all ages.

Dessert….

• Lulu’s Chocolate Bar. Hands-down my absolute favorite dessert spot in Savannah. The cakes, the creme brûlée, the chocolate martinis, the pecan torte. They can do no wrong. Jason and I cannot go out for dinner and not stop there for dessert…or pick some up to enjoy at home.
• Leopold’s Ice Cream. Leopold’s is quintessential Savannah. If you’ve never been, you must go. It’s a right of passage in Savannah, and you won’t regret it…even if the line is around the block. Yes, that’s normal as it should be…it’s Leopold’s, after-all. I personally am a fan of their butter pecan and their brownie a-la-mode. Delish!
• Savannah’s Candy Kitchen. Get the pralines. Get a turtle. Get a bag of saltwater taffy.
• Byrd’s Cookie Company. Drop by their store to try all of their flavors – from savory to sweet and everything in between. You’ll eat half a bag worth of samples before you leave the store with more cookies than you need, but they won’t go to waste because they are just that good. The key lime and jalapeno cheddar are two I always love to keep around the house.

Let’s Taco’bout it….

• Bull Street Taco: Savor the flavors of the world at Bull Street Taco, where inventive tacos and bold flavors reign supreme.
• Tequila’s Town: Embark on a culinary journey at Tequila’s Town, where authentic Mexican flavors and traditional recipes take center stage.
• Orale’s Tacos. After living in Texas for a few years, I started to miss authentic tacos…and then I found this little gem! Incredible tacos and margaritas!

Next Up: Where to drink…and Savannahians know how to drink, well.

Cocktails…

• Alley Cat Lounge: Step into the speakeasy ambiance of Alley Cat Lounge, where expertly crafted cocktails and a hidden entrance create a unique and memorable experience.
• Artillery: Enjoy sophisticated cocktails in a chic, historic setting at Artillery, where the attention to detail in both drinks and decor makes for an elegant night out.
• Peregrin: Sip on creative cocktails with stunning rooftop views at Peregrin, a chic rooftop bar that offers a perfect blend of style and relaxation.
• Savoy Society: Immerse yourself in the charm of Savoy Society, where European-inspired cocktails and a warm, inviting atmosphere make for an exceptional cocktail experience.
• Myrtle & Rose: Discover a botanical-inspired cocktail menu at Myrtle & Rose, a rooftop garden lounge that combines lush greenery with refreshing drinks.
• Le Chai: Enjoy a sophisticated cocktail experience at Le Chai, where an extensive wine and cocktail list is complemented by a refined, intimate setting.
• Saint Bibiana: Indulge in handcrafted cocktails and an elegant atmosphere at Saint Bibiana, where classic and contemporary drinks are served with flair.
• The Wayward: Step into the eclectic and adventurous world of The Wayward, where inventive cocktails and a vibrant setting make for an unforgettable night out.
• Jen’s & Friends: Experience a playful and creative cocktail menu at Jen’s & Friends, known for its extensive selection of martinis and friendly, welcoming vibe.

These cocktail spots offer a diverse range of atmospheres and drink selections, ensuring that whether you’re in the mood for a classic cocktail or something more inventive, Savannah has the perfect spot for you to enjoy a sophisticated evening out.

Beer/Breweries…

1. Moon River Brewing Company. Quench your thirst with handcrafted brews at Moon River Brewing Company, housed in a historic building dating back to 1821. Do I have a reminder in my phone around the time they release their fall sweet potato beer? Absolutely. Do I go the rest of the year, absolutely. You’ll find me in the cute outdoor beer garden.
2. Service Brewing Co. Discover the art of brewing at Service Brewing Co., where passion and craftsmanship converge to create exceptional beers inspired by Savannah’s rich history. Service is military owned and are the nicest people! Between community events, giving back, incredible live music on the weekends, and their incredible beer selection – make sure to stop by for a pour or flight.
3. Two Tides Brewing Company. Dive into the local beer scene at Two Tides Brewing Company, where creative brews and community spirit take center stage.
4. White Whale Craft Ales. Experience the art of craft brewing at White Whale Craft Ales, where unique flavors and creative collaborations redefine the beer-drinking experience. Jason and I absolutely LOVE this place!! There selection of craft beers is impeccable and we love the relaxed vive. If you love good beer, do not skip this place! (Oh, and it’s blocks from Bull Street Taco…so there’s that).
5. Hop Atomica. Discover a unique dining experience at Hop Atomica, where creative dishes and craft beers come together in a vibrant and relaxed setting.

Would this even be a proper list without naming the best Dive Bars in town?

• McDonough’s. Irish Bar & Karaoke…it’s a hot mess but it’s a fun hot mess.
• The Wormhole. A beloved dive bar in the Starland District, The Wormhole offers live music, karaoke, and a laid-back atmosphere perfect for a casual night out. Just go. You won’t regret it.
• Moodright’s. Beer & Duckpin Bowling. Need I say more?
• Lone Wolf Lounge. Dive into a unique and cozy atmosphere at The Lone Wolf Lounge, where craft cocktails and a relaxed setting make it a standout spot for a nightcap.
• The Original Pinky Masters. Pay homage to Savannah’s legendary watering holes at The Original Pinkie Masters. If you know me, then you know I lived a few doors down from here at one point and this place is my fave. From the incredible drinks, PBR on tap, the owners & bartenders who are like family, to the impeccable decor, to the history made there (yep, Carter announced his run for presidency on that bar)….it is no wonder why this place is my fave. Jason & I even had a post-wedding beer here to celebrate! Just make sure to bring cash (or your debit card because they have an ATM), to tip well, and to buy the bartender a shot. If you want to read more about this special place, check out this incredible feature in Garden & Gun.
• The Rail Pub: Embrace the laid-back atmosphere of Savannah at The Rail Pub, where cold beers and friendly faces await in the heart of the historic district.

Drinks with a view – my favorite rooftops…

• Bar Julian. The cocktails. The menu. The view. The sunsets. Each are extraordinary.
• Peregrin. This rooftop is like home to me, maybe because it was so close to my home…or just maybe it’s because it feels more quaint, or maybe it’s the feeling of being right in the middle of Savannah with the most incredible views of the city. Their froze is delish on a sunny day, but be warned – it has a kick!
• The Lost Square.
• The Perch. “Perched” above Local 11ten, an incredible restaurant in town, you will find The Perch. It’s quaint, has a sense of serenity, and offers fabulous cocktails, wine, and beer. They do have seasonal hours and inclement weather may affect their opening – so make sure to check online or call if your unsure.

So, as you can tell, there is a little bit of something for anyone in this town. I know that I left off some big names in this list, trust me, I know. Make sure to keep an eye out for updates to this list. If you’re looking for things to do in & around Savannah, make sure to check out my blog here!

Photo credit: Kristin Yoder Photography