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Savannah is a serious food and drink city, and the historic district alone could keep you busy for a week. Here’s where we actually go and what we like to order.
The Old Pink House — Book Months Ahead
If you do one sit-down dinner in Savannah, make it this one. Housed in a colonial mansion on Abercorn Street overlooking one of Savannah’s many squares, the Old Pink House has won awards for years and earned every one of them. The decor hasn’t changed much over the decades, which is exactly the point, you feel like you’re dining in someone’s historic home. The food ranges from classic Southern (fried chicken, roasts) to beautifully executed steaks. Staff is excellent, drinks are solid.
There’s also a cellar bar downstairs, intimate, first-come-first-served, and reportedly haunted. If you want a spot by the fireplace, call ahead. The whole building is supposedly one of Savannah’s most famously haunted properties, which adds a layer of atmosphere that’s hard to manufacture.
Vic’s on the River — Anniversary-Worthy Views
Upstairs overlooking the harbor, Vic’s on the River is a throwback to Victorian-era fine dining, white tablecloths, classic dishes, river views, and the occasional steamboat floating by. We’ve had anniversary lunches here and it never disappoints. If you want something elegant without the Old Pink House wait times, this is a strong alternative.
Huey’s on the River — Beignets and Morning Sun
New Orleans-inspired cuisine right on River Street, open for breakfast through dinner. The beignets are almost as good as the ones in New Orleans. We won’t say they’re equal, but they’re close enough to be worth the trip. Order them to split before your main meal, and get the coffee. Fair warning: the morning sun comes directly through the river-view windows, so bring sunglasses or request a table farther back.
Collins Quarter — The Lavender Latte Is the Real Deal
Two locations, one near Forsyth Park and one off Oglethorpe, and both are excellent. The food is wildly creative for a coffee shop: shakshuka, short rib breakfast plates, beautifully executed pastries. The lavender latte is legitimately one of the best things we’ve had in the city. If you’re in the Forsyth Park area on a Saturday morning, Collins Quarter is the perfect stop before the farmers market.
Public Kitchen and Bar — Where the Locals Go
Elevated comfort food, great drinks, and a crowd that skews local rather than tourist. Public is one of those places that doesn’t need to try hard because it’s just consistently good. The vibe is relaxed and the food delivers. Right next door is Saints and Shamrocks, a great little store for Celtic memorabilia and Catholic-themed goods if that’s your thing.
Little Crown by Pie Society — British Pasties and Gin
Tucked into City Market, this British-inspired spot does pasties, pot pies, and an impressive gin menu alongside British beers on tap. We had an Earl Grey-infused gin that was genuinely excellent. The Royal Navy Rum Punch and the Rhubarb Fizz are worth ordering just for the names. It’s small, it’s fun, and it’s the kind of place you stumble into and end up staying longer than planned.
Zunzi’s — Don’t Skip It
A Savannah institution with South African-inspired food. They also have Zunzi’s Bar nearby for the same energy with drinks. The food is distinctive enough that it has a genuine cult following, and for good reason. If you see a line, get in it.
Quick Mentions Worth Your Time
Trailer Park (spelled Treyler Park), fun cocktails, decent apps, chain but not bad. Mrs. Wilkes with family-style Southern food served at communal tables, a true Savannah institution; check hours because she closes for vacations. Byrds Cookies on River Street with free tastings of savory and sweet cookies; my favorite is the Benne Wafer. Leopold’s Ice Cream which is made fresh in-house, long lines but worth it; grab a Leopold’s ice cream sandwich at the Savannah History Museum to skip the wait.
Stay tuned for Thursday’s after dark post!!
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Trip Jar Travel Blog — blog.gettripjar.com
Have never been to Savannah but would like to go one day. Ever since reading Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil! I love writing about food and getting good information from others.