Historic Savannah’s Restaurants, Bars, and Sports Bars — a local’s insight

Date Night/Couples’ Nice Dinner

This place is only two blocks from our house, and it is great! We are so happy to have a restaurant that takes less than two minutes to walk to! It is Italian but it is 100% creative and unique in its options. Distance .1 mile

Veratina/606 Abercorn St./912.239.0550

Upscale food with a cozy ambience

Are you celebrating? Looking for a place for a date night? Noble Fare is the quintessential historic district restaurant that never disappoints. From its service to its seasonally-changing menu, you can return again and again for excellent food and reliable staff. Distance: Walkable .6 Mile

Noble Fare/321 Jefferson St/912.443.3210

Gourmet, daily-changing-menu in an historic home converted into a restaurant

This place has an outstanding atmosphere! Husk is also a restaurant that was once an historic home, and the architect/design team did a fantastic job on the conversion. You still sense you’re in an old home, and yet it’s very obviously a nice, upscale restaurant. The food changes daily, but it is consistently good. Well worth a visit if you can get a reservation. Distance: Walkable .4 Mile

Husk/12 West Oglethorpe/912.349.2600

Excellent food with a romantic ambience in a converted historic home

For a really nice dinner out, you can’t go wrong with Common Thread. It’s located in what was formerly a residential home, and they did a great job converting it into a high-end, intimate restaurant. The atmosphere, food, and service are top-notch, making it a perfect place for a romantic dinner. Distance: Non-walkable, but a very short Uber ride

Common Thread/122 E 37th St/912.944.7482

Date Night/Couples’ Nice Dinner

Local 11ten is right near Forsyth Park. With a rooftop bar, a lovely ambience, and an excellent menu, it is perfect for a date night. Distance: Walkable 0.6 miles through Forsyth Park

Local 11ten/1110 Bull St./912.790.9000

Date Night/Couples’ Nice Dinner

“One of the world’s best restaurants,” according to Food & Wine, and we would have to agree. It’s on the pricier side but absolutely worth the splurge. Reservations can be difficult, so I advise making them as soon as your travel plans are firm. It’s southern food with soul. Distance: Walkable 1 mile

The Grey Restaurant/109 Martin Luther King Blvd/912.662.5999

Date Night/Couples’ Nice Dinner

This is one of our favorites. It’s not walkable from the downtown historic district, but it is a short Uber ride. Consistently good “New American” food, and it’s located in a former 1950s bank. Great dinner spot! Distance: Better to Uber. 1 mile

Cotton & Rye/1801 Habersham/912.777.6286

Lively Vibe in the Heart of the Historic District

We eat here a lot because the food is good, it’s close, and the atmosphere is upbeat. Whether you’re needing brunch or dinner, it is a great choice for either. Walkable 0.5 mile

Collin’s Quarter/151 Bull St./912-777-4147

Nice Little Deli Shop for Lunch

Urban Deli was a vegan spot before new owners came in and transitioned to a deli. They still carry some vegan options, but the sandwiches on their menu are really good. It’s also just a hop, skip, and a jump from Be Our Gaston! Walkable 0.4 mile

321 Habersham St

Modern Brunch Under the Oaks

Collins Quarter is both a local and tourist favorite, and, with two locations, each has its own vibe. The park location is known for its brunch and outdoor ambiance, while the Bull St. location is more suited for dinner (although they also do breakfast and lunch). Neither accepts reservations for brunch, however, so keep that in mind. Distance: walkable (Forsyth location is 0.3 mile and Bull location is 0.7 mile)

Collins Quarter

Forsyth ~ 621 Drayton ~ 912.298.6544

Downtown ~ 151 Bull St. ~ 912.777.4147

Empanadas and Pastries

You can tell them Kelly and Patrick sent you…that’s how often we’re in here. Patrick is methodically making his way through the empanada menu! This is a really small menu and is perfect if you’re just looking for a quick bite. 0.4 mile walk

Belen de la Cruz/123 E. Liberty

Comfort Food/Extensive Beer Selection

This is a locals’ favorite! Set within a former grocery store, it is one of the oldest dining/bar establishments in the city. With at least 50 beers on tap and a comfort food type menu, it is well worth a visit. Distance: Walkable 0.5 miles

Crystal Beer Parlor/301 West Jones Street/912.349.1000

Meet Strangers Eating True Southern Food

Mrs. Wilkes is a family-style southern eating experiences where you are seated around a table with people in your party, as well people who aren’t. It’s a great way to experience true southern hospitality and cuisine. Menu changes daily. Distance: Walkable 0.3 mile

Mrs. Wilkes/107 West Jones St.

Great Breakfast, Lunch, or Dinner Spot on Broughton St.

This cute little place is excellently located and has a terrific menu. I’ve yet to be disappointed! 1 mile walk. Take Bull and walk through the squares!

Dottie’s Market/207 W. Broughton

Traditional Deli Sandwiches, as well as a few Breakfast Items

If you’re near Forsyth and wanting a deli sandwich, this is a great option (in addition to Urban Deli)! Or, if you’re wanting a bagel sandwich for breakfast, they’ve got that, too! Closed Saturdays and Sundays, so make sure to get there on a weekday if you’re visiting. 0.6 mile walk

Anita Deli Sandwich/348 Jefferson St/912. 239.4167

Fabulous Poké Bowls

Nom Nom is expensive, BUT Nom Nom is delicious and fresh and you will not be disappointed. I always add “extra protein” because I want to feel really full, which means the price is even higher. But…..it. is. scrumptious. Try the “Hello Sunshine” with extra tuna or salmon and creamy togarashi! Sidenote** I’ve spent lots of time in Hawaii, and I truly think these bowls are better! 1 mile walk

Nom Nom Poke Shop/1821 Bull St/912.777.4074

Modern Tacos in a Lively, Laid-Back Atmosphere with Locals

Bull Street Taco provides an awesome atmosphere and excellent, modern tacos. My personal favorite menu item is the tuna tostada (but ask for the basil crema sauce instead of the one that comes with it!) Everyone I know, though, goes crazy for the red chili tempura cauliflower taco! 0.9 mile walk

Bull Street Taco/1608 Bull Street/912.349.6931

One of the Best Burgers in Savannah

Green Truck has done what so many old, dated fast-food restaurants should do — convert into something unique and modern. When you see the building from the outside, you wouldn’t immediately notice that it is a repurposed fast-food joint. But, take a look and you’ll see that it is. It’s quite cool; the food is delicious; and the atmosphere is interesting. It’s in fierce competition with Smash Burger for best burger in Savannah. Short Uber ride.

Green Truck/2430 Habersham St/912.234.5885

South African Inspired Food - aka Amazing Sauces

Once located in a hole-in-the-wall, Zunzi’s, at least in my opinion, lost some of its charm when it opened its huge, modern, outdoor restaurant on Drayton. It’s still very popular for its food, but that “Whoa, this is such a cool little place” feeling is missing now. It is still, however, an excellent place to eat out, and, if you didn’t know the old location, you’re none the wiser. The sauces are fantastic, and you’ll be asking, “Can I buy this in a bottle?” 0.5 mile walk

Zunzi’s/236 Drayton St/912.443.9555

Authentic Chinese Food with Two Downtown Locations

This is probably the best Chinese food in the downtown area. I just tried the “Hot Oil Wonton” appetizer, and, oh howdy, that is delicious! The Oglethorpe location is a 0.6 mile walk.

E-Tang/513 E. Oglethorpe and 10 Whitaker

I Feel Like Eating Healthy Food

For the health-conscious clientele, this place is a winner. It’s not exactly a sit-down, dinner-type place due to the atmosphere, but it’s great for lunch. Then again, if you want take-out, it would work for dinner, as well. The menu is jam-packed with one healthy option after another, and, even if you aren’t the healthy type, you’ll find something you like. If you enjoy a spicy kick, definitely try their habanero sauce; it’s awesome! 0.8 mile walk

Kayak Kafé/1 E. Broughton St/912.233.6044

Seriously Good Sushi

My one problem with this place is the lighting. Please, turn it down! It feels like a cafeteria, which is why we never eat inside. We buy the food and take it home because it is really, really good sushi…and I’m a very picky “sushi person.”

Sushi Hana/18 E Broughton St/912.777.5009

Non-Sushi Japanese Food with an American Twist

From the owners of Collin’s Quarter comes Ukiyo, a new Japanese restaurant that focuses on non-sushi items. Honestly, this is nicer than casual, but I didn’t know where else to put it!

I was skeptical at first but I ate there a couple of nights ago, and it was fantastic! We ordered family style so I was able to try a bunch of different things, and I will absolutely be back. Probably best to Uber.

Ukiyo/2224 Bull St/912.428.5683

Modern brunch under the oaks

Collins Quarter is both a local and tourist favorite, and, with two locations, each has its own vibe. The park location is known for its brunch and outdoor ambiance, while the Bull location is more suited for dinner (although they also do breakfast and lunch). Neither accepts reservations for brunch, however, so keep that in mind. Distance: walkable (Forsyth location is 0.3 mile and Bull location is 0.7 mile)

Collins Quarter

Forsyth ~ 621 Drayton ~ 912.298.6544

Downtown ~ 151 Bull St. ~ 912.777.4147

Good old-fashioned American breakfast

This is an old-school breakfast restaurant only a couple of blocks from our house. If you’re the type who orders the typical American breakfast (gluten and all), this is the place for you! It’s also the breakfast diner that you read/see in Midnight In the Garden of Good and Evil book/movie. Walkable 0.1 mile

Clary’s/404 Abercorn St/912.233.0402

Great little brunch spot that is super close with a French vibe

Franklin’s is a great spot for both coffee, as well as brunch. My husband recently had the “Croque Madame,” and it was fantastic! It’s a smaller menu, but each item is done really well. Walkable 0.5 mile

Franklin’s/5 West Liberty St./912-200-4045

A brunch menu with something for everyone

J Christopher’s is a chain but still worthy of a visit. It’s a nice brunch spot with a traditional menu, although their tagline is “Familiar food with flair!” Walkable 0.4 mile

J Christopher’s/122 E. Liberty St./912-236-7494

Uber Tasty Traditional Ice Cream on Broughton St.

One of our sons works here, and he swears by the following flavors: Rum Bisque, Frozen Hot Chocolate, and the Savannah Socialite. Did you know Leopold’s invented “Tutti Frutti”? If you’re thinking, “It’s just ice cream; I’ll get Ben & Jerry’s,” you’re wrong. The ice cream is better, AND it’s an experience. Walkable 0.7 mile

Leopold’s/212 E. Broughton St/912.234.4442

Unusual Ice Cream Flavors and Gelato on Bull St.

So, this is another ice cream shop but with a different foundation from Leopold’s. Whereas Leopold’s is your very traditional American ice cream with flavors you’ll recognize, Doki Doki’s flavor selection is a little more diverse, and they also have gelato. Walkable 0.7 mile

Doki Doki/143 Bull St./912-328-5402

If You Love Ice Cream Sandwiches….

This place is located on the west side of Broughton and is very, very popular. If you’ve ever dreamt of customizing an ice cream sandwich, this is the place for you. Walkable 1 mile

The Baked Bear/319 W. Broughton St.

Upscale Drinks with an Amazing View

This is the bar on the rooftop of the Perry Lane hotel, and what a rooftop view it is! It’s quite possibly one of our favorite places to have a drink in the evening because the sunset is so awesome. Walkable .5 mile

Peregrin/256 E Perry St/912.559.8333

Upscale Cocktails in a Restored Armory

This is a super cool little place with very creative cocktails. If you want to start your night in an historic building with cocktails that are as beautiful as they are tasty, then definitely pay a visit to Artillery! Walkable .5 mile

Artillery/307 Bull St./912-200-4045

Nearby Place that is Open Late for Cocktails and Bites

Just a few blocks away is the Savoy Society, a place that is often frequented by locals. It’s a very laid back atmosphere with some outdoor seating, as well. Walkable .4 mile

Savoy Society/102 E. Liberty/912.912.1545

A Little Taste of London Just Blocks Away

Six Pence, from both the exterior and the interior, transports you across the pond to England. From the food to the beer selection, live your night like a Londoner. Also of note is the ghost who routinely makes an appearance here… We even had some guests, who rent our unit “A Walk in the Park” for a month every year, encounter this ghost on their most recent visit to Six Pence! Walkable .5 mile

Six Pence/245 Bull St./912.233.3151

Excellent Beer Selection Usually with a Food Truck

You will find us here often! Service makes their own beer, and they have something to satisfy everyone’s “beer palate!” From sours, to ipa’s, to stouts, they make it all. They are located in a huge building on the west end of the downtown area, making it a great option for a beer if you’re in that area. There is often a food truck outside, which is great because Service doesn’t have a food menu. Uber or Walk (depending on your comfort level) 1.4 mile

Service Brewing Company/574 Indian St/912. 358.1002

If you haven’t already, take a walk along the Savannah River to watch the massive container ships sail through. It is truly a sight to see; so much so that even adults are mesmerized! It is on the western, Plant Riverside end of the riverwalk, and it is a great place to sit and have a drink while watching the boats pass by. They have a menu, which isn’t extensive, but the food is decent. Uber or Walk 1.4 mile

District Live at Plant Riverside/400 W River St/912.373.9150

First Choice for Beers and the Big Game

Our oldest son went to SCAD and he’s intimately familiar with the Savannah bars that broadcast professional sports. This is his number one choice, primarily because you can usually watch the sport you want, as well as have the sound on. Located in an old theatre, they also have a large menu, so it’s ideal for watching the game and getting lunch/dinner. Walkable .8 mile

Savannah Taphouse/125 E Broughton St/912.201.8277

Second Choice for Beers and the Big Game

Jonesin’ for your favorite team and a beer? This is our second choice. It’s right downtown and, consequently, super convenient. Walkable .7 mile

R&D Burgers/13 E Broughton St/912.339.8060

Third Choice for Beers and the Big Game

McDonough’s is your standard Irish bar, but it’s also an option to watch your favorite team. The volume isn’t always on, which is why it’s not our top choice. Walkable .5 mile

McDonough’s/21 E Mc Donough St/912.233.6136