I lived in Savannah, GA for the most part of 2022, and friends are always asking me for recommendations for when they make the trek to this coastal town. Savannah is a beautiful destination for food, low-country scenery, and Southern hospitality (they are the Hostess City after all). While my time in Savannah came to an end in September 2022, I wanted to create a guide of basically everything I have done and recommended here. You could easily get overwhelmed by all the recommendations on Google and TripAdvisor for Savannah, and you really can’t go wrong with anything you do. However, if you like a little more of a laid back, food-indulgent, coffee and cocktail heavy trip, this guide is for you! I also give you a heads up on if the super touristy places are worth it, and in most cases, they aren’t!
As a disclaimer, my recommendations for Savannah are in the lens of a Savannah College of Art and Design graduate student. I was only there one-ish year, and while I do think I will have similar recommendations as most residents, I am by no means local and am likely missing quite a few staples that I didn’t get around to trying. Nonetheless, I think this guide will be helpful for visitors of a variety of ages, visit purposes, etc. If you try any of these, be sure to let me know! I can’t wait to return back to Savannah.
// restaurants //
Downtown:
Collins Quarter (151 Bull Street): This is the downtown location. This Aussie-inspired spot is on the corner of one of the main streets and has a social upscale vibe. It is always loud and packed, with people celebrating or just going out for a nice dinner. The menu is always phenomenal, and their rotating cocktail menu is fabulous as well. Definitely recommend grabbing a reservation if you plan to go for dinner, but brunch and lunch are easier to walk in.
The Public: easily my favorite restaurant in town. A unique mid-century modern interior with exceptional cocktails, a fabulous selection of curated meats and entrees, and a cool, social feel. Head to the Artillery Bar while you wait for a table to start your night fancifully.
Hitch (multiple locations, I recommend the Drayton/Oglethorpe): This is a more casual restaurant with unique Southern fare (taco pancakes, PB&J chicken wings, etc etc). I mainly recommend this location for its view of Oglethorpe Avenue, where you can people watch. Go here right before a ghost tour, as many ghost tours start at the cemetery a few blocks down. If you go, I recommend the Treylor Park Nachos, any of their cocktails, French dip flatbread, and their seasonal salads.
The Grove: More of a tourist spot but still worth checking out! Great place for larger groups and rooftop views. A mix of southern favorites and delicious cocktails. Make a reservation if you want to make sure you get in!
Little Duck Diner: One of my favorite brunches in town. You usually will have to wait about an hour, but I think it’s worth it. Every mimosa is served with a rubber ducky, and the menu features a variety of American breakfast favorites and Asian-inspired dishes. The 1920s diner interior has gorgeous tiling and a fun service bar.
Husk: Probably the fanciest place on this list, Husk is gorgeous multi-story traditional restaurant in downtown. The bar is large and in-charge, and you can easily walk in for drinks or bar-service dinner. If you want to make a reservation, plan a dressy evening and enjoy a scrumptious southern dinner.
Gryphon Tea Room: A unique tea-room location for brunch, lunch, and of course tea service! Great for birthdays, bridal showers, and baby showers, this tea room is located on Madison Square which has beautiful cafes, my favorite book shop, the most beautiful street in town (Jones Avenue), and some SCAD buildings.
Midtown:
Foxy Loxy (cafe and Tex mex): Equal parts cantina and coffee shop, this SCAD favorite is a multi-story coffee house with an inviting secret garden. Highly recommend their coffee, pastries, and of course tex mex. At night time they serve charcuterie and wine. Expect long lines but peoplewatch as you wait!
Bull Street Taco: Great margs and fresh tacos! Menu is small but everything is good.
The Vault: Another Asian-inspired restaurant, this fan-favorite is located inside an old bank. Their cocktails are amazing, and you can truly find something for everyone. Like almost all restaurants in town, they also have a taco menu.
Sly’s: A local favorite, Sly’s services sliders and fries. They are open late for those night-time cravings too.
Ardsley Station: I only got to try this American bistro once, but I loved the interior and menu! The chef experiments with a variety of cuisines so you can find something unique but delicious.
Forsyth:
Collins Quarter at Forsyth: beautiful location in the middle of Forsyth park. Tables are hard to come by but if you get there early or past the brunch rush you could sit amongst that spanish moss and enjoy a lovely meal. Highly recommend getting any of their lattes!
// coffee shops //
Downtown:
Franklin’s: Literally the most perfect little coffee shop ever. I loved getting work done here. There’s only a few outside tables and counter space inside, but it is worth waiting to find something. I recommend their lavender latte and the croissant sandwich.
The Paris Market: Equal parts brocante, shop, and cafe, the Paris Market is one of my absolute favorite places. You will feel transported to Paris with the rich interiors and Parisian inspired menu.
Le Cafe Gourmet: A mini corner cafe on Broughton Street, this French-owned shop has delicious coffee, authentic French pastries, and fresh sandwiches to munch on during a break from all the Broughton Street shopping.
Midtown:
Foxy Loxy: A SCAD student favorite, Foxy Loxy is a Texan-inspired coffee shop and cantina with kolaches, vegan pastries, tons of coffee options, and tacos/queso/all things Cantina. They also serve cheese boards and wine. Their courtyard is a nice oasis from the bustle of downtown.
Henny Penny: A sister location to Foxy Loxy, Henny Penny has all the things you love about Foxy Loxy’s coffee scene but in a smaller, more kid friendly and artistic location. The kolaches for all Foxy Loxy sister cafes are made here, and the cafe hosts art projects for children weekly.
Superbloom: I sadly only got to visit Superbloom once, but they have unique coffee drinks with matcha, lavender, floral flavors, and more. It is located near Starland Yards and has a local boutique inside.
// bars //
Downtown:
The Grove rooftop: The Grove is a great restaurant to meet up with friends, watch a game, etc. They also have a beautiful rooftop with live music, panoramic city views, and fishbowl style cocktails for friend groups to share!
Electric Moon: If you’re looking for a loud, exciting rooftop bar, this one is for you. They usually have dance music or a DJ, and the rooftop looks over River Street.
Perry Lane Hotel Rooftop: A calmer scene compared to The Grove or Electric Moon, but still a great rooftop to meet up with friends for cocktails.
Artillery Cocktail Bar: One of my absolute favorites, Artillery is a sophisticated and art-deco/mid century modern speakeasy. Their cocktails are unique. Stop in here before dinner at The Public for my favorite Savannah evening.
Club One (gay bar and dance club): If you’re looking for a fun time, head to Club One for drag shows, karaoke, and iconic dancing. If you like to go out early in the evening, this is not the place for you. The party usually doesn’t start until midnight.
Savoy Society: A tropical 1970s inspired cocktail bar, Savoy Society is a vibrant hangout spot with inventive cocktails, fresh food, and a cool atmosphere.
Midtown:
Moodright’s: Your more casual, hangout with the gang, typical American bar but Savannah style. They have great southern food too.
Water Witch: A tiki bar!! Need I say more?
Lone Wolf: More of your local neighborhood bar, Lone Wolf is just off the beaten path behind Moodright’s but has a fun dive-bar type atmosphere.
// shopping //
Broughton Street Shops: The Posh Loft, Edgewater Drive, Morgan Rae, The Paris Market, Impeccable Pig, Kendra Scott
Whitaker Street boutiques and design studios: The Printed Peach (Lilly Pulitzer store), Paris Laundry
Midtown Abercorn shopping: Emily McCarthy shop
Bull Street shopping (start around 33rd street and walk along until you reach Victory): boutiques near Starland Yard (just pop on over there and walk around), Starland Strange
Vintage shopping: Future on Forsyth, Vintage Vortex, House of Strut
// attractions //
Ghost tours: An absolute must-do while in Savannah!
Bar crawl: Choose a bar crawl that suits you- such as a haunted one, bachelorette based, etc.! You get to see so much all around town just by going on a bar crawl.
Wormsloe Historic site: I actually never got out to visiting this site, but it’s a gorgeous location for photos and Savannah scenery.
SCAD art museum: This museum is actually worth checking out if you love art of any kind or need a fun activity on a rainy Savannah day. They frequently rotate their featured artist, and you see work of SCAD students on display as well.
Forsyth Park: I mean did you even visit Savannah if you didn’t go see Forsyth Park??
Tybee Island/Hilton Head: If you have a little extra time and want to get out of downtown, head to Tybee Island or Hilton Head for the beach! This is very much an East-Coast beach (you won’t have crystal clear water and it will be chilly), but due to Savannah’s mild weather year round, you can enjoy the beach pretty much any time of year.
Historic Jones street: Truly the most stunning street in Savannah. Find Madison Square and visit E Shaver Books (the bookstore with fluffy cats), the Scad Store, and check out the cobblestone streets as Jones cuts through Bull Street. There is a tea room, SCAD coffee shop, and lots of beautiful houses and Spanish moss.
// sample itineraries //
To be honest, there really isn’t a ton of stuff you need to do while in Savannah if you are looking for a relaxing and enjoyable vacation. I recommend staying for 3-4 days if you want a weekend getaway. Fly or drive on Friday day or night, and hit downtown first for your hotel and dinner. I recommend checking out The Public or Collins Quarter, and hitting up drinks at Artillery or Savoy Society afterwards. If you have it in you, book a ghost tour for the evening to get acquainted with the city at night. Bring a drink if you like- Savannah’s downtown is open-container!
Plan to hit the town early and check out a coffee shop for breakfast. I recommend The Paris Market or Franklins if you’re downtown, or Foxy Loxy if you are looking for something further out. After that, decide your next adventure by either hitting the beach for the afternoon, or checking out some of the historical sites like Wormsloe or Skidaway park. Leave some time to come back to your hotel and get ready for the evening. Make a reservation at Husk, Collins Quarter, or even try your luck with Alligator Soul or The Olde Pink House. After a delicious dinner, hit the town by trying all the rooftop bars. Electric Moon, Perry Lane Hotel, and The Grove are crowd favorites.
Sunday morning sleep in Savannah style, then hit brunch at a restaurant such as The Grove, The Ordinary, or Little Duck Diner. Most places don’t accept brunch reservations, so it’s best to have a few places in mind. After a scrumptious southern brunch, make your way to the shopping on Broughton Street and Whitaker street. Hit up local boutiques such as The Posh Loft and Morgan Rae, and visit national favorites such as Kendra Scott and BlueMercury. If vintage shopping is your thing, make your way to Avalon and House of Strut, then take a walk to Forsyth park for an afternoon cuppa at Collins Quarter at Forsyth, and to check out the best vintage store in town, Future on forsyth.
If you are planning a visit to Savannah and want even more recommendations, connect with me on Instagram (@theclassicmadison)! I’m happy to send recommendations and tips catered to your trip. And if you are visiting- just know I’m super jealous!
xoxo,
Madison
