Sommelier in Savannah
Every winter, my husband and I venture down to our favorite, historic town of the South.
You simply cannot have a bad time in Savannah. The food, drink, hospitality and architecture is bound to leave a smile on your face.
RESTAURANTS
After sampling the newly opened spots over the first few days, I hopped back over to my staples toward the end of our stay. Among them all, my favorites for lunch and dinner below.
LUNCH
1.) Little Duck Diner: A design-lover's dreamy, 50's-inspired brunchery. The options are practically countless, but duck is usually the main ingredient. From duck tacos to duck egg rolls and duck quesadillas to duck grilled cheese, you can't help but dig their theme, with a splash of high acid white of course.
2.) Collins Quarter: The hip, Brunch and Mimosa drop in. Always packed, very reliable, the perfect place to cure your hangover.
3.) Debi’s Fried Chicken: the no- frills, cafeteria-meets-diner with all the fixin’s. The locals like to keep this one a secret, but if you’ve seen the movie Forrest Gump, this is the diner where Jenny worked. Huge portions, super cheap, why am I telling you about it, again?
4.) The Gryphon: For high tea and sandwiches in this historic building now owned by SCAD. The décor and hospitality just makes you feel fancy, while the prices remain reasonable.
DINNER
1.) The Atlantic: The newly opened, nautical cool kid off the beaten path. Expect an inventive, American-fusion, shared-plate experience and about 20 wines-by-the-Coravin in this bright and chic spot.
2.) Hitch: 3rd location, top quality service with a creative menu. The rice waffle (Gluten free!) is served with house cured-ham and is an absolute must!
3.) Olde Pink House: One of the city's oldest gems, featuring 3 floors (plus a basement "cellar room") of dining space. Expect hearty Southern dishes, with a twist. We simply cannot skip the whole fish, no matter what it is. Fresh food, friendly staff, in the dreamiest pink mansion.
BARS
In Vino Veritas: While Savannah’s libations clearly revolve around beer and traditional cocktails, this wine bar is perfect for your vino craving. With 24 wines on tap, flights are encouraged, and the selection is equally New and Old World.
Circa 1875: This French restaurant and neighboring cocktail bar makes you feel as if you've stepped back in time. Traditional Parisian cocktails with a France-heavy wine list, we ventured over here for pre-dinner drinks more than once.
Alley Cat: This underground, 25 and up speakeasy-style watering hole has one of the largest cocktail menus I've ever seen. Get this, it's printed on newspaper, with articles on Prohibition, Hunter Thompson, and how their drinks got their names back in the day.
Artillery: The hippest hipster in town. Creative cocktails, beautiful decor and natural wine. Artillery is located where the Georgia Hussars’ armory once housed the cavalry's artillery. Very cool.
THINGS TO DO
There’s plenty to do in Savannah, from Ghost Tours to Food Crawls, even a bar on wheels for touring the city’s popular pubs. Ghost Coast Distillery gives a fantastic tour of the facility, as well as an interesting film about the history of making spirits in Savannah. There are several spas in Savannah, but my favorite for a manicure and a facial is Polished Spa. If shopping is more your speed, Broughton street is full of chains and one-offs alike, including my favorite home store to this day, Paris Market and café. Wine lovers cannot miss Le Chai Gallerie du Vin, Savannah’s all old-world shop with unique rarities in their bright, industrial-chic shop. They also have a tasting bar, so you can try before you buy!
