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Savannah's culinary scene has brought in lots of new choices for the foodie. You can find great food around every corner now. But I like to get a little more than just great food when I am traveling. I want a view, history, atmosphere. Here are five restaurants in Savannah to try with more than just great food.
This is my absolute favorite restaurant in Savannah. You MUST make reservations for either lunch or dinner for this popular spot. They use OpenTable for reservations and do not have a website of their own.
Their house made cheese straws are brought out to the table in mason jars. If you’ve never heard of cheese straws before, they are long, thin cheese crackers with a hint of cayenne.
My favorite for lunch is the fish tacos. Tacos come out deconstructed and you can build to your liking. Fish of the day can be cooked grilled, blackened or fried. Top with cheese, guac, pico, lettuce, sour cream and pickled okra. They are known for their crispy, scored flounder among other southern, seafood entrees.
Located on Reynolds Square, the Olde Pink House is an 18th century mansion built by one of the first families of Savannah. The Olde Pink house gets its name from its pink hue. The story is told that the red brick of the building bled through the white plaster and made it pink. The home was painted over white to cover the pink until bought in 1920 when the occupant decided to keep the pink color and paint it pink. In the early 1800s it became The Planters Bank, the first bank in Georgia.
This touristy restaurant boasts more history than most places in Savannah due in part that one of their dining rooms is the Herb House, the oldest building in Georgia. The Pirate’s House was also mentioned in the book Treasure Island. Seamen would be drugged and carried out to sea using tunnels from under the restaurant that went out to the river. Once they were out to sea, they would be forced into work on the ship since there was no escape.
The lunch buffet is excellent and includes fried chicken, mac and cheese, country vegetables and even seafood au gratin on Fridays. The costumed pirates roaming about the restaurant are a great touch for kids. Ask them for a tour of the building before you leave.
Another major plus is the parking! Parking in downtown Savannah is hard to come by and they are one of the few restaurants that has a dedicated parking lot.
Be prepared to stand in line for this favorite! Guests begin forming a line early down Jones Street, one of the most beautiful streets in America. Mrs. Wilkes serves up delicious, southern home cooking family style at large tables. Enjoy fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, okra, peas, cabbage, squash, cole slaw, butter beans, candied yams and much more! After dining to your heart's (or stomach's) content, take your dishes to the kitchen just like grandma made you do!
Take note, they are only open for lunch and are closed on Saturdays and Sundays and in January. They do not take reservations or credit cards so have cash handy.
Little known fact: You can stay in the Wilkes Boardinghouse. Get information here: www.luckysavannah.com/wilkes-collection
Housed in an old Streamliner railcar, Sandfly Bar-B-Q is a must for unique dining. With limited seating inside and a few outdoor cafe tables, you will want to get there early. They are open 11am until they run out, Monday through Saturday.
See our blog and more photos of Sandfly Bar-B-Q here.
I was in awe the first time I visited Cohen’s Retreat, so much so that I chose this location for my wedding! It is located outside of the Historic District but is on the way to sites such as Wormsloe and Isle of Hope.
The building was built in 1930's with money that Mr. Cohen set aside to build a retirement home for men. It was to be a place "where no man would die old and alone." The building later became a dormitory for Olympic athletes and then a furniture store before becoming the restaurant it is today.
In addition to the main dining room, they have a ballroom with 10 impressive chandeliers and a market that sells local art and goods.
Although technically not in Savannah, The Crab Shack is another restaurant that is more of a destination in itself. Dine on delectable seafood under the oak trees in an almost tree-house like setting. Look out over the marsh and waterway. Feed the baby alligators and visit their gift shop that houses an assortment of parrots and birds.
Of course, there are so many more than five restaurants that have a story to tell. What's your favorite Savannah restaurant?