Breweries + Distilleries

When it comes down to it, sometimes nothing beats something straight from the source. These breweries and distilleries whip up some of the finest local nectars and host the most animated atmospheres. 

Burnt Church Distillery (Bluffton)

Celebrating their grand opening in March, 2021, Burnt Church Distillery is a hotly anticipated new addition to Bluffton. Crafting new spirits and telling old tales, the distillery serves as a local communal historian for residents and visitors. Come to church and try selections like Sin Eater, Devil’s Elbow and Sippin’ Saint. burntchurchdistillery.com

New Realm Distilling Company 

You can relax in this tastefully appointed historic setting and enjoy fine food, craft cocktails containing house-made spirits and a full list of Georgia-born craft beers. Sit in one of the tasting rooms or enjoy an amazing view of the city from the intimate rooftop terrace. This is a unique experience not to be missed!  newrealmbrewing.com

Moon River (most haunted brewery)

Reminiscent of century-old beer halls, this former city hotel will leave you with new friends and good spirits — of the human and supernatural variety. Enjoy local brews from Savannah’s most haunted brewery. moonriverbrewing.com

 

Debellation Brewing (Richmond Hill)

Drink like a viking at Debellation Brewing. The owners claim Norse viking heritage and plundered and pillaged for the finest local ingredients of which to craft their delicious brews. debellationbrewing.com

 

Ghost Coast 

As Savannah’s first distillery — since just before the Prohibition era — celebrates the lighthearted mischief, jubilation and indulgence of the city’s spirit. Visit their cocktail room for amazingly unique cocktails and fine spirit sampling. ghostcoastdistillery.com

 

Two Tides 

If it’s sour, haze and fun you seek, Two Tides is the place to be. They specialize in funk, but dabble in a bit of everything, from crisp to dark, aged stout. Enjoy (free!) pinball, local art and vibrant flavors. twotidesbrewing.com

 

Service Brewing 

Partners in life and business, owners Meredith Sutton and Kevin Ryan — a SCAD grad and former Army commander — made Service Brewing Co. a labor of love. Visit their taproom to sample local favorites and raise a glass while giving back to those who serve. Servicebrewing.com

 

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Refined Cocktails

Drinks are like art – some are whipped up by tourist cartoonists, some are crafted by Van Goghs and Monets. Here’s where to get a glass of liquid “Water Lilies.”

A.Lure 

A.Lure’s serene atmosphere is the perfect way to relax on a sophisticated night out — and their cocktails are as refined as the setting. The drinks are truly mini works of liquid art and are quite photogenic. aluresavannah.com

Wayward (the Perry Lane Hotel)

Wayward serves vibes of punk, glam, garage, and rock and roll — think refined, but a bit off beat. Be sure to try their Boilermakers — the Wayward signature — and sip with style. waywardsavannah.com

Jazz’d 

Jazz’d bartenders have committed years to honing their craft, and their mixing gifts certainly show in the top-shelf cocktails at the bar below Broughton Street. Stop by for happy hour Wednesday through Sunday from 4-7 p.m. jazzdtapasbar.com

Repeal 33  

A powerhouse in the Savannah nightlife scene, Repeal 33 is the authority on craft cocktails and authenticity, with a down-to-earth atmosphere that makes any night out feel a little like home. repeal33savannah.com 

Emporium (The Perry Lane Hotel) 

The bartenders at the Emporium Kitchen & Market bar are true cocktail wizards, working their exquisite magic crafting potions for lucky patrons. “Pop in” to this community hotspot for a quality cocktail. emporiumsavannah.com

Baobab (Plant Riverside District)

The Baobab Lounge is laced with alluring and exotic themes for all the senses. For taste, the cocktails satisfy even the most curious drinker’s intrigue, featuring refined flavors from Africa. plantriverside.com/venues/baobab-lounge

Savoy Society 

Savoy Society is the place for swinging tunes and stellar drinks. The bartenders craft a wide range of specialty cocktails with exquisite combinations. When in doubt, try one of their killer martinis. savoysociety.com

Husk 

Always a discovery of new tastes, an on-site cocktail apothecary program gives the bar team a cadre of housemade ingredients to make some of the most delicious drinks in the Lowcountry, and an equally impressive wine list is grouped by terroir and soil type. husksavannah.com

 

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Stop & Hear the Music

Any venue can pop on a playlist and call it a day, but these bars take pride in their music scene — from dueling pianos, to jazz, to the region’s best local artists.

Savannah Smiles Dueling Piano Bar

This dueling piano bar is a favorite for bachelor and bachelorette parties, birthdays and your best friend’s divorce celebration. Savannah Smiles is an audience driven, all-request show. There are four talented piano players and the action is non-stop. savannahsmilesduelingpianos.com

Vice Lounge + Mojito Bar 

Is a chilled vibe night club best described as high-end Caribbean-Vegas fusion — one locale with 2 bars, luxe VIP section, and dance floor kept at 10 by top bartenders and DJs. facebook.com/ViceLoungeSAV

Elan 

Billed as “the newest and best Event Venue between Atlanta & Miami” this SAV-based landing strip for international artists from Lil Jon to Waka Flocka offers a full house, full bar, and a full fall lineup. elansavannah.com

McDonough’s

Open from wee-to-wee (early morn to before dawn), McDonough’s is an Irish dive bar with home cooking, highly reviewed menus, dancing, and the “best Karaoke in Savannah.” All the words that never go together unless you’re here. mcdonoughslounge.com

BarrelHouse South 

Always a favorite for live music, Barrelhouse South attracts both touring and local musicians, offering live music most nights of the week. Check Facebook to see who’s playing and make a plan to jam out to anything and everything from country to funk to blues and rock. facebook.com/barrelhousesouth

The Mansion at Forsyth Park 

The Mansion on Forsyth Park’s Casmir’s and Bösendorfer Lounge is the best place to enjoy some of the most talented jazz and blues musicians from across the South. The Mansion’s live entertainment lineup is always on-point, and so are the craft cocktails. Unwind to the sound of rhythmic beats and soothing melodies. kesslercollection.com/mansion/experiences/live-music

 

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Get Your Game On

For those that need a little extra umph to unwind, here are the spots that add a little more “play” to your playtime. A little friendly competition never hurt anyone!

Bear Axe Throwing (Pooler) 

What: Throwing axes at targets. How: Like bowling, but sharper. Coaches teach proper method, and games commence. Why: Team building, Private Events, Date Nights, Leagues, and general life frustrations. BYOB. bearaxethrowing.com

Bogeys Sports Bar & Mini Golf  

The “everything spot” with post-beach vibes. Mini-golf, bumper cars, batting cages, arcade, and yard games, and large screens, powered by full bar and menu plus ice cream. 9pm-midnight, putt-putt goes 21+. bogeysbar.com

Moodrights 

Named for Moody and Wainright, this retro-relaxed watering hole with duckpin bowling (you’re welcome) is designed to encourage connection as a friendly neighborhood bar with reasonable prices, Bingo Tuesdays, and fall League nights. moodrights.com

Totally Awesome Bar 

Where girls (and boys) just wanna have fun, this 80s-90s timewarp will have you calling mom for a ride. Pinball, pool, arcade, karaoke, live music, and theme cocktails. Pants pegging not required. facebook.com/totallyawesomebar

Wayward (Perry Lane Hotel) 

Wayward at the Perry Lane crafts high-caliber cocktails for those that come out to play. This punchy, glam-rock bar also has an arcade, offering the perfect juxtaposition between classy and quirky. waywardsavannah.com

 

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Bars for Brunch

Bloody’s and mimosas are the main attraction of a good brunch bar. Sure, the avocado toast and chicken waffles are great, but we all know where the real fun resides. 

Bar.Food

Bar•Food a must-stop for Sunday brunch. They’ve revamped their menus with great new features. The Bar•Food Sports side is the perfect place to catch an early game with brunch. savannahbarfood.com

Ordinary Pub

Ordinary Pub is a Broughton Street brunch legend. You’ll never regret the $15 bottomless mimosas and specialty bloodys, or the cold brew cocktails and other concoctions. Until maybe the next day. theordinarypub.com

Emporium (Perry Lane Hotel)

A lively, vibrant scene for brunch. Sitdown brunch service is offered daily, but mimosas at the bar fly anytime. emporiumsavannah.com 

Common

At the heart of downtown Savannah, revelers are in the thick of it. Enjoy a cocktail on the outdoor patio while the bartenders mix their magic inside. broughtoncommon.com

The Grove

Situated above Congress Street, The Grove is a great place to enjoy a brunch on your time — they serve until 3 p.m. Don’t let anyone tell you it’s too late for a mimosa or Bloody Mary!  thegrovesavannah.com

 

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Come for the views, Stay for the cocktails.

There’s nothing quite like a cocktail in the sky. Savannah has an amazing array of rooftop venues with equally amazing views, whether you’re looking out over the city or the river.

Electric Moon (Plant Riverside Hotel) 

Electric Moon Skytop Lounge is literally an adult playground, outfitted with lawn games, spiral staircases, slides and spirits. Enjoy the lawn side for city views, or perch on the upper deck for waterfront fun. plantriverside.com/venues/electric-moon-skytop-lounge

The Lost Square (Alida Hotel)

Think: one of Savannah’s famous squares, only in the sky. Sip a cocktail and look down over Savannah’s charming cityscape. The Lost Square is one of the only spots with a dual city-river view. thelostsquare.com

Coco’s Sunset Grille

Strategically located on the west side of Tybee Island, CoCo’s Sunset Grille’s main attraction is in the name. Enjoy your choice of refreshing island-themed drinks that pair perfectly with any sunset. cocostybee.com

Pier 16

There’s plenty of space to spread out and take in the view at Pier 16. With two outdoor decks and a rooftop bar, there isn’t a bad vantage point in the house. Enjoy a game of cornhole and Jenga, too. pier16tybeeisland.com

Drayton Hotel Rooftop Bar

The rooftop bar at the Drayton Hotel offers unobstructed panoramic views to the city below, including the Historic Landmark District. Outfitted with charming bistro-style seating, this is the perfect leisurely sip spot. thedraytonhotel.com/restaurants-bars

Perch, the rooftop at Local11ten 

If you’ve ever looked up at Perch from street level, you’ve probably wondered about the goings-on at this New York City-inspired rooftop. With a more down-to-earth feel, this rooftop overlooks Forsyth Park below. local11ten.com/perch

Bar Julian (Thompson Hotel)

Enjoy seductive, relaxed vibes at the rooftop bar of the Thompson Savannah. Sip hand-crafted cocktails where the Historic District meets the Eastern Wharf, overlooking the Savannah River. barjulian.com

Peregrin Rooftop Bar (Perry Lane Hotel) 

Catch the sunset illuminating the city from the deck of this playful rooftop retreat. Hand-crafted cocktails and Frosé All Day complement the Palm Beach vibe and chill atmosphere.  Relax and unwind and watch Savannah nights come to life.  peregrinsavannah.com

The Wyld Dock & Bar

Perched out on the marsh, overlooking Williamson Creek, Herb River and Dutch Island, The Wyld Dock Bar is a local favorite. The Wyld whips up some of the most authentic Painkillers outside of the Caribbean — mug and all. thewylddockbar.com

Myrtle and Rose (Plant Riverside District)

As if the view wasn’t romantic enough, Myrtle & Rose Rooftop Garden has a dreamy atmosphere with tempting libations and sultry vibes. Myrtle & Rose is Savannah’s own Garden of the Gods. plantriverside.com/venues/myrtle-rose-rooftop-garden

Rocks on the Roof (Bohemian Hotel)

The globally inspired beverages at Rocks on the Roof transport guests to a world of excitement and adventure. Take in the view of the Savannah River from above River Street on the Grand Bohemian Hotel’s swanky rooftop. kesslercollection.com/bohemian-savannah

Top Deck Cotton Sail (Cotton Sail Hotel)

Set your sights on the iconic Talmadge Memorial Bridge over the Savannah River while sipping on a craft cocktail at Top Deck. The bar’s prime location is the platform for some of the most exceptional views in town. topdeckbar.com

 

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Bars to Belly Up To

Skip the funny business and get right to it. Walk on in, have a seat and let the good times roll at these fine, belly-up establishments.

Portal

This lively bar-cade knows nothing pairs better with your drink of choice than a little pinball. Portal is fun for a laid-back game night or drinking-game antics! savannahsarcade.com

Congress Street Social Club 

Now, there’s no excuse to miss a night out for your dog at home. Bring Fido to the pup-friendly patio, enjoy craft cocktails and over 40 draft options, and a downstairs gameroom after sundown. congressstreet-socialclub.com

Wayward at the Perry Lane

Wayward at the Perry Lane crafts high-caliber cocktails for those that come out to play. This punchy, glam-rock bar also has an arcade, offering the perfect juxtaposition between classy and quirky. waywardsavannah.com

The Wormhole Neighborhood Pub & Music Venue

Self-ascribed “neighborhood dive” and live venue with late-eats kitchen open ‘til 2am. Eclectic bookings range from punk to flamenco with monthly comedy and nightly arcade play (including throwback NES, Sega, Nintendo).wormholebar.com

Lone Wolf Lounge

Vintage LWL turns taverning into pure art in the Starland District (in a house among homes) with craft cocktails, random weirdness like a Dolly Parton costume contest, and an occasional karaoke chaser. lonewolfsav.com

Sea Wolf Tybee

Sea Wolf Tybee has all the charm and charisma of a local bar, but with the high-caliber drinks you’d expect at a swanky cocktail lounge. Enjoy live music most nights and a friendly crowd. facebook.com/seawolftybee

Rogue Water 

Rouge Water is the best spot in Savannah to get off the grid and go…well…rouge! They host the best ladies’ night in Savannah, along with epic specials the rest of the week, too. facebook.com/RogueWaterSavannah

Six Pence Pub 

Six Pence Pub is the best place to raise a pint this side of the pond – just not too many, or you’ll get tossed in the drunk tank. Yes, there are haunted jail cells in the basement of this authentic British establishment. sixpencepub.com

Molly MacPherson’s Scottish Pub & Grill

Molly MacPherson’s is a tribute to the owner’s great-grandmother and grandmother, both Scottish immigrants who passed down their traditional recipes and revelry. macphersonspub.com

El-Rocko Lounge

Where rock-and-roll-meets-local is the El Rocko Lounge, hosting Trivia Tuesdays, live music and drunk spelling bee competitions as a neighborhood oasis with a refined air, up with a twist. elrockolounge.com

Churchill’s 

Churchill’s is a lively British-inspired restaurant & bar centrally located in the heart of Savannah’s historic district with an enviable trifecta: a rooftop terrace, main level bar and wine cellar. churchillsonbay.com

Starland Yard

Also known as “Savannah’s backyard,” Starland Yard is the best spot to hang out on the 21+ deck or play tag in the yard; come for Tuesday Trivia and stay for the Starland Bar. starlandyard.com

Chamacos 

Chamacos Tacos & Surf is a vibrant taco/surf shop that serves up upbeat vibes and tunes, along with tasty tacos, amazing agave spirits, and live music every Thursday through Saturday. facebook.com/ChamacosTacosAndSurf

​North Beach Bar and Grill 

This colorful indoor-outdoor restaurant is outfitted with a new outdoor pavilion and tiki bar. Belly up to this local watering hole and enjoy Caribbean vibes on Tybee Island. northbeachbarandgrill.net

 

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Bar Happenings

(Tipsy, Like a Turtle) 

Tipsy Turtle Tiki Tours is always the life of the party that is the Savannah area waterways. Imagine translating the energy of a pedal party bike into a booze cruise with all your friends, taking the party away from downtown and out on the water! Amplify the good vibes with sunshine, beautiful views and a sea breeze. Tipsy Turtle Tiki Tours has a saying when guests totally embrace the atmosphere, referring to that feeling as “going full ‘Tipsy Turtle’ mode.”

Six or more guests (ages 21 and over) at a time can party safely and enjoy their beverage of choice with a private bartender, a USCG certified captain and vessel. Get your best playlists ready, because the Tiki boat is outfitted with high-fidelity Bluetooth speakers to keep the party going. Tipsy Turtle Tiki Tours is perfect — and likely most unique — choice for bachelor and bachelorette parties, birthdays, retirement and corporate celebrations, sunset cruises, and engagements. Visit tipsyturtletikitours.com to book your floating celebration!

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(Pop-Tails)

Chloe’s pops. Simple and sophisticated poptail pairings can be made by placing the Chloe’s pop in a wine glass – pop down, stick up. Fill glass half way with the alcohol or bubbly of your choice. Sub sparkling cider or lemonade for a mocktail.

➡ Chloe’s Margarita 

Tequila 2oz
Triple sec 1oz
Lime Juice 1.5 oz
Lime Pop – 1
Rim glass with chili pepper salt, add ice, tequila, triple sec and lime juice. Stick lime pop in, pop-down, stick-up and enjoy! chloesfruit.com

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(Drink Yourself Scared) 

Spooky sips just have the inexplicable extra edge — that mysterious, intangible ingredient that sends chills up your spine. Beware: enter these bars only if you dare.

Ghost City Haunted Pub Crawl 

Explore the dark side of Savannah on the city’s most sinister haunted pub crawl. You’ll visit some of the most historic, and haunted bars in Savannah — hearing their spooky stories along the way. ghostcitytours.com

Savannah Ghost Tour Pub Crawl 

Step back in time to the 1700s to explore the parts of Savannah that most don’t dare to talk about. The tour begins at Savannah Taphouse, where the spirits behind the bar aren’t the only ones in the room. nightlyspirits.com

Savannah Haunted Pub Crawl

While other ghost tours only “beerly” scratch the surface, the Ghost Savannah haunted pub crawl to two hours of relentless spooks These aren’t your childhood ghost stories — you’ll need something with a kick to take the edge off. ghostsavannah.com 

True Crime & Wine Savannah Pub Crawl 

Name a better combination… I’ll wait. You can’t! Investigate Savannah’s murderous past, with serial killers, crimes of passion and unsolved cases — paired with your favorite red, white or rosé. madcattours.com

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(To Have and to Hold)

Savannah, Georgia is one of the few places in the United States where people can drink freely on the streets, legally. This local feature is a major draw for tourists and a fun window of thrill for residents, too. However, there are limits to that flash of rebellion — namely that drinks be contained in clear, plastic (not glass) cups and carried only within confines of the Historic District.

Until recently, plastic was the main material for to-go drinks. As of July 2021, city council passed an ordinance to allow aluminum cup options for to-go beverages. The thought is that aluminum is a more environmentally sustainable option when compared to plastic. The aluminum cups — while marginally more expensive than plastic — are more durable, reusable and manufactured at home at Ball Corp. in Rome, Georgia. Now, those who enjoy the open-container zone can also enjoy a healthier environment, too.

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It’s a bird, it’s a plane! 

No, it’s Burger Boat!

Is there a nautical flag for, “Order up!”? The Burger Boat is the only culinary vessel running food on Savannah area waterways — and they’ve cornered the market on innovation and quality grub on the go.

If you’re ever out and about on the water in the Savannah area, chances are, you’ve seen a curious green and turquoise vessel motoring about, or with other boats tied up (sometimes three deep) on either side. Perhaps you caught a faint whiff of burgers and dogs — or was that Jerk chicken? — on the grill as you blew by.

That remarkable vessel would be the Burger Boat, now in its fifth season serving made-to-order meals out on the water. Chef and Captain of the Burger Boat, Steve Martin, combines his profession in his passion, crafting local favorites as well as family recipes for hungry boaters. 

The Burger Boat operates on a pretty consistent schedule, rotating between Isle of Hope, Hogan’s marina and Daufuskie Island, while free-roaming on weekends. They have also worked events such as weddings and parties. Head to the Burger Boat Facebook page to find out where it’ll be Wednesday-Sunday at facebook.com/TheBurgerBoatSAV. To read more about the Burger Boat, visit southmag.com/BurgerBoat.

“Every weekend we go out, we meet some of the neatest people imaginable, from every walk of life. Then, there are our regular customers who seek us out. We’ll just anchor out at a place and the boats come to us.”

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In Memoriam

One of the truly tragic aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic is how easy it can become to let your guard down. Many of us have either experienced first-hand or heard from a friend how sometimes you can test positive and recover quickly with few if any symptoms. As such, we sometimes forget the terrible impact this virus can have. The city of Savannah has been given a terrible reminder of this virus’ lethality with the passing of a true icon, Johnny Baker. The co-owner of Bar•Food and Coffee Deli in the Habersham Village and one of the hostess city’s most colorful characters, Baker was sick for nearly a month and hospitalized for approximately three weeks battling for his life in intensive care before succumbing to the illness early on an October morning in 2020. We hope his friends and loved ones know much they were in the thoughts and prayers of everyone at South magazine and in the community.

“He was a long-time friend to many in this community, and one that you could always count on to speak his mind,” said Publisher Michael Brooks. “Every year we could count on him to have one of the more colorful booths at DineSouth. He was just fun to be around, and we will all miss him. Savannah has lost a true friend today.”

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Poetry in a Bottle at the Perry Lane 

The Emporium Kitchen & Wine Market, part of the Perry Lane Hotel, boasts a robust collection of diverse offerings, particularly when it comes to the wine selection. Emporium guests and wine enthusiasts are guided through an immersive tasting experience by sommelier Amir Adane, formerly of the Collins Quarter. Adane’s expertise has contributed fine selections to The Emporium’s collection, and he curates an exquisite tasting each week. For more details, visit emporiumsavannah.com.

 

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