Tuesday

Savannah Restaurants

From time to time, Floridians leave the beautiful Sunshine state to explore. So, from time to time, I will share reviews from my explorations to nearby lands. I hope you enjoy! 

The Copper Pig (technically not Savannah, but on the way to...)
Address: 704 Mall Blvd, Brunswick, GA 31525
Phone:(912) 289-9879
Hours: Mon-Sun 11:00am - 10:00pm 
Extras:  you can feed gators, buy a gator chocolate wedding cake, ride the hog and drink in the moonshine bar. 
(Scroll to the bottom for a quick rating/review)


my BBQ onion melt
Greg's rib tips

the corn bread that arrived late

Inside the dining area


this is a chocolate gator 'cake' 

RATING: 5 best / 1 worst

Food  **
After a few hours on the road, a Sangria sounded great, so I ordered one…. my first mistake. I’m not a fan of sangria made with soda (or pop, as this midwestern born girl calls it). However, my BBQ Onion Melt sandwich was awesome; pulled pork, home made bun,  sharp cheddar and onion straws. I got greens instead of fries as I love their bacon soaked goodness. This was my second mistake.  The green were so bitter. One bite and I was done. Greg got the special of the day, Rib tips. He was disappointed that they were all bone, barely any meat. He got a side of steamed vegetables and liked those OK. He also ordered corn bread instead of garlic bread. When his meal arrived, he got garlic bread.  He told our waitress who apologized and we thought, ran off to get it pronto. About 10 minutes later, we had to remind the manager who came through that we were waiting on his corn bread. 
Vibe ***
The look: it’s a cool, kitschy, southern vibe. High ceilings, so I bet it can get noisy. 
The crowd: 8 days old to 80 years! Family friendly. 
The bathroom: clean and smells good. 
And: We were lured in by billboards that said we could feed live gators. When we saw them, it was rather humorous! Pay to throw chopped weenies on a string and toss ‘em in. We never saw the riding pig, not sure where they were hiding that!
Service **
It was slow but just OK. Our waitress seemed overwhelmed by a few tables during a slow lunch hour. 

Moola $
Inexpensive, however the food is hit or miss. 

OVERALL:  **
We though it must be a chain as they really don’t try hard to make it unique, although I think that was the intent. As I said, the sandwich was great, so perhaps you need to find those few great items on the menu and avoid the others? 

the low country is beautiful ... take a drive out toward the Atlantic Ocean 
if you're in the area. 

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Fire Street Food 
Address: 13 E Perry St, Savannah, GA 31401 
(there is also a Charleston Location)
Phone:(912) 234-7776
Hours: M-F 11am-10pm, Sat 12 p-10p and Sun 12p-9p
Extras:  sushi and beer and wine
(Scroll to the bottom for a quick rating/review)


seaweed salad 
Soft shell crab a.k.a spider crab sushi
Red Curry Chicken

Shrimp Tuk Tuk 



RATING: 5 best / 1 worst

Food  ****
The food was good! We start with seaweed salad since it’s my favorite! Then we had sort shell crab sushi for an appetizer, it was awesome! Greg had Red Curry Chicken which was super spicy. I had Shrimp Tuk Tuk.

Vibe ****
The look: It is bright and colorful, casual and an easy walk from most places in old town Savannah.
The crowd: We saw 20 somethings to 50 somethings. 
The bathroom: clean and smells good. 
And: We liked it so much on our food tour that we came back for dinner. 

Service ***
Our waitress was timid, but anyone there was ready and willing to help us when we needed it.  

Moola $$
Reasonably priced and the servings are satisfying. 

OVERALL:  ****
The food was very fresh and flavorful. The service was quick. It had a great vibe, maybe it’s one of the few places in Savannah that isn’t haunted! 

Warning, this is not a place for heels. Everywhere you go there is cobble stone. Good luck navigating if you're intoxicated... the street may jump right up and smack you in the face! (trust me, I've seen it first hand!) BTW, Savannah allows 'open containers' in public; that means you can walk the streets with your adult beverages. 

For a brief moment, we stepped foot in South Carolina, which is across the river. 
You can take free ferry boat rides across. 

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The Olde Pink House  
Address: Planters Inn on Reynolds Square, 23 Abercorn St, Savannah, GA 31401
Phone:(912) 232-4286
Hours: M-Sa 11:30am - 10:30pm, Sun 5:00- 10:30pm
Extras:  Atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else. Speciality drinks. Bar with limited menu items. 
(Scroll to the bottom for a quick rating/review)

The Olde Pink House 


Southern Sushi

in "the Vault" dining room - it doesn't cost extra, just plan ahead!

amazing Blackened Oysters on the Half Shell, Watermelon Relish

“BLT”, Fried Green Tomatoes & Sweet Bacon w/Black Pepper Thyme Buttermilk Dressing

Crispy Scored Flounder w/Apricot Shallot Sauce, Creamy Grits & Collards

Crispy Half Duck, Black Vinegar BBQ Glaze, Season Fruite & 
Vegetable Crepes with my fried oyster side

It was very dark in the vault, the pictures do not do the food justice! 

Pecan pie

pecan basket with ice-cream and a sauce with berries




RATING: 5 best / 1 worst

Food  *****
Incredible food. We arrived early so we could have a beverage in the bar. The bartender turned us on to a locally made peach vodka. I’m not a fan of peaches, but it was awesome. We also ordered Southern Sushi, which was Smoked Shrimp & Grits Rolled in Coconut Crusted Nori. Our reservation was for 5:00pm as it was the only time we could get dining in  “the Vault”. Just as it’s name indicates, it is an old bank vault that is now a private dining room and a wine cellar. It was very romantic! We ordered Blackened Oysters on the Half Shell, Watermelon Relish, Pear & Apricot Chutney & Green Tomato Chow Chow. We shared “BLT”, Fried Green Tomatoes & Sweet Bacon w/Black Pepper Thyme Buttermilk Dressing. For dinner I ordered Crispy Half Duck, Black Vinegar BBQ Glaze, Season Fruite & Vegetable Crepes with a fried oyster on the side. Greg ordered Crispy Scored Flounder w/Apricot Shallot Sauce, Creamy Grits & Collards. Dessert was a must. Greg ordered a fancy version of pecan pie and I got the pecan basket that had ice cream and other edible berry like accoutrements. 

Vibe *****
The look: This place is amazing. The basement, where the vault is and the tavern is haunted. The restaurant is three levels, we were encouraged to take a peek after dinner, just as guests were encouraged to take a peek in the vault during our dining experience. 
The crowd: Everybody who can afford to do so and is fortunate enough to have made a reservation, dines at the Olde Pink House.  
The bathroom: old style, clean and fancy. 
And: Know if you are not able to get a reservation, try eating ‘off hours’ in the bar or the limited seating outside. At least you’ll get the chance to experience the excellent food they serve.

Service *****
This place was buttoned up. Our waitress knew her shit! And the maitre d’, who also visited us in the vault and knew his shit. As we toured the facility afterwards, the place was buzzing with workers who clearly knew their role and how to keep the customers happily fed. 

Moola $$$$
Plan to pay a pretty penny, however it’s high quality and worth every cent. 

OVERALL:  *****
I would go back again if I was ever in Savannah. There doesn’t seem to be a bad seat in the house. The food is of the highest quality and the staff has this routine down to a T. I would be very surprised if you had a bad experience here.

they wanted to check out the vault so we made them take a photo with Grenda.
Who is Grenda? Keep reading to find out!  
The basement Tavern that is supposidly haunted


one of the many dining rooms

another dining area








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700 Drayton - The Mansion on Forsyth Park
Address: 700 Drayton St, Savannah, GA 31401
Phone:(912) 238-5158
Hours: M-Su 7:00 am-10:00pm
Extras:  sushi and beer and wine
(Scroll to the bottom for a quick rating/review)


one of the beautiful dining areas

Shrimp and grits 

Corned Beef Hash, eggs and grits with a side of bacon


RATING: 5 best / 1 worst

Food  **
The Sunday we left Savannah, we found this place. We didn’t get to visit the park and the location was perfect to do so. We each ordered a breakfast and shared plates. I got the Coastal Shrimp and Grits, Greg ordered the Corned Beef Hash, two eggs and grits. We also got a side of bacon to split. The portion was perfect for sharing and we left satisfied. The corned beef hash was a-typical. The shrimp and grits was very buttery and had decent flavor. 

Vibe ****
The look: The place is amazingly beautiful! The artwork in incredible. The decor is a mix of modern and traditional. The building itself is stunning. It’s worth it just to go and experience the beauty of the place. 
The crowd: We were early on a Sunday, but I suspect it’s 30-60 somethings that are well-to-do folks who are staying on site. (this is also a Marriott property)
The bathroom: stunning, like the rest of the place! 
And: make sure to talk a stroll in the park afterwards, it’s breath taking.

Service **
The wait staff came across as pretentious and somewhat scarce, which I find odd since were were there at 8am and one of three tables that occupied the whole place. 

Moola $$
It ain’t cheap but you are paying to eat in what appears to be an art museum. If you love beautiful things, then it’s a great place to take a meal and admire beauty. 

OVERALL:  ***
I wouldn’t go back to eat but I might look into staying there. It’s a bit of a hike from the heart of old town, but the building is historic and beautiful.

every dining room is beautiful

much of artwork is themed in African animals

another dining area

contemporary and traditional decor

beautiful Forsyth Park

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Gallery Espresso
Address: 234 Bull St, Savannah, GA 31401
Phone:(912) 233-5348
Hours: M-F 7:30 am-10:00pm Sa & Su 8:00am- 10:00pm 
Extras:  high speed internet access. Light breakfast and lunch items. 
(Scroll to the bottom for a quick rating/review)


slathered in butter is the only way to go! Didn't gain a pound 
since this is a big walking town! 

ice Thai coffee 


Food  ****
This is a coffee shop first. The variety is hefty. We walked around Forsyth park and then headed back toward our hotel (the Marshall House) and stopped by for a coffee and cinnamon roll. We ordered an iced Thai coffee which consists of espresso, condensed milk and ground cardamon and almond extract served over ice. If you’re a coffee lover, you’ll LOVE this! We also had a “Sin Roll”. Yes, it’s a cinnamon roll and they make it especially yummy at the Gallery. 

Vibe ****
The look: Bohemian cafe full of fluffy mis-matched sofas and chairs. 
The crowd: Just as eclectic, 20s to 50s, locals and tourists. 
The bathroom: highly decorated with stickers and artistic posters.  
And: They have art displayed (and for sale) from local artists. Also, it’s a great place to fuel up before a late night ghost tour!

Service **
You serve yourself, order at the counter. 

Moola $
Your typical coffee house prices.  

OVERALL:  ****
I’m all about supporting the unchained coffee house. There are not many left and it’s a piece of eclectic charm we need to preserve. If we support local business, we all thrive.

below the + on the photo is an orb, a spirit, if you will. Greg believes it was his dad visiting him prior to our ghost tour with blueorbtours.com - one of the best. Our guide, Adam, was a great story teller!


We stopped at Peach World on the way home. Kitschy yes, but the salsa looked yummy!
Traveling is great, but it feels good to be home in Florida!! 

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