10 Places Where Locals Love to Eat in Savannah

Savannah’s famous Pirates’ House has a history that’s older than the United States itself. The land plot originally supported a public agricultural garden and eventually became one of Savannah’s first buildings. Established in 1753, the rustic inn hosts pirates and sailors who travelled the open seas around Georgia. 

Its signature dish is the Honey pecan fried chicken, though angry seas pasta, shrimp gumbo, and mango chilli glazed salmon are delicious options. The friendly staff can fill you in on the building’s history. Stuff yourself with hearty dishes at the Southern Lunch Buffet or treat your friends to a private dinner party.

Established in 1933, Crystal Beer Parlor earns the title of Savannah’s oldest restaurant. The eatery opened its doors during the Great Depression, and has remained a simple place for locals of all backgrounds to hang out. You won’t find anything fancy about this shop, but the friendly hospitality keeps customers happy throughout their meal.

Originally known as the Gerken Family Grocery Store, Crystal Beer Parlor sparked rumours of running an illegal speakeasy during Prohibition. The walls display famous pictures of Savannah’s history, while residents reminisce on cherished memories that happened inside the restaurant. Standout dishes include the Crystal crab stew, homemade Crystal chilli, and classic Crystal burger. 

Leopold’s Ice Cream is a Savannah icon within the Savannah Historic District. The award-winning establishment earned fame as one of the world’s top ice cream parlours and has delighted customers for a century. Its super premium menu features classic flavours such as caramel swirl, mint chocolate chip, and pistachio. 

Former US President Jimmy Carter even commented that Leopold’s makes his favourite butter pecan ice cream. The parlour makes other sweets with its authentic marble soda fountain and whips up a variety of sandwiches.

Treylor Park takes the trailer park vibe and transforms it into a chic space to dine in downtown Savannah. The staff puts an eclectic spin on typical decorations like deer antlers, while an upscale bar whips up seasonal cocktails. There’s outdoor seating available in the beer garden.

Treylor Park's chefs unleash their creativity with taco recipes that include chicken and pancake, bacon cheeseburger, and shrimp and grits. Besides its signature cocktails, quench your thirst with craft beer, spiked seltzer, or refreshing wines. Save room for dessert and satisfy your sweet tooth with the bourbon pecan pie or banana pudding crème brûlée.

Vic’s on the River rests on the banks of the Savannah River and is a fabulous spot for fine dining in Savannah. Located in a 19th-century cotton warehouse, the restaurant offers exceptional views of River Street. Southern charm resonates through the building – you can relax on the outdoor patio and admire the beautiful live oaks lining the street.

The menu combines hearty Southern dishes with locally-sourced seafood. Locals rave about the shrimp and grits, but other popular items include pan-seared salmon, pecan-fried flounder, and braised beef short rib. For a tasty brew, head to the coffee bar for hot, cold, and boozy beverages.

Green Truck Neighborhood Pub fits the bill for Savannahians looking for something simple. All the ingredients are handmade using only local sources – the burger menu features grass-fed beef, Humane-certified chicken breast, and veggie patties. There's even a Little Truckers Menu for your little ones to enjoy.

Salads are topped with house-made dressings like honey mustard, balsamic vinaigrette, and blue cheese. After scarfing down your all-natural entrée, try the homemade pecan pie or goat cheese brownie for dessert. You can purchase restaurant merchandise designed by local artists.

The Forsyth Farmers’ Market is a real treat if you find yourself in Savannah on a Saturday morning. Adjacent to the iconic city park, the Saturday market has supported local producers for years. Roughly 30 vendors meet at the intersection of Bull Street and Park Avenue to provide Savannahians with fresh produce, pastured meats, baked goods, and ready-to-eat meals. 

It’s a fantastic spot to find organic products, as all vendors come from a 200-mile radius around Savannah. The market supports the local economy, with several partners educating the public on proper nutrition. For those who can’t visit the Forsyth Farmers’ Market, Farm Truck 912 rides around Savannah on weekdays to sell seasonal fruits and vegetables to local neighbourhoods.

The Savannah State Farmers Market is on Savannah’s Westside near Garden City, but it’s worth the 10-minute drive from the historic district. Here, you can pick up all sorts of seasonal fruits and vegetables at reasonable prices. You’ll also find flowers, nursery plants, pumpkins, and even Christmas trees for the holidays.

Stop by the onsite BBQ joint for filling, lip-smacking meals, or grab a fresh batch of boiled peanuts from the produce shop. Some of the specialities readily available include sugar plums, seedless watermelon, tomatoes, pork rinds, Vidalia onions, and juicy Georgia peaches.