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$$ | |
Drink and eat like the locals do at this charming, laid-back spot. With walls covered in vintage signs, records, and various trash and treasure, guests enjoy a great breeze on a large porch or in the screened-in restaurant as they tuck into slices or 18-inch stone-baked pies loaded with tantalizing ingredients and unique combinations; the beer is ice-cold and best enjoyed in pitchers, and the prices can't be beat.
1213 E. Hwy. 80, Tybee Island, Georgia, 31328, USA
Known For
- Authentic island relaxation
- Live music on the weekends
- Lively game nights during college football season
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$$$$ | Historic District |
The gold standard for authentic Southern fare in Savannah has kept folks lined up to enjoy family-style offerings at big tables for decades. Mrs. Wilkes's granddaughter and great-grandson are keeping it a family affair in more ways than one (kids under 10 eat for half-price). The famous fried chicken is served daily along with a rotating range of other proteins like beef pot roast and barbecued pulled pork, complimented by more than 20 fresh and delicious sides, including collard greens, cucumber salad, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese and sweet-potato soufflé. Wear your stretchy pants, and be sure to save some space for dessert. But plan ahead: Mrs. Wilkes' is only open on weekdays between 11 and 2, and whole tables of 12 must be seated together, so you may have to wait, but you won't regret it.
107 W. Jones St., Savannah, Georgia, 31401, USA
Known For
- Southern cooking served family-style
- Former president Barack Obama and his entourage had lunch here when he visited Savannah
- Cash-only policy
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed weekends and Jan. No dinner, No credit cards, Reservations not accepted
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$$ | Historic District |
Offering Cuban-, Caribbean-, and Spanish-style food since 1999, Rancho Alegre is a standout that has often flown under the radar. Authentic Cuban dishes like croquetas de jamón, boliche, and ropa vieja are served with traditional-style rice and black beans alongside your choice of tostones or sweet maduros. The atmosphere is cozy and homey—like walking into someone's kitchen—and there are very reasonably priced choices for kids in a city where a kid's menu can sometimes be hard to find. Pick up a Cuban sandwich or pan con lechón with a cortadito or café con licor (a latte with Kahlua, Bailey's, or brandy) for your stroll through the Historic District.
402 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Savannah, Georgia, 31401, USA
Known For
- Authentic Carribbean cuisine
- Jazz performances on the weekends
- Private parking lot
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$ | Historic District |
Locally owned and operated B&D Burgers is a great bet for a quick, low-key bite to eat with offerings like tempura-battered chicken fingers and a grand assortment of locally themed burgers. The large, two-story dining room is decorated in Lowcountry flair, including faux trophy alligators and nets and buoys, but be encouraged to venture outside; this place has some of the best outdoor dining in the city and the expansive patio is equipped with a video screen for sports events and large umbrellas that protect against the rain and sun.
209 W. Congress St., Savannah, Georgia, 31401, USA
Known For
- Big-screen sports viewing
- Kid-friendly menu
- Locations on Broughton Street, Southside, and Pooler
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations not accepted
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$ | Victorian District |
Located inside the American Legion Post 135 on Forsyth Park, this throwback mess hall is a hit with the locals. World War II--theme decor lines the walls, and "Bettys" in period-inspired dress smile and serve classics like chili dogs, cheesesteaks, juicy burgers, and baskets of French fries.
1108 Bull St., Savannah, Georgia, 31401, USA
Known For
- Cheap eats
- Late-night bites
- Milkshakes
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.
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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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$ | |
Watch boats pass and the sun set over Lazaretto Creek while enjoying fried oysters, steamed shrimp, hush puppies, and Lowcountry boil. Fitting right in to Tybee's laid-back beach bum vibe, this seafood shack welcomes boaters, local surfers, and visitors alike inside an unfussy dining room or on the ample porch.
1 Old Tybee Rd., Tybee Island, Georgia, 31328, USA
Known For
- Scenic views
- Casual atmosphere
- Fresh-caught seafood
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch Sun.--Thurs.
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$$ | Historic District |
This former speakeasy has been serving hungry locals since 1933, and the back dining rooms are covered in historic newspaper clippings and local ephemera, while those around the bar maintain several of the original high-back booths. As you can tell from the decor, this place is a landmark—and that goes for the menu, which includes basics like delicious burgers, wings, sandwiches, and some of the best shrimp salad you'll ever have.
301 W. Jones St., Savannah, Georgia, 31401, USA
Known For
- Historic tavern setting
- Bustling environment and long lines
- The creamy Crystal crab stew
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted, Reservations not accepted
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$ | Whitemarsh Island | Seafood
This place is about as low key as it gets, as evidenced by the neon beer signs on the walls and the day-old newspapers doubling as tablecloths. Located just across the bridge from Savannah, Desposito's has been serving up cold beer and fresh fish for decades and the no-nonsense menu offers a small but tempting variety of seafood, as well as options for landlubbers.
3501 Marye St., Savannah, Georgia, 31410, USA
Known For
- Casual atmosphere
- Tucked-away location
- Great place to bring kids
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No lunch on weekdays, Closed Sun. and Mon.
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$ | Historic District |
Restauranteurs Ele and Sean Tran brought Asian-style street food to Savannah with their menu that boasts everything from sushi rolls to noodle soups, and some of the best sweet-and-spicy chicken wings in town. Occupying a bright, hypermodern space, this eatery offers an offbeat alternative to the slow-paced Southern Savannah feel. Enjoy a quick meal in the dining room, stop by when you have a late-night craving, or order a few of the small plates to go.
13 E. Perry St., Savannah, Georgia, 31401, USA
Known For
- Bright and modern space
- Late-night bites
- Street food staples
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations not accepted
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$ | Thomas Square |
Serving one of the best burgers in the state, this casual haunt draws diners from far and wide for its grass-fed beef; vegetarians find satisfaction with the hearty meatless patties. Everything from the coffee to the produce is locally sourced, and even the ketchup is made in-house. Be prepared to wait at least 30 minutes for a table or grab a seat at the bar.
2430 Habersham St., Savannah, Georgia, 31401, USA
Known For
- Great beer selection
- Homemade ketchup and pimento cheese
- Big crowds and long waits
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon.
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$ | Thomas Square |
From the same owners as Foxy Loxy and Coffee Fox, this wide-open family-oriented cafe offers a place for kids to work on their art while their parents enjoy some caffeine (via Savannah-owned PERC coffee). The menu also includes some good sandwiches.
1514 Bull St., Savannah, Georgia, 31401, USA
Known For
- Good pastries and treats
- Fun place with big tables for kids to work at
- Sells Leopold's ice cream
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$$ | |
As Southern food goes, Huey's is decidedly more New Orleans than Coastal Georgia, as you'll discover with one bite of the sinfully rich beignets served with praline sauce—they are a taste of perfection. Although lunch and dinner items like po'boys and muffaletta accompanied by red beans and rice are delicious, the breakfast and brunch menu is the highlight.
115 E. River St., Savannah, Georgia, 31401, USA
Known For
- Kid-friendly menu
- People-watching and great views of passing ships
- Bloody Marys
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted
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$ | Historic District |
This enchanting family-friendly diner perched on the corner of bustling Ellis Square offers an array of comfy bites all day long. With a full menu of milkshakes and diner favorites like apple pie à la mode and crispy chicken and waffles, a trip to Little Duck's white marble and brass-accented space is a special occasion for all.
150 W. Julian St., Savannah, Georgia, 31401, USA
Known For
- Vintage diner-inspired space with modern touches
- Comfy eats
- Lavender "bubble bath" bellinis topped with a rubber ducky
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$$$$ | Southside |
Four generations own and operate this charming, family-owned coastal eatery located on the banks of the bucolic Ogeechee River. Suitable for a lunchtime meal or a special occasion dinner, Love's serves up perfectly prepared regional dishes like Lowcountry boil, fried green tomatoes, and its famous bone-in catfish. With water views, casual ambience, and super-friendly service, it's a pleasure to while away a few hours over beers and oysters here.
6817 Chief of Love Rd., Savannah, Georgia, 31419, USA
Known For
- Lowcountry boil
- Spectacular sunsets
- Ability to accomodate large groups
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.--Wed.
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$ | |
Between the historic Tybee Island Lighthouse and North Beach lies one of the island's most colorful, Caribbean-inspired eateries. The menus feature local and sustainable seafood, including delectable crab cakes and the fresh citrus shrimp salad, along with lots of family-friendly options. Find live music on the large porch on some nights, or grab a seat at the bar for a local beer or frosty mixed drink.
33 Meddin Dr., Tybee Island, Georgia, 31328, USA
Known For
- Laid-back patio seating
- Seafood fritters
- Beachside convenience
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Tues.
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$$ | |
This casual eatery specializes in fresh takes on typical beach food, like smoked fish dip made with the local catch, a mahimahi banh mi, shrimp bruschetta, and blue crab poutine. You can still get your favorites, though, as the innovative menu also includes standards like beer-battered flounder and fisherman's stew served over jasmine rice. There are several vegetarian side options that can be made vegan as well, which is rare for a seafood restaurant. Round your meal out with a craft beer or cocktail from the bar.
101 Lovell Ave., Tybee Island, Georgia, 31328, USA
Known For
- Weekday happy-hour specials
- Unique sides
- Fresh, eclectic menu
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Tues.
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$$ | |
"Where the elite eat in their bare feet" is the motto of this laid-back eatery tucked away on a side street just over the bridge to Tybee Island. The beer is cold, the vibe is relaxed, and items like the Lowcountry boil—a huge plate of shrimp, corn on the cob, and smoked sausage—are delicious. Out front is a large pool filled with baby alligators that is a huge hit with kids—a good way to keep them entertained if there's a wait for tables, which is possible on weekends when the weather's nice. Just inside is a huge patio lit with tiki torches and packed with picnic tables. Seating is available in screened-in dining areas if there's rain or sand gnats.
40 Estill Hammock Rd., Tybee Island, Georgia, 31328, USA
Known For
- Scenic views
- Family-friendly environment
- Resident felines and alligators
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted
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$$$ | Historic District |
A Savannah landmark, the oldest parts of this bucket list destination date to 1734, only a year after the colony's founding, making this the oldest standing structure in Georgia. The lunch buffet has all the Southern standards, including a particularly delicious squash casserole, but the food is better on the à la carte menu; there's no buffet for dinner, but the dessert menu is worth sticking around for. Its popularity with tour groups has given it a reputation as a tourist trap, but the food is surprisingly tasty and offers lots of choices for families. Try the specialty fried chicken dressed with a honey-pecan glaze. It gets its name from its time in the 1750s as a tavern for seafarers.
20 E. Broad St., Savannah, Georgia, 31401, USA
Known For
- Fanciful history
- Chatham Artillery Punch
- Busy atmosphere
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted
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$ | City Market |
With a secret dough recipe and a homemade sauce, Vinnie's is critically acclaimed by pizza and calzone enthusiasts from around the Southeast. Lots of visitors get a kick out of watching the cooks throw the dough in the air in the big open kitchen, but there are only a few tables inside, along with a long stretch of stools at the bar; the heart of the restaurant is its plentiful outdoor seating, great for people-watching. Because of its prime City Market location, the wait for a table can be an hour or more, but you'll understand why with one bite of your pie. Long-known as cash-only, Vinnie's can now accept credit cards as well.
317 W. Bryan St., Savannah, Georgia, 31401, USA
Known For
- Outdoor seating
- Bustling, casual dining
- Long waits
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No credit cards, No lunch Mon.–Thurs., Reservations not accepted
