Okay, let's talk Savannah bars. I've lived in this city for eight years now, and trust me, finding the best bars in Savannah GA isn't about flashy websites or Instagram hype. It's about where you actually want to spend your evening.
Savannah's drinking scene? It's unlike anything else. Historic buildings converted for modern tastes, hidden courtyards where time slows down, and bartenders who remember your name after two visits. That southern hospitality mixed with creative mixology - that's the real Savannah.
Last fall, my college buddies visited and asked where to go. I took them to Alley Cat Lounge first - that speakeasy vibe always impresses newcomers. But later we ended up at The Original Pinkie Masters, this tiny dive that looks like nothing special until you feel the history in its walls. That contrast is Savannah.
Historic Gems: Bars With Stories to Tell
You can't talk about drinking in Savannah without touching on history. Some of these spots have been pouring drinks longer than your grandparents have been alive.
Craft Cocktail Spots: Savannah's Mixology Masters
When Savannah decides to do cocktails, it does them right. These spots take their drinks seriously without taking themselves too seriously.
| Bar | Signature Drink | Price Range | Vibe | Best Time to Visit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alley Cat Lounge | Penicillin (smoked Scotch cocktail) | $$ ($12-16) | Speakeasy / Intimate | Weeknights after 9pm |
| Artillery Bar | Savannah Artillery Punch | $$$ ($14-20) | Upscale / Historic | Friday happy hour (5-7pm) |
| Lone Wolf Lounge | Tokyo Drift (Japanese whisky highball) | $ ($9-12) | Casual / Neighborhood | Sunday afternoons |
Outdoor Oasis: Savannah's Open-Air Drinking Spots
When the weather turns nice (which is often here), Savannah's outdoor bars become magical. Here's where to catch some rays or stars with your drink.
Dive Bars With Character: Where Locals Actually Hang
Forget the polished stuff - sometimes you just want cheap beer and zero pretension. These are my go-tos when I need real Savannah flavor.
| Bar | Average Beer Price | Cash Only? | Late Night Bite Nearby | Why It's Special |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Original Pinkie Masters | $3-5 | Yes | Vinnie's Pizza (2 doors down) | Political history & no-frills authenticity |
| Wormhole | $4-6 | No | Zunzi's (until 3am) | Rock vibe & pinball machines |
| Lone Wolf Lounge | $5-7 | No | Ranchito Supermercado tacos | Eclectic crowd & killer jukebox |
Live Music Venues: Where the Party Comes Alive
Savannah's music scene punches above its weight. These places deliver great tunes with your drinks.
Bar Hopping Strategies: Making the Most of Savannah Nights
Savannah's unique open container laws let you explore creatively. Based on countless nights out, here are my tested routes:
Historic District Crawl (Beginner Friendly):
Start at Artillery Bar (classy opener) → Walk to Alley Cat (craft cocktails) → Finish at Tree House (outdoor nightcap). Total walking distance: 0.7 miles. Perfect for showing off Savannah to visitors.
Local's Late Night (For the Adventurous):
Pinkie Masters (cheap beers and stories) → Lone Wolf Lounge (eclectic midnight crowd) → Wormhole (loud music to close the night). Warning: This crawl gets progressively rowdier. Eat pizza at Vinnie's around 1am to soak up alcohol.
Remember Savannah's unique rules: You can carry open drinks in plastic cups within the historic district boundaries. No glass containers, and drinks must stay within the designated zone. Police actually enforce this, so pay attention to signage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Savannah Bars
What's the legal drinking age and closing time in Savannah?
Georgia's drinking age is 21. Bars stop serving at 2:30am and must close by 3am. Some restaurant bars close earlier, especially Sunday-Thursday.
Where can I find the best happy hour deals?
Current standouts: Treylor Park's Reverse Happy Hour (9pm-close, $5 cocktails), The Public Kitchen's daily 4-6pm ($1 off drafts, half-price apps), and Artillery's Friday 5-7pm ($10 classic cocktails).
Are there any bars with river views?
Yes! Rocks on the Roof (atop the Bohemian Hotel) offers stunning river panoramas. Peregrin has partial river views. For ground level, try Tubby's Tank House in Thunderbolt (short Uber ride away).
Which bars enforce strict dress codes?
Savannah's generally casual, but upscale spots like Peregrin or Artillery might turn away athletic wear or flip-flops at night. Most dive bars couldn't care less what you wear.
Where should I go for craft beer selection?
Service Brewing Co. (local veteran-owned brewery), White Whale Craft Ales (extensive taplist), and Crystal Beer Parlor (historic spot with 30+ taps) are top picks for beer lovers.
What's the deal with Savannah's open container laws?
Within the Historic District, you can walk with alcoholic drinks in plastic cups (16oz max). No glass containers. The boundary is roughly between River St, Gwinnett St, MLK Jr Blvd, and Broad St. Outside this zone, standard open container laws apply.
Finding the best bars in Savannah GA isn't about following tourist lists - it's about matching the vibe to your night. Want history with your whiskey? Molly MacPherson's. Craft cocktails in a speakeasy? Alley Cat. Cheap beers and Savannah authenticity? Pinkie Masters. Rooftop elegance? Peregrin. This city has layers.
After eight years here, my perfect Savannah night still starts with a fancy cocktail somewhere beautiful and ends with a cheap beer somewhere real. That contrast is what makes Savannah's bar scene special. Don't overplan - wander until you find a spot that calls to you. Some of my favorite nights started with "let's try that place we've walked past a hundred times." Savannah rewards the curious drinker.
So whether you're visiting for a weekend or lucky enough to call Savannah home, remember - the best bars aren't just about the drinks. They're about the moments they create. Cheers to finding your perfect Savannah spot.
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