7 Best Places To Grab A Cocktail in Savannah's Historic District (From A Local)

The coolest cocktail spots in Savannah, GA - curated by a local.

Updated ago

Fun fact: When Savannah was first founded, alcohol and lawyers were illegal. That has since changed.

Now, Savannah is definitely a drinking city. We are one of the few cities to have open container laws, after all (but only in the Historic District and in a clear plastic cup, so don't try walking around with a bottle of beer).

There are a tons of bars and restaurants in the area, but here are some of my favorite cocktail bars!

1. Bar Julian

Bar Julian

@mkrichtman

This is my go-to cocktail spot when I have friends visiting Savannah! Located on the roof of the brand new Thompson Hotel, Bar Julian has the best views of the city, and a fantastic cocktail and food menu as well. Definitely get the bread and marinated olives.

Add to

Details

2. Peacock Lounge

Peacock Lounge

@mkrichtman

Located in the basement of Flock To The Wok (a great restaurant, btw), Peacock Lounge is a chic cocktail bar with a nice menu and cool vibes. The entrance is in the alley and I've almost always had to wait to get in, so plan accordingly.

Add to

Details

3. Artillery Bar

Artillery Bar

@mkrichtman

Artillery Bar is a nice little cocktail bar with a creative cocktail menu and cozy vibes. Highly recommend the Dill Pickle cocktail! It can get busy pretty quickly and they don't let you wait inside, so if you're looking to great drinks fast, head around the corner to Public Kitchen + Bar.

Add to

Details

4. Myrtle & Rose

Myrtle & Rose

@mkrichtman

Myrtle & Rose is located in the JW Marriott Plant Riverside District building, which is fairly new to the area. It has a nice rooftop with views of the river, so you can watch the ships come in and out. You can find me there with a dirty martini.

Add to

Details

5. Arco

Arco Cocktail Lounge & Coastal Fare

@mkrichtman

This brand new cocktail bar opened up recently and is right on River Street. It is in a beautiful old building, and the interior design choices are on point. Get the charcuterie and a glass of wine for a classy start to your night out.

Add to

Details

6. Drayton Hotel Rooftop

The Rooftop at The Drayton Hotel

@mkrichtman

I don't think this place gets the credit and attention it deserves, as every time I've been there, there have only been a handful of people on the rooftop. Come for golden hour and watch the sunset over the city while sipping a delicious cocktail.

Add to

Details

7. Alley Cat Lounge

Alley Cat Lounge

@mkrichtman

Alley Cat is another basement bar with an entrance found in an alley. I had a hard time finding it the first time I went (but that might be user error). You can find the entrance behind the Chase bank on Broughton Street. If you are paralyzed by making decisions, this is not the bar for you. Their cocktail list is in the form of a newspaper and has over 200 different drinks for you to choose from.

Add to

Details

This is just the first of many series of spots to go in Savannah, so be sure to come back for more recommendations, and follow me on TikTok!

@Mkrichtman on TikTok

Watch on TikTok

* * *

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Melanie Richtman

Hi, I'm Melanie 👋 I currently live in Savannah, GA where I spend my time trying out the best local restaurants, bars, and breweries, or kayaking the local creeks and rivers. I have lived in seven different states and two Canadian provinces, so I basically grew up without an attachment to any place, which probably influenced my desire to see more of the world. I have been to 23 countries (and counting!), and when I travel, I like to focus on finding the best places to eat and drink, absorbing the local language and culture, learning the history, and enjoying the natural landscapes each country has to offer. My guides are mostly about my recent travels in the US and in Latin America, with a focus on the best places to eat and drink. Cheers!

Read less

Send A Tip

Support Melanie Richtman’s work.

Select your tip amount

$10

$20

$50

Or type in other amount

Explore related destinations

North Historic District