Springtime in Savannah. The perfect time of the year. Savannah is such a great walking city that sitting outdoors for a bite to eat with such beautiful weather is almost required. There are a whole lot of places to do it. Here are the places we featured and a few extras, just in case you find yourself hoofin’ it across town.
Public is right smack dab in the middle of Savannah’s historic district. If you are going to sit outside to dine here, you are going to have to be prepared for hustle and bustle. Cars, buses, trolleys, people walking down the street. All of it. It can be loud. If a ‘city’ feel is your thing, then this is your spot. The food is great. They are owned by the same folks that own SOHO Cafe across Liberty Street and Local 11ten in Savannah’s Victorian District.
Firefly is everything Public Kitchen and Bar is not. Located on Troup Square downtown Savannah it is in a quiet residential neighborhood. Not much going on that way, which makes this restaurant a destination. Inside, Darcy O’Connor has created a charming feel. Windows wrap around the space so the views are great all the way around if you eat inside, but outside is where it’s at. The only restaurant in downtown Savannah that faces a square (Outside of City Market). Lunch, Dinner and Sunday Brunch. Live music on Thursdays.
It can’t get any more outside than The Wyld. Formerly the very well known Bonna Bella Yacht Club, Owner and Executive Chef Tony Seichrist gave the entire place a much needed makeover in 2015. Now the spot is one of the most comfortable in the area. Plenty of tables and bar deck space to eat and drink to your hearts content with sweeping views of the marsh. There is a rather large dock there as well, so boaters can pull up for a day, and they do. The Wyld is largely seafood, but here’s a secret. Tony used to work at Holeman and Finch in Atlanta, home of quite possibly one of the most popular burgers in the State of Georgia. He was there when that burger was created. He has a burger on the menu here at The Wyld Dock Bar. Could it be as good? You decide. Single or double patties.
Owner Lori Collins has put a ton of work into making SCR a destination on Liberty Street near the Civic Center. She offers some of the best quick breakfasts around and great lunches as well. There is even a very popular dinner service. Yes, at a ‘coffee shop.’ Yes, you can enjoy it all outdoors.
Flying Monk is, without question, Savannah’s most popular noodle bar. Owned by the same group that owns Ele on Wilmington Island, Chive downtown and King and I on the Southside, Flying Monk is addictive. I know people who eat there multiple times a week. Yes, it is that good. Sometimes you can expect a short line to order. Sometimes you can find a seat out front and Eat It and Like It.
Collins Quarter is quite possibly the most popular spot for brunch or lunch in Savannah. On any given weekend you are going to wait. And people do because the food and drink is so good. The burger won our 2015 Foodie Award for best burger. The Australian Milkshake with ice cream,whole milk and two shots of espresso is a showstopper. As are all of the salads and sandwiches. Smallish menu, but exceptional all the way around.
We’ve featured Kayak before on our show. Great salads and healthier alternatives right on Broughton Street.
Rocks on the River is some of the best food on River Street. Located in the ground floor of the Bohemian Hotel, they have a number of tables out on the sidewalk. Menu is wide ranging. Steaks are great, as are the burgers. Shrimp and grits are a favorite as well.
A few others you may want to look into if you are looking to eat outside are The Olde Pink House, AJs Seafood on Tybee Island, North Beach Grill, Treylor Park, and Six Pence Pub.
See you on TV,
Jesse
