Raise your hand if you remember when the Savannah Morning News used to publish “Concerts Worth the Drive” every Thursday in their DO section? I was always amused that they’d list shows in Atlanta or Raleigh, but never list the same tours’ stops in Jacksonville, less the half the distance away.

For the LONGEST time, the big names on tour would pass us by. Thankfully, this region’s growth led to the construction of much needed Enmarket Arena. The Savannah Civic Center still hosts shows on occasion and the Johnny Mercer Theatre remains a very busy venue for the acts that draw on the smaller side. Victory North is also a viable venue in Savannah’s Starland District.

As I write this, The Hostess City is preparing to host Sting at Enmarket and Chicago at Johnny Mercer. On the same night! That’s a big deal for lil’ ol Savannah.

Believe it or not, one of our most asked questions is “hey, we’re going to a show. We need a spot to eat (or drink) close by.” So here is your short list of spots that make good options for a pre-show meal or beverage. They are ranked strictly by proximity to said venue.

Old Savannah Distillery Restaurant – 245 Montgomery Street – Across the street.

This is a brand new venue (opened April 2026) that features a full service restaurant and bar with windows facing out on the Civic Center across the street. The menu is Southern (burgers, fried chicken, et al) but the cocktail menu is creative and well done. The best part is those drinks will only run you $10-12. Which they’ll tell you around downtown Savannah, that could be labeled a bargain. For convenience? This is impossible to beat. They will do well on show nights because of it.

Frali Gourmet Italian Restaurant and Market– 217 West Liberty Street – Across the street.

Frali is a no frills-and extremely popular-Italian eatery directly across Liberty Street from the Civic Center’s parking lot. Prices are reasonable and they offer a small wine list. The food is delicious. If that’s your speed, pay them a visit and you’ll see why it’s so popular. We should mention Savannah Coffee Roasters directly next door to Frali, but they close at 5pm.

Toasted Barrel – 150 Montgomery Street (at Oglethorpe)

Toasted Barrel is adjacent to the Springfield Suites Hotel across the street from the Civic Center complex to the North. They specialize in “Artisan” grilled cheese sandwiches, but they offer a few other items like burgers and wings. The menu is smallish, but they have a good bourbon selection. It’s their thing.

Crystal Beer Parlor – 301 West Jones Street (0.3 of a mile and 8 minute walk per google maps)

Crystal Beer Parlor is a legendary Savannah spot and quite possibly a favorite pre-show spot for locals who know the area well. The space is practically a museum dedicated to Savannah’s history. The food is always a hit. My go-to is their triple decker turkey club sandwich (Savannah’s best Club). That’s just me. Ask 10 locals and you’ll likely get 7-8 different answers. That’s the mark of a great menu.

Noble Fare – 321 Jefferson Street (0.1 miles or 2 blocks. A 3 minute walk)

Noble Fare is planted firmly on the “If you know you know” lists of fine dining in Savannah. They are fairly quietly among the city’s best and most consistent restaurants. It is fine dining. 38 or so seats. It is popular with the pre-show crowds but you’ve got to allow yourself the time to enjoy it (as in-get there early).

Our next wave is a 2 block walk away……

Mellow Mushroom Pizza 11 West Liberty Street near Bull Street

We don’t generally traffic in chains around here, but if you’ve got kids in tow then you need to know what your options are. Besides, we don’t dislike Mellow Mushroom. They’ve got a little something for everyone and a full bar. The location is perfect if that is what you are looking for. About a 3 minute walk from the venue’s parking lot.

Public Kitchen and Bar/Artillery Cocktail Bar – 1 West Liberty Street at Bull Street

This is probably the spot I send the most people just for the simple fact that it is the closest ‘upscale’ dining option. Not fine dining, certainly casual. Public is delicious (try the Shrimp and Grits). Their espresso martini is in my top 3 in the city. True story. Directly behind Public is Artillery – One of Savannah’s upscale cocktail bars. Both also a 3 or so minute walk from the Civic Center parking lot.

Six Pence Pub – 245 Bull Street

A little more on the casual side is probably Savannah’s most popular pub for the locals. Six Pence Pub qualifies as ‘classic Savannah’. Cold pints, sandwiches, a legendary pot roast and other traditional pub classics. The walk to the venue (Civic Center) is a right turn and 2 blocks away.

There are two others on my list that are a very short walk.

Husk – 12 West Oglethorpe Street (0.3 Miles a 5 minute walk per google maps)

Husk is the most fine dining on this list and a wonderful restaurant in its own right. They have a fabulous Happy Hour menu (the burger is among Savannah’s best), which is great timing pre-show…but you should allow yourself a little bit of time to enjoy this. Fast food it is not. Delicious it is.

The Collins Quarter – 151 Bull Street (0.3 miles and a 5 minute walk per google maps)

The Collins Quarter is directly next door to Husk. It’s also reaches my limit on how far I would send someone who isn’t too familiar with downtown Savannah, simply for proximity’s sake. The selections at CQ are wonderful. They offer great great food, Savannah’s best coffee program, plus a full bar. You’d be hard pressed to do better than this.

It’s important to understand that Enmarket Arena is not located in Savannah’s Historic District. It’s about a little over a mile away. A 10 minute drive through town. Could you walk it? Sure, but you could also walk to Atlanta. We wouldn’t recommend either one. Particularly if you are unfamiliar with downtown Savannah.

It’s also important to mention that for many events at Enmarket, there are shuttles that operate from the Civic Center parking lot. They are not free. They charge per person. If you have a group, you may as well park at the arena. Parking there can run $30-40 but you do your own math. Additional options for pre-show eats are largely located in Savannah’s Victorian District, which puts them a little closer to Enmarket than the others we shared above.

Black Rabbit – 1215 Barnard Street (1.3 miles 29 minute walk per google maps)

Black Rabbit is a very popular sandwich shop. Several sandwiches on the menu, a couple of soups and/or a bag of chips. They also have a full bar-which is also very popular.

Strangebird – 1220 Barnard Street (1.3 miles 29 minute walk per google maps)

Strangebird is a very popular eatery (across the street from Black Rabbit). They have one of Savannah’s best burgers (Birria Burger) as well as tacos and other ‘handhelds’. It’s location inside Savannah’s Streamliner Diner Car makes it a popular spot, but the food is the star here.

Three others that we recommend that push out-distance wise-from there are: Veratina (Italian), Shuk (Mediterranean) and Bull Street Taco. We share these because parking is easier and then it’s a quick drive to Enmarket Arena.

You could drive 3-4 minutes to the Starland District for any of the great eats there, but parking can be an issue in and around Starland. If you are pressed for time before a show. it is not advised.

Questions? We are always around, crushing some nachos or something. Give us a shout. tips@eatitandlikeit.com

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