If you’ve spent any time on Sullivan’s Island near Charleston, then you know just how popular Poe’s Tavern is. It’s a local icon there. During the Summer rush, considering it is a couple of blocks removed from the beach there, you are going to wait for a table. It’s popular, it’s good and it’s a lot of fun.
Now it is coming to Savannah. Work has begun on the space at MLK Junior Blvd at Indian Street. At the top of the hill before you roll down to the Riverfront and the JW Marriott. Here’s an excerpt from my conversation with Poe’s Director of Marketing on what we can expect once they are open.
JB: You guys have had you eyes on Savannah for a minute, haven’t you?
Poe’s: We have. Actually for quite a long time. There were a bunch of issues going on there with securing the building. That took quite a long time. We started renovating and all of that probably about a year ago.
JB: For those who are not familiar with Poe’s, how would you describe it?
Poe’s: We are quite unique. It’s all Edgar Allen Poe themed. He was stationed in Charleston for a while (in the Army). He lived here and they say his time here inspired some of his work like The Gold Bug.
So the owners opened up here on Sullivan’s Island back in 2003. We are in this old 1900s building there. It’s cool. It’s quaint. It’s dark without being creepy or “Haloweenie” and we have lots and lots of art work from multiple artists at all of our locations, but it is all Edgar Allen Poe themed.
It’s a cool little place. All of the buildings we have (3 total) are a bit different.
Each restaurant has about 20 draft lines. More than half are local brews. We grind burgers in house and make everything in house. Burgers, tacos, salads. That sort of stuff.
JB: Would you describe this as a ‘restaurant/pub’ or a bar? How would you describe it?
I would say ‘Restaurant/Pub’.
JB: Construction is going on as we speak. Is there a timetable?
Poe’s: You know, the timetable is always changing. So all we are allowed to say for now is “Soon” There are always hurdles.
JB: There are a lot of restaurant/pubs out there. All of them largely doing the same thing. I know Poe’s on Sullivan’s has captured the hearts of the local scene. What is it about that spot that you think makes you different?
Poe’s: The owners did a fantastic job of hiring. It just kind of went from there. The respect that the staff gets from management team. The staff makes a huge difference. Most of them have been there over 10 years. It makes for a fun, goofy unique group of people there. I really think that has something to do with it.
It’s a really cool, unique spot.
Look for Poe’s Savannah to open in 2022. Follow their progress on Instagram here.
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