It’s hard to find any decent amount of good news when it comes to Savannah’s restaurant scene. There are some feel good stories out there, we’ve shared a few, but there is no pleasant way to put it. The restaurant industry in Savannah-and everywhere in America for that matter -is in crisis. Plain and simple.
With a nationwide pandemic as a backdrop it’s fascinating to see how many restaurant projects in Savannah are not only moving forward but have either just opened or are about to open. There are a couple of bombshells on the horizon that we are not allowed to talk about right now, but trust me, if the plans I’ve been told are in the works are executed, there’s a big wow factor there. More than one, too.
Until then, here is what’s up around town:
JW Marriott Plant Riverside Project – This massive project will be getting a large number of headlines the next few weeks and months. It will be rolled out in phases with a ribbon cutting coming soon. The first phase as far as food is concerned will be pretty simple. BBQ, Sushi and other quick bites in a ‘food court type’ of environment. The heavy hitter eats are down the road. We get our tour on the 29th and are very much looking forward to seeing it all.
Eastern Wharf Project – This development will bookend River Street on the Eastern end just to the other side of the Marriott Hotel. Yes, a devastating fire ripped through that project a few months ago, but a 13 story hotel is going up as we speak. Clearly the fire was a massive set back, but I’m already hearing about restaurants that are planning to go into that development once it’s done. Worth a mention here for perspective on the riverfront, but it remains a year away.
Hop Atomica – Hop Atomica is a brand new tap room and beer production room at the corner of Broad and 39th in Savannah. It will eventually feature 20 made in house beers (they are pouring 9 now) but they also have some food. Tacos, pizzas and a few other eats. Read more here in my conversation with owner Smith Matthews.
Oak 36 – Oak 36 Bar and Kitchen is a few weeks away at the Twelve Oaks Shopping Center in Midtown Savannah. The space formerly occupied by Leoci’s and before that Sugo Rossa. Oak 36’s kitchen will be led by Savannah native and veteran chef Dusty Grove. The approach with this new venture is to provide a family friendly restaurant (video games and shuffleboard tables) and a menu that will invite you to stop off for a bite with the kids instead of driving home to cook. They hope to attract a healthy lunch crowd as well with? Healthy lunches. A fair amount of salads and plant based options targeting the hospital employees around the corner on Derenne. Staff training is set to begin very soon. I would think we’ll see them open some time in August.
KIS Cafe – KIS (Keep It Simple) is a no frills and tiny eatery near the corner of Mall Blvd and Waters Avenue. The same strip mall as the very popular W Hair Salon. I popped in last week and was told that it is essentially a commissary kitchen for the KIS food truck. That said, crepes are made to order. The one i had (Riviera) was very good. It’s amazing what can happen to a crepe when you use quality cheese. Which they did. I’m told they make Savannah’s best beignets. That’s on my next visit. They have two canisters with quality coffees going at all times. The menu is small, but options are good when you need something quick midtown. 714 Mall Blvd if you are keeping score at home.
Madame Butterfly – Is it a true ‘coming soon’ restaurant list without something on it from Ele and the Chef? Madame Butterfly is their latest effort at 110 West Congress Street. The space formerly occupied by Sapphire Grill. Madame Butterfly is a Korean BBQ concept to go along with others within walking distance for Ele and Sean Tran. Coco and Moss, Flock to the Wok, Chive and Flying Monk. We aren’t sure of an opening date yet, but we are getting close. We do know that the space will be beautiful. Aren’t they all?
Bowls and Bubbles – is a brand new Poke Bowl and Bubble Tea shop set to open at 206 West Broughton Street. There will be ‘build your own’ options and a good selection of teas as well in this good looking space. If everything moves along well, they should be about 3 weeks away from this writing. Give or take an inspection or two. Speaking of inspections…
Tacos and Tequila – Is the latest venture in the Tequila’s Town family of restaurants and almost literally a health inspection away from getting going at 1611 Habersham in Savannah. Tacos and Tequila will be very different than Tequila’s Town’s other two restaurants in Savannah. There will be a few different items on the menu, but this will be a taqueria. All tacos all of the time. And tequila of course. I would expect you could begin to Eat It and Like It in August sometime. And finally (for now)
Charscooterie – I get told about creative concepts all of the time. Sometimes they aren’t great, other times you just know that they have tremendous potential. This new food truck coming to Savannah absolutely fits in latter category. Charcuterie, draft beer and wine delivered in a VW bus. Sounds incredibly intriguing and a perfect one stop shop for a small party. We can’t wait to learn more.
Coming tomorrow – New eats on Hilton Head Island and Bluffton.
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