As locals, when it gets over 80°F in the summer, we tend to keep cool the same way most people here do, by slipping into a good bar. Whether it’s a dimly lit cocktail spot, a laid-back neighborhood hangout, or somewhere in between, Savannah has no shortage of places to grab a drink and settle in for a while.
Part of the charm is the variety. You can start the evening with a craft cocktail, wander through the Historic District with a to-go cup, and end up in the classic dive bar by night's end.Â
Cocktail Bars & Local Favorites
Savannah’s bar scene leans heavily on personality. Some spots are polished, others are unapologetically casual, but all of them have a sense of place that keeps people coming back.
Savoy Society
Savoy Society is located on East Liberty Street in downtown Savannah and combines a cocktail bar with a full food menu. The space has a more energetic feel than many traditional cocktail spots, with a layout that encourages groups and a later-night crowd. It’s a good option when you’re looking for something that blends drinks, food, and a more social atmosphere.
Joe & Vera’s
With a name rooted in family and a feel that reflects it, Joe & Vera’s blends a classic bar atmosphere with a more polished edge. Drawing on a mixology career that spans from dive bars to fine dining, including serving as head bartender at the three-Michelin-star Per Se, owner Tim Fitzgerald brings a remarkable level of craft and intention to every detail.
Crystal Beer Parlor
A Savannah staple, Crystal Beer Parlor has been around long enough to feel woven into the city itself. Known for its extensive beer selection and classic bar menu, it’s the kind of place where locals and visitors naturally mix. It’s casual, consistent, and always a solid choice.
Pinkie Masters
No frills, no pretense, Pinkie Masters is as authentic as it gets. It’s the kind of bar where the vibe hasn’t changed much over the years, and that’s exactly the appeal. If you’re looking for something unpolished in the best way, this is it. P.S. it's a cash-only bar.Â
Bars Worth Visiting
Some places in Savannah are less about routine and more about the experience. Whether it’s the view, the setting, or something uniquely Savannah, these are spots worth building into your plans.
Peregrin – Perry Lane Hotel
Set above the Historic District, Peregrin offers one of the best rooftop views in the city. It’s the kind of place where you can ease into the evening with a cocktail as the sun sets over Savannah.Â
Bar Julian – Thompson Hotel
Overlooking the river, Bar Julian brings a slightly different perspective, both visually and stylistically. The space feels modern and open, with a great cocktail menu that complements the setting. It’s a strong option when you’re looking to step just outside the usual downtown feel.
The Pirate House
Few places in Savannah lean into history quite like The Pirate House. While it’s known for its dining, the bar carries that same character with dark wood, low lighting, and a sense of stepping back in time. It’s less about the cocktail itself and more about the atmosphere, which makes it worth experiencing.
Zunzi’s
Known for its bold flavors and casual energy, Zunzi’s has a broad range of cocktails that are tropically inspired, think rum runners and Pina coladas. The seating is mostly outdoors with lots of shade and lush tropical plants so you feel like you're on the beach.Â
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