20 Best Nightlife in Savannah, Georgia

Circa 1875

Historic District Fodor's choice

In a beautifully renovated space with pressed-tin ceilings and a gorgeous antique bar, this is the place to come for a bottle of wine or champagne by the glass. Recordings of jazz legends like Billie Holiday or Django Reinhardt are usually the soundtrack, and the bar area is filled with tucked-away nooks for couples on a date. The gastropub next door offers a full menu of French fare that can also be ordered late into the night. The gourmet burgers and the mussels are highly recommended.

Lulu's Chocolate Bar

Historic District Fodor's choice

This laid-back spot invites you to indulge your sweet tooth. Walking through the door, you're immediately greeted by a dessert case full of freshly baked specialties—try some of the homemade truffles. The menu also includes a spectacular list of specialty drinks, including champagne cocktails, chocolate martinis, and a modest selection of beer and wines. Warm up with an Irish coffee or the truly divine "drinkable chocolate," an especially fulfilling twist on hot chocolate.

Peregrin

Historic District Fodor's choice
Perched on top of Perry Lane Hotel, Peregrin offers the best view of the city's church steeples and architectural details on a lush, colorful patio. Revelers can play cornhole while sipping frosé (frozen rosé) or the planter's punch. Wine lovers will revel in the curated menu, and there's a small array of bites, like dill pickle dip and crab-and-shrimp lettuce wraps, if you're feeling peckish.

Recommended Fodor's Video

Planters Tavern

Historic District Fodor's choice

Lighted by flickering candles, this tavern in the basement of The Olde Pink House is one of Savannah's most romantic late-night spots. There's a talented piano player setting the mood, two stone fireplaces, and an array of fox-hunt memorabilia. The upstairs menu is available, with the same quality of service but a slightly less formal approach.

The handful of tables fill up fast, but the staff will serve you wherever you find a spot.

Artillery

Historic District
One of Savannah's most beautiful bars, Artillery is housed in a historic landmark built by a volunteer militia group of mounted rangers in 1896. Now, Daniel Reed Hospitality embraces 18th-century-style and modern design elements in its sumptuously restored space. Settle in and buzz a waiter with the push of a call button to order from the expansive wine list, the classic cocktail menu (they make an excellent Manhattan), or the contemporary cocktail selection (Bit of a Pickle is an unusually delicious choice with gin, lemon, white balsamic vinegar, cucumber, dill and cracked pepper.) Expert drinks and great conversation are champion here, and proper attire is a must (no cut-offs, tank tops; flip-flops strongly discouraged; no hats)—and make sure you silence your phone once inside.

Barrelhouse South

Historic District
In the center of Congress Street's bustling nightlife scene, Barrelhouse South offers live music most nights of the week. Packed on the weekends with an enthused mix of bohemian and professional twenty- to thirtysomethings, the crowds dance the night away to bands playing covers and originals that range from funk and R&B to rock. Shoot a round of pool at the second bar in the basement.
125 W. Congress St., Savannah, Georgia, 31401, USA
912-662–5576

Casimir's Lounge

Historic District

This sleek nightspot regularly features live jazz, blues, and acoustic stylings. The decor is luxe, perhaps even a bit over-the-top. There's a great balcony on the side where you can have a drink while enjoying a view of lovely Forsyth Park.

Club One

Historic District

Savannah's mainstay gay bar offers three levels of fun: drag shows and occasional burlesque and theater productions upstairs; dance parties on the main floor; and a relaxing spot for conversation or karaoke in the basement bar. Although the decor is a little tacky, the scene is wildly fun when the lights go down and the music starts.

Congress Street Social Club

Historic District

Part sports bar, part music venue, the Congress Street Social Club is always jam-packed on weekend nights. Enjoy drinks and street eats right off the grill on the patio, dance to live music or a DJ inside, or play a round of pool in Social's basement. For a more laid-back experience, stop by on a weekend afternoon for nibbles, beer, and dogspotting on the patio.

Dollhouse Studios

Historic District

Besides being home to its own recording studio, this 1940s-era factory building hosts fashion, art, and live music events. Run by a young couple hailing from New York City, the place attracts up-and-coming and known national touring artists alike, including some big names like Art Garfunkel. The vibe is offbeat and indie, a mirrored stage and hipster patrons, all in an expansive old warehouse with impressive high ceilings and exposed brick walls. It's open only when there's a show, so check the calendar.

El-Rocko Lounge

Historic District
This trendy, 1970s-inspired nightclub, adorned in vintage decor, golden lighting, and authentic pachinko machines, serves a variety of audiences. At happy hour, you'll find young professionals enjoying a barrel-aged cocktail, conversation, and punching requests into the analog jukebox. After the sun sets, catch local and touring rock, hip-hop, and indie acts onstage. Late night, students flood the space to dance beneath the golden disco ball until last call.
117 Whitaker St., Savannah, Georgia, 31401, USA
912-495–5808

Electric Moon Skytop Lounge

Historic District
In the J.W. Marriott's Power Plant Building, this rooftop lounge is one of the city's best and busiest, offering views of the river, great bar food, and signature cocktails like the Fly Me to the Moon with infused vodka.

Ghost Coast Distillery

Historic District
You may see Ghost Coast products around Savannah at various bars (ask if you don't), but if you are interested in visiting the distillery's Cocktail Room, it's open Thursday through Sunday, crafting cocktails from the distillery's own products. You can also sample small-batch spirits that aren't available elsewhere. But it closes early, so this is not a destination for night owls.

Hang Fire

Historic District

This place was once a strip club, and the original stripper pole still hangs horizontally above the bar. The owner gave the space a warm, homey feel, creating the bar out of metal shavings from a machine shop. On weekends this is a big hangout for young hipsters who like cheap beer and live rock music. The staff is friendly, and the jukebox is awesome.

Molly MacPherson's Scottish Pub & Grill

Historic District

This Scottish pub is a must for Scotch lovers, who'll find a selection of more than 100 single malts. Well-prepared Scottish and American specialties include bangers and mash and fish-and-chips. Local rock bands and singer-songwriters perform Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night. Stop by the original location near City Market or venture out to Molly's Richmond Hill and Pooler outposts.

Service Brewing Co.

Historic District
Opened by veteran Kevin Ryan and his partner Meredith Sutton, this local institution has been brewing since 2014. Stop by the taproom for beer (some varieties are brewed year-round, some are seasonal) and camaraderie. Wednesday is Trivia Night.

The Original Pinkie Masters

Historic District

This dive bar's biggest claim to fame was that Georgia's own Jimmy Carter stood up on the bar to announce his bid for the presidency. The people are friendly, the drinks are cheap, the analog jukebox is loaded with an unexpected mix of soul, R&B, and punk, and the vibe is laid-back with zero frills.

318 Drayton St., Savannah, Georgia, 31401, USA
912-999–7106
Nightlife Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.

The Warehouse

Historic District

An old-school dive bar that claims to have "the coldest beer in town," the Warehouse's River Street location means more tourists than locals. The service is friendly, and lots of different local bands play everything from original rock and country to classic covers. The kitchen serves Southern standbys if you get a hankering for something to snack on.

The Wayward

Historic District
The Perry Lane Hotel's take on an elevated dive bar, the Wayward combines grimy punk aesthetics with sleek, modern design touches like a salon-style gallery wall with paintings of Bill Murray and a vintage motorcycle hanging over the bar. Order a boilermaker, enjoy some free popcorn, and play a round of pinball in the small arcade.

Top Deck Rooftop Bar

Downtown

Enjoy the best views of the Savannah River and the cargo ships coming to port from this bar on the rooftop of the Cotton Sail Hotel. During the daytime Top Deck is quite low-key, but it gets lively and packed during the evening hours. Enjoy tasty, eclectic light bites with classic mixed drinks or more inspired signature cocktails.

It's the best place in town to catch the sunset while enjoying a drink.