Savannah is home to some incredible restaurants that it is hard to know where to start. Which is why we are sharing the best mom and pop Savannah restaurants, so you don’t miss any of these top picks!
Savannah is a picturesque little city on the Georgia coastline that is just bursting with Southern charm. From the architecture to the accents, Savannah is all about classic comfort and hospitality, making it one of the best places to visit in America. Nothing reflects these values more than the food. If you’re looking for the perfect mom and pop Savannah restaurants, look no further but don’t forget to visit some of the incredible things to do in Savannah too.
Best time to visit Savannah
The best time to visit Savannah is between March and July, when temperatures are warmer and flowers are blooming. There are plenty of festivals to attend during the summer months but this does result in higher hotel rates.
For those travelling on a budget, visit Savannah between Thanksgiving and Christmas; everything is open, the weather is cooler and prices are much lower.
Getting to Savannah
Savannah-Hilton Head International Airport is the nearest airport to Savannah, located around 12 miles from downtown and offering direct flights to around 30 domestic airports. Travelling internationally, you could fly via Atlanta. Once you land, you can catch a taxi, rent a car or use the airport express bus to get to your hotel.
There are also various train routes that stop by Savannah and the Amtrak station is just 4 miles from downtown, making the train a popular option.
Getting around Savannah
There are various ways of getting around Savannah, with a popular option being to cycle. Bike Walk Savannah is an organisation that is working towards making the town even more bike friendly, making this a great option for visitors.
The CAT is Savannah’s public transport option, offering 16 bus routes around the area whilst the DOT is a free service that helps visitors and residents get around downtown Savannah, running throughout the day.
There are also plenty of tours around Savannah, including horse-drawn carriages, segway tours, walking and trolley tours.
BEST MOM AND POP SAVANNAH RESTAURANTS
Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room
Although there is no shortage of delicious Savannah restaurants, Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room takes the phrases “mom and pop” and “home-cooked” to a new level. The restaurant has a handful of tables that seat ten patrons each.
Every dish is served family-style, with an ever-changing menu selection that rotates classic dishes like fried chicken, collard greens, coleslaw, and meatloaf. If you’ve ever wanted to experience a Southern get-together, this is the way. It’s so popular that you can expect a bit of a line (even Instagrammers have caught onto this hidden gem), but it’s well worth the wait.
Green Truck Pub
They might not be a “mom” or a “pop,” but the couple behind Green Truck Pub is dishing out delicious pub faves in a responsible way. All of the food is locally sourced, and the owners support locals farms, allowing their customers to enjoy guilt-free burgers.
Try the “Trailer Park,” a 1/3-lb beef patty topped with bacon, onions, tomato, and a Southern classic: pimento cheese. Finish it off with a fresh-baked piece of pecan pie, and you’ll be a happy camper.
P.S. Head here in the Winter for their festive holiday burger!
Sweet Spice Restaurant
Spicing up Soul Food favorites with its Jamaican menu, Sweet Spice has become a real hit. Featuring recipes passed down from his mother, owner Donavon Smith is adding Caribbean flavors to the Savannah culinary scene.
The small restaurant makes amazing jerk chicken, but don’t miss out on the braised oxtails. And fear not for the Southern classics — Sweet Spice still serves a mean bread pudding!
Narobia’s Grits and Gravy
You’ve probably heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and if that’s true, Narobia’s Grits and Gravy just became the most important restaurant in Savannah. They are cooking up comfort food favorites with no frills.
The sign on the building claims that their French toast is so good you don’t need syrup — and they’re not wrong! Whether you’re looking for the perfectly buttered biscuit or spectacular shrimp and grits, you’re going to be satisfied.
Crystal Beer Parlour
Crystal Beer Parlour is a Savannah institution. Opened in 1933, Crystal Beer Parlour has had plenty of time to perfect pub food, and the extensive menu shows it! No picky eater can make it out of Crystal Beer Parlour hungry! They don’t disappoint with their fried green tomatoes and blue crab dishes (the dip is particularly tasty). The beer is cold, and you get to be a part of history. What could be better?
Olde Pink House Restaurant
Located in literally an old pink house, this restaurant is everything you want from the South. The decor in the colonial-era house is charming whilst the food is delicious.
Expect some twists on your typical southern food, with crispy fish with apricot shallot sauce or fried shrimp and apple slaw. There is also a wide selection of seafood here, including oysters and a shellfish tower.
The Lady & Sons
Savannah’s celebrity chef restaurant ran by Paula Deen is perfect for those looking for good friend chicken and crab cakes. Make sure you stay for dessert – the key-lime and pecan pie are top choices.
Vic’s on the River
Found in a restored cotton warehouse, Vic’s is a hub of shrimp, meatloaf, smoked cheddar and crab. The historic charm adds to the atmosphere of the place as do the many locals that visit.
The Wyld Dock Bar
Drive or boat up to this dock side restaurant, perfect during those warm months and try a fish taco or peach salad. This mashland is home to the occasional live local band, bocce ball and those coming along to fish.
Driftaway Cafe
With a rustic front, Driftaway Cafe could easily be overlooked, but what a shame that would be! Covered in nautical decorations and draped curtains, the cafe serves up some fo the best seafood in Savannah.
Typical costs in Savannah
Savannah is a destination of bed and breakfasts and family-run inns; you won’t find too many hostels or budget hotels here. Staying further away from downtown can get you a private room in a chain hotel for around $55 whilst 3-star hotels start at $150. Luxury hotels and Inns start at $240.
Breakfast and lunch can be found for under $15 whilst dinner for two starts at $40 at a sit down restaurant.
One way bus tickets cost $1.50 with passes available from $3 but the DOT is free to use and gets you around most locations in the downtown area.
Save money in Savannah
Savannah is becoming more and more popular, meaning the prices are rising. However, there are some ways you can save money in Savannah too.
Travel in the off-season for cheaper prices but stick to hotels in the downtown area so that you can still take advantage of the free DOT transportation. Visit the free attractions like Forsyth Park, the cathedral of St.John the Baptist and the nearby beaches before heading to one of the many mom and pop restaurants in the city; these are delicious and often offer bigger portions for cheaper prices than the chain restaurants.
Best things to do in Savanna
There are many incredible things to do in Savannah. Head down the Savannah Historic District then learn more about the history of the area at one of the many museums. Take an Old Savannah Trolley Tour then get shopping at the City Market. Learn about the dark past of the area at the Owens-Thomas House then try some southern cooking at The Wilkes House. There are plenty of things do in Savannah with kids, like a riverboat cruise or a National Wildlife Refuge.
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Whether you’re wandering through the weeping willows or exploring Savannah’s ghostly past, these are five great pit stops for a homey bite to eat. Each restaurant is uniquely rethinking Southern cooking, and the city is a tastier place because of their efforts. Grab some of the classic dishes you know and love while exploring new food in beautiful Savannah fashion.
Heading to Savannah? Plan your trip using this Guide to Savannah for first timers.
12 Comments
I visited Savannah last year and LOVED the food there! Out of the places you mention, I ate at the Olde Pink House and Vic’s on the River. Everything was delicious. I need to get back and try the rest of these spots. 🙂
Mmmm now I’m hungry! I just visited Savannah but only had a few hours, so I didn’t get to sample the local food much. I’d love to visit these rec’s!
Ok that had to be SO fun testing out all that fabulous looking food! What a great resource for finding some great places to eat!
I would enjoy Savannah with all the food on offer. I will add this to my list of places to visit in the USA. Thanks for sharing.
What a great list of restaurants you’ve put together! I like the looks of a couple of them so I’m making a note for when I get to Savannah.
I love Mrs. Wilkes! It’s such a Savannah tradition. Great list!
I just love Savannah so much…. and now I’m so excited for my next trip to try some of these places. Now more than ever, it’s so important to “eat local” & support the local businesses & the locals who live in the places we travel to.
So many good choices! I love Crystal Beer Parlor and Narobia’s. They’re great “mom and pop” shops. In addition to Mrs. Wilkes, which is always a great spot for fried chicken, there’s a little restaurant (outside of the Historic District) called Geneva’s that makes delicious fried chicken!
I loved Savannah when i visited. Can’t wait to get back there and try some of these places!
I love southern shrimp and grits…especially if the shrimp is right off the boat. Now I have an idea of restaurants to visit when I return to Savanah someday. A very complete and yummy list!
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Out of these, spots The Olde Pink House is 100% the kind of place I’d bring my mom and dad to. Love the food scene in Savannah.