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.
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.
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.
11 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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