A Savannah Dining Tradition
Locally family-owned, the Boar’s Head Grill and Tavern offers a perfect combination of rich history, great atmosphere, and amazing food. The oldest restaurant on River Street, since 1959 diners have enjoyed the rustic ambiance in this 18th century refurbished cotton warehouse, located at 1 North Lincoln Ramp. Philip and Charlene Branan own and professionally manage the Boar’s Head. Both have extensive experience in the culinary/ restaurant field.
Philip, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY, has developed the entire menu grounded in the generous spirit of Southern cuisine. Charlene manages the front of the restaurant and greets their guests as warmly as she would welcome friends into their home. Always the star here is the food. The menu is taste-tempting, with so much attention to detail, made from scratch and in-house, offering something for each of us. The menu includes plenty of fresh seafood, and the culinary touch is delicate, featuring the exquisitely subtle sauces at which Chef Philip excels.
We began our dinner by choosing the BBQ shrimp (glazed with Chef’s own peach BBQ sauce), Chef Philip’s crab cake (Cajun tartar sauce), and Oysters Rockefeller (oysters topped with creamy hollandaise, spinach, and parmesan cheese). The first course of appetizers set the bar high, however our expectations for dinner entrees were met and exceeded. The first of three entrees were the Low Country Shrimp and Grits, shrimp and andouille sausage sautéed with sweet red peppers in a Cajun spice butter served over creamy cheddar cheese grits. (This was the best shrimp and grits I have ever eaten, and I have sampled many throughout Savannah.) Our next entrée, the stuffed shrimp, which was skillfully stuffed with lump, deviled crab, and served over angel hair pasta with a lemon butter sauce and finally the Savannah River Farms pork chop with peach chutney served with sweet potato mash. None upstaged the others, everything we tasted was pure pleasure for the palate.
We enjoyed the engaging staff while we were served our desserts, everything delicious. Warm chocolate bread pudding, Savannah trifle, and the Jack Daniels Chocolate Pecan Pie simply ended the meal in full bliss. The only thing missing was the mysterious gentleman in the top hat said to “visit” tables to ensure everyone is well taken care of. Of course, when we learned of this ghostly presence, we were completely intrigued.
Seems there is something for everyone to enjoy at the Boar’s Head Grill and Tavern, great food, spirited libations, and perhaps spirits of another kind.
East River Street at the Lincoln Street Ramp.
Hours of operation are Wednesday through Sunday, noon to 9pm.
Reservations are accepted and encouraged.
Call 912-651-9660 or visit www.boarsheadgrill.com.
Enjoy Savannah and tell them your Travelhost sent you!