In the past, Savannah has been known as “the hostess city of the South,” owing to its world-famous hospitality and longstanding penchant for cocktail culture (Chatham artillery punch, our signature libation, may have a history reaching back into the late 18th century if the legends are to be believed). We love to raise a glass, and toasting a new year is an ideal opportunity. Check out one of my favorite spots for a glass of holiday cheer to help you ring in 2024!
Though tucked away in a Broughton Street basement space, there’s nothing ordinary about The Ordinary Pub! Inspired by the concept of “pubs” or public houses, neighborhood meeting places where patrons congregate and socialize over a hearty meal and a pint, The Ordinary’s fantastic bar area features some of the best bottles in town, and the cozy, warmly-lit vibes are perfect for the winter holidays.
A cousin to The Ordinary, Common Restaurant at the other end of Broughton Street employs the same cozy, comfortable feel to make it a welcoming place to spend an evening. Similarly to The Ordinary Pub, Common is influenced by the village common, a town park or meeting place for gatherings and events. Both spots have a professional bar staff that focuses on house-made shrubs, cordials, punches, juices and more to produce the most craft experience possible, making it the perfect place to raise a glass to the new year.
Georgia’s oldest and most elegant city has an array of romantic dining spots to choose from including 17hundred90. It’s intimate and quiet, and named for the year that Savannah’s independent city government was first formed after the Revolution. The menu is classic and solid, and if you don’t scare easily, it may interest you to know that it’s considered one of the most haunted places in Savannah. It also has some of the finest wines available in town, so pop the cork and toast Savannah’s spirits old and new!
For an authentic speakeasy experience, you can’t miss Congress Street Up above the American Prohibition Museum. During museum hours, Congress Street Up offers period-authentic cocktails (and mocktails) made with the same ingredients that would have been available during the Prohibition era, as well as a knowledgeable bartender to describe what it would have been like to visit a speakeasy during the time when alcohol was prohibited. After the museum closes, guests can return to Congress Street Up from a separate entrance on Congress Street to enjoy an expanded drink menu and entertainment late into the evening.
Water Witch Tiki is a super cool and comfortable spot that gets its name from a captured Union ship scuttled by Confederate forces off the coast of Savannah in 1864 to prevent its return to the North, but no one was sad to see it go, as seaman lore held that the ship had always been cursed. It had been captured off the Ossabaw Sound earlier that summer and with it came its whispered tales of misfortune and frequent appearances of sailor superstitions indicating disaster. It’s because of this mysterious and exciting history that staff invites you to “come aboard” the Water Witch and “get sunk” by their menu of crafted tropical cocktails. I’m a fan of the Ruby’s Jewel, but there are new seasonal drinks coming aboard all the time.
BONUS: Make yourself a craft cocktail at home! If you’re planning to invite friends and loved ones over rather than navigate downtown crowds and parking, pick up some cocktail mixes or syrups from Locally Made Savannah. This Broughton Street shop stocks products from Rhoot Man Shrub Beverage Enhancers, Bittermilk, and Fete Cocktail Infusions, and you can even sample some in-store before making your decision! With these locally- and regionally-produced items your friends will think you’re a mixing expert.
Enjoy Savannah this New Year’s, and make sure to let them know your TravelHost sent you!