.You’re here because you’re the out-of-the-box, traveler. You want to know more about where the locals hang out; where the best parts of Savannah are just on the outskirts of town. Well look no further, we’ve got a list of restaurants off the beaten path, just waiting to be explored!
Crystal Beer Parlor
Established in 1933, Crystal Beer Parlor is another spot very popular with locals. With a large bar and ample seating in both large booths and tables, the best thing about this place, may also be the most difficult: from the menu to the beer selection, there are so many options to choose from. Start out with fried green tomatoes or avocado hummus, and of course, browse the vast beer selection for something to sip on while waiting for your meal.
The Crystal Crab Stew always gets rave reviews, but then again so do the flounder filets, the burgers, the Italian meatball hoagie, the Greek taco, and the chicken pomodoro. Thankfully, to spare you from any more decisions, the vote is pretty much unanimous that for dessert you must try the peach cobbler, however, it’s up to you whether or not you want to accompany that with a root beer float. But we think you should.
- 301 W Jones Street
- For more info call: 912-349-1000
Green Truck Pub
Green Truck Pub is where you’ll find all the locals hiding! Savannah’s favorite grass-fed burger joint hand-makes their own ketchup, pimento cheese, salad dressing, and veggie patties. They also source everything from meat, coffee, and corkboards as close to home as possible. All menus and t-shirts are also printed with local artists, and all produce is bought seasonally from in-area farms. One of the most popular burgers here is The Whole Farm, which is topped with cheddar cheese, bacon, and fried egg. The Rustico is another favorite, a burger topped with goat cheese, caramelized onions, roasted red peppers, and basil.
For our veggie friends, you have the option to make replace any burger with a veggie patty. There are also incredible salads like the El Camino. It’s filled with corn and black bean salsa, tortillas, avocado, sour cream, shredded cheddar, and a southwestern vinaigrette. There are also sandwiches for when you’re not in the mood for a burger. Locals recommend the chicken and apples or the adult’s grilled cheese for when you want to feel like a kid again. Save room for desserts locally made from FORM like cheesecake or hummingbird cake. Be sure to look through the extensive craft beer selection to pair with your meal!
- 2430 Habersham Street
- For more info: 912-234-5885
The Five Spot
The Five Spot is located in Habersham Village, an old revitalized shopping complex just outside the historic district of Savannah. The ambiance is very unique, cool grey tones, driftwood, big windows, airy and almost nautical while still feeling modern and welcoming. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, (lunch and dinner seems to be their specialty), there is frequently live entertainment, and the bar is set away from the dining area so it’s also a great spot to meet for drinks.
The menu is creative and very diverse, from salads and sandwiches to quesadillas, pasta, stir-fries, steaks, and seafood. They also serve some of the best fried green tomatoes in town. Make sure to start off with those, and peruse the fun cocktail list. The dessert list is also pretty decadent, we recommend the chocolate peanut butter brownie topped with salted caramel ice cream—save room!
- 4430 Habersham Street
- For more info call: 912-777-3021
Zunzi’s
Zunzi’s, owned locally by Johnny and Gabriella De Beer, has been a Savannah staple for quite a few years. It’s an eclectic fusion of Italian, South African, and a little bit of Swizz and Dutch food. Not all the tourists know about it, but the locals swear by it.
The two famous sandwiches are the Godfather and the Conquistador. The Godfather is a combination of chicken and sausage with lettuce and marinara, but the conquistador is the reigning champion: a baked chicken breast served on French bread and topped with lettuce, tomatoes, and a special sauce. It got the attention of Adam Richman, the television host behind Travel Channel shows including Man v. Food and Man v. Food Nation.
It was voted one of the three best sandwiches in the country! Other popular favorites are the Oliver’s Lunch, a heaping helping of both chicken and sausage served with a spinach salad and either rice or mashed potatoes. Veggies fear not, the falafel and the SLP (something like pizza) which is a pita topped with marinara, spinach, mozzarella cheese, and tomatoes. Make sure, whatever you do, absolutely cover any food that you get in their secret sauces. One is marinara based, and the other is mayo based. Both are tangy and delicious. Finish up with a drink from the full bar or the special African sweet tea, a cold mix of peach and coconut.
- 9 Drayton St.
- For more info call: 912-443-1554