The 8 Best Bars in Savannah

For unparalleled views of iconic Forsyth Park and classic cocktails like the Paper Plane and Manhattan, head to this stunning rooftop bar above Local 11 Ten restaurant. With low-slung sofas and a modern meets natural aesthetic, the Perch is an adult treehouse and perfect for sipping and soaking in sunshine on warm Savannah days. Don't miss the daily 5 to 6 p.m. happy hour, which features $7 cocktail specials and $6 glasses of wine.

This renovated 1930s-era Greyhound bus terminal turned modern award-winning restaurant also boasts one of the city's best bars. Pull up a leather chair to the central bar for one of their classic cocktails (we recommend the Pimm's Cup) or for one of the well-curated drinks flights, like the "American Pie," featuring a trio of rye whiskies from Russell's Reserve, Whistle Pig, and Pikesville Rye.

Of course a city with one of the world's largest St. Patrick's Day parades has its own Irish Pub. And even though it's only been open since 1980, this Savannah institution feels like it's been around forever. Housed in a two-story building on bustling River Street, the pub's highlights include nightly live music, an extensive menu of Irish beers and whiskies, and a balcony for watching ships pass by on Savannah River or the masses of partygoers below.

Located in a historic building that was once home to a distillery, this family-owned spot is now a modern craft beer lover's paradise. With decor inspired by an old-school saloon and featuring artifacts like liquor bottles and horseshoes unearthed during the bar's renovation, this ale house has over 20 rotating beers on tap, including local favorites like Coastal Empire Beer Co.'s lavender saison and Two Tides Brewing Company's "Pie Fight" sour. They also tap national brands like Allagash and Bell's. An extensive bottled and canned beer selection and a list of seasonal cocktails round out the drinks menu.

The lobby bar of this sleek historic district hotel makes the most of seasonal, fresh ingredients in everything from house-made syrups and shrubs to garnishes. The menu includes house cocktails, a generous list of local and global brews, and wines and champagne by the bottle or glass. There are also assorted bar snacks like deviled egg, wings, and fried green tomatoes. For the best of both worlds, try one of their champagne cocktails, like the Old Cuban, with rum, mint, bitters, and bubbles.

Formerly a brothel, boarding house, and watering hole for local rail workers, the Rail Pub is one of the city's oldest and most beloved dive bars. Come for the $5 forties and stay for the pickled eggs, hot dogs, and Friday night karaoke. Don't miss Free Fried Chicken Fridays, which include live music, free fried chicken, and 40 ounces of ice cold beer for only a penny.

The "Jen" of the Bull Street favorite, Jen's and Friends is owner Jen McEvoy, who has been voted the city's best bartender by Savannah magazine several times over. This bar has a friendly, neighborhood vibe, and with more 100 wacky and whimsical takes on the classic martini, you won't run out of drinks to sample.

With both dark and intimate indoor seating and a bright and expansive outdoor patio, this Australian gastropub from The Collins Quarter team offers two bars in one. With a tightly curated list global wines, draft, and bottled beers, and seasonal cocktails, The Fitzroy offers a quiet retreat from the rest of downtown. Try the Don Draper, made with single malt scotch, yellow Chartreuse, and Amaro Ciociaro.