Best Bars in Savannah, Georgia: River Street to the Historic District

Savannah has a bar scene unlike anywhere else in the South — and one rule that sets it apart from almost every other American city: you can legally carry an open drink on the street. Grab a cocktail in a to-go cup, step outside, and wander the cobblestone streets with a drink in hand. It's one of the great pleasures of a Savannah evening.

Here's where to drink, from River Street waterfront bars to craft cocktail lounges tucked into the Historic District.

Before we dive in: Savannah allows open containers of alcohol on public streets within the downtown area, as long as the drink is in a plastic or paper cup (no glass). Most bars will transfer your drink to a to-go cup on request. This makes bar-hopping on foot a genuinely enjoyable experience — you can sip your way from one neighborhood to the next.

The quintessential Savannah bar experience. Wet Willie's is famous for its frozen daiquiris — served in enormous cups in flavors like "Call-A-Cab" (their strongest) and "Mango Tango." It's touristy, loud, and completely fun. The River Street location has a great waterfront patio.

Best for: Frozen drinks, groups, first-night-in-Savannah energy.

Located inside the Hyatt Regency Savannah, Rocks on the River offers a more polished waterfront experience. The outdoor terrace has excellent views of the Savannah River and the cargo ships that pass through. The cocktail list is solid and the bar snacks are worth ordering.

Best for: Sunset drinks, couples, a more relaxed River Street experience.

A Savannah institution on River Street, Kevin Barry's has been pouring pints since 1980. Live Irish music most nights, a proper Guinness, and a warm, unpretentious atmosphere. It's the kind of place you walk in for one drink and stay for three.

Best for: Live music, Guinness, a genuine pub atmosphere.

Downstairs from the famous Olde Pink House restaurant, the Planters Tavern is one of Savannah's most atmospheric bars. The low ceilings, candlelight, and live piano create a genuinely romantic setting. The cocktails lean classic — old fashioneds, sidecars, and a very good mint julep.

Best for: Date nights, classic cocktails, historic atmosphere.

One of Savannah's best craft cocktail bars, Artillery occupies a beautifully restored space on Bull Street. The cocktail menu changes seasonally and the bartenders know what they're doing. The space is intimate and the vibe is sophisticated without being pretentious.

Best for: Serious cocktail drinkers, date nights, a quieter evening.

Savannah's beloved dive bar and live music venue on Montgomery Street. The Jinx has been a fixture of the local music scene for decades — cheap drinks, local bands, and a crowd that ranges from college students to longtime Savannah regulars. No pretense, no dress code.

Best for: Live music, cheap drinks, a taste of real Savannah nightlife.

Savannah's first craft brewery, Service Brewing is veteran-owned and community-focused. The taproom on Whitaker Street is a great spot to sample their rotating lineup of ales, lagers, and seasonal brews. The outdoor patio is popular on warm evenings.

Best for: Craft beer lovers, casual evenings, groups.

Located in a historic building on Bay Street, Moon River Brewing is both a brewpub and a restaurant. The house beers are solid — try the Swamp Fox IPA or the Tybee Blonde — and the food menu is better than you'd expect from a brewery. The building is also reportedly one of Savannah's most haunted.

Best for: Craft beer with food, history buffs, ghost enthusiasts.

The rooftop bar at the Perry Lane Hotel is one of Savannah's most stylish spots. The views over the Historic District are excellent, the cocktail list is creative, and the design is genuinely beautiful. It gets busy on weekends — arrive early or make a reservation.

Best for: Sunset views, special occasions, Instagram-worthy moments.

The Bohemian Hotel's rooftop bar sits directly above River Street with panoramic views of the Savannah River. The cocktails are well-made and the atmosphere is lively without being overwhelming. One of the best spots in the city for watching the sun set over the water.

Best for: River views, sunset cocktails, a special evening out.

Start early: Savannah's bar scene gets going earlier than many cities. Happy hour (typically 4–7 PM) is worth taking advantage of at the cocktail bars.

Walk between bars: The Historic District is compact and walkable. With the open container law, you can easily stroll from River Street up to the squares and back, drink in hand.

Weekends are busy: River Street in particular gets very crowded on Friday and Saturday nights in peak season (spring and fall). If you prefer a quieter experience, aim for a weeknight.

Dress code: Most Savannah bars are casual. A few of the hotel rooftop bars have a smart-casual expectation on weekends, but nothing formal is required anywhere.

Staying in the Historic District puts you within walking distance of all the bars listed here. River Street is at the northern edge of the district, and most of the cocktail bars are clustered around Bull Street and the central squares.

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Savannah's nightlife is best experienced on foot, drink in hand, wandering from square to square as the evening unfolds. There's no better way to end a day in this city.