This monthly series explores local tips from Savannah’s most beloved bartenders. It follows the common tradition of visiting a great bar and asking the bartenders, ‘Where should we go? What should we do? Where do YOU go?’ Here are their best tips.
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A little bit about Tyler…
Tyler is an extremely knowledgeable bartender and mixologist, but the best part is how he got that way. Before becoming a bartender, he was a mechanical engineer when he moved to Savannah in 2014. Working long hours didn’t leave much time to make friends, so he cozied up to the warm service industry and eventually became one of our own.
Bartending makes him happier than engineering ever did, in his own words.
He goes beyond the drink—to the background, history, experience, and ambiance. He is often inspired by pioneers of craft mixology, like Sasha Petraske from Milk and Honey.
He has read 280 books on bartending and the history of cocktails… and he loves trivia.
Go visit him at The Hawthorne Minibar and enjoy the pleasure of having him craft you a cocktail. His specialties are Mai Tais and Espresso Martinis.
Or just go and have a beer and a shot—The Hawthorne Bar and Lounge is as elegant as it is unpretentious. Tyler is usually wearing a big smile and sporting a 1930s-style white dinner jacket, evoking Humphrey Bogart’s double-breasted coat in Casablanca.
Tyler was interviewed and was gracious enough to share all his favorite places in Savannah—from brunch to cocktails to touristy things that are worth experiencing.
Where to go for breakfast or brunch?
Number one spot, without a doubt, is Tortuga’s Island Grille in Thunderbolt. Best breakfast around, always with fresh catch fish. And hands down, my favorite grits in the city. It’s worth the drive—trust me, go there.
Next up, I’m a sucker for Collins Quarter at the intersection of Bull and Oglethorpe. Their inventive plates never fail to impress.
Then there’s Clary’s Cafe, a true Savannah classic. There’s a reason there’s a line outside every day starting at 9:30 a.m. It’s a great spot for breakfast or brunch, but it’s also packed with history. It’s one of the original Savannah businesses still standing, dating back to 1903 when it started as a drug store.
For lunch, Urban Deli is a go-to. Always fresh ingredients, with a friendly, casual vibe—I’m there often.
For brunch, I highly recommend Husk. Sit at the bar and enjoy a fabulous brunch in one of the most beautiful bars in the city. Just a heads-up: Brunch and lunch at Savannah’s Husk are only available on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. They’re open nightly from 5 to 10 p.m. otherwise.
Where would you go for a craft cocktail?
For an incredible drink, I highly recommend checking out Alley Cat Lounge, The Artillery, or The Wayward.
The Artillery is one of my favorite bars in Savannah. Every time I go, I’m surprised and amazed—it’s like enjoying cocktails with all your senses engaged.
The Wayward is special because I can go in, trust the bartenders, and know I’m in for a great experience without even asking for a specific drink. Jason, David, and Noah share my curiosity and passion for mixology. I’ll just throw out a couple of ingredients and wait to see what they come up with. They often surprise me with a vintage or obscure cocktail pulled from the archives. We even play a little mixology trivia with each other.
It feels a bit like Christmas in a glass.
Where would you go for a fancy dinner?
Either The Grey or Husk, hands down.
At The Grey, I’d suggest booking a table in the dining room for their coursed dinner. The service is impeccable, and the experience is something truly special—something you don’t find everywhere.
Husk is always exciting because the menu is constantly changing. They keep you guessing, and every time, they come up with something amazing.”
How about a casual dinner date?
For a casual diner date, one of my wife and I’s favorites is E-Tang. This is a local favorite: The food is delicious, and it’s a local gem if you love Chinese cuisine.
Where do you love to go for a glass of wine or a beer?
If you love wine, visit Le Chai Galerie Du Vin. It’s one of the best wine stores I’ve ever seen, and the owner is incredibly knowledgeable—he has visited most of the vineyards for the wines he carries. Sitting at the bar with a glass of wine, usually with a European soccer game on TV, makes for a great experience.
If beer is more your thing, head around the corner to Jason at White Whale Craft Ales. It’s my favorite beer spot in town. They have an amazing selection of rotating beers on tap, and you can grab some interesting cans to enjoy at home too.
What is something touristy that you think is worth it?
I don’t care what anyone says, the Old Town Trolley Tour is a great time. Just do it—it’s fun. Especially if you’re visiting for three days, the hop-on, hop-off option is perfect. I recommend getting the package that includes a ticket to the American Prohibition Museum.
Inside the museum is one of the most interesting cocktail bars in the city, 220 Congress Street Up. It’s one of my favorite speakeasy-style bars—great for a date or to bring some friends.
Pro tip: If you’re visiting friends in Savannah, a resident can accompany an adult with a purchased ticket for free. So, you can bring a local friend along on the trolley tour and to the Prohibition Museum. It’s called a Hometown Pass.
I also highly recommend visiting Bonaventure Cemetery. It’s free, and walking around under the ancient oak trees is peaceful and beautiful.
If you love the outdoors, check out the trails at Whitemarsh Island Preserve.
Favorite drink and food specials around town?
The happy hour at Husk is incredible. It runs Monday to Friday from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. They offer two rotating cocktail specials, a couple of small plates, and their oysters are always amazing.
If you love oysters, visit Late Air, a lovely little restaurant/lounge that specializes in natural wines and inventive bites. They have an ‘Apero Hour,’ and their oysters are ridiculously good, so getting them on special is an amazing treat. Apero Hour is available from 5 to 6 p.m. every day they’re open, and all day on Mondays. It’s their cool take on happy hour.
Enjoy this short guide by one of Savannah’s very best! These gems are part of what makes him love and feel proud of his city. And don’t forget to get that espresso martini from him—it’s amazing.
Cheers!
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