Plan Your Visit · Savannah, Georgia

Bars, Nightlife & the Open Container Law

When the sun goes down, Savannah comes alive — rooftop bars over the river, candlelit taverns in 18th-century basements, and a famous law that lets you take your drink with you.

The Open Container Law — Savannah's Famous Perk

This is one of the things that makes Savannah genuinely unique. In the Historic District, you are legally allowed to walk the streets with an alcoholic beverage in hand. Ask any bar for a to-go cup before you leave — most will provide one automatically.

Clear Plastic Cups Only Your drink must be in a clear plastic cup. Glass bottles and cans are not permitted outside.
Historic District Only The open container zone covers the Historic District. Outside its boundaries, normal rules apply.
Always Carry Your ID Nearly every establishment cards every customer regardless of apparent age. No ID, no drink — even at 65.

Savannah is one of the only cities in the US where you can legally stroll down a beautiful historic square with a cocktail in hand. Embrace it — responsibly.

The Best Bars in Savannah

Historic Tavern · Live Piano · 1771 Basement

Planters Tavern

23 Abercorn Street, Savannah, GA 31401 · beneath The Olde Pink House

Candlelit brick walls, twin fireplaces, live piano, and an excellent bourbon selection in the 1771 basement of the Olde Pink House. One of the best bars in the South — and unlike the dining rooms upstairs, it's walk-ins only. Arrive early or expect to wait.

Phone(912) 232-4286
HoursNightly from 5pm

Rooftop · River Views

Rocks on the Roof

102 W. Bay Street, Savannah, GA 31401 · atop the Bohemian Hotel

Rooftop bar overlooking the Savannah River with spectacular views of the passing cargo ships. Cold drinks, fire pits, and an unbeatable vibe at sunset — one of the most scenic spots in the city. Take the elevator inside the Bohemian up to "R."

Phone(912) 721-3900
HoursDaily, afternoon until midnight

Craft Cocktails · Madison Square

Artillery Bar

307 Bull Street, Savannah, GA 31401

A sophisticated cocktail bar in a stunning restored historic space on Madison Square — arguably the best craft cocktail program in Savannah. Order the Artillery Punch, served in a pineapple shaker. Not cheap, but worth every penny. Dress sharp; closed Sundays.

Phone(912) 200-4045
HoursMon–Sat from 4pm

Speakeasy · Below Broughton

Alley Cat Lounge

207 W. Broughton Lane, Savannah, GA 31401 · entrance in the lane

A beloved subterranean cocktail lounge hidden in the lane behind Broughton Street — exposed brick, a drink menu printed like a newspaper, and a rotating cocktail list that includes excellent mocktails. Consistently packed, deservedly so. Closed Sundays.

HoursMon–Sat from 4pm until late
TipLook for the cat sign in the alley between Broughton & Congress

River Street Institution · Frozen Daiquiris

Wet Willie's

101 E. River Street, Savannah, GA 31401

The River Street institution — famous for frozen slushie cocktails like the legendary Call-A-Cab and a full-on party atmosphere. The natural starting point for a to-go cup stroll along the waterfront. Open late on weekends.

Parisian-Inspired · Oysters & Cocktails

Joe & Vera's

23 W. Broughton Street, Savannah, GA 31401

A sophisticated, Parisian-inspired cocktail lounge on Broughton Street — classic cocktails, espresso martinis on tap, and light fare including oysters and steak tartare. Cozy, classy, and quietly one of the best-rated bars in the city.

HoursWed from 4pm · Thu–Sun from noon
TipAsk about the off-menu specials

Treetop Rooftop · South of Forsyth

The Perch

1110 Bull Street, Savannah, GA 31401 · rooftop above Local 11ten

A treetop rooftop bar south of Forsyth Park, perched above Local 11ten. Gorgeous canopy views, craft cocktails, warm lamps, occasional live music, and a more local, less touristy crowd. The feeling of drinking in a treehouse.

Phone(912) 790-9000
HoursEvenings from 5pm; closed Wed
City Market — The Evening Hub

City Market

Jefferson & W. St. Julian Streets, Savannah, GA 31401

Savannah's central entertainment hub — an open-air complex of bars, restaurants, galleries, and shops where live music spills into the courtyard nearly every evening. Lively, walkable, and fun for all ages, it's the natural place to start or end a night out in the Historic District.

The To-Go Cup Ritual Ask any bartender to pour your drink into a to-go cup before you leave — most do it automatically. Then take your cocktail for a stroll through the moonlit squares. It's the most Savannah thing you can do.
Timing Your Night Rooftops are best at sunset, Planters Tavern fills by early evening, and cocktail bars like Artillery and Alley Cat hit capacity fast on weekends. Start early and let the night unfold.
Getting Home Safely Never drive after drinking. Uber and Lyft are readily available citywide, and the free Downtowner shuttle runs evening hours throughout the Historic District.