Although Savannah doesn’t necessarily bring to mind a winter wonderland, we still enjoy evening temperatures during the winter seasons that will make you want to snuggle up to your sweetie or catch up with family and friends in a cozy setting. For those occasions, we’ve rounded up seven of our favorite cozy spots, ranging from dive bar to fine dining. All are appropriate for just drinks, and all but Abe’s have great food as well. Have a jolly good time!
Many Savannahians were worried that this fine dining staple for the last 14 years wouldn’t reopen after a flood in May. Thankfully, they are again serving up fresh seafood, locally-sourced produce, and exotic specialties like elk, antelope or wild boar. All of this happens in a cellar, with dark woods, stone floors, and exposed beams that make for a classy experience.
After people hear some of the ghost stories associated with 17Hundred90, “cozy” might not be the first word that comes to mind. Yet, the exposed brick, low ceilings, and elegant place settings can’t help but beckon guests for a leisurely meal or another round of drinks at their square bar surrounded by stools on all sides.
In all honesty, any table at The Pink House feels cozy, but the intimacy of their downstairs bar is tough to beat. The full menu is available in this 25-person or less cellar-like bar, and live piano often plays in the background. Snag a deep leather chair and split some of their 18 appetizers for a relaxing happy hour or small dinner after taking one of our filling food tours over lunch!
Another basement bar/restaurant, The Ordinary Pub serves next level “pub food” like lollipopped chicken chops, chicken fried bixon, and a duck and quail burger. The vibe is always friendly, and the seven days a week, 3-7pm happy hour gets things started on the right foot. And for the ultimate cozy Savannah brunch, enjoy their bottomless mimosas on Sundays from 12:30-4, plus a warm and delicious Pho noodle night starting at 4pm.
What’s cozier than a French restaurant with low lighting, elegant decor, and an extensive wine list filled with Old World choices? Add Circa’s elegant menu including escargots, pâté de campagne, and savory crepes and you’ll be hard-pressed to leave this surprisingly low-key, cozy spot.
In the winter month’s Molly’s will get a fire going in their dining area fireplace and pull up a few tall, cushy chairs that beg for a leisurely chat over their extensive collection of single malt scotch whisky–in fact, they have the largest selection in the Southeast. Order up a flight or two to try a selection from a region, all five regions, or over 18 years aged and pair it with comfort foods like Scottish meat pies, Scotch eggs, or a variety of “toasties” aka toasted sandwiches.
Last but not least, Abe’s is the ultimate cozy dive bar. Taller folks will have to duck under the exposed beams, and a fire will often be going whenever there’s a chill in the air. With open mic nights, tiny concerts, and vinyl nights, this bar is the perfect way to end any night.
