By Teresa Cowart Team
One of our favorite things about living in Savannah is how easy it is to turn an ordinary weekday into a little celebration. A rooftop cocktail as the sun sets over the Savannah River, a drink in a historic speakeasy, or a glass of wine overlooking a cobblestone street can make the end of a workday feel like a mini vacation. Here are some of the happy hour spots we love to recommend to clients settling into the city.
Key Takeaways
- Savannah’s rooftop bars, including Electric Moon, Peregrin, and Bar Julian, offer some of the best sunset views in the city.
- Historic bars like Artillery and Crystal Beer Parlor pair great drinks with a strong sense of Savannah’s past.
- Riverfront and Historic District spots make it easy to stroll from one destination to the next.
- Starland and the areas south of downtown offer more relaxed, local-favorite options.
Where Are the Best Rooftop Happy Hours in Savannah?
Savannah’s rooftop bars are some of the best places to unwind after work, with river views, sunset light, and creative cocktails. Many sit atop hotels in the Historic District and along the riverfront, making them easy to reach from downtown offices and homes.
These spots can fill up quickly on warm evenings, so arriving early often means grabbing the best seats for sunset. You’ll find a full roundup on Visit Savannah’s rooftop guide.
These spots can fill up quickly on warm evenings, so arriving early often means grabbing the best seats for sunset. You’ll find a full roundup on Visit Savannah’s rooftop guide.
Rooftop Spots We Recommend
- Electric Moon Skytop Lounge, atop the JW Marriott at Plant Riverside District, offers river views, live music, and a lively weekday happy hour.
- Peregrin, on the roof of the Perry Lane Hotel, is known for its seasonal cocktails and a relaxed, garden-inspired setting.
- Bar Julian, atop the Thompson Savannah, offers skyline and river views from one of the city’s tallest rooftops, along with Mediterranean-inspired small plates.
- Perch, the rooftop bar at Local11ten near the south end of Forsyth Park, is a quieter option with craft cocktails and charcuterie.
Which Historic Bars Offer a Classic Savannah Happy Hour?
Savannah’s history is part of its charm, and some of its best bars reflect it. These spots blend memorable drinks with architecture and stories that make the city so unique.
They’re also favorites among locals, which makes them a great way to get to know the community after moving to Savannah.
They’re also favorites among locals, which makes them a great way to get to know the community after moving to Savannah.
Historic Bars Worth a Visit
- Artillery Bar on Bull Street serves inventive cocktails in a beautifully restored historic building with a speakeasy feel.
- Crystal Beer Parlor has been pouring drinks since 1933 and pairs a classic bar atmosphere with Southern bar food.
- The Original Pinkie Masters, founded in 1953, is a beloved dive bar that’s cash-only and full of local character.
- The Pirate’s House, dating back to 1753, offers rum cocktails in one of Savannah’s most storied buildings.
Where Do Locals Go for a Relaxed Happy Hour?
Not every happy hour needs a skyline view. Some of Savannah’s most-loved spots are casual, neighborhood-focused places where locals meet after work.
These options are especially popular with residents in Starland, Ardsley Park, and the neighborhoods south of downtown, where a short drive or bike ride leads to great drinks and good company.
These options are especially popular with residents in Starland, Ardsley Park, and the neighborhoods south of downtown, where a short drive or bike ride leads to great drinks and good company.
Local Favorites for After-Work Drinks
- Two Tides Brewing at Starland Yard offers craft beer, a food truck lineup, and a laid-back outdoor setting.
- Service Brewing Co., a veteran-owned brewery downtown, is popular for its trivia nights and friendly atmosphere.
- Late Air, at the corner of Bull and Victory, pairs natural wines with Indonesian- and Turkish-inspired small plates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you walk between happy hour spots in downtown Savannah?
Yes. Many of the city’s best bars sit within a few blocks of each other in the Historic District and along the riverfront, which makes it easy to stroll from one spot to the next.
Are Savannah’s rooftop bars open year-round?
Most rooftop bars stay open throughout the year thanks to Savannah’s mild climate, though hours may vary seasonally. It’s always a good idea to check each venue’s current hours before heading out.
Which Savannah neighborhoods offer the easiest access to the downtown bar scene?
Homes in the Historic District, Victorian District, and Starland put you closest to downtown’s happy hour options. Our Savannah neighborhood guide can help you compare areas.
Connect With Teresa Cowart Team
Savannah’s happy hour scene is just one of the many reasons people love living here. If you’re dreaming of a home within easy reach of rooftop sunsets and historic bars, we’d love to help you find the right neighborhood.
Reach out to the Teresa Cowart Team to start your search. We’ll share our favorite local spots and help you find a home that fits your lifestyle.
Reach out to the Teresa Cowart Team to start your search. We’ll share our favorite local spots and help you find a home that fits your lifestyle.
