THESE days, we are safer grouping outside. As Savannah’s weather hopefully grows cooler, you can’t beat a spot high above the city to meet for drinks.
Whether the group is looking for live music, fun and games or an incomparable view, there are quite a few options in the city for drinks on a rooftop. Here are just a few:
The Lost Square
On Top of the Alida Hotel
Situated right on the riverfront, The Lost Square offers a panoramic view of the bridge to South Carolina and the container ships and vessels passing in the Savannah River plus a fireplace for cooler nights. The small plates and drinks are Southern-inspired, like the Praline Old-Fashioned made with pecan-infused rum. The professionals behind the bar are currently hard at work crafting a fall menu revisiting some classic cocktails updated with seasonal and local ingredients.
Arthur Sertorio, Food and Beverage Manager for the hotel, hopes that people like the approachable atmosphere enough to stay longer, “We cater to locals, tourists, families, couples, groups of friends. I would rather a group of four guests stay for an hour ordering two rounds than eight guests ordering one drink and going somewhere else. I think that’s what makes our rooftop special. People come to take their time and have great food and drink.
Top Deck
On Top of The Cotton Sail Hotel
Top Deck overlooks the Savannah River and the Talmadge bridge with an open air view over Hutchinson Island. The bar focuses on stocking Georgia brands to support local breweries. Head Chef Zak Pribble infuses Southern influences into his light assortment of tapas, sandwiches and sliders complimented by the largest wine by the glass menu in Savannah.
The famous sunset parties on Thursday and Sunday are Savannah fun at its finest, complete with a live D.J. Enjoy the pulled pork tacos with Service Brewing’s Compass Rose IPA or sample the Georgia Spring Roll filled with pork, collard greens, black-eyed peas and topped with a tangy BBQ sauce with an ice cold glass of Rock Point Pinot Gris.
Peregrin
On Top of the Perry Lane Hotel
Peregrin embodies tropical luxury, the elegant space offering not only refreshing drinks and incredible food but a sunset view of the Savannah cityscape. Play a game of Bocce or swim a lap in the year round pool.
The Peregrin makes a great spot to check out the First Friday fireworks downtown, mixing the locals and hotel guests for an entertaining night outdoors. If it rains, Peregrin has a covered area near the bar to escape the weather. They also host local pop-ups and wellness classes from Otium. Stop for lunch or have a dessert along with a curated wine list. Peregrin also accepts reservations to guarantee your spot.
Perch
On Top of Local 11 Ten
Perch lives up to the definition of its name. Tess Ryter, General Manager of Local 11 Ten, explains, “the nice thing about Perch is that it’s kind of nestled amongst the trees. You really kind of lose yourself, lose track of time.”
The best part of sitting comfortably in the cushioned lounge area is that drinks can be paired with the fresh farm to table options available in the restaurant.
To open more space for social distancing, the whole menu is being served. Tess says, “You can get the full experience up there, which is really nice.”
The seating is on a first-come-first-serve basis and weather permitting, but a full slate of musical artists are planned for nights on the rooftop. While most are acoustic guitar, the live music pulls from a large variety of styles.
Electric Moon
On Top of Plant Riverside
Electric Moon is the city’s newest hot spot, with lines stretching out, socially distanced, to get into the door. The cocktails are paired with small bar food bites that make the most of international flavors, like Jerk Chicken Wings or Pork Belly Bao Buns.
The most unique aspect of the rooftop spot isn’t just its view of the river or its modern artwork. Locals and visitors alike are loving the adult games available to channel their inner kid, complete with a playground slide.
Never a boring spot, Electric Moon also has cornhole, ping pong, a hook and ring game and a beer pong table ready for fun with friends.
Rocks on the Roof
On Top of the Bohemian Hotel
Also overlooking the river, Rocks on the Roof serves cocktails like the Georgia Peach and Low Country Tiki coupled with rustic decor and a covered and outdoor dining area. The menu is themed after a ‘Port of Call’, a nod to Savannah’s bustling port. Tapas like Korean Tacos, Mediterranean Flatbread, Spanish Meat and Cheese Platter, Peruvian Ceviche and Savannah Wings with Peach BBQ sauce are popular with visitors enjoying the sunset view at this swank spot.
www.kesslercollection.com/bohemian-savannah/
Churchill’s
On Bay Street, Churchill’s British Pub claims the title of Savannah’s first rooftop bar, though it’s closed for business for the next few months. Since the spot had been in use for a while, the owners decided that it was time for a facelift.
Katlyn Lamont, Guest Experiences Coordinator, tells Connect about the future plans for the rooftop space.
“We’re putting in brand new TVs to watch soccer matches or football games. We’re redoing the whole entire bar and will have craft cocktails exclusive to the rooftop bar, different than downstairs. We’ll still have that British Pub vibe. We aren’t losing that.”
They have recently started serving lunch in the downstairs restaurant seven days a week and when the rooftop opens again in late October or early November, guests can get lunch, small plates or dinner there as well as their favorite beverage.
The space will also be open for private party rentals. Katlyn says to watch the social media for sneak peaks on live music, new cocktails or the remodel.
