My last trip to Savannah. This was a two-night stop on our way home from Charlotte, which overlapped with Thanksgiving, so we packed as much as possible into 36 hours, going to tried and true spots and some new places.

Late Air

Rating: A MUST

Late Air is an intimate neighborhood restaurant outside downtown Savannah's hustle, doubling as a wine bar. The menu is small and focused, delivering some of my favorite dishes of our trip through Charlotte and Savannah.

We got a mix of items off the happy hour menu and their regular dinner menu, including house sourdough with butter, oysters, Yukon potatoes, steak, and banh mi-type dishes. Every item was perfect, down to the potatoes - and I've never had potatoes this good. They were served with tonnato, wakame, and benne seed. I've never had these three ingredients, let alone on a heap of potatoes. Bliss! The steak, a cut from a local farm outside Savannah, was perfectly cooked. I can't remember the proper name of the dish that felt like a deconstructed banh mi, but the flavors were robust, and I was so glad I didn't skip over it.

I don't want to get too caught up in what I ordered because this seasonal menu will change. Still, it's safe to say that you can order anything here, even without recognizing some of the ingredients listed, and you know it will be a dish put together thoughtfully by Chef Juan. I would drive for four hours to eat here and ignore everything else in Savannah.

2805 Bull St, Savannah, GA 31405

Collins Quarter

Rating: Yes, Go!

Anyone who has visited Savannah has probably eaten here, as it’s one of the city’s most recommended spots, especially for breakfast. I don’t think I’ve ever gone to Savannah and not eaten here. The breakfast is as solid as I remember, as is the Spiced Lavender Mocha latte.

We ate here twice because our last few hours were Thanksgiving morning, and Collins Quarter was open, so we enjoyed one last breakfast before the trip home. The Bananas Foster French Toast ($16) is delicious but very rich, so our way around that is to order it with a classic breakfast plate and split it.

I will always recommend eating outdoors here if the weather is in your favor because the tables are uncomfortably close to one another inside, and nothing ruins a breakfast quite like the patron next to you hacking up their lungs. So outside is always best.

PERC COFFEE

Rating: A MUST

Perc Coffee (which also has locations in Atlanta) is my favorite spot for a latte in Savannah. This location feels very industrial, again, outside of downtown Savannah. Plenty of seating indoors, friendly baristas, and a great coffee menu. Other Savannah coffee shops don’t come close. <3 Sorry, not sorry.

1802 E Broad St, Savannah, GA 31401

Superbloom

Rating: Meh, I wish you better luck!

Superbloom is a charming cafe in the Starland District with local goods and a pit stop for coffees, teas, superfood lattes, and even Kombuchas. I got a strawberry matcha, which I didn’t like at all, so this was a bust for me. However, there are many other options to try, so if you are in the area on your trip, you can still check it out, even if you are looking for local merchandise.

2418 De Soto Ave, Savannah, GA 31401

BIG BON BODEGA

Rating: Meh, I wish you better luck.

As we walked the area checking out shops, we noticed a line had formed outside this spot on Bull Street. We needed a simple bite to hold us over until dinner, so we checked it out. I wanted the pizza I had seen when I quickly looked it up, but they only served it at certain times of the day, so we were left to the bagel menu.

They had a Bánh mì bagel, so intrigued I ordered it. It wasn’t bad, but I can’t say I’d run here if I were in Savannah for a short time.

2011 Bull St, Savannah, GA 31401

Starland Strange and Bazaar

Rating; Yes, Go!

The outside of this shop in the Starland District gets shared a lot on social media because the exterior is very Instagram-worthy. However, I’d never seen anyone share the inside, where you will find a shop/ice cream counter with lots of local goods. Among the goods are shirts, jewelry, a sticker bar, decor, and more. I grabbed an espresso cup and saucer made by a local artist. That day, the person working in the shop was so kind and helpful and started rattling off places to go once she realized I was not a local—southern charm and hospitality. We love to see it.

17 W 41st St, Savannah, GA 31401

Graveface Records & Curiosities

Rating; Yes, Go!

Graveface is also in the Starland District and is a record store & curiosities shop. We were more on the hunt for vinyl, but seeing random items within the shop made it a more exciting experience. Go for the vinyl, stay for the curiosities.

5 W 40th St, Savannah, GA 31401

The Grey

Rating; Yes, Go!

Like every other foodie who first learned about The Grey from watching The Chef’s Table on Netflix, it has been on my radar ever since. You cannot get a last-minute reservation at this popular Savannah eatery even years after that airing. Thankfully, after some research, I learned bar seating is first come, first serve, and for a foodie grandma who loves to eat early, this was music to my ears.

We rolled up about 15 minutes before opening, and there was no line of people waiting, which we were told was possible (probably more likely on the weekend).

The Grey is beautiful inside. The owners restored this 1938 art deco Greyhound Bus Terminal into the gem it is today. You should take a moment to explore the area, upstairs and all, and see it to appreciate it fully.

There are two bars, and we sat in the one further back in a large open dining room where you can enjoy the complete vibe.

The Grey isn’t a cheap dining spot, so we tried not to go overboard. If you want to feel stuffed and drink as a party of two, be prepared to drop over $200.

Our meal consisted mainly of seafood - scallops, oysters, and snapper. All delicious. The menu is small, with a few options in each category (dirt, water, pasture, pantry), so check it before dining to ensure you will see something you would like. We saw other bar patrons needing help with the menu and expecting more protein options, so research before you go.

It was a beautiful and satisfying dining experience I would recommend.

109 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Savannah, GA 31401