About
For a meal steeped in history, add The Pirates' House to your Savannah itinerary.
Dating back to 1753, it is the oldest building in Savannah and was initially built as an inn for sailors. Seafarers worldwide gathered at the inn, and tales of secret tunnels and pirate lore flowed like the rum being served.
Before being an inn, the land was America's first public agricultural experiment, known as the Trustees' Garden. It was established in 1733 by General James Oglethorpe, marking the beginning of Savannah's parks and green spaces.
By the mid-20th century, the building had fallen into disrepair, and in 1945, the Savannah Gas Company acquired the property. Thanks to the efforts of Mary Hillyer, the wife of the company's president, she restored the building and preserved its legendary charm.
In 1953, Herb Traub and Jim Casey transformed the structure into the restaurant it is today. With its blend of rich history and Southern hospitality, it’s the perfect place to unwind after exploring the Savannah Historic District. For instance, after shopping at the Savannah City Market or checking out the Telfair Museums, celebrate at another historic setting, The Pirates’ House.
With its family-friendly menus, memory-making ambiance, and sailor-rich history, visiting is a must on your getaway.
Vibe
The exterior sets the tone for your dining experience. The restaurant features several unique buildings, each with aged brick foundations, weathered planking, and eye-popping pale blue shutters and doors.
Inside, the décor combines nautical, colonial, and pirate themes tastefully. Envision a setting suitable for business meetings, romantic dinners, or family gatherings with children. Wooden beams, antique furnishings, and maritime artifacts create a cozy and adventurous atmosphere.
Whether you're enjoying a quiet dinner or celebrating with a group, the vibe is warm, exciting, and inviting. Dining options range from private rooms and cozy nooks to larger spaces. You'll find the perfect spot to relax and reflect after checking out The Old Sorrel-Weed House Museum.
The ambiance, architecture, and amenities make dining here a unique blend of history, charm, and Southern hospitality.
The Pirates' House: Menu & Drinks
A popular dining option is the Southern Lunch Buffet, available from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The pricing is reasonable and often features fried chicken and fish, as well as mac and cheese, green beans, mashed potatoes, collard greens, and homemade desserts.
Whether for lunch or dinner, be sure to order the She Crab Soup. This Savannah specialty features a delicious blend of crabmeat, sherry, and cream, making for a rich and savory soup.
One standout is the Shrimp & Grits, a creamy dish featuring sautéed shrimp, Andouille sausage, and peppers with stone-ground grits.
Seafood and pasta lovers will want to dine on the Low Country Santa Fe. This hearty meal has sautéed shrimp, alligator sausage, onions, tomatoes, mushrooms, and spinach. Tossed in a spicy sherry and red pepper Beurre Blanc, it comes on linguini with house-made bread.
A crowd-pleaser is the award-winning Honey Pecan Fried Chicken. This twist on a Southern classic features marinated fried chicken with its signature honey pecan sauce. This mouth-watering entree comes with sautéed vegetables and mashed sweet potatoes.
The drink menu is equally impressive. Celebrate exploring Savannah's landmarks, such as Bonaventure Cemetery, with a specialty cocktail, the Skull Crusher. This libation features a blend of light and dark rums, along with cranberry, pineapple, and orange juices. Topping it off is a float of Bacardi 151 rum, making for a wickedly potent drink!
Visiting The Pirates' House is a rite of passage on your Savannah getaway. The combination of historic charm, exceptional cuisine, and warm hospitality makes it a worthwhile destination.
Local Tips
- The kid's menu makes it family-friendly.
- Reservations are strongly encouraged.
- Pirates are on staff; ask for a visit to your table!
- Try a flight of rum!
