THERE WAS A TIME in our lives when we were satisfied with a cold PBR, boiled peanuts and the blaring R.E.M. at the bar. Now that time, when it comes, is after midnight — following a long, luxurious evening of sipping excellent vintages and savoring good food and conversation. Now in our prime, my friends and I have graduated into the true Savannah nightlife.

We start our nights with a “dressing drink,” during which we transform from our work-a-day world and carpool chaos into something a bit more glamorous. Of course, when our minds are not up to creating the latest runway look, it’s a comfort to know that we can get away with wearing jeans to most of our favorite haunts.
Our choices of where to share an evening with friends are intimate spots known for their independent spirit — a product of their charismatic owners and savvy regulars.

Many of us are still mourning the loss of favorite spots such as Georges’, Tango and aVida, and we’re looking forward to the reopening of fire-damaged Bonna Bella. These beloved locations were filled with rich memories of beautiful food and friendship. But a new tribe of restaurateurs are enlivening the scene. We welcome these additions and their nod to Southern tradition as they create the new Savannah cuisine.

Today, with the Recessionista spirit upon us, Savannahians are going out a little less frequently. That makes the decision of where to spend that quality evening out even more important. May the list below aid you in your quest. Call the sitter, pour that dressing drink and get ready to stroll around town to some of the sweetest spots in the Hostess City.
 
Elegant Escape
Casimir’s Lounge
at The Mansion on Forsyth Park
700 Drayton St., Downtown, 721-5002
Why we go: Hotel bars can be filled with such lovely mystery, and the terrace overlooking Forsyth Park is perfect for an afternoon drink. This is the spot to share a celebratory bottle of Veuve.
What’s “so Savannah:”Lush beds (and room service) are just a stroll away, in case the drive home proves to be too much.
What to try: When the night gets away from you, and you miss dinner, they have some great appetizers that are served into the wee hours. 
 
Piquant in Pink
Planters Tavern and Arches Bar
at The Olde Pink House
23 Abercorn St., Downtown, 232-4286
Why we go: It was once about the sweet historic fireplaces and songstress Gail Thurmond’s tinkling piano at Planters Tavern, but the Pink House’s new bar, Arches, has added drinking al fresco to the mix. The open-air establishment has proven to be quite the love connection.
What’s “so Savannah:"  The Pink House dining room is “old school” at its finest, and the bars attract a crowd of mixed ages, all looking to eat their cornbread and scored flounder with a stiff drink.
Try this: The shrimp and grits with country ham bring the Carly Simon song, “Nobody Does it Better,” instantly to mind.
 
Taste Makers
Eos Restaurant and Wine Bar
1801 Habersham St., Victorian District, 238-2400
Why we go: The owners, Shelley Smith and Brian Torres, are passionate about food and wine and do it with such individual, charming style. Brian has a talent for finding obscure and moderately priced wines. Shelley brings edgy energy to everything she does — from art galleries to restaurants. We are lucky to have these risk-takers in Savannah.
What’s “so Savannah:" This rehab is in an offbeat part of town, and it’s always filled with regulars. Shelley’s “momma” is usually around, in case you’re missing yours. Another regular, Loren, a local hair stylist, will also be happy to tell you when you need to have your roots done. We all love sitting outside, sharing plates and wine.
Try this:  The slow-roasted pork and collards are sublime, and we can’t wait to try their new spot, Sol, promising great Southwestern and Caribbean food a few blocks down on Habersham. To sit outside and drink margaritas (my favorite) will be such a treat this summer!
 
Our choices of where to share an evening with friends are intimate spots known for their independent spirit — a product of their charismatic owners and savvy regulars.
 
New Neighbors
Bar Food
4523 Habersham St., Ardsley Park/Midtown, 355-5956
Why we go: Finally, a great bar in this neck of the woods! The Ardsley Park and Midtown crowd can now partake of what was once only a Tybee or Historic District experience: biking or walking down the street to the local watering hole. As for the rest of us, we now have a swank spot to grab a drink close to the movie theaters.
What’s “so Savannah:" Can you say “Southern Poo Poo Platter?” For those of us who miss Queenie’s, this sleek space is yet another jewel in Johnnie’s Baker’s culinary crown.
Try this: Anything on the list created by one of our favorite wine guys, Christian Depken, is sure to be an undiscovered treat. And the barbecued pork wontons have a nice kick. 
 
Strong Spirits
17 Hundred 90 Inn and Restaurant
307 E. President St., Downtown, 236-7122
Why we go:  This historic watering hole is the closest thing Savannah has to Cheers. The barstools are filled with the same characters, in the same spots, drinking the same drinks almost every night of the week.
What’s “so Savannah:" The drinks come in serious portions, so order wisely. If these walls could talk…
Try this:  Get there early and watch the evening unfold.
 
Historic Haunt
Circa 1875
48 Whitaker St., Downtown, 443-1875
Why we go: This is such a sweet space with a good mixture of folks. The tile selections, lighting and historic wooden bar create one of the most thoughtful and authentic Irish pubs around. The drinks are spot-on, from the glassware to the mix (plus we love the owner’s handlebar mustache).
What’s “so Savannah:"  This is exactly what you would expect bars in Savannah to be like: quaint, historic, dark enough and all about drinking. It offers great wine by the glass, Stella on tap and interesting gins that make sexy martinis.
Try this: Circa occasionally hosts intimate wine tastings, which always sell out.
 
Savannah Central
Il Pasticcio Restaurant and Wine Bar
2 E. Broughton St., Downtown, 231-8888
Why we go: When we’re in the mood to see and be seen, this is the spot. Owner Pino Venetico has been on this conspicuous corner of Broughton and Bull streets for years, but he always keeps things fresh and interesting. We love it when he brings in bands, creates special wine dinners and even offers creative discounts for these tight financial times.
What’s “so Savannah:" Style and staying power make this glass-walled gourmet establishment and its semi-circular bar an institution.
What to try:  The beef Carpaccio is amazing. Pair this with one of the beautiful reds on the impressive wine list, and you affirm just how good Italians are with simple food.
 
Raising the Bar
Bacchus Wine Lounge
102 E. Liberty St., Downtown, 235-4447
Why we go:  This Drayton Tower treat has one of the best-priced and diverse wine lists around. You have to love that the owner, Bryan Kight, tastes new wines to add to his list almost every day. This is the place to meet for drinks before dinner.
What’s “so Savannah:" The community table and outdoor seating allow for our Southern hospitality to shine. And it’s easy to meet people of all ages here, especially after a few glasses of bubbly.
Try this: Let Bryan recommend a new wine to get you out of your beverage box.
 
Modern Marvel
Local 11 Ten
1110 Bull St., Downtown/Forsyth Park, 790-9000
Why we go: This is a great bar at which to meet friends for appetizers. The bartender, Deya Rairan, not only has a great knowledge of wine but is also patient enough to help four very opinionated ladies select their bottle. We love her mojitos.
What’s “so Savannah:" The dining room often feels like a large cocktail party, with people casually table-hopping. The outdoor dining area is a great spot to stop and have a drink before or after strolling through Forsyth Park.
Try this: Get there early (5-7 p.m.) for drink specials and inexpensive flatbreads, then stay to try their amazing caramelized brussels sprouts.
 
Wine and Dine
Sapphire Grill
110 W. Congress St., Downtown, 443-9962
Why we go: When we want a private, underground party, we love the “war room.” The bar is also an intimate spot for a great glass of wine. We love that they are not afraid to mix some hard rock with their fine food.
What’s “so Savannah:" This is one of the only owner-operated establishments left in the City Market area. Owner/chef Christopher Nason is truly passionate about what he does, and it shows in the carefully balanced flavors on his plates. His longtime manager, David Tumblin, has an amazing capacity to remember our names.
What to try: Nason makes some of the best calamari in town. Paired with truffle butter on one of his beautiful cuts of meat, this makes for what is consistently one of my favorite places to drift from drinks to dinner.
 
Talk of the Town
Savannah is known for its lush lifestyle but not for its slurred speech. If one quality truly distinguishes our social culture from that of New York or New Orleans, it’s lively, in-depth conversation. We don’t have Broadway or the Superdome to dart off to — we talk. The boundaries between new friends and familiar faces quickly disappear as we share in good, old-fashioned playful repartee. Some call it Southern hospitality. So pull up a chair, share a bottle, and tell us your story. 
 
Claimed your parking spot for the night? Our staff of invested Savannahians offers the following additional nightlife options in the Historic District.
 
Last Stops
Sometimes a cold beer, a handful of peanuts and little loud music is the perfect end to a long work day or a luxe night out.
 
The Distillery, 416 W. Liberty St., 236-1772
Craft beers, pub food and live music make this resurrected Prohibition bar a favorite stop on the bar hop.
 
Mercury Lounge, 125 W. Congress St., 447-6952
If it’s late, it’s loud and it’s lively, chances are you’re staring at the “Rat Pack” mural in the Mercury Lounge.
 
Pinkie Master’s, 318 Drayton St., 238-0447
Pinkie’s is probably the only bar in town that every distinguished citizen in town has been thrown out of. 
 
The Rail Pub, 405 W. Congress St., 238-1311
Strewn with peanut shells, this gregarious neighborhood-style bar has a devoted following for happy hour and late-night. 
 
Ladies’ Night
Ready to sip sweet cocktails and gossip with the girls a’la Carrie Bradshaw? Our staff members favor these glam gathering spots.
 
Tantra Lounge, 8 E. Broughton St., 231-0888
Live music and an ethnically diverse crowd of young professionals keeps this ambient space hopping.
 
Saya Lounge, 109 W. Broughton St., 236-7272
Lychee martinis and luxe décor attract art students and professionals alike to this underground escape.
 
Jazz’d Tapas Bar, 52 Barnard St., 236-7777
Affordable small plates, live jazz and a spectacular serpentine bar make this subterranean lair a social staple.