Chart your course for the perfect summer dining experience with our roundup of the best places for a bite by boat.
Written by ALLISON ARBUTHNOT SANDERS
Photography by TOM SANDERS
SAVANNAH’S INTRICATE NETWORK OF WATERWAYS provides access to a diverse bounty of restaurants, spanning from flip-flop casual to fine dining. Boaters can enjoy a quick bite near home or make a day of it with a destination cruise to a waterfront eatery outside of town. So slip on those boat shoes and get ready for a memorable meal.
The Wyld
Perched on the marsh in what co-owner Brad Syfan calls “no man’s land Savannah,” somewhere between Isle of Hope, Dutch Island, and Thunderbolt, The Wyld can be reached by land, of course, but is best approached by water.
“The only thing out there is us and the marsh,” says Syfan. “You have to come all the way through the tidal creeks.” (Wilmington River to Herb River to Country Club Creek, to be exact.) “It’s a little adventure coming out to see us by boat.”
It’s an adventure that many food-loving boaters take, with some coming from as far away as Hilton Head Island to enjoy what Syfan characterizes as the “perfect boat ride experience:” a chill ride through the creeks, much of which is a no-wake zone, followed by top-notch food and beverages. Just mind the tides and sand bars — you don’t want to get your boat stuck with a whole audience on the deck watching. (It happens.)
Local favorites include The Wyld’s fish tacos and local shrimp, their signature Painkiller slushie (the best-selling menu item), and Porter’s Cracked Melon Cocktail — a seasonal tequila, watermelon, and basil cocktail that began as a way to use up the excess watermelon trimmings from menu items but quickly became so popular that the regulars riot when watermelons go out of season and the drink disappears. (Find the recipe on the next page.)
In April 2025, The Wyld celebrated its 10th anniversary. What is the biggest takeaway from the last decade? “We’ve learned that you never know what the river is going to do,” says Syfan. “When we bought the place, we really didn’t know what we were in for in that regard.” The first week the restaurant was open, an extremely high tide came in, putting the whole lower part of the restaurant where the offices and storage are located into knee-deep water. “The trash cans were floating around. We’ve lost so much stuff to the tides. We take the philosophy: If something is destroyed, build it back better in a way that it can withstand the same event again.”
As for what to expect in the years to come, “We keep thinking about opening another Wyld,” says Syfan. “We’re not in any rush, so we’re just sort of watching for the right spot, the right time, for things to fall into place.”
Over the winter, The Wyld ran a pop-up restaurant in their dining room called King Cat Yakatori and Fish. Now, they are shopping the concept in Atlanta, and Syfan thinks that may be up and running later this year.
Here in Savannah, The Wyld is going to keep doing what it does best — serving high-quality, casual food and drinks in a one-of-a-kind location.
Porter’s Cracked Melon Cocktail Recipe
- 1.5 ounces tequila, preferably reposado
- 1.5 ounces watermelon shrub (recipe below)
- 0.75 ounces lime juice
Combine all ingredients in shaker with ice.
Shake well and dump into cocktail glass, ice and all.
Watermelon Shrub
- 2 cups pureed watermelon
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup fresh basil
- 1 cup sugar
Combine all and let sit covered in the fridge for 24 hours, then strain.
— Courtesy of The Wyld co-owner Brad Syfan
Tybee Island
Out in the twisting, connecting rivers and creeks of Tybee Island, boaters can dock and dine at a handful of destinations. Just take it nice and easy; if you head out this way, you’re living on Tybee time.
A-J’s Dockside Restaurant: At A-J’s Dockside, the only thing more colorful than the decor is the sunset — a view that cannot be matched. Pull your boat up in Tybee Creek and grab a table on the patio. Watch for dolphins as you try the fried flounder and other coastal comfort-food favorites. Be sure to make a reservation well in advance.
Bubba Gumbo’s: The sign on the front of this old-fashioned seafood shack perched on Lazaretto Creek tells you all you need to know: “Friends don’t let friends eat imported shrimp.” If you doubt them, grab a table and watch the shrimpers unload for yourself.
The Original Crab Shack: There’s free docking and plenty of tables under the live oaks that grow right up against Chimney Creek. The tides can be tricky here, so be extra vigilant with your tide tables. Once you’re docked, take the family to feed the baby gators (78 of them at the time of writing), visit the aviary exhibit, get a Lowcountry boil and a Key Lime pie, and kick off your shoes. After all, you’re where “the elite eat in their bare feet.”
Thunderbolt
Thunderbolt Marina, located on the Wilmington River, offers day-rate docking services with reservations. Docking here gives seafarers access to the charming, off-the-beaten-path town of Thunderbolt.
Tubby’s Tank House: Long-time locals’ favorite Tubby’s Tank House, which just celebrated its 30th year, offers American classics and local seafood, including fried shrimp and fresh catch, as well as local music every weekend.
Desposito’s Seafood: On the other side of the Thunderbolt Bridge, Desposito’s is named in honor of Carlos Desposito, who bought the property in the 1960s. After decades as a local seafood shack favorite, it closed in 2020 and reopened to much rejoicing in 2023, following extensive renovations. Stop by for local shrimp and friendly service but note, this is a great place to get dropped off or picked up by boat, as docking is not readily available. The county-owned boat ramp near the restaurant is for putting boats in and taking them out, but is not for docking, and nearby Savannah Bend Marina is privately owned.
Tortuga’s Island Grille: Tap into the energy of the islands — the Caribbean ones, that is — with a stop at this family-run restaurant. It’s where Jamaican jerk spices meet up with local Georgia shrimp, and it’s especially popular with locals for brunch.
River Street
The City of Savannah operates three public docks in the heart of River Street at Rousakis Riverfront Plaza. They are first-come, first-served and free of charge for three hours — the perfect length of time for beer and a bite. There are several privately operated docks on River Street as well, including River Street Marketplace Docks and River Street Landing, which are available by reservation. With more than two dozen eateries along River Street alone, there’s something for every palate. Plus, you don’t have to deal with downtown car parking.
River House Seafood: For 43 years, River House Seafood has been locally owned and operated inside one of Savannah’s classic restored 18th-century cotton warehouses. By docking your boat on River Street and heading into River House for a bite, you’ll be joining a long lineage of celebrity visitors (“It’s a running joke that we probably served an Arnold Palmer to Arnold Palmer,” says training manager Pam Kalinke with a laugh) as well as guests of a different variety — the paranormal kind, that is. “So many people over the years have seen ghosts and apparitions,” says Kalinke, who has been with River House for 30 years. “Things happen. We’ve had candles relight themselves, and glasses shatter on tables. We used to have one particular dining room where the hotel lobby is now. The tables would be set correctly, then you’d go in an hour later and the silverware was all jumbled up. We just roll with it.” Rolling with it can be easy when you’ve got Chatham Artillery Punch served in a 22-ounce snifter and fresh, locally sourced seafood with a Southern flair and a dash of Panamanian spice courtesy of longtime head chef, Miss Gladys. Still, keep your eyes peeled.
Vic’s On the River: Come for the upscale ambience and river views; stay for the live piano and the praline cheesecake.
Olympia Cafe: Transport yourself from River Street to Greece with some of Savannah’s best Mediterranean food in a relaxed, family-friendly environment. The menu is composed of the late owner Nick Pappas’ own family recipes. Don’t skip the baklava, made from scratch in-house.
The Cotton Exchange Tavern: One of River Street’s oldest restaurants, The Cotton Exchange Tavern serves up casual Southern comfort staples perfect for watching the ships float by.
Aqua Star: Located on the second floor of the Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort and Spa on Hutchinson Island, which has its own deep-water dock, Aqua Star boasts one of the best views in Savannah, where diners can enjoy Southern coastal cuisine in an upscale, contemporary setting that looks across the river to historic River Street.
Plant Riverside District
Love the historic vibe of the riverfront but craving something a bit more modern? The lively Plant Riverside District has a wide array of dining experiences from walk-up al fresco and casual to fine dining.
Stone & Webster Chophouse: Located inside the historic building that once held the Riverside Power Plant, Stone & Webster Chophouse serves up a modern take on a classic steakhouse.
Baobab Lounge: You’ll feel as though you’ve stepped straight into Africa in this immersive lounge celebrating African cultures and cuisine. This engaging hotspot is not for the faint of heart: Be prepared for stiff drinks and a large collection of taxidermy.
Electric Moon Skytop Lounge: During the day, Electric Moon is very family-friendly and boasts a giant slide and games on the turf-covered Moon Deck. But after 6 p.m., the music turns up and Electric Moon transforms into a high-energy, 21+ club.
District Seafood: Keep the sea vibes going with seasonally sourced oysters and Lowcountry classics served easy and breezy on the water’s edge.
Graffito: Visit the colorful Graffito for some of the best authentic Neapolitan-style pizza in Savannah.
Turbine Market + Café: If you need to grab a quick espresso or stock up on snacks to go, Turbine Market + Café is a hop, skip, and a jump from the river.
District Smokehouse: Get your Southern BBQ at this casual, outdoor riverfront option, featuring local beers and even a house-made root beer for the kiddos and captain.
Riverside Biergarten: Authentic German bratwurst, Bavarian pretzels, and cold beer? Prost!
Myrtle & Rose Rooftop Bar: This rooftop garden is known for its shareable bites, botanical cocktails, and stunning river views. Another top draw: the mimosa brunch.
Savannah Tequila Co.: Savannah Tequila Co. boasts an excellent list of premium agave spirits and tequila. Traditional Mexican dishes and signature margaritas are sure to spice up any day on the water. (Pro tip: Get the street tacos.)
District Gelato: Last, but certainly not least, don’t forget a cold treat to complete your boating day out.
Eastern Wharf
Savannah’s newest riverfront area, Eastern Wharf, offers public docking services like those on River Street: first-come, first-served and free for the first three hours. From casual, pet-friendly outdoor eats to high-end, handcrafted cocktails and fine dining — and breakfast to after-dinner dessert — Eastern Wharf has everything you need whatever time of day you dock. Be sure to check the events calendar when planning your trip; concerts in the park, food truck events, free outdoor yoga classes, cornhole tournaments, and more make this a bumping destination.
Thompson Savannah: Craving something more upscale? Check out Thompson Savannah for a chic vibe. The main restaurant, Fleeting, features a refined seasonal menu highlighting local ingredients. But first, wet your whistle on the rooftop at Bar Julian with a handcrafted cocktail, Mediterranean-style bites, and a bird’s-eye view of downtown’s architectural glory.
Squirrel’s Pizza: Have your sea dog in tow? Dock at Eastern Wharf and grab a table at Squirrel’s, where you and your furry friend can enjoy hearty New York-, Detroit-, and tavern-style pizzas and drinks with river views and plenty of open space to stretch your sea legs.
Stevedore Bakery: Stevedore Bakery celebrates the region’s flavors by baking breads with heirloom grains from local growers, perfect to pair with a cup of locally roasted joe from Savannah’s own PERC Coffee. Fresh pastries and a mouthwatering array of sandwiches makes this an ideal breakfast or lunch spot.
Daufuskie Island
Old Daufuskie Crab Company: To reach Daufuskie Island, South Carolina, a boat is mandatory. Luckily, the restaurant offers extended dock space at the Freeport Marina, and if you eat at Old Daufuskie Crab Company Restaurant, docking is free. Also reachable by ferry, the Crab Company is most famous for its Daufuskie Deviled Crab — and boasts an excellent steak. In season, visitors can shuck their own oysters right off the roasting pit on the edge of the Cooper River.
Richmond Hill
If you’re willing to go a little farther outside of town, Richmond Hill offers several spots where boaters can pull up and grab a bite.
Fish Tales Restaurant: Fish Tales prides itself on its family-friendly atmosphere and its hushpuppies with honey butter, made using a generations-old family recipe. Boaters can dock right in front of the restaurant and tiki bar at Fort McAllister Marina and enjoy the beautiful view of the Ogeechee River from a deck or screened patio.
Marker 107: Marker 107 has its own dock on Kilkenny Creek. Consider saving this one for date night as it’s more upscale than many dock-and-dine picks. Savor crab cakes and scallops, and enjoy a seat over the creek on a screened porch or inside in the chic dining room.
