2008 Woodie Awards
Savannah bars historical yet fun
Head to Georgia for cheap, drunken debauchery, more
Andy Harper
Issue date: 6/13/07 Section: Features
|
Providing refuge from the horrific summer humidity and torrid of tourists, local bars are establishments of fine drink and conversation. In those bars, you are likely to find Savannah artisan, Sonya Bowling.
Bowling, who has lived in Savannah for over two years, has explored the city looking for the most interesting and inviting pubs in which to party. Her discovery - the local places hold more of Savannah's true "taste" than the commercial chains.
While adventuring through downtown, amidst the Spanish moss and beautiful architecture, can be found Savannah's oldest running bar - Pinkie Masters.
"It's the ambiance of the bar that attracts the customers," said Sara Danek, employee of the bar. "It really is just a little corner bar."
Bowling warns that first impressions can be misleading, especially with Pinkies.
"The first thought I had when I went to Pinkies was 'wow this place is old and dirty,'" Bowling said.
The specialty of the house is Pabst Blue Ribbon. According to Bowling, the original owner, "Pinkie," would only serve PBR on tap.
The walls are covered with old black and white photography taken from inside the bar. The general atmosphere feels much like a mini-museum of Savannah history. Despite the tendency to be crowded, the bar is homely.
"It reminds me of an older, dirtier, Southern version of 'Cheers,'" Bowling said.
Traveling down the street, the green-at-heart stumbles across McDonough's Restaurant and Lounge.
"McDonough's has two parts, the quieter side where you can get food and sit," Bowling said. "The other side is where the karaoke is. It is a very diverse place to go."
The bar is spacious and the bartenders always pay excellent attention to their patrons, making McDonough's an ideal place for large group gatherings.
Be the first to comment on this story