If you’re planning a trip to Savannah and want to spend a day exploring the Starland District (also known as the Thomas Square Streetcar District), you’ll find plenty of incredible restaurants to fuel your adventures!
I live in the Starland District, so I consider it my home turf in Savannah! Today I’m going to share some of the most popular Starland restaurants with you, along with a few of my favorite lesser-known spots.
If you’re new around here, first of all … allow me to extend a warm welcome.
My name is Erin, and I authored the Savannah First-Timer’s Guide. It combines my top Savannah travel tips from this website into one handy ebook.
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Getting Around the Starland District
One helpful thing to keep in mind when you’re exploring the Starland District is that the area is built on a grid system, with streets facing north (towards River Street), south, east, or west.
Bull Street is the center east/west dividing line for the district, so many of the most popular businesses can be found along that corridor. Many streets are numbered, and the numbers get higher the further south you venture.
If you stick close to Bull Street, and you’re pretty much guaranteed to find food, drinks, and entertainment!
NOTE: Please always double-check the hours and days of operation for restaurants. I try my best to keep this post updated, but sometimes businesses close early due to events or staffing issues.
Starland District Coffee Spots
If you find yourself in need of some energy before starting your day, there are a couple fantastic coffee shops within the Starland District.
Foxy Loxy
Foxy Loxy | 1919 Bull Street, Savannah, Georgia 31401
Show Support: It’s both locally owned and a female-owned Savannah business!
Hours: Open daily at 8 a.m.
Website: Foxy Loxy Café
Foxy Loxy is a trendy spot that’s popular with SCAD students and alumni, neighbors (most of us, at least), and tourists.
In fact, it’s so popular that you might have to wait — especially if you show up during a break between classes.
The owner has Texas roots, so the entire business has a bit of a Tex-Mex slant. That means you’ll find popular caffeinated options like Horchata, Café Cubano, and Mexican Mocha on the menu.
The upstairs rooms are quiet, so they make a great place to study or catch up on work.
If you’re in the mood to socialize, you’ll want to head straight to their outdoor patio. The area is lush and green, and it’s a great spot to gather with friends.
The patio is located out back, but they also have a few tables along the front sidewalk.
Troupial
Troupial | 9 W 43rd Street, Savannah, Georgia 31401
Show Support: Troupial is another female-owned small Savannah business.
Hours: Tues – Sun at 9 a.m.
Facebook: Troupial
This cheery coffee shop is one of the newest additions to Starland, and it brings a welcome Venezuelan component to the local food scene.
The exterior is painted a bright canary yellow, while the interior is cozy and offers plenty of comfy seating.
If I had to guess, I’d say Troupial has the widest variety of coffee options in the Starland District. Their extensive coffee menu includes 15+ choices, including Gibraltar Hurtato (Cortado), Cappuccino Italiano, and Venezuelan Affogato Spirit (espresso + ice cream + rum).
In their attempt to keep Starland clean, you won’t find any cardboard or styrofoam to-go cups at Troupial. You need to bring your own reusable cup if you prefer to take your coffee to go!
Make note that they’re closed on Mondays.
Additional Coffee Options in Starland
If the two spots above are busy, here are some more places where you can order up a heaping cup of caffeine:
- Blue Door Coffee & Waffles
- Henny Penny Art Space & Café
- Superbloom
Henny Penny and Foxy Loxy have the same owner, so their vibe is very similar. Foxy Loxy tends to be more popular with students, while Henny Penny is more popular with moms who have young kiddos in tow. If you consider yourself a bit nerdy, you’ll LOVE Blue Door, while Superbloom has a trendy vibe.
Starland District Breakfast
In addition to the two incredible coffee spots described above, both of which serve breakfast, I have to include a couple other can’t-miss breakfast destinations in the Starland District.
Back in the Day Bakery
Back in the Day Bakery | 2403 Bull Street, Savannah, Georgia 31401
Show Support: This is one of Savannah’s most popular Black-owned businesses!
Hours: Sat & Sun | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Website: Back in the Day Bakery
Gosh, I’m such a huge fan of Back in the Day.
They were one of the original restaurants to settle in the Starland District, so they’re considered one of the founding businesses.
The bakery has a very cozy vibe and is aptly named since there’s a sense of nostalgia and comfort as soon as you walk through the doors. It reminds me of sitting in my grandma’s kitchen on Sundays after church.
Their old-timey wood and glass cases are filled with all sorts of baked goods, and the menu shifts daily based on what the owners feel like baking from scratch.
The quiche options are my go-to when I’m hungry, but I’m not sure they’re serving those anymore since they’ve recently changed up their business model.
I also LOVE their huge flaky biscuits, as well as their selection of sweet treats.
If the Back in the Day name sounds familiar, it’s because the owners, Griffith and Cheryl Day, authored a best-selling cookbook by the same name.
Make note that they’re only open on weekends.
Related Reading: Famous Restaurants in Savannah: Which Ones are Worth the Hype?
Narobia’s Grits & Gravy
Narobia’s Grits & Gravy | 2019 Habersham, Savannah, Georgia 31401
Show Support: It hits the small business trifecta, since it’s female-owned, family-managed, and a Black-owned business in Savannah.
Hours: Tues – Sat | 7 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Website: Narobia’s Grits & Gravy
Narobia’s is another long-standing business in the Starland area — and a very popular one, at that! (Translation: Expect a bit of a wait.)
They don’t cater to tourists, so just know that going in. It’s a locals spot, and locals know what’s good.
At Narobia’s, it’s not so much about the presentation as it is about creating food that satisfies your appetite…and your soul.
They’ll slop oversized helpings on your plate and not worry in the least about making it look Instagrammable, and I love that about them.
If you’re looking for a true Southern-style breakfast, Narobia’s is the spot!
Try the seafood omelet, creamy shrimp and grits (their specialty), soft and perfectly flaky biscuits, or their incredible French toast — which they describe as “so good it don’t need syrup!”
Make note that they’re closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Additional Breakfast Options in Starland
lf neither of those two spots sound good, here are a couple other breakfast spots to check out:
- Big Bon Bodega
- Blue Door Coffee & Waffles
Big Bon is THE place to go in Savannah for New York-style bagels, while Blue Door is the place to celebrate your inner geek. It’s a must for sci-fi fans!
Lunch in the Starland District
There are so many yummy places to grab lunch in the Starland District!
In fact, a couple of these restaurants make it into the top ten list in my Savannah First-Timer’s Guide on an annual basis.
Bull Street Taco
Bull Street Taco | 1608 Bull Street Savannah, Georgia 31401
Show Support: They give back to a local non-profit each Tuesday with their “Tacos for a Cause” menu.
Hours: Mon – Sat | 11:30 a.m – 10 p.m.
Website: Bull Street Taco
Bull Street Taco is the perfect laid-back spot to hang out with friends or family while chowing down on street-style tacos.
They have a small indoor eating area and a decent-sized covered patio space, plus they usually set a few extra tables outside along the sidewalk.
Their flavor combos are unique, with options like Red Chile Tempura Cauliflower Tacos, Chorizo w/Sunny Side Up Eggs, and Michelada Shrimp.
I suggest the Street Taco Combo where you can sample three different full size taco options plus one side dish.
Related Reading: An Epic List of the Most Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Savannah
Green Truck Pub
Green Truck Pub | 2430 Habersham Street, Savannah, Georgia 31401
Show Support: Support them, because they support the local farming community!
Hours: Mon – Sat | 11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Website: Green Truck Pub
Green Truck is a popular local hangout that wins the “Best Burger in Savannah” category year after year in local food competitions. (Their walls are lined with the certificates as proof.)
They serve locally sourced grass-fed beef and make everything in the restaurant from scratch — right down to their uniquely flavored ketchup!
My go-to classic option is the “Hot Rod,” but vegetarians, take note: Green Truck has one of the best vegetarian burgers in Savannah!
Starland Café
Starland Café | 11 E 41st Street, Savannah, Georgia 31401
Show Support: LGBTQ-Owned Business
Hours: Mon – Fri | 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Website: Starland Café
Starland Café opened in 2020 and was one of the businesses that kicked off the revitalization of the Starland District.
In fact, if you’re looking for the original founders of the Starland District, you can usually still find one of them hanging around at Starland Café! (He also owns the building and rents out the upstairs loft as a short-term rental.)
The café is located in a charming periwinkle blue house and has a cozy indoor seating area, plus a few outdoor tables that are shaded by huge umbrellas, as well.
The wall are lined with interesting art from locals and feature some incredible photographs the owner has taken through the years.
My favorite meal is their Thai tomato soup with the “Kitchen Sink” salad. A side order of the Ciabatta bread is a MUST, since it’s the best I’ve ever had.
Make note that they’re closed Saturdays and Sundays.
Additional Lunch Options in Starland
If the above locations are busy — no worries! There are plenty of other spots where you can grab lunch in the Starland District. Here are a few good options:
- 520 Wings
- Foxy Loxy Café
- Sly’s Sliders & Fries
- Tacos + Tequila
- Trick’s Barbecue
520 often has lines out the door for their wings and Trick’s is the same way for their BBQ. Foxy Loxy serves the best Chicken Chipotle Tacos in Savannah. Sly’s is an inexpensive choice that’s popular with students, and Tacos + Tequila is run by the same group of guys that own Tequila’s Town in Savannah’s Historic District.
Dinner in the Starland District
Dinner options in the Starland District run the gamut from fine dining in historic mansions to casual food truck vendors in outdoor courtyards.
You’ll find a little something to suit every personality type!
Common Thread
Common Thread | 122 E 37th Street, Savannah, Georgia 31401
Show Support: Common Thread is a family-owned business.
Hours: Mon – Thur & Sun from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Fri – Sat from 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Website: Common Thread
Common Thread is consistently one of my favorite restaurants in Savannah and one I highly recommend if you want a true dining experience.
The restaurant is founded by the same family that runs FARM Bluffton, and they brought their fresh farm-to-table dining options to an elegantly restored historic home on 37th Street back in early 2021.
I still remember the old days — long before they opened — when the house was stuffed to the brim with antiques and plaster was falling from the ceiling. Boy how things have changed!
Everything I’ve ever tried at Common Thread has been divine, and the prices reflect the quality. I particularly love their steak options and the tuna crudo (when it’s on the menu).
Cotton & Rye
Cotton & Rye | 1801 Habersham Street, Savannah, Georgia 31401
Hours: Tues – Sat | 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Cotton & Rye is a wildly popular amongst tourists. It’s a classic spot that gets rave reviews from nearly everyone who goes there. This is a good one for the foodies!
Try the pot roast, shrimp pasta, or the vichy-squash soup. I’m told they’re famous for their crispy chicken wings, but I’ve never tried them.
Make note they’re closed on Sundays and Mondays.
The Vault Kitchen & Market
The Vault | 2112 Bull Street, Savannah, Georgia 31401
Show Support: The Vault is a minority-owned business.
Lunch Hours: Mon – Fri | 11 a.m – 3 p.m. & Sat – Sun | 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Dinner Hours: Sun – Thurs | 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. & Fri – Sat | 5 p.m. – 10p.m.
Website: The Vault
The Vault is an Asian-Fusion restaurant owned by Ele and the Chef. They own many popular restaurants in the Savannah area, including Little Duck Diner, Flock to the Wok, Flying Monk, and Chive — one of the top seafood restaurants in Savannah.
The restaurant is located inside an old bank building, and it has a bit of an industrial chic vibe. You can even eat inside the old vault! I’ve done it before, but I will caution you that it gets loud if other parties are also in the room.
They’re known for their fresh sushi and numerous vegetarian options. I get sushi every time I go, but my family members love the salmon and spring rolls.
In addition to their large indoor dining area, they also have outdoor seating along the front sidewalk. They have a parking lot for customers, as well.
Additional Dinner Options in Starland
If the above spots are busy, here are some alternatives to check out:
- Ardsley Station
- David’s Crab House
- Elizabeth’s on 37th
- La Scala Ristorante
- Pizzaria Vittoria Napoletana
- Sly’s Sliders & Fries
- Squirrel’s Pizza
- Tacos + Tequila
- Ukiyo Savannah
Ukiyo is one of the newest additions to the Starland District. It’s owned by the same group that owns The Collins Quarter restaurants, which are located in the Victorian District and Historic District.
Drinks in the Starland District
I rarely drink these days, so I’m not the best person to comment on alcoholic offerings, but I’m going to give it a go to try and help out those of you who are first-time visitors to Savannah.
Hop Atomica
Hop Atomica | 535 E 39th Street, Savannah, Georgia 31401
Hours: Mon – Thurs from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. | Fri – Sat from 11 a.m – 10:30 p.m. | Sun from 11 a.m. – 9 pm. | Sunday Brunch from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Website: Hop Atomica
Hop Atomica opened in 2020 — during the height of the pandemic, no less — and quickly became a favorite amongst locals.
The family-friendly neighborhood brewery is located on the far southeastern border of the Starland District in the Baldwin Park area.
Hop Atomica serves up small bites, charcuterie boards, and tasty pizza.
You can pair your meal with their craft beers, but I believe I heard they’ve started distilling their own rum and vodka recently, too? (Don’t hold me to that comment.)
Sobremesa
Sobremesa | 2312 Abercorn Street, Savannah, Georgia 31401
Show Support: Sobremesa is a small, family-owned business.
Hours: Tues – Fri from 4 p.m. – Midnight | Sat 11 a.m. to Midnight
Website: Sobremesa
Sobremesa is one of the brand new kids on the block in Starland. I haven’t been yet, but I do love the idea behind the business.
The wine bar is centered around the European concept of gathering together with friends after a good meal to chat and share wine late into the night. I’m thinking that sounds pretty awesome!
I will say that the decor is beautiful. It’s designed in deep, rich hues of blues and emerald greens and is one of the more elegant spaces in the Starland District.
Make note that they’re closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Yard Bar at Starland Yard
Starland Yard | 2411 DeSoto Avenue, Savannah, Georgia 31401
Hours: Mon – Thurs from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. | Fri – Sat from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. | Sun from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Website: Starland Yard
Starland Yard needs no introduction, since it’s an anchor businesses in the Starland District. I’ve been including them in my ebook since they first tossed open the doors to their colorfully painted entrance back in 2019.
It consists of a one block fenced-in area dotted with food trucks, picnic tables, open spaces, a pizzeria, and a bar. They feature live music regularly and offer lots of games on site (giant Tumbler, anyone?), so it makes a chill gathering spot for locals and visitors.
Pizzeria Vittoria is Starland Yard’s on-site Neapolitan-style pizza place, and they also host multiple food trucks each day of the week. Look for local favorites like Dark Shark Tacos, Chazitos, Pie Society, and the Latin Chicks. (Here is their food truck schedule.)
Yard Bar offers draft beer, cans, cocktails, and seasonal slushies. It’s a very laid-back bar environment where you can meet a good mix of tourists and locals.
Additional Drink Spots in Starland
If none of the above options fit the bill, here are a few additional places to check out:
- Lone Wolf Lounge
- Moodrights
- The Underdog Brewing Co. (coming soon)
- The Wormhole
- Two Tides Brewing Co.
- Water Witch Tiki
They each have a different vibe, so you’ll just have to check them out to see which one works best for you! If you’re looking for live music, you can usually count on that at Wormhole.
Hidden Gems in the Starland District
Whew! We’ve covered a lot in this post. I’m not finished yet, though. There are a few hidden gems that I want to mention, for those of you who prefer to venture beyond the guidebook (you’re my kind of people).
Al Salaam Deli
Al Salaam | 2311 Habersham Street, Savannah, Georgia 31401
Show Support: Al Salaam is a minority-owned, family run, small Savannah business!
Hours: Mon – Sat | 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Website: Al Salaam Deli
This is one of those beloved local establishments that all the locals know about and try to keep secret. It’s THE place to go for authentic Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes.
When you see it from the exterior, it looks like such an unassuming spot that you might be tempted to drive right past. You’d be missing out if you did!
It reminds me a lot of a New York-style deli from the exterior. Once inside, the walls in the tiny dining area are lined with colorful old National Geographic Magazine covers. They’re fun to peruse while you wait for your order!
The owners are very kind, and this is one of those businesses that deserves all the love it gets.
Try the chicken or lamb gyros, the falafel salad, or the baklava.
Make note that they’re closed on Sundays.
Over Yonder
Over Yonder | 2424 Abercorn Street, Savannah, Georgia 31401
Hours: Mon – Thurs: 4 a.m. – 1 a.m. | Fri: 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. | Sat: 12 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Website: Over Yonder
Over Yonder is one of the hottest new burger joints in the Starland District, and it makes a great option if you prefer eating late at night.
It’s a hidden gem — both literally and figuratively — since it’s somewhat obscured in a lane behind Moodright’s (a quirky duckpin bowling alley).
Just look for the longhorn steer on the roof — or the line of locals waiting to get in — and you’ll know you’ve found the right place. If you packed your cowboy boots, they’ll fit right in at Over Yonder.
Make note that they’re closed on Sundays.
Munchies Barbecue & Subs
Munchies | 2110 Montgomery Street, Ste. A, Savannah, Georgia 31401
Show Support: Munchies is a Black-owned, small Savannah business!
Hours: Tues – Sat: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Facebook: Munchies BBQ & Subs
Munchies consistently makes the list as one of my favorite BBQ spots in Savannah. The owners are nice, the food is delicious, and the serving sizes are some of the most generous in the city!
They’re famous for their ribs, but I also love the BBQ chicken — especially when it’s smothered in their signature Carolina Gold bbq sauce (which is more orange than gold from all the spices).
Make note that they’re closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Related Reading: Add These 3 Savannah Spots to Your BBQ Bucket List!
Nom Nom Poké Shop
Nom Nom | 1821 Bull Street, Savannah, Georgia 31401
Hours: Daily from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Website: Nom Nom Poké
I love having a restaurant near me that serves poké bowls, and Nom Nom offers a good selection of Japanese and Hawaiian-inspired options.
Their ingredients are always fresh and most are locally sourced. They do fly their tuna in from Hawaii each day, so it’s always fresh, never frozen. (I love sashimi, so that’s one of the reasons I’m such a fan of Nom Nom.)
You can order one of their signature dishes or create a “build your bowl” option where you choose a base layer, protein(s), fruits/veggies, toppings, and a sauce.
The restaurant itself has very clean lines and features a surf theme. It’s a small space, though; they only have six or seven tables inside and three or four outdoor tables along the sidewalk.
Nom Nom is a casual spot that’s perfect for a light and healthy meal when you’re out exploring the art galleries and shops in the Starland District. Keep an eye on their Instagram account to see daily specials.
The Garage
The Garage | 2605 Whitaker Street, Savannah, Georgia 31401
Hours: Thur – Mon: 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. | Fri – Sat: 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Website: The Garage
Locals know and love The Garage, which means it can sometimes be difficult to get a table if you aren’t from around here.
Executive Chef Todd Harris was the chef at Fleeting (another popular spot amongst locals) before venturing off to take the helm at The Garage.
The restaurant is tiny and located on a one-way street, so many tourists tend to pass it by. You can’t miss it if you’re visiting for an event at Victory North, though, since the buildings are adjacent to one another.
Make note that they’re closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Visiting Savannah Georgia
I hope my guide to Starland District restaurants was helpful! If you’re planning to a trip to Savannah, here are a few additional resources I’ve created to help you out.
- Free Resources Library – When you sign up for my email list, you’ll get a checklist of “50 Things To Do On-Foot in the Historic District (No Car Necessary)” and other helpful printables.
- Savannah First-Timer’s Guide: My ebook combines my most helpful Savannah travel tips from this website in one handy downloadable guide.
When you purchase my ebook, you also get access to the private Facebook group I created. You can use it to ask questions about your trip, solicit advice, and see photos from others who have recently visited.
Do you have any questions for me about any of these Starland District Restaurants? As always, please let me know in the comments below.
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Erin authored the Savannah First-Timer's Guide and loves helping first-time visitors plan their trips. She lives in the artsy Starland District and enjoys exploring Savannah's hidden gems, as well as the surrounding Lowcountry.