Thousands of visitors flock to Savannah, Georgia year after year to enjoy the historic charm and incredible restaurants. But the Starland District is often overlooked.
The History of the Starland District
Located in the Midtown area south of iconic Forsyth Park was the former Starland Dairy. The streetcar suburb neighborhood struggled during the 1950s when “white flight” led to suburbanization.
But in the 1990s, students at the Savannah College of Art Design put together a plan for the area. It’s what became the Starland District, named for the company that operated from 1932 to the 1980s.
I first visited in late 2019 but on a recent trip, was excited to return to the neighborhood known for its funky shops and restaurants. There’s plenty of parking in this area but it’s also a 10-minute ride from the historic district.
If you’re looking for other great places to eat in the Starland District, check out this story I wrote for 10Best or the Visit Savannah website.
Where to Eat in the Starland District
Back in the Day Bakery
Back In The Day Bakery opened in 2002 and has since been nominated for a James Beard award. Husband and wife duo Cheryl and Griffith Day craft incredible pastries and treats from behind the colorful counter. Expect to wait! It’s one of the most popular spots in the district.
Big Bon Bodega
Big Bon Bodega started as a food truck selling pizza way back in 2016. They still have their pizza operation but are now known for Montreal-style bagels. The Art Deco-style building is both the bakery and storefront with daily specials and sandwich combinations.
Starland Yard
Created with stacks of shipping containers is the Starland Yard, a complex featuring multiple bars and restaurants that all run on the same tab system. You can play lawn games in between pints or sit down for Neapolitan pizza. There’s also a rotating selection of food trucks and weekly events like bingo, trivia, and live music.
Other Starland Restaurants
But these are just a few of the restaurants in the area. Elizabeth on 37th has been operating out of a 1900s mansion for over thirty years. Green Truck Neighborhood Pub has been named one of the best burger spots in Georgia.
Foxy Loxy Cafe is an eclectic coffee shop with beans from nearby Perc and Texas-style kolaches. The Starland Cafe was one of the first restaurants to open in the district and serves paninis, soups, and salads out of an old house. Narobia’s Grits and Gravy, The Vault, and Common Thread are also local favorites.
Where to Drink in the Starland District
Over Yonder
I enjoyed my visit to this Texas roadhouse-style bar so much that I didn’t take a single picture. Located on the backside of Moodright’s under a metal longhorn statue, the bar has favorite beers like Lone Star along with wings, sandwiches, and boiled peanuts. Over Yonder also hosts live music.
Lone Wolf Lounge
A few blocks away is Lone Wolf Lounge, a dark cocktail bar in a former home. It’s covered in funky wallpaper and Christmas lights. The menu includes both classics and creative drinks as well as beer from around the world.
Moodright’s
Moodright’s is unique in its 1970s-inspired decor like old beer signs and taxidermy. There’s even a mini duckpin bowling alley and a pool table. Grab a beer and enjoy one of the events like bingo or trivia.
Two Tides Brewing
Two Tides Brewing is a craft brewery in a historic home right in the heart of the district. It’s a lovely place to enjoy a drink, especially on the porch. The beers are excellent, including IPAs and sours. Smol is the brewery’s miniature bar with slushies and other drinks.
Water Witch Tiki
Water Witch Tiki is a self-described “tropical escape” with drinks like pina coladas and variations of the rum punch. The drinks are delicious but it can get crowded so be prepared to wait.
Where to Shop in the Starland District
Graveface Records & Curiosities
Owned by a local musician, Graveface Records is a funky shop and record label with quirky gifts, used records, and even VHS tapes. They also own a museum of oddities near River Street in the historic district that also has an arcade.
Gypsy World Vintage
Browse for pre-owned clothing at this vintage store with items spanning nearly every recent decade. Gypsy World carries both men’s and women’s clothing and accessories.
Picker Joe’s Antique Mall
The 10,000 square-foot antique store has carefully selected items ranging from architectural salvage to antiques to books and clothing. Picker Joe’s has even sourced props and other items for Savannah-filmed movies and television shows, including Baywatch, Underground, and Dirty Grandpa.
Starland Strange and Bazaar
The colorful stairs and funny sign at Starland Strange and Bazaar bring in shoppers but the ice cream counter keeps them there! The store has a sticker bar, clothing, jewelry, and gifts.
Superbloom
Superbloom is another funky shop selling turmeric and matcha lattes. They carry items from makers like t-shirts, jewelry, and accessories and even offer classes in macrame weaving and screenprinting.
Wondering where to stay nearby? The Isetta Inn is the closest accommodation to the Starland District with themed rooms like a bed swing. Rentals are another option like this Bamboo Bungalow or the Modern Retreat.
PIN IT
Leave a Reply