Empire Journal | Dining
Rooftop Bars Savannah: River Street, the Squares and the Best Seats
The rooftop bars in Savannah worth climbing to — Rocks on the Roof, Peregrin, Electric Moon and Top Deck — with river views, timing and how to miss the crowds.
Rooftop Bars Savannah
Savannah is a four-storey city, and that is exactly why its rooftops work. From five floors up you are level with the live oaks and looking straight down the Savannah River at container ships sliding past the historic district — a view no taller skyline could improve on.
There are about six rooftop bars in Savannah worth planning around. Here they are, by what you want out of the night.
For the river
Rocks on the Roof — The Bohemian Hotel Savannah Riverfront. The definitive Savannah rooftop: directly above River Street with the ships passing at eye level and the Talmadge Bridge to your left. Retractable roof, so it works year-round. Hotel site.
Electric Moon Skytop Lounge — Plant Riverside District. A carnival-themed rooftop on the western end of the riverfront with the widest open-air deck in the city and the best sunset angle down the river. District site.
Top Deck — Cotton Sail Hotel, River Street. Small, unfussy, and the best-value river view on this list.
For the historic district
Peregrin — Perry Lane Hotel, Bull Street. The most designed rooftop in Savannah, above the squares rather than the river, with the steeples and rooftops of the historic district below. The best cocktails in town on a roof. Hotel site.
The Alida rooftop — The Alida Hotel, Savannah. Pool deck and rooftop bar looking back at the river and the district. The most relaxed hotel rooftop.
Timing
- Best months: March through May and October through November. Savannah spring is genuinely one of the best in the country.
- Summer: brutal humidity plus daily afternoon storms. Go after 8 PM, and pick a rooftop with a roof.
- St. Patrick's Day week: the largest event of Savannah's year. Rooftops run ticketed entry and minimums; book weeks ahead or avoid entirely.
- Sunset: arrive 45 minutes before, and sit on the west side for the river light.
Where to stay
River Street puts Rocks on the Roof, Top Deck and Electric Moon within a five-minute walk; the Bull Street side puts you under Peregrin and in the middle of the squares. Compare Savannah hotel rates through our Expedia partner link, and for a rooftop pool afternoon without a room, ResortPass lists Savannah hotel day passes.
Doing the Lowcountry properly? Pair it with our rooftop bars Charleston guide — the two cities are two hours apart and the rooftops are completely different.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best rooftop bar in Savannah?
Rocks on the Roof at the Bohemian for the river view, Peregrin at Perry Lane for the best drinks and design, and Electric Moon for the widest open-air deck.
Which Savannah rooftop has the best river view?
Rocks on the Roof sits directly above River Street with ships at eye level. Electric Moon has the better sunset angle looking west down the river.
Do Savannah rooftop bars take reservations?
Some do; several are walk-in, which means arriving before sunset on weekends. During St. Patrick's week most switch to ticketed entry.
When is the best time to visit Savannah rooftops?
March through May and October through November. Summer evenings are workable after 8 PM once the afternoon storms clear.
Are Savannah rooftop bars open in winter?
Yes. Rocks on the Roof has a retractable roof, and the others run heaters — Savannah winters are mild enough that rooftops stay busy.
