One Of Savannah's Oldest Restaurants Is A Haunted Georgia Gem With Hearty Southern Food

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Anyone visiting Savannah, Georgia, would attest to the fact that it is a feast for the senses — and the stomach. While it is a walkable gem of lush gardens and picturesque streets, it also happens to be one of the most underrated foodie destinations in the country, packed with establishments serving old-fashioned Southern food. But if you want a bite of Savannah history, look no further than The Pirates' House. Dating back to the 1700s, The Pirates' House is more than just a place to eat — it's a cultural attraction, complete with a mini museum, ghost tours (only if you dare), and a whole lot of character. But above all, it's a Southern buffet legend.

Every day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the restaurant offers what is called the Southern Luncheon Buffet, where you can get your fill of hearty grub. Expect to scarf down award-winning fried chicken, mac and cheese, collard greens, and mashed potatoes with gravy, aka all the soulful staples that stick to your ribs in the best way. If you prefer to order off the menu, goodies like shrimp and grits, chicken gumbo, or the 1776 Burger await, alongside lighter picks like a salmon salad.

Despite nearly 300 years in operation, The Pirates' House remains loved by locals and tourists alike. "Go. Don't expect a quiet, romantic dinner, but do expect good food. She will appreciate the RLS memorabilia hanging through the building, and you will enjoy the nostalgia," u/HelenaRickman on Reddit noted. "I love The Pirate House. ... [T]he atmosphere, history and building are 100% worth a trip," raved u/Libby_Grace. But if you really want to add a memorable twist to your Pirates' House experience, sign up for a ghost tour.

To dial up the excitement on your visit to The Pirates' House, consider booking the Grave Encounters + Pirate's House Dinner tour. Not only does it come with a hearty Southern dinner at the restaurant but it also grants you exclusive access to the rum cellar, which was apparently a popular hangout spot among pirates back in its heyday. Caroline Drwiega, who's worked at the restaurant for over a decade, even swears that this place is properly haunted. "A couple of hundred sailors in the cellar, and in a former residential home from the original column, there is a young boy that haunts that building," she told WSAV. "The little boy has been seen numerous times. He has blonde hair, he wears a white shirt and he shows up on the staircase."

The tour doesn't stop there, of course. You'll be carted around Savannah's spookiest landmarks (a far cry from a trip to the city's most romantic, serene park), including the famous Olde Pink House and the historic Telfair Academy, the first public museum in the city. "I had such an amazing experience on this tour I actually got to see real ghosts it was super creepy but super fun very much a nice and wonderful experience," traveler Amber_L claimed in a Viator review.

It's worth noting, however, that a reservation at The Pirates' House doesn't automatically include the ghost tour. The Grave Encounters experience is run by a travel company, so you'll need to book that separately. The full 2.5-hour event costs $55 for adults and $37 for kids aged 5 to 11 (as of this writing), while little ones under 4 years old tag along for free. For those who like their Southern cuisine with a touch of spookiness, it's a detour that's hard to forget.