Best of Savannah 2014

Our Cover
Editors’ picks Lois Wooten and Zia
Sachedina celebrate with reader
favorites Ele Tran and Velvet
Caravan’s Ricardo Ochoa in a Best
of Savannah tableau worthy of
our Good and Evil Garden Party,
styled by Sebrell Smith.
Best
of Savannah 2014
You voted on more than 100 categories. We chimed in with some
unsung innovators.
Discover our readers’ favorites for the city’s best—along with our
editors’ picks for the year’s most influential people and ideas.
The invested Savannahians have spoken. And the winners are…
Dining...................116
Nightlife........... 120
Community........122
Shopping............ 126
People..................134
Services...............138
114 savannahmagazine.COM
IZZ Y H U D GIN S
Compiled by Maggie Harney and Cléa Hernandez
SEPTEMBER /OCTOBER 2014
115
★ Kayak Café ★
Dining
Asian
Elē Fine Fusion
Owners Ele and Sean “the Chef”
Tran have made it clear that they
are the team to beat for authentic
and upscale East Asian cuisine. The
menu at Elé continually proves that
low country surf and turf plays nicely
with fusion flavors.
elesavannah.com
Runner-up: Hirano’s
Bakery
C HIA C HONG
Baker’s Pride
Nothing wakes up an early morning
staff meeting like a box of Trisha
and Al Lang’s fresh pastries. Their
doughnuts possess the ideal ratio
of crisp crust to inner fluff. Word to
the wise: better stock half a dozen
caramel ones, lest a fight break out
over the conference room table.
savannahbakery.com
Runner-up: Back in the Day Bakery
Barbeque
Wiley’s Championship Barbeque
“BBQ General” Wiley McCrary has
been collecting accolades for his
succulent smoked meats for more
than 15 years. His Whitemarsh
storefront was recently ranked 4th
best BBQ restaurant in the U.S. by
TripAdvisor—much to the chagrin of
outposts in North Carolina and Texas.
wileyschampionshipbbq.com
Runner-up: Sandfly BBQ
Breakfast/Brunch
J. Christopher’s
Manager Stacy Ritchie takes pride
in her restaurant’s accommodating
service, laid-back atmosphere and
diverse menu offerings. Do yourself
a solid and start the day with a
breakfast skillet at this neighborhood gem.
jchristophers.com
Runner-up, Breakfast: Sunrise Restaurant
Runner-up, Brunch: B. Matthew’s
Hamburger
Business Lunch
Toucan Café
Need to impress a client? Seal the deal
over a Black and Bleu Chicken Salad at
this Mediterranean-infused Southside
hideout. Choices range from light and
refreshing to savory and satisfying.
toucancafe.com
Runner-up: SoHo South Café
Cupcakes
Gigi’s Cupcakes
Bethany Shantz, owner of the local
Gigi’s franchise, is on a mission
to provide a memorable cupcake
experience with an ever-changing
selection of fresh-baked goodies.
Kentucky Bourbon Pie, anyone?
gigiscupcakesusa.com
Runner-up: Back in the Day
Desserts
Lulu’s Chocolate Bar
Lulu’s made-from-scratch desserts,
specialty cocktails, handmade
truffles and cheesecakes are some
of the usual suspects, but the owners’ creativity ensures there’s always
a new confection to savor.
luluschocolatebar.net
Runner-up: Back in the Day
Fine Dining
The Olde Pink House
This standard bearer of sophisticated Southern cuisine remains
of-the-moment with novel twists on
traditional comfort food—smoked
shrimp ’n’ grit “sushi” rolled in
coconut-crusted nori, and blue crab
beignets, to name a few.
plantersinnsavannah.com
Runner-up: Elizabeth on 37th
Fried Chicken
Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room
From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday
through Friday, the progeny of Sema
Wilkes welcome hungry patrons to
their garden-level tables. Here, complete strangers grow into fast friends
as they break bread and pass the
black-eyed peas. The platter filled
with crisp, peppery fried chicken is
the star of the show—and it’s the first
thing to go.
mrswilkes.com
Runner-up: The Lady and Sons
Frozen Yogurt
Lovin’ Spoons
Most of us humidity-oppressed
locals have no trouble hopping
aboard the self-serve fro-yo craze.
Lovin’ Spoons’ Southside and Pooler
locations bring us 12 flavors of
the week. And, with the veritable
plethora of topping options, the cool
combinations are endless
lovinspoons.com
Runner-up: La’ Berry
Green Truck Pub
Among the shoppers at Saturday’s
Forsyth Farmers’ Market, you’ll spy
chef/owner Josh Yates hoisting boxes
of fresh greens and other seasonal
bounty bound for his Midtown burger
haven. He produces simple, exquisite
burgers from grass-fed Hunter Cattle
Co. beef and tops them with dressings
that challenge the status quo. Think
house-made ketchup, olive tapenade
and balsamic caramelized onions.
greentruckpub.com
Runner-up: B&D Burgers
Ice Cream
Leopold’s
The old-fashioned parlor on
Broughton Street came from the
brain of a film set designer, but it’s
an authentic nod to Hollywood producer Stratton Leopold’s heritage in
the ice cream business. The massive
counter houses time-honored favorites, like butter pecan and rum bisque,
made on-premises exactly as they
were in 1919—one batch at a time.
leopoldsicecream.com
Runner-up: Cold Stone Creamery
Independent
Coffee Shop
Tie: Foxy Loxy and The Coffee Fox
Jennifer Jenkins’ two coffee sanctuaries—the flagship in Thompson
Square and the “foxhole” downtown—are the perfect places to
PERC up before work or between
classes. Each serves up rich craft
coffees, Tex-Mex-tinged fare and an
art house vibe, as well as an everevolving array of musical offerings.
foxyloxycafe.com and
thecoffeefox.com
Runner-up: Gallery Espresso
Italian Dining
Bella’s Italian Café
Long before the city’s recent
Renaissance, this Habersham Village
staple proffered hearty servings of
tomato-tanged pasta and pizza to
Savannahians “hangry” for honest
Italian eats. The price-tiered wine
list is exceedingly helpful, allowing
you to quickly return your attention
to the warm ambiance.
bellascafe.com
Runner-up: Leoci’s Trattoria
★ Wiley’s Championship Barbeque ★
IZZ Y H U D GIN S
116 savannahmagazine.COM
SEPTEMBER /OCTOBER 2014
117
Basil’s Pizza and Deli
With a movie room and frozen
yogurt café for the kids, and robust
wine and craft beer lists for the
parental units, Basil’s owner Ryan
Grady aims to make your whole
brood feel at home while noshing on
family-friendly fare.
basilsonline.com
Runner-up: Mellow Mushroom
Mexican
KATIE MCG E E
Jalapeños
Arnold Castellanos’ family-run
business, spanning 14 years and
5 locations in the Savannah area,
deliciously delivers on its promise to
introduce guests to tasty Mexican
and Tex-Mex favorites.
jalapenosinc.com
Runner-up: Tequila’s Town
New Restaurant
Tequila’s Town
With its cheerful space, amiable
staff, handcrafted tequilas and
“up-a-notch Mexican” specialties,
Tequila’s Town has made an indelible
impression on the downtown restaurant scene. For your first (or next)
visit, order the carne asada and a
jalapeño margarita—and a hefty
dose of guacamole, mixed to order,
tableside.
tequilastown.com
Runner-up: Dept. 7 East
Organic Meal
Green Truck Pub
Josh and Whitney Yates’s dedication
to healthy, sustainable farming has
converted many a diner to the local
field-to-fork movement. He crafts
soups and quesadillas from what’s in
season, and the salads crunch with
fresh-picked goodness.
greentruckpub.com
Runner-up: Cha Bella
Outdoor
Bonna Bella Waterfront Grille
When the weather’s nice, as it so
often is in Savannah, Bonna Bella’s
marshside deck is the venue of
choice. The strip of sand at the
front of the restaurant is all set up
for a pre-dinner game of corn hole,
and you certainly can’t beat those
waterfront views.
bonnabellayachtclub.com
Runner-up: B&D Burgers
Pizza
Vinnie Van Go Go’s
Satiating the hunger pangs of
ravenous tourists and locals alike,
this corner of City Market has
become an institution. An efficient
assembly line produces savory
pies that are delivered by cheerful
servers in a laid-back, family-friendly
atmosphere.
vinnievangogo.com
Runner-up: Mellow Mushroom
Seafood
Crab Shack
Picture this: sunset, the marsh and
heaps of colossal snow crab legs
dangling into piquant low country
boil, creamy deviled crabs, and
raw oysters with caviar and sour
cream. A seafood lover’s dream,
right? Makes us downright jealous
★ Tequila’s Town ★
118 savannahmagazine.COM
of those cheeky cats wandering
around Capt. Jack Flanigan’s quirky
marina eatery.
thecrabshack.com
Runner-up: Pearl’s Saltwater Grille
Smoothie
Smoothie King
At all three locations in the
Savannah area, readers agree that
the king of smoothies knows how
to “whip it, whip it good.” Customblended from a deep shelf of healthy,
yummy ingredients, these smoothies
take the edge off the heat while
boosting energy.
smoothieking.com
Runner-up: Savannah Squeeze
Steak
Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse
Carnivorous connoisseurs know that
the perfect steak begins with quality
beef and a masterful cut. They also
know they can find both at this fine
downtown franchise, where the
wines are as succulent as the filets.
ruthschris.com
Runner-up: Toni Steakhouse
Editors’
Picks
C HIA CHO NG
Kid-Friendly
EMI LY B . HAL L
Dining
Hungry (and thirsty) staffers can’t get enough of these fresh flavors.
The Italian Renaissance
Roberto Leoci made our
mouths water with his
artisanal meats. Lisa and
Franco Marra tossed in
fresh, natural pasta and
sauces at Frali Gourmet.
And now, Top Chef Hugh
Acheson and his wunderkind, Kyle Jacovino, have
rebirthed the intersection
of Whitaker and Victory
with the chic, creative,
crowded Florence. What
can we say? Savannahians
are loving la vita bella—one
locally sourced bite at a
time.
World Soul Food
Nothing soothes a shattered heart like a plate
of chitlins, greens and
black-eyed peas from
Neighborhood Soul or
United House of Prayer
for All People—unless
it’s a steamy bowl of
Vietnamese chicken noodle
pho at Saigon Bistro, or
a plate of tacos al pastor
at La Xalapeña. It’s hard
to tell which is warmer
at these comfort food
meccas: the plates or the
people.
Sophisticated Sips
When we aren’t on our
quest for Savannah’s
signature cocktail (see p.
28), we’re crashing Aperitif
Hour at The Brice’s new
Pacci, where $5 Negronis
and Manhattans vie for our
affections with house-bottled bourbon ’n’ colas and
fresh, simple daiquiris that
redefine the meaning of
the word. It’s not a night
out until we pay a visit to
ultra-creative cocktail artist
Jane Fishel and her team at
the Andaz Savannah’s 22
Square. And don’t get us
started on the Cotton Sail’s
Top Deck. You might say
Savannah’s boutique hotels
have raised the—ahem—bar
on our to-go cups.
Sushi
Sushi Zen
This inventive Japanese restaurant
specializes in serving the freshest
seafood in a casually soothing
atmosphere. Sushi Zen dabbles
where others fear to tread and still
delivers uncanny deliciousness with
friendly, prompt service at both its
Eisenhower Drive and Martin Luther
King Jr. Blvd. locations.
sushizen-sav.com
Runner-up: Taca Sushi
Takeout
Zunzi’s
The Travel Channel named the
Conquistador at Johnny and
Gabriella de Beers’ modest South
African takeout counter one of the
best sandwiches in America, but
there is so much more to savor
at both Zunzi’s locations. Never
pass up the handmade-with-love
boerewors—a sausage of serious
substance—the special sauces or
the salads and vegetarian options.
zunzis.com
Runner-up: Carey Hilliard’s
Vegetarian
Kayak Café
Kayakers get creative with healthy,
alternative protein sources such
as black beans and whole grains.
With a second location midtown,
Cold, Crafty Suds
Our city’s taste profile is
rising, thanks in no small
part to the Internet. Libbie
Summers and Chia Chong’s
sumptuously photographed
and witty website, Salted
and Styled, won the
International Association
of Culinary Professionals’
best blog award. Amazon
recognized the bestselling
Back in the Day Bakery
Cookbook (Artisan 2012)
as one of 2013’s best
cookbooks. And Wiley’s
Championship BBQ
Cookbook (Gibbs Smith
2014) is garnering rave
reviews—especially after
TripAdvisor readers rated
the smokehouse the fourth
best in the nation.
Taste
the Kayak makes Southern living
clean and delicious with specialties
like the black-eyed pea burger and
seared tiger tofu.
eatkayak.com
Runner-up: Sentient Bean
Waterfront
Pork and Pastry Pros
Moon River Brewing Co.
was the first hop head on
the block to elevate our
taste buds above a PBR.
Now, the abandoned industrial edge of downtown
is filling up with young,
dedicated craft breweries,
like Smith Mathews and
Carly Wiggins’ rootsy
Southbound Brewing Co.
and the new, aptly named
Service Brewing Co. (see
p. 76).
Bonna Bella Waterfront Grille
The perfect Friday night: a pound
of peel ‘n’ eats and a bacon bloody
Mary while watching the sun melt
like butter into Herb Creek. Bonna
Bella is the pinnacle of local waterfront dining. The deep-water dock
and expansive decks afford some
truly wetland panoramas, peopled
with herons, ibises, jumping fish and
the occasional frolicking dolphin.
bonnabellayachtclub.com
Runner-up: Vic’s on the River
SEPTEMBER /OCTOBER 2014
119
Bar Food
Paula Letcher and Johnny Baker
were aiming for a true neighborhood
gathering spot with Bar Food in
Habersham Village, and their shareable Franco-Asian apps have helped
make that a reality. The popular
steamed dumplings are mouthwatering—but refreshingly light—chicken
bites with a kick of ginger.
barfoodsavannah.com
Runner-up: Jazz’d Tapas Bar
Beer Selection
World of Beer
With a name like World of Beer, you’d
better have a surfeit of suds. WOB
wears the mantle with gusto, boasting 62 beers on tap from around the
world and 550 bottles chilling behind
a mélange of multilingual labels from
40 different countries.
worldofbeer.com
Runner-up: The Distillery
Cocktails
Jen’s and Friends
Liquor-loving purists can order a
classic martini at this sliver of a bar
on Bull Street, but their more adventurous counterparts can choose from
more than 100 sweet specialties.
Skip dessert and go for an irresistible
Rice Krispie or Birthday Cake martini.
jensandfriendsbar.com
Runner-up: Rocks on the Roof
Dancing
Club One
The home of the inimitable Lady
Chablis could probably rest on
those laurels alone, but the fact is,
Club One is also a prime spot to let
loose and shake what your mama
gave you. There are three levels to
explore, and the 1,000-square-foot
dance floor is perfect for an occasional boogie night.
clubone-online.com
Runner-up: Saddlebags
Girls’ Night Out
Jazz’d Tapas Bar
The ladies concur that Jazz’d Tapas
Bar, owned by top-notch mixologists
Julie and Brian Curry, is the ultimate
GNO hangout. With a sophisticated
ambiance that feels intimate yet
ample, BFFs can swoon over the
swingin’ jazz and satiate their appetites with well-blended cocktails and
gratifying tapas.
jazzdtapasbar.com
Runner-up: Lulu’s Chocolate Bar
Happy Hour
Jen’s and Friends
Jen’s and Friends is appropriately
named; they make their patrons feel
right at home. Shake off the work
uglies with $2 beer or $3 wine. Or
treat yourself to a $4 appletini—
you’ve earned it.
jensandfriendsbar.com
Runner-up: Mellow Mushroom
Late-night Spot/
Meeting Singles
Congress Street Social
Far from a lonely hearts club,
Congress Street Social boasts a
lively, upbeat crowd, with two floors
inside and a spacious beer garden.
After-hours dancing and four expansive bars offer endless opportunities
to mix and mingle.
congressstreetsocialclub.com
Runner-up: Jazz’d Tapas Bar
Live Music
The Jinx
The Jinx’s narrow profile and high
ceiling impart the ideal rock ‘n’ roll
dive vibe while letting the sounds
soar. The slate of local and traveling
musical acts represent the eclectic
tastes of Savannah’s burgeoning
music scene, fueled by the Savannah
Stopover Music Festival.
Runner-up: Wild Wing Café
g eoff l. john son
Sports Bar
Coach’s Corner
A sea of large flat screens fills this
cavernous club on Victory Drive in
Thunderbolt so that patrons and
fans can keep score on all their
favorite teams. But the convivial,
family-friendly atmosphere, solid
★ The Jinx ★
120 savannahmagazine.COM
B EAU K EST ER
There’s no stopping these of-the-moment movements, so all aboard!
Artist-Activists
What began as a groundswell to energize fallow
urban spaces with vibrant
street art evolved into
SeeSAW: See Savannah
Art Walls. Now, Art Rise
and ARC (Arts Resource
Collective) have joined the
movement, giving voice to
the needs of our deep and
diverse creative community
so that the myth of the
“starving artist” can give
way to a thriving creative
class.
Shared Spaces
First, there was
ThincSavannah: a collaborative office space that
continues to bring innovation, entrepreneurship and
all things local together.
Then, Cohen’s Retreat
opened its restored lobby
to a collective of artists,
designers and epicures.
Now, the Creative Coast
Foundry is fulfilling its
promise as an incubator
for the 912’s emerging tech
pioneers.
Battle for the Bands
From die-hard venues
like The Jinx and established recording studios
like Elevated Basement to
groundbreaking events like
Revival Fest and Savannah
Stopover, we have a host of
talent to thank for pushing
our music industry to the
next level. But Dollhouse
Productions, Kayne
Lanahan and the Hissing
Lawns blog are at the top of
our list for standing up for
musicians as professionals,
not just players.
Show Business
Getting in Gear
The Lady Chablis and her
dolled-up cohorts at Club
One brought Savannah to
the world stage. Today, the
Sweet Tease Burlesque Revue,
the dancing Downtown
Delilahs and the Lucas
Theatre’s sultry on-stage
cabarets indicate a tipping
point of talent—and a growing nostalgia for old-time
variety shows. Among our
favorites is the Trinity United
Methodist Church’s Thursday
Night Opry, a single-mic
nod to the “Grand Ole”
Americana music tradition.
Spectator sports are so
“Old Savannah.” These
days, we like to put down
the “go cup” and get in on
the action. Kudos to downhome enthusiasts like the
Savannah Climbing Coop
and Woody’s Skate Park
for making extreme sports
accessible—and to Enmark
Savannah River Bridge Run,
Critz Tybee Run and the
Rock ’n’ Roll Marathon for
making fitness fun.
Buzz
Pub
Six Pence
The imported red telephone booth
and the British racing green façade
give instant authenticity to this little
gem on Bull Street. Six Pence owner
Ron Anderson clearly gets the pub
atmosphere and menu down pat,
with traditional U.K. favorites like
Welsh rarebit and Scotch eggs.
sixpencepub.com
Runner-up: Molly MacPherson’s
Scottish Pub and Grill
Editors’
Picks
menu and big heart for local organizations keep regulars coming back
time and again.
coachs.net
Runner-up: Wild Wing Café
Trivia Game Night
Mellow Mushroom
Tuesday nights at the ‘Shroom
are not for amateurs when you’re
going up against Bar Exam champs
Intravenous De Milo. This diverse
team teases out all kinds of obscure
minutia, including the license plate
on the DeLorean in Back to the
Future (OUTATIME). But even if you
lose, you still can always indulge in
a pitcher of beer and a Maui Wowie
pie for the table.
mellowmushroom.com
Runner-up: Coach’s Corner
BE AU K EST ER
Appetizers
BEAU K EST ER
Nightlife
Wine Selection
Elizabeth on 37th
Any Savannah-based oenophile
worth her tannins would include a
tour of Elizabeth’s wine cellar on her
bucket list. If the selection of 250
wines is daunting, simply ask Greg
or Gary Butch to suggest the perfect
pairing to chef Kelly Yambor’s sumptuous feast.
elizabethon37th.net
Runner-up: Savannah Wine Cellar
★ Jazz’d Tapas Bar ★
SEPTEMBER /OCTOBER 2014
121
Community
Charity Event/
Fundraiser
Susan G. Komen Race for a Cure
Strengthened by hundreds of
fleet-footed volunteers wrapped in
lots (and lots) of pink, the Susan
G. Komen team raises more than
$400,000 annually for breast cancer research. But it’s not about the
money—it’s about the mission, as
the online “Survivor of the Month”
showcase affirms.
komencoastalgeorgia.org
Runner-up: Telfair Ball
Company To Work For
Gulfstream Aerospace
Gulfstream prides itself as much on
excellent craftsmanship as it does
on workplace culture. And working
for the private jet manufacturer is
like getting bumped up to first class.
Family scholarships, childcare and
YMCA memberships are just a few
of the employee perks.
gulfstream.com
Runner-up: Vaden Automotive Group
Day Trip/Fun Place To
Take The Kids
Tybee Island
When The Spongebob Movie: Sponge
Out of Water opens next year,
Tybee Island will take center stage.
Much like its cartoon counterpart, Bikini Bottom, the town has
its own particular charm, cast
of characters—and it’s always
young at heart. From museum
touch-tanks to boogie boards on
the waves, Tybee is the number
one choice for a day in the great
outdoors—whether you’re 5 or 75.
visittybee.com
Runner-up, Day Trip: Charleston, S.C.
Runner-up, Fun Place to Take the Kids:
Oatland Island Wildlife Center
Golf Course
The Club at Savannah Harbor
Just across the Talmadge Bridge,
this emerald on Hutchinson Island
captured the title in no small part
to its combination of great value,
challenging tee options and that
unbeatable view. theclubatsavannahharbor.com
Runner-up: Savannah Golf Club
Group To
Volunteer For
Humane Society for Greater Savannah
With adorable kittens and puppies
as its calling card and programs
like the Scrub-A-Pup-Pup dog wash
and Operation New Hope, it’s easy
to understand why Savannahians
line up to volunteer for HSGS. To
get started, sign up for their doggie
boot camp and nab one of the most
coveted jobs in the place: Saturday
afternoon dog walker.
humanesocietysav.org
Runner-up: Hospice Savannah Inc.
Museum/House
Museum
Telfair Museums
The triptych of museums that
comprise the Telfair—the OwensThomas House, the Telfair Academy
and the Jepson Center—is where
historical reverence meets the
avant-garde. The breadth of experiences, from antebellum architecture
and Old World masterpieces to
of-the-moment pop art and technology, is uniquely accessible through
programs such as Free Family
Saturdays and the monthly Art on
Tap series.
telfair.org
Runner-up: Davenport House
Private School
Savannah Christian
Preparatory School
Small student-to-teacher ratios,
extensive AP course offerings and
outstanding extracurricular activities
place Savannah Christian on the
top of the city’s private school list.
This reigning champ starts the
accelerated learning programs in
Pre-K and follows its students all the
way through high school, ensuring
success for the next generation of
community leaders. savcps.com
Runner-up: Savannah Country Day School
★ Forsyth Park ★
122 savannahmagazine.COM
Tybee Island, GA
Community
Public Park
Forsyth Park
One of the most beloved wedding
venues in America for “come-heres”
and one of the most endearing spots
to play for “from-heres,” the city’s
iconic 22-acre green space has been
a celebrated gathering hot spot
since the 1840s. A photo opp in
front of the fountain remains a rite of
passage for all visitors.
savannahga.gov
Runner-up: Daffin Park
Public School
K E VIN B AN K E R
Savannah Arts Academy
This liberal arts high school, known
for its annual musicals, award-winning jazz band and unforgettable
Junk 2 Funk fashion show, draws
attention not only for its artistically
★ Charles H. Morris Center ★
124 savannahmagazine.COM
inclined students but also for their
outstanding academic achievements. With a balance between
scholastic aptitude and creative
expression, SAA is a model for public schools throughout the country. internet.savannah.chatham.k12.ga.us
Runner-up: May Howard Elementary
Radio Station
WRHQ
Keeping the city’s love of all things
local in mind, Savannah’s only
hometown radio station, housed in a
Parkside bungalow, is where people
turn for their Stones fix, Buffet break
and new music file. The station’s
Second Sunday program gives local
artists a chance to hone their skills.
wrhq.com
Runner-up: 97.3 KISS FM
Special Event Facility
Charles H. Morris Center
Known for its incredible acoustics, architectural charm and
ever-helpful organizers, the Morris
Center’s warm, intimate space
has nabbed the top spot for the
sixth year. The site plays host to
glamorous philanthropic galas,
luxe wedding receptions—and our
Best of Savannah 2014 party on
September 18.
trusteesgarden.com
Runner-up: Savannah Station
Summer Camp
YMCA of Coastal Georgia
With 10 locations and state-of-theart facilities—think rock-climbing
walls, Olympic-size pools and
all-access gyms—the YMCA takes
first place when it comes to keeping
local families engaged and healthy
without breaking the bank. ymcaofcoastalga.org
Runner-up: Oatland Island Summer
Camp
TV Station
WTOC
Our readers say this Emmyawarding winning station takes its
motto, “Welcome to Our City,” to
heart. With an experienced team of
anchors, videographers and reporters, locals consistently depend on
our CBS-affiliate to get it right—and
deliver it first.
wtoc.com
Runner-up: WSAV
Shopping
Antiques
Jere’s Antiques
The vastness of Jere’s European
collection will make an antiquer of
even the most casual picker. With
multiple stories stacked floor-toceiling with treasures, this is the
go-to locale for the auction houses,
designers and individuals looking for
one-of-a-kind accoutrements. jeresantiques.com
Runner-up: Habersham Antiques Market
Art Gallery
Kobo Gallery
Savannah’s pick for best gallery is
this Barnard boutique, whose name,
meaning “artist’s workspace,” gives
away the secret of its success.
Specializing as a co-op of local
artistry—from otherworldly jewelry
to colorful mixed media prints—the
stark modern interior allows the
community’s talent to take center
stage.
kobogallery.com
Runner-up: Cohen’s Retreat
Baby Gear/Clothing
Punch & Judy
Unlike the name’s implication, shopping at Punch and Judy for all your
baby needs is nothing like the puppet pair’s usual shenanigans. With
the personal touch Savannahians
expect from their boutiques, readers
agree that they trust Punch and Judy
to help them stock up on everything from baby skincare to gliding
rockers.
punchandjudysavannah.com
Runner-up: Sara Jane Children’s Boutique
Bikes
Quality Bike
Whether you’re an avid racer or
a lover of the beach cruiser, trust
your pedal power to the team with
“quality” in its name—especially
when you’re looking for service
that lives up to that promise. They
can change your flat and clue you
into their weekly Saturday morning
Gallery ride. Stuart
Weitzman
Frye
Corral
Donald J
Pliner
Lane
Hunter
Thierry
Rabotin
La Canadienne
Pas de
Rouge
Blondo
Ugg
Anyi Lu
qualitybikeshop.com
Runner-up: Bicycle Link
Bridal
Bleubelle Bridal
Heather Burge and her team of elegant experts in lace and tulle have
been putting that “something bleu”
into Savannah weddings for years.
From the latest in top-label gown
design to on-site alterations, this
dreamy destination offers the same
excellence in selection and service
as its sister store in ladies’ apparel:
Bleubelle Boutique, next door. bleubellebridal.com
Runner-up: Ivory and Beau
Bed Stu
Beautifeel
Taos
AGL
Jeffrey
Campbell
Cole Haan
Fly London
Dolce Vita
VC Signature
Gentle Souls
Van Eli
Munro
Franco
Sarto
Sam Edelman
IZZ Y H UDGIN S
Johnston
& Murphy
Ecco
Allen
Edmonds
Hammitt
MZ Wallace
Trask
Liebeskind
Gillian Julius
Lancaster
Paris
Sibilia
Botkier
Buju
Mosey
★ Kobo Gallery ★
Chan Luu
Thank you for voting us Best Shoe Store
17 E. Broughton St • Savannah, Ga • 912-232-8161 | 5500 Abercorn St • Savannah, Ga • 912-352-1158
126 savannahmagazine.COM
Shopping
Candy Shop
River Street Sweets
Celebrating 40 “sweet” years and
shipping worldwide, this confectioner is a hometown favorite and
tourist destination for those craving
pralines, fudge and saltwater taffy,
among other treats.
riverstreetsweets.com
Runners-up, TIE: Savannah’s Candy
Kitchen & Savannah Sweets
Fashion Accessories/
Fashion Value
Red Clover
Leah Lancaster and Thu Tran, the
sartorialists behind our readers’
favorite boutique, share their keen
sense of style without breaking the
bank. A stylish selection of baubles
and beads brightens their boho-chic
dresses and sassy separates.
shopredclover.com
Runner-up, Fashion Accessories:
Copper Penny
Runner-up, Fashion Value: Fab’rik
Florist
John Davis Florist
John Davis paints exquisite pictures
with his vibrant floral designs and
speaks volumes in the language of
flowers. From bat mitzvah’s to birthdays, weddings to “just because,”
Savannah’s florist has the power to
brighten your day and your world
with a fresh bouquet.
johndavisflorist.com
Runner-up: Garden on the Square
Fresh Organic
Produce
Forsyth Farmer’s Market
In the past four years, this Saturday
morning market has grown into a
true welcome table, where all are
encouraged to source local honey,
grass-fed beef, free-range eggs,
organic ginger and artisanal breads.
The canning and nutrition classes
help novices learn to make the most
of the fresh produce, and the camaraderie helps us all get closer to the
folks who grow our food.
forsythfarmersmarket.com
Runner-up: Brighter Day
Independent
Bookstore
E. Shaver Bookseller
Esther Shaver and her team of
bibliophiles possess encyclopedic
knowledge of Georgia and low country authors that’s deeper than their
bookshelves. Here, you’ll find signed
first editions sharing space with new
Runner-Up 2014
Thank you for voting for us again!
releases and so much more.
eshaverbooks.com
Runner-up: The Book Lady
Independent Pet
SupplieR
TailsSpin
With regular adoption days, vaccine
clinics and a stellar customer
loyalty program, Tailsspin is the
leader of the pet supply pack. A
policy of community support and
service is another reason why it
was honored by the Small Business
Administration as one of the best
small businesses in the nation.
Stop in for a new collar, then stay
for coffee, conversation and canine
camaraderie.
tailsspin.com
Runner-up: Canine Palace
n bp i m ages
SAVANNAH MAGAZINE
Liquor Store
Habersham Beverage
Whether you’re searching for the
ingredients to make a Chatham
Artillery punch or just picking up
a pack of the latest Sweetwater
brew, a pre-fête stop at Habersham
Beverage has been a Savannah tradition for close to three decades. We
think it’s because of their top-shelf
quality and reasonable prices.
habershambeverage.com
Runner-up: Johnnie Ganem’s
©2014 Presidents’ Quarters Inn | photos: Adam Kuehl and John McBay | Twitter@PQInnSavannahGA
Thank you
for voting us
besT bike shop!
To serve the bike community is our job,
but to introduce folks to a life of cycling is our mission.
— Locally owned and operated for 18 years —
1127 E. Montgomery Cross Road • 912.692.1005
Open Tues.-Sat. • www.qualitybikeshop.com
Lifetime adjustment service pLan incLuded with every new bike purchase
128 savannahmagazine.COM
™
800.233.1776 | presidentsquarters.com
Jewelry
Levy Jewelers
For more than 100 years, Levy
Jewelers has been synonymous with
Savannah luxury. From exquisite
estate jewelry to David Yurman baubles, Levy’s three locations are where
the locals go for the Midas touch.
levyjewelers.com
Runner-up: Harkleroad Diamonds and
Fine Jewelery
★ John Davis Florist ★
This is Savannah