Savannah Coffee & Desserts
Back in the Day Bakery
2403 Bull St.
Sat-Sun 10am-3pm
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Although currently operating with reduced hours, check their website to see if they are open again on weekdays because it’ll be worth the effort. It’s probably not fair to only list this place under sweets since they also have some savory items, but let’s face it… you’re coming here for the desserts. And who could blame you? Their artisan craftsmanship is evident on their cookies, cupcakes, pudding, muffins and more and it’ll make you want to just crawl into the dessert case and live there. Do they frown on that? Asking for a friend.
Better than Sex
410 W. Broughton St.
Wed-Sat 6pm-12am; Sun 5-11pm
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This is a fun concept, with low-lighting, intimate dining spaces, and an extensive desserts and drinks menu that is heavy on the licentious puns. Start with a drink, most of which come with rims coated in chocolate, caramel, or other sweets and have cheeky names like My Husband’s Nutz, Minty Moaner, or Slip Inside. Desserts run the gamut from chocolate to cheesecake to truffles and more, all presented with double entendre flair that is reinforced by the servers who stick to a sexy script as they service you (their phrase, not mine). Probably best if you leave the kids at home.
Bitty & Beau’s
319 W. Congress St.
Daily 8am-6pm
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While it’s tempting to just stumble into to the nearest Starbucks for your morning java fix, instead walk a couple of blocks to Bitty & Beau’s and get some coffee with a purpose. This small chain (3 outlets so far) was founded in North Carolina by a family who has two children, Bitty & Beau, with Down Syndrome and all of their coffee shops employ people with developmental disabilities. That would be enough reason to go right there but they also have really good coffee, smoothies, muffins, and more, which almost feels like a bonus. #notbroken indeed!
Byrd Cookie Company
213 W. St. Julian St. (City Market)
Daily 10am-8pm
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The company dates back to 1924 when Ben T. Byrd started delivering cookies in his Model T around Savannah. The cookies are more like the Famous Amos type you get in stores – crunchy and simple rather than the freshly baked, out of the oven type, but that doesn’t stop them from being good. Thumbs up to the triple chocolate! Note there are multiple locations including this one at City Market and another along River Street.
Chocolat by Adam Turoni
323 W. Broughton St. and 236 Bull St.
Mon-Thu 1-6pm; Fri-Sat 11am-7pm; Sun 11am-6pm (Hours Vary Seasonally)
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There’s nothing wrong with liking a good old fashioned chocolate bar but there’s also nothing wrong with elevating your chocolate palate a little bit. Here, the creations go beyond just tempting desserts and become almost like works of art that you’ll want to frame instead of eat. But you’ll eat them, too, and you’ll love every bite of the perfect chocolates, truffles, and more.
Leopold’s Ice Cream
212 E. Broughton St.
Sun-Thu 11am-11pm; Fri-Sat 11am-12am
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A local favorite since 1919, Leopold’s is one of those places where you’re not going to mind the (usually) very, very long line of people that are trying to get in the place. Like down the block long. But if you can survive the wait, the ice cream is, simply put, delectable no matter if you get it in a cone, a cup, a shake, a sundae, or just scooped out of the tub directly into your mouth as you lean over the counter. No… don’t do that. I tried. They don’t like it.
Lulu’s Chocolate Bar
42 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Open Sun & Thu 2pm-1apm; Mon-Wed 2pm-12am; Fri-Sat 2pm-1:30am
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Lulu’s is listed twice on this site – under desserts and drinks, which should tell you everything you need to know. The sweets include delectable cheesecakes, chocolate covered strawberries, cakes, tarts, foundue, mousse, sundaes, and more while their drinks specialize in sweet-tooth satisfying martinis like chocolate mint and raspberry truffle plus wine, beer, and a full bar. Chocolate lovers’ paradise!
River Street Sweets
13 E. River St.
Daily 9am-11pm
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You’ll find this purveyor of all things sweet right on River Street, but it’s about more than convenience here. They have just about every kind of candy you can imagine, from chocolate and truffles to gummy bears and beyond. If you can’t find something to satisfy your sweet tooth here, you’re too picky.
Savannah Candy Kitchen
318 W. St. Julian St. (City Market)
Daily 9am-11pm
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While candy certainly is the star here – their chocolates, pralines, taffy, and other delectable sweets are worth the trip – but they also have ice cream, gelato, and sorbet just to keep things extra interesting.
Note there are two locations – this one at City Market and another along River Street.
Twisted Sugar
151 W. Bryan St.
Mon-Thu 12-8pm; Fri-Sat 11-10pm; Sun 12-6pm
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Located on Ellis Square in the heart of the Historic District, this outlet of the Twisted Sugar chain has a local feel with friendly service and home-baked quality. Their cookies are phenomenal – gooey delights that will send you on a sugar rush (and probably lead to an inevitable crash at some point). Start at the classic chocolate chip and then work your way through the caramel sugar, the lemon-raspberry, the salted caramel, the banana creme, the crinkle, and the ultimate decadance of the cookies and cream. You’re welcome.
Wright Square Cafe
21 W. York St.
Mon-Fri 7:30am-5:30pm; Sat 9am-5:30pm
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This cute little cafe on Wright Square has a good menu of sandwiches, croissants, paninis, and breakfast items but the real star of the show is the chocolate shop featuring hand-crafted sweets that will keep you on a sugar high all day. The chocolate covered caramels are heaven and the raspberry truffles are a personal favorite.