Alligator Soul
Savannah Restaurants > Alligator Soul
Review
Head down the unremarkable flight of stairs to the basement for one of the best and most interesting dining experiences in all of Savannah, a fine dining experience that pushes the boundaries in ways that will make for an incredible meal.
It doesn’t feel like a basement, instead serving as a cozy hideaway, warm and inviting and undeniably romantic. Once a grain warehouse, the space is gorgeous with a handsome bar, exposed brick, and fun little touches like “window boxes” that bring in light. One of the founders used to design movie sets and it shows.
You’ll almost always start with a complimentary amuse bouche – often something simple but insanely flavor – and then be very tempted to fill up on the fresh bread that is accompanied by a seasonal butter. But save room for the meal to come.
The menu is southern influenced but with some really interesting twists. The mac and cheese is made with alligator chorizo; the oysters on the half shell come stuffed with bacon and crawfish; the shrimp and grits are done with creole spices and aged cheddar chese. You can go safe and not regret it at all – the filet is one of the best I’ve ever tasted and the Hillbo spiced ribeye with a bourbon peppercorn cream is out of this world. But you can also go very adventurous by asking about their specials. It changes based upon availability but might be elk, bison, kangaroo, ostrich, or any of a number of other exotic specialties that you won’t be able to find anywhere else. Some are more successful than others but you will not be disappointed.
Prices, as you might expect, are on the high side with entrees running from $20 to $40 and upward for certain market price catches of the day and exotic dishes. But this is one of those places where the prices feel totally worth it. This is the kind of place that serves meals you will remember.