If you’re into haunted stories, pirate legends, and Southern food that’ll have you licking your plate clean, there’s a spot in Savannah you have to check out.
It’s got more history packed inside than most museums, with secret tunnels, ghost sightings, and a wild past full of shady sailors.
And yes, it’s still open today and stands as part restaurant, part time machine, and one of the absolute coolest spots in Savannah.
Want to know where to find it, what to expect, and why everyone keeps saying it’s haunted?
Let’s get into it.
Where Is It?
The Pirate’s House is located in the heart of Savannah’s historic district, just a block from the Savannah River.
If you’re driving in, it’s about 3 hours and 45 minutes from Atlanta, around 2 hours from Jacksonville, and just 50 minutes from Hilton Head.
Basically, if you’re near coastal Georgia or South Carolina, this spot makes for an easy day trip and is well worth the drive.
About
Sitting at 20 East Broad Street, The Pirate’s House is known for three things: Southern comfort food, ghost stories, and pirate legends.
The building is part of one of the oldest standing structures in the state, and its creaky wood floors, low ceilings, and narrow hallways reveal its age with charm.
Inside, you’ll find a maze of 15 dining rooms, decorated with old maps, ship wheels, lamps, and other nautical touches.
As for the food, expect all the Lowcountry favorites in generous portions, including fried green tomatoes, shrimp and grits, and honey pecan fried chicken.
Oh, and don’t be surprised if your server or a local slips you a ghost story or two.
The place is famously haunted, with guided tours through the house and frequent visits from ghost-hunting groups.
Whether you’re in it for the food, the folklore, or just a peek inside one of Savannah’s most legendary buildings, The Pirate’s House delivers big-time.
You’ll leave full, maybe a little spooked, and definitely with a story to tell.
History
So how did a pirate-themed restaurant end up in Savannah’s historic district?
Well, it all goes back to 1734, when the original section of the building known as the Herb House was built.
It was actually constructed to provide housing for the gardener tending the Trustees’ Garden, the colony’s experimental botanical plot.
But thanks to its proximity to the Savannah River, it didn’t stay a peaceful garden cottage for long.
Savannah was, after all, a thriving port in the 1700s, drawing in seafarers and sailors from around the world and sparking plenty of pirate lore.
By the late 18th century, the Herb House had expanded into an inn and tavern that catered to a very rowdy crowd.
Legend has it that this was a go-to hangout for real-life pirates who came ashore looking for booze, brawls, and a place to lay low.
The building’s layout, with its rumored secret tunnels to the river, only added to the shady vibes.
Some say drunk sailors were taken against their will and hauled through those passageways to waiting ships, waking up halfway to sea with a new career in piracy.
Whether that’s true or not, the place definitely has a checkered past.
Over time, the property changed hands and underwent a series of additions and alterations, eventually falling into disrepair by the mid-20th century.
It was restored and reopened as a restaurant in 1953, and since then, The Pirate’s House has grown into one of Savannah’s most iconic spots.
And if you believe the ghost tours, a few original residents may have stuck around too.
Know Before You Go
Hours and Tips
The Pirate’s House is open seven days a week, so you can drop in almost anytime, although Sunday night without a reservation can be risky if you’re starving.
Here’s the usual schedule:
- Lunch: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Dinner: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Lunchtime is usually less crowded, but if you want the full vibe with dim lighting, pirate tales, and maybe a ghostly creak or two, dinner is where it’s at.
There’s also a kids’ menu and plenty to keep little ones wide-eyed, especially when they hear about the tunnels and ghost sightings.
And don’t leave without stopping by the gift shop, where you’ll find everything from pirate mugs to storybooks and probably end up buying something.
Best Times to Visit
For the most low-key experience, plan for a weekday afternoon in the off-season (January or February).
You’ll have time to wander the halls and soak in all the beauty without the crowd.
What’s Nearby
After your meal, don’t rush off, as there’s more waiting to be discovered.
You’re just steps from Savannah’s historic district, which means you can wander down River Street for candy shops and cobblestones or head to Colonial Park Cemetery.
And if you’re into museums, swing by the Davenport House Museum for a cool look at early 19th-century life in Savannah.
Warren Square is just a five-minute walk away, and it’s one of the city’s prettiest little spots to relax under the mossy oaks.
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