TL;DR

• Plant Riverside District has five distinct bars in one walkable waterfront spot.
  
• Riverside Biergarten: casual, river-level – best for afternoons.
  
• Myrtle & Rose: rooftop garden bar – best for golden hour.
  
• Electric Moon: skytop lounge with live music – best for late evenings
  
• Stone & Webster: refined chophouse – best for dinner with drinks
  
• Savannah’s open container law means you can carry a drink between stops.

Savannah’s historic riverfront is one of the most dynamic destinations in the American South. Set along an active international shipping channel, the cobblestone waterfront has served as a vibrant gathering place for centuries.

If you are looking for the premier waterfront bar experience in Savannah, navigating the riverfront with a curated plan makes all the difference. Plant Riverside District has transformed a historic 1912 power plant into an iconic, quarter-mile entertainment destination. Here is how to navigate the district’s five distinct bar and dining venues for an exceptional evening on the water.

Savannah Waterfront Bars: A Brief Overview

Plant Riverside District is a converted 1912 power plant on the western end of the Savannah waterfront. It is home to five distinct bars and restaurants at different price points, atmospheres, and elevations, all within a quarter-mile of each other.

The Best Riverfront Patios in Savannah

Savannah’s outdoor bar scene splits into two distinct experiences: river-level seating where you are close to the water, and elevated rooftop patios where you are above it. The choice depends on what you want from the evening.

Best Outdoor Bars in Savannah at River Level

River-level bars put you closest to the Savannah River’s active shipping lane, and the spectacle that comes with it.

Riverside Biergarten

The Riverside Biergarten sits directly on the Savannah River and is the most casual option in the Plant Riverside bar circuit.

• Unique to Riverside Biergarten: The only Bavarian biergarten on the Savannah waterfront, set at river level with unobstructed views of the Port of Savannah shipping channel. Vessels over 1,000 feet long pass within yards of the outdoor seating throughout the day.
  
• Highlights: Locally crafted beers on tap, bratwurst, oversized Bavarian pretzels, all-ages policy, walk-in only.
  
• Best For: Casual afternoon groups, families, and anyone who wants a relaxed riverside experience.

Savannah Tequila Company

Savannah Tequila Company brings a lively, social energy to the riverfront with an outdoor patio and a full Mexican bar and kitchen.

• Unique to Savannah Tequila Company: An extensive curated tequila and mezcal list with tableside guacamole service –  a different kind of riverfront bar experience that suits groups who want food and drinks in one place.
  
• Highlights: Street tacos, tableside guacamole, outdoor patio seating, high-energy atmosphere with a strong cocktail menu.
  
• Best For: Groups who want a livelier, food-forward start to the evening.

Best Rooftop Bars with Views of the Savannah River

Savannah has a strong rooftop bar culture, and Plant Riverside has two rooftop bars with different heights and atmospheres.

Myrtle & Rose Rooftop Bar

Myrtle & Rose is the rooftop garden bar on the JW Marriott at Plant Riverside, with views of the Savannah River and the Talmadge Memorial Bridge.

• Unique to Myrtle & Rose: A botanical theme carried through the drinks menu – cocktails built around seasonal plant infusions, served in a rooftop garden setting that is more relaxed than the livelier bars on the circuit.
  
• Highlights: Handcrafted botanical cocktails, shareable small plates, river and bridge views, refined but approachable atmosphere.
  
• Best For: Couples, smaller groups, and anyone who wants a more sophisticated pre-dinner drink or a golden hour setting without the high-energy crowd.

Electric Moon Skytop Lounge

Electric Moon Skytop Lounge sits on top of the original Power Plant Building at Plant Riverside District and is the highest point in the bar circuit.

• Unique to Electric Moon: Access to the Moon Deck, a separate open-air platform one level below the main bar, reached via a double slide inside the building. It offers unobstructed views over the river and the Savannah skyline from the top of a historic 1912 power plant.
  
• Highlights: Live music, full cocktail menu, bar games, panoramic views, late-night hours. 21+ after 6PM on weekdays and all day Friday through Sunday.
  
• Best For: High-energy evening groups, late-night drinks, and anyone who wants live music with their river views.

AMP’D Brunch at Electric Moon

On weekends, Electric Moon runs the AMP’D Brunch: a DJ-led brunch with build-your-own Bloody Marys, Mimosas, and Espresso Martinis. It is a good option for the rooftop experience at a more relaxed time of day.

Crafting the Perfect Savannah Riverside Bar Crawl

Savannah’s open container ordinance allows you to carry a drink in a 16-ounce plastic to-go cup freely within the Historic District, which makes a riverfront bar crawl genuinely practical. The bars below are within easy walking distance of each other, connected by the riverfront path.

Where to Start

The starting phase is all about soaking in the daytime sun, grabbing some light bites, and watching the maritime activity on the shipping channel.

Option A: Riverside Biergarten

• What it offers: A relaxed, open-air Bavarian setting featuring local craft beers, authentic German imports, warm pretzels, and bratwurst.
  
• Why it’s good to start: It is highly accessible and walk-in only, making it easy for groups to assemble. The river-level tables offer unobstructed views of the container ships passing in the bright afternoon sun.
  
• Best for: Casual groups, families, and maritime watchers who want an unhurried, outdoor start.

Option B: Savannah Tequila Company

• What it offers: Fresh, hand-pressed street tacos, premium tequila and mezcal flight menus, and a lively tableside guacamole service.
  
• Why it’s good to start: It immediately sets a social, upbeat tone. The bright indoor-outdoor layout and shareable plates act as the perfect culinary foundation before moving on.
  
• Best for: Social circles, foodies, and spirited groups looking for a high-energy kick-off.

Mid-Evening

As the sun begins to set and the city lights flicker on, transition to a venue that matches your dinner plans and desired level of sophistication.

Option A: Myrtle & Rose Rooftop Bar

• What it offers: Elevated botanical cocktails infused with real herbs and flowers, global shared plates, and comfortable outdoor lounge seating overlooking the Talmadge Memorial Bridge.
  
• Why it’s good for mid-evening: Positioned atop the Three Muses building, it offers a prime vantage point to watch Savannah’s legendary golden hour as the sunset lights up the bridge and river.
  
• Best for: Couples, close friends, and those wanting a sophisticated, conversation-friendly backdrop.

Option B: Stone & Webster Chophouse

• What it offers: A premium menu of prime steaks, fresh seafood, rare spirits, and a highly curated wine list, all housed within the restored 1912 power plant engine room.
  
• Why it’s good for mid-evening: It anchors the night with a world-class sit-down meal. The soaring ceilings and exposed industrial brickwork create an elegant dining atmosphere before transitioning to late-night activities. Reservations are highly recommended.
  
• Best for: Wine enthusiasts, food connoisseurs, and anyone seeking a high-end luxury dining experience.

Where to End the Night

Cap off your evening at the highest point in the district, where the social energy remains vibrant long after the sun goes down.

Option: Electric Moon Skytop Lounge & Moon Deck

• What it offers: Custom signature cocktails, late-night comfort food, lawn games, a signature adult slide to the lower deck, and live DJs or musicians.
  
• Why it’s good to end the night: This venue runs late into the night. Located on the roof of the Power Plant building, its panoramic views of the illuminated skyline and energetic 21+ crowd (after 6:00 PM) keep the momentum going.
  
• Best for: Night owls, party-goers, and groups wanting an interactive, high-energy finale.

Tips for Spending an Evening on the Savannah Waterfront

A few things worth knowing before you head out.

• Requesting a To-Go Cup: To take full advantage of Savannah’s open-container policy, simply ask your bartender for a plastic cup before leaving any of our venues. They will transfer your wine, craft beer, or cocktail into a legal, 16-ounce plastic cup. Note that glass is strictly prohibited on the public river walk.
  
• Dress for the Transition: While shorts and casual attire are perfect for the river-level Biergarten and Savannah Tequila Company, our rooftop venues and Stone & Webster Chophouse require a touch of sophistication. Wear smart-casual layers so you can transition from daytime outdoor seating to evening rooftop cocktails without needing a wardrobe change (and avoid flip-flops if you plan to go upstairs).
  
• Track Cargo Ships Live: Seeing a 1,000-foot international shipping vessel glide down the Savannah River is a highlight of the waterfront. Download the free MarineTraffic app, filter for Savannah River arrivals, and time your visit to the Riverside Biergarten patio or the rooftop Moon Deck to watch these giants pass.

Where Will You Start Your Evening on the River?

Whether you begin your afternoon with craft beer and cargo ships at the Riverside Biergarten, enjoy golden hour cocktails atop Myrtle & Rose, or cap off the night under the historic smokestacks at Electric Moon, Plant Riverside District brings a new energy to the Savannah riverfront. 

With five distinct venues, exceptional dining, and the freedom of Savannah’s open-container law, you can effortlessly customize an evening that matches your group’s style. We invite you to immerse yourself in the pulse of the riverfront and explore our complete directory of Plant Riverside District restaurants and bars to start planning your next unforgettable evening.