Savannah Rooftop Bars: Best Views, Cocktails & Sunset Spots
By Best of Savannah
What are the best rooftop bars in Savannah? The top rooftop bars are Bar Julian on the 13th floor of the Thompson Savannah for panoramic skyline views, Myrtle & Rose Rooftop Garden in the Plant Riverside District for botanical cocktails, Rocks on the Roof at the Bohemian Hotel for sunset river views, The Lost Square atop The Alida for an industrial-bohemian vibe, and Peregrin at Perry Lane for frosé and people-watching in the Historic District. Savannah's rooftop scene has exploded in recent years, and we've drank our way through every one to bring you the definitive guide.
Key Takeaways
- Best views: Bar Julian (13th floor, tallest in Savannah) and Rocks on the Roof (Savannah River and Talmadge Bridge)
- Best cocktails: Myrtle & Rose (botanical-inspired) and Pendant Terrace (craft cocktails with city views)
- Best for sunset: Electric Moon SkyTop Lounge and Rocks on the Roof — both face west over the river
- Best for a date: Perch above Local 11ten — intimate, hidden among oak trees
- Best for groups: Electric Moon — two levels, lawn games, high energy
- Open container reminder: Savannah allows open containers on the street, so rooftop hopping is a legitimate activity
Why Savannah Is a Rooftop Bar Destination
Savannah was practically built for rooftop drinking. The city's flat Historic District—no skyscrapers blocking the view, no zoning that kills the vibe—means you can see the Savannah River, the Talmadge Bridge, centuries-old church steeples, and Spanish moss-draped oaks all from the same bar stool. Add Savannah's open container laws, which let you carry drinks on the street, and rooftop hopping becomes an actual plan for your evening, not just a one-stop destination.
The climate helps too. Savannah's warm springs, long summer evenings, and mild falls mean rooftop season runs from roughly March through November. Even winter days can be pleasant enough for an outdoor cocktail, especially with the heaters most rooftop bars deploy when temperatures dip.
Pro tip: Most Savannah rooftop bars sit atop hotels but are open to the public—you don't need to be a guest. Arrive 30-45 minutes before sunset on weekends to claim a good spot.
The Best Rooftop Bars in Savannah, Ranked
1. Bar Julian — Tallest Views in the City
Perched on the 13th floor of the Thompson Savannah, Bar Julian is literally the highest rooftop bar in Savannah. The panoramic views stretch across the Savannah River, the Historic District, and the Talmadge Bridge—there's nothing blocking your sightline in any direction. The Mediterranean-inspired menu features small plates, flatbreads, and craft cocktails with creative names. The space itself is contemporary and airy, with both covered and open-air seating.
Best for: First-time visitors who want the widest views, sunset seekers, special occasions
Vibe: Sophisticated but not stuffy. Resort energy without the resort prices.
2. Myrtle & Rose Rooftop Garden — Botanical Beauty
Located in the Plant Riverside District on the JW Marriott property, Myrtle & Rose is Savannah's most visually stunning rooftop. Think soft drapes, pastel tones, botanical-inspired cocktails, and lush greenery framing river views. The "Ginger Lily" and "Blooming Bee" cocktails are almost too pretty to drink. This is the rooftop you bring someone you want to impress.
Best for: Date nights, Instagram-worthy drinks, romantic evenings
Vibe: Garden party meets rooftop lounge. Feminine, romantic, beautiful.
3. Rocks on the Roof — River Views and Maritime Charm
Atop The Bohemian Hotel Savannah Riverfront, Rocks on the Roof delivers the best direct river views in the city. You're close enough to the water to watch cargo ships pass under the Talmadge Bridge, and the maritime décor—think weathered wood and nautical touches—matches the setting. Their "Vieux Riviere" (a Manhattan riff) and espresso martinis are crowd favorites. Sunset from here is an experience, with the sun dropping behind the bridge.
Best for: Sunset drinks, river watchers, after-dinner cocktails
Vibe: Relaxed waterfront lounge with a touch of Southern elegance.
4. The Lost Square — Industrial Chic with Panoramic Views
Atop The Alida Hotel, The Lost Square offers a different aesthetic from the botanical and nautical rooftops—think industrial-bohemian with comfortable lounge seating, string lights, and panoramic river-and-city views. The cocktail menu is inventive (try the "Yamas!" with gin, Greek yogurt, honey, and lemon), and the shareable plates are excellent. The space feels both spacious and intimate, with different seating zones for different moods.
Best for: Creative cocktails, groups, extended evenings
Vibe: Cool, comfortable, and effortlessly stylish.
5. Electric Moon SkyTop Lounge + Moon Deck — Most Fun
Also in the Plant Riverside District, Electric Moon is the rooftop that feels like a party. Two levels—the enclosed SkyTop Lounge and the open-air Moon Deck—give you options. The Moon Deck features lawn games, LED swing sets, and views of those iconic illuminated smoke stacks. Lunar-themed cocktails like the "Lunar Landing" and "Moon Margarita" keep the theme going. This is where you bring a group when you want energy, not romance.
Best for: Groups, birthday celebrations, high-energy nights
Vibe: Playground meets cocktail bar. Fun, loud, and colorful.
6. Peregrin — Frosé and Forsyth Park Views
Atop The Perry Lane Hotel, Peregrin was recently renovated with a conservatory-inspired design featuring vibrant plants and murals. The views sweep across the Historic District's church steeples and historic homes. But the real draw? Frosé—frozen rosé that's become Savannah's most Instagrammed warm-weather cocktail. The "Monarch" and "Main Character Energy" cocktails are also standouts.
Best for: Frosé season, people-watching, stylish afternoons
Vibe: Sophisticated conservatory with resort energy.
7. Top Deck Bar — Casual Riverfront Hang
Above the Cotton Sail Hotel, Top Deck is the no-pretense rooftop that locals love. Unobstructed river views, craft cocktails, local beers on tap, and a menu of locally sourced small plates. The vibe is more "hang out with friends" than "impress a date," and that's exactly why it works. Grab a cocktail, claim a spot by the railing, and watch the river traffic drift by.
Best for: Casual afternoons, local beers, unpretentious river views
Vibe: Laid-back and welcoming. The neighborhood bar that happens to have killer views.
8. Perch — Hidden Among the Oaks
Nestled among oak trees above Local 11ten, Perch is Savannah's most intimate rooftop. It doesn't have the sweeping river panoramas of Bar Julian or Rocks on the Roof—instead, you're surrounded by live oaks and Spanish moss, with views over the southern Historic District. The craft cocktails and wine list are excellent, and the small plates from Local 11ten's kitchen are some of the best bar food in Savannah. This is where you go for conversation, not spectacle.
Best for: Date nights, quiet drinks, wine lovers
Vibe: Secret garden meets craft cocktail bar. Cozy and romantic.
9. Pendant Terrace & Bar — City Hall Views
On top of The Drayton Hotel, Pendant Terrace offers a unique perspective: unobstructed views of Savannah's City Hall dome and the Savannah River. The cocktail program is serious—the "Town Square" (pisco sour with cinnamon honey) and "Oh Honey" (gin, lemon, hibiscus) are highlights. Elevated small plates and a refined atmosphere make this a step up from the casual rooftops.
Best for: Craft cocktail enthusiasts, sunset views, small groups
Vibe: Polished and intimate. The kind of place you know about, not stumble into.
10. The Grove — City Market Energy
In the heart of City Market, The Grove offers a multi-level experience with a third-floor rooftop providing panoramic views over the market's cobblestone streets. Southern comfort food, a wide craft beer selection, and a casual atmosphere make this a solid choice for groups who want food and drinks without the hotel-bar formality. It's also walking distance from most Historic District hotels.
Best for: Casual group dinners, craft beer, pre-going-out drinks
Vibe: Approachable and energetic. City Market buzz without the dive-bar energy.
Which Savannah Rooftop Bar Is Right for You?
Not every rooftop fits every occasion. Here's our quick decision guide:
- First visit to Savannah? Bar Julian for the full panoramic experience
- Romantic date night? Myrtle & Rose or Perch
- Group celebration? Electric Moon or The Grove
- Sunset mission? Rocks on the Roof or Electric Moon
- Craft cocktails? Pendant Terrace or The Lost Square
- Local hang? Top Deck Bar
- Instagram content? Myrtle & Rose or Peregrin
- Food-focused? The Grove or Bar Julian
Savannah Rooftop Bar Tips for Visitors
When to Go
Savannah rooftop bars are busiest on Friday and Saturday evenings from 6-9pm. For a more relaxed experience, try Sunday afternoons or weekday happy hours (most offer specials Monday through Thursday). Sunset is prime time everywhere—arrive 30-45 minutes early on weekends to secure a spot with a view.
What to Expect Price-Wise
Most cocktails run $14-18 at Savannah's hotel rooftop bars. Beer ranges from $7-10. Happy hour specials (typically Monday-Thursday, 4-6pm) can drop those prices 20-30%. Most rooftops don't charge a cover, but some implement minimum spend or reservation requirements on peak weekends.
Dress Code
Savannah rooftop bars are generally casual. Smart casual will get you into any rooftop in the city. The only exception: a few hotel rooftops discourage beachwear (flip-flops, swimwear) during evening hours. When in doubt, closed-toe shoes and a collared shirt for men is always safe.
Getting Between Rooftops
Here's the beauty of Savannah's layout: most of these rooftops are within a 15-minute walk of each other. Combine your rooftop hopping with our best restaurants in Savannah guide—many of these rooftops are walking distance from top dining spots. The city's free DOT shuttle also connects most downtown areas.
Local secret: Start at Top Deck or Rocks on the Roof for sunset over the river, then walk to Bar Julian or Peregrin for a second round with different views. Three rooftops in one evening is the perfect Savannah crawl.
Pair Your Rooftop Night with Savannah's Best
A rooftop cocktail hits different after a great meal or a fascinating tour. Start your evening with dinner at The Olde Pink House or The Grey, then head to a nearby rooftop for nightcaps with a view. Or take a food tour in the afternoon, walk it off exploring the squares, and end the day watching the sunset from 13 stories up.
If you're planning a full night out, our guide to River Street bars pairs perfectly with a rooftop sunset—start high, end low. And for a daytime adventure before your rooftop evening, ghost tours through the Historic District give you the city's haunted history before you drink above it all.
For a different angle on Savannah from the water, boat tours and dolphin cruises depart daily from the riverfront—you'll see those same rooftop bars from below and understand why the views are so spectacular.
Ready to drink in Savannah's best views? Explore our full guides to Savannah restaurants, the best happy hours, and ghost tours for the complete Savannah experience—all curated by locals who know the Hostess City inside and out.
