Came down to Savannah from Charleston for a night away. This place has the right idea, but the service did not live up to the food or atmosphere. Our server seemed a little under-experienced, staff in general seemed young and overwhelmed for a Tuesday night during slow season. The host was a young guy that was very nice, seated us by the fireplace while we waited for our table. He took our drink order after a ten minute wait with no server/bartender and after another ten we were shown to our table, still no drinks. I ordered a glass of the house aligator soul red wine, seconds later the table adjacent to us tried to order the same, however their very outgoing server strongly suggested not to order "the cheapest wine, because if you want to just get drunk you can order anything". I ordered the bouillobaise, and like I had overheard from our neighbors order, it was strongly suggested to add scallops. I said sure I love scallops, which I do. When the entree arrived, sans scallops I let our server know I didn't notice any scallops. She checked and returned to say, "I am stupid, I accidentally pressed the extra shrimp button instead of scallops. Are you okay with extra shrimp or do you want me to pay for them?" I had never really heard that before, begrudgingly said it was fine and went on with what was a really good meal and deducted the $9 add on from the tip. It turned into a funny story for my wife and I, and as frequent diners in Charleston, allowed us to continue to turn our noses up a bit higher when it comes to comparing our two cities in terms of dining. This place has the right idea, and with a little better staff training will be top of the line (for Savannah.. haha).
(3)
Julia R.
We visited Savannah on our way home from Florida. Such a charming city! After looking through reviews, this looked like our best bet and I still think it was. We ordered the cheese platter, fried green tomatoes, shrimp & grits, and the vegetarian special (a pot pie). The cheese was yummy, nothing out of the ordinary. Some of the bread on the platter was stale. The fried green tomatoes were standard. Again, good, but nothing special. The shrimp & grits was delicious. So flavorful and a huge serving. The vegetarian pot pie, I did not try, but my boyfriend seemed pleased. I would give the food 4 stars because it was standard and good. But I am also docking a star for our server. He seemed very preoccupied - often stopping in the middle of talking to us to look at something. He also read the specials off of a sheet of paper, which isn't necessarily bad, but he struggled to get through it. Still, I'd recommend Alligator Soul if you're stopping through Savannah.
(3)
Caroline M.
4 stars for the food because it was cooked to perfection and wasn't lacking in flavor at all! Our waitress was accommodating but pushy at times and I had a make shift surf and turf put together with their special, alligator boudins, and a few shrimp along with some yummy carrots! Boyfriend had the exotic special which was an antelope meat shepherds pie. All I can say is that it was unreal and my taste buds like some cheetah food that's for sure! Only reason I didn't give it five stars is because the atmosphere is a little stuffy considering it's in a basement and could have a cool vibe if it really wanted to. And as I said the waitress was pushy with alcoholic beverages, appetizers, desserts, etc. and it just made us both weirdly uncomfortable! Other than that, great food and worth the price tag!
(4)
Steven S.
My girlfriend and I went there for dinner and to put it simply; it was the best meal we have ever had!!
(5)
Jennifer R.
The service was perfect and the food was wonderful. The menu was creative and imaginative. I loved the "exotic" food. The only negative I have is that it was COLD in the restaurant. Take a sweater if you are normally a "cold-blooded" person, as I am!!! Otherwise, you should be fine.
(5)
Ally B.
Fantastic game meat dishes!! Beautiful atmosphere. Great service. Everything we ordered was better than the next. Extensive bar menu. We tried Kangaroo and Bison. Unreal!! A real gem in the heart of Savannah. A must if you like great quality food.
(5)
Ken C.
AMAZING. We went here this week, and every course was better than the next. From the bread, to the appetizers of baked oysters shrimp and grits (SO GOOD), to our entrees of red deer and tenderloin wrapped in bacon with a side of fries cooked in duck fat. Mmmmmmmmm...... Just go, and you will find out for yourself.
(5)
Jason T.
Great atmosphere, AMAZING ribeye, delicious corn bread, great drinks. One of the best restaurants we visited in Savannah.
(5)
john n.
Foodie Southern food with local organic fresh ingredients. Shrimp an grits and alligator sausage was fantastic!
(5)
Randy B.
A bit pricey, but food and service was good...service was actually a little better than the food. The dishes are unique as it is a farm to table restaurant, so the food is seasonal. The also had some very pricey drinks...don't bother. Cheese appetizer plate was really good.
(4)
laurie s.
Super meal for the while family. Little kids split a cheese plate filled with not just local cheeses but also seasonal fruit, nuts, and honey as well as pasta. Whole Snapper was beautifully presented, perfectly prepared, and accompanied by delicious vegetables. The vegetarian plate - vegetarian pierogies - was unique, and flavorful. Great spot we love to eat at every time in Savannah due to the ever changing menu.
(5)
Sarah K.
Alligator Soul is a cozy little underground treasure. The ambiance and decor were great with exposed brick walls, neat little subterranean gardens and great music. Our server greeted us warmly and asked about food allergies or restrictions, which we very much appreciated, since my husband and I are both lactose intolerant, which is challenging in the low country. Additionally, I'm pescetarian. No problems at all here. Our server brought out a refreshing amuse-bouche (compliments of the chef) that not only met our dietary weirdness, but was delicious! Our cocktails were lovely, and as we chose our dinner selections, our server was careful to point out items that met our dietary needs or dishes that would best adapt. We started with splitting the house salad, which we agreed was probably one of the best salads we've ever had. The combination of the watermelon radish, sorrel, and OMG! Parmesan Grit Croutons was amazing. Very light dressing, that makes it seems as though one is just eating straight up veggies, but the BEST veggies ever! The complimentary foccacia bread also shone in this course. Our server was able to provide us with detailed information about our wine choices when asked, but was not remotely pushy about anything. She had very soft, gentile mannerisms. This is the kind of place that perfectly balances casual elegance. Did I mention that she surreptitiously crumbed our table? This while hip blues plays in the background. Perfect. My husband had the shrimp creole and absolutely loved it. That's what bumped this up from as 4 star review to a 5. He was absolutely in heaven. Note, however, that he likes spice. And in our limited experience, Alligator Soul's chef seasons aggressively. This is what one would expect with shrimp creole, and it was perfect for my heat loving husband. I was a little disappointed, however, with my scallops. They were cooked perfectly, but a little too peppery for me. The menu description didn't mention the black pepper crust on the sear, which I found to be a bit overwhelming for the scallop and the lavender rice. Still, our overall experience was at minimum a 4, and with the level of service, and how much my husband loved his meal, I'm going to round up from the 4.5 rating I would have given to a 5.
(5)
Lauren L.
I came here with a group that ended up being two more people than the reservation and a big deal was made about if my entire party could be accommodated. -1 star We arrived early and told the server we needed to be out of there by 8 but we repeatedly had to flag down servers to ask for things throughout the entire meal. -1 star It was restaurant week so most of the table ordered that @ $30 for dinner which I think is the same price as the entrees here. I didn't like the hibiscus margarita of which I am usually a big fan. My fried green tomatoes were only warm and okay but my steak tips were very fatty and just not that good so I mostly ate the fries. -1 star My friend had the grits which were delicious and my other friend had the buffalo which was very tender it had a good sauce and tasted exactly like short ribs. The tip was included because we were a large group but if I had more time I would have complained because the service was not acceptable. When our server was present she had an attitude that was not professional. I understand that this place is trying to be a big deal and a "foodie destination" so it charges NY prices but for that the place should deliver with service and on every dish and it didn't. Also when people have two hours to eat a meal and notify the staff in advance this should be achieved without us stressing out about getting to a show on time.
(2)
Morgan H.
We started at world of beer around the corner, our bartender recommended alligator soul as a great place to grab dinner. It was a Friday night but we took a shot, walked around the corner and asked for a table. Just by chance they had one available and squeezed us in. Everyone was so polite ad accommodating! I could hardly believe it, we definitely were not dressed for a nice dinner, but they sat us straight away and our server was prompt and so knowledgable! We pretty much took every recommendation and had the alligator sausage appetizer special, scallops with risotto and duck. All of which were delicious and amazing. I have never been much of a seafood person, but I wish I would've gotten those scallops they were perfection. We also had the chocolate dessert special which was kind of a bread pudding, also delicious and not nearly as heavy as you would think. Not only did our server check on us during the meal, but so did the chef, manager, and other servers. This place runs like a well oiled machine, I CANNOT emphasize how wonderful it is to have a great meal with equally great service... It seems to be hard to come by these days. Thank you for making our first dinner on vacation a delight!
(5)
E M.
Made the 8:30 pm reservation weeks in advance for my husband's bday. We were sat around 8:40, no problem. Husband was presented with a tiny personalized box of pecan tarts which was a nice intro. We took about 10 mins looking over the menu, ordered a round of drinks and 2 appetizers then waited.... And waited... Server brought delicious hot bread & corn muffins... Finally got our drinks around 9:15, appetizers a few minutes later. Panko crusted baked oysters were good, but not as great as the reviews. Mushroom pate very earthy indeed; pappadams were a nice touch. Entrees were very good-2 very tender tenderloins cooked spot on and lamb chops. The nutty red rice with the lamb chops and crispy duck fat fries were delicious. The white sangria was refreshing, but throw in some fruit for $14/glass. Overall our dinner was very good, but we are unsure whether or not we'll return which is the true test. The decor and ambiance could have be better. The lights were turned up too high, high enough to see a large brown smear on the curtains at shoulder height next to my dinner companion and the bad seafood paintings on the wall. Perhaps someone from the Paris Market down the street could redo the interior. Crossing this place off my Savannah list. Been there, done that.
(3)
Adrian V.
Great experience from top to bottom. The bar tender was very sociable and knowledgeable. I tried a gin mule for the first time, and ordered about three more thereafter. The charcuterie board was the best I've ever tasted. If you're looking for the healthy option, it's not for you. If you want amazing trade, give it a go. The suckling pig was delicious but my date's roast lamb was still better. We had the chocolatier option for dessert, really good as well. If ever in town, I will certainly go again.
(5)
Heather A.
Loved this place! We came to Savannah for a long weekend to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary and the staff at Alligator Soul were so sweet and wonderful to us. The food was excellent, the bartenders friendly and knowledgable, and table service was wonderful.
(5)
Vinny G.
I almost rated this 4 stars because the service was so slow, but the food is really special. Also, we figured we're in Savannah, so why not relax and take our time. The chef here really knows what he/she is doing. We ordered and shared a variety of appetizers so that we could try as many different dishes as possible, and every one was a big hit. Some of the highlights: Oysters a la Soul: baked oysters on the half shell topped with a blend of crawfish, bacon, a spicy creamy roux, topped with panko crumbs. Stupid good. My new favorite oyster dish anywhere. Gator sausage spiced to perfection with a really interesting mustard based side. Sunnyside up quail eggs over sausage in a light sauce. Spicy and terrific. Shrimp and grits. I'm not a good person for this because I usually like even mediocre shrimp and grits, but these were spiced just right with creamy grits and fresh shrimp. A cut above. For dessert we had the cherry bourbon cobbler which we ordered a la mode, because by this time "why not?". The cherries had a great sweet/sour flavor with just enough burboun to add flavor but not overpower it. The wine list was fairly priced, as were all the dishes, and the atmosphere was large wine cellar mellow. The only downside was that the service was extremely slow, and it didn't appear to be just our table or waiter. We had all night, so we just went with the flow. It's one thing to have relaxed service and a long meal, but this was far too long between visits. The food makes it all worth it, but this is something that really should be corrected with a chef this good. Having said that, we have been to Savannah a number of times and this was not only our favorite meal in Savannah, it was up there with some of our favorite restaurants anywhere. Leave yourself some time and enjoy.
(5)
Austin J.
Outstanding food and great service! My wife had the duck and it was cooked perfectly (medium-rare). I had the scallops and risotto. Both dishes were amazing and delicious. It is a great atmosphere! Great date night restaurant! We will definitely come back again to try more dishes!
(5)
Todd C.
The food was excellent, my wife had the Shrimp n' Grits (A+) and I had the Scallops (awesome), the wine was great. Kate was our waiter and she was phenomenal....highly recommend. Make sure you make reservations. Oh, and being from the Bluegrass, great bourbon selection.
(5)
Esi D.
Excellent service! Everyone was so friendly and checked in with us a lot about our food and service. I had the grouper and my husband had the lamb - both great dishes. The only reason why I am not giving it 5 stars is that we had to wait for quite a while to get our meals.
(4)
Louisa S.
Awesome fresh organic local fine dining. We both started with the house tossed salad;incredible. I had the Surf and Turf; filet was so tender and the scallops so good. He had the fresh Fish of the day, Grouper, topped with Bernaise sauce, exquiste poltenta and butternut squash.fluffly mashed potatoes. Well worth the $50 per person meal. Especially if you are on vacation.
(5)
Stephanie L.
Wow. We heard rave reviews of this place and it did not disappoint. From the moment we walked in, service was great. It's downstairs in the basement level, but the ambience is perfect. Not dark at all, which is what we were expecting. Hostess seated us quickly and our server promptly arrived at the table to greet us. We started off with a half dozen of the oysters de la soul... and thinking back, we should have ordered the full dozen. I'm not one for cooked oysters but these were amazing -- not too heavy, like oysters Rockefeller can be. Then my husband had the soup du jour and I had their house salad. Both solid. Now for the entrees... we were in for a treat. Husband ordered the bacon wrapped filet with horseradish mashed potatoes and brococlini. He cleaned his plate; said the mashed potatoes were the best he's ever had. I ordered the elk tenderloin special... just to be adventurous, and was pleasantly surprised with the flavors. Finally, for dessert, we asked our server to surprise us with two options. He brought out the cobbler and banana beignets. Just the right amount of sweet to finish off an excellent meal. Yum! All in all, a great dining experience... from food and drinks to service and attentiveness. Highly recommend.
(5)
Natalia D.
Romantic and delicious. Chef uses local produce and whats in season, which keeps the menu fresh and exciting. Highly suggest a reservation. Definitely on our rotation list for the next trip to Savannah.
(4)
Trent L.
Best upscale meal I've had in Savannah. It's all about the food here. The location is nice and the decor pleasant, but I was blown away by the food. We started with the Charcuterie Plate; an appetizer of pork belly, duck bacon, alligator sausage, and roasted smoked veal bone marrow. Absolutely delicious, and the marrow was one of the top 3 things I've ever eaten. For entrees, I had the ribeye and my wife had the shrimp and grits. Both absolutely fantastic. The duck fat frites were extraordinary. All that said, this is a restaurant with BOLD flavors. If you don't like rich/spicy/smokey, this may not be for you. You also need to be a bit adventurous. If eating elk/ostrich/alligator sounds scary, or if a chocolate and vanilla root beer float with stout beer sounds crazy, you may not like this place. But if you love great food with bold flavors and have a sense of adventure, do not miss this restaurant.
(5)
Ella A.
We stopped by for dinner. We did not have a reservation, however the hostess was able to find us a table at the front of the restaurant. Service, in our case, was very slow. It took several walk-bys and about 10+ minutes before a waitperson took on our table. The food was good, nothing memorable one way or another, and service did improve throughout the evening. Based on our experience we probably would not go back, but we would not not recommend the establishment.
(3)
Bob M.
Wow....Where do I start? We only ate in one place in Savannah. I am a big farm to table guy and the chef here has mastered this project! The food here is beyond words. Had the cheese plate and the wild mushroom miso soup. Fantastic. Corn muffins and home made bread was out of this world but don't fill up on carbs. Had do decide between the Hilo Ribeye or the Kangeroo steak. Went with the ribeye because I figured the Roo was going to be small and expensive. Ribeye shows up and holy $hit the thing is like 16 ounces! And it's cooked perfectly. And it's paired with fresh cut fries cooked in duck fat! I wanted to hug the chef! I don't doubt there is not a bad dish on the menu which they change seasonally. And everything is locally raised and organic. And you won't be waiting for staff to assist you. There was like a staff member for each 3-4 patrons. Go here! Get in your car or a taxi and do this place. Don't expect chicken wings or calamari. This is not that place. This is real food and you will wish it was right down the street from your house.... Stop reading this and go here......
(5)
Annie Z.
My husband and I enjoyed our anniversary dinner at Alligator Soul. It was a great spot for a romantic dinner. The staff was very attentive and knowledgeable. We were asked if we were celebrating anything when the reservation was confirmed and our server was informed and brought it up when we were sat as well as asking if there was anything I needed to avoid as I am pregnant. The food was a little salty for my taste but my husband loved the meal. I'd recommend going with their exotic dish or chef's choice to get the most out of your experience. Overall it was a good choice for our celebration.
(4)
Joseph F.
Over priced with average food. Miserable waiter with an attitude. I don't remember his name but he was tall and thin, about 6'6". One person in our party had to send his steak back 3 times and finally gave up and didn't eat. Shrimp and grits was so so. Much better in Charleston SC. Never again!
(2)
Jan B.
Ask for Adam! Best waiter ever!!! This place is a jewel in Savannah. It rivals the best restaurants of Charleston. They use a lot of locally grown food and the flavor a come through. You must try the Oyster a la Soul. Best Oysters outside of New Orleans.
(5)
Steve B.
Great ambiance and amazing food. Love the windows that were built into the walls. Restaurant is underground and this really makes it feel more spacious. Great service as well. Megan was great as well as the support staff. The drinks were remarkably good. Moonshine was tasty and not too powerful. Old fashioned was brilliantly made. Scallops were perfectly cooked and the portions were sizable, without being enormous. Would recommend to anyone who doesn't mind spending a decent amount of money for a great meal. Well worth the cost.
(5)
Angela L.
From start to finish this place wowed us. A treat for my boyfriend for his birthday. The server explained all aspects of all the menus. The manager wishes us well. The food was delicious. Get the goat cheese cheesecake. Thank you Alligator Soul for a wonderful meal.
(5)
Anna S.
On a trip to Savannah, we arbitrarily selected this spot from a list of restaurants. Definitely worth a trip! We were served a palate cleansing soup to start, followed by some delicious house-made cranberry and Aleppo pepper muffins, and a sea salt encrusted bread with honey lemon butter. The bread was still hot and fresh, and a lovely way to start the meal. We ordered a small portion of the creole shrimp and house salad. The small portion was definitely big enough for an entree, so if you're saving room for dessert I'd recommend doing the same. I ordered "The Little Hildo" which is - ribeye with the house spice mix. It came with fantastic duck fat-fried french fries, and flavorful asparagus. This was an excellent and large portion, and I ended up taking a lot of it to go. My waiter was even kind enough to cut it for me before putting it in a go-box because I didn't have access to a steak knife in my hotel. My sweet tea was also wonderful- not a sweet aftertaste and not cloying. The dessert options were kind of limited. We had a mint cheesecake which was fine, but I wouldn't go running back for it. Since they change their menu according to the local ingredients, I'm sure they have other and better options. The service was very friendly and anything they didn't know, they double checked in the kitchen. Excellent dining experience.
(5)
Roberto F.
This is a great restaurant that's tucked away down in the basement area but makes for a great place to have dinner. Due to our budget I would recommend this place for a special day (birthday anniversary or just that special occasion where you want a fancy dinner. The food was amazing and the waiters were excellent at pairing wine with the dishes. Service was a bit slow but nothing really to complain about, especially since our section was full. Another great thing about this place is that even though it's higher end it didn't feel pretentious. When back in Savannah we will be sure to celebrate our return at this place.
(4)
Tom M.
Very nice. Had the Bison Oso Bucolic and it was great! Only slight disappointment was the gumbo. Appetizer portion was pricey at $14 and was not as tastey as some I have had on the gulf coast.
(4)
Holly G.
Easily my favorite dinner during our trip to Savannah! If you are vegetarian or vegan, and you are tired of only being able to eat ravioli or a salad in restaurants, you must come here! Seriously. I ordered the vegetarian special of the day and it was absolutely delicious! It was a huge puff pastry filled with fava beans, mushrooms, black truffle oil, super thin sliced smoky tofu - so much savory goodness! My husband ordered the little Hilbo (?) steak with duck fat fries and seemed happy with it, especially once the server brought out some habanero sauce to kick up the steak. In the end though, he agreed my meal was really the most flavorful of the two. ;)
(5)
Nicole W.
I have to say I only came here for their desserts and Coffee. You walk down a couple of stairs and you're transported to a Disney-esque tavern were it looks like it was staged a little too perfect haha It was great! It just didnt have ANYTHING to do with "creole or cajun" culture. Expect maybe for the random aligators around the rooms. Ok lets talk about desserts: - Banana Beignets: these were AH-MAZING! my mouth waters to this day. HOWEVER i have to point out that there was absolutly nothing that looked or even resembled a doughnut covered in powered sugar. The dish was more of a decontructed beignet dish with bananas. It had vanilla icecream on the bottom, layered with tempura fried small pieces of banana (about 4) drizzled with caramel and topped off with crispy cinamony wonton crisps (what?) yeah. - Flourless expresso tart: it was great! just a little to heavy for me. Even though it was a small tort it was so rich and creamy and very thick that it was difficult to take another piece. Overall tasted more like chocolate than coffee which was a disappointment. - The berry cheesecake: ok this one was a flop for me. It was weird cheesecake with chunks and I mean BIG CHUNKS of what looked like were frozen canned peaches (ugh?) yeah so whenever you took a bite out of it you had to commit to the whole peach slice. It was just wierd all over. But my friend (who is a big dessert person) ate 3/4 of it, So it must have something she liked.
(4)
Maria M.
love the food! did you hear me??? love the food! lamb was amazing, gumbo was ridic(good ridic) fried green tomatoes love love. Too full for dessert.
(5)
Susan M.
Asparagus soup tasters, alligator boudin appetizer started the meal. Pep padre & scallion corn muffin with a honey butter. Tasty organic and natural juice cocktails. Exotic meats entree with elk and marrow butter as well as the bacon wrapped beef tenderloin with baby pea pods and cauliflower mash. Excellent wait staff. Overall, very nice evening/meal. Anniversary dinner. Husband wants to come back. Before our next anniversary!!
(5)
D H.
Menu is interesting and offers a good range of choices from safe to adventurous. Shrimp and grits appetizer was amazing! Service impeccable. Hand-crafted cocktails a plus. This place is a must if you're in savannah.
(5)
Jim W.
Atmosphere, food, service was excellent. Great place to take your wife or girlfriend for a romantic dinner. They took the effort to call me the day before to confirm our reservation and ask if my wife and I were celebrating a special occasion. These guys are paying attention and it shows in their service and food.
(5)
Roni D.
My expectations were so high for this restaurant and unfortunately were not met. The food was mediocre as was the waiter. We found out more about the menu by eavesdropping on the other waitstaff in the restaurant while they discussed the dishes with the customers. When we asked our waiter about the specials he barely acknowledged them. Perhaps if we had better guidance in our selections we would have felt better about our experience here. But then again I can't remember any of the dishes that we did have so what does that say?
Great place with wonderful atmosphere. I didn't have a reservation and they graciously let me sit and order from the full menu at the bar. I had the blackened grouper nicoise salad. While the grouper wasn't blackened, the salad was beautiful and delicious. The barkeeper described the salad as deconstructed. Interesting. There were no olives but a few perfectly fried nuggets of okra. The fish was also perfectly cooked. Nice wine list.
(4)
Tamara M.
This was our choice for my birthday dinner, and we chose well! This was my first visit to Savannah, and I was already impressed. Alligator Soul fits right in. The location is perfect, walking distance from our hotel in the historic district. The decor is simple yet elegant. The restaurant is on the basement level. We had a table in a small, side room, in the corner. We started with the Artisanal Cheese Plate featuring local specialties along with some fruits, nuts, flatbreads and honey to set off the cheeses. Delicious! They have some lively, unique cocktails featuring organic and natural juices and liquors. I can personally say that the GinGin Mule is addictive. For dinner, the bf had the Lamb Porterhouse with a Lamb and Feta Meatball. It was served with some flavorful rice: duck liver and Medjool date scallion dirty rice. All was rich and delicious. I had one of the specials: a Venison Puff Pastry with Wild Boar Pancetta and Bleu Cheese sweet potato mash. It was like a souped up comfort food, and I was totally in love. The pastry was light and flaky. It seemed like a venison pot pie in a way. The sweet potato mash was to die for. I am seriously going to try and recreate it. Our server was young and sweet. He did a really good job at being attentive and funny but not overbearing. We felt we could take our time and really enjoy the food. I had an after-dinner coffee to end the meal, and the bf had a nice tawny port. It was an excellent meal all around.
(5)
Barbara F.
Service, atmosphere, value and most importantly the quality of the meal was unbelievable! Best Valentines dinner ever. Alligator Soul is a must do!!!!
(5)
Paige N.
Alligator Soul is AMAZIING!!! I ate here this past weekend while visiting Atlanta with my folks and it was far and away the best meal we had there. We'd made a reservation in advance of arriving for the Sunday night before we left Savannah and after touring around town the past two days exploring River Street, the squares, the Pirate House and all the other notable historical places (Girl Scout HQ, the awesome Roman Catholic church, Broughton St, etc), were excited to dine here. I was a little leery when I first learned Alligator Soul is below street level - I was picturing images of a basement or dungeon like set up, but I was very pleasantly surprised instead. Although the restaurant is below street level it still has windows with flowers and shrubbery and high ceilings giving the feeling of being above ground. Genius - and the inside is charming - very comfortable and inviting but still classy with white table cloths, plush carpets, servers dressed to a tee, and the feeling of almost being in a swanky New Orleans type restaurant. The walls are exposed brick and there's more stone archways inside the restaurant separating the bar area from the main dining rooms, but it's all very elegant still. My mom really got the ball rolling in classic style as soon as we were escorted to our table, by proceeding to knock over the champagne stand at the table next to ours holding a bottle of sparkling water. Winning! Off to a great start already. After the puddle was cleaned up and she'd apologized profusely (the ladies were totally cool with it - it was only water, after all), our waiter proceeded to introduce himself, and take our drink order. When he returned to get our dinner order he brought a complimentary appetizer of bruschetta with a balsamic glaze and a mixture of tomatoes and mushrooms chopped on top of the little toasts - delicious. It was a specialty of the night and yet another testament to their excellent service. Since I'd never seen alligator croquettes on a menu (and probably won't again for some time), my mom and I split an appetizer of that and my dad ordered a dinner salad to go with his entree. For our main dishes, I ordered the lamb tagine, my mom got the flounder special that evening and my dad had the filet of wellington. The croquettes were delicious, I didn't know what to expect alligator to taste like (chicken, perhaps?), but whatever it was, it was great and drizzled with some kind of remoulade, which made it perfect. And the main courses - let me tell you... My lamb tagine was beautifully presented (everything was) and so, so tasty. It came out as a stew of lamb and vegetables like peppers, onions and the like with a side of lentils (the first time I've had them prepared well) and spinach sauteed with chopped garlic. Dad's filet of wellington looked perfect in its puff pastry crust with mashed potatoes and asparagus, and Mom's flounder was very pretty atop a creamy base of canellini beans with proscuitto mixed in. We were also given a loaf of freshly sliced, still warm from the oven herb bread - and I won't lie - that's some of the tastiest bread I've ever had. Everything could not have been better - yes, the bill was a bit steep, but for an experience like that - it was worth it. And really, Alligator Soul is someplace you'd go for a special occasion or if you're an out of towner. Besides, you can't take it with you - put the money you worked hard for to good use: good food! One of the best touches of the night was that since it was our first time dining at Alligator Soul, there was a little box at our table when we arrived saying, "Thanks for coming for the first time, enjoy." And inside were three of the cutest, bite-sized pecan pies I've ever laid eyes on. Not only was it memorable and won instant brownie points from me, but they were also really tasty! Fantastic restaurant I'll highly recommend to anyone visiting Savannah and wanting to have a great food experience.
(5)
Renee G.
A hidden gem in town! Dark and delicious interior that emulates an easy ambiance and food that's out of this world. Try a kangaroo filet or the Little Hilbo steak. Sexy, savoury food. Every time.
(5)
John S.
Right there with Green Truck as the best food we had in Savannah. A nice room, inventive menu, fresh ingredients, very good service. It's pricey, but worth it. I had a piece of roast fish, she had bison, both very good. Good cocktails, great wine list. You should go for the farm-to-table action.
(5)
Courtney D.
My husband and I had a wonderful meal. Our server was fantastic and we enjoyed the entire experience. We were only in town for one night and we were so happy we chose to eat here. Wonderful!
(5)
Will B.
Was in town for business and took try at this place. Exceptional service (sat at the bar, great chatting with others and the bartenders) good drinks and excellent food.
(5)
Paula E.
We decided to try this place for a different dinner in Savannah while there on vacation. You will downstairs to the basement and its a great environment and nicely decorated! We were given antelope minestrone to start with on a teaspoon to taste which was very good. The waiter asked if we felt adventurous and described the specials. He also brought out a lovely plate of baguette and cornbread served with lemon honey and tyme butter. Again had a nice flavor. I decided on adventure and went with the antelope stroganoff. Unfortunately later in the evening I felt queasy and developed a horrible headache. The next morning after ordering breakfast at another establishment before the food even arrived I became horribly ill from the dinner the night before and quickly realized I had food poisoning. Ended up spending the rest of the day sick in my hotel room. I did call to let them know about it but never heard back. Think I will try adventure from home and not on vacations!
(3)
Jennie L.
would be a 3.5 if possible. great ambiance, had a wonderful server. although she was quite disappointed that my husband only ordered the charcuterie plate as his entree (one: he wasn't that hungry. two: he can't pass up pork belly. ever.) the shrimp and grits were wonderful! lots of shrimp and a great flavor! the entree portion was very well sized, and I couldn't come close to finishing. pretty decent wine list, not a whole lot of by the glass options, but found a few to choose from! great meal, overall! would recommend to friends for a good shrimp and grits meal!
(4)
V Y.
This place is out of this world. Seriously. The service is impeccable. The food is out of control. We had the shrimp and grits, the beef tenderloin and the elk special. Amazing. I could've had a vat of the mashed potatoes as well. I would encourage everyone to go for the exotic special! They have really fun alcohol flights here too that I've never seen at other restaurants. We had the beer and wine flights, but they also have things like bourbon and martini flights. Go here! Run don't walk!
(5)
Mark F.
WOW! Never smiled so much while eating from the pure flavor of food! We went on our anniversary and it was special. We had already seen the menu online and knew what we wanted , the Shrimp and grits. But we also ordered the house salad. Not many salads create a flavor explosion in your mouth, but this one did! The Shrimp and Grits are the best I have ever had. While the food was the best we had during our 4 day stay in Savannah, and maybe in the south, it was the service that made it so special. SPENCER...you're the best, and we both thank you!!! The most memorable meal in out 28 year marriage! We WILL be back again!
(5)
Debra B.
Since this was my 1st visit to Savannah, I stopped by a coffee house to get a recommendation from the locals. What great advice! The service and food was excellent. From the moment I walked in, everyone was there to make sure I enjoyed the dining experience. The food was fresh and delicious, the wait staff very helpful and attentive. The next time I visit, this restaurant is on the list.
(5)
K. W.
Truly one of the best spots in Savannah! The service was impeccable, seriously one of the nicest waiters ever (rashad) waited on us and we couldn't get over how nice he was and kept tending to us, he made us feel like we were the only ones he was waiting on! The food, oh Lordy, the food was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!!! I can not say enough about the whole experience, we started with a seaweed beef "palette awakener" which was delicious followed by a meat and cheese board (get it, you won't be disappointed) which consisted of pheasant pate, green hill cheese, spicy cheddar, flat bread, and a bunch more stuff I can't remember but was really good. Then we each had our meal - my husband had the bison hangar steak and I had the little hilbo, both were outrageous! We then shared a dessert, banana beignet and ice wine. You NEED to get here if you are a local or a visitor, it's really worth it! But make sure you make reservations - the restaurant was packed when we went! Also try to sit in the room to the right, there's only three or so tables there and it's quite romantic!
(5)
Timothy B.
Love this place. Make us feel like their favorite customers every time we go. Please don't change a thing! The menu is very good here and varies. The alcohol selection is great and specifically the martini flights are great. Lamb is amazing!
(5)
Stephanie C.
Our server Sonny from Pitt was absolutely wonderful. The drinks were amazingly creative and delicious. I made it my goal to find a place with the perfect Shrimp & Grits in Savannah, tried MANY restaurants and this is my absolute favorite. The Shrimp & Grits tasted homemade and the mixed drinks were so wonderful if they offered them for shipment to my home I would do it in a second. Thanks for an absolutely amazing experience especially on my last day in Savannah.
(5)
A T.
All I can say is, wow. What an awesome and delicious experience. If you visit Savannah this is definitely the place to go. The price tag is high but it's definitely worth it for the farm table, completely organic experience. Even their cocktails are home made! Our server Sonny was so knowledgable of the menu including sauces, vegetables used and even the origin of the meats served. He was super friendly and certainly made our experience that much better! To Sonny's boss, the man deserves a raise! ;) thank you Alligator Soul, we'll be back when we visit Savannah again!
(5)
Kelly U.
The food was delicious and interesting. They had an awesome menu of unique items. The charcuterie board was really cool, although I didn't love the different meats on there, my husband really did and the display was beautiful. Besides the food the Staff was so kind and had really great energy to be around. If we ever make it back to Savannah we will check out this place again for sure.
(5)
Adrian M.
Best shrimp and grits in the South! The meats were cooked to perfection! I would recommend the bacon-wrapped filet. It practically melts in your mouth. I'm not local to the area, but if I'm ever in town again, dining at Alligator Soul will be at the top of my list!
(5)
Erin L.
While on vacation, my boyfriend and I made reservations at Alligator Soul after reading all the reviews online. We expected to have an amazing experience. While the food was fantastic and the service seemed great on the surface, our waitress Kate felt it necessary to up sell and manipulate us into adding more to our bill. She began by giving us very detailed explanations of all the specials, which was fantastic, but then began to up sell us on water. When we asked for water while we checked the drink menu, she asked "Would you like some sparkling water?" When my boyfriend responded, "No just flat water," she spoke over him saying "Flat bottled water?" as she walked away, not giving us a chance to stop her. She literally put words in his mouth to charge us $5 for bottled water that was carried to our table in an ice bucket. We immediately knew we would be charged for something we clearly hadn't ordered but since it was just water, we let it go. Before walking away to put in our drink orders she said she would give us a moment to look over the appetizer menu, then when she returned specifically asked what appetizers we wanted to order. Normally I wouldn't have thought anything of that but it became clear to us that this was part of her tactic to "sell" the menu to us instead of explaining the food in such a way that we would want to order more. When we told her "No" for the appetizers (second time we had to flat out say NO to what she wanted us to order), she just waited for us to say what entrees we wanted instead of explaining anything on the menu. Almost like she was bothered by the fact that we were only having one course. Again, not something I would normally pick up on but clearly becoming a trend with this particular waitress. When we ordered our entree she asked each of us twice about adding more to our selection. My boyfriend ordered The Little Hilbo, which he loved and would highly recommend to others. I ordered the Shrimp and Grits, and had to first refuse a side salad and then she quickly mumbled "Would you like scallops on that?" which I unfortunately misheard as "scallions" as those were listed on the menu with this entree. Not correctly hearing her was my mistake, but I did not expect her to add more seafood to something like a large portion of Shrimp and Grits. I personally don't even like scallops and wouldn't have added them if she had bothered to slow down when asking or explained why scallops would enhance the dish. At the moment it wasn't something I caught as an add-on, but by the end of the meal we both realized this was her sales tactic. The shrimp and grits were fantastic, and it was a very large portion that truly did not need scallops. When we saw the additional $14 added onto our bill, we realized why she quickly mumbled the suggestion to me. I could have said something then, as I didn't eat the scallops, but honestly I was embarrassed. This woman's intentions were obviously to make money by taking advantage of her customers, putting words into their mouths and flat out forcing you to refuse her up selling suggestions over and over again. Her overall demeanor was very kind and friendly, which was clearly part of her whole sales tactic. Though our experience was just with one person, I would never return to a restaurant that employs someone with this skill set. The fact that I misheard 'scallops' as 'scallions' and added $14 worth of food that I didn't want to our bill, made me feel angry and dumb. This type of treatment was not something we expected in a beautiful restaurant like Alligator Soul and something that will absolutely keep us from ever returning. Both of us are in sales professionally and understand the need to sell a service or product. We also both know that the best sales tactic is to explain your product as something that the customer needs and wants, not manipulate them into spending more money. The money itself wasn't an issue as diners should expect to pay more for a farm to table restaurant with an exotic menu. The price would have been worth it if we didn't feel like we were tricked into buying things we didn't need, and were forced into saying "No" over and over all night. Though the food was amazing, I would be ashamed to ever walk into this place in the future as I will always feel like the person who got tricked by a con artist on vacation.
(1)
Pat B.
I visited here during restaurant week. It's a great time to try a fixed menu for a fixed price. Without reservations at this busy establishment, we were seated at the bar. Next to us were a group of four ladies living it up tasting many drinks and ordering away on the menu. Then we were two, ordering the fixed menu and the bartender made us feel like second class citizens. I think they were offended we weren't dropping $100 on our meal.
(3)
Dev D.
For foodies & mixed drinks... Bread baked fresh w/cracked pepper hints & lemon-infused herb butter. Sidecar martini - Remy Martin VSOP, Cointreau, fresh lemon in a sugar rimmed glass. Etta James - House infused blueberry and lemon gin w/splash of sparkling soda and blueberries & cucumber slice. Shrimp n Grits - stone ground cheddar grits , Cajun seasoned shrimp , incredible sauce that I know had some lamb reduction in it among others. Hearty appetizer. Crocodile croquettes - 2 lightly fried w/another nice sauce (foodies forgive me again) sandwiching mixed greens, capers that complement the croc soo well, among other sauce features. If you manage bites w/all ingredients flavor is exponential. Perfect appetizer portion. Feature a 40oz. steak & on special that night a dry-smoked aged Cajun rubbed grill finished ribeye w/reduction toppings among other things BUT I didn't bring an appetite. So sorry so sad. Foodie server a plus & gregarious cocktail server a plus & mgr seating 20 min. to close a plus & music selection a plus & drink prices a plus & casual attire a plus. Martinis avail to go. Close early, 9:45 on a slow night, 10:15 on busier. Always ask the establishment. Have NOT tried the Jazz Tapas place that is between Alligator Soul and Ellis Square. Crocodile not available anywhere else on Alligator Soyl's menu currently 4/9/12, but mention at restaurant of future bison & more exotic items.
(5)
Ashleigh L.
We accidentally stumbled upon this gem after not having reservations for Lady & Sons. The staff was very friendly, food was amazing and atmosphere was perfect for a family of 5! Would definitely go back.
(5)
Koula S.
We 're in Savannah for a few days without the kid! Alligator soul was a good spot to visit. We shared the Oysters. Do use the habanero hot sauce. Just a little really adds to the flavor. The duck was good as were the scallops. The best part was dessert. We shared the banana beignet... Yum! It was a solid "good" meal.
(4)
Ryan D.
The best restaurant in Savannah!!! They have a great cocktail menu, and the food is fresh and all natural! The best shrimp and grits in town!
(5)
Amy A.
Delicious! Southern staples like shrimp and grits are on the menu but I was wowed by the more adventurous dishes. We started with the baked oysters and I'm still longing for another spoonful of the house made spicy pepper sauce. The venison was incredible! Served as 2 chops, it was perfectly cooked and tender without the gaminess I associate with venison. Step out of your comfort zone when you order and prepare to have your taste buds dance.
(5)
Liane J.
Super cool underground location. Loved the fried green tomatoes, oysters to start. We followed with the lamb and the buffalo ribeye. Both were outstanding. Finished with the banana beignets and tiramisu. Food. Baby. Love the farm to table concept and atmosphere here. Great wine selection too.
(5)
susan s.
Sit at the bar. Order the incredible oysters. Perhaps sample the shrimp and grits. BUT don't go any further. Despite the great service our food was mediocre. The fresh flounder special was boring and the scallops, though fresh and plump and cooked perfectly, had no seasoning or sauce whatsoever. The manager offered new dishes but we didn't want to start over. We just finished our nice bottle of wine and headed out surprised no one adjusted our bill or offered a drink or dessert on the house.
(2)
Matt S.
***DO NOT WASTE A MEAL IN SAVANNAH AT THIS PLACE*** My family and I were in Savannah recently, and due to unforeseen circumstances, we ate here. Way overpriced, terrible service and awful menu. There are much better restaurants in Savannah. If this is among the best Savannah has to offer, then I feel sorry for the city as a whole. We ordered the following: Oysters Bienville - very, very, mediocre. I'm being generous with that rating too. I don't know what we were thinking when we ordered these. I'm honestly shocked someone would put this on a menu at a halfway-respectable establishment. It's oysters on the half-shell, stuffed with FIVE DIFFERENT INGREDIENTS and then baked. I mean.....Jesus. You can't taste anything but some sausage-y panko flakes. You'd never be able to tell that there's actually an oyster buried somewhere in this ridiculously sloppy dish. It should be on a Red Lobster menu. Fried Green Tomatoes - certainly better than the Oysters, but that's not saying much. There's really not much to say about these. I've had fried green dozens of times in my life, and these would rank at the top of the bottom half. Slightly worse than average. Frog Legs - probably the best appetizer we had, but not good. My only real complaint with these was that they were kind of slimey. You're probably saying "well, they are frogs legs, why wouldn't they be slimey?". The slime factor came from the lack of execution in cooking them. They were totally undercooked. The breading came right off, they should have been fried and crispy. It seems like a no brainer when cooking frog legs. The "Little Hilbo" - it's a Cajun seasoned Ribeye steak. It was really tough, and we were suspicious about whether or not it was actually prime beef as they claimed. The seasoning did nothing but conveniently distract from the crappy meat, and was totally overcooked. Under normal circumstances we would've sent it back. However, since it took over an hour to get our meal once we ordered, the last thing we wanted to do was delay our departure. They came served over duck fat fries, and as a result the fries were soggy. Sucked. Rabbit - think it was the best dish (again, not saying much). It was kind of bland, but at that point I didn't care. My biggest problem was that it cost $40 for about 6 oz of meat. You'd think you were at an upscale French restaurant in NYC. Rabbit is not that expensive. Many great NYC restaurants have far superior dishes (in every sense) that don't cost $40. Total rip off considering A) the (lack of) flavor, and B) ridiculous price. Buffalo - very "meh". In their defense, I think Buffalo is pretty bland in general, so the lack of flavor here is not 100% their fault. Although, $40 for a really mediocre dish...give me a break. Despite what other users here say, the service was terrible. Our waitress was very nice, but not familiar with the menu or the specials. All she did was read us what was on the menu. Also, IT TOOK FOREVER. It was one and a half hours from the time we sat down until the time we actually got our entrees. The place was not busy either. A table of seven who sat down AFTER us (we were a party of four) was finished with their entrees, had paid their bill and was leaving before we even got our entrees. That's insane and we complained to the manager multiple times but to no avail. Even after knowing the problem, he never came to check on us. To make matters worse, one of us wanted the lamb, but since our server was so slow with everything, the table of seven who sat down after us nabbed the last order. A note to the owners: I know you have to sell certain items, but when servers describe certain menu items as "life-changing" and "transcendent", and those dishes end up being terrible, it creates serious customer resentment. I'm mad at my waiter for suggesting a terrible dish, and now I think they don't know what they're talking about. Tell your servers to chill with the hyperbole and try a different angle. The wait time should have been reason enough to make some sort of concession, but they didn't even comp us a round of drinks. They made no concession of any kind. All they did do was offer to "take care of us" the next time we ate there. Believe me, there's no way we'll ever eat there again. Amateur hour all around. Our waitress also didn't catch a $60 "mistake" on our bill. They charged us twice for three of our apps.
(1)
FortSki G.
My wife and I had dinner with close friends last night and very much enjoyed our dinner at Alligator Soul. Like a large number of Savannah establishments, you have to walk below street level to find the restaurant which makes the initial experience interesting. The hostess were extremely friendly and the wait staff was amazing. If you are a looking for a great dinner, whether it be steak, seafood or just a nice night out on Savannah than this may be your place. I suggest trying the following: - - Scallops and Greens -- Beef Tenderloin -- Gator Gumbo (really good) The food was plated well and our service was extremely attentive. The manager stopped by our table a number of times to ensure our meal was up to par. If you are looking for a good Georgia meal in Savannah, I'd suggest a stop by Alligator Soul.
(4)
Tim B.
Great place with an incredibly friendly bartender (Ana I believe). Go for the exotics! Red Deer was fantastic as was the alligator sausage, and they have an impressive stock of good bourbons.
(4)
D H.
A bit disappointing. Nice atmosphere and good service but the food was inconsistent. Try the oysters, shrimp and grits or pork belly. But, stay away from the charcuterie with bone marrow and sausage. The scallops were fine but the warm watermelon it was paired with was odd.
(3)
david h.
The atmosphere, ambiance and pre-visit hype had me ready for a world class experience. Best I can say about the food - pleasant! Not great, not bad, just pleasant. The service was interesting. Our server was nice and very knowledgeable but everything she did and said was over the top. She started with information about the drinks. She gave us information about the special, drinks, the house drinks, moonshine, craft beers and all kind of wines. I waited for her to take a breath so I could tell I wanted some ice tea. My wife drinks Bud Light. Memo to servers worldwide - ask your customer if they want information about something before you inundate them with information. Now for the food. The amuse bouche tasted like a spoonful of lukewarm vegetable beef soup. We're not off to a good start. We had the oysters Bienville for an appetizer. The taste was inconsistent from one oyster to the next. It was okay depending on which oyster you had. I had the stuffed pork chop. It was excellent flavor, perfectly cooked and a great cut of meat. Wish it hasn't been stuffed. My wife's shrimp and grits was simply serviceable. Nothing more, nothing less. The cheeses we had for dessert were just not the good. I expected a lot more out of this place and just didn't get it. Slightly upturned face.
(3)
Paige K.
You must try their oysters! They are amazing. Also their house wines are a great deal and very tasty. This is a great spot for a romantic dinner. My husband had the duck with succotash and it was delicious. I had the chef prepare me a vegetarian option. It was very creative and good. The service was also outstanding.
(5)
Steve S.
If you want a unique dining experience, this is an ideal choice. The food was good, but the ambiance excelled. My Buffalo was a bit tough, but very tasty. This is a venue to try at least once.
(3)
Leah L.
One of my favorite restaurants in Savannah! The food is delicious and the service is wonderful.
(5)
Adrianne H.
A beautiful, classy restaurant. Our server, Emily, was very nice and knowledgable about the menu. The one downside to this is she spoke on the menu for a solid three minutes without ever taking a breath (after we had already decided what to order). Our food was great- we both had small cups of gumbo as appetizers, the elk and buffalo for our entrees, and the banana beignets for dessert. However, two of the tables around us sent back the fish because it was too dry. The servers were apologetic and accommodating, and before they had barely left the table, the manager was out there in a snap, also apologizing and offering to comp the entree. Great food and great customer service makes for a great evening. Also, a note to tourists: this isn't the type of place where it's okay to wear your beach clothes and ball caps to dinner. Saw a handful of underdressed newbies and two men wearing their baseball hats inside. Enforcing a slight dress code here wouldn't be a bad idea, it would definitely add to the atmosphere.
(4)
Brett S.
Very average. We read great reviews but it didn't quite live up. Service was so-so and the food was also average. Shrimp and grits were ok. Fried green tomatoes were pretty good. Was bad but wasn't 5 star.
(3)
Richard G.
Great place with great food. The service is top shelf with every server helping out with everyone's table. My wife had a half dozen stuffed oysters which were outstanding and a small plate of gumbo which was great. I had an alligator sausage and a suckling pig which was very flavorful. The only negative I have is their own wine (alligator cab) which lacked body/ flavor.
(5)
Derek W.
The alligator gumbo was to die for, and I loved the ambience. Our bartender was very helpful and accommodating as well. The only reason I would knock the place is the price, which I felt was slightly out of line with what we received mostly due to my wife's entree and the fried green tomatoes. My wife ate the buffalo, which was tougher and more gamey than buffalo I have eaten in other restaurants, and I have had much better FGT's...namely at Magnolia's in Charleston who has the best, IMO.
(4)
Tai T.
We ventured here bcuz my son's name is Soul and I'm glad we did. I was hesitant at first cuz I was in a tshirt & shorts...we had been walking the historic district all day and the place is on the swanky side. Most everyone else was in button up shirts and fine dining attire. We usually steer clear of places like this with our kids, but an establishment with a staircase outside leading down to the lower level, and a name like Alligator Soul, is a place I'm determined to eat at. The hostess greeted us with kindness and got us seated in a jif. Any uncomfortable feelings I had about being in a swanky joint in street clothes with sweaty-dirty kids went right out the window after I had my Doc Holliday Double Rye Whiskey. The heirloom tomato appetizer was delicious. I had the Trigger fish special and it was divine. On the oily side but very yummy. My wife had the vegetarian special and she said it was very good, but she was hoping for a more southern flavored vegetarian dish. The kiddos had a steak and chicken fingers with Broccolini and they both really enjoyed theirs. The food and drinks are pricey, but I knew that going in, so I can't dock'em for that. The host, busboy and our waiter were all very kind. It came close to getting a 5 star review, but everything has to perfect to get one of those from me. Oh and they have a decent craft beer list.
(4)
Allison B.
Absolutely fantastic! Probably one of the best meals I have ever had in my life. Everything was spot on and the service was excellent. We had the charcuterie board that featured veal bone marrow, duck sausage, and duck bacon. My mouth is watering just thinking about it...then had the bison flank steak and elk steak for dinner. I highly recommend trying the chef's daily specials - we enjoyed it all!
(5)
Traci M.
In February we came here for dinner on our "babymoon" trip from Florida. When we walked in they were totally booked for the night but were told we could sit at the bar. The bartenders were extremely helpful and knowledgeable. The food was outstanding, especially the shrimp and grits. The atmosphere is also very pleasant. Underground, old school, dark prohibition feel to it. High prices but definitely worth it. This is always be a stop whenever we come to Savannah.
(5)
Carly T.
We dined at Alligator Soul the night of our engagement. My fiance had set up the reservation and told them his plan to propose before coming in. As soon as we walked in we were congratulated and shown to our table. The staff was amazing and everything was on point: food, wine, service. They went the extra mile to make us feel special. Dining here was truly the icing on the cake and we can't wait to return!
(5)
sriparna m.
What a wonderful experience... My husband and myself were there this past weekend to celebrate our 30th marriage anniversary. Decided to go to Alligator Soul for dinner after reading on yelp and talking to some locals. The evening was just made from the moment we entered till we left. The hostess was very pleasant, there a cute gift on the table waiting for us. Our server Rachael was very knowledgable , food was just awesome . The ribeye and lamb was to die for. Great atmosphere, made friends with our neighbor table. When we were ready to leave, we were gifted with their house bottle of Merlot. Will definitely go back, whenever we visit !! Felt good...
Excelent! Service and food too! Absolutely amazing, your money is worth it!
(5)
Cheddarj E.
Excellent food and service. We had two alligator starters, local fish of the day... salt water trout and pork suckling. All was yummy... staff was very thoughtful with our son... 20 months old. Chef made him a special fruit plate. He loved it.
(5)
Sandy P.
Great Place!! Alligator Sausage and Oysters over the top!! My husband had Lamb and I had Smoked Duck. The sweet potato cheesecake was to die for luscious and light. This was one of the best restaurants in Savannah.
(5)
Mandy P.
This is by far my most favorite Savannah restaurant! The service is always over the top and first class. The chef is amazing and is always changing the menu to offer the freshest seasonal seafoods.
(5)
Christi B.
Had dinner here last night everything was amazing, for appetizers we had the oysters, alligator boudain and the fried green tomatoes, it was amazing!! For my entree I had the kangaroo so tasty, I had never had it before!! For dessert we had the banana beignets and the chefs chocolate concoction with butter brittle with coconut, I think I had an orgasm! The management and staff were amazing! I would highly recommend this restaurant for an amazing Savannah epicurean experience!!
(5)
Andrea W.
And so our love affair continues with Alligator Soul....tonight was our anticipated return visit. Again, every thing...without exception, was delightfully tasty. So full of flavor... complex, and inventive. It's food we know, but done in a new way. Again, the service is great, attentive and friendly without being in your space. There are many wonderful places to dine while in Savannah. We had one night, and we choose this one. Again. Hope it's not another 2 years till we are in Savannah. I dont know if I cant wait that long to get some Soul!
(5)
Julie K.
I wanted to like this place but it gets a two thumbs down. Go somewhere else. It started with the fact this place was hot. We started with cocktails and I ordered a gin martini, up with a twist of lime. I got a mediocre gin, up with olives. The waitress corrected by bringing me a lime! Totally unacceptable. I sent the drink back but the replacement tasted odd....pretty sure they took out the olive and sent it back. For my appetizer I ordered the house salad without pecans. I got the house salad with pecans. Sent it back too but if the drink is any measure I'd guess they scraped the pecans off and sent it back again...but maybe not...at any rate the salad was also mediocre. They specialize In odd meats so I ordered the exotic meat of the day which was venison.....not exactly exotic but ok. It came on grits, which were just flat out awful and sprinkled with....wait for it....pecans! Seriously, I just had a huge conversation with the waitress over the pecans in my salad, the menu says NOTHING about pecans on the venison and they send me an entree with pecans. Service gets a zero. Okay, so taste...gets a 3 of 10. Venison is a flavorful meat and this was shaved thin, no flavor and frankly on the tough side. Even I can make tender venison (yes, you do have to know how, which this chef didn't). So...I'm a glutton for punishment and ordered a chocolate cake for desert. No pecans but again...taste=0. The icing was thick and tasted like a brownie instead of icing and the cake was dry. The orange filling didn't taste orange. Desert flat out sucked. Overall, service was I impressive and taste/quality was poor at best. Save the money and go to Garibaldi's or anywhere else but this place just isn't worth it.
(1)
Elizabeth M.
Hands down our favorite fine dining spot in the Savannah area. It's our go-to for anniversaries, Valentine's Day, birthdays, etc. They'll give you a custom menu signed by the chef and a box of sweets to take home with you as thanks for choosing them for your special occasion. Alligator Soul is an underground restaurant with stone walls and a speakeasy feel. It's romantic and sophisticated, and I remember clearly every waiter and waitress we've ever had there and that the service has always been exceptional. What I love most about Alligator Soul is its eclectic menu featuring southern-creole dishes with a twist, and much of their meat and produce is locally sourced. They also feature lots of wild game and exotic proteins, innovative vegetarian dishes, and chef's tasting menus upon request in advance. We've done tasting menus with them as well as ordered off the regular menu, and nearly everything has been memorable and at the top of our "best of" meals list. They have a good wine list with several by the glass as well as an excellent prohibition-style cocktail list featuring local, organic ingredients. The food and drinks are creative, surprising, and tasty, and not things you're likely to find on other menus in Savannah. Try their duck fat fries, pork belly, and steaks - all incredible. Can't wait for our next visit later this week for Savannah Restaurant Week. It's a great time to go with a prix fixe menu for $30 with an appetizer, entree, and dessert.
(5)
Dirk D.
I was warned by a local Inn owner that I would be disappointed with Alligator Soul, that "it's not worth the money" and well, he was right. When you read reviews, you have to bear in mind whether reviewers are on a vacation high and excited, or whether they're really looking for the pros and cons. I'm the latter. I eat out 5 nights a week, 52 weeks a year. So here it goes: - The basement vibe was cool - When we sat at the bar, neither of the bartenders were friendly. In fact, they were the least friendly service staff we experienced anywhere in 4 days on vacation. The wines by the glass were inexpensive and unimpressive. Four drinks were $54. - When we sat down, the server did the whole pretentious "we" thing, like "Are we from out of town?" and "Are we having sparkling water this evening?" and "Have we decided what we're having for main courses?". It was annoying. - The chef sent out an amuse bouche in the totally-played-out-in-2005 white miso soup spoons, which consisted of an incredibly thin, tasteless broth with some sort of mini diced unidentifiable meat cubes which were hard and tasteless. No idea. - We ordered the Frog Legs, which were good - We ordered the Oysters Bienville, which were good. Nothing special, no flavor explosions, no "wow" factor whatsoever. It's an oyster in a shell with breadcrumbs and apparently some exotic meats and spices in there. No idea. - We ordered Alligator Bites, which were inedible. They were drowning in approximately 8 pounds of salt. When I called the server over, she said "We brine our alligator, so it's going to be salty", which was translation for " We don't care about your concerns", at which point, all four of us at the table left the entire 8-10 alligator bites uneaten on the serving plate, grabbed our waters and prayed for hydration. We never ate them, she eventually took them away, and apparently took them off the check citing "the chef tasted one of your alligator bites and deemed them too salty", instead of, oh, I dunno, bringing us a proper order, which we would have gladly paid for. - We ordered the Duck Not Pie, which was good. The duck was cooked too rare, and cut in a raw fashion, and ate too chewy. Maybe the most forgettable duck dish I've had in recent memory. - And now for the Antelope, which was hands down, bar none, the worst, most embarrassing plate of food imaginable. The meat was so overcooked, so disgustingly dry, tasteless, devoid of moisture, that I took one bite, shoved the plate away from me and called the server over, and said "this mean is unbearably overcooked and tough, I can't eat it" at which point she started spewing some defensive crap (translation "we don't care what you think"), at which point my friends date grabbed my plate, switched with her duck, just to diffuse the situation. - When the $280 check hit for 4 people with zero wine (we brought our own), the inedible antelope still sat wholly uneaten on my friends girlfriends plate. Which Alligator Soul's staff didn't care about as they cleared our table. Be warned of this place. It's pretentious, expensive, has zero "customer first" sensibilities, and the food doesn't deliver. Don't be fooled by the "exotic meat" marketing ploy.
(2)
Andrew R.
We were visiting Savannah for our honeymoon, and we selected Alligator Soul as our "special" meal out. It definitely did not disappoint. Our server, Kate, could not have done anything better. She warmly welcomed us, and asked us if we were dining for a special occasion. We told her it was our honeymoon, and she seemed genuinely thrilled that we'd chosen Alligator Soul. Later during our meal, we were congratulated by other members of the staff (not sure who), and also given a parting gift before we left (some chocolates and a pecan sandie). These are small touches, but rare and very nice to see... it really made us feel special. Another rare but small touch was when our server asked us, prior to ordering, if we had any food allergies she should be aware of. As my wife has a dairy allergy, we always have to be careful where we eat and what she orders. To have this question asked of us upfront, we knew we could completely relax and be taken care of. The food was all fabulous and unique. Everything is sustainable, farm to table. We talked specifically to our server about this, as our bed & breakfast host had misrepresented Alligator Soul. She assured us that the menu changes up as necessary. If they can't acquire a certain ingredient in a sustainable way, they take it off the menu until they can. We love places like this, as the food is noticeably higher quality. We ordered the charcuterie plate at the server's recommendation as an appetizer. This plate is always changing, and I can't remember exactly what was on it, but it was all delicious, and it's a great way to get a good idea of what Alligator Soul is all about. For my entree, I selected The Little "Hilbo". This was one of the best (and biggest) rib eye steaks I've ever had, and served with duck fat fried fries. The fries... amazing and inspired. They melt in your mouth and pair fantastically with the steak. You have to try them. I also had a side of Shrimp & Grits, which were probably the best Shrimp & Grits I've ever had. For dessert, we had the Banana Beignets. Also delicious and a great way to pull the meal to a close. The atmosphere of Alligator Soul was also perfect for a special occasion. It's dimly lit, I remember it as relatively quiet, and though we were tucked away in a corner of the restaurant, our table never went unattended. This place is pricey, but well worth it if you're looking for a special intimate meal out. We'll be back!
(5)
Alexandra J.
Food was great! It was the first place we ate at when we got to Savannah! Food was great!
(4)
Keif M.
Keep it short and sweet. Fantastic food, service ,.and atmosphere. One of the best restaurant's in Savannah. Will return on our next visit to beautiful Savannanh.
(5)
Brenda P.
Cute place, we didn't have a reservation, so we ate at the bar. I had a very refreshing strawberry basil rum cocktail to start. Tuna tartar app was very fresh and good.....but the Entrees were even better, I had the lamb loin which was very tender. I took the chefs suggestion for medium rare and it was perfect. My husband had the kangaroo with gnoccis. I tried it and loved it!! Banana beignets were delightful!! .
(4)
Ronnie F.
Anniversary dinner was fantastic! The food and service was incredible. Great atmosphere. Will definitely return the next time I am in Savannah!
(5)
Ed K.
Had dinner at alligator soul June 7 for our anniversary. I had mentioned when making reservations that it was our anniversary and everyone we encountered from the excellent staff made it a point to congratulate us and make us feel at home. Our server, Emily, was knowledgable, friendly, and effortlessly efficient, a real professional in a sometimes difficult job. Kudos to her. I had shrimp and grits, my wife had the scallops. She has eaten scallops In many restaurants over the years and declared these to be the best she has ever had. Shrimp and grits are prepared many different ways in any number of excellent restaurant, but these were done just right with just the right balance among the seasonings and just the right texture. All in all an excellent meal in a congenial atmosphere. 5 stars
Terrific dinner. Small menu, but every dish we had was great. Salad very fresh with light dressing. Fried green tomatoes were probably the low point if the dinner for us. They were good, but the flavor of the tomato was drowned out. Fish special and scallop dish were excellent, and our desserts were amazing. Andy, our server was very pleasant and attentive and he made some great recommendations.
(5)
Quinton D.
Absolutely the one place you should eat every time you visit Savannah. The gumbo was outstanding. Me and my co-workers had some of the best meals of our trip here. No one left without a flavor explosion. Southern cuisine is kept alive here.
(5)
Mark L.
this is the best restaurant I have eaten at in Georgia. I ordered the alligator turtle duck jambalaya. amazing. The place is in the basement of the building, however, its been decorated very nicely. The staff is great and knowledgeable. So this is my first trip to Savannah. If you haven't been, go! I was amazed. Its a beautiful city, that has a very specific charm. I can't call it southern, but it feels like walking into some sort of time warp. We stayed in a gorgeos historic home. Things seem to go at savannah pace. I might be imagining all of this, since I was drunk most of the time. As far as I can tell, you can walk around the city with a beer, as long as its in a plastic cup. One disclaimer. This is the only restaurant I have ever been to in Georgia.
(5)
Sally B.
Wow - the shrimp and grits have to be one of the best things I have eaten in quite some time. Even hubby who doesn't like cheese thought these were awesome. Smokey, slightly spicy. do not miss these! Had the shrimp creole taster - wonderful. Alligator sausage was dry - not worth it. Pork 'short rib' - really the belly - full of flavor but you can't be scared of fat on this one. Daughter had scallops which were divine. My buffalo tenderloin was fine but I may have well had been eating steak. They had kangaroo on the menu as well but i am not a fan so skipped. The waiter was great and service in general impeccable. They did have one snafu bc kitchen over cooked my buffalo and decided to refire before bringing to table. Hey- I'd rather that than have them bring shoe leather and have to send it back. Because of slowness ( we didn't complain), unasked, they comped our 2 desserts and 1 glass of wine. They were all quite apologetic. Now that is customer first! Highly recommend. Really great.
(4)
Ryan C.
A very solid find. We sat at the bar, great service, non-touristy and high quality. The menu doesn't offer gator but if you're game to try some, we added gator to the Shrimp Creole - awesome!
(5)
Tessa S.
Just passing through Savannah, GA. It was a walk away from our parking at the Whitaker parking garage (Bryan and Bay St.) so park nearer if you can. Metered parking is free after 5 PM M-F. The servings were generous - we just ordered the shrimp and grits, and the fried green tomatoes and it was more than enough to share for two. They have some exotic and interesting offerings in the menu (ie. frog legs, various meats) that I would have loved to try if we were staying a few more days in Savannah. The service was impeccable. Coming to the restaurant right after joining a tour with an annoying and rude couple, we were blown away by their courteousness and welcoming demeanor. It's a local hangout so the crowd was less touristy and had more yuppies and couples on a date. Try to dress up a bit.
(4)
William E.
Alligator soul's rib eye soothed my alligator soul. It was grilled to perfection...you could eat it with a butter knife. Thomas was an amazing and entertaining waiter. I definitely look forward to coming back! I wish I could eat all that was on my platter....the servings are more than enough.
(5)
Isadora T.
Unimpressed. I heard great things about this restaurant from everyone I knew so I decided to give it a try. Firstly no complaints about the service, it was excellent. The food itself... Well, while it was good it was not what I would have expected for the price I was paying. Got the cheese plate for appetizer, again, for the cost of it I would have expected a better choice of cheeses and a bigger portion - don't expect to share the appetizer with more than one person. I tried their catch of the day and also tried the food from everyone else in my table: lamb and the ostrich, the meats were good the sides tasted mediocre, the portions sizes for the main meals were appropriate. Dessert was extremely overpriced, and I got a baby sized portion, I don't mind getting 2 spoons of dessert if it tastes great... but it just didn't. The wine suggested by the waiter was good and complimented the meal well. Not a bad place to go but not great. I'd much rather go to Pink House or Jazzd down the street and spend the money where I feel like its worth.
(3)
Averi A.
I have been to this restaurant twice now and cannot say enough good things! As an out of towner from Manhattan, Alligator Soul is always on my to do list whenever I'm in town. They have an extensive beer, wine, and cocktail menu - and you can order 750s of a craft beer of your choice. We started off with the Oysters de la Soul which was definitely the highlight of the meal - filled with creamy craw fish and shrimp. I had the scallops which were complimented by speck and lavender rice. My mother on the other hand ordered the shrimp and grits - the grits were to DIE FOR! If you are ever in Savannah this restaurant is a must! Already looking forward to my next trip back.
(5)
Ken G.
We were in the mood for shrimp and grits tonight and the concierge at our hotel suggested Alligator Soul. It was terrific. The shrimp and grits with the best we've ever had and everything else we ordered was excellent. We very much appreciated our waiter's suggestion to order the appetizer portion of the shrimp and grits as a main course and we started with a salad and fried green tomatoes. All were so delicious! We also very much enjoyed the cocktails. Instead of wine, we shared a 750 ml. bottle of a wine cask aged porter - our waiter's suggestion and a perfect accompaniment to the shrimp. It was a delightful evening of wonderful food!
(5)
Kinny M.
The food was phenomenal! Best shrimp and grits I've had in Savannah. Hyman's in Charleston SC is the only place where I've had better. The wait staff was very friendly and helped make our dining experience even more enjoyable. It was a little expensive, but a great treat while on vacation. We'll be back on our next trip!
(5)
Penny L.
Went here New Years Eve and it was fantastic! Here are all my likes: Cocktail Menu - so much more than cosmos! The Strawberry Caipiroska was so fresh, homemade and worth every penny. Waiting area - cozy, dark, romantic, comfy couches and plenty of seats. And since it was the holidays they still had a beautiful, huge Christmas tree near the fireplace. Little Hilbo - the steak was unreal. My gal pal and I split this (it's a little expensive to split plate at $10), but we're glad we did. Our steak was huge, melted in your mouth, and had a nice butter sauce with it. Better than the steak we had the night before at Local 10 Eleven. Duck Fat Fries - It came with our steak, but if it doesn't come with your meal, get it as a side. It's a MUST. Birthday Celebration - it was my gal's bday and instead of cheesey singing, they did this really cool FIRE ON THE TABLE thing. Awesome! Game Meats - my guy got the 'game meat of the night' which was kangaroo. Prepared nicely, cooked perfectly, and not too gamey. Next time I'm in Savannah, this is the first place I'm stopping so I can get my fix of duck fat fries and trawberry caipiroskas!
(4)
Cathy W.
Loved the feel of this place. It's downstairs and feels like a speakeasy. The wait staff was genuine and friendly, demonstrating a good show of Southern hospitality. They took an interest in us and laughed at our lame "menu banter." While usually a wine drinker, the speakeasy environment prompted me to order a Brown Derby cocktail, which was DELICIOUS. With a heightened buzz, I enjoyed my shrimp and grits and corn muffins. I had a house salad too. The shrimp and grits fills you up, fast, so I think this dish can be shared by two people who both want to order dessert. I remember my dessert as "okay," chocolate pie with white chocolate mousse. We rolled out of there.
(4)
Amy R.
I had heard such great things about this place and it was recommended by two different friends. good food, service was pretty awful. I walked in without a res and sat at the bar. The host, made me get up. Said another couple had been waiting for the seats. one of which I had sat at. Mind you there was no crowd and I had been eyeing the seats for a good minute or two. I apologized and said I didn't realize the bar was reserved seated. He said no, it's first come first serve. So I'm still scratching my head over that..... I got up and sat at the end bar stool closest to the door hung my head low and tried to hide my embarrassment for how I had been treated. I would have complained but I was so embarrassed I didn't want to draw anymore attention to myself. The bar staff was preoccupied and I had to wait a long time for everything. Won't go back. not the southern hospitality Savannah is known for.
(2)
Daniela S.
Ambience was appealing except for the smokiness from the kitchen. Overall would have rated this 4 star but the suckling pig dish was one of the worst pork dishes I've ever had...bland, overcooked and overpriced- should have sent it back. Redeeming qualities were the charcuterie board for an appetizer. My husband had the elk dish that was excellent.
(3)
Angela K.
Came here for an anniversary dinner. Was very pleased with the food, not as much with the service. Our waitress kept disappearing for extended periods of time, especially before we were going to order! It can also feel a little claustrophobic. We were in a very small room and it was packed in there. Felt a little stuffy. The food is awesome. Very interesting, and quite pricey. Be prepared to spend some money. If you have not eaten alligator before, now is the time to try it! I also suggest getting whatever meat has been brought in! My boyfriend had the elk they were offering and it was cooked to absolute perfection! Overall, it was a pretty good experience.
(4)
Colin A.
I know this place has great ratings and went in with high expectations after getting recommendations from many people. The atmosphere is cool but I think that may be about it. I ordered the oysters for an appetizer which was the only good thing about the meal. Bread came out after I was finished with the appetizer, followed by an old fashioned heavy on the soda water. Over an hour elapsed before my entree, the roasted pig came out. The meat was cold, I left it on the plate and I voiced that to the staff. I was disappointed to see the entree was not comped.
(2)
Aileen W.
We only stopped in for adrink but Melvin our bartender made the most excellent infused organic cocktails for us. We will be back!
(5)
Jason H.
Jesus somebody please tell me why their butter taste like I died and came back!!! Overall food is exceptional! ....but that butter...
(5)
Angela B.
We were in Savannah for a wedding. As it was our first time we wanted to make sure our one big dinner out was fabulous. We decided on Alligator Soul and none of us regret it! The atmosphere is really nice. Lots of old brick and dark but nice. We were seated in a comfy seating area until our table was ready. Their drink menu had some selections that were standard and some unique stuff. They handled alterations to the drink menu really well. I had the strawberry caiprioshka and it was amazing. Had a couple actually! We were seated in an alcove and treated to really tasty bread and butter. Our waiter was hilarious and a highlight of the night. He was funny and attentive. A big hit all around! For an appetizer we ordered the grilled alligator. 2 people in our party had never consumed alligator before and I was thrilled this was what they tried. It was perfectly grilled and seasoned. Really tasty meat with a bit of very good sausage on the skewer. For dinner I had the ribeye which was perfectly cooked which came with greens that were to die for and normally I hate greens! The fries done in duck fat were delicious and I almost had to maim my boyfriend for stealing them. My boyfriend had the Ostrich which he said was really good. One friend had the crispy pork chop which as I snagged a piece was a delightful. Our final person had the filet which she loved despite the fact she had to have it well done due to pregnancy. All in all we greatly enjoyed this meal. The food was wonderful and the waiter and atmosphere were great. I highly recommend
(5)
Paolo M.
Disappointing food that is over seasoned to compensate for the low quality meat. Service is indifferent. Pretty dining room but nothing to write home about.
(2)
Cassie R.
Alligator Soul is a gem! I'm a huge fan of any establishment that is farm to table and certified organic. The service was impeccable (Brittany, I believe was our server's name, she was fantastic!). We were in a drinking mood so we got a little crazy and ordered the moonshine martini flight. Beware! The flight comes with 3 martinis in the most adorable little glasses. The flavors were apple, pear (my favorite), and peach. They were quite sweet but we still enjoyed them, and they definitely served their purpose! ;) My mother ordered the scallops with an addition of shrimp. The scallops were melt in your mouth wonderful and the shrimp was a big enough portion was us to share. Score! I was feeling adventurous so I chose to explore the exotic fare that the restaurant is famous for. The special was elk and it was delicious and cooked to perfection, however I was quite taken aback by the $40 price tag we realized it accompanied when the bill came. Brittany did a great job of pairing a red wine that perfectly complimented the dish. We really enjoyed this experience and would recommend it to a friend looking for a special night out.
(4)
Jessica R.
So this review is a little late....just got back into the swing of things.... My boyfriend and I were here for a little weekend getaway in August or September sometime. I remember the drinks!;)....martinis....um, yea, can't go wrong there! I also had some of their specialty cocktails which I'm a stickler for since I used to bartend and am, lets face it, a big fan of alcohol....so with that, I was very happy that the drinks were both delicious and strong. If i remember correctly we had the cheese sampler which was devastatingly good. And the bread....oh, the bread... I remember that...soft and warm and freshly made. Also the diver scallops were pretty damn delicious too....whatever he had he was impressed with as well and he can be pretty critical of the food scene. The service put it over the top. I wish I could remember our waiters name because he was so nice and helpful in a town we'd never been to before. Gotta love that Southern charm. There's a dessert they bring you at the end where they dim all the lights in the restaurant and light the table on fire...pretty cool. I like that I can get that kind of entertainment without being surrounded by Vegas drunks or Applebees flare servers. Hell, who am I kidding, I like it then too.
(5)
Michael M.
Four stars = exceeded my expectations. Had a really tasty meal here. Started off with a Gin Gin Mule which was served in a metallic martini glass. Refreshing and easy to drink. Then finished the meal with a "pork three ways". This was a pork confit, pork tenderloin and a pork belly served over a bed of grits. I was almost able to rank this place 5 stars but the appetizer of blue crab was not very strong in terms of crab flavor; obscured by all the other flavors. Service was spot on.
(4)
Tammy F.
This was a very nice restaurant. The atmosphere was great. The waiter was very informed. The food not so good. I ordered grilled swordfish it was good. It was served on a grit Parmesan Romano Patty, this was not good at all. I could not even cut this with my knife. I tore it apart and tasted the middle there was no flavor at all. This was served with salad greens, supposedly eggplant and butternut squash. I found no butternut squash And only two bites of egg plant. My husband ordered the bacon wrapped tenderloin it was very good. It came with a side of greens collard greens and kale. My husband does not like grains, so I tried them. The taste was pretty good but after three bites I couldn't get over all the gritty sand in the greens. Then came dessert. My husband ordered a peach apple cobbler. The pecans in the cobbler tasted rancid it was awful. I was very disappointed in the food considering the price. I will not return.
(3)
Don F.
We loved our visit. We spent a WAD of dough here, but the food and the atmosphere was great. Our server was fun and we all had a great night. If you are worried about $$, that's cool, don't go here. But if you want GREAT food, this place gave us some of the best food we've had in a while, and we like our food.
(5)
Matthew W.
Great place, great service. Felt like we had 5 different waiters because so many we're asking if we needed anything. Great food as well. They have exotic choices to go with other favorites of savannah. A+
(5)
Lourdes M.
We had an amazing experience here. The beef tenderloin is to die for and the restaurant week deals were fantastic. The house wine was lovely and the service was superb. They are very gluten free friendly as well. We left with giant grins on our faces we had such a great time.
(5)
Chris B.
Terrific place for a date. Low light sexy atmosphere. The food was incredible. My first time here and I lucked out......restaurant week!! Reservations on the weekend are a must. Would have gotten 5 stars but of course it was quite pricey.
(4)
Jason V.
The service was poor, the food was average. The house salad was nothing special and came out with no dressing (not lightly dressed actually no dressing). Our meals came out when we were still eating our appetizers (oysters). My wife's was ice cold and mine was not cooked to temperature. The manager came by to apologize and get things corrected. He offered to get us a round of drinks while we waited for our meals to be redone. We got the bill and were charged for the round, which didn't sit well with us. Of the three dinners we had in Savannah this was the clear cut worst and a far cry from "fine dinning".
(1)
Jerry R.
A must stop in Savannah. The food was absolutely outstanding, from the oysters, the alligator gumbo, the shrimp & grits, to the dry aged ribeye. The best cuisine with a southern / creole twist I've ever had. The warm, caring, hospitality of the staff and management were second to none. We were even given a house favorite recipe to bring back to Massachusetts to make! A must try. We would definitely go back If visiting Savannah again.
(5)
Kristie C.
Delicious food and excellent service!!! I like to eat food at restaurants that I can't cook at home and that it was you get here. Everything was perfect from appetizer to entree and dessert. I had sea bass for my entree and my husband had elk, both were perfectly cooked and a true treat to the palette. My husband is so picky and he lioved it, so that says a lot. Definitely recommend this restaurant. Can't wait to go back.
(5)
Ben H.
One of the bests of Savannah!!
(5)
Iliana A.
We had a fantastic experience at Alligator Soul! The service was excellent and the food was even better. I had the shrimp and grits and scallops for dinner, both were very good. My husband had the bacon wrapped tenderloin and it was delish. Cocktails were great and the wine selection was also great. The staff was very attentive, congratulating us on our anniversary and offering us a tasty gift.
(5)
Kaytee N.
I was thoroughly impressed by Alligator Soul. I was on vacation in Savannah for a week, and had heard so-so reviews on this place. I decided to go anyway, and I definitely do not regret that choice. My friend who I went with has a severe gluten allergy. We let the restaurant know ahead of time, just to be safe. Not only did the waiter promptly mention it when we got to the table, but the kitchen also baked a gluten free loaf of DELICIOUS bread from scratch for her. When she mentioned that she was blown away by their attention to detail and that the bread was amazing, they brought her a second loaf in a to-go bag. For free. Wow! I, however, eat glutenous foods like they're going out of style. Their "normal" breads were amazing--especially the one with herbs de provence in it. Damn. So good. The amuse-bouche was imaginative and nicely plated. Smoked whitefish on a thin, crispy chip with fig compote. I ordered the house salad first. I was a little thrown off when I saw a green-goddess-y dressing over top a bed of lettuce, olives, and figs. But wow! The flavors, though unorthodox together, were perfect in this salad. Really, really nice and unexpected compliments. The shrimp and grits entree was to die for. I feel like I ate it in under 5 minutes. Could have had seconds, even though it was a VERY generous portion! The grits were creamy and delicious, and the shrimp were cooked and seasoned perfectly. Absolutely wonderful dish. Next time I'm in Savannah, I'll definitely be back--I want to try some of the exotic meats (ostrich?! Kangaroo?!)!
(5)
Alicia S.
Excellent dinning experiece. My husband and I are foodies and I'm an LA native, so dinning is my passtime. If you are visitng Savannah, this place is a must. If your deciding between here and say, Ruths Chris, pick here. The fusion creole cuisine is very very good. The organic cocktails are mixed traditionally like an old school mixologist tends bar. Exotic fare is typically what is featured on the daily specials. My husband had bison, and I had Shrimp and Grts. Both superb.
(5)
J.K. F.
Hit or miss food, horrible service. Server wasn't knowledgable (about the menu or food/beverages in general). The menu offers "exotic" entrees (e.g., kangaroo) yet he couldn't describe to someone who'd never had it what it tasted like. After we sent back a bad cocktail, he struggled (staring at the menu) to recommend a dark beer! He didn't check back much or notice when our drinks were low/empty. Seemed to avoid eye contact even when passing our table. He set food and drinks down and walked away without comment or naming what he was serving (he actually got shown up by a much more competent bus boy when serving dessert). Bad timing on bringing drinks in time to go with the course for which we'd ordered them. Food had potential but execution was mostly just ok: - Slow-cooked pork/kale spring roll (special app): pork wasn't bad but putting in a spring roll just made it greasier and the kale was lost completely. Overly mustardy sauce on top. - Bison entree stood out as the one decent item. Flavorful with good chimichurri, and though the grit "tamal" wasn't as firm as a tamal should be, it was tasty. - Kangaroo was sold (by another server we flagged down after ours failed) as lean but more flavorful and juicy than beef, but it was actually not very flavorful and a bit try. Portion of meat was on the small side. The pasta primavera it came with was described as having a bounty of fresh, local vegetables - server made a point of listing all 6-8 types of veggies in it, so I had high hopes. The veggies were overcooked and lost in all the pasta (pasta was well-cooked). They were chopped into such small pieces that if they were fresh and impressive, you'd never be able to tell. - Cobbler was just ok. Meyer lemon-blueberry cheesecake was good, though if I see a meyer lemon dessert on a menu, I'm hoping the lemon really shines. This was pretty subtle. - Etta James cocktail was decent. Negroni was awful (sent it back). Beer (which we had to find ourselves after waiter failed) was good, though I can't remember what it was. Sonoma cabernet from the "featured winemaker" was good, though waiter looked confused when I ordered it so I'm only assuming he brought the right one. I can see having a better experience with another server and possibly different dishes, though I don't see this being more than a 3-star establishment, especially in a city with so much good food!
One of my favorite places in Savannah's historic district for fine dining. I have eaten here several times over the years. Place is located about a block from City Market on Barnard Street, right off Telfair Square. Great atmosphere for fine dining. Very innovative menu by the chef. Seems to change every time I go (every six months or so). Service is also first class. If you are looking for a local Savannah establishment to take your significant other out for a special dinner then I highly recommend this place. Also a great place to impress business associates. Last points, 1) Dinner will not come cheap so be sure to expect a high bill if you also plan on getting appetizers and wine (or other drinks). Still believe it is worth it. 2) You are on your own for parking like most places in the historic district. 3) Highly recommend using Open Table or Yelp to make reservations You may not get in if you don't have a reservation. 4) It is a classy place but you don't have to dress up. I have seen people there in shorts.
(5)
Terrence G.
My wife and I ate here on our anniversary. I like how it is located in the below ground level of a building. It was a little pricey, but worth it for a special occassion. I had one of the single malt scotch flights. I thought the price was a little high for the amount of liquior it came with. So I ordered a glass of scotch instead for my second drink. I ordered a ribeye wich was very tastey with a nice spice to it. My wife had the duck which was also very good. Overall Alligator Soul was a good place, but for my first visit to Savannah I thought the Pink House had them beat. I would still come back here next time I'm in town.
(4)
Karyn C.
Being born and raised on the West Coast, I never ate grits until I was a traveling adult. Giving into my 'eat by mood' desires, grits never cross my mind. I'm thankful my waiter Ryan told me to give them a try - they were absolutely delicious! Service by Ryan was great as well...he's passionate about the food, so descriptive and willing to give recommendations based on my mood, and made me feel he wanted me to be happy.
(5)
Jen B.
Even before the appetizers, they brought out a little taste of one of their soups. In general it was great to get such a good sampling of the local fare. The hostess was right, the crab tart was incredible. I would do that every day if it were practical. It was rich, in a good way. All of the staff were super-friendly, and it was never difficult to catch someone's attention if you needed anything. I was very happy with the lamb. It was nice and tender, but had a couple gristly spots. However, the sweet side that it came with complimented it so well.
(4)
Mike M.
Just returned from a great trip to Savannah and Charleston. Prior to our trip we researched the best eateries in both cities and made reservations at what we felt were the best of the best each city offered. That said, we ate at 8 top restaurants and without question the best of the best was Alligator Soul. I ordered the grilled American lamb chops and it was absolutely wonderful. The staff was professional and extremely courteous and our waiter, a fellow Californian was most gracious and knew the menu as if he were the head chef. Alligator Soul is down a flight of stairs off the street with small signage but with enormous taste and class.
(5)
Christine C.
We were visiting Savannah for Memorial Day weekend. I made reservations on Open Table for 4 people for Friday night at 745pm. I also called ahead to let the restaurant know that it was my brother-in-laws birthday (James). The moment we walked in we loved the ambiance. Once I gave the hostess our parties name she wished James a happy birthday. We had arrived early so we were able to sit at a nice lounge area in front of a fire place. We relaxed and had a couple of drinks. When we were ready we let the hostess know and she sat us at the table. We never felt rushed to sit even though our table had been ready for a while. We really enjoyed sitting in lounge with our cocktails. Once we were sat there was a personalized box that said Happy Birthday James which had some sweets inside. The food was delicious and service was amazing. The special for the night was Kangaroo. We will definitely be going back during our next trip to Savannah.
(5)
M L.
This place was excellent. It's got a great vibe and decor. The bar tenders are great - very friendly and knowledgable. Tonight I got to sample a new cocktail they're testing out and considering adding to the menu. The working name is "The Southern," and if you see it, I strongly recommend giving it a try. We rounded out our meal with the oysters (I almost never get baked oysters, but these were delicious), fried green tomatoes, and shrimp and grits. All excellent.
WOW!!! My wife and I came to Savannah for our 22 year wedding anniversary and we kept hearing people say we had to visit Alligator Soul. With the word "Soul" in the name, I mistakenly thought this was a soul food place and a bit laid back. Boy was I wrong. We didn't make reservations as we were just wandering around Savannah on our last night in the city. We stumbled across the entrance at 5pm and decided to call them and see if we could get into the place (they open at 5:30pm). The person who answered told us no problem if were there at 5:30p. The place is absolutely beautiful inside! It is located in the basement of a building and has a very interesting old Savannah look to it. The waitress that we had (and the other waiters) were just amazing. The level of detail they go into on all aspects of your visit is just amazing. Be it all the drinks (we are not drinkers), to appetizers, entree's, deserts, etc. They told you the most intimate details of everything to ensure that you have a fantastic dining experience. At times it was a bit much, but I can see why they do it so that you know what you are getting and so they can gauge what you want and like. Very classy in my book and I have only seen this level of detail in a few places. My wife had the bacon wrapped tenderloins and I had the Little Hillbo steak. Being from the midwest, I didn't think Savannah would know how to cook beef properly (or even get good beef)... boy, was I wrong. The steak was done perfectly and had the most amazing sauce on it that I hear takes four days to make. And the friets were just amazing.... they were so tender inside but with the most amazing crispness that was ever so thin and just perfect. The person who was our server said that they cook them first in regular oil and then flash fry them in duck fat... amazing taste! My wife is really picky when it comes to having a steak done correctly for her. It is either too done, or not done enough. The chef here nailed it perfectly on the head. I also found out later that they had a big Hillbo steak that ranges from 30 - 40 oz!! Wow... too much beef for me as the little Hillbo was almost 18 - 20 oz. This was an amazing find in Savannah... you have a jewel of a place here and I will make sure that if we come back to Savannah, we stop back here again.
(5)
Haley M.
My boyfriend and I were searching for good southern food in Savannah and after being referred to Paula Dean's restaurant a few times (no thanks...), we settled on Alligator Soul. Positives: #1 The food was outstanding!!! My boyfriend ordered the buffalo prime rib at the suggestion of the server and I ordered the shrimp and grits. I'm not a fan of super rare meat so I generally stay away from prime rib, but I tried it and it was tender and not overly bloody...very tasty! The shrimp and grits was exquisite as well and even earned the approval of my boyfriend who claimed to hate grits (crazy, I know!). We both ordered specialty drinks (sangria & the ginger liquor/sparkling wine - can't remember what that one was called, Canton something I think) and they were both outstanding. We ordered the creme brulee for dessert, which was outstanding and went well w/my Baileys and coffee. Overall, you can tell the ingredients they use are high-quality. #2 Our server was ready with spot-on suggestions (the buffalo prime rib and sangria) and was very personable and helpful. #3 The atmosphere was really unique and open without being too loud. We sat at a corner table near the fireplace which gave a nice ambiance. Negatives: #1 Really over-priced (but Savannah seems to be a pricey city overall). #2 It got very busy right before our main course was served and we could tell our server was a bit over-worked since he disappeared for long periods of time. This we overlooked, though, since he was excellent in every other way.
(4)
Maggie H.
This restaurant was a complete wow in everyway! I wanted to eat at Alligator Soul from the moment I read about it and I was not disappointed when I went. I called to make a reservation and both people I spoke to on the phone where exceedingly helpful and friendly. When we arrived for our reservation, a bit early, we took a seat at the couch by the fire to wait. We mentioned how cozy the space was and asked if we could eat our appetizers/have our drinks there. Not only did they oblige us, but they brought over a tablecloth, candles, and flowers for us too! We ordered the baked oysters and local cheese plate, both were amazing. I value a good cheese plate highly and they did not disappoint with their local cheese selection. In addition, the baked oysters with crayfish (which are not on the online menu) were one of the best things I have ever had. The cocktail/wine menu was extensive and they even have a martini flight for people to try some different drink options. We found Alligator Soul so great we actually went back the next night to have cocktails and their cheese plate again. The atmosphere was also perfect for what we were looking for. It had fireplaces, leather furniture, and it felt "old school" with the jazz in the background and underground location. Originally I was planning on giving Alligator Soul 4 stars, mainly because of their pricing and its impact on their possible client base. However, they went above and beyond my expectations and I have to give them 5 stars! They really acted as if they wanted our business and they did everything possible to ensure we enjoyed our experience. In my opinion, this is a have-to in Savannah. Best restaurant I went to while there!
(5)
Nicole W.
Kinda dark, cave-like feel, but very intimate and 'romantic' :) Fear not- there is an elevator if you can't make it down the flight of steps (either before or after the alcohol). + Fried green tomatoes and/or the seasonal cheese plate. absolutely delicious~ cheese plate comes with fresh Savannah Bee honey & fruit. Entrees were also good, and not hugely proportioned. Service was attentive and helpful when trying to decide what to order. I appreciated this place for its formal dining experience. We had two appetizers, three cocktails, and two entrees for $100. Not bad!
(4)
Pamela J.
We had a wonderful dining experience from start to finish at Alligator Soul. I originally made a 9:30pm reservation on opentable , first available on a busy weekend, despite looking ahead 3 weeks. I called the same day and the manager personally called me back and was able to move our party to 7pm. When we arrived, we were warmly greeted at the host stand. Our server, Davis, was knowledgable, friendly, and made us feel instantly welcome. We ordered cocktails, appetizers- alligator, fried green tomatoes, shrimp and grits, followed by entrees of scallops, leg of lamb, and a speciality item, elk. Our server recommend a wine which paired extremely well and which was affordable. The staff worked as a team, multiple people refilling water, clearing our plates, asking us how we were. I saw the manager working as a bar back, host, food runner, processing payment. They looked like a well- oiled machine. We got a true southern dining experience, charming service, delicious and unique cuisine! Ten stars for Alligator Soul!
(5)
Elora R.
Loved this place. Came across it over Open Table and NO regrets choosing it for my graduation dinner. Had the Chet's special: grouper marinated in miso along with a side of fried gator and my tummy was in heaven! Great friendly service. Fresh, local food. A definite Savannah must. My ONLY complaint was that they poured broth over my dad'd risotto, making it soggy.
(4)
J B.
Awesome food! May hit this place everytime I am in Savannah
(5)
Shay H.
I'm writing this review a few months after visiting this restaurant, so unfortunately don't remember much about what we ate. What I do remember is being wowed by the entire experience. There was something very novel about heading downstairs into the basement of an old building which opened up into this beautiful underground restaurant. The drinks were good and I remember the food being absolutely delicious. Also, the service was top notch. This is definitely somewhere I would like to visit again if ever in Savannah. I would recommend it to anybody looking for a nice dinner out.
(5)
Robyn M.
Need minus stars. We had this reservation since 2/23 for 04/21 (see below) Alligator Soul Reservations member_services@opentabl… Feb 23 to me Dear XXXXX, Your table for 2 at Alligator Soul will be ready on Saturday, April 21, 2012 at 6:30 PM. The reservation is held under: XXXXX. Be sure to check in with the maitre d' when you arrive. Upon dining, you will receive 100 OpenTable Points. Please note Dining Reward conditions: opentable.com/info/dinin… From the restaurant: Thank you for choosing Alligator Soul. Should your plans change, please let us know. We look forward to serving you. To get there: Alligator Soul 114 Barnard Street Savannah, GA 33127 Cross Street: Broughton/State (912) 232-7899 only for them to call the night before our reservation and say they didn't use "open table" for reservations and they booked my table to someone else. When I explained that we had the reservation since February, they told us to come and they would fix it. We did. We found that their entire reservation service was "open table" - lie one. Lie two - "someone at the exact same time that you were making your reservation made one too". Really, I wish I had known that someone was planning their trip to Savannah in February for April at the same time and made the same reservation at the exact same time - I would have played the lotto that day. I missed my chance. So I got the call the day before and they told us to come, even got a call confirming it. We got there, no table. They had a whole day to figure this out. Not a surprise. After 10 minutes and the rude hostess staff explained to me that they weren't seating folks before us, "they had a reservation". We were offered the opportunity to wait for a table or have one place right behind the hostess stand - what a great choice, so we waited, and waited. We were told we could wait in their "lounge area" since they actually take reservations for the seats at the bar - this is uptown eating! I have to say they don't even uphold their own standards. It clearly states "kids: No", but the lovely "lounge" area had two chairs and one couch, the couch had two "kids" wrestling on it. Again what a lovely place. My husband had to go to the bar to get served. When he got back, he looked and me and said, "I didn't have to change". I asked my husband to change from his nice jeans and shirt to dress pants and a dressy shirt, since the guidelines state "Dressy". I didn't know cut off jeans with t-shirts was dressy, my bad. We are finally seated. The starter was a shrimp cocktail with green tomato sauce and grill veggies. It was good, but the shrimp was mushy. I got shrimp and grits - too spicy and my husband got the Smoked Bacon Wrapped Beef Tenderloin and it was served "blue" not medium to medium well. Our anniversary "present" was pecan tarts (small pecan pies). Our waitress called them pralines. We don't eat pecans, but thanks. Then our waitress came and without explanation and poured some sort of alcohol on our table and set it a fire. Who knows. Don't waste your time. A typical situation where the two manager/owners can't see the forest for the trees. They want to be up scale, but the service is bad, they reserve the bar seats (who does that), the lady's bathroom has a two inch gap in the wall so anyone washing their hands can see you "rest", and the food is second rate at best.
(1)
laurie g.
We went last night for dinner and the food was amazing. Oysters a la soul were the best oysters I have ever eaten. The chef was extremely considerate of my garlic allergy and took great care in sauces and backed down the garlic. The food was 5 stars! Hands down, but they were very busy and service was a little slow. Everyone was very attentive it was just a little slow, and I didn't think the staff was very knowledgable regarding the wine list. If you haven't tried this place, you WILL NOT be disappointed. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone wanting an elegant dinner in savannah .
(4)
Miles E.
Pricey but totally worth it to splurge every now and then. They attention to detail in the food and service really is amazing. Example: All Parmesan Grit Croutons in the salad are homemade and pan fried there? SERIOUSLY? haha this place is awesome.The chef is amazing and is always changing the menu to offer the freshest seasonal seafoods/proteins. For the whiskey lovers out there this place has a fantastic sampler selection that will def but some hair on your chest. I PROMISE THIS PLACE WILL NOT LET YOU DOWN
(5)
Paula M.
I highly recommend this restaurant. Excellent food, drinks, and service!
(5)
Ramon P.
Well we went to alligator soul based on all the hype but sadly it didn't live up to any of it. The food wasn't anything to write home about at all the service was horrible. The waiter didn't even know what was on the menu and that they had run out of scallops.. So he continues to try to sell us scallops we had to continue to remind him that he doesn't have that on the menu. Overall we paid over $180 and we hated spending every penny NEVER AGAIN WILL WE EVER GO BACK THERE THANKS BUT NO THANKS
(2)
Ginger J.
The food was outstanding! Better than that was our waiter. He was darling and was really cute with my 7 month old nephew, which made us love this place even more!
(5)
STEPHANIE L.
My family and I dined at Alligator Soul- the food was delicious! We originally tried making a reservation and were disappointed when it would not take on open table. Then two days before our trip I received a phone call confirming our reservation. He explained that it must have been a glitch. We were happy to see that we could be accommodated. We tried many cocktails- all of which were delicious. We really liked their sidecar's the best! We did Fried Green Tomatoes for an appetizer. The portions are great size to split and add a salad. Our table had many items. By far our favorite was the shrimp and grits. Incredibly tasty! Our server was great- Lots of personality, and incredibly attentive. I would suggest this as a great restaurant for a date, or an intimate meal. Due to the popularity it was hard to get a reservation and we could be sat until 9:15.
(4)
Bizz M.
I will start off my review with this. Best food we had in Savannah. Best service we had in Savannah...best dessert my wife has had since the inception of the dessert back in the 1970's. Since everything in Savannah seems to be accessible via walking (if your a tourist), that will come in handy when looking for this restaurant. We almost walked past it and we definitely would have driven past it 6 or 7 times. Its in a basement, a nice basement...actually a very very nice basement. The only thing that lets you know its there is the alligator art thingy that hangs over the steps. Go to the website and look at the picture of the Alligator logo...give yourself a chance at finding this spot. I forget our waiters name but we found out he was new. I would not have known that if I wasn't told that info. We had the shrimp and grits. Wow...I'm not a fan of grits but I would have eaten this all day. Really great stuff there. Scallops...thumbs up, and the chicken that my wife had??? I can't remember exactly. Another winner thou. Now the dessert. The Pear Tart. I honestly thought my wife was going to slap me across the face she was so happy to be eating this. Bopping up and down in her chair like a 3 year old playing spaceships. She doesn't normally like dessert but we ended up going back the next night just so she could get it again before we left town. That is were we met the bartender Emily who told us all about her trip to Atlanta to watch the Phillies spank the Braves, vegetable girl and the "To-Go Cup". Yeah we learned about the greatest concept in the history of drinking on the last night. You get "To-Go" with your drink or fill one up before you go, with your to-go....cup. Before I ramble on. Go here. You will like the people, you will like the food, you will like the dessert and by all means get a god damn "To-go" cup just to hold it high while walking down the street.
(5)
John H.
Elk was delicious! Definitely will go back to try some more game meats. Just hole in the ground if you're looking for it, but it's well worth the search. Make a reservation or you'll be waiting for hours!
(4)
Amy L.
We came here for our anniversary dinner on our first trip to Savannah. Btw, a most uniquely lovely city it is. The Good: we found the atmosphere lively, with super-cool architectural touches to the place, e.g., the large bricked archways, the magical little "view" outside from our cozy table. We loved our server Rachel. She was sweet and clearly wanted to ensure a great dining experience. The seafood charcuterie special appetizer was to die for as was the she-crab soup. i also quite enjoyed the fried green tomatoes, which had a nice crunchy cornmeal coating and a wonderfully flavorful and spicy sauce. The cocktail menu was imaginative and exciting in its range. The Etta James cocktail was a good choice for the gin-lover. Loved the lighting the table on fire trick in ackowledgement of our special occasion as well as the cute little personalized box w/ a baby pecan pie and chocolates. Finally, enjoyed hearing a little bit of the restaurant's namesake soul in the background. The Not So Good: I quickly found that one of the four sea scallops in the dish was basically raw, w/ the center being cold. We didnt say anything because we were stuffed anyway (and yeah we hate sending food back). In addition, the prices were pretty high but not too out of keeping with other fine-dining establishments in the area. The Summary: if (ok, it's more of a "when") we return to this charming city we would not hesitate to return for a take 2.
(4)
Ami K.
This place, nestled in an underground spot, was a fun spot where the service was impeccable and the food delicious. We came here soon after getting engaged and the restaurant, upon learning this detail, did their best to make sure that we did not forget our experience there. I was especially touched by the mini pastries sent over by the chef, with a note from the staff congratulating us. As for the food, I had the veggie plate, which was impeccable and possibly the most inventive and most adventurous creations I've seen in a restaurant. My fiance ordered a meat appetizer, the turtle soup, and an entree, all of which I sampled, and we finished with a cheese plate. The thing I like most about this restaurant is that it's not a place that is afraid to take risks, and it delivers well on its promise. I think it's a testament to culinary skill when a chef is able to work with a wide variety of foods and can create contrasts that don't overwhelm your palette or just clash. I would have preferred to give this 4.5 stars, instead of 4, because the food and service were wonderful and worth recommending; however, the restaurant was fairly loud (it seems the acoustics of the space are not forgiving) and it forces one to either shout or sit VERY closely to someone in order to have a conversation over your meal
(4)
Sarah P.
I came here with my new husband on our honeymoon, after a friend highly recommended it. We wanted to eat southern food since we were in the south, and what we got was an amazing experience of southern dining with a flair. Everything was overwhelmingly perfect from the chocolate box gift on our table wishing us a happy honeymoon was a great touch. Definitely a highlight of our trip!
(5)
Joanna R.
Had the sweetest dinner at Alligator Soul this past May while on vacation in Savannah. The service everywhere in the city seems to be superb so I won't even delve into that (even though it was fantastic). The restaurant is kind of underground and so initially we thought it was closed even though we'd made reservations. Once inside, the place was pretty packed for a Tuesday night. We had the blue crab tart to share as an appetizer and hmmm, wish I'd gotten my own. It was amazing. M chose the "little hilbo" which is the rib eye with duck fat fries, and I had the bacon wrapped tenderloin. Our waiter stated that his choice was the most popular but for once during our entire trip, I didn't feel like he picked the best dish. My mashed potatoes matched the beef perfectly and I ate the entire thing. Not to say his meal wasn't tasty and those fries, ahhhhh. I'm getting hungry just thinking about it. For dessert we had the tea crème brulee. Not my favorite but you can't really lose with crème brulee anyway. All in all, a place you should visit when in Savannah. Bon appetit, my lovelies.
(5)
Tom B.
Went to Savannah with another couple and had a great experience at Alligator Soul. The Shrimp and Grits was great, as was the service. Highly recommend this cozy, dressy restaurant for a date night.
Alligator Soul is amazing! This restaurant was recommended to my girlfriend and me by a local and it did not disappoint. I had the exotic special of the night, which was kangaroo served with shallots and mushrooms cooked in foie gras. The exotic special however changes regularly and you could get pheasant, camel, and some other exotic meats. My girlfriend had shrimp and grits. Both were delicious. Our server (David?) was awesome. He recommended that I get a cup of creole as an appetizer which was also delicious. We did order a lot of food since everything on the menu looked delicious and the price wasn't too bad, I've definitely paid more in Manhattan for dinner and drinks than I did here. I will definitely be going back to Alligator Soul, if I visit Savannah again.
(5)
Tiffany M.
No alligator, no fresh oysters, terrible service. The service was so bad that we asked for another waiter, but we were told that wasn't an option (if you get Kate, ask for another server). BTW, we're very nice people and did not make a scene - we just wanted some service. Our cocktails never arrived, but the wine we ordered for our dinner made it to the table first. After waiting and waiting, I went to the bar and asked the bartender where our drinks were. Unbelievable! The food was very disappointing, and we weren't the only ones complaining. We started with the beer battered oysters that tasted like batter. My husband ordered the shrimp and strawberry salad and asked to have the strawberries on the side. I guess good old Kate forgot about that request. My husband ordered the ribeye and it was so tough he couldn't eat it. When he mentioned it to another waiter (Kate was MIA) he was told ribeyes are always tough. Fatty yes, tough no. I ordered the jambalaya with extra shrimp - I overheard another waiter telling his table you could get it with anything extra (Kate never said a thing). By far the worse dining experience we had in Savannah and cannot recommend it.
(1)
Margie C.
Hostess welcome was sweet. Service very slow. Loved to cozy vibe. Cajun Jumbalaya was tasty. Overall - overrated.
(3)
Jason M.
Berkshire Pork Tenderloin.....AWESOME! Roasted Yellow Tomato Stone Ground Georgia White Grits...AWESOME! See uploaded photo
(5)
Claire O.
As others indicated, it is a nice upscale restaurant. The wait staffs are friendly and well trained. Our table did encountered a small mischief...the furniture accident. However, our waiter Adam was quick and fixed the problem immediately. The menu is well put together. My family all tried different dishes. For starter, we had charcuterie plate, blue crab tart, shrimp & grits, artisan cheese plate and frog legs. They were all good except frog legs, which was under cooked per my brother-in-law. In our entree course, while my duck entree was normal, the alligator gumbo my sister ordered was perfectly seasoned & cooked. For dessert, definitely get the soul banana beignets. It was crunchy, soft, hot, cold and sweet. Where can you find all those senses in your mouth at the same time?!! Therefore, I'll recommend this place to anyone who will be visiting Savannah, GA. Only one small final note, the decor of the place is wonderful, but don't be shock by the "Subway" type of restroom :(
(4)
Michelle C.
We called, but they were booked. We tried our luck and we scored a few seats at the bar. The staff was super friendly. They really made it fun to eat there. The food however was not as good as we would have hoped. They did not have half of the stuff on the menu. The ribeyes were not tender, at all. If I am ever back in Savannah. I would give them another shot. Just because they were so nice.
(3)
Gil K.
Great service at the bar - Melvin and Ryan. Great atmosphere. Scrumptious food. We had a rich smoked crab tort appetizer and delicious salad and grouper. Kind of expensive but most great places are!
(5)
Derek L.
This place is downstairs and kinda of hard to find. FYI The food here is delicious. It has alot of favor. I had the Kangaroo and my girlfriend had the buffalo. I learned when you go to these nice restaurants.. Just get the specials you typically can't go wrong. The surroundings were romantic and the lighting was perfect. I really enjoyed the service, my glass was filled everytime. Matter of fact they were waiters waiting around to make sure your glass stayed filled. Back to the food, Kangaroo good quality and mashed well with the sauce it had. Easy to eat. This place is quite expensive, so if you are on a budget, you may want to look else where. The buffalo was tender and melt in your mouth. Usually I don't like grits but they nailed grits all day!. Grits actually had TASTE for once! Very impressed. If you want to look for a place that is romantic and enjoyable with great food. Come to Alligator Soul!
(5)
Lou K.
Great ambiance eclectic staff. Food was tasty and well presented.
(3)
Josh D.
Yes, this is only my second yelp review, the first one was a 1 star. I figured karma required a positive review to balance out the universe. Alligator Soul was amazing. The service was great, atmosphere cool, and the food was even better. We had the shrimp creole and shrimp and grits for appetizers. Absolutely amazing, among the best we have had anywhere. I liked the shrimp creole so much, I cancelled my steak order and ordered more creole for my entree. My wife had the bacon wrapped fillet for dinner, it was great as well. Long and short, highly recommend this place.
(5)
Erin L.
My husband and I ate here last Friday and it was the best meal we had in Savannah! Friends of ours had eaten there and highly recommended it, insisting on making reservations for us on our honeymoon trip. The service was great. The waitress was knowledgeable and helped me select my dinner. We ordered Shrimp and Grits, Gator Croquettes, Bacon Wrapped Beef Tenderloin, and The Little Hilbo. Everything was delicious, but the croquettes with the citrus gastrique were unforgettable. We can't wait for the chance to dine here again.
(5)
Geo N.
Dont let the basement fool you- this place is wunderbar. Extraordinary veggie food- flavor, texture, attention to detail. Unexpectedly one of the best meals I've ever had. was a wonderful server. Wendy created an amazing old fashion with St Germaine. Vegans have a classy & tasty place in the south, says this dc guy. Even leaving you're courted for your leftover- no bag sitting on the table. Classy, delicious, great service- a must
(5)
Erin G.
I have nothing but good things to say about this restaurant!!! If you are in Savannah you must try!!!! My husband & I sat at the bar and were served my Brian the bartender. He had great recommendations for food & wine!! My shrimp & grits were some of the best I ever had!!! We can't wait for our next trip to Savannah just so we can go back!!!
(5)
Leslie H.
A solid dining experience. Everything was good, but not great...a shame, considering the upscale ambiance and attentive, knowledgeable service. The dessert here (lavender honey creme brulee for me, and banana beignets for the husband) stole the show, for sure.
(3)
Cliff C.
Came here famished and reservationless (I'm starting to see a trend in my reviews). My three guests and I were promptly offered the bar until a table was ready. The short wait went quickly with a pitcher of Sangria, surprisingly good but a little on the pricey side when the check came. The bartender was feisty but likable. We ordered Shrimp with Cheesy Grits and fried green tomatoes as apps. They arrived right when our table became available. Only now did I realize that grits are like polenta with a less frilly name and fried green tomatoes are like an eggplant Parmesan knock-off (without the sauce). The fried tomatoes here were far better than the ones I had the night before elsewhere. Unfortunately it seemed to take a long time to get our actual dinner but when it came it was tasty. My main was the gargantuan pork chop stuffed with greens and bacon and served in a killer sauce. Definitely recommend. Everyone left full and happy with a lighter pocketbook.
(4)
Laurie Z.
Read Yelp reviews and said, "yeah, we have to do this." A true gem. Excellent food. Excellent service. Pricy but so worth it. Our server asked us if we had any dietary restrictions (who does that?) and hubby said he avoids gluten. Two seconds later we had an "amuse bouche" - and hubby's was gluten-free. On to apps. Hubby had oysters that he enjoyed immensely. I had shrimp and grits, which was enough for a meal in itself. He had to help with it or else I wouldn't have had room for the main event: red snapper, which had been in the ocean just that morning. An OMG experience. Hubs had Creole Soul with a couple of diver scallops on the side. We shared tastes and everything was crazy delicious. During dinner we were discussing how we were going to come back on our next visit to Savannah and what we would order. Of course, next year the menu will probably be completely different and how fun will that be?
(5)
Tana M.
Had a nice weekend in Savannah and I had read some bad reviews on this place so I was not going to try it but our waitress at the Bohemian highly recommended it so we gave it a try. I am glad we did! The apps, and drinks where awesome.We had the cheese plate and shrimp and grits. For main course we had a special it was a NY strip, it wasn't mind blowing but the service an atmosphere where spot on!
(4)
Joseph L.
We ate at Alligator Soul at the suggestion of the Hyatt and we were so glad we did. We both had the gumbo appetizer and two salads the perfect starter. The gumbo is very good best since I dined in New Orleans I chose the fish special( I think Grouper) which was very good and perfectly cooked. My wife had the pork chop which was tender and juicy. We split one yummy chocolate mousse for dessert and then waddled out happy and well fed. The service was good so. If you are in Savannah, treat yourself to the Alligator Soul ...
(4)
Carolyn B.
I had the antelope Wellington it was fabulous highly recommended . Our server Jessica was well versed in the menu very friendly. We were fortunate enough to meet owner as it was restaurant week and she was helping serve tables. . We had reservation made on yelp and they had no record but found us a table within 10 min.
(5)
Charles C.
I made reservations for my special lady friend and myself at Alligator Soul last weekend. As we walked downstairs we both immediately were struck by the intimate atmosphere. The brick walls, cobblestone lighting, and fireplace all added to a cozy, below street level interior atmosphere. The staff had placed pecan cookies on the table in advance, and very early on, the chef provided bruschetta with crab spread that was so good. Although we did not have cocktails ( we went with red wine) the cocktail list looked eclectic and classy. All were recipes by in house mixologists. there was always food on the table. For an appetizer we split gator cakes that were tender and flavorful. For dinner, my lady friend had a fresh catch in the form of a chowder. It was a very generous, hearty portion. I myself had the scallops, which were large, soft ( no knife was needed to cut through them ), and very flavorful. The dish came with the best ochre and tomatoes I've ever had in my life. The staff was friendly, talkative, and did a great job explaining the dishes and specials. They were attentive, and never gone for so long that we had to turn our heads to look for them, we connected with our server so much that even asked her to be pulled out of the back afterwards so she could take a photo of us. All in all, very personable. For my money, the bill was just under the amount I spent at Local 1110 the night before, for more, better tasting food, and atmosphere. I would drive from Jacksonville to Savannah again to eat here. Fantastic!
Alligator Soul was recommended by a friend and did not disappoint. Both my wife and I had seafood dishes that were exquisite.
(5)
Melissa E.
5/5 stars all the way! BEST dining experience in vast travel experiences! As tourists of Savannah, northern America and globe, we each had a noteworthy dining experience! In our group of 5, we were able to taste a large majority of the menu and eagerly shared each other's delights. We enjoyed allegator, shrimp, gumbo, elk/venison, roasted savory chicken, pork chops in addition to an exquisite cheese platter, array of spirits and top notch service! The Cognac and specialty cheese cake topped it off. We would HIGHLY recommend this restaurant to any visitor! Please ask for Troy; he was fantastic! We spent approximately $50/pp. Enjoy!!
(5)
Jennifer B.
Went to this restaurant on our weekend getaway to Savannah. This restaurant came highly recommended from hotel staff and several people in Savannah. We arrived for our reservation and we were promptly greeted and seated. We were given a run down on the beverages and specials by our server. Our party of four all ordered different entrees. We had fried green tomatoes and a salami platter to start with. Appetizers were very good, but nothing to write home about. Our entrees came out a while after we ordered. All the food was very good. I would like to make that point clear. The food was good. I just did not see what all the hype was about. The food met all the marks, but nothing sent my taste buds sailing into euphoria. I would neither recommend or not recommend this restaurant. I could take it or leave it, but for the cost, I would probably leave it and go to The Olde Pink House.
(3)
Christopher H.
I was really looking forward to the frog legs listed on their online menu and experiencing other delicacies from down south. Unfortunately no frog legs. I did have the Turtle/alligator/duck gumbo. AMAZING. The adventurous special that night was rabbit. Not that adventurous for me. I had the buffalo short ribs. So tender I didn't even need the knife they brought me. I enjoyed myself. Some of my family members thought the place was a bit snobby and pretentious. Pricey but I enjoyed it.
(4)
Keegan M.
This was great! An upscale southern restaurant with local eats. The service was great and we were presented with a nice little surprise when we sat. They also have an awesome vegan dish, specially made by the chef. We got the rabbit, which I was a little hesitant in getting, but was quite impressed. The rabbit fell on the bone and melted in your mouth.
(5)
Tripplehorn P.
Lovely ambiance, great wait staff and the best food I've had at a restaurant in Savannah ever. I seriously recommend the alligator, turtle & duck jambalaya- only jambalaya worth having outside of New Orleans. The steak was wonderful and the scallops were perfection.
(4)
Kate F.
Yum! We had an awesome meal here. Points for attractive art on the walls and relative quiet of the restaurant, staff tried a little too hard on the up-sells. The wine flights were really just 'pick any three wines and we'll give you a small pour of each'. The sizes were inconsistent and it would have been nice if they had actually been paired in some logical way. We were greeted by name, and mini pecan pies were waiting for us at the table. The homemade bread was warm, and had a sweet/savory flavor. We started with the house salad and the gator croquettes. We were told they are permanently removing the fried green tomatoes from the menu (which was one of the reasons we went!). The salad was good, with some kind of fried-grits croutons that made it. The croquettes were good, I would say like crab cakes. For dinner we had the pork chop and the seared scallops, both were fantastic. Sauces that perfectly complimented the dishes and were so interesting. The grits served with the scallops will be in our dreams for years - I am not sure I even want to know what was in them, they were so good! We would recommend this to friends and we would definitely go back.
(5)
K Y.
Our waiter, Sean, was fabulous! He was familiarized with the menu and an amiable young man.
(5)
Keith F.
We live in Savannah, but had not been to Alligator Soul. Friends came in to town and wanted to go there, so we went. The service was very good, like you would expect for a fine dinnig restaurant. The house salad was one of the best I have had. I had the Gator Gumbo. I was expecting something like a New Orleans gumbo. It was not. Different is OK, but it was not favorable as I would of liked. I like a little spicy for a gumbo. I also like my rice with gumbo. There was may be a spoon full of rice in the middle of the plate - not even a kid's portion. One of our friends had the scallops. They were disapointed. Only three scallops? Most meal were around $30 - $35. Our favorite restaurant in Savannah prices are around $20 - $25 for a meal. Also, I had truffles and coffee for dessert. I love truffles! Alligator Soul's truffle were truly a disappointment! Overall service was great, food average and price too high for what you got.
(3)
Aleta M.
The food here is so good. I had the braised lamb and my husband had th e shrimp and grits. The lamb fell of the bone and was so delicious. I want to travel back just to eat here again.
(4)
Nicholas K.
I've had 2 meals at Alligator Soul. The first was with my parents a day or two after arriving in Savannh, and I got the osso bucco, my dad the rack of lamb, and my mom the salt roasted fish. The fish is what I remember the most, it was crusted in salt that had to be cracked with a spoon, and inside was the most wonderfully tender rock fish. It was one of the first times I'd really liked a fish other than salmon. It also helped tie the knot that I was going to be moving to Savannah. The restaurant itself is downstairs from Barnard and Broughton right beneath RolyPoly(also awesome). It's one of the more upscale eateries in Savannah as far as kitchen technicality. Some might call it a bit out of date, but everything I had there more than satiated me. The second time I went to Alligator Soul was for an anniversary with a girlfriend. It was one of the most memorable experiences of my life. It was the classic tale of the poor college boy trying to show the girl some great food, but not having the money for it. When offered the wine list I asked for water, to which the server went to the back and pulled some strings. We were given grain alcohol soaked cherries, glasses of champagne, a risotto appetizer, and a desert. All of the food was mind numbingly good, and is without question my favorite restaurant in Savannah. While I hold Alligator Soul in a sentimental corner of my heart, I can step away from myself and clearly state that the food here is cooked with care and loved and the waitstaff share that passion. It is an all around great time, and everyone should experience it.
(5)
Angela S.
I went to Alligator Soul during restaurant week and cannot say enough about the service (Melvin was our Server). Not only was Melvin fabulous but everyone that walked by the table was attentive and really seemed to take pride in delivering a great experience. I would be remiss to not mention the food. Wow...and the fact that it was extremely busy did not deter the Chef from truly creating A fabulously memorable meal. I will definitely be back!
(5)
Peter W.
This is a tough post for me to write as I am a restaurant professional and have been for the last 15 years in DC, Portland and Atlanta. I definitely know how things in the industry work so more often then not, I just let things go. I say that not for clout, but just to prove to the wait staff, that you never know who you are waiting on. My girlfriend and I came to Savannah for the 4th of July weekend getaway from Atlanta. When we found Alligator Soul we were really excited to try some quality southern food. Unfortunately, the service fell short from the very beginning. The hostess welcomed us to the fireplace lounge saying she would send a server to get our drink order...but they never showed up and I had to go to the bar for the drink. When our table was ready our server seemed awkward at best. She started her introduction and stuttered through it, having to restart three times. Maybe it was her first night? We immediately ordered the Fried Green Tomatoes. They were great! But we realized that some points of service were being missed when the table next to us got an amuse bouche and we did not. Our server didn't even come by to check to see how the first course was, while all her co-workers hurried by attending to their own tables. I had to flag down a buss boy to get me another drink. When she finally did come back to the table she seemed to mumble some excuse about it being busy, which it wasn't (930pm on a Sunday night) and the chef being good at chatting her up in the BOH (totally inappropriate). Our empty plates sat on the table for at least 10-15 minutes while we waited for our entrees, even though the table next to us had a server that was very attentive and friendly (where is the team work? We were clearly done). So we get our entrees and realize that once again the table next to us got something we did not...cornbread muffins. We had to ask our server for them when she got back to the table after forgetting some share plates we had asked for. The food was good. However, the rib-eye special that we ordered medium-rare, was just over medium even at its thickest point. We didn't send it back out of complacency, so I will put that on my shoulders. But the server didn't come by soon enough that it would have made a difference anyway. The portions were HUGE though, which is a plus for the money and the quality ingredients. The green beans were really good and the roasted potatoes in duck fat are hard to pass up. The charcuterie plate was big, with some really nice meats and the house salad is delicious with hush-puppy croutons. We were thinking about dessert...and third times a charm...the table next to us got treatment beyond what we did. The lights dimmed, the server light a small cup of liquor on fire and poured it around the table cloth. Cheesey but interesting and placed some vodka soaked cherries in the middle as a parting gift for the couple next to us. At this point we just felt unwelcome and awkward opting to pay the bill and leave. Overall we were really unhappy with the experience. The quality of service at the table next to us was so far from what we got, it made us feel out of place, unwanted and uncomfortable. And they were not regulars, VIPS or anything...just some out of towner's around for the weekend like us. After years in the industry I know enough to see that it was probably the individual servers quality of service and not the restaurant's overall. There was definitely something going on that we didn't see, though our server didn't seem to have any additional tables. Not sure what was up, but this place dropped the ball.
(2)
Charli J.
Really good food, really good service, and really good drinks. I highly recommend. Definitely get the Shrimp and Grits. The appetizer portion is pretty big. They gave us this amazing spiced wine for dessert. The bread was great. I saw a lot of people ordering the oysters so I would try that next time. Good dining experience.
(5)
Sam F.
Came here with a group of friends while on a road trip. Started off with a basil mojoto (fine) and shared appetizers: cheese plate (delicious!- but I am also a total sucker for cheese), alligator salad (fine), and fried green tomatoes (eh- I'm not sure what all the hype is about, definitely could have been better. It was way too much fried batter which sucked out all the tomato flavor) For entree I had the snapper, but with collard greens and mashed potatoes, instead of the bacon sauce it typically comes in. The snapper started out delicious, through the flavor fell flat towards the end and I couldn't finish it. The snapper was originally supposed to be prepared with this apricot sauce which our server brought on the side. After I tried it, I thought it was way too sweet and would have destroyed the good flavor of the fish, so I'm glad I didn't order it the way it was originally intended to be prepared. The sauce did taste good on the collard greens, though. Dessert was the banana beignet, which was fine, though I thought it could have had more flavor added to the batter. Service was fine. The most annoying part of the evening was that literally half of the things on the menu were unavailable. It was so ridiculous, I'm not even sure why the server bothered giving us a menu, since he could have just taken a sharpie and crossed out half the items on there. Also, for all the talk about this being a vegetarian-accomodating restaurant, many items had bacon ingredients which could not be removed. Total was about $175 for three people plus tip. Bottom line: eat here if you have gotten sucked into the hype and need to experience it for yourself. But frankly, you won't be missing anything extraordinary if you go without.
(3)
Jacqueline J.
Fantastic meal in a great restaurant. One of the best meals we've ever had. Inventive southern cuisine and even the vegetarian in the party was catered for. Well worth the money to taste the exquisite flavor concoctions of the chef. Favorites included the shrimp and grits and the sweet potato flan served with the buffalo.
(5)
Andrew F.
This was an odd choice for a Bachelor Party of 12 to visit. However, the staff and our waitress was very accommodating as they put us away from the couples and family for as long as they could. The experience was relaxed but upbeat for the occasion. The groom was taken care of and we didn't have any issues (except they ran out of Maker's Mark (minus one star). I do believe everyone in the wedding party had steak, the majority of us had the evening's special of the large Porter House Steak. That was probably the quietest part of the dinner as we devoured every last bite. To start we had the cheese plate, which was awesome because they paired the cheeses with all sorts of accoutrement like honey and dried fruits. We passed on dessert but they were gracious to give the groom a few pastries and ended the dinner with a interesting parlor trick by lighting the table on fire! Great time, great experience.
(4)
Holly S.
I booked my birthday dinner with A.Lure, but the Concierge at our hotel strongly recommended this place, and booked us here instead. She promised a top tier fine dining experience, and that I won't be disappointed. After dining at the Olde Pink House the night before, Alligator Soul was nothing spectacular. Our waitress was friendly and knowledgeable, and our meal was good, but not great. We had the frog legs appetizer, which was just ok. I had a creole dish with alligator, shrimp, and mostly rice with a salty spicy sauce. It was good but I wasn't blown away. The so-called hand crafted truffles were bland. I get better chocolate from Perugina. Hubby ordered bison and was pleased. Our dinner came to $50 more than at Olde Pink House, and we got a lot less in ambience, taste, history, and selection. They charge NYC prices without the sophistication and delivery. If you're looking for high end fine dining, go to the Olde Pink House instead.
(4)
Bill G.
Alligator Soul will either be a great choice, or way over hyped, depending on your roll of the dice. I like the staff, having the chief bring out signature plates is a nice touch. The ambiance is dark, and it is downstairs with no windows, but nice (Think cave). I was there with a party, the appetizers were well presented, yet blahh. My vegetarian entree was just ok. Members of my party ordered medium and medium well meat, and it all came out medium-rare. On balance, it's pricy, has nice ambiance, but perhaps the looks don't deliver to the tastebuds.
Alligator Salt is what this place should be called. I came here w/ my bf for his bday. The waitress recommended the pear martini, which was delicious, bf had a beer, don't remember which one. We split the shrimp gumbo app. which was good. I ordered the chicken breast that came with kale and bamboo rice, bf had the "filet of soul". My entree tasted like salt with a dash of chicken. gross gross gross. bf thought his steak was "ok" and said that he'd had potatoes out of box that tasted better. When the waitress asked how everything was, glancing down to see that I had barely eaten anything, I told her that my meal was salty. Without me asking her to, she tells the manager, who then comes over to our table to explain that the chicken is "brined". blah blah blah /careface. I don't care if they bought the chicken breast from Church's and just reheated it in the microwave as long as it tasted good, which it didn't. The manager didn't offer to take it off the bill or apologize. Two stars for our waitress who was great. Overall, we were so disappointed with this place. I should have gone w/ my gut and gone to the Olde Pink House for dinner. There is a reason why that place was booked on a Sunday night and Alligator Salt looked like a ghost town
(2)
Mike G.
Great food here last night. Hilbo steak is by far one of the best steaks I've had!
(5)
Deirdre H.
Cozy atmosphere, quiet and romantic. Fabulous cocktails - loved the Etta James. My husband enjoyed his flight of bourbon. We were there on the frirst day of the winter menu and the salad was probably the best salad I've ever had, incredible dressing. The entrees were good and creative, although the vegetarian special was only okay. Stick to the meat and fish entrees. Very attentive wait staff. We've were celebrating our 30th wedding anniversary they treated us to a bottle of wine to go! How sweet!
(4)
Cara B.
My family tried out this restaurant when we were in Savannah overnight on the way back from Florida. We were driving in on Friday evening and knew we would get to Savannah around 9 pm. We made a reservation for the four of us around 2 pm and they were booked through 9:30. We were okay with that considering you never know what will happen with traffic! When we got there, we were first confused. No you are not in the wrong place, the restaurant is in the basement of the building. After walking down the stairs, we found that the restaurant was quite full! We were seated immediately and told about the specials for the night. There were quite a few delicious sounding items on the menu, so we asked our waiter for his suggestions. He was very helpful and suggested that we try two appetizers between the four of us. We had the alligator cakes and fried green tomatoes. Both were delicious (especially the alligator cakes when you ate every ingredients on the plate at the exact same time- it was mouth wateringly good). The entree sized appetizers are HUGE. While I don't know how large the appetizer sizes are, you might ask your waiter. Three of us had these entrees, and we were overwhelmed with the amount of food that each of us received. Shrimp and grits and the gumbo were delicious. You can definitely taste the New Orleans influence in these dishes here! Very hearty with delicious homemade andouille! Both were quite spicy too! My mom had the fish special, and it was delicious too. We had a few drinks from the bar, and they were made beautifully! Service was great too. For some reason, I just can't give it 5 stars. Just one of those feelings. Maybe for the price point, I expect blow me away food, but we just got really really good. I'd still definitely recommend it though!
(4)
Travis D.
Best food we ate in Savannah, no question! I suggest you make reservations though. We didn't, and had to sit at the bar, but we always end up at the bar and it was no problem. Actually, it gave us a chance to chat with the bartender, who recommended things to see and do in Savannah. I also loved the ambiance of the restaurant, being in what seemed like a wine cellar below street level. Very cool. Ok - the food: absolutely amazing. The appetizers were huge. In fact, we could have ordered 3-4 appetizers and been stuffed between the 2 of us. We had the shrimp and grits app and the fried oysters. I wanted to lick the plate, the shrimp & grits were sooo good. The lamb ribs were good, as was were the scallops (which were perfectly cooked), but nothing could top the appetizers. The meal was worth the price, I highly recommend this place.
(5)
Timothy B.
The concierge said forget it.....you'll never get in. We walked over anyway and they had a table for two. Perfect. Excellent service. Ryan, our waiter gave us great tips on where to have a cocktail.....and what parts of Savannah are most haunted......and he's an expert! Unusual interesting menu filled with adventure. My partner may be the most conservative eater on the planet and he reached out and had the Kangaroo Shepherd's Pie. Phenomenal. Jumping with flavor. I enjoyed the smoked rib eye immensely. Fantastic. The Swiss chard was also great.....and the portion could have been a little bigger. Broad wine list. Ok pricing. This was our only meal in town......and glad we spent it here.
(5)
Cheryl M.
Best service we had in Savannah. We dined well in town over our week's visit, but only Alligator Soul managed to serve all of our food at the same time and hot. Our server Melvin from Alabama was pleasant and on top of things. Shrimp and grits were mighty tasty. We enjoyed our entrees. A very solid dining experience. We were celebrating a birthday and the birthday girl appreciated the tasteful but festive attention. Would definitely return and will recommend.
(4)
Steph V.
I thought Alligator Soul was a great Savannah restaurant!! The waiter recommended a great wine and was super knowledgable about everything on the menu. They give you all kinds of freebie starters, just little tastes of things, all with a very Southern flair (and being a Yankee from the north, I was delighted to try them!) We had the artisan cheese plate to start which was so delicious, and I had a chicken dish as my entree which doesn't appear to be on the menu anymore but was incredibly yummy. And they have all kinds of exotic choices for those who are more adventurous eaters. I would definitely recommend this restaurant to anyone visiting Savannah!
(5)
Don R.
Every once in a while you find a gem in a town you are visiting. Alligator Soul was our find on this trip to Savannah, Ga.. The server was informative and delightful, the food was thoughtful and tasty. The specialty dirnk amazing-sugar rum, lime juice and cane sugar with a salted rum. My wife's smoked steak tips were out of this world. The staff were very availalbe through the meal and only wanted to please. Savannah is the old south and Alligator Soul means to please.
(5)
squishy s.
We loved this. The servers were friendly and the food was delicious. The decor was a little weird, but I liked the cellar setting. As a vegetarian, my favorite part was that the veggie option changes daily and is based on what's fresh in the market. It's always a little sad to order the tasteless pasta dish the chef puts on the menu at most meat-centric restaurants in the region.
(5)
Kerri C.
I have been to Alligator Soul many times. It is definitely one of my favorites in Savannah. The atmosphere, service, and food are consistently good. My husband almost always orders the Hilbo steak (it periodically appears on the menu, but is always available). The steak is always tender and deliciously seasoned. I always order the fish, which is consistently fresh and properly prepared. Our friends dine with us frequently. They always love the shrimp and grits as well as the lamb. The menu changes seasonally, with a few mainstays. The servers and chef are always accommodating of any special requests. The only reason I am not giving the restaurant 5 stars is that I have not cared for some of the sides or sauces with the fish dishes. I've learned to order my sauces on the side, as they can sometimes overpower the fish or be too heavy for me. All said, my family, friends and I always have a good experience at Alligator Soul.
(4)
Debbie N.
This place was referred by friends we dine w/often. Maybe it was a bad nght for the restaurant but we def didn't see what the hype was about. Fried tomatoes were bland except for the pickled veggies on top (hubby got an okra STEM on his plate!). Home-made bread was ok, def have had better. Charcuterie platter was pretty good. My shrimp & grits def had GRIT but it was from the shrimp!! I also have 1 shrimp which wasn't fully deveined - def not what you'd excepct for a high-end gastro pub sort of place. Pig three ways that hubby had was very good. The entire time we were there the lights went one & off approx 8 times - each time for a special occasion presentation. It became very annoying & we would have actually preffered the lights off (nice candles lit the place up). Dined the prevoius night at another very high end restauant & it blew this place away - NO comparison. Unfortunately won't return - expensive for what you get & waitstaff is a little "green".
(2)
Rob L.
Took a quick trip to Savannah, and had an incredible dinner at Alligator Soul. I can't say enough good things about the restaurant. Not only was the food exceptional, but the service is top-notch. They were able to get us in at the last minute, and even went as far as creating custom cocktails paired to our food selections. I would recommend Alligator Soul to anyone living in, or traveling to, Savannah.
(5)
Ryan C.
Best restaurant I have eaten at in Savannah. Get the Hilbo w/a bottle of Hedges and just enjoy!!!!
(5)
M.A. J.
One of the best restaurants in Savannah. Great atmosphere, delicious foods, no cliched Southern meals here.
(4)
Katie V.
Alligator Soul is one of those memorable dining moments. From the crisp fried green tomatoes, the jambalaya with tasty fried gator, the delectable shrimp and grits washed down with a variety of well mixed cocktails. They will cater for children, not on the menu, but a creamy Alfredo pasta was served for the little ones. Service is attentive,friendly and quick. Prices are on the higher side but you pay for what you get...a food experience that you won't soon forget.
(5)
Cortland Native C.
Shrimp and grits definitely, but I would go to the Olde Pink House for a drink. Ordered a mojito and it was sub par then switched to a mint julep still not so great. Save room for the Banana Beignets!
(4)
Preeth K.
Me and my Arwen were walking around Savannah GA looking for a place to eat, as Paula Dean's restaurant was taking a 2 day break due to renovation. Almost every place was closed but this was open still at 7 o clock. I'm telling you it seems that only people in NY want to keep their restaurants open after 7 on weekdays! The entrance was cute as it was underground. The staff was very friendly, which was nice. They also were helpful as I wanted to know where Chippewa Square was, as that was where Forrest Gump is sitting down in his movie. I had the steak wrapped w/bacon, which was good, but the flavor of the bacon penetrated the steak too much. I asked for medium rare and did get an exact medium rare which was great. My date ordered the shrimp and grits which she was raving about. For dessert we ordered the gelato which was very good. I ordered the beer sampler - 4 different beers in 5oz glasses. Very good. All in all, the restaurant was good. I liked the atmosphere but it was quite pricey considering the food we got was better than average. Could of been a little bit better - esp for the price. Nothing made me want to come back next time I am in Savannah.
(3)
Greg H.
Food A+, Service C- The food here was amazing. Everything we had was delicious. However the service was poor, especially for the prices charged. Waited much to long in between courses. Server hardly came by the table to check on things and our entree wine arrived after we had finished our entrees! Shame, because the food was fantastic. 4 or 5 stars had the service been better.
(3)
Blair C.
Pretty good food, excellent atmosphere. We weren't that hungry so we ordered appetizers and salads. I had the alligator crabcakes, sort of a novelty for me. The crabcakes were seasoned well. Alligator meat tastes different and I am glad I tried it at a place with a name like Alligator Soul. We also ordered Oyster Rockefeller (not sure I am getting the name right). My Dad really didn't like it that much. I thought it was decent but heavy. Since I had the alligator crabcakes, too, it was a little too much oil for me. Then came our salads which were disappointing. The dried sour cherries were a nice addition but the candied walnuts were just raw walnuts and the balsamic tasted pretty over the counter. Our waitress was great. She had fresh drinks on the table whenever they were required and the food came out fast.
(3)
Kristina W.
I'm honestly not sure why people like this place so much. It was ok. The chicken dish was the best but the sides that came with it were gross. Way too sweet. Also, I'm done with green tomatoes. I was curious but I don't get them. They have no flavor. The gumbo was fine but not better than any gumbo I had in New Orleans. The wine options were not very good. The service was pleasant.
(3)
Ken L.
The food was okay. I had the Pork Chop and while it was good, I thought it was a little pricey. Atmosphere: You walk down a staircase, as if you're going into basement. And, the restaurant was a little dark and dingy. At the outset, the waiter did set the expectation level very high. He said it was the best restaurant in Savannah. The next evening I ate at Garabaldi's and would highly recommend the Crispy Flounder -- Incredible.
(3)
elissa g.
Expensive food, poor service, rude owner. Went to this restaurant last night with a group of people for a work dinner meeting. There were around 15 of us. They had put up a flimsy curtain between us and the rest of the diners. When the speaker was speaking, we couldn't hear him because of the noise and the music ( which was eventually turned off). Two hours after the dinner started, many of the diners still had not received their entrees. I got mine to go as did most of the other guests as we were angry and hungry. I decided to express my opinion to the waiters and then the manager who, I later learned, was the owner's daughter. They made excuses that the restaurant was busy and that they weren't supposed to serve while the speaker was speaking. The first excuse was not our problem the second was untrue. No one apologized or offered any compensation. When I arrived home with my meal, the $40 steak, which was ordered medium rare was bloody and raw. The next day, I called the owner as I thought she might want to know. She again offered endless excuses and no apology at all. After a long conversation, she finally said that she was upset that I had already left feedback on a restaurant website. She started yelling on the phone and hung up on me. Amazing. I am a local and will never go to this restaurant again.
(1)
Sarah F.
The food and service at Alligator Soul were exceptional, and the atmosphere was surprisingly good, considering they are subterranean. We walked in without reservations and they did back flips to accommodate us. They actually set up a little dining area for appetizers at a couch and coffee table in the lounge where we had local shrimp with lemon butter grits, cajun sauce, andouille sausage and cheddar cheese. It was outrageously good! I had an Adelsheim Pinot Gris which was excellent and my husband was happy with his beer selection. When our table came up, we had the same waitress who served us in the lounge. They are really on it, and she knew the menu by heart - as I said, the service was outstanding. My husband had the pork chops in a blackberry reduction sauce and I had lamb shanks with roasted tomato, feta, polenta, can't remember all the ingredients, but the meat just fell off the bone and it was so flavorful! My only regret is that there was way too much food to finish, and dessert was out of the question. Next time we might go for a different ordering strategy so we can try more smaller dishes. I certainly plan for there to BE a next time!
(5)
Jenny G.
We were visitting family in GA last year & while looking for some southern food, we came across this restaurant. we went out looking for it & after a view times of going around & around & asking a few locals we found it, under ground with a small sign that its a bit hard to read while you drive in down town. As we walked in we realized we were in a "high class' restaurant. very low light but still bright enough to read the menu without problems. Low playing soothing music. They started us out with some bread, super delicious! we kept asking for more & more (they would only bring one slice per person...come on now!) As appetizers we ordered some fried Alligator ofcurse, which was amazing! tender & great flavor, it felt as if i was just eating some chicken tenders or something. We also got some oysters, I cant remember the name but i know they were oysters & they were FANTASTIC the best oysters I'v ever had in my life & i cant wait to go back & have some more! As expected they were very pricey but omg soooo delicious!!! For our main entree I got a sirloin steak which literally just melted in your mouth. As a side i got mashed potatoes, red mashed potatoes which were also pretty good...Everyone else got different plates but i cant remember what they had because mine was so delicious that i just wanted to enjoy every bite of it...I did share my little piece of heaven with everyone on the table & they all agreed that my plate was the best of them all, & i could'nt agree more! :-) As far as the price goes, it was expensive but after seeing all that we ordered, the quality of the food, the service, the knowledge of the waiter it was SUPER cheap! I had a few glasses of white wine Chardonnay, an order of oysters, fried alligator, 5 adult meals & i cannot recall if we ordered dessert but i want to say we didnt all for around $200 plus tip! i think it was a great deal....& i must say i've never been to a restaurant where the waiters are so knowledgable, it's as if he went to a school just to explain all the dishes and how they are made and what they consist of...very impressed I must say! but i cant wait to visit GA again do we can go have some more of those awesome oysters!!!
(5)
Steven N.
We were in town for a wedding from Chicago and decided to ask around for a recommendation for our first meal. Alligator Soul came up repetitively so we figured that was a good sign. Everyone was correct, it was very good. The service was friendly, not stuffy but attentive and welcoming. The Shrimp and Grits appetizer was so delicious! From start to finish it was a very delicious meal and I'd highly recommend.
(5)
Richard B.
Took a chance on it and was very satisfied. Saw it just walking by and even tho lower level eateries can be less than desirable at times, this proved it really didn't matter. If you're going out to eat for the view, sit in the park. But if you love good food, then you'll miss nothing by eating here. Went with my college-age son and wife and we loved all the dishes we had. Very pleasant people and a nice vibe. Quality!
(4)
Skip H.
Well this was highly recommended. We had the chefs specials for the appetizer crawfish cake that was mostly filler, fried green tomatoes were pretty good but the most disappointing part was the chipino as a main course. I would say an app. Portion. What little seafood there was, was over cooked and tough as nails. We let our waitress know and she said " the chef will get to the bottom of it!" I hope he finds more seafood there! All in all beautiful atmosphere but not worth the value. We have had much better.
(3)
Heather S.
What a little romantic spot with all the touches of personal service. The bread basket was great, and everything we had was great! We had their specialty salad, omg and then our meals were terrific.
(4)
Byron K.
Great steak that was smoked at low temp and the scallops spectacular. Fried green tomatoes delicious. The salad was creative. Brought free drink for wife birthday and treated her so well. Gator soul made our wknd!!!
(5)
jackie t.
Great food. Ask for Matt. He was a wonderful wait staff. Food was fantastic..Very high class
(5)
Terry E.
I took a chance with this place, but it was recommended by two people, and hoping we would have a great meal in Savannah. I loved the food, I ordered the lamb, which is good, but a little on the fatty side. The fried green tomaoes were the best I've tried. The wine served were good. The rib-eye was ordered by my sister, and I tried a small piece and it was great, cooked to perfection. And oh the dessert, banana beignet, that's the killer...it was so good and Mitch our server added a little drama/show before serving it...you should try it, and their coffee was good. The place is very cozy and a little upscale, and we kinda felt out of place, because we didn't really dressed up, with Savannah's weather, hot the whole day and rains in the evening, who would want to dress up. We came in with our kids and other young people and they all enjoyed the food and the place, and the manager, she' so nice and very accomodating. Great service. Don't miss this place if you're in Savannah...
(4)
jessica s.
Best food we had in Savannah - I went this past May and I am still dreaming of their fillet. Great atmosphere, and decently priced - $36 for a steak, starch AND a vegetable is a great deal. Service was on par. As the only wine drinker in my party, I would have liked to see more offerings by the glass, but what I had was good. Reservations are a must here.
(5)
Jean T.
Traveling alone, so sat at bar. Great service and good food
(5)
George B.
Good atmosphere, good food, good service. I will definitely go back to Alligator Soul.
(4)
RC H.
Food was fantastic. The presentation was very nice, and came to the table piping hot -- always a plus. Service was decent and prompt but not over the top. The menu was well balanced with very nice appetizers and entrees. I and friends tried the special for the evening, a grouper fish, and it was very nicely presented and cooked properly. For an appetizer we tried the salad, and soup special -- both were perfect. Definitely recommend this restaurant as a repeat visit.
(4)
Lisa H.
Ambiance was nice, service was rushed, perhaps pushing us out for the 7 p.m. seatings? Watch out for the unpublished $10.00 split plate fee on top of an already expensive dinner. Not worthy of a revisit, too many other good restaurants in town.
(3)
Mason W.
Outstanding food, atmosphere & service. Make a reservation and try this for dinner. Flavors are uniquely layered in each bite.
(5)
Mike M.
This was without a doubt the best dining experience we had in Savannah. Everything from the service to the food to the atmosphere helped make it a wonderful evening. This is the kind of restaurant I would tell friends they HAVE to go to if they are ever in the area!
(5)
Rebecca L.
Forget Lady & Sons, Elizabeth on 37th, and Pink House: Alligator Soul is Savannah's ultimate hidden foodie gem. Gracious and accommodating, the Craigs know how to get a soulful taste of Southern cooking on every plate for every course. It's our go-to destination when we want to treat visitors out to a local meal, and we've never experienced an off night yet. Helpful hint: owner Maureen Craig is a vegetarian, and the kitchen is always happy to whip up something tasty for the Veggie in your party.
(5)
Jason W.
No gumbo :( And we we're set on getting some gumbo. However, their menu changes, which isn't necessarily something to frown upon. I got a mammoth steak and potatoes and it was sooooo goood. Not exactly the southern food we walked into the place for, but it was redeeming. Service here is excellent. The atmosphere is nice, if maybe a little dark. I'd have given them 5 stars if they let me eat from the leather sofas in front of the fireplace. You're definitely going to spend some change here, it's upscale even though it's downstairs. Very good if you have the money to spend on a fine dinner. If I ever go back I'm asking if they have gumbo first. GUMBO!$!@!!!
(4)
William L.
Love the building and interior located below street level- really different. Dined here summer of 2011 and was really pleased - not so much this time. Ordered the rabbit - it was dry with little flavor. For desert the chocolate mousse cake was bitter - not sweet.
(3)
April D.
We were headed to Savannah for vacation and, after reading reviews and checking out menus, I made reservations at Alligator Soul for dinner. We were very impressed with the service we received. Everyone was attentive and friendly. We were celebrating my husband's birthday and I mentioned this when they called to confirm our reservations. When we arrived, everyone wished him happy birthday and there was a box on our table with a pastry inside. For appetizers we ordered the fried oysters and crab tart. The tart was very spicy, which actually took away from the taste of the food, and the oysters weren't anything to write home about. For our main course I ordered the fish of the day - a blackened Grouper - and the hubby ordered the duck/turtle/gator jambalaya. We both like spicy foods, but this was a touch overboard. It was so spicy we couldn't really enjoy it. In fact, neither of us finished our food because it was too hot. If you do go here, I highly recommend the sangria. It is fantastic and was the only thing that put out the ire in my mouth. We went to The Pink House the night before and the food was far superior and the service was also good, although not quite as good as Alligator Soul's service.
(3)
Kelly S.
Alligator Soul was by far the best meal I've had in Savannah. My mom and I were looking for a place that was open on Monday and at which we wouldn't need a reservation, so we stopped by Alligator Soul. Oh my god, I am so glad we did. We started with an amuse bouche. It was a charcuterie bite and so so good. Salty, fatty, delicious. Then we had the shrimp and grits. Get this. It was amazing. For the entree, we split the eight ounce filet. Again, it was wonderful, cooked absolutely perfectly. For dessert, we had the banana beignet. I recommend them. An excellent close to an excellent meal. The service was great and the so was the food. I honestly wish I could give it a sixth star.
(5)
Garrett T.
My wife and I went here for our one year wedding anniversary. One of their newest employees at the time and was a good friend and referred us there saying that he was sure it was the right place for such an event. In short, the food was absolutely amazing, some of the best I've had here in savannah. It was a very classy atmosphere as well, and very relaxed. Towards the end of our dinner a waiter came to our table, and poured vodka on the table cloth and lit it for a bit of a show. Made the experience even better. I'd refer anyone looking for a great romantic time with amazing food to this restaurant!
(4)
Stella M.
I only go here for drinks, as the food menu is rather pricey, but the drinks alone are phenomenal. Go here around 5:30 - 6 when they are just opening and the bar will be yours. The servers are lovely and the menu consists of their own infused liquors. This is a definite cocktail spot to check out if you are in town.
(5)
Isy W.
ssuperb service. Outstanding food. And the restaurant has great character. Just a terrific experience. The owner/manager spent a lot of time making sure that we were satisfied. Thank you!!
(5)
Mike S.
Great upscale touch to low-country southern cooking. Everything was delicious and service was great too. Liked micro-brews on tap also. Highly recommend Aligator Soul.
(5)
Nicole F.
This restaurant was recommended to us by some folks at the Planters Inn who raved that it was the best restaurant around so we figured we'd give it a try. The restaurant itself is cute and our waiter was really friendly & helpful. We started with the fried green tomatoes which were really good. For my entree I chose the pork chop. It was pretty good but just a little dry. My mom had a braised shortrib or something like that and it was delicious. It was so tender and I remember wishing I had ordered that instead. Overall, I liked the restaurant but I don't believe that it is the best restaurant in Savannah.
(4)
Lisa F.
so I gave them a high rating becuase the other people in my party thought it was the best meal they ever had. Be prepared to wait and wait and then wait some more. the portions are huge and the gumbo is fantastic with just enough spice and they don't skimp on the shrimp. It took maybe about 3 hours before our food was ready and mine was wrong but I ate it because I was starving and didnt want to have to wait again.The steak special was to say the least the biggest steak I ever saw. Again they messed up my meal so I wasn't impressed with what I got. Out of a party of 7 , 4 said it was the best meal they had ever had. But be prepared to wait and the noise level is high. but they do have alot of space and don't cram you in like many of the other restuaruants in Savannah . I would try them again because some of the food was really good.
(4)
Jeff L.
This is one of the best restaurants in which I have ever dined! I had the Chef's Adventure with wine pairing. It truly was an adventure for the palate. Oysters three-way, shrimp on fried green tomatoes, lamb, pork and beef dishes--- everything was unique and delicious! I can't wait to go back to Savannah just to eat at this restaurant.
(5)
Amy Z.
I really like this place. The pork chop was to die for, especially the brandy braised peach that comes with. I think they do a great job at upscale southern food. If I had the choice, I would probably choose South City Kitchen in Atlanta over Alligator Soul, but it's still really delish. The lamb chops are also great and they have a seasonal vegetarian option, which usually includes tofu. Most everything else has some sort of meat in it and probably 75% of the dishes have some sort of use of bacon. So veggies beware!
(4)
Michelle L.
Husband and I ate here for our anniversary, wait staff was excellent. I enjoyed my dish, pork tenderloin and grits. I think my husband would have married his steak, if he could have- a cold-smoked rib eye, AMAZING! I took a bite and was jealous, grilled to perfection, and the lingering smoky taste very memorable!
(4)
Ed W.
I was a little thrown by the name and the fact that I saw an ad on my tourist map - was this place a tourist trap? - but I decided to trust yelp. All told, we were pleased with the dinner. The atmosphere is somewhat of a subterranean cavern. The wine list is somewhat limited, but that is fine by us, and prices were quite reasonable. The cheese plate was a highlight, and probably the reason I am rounding this up to four stars - the somewhat boring-sounding 'morbier', 'edam', etc. were actually all locally sourced raw-milk artisanal chesses, served with local fruits, honey, and walnuts. Very nice. That was all the appetizer four of us needed, as the mains ($28 range) were huge portions. I quite enjoyed the applewood bacon-wrapped Berkshire pork chop served with potato gratin and fresh vegetables. Reviews on the seafood dishes (daily catch of golden tilefish, and divers scallops) were more mixed from our group, but all told a solid meal.
(4)
Casey S.
Alligator soul is hard to find because it is located in the basement of a building. But once you get to the basement you will just love the ambiance. I really enjoyed the wine selection and it was fun to do the special tasting of three wines. I ended up enjoying the wine that the waiter recommended the most. My wife got a salad for an appetizer with grits croutons that was one of the best salads I've ever had. I got the oysters Bienville, which although it was heaped with tons of toppings, ended up being a bit bland, or nothing in particular stood out. I ordered the lamb chops. The lamb chops were excellent but I was very disappointed with the side dishes, which often make a good meal great. So I would say my dish was just good. My wife got the scallop dish, which I only had a few bites of but it was tasty. I wish that I would have stuck to the more traditional southern dishes, which seemed to the be their specialties. For desert, we had the banana beignet. Which was tempura fried bananas and fried banana flavored ice cream. This was an absolute divine desert. Overall I would say that this is a good but not great restaurant but I feel like my experience would have been better if I would have gotten some of the more traditional southern dishes.
(3)
Beach B.
The fried green tomatoes were good. They were prepared with peppers (not my favorite vegetable) and I thought the slices were too thick. I had a special of tenderloin tips (outstanding) and shrimp (very good). My husband had a grouper special which was also outstanding. The only negative was the service. We ordered cocktails and a bottle of water. The cocktails and water arrived 30 minutes later. The server, never apologized for the delay.
(4)
Sasha Z.
Went here yesterday for their new lunch. I had called the nite before to find out what time they open, and the guy said 11am, but when we got there, the sign said "11:30-2:30". We went and peeked in at the door and the owner came and was super gracious about letting us in and seating us. Our waitress came right over and took our drink orders and we felt very welcomed (usually, when showing up to a rest. before hours there's alot of delay and huffy attitude). Anyway, the ambiance was really beautiful, lots of exposed brick and lovely paintings. I ordered the steak salad, and my friend ordered the smoked chicken salad. We were served warm chedder-grilled corn-jalepeno corn bread which was quite good. Then the salads came out and the first thing that came to mind was "is that IT??" They were microscopic! Tasty, yes, but truly appetizer portions. My friend was also disappointed that her salad was chicken-salad, with mayonnaise etc. as opposed to fresh smoked chicken pieces. But really, the sizes are way too small for the prices. Unfortunately, not even the complimentary freshly baked almond biscotti could compensate for our still empty tummies. Oh well...
(3)
Des D.
We tried three dishes. The fried green tomatoes' breading was too heavy, but the fried basil leaf and the sauteed tomato with it were good. The fresh bread was good. The shrimp and grits were too salty. The Indian-spiced snapper was good. The prices were high for the food quality. The atmosphere was good.
(2)
Jeremy S.
I found this restaurant through yelp. I wanted to surprise my wife with a dinner at a local place we had never been to before. I scrolled through the many reviews on a lot of restaurants. Alligator Soul was the one that stuck out the most, and the reveiws were great. Knowing how well this restaurant was reveiwed it was no surprise to me that it was very tasty. The service was excellent, the fried green tomatos were to die for & the filet was tender and melted in your mouth. My wife ordered the chicken platter and I tasted it, it was also very good. The prices are high, but to be expected with the quality of the food. Expect to pay a lot, but expect to be very satisfied.
(4)
Lee L.
Awesome. Used Yelp to find Alligator Soul on a visit to Savannah and it was great. Distinctive, tasty dishes. Customer service excellent.
(5)
Paul G.
Ok If you are driving on route 95 and you see signs for Savannah, jerk your steering wheel to the appropriate direction and head for Alligator Soul on Barnard St in downtown Savannah. I have eaten at every recommended restaurant in Savannah and this one is in a class by itself. Thanks Bari and Dan from Blufton SC for this hot tip. I had the "caught today" Red Snapper. Rebecca was our server and made this stop better yet. Knowledgeable about the food and wine was on target. Don't come to Savannah without this stop on your schedule.
(5)
Vanessa R.
I tried Alligator Soul for the first time a few weeks ago with a friend. We selected this restaurant for our pre matinee meal after hearing they were now open for lunch. Upon entering the restaurant, which is below ground, I was instantly hit with feelings of claustrophobia, even though the space is far from small. So I high tailed it to a table closest to the "window". Then came the overwhelming scent of cleaning products. Not exactly appetizing. Nevertheless, I soldiered on. When my friend and I ordered sweet tea (me), half and half (her), we were informed that that they don't sweeten their tea. We were then shown the packets of sugar on the table and told we could sweeten the tea ourselves. A restaurant that serves southern food, yet they don't offer sweet tea? Moving right along. We looked over the menu, asked about the specials and made our selections. Then we noticed an oyster po boy sandwich that was not listed on the menu but in a little informational card at our table. I guess the waitress was too distracted by the ONE other table of patrons, to remember to mention it to us. I promptly switched my order to the oyster po boy sandwich with sweet potato fries. My dining companion ordered the chicken salad. Before our meals arrived we were provided with lavender cornbread. Interesting flavor combination. Our meals were of a decent size and we both enjoyed what we had ordered. The meal ended with complimentary cookies. Soon as we were through we busted out of that basement into the sunshine.
(3)
Marc C.
Had the chance to eat here recently and had been hearing great things. Neat atmosphere and absolutely delicious food. Huge portions. Loved the appetizers - oysters ala Soul - gotta get. Our main courses were - Grouper (giant piece) with side of shrimp/grits with friend okra in it; Pork shoulder that melted in your mouth (locally raised by friends at Savannah River Farms); and Hilbo steaks that overflowed from the plates and were as tender as you can get. Others in the party got Elk (my second choice) which they said was phenomenal, and Rabbit Jambalaya. Oh yeah - now that you are stuffed just reading this - save room for dessert. We got a chocolate torte, and my personal favorite the banana beignets with ice cream. Service was excellent. Another must eat in Savannah.
(5)
Mallory D.
We came here for dinner last Friday, once we arrived we got seated right away. Our waiter (I forgot his name) was very knowledgable about the menu. The food was delicious and cooked to perfection. I would eat here again next time I'm in town.
(5)
Diane G.
My husband and I spent two nights in Savannah--ate at The Pink House on Sunday evening and Alligator Soul last night. When I made the reservation, they asked if it was a special occasion. I told them we were celebrating our 48th anniversary. When we entered the restaurant and identified ourselves, everyone at the booth wished us a Happy Anniversary. Our table had a small gift box with small pecan tarts as a special gift--it was very much appreciated! We split the Beef Tenderloin wrapped in bacon--it was wonderful! We both felt the ambiance at Alligator Soul was way better than The Pink House.
(5)
Brien W.
Dined here over the memorial day weekend with friends. Came in without reservations and dined at the bar. Loved the food, location and staff. Bartenders took care of us, especially ? Kendra from Kansas City.
(5)
Caleb M.
I want you to know that the shrimp and grits were the best I have ever had. Period. The chef that night did a special with seared ostrich steak on risotto and a fried quail egg. It was delectable (though I found ostrich meat to be a tad bit more sinewy than I expected) For dessert we had the lavender honey creme brulee. Food is at it's best when it surprises you, and I was astounded. I will say that the ostrich's texture was ultimately distracting, however the concept behind the dish made up for it. I love the setting, a downstairs, out-of-the-way, hole-in-the-wall upscale restaurant it a wonderful notion. It made it feel like a secret that I was invited to. The staff was beyond warm and friendly. It was a while ago and I can't remember my waiter's name but he went above and beyond. The bartender let me talk shop and let me try some interesting ideas. If I needed an improvement, anywhere, I'd say that I was surprised that music was coming from a small portable music player behind the bar. Music is so important to ambience. I appreciated the classic rock, thoroughly. I was surprised that music wasn't designed into part of the ambience, or if it was I missed out on it. Alligator Soul is a hip, modern alternative to the old Savannah Standards, for tourists and locals alike. 1 part cheers, 1 part hip bar, this alligator please all senses--mind body and soul.
(5)
Raven R.
Easy to find location. Very friendly staff. Beautiful inside. Classy place, soI recommend dressing up a bit. Also make your reservation 1-2 days in advance. Menu is also seasonal. They change to the winter menu a week before Christmas. They have an interesting cocktail menu. I stuck to a glass of Riesling, while my guy had some smoked gin mixed drink which he thought was okay. My boyfriend had the exotic meat dish the night we came which was wild boar. He enjoyed it very much. I had the vegetarian dish, which was delicious. It means a lot to vegetarians when a restaurant makes sure they have food for you and not just a few frozen vegetables steamed and thrown on a plate. Thank you for a lovely experience!
(4)
Jeanetta B.
Excellent food. Great drinks. Had the Mahi Mahi. I believe it was a special. Our waitress was fantastic and it was one of the highlights of our trip.
(5)
Ken A.
Alligator Soul has my heart! I have been in the restaurant business(distribution) for 20+ years and I must say this group was flawless in their execution of every part of my wife and I's dining experience. Quite frankly, it was honestly the best I've had and I've eaten at some of the most famous restaurants in the U.S. The staff was genuine to our exit of the restaurant when several of them waited at the door and bid us farewell. The flavors, the portions, the timing, the ambiance, all were performed without issue. I am not being paid, or a relative....you simply must go to experience this. First timer- life timer! Thank you for an incredible evening!
(5)
D'steffano A.
So far the gin gin mule is goin on. The carve is the best. Yall nizzles needs to try this.. The mussels are the thing to start wit The desert with ice cream n banana ... Is the way to finish it of. Yall gon git the itis foe show...
(4)
Nancy S.
My husband and I visited Alligator Soul for the first time to celebrate our wedding anniversary and it exceeded all expectations and then some!! The service was over the top! We felt like royalty! The oysters were the best thing I have ever had and I don't really care for oysters! I had the elk medium rare as the chef suggested and it was out of this world! (elk!?!? I know, right?!) All this and I forgot to mention the martini flight! Oh lord, the best! We are already planning our next visit to our new favorite place!
(5)
Corey M.
YAAAAAAAASSSSS. Now, being in Savannah already had my heart a flutter. It's really a magical place of city parks, spanish moss, and outdoor drinking. A happy place for sure. We ended our day of adventures at Alligator Soul without reservations, but managed to get 3 seats at the bar. Shrimp and grits to start bc THE SOUTH. The grits (a very polarizing food) were immaculate and the shrimp had the desirable bite back that only meant perfect cooking time. This place knows how to cook its animals. Which leads me to my main dish, a special of the day: Elk and gnocchi in a cream sauce with roasted green onions. Jaw dropping. Really a stunning meal. And great cocktails to boot, except our bartender was perpetually frazzled. I wanted to like him. I even complimented him on his tasteful vest, but only got a tepid "thanks" in return. Kind of wanted to playfully punch his arm and say, "it'll get better, dude". Brooding bartenders aside, I WAS ON A CLOUD AND NOBODY COULD BRING ME DOWN. Definitely a pricey place, but worth it.
(5)
Deirdre L.
Best mussels I have ever had in my life. I enjoyed the artichoke goat cheese fritters, as well. They tasted perfectly with the crab. The bison burger was okay. The pork belly was good, but I really would come here for the mussels! That was definitely memorable!
(5)
Mas T.
The service was incredible. We shared the cheese board. I had the Beef Tenderloin wrapped in bacon. Creme brule for dessert. Great experience. I have never been so full in my whole life. Be sure to make a reservation.
(5)
A S.
Located down a set of stairs in the basement of the building. Once inside we received a warm welcome from the hostess who guided us to the lounge area for a cocktail. After being seated by our enthusiastic waiter Chris, who looked after us extremely well, he then proceeded to recite most of the menu off by heart (impressive). We chose the alligator boudin (delicious) and frogs legs jambalaya as starters, followed by the fish of the day (swordfish) and bison steak. The service and food were very good, although the wait between starter and main was just a bit too long. An atmospheric environment well worth a visit whilst in Savannah. Book ahead!
(4)
Wen X.
Great food. Loved everything we order except the shrimp and grits. It is too plain compare to the other restaurants' version. Overall, Great quality food. The tenderloin is the best and the cooked oyster is great too.
(5)
Kelly L.
I love the South. I love it. Everything about it. ESPECIALLY the food. Alligator Soul is located in a little underground nook which I immediately thought was cool. I've had a lot of friends recommend this place, so I definitely needed to try it. Starting off, we had the fried green tomatoes which were phenomenal. Also we had the goat cheese and artichoke fritters and sweet Jesus I could eat those everyday! For appetizers, my friends and I split a few things- we had mussels with peppadews and cornbread which honestly was my least favorite. We didn't finish half of them.. they just could have been much more flavorful. We tried the snapper special which was in a broth of ramps, leeks, tasso ham, pinto beans and greens- cooked to perfection and such a party in my mouth!! Shrimp and grits were also ordered, and since I have an allergy I can't tell you how it was but I could tell by the pleased, content faces that this did not disappoint. So all in all, it was very good. I was expecting a little more (maybe my expectations were too high) but it definitely was a great experience.
We Highly recommend! This restaurant was absolutely amazing. We were unable to get reservations because they were so busy (always a good sign), so we just sat at the bar. Which was extremely entertaining, we loved watching the friendly bartenders create the homemade concoctions. The flavors were divine- we loved the oysters, pork belly, and shrimp and grits!
(5)
Damien S.
One of the more anticipated reservations during our weekend in Savannah, Alligator Soul hit more than few culinary highlights and struggled, mysteriously, with one very important dinner element. Service maintained an observant, cordial and responsive demeanor throughout our meal. Thomas was there when we needed him, had menu answers at the ready, and displayed a great deal of pride to be representing Alligator Soul. Good show! Following a playful, umami rich amuse bouche, we destroyed the creative bread basket and salivated over a dozen Oyster a la Soul ($29): a regional spin on O-Rock, stuffing the bivalve's with local bacon, kinda local crawfish, mire poix and green onion, topping them with a parmesan-flaked roux and panko, and baked til bubbling. Very rich, balanced and surprisingly not overpowered by the house habanero hot sauce. My main was the elk special ($39), because when you have one night in a restaurant that boasts a mastery of gamier plates, you go for what they know. And did they! A beautiful medium-rare, presented a bit less gloriously over buttery polenta and roasted cipollini onions. A pinch of the house Hilbo seasoning - also found on the signature Little Hilbo - and the savory mostarda brought a welcomed edge to the plate. I was scraping the flatware for every last bite. And now the down note: the cocktail program. Loads of promise, abysmal execution. The Hilbo Bloody Mary ($13) is served up in a stainless martini "glass," is more than flecked with ice chips, and is laughable in the pour. Take a look at the pic below - that's unsipped. Asked Thomas is it was standard, He said yes, "the bar manager himself made it." According to other photos (like this: yelp.com/biz_photos/alli… ), that's simply not the case. This was an excellent opportunity to right a wrong by adding more mix - it's a bloody, after all, not a meticulous craft cocktail. But alas, they stood by it. At $13, it's a wimpy bust. Same could be said for the Gin Gin Mule - flat and watery, even with a house-made ginger syrup and wisps of mint. Stick with wine or a local beer. We wrapped up our meal with Banana Beignets ($11), a simple, delectable preparation of tempura fried fruits, dressed up with caramel, cinnamon wonton strips and candied nuts, served a la mode. It was fine. Overall, a 3.5 rounded up to 4, yet this is one of those important times when you've just got to break it down: - Service: 4 - Food: 4.5 - Drinks: 2
(4)
Yulissa M.
Came here back in 2013! So its been awhile but finally getting my review in. Amazing service at this place, it was my friends birthday so I called ahead and they had a little personalized box just for her on the table! Place is great for groups, gathering and/or a romantic dinner. Its in a basement so really gives it an intimate feel. Food was incredible! Had the Buffalo with gator bites and was yummoooo! Great stop while in Savannah!
(5)
christine s.
I loved this place. The menu had some exciting entrees and starters....we had the Alligator sausage (had to try it) it was delicately flavoured beautifully presented and delicious. Also tries the frogs legs served over jambalaya also very good. Then we had Bison steak The swordfish and the lamb kebab....all ver delicious. The waiter (Chris) Was extremely helpful and well.versed with the menu. We had to share a dessert of ice cream and banana fritters..,,,yummy!!! The only reason I didn't give this 5 stars was because it was quite a wait for our mains to arrive....
(4)
Lena D.
My favorite restaurant in Savannah. Located in a basement, the decor is warm and cozy. Love the exposed brick and fireplace. Our waitress was very sweet and knowledgeable about the items on the menu. Etta James cocktail was delicious, gin, cucumber and berry. Light and refreshing. Having read about this restaurant online, I was very excited to try the exotic menu. Luckily for me that meant New Zealand Red Deer. The meat was very red (new meaning to red meat), tender and not too gamy. Perfect. It was served with gruyere au gratin potatoes and green beans. There was plenty of food, I ate all of it and felt completely satisfied. My table mates had the flounder with mushroom risotto, awesome. The french fries were also well done and delicious (but aren't french fries sort of always delicious?) Didn't try dessert, but they were very tempting. Pricey, but a better bang for your buck compared to Olde Pink House.
Words cant express... I usually dont give 5 stars because there's always room for improvement, but Aligator soul is on point from making reservations on phone to walking into building. Awesome casaul setting and staff that is very knowledgeable. It's pricey, but a good experience to spurg when in Savannah area.
(5)
Anne H.
Before our recent visit to Savannah we did some research and came upon a wonderful video showing how the ingredients for the restaurant are locally sourced. We were already intrigued by the name and booked a table right then. Service was impeccable. Our food choices from the artichoke cheese fritters to the shrimp and grits to a special of the day - Thai swordfish over golden rice - were all delectable! The one slight issue was that the mousse dessert was served on a warm plate and so was a little runny. Delicious but not optimum. Highly recommend!
(4)
Nik S.
The staff made this location perfect. (Trent the host, Marianne, Melvin and the bar tender.) Were very friendly and made conversation with us about Savannah. The food was in small portions but overall impressively delivered. My filet was a little undercooked.
(4)
Sasha P.
You know that moment in Ratatouille when Anton Ego tastes Remy's version of ratatouille and Anton flashes back to childhood in his mother's kitchen? Well, my mom doesn't make southern cuisine (I'm Latina after all), but this is how I felt about Alligator Soul after we went back home to Tampa. I was beyond impressed, my heart skipped a beat, dare I say that Alligator Soul touched my soul? I was forever scarred, in a good way. My husband and I went to Alligator Soul for dinner as part of my birthday trip to Savannah. I made reservations online and they called the day before our reservation to confirm it and see about any special arrangements, dietary restrictions, etc. I advised them that we would be there for my birthday dinner and this made all the difference in what I experienced when we went to dinner. Located in the lower level of another establishment, you must walk down some steps to get to Alligator Soul. Walking in, it's dark and dimly lit giving it a romantic and cozy vibe. The decor is modern yet rustic- I loved it! We checked in with the host, who wished me a happy birthday and called us both by our names. A nice personal touch that made us feel welcomed and special. We arrived at our table and what do you know, there was a small present waiting for me. It was a small pecan pie with a birthday note on the box. I was sold at this point, before even trying the food. But let's get to the good stuff: Oysters A La Soul: I'm not much of an oyster fan but these were baked and came stuffed with goodies: bacon, crawfish, scallions and bread crumbs. These were delicious and fresh with lemon squeezed on top. We chose the half order so we could have enough room for other appetizer items. Shrimp and Grits: We decided on a cup of the Shrimp and Grits, just to get a taste and still be able to order an entree. Creamy and savory! I especially liked that these were cheese grits, which added another level of rich wholesomeness to the dish. Let's not forget to mention the tasso ham undertones. This is a fantastic dish. Soul Creole: Again, we ordered the cup version of this dish. It wasn't my favorite of the evening but I can't say it was bad either. I can't put my finger on it but it was missing something in the flavor department. Perhaps it needed salt? Some more Cajun spice? I think I got more of the tomato base rather than the other fixings. Sadly, there were only a few shrimp in our cup. Exotic Specialty: New Zealand red deer with mashed potatoes, mushrooms and brussels sprouts. Absolutely amazing. It was my first time having venison and I really enjoyed it. It was soft, tender and juicy. Hearty yet light, if that makes any sense. I probably won't be able to eat it anywhere else, if not properly cooked to the tender perfection I had at Alligator Soul. Banana Beignets: Oh gosh, I really love beignets. And I really love bananas and caramel with ice cream. At Alligator Soul, they combine all of my loves into one love. These were absolutely delicious and a great way to end our evening. Overall, the service was great. Our waitress was very friendly and knowledgeable. The food was fantastic. This is my favorite place of all time.
(5)
Carla H.
My husband and I visited SAV in April 2014. We were smart enough when coming in from out of town to call ahead and make a reservation. The entrance can be a little difficult to locate as you are heading to the basement but the ambience was soothing, natural warm wood, brick and lower lighting. The wait staff was incredible during our meal. We never wanted for anything. We started with the oysters and coming from the Southwest, we love a spicy surprise and the habenero sauce was just the ticket to strike a familiar chord. My husband flat out stated these were the best oysters he ever had. I had the fish of the day and it was cooked to moist perfection. I did not find it pricey for what we had, for the quality and the quantity. I'm in SAV occasionally and this is on my stop in list now. And you out scored the Pink House in my book on food quality.
(5)
D G.
We've been making the rounds to the highly rated restaurants in the area for our adult only date nights and this was the best meal we've had in Savannah so far! For both food and overall experience this is hands down my favorite. From start to finish this was my favorite meal. Everything, and I mean everything, was spot on. The bread and corn bread muffin, the flavored butters, the pork belly, the service, the mouth watering exotic entrees, the cheesecake, the complimentary birthday chocolate and mini pecan pies, etc etc I could go on and on. This will be my new go to restaurant for taking out of town guests - I cannot wait to go back. The service was polite, friendly, and accommodating without being overbearing and obnoxious. The food was exquisitely prepared and seasoned perfectly. Each item on the plate harmoniously went with each other, just as it should be. You could tell the chef obviously knows what he's doing and took the time to think through each dish and not just go with what was easy or predictable.
(5)
L K.
This meal was amazing!! Our waiter was also amazing and took great care of us. We started with the (baked) oysters....oh my god. These things are amazing, do yourself a favor and order 12 instead of 6. Youll thank me later. I got the shrimp and grits which was probably the best Ive ever had. The shrimp was cooked to perfection and plentiful, the grits were rich cheesy and creamy. My friend got the special "exotic meat" special of the night, which happened to be pheasant this night. It was cooked on top of a paella and she was in heaven. The menu is creative but approachable. Do not come to Savannah without trying this place!
(5)
Morgan D.
My husband and I went here for his birthday. Our experience can be summed up in one word: Phenomenal! We started with an alligator sausage appetizer which had a tomato chop on top that complimented the earthy flavor of the meat. We didn't go too adventurous on our entrees, my husband had a Ribeye with a lamb Demi-glaze and I had the pork shoulder ragu. Both were cooked and prepared perfectly. Our server was extremely knowledgable and friendly. She named the specials which included Red Deer steak. It sounded amazing. Maybe next time. Alligator Soul is our new favorite restaurant. A true culinary experience in the heart of downtown Savannah!!
(5)
Elizabeth R.
Goat cheese fritters melt in your mouth! Cannot be beat. We also ordered the soul oysters which our 9 year old also loved. Shrimp and grits were super rich and tasty. Bacon wrapped tenderloin was very tasty but didn't love the cut of meat - it's my own fault - should have stuck with the grouper which is what my husband ordered. Didn't have enough room for dessert but we will definitely be back. Super cool setting and great staff. John the waiter was so helpful and courteous and kind!
(5)
Lisa R.
A beautiful restaurant! Unfortunately we didn't have a reservation and had to eat at the bar. Dinner was very good! While we ate at the bar tables were empty the whole time so that was annoying. Anyway, I recommend the shrimp and grits, best I ever had!!
(4)
Melissa A.
The food was SO amazing. The watermelon mojito was delicious, asked for round 2. The carving board was okay, nothing special. The shrimp and grits were AMAZING. Although I had the half portion which was plenty. The service was excellent, the hostess was very sweet. Overall amazing and look forward to coming again if i am ever in savannah GA
(5)
Ken K.
Tried to get in tonight. Refused to seat us. Never go back place sucks!!!! Chef is quitting? I could care less. Not my problem. Place looked the inside Charlie Browns anyway. Are you kidding me!!! A boiler plate response. My friend received the same reply. Pathetic...
(1)
Ashley L.
I have been here 3 times and the food is amazing overall. Tonight I ordered the pork tenderloin dish and it came out tasting charred and bitter. Basically the whole dish tasted burnt because of it. The manager, Melvin, came over and was very sassy and rude when I asked him to comp the wine because my husband was done eating and I was still waiting for my entree. Then, when he brought the food over he just put the plate on the table and left with an attitude. Our waiter, Rashiad, was very knowledgable, kind, and courteous. He was our waiter last time we came and we specifically asked for him because we were so pleased with the level of service he has offered. All of the food we have had here has been amazing with the one exception (including the boar special I had instead of the pork loin). My only issue is with the unprofessional attitude of the manager, Melvin. Regarding your comment, Melvin, yes the wild boar was good and it came quickly. My issue was with your attitude when I asked you to comp the wine and when you brought the boar to the table said nothing and quickly walked away, seemingly with an attitude/irritation of my request that the wine be comped.
(4)
Jennifer A.
In a word: Rich. As in, the food is rich and decadent, and you need to be rich to dine here regularly. Alas, it is the perfect place for a birthday/anniversary/celebratory dinner and should be on your list of contenders for your next special night out. My husband and I dined here for restaurant week and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Here's our quick take on each of the dishes we tried: -Charcuterie Board: came with venison bone marrow, wild boar sausage, pork belly, pickled vegetables, stone ground mustard, and an assortment of toasts. The meats were phenomenal. I really loved the inclusion of papadums. -Shrimp & grits: a bit spicy, but delicious. One of the best shrimp & grits I've eaten. The tasso ham and okra were perfect additions to the classic dish. -Fried alligator bites: moist, mild, slightly stringy, but unremarkable. Tasty remoulade. We'll skip this one next time. -Crawfsh & alligator etouffee: holy good heavens this was awesome. Hands down, better than any etouffee I have ever eaten, and kicks the pants of the etouffees I tried in New Orleans. The crawfish was succulent and rich, like it was cooked in butter first. The alligator was very moist and tender with a smoky quality. The rice was perfectly cooked: it wasn't mushy nor tough. This dish alone is worth a return visit. - Bison hanger steak cooked medium-rare: savory and melt-in-your-mouth tender. Side note (queue my red meat rant): we overheard a diner complain about this dish being "tough," but she ordered it well-done. The server explained to her that bison is a very lean meat and will seize if cooked to well, which is why the chef recommended medium-rare. Seriously folks, it is a crime to order red meat this way. You do not appreciate red meat and are unworthy of it if you need to order it well-done. Yes, I said it. Save yourself (and the chef) the embarrassment and money and order chicken. -Peach bread pudding: heavenly, custard-like bread pudding that is more pudding than bread-like. It was delicate, delicious, and not overly sweet. It was served with a dollop of creme fraiche and a mint leaf. It was perfection. It should be noted the restaurant does not have salt or pepper available on tables. That should tell you something about the chef's confidence in his dishes. As expected, all the dishes were perfectly seasoned. The service was impeccable and friendly. They made the dining experience more relaxed and less-stuffy than other white table cloth places. I enjoyed the wine recommendations and that they let me sample the wines before committing to a full glass. The wine recommendations, by the way, were spot-on. The server listened to my preferences, considered my order, and made perfect recommendations. Overall, it was a wonderful meal and we are so glad we gave it a try for restaurant week. We'll definitely be back.
(5)
Kevin C.
Delicious food and drinks, even better staff. The food was cooked to perfection and the staff was so knowledgable with the menu. The chef also offers exotic meat like elk, kangaroo or rattlesnake...on the day I went they had red deer and it was incredible. The bilbo steak is also a fantastic choice.
(5)
Rita D.
Valentine's Dinner was awesome! Our server, Sonny, was attentive and engaging. The food was so delicious. The decor was cozy and romantic. Wonderful evening. Food: Charcuterie/Cheese - awesome all around. I believe we had venison, duck, bleu cheese, and a brie-type cheese. The venison sausage was SO good. House Salad - so interesting! They had what I thought were croutons - but it ended up being some sort of hot, cheesy thing. I don't really know how to describe it, to be honest... But it was awesome to be caught off guard in the best way. I had the Red Deer entree - completely awesome. I literally ate every single bite on my plate. My husband had the Little Hilbo and enjoyed his food as well - he had a LOT of food and did have leftovers. He said they reheated wonderfully and it tasted just as good! We were a bit too full for dessert, but they were kind enough to give us small treats to take home (it was our anniversary). I would absolutely, 100% return if we end up in Savannah again. It was one of the best dining experiences we've had.
(5)
HeaLa N.
We loved our food and they were very accommodating for our vegetarian needs. Great atmosphere. They should call the fritto misto the mushroom misto because it was 90% mushrooms. :(. But the gnocchi was delicious and I had a great veggie platter. The waiter was far too talkative for our taste. He seemed to be trying too hard.
(4)
Joe S.
Celebrated our anniversary here. We were happy to be seated in a quiet room away from the larger crowd. The service was impeccable from start to finish! Drinks were tasty and refreshing. For apps we had the alligator sausage- great flavor, and a baked oyster dish-good but not knock your socks off good. For our main courses, my wife had the daily catch- grouper. Again, good but not wowed by it. I had the exotic special-elk chops. They were delicious! Great flavor and cooked perfectly. Though we didn't order desert, the management did give us a personalized anniversary gift box with two small pecan tarts. Service a 5 plus, food a four... Five for the elk!
(4)
Anthony T.
Usually, a better experience is had at AS. Tonight, with our party of 8, they were slow with initial drink orders and getting us silverware after they sat nice appetizers in front of us. After ordering we saw a couple arrive and be served before we ever saw our food. The elk special lacked any spices and was bland and I have had wild elk in Oregon many times. Medium rare is the best way to prepare but it just did not have the taste I was used to. My wife had the grouper special and it lacked any flavor or spice to pep it up. Lemon had to be requested. Others needed salt and pepper (had to track down waiter to get) and steak sauce, which I personally feel is "blasphemous" for a well prepared steak. Too much time passed before the dessert menu arrived and then the desserts to follow. Arrived at 7:30 and were out the door by 10:45. 3 hours is too long. Very disappointed this time.
(3)
Harrison B.
Fantastic meal and service! A bit expensive but the food is well worth the cost. I had shrimp grits; done wonderfully and had true southern taste.
(5)
Heather Z.
Pretty amazing food. This was my second time in Savannah and my second time at Alligator Soul. I loved it. I brought 6 guests to dinner with me and what a treat. Everyone thought it was only alligator meat :-) We had amazing starters, and I recommend the Oysters with the baked stuff all over them. So good. I also loved the house Pinot. it went well with the Oysters, cheese and sausage board, and the fried green tomatoes. I had the ribs...magnificent. The companions were split between ribs, scallops and grits. No one complained! We were all too happy to try dessert. The most remarkable thing here is the service...from the owner to the wait staff. All delightful! Thank you! I am already looking forward to a third visit.
(5)
Woody F.
Everybody and their mother recommended this place to us when we drove down to Savannah. We were stoked for it and we weren't disappointed. The food was good, very solid. No complaints. The wine good as well. Service was clean and friendly. The insanely obnoxious people yelling across the room to other patrons was a bit much but not the restaurants fault per-say. The reason I'm giving this restaurant only three stars is because of their competition. We ate here on our first night and loved it but racked up a $180 tab. The second night we ate at The Grey, bill was only $120 for probably 20% more food and everything about the place was 50% better. The space was amazing, the staff was through the roof fantastic, the food mind blowing. The third day we ate at The Wyld and though the space didn't say much and the staff was perhaps overworked, the location (out in the salt marsh) was lovely and the food was to die for we spent $160 there and forgot about Alligator Soul for good.
(3)
John R.
Really quite a surprise find. Located in a basement location (don't let that fact stop you from finding the place) the place has an elegant feel to it and the menu shows signs that a chef is working an art and not just cooking food. I started with the Alligator Soul House Salad (Kachina Farms Organic Mixed Greens ~ Blood Orange Marmalade ~ Dried Cherries ~ Toasted Pecans ~ Caramelized Red Onions ~ Sweet Grass Dairy Lil' Moo ~ Wasabi Ginger Vinaigrette ~ Parmesan Grit Croutons) and for the main dish had the fish special of the evening - Flounder. For a rather boring seafood item it was prepared in a way I am not going to try to describe as my words would not do it justice. One thing is certain about this place -- this Alligator does have soul and if you are looking for something special come down and give it a try.
(5)
Laura V.
Food here was delicious. I had the shrimps and grits. The portion is very large so make sure you don't eat too much bread before hand. They also serve a complimentary sample of bruchetta, as pre-pallete taster. I would highly recommend Alligator Soul for their wonderful food and excellent wait staff.
(4)
David H.
I only write one star or five star reviews. We are vegans. The owner is a vegan. The chef cooked me the finest vegan dish I've ever eaten. It was worth the 25 bucks for this risotto which is so over the top that it was worth every penny. The bar is stocked with the best wines and bourbons. Bring your snobby self here and learn a few things you don't know. This bar stocks Pappy Van Winkle. Look it up. We were underdressed for Christmas Eve in tee shirts. They welcomed us like family. Beautiful cellar atmosphere. All the bar patrons were in awe of the food deliveries. Fried Green Tomatoes are the best we've ever tasted. Not vegan but close enough. This is a great place to go if you are a foodie and need the entire experience to work in the important places. The chef is present in the front so he's rightly proud. A great value for foodies. Over the top at decent prices for what you are actually getting. We will be returning. There is love in this food and incredible creativity with texture and flavor layering.
(5)
Debby L.
OYSTERS A LA SOUL The oysters are so good. They're stuffed with a bunch of stuff in a creamy Hilbo spiced roux sauce, panko bread crumbs, cheese and baked. I think i taste bacon in it too but I'm not sure. I didn't read the menu very well. Served with habanero hot sauce. The habanero is awesome. It takes the oyster to the next level that Tabasco cannot do. THE LITTLE HILBO RIBEYE with FRIES Hilbo Spiced. We were told that the Hilbo spice has a kick, but I failed to taste it. It was nice and flavorful, salty enough, but spicy, no. Although the meat tasted good, it was undercooked. We asked for it to be cooked medium, but it came out very rare. I ate it anyway because I'm ok with rare. My friend asked for it to be cooked a bit more, but when it came back out, it was pretty much the same. Still very red in the middle, not even pink. The meat was very tender nonetheless. There was also a lot of fat on the meat, so even though it was a 16-18 oz piece of meat, only about 10 oz were meat. The fries are off the chain awesome. Duck fat I tell you. Duck fat. DIVER SCALLOPS pan seared with zaatar spice, watermelon, tomatoes, olives and pork belly. The scallops were amazing, cooked perfectly... but I did not taste any zaatar at all ... and we eat a lot of zaatar at home so I was a little disappointed about that. The pork belly was dry and not very good so we didn't really go for it. It was not crispy at all. WINES I had a pinot blanc called Willow Tree from Oregon and then a Pinot Noir from Oregon as well with the ribeye Both were delicious with my meal and I really like their pairing suggestions.
(4)
John M.
I don't honestly get the rave reviews of this place. I ate 5 different shrimp and grits in Savannah and this was the worst of the bunch. It also cost me $30. You read that correctly. I thought the food was okay. The wines by the glass were poor. We opted for champagne to start and were brought sweet bubbly rose in individual screw top bottles. My wife couldn't find a dry glass of white. When we ordered our very expensive entrees, we were asked if we wanted the house salad or a side order of shrimp and grits to go with it. We were not informed that the salads were optional and cost $10 more. Meal for two was $200. The baked oysters were the only noteworthy dish.
(2)
Lindsay B.
We had a fantastic meal at Alligator Soul- the food was delicious and our server Robert was fantastic. Everything about our meal here was perfect- except for the noisy bachelor party seated behind us- but there is only so much a restaurant can do about that :) Service was excellent for the entire night- my drink was never empty and our waiter checked in during each course. He also provided great recommendations and explanations of our dishes which was very helpful. My husband really enjoyed their old fashioned- and I had a nice tequila based cocktail that was quite large. Our evening started with a gazpacho amuse bouche which was delicious- along with some great bread (which I saved to go with my entree-perfection). We started with the pork belly appetizer- excellent- and moved on to our entrees. I had the mussels dish from the "sea" part of the menu(having discovered on this trip that I like mussels)- and they were the most delicious ones I had on my entire trip (tried 5 varieties overall). My husband was super excited about the "wild and adventurous" side of the menu which was Elk for the evening we were there- and he ate every single morsel. We finished our dinner with the Banana Beignets- which were just as the reviews noted- fantastic. I would definitely recommend sharing this dessert though- it is a large serving. We would head back to Alligator Soul in a second if we were ever back in Savannah- great location, service, and food- highly recommend checking it out for a nicer evening.
(5)
David B B.
I ate here with another conference-goer on my last night in Savannah. The restaurant was quiet and attractive, and the lighting was fashionably dim. The environment was conducive to discussion, and it seemed well suited both to a business dinner or a nice date. We started with a charcuterie and added an alligator tail sausage as a supplement. The charcuterie was really excellent. The leeks in the alligator sausage were cooked just enough, so you really got a taste of fresh vegetables that is rarely found in any sausage. Alligator is sometimes a bit off-putting in texture, but I found this to be reminiscent of minced shrimp and I could not get enough. The pork belly was crunchy and sharp, and not the least bit greasy. The pork and apple sausage had a delicate, savory taste and a lightness that set a new standard for German-style sausage. For a main, I had shrimp and grits. The shrimp were good but nothing special. The grits, however, had a sweet smokiness that was hard to describe. I accompanied the meal with a New York Sour, which adds a touch of pinot noir to the traditional whiskey sour. I had enjoyed a similar drink at the Franklin Bar in Philadelphia, so I was eager to try it here. This one was mellow, gently sour and very gently sweet, with a little tannic bite coming from the wine. It was served in a stainless steel martini glass, which was a bit sharp at the edge but otherwise a very nice touch. The chef sent out an amuse-bouche at the outset, and complementary mulled wine at the meal's end. The mulled wine was sweeter than I usually make it, but it was still a thoughtful gesture. I very much enjoyed my meal at Alligator Soul, and I would certainly go again if the occasion presented itself.
(5)
Tye J.
During a long road trip from fl-nj it was just the pit-stop we needed ! So elegant, the atmosphere was everything we needed to set us free from all the drive-thrus. Service was AMAZING ! Southern hospitality while being well versed in what was being served ! Our server walked us thru the menu, and after was very attentive. The food was prepared swiftly & did not disappoint. With their seasonal menu I can't wait to try something new next time!
(4)
Donna L.
Really cool place. Very interesting and creative menus. Friendly service. I overheard someone raving about the lamb kabob so I ordered it. It was really more like an appetizer, just one kabob with 5 or 6 small bites for 37 dollars. Although it was perfectly cooked, two pieces were inedible and hard to even cut with a serious steak knife. I would try the apps next time.
(4)
Rebecca U.
We came here on our honeymoon. I had left a note in our reservation that we were newlyweds, and the staff pulled out all the stops for us. Flowers on the table, a complementary glass of prosecco, and everyone who walked by congratulated us. On top of the phenomenal service, the food was also bar none. I highly recommend the goat cheese fritter app. My husband and I both went with a seasonal special for our entrees and they were both perfection. The ambiance is also great, with a speakeasy style vibe, complete with candlelight and stainless steel glasses. If you're celebrating a special occasion in Savannah, or simply wish to make any occasion special, you must come to Alligator Soul!
(5)
Marcella P.
This place was awesome and our waiter was fantastic. The food was outstanding. We had some dietary challenges and the chef had no problem accommodating us. If you like Bloody Mary's you need to try there's. The best I ever had. The Presentation ...Love it in the martini glass without all that ice. A must to try. I cannot wait to come back again and take some of my customers here for dinner.
(5)
Esther K.
We had an amazing meal here at alligator soul! I came here with a bunch of gfs for a bach party and we were thrilled when our server was also originally from the East Coast! We ordred the gumbo and shrimp and grits. Both were very good, it met my expectations. They don't skimp out on the shrimps either. We also ordered the fried green tomatoes and can I say yummmzzz. I had a piece of my friend's steak and it was super juicy and moist. My favorite bonus about this restaurant was the hot sauce! It was spicy and flavorful, all that you could ask about a hot sauce! It was so good, we actually bought a couple of bottles to go. You know its a good sauce when they pre bottle them for purchasing!
(5)
Hugh P.
Matthew/Heather and other staff members are pretty friendly. I ate at the bar which was ok too. My ribeye meal was tasty and cooked just right. My issue is that it was very heavy on the sea salt. The salty taste left a lower rating on my mind. But everyone sees to like their other meals.
(3)
Michelle C.
I love this place and recommend it to everyone. I went out of my way to bring friends to dinner tonight. When we walked in to sit at the bar the hostess told us that they were not seating any more it was only 8:40. The manager then said "we are having issues". Not sure what that means but they are no longer on my go to list for dinner in Savannah.... In response to Alligator Soul's comment about my review. I would have completely understood and never posted this negative review if we had been told the truth of the situation. Telling patrons that you have issues and stating "if you don't already have a reservation we can't seat you" is not good customer service. I hope that your Chef is ok and very glad that you made the decision to put him 1st. I was a restaurant manager for many years and would have done the same for my employees but I would have been honest with my customers.
(1)
Michael B.
Went here this past Saturday night. I highly recommend the Hilbo Ribeye. Delicious. Best restaurant I've been to in Savannah.
(5)
YelpHatesMe Y.
Honestly, completely baffled at the high reviews of this place. The ambiance isn't what we expected. It was set out more like a an old storage basement or small warehouse. I was expecting more of a modern look. Service was OK, although there was some piss poor communication between what cheeses were and weren't pasteurized - which was important to know for my pregnant wife. The ones they told us that were - weren't. Seriously? Ever heard of lawsuits? The food. Their "premier" food was this duck bacon, that I thought wasn't that great and pretty cold by the time I got to the cutting board. They had an alligator sausage, but all I tasted was salt. Their cheese completely tasted like it was store bought. I had pretty run of the mill shrimp and grits, with a ton of grits and small on the over cooked side shrimp. The pork belly was basically a piece of meat with a HUGE piece of fat on top of it. I wasn't excited to eat it, it was more of an "OK, I "wanted this" so lets get it over with" experience. The wine list wasn't very good either. We usually just go to the Olde Pink House but thought we would try something different this trip. We chose wrong and will be going back to the Pink House whenever in town.
(2)
Jay W.
Very creative menu and drink list. Very attentive and professional staff from greeters to waiters. Wife said the shrimp and grits were as good as any she has had. My jambalaya was excellent but shrimp replaced frog legs in this entree and will probably will be a permanent change. Shrimp were plentiful and were excellent so no complaints although the frog legs drew me there. Excellent decor. Negatives: pricey menu and very loud so don't expect a quiet romantic meal. We would certainly go back as we are out-of-owners.
(4)
Rich T.
After walking a few blocks in the crazy heat of Savannah, I was happy to learn we were going underground to visit Alligator Soul. We went through the preliminary motions while we waited for our table to be set up and we took the opportunity to visit the chef's selections. Our table was in the farthest third of the venue and while we had company in nearby tables, we did not feel crowded in the well appointed restaurant. Our server was good in explaining the menu to us was we opted for the meat and cheese platters before rolling into the main courses. We noticed our server had an assistant who seemed to be learning on the job and I thought the prime time of Saturday night seemed to be an odd time to be conducting waiter training. We then entered a period of anticipation that reminded me of the Twilight Zone where nothing happened...we waited... and waited....our server seemed to be there and serving other tables, but not us. A party table for 8 sat down next to us and they got a team of servers at their call. To the amazement of the management and the other diners, we did what anyone would have done: we started playing cards....Rummy... Finally, a different server brought us the stunning meat and cheese plates, which went too quickly. Then we waited some more. I lost three more hands of Rummy.... Dinner rolled out with the duck entree for me and the steak for her. Both were very good and worth noting as we shared our plates. Looking back at it now, dinner was 3+ hours long. The food was good, but the service needed help that night as the party of 8 plus the two tables on either side of us came and went with the wind before us. I may return to Alligator Soul to see if my impression was wrong, but I am certain Savannah does better than this on a regular basis.
(3)
Mary Ann Keogh K.
We had the little bilbo and it delicious but not little. It was huge. The duck fat fries were very tasty. That being said the oysters were even more delicious with many flavored blending together. However the shrimp and grits were the star of the show. The small portion had 6large fresh shrimp and the sauce was over the top. This is truly a gem. The service is very attentive and the ambience was very classic and romantic
(5)
Tracy N.
The best meal we had in Charleston, Beaufort, and Savannah! House salad left something to be desired -the grit croutons were unique but the salad was a bit wilted by the dressing and not cold. The creole and duck entrees were amazing. The smaller appetizer portion of the creole was perfect for me.. I imagine the taste might be too much in a big size. The restaurant was very thoughtful in recognizing our anniversary with a small gift. We will definitely return!! This is a great romantic restaurant.. Lots of couples here.
(5)
Keri F.
We got in late our first night (US airways - need I say more?), no baggage in hand, starving... I remembered something about an alligator from the yelp reviews, plugged it into the phone, got us there quickly. Tuesday, night, no one out, in a cellar? Wasn't sure what to expect, but soon realized, while underdressed, we were in the right place! They have moonshine on their specialty drink list! Had to try that, it was good. Started with a nice little amuse bouche: corned beef and cabbage stew in a bite - OMG! why don't they serve this as a meal? I don't eat beef, but for this I would have! Appetizer was FGT (fried green tomato) - very good. Had a bread and butter pickle type chow chow on top, and decent breading with slight salt and pepper. Specialty of the night was fried mahi mahi, presented like a basic fish fry bar night. But the mahi mahi was cooked perfectly, in breading? I don't know how they did it, but it worked. The breading here was average, nothing special. My other got the shrimp and grits appetizer for the main meal - stated "It was really good! Shrimp were cooked perfect." I had to sample the grits (took my lactaide) and it was exactly what grits and cheese should be - a perfect marriage of hard with soft texture and a light cheese and light corn flavor. And this one comes with little bits of sausage which adds a nice salt and smokey flavor. Our last night in Savannah: we had to go back to see if this place was really "THAT" good. This time we sat at the bar, a nice crowd friendly experience. We elected on 2 appetizers: the FGT again and frog legs. FGT were good again, but this time the breading was a little heavier, which downgraded it from best to second best FGT in Savannah. Frog legs were in a coconut cream curry, but the legs were smoked on a grill. Good combination. Negatives: Service took forever! You guys are nice but gotta pick up the pace a little, and I'm talking about alcohol and food service.
(4)
Rick R.
Great place!!!! Oysters a la Soul and Shrimp & Grits were awesome. Fun atmosphere and incredible menu!
(5)
Christina J.
Slow down people!! To much tunnel vision goin on here. Kind of a hit an miss for our party. We would give them another chance. And if the woman who was said to be the owner would relax a little and take the keys off her hip would be really helpful for a better experience for anyone with in 10' of her.
(3)
Lindsey K.
Fantastic! My husband and I had our first honeymoon dinner here and the food was amazing. The staff even had a box of mini praline pies and a nice congratulatory note waiting on our table upon our arrival. Food-wise it was awesome. I had red deer, he had shrimp & grits, and we shared some alligator sausage. Delicious. Our server was able to describe every item in detail, as well as the drinks. Being from Portland, we weren't familiar with some of the alcohol, and I was torn between two drinks. I ended up only ordering one of them, but our server caught us on the way out (after we had already paid and tipped) and offered us a sample of the drink I did not choose. Needless to say, the service was great. Next time we're in Savannah, we'll definitely we back!
(5)
Sarah L.
Had my first dinner here a week ago for my boyfriends birthday, what a great place!! We had the best and most friendly waiter named Davis. He was so knowledgable about the menu, very attentive, and so friendly! For appetizers we ordered a cheese board and the alligator sausage. Both were wonderful. The cheese board was not only beautiful but delicious, I would recommend it to anyone. As entrees I got the flounder and my boyfriend ordered the venison. My dish was very good, the fish mixed with the lentils was great. The flounder itself was over seasoned for my taste, it took away from the fish. But when mixed with everything on the plate the flavor a were perfect. The venison was to die for!! I was sneaking bites off my boyfriends plate all night! Alligator Soul is a must if you live in Savannah!
(5)
Jamie S.
Alligator Soul is amazing and definitely lives up to the hype! Its one of those place that you'd eat at and always remember because of the food and overall experience. I ate at this place my last two nights in Savannah...that's how good it is! The restaurant's attention to detail is unparalleled! The cuisine is creative and flavorful but yet still versatile enough to be adapted to fit your dietary restrictions. On my 1st night, I had the Creole Soul dish for my appetizer and Red Snapper special for my main entree. On my 2nd night, I tried the Elk for my main entree. The Creole Soul was an explosion of rich, unique but complimentary flavors that dance with your palette. I ordered it without the pork so it only came with shrimp and crawfish, but it was still well executed. The Red Snapper special was fantastic and served with an artichoke, pink eye beans, and another vegetable that I can't recall. The fish was wonderfully fresh and lightly seasoned with sea salt. The Elk completely blew me away and this is coming from a person who usually only eats fish and turkey. It was cooked to perfection...flawlessly tender and seasoned. It was served with collards and a twice-baked potato. Service was excellent! The restaurant uses of team approach to make sure your food gets to the table quickly and accurately so you see different people bring you drinks, food, dessert, etc. This place is definitely a "must try" and should be your first stop while in Savannah! I highly recommend making reservations because this place is packed everyday of the week. I love that the restaurant supports local farmers too!!!
(5)
Sierra L.
Seriously amazing! From the pork belly appetizer to our steak and bison dinners! The drinks were great. Simply delicious! You have to try it!!! A must go for sure!
Loved the soul-food Boudin was the best! The Service was excellent people were great atmosphere was awesome!
(5)
Diane A.
Alligator Soul is my favorite restaurant hands down in Savannah!!! Now make sure though you make reservations, and the yelp app allows you to do so from their page. We came in over the July 4th weekend with a 530pm reservation, when the restaurant just opened. I like the early dinner because I can get in before the crowds and still have room for dessert in the evening. They start you off with a palate cleanser and that was already yum! We ordered the cheese plate for appetizer and it had an assortment of 4 cheeses, breads, and then fruit. I ordered a small plate of shrimp & grits while hubby got the Soul Creole (too bad he ended up getting an allergic reaction to the crawfish). Other times we've gotten the scallops, fried green tomatoes, and another dish. Now, my favorite drink has to be the ETTA JAMES. In the past I've had it with the gin but my recent trip I got it as a mocktail since I'm 22 weeks pregnant. Now the mocktail was even better than the real drink. OMG, to die for! Service is always remarkable and consistent. Multiple people come to your table to provide you with anything you need so there's no way you won't be missing out on something. The atmosphere is beautiful and the employees are wonderful. I love coming here!!
(5)
Penny L.
Same as the other Yelper Erin L( comments made 9 months ago), exactly the same experience happened to me when dinning in this restaurant: Everything was great including the service, ambience, and food. However, I hope the owner can pay attention to what I post since IT HAPPENED AGAIN TO THE 2ND CUSTOMER; if you don't want to receive another one star by the third person, please take this into consideration. Two things bothered me on the bill: 1)$5 charge for sparkled water- at first I ask for simple water, but the server Kate brought up a choice of sparkling water. I do not think this will add to the bill since I have never been to a high end restaurant which "charges" any type of water, including sparkling one. However, seeing the $5 on the bill really upset me for tonight. 2)$14 for two scallops. Yes ONLY TWO pieces for $14. This was recommend by the server Kate again, and of course she did not mention the added price to me in the beginning. I feel tricked for her hiding this important factor to sway my decision making. As I know, the high quality of sashimi (yellow tail) in a highly reviewed Japanese restaurant in NYC is $3 a piece. One scallop in Savannah costs almost $7? I am sorry, though I really love scallop and I hate comparing, this uncomfortable charge def brings my satisfaction down to almost zero. I have grown up having fresh seafood; obviously this price does not make sense to me at all. After all, I still tip enough tonight for I understand how tough it is to run a restaurant and to be a server. And I really love southern hospitality in this travel experience. Letting this ruin my mood is not worth it. Next time, I will rethink about whether to come back to Alligator Soul.
(2)
Darci S.
I had the shrimp and grits and was impressed. The shrimp was prepared perfectly but the sauce was the winner of the dish. I don't know what was in it but the smokiness balanced the dish very well. This was also my first time to eat shrimp and grits. I will happily do so again. My husband had the fresh caught scallops which I tried and they were crazy tender. Unlike I've ever had before. My boys had the bacon wrapped tenderloin. What can I say they are 18 & 13 not very adventurous. They both liked their dishes. The craft cocktails were creative and well made. That maple infused rum, though.
(4)
Michelle M.
We researched this restaurant before coming to Savannah. It did not disappoint. Perfectly cooked seared scallops, melt in your mouth steak, pork belly to die for. This meal was well worth the trip we made from Charleston.
(5)
Amy C.
Lovely restaurant. My husband and I went this past Saturday evening and had a great meal. The food was wonderful--from the amuse bouche and fresh bread to the seriously amazing grilled oysters, the nice wine and beer list, the whole thing was on point. The house salad was even awesome. For our entrees we had the catch (wreckfish--grouperish fish) and the beef tenderloin. Sadly, we didn't have room for dessert. I only did 4 stars because I was left waiting for a drink a couple of times, but the meal was well-paced and the service pretty good in general. We will definitely be back next time we're in town. Can't wait to eat those oysters again!
(4)
Mark R.
Ms. B. and I were visiting Savannah over my birthday weekend, so I did some searching to see what restaurants appeared suitable for a nice birthday dinner. Alligator Soul's menu seemed most intriguing, so we decided to give it a go and made a reservation. When the restaurant called to confirm it, they asked if this was a special occasion, so I informed them it was my birthday. And thus, when we came in, they presented me with a nice little box filled with some chocolate and a couple of nutty tarts, which were pretty tasty. Sweet! To begin, we ordered a bottle of Rioja Ergo, which was decent (though, not unexpectedly, the markup for wine and cocktails was exorbitant). For an appetizer, we decided to try the artichoke and goat cheese fritters, which were delicious -- warm, crispy outside, soft but not runny inside, and, of course, very, very rich. For dinner, it was a difficult choice, as there were many appealing options on the menu. In the end, I settled on the bison hanger steak, and Ms. B. opted for a vegetarian combination with farro. We were both quite taken with our choices; the bison was delicious and fairly tender, cooked medium rare. In fact, I had only taken a few bites when our server stopped by and mentioned that certain of us seemed overtly pleased with our dinners. I suppose I might have made a satisfied noise or two; it's hard to recall, for it was my birthday and now I am old. The ambiance at Alligator is warm and inviting, the servers top-notch -- perfectly attentive without being overbearing. We could eat at a leisurely pace but never had to wonder where the food or our servers were hiding out. Prices are not for the faint of heart, but then, we expected this and compensated by eating sand for a few days afterward. It's all good.
(4)
Kathleen O.
I can't say enough about this restaurant. Dining with 8 people from my family they easily accommodated our large group. The farm to table experience is incredible. The menu is ever evolving due the availability of the local food, however if any of these are available on the menu you must must try the gator, the elk with pappardelle, the beef tenderloin wrapped in bacon and my favorite the shrimp and grits and oysters. Our waitress was over the top friendly and a real trooper with all of our requests and questions about the menu. Extremely knowledgable. A must go if you are in town.
(4)
Keira G.
Amazing! Even during Restaurant Week when volumes are up and service and food quality sometimes slip. They have every detail covered. It was our anniversary which they congratulated us when we arrived and then left us a gift box with pecan tarts on our table with a customized label that had our names and offered congratulations on our 2nd anniversary. Wow. Had the most amazing waiter. Super knowledgable and spent time giving us the real deal on best places in Savannah to eat at. Really appreciate that. Alligator Soul is by far the best restaurant in Savannah.
(5)
Susan M.
My husband's cousin could not wait to take us here during our weekend visit to Savannah. As soon as we walked through the door, we were consumed by an upbeat and lively energy that lasted the duration of our meal. For starters, we ordered fried green tomatoes, shrimp & grits, and tuna tartare. Everything was quickly shared and devoured. The shrimp & grits stole the show - I don't think I'll be able to order this dish from anywhere else because I know it will not measure up. Our entrees were stellar: bacon-wrapped filet, red snapper (special), and buffalo rib eye. We cleaned each plate and celebrated every bite. I'd go back to Alligator Soul just to have a drink. I enjoyed a dirty martini with blue cheese-stuffed olives - of course, it was amazing. It was my first time drinking a martini from a stainless steel martini "glass" but it stayed ice-cold and was a fun break from the norm. The house cabernet was medium-bodied and velvety smooth - it paired nicely with the filet. Our server was super-friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. He was always there when we needed him and gave us plenty of space to put ourselves into massive food comas. The only thing we weren't crazy about was the coffee after dinner. It tasted like it had been sitting out too long. One of the best restaurants I have experienced in my 38 years on this planet. 5-star ratings for food, cocktails, service, location, ambiance... it doesn't get much better than Alligator Soul.
(5)
Ily G.
One of the finest dining experiences I have ever had and I have traveled far and wide... Superb service. Picturesque decor. And, most importantly, fresh, organic, creative, and DELICIOUS food. If you want to treat yourself to a truly gourmet experience, Alligator Soul is the perfect choice.
(5)
Yuxi J.
Love love love this place! Great drink and great great food! This is the place you can't miss here
(5)
Lou Q.
The good...the food was phenomenal!!! The bad..the wait staff is very pushy with the appetizers and constantly refilling your wine glass from the bottle you purchased. Retrain the wait staff, they are like trained seals. Teach them to let the customer enjoy the experience and this becomes 5 stars
(4)
Shane B.
My wife and I visited the bar for a few drinks and appetizers, which included shrimp and grits which were very tasting. The bartenders were very friendly and provided great service. The atmosphere was great, dimly lit and trendy.
(5)
EliandJen W.
This was by far our favorite food experience! We ordered multiple appetizers including shrimp and grits, alligator sausage and the fried green tomatoes. The taste of all the food was so rich and flavorful. The fried green tomatoes are the best we had Savannah! For the main course we ordered Bison, vermillion snapper and Ostrich. The Bison and Snapper were very good and flavorful. The Ostrich was good and seasoned well but the meat lacked a lot of flavor. This was the exotic special so we had to try it. For dessert we ordered the banana beignet's and the Chocolate choice. The banana beignet was our favorite by far!
(5)
Rene T.
Almost missed the entrance to this restaurant, thankfully my husband remembered seeing a Yelp picture! I loved all of the brick and the low lighting in the restaurant, it gave off a cozy vibe. For the food- I ordered the bison (osso bucco) and my husband ordered the 'exotic' entree: Guinea hen. Now, we have a local bison ranch less than 5 miles from my house, so I am very familiar with well prepared bison. This was the real deal. They even put a spoon into the bone marrow, which was ridiculously good. The bison came with leeks and broccoli, while my husband's dish was pared with sweet potato and collard greens. You pay a little bit more than some of the other dinner restaurants around, but it's a no-brainer when you know that the food is grass fed, local, and farm to table at its best. Highly recommend!! I would love to return.
(5)
Sally M.
We ate at Alligator Soul on a recent vacation in Savannah, GA. It may be a bit pretentious but the food was great. My husband had the pheasant which was a LOT of meat and I had the lamb chops. We were a little disappointed that the music was advertised as blues but we didn't find it to be that the night we were there. Otherwise, it's a nice restaurant for a special occasion.
(3)
Ben J.
Every patron is treated as if they own the place. Our waiter was beyond knowledgeable about every dish. He was extremely attentive and always around, but not smothering. The food....Christ. Absolutely delicious...and my wife and I are hard to impress. The shrimp and grits were spectacular. The filet was perfect. My yelp friends...this is a gem. Worth your hard earned dollars.
There's a deer chasing a sheep, wrestling an alligator, befriending a duck, while the oysters, mussels and shrimp sing amazing grace in soft sweet tones. And all of that is happening in a sea of moonshine, bourbon, and beer. And all of that is happening in my stomach. Well done.
(5)
Mark C.
We had a great experience at Alligator Soul. We didn't have reservations, so we decided to sit at the bar where they have full food service. The bartenders were extremely friendly and knowledgable about the menu. They made some excellent Old Fashions. We started with the carving board which included duck bacon, lamb sausage, and variety of cheeses. We then had the baked oyster appetizer which was delicious. We shared the 18oz Ribeye with Hillbo sauce. It was out of this world. The steak was cooked to perfection and the sauce was amazing.
(5)
Emily L.
We made reservations for a chef's tasting a few weeks in advance and called a few days before our arrival to confirm the reservations, as it would be our anniversary dinner. An hour and a half before, we were contacted to let us know that the executive chef was not in tonight. The owner, Maureen, called us back about 10-15 minutes later, to apologize. She went the extra mile to correct the hiccup and have the executive chef discuss options with Chef Martel, who was working this evening, to make sure we were still able to have our greatly anticipated night out. Chef Martel did an EXCELLENT job with the menu. Rebecca (or Rebekah?) was our waitress and we cannot say enough great things about her. Her enthusiasm for food, her knowledge of the mostly locally sourced ingredients and knowledge of their other (ethically sourced) wild game options, and her outstanding, friendly service should be commended. My husband and I love to try new, and sometimes exotic, foods. We also love the opportunity to partake in chef's tasting menus, as we often get to experience different, unique takes on food that are not standard menu options. Alligator Soul was a definite win in our book. 6 courses (and intermezzos), each paired with wine. Well done chef Martel, Rebecca, and Maureen. We will join you again next time we are in town.
(5)
Gentry U.
My wife and I have 10 years of food & bev experience between us. Rashad gave us by far the best experience we've ever had throughout all our dinning out. We celebrated our anniversary as well as my recent arrival home from a deployment. After all the great recommendations and the fire show we left amazed by our experience with not only the food but more importantly the service. Thank you Alligator Soul and the best service we've ever received by Rashad for making our evening so special. We'll be back for that bottle!!!
(5)
Darlene J.
You cannot go wrong with the food, service, or location. Everything about this place was 5 star. It is pricey and worth every penny of it. A must do if in Savannah!!!
(5)
Holly S.
Maybe wrong place at the wrong time? We didn't really enjoy this place as much as we thought from all the reviews we had read online. We were seated in a room off to the side by ourselves while the other room seemed more hopping but because we were off by ourselves, we didn't get good service. Our waitress had a really awkward vibe too. I don't think she should be in the service industry to be honest. The food was okay but we both agreed we probably wouldn't come back, it just wasn't that great for the price.
(3)
Drew P.
Great place!!! What a wonderful atmosphere. We met the executive chef when we entered. They have the best shrimp and grits in the country. We ate 2 plates, and had a bottle of their house red, which was Alligator Soul labeled. Service was exceptional. We will go back again when we are in the area.
(5)
Olinka W.
We made a last minute decision to drive up to Savannah from Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. Understandably, since we did not call to book for our Saturday (10/18/14) night reservation until that prior Wednesday, the only available reservation time was 9:15pm. That worked for us though since we were going to be walking around all day and knew we wanted to decompress before dinner. Upon booking, I wrote (scheduled on Open Table) that it was our second anniversary and again told the gentleman when he called to confirm that it was a special evening for us. Upon our arrival, we noticed the restaurant was fairly empty, though we were seated next to a table of about 12+ 30-somthing gentleman who were obviously enjoying their time together as it was a little noisy to say the least. I had wanted to eat here since reading the menu a couple of years back so I was excited for our impending culinary endeavor. Our waitress was new to the restaurant though knowledgeable and very nice. We brought our own special bottle of champagne from Hungary (corking fee $20) for this dinner (we were engaged there and had just visited again in September) so can not comment on the craft of the drink nor the extent of the lists. Upon review of the menu with our waitress, my husband and I were slightly disappointed that they did not have anything on their 'Exotic Specialty' menu other than 'Wild Hen Cordon Bleu.' In my opinion, that is not quite an exotic specialty. However, we decided to first try two appetizers; the Charcuterie Plate and the Awarding Winning Artisan Cheeses Plate. The bone marrow on the Charcuterie Plate was slightly overcooked, rendering most of the marrow too hard to indulge in, but other than that, all was pretty delicious. I especially liked how each one of the cheeses were locally produced. My husband really liked the pickled veggies on the 'meat' plate. For our main courses, we went with the Duck Succotash Cassoulet for him and the Roasted Leg of Lamb for me. Having just gorged ourselves across Eastern Europe for three weeks in September where duck, perogies and red cabbage are menu regulars, the duck dish was just OK. The sweet potato puree was tasty. The lamb dish was better. The only negatives for me was I felt as though the 'Duck Fat Yorkshire Pudding' was "older" (was not crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside as it should be) and the brussels sprouts were a little undercooked. The herb and peppercorn crust on the lamb however was the best part of the dish - the meat very tasty. With our reservation being so late, by the time we were finishing up our entrees, the wait staff was breaking down the tables around us so we opted for a check instead of dessert (our full stomachs thanked us for that as well.) I was a little disappointed that not once was it acknowledged that it was our second wedding anniversary. Some restaurants tend to forget that a simple congratulatory amuse bouche or dessert can go a long way - especially when you are walking out of there with almost $200 less than what you had walked in with. I would go here again though next time maybe with a larger group of people for a more casual dinner.
(3)
Jim P.
Ribeye best ever. Amazing smokey flavor. Best ever. Certainly not cheap, prepare to invest more than a few bucks in a good dinner. The duck fat fries are amazing.
(5)
Steve V.
I went here last night on a celebratory dinner. We were seated even though the kitchen was getting ready to close, so that was much appreciated. Our server, Rebecca, took care of us throughout the night and did a fabulous job. Timing on everything was perfect. We both ordered the cider cocktail (house favorite). It was super tasty but not as strong as advertised. The baked oysters were super delicious and the habenaro sauce they tease you with is exactly the amount you need. Anything more would drown out the bacon, oysters, lemon, cheese, and all the other goodness baked in there. Superb. We were served freshly baked warm bread with an amazing butter spread. We ordered Kangaroo and Shrimp Creole dinners. Presentation was excellent as was the flavor. The hint of black truffle over the Kangaroo was outstanding. Truffle is an easy thing to overdo but this chef is right on the money. The Shrimp Creole had a hint of smoke to it, which brought back memories of low boils and NawLeans in the French Quarter. Excellent. We were full by desert and the place was closing down so we declined desert, though the menu looked awesome! I like this place. I haven't been, maybe people are scared of paying an extra 5 dollars per item. Hey, you get what you pay for. This is an excellent place to go if you like trying new inventive dishes. They get as much of their foods and products from local farms. Shrimp is out of Charleston, SC. Fish is caught the day of. Kangaroo is locally raised in GA. Even their cocktail list is made from organic and local produce and liquors. The atmosphere and vibe are relaxing. This place was made by people who care. Everything down to the menus are given thought, which means a lot. 5/5. I'll be back when the family comes down to visit.
(5)
Liane V.
First- The staff and service -excellent. The taste of the mere morsels- good. We went during restaurant week to try it out $30.00 appetizer, entree, and dessert. We always order a nice bottle of wine to share. The waiter to his credit told us that it was a " sampling" and not a full entree. It sure was just a sampling!! Never would have gone there if we knew that we would leave hungry. We had been to Vic's, 700 Drayton, the old pink house and belfords this week all with exceptional full meals. At alligator soul the Appetizer was one (1) small goat cheese medallion the size of a silver dollar. The entree one lamb kabob ( dry , charred and over cooked) the dessert they just really should not have even served it- they embarrassed themselves. A small, thin , very flat piece of angel food cake LESS than the size and thickness of a mayonnaise lid covered with a thin layer of sauce. I had the smallest , thinnest piece of key lime cheesecake that I have ever seen- It was a one biter for sure. I'm surprised they were able to cut it that small really. It made us feel strange . We will definitely frequent the other restaurants we ate out at this week, but not to alligator soul. We travel and dine out frequently
(3)
Natalie G.
A definite must eat at restaurant while in Savannah. Must make reservations. It gets filled up! If not, you can come in sit in their lounge area and wait for a seat at the bar. Great service. Bartenders were very friendly and hospitable. They explained everything they brought out. I would recommend getting the little Hilbo (if you like steak) be prepared to take half of it home or share this plate. Really big portion. Very delicious! Agave flight and gentlemen flight is a must do! Very satisfying experience!
(5)
Jamie D.
I live across the street from Alligator Soul. Have eaten here 3 times now. 1 to go, and the others inside. Bottom line upfront; nice restaurant that is hit and miss on items. Will likely not go again. Bill is typically $200 for drinks, appetizer, dinner, dessert, and tip for two people. For that price, I expect a more predictable and higher quality level of service and food. First the good; nice atmosphere with a professional staff (for the most part, both visits the bartenders were great). For food, try the cheese board when available, beef tenderloin, and creme brulee. All great choices. The signature cocktails are what drinks should be. Food presentation is superb. Also, a great wine list. All in all, a great ambience that is tastefully decorated and perfect for a date night. Reasons for 3 stars: Your phone will more than likely not work here. Hit and miss with desserts; the bananas desert was simply put, not delicious. The shortcake was stale and we didn't finish the dish (staff didn't notice or didnt care it was 3/4 still full). The appetizers outside of the cheese board did not sound appealing. Reservations. Living next door we stopped in the last time without any. Volunteered to wait at the bar; they said no table would be available. I said we'd wait and if someone cancelled please let us know. For an hour we saw no more than five tables open and no fewer than three. I don't expect to eat at at a table with no reservations, however, I don't like to look at 5 empty tables and not be acknowledged again. Ordered a Little Hilbo steak to eat the last time. The food was delivered over cooked. The bartender quickly noticed when I cut into it and promptly addressed it. When a new steak arrived 10 minutes later, it was completely undercooked. The bartender noticed but not wanting to not eat for an additional 10 minutes I said to just leave it.
(3)
Cecille R.
Had my birthday dinner here recently! We made a reservation and ended up arriving much earlier than our time and they were able to accommodate us. The entrance is really cool. You walk down stairs leading to the restaurant which is dimly lit. The vibe is very dressy casual but since it's Savannah in the summertime most of the men were dressed in shorts with dressier shirts. Service was very spot on from the moment we sat down until we left. Our server was very prompt and thorough with her explanation of dishes on the menu as well as making recommendations. They brought us out 2 complimentary amuse bouche which was nice. My husband ordered from the Restaurant Week menu and enjoyed his meal although I am pretty sure the portions offered for that deal were not representative of full sized. I ended up going with the regular menu. The fried green tomatoes with the pickled veggies on top was phenomenal. I ate every single bite. My husband and I both enjoyed the complementary coffee espresso corn muffins. My only gripe is that we were not offered more! ;) I had the scallop entree and it was very good. And perfectly cooked. I was rather full after diving into the tomatoes so thankfully my husband helped finish the dish. I would definitely come back again on my next visit. It is pricey but worth your hard earned bucks and the cool thing is that I was referred to this place by a fellow Yelper! :)
(5)
Darrell S.
We went there to take advantage of Savannah Restaurant Week prix fixe option. I had the pork belly appetizer, lamb kabob entree, and angel food cake dessert. My wife had the artichoke and goat cheese fritter, diver scallops, and key lime cheese cake. I know this is a tasting menu but just a taste is what we got. The thing that stood out the most is the lamb kabob is absolutely the toughest piece of meat I have ever encountered anywhere bar none. My wife and I always share when we eat out,which is often, and she could not chew her piece. I suffered through mine just to try to finish and believe me this was a chore. I don't like to base a restaurant's viability on one visit but this kabob will stand out in my memory. The service was great.
(2)
Lea G.
Man this was one of the best dining experiences in a long time. Our waiter Davis was very knowledgeable and he had great recommendations. We started with the alligator sausage and fried green tomatoes. My bison osso bucco was very tender and flavorful. My husband had the rib eye which was also wonderful. We ended with apple & cranberry cobbler ala mode. If your ever in Savannah it is a must try.
(5)
Tod H.
Great decor! Food was fabulous. I wish it was more exotic (aligator would be nice ;) but our dinner was fabulous. We sat at the bar since we had no idea that you would need reservations on a Monday night!! Who knew??? Anyway, the bar was great; sat next to some fun people and had a great time.
(5)
Nichole S.
My group of friends decided to celebrate a birthday on Saturday night and we started the evening off with dinner at Alligator Soul. The restaurant has great decor and is nice for intimate or group gatherings. Our server was fantastic, personable and fun but also very knowledgeable about the menu, I believe her name was Rebecca. We were given an amuse bouche to begin with, which was a peanut and collard green pesto on top of a crack of some sort- it was yummy. Since it was restaurant week, we had the option to select the 3 course tasting menu or order off the regular menu. All in all we had the artichoke and goat cheese fritters which were very tasty, shrimp & grits which were ok, the diver scallops, the frog leg jambalaya which was good but tasted more like a shrimp creole type dish, and then the last item was the bison hangar steak which was ordered medium and came out perfectly cooked and seasoned. The birthday girl was given a torte with her name on it, which we thought was a nice touch. They had a lot of interesting choices, which made it hard for us to choose but I think we made good choices and all around enjoyed our dining experience.
(4)
J O.
It was everything we read it to be. Fantastic fancy dining experience. Make sure you make a reservation or come early early otherwise you'll wait along time. We ate at the bar and the head bartender Mathew was delightful.
(5)
Megan J.
We came in on 2/27. The appetizer was the fried green tomatoes. For a fried dish with a veggie relish ( not sure what to call the overly acid veggies) I don't believe this to be a dish to "develop flavors". The excuse given by the manager was that they were changing the paper on the machine and the order popped up at another cook station and then was placed behind orders that were placed after ours at the app station. Having been a line chef and experienced this myself, it is an acceptable excuse. However the manager said the dish was rushed cooked, which is odd that the dish arrived cold. But the excuse provided was reasonable and forgotten until the two tables besides us with larger parties and were sat after us, ordered after us, and ordered the lamb and steak like us, got their food before us. Even another waiter made the observation that our food was taking a long time. We barely saw our waitress but the manager passed our table several times during our wait. The most upsetting is the standoff response my wife received from the manager when inquiring about our entree which was unchanged when our food was shortly brought to our table with absolutely nothing more than, " here's your food, enjoy". The entrees were perfectly prepared and enjoyable. The cheese cake was astounding with great destinguisable flavors and textures. The chocolate and mousse in the glass was dry and flavorless. Thanks for taking the time to respond. I hope this insight into our evening helps you improve your buisness. Regards, The Husband
(2)
Joel W.
Not what we expected. I ordered the oysters, house salad and bouillabaisse, my wife, the fried green tomatoes and catch of the day which was flounder. Flounder? That's the seafood special? Not too special to us. And served with vegetables that were laced with garlic, she could not eat them. It was also brought served without the double vegetable that she requested. My oysters were delicious but served on a plate with so much salt that whenever some of the topping from the oyster fell onto the plate it was now salt encrusted. Couldn't eat it after that. I think a poor choice in presentation. I thought that my house salad was also too heavy with garlic, it was delicious but overpowered me for the rest of the meal and night. Our service was attentive, professional, however slow. So slow that when our dinners finally came out (1 hour and 45 mins after we sat down), the manager came over to comp them without us even complaining! They knew that our experience was not their best. It is clear that they strive to be the best restaurant in town, and I believe that most patrons had a great experience. They are probably far better than our experience was, but I am not reviewing their meal just ours.
My girlfriend and I spent a weekend in Savannah to celebrate our birthdays. We made reservations here after reading all of the great reviews. From the moment we walked into the Cellar wine atmosphere, we new this was a winner. We had a glass of wine at the bar before dinner, and the servers were so gracious. They brought us wonderful pecan treats in lovely boxes, and wished us both a Happy Birthday. Our waiter was a Matthew McConaughey twin, and his service was impeccable. At the end of our dinner all of the lights went off , scrumptious desserts arrived, and they poured a liquid on our table and lit it on fire. We were once again wished a Happy Birthday! Thank you for the amazing food, service and memories.
(5)
Kurt M.
Excellent food experience. The shrimp and grits are the best hands down. Thomas provided excellent bar service!
(5)
Rachel B.
We had a lovely dinner here. No seats were available so we sat at the bar. Being vegetarians, there were very few options for us but on the menu there is a note indicating the chef will make a vegetarian or vegan dish upon request. We had the fried green tomatoes to start and then shared a risotto with pear and blue cheese. Very accommodating and delicious :-)
(5)
Philip H.
Alligator Soul has it all. Great atmosphere, excellent service, and above all - amazing food. Their menu is unique and changes due to the farm to table approach and the catch of the day from their day boat fishermen. We tried smaller portions of the shrimp and grits, oysters, and diver scallops. The fish of the day was a red snapper. I would order every item again! If you like spice, the sauce for the oysters and their Bloody Mary both contain habanero infused heat - very well done. This is a five-star restaurant that should find a night on your Savannah itinerary.
Went here our first night in Savannah, after reading and hearing how amazing. It was, AMAZING. Not the least bit disappointing. Loved every second, every drink, every app, entree and the service. This place is by far the best restaurant in Savannah. Everything else we have had since on our 4 day trip, we've been comparing to here. Nothing else comes remotely close. Wish we had one at home in Raleigh, NC. Make a reservation bc they run out of them quickly.
(5)
Cat S.
disclaimer: my favorite style of food is Southern Creole and Farm to Table. On a recent trip to Savannah, GA I found this place online and was determined to check it out. The only reservation available was at 9:15pm but we took it. Around 8, we found ourselves near the restaurant and popped in to see if they had bar seating or any cancellations. They looked about 1/2 empty but said "no, we can't seat you". No prob. We walked around the city for a while and came back. The same tables were still empty. All this to say that the hostess was lame but that was the only bad thing here. Service was perfect. Staff was knowledgeable, food was impeccable. Features local produce, exotic specialties, and authentic southern creole cooking. Really great cocktail menu, beer list, and wine list also. Oysters a la Soul (delicious!) Fried Green tomatoes (not the strongest) Soul Creole (perfect!) Duck succotash cassoulet (perfect!) Too full for dessert :( Restaurant is in the basement of a building but is fairly nice (great date spot) but you can dress pretty casually. Go there now! With friends so you can share!
Visiting Savannah for work and decided to take advantage of Restaurant week and visit someplace exciting. Let me break it down this way: The Good: To drink we selected the featured cocktail, a blackberry mint tea made with bourbon. It was a fine cocktail and one of the least expensive at $9. A bread plate was delivered with four corn cakes (a member of the party identified containing smoked cheese, she is a super taster, once she said it I was like "oh yeah, there is a faint smokiness to these"). The honeyed herb butter was a nice compliment to the corn cakes and dense, crusty baguette slices. Participating in Restraurant week, we were able to select an starter, entree and dessert for $30, we were told the portions were smaller than normal. I had the shrimp and grits starter, normally $13, and it was exquisite. I see this on every menu in town so I expected something pretty pedestrian. The sauce was flavorful and the dish had a nice heat to it. The Bad (Used poetically, not really bad, just not as good as the good): Next was the crawfish and gator etoufee. I am a northern boy, I enjoy crawfish but have eaten them only a handful of times in my life, and have experienced etouffee even less. The flavor of the dish was predominantly, 'fishy'. It wasn't unpleasant, but that was the main profile. I enjoyed the dish overall, it had a nice piece of grilled gator which I had forgotten was going to be in there. The portion was small (remember restaurant week) and I was thinking "I'm going to need a slice of pizza after this." I will admit that I am not an etouffee aficionado, so maybe this dish was spot on, I am only reporting as best as my limited experience will allow. One of the party had the venison lollypop, which I had a taste of. OMG, I've eaten venison my whole life and we never had anything like that. It was amazing, red deer from New Zealand prepared with salt and pepper, and grilled. Wow. Her portion was one frenched chop but what a chop! Next we had dessert, bread pudding was very dense, like tough to cut with my fork dense. The peaches, vanilla cream and bourbon glaze were not quite enough to cut the incredible density, but it tasted pretty damn good. After eating this I was no longer thinking of stopping for pizza. The Ugly (truly ugly): The service. Our server was friendly enough, pleasant in fact, but OMG, it was SLOOOOWWWWW. Cocktails and a tap beer took at least 20 minutes to arrive. The bread plate another 15+. Our starter long after the bread plate was gone. The entree another 20+ minutes. The forgot to make my friends' son's meal (which was an amazing bacon wrapped filet with duck fat fries, of which I helped myself to a few) and we were done with our entrees long before his food came. To their credit, the didn't charge for the child's meal, but overall, the pace of dinner was brutally slow. The boy was amazingly patient, my own children would have been destroying the place within the first 20 minutes of sitting there without a drink or bread. Dinner took two hours. With a 5 year old, that is just, unfathomable. A second cocktail arrived just after I had given up hope of ever receiving it. The place was bustling for a Tuesday night, but I wouldn't expect that to catch a high end place off guard. Or perhaps this is typical meal pacing and I am ignorant of fine dining practices. Secondly, the prices here are ridiculous. Maybe middle class folk don't belong in a place like this. I don't usually spend $30+ on an entree and $13 on a starter. Again, I was here for restaurant week so it was nice chance to experience a place I wouldn't normally visit. What I experienced wasn't encouraging, I will leave this place to the upper class who don't mind dropping $100 a meal. I am a simple public servant and will stick to more approachable establishments. I hear there is a nice NY Pizza slice place around here.
(2)
Ronald C.
Our waiter Rashad was wonderful very informed about the menu and made excellent recommendations. The house oyster Al a soul appetizer was over the top as were the mussels. We shared the special house salad which was delicous with a honey based dressing and fried grit parmesan croutons- very tasty. When they ran out of the special boar our waiter suggested equally delightful alternatives A thoroughly enjoyable experience and very reasonably priced as great restaurants go. Ron from CT April 14,2015
(5)
Nate H.
I had high expectations. The restaurant is inviting but then things fall apart. Our table was not ready when we arrived for our reservation, so we were directed to the bar. Ok, I'll play... We order manhattans. They are made with organic rye bourbon. (What?) Ok, tasty as any other. And $14 each. Then the table was ready. Well played. I cash out at the bar for $30 for two drinks. Ouch. This is Savannah right? Just because I ordered a manhattan doesn't mean I expected to pay Manhattan prices. Moving on... Our table is in a side dining room with a big draft. January in savannah was cold enough. The vents across from our table added a new dimension in chilled. The amuse bouche soup spoon had no flavor. Broth at best. Breads were Italian and... Wait for it... Peanut butter biscuit. Ick. Our server stops by to offer bottled, filtered or "tap" water. Big pet peeve with high end restaurants serving entrees at +$35 is the distinction of offering tap water. Why don't u just offer it as garden hose water. It gives the same connotation. Working in restaurants, I never offer "tap" water. It's insulting. Just say ice water. It's the same water and not offensive. The server wants to take our appetizer order only. I want to relinquish the big menus so we give our complete dinner order so he can take them off our small table. We order a bottle of wine. He comes back with the bottle. Not showing me the label, he opens the bottle and pours a taste to both of us. It's now obvious we have a trainee. I had to ask to see the bottle, hoping it is what we ordered since it is now opened. It's fine and he pours both glasses...I thought he was going to fill them to the top! He was only able to pour two glasses each from the bottle. Wow, where is his trainer?? Food: charcuterie...described to us as fois gras, but it's a terrine actually. The real waiter serving the table next to us explained this dish correctly to his table. The terrine was dry, falling apart each time we tried to cut a piece off. Excited to try alligator, I get the alligator gumbo. We had to wait for fresh silver to be delivered AFTER our entrees arrived. Thus is a rookie mistake in restaurants at half the price. Mise en place folks! The gumbo stock is very sweet...like Ragu sweet. And the fried alligator chunks were so salty I couldn't eat half of them. My other half orders the Hilbo steak. Medium rare comes out medium. Very tough and mealy. Not a good cut. Our server was absent most of the meal, so we set the credit card on the table as we finished the entree. We wondered where he was since we figured we were his only table. Please just stop the bleeding and let us go. You would think that as bad as the dinner was, that I would complain. But I kept expecting it to get better. And it was a creeping experience as the night went on. Prices are way too high for these missteps. The two stars are for the bar...the first and last good experience we had. (Pull the price down a couple bucks on the drinks...you're not there yet).
(2)
Abby D.
Great food and excellent service. The menu changes seasonally and it's always something to look forward to. I highly recommend checking this restaurant out!!
(5)
Phil S.
I was very excited about my return to alligator but was very disappointed. The food quality has suffered after the change in executive chef. Not what it once was by any stretch. Our server Thomas seemed much less attentive after realizing we wouldn't be drinking alcohol or eating several courses. Just not worth the money.
(1)
Nefer P.
We just grabbed drinks but the food smelled great. I tried the mojito with watermelon- I loved it. Hubby ordered an old fashioned which was made with Chicago's Koval. It didn't have the same kick as Maker's but it was still crafted with detail. The service was excellent.
(5)
Zach G.
Four of us had a wonderful experience at Alligator Soul during a business trip/conference in Savannah. It was a Thursday evening and fairly quiet - we were sat immediately. The service was very friendly, and very good. A nice mix of upscale but relaxed. They nailed it in that regard. For an app, we split fried green tomatoes. They were quite good, but nothing amazing. It's hard to either ruin or make outstanding a dish of fried green tomatoes. For dinner, I got the shrimp and grits. So did my colleague. Another got a special of Red Snapper, and the other got oysters since he had already eaten. This was one big issue - the food took FOREVER to come out. I'm talking almost an hour. No joke. No apologies, no updates. Previously great service did run a bit low here. However, water was constantly refilled, and our wine poured. Speaking of wine, they do have a great wine list. But back to the food - when it did come, it was phenomenal. Shrimp and grits were creamy, amazing, and had tons of good shrimp in them. Everyone seemed happy with what they had. Prices are $20-$35 per entree, so it's definitely a nice meal. I would return in a heartbeat. Hopefully the service was a fluke...because like I said, it wasn't even that busy.
(4)
Joanne K.
Great experience. Was visiting Savannah for the 1st time and took my boyfriend there for his birthday. The table had a little treat box with a happy birthday wish for him when we arrived and the waitress was helpful and attentive. The food was delicious and the experience top notch. Will revisit next time we are in town. Worth every penny.
(5)
Stacy O.
Made reservations here on our first night in Savannah despite it not being on many 'best of' lists. The food was fantastic. The shrimp and grits are a must order. This place is absolutely a Best of Savannah. It was located below street level which made it cozy. Our server was young and enthusiastic with a hint of southern charm. It was a full house but not loud. I'd definitely go back.
(4)
Kathy Z.
One of the top places I've ever eaten! They made me feel special and not excluded when they asked if anyone had allergies and I said I have a gluten intolerance. I received a flour free banana bread muffin, appetizer crackers to go with the meat and cheese trays and chocolate cake! Seriously! This is above and beyond any expected. I ordered the sirloin which was cooked to perfection. Tons of flavor!!! Served with duck fat deep fried French fries. Which, by the way, are the crispiest fries I've ever had. Delicious!!!! I HIGHLY recommend you try it once.
(5)
Beth F.
We went to Alligator Soul during our most recent trip to Savannah. We went through a lot of yelp reviews and had only one real criteria- seafood! We went on a Thursday without having reservations. The bar was full so they told us we could wait at the lounge with a few drinks but just after sitting down they gave us a table that opened up on a no call, no show. To start we had the Oysters A La Soul. These are the most amazing oysters I have ever had. I don't often enjoy cooked oysters, but these were great. They still had some brininess and the habanero sauce is exceptional. For dinner I had the shrimp and grits and Tom had the bison. The shrimp and grits were expertly cooked and the serving was large with plenty of shrimp. The bison was a bit smaller portion. The flavors were fantastic and the tamale was delicious. The presentation was beautiful. For dessert we shared the meyer lemon and blueberry zebra cheesecake which was very good and a nice refreshing way to end the meal. I had a 10-year tawny and Tom took our server's suggestion and had the salted caramel chocolate martini. Both were good but the martini was to die for. Speaking of the server, Adam was really good. He was more knowledgeable about some aspects of the menu than others but was overall very courteous, pleasant, and responsive. Great place in Savannah if you want to splurge a little.
(5)
Mark S.
Truly a meal to remember! Upon descending the stairs to this basement restaurant we immediately knew we made the right choice to come here. The place is beautifully decorated while leaving plenty of the buildings charm to be enjoyed. The menu was extremely creative but accessible to all taste palates! We indulged in gator sausage, rabbit sausage, veal bone marrow, DUCK BACON, elk filets and more perfectly cooked meals. Also have to mention our server Sonny who made the overall experience perfect. He knew the menu front to back (including wines) and was extremely personable, I highly recommend asking to be in his section!!
(5)
Jeff R.
Alligator soul is one of my favorite dinner spots ever. Very original feel in the basement of an old building. It started at the bar with a New York Sour. Picture a blend of an Old Fashion with a finish a Pinot Noir. Outstanding Drink. The service was also great. Came for my one year anniversary with my wife and they greeted us at the hosted stand with congratulations and left a personalized dessert box on our table to celebrate. The food was amazing I would suggest the oysters as a side. Keep this at the top of the list in Savannah.
(5)
Ha H.
Great service and very romantic atmosphere. Shrimp and grits was the best! Huge portion for the steak and it was cooked perfectly. They ran out of banana beignets so we had the berry cheesecake which was good but was on the heavy creamy side.
(4)
Nick M.
Front service staff was a bit disorganized and we ended up having drinks at the bar while we waited for things to get prepared. We had arrived a bit early so it wasn't a big thing. When our table was ready, the maitre-d told us our table was ready, so we should close out our bar tab and they would seat us. The bartenders were busy and it took a while to finally grab their attention and a while longer for them to finish up what they were doing and take our payment. I'm not sure if this is a normal thing for this restaurant to keep the bar tab and food tab separate, but most restaurants of this calibre let you roll your bar tab into your meal. It was a hassle to try to nail down a bartender to close a tab when I just wanted to be seated so I could get on with the meal. I would have made sure to pay right when we ordered the drinks (and had the bartenders attention) if I had realized. Once we were seated, things went more smoothly. Our waiter was friendly and very professional. The food was pretty good, but generally what I would call "generic highfalutin" meaning it was good quality food, but without much to differentiate it from any other pricy "generic highfalutin" restaurant. There was nothing wrong with it, but I wasn't really wowed in any way. The food came in large portions. My favorite of the night was the bouillabaisse (nice flavor) and the house-made bread (nice texture) that was brought to the table. The shrimp and grits was also pretty good. For the entree I had the little Hilbo (an absolutely massive steak) and my associate had the buffalo short ribs. Both were reasonably decent. I had made a request to substitute the pommes-frites that came with the little Hilbo with horseradish mashed potatoes which was listed under another steak dish. (the fries sounded too heavy when added to an already fairly robust meal and I love horseradish) I was told the exchange wouldn't be a problem, but what I got wasn't horseradish mashed potatoes, just plain mashed potatoes. It wasn't terribly upsetting to me, but I had been kind of looking forward to the horseradish. I didn't say anything to the waiter because it didn't seem like that big of a thing, but again it kind of put a sour twist on things. We had the peppermint creme-brulee for dessert and it came out overly-hot and perhaps a bit overcooked-the custard seemed to be separating out into oil and curds just a bit. It was in a fairly large ramekin and was only like a centimeter thick and I suspect just bruleeing the sugar on top overcooked it. It was still good enough to eat, but missed the mark for what you would expect for a restaurant like this. I really wanted to like Alligator Soul more than I did. It was kind of a letdown after some of the other amazing food experiences we have had during our trip here. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't super great either. Just okay. Just under 3.5 stars.
(3)
Kara O.
Business trip to Savannah and we decide on this wonderful gem for a nice night out. Service was great and on point especially for a large party. Recommend the oysters holy moly. I don't even like oysters most of the time but these were just down right amazing. House salad has a fried grit crouton that melts in your mouth. The seem to have some amazing specials and on this particular night Kangaroo was available. While I enjoyed it, the table had mixed reviews. I would recommend ordering one for the table for everyone to try rather than making it a main meal. The alligator sausage was also delicious. Wonderful wines, desserts, truly a memorable experience.
(5)
Renato F.
Very special place, the service was possibly the best we ever hade, Rashad treatment and explanation of the cuisine was the best. The cuisine was just that, cuisine great flavors of the locally grown foods. The best.
(5)
Sarah M.
AMAZING! Expensive, but worth it. Waitress was great. Awesome place to go for a romantic evening. Very nice.
(5)
Tyler R.
My wife and I had one of our honeymoon dinners here and we couldn't have been happier. The food, service and ambiance were all fantastic. We tried a charcuterie plate for an app that included various forms of pork, smoked fish and cheese. When I heard "pork belly" I was sold and every bit of the plate was delicious. For entrees we had the beef tenderloin and the bison osso buco. Both were cooked perfectly and had excellent flavor. I would definitely recommend this spot to anyone in the Savannah area, you won't be disappointed.
(5)
Rachel Z.
I was very interested in being adventurist with my palate, and waited 2 days to try it. I was very disappointed with the lack of selection. The shrimp and grits was fair, but my husband couldn't get enough of the rosemary baguette with whipped butter. The chef's selection appetizer was very salty, by the standard of someone who likes salt.
(2)
Ben Y.
Quite possibly the best dining experience I have ever had! The decor is upscale and the food is gourmet, yet the atmosphere is Savannah casual. Basically, you can go there in a suit or come straight off the tour bus in your shorts, polo and flip flops; although I would recommend something in between. The wait staff is extremely knowledgable. They present the menu in an enthusiastic manner and their recommendations are spot on. It's hard to add anything more substantial than what has already been written...so, head over and experience this gem for yourself. Buon Appetite!
(5)
Erika C.
Wow. Impressive service and incredible food. If you love shrimp and grits this is a must. The kangaroo was a tasty choice too. Best meal in Savannah.
(5)
Sarah B.
Ditto the other rave reviews, this place is just divine!!! Service was beyond my wildest dreams, and likewise for the food. Amazing music and decor and ambiance. Can't wait till our next visit!
(5)
Mark Q.
Oh Lord.... Where do I begin? The food was amazing! The service was attentive and professional. We were looking for a true southern cuisine experience, and we found it here. We paired a crisp Russian River Valley pinot grigio with alligator pork sausage, alligator salad, habanero oysters, ocean trout, and suckling pork. It was all amazing, especially the oysters! The trout was simply perfect as well. It was the first time I had alligator, and it was really good! Did I mention we had a baby with us? They didn't miss a beat, they were extremely helpful and even made a special fruit dish for our little guy. Thanks Alligator Soul for treating us so well, and for the amazing food! One of the best meals I've had in a long time, and the best I've had while visiting in Savannah.
(5)
Kevin D.
We visited Alligator Soul during a recent trip to Savannah after several recommendations and the experience did not disappoint. From the moment you walk down the inconspicuously marked stairwell, it's clear that this place has an identity of its own. We loved the ambiance in the renovated cellar space, and the service was outstanding. We always like to try as many items as possible and our server Andrew couldn't have been more accommodating - he seemed to pick up on this and suggested we order partial portions of three of their small plates while only charging us for two. The fried green tomatoes and Oysters de la Soul were fantastic, and the alligator andouille sausage special was amazing (especially combined with the creole habanero hot sauce from the oysters). The "Little Hilbo" rib eye was one of the best steaks I've ever had, but the wild mushroom and phyllo napoleon the chef created for my wife stole the show. Did I mention that our server provided an excellent wine pairing recommendation for each of our entrees and the entire group of appetizers? I would highly recommend Alligator Soul to anyone looking for a special dining experience in Savannah.
(5)
Kristin S.
Overpriced. Wait staff friendly but not on their game. For a special occasion (anniversary) they go out of their way with a gift take home dessert and bottle of wine.
(2)
Karen H.
We dined at Alligator Soul our first night in Savannah, we tried other places the other 4 nights we stayed in Savannah, however hands down Alligator Soul was the best dining of our stay. We started with Artisan Cheeses which had wonderful selections and pairings followed by the main meals of the shrimp and grits and the diver scallops dish; both dishes were wonderfully prepared and amazingly full of flavor. Our waiter was attentive and knowledgeable, he recommended a lovely bottle of wine that paired perfectly with our meal. We highly recommend Alligator Soul and we will definitely return on our next visit to Savannah.
(5)
Abe G.
Great local spot, mix of casual fine dining and southern charm. Cool wine cellar style with open floor concept. Oysters with Habanero sauce are amazing; Gumbo is traditional gravy style with fresh ingredients. Service is fun and well trained. Overall a great local treat.
(4)
Dennis U.
As with a lot of Savannah joints patrons seem to talk more about the booze than the food, well the food ain't too bad either. The shrimp grits and the gator were the memorable points for me. Great ambiance, food service, Id put it up there as one of the many Savannah places worth a visit.
(4)
Christine T.
Interesting twist on southern food! Most dishes were very rich and decadent! The oysters are a must order!
(4)
Matt K.
Fantastic it was very good. The atmosphere was also cool. I was unimpressed with the bathrooms though, the soap dispenser was broken and the bathrooms weren't as high tech as I would like.
(5)
E F.
I had one of the best Margaritas that was made from scratch and someone ordered the sangria and it was very good. We started with the goat cheese and artichoke appetizer and it was so delicious. There were four in our party and we had the bacon wrapped tenderloin, the shrimp and grits, the pork shoulder and the ribeye. Every meal was perfection, hot, tender, juicy and packed with flavor. The waiters provided excellent service without smothering the table. If we lived in Savannah, Alligator Soul would be a restaurant we would frequent.
(5)
Marvin O.
I did a search on yelp for the most highly rated three-star restaurant and found this place. I did a reservation through open table within the yelp app and a young lady called me about a day before to confirm the reservation. I told them that it was for my wife's birthday and that we were visiting from out of town and they said that they would accommodate us. When we arrived there wasn't any customer parking so you have to circle the block a few times for street parking. We ended up parking directly behind the restaurant in the post office parking but the post office was closed so it's a "caveat emptor" situation if you decide to do the same. The restaurant has stairs leading down into it but there is an elevator inside the office on the street level that'll take you down there as well. It's a very dim and intimate environment. There are not very many chairs may be under 20 and we were immediately greeted by the hostess. The hours are from 5:30 PM till 10 so I would recommend trying to visit here for lunch as they will be closed. We were taken toward our table and immediately greeted by the waitress who presented us with some very delicious hors d'oeuvres courtesy of the chef before we ordered our water. Since it was my wife's birthday they had a box with her name preprinted on it wishing her a happy birthday with two little pecan pie's and the cookie inside which was a very nice touch. We started with the goat cheese fritters which were very delectable and had a nice salty creamy taste to it. I ordered the little hilbo which was a gigantic piece of ribeye meat and my wife ordered the shrimp and grits. They offer you some delicious cornbread with White bread with an out of this world butter that comes with it. The experience was very nice my only issue was that the meal I ordered which was called the little hilbo specifically stated on the menu that it was $26 but when we received our check it said $36. I didn't make a big stink about it to the waitress who gave me a snarky reply of "it's been this price for two years" but nonetheless it was a cool experience
(4)
Anne L.
We were somewhat disappointed. For a restaurant of this supposed caliber, parts of our experience were less than I would expect. We had very good cocktails, very attentive service. Mediocre pacing--gumbo arrived before my husband finished his salad. My bison osso bucco was tasty, but the meat was tough & chewy, & I was unable to eat it. The marrow was delicious, however. My husband's shrimp & grits were quite good. Our dessert, which was described as banana beignets, was not very good. First off, I would describe the dish as banana fritters. It was greasy & oily. Secondly, one of the so-called beignets was not cooked all the way through and had raw batter in the center. We pointed out both issues to our waitress, who said she would ask the chef why the batter was too thick on that one piece to cook all the way through. She did offer to refry another beignet for us, but by that point, we no longer had an appetite for the dish. To summarize, an average dinner with above average pricing--overall, an unimpressive experience.
(3)
Tawheed H.
Fantastic! I wish I were a lil more sober, and I wish my friend hadn't passed out in her chair... but hey when you start at Wet Willies in the morning and hold a strong pace til dinner, you get what you pay for. Here you get what you pay for too, and that is delicious food. Didn't feel like eating on the wild side so I ordered the rib eye cooked pittsburg, now I received a steak cooked more like rare+ and hence they didn't receive 5 *'s. The steak I did receive was delicious and my 7 companions all agreed. I remember the bread being damn good too. Everything else was as I would expect from a fine establishment such as this.
(4)
Brian S.
We had always planned on trying this restaurant but never seemed to make it, and when it came up on the list for Restaurant Week in Savannah we made a reservation. To start out the night is was difficult finding parking in the area near the restaurant itself. The dinner itself was offered with a fixed price menu or their standard selection, and we opted for the fixed price and added an additional salad to round out the meal. Our server, Andrew, was great and very good in explaining what our choices were for dinner and suggested some nice wine pairings for my meal that were by the glass. The first course was actually brought to the table by the Executive Chef and he introduced himself and said if we had any feedback he would be very interested in hearing it, very cool. The salads were all fresh and local with some really good croutons made from cheese grits which were very good. The appetizer we chose was the fried green tomatoes and they were they best I had ever had, served with some house made pickled vegetables. We ordered the Vermillion Snapper served over a grilled romaine lettuce with a house ceasar dressing and grilled heirloom cherry tomatoes as one of the entrees. The snapper was cooked perfectly and went very well with the Chenin Blanc suggested by our server. The other entree was the grilled Bison over coarse grilled corn grits, and topped with a mole' sauce. When the chef stopped by again my wife explained that since it was served in a bowl over the grits the steak got lost in the whole mix, and he agreed and actually changed his plating because of her suggestion. The only reason I explained this is because I can say for certain that the staff there is very interested in preparing the food according to the way the customer wants it and not just the way they always do things. Great experience and will definitely go back with either a group or another date night.
(5)
Mike W.
Wow . . . how did this ever transpire? I have mentioned Alligator Soul in my reviews for other Savannah restaurants here on Yelp, in fact I've used it as something of a benchmark for what I expect in fine dining in Savannah, yet I've not reviewed it here myself?! I don't know how that happened! However, it helps explain perhaps why two different people emailed me and, based on those other restaurant reviews, asked if I worked at Alligator Soul since I praised it so highly. For the record, I do not, nor ever have had any relationship with Alligator Soul other than being a pleased customer. I've been a customer of Alligator Soul since they first opened and I lived in Savannah so I got to know them and see the ups and downs of their professional and personal lives. While known for their dinners, their lunches (which they've done off and on for years, I guess as the local economy and response of clients dictates: currently there's no lunch but they may bring it on back) were the really stellar stand-outs for me, because these were at once both a more intimate and more casual experience. My then-boyfriend and I would often go in for lunch around one in the afternoon as the lunch crowd thinned out and were about the only customers in the house, and thus got very personal service. However, even when every table is full, I've never had less than great service at Alligator Soul, honestly. As for the food, the concept here is traditional Southern cooking with an elememt of flair. This is not Paula Deen-style downhome, it's far more Nathalie Dupree than Paula Deen . . . and if you don't know who Nathalie is, you really should because she's done for Southern cooking what Julia Child did for French. Talk to Susan Spicer or any highly-respected chef in the South and Nathalie's where it's at whereas Paula's what your cousin watches after her soap operas. My favorite dishes here are the Lamb Shank, the Shrimp and Grits (the best in town, though many places do them; consider them as your main dish but be warned that they're very very rich!), the Alligator Soul Cheese Course is a great cheese board and a different touch to the meat and fish-heavy menu here. All the salads are simply amazing--like seriously amazing. The Fish of the Day is always local and is worth asking about. The desserts here are also top-notch, especially their Pecan Pie and the Autumn Spiced Cobbler. As for the bar, they can make good mixed drinks and have a decent wine selection, though I've always opted for mixed drinks because seriously, Savannah and New Orleans are the only places where at dinner or lunch you can get away with ordering serious drinks during your meal (plus before and after too!) and not look like a lush or a fool. Don't worry: the local lawyers at the next table over are doing the exact same thing. The restuarant is in a renovated basement of an old commercial building and is warm, intimate, romantic, and nostalgic. For what Alligator Soul does, which is fine dining Southern style, it could not do it any better. Other local restaurants on par with Alligator Soul like 700 Drayton can do a superb job but at times feel like they're trying too hard, yet Alligator Soul hits the perfect tempo and has in my experience done so since 2003.
(5)
Christopher T.
This restaurant I believe has to be the best restaurant in the city - from what I have tasted so far. There were three of us and we all shared bites off of everyone's plate and every entree, dessert, and appetizer was right on - delicious! The flavors were just amazing on everything. To start we had the cheese plate. It came with a selection of about 5 different cheeses paired with grapes, apples, Savannah Bee honey, and raspberries. Of course crackers, too. This was a great start to the meal. I ordered the chicken and it was really good as well. The only thing I thought may have needed to be taken down a bit was the sauce. My rice was kind of swimming in it. It would have been better if the sauce had been drizzled here and there instead of poured into the plate. The sauce kind of took the flavor out of the sides. However, all of it combined I found a way to make it all come together. My friends lamb and fillet were really great! We finished with a three layered mouse cake and banana beignet. AMAZING. The ambiance could be better and our server was a bit slow on giving us proper attention but to her credit I believe she was also working a large group at the same time so she was doing her best. I would definitely recommend this place to any and everyone!
(4)
Amy M.
I had to plan a client dinner last week while in Savannah. The only two restaurants I even knew about in Savannah were not options since the client already had two other dinners planned at those locations. I came to Yelp to find something else that was great and stumbled upon Alligator Soul. The ratings were excellent, the menu looked good and I figured the ambience had to be great if it was named Alligator Soul. It did not disappoint. Immediately after I booked the reservation, the next day the restaurant owner called me to confirm and to review the menu options, wine list, table apps and make sure we had a custom menu for our group that would accomodate our budget. I talked to her several more times before the dinner and thought this was great service. Our group had so much fun in our private dining room. The drinks were good and the food was superb. I ordered a Basil-Mint Mojito that was fabulous and the Fried Green Tomoates and Shrimp and Grits were incredible. The waitstaff was attentive and very good. I would highly recommend this.
(5)
Jacob F.
Decent food. Nothing special, but nothing great. Booked a reservation for our anniversary, so we wanted a nice location, maybe a quiet table. I think they sat us at the table of last resort. Both of our chairs and the table were wobbly, and we were stuck in an awkward corner. Service was ridiculously slow--was rather infuriating to watch all of the tables near us be seated, served, and paid out while we waited around for our food. At least two of them arrived after us and left before us. Food was nothing special, though my wife was a big fan of the salad.
(3)
Rich B.
A fun place with an eclectic menu. We had antelope on a bed of mashed potatoes, and jambalaya with gator. Oh, yes, they also serve one of my favorite drinks you don't often find outside New Orleans -- sazarac.
(4)
Michael R.
Food was amazing. Had the buffalo and oysters. Delicious!!! Service was outstanding and the atmosphere was terrific! Definitely will be going again!!
(5)
Lexy S.
We always come here for dinner when in Savannah. I always get the vegetarian. We started with the fried green tomatoes. Bf didn't like the cornmeal, but I thought they were good. The vegetarian came and for $27 all you get is a cup of soup, tiny pear salad and 1 tofu spring roll? The plate seemed empty and tho it was missing something. We had a few signature drinks. The drink of the day and fleur de soul (yummy). All in all we got a lot of under $100. We will return. Hopefully I'll get more on the veggie dish next time.
(4)
Chris H.
Great restaurant. My girlfriend and I were visiting Savannah from Chicago, and this was our first restaurant in the city. We aren't big foodies, but we go to these kinds of restaurants regularly. We had a fantastic experience and would definitely go back. Here's our thoughts on the specifics: Ambience: 5 stars -- underground, exposed brick, dimmed lights, and warm but chic decorating. Service: 5 stars -- best part of the restaurant. Our waitress, Emily, was fantastic -- warm, fun, and attentive. Honestly some of the best service I've experienced. Food: 4 stars -- I had the stuffed pork chop and my girlfriend had the chicken. Both were excellent. We also had the pork belly and lamb appetizer (a special), which was okay. It was very small (a small piece of pork belly and lamb) and the lamb was very fatty...and $12 -- not worth it in my opinion. Excellent cocktail menu and dessert.
(5)
Dr P.
Stay away from the oysters... and even the martinis are lousy... Discussed options and the requested the 'special' ginger martini and got sick from bad oysters, the bartender was distracted and poured me a cosmo :( Go elsewhere
(1)
Jasmine S.
Unfortunately, I have to start by saying that the service I received at this restaurant was almost ridiculously bad. With that said, the food was so incredible that I can't help but still give it four stars. It was that good. Hopefully, my experience was the exception and not the rule, but if you have the patience to suffer through potentially terrible service and an entire evening to spend here, it's actually worth it.
(4)
Charlene T.
We call ahead and get the chef's tasting in the kitchen. It's a different atmosphere then the dining room but fun! The menu that Chef Chris and his staff prepare is always amazing. This is where we go when we want a great meal in Savannah.
(5)
Geoff P.
Alligator Soul was easily the best food I had in Savannah and it was the only restaurant we tried that I would think potentially worthy of a top Zagat score. The cocktail menu is very unique, and the food was stellar. Make sure to find out what the wild game selection of the day is--the choices might surprise you!
(5)
Chris L.
Gourmet food with five star service in an elegant but comfortable setting. Turned out to be a perfect choice for a special occasion. Buffalo and scallop entrees were both excellent. The creme brulee was the only negative. Good taste but too much brulee made it difficult to eat. Management seems outstanding with attention to customer service with reservations and asking about food allergies and dietary requirements.
(5)
Fabian W.
The service was excellent. Our waitress Kate(also the bartender) was friendly and attentive. I had the qual which was very good, but my wife's scallops made me jealous. Everything was cooked perfectly and seasoned well. Go for the scallops! Oh, great warm bread was also served before our meals.
(5)
Kim T.
We ate here tonight for the first time and I thought what I ordered was delicious! I ordered the shrimp and grits app and my husband ordered the shecrab soup app, which were both great! I ordered the gator jambalaya for my main meal and it was also very tasty. My husband ordered the duck but he said it was not what he expected. He ordered it medium but said it tasted raw and was really fatty. He almost choked on a piece of fat. That is why I am rating 4 stars and not 5. I ordered a Moscow mule to drink and it was fantastic. For dessert we shared a piece of cheesecake! I would definitely order the cheesecake again. We had great service overall and were seated before our reservation. I would definitely go back.
(4)
David Y.
we visited alligator soul for our 22nd anniversary. The atmosphere is quaint for a basement yet comfortable. Scott our waiter was descriptive with the specials and very attentive to details. We started with oysters Bienville and the pork belly charcuterie, different and delicious. she had the elk fillet with sweet potato gratin, divine. I had duck not pie with lane snapper, absolutely outstanding. we finished with banana begniet., SUPERB! The best dinner we ever had in Savannnah.
(5)
Jamie Z.
food was not that good.... kinda salty... atmosphere was great, good for dating. my phone got no service since it is in the basement
(3)
Elyse K.
Went with hubby on Sunday, January 20th, 7:00. VERY impressed from beginning to end. Ecclectic menu to suit many tastes. Waiter even asked if we had any food allergies. Sonny, the waiter, was personable and attentive, as was any employee that passed by. Manager, Rocky, frequented the tables to ensure patrons were happy. THE FOOD! Porterhouse lamb chop with diver scallops and a side, shrimp and grits entree and banana beignets for dessert. Freshly made Gingin mule cocktail and restaurant's private label wine. Felt the need to photograph every food item as presentation was beautiful. Wish we lived closer but will definitely go again when in Savannah!
(5)
Mia M.
Eh. The food was nothing to write home about. The more traditionally "southern" items that we tried, like the fried green tomatoes and the shrimp and grits were good (the shrimp and grits I didn't try so I cant really vouch for it but my friend said it was good) but more than anything the food seemed confused; like, spicy miso soup and some Asian themed sauteed vegetables in the vegetarian tasting at a Southern restaurant? Also, I thought, what was up with the spice in EVERYTHING? Was it supposed to be some "Cajun" thing? I can appreciate spicy food but a lot of the time it seemed really unnecessary and as if it was trying to overcompensate for something, like the way some people use balsamic reduction. It just seemed overpriced for what you actually got. It was cute how they brought out an amuse bouche though. All in all I probably wouldn't go back if I ever went back to Savannah. I was only in town for a night and clearly no expert on Savannah, but I was disappointed with the lack of apparent dining options. (I guess I was spoiled by Charleston.) But that, I suppose, is another story.
(2)
Jen H.
Decent food not as awesome as the price suggests it might be :). Felt rushed out although the place wasn't full yet- the waiter didn't leave us alone for longer than 2 minutes. No espresso, weird.
(2)
Robin A.
Dinner was pretty good. I would rate food a 3.5 but our service a 2. The shrimp and grits were delicious, my pork chop was good and cooked very well. Our server was just okay. Looked like she had a large table full of men and catered to them, not us. In fact, it looked like everyone else in our dining area received an amuse bouche. We did not. That was very disappointing. Part of why I made reservations was because of the reviews that mentioned the little things this restaurant does to make your dinner extra special. That didn't happen for us. Because of the service, I won't be recommending to anyone else.
(3)
Timothy T.
Amazing place. We sat at the bar. Our bartender Melvin was very knowledgeable and sold us on a few dishes. We werent even that hungry but we had to try all of his suggestions. Im glad we did. The shrimp and grits are amazing. Very cool, unique and creative menu selection. You cant go wrong at Alligator Soul. I'll be back everytime I'm in Savannah.
(5)
Carol W.
We celebrated our 20th anniversary tonight at Alligator Soul. This is our 3rd trip to Savannah and our best meal yet. Local sourcing meant best ingredients: the charcouterie was incredible, from duck rillete, to pork belly to smoked fish. We so enjoyed the broth with the mussels that we requested more bread and spoons. And the smoky, spicy gator gumbo hit all of the right notes. This place has a lovely atmosphere with lots of brick and local art. The tables are not squashed together and the service is very personable. Highly recommend Miss Emily and Eyore's cocktails.
(5)
Mike K.
We went to Alligator Soul on a recent trip to Savannah. I thought it was quite good, and was generally worth the expense. To begin, we walked in off the street without reservations, and were told that we could probably be seated within a half hour. We walked around and returned after a half hour, took a seat at the bar, and waited for our table. I passed the time with a Gator Andy Pale Ale and conversation with my wife. Both were very good. The restaurant is situated in the basement of an old brick building, and it's got a nice old feeling to it. It's all brick and stone, kind of a wine cellar feel. We were seated in a cozy corner near a basement vent window, and the vent space was filled with ferns and evergreen plants. Very nice ambiance. We got fried green tomatoes and breaded fried oysters for apps. Both were quite good. The gulf oysters were of ample size, but the breading on them, a nice thick crusty corn meal breading with more than a hint of spice, stole the show. The fried green tomatoes came as a substantial portion for an appetizer. They were perfectly fried, in a breading that was similar to that used for the oysters. For entrees, I got the lamb shank and my wife got the Gumbo. Weak part first. The gumbo was pretty decent, but was served almost lukewarm. The service at the restaurant was so good that had he said anything about the temperature, they would have taken care of it, but we were very hungry and just wanted to chow down. Again, the gumbo was good, but it wasn't out of this world. Gumbo isn't the hardest dish to make, and Alligator Soul didn't do much to make it stand out from the pack. My lamb shank was especially good. It was braised to the point of extreme tenderness, and had a bit of minty glaze on it. That was served on a bed of moroccan spiced orzo. My wife really dug that when she tasted it. Also on the menu was blue marlin steak, which I was curious about. A woman at a neighboring table had ordered that ad loved it, but I overheard another woman at a nearby table complaining that she did not like it. The service was excellent. Our waitress was very pleasant and knew every detail of every dish.
(4)
Kate H.
I should have known. I'm usually pretty good about following my intuition (sometimes I think it's even borderline psychic abilities) but what are you supposed to do when you are standing in front of the hostess and you just kinda want to run? Here's what happened: we walked in to Alligator Soul to find the hostess and (our future) server in an argument. As in, why would you do that in front of other people, much less guests? type of argument. After being seated at the most awkward table ever (literally in the doorway between two rooms) we were presented with a complementary cocktail and amuse bouche. The bubbly was perfect; the culinary 101 amuse had some serious textural challenges with the Salmon Mousse. We shared an order of Shrimp and Grits as an appetizer (it was our first night in Savannah after all) that was flavorful but again, gritty and texturally challenged. You know when you're on a budget and buy el cheapo cheese that just doesn't melt right? This was the issue. My entree choice was a special: local black Grouper with Stewed Tomatoes and Okra, Polenta and a Sambuca cream sauce. My fault on mis-ordering. One bite and I had a flashback to the Grouper with Amaretto sauce incident I had last year at Zenzi in Orlando. I've finally decided (and will remember in the future!) that I really just don't prefer fish with sweet cream sauces. Yelk. Plus, I'm not entirely convinced that the tomatoes were not canned. And honestly, I was probably only drawn in by the mention of Sambuca. Which is best left to dessert. We finished our meal with Banana Beignets that were really just tempura fried bananas but also with the best parts of the night: An amazing Cabernet based Mulled Wine and a recommendation from our server for a bar to ring out the old year. Bottom line: Alligator Soul is really trying to be fine dining and they have the prices to prove it! But it really missed the mark. If I lived in Savannah, I'd probably give it another try. But I don't, so I probably won't return.
(2)
Rachel W.
Ok so this place is pretty neat. It's downstairs and has a great atmosphere. My husband and I had the grouper and the duck "not pie" (deconstructed pot pie). They looked great and both had great flavor. However, I'm not an avid duck eater so when the duck arrive incredibly rare (raw), I thought that's how it was supposed to be. Now today, I've had a sad belly all day and after much research I now realize my duck was indeed not cooked at all. And so now my intestines are paying the price. But, I have to say, I probably would go back and try something else.
(2)
JW U.
Enjoyed dinner with Party of 12. Good food, a little on the pricey side. The ambiance is very nice but the service is average at best. Fried green tomatoes were not as good as the Chart House. Duck was prepared nicely but served cool - likely the waitress fault but the outcome remains the same. I'd try Vic's next time.
(3)
Dawn E.
The ambiance at Alligator Soul makes it a good date night place. The exposed brick, smaller rooms of tables, and underground location make it feel a little secret. We started our evening at the bar to get a drink before dinner. There were not a lot of people at the bar, but the service was not great. I asked the bar tender for a French 75, she said she was not familiar. When I told her what was in it, I expected she would offer to try to make one, instead she handed me a cocktail menu. I ordered their version of long island iced tea, it was fine, but nothing special. We went over to our table, they clearly wanted to get us moving along - the bartender gave us our check saying it was time for dinner. Shortly after we paid, we were still at the bar as the hostess told us it would be just a moment, the bartender came back and let us know we should go to our table. She did at least then carry my drink to the table. Luckily the quality of the food and attentiveness of our waitress made up for our experience at the bar. The food is good. I had the shrimp and grits. After a week in South Carolina and Georgia, and many a shrimp and grits dish, this was the best. It was creamy and spicy deliciousness on a plate. My husband started with 6 Southern oysters 'a la soul' ( i don't eat them; he said they were good enough but nothing to write home about. they show on the menu better than they taste). Dinner for me was the lamb chops. Wonderful strawberry balsamic reduction, lamb was cooked perfectly. My husband had the duck. It was also perfectly cooked with a great sauce. Served with a sweet potato griddle cake that was pretty tasty. We decided to pass on dessert and instead partake of the small batch bourbon flight. The bourbon was delicious. If I only had the tolerance I would have tried many more of their flight offerings - wine, scotch, irish whiskey, martinis - what a good idea. To sum up, the food is very good, the service was mixed, and the prices are slightly higher than you would expect to pay for what you get, but all in - a good meal in Savannah.
(4)
Chris K.
Love this place! Food and cocktails were fantastic. Highly recommend the shrimp gumbo and banana beignets. Atmosphere is intimate with exposed brick walls. Overall a great find.
We were in Savannah for two nights and stumbled upon Alligator Soul looking for a little off the beaten path place for dinner. Man, we couldn't be happier we found this place. In hindsight we were a little under-dressed after a hot day of walking around town, but we were greeted warmly and offered a seat at the bar or one of the two tables outside the main dining area. (No worries, they were packed) We have been raving about the food here since the moment we left. The shrimp and grits were excellent, creamy, and they didn't skimp on the shrimp. They had jambalaya on special that night and I had to ask for plastic utensils to take with us so I could eat the remainder back at the hotel. Yes, it's expensive, but the portions and quality of the food is certainly worthwhile. We will be back, and with reservations this time, the next time we're in Savannah.
(5)
rolanda n.
We arrived on a Friday night with no reservations, party of 3, and they accommodated us at the bar. Everything was ridiculously delicious, and service was outstanding. It wasn't cheap, but nothing good ever is. Location is great, and staff was genuinely helpful and friendly. Wonderful place with delicious food. Southern Long Island Sweet Tea? Redonk. Grits croutons? Come on. Highly recommend.
(5)
Mitch D.
I so wanted to give this place four stars, but just couldn't do it. The atmosphere is very cool, housed in the basement of a historic district building, and the service was great...but the food was not a home run. The best thing we had was the shrimp and grits. In fact it was the best shrimp and grits we had the whole time we were down south. But the rest was just okay. I would give it a shot, especially for a small group or a date night, but I'm recommending it mostly on ambience and potential. I think it could eventually be a great Savannah spot.
(3)
M M.
First time in Savannah, this restaurant was unique...nice atmosphere, service extremely attentive and knowledgeable. Tried fried alligator for first time...very good! I had fish special and husband had pork chop. Food was delicious. Nice experience, recommend for couples looking for nice, authentic, elegant dinner.
(4)
Steve A.
I'll be honest, a friend and I stumbled into ASR not really knowing what we were in for. There were a couple discussions about leaving or sticking it out, but in the end we did well. There were minor issues with our order (delivered to the wrong table), but eventually the chef came out and cleared everything up and made us feel quite welcome. When we got our food it was amazing and creative and even though there was the slight error, the service was excellent.
(4)
Greg S.
As a "non-dairy vegetarian" (generally I just net it out to "vegan" - either is equally freaky in SAV!) I was thrilled to read other reviews of Alligator Soul and their veg and vegan friendly chef. It's all true. We had the "vegan special" and it was both tasty and artfully prepared. Chef was also willing and able to make the fried green tomatoes without parmesan so we could have them as an appitizer. Our waitress was knowledgeable and helpful and friendly. In a "big city" this restaurant would be a solid place, in Savannah it's a real standout! We'll definitely be back.
(4)
Aaron C.
I came here during the Christmas holiday/ sabbatical. I had heard Savannah had some superb eateries and that Alligator Soul was one of them. So I checked it out on Christmas Eve and I must say I was impressed. The atmosphere felt like an old jazz club I used to visit in Philly. It's a downstairs spot, low lit and the tunes were amazing--I'm talking Sam Cooke greatest hits. Our server was Courtney, she was great and attentive. I ordered the fried green tomatoes, shrimp and grits, and a side of collards. I also ordered a Dark n' Stormy, yet the bar tender was out of ginger beer, so ginger liquor was a substitute. It was smooth and perfectly balanced. My only gripe, which is not really a gripe, is that the fried green tomatoes were missing something, maybe more sweetness in the relish they were topped with, not sure. I'll probably have to have them again to figure it out. I'm happy I didn't waste time a Paula Deen's and suggest you don't get caught in that tourist trap either. If you like good food and ambiance, check this place out. And if you happen to have Courtney as your server, that's an even bigger plus. "That's where it's at." - Sam Cooke
(4)
Kelli A.
Great space. Great service. Food was only ok. Baked oysters were too big and room temperature. Raw oysters weren't available for some reason. Steamed shrimp were small and limp. Shrimp and grits were good but not great. The grits were a course grind which I found a little odd. I was really disappointed since id heard such great reviews about this place.
(3)
Mike G.
Great food you can't find anywhere else. Best food in Savannah!
(5)
Krissy R.
My husband and I went to Savannah on our honeymoon and tried out Alligator Soul because it was recommended to us by a local resident. The service was wonderful and the food was equally as amazing. My husband still talks about the food to this day and we will definitely be going back when we travel back to Savannah. He had the alligator soup appetizer and raved about how amazing it was.
(5)
Gabriela C.
We came to this restaurant for my birthday based on the reviews. We were Very dissapointed. The service was good, but it was so over the top buttered up. The waitress and the bartender swore that the lamb chops were to die for. They weren't. They were plain and bland. I tried the grouper and it was the same, plain and bland. Both dishes were edible, but nothing to justify the price nor the praise. The cheese plate appetizer was good.
(1)
Katherine G.
Absolutely loved this place. Came on a Saturday night and they were quite busy. We did not have a reservation but the staff was very accommodating and we quickly were given a seat at the bar where others were dinning as well. The Filet "Soul" with the basil pesto mashed potatoes was phenomenal. I loved the atmosphere here, very comfortable and a perfect size, it was quite neat how hidden the restaurant was, it certainly felt like a local restaurant and not catered simply to tourists. Will absolutely go here again when in Savannah.
(5)
Sharon Y. C.
Alligator Soul is a cool restaurant located in the heart of Savannah's historical district. We booked an early table through Open Table and got lots of attentive service since so few guests were there. We learned from our personable waiter that we could get tastes of some appetizers, rather than a whole appetizer. I wanted to try their shrimp and grits, but only a tiny bit, so the waiter served us a cup of the yummiest stone ground grits with a couple of large shrimp. It was so rich, I was glad we didn't get a whole appetizer. We had wonderful pairings of wine suggested by the bartender and waiter. And they both offered a taste before ordering a glass. Nice. A gorgeous little amuse bouche was served when we sat down at the table. Also a small glass of complimentary warm mulled wine was served. Wonderful ways for the chef to say welcome. For an entree, I had smoked duck breast. The dish came with confit duck leg, a tiny bit of foie gras mousse, quinoa and gorgeous organic veg. The smoked duck breast was perfected medium rare as I ordered. The duck leg's skin was crisp, although the leg meat was a bit over cooked. Unfortunately the quinoa, described as pomegranate quinoa with fennel confit, was a bit of a mushy mess. I hate saying that, since we loved the restaurant and staff so much, but when quinoa loses its integrity it can get soft and soggy. And there was quite a bit of it on the plate so it was hard to ignore it. My husband ordered the rabbit dish. It was en croute which sounded delish. Although, the rabbit dish looked yummy, the rabbit en croute ate more like a spring roll with sweet Oriental sauce. My husband ate every bit on his plate since he's been a member of the Clean Plate Club since childhood, so even though the dish was unexpectedly sweet, it was good. We had the chocolate truffles for dessert, since we didn't want something heavy. There were 3 beautiful handmade candies, plus a tiny scoop of black currant sorbet. My husband had a nice glass of port too. Overall, it was a memorable experience and we appreciate the hospitality offered by every staff member.
(3)
Moonflower S.
My boyfriend surprised me by taking me here last week for our anniversary dinner... it was AMAZING! The atmosphere is dark and very ambient, chill, and cool - dark. The food was absolutely outstanding! The chef made us a little something special before we even ordered (sorry I forget what it was but it was really good!)... I got a martini that tasted like a glacier (cool,chilling, delicious) and to start a fresh salad with cheddar grits croutons. For my main course, I ordered the buffalo sirloin ($44) and was blown away! It was one of the best pieces of meat I have ever eaten, WOW... cut up in to thin juicy slices. It was served with a medley of mixed colorful sweet potatoes and kale... very good combo. ... I tried to eat a combo of the potatoes, kale, and buffalo together but any way it was done/eaten was just mouthwatering anyway! The flavors of each stood out but played very well in combination. Tender, perfectly cooked (med rare), and plenty to eat. The server was very knowledgeable of the food preps, and also pleasant and did not rush us. We both really enjoyed it and will be back. Very creative dishes that are well worth the price.
(5)
Claire P.
My husband and i are locals and decided to try Alligator Soul for "Restaurant Week". Everything was great! However, we had made reservations for dinner and ended up being about 15 minutes late because my husband had to stay late at work. The hostess felt like it was necessary to let us know that we had arrived late (with a bit of attitude), which normally wouldnt be a big deal. However, she then stated, "but your table isnt ready" and we ended up having to wait 20 extra minutes. The restaurant was wonderful! The food and service was all we expected! I just dont believe the hostess needed to make a smart comment about us being late then still having to wait because the table wasnt even ready yet.
(4)
Julie W.
we went here our first night in savannah based on the reviews. the review "I could have licked my plate" couldnt have been more true! the shrimp and grits is to die for!! I also loved they give u a little sample dish made by the chef to start. we also have the cheese platter that I would recommend. although there is no kids menu, they made our daughter some yummy pasta. the service is out of this world awesome and this is a must stop place to eat!!!
(5)
Carol L.
First night in Savannah is going to be hard to top. The food was top notch! We had fried green tomatoes, oysters, and blue crab tart to start. Then we had the jambalaya. Delish. The drinks were great too. The service could be ratcheted up a notch to make the experience even better, we had to wait a bit too long for the menus and our drinks but overall , it was great. We ate at the bar, no reservations, but had a good experience.
(5)
BJ A.
Worth a visit.. food is just shy of truly outstanding, and service is very good. It is a basement restaurant, albeit a well appointed one, and it's rather dark, so bring your pocket light for reading the menu. The 'soul' prime fillet is good (bit salty), so is the 'three tail' fish (grouper like)... shrimp & sausage jambalaya gumbo app was very good... don't bother with the key lime cheesecake (unless your just looking for a pics of plain old cheesecake (nothing lime about it at all). Dinner for 2 will set you back about $100.00 ... drinks, tip extra. PS... And if swordfish is on the menu, it's a must.. (you just will not believe what these folks can do with it)!!
(4)
Trevor L.
One of the best restaurants I have ever been to. Top of the line food and service. I had steak which came from the kitchen on fire...which was awesome, and soft shell crab which was still in the form of a crab, meat being held together by its exoskeleton. Great for a date, as it is not too large, and dim lit. If you are in Savannah, and have some money to spend on dinner, it is the place to be.
(5)
Ash G.
Really nice meal during Restaurant Week. The 3 course choices were a good representation of menu. The staff was attentive to the max, and informed, and were flexible with a vegetarian choice if our son had arrived.
(4)
Kevin N.
walked past this place tonight. saw a for lease sign in the window, and it was closed. Somewhere between the the last review on Sept. 27th and Oct. 1st 2011 this placed closed maybe???
(1)
Claudia D.
I was so disappointed. After reading some rave reviews and looking at the menu online I was sure this would be a great experience for me and my new husband on our honeymoon. I did read the bad reviews about the Oysters Bieneveille and chose to order them anyway. My apologies to my fellow yelpers. They where right. The oysters were overdone and covered in a very thick paste like concoction that tasted like glue. After we sent them back we shared the ostrich special. The fresh field peas were the only delicious thing on the plate. There was a huge glop of some kind of savory bread pudding that had the server been able to tell me about I wouldn't have ordered. The ostrich had a huge muscle running through it that made it almost impossible to eat. I don't even know how to describe the server other than he was jittery, kept walking away in the middle of our order, didn't know the menu, tried to convince us to order a different bottle of wine after we said that the Shatter by Orin Swift was what we had just served at our wedding and so was sentimental... I saw him leave the restaurant twice? Weird. And after it was obvious we weren't pleased with our experience they still charged us for the oysters and did not offer anything to make up for the bizarre service. I rated it a 2 only because they did give us a little box of chocolates to celebrate our wedding. I think they are catering only to tourists and not a repeat crowd. Which means it won't be around long.
(2)
Dilbert D.
The smoked ribeye here is the BEST steak I ever had. Apparently it was smoked in-house for many days....I was pretty fantastic and memorable. The sides were good, nothing special. I don't love the setting (a fancy lookin' basement), but the food quality and service are hard to argue with. Tried a mint julep for the first time ever---it tasted like a mojito with a splash of gasoline in it! I think that's how it is supposed to taste though
(4)
Jen S.
Amazing food, service and atmosphere. A foodie's dream.
(5)
John B.
Last night we went to Alligator Soul, as it is one of the few restaurants open on Sundays. It was fantastic! The food was perfect and on time. Our waiter, Sean, was funny and courteous. I will recommend the cheese plate and any martini on the menu. Thanks for a wonderful night!
(5)
Rachel R.
The service was poor. The waiter couldn't remember the specials and was absent most of the time. The bus boys kept pouring tap water into our bottled water. We ordered two starters and two entrees. The food was just okay. I really expected better food because of the other yelp reviews. I was extremely disappointed.
(2)
Laura V.
Food here was delicious. I had the shrimps and grits. The portion is very large so make sure you don't eat too much bread before hand. They also serve a complimentary sample of bruchetta, as pre-pallete taster. I would highly recommend Alligator Soul for their wonderful food and excellent wait staff.
(4)
John M.
I don't honestly get the rave reviews of this place. I ate 5 different shrimp and grits in Savannah and this was the worst of the bunch. It also cost me $30. You read that correctly. I thought the food was okay. The wines by the glass were poor. We opted for champagne to start and were brought sweet bubbly rose in individual screw top bottles. My wife couldn't find a dry glass of white. When we ordered our very expensive entrees, we were asked if we wanted the house salad or a side order of shrimp and grits to go with it. We were not informed that the salads were optional and cost $10 more. Meal for two was $200. The baked oysters were the only noteworthy dish.
(2)
Esther K.
We had an amazing meal here at alligator soul! I came here with a bunch of gfs for a bach party and we were thrilled when our server was also originally from the East Coast! We ordred the gumbo and shrimp and grits. Both were very good, it met my expectations. They don't skimp out on the shrimps either. We also ordered the fried green tomatoes and can I say yummmzzz. I had a piece of my friend's steak and it was super juicy and moist. My favorite bonus about this restaurant was the hot sauce! It was spicy and flavorful, all that you could ask about a hot sauce! It was so good, we actually bought a couple of bottles to go. You know its a good sauce when they pre bottle them for purchasing!
(5)
Hugh P.
Matthew/Heather and other staff members are pretty friendly. I ate at the bar which was ok too. My ribeye meal was tasty and cooked just right. My issue is that it was very heavy on the sea salt. The salty taste left a lower rating on my mind. But everyone sees to like their other meals.
(3)
Michelle C.
I love this place and recommend it to everyone. I went out of my way to bring friends to dinner tonight. When we walked in to sit at the bar the hostess told us that they were not seating any more it was only 8:40. The manager then said "we are having issues". Not sure what that means but they are no longer on my go to list for dinner in Savannah.... In response to Alligator Soul's comment about my review. I would have completely understood and never posted this negative review if we had been told the truth of the situation. Telling patrons that you have issues and stating "if you don't already have a reservation we can't seat you" is not good customer service. I hope that your Chef is ok and very glad that you made the decision to put him 1st. I was a restaurant manager for many years and would have done the same for my employees but I would have been honest with my customers.
(1)
Michael B.
Went here this past Saturday night. I highly recommend the Hilbo Ribeye. Delicious. Best restaurant I've been to in Savannah.
(5)
YelpHatesMe Y.
Honestly, completely baffled at the high reviews of this place. The ambiance isn't what we expected. It was set out more like a an old storage basement or small warehouse. I was expecting more of a modern look. Service was OK, although there was some piss poor communication between what cheeses were and weren't pasteurized - which was important to know for my pregnant wife. The ones they told us that were - weren't. Seriously? Ever heard of lawsuits? The food. Their "premier" food was this duck bacon, that I thought wasn't that great and pretty cold by the time I got to the cutting board. They had an alligator sausage, but all I tasted was salt. Their cheese completely tasted like it was store bought. I had pretty run of the mill shrimp and grits, with a ton of grits and small on the over cooked side shrimp. The pork belly was basically a piece of meat with a HUGE piece of fat on top of it. I wasn't excited to eat it, it was more of an "OK, I "wanted this" so lets get it over with" experience. The wine list wasn't very good either. We usually just go to the Olde Pink House but thought we would try something different this trip. We chose wrong and will be going back to the Pink House whenever in town.
(2)
Jay W.
Very creative menu and drink list. Very attentive and professional staff from greeters to waiters. Wife said the shrimp and grits were as good as any she has had. My jambalaya was excellent but shrimp replaced frog legs in this entree and will probably will be a permanent change. Shrimp were plentiful and were excellent so no complaints although the frog legs drew me there. Excellent decor. Negatives: pricey menu and very loud so don't expect a quiet romantic meal. We would certainly go back as we are out-of-owners.
(4)
Rich T.
After walking a few blocks in the crazy heat of Savannah, I was happy to learn we were going underground to visit Alligator Soul. We went through the preliminary motions while we waited for our table to be set up and we took the opportunity to visit the chef's selections. Our table was in the farthest third of the venue and while we had company in nearby tables, we did not feel crowded in the well appointed restaurant. Our server was good in explaining the menu to us was we opted for the meat and cheese platters before rolling into the main courses. We noticed our server had an assistant who seemed to be learning on the job and I thought the prime time of Saturday night seemed to be an odd time to be conducting waiter training. We then entered a period of anticipation that reminded me of the Twilight Zone where nothing happened...we waited... and waited....our server seemed to be there and serving other tables, but not us. A party table for 8 sat down next to us and they got a team of servers at their call. To the amazement of the management and the other diners, we did what anyone would have done: we started playing cards....Rummy... Finally, a different server brought us the stunning meat and cheese plates, which went too quickly. Then we waited some more. I lost three more hands of Rummy.... Dinner rolled out with the duck entree for me and the steak for her. Both were very good and worth noting as we shared our plates. Looking back at it now, dinner was 3+ hours long. The food was good, but the service needed help that night as the party of 8 plus the two tables on either side of us came and went with the wind before us. I may return to Alligator Soul to see if my impression was wrong, but I am certain Savannah does better than this on a regular basis.
(3)
Mary Ann Keogh K.
We had the little bilbo and it delicious but not little. It was huge. The duck fat fries were very tasty. That being said the oysters were even more delicious with many flavored blending together. However the shrimp and grits were the star of the show. The small portion had 6large fresh shrimp and the sauce was over the top. This is truly a gem. The service is very attentive and the ambience was very classic and romantic
(5)
Keri F.
We got in late our first night (US airways - need I say more?), no baggage in hand, starving... I remembered something about an alligator from the yelp reviews, plugged it into the phone, got us there quickly. Tuesday, night, no one out, in a cellar? Wasn't sure what to expect, but soon realized, while underdressed, we were in the right place! They have moonshine on their specialty drink list! Had to try that, it was good. Started with a nice little amuse bouche: corned beef and cabbage stew in a bite - OMG! why don't they serve this as a meal? I don't eat beef, but for this I would have! Appetizer was FGT (fried green tomato) - very good. Had a bread and butter pickle type chow chow on top, and decent breading with slight salt and pepper. Specialty of the night was fried mahi mahi, presented like a basic fish fry bar night. But the mahi mahi was cooked perfectly, in breading? I don't know how they did it, but it worked. The breading here was average, nothing special. My other got the shrimp and grits appetizer for the main meal - stated "It was really good! Shrimp were cooked perfect." I had to sample the grits (took my lactaide) and it was exactly what grits and cheese should be - a perfect marriage of hard with soft texture and a light cheese and light corn flavor. And this one comes with little bits of sausage which adds a nice salt and smokey flavor. Our last night in Savannah: we had to go back to see if this place was really "THAT" good. This time we sat at the bar, a nice crowd friendly experience. We elected on 2 appetizers: the FGT again and frog legs. FGT were good again, but this time the breading was a little heavier, which downgraded it from best to second best FGT in Savannah. Frog legs were in a coconut cream curry, but the legs were smoked on a grill. Good combination. Negatives: Service took forever! You guys are nice but gotta pick up the pace a little, and I'm talking about alcohol and food service.
(4)
Rick R.
Great place!!!! Oysters a la Soul and Shrimp & Grits were awesome. Fun atmosphere and incredible menu!
(5)
Christina J.
Slow down people!! To much tunnel vision goin on here. Kind of a hit an miss for our party. We would give them another chance. And if the woman who was said to be the owner would relax a little and take the keys off her hip would be really helpful for a better experience for anyone with in 10' of her.
(3)
Lindsey K.
Fantastic! My husband and I had our first honeymoon dinner here and the food was amazing. The staff even had a box of mini praline pies and a nice congratulatory note waiting on our table upon our arrival. Food-wise it was awesome. I had red deer, he had shrimp & grits, and we shared some alligator sausage. Delicious. Our server was able to describe every item in detail, as well as the drinks. Being from Portland, we weren't familiar with some of the alcohol, and I was torn between two drinks. I ended up only ordering one of them, but our server caught us on the way out (after we had already paid and tipped) and offered us a sample of the drink I did not choose. Needless to say, the service was great. Next time we're in Savannah, we'll definitely we back!
(5)
Sarah L.
Had my first dinner here a week ago for my boyfriends birthday, what a great place!! We had the best and most friendly waiter named Davis. He was so knowledgable about the menu, very attentive, and so friendly! For appetizers we ordered a cheese board and the alligator sausage. Both were wonderful. The cheese board was not only beautiful but delicious, I would recommend it to anyone. As entrees I got the flounder and my boyfriend ordered the venison. My dish was very good, the fish mixed with the lentils was great. The flounder itself was over seasoned for my taste, it took away from the fish. But when mixed with everything on the plate the flavor a were perfect. The venison was to die for!! I was sneaking bites off my boyfriends plate all night! Alligator Soul is a must if you live in Savannah!
(5)
Jamie S.
Alligator Soul is amazing and definitely lives up to the hype! Its one of those place that you'd eat at and always remember because of the food and overall experience. I ate at this place my last two nights in Savannah...that's how good it is! The restaurant's attention to detail is unparalleled! The cuisine is creative and flavorful but yet still versatile enough to be adapted to fit your dietary restrictions. On my 1st night, I had the Creole Soul dish for my appetizer and Red Snapper special for my main entree. On my 2nd night, I tried the Elk for my main entree. The Creole Soul was an explosion of rich, unique but complimentary flavors that dance with your palette. I ordered it without the pork so it only came with shrimp and crawfish, but it was still well executed. The Red Snapper special was fantastic and served with an artichoke, pink eye beans, and another vegetable that I can't recall. The fish was wonderfully fresh and lightly seasoned with sea salt. The Elk completely blew me away and this is coming from a person who usually only eats fish and turkey. It was cooked to perfection...flawlessly tender and seasoned. It was served with collards and a twice-baked potato. Service was excellent! The restaurant uses of team approach to make sure your food gets to the table quickly and accurately so you see different people bring you drinks, food, dessert, etc. This place is definitely a "must try" and should be your first stop while in Savannah! I highly recommend making reservations because this place is packed everyday of the week. I love that the restaurant supports local farmers too!!!
(5)
Sierra L.
Seriously amazing! From the pork belly appetizer to our steak and bison dinners! The drinks were great. Simply delicious! You have to try it!!! A must go for sure!
(5)
Diane A.
Alligator Soul is my favorite restaurant hands down in Savannah!!! Now make sure though you make reservations, and the yelp app allows you to do so from their page. We came in over the July 4th weekend with a 530pm reservation, when the restaurant just opened. I like the early dinner because I can get in before the crowds and still have room for dessert in the evening. They start you off with a palate cleanser and that was already yum! We ordered the cheese plate for appetizer and it had an assortment of 4 cheeses, breads, and then fruit. I ordered a small plate of shrimp & grits while hubby got the Soul Creole (too bad he ended up getting an allergic reaction to the crawfish). Other times we've gotten the scallops, fried green tomatoes, and another dish. Now, my favorite drink has to be the ETTA JAMES. In the past I've had it with the gin but my recent trip I got it as a mocktail since I'm 22 weeks pregnant. Now the mocktail was even better than the real drink. OMG, to die for! Service is always remarkable and consistent. Multiple people come to your table to provide you with anything you need so there's no way you won't be missing out on something. The atmosphere is beautiful and the employees are wonderful. I love coming here!!
(5)
Penny L.
Same as the other Yelper Erin L( comments made 9 months ago), exactly the same experience happened to me when dinning in this restaurant: Everything was great including the service, ambience, and food. However, I hope the owner can pay attention to what I post since IT HAPPENED AGAIN TO THE 2ND CUSTOMER; if you don't want to receive another one star by the third person, please take this into consideration. Two things bothered me on the bill: 1)$5 charge for sparkled water- at first I ask for simple water, but the server Kate brought up a choice of sparkling water. I do not think this will add to the bill since I have never been to a high end restaurant which "charges" any type of water, including sparkling one. However, seeing the $5 on the bill really upset me for tonight. 2)$14 for two scallops. Yes ONLY TWO pieces for $14. This was recommend by the server Kate again, and of course she did not mention the added price to me in the beginning. I feel tricked for her hiding this important factor to sway my decision making. As I know, the high quality of sashimi (yellow tail) in a highly reviewed Japanese restaurant in NYC is $3 a piece. One scallop in Savannah costs almost $7? I am sorry, though I really love scallop and I hate comparing, this uncomfortable charge def brings my satisfaction down to almost zero. I have grown up having fresh seafood; obviously this price does not make sense to me at all. After all, I still tip enough tonight for I understand how tough it is to run a restaurant and to be a server. And I really love southern hospitality in this travel experience. Letting this ruin my mood is not worth it. Next time, I will rethink about whether to come back to Alligator Soul.
(2)
Darci S.
I had the shrimp and grits and was impressed. The shrimp was prepared perfectly but the sauce was the winner of the dish. I don't know what was in it but the smokiness balanced the dish very well. This was also my first time to eat shrimp and grits. I will happily do so again. My husband had the fresh caught scallops which I tried and they were crazy tender. Unlike I've ever had before. My boys had the bacon wrapped tenderloin. What can I say they are 18 & 13 not very adventurous. They both liked their dishes. The craft cocktails were creative and well made. That maple infused rum, though.
(4)
Tracy N.
The best meal we had in Charleston, Beaufort, and Savannah! House salad left something to be desired -the grit croutons were unique but the salad was a bit wilted by the dressing and not cold. The creole and duck entrees were amazing. The smaller appetizer portion of the creole was perfect for me.. I imagine the taste might be too much in a big size. The restaurant was very thoughtful in recognizing our anniversary with a small gift. We will definitely return!! This is a great romantic restaurant.. Lots of couples here.
Loved the soul-food Boudin was the best! The Service was excellent people were great atmosphere was awesome!
(5)
Michelle M.
We researched this restaurant before coming to Savannah. It did not disappoint. Perfectly cooked seared scallops, melt in your mouth steak, pork belly to die for. This meal was well worth the trip we made from Charleston.
(5)
Amy C.
Lovely restaurant. My husband and I went this past Saturday evening and had a great meal. The food was wonderful--from the amuse bouche and fresh bread to the seriously amazing grilled oysters, the nice wine and beer list, the whole thing was on point. The house salad was even awesome. For our entrees we had the catch (wreckfish--grouperish fish) and the beef tenderloin. Sadly, we didn't have room for dessert. I only did 4 stars because I was left waiting for a drink a couple of times, but the meal was well-paced and the service pretty good in general. We will definitely be back next time we're in town. Can't wait to eat those oysters again!
(4)
Mark R.
Ms. B. and I were visiting Savannah over my birthday weekend, so I did some searching to see what restaurants appeared suitable for a nice birthday dinner. Alligator Soul's menu seemed most intriguing, so we decided to give it a go and made a reservation. When the restaurant called to confirm it, they asked if this was a special occasion, so I informed them it was my birthday. And thus, when we came in, they presented me with a nice little box filled with some chocolate and a couple of nutty tarts, which were pretty tasty. Sweet! To begin, we ordered a bottle of Rioja Ergo, which was decent (though, not unexpectedly, the markup for wine and cocktails was exorbitant). For an appetizer, we decided to try the artichoke and goat cheese fritters, which were delicious -- warm, crispy outside, soft but not runny inside, and, of course, very, very rich. For dinner, it was a difficult choice, as there were many appealing options on the menu. In the end, I settled on the bison hanger steak, and Ms. B. opted for a vegetarian combination with farro. We were both quite taken with our choices; the bison was delicious and fairly tender, cooked medium rare. In fact, I had only taken a few bites when our server stopped by and mentioned that certain of us seemed overtly pleased with our dinners. I suppose I might have made a satisfied noise or two; it's hard to recall, for it was my birthday and now I am old. The ambiance at Alligator is warm and inviting, the servers top-notch -- perfectly attentive without being overbearing. We could eat at a leisurely pace but never had to wonder where the food or our servers were hiding out. Prices are not for the faint of heart, but then, we expected this and compensated by eating sand for a few days afterward. It's all good.
(4)
Ginger J.
The food was outstanding! Better than that was our waiter. He was darling and was really cute with my 7 month old nephew, which made us love this place even more!
(5)
STEPHANIE L.
My family and I dined at Alligator Soul- the food was delicious! We originally tried making a reservation and were disappointed when it would not take on open table. Then two days before our trip I received a phone call confirming our reservation. He explained that it must have been a glitch. We were happy to see that we could be accommodated. We tried many cocktails- all of which were delicious. We really liked their sidecar's the best! We did Fried Green Tomatoes for an appetizer. The portions are great size to split and add a salad. Our table had many items. By far our favorite was the shrimp and grits. Incredibly tasty! Our server was great- Lots of personality, and incredibly attentive. I would suggest this as a great restaurant for a date, or an intimate meal. Due to the popularity it was hard to get a reservation and we could be sat until 9:15.
(4)
Michael M.
Came down to Savannah from Charleston for a night away. This place has the right idea, but the service did not live up to the food or atmosphere. Our server seemed a little under-experienced, staff in general seemed young and overwhelmed for a Tuesday night during slow season. The host was a young guy that was very nice, seated us by the fireplace while we waited for our table. He took our drink order after a ten minute wait with no server/bartender and after another ten we were shown to our table, still no drinks. I ordered a glass of the house aligator soul red wine, seconds later the table adjacent to us tried to order the same, however their very outgoing server strongly suggested not to order "the cheapest wine, because if you want to just get drunk you can order anything". I ordered the bouillobaise, and like I had overheard from our neighbors order, it was strongly suggested to add scallops. I said sure I love scallops, which I do. When the entree arrived, sans scallops I let our server know I didn't notice any scallops. She checked and returned to say, "I am stupid, I accidentally pressed the extra shrimp button instead of scallops. Are you okay with extra shrimp or do you want me to pay for them?" I had never really heard that before, begrudgingly said it was fine and went on with what was a really good meal and deducted the $9 add on from the tip. It turned into a funny story for my wife and I, and as frequent diners in Charleston, allowed us to continue to turn our noses up a bit higher when it comes to comparing our two cities in terms of dining. This place has the right idea, and with a little better staff training will be top of the line (for Savannah.. haha).
(3)
Julia R.
We visited Savannah on our way home from Florida. Such a charming city! After looking through reviews, this looked like our best bet and I still think it was. We ordered the cheese platter, fried green tomatoes, shrimp & grits, and the vegetarian special (a pot pie). The cheese was yummy, nothing out of the ordinary. Some of the bread on the platter was stale. The fried green tomatoes were standard. Again, good, but nothing special. The shrimp & grits was delicious. So flavorful and a huge serving. The vegetarian pot pie, I did not try, but my boyfriend seemed pleased. I would give the food 4 stars because it was standard and good. But I am also docking a star for our server. He seemed very preoccupied - often stopping in the middle of talking to us to look at something. He also read the specials off of a sheet of paper, which isn't necessarily bad, but he struggled to get through it. Still, I'd recommend Alligator Soul if you're stopping through Savannah.
(3)
Caroline M.
4 stars for the food because it was cooked to perfection and wasn't lacking in flavor at all! Our waitress was accommodating but pushy at times and I had a make shift surf and turf put together with their special, alligator boudins, and a few shrimp along with some yummy carrots! Boyfriend had the exotic special which was an antelope meat shepherds pie. All I can say is that it was unreal and my taste buds like some cheetah food that's for sure! Only reason I didn't give it five stars is because the atmosphere is a little stuffy considering it's in a basement and could have a cool vibe if it really wanted to. And as I said the waitress was pushy with alcoholic beverages, appetizers, desserts, etc. and it just made us both weirdly uncomfortable! Other than that, great food and worth the price tag!
(4)
Steven S.
My girlfriend and I went there for dinner and to put it simply; it was the best meal we have ever had!!
(5)
Jennifer R.
The service was perfect and the food was wonderful. The menu was creative and imaginative. I loved the "exotic" food. The only negative I have is that it was COLD in the restaurant. Take a sweater if you are normally a "cold-blooded" person, as I am!!! Otherwise, you should be fine.
(5)
Ally B.
Fantastic game meat dishes!! Beautiful atmosphere. Great service. Everything we ordered was better than the next. Extensive bar menu. We tried Kangaroo and Bison. Unreal!! A real gem in the heart of Savannah. A must if you like great quality food.
(5)
Ken C.
AMAZING. We went here this week, and every course was better than the next. From the bread, to the appetizers of baked oysters shrimp and grits (SO GOOD), to our entrees of red deer and tenderloin wrapped in bacon with a side of fries cooked in duck fat. Mmmmmmmmm...... Just go, and you will find out for yourself.
(5)
Jason T.
Great atmosphere, AMAZING ribeye, delicious corn bread, great drinks. One of the best restaurants we visited in Savannah.
(5)
Sarah K.
Alligator Soul is a cozy little underground treasure. The ambiance and decor were great with exposed brick walls, neat little subterranean gardens and great music. Our server greeted us warmly and asked about food allergies or restrictions, which we very much appreciated, since my husband and I are both lactose intolerant, which is challenging in the low country. Additionally, I'm pescetarian. No problems at all here. Our server brought out a refreshing amuse-bouche (compliments of the chef) that not only met our dietary weirdness, but was delicious! Our cocktails were lovely, and as we chose our dinner selections, our server was careful to point out items that met our dietary needs or dishes that would best adapt. We started with splitting the house salad, which we agreed was probably one of the best salads we've ever had. The combination of the watermelon radish, sorrel, and OMG! Parmesan Grit Croutons was amazing. Very light dressing, that makes it seems as though one is just eating straight up veggies, but the BEST veggies ever! The complimentary foccacia bread also shone in this course. Our server was able to provide us with detailed information about our wine choices when asked, but was not remotely pushy about anything. She had very soft, gentile mannerisms. This is the kind of place that perfectly balances casual elegance. Did I mention that she surreptitiously crumbed our table? This while hip blues plays in the background. Perfect. My husband had the shrimp creole and absolutely loved it. That's what bumped this up from as 4 star review to a 5. He was absolutely in heaven. Note, however, that he likes spice. And in our limited experience, Alligator Soul's chef seasons aggressively. This is what one would expect with shrimp creole, and it was perfect for my heat loving husband. I was a little disappointed, however, with my scallops. They were cooked perfectly, but a little too peppery for me. The menu description didn't mention the black pepper crust on the sear, which I found to be a bit overwhelming for the scallop and the lavender rice. Still, our overall experience was at minimum a 4, and with the level of service, and how much my husband loved his meal, I'm going to round up from the 4.5 rating I would have given to a 5.
(5)
Lauren L.
I came here with a group that ended up being two more people than the reservation and a big deal was made about if my entire party could be accommodated. -1 star We arrived early and told the server we needed to be out of there by 8 but we repeatedly had to flag down servers to ask for things throughout the entire meal. -1 star It was restaurant week so most of the table ordered that @ $30 for dinner which I think is the same price as the entrees here. I didn't like the hibiscus margarita of which I am usually a big fan. My fried green tomatoes were only warm and okay but my steak tips were very fatty and just not that good so I mostly ate the fries. -1 star My friend had the grits which were delicious and my other friend had the buffalo which was very tender it had a good sauce and tasted exactly like short ribs. The tip was included because we were a large group but if I had more time I would have complained because the service was not acceptable. When our server was present she had an attitude that was not professional. I understand that this place is trying to be a big deal and a "foodie destination" so it charges NY prices but for that the place should deliver with service and on every dish and it didn't. Also when people have two hours to eat a meal and notify the staff in advance this should be achieved without us stressing out about getting to a show on time.
(2)
Miles E.
Pricey but totally worth it to splurge every now and then. They attention to detail in the food and service really is amazing. Example: All Parmesan Grit Croutons in the salad are homemade and pan fried there? SERIOUSLY? haha this place is awesome.The chef is amazing and is always changing the menu to offer the freshest seasonal seafoods/proteins. For the whiskey lovers out there this place has a fantastic sampler selection that will def but some hair on your chest. I PROMISE THIS PLACE WILL NOT LET YOU DOWN
(5)
Paula M.
I highly recommend this restaurant. Excellent food, drinks, and service!
(5)
Ramon P.
Well we went to alligator soul based on all the hype but sadly it didn't live up to any of it. The food wasn't anything to write home about at all the service was horrible. The waiter didn't even know what was on the menu and that they had run out of scallops.. So he continues to try to sell us scallops we had to continue to remind him that he doesn't have that on the menu. Overall we paid over $180 and we hated spending every penny NEVER AGAIN WILL WE EVER GO BACK THERE THANKS BUT NO THANKS
(2)
Morgan H.
We started at world of beer around the corner, our bartender recommended alligator soul as a great place to grab dinner. It was a Friday night but we took a shot, walked around the corner and asked for a table. Just by chance they had one available and squeezed us in. Everyone was so polite ad accommodating! I could hardly believe it, we definitely were not dressed for a nice dinner, but they sat us straight away and our server was prompt and so knowledgable! We pretty much took every recommendation and had the alligator sausage appetizer special, scallops with risotto and duck. All of which were delicious and amazing. I have never been much of a seafood person, but I wish I would've gotten those scallops they were perfection. We also had the chocolate dessert special which was kind of a bread pudding, also delicious and not nearly as heavy as you would think. Not only did our server check on us during the meal, but so did the chef, manager, and other servers. This place runs like a well oiled machine, I CANNOT emphasize how wonderful it is to have a great meal with equally great service... It seems to be hard to come by these days. Thank you for making our first dinner on vacation a delight!
(5)
E M.
Made the 8:30 pm reservation weeks in advance for my husband's bday. We were sat around 8:40, no problem. Husband was presented with a tiny personalized box of pecan tarts which was a nice intro. We took about 10 mins looking over the menu, ordered a round of drinks and 2 appetizers then waited.... And waited... Server brought delicious hot bread & corn muffins... Finally got our drinks around 9:15, appetizers a few minutes later. Panko crusted baked oysters were good, but not as great as the reviews. Mushroom pate very earthy indeed; pappadams were a nice touch. Entrees were very good-2 very tender tenderloins cooked spot on and lamb chops. The nutty red rice with the lamb chops and crispy duck fat fries were delicious. The white sangria was refreshing, but throw in some fruit for $14/glass. Overall our dinner was very good, but we are unsure whether or not we'll return which is the true test. The decor and ambiance could have be better. The lights were turned up too high, high enough to see a large brown smear on the curtains at shoulder height next to my dinner companion and the bad seafood paintings on the wall. Perhaps someone from the Paris Market down the street could redo the interior. Crossing this place off my Savannah list. Been there, done that.
(3)
Adrian V.
Great experience from top to bottom. The bar tender was very sociable and knowledgeable. I tried a gin mule for the first time, and ordered about three more thereafter. The charcuterie board was the best I've ever tasted. If you're looking for the healthy option, it's not for you. If you want amazing trade, give it a go. The suckling pig was delicious but my date's roast lamb was still better. We had the chocolatier option for dessert, really good as well. If ever in town, I will certainly go again.
(5)
Heather A.
Loved this place! We came to Savannah for a long weekend to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary and the staff at Alligator Soul were so sweet and wonderful to us. The food was excellent, the bartenders friendly and knowledgable, and table service was wonderful.
(5)
laurie g.
We went last night for dinner and the food was amazing. Oysters a la soul were the best oysters I have ever eaten. The chef was extremely considerate of my garlic allergy and took great care in sauces and backed down the garlic. The food was 5 stars! Hands down, but they were very busy and service was a little slow. Everyone was very attentive it was just a little slow, and I didn't think the staff was very knowledgable regarding the wine list. If you haven't tried this place, you WILL NOT be disappointed. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone wanting an elegant dinner in savannah .
(4)
Vinny G.
I almost rated this 4 stars because the service was so slow, but the food is really special. Also, we figured we're in Savannah, so why not relax and take our time. The chef here really knows what he/she is doing. We ordered and shared a variety of appetizers so that we could try as many different dishes as possible, and every one was a big hit. Some of the highlights: Oysters a la Soul: baked oysters on the half shell topped with a blend of crawfish, bacon, a spicy creamy roux, topped with panko crumbs. Stupid good. My new favorite oyster dish anywhere. Gator sausage spiced to perfection with a really interesting mustard based side. Sunnyside up quail eggs over sausage in a light sauce. Spicy and terrific. Shrimp and grits. I'm not a good person for this because I usually like even mediocre shrimp and grits, but these were spiced just right with creamy grits and fresh shrimp. A cut above. For dessert we had the cherry bourbon cobbler which we ordered a la mode, because by this time "why not?". The cherries had a great sweet/sour flavor with just enough burboun to add flavor but not overpower it. The wine list was fairly priced, as were all the dishes, and the atmosphere was large wine cellar mellow. The only downside was that the service was extremely slow, and it didn't appear to be just our table or waiter. We had all night, so we just went with the flow. It's one thing to have relaxed service and a long meal, but this was far too long between visits. The food makes it all worth it, but this is something that really should be corrected with a chef this good. Having said that, we have been to Savannah a number of times and this was not only our favorite meal in Savannah, it was up there with some of our favorite restaurants anywhere. Leave yourself some time and enjoy.
(5)
Austin J.
Outstanding food and great service! My wife had the duck and it was cooked perfectly (medium-rare). I had the scallops and risotto. Both dishes were amazing and delicious. It is a great atmosphere! Great date night restaurant! We will definitely come back again to try more dishes!
(5)
Todd C.
The food was excellent, my wife had the Shrimp n' Grits (A+) and I had the Scallops (awesome), the wine was great. Kate was our waiter and she was phenomenal....highly recommend. Make sure you make reservations. Oh, and being from the Bluegrass, great bourbon selection.
(5)
Esi D.
Excellent service! Everyone was so friendly and checked in with us a lot about our food and service. I had the grouper and my husband had the lamb - both great dishes. The only reason why I am not giving it 5 stars is that we had to wait for quite a while to get our meals.
(4)
Louisa S.
Awesome fresh organic local fine dining. We both started with the house tossed salad;incredible. I had the Surf and Turf; filet was so tender and the scallops so good. He had the fresh Fish of the day, Grouper, topped with Bernaise sauce, exquiste poltenta and butternut squash.fluffly mashed potatoes. Well worth the $50 per person meal. Especially if you are on vacation.
(5)
Stephanie L.
Wow. We heard rave reviews of this place and it did not disappoint. From the moment we walked in, service was great. It's downstairs in the basement level, but the ambience is perfect. Not dark at all, which is what we were expecting. Hostess seated us quickly and our server promptly arrived at the table to greet us. We started off with a half dozen of the oysters de la soul... and thinking back, we should have ordered the full dozen. I'm not one for cooked oysters but these were amazing -- not too heavy, like oysters Rockefeller can be. Then my husband had the soup du jour and I had their house salad. Both solid. Now for the entrees... we were in for a treat. Husband ordered the bacon wrapped filet with horseradish mashed potatoes and brococlini. He cleaned his plate; said the mashed potatoes were the best he's ever had. I ordered the elk tenderloin special... just to be adventurous, and was pleasantly surprised with the flavors. Finally, for dessert, we asked our server to surprise us with two options. He brought out the cobbler and banana beignets. Just the right amount of sweet to finish off an excellent meal. Yum! All in all, a great dining experience... from food and drinks to service and attentiveness. Highly recommend.
(5)
Natalia D.
Romantic and delicious. Chef uses local produce and whats in season, which keeps the menu fresh and exciting. Highly suggest a reservation. Definitely on our rotation list for the next trip to Savannah.
(4)
Trent L.
Best upscale meal I've had in Savannah. It's all about the food here. The location is nice and the decor pleasant, but I was blown away by the food. We started with the Charcuterie Plate; an appetizer of pork belly, duck bacon, alligator sausage, and roasted smoked veal bone marrow. Absolutely delicious, and the marrow was one of the top 3 things I've ever eaten. For entrees, I had the ribeye and my wife had the shrimp and grits. Both absolutely fantastic. The duck fat frites were extraordinary. All that said, this is a restaurant with BOLD flavors. If you don't like rich/spicy/smokey, this may not be for you. You also need to be a bit adventurous. If eating elk/ostrich/alligator sounds scary, or if a chocolate and vanilla root beer float with stout beer sounds crazy, you may not like this place. But if you love great food with bold flavors and have a sense of adventure, do not miss this restaurant.
(5)
Ella A.
We stopped by for dinner. We did not have a reservation, however the hostess was able to find us a table at the front of the restaurant. Service, in our case, was very slow. It took several walk-bys and about 10+ minutes before a waitperson took on our table. The food was good, nothing memorable one way or another, and service did improve throughout the evening. Based on our experience we probably would not go back, but we would not not recommend the establishment.
(3)
Bob M.
Wow....Where do I start? We only ate in one place in Savannah. I am a big farm to table guy and the chef here has mastered this project! The food here is beyond words. Had the cheese plate and the wild mushroom miso soup. Fantastic. Corn muffins and home made bread was out of this world but don't fill up on carbs. Had do decide between the Hilo Ribeye or the Kangeroo steak. Went with the ribeye because I figured the Roo was going to be small and expensive. Ribeye shows up and holy $hit the thing is like 16 ounces! And it's cooked perfectly. And it's paired with fresh cut fries cooked in duck fat! I wanted to hug the chef! I don't doubt there is not a bad dish on the menu which they change seasonally. And everything is locally raised and organic. And you won't be waiting for staff to assist you. There was like a staff member for each 3-4 patrons. Go here! Get in your car or a taxi and do this place. Don't expect chicken wings or calamari. This is not that place. This is real food and you will wish it was right down the street from your house.... Stop reading this and go here......
(5)
Annie Z.
My husband and I enjoyed our anniversary dinner at Alligator Soul. It was a great spot for a romantic dinner. The staff was very attentive and knowledgeable. We were asked if we were celebrating anything when the reservation was confirmed and our server was informed and brought it up when we were sat as well as asking if there was anything I needed to avoid as I am pregnant. The food was a little salty for my taste but my husband loved the meal. I'd recommend going with their exotic dish or chef's choice to get the most out of your experience. Overall it was a good choice for our celebration.
(4)
Joseph F.
Over priced with average food. Miserable waiter with an attitude. I don't remember his name but he was tall and thin, about 6'6". One person in our party had to send his steak back 3 times and finally gave up and didn't eat. Shrimp and grits was so so. Much better in Charleston SC. Never again!
(2)
Jan B.
Ask for Adam! Best waiter ever!!! This place is a jewel in Savannah. It rivals the best restaurants of Charleston. They use a lot of locally grown food and the flavor a come through. You must try the Oyster a la Soul. Best Oysters outside of New Orleans.
(5)
Steve B.
Great ambiance and amazing food. Love the windows that were built into the walls. Restaurant is underground and this really makes it feel more spacious. Great service as well. Megan was great as well as the support staff. The drinks were remarkably good. Moonshine was tasty and not too powerful. Old fashioned was brilliantly made. Scallops were perfectly cooked and the portions were sizable, without being enormous. Would recommend to anyone who doesn't mind spending a decent amount of money for a great meal. Well worth the cost.
(5)
Angela L.
From start to finish this place wowed us. A treat for my boyfriend for his birthday. The server explained all aspects of all the menus. The manager wishes us well. The food was delicious. Get the goat cheese cheesecake. Thank you Alligator Soul for a wonderful meal.
(5)
Anna S.
On a trip to Savannah, we arbitrarily selected this spot from a list of restaurants. Definitely worth a trip! We were served a palate cleansing soup to start, followed by some delicious house-made cranberry and Aleppo pepper muffins, and a sea salt encrusted bread with honey lemon butter. The bread was still hot and fresh, and a lovely way to start the meal. We ordered a small portion of the creole shrimp and house salad. The small portion was definitely big enough for an entree, so if you're saving room for dessert I'd recommend doing the same. I ordered "The Little Hildo" which is - ribeye with the house spice mix. It came with fantastic duck fat-fried french fries, and flavorful asparagus. This was an excellent and large portion, and I ended up taking a lot of it to go. My waiter was even kind enough to cut it for me before putting it in a go-box because I didn't have access to a steak knife in my hotel. My sweet tea was also wonderful- not a sweet aftertaste and not cloying. The dessert options were kind of limited. We had a mint cheesecake which was fine, but I wouldn't go running back for it. Since they change their menu according to the local ingredients, I'm sure they have other and better options. The service was very friendly and anything they didn't know, they double checked in the kitchen. Excellent dining experience.
(5)
Roberto F.
This is a great restaurant that's tucked away down in the basement area but makes for a great place to have dinner. Due to our budget I would recommend this place for a special day (birthday anniversary or just that special occasion where you want a fancy dinner. The food was amazing and the waiters were excellent at pairing wine with the dishes. Service was a bit slow but nothing really to complain about, especially since our section was full. Another great thing about this place is that even though it's higher end it didn't feel pretentious. When back in Savannah we will be sure to celebrate our return at this place.
(4)
Tom M.
Very nice. Had the Bison Oso Bucolic and it was great! Only slight disappointment was the gumbo. Appetizer portion was pricey at $14 and was not as tastey as some I have had on the gulf coast.
(4)
Holly G.
Easily my favorite dinner during our trip to Savannah! If you are vegetarian or vegan, and you are tired of only being able to eat ravioli or a salad in restaurants, you must come here! Seriously. I ordered the vegetarian special of the day and it was absolutely delicious! It was a huge puff pastry filled with fava beans, mushrooms, black truffle oil, super thin sliced smoky tofu - so much savory goodness! My husband ordered the little Hilbo (?) steak with duck fat fries and seemed happy with it, especially once the server brought out some habanero sauce to kick up the steak. In the end though, he agreed my meal was really the most flavorful of the two. ;)
(5)
Nicole W.
I have to say I only came here for their desserts and Coffee. You walk down a couple of stairs and you're transported to a Disney-esque tavern were it looks like it was staged a little too perfect haha It was great! It just didnt have ANYTHING to do with "creole or cajun" culture. Expect maybe for the random aligators around the rooms. Ok lets talk about desserts: - Banana Beignets: these were AH-MAZING! my mouth waters to this day. HOWEVER i have to point out that there was absolutly nothing that looked or even resembled a doughnut covered in powered sugar. The dish was more of a decontructed beignet dish with bananas. It had vanilla icecream on the bottom, layered with tempura fried small pieces of banana (about 4) drizzled with caramel and topped off with crispy cinamony wonton crisps (what?) yeah. - Flourless expresso tart: it was great! just a little to heavy for me. Even though it was a small tort it was so rich and creamy and very thick that it was difficult to take another piece. Overall tasted more like chocolate than coffee which was a disappointment. - The berry cheesecake: ok this one was a flop for me. It was weird cheesecake with chunks and I mean BIG CHUNKS of what looked like were frozen canned peaches (ugh?) yeah so whenever you took a bite out of it you had to commit to the whole peach slice. It was just wierd all over. But my friend (who is a big dessert person) ate 3/4 of it, So it must have something she liked.
(4)
Roni D.
My expectations were so high for this restaurant and unfortunately were not met. The food was mediocre as was the waiter. We found out more about the menu by eavesdropping on the other waitstaff in the restaurant while they discussed the dishes with the customers. When we asked our waiter about the specials he barely acknowledged them. Perhaps if we had better guidance in our selections we would have felt better about our experience here. But then again I can't remember any of the dishes that we did have so what does that say?
Great place with wonderful atmosphere. I didn't have a reservation and they graciously let me sit and order from the full menu at the bar. I had the blackened grouper nicoise salad. While the grouper wasn't blackened, the salad was beautiful and delicious. The barkeeper described the salad as deconstructed. Interesting. There were no olives but a few perfectly fried nuggets of okra. The fish was also perfectly cooked. Nice wine list.
(4)
Maria M.
love the food! did you hear me??? love the food! lamb was amazing, gumbo was ridic(good ridic) fried green tomatoes love love. Too full for dessert.
(5)
Susan M.
Asparagus soup tasters, alligator boudin appetizer started the meal. Pep padre & scallion corn muffin with a honey butter. Tasty organic and natural juice cocktails. Exotic meats entree with elk and marrow butter as well as the bacon wrapped beef tenderloin with baby pea pods and cauliflower mash. Excellent wait staff. Overall, very nice evening/meal. Anniversary dinner. Husband wants to come back. Before our next anniversary!!
(5)
D H.
Menu is interesting and offers a good range of choices from safe to adventurous. Shrimp and grits appetizer was amazing! Service impeccable. Hand-crafted cocktails a plus. This place is a must if you're in savannah.
(5)
Tamara M.
This was our choice for my birthday dinner, and we chose well! This was my first visit to Savannah, and I was already impressed. Alligator Soul fits right in. The location is perfect, walking distance from our hotel in the historic district. The decor is simple yet elegant. The restaurant is on the basement level. We had a table in a small, side room, in the corner. We started with the Artisanal Cheese Plate featuring local specialties along with some fruits, nuts, flatbreads and honey to set off the cheeses. Delicious! They have some lively, unique cocktails featuring organic and natural juices and liquors. I can personally say that the GinGin Mule is addictive. For dinner, the bf had the Lamb Porterhouse with a Lamb and Feta Meatball. It was served with some flavorful rice: duck liver and Medjool date scallion dirty rice. All was rich and delicious. I had one of the specials: a Venison Puff Pastry with Wild Boar Pancetta and Bleu Cheese sweet potato mash. It was like a souped up comfort food, and I was totally in love. The pastry was light and flaky. It seemed like a venison pot pie in a way. The sweet potato mash was to die for. I am seriously going to try and recreate it. Our server was young and sweet. He did a really good job at being attentive and funny but not overbearing. We felt we could take our time and really enjoy the food. I had an after-dinner coffee to end the meal, and the bf had a nice tawny port. It was an excellent meal all around.
(5)
Barbara F.
Service, atmosphere, value and most importantly the quality of the meal was unbelievable! Best Valentines dinner ever. Alligator Soul is a must do!!!!
(5)
Paige N.
Alligator Soul is AMAZIING!!! I ate here this past weekend while visiting Atlanta with my folks and it was far and away the best meal we had there. We'd made a reservation in advance of arriving for the Sunday night before we left Savannah and after touring around town the past two days exploring River Street, the squares, the Pirate House and all the other notable historical places (Girl Scout HQ, the awesome Roman Catholic church, Broughton St, etc), were excited to dine here. I was a little leery when I first learned Alligator Soul is below street level - I was picturing images of a basement or dungeon like set up, but I was very pleasantly surprised instead. Although the restaurant is below street level it still has windows with flowers and shrubbery and high ceilings giving the feeling of being above ground. Genius - and the inside is charming - very comfortable and inviting but still classy with white table cloths, plush carpets, servers dressed to a tee, and the feeling of almost being in a swanky New Orleans type restaurant. The walls are exposed brick and there's more stone archways inside the restaurant separating the bar area from the main dining rooms, but it's all very elegant still. My mom really got the ball rolling in classic style as soon as we were escorted to our table, by proceeding to knock over the champagne stand at the table next to ours holding a bottle of sparkling water. Winning! Off to a great start already. After the puddle was cleaned up and she'd apologized profusely (the ladies were totally cool with it - it was only water, after all), our waiter proceeded to introduce himself, and take our drink order. When he returned to get our dinner order he brought a complimentary appetizer of bruschetta with a balsamic glaze and a mixture of tomatoes and mushrooms chopped on top of the little toasts - delicious. It was a specialty of the night and yet another testament to their excellent service. Since I'd never seen alligator croquettes on a menu (and probably won't again for some time), my mom and I split an appetizer of that and my dad ordered a dinner salad to go with his entree. For our main dishes, I ordered the lamb tagine, my mom got the flounder special that evening and my dad had the filet of wellington. The croquettes were delicious, I didn't know what to expect alligator to taste like (chicken, perhaps?), but whatever it was, it was great and drizzled with some kind of remoulade, which made it perfect. And the main courses - let me tell you... My lamb tagine was beautifully presented (everything was) and so, so tasty. It came out as a stew of lamb and vegetables like peppers, onions and the like with a side of lentils (the first time I've had them prepared well) and spinach sauteed with chopped garlic. Dad's filet of wellington looked perfect in its puff pastry crust with mashed potatoes and asparagus, and Mom's flounder was very pretty atop a creamy base of canellini beans with proscuitto mixed in. We were also given a loaf of freshly sliced, still warm from the oven herb bread - and I won't lie - that's some of the tastiest bread I've ever had. Everything could not have been better - yes, the bill was a bit steep, but for an experience like that - it was worth it. And really, Alligator Soul is someplace you'd go for a special occasion or if you're an out of towner. Besides, you can't take it with you - put the money you worked hard for to good use: good food! One of the best touches of the night was that since it was our first time dining at Alligator Soul, there was a little box at our table when we arrived saying, "Thanks for coming for the first time, enjoy." And inside were three of the cutest, bite-sized pecan pies I've ever laid eyes on. Not only was it memorable and won instant brownie points from me, but they were also really tasty! Fantastic restaurant I'll highly recommend to anyone visiting Savannah and wanting to have a great food experience.
(5)
Renee G.
A hidden gem in town! Dark and delicious interior that emulates an easy ambiance and food that's out of this world. Try a kangaroo filet or the Little Hilbo steak. Sexy, savoury food. Every time.
(5)
John S.
Right there with Green Truck as the best food we had in Savannah. A nice room, inventive menu, fresh ingredients, very good service. It's pricey, but worth it. I had a piece of roast fish, she had bison, both very good. Good cocktails, great wine list. You should go for the farm-to-table action.
(5)
Courtney D.
My husband and I had a wonderful meal. Our server was fantastic and we enjoyed the entire experience. We were only in town for one night and we were so happy we chose to eat here. Wonderful!
(5)
Will B.
Was in town for business and took try at this place. Exceptional service (sat at the bar, great chatting with others and the bartenders) good drinks and excellent food.
(5)
Paula E.
We decided to try this place for a different dinner in Savannah while there on vacation. You will downstairs to the basement and its a great environment and nicely decorated! We were given antelope minestrone to start with on a teaspoon to taste which was very good. The waiter asked if we felt adventurous and described the specials. He also brought out a lovely plate of baguette and cornbread served with lemon honey and tyme butter. Again had a nice flavor. I decided on adventure and went with the antelope stroganoff. Unfortunately later in the evening I felt queasy and developed a horrible headache. The next morning after ordering breakfast at another establishment before the food even arrived I became horribly ill from the dinner the night before and quickly realized I had food poisoning. Ended up spending the rest of the day sick in my hotel room. I did call to let them know about it but never heard back. Think I will try adventure from home and not on vacations!
(3)
Jennie L.
would be a 3.5 if possible. great ambiance, had a wonderful server. although she was quite disappointed that my husband only ordered the charcuterie plate as his entree (one: he wasn't that hungry. two: he can't pass up pork belly. ever.) the shrimp and grits were wonderful! lots of shrimp and a great flavor! the entree portion was very well sized, and I couldn't come close to finishing. pretty decent wine list, not a whole lot of by the glass options, but found a few to choose from! great meal, overall! would recommend to friends for a good shrimp and grits meal!
(4)
V Y.
This place is out of this world. Seriously. The service is impeccable. The food is out of control. We had the shrimp and grits, the beef tenderloin and the elk special. Amazing. I could've had a vat of the mashed potatoes as well. I would encourage everyone to go for the exotic special! They have really fun alcohol flights here too that I've never seen at other restaurants. We had the beer and wine flights, but they also have things like bourbon and martini flights. Go here! Run don't walk!
(5)
Mark F.
WOW! Never smiled so much while eating from the pure flavor of food! We went on our anniversary and it was special. We had already seen the menu online and knew what we wanted , the Shrimp and grits. But we also ordered the house salad. Not many salads create a flavor explosion in your mouth, but this one did! The Shrimp and Grits are the best I have ever had. While the food was the best we had during our 4 day stay in Savannah, and maybe in the south, it was the service that made it so special. SPENCER...you're the best, and we both thank you!!! The most memorable meal in out 28 year marriage! We WILL be back again!
(5)
Debra B.
Since this was my 1st visit to Savannah, I stopped by a coffee house to get a recommendation from the locals. What great advice! The service and food was excellent. From the moment I walked in, everyone was there to make sure I enjoyed the dining experience. The food was fresh and delicious, the wait staff very helpful and attentive. The next time I visit, this restaurant is on the list.
(5)
Jim W.
Atmosphere, food, service was excellent. Great place to take your wife or girlfriend for a romantic dinner. They took the effort to call me the day before to confirm our reservation and ask if my wife and I were celebrating a special occasion. These guys are paying attention and it shows in their service and food.
(5)
K. W.
Truly one of the best spots in Savannah! The service was impeccable, seriously one of the nicest waiters ever (rashad) waited on us and we couldn't get over how nice he was and kept tending to us, he made us feel like we were the only ones he was waiting on! The food, oh Lordy, the food was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!!! I can not say enough about the whole experience, we started with a seaweed beef "palette awakener" which was delicious followed by a meat and cheese board (get it, you won't be disappointed) which consisted of pheasant pate, green hill cheese, spicy cheddar, flat bread, and a bunch more stuff I can't remember but was really good. Then we each had our meal - my husband had the bison hangar steak and I had the little hilbo, both were outrageous! We then shared a dessert, banana beignet and ice wine. You NEED to get here if you are a local or a visitor, it's really worth it! But make sure you make reservations - the restaurant was packed when we went! Also try to sit in the room to the right, there's only three or so tables there and it's quite romantic!
(5)
Cathy W.
Loved the feel of this place. It's downstairs and feels like a speakeasy. The wait staff was genuine and friendly, demonstrating a good show of Southern hospitality. They took an interest in us and laughed at our lame "menu banter." While usually a wine drinker, the speakeasy environment prompted me to order a Brown Derby cocktail, which was DELICIOUS. With a heightened buzz, I enjoyed my shrimp and grits and corn muffins. I had a house salad too. The shrimp and grits fills you up, fast, so I think this dish can be shared by two people who both want to order dessert. I remember my dessert as "okay," chocolate pie with white chocolate mousse. We rolled out of there.
(4)
Amy R.
I had heard such great things about this place and it was recommended by two different friends. good food, service was pretty awful. I walked in without a res and sat at the bar. The host, made me get up. Said another couple had been waiting for the seats. one of which I had sat at. Mind you there was no crowd and I had been eyeing the seats for a good minute or two. I apologized and said I didn't realize the bar was reserved seated. He said no, it's first come first serve. So I'm still scratching my head over that..... I got up and sat at the end bar stool closest to the door hung my head low and tried to hide my embarrassment for how I had been treated. I would have complained but I was so embarrassed I didn't want to draw anymore attention to myself. The bar staff was preoccupied and I had to wait a long time for everything. Won't go back. not the southern hospitality Savannah is known for.
(2)
Daniela S.
Ambience was appealing except for the smokiness from the kitchen. Overall would have rated this 4 star but the suckling pig dish was one of the worst pork dishes I've ever had...bland, overcooked and overpriced- should have sent it back. Redeeming qualities were the charcuterie board for an appetizer. My husband had the elk dish that was excellent.
(3)
Angela K.
Came here for an anniversary dinner. Was very pleased with the food, not as much with the service. Our waitress kept disappearing for extended periods of time, especially before we were going to order! It can also feel a little claustrophobic. We were in a very small room and it was packed in there. Felt a little stuffy. The food is awesome. Very interesting, and quite pricey. Be prepared to spend some money. If you have not eaten alligator before, now is the time to try it! I also suggest getting whatever meat has been brought in! My boyfriend had the elk they were offering and it was cooked to absolute perfection! Overall, it was a pretty good experience.
(4)
Colin A.
I know this place has great ratings and went in with high expectations after getting recommendations from many people. The atmosphere is cool but I think that may be about it. I ordered the oysters for an appetizer which was the only good thing about the meal. Bread came out after I was finished with the appetizer, followed by an old fashioned heavy on the soda water. Over an hour elapsed before my entree, the roasted pig came out. The meat was cold, I left it on the plate and I voiced that to the staff. I was disappointed to see the entree was not comped.
(2)
Aileen W.
We only stopped in for adrink but Melvin our bartender made the most excellent infused organic cocktails for us. We will be back!
(5)
Jason H.
Jesus somebody please tell me why their butter taste like I died and came back!!! Overall food is exceptional! ....but that butter...
(5)
Andrea W.
And so our love affair continues with Alligator Soul....tonight was our anticipated return visit. Again, every thing...without exception, was delightfully tasty. So full of flavor... complex, and inventive. It's food we know, but done in a new way. Again, the service is great, attentive and friendly without being in your space. There are many wonderful places to dine while in Savannah. We had one night, and we choose this one. Again. Hope it's not another 2 years till we are in Savannah. I dont know if I cant wait that long to get some Soul!
(5)
Angela B.
We were in Savannah for a wedding. As it was our first time we wanted to make sure our one big dinner out was fabulous. We decided on Alligator Soul and none of us regret it! The atmosphere is really nice. Lots of old brick and dark but nice. We were seated in a comfy seating area until our table was ready. Their drink menu had some selections that were standard and some unique stuff. They handled alterations to the drink menu really well. I had the strawberry caiprioshka and it was amazing. Had a couple actually! We were seated in an alcove and treated to really tasty bread and butter. Our waiter was hilarious and a highlight of the night. He was funny and attentive. A big hit all around! For an appetizer we ordered the grilled alligator. 2 people in our party had never consumed alligator before and I was thrilled this was what they tried. It was perfectly grilled and seasoned. Really tasty meat with a bit of very good sausage on the skewer. For dinner I had the ribeye which was perfectly cooked which came with greens that were to die for and normally I hate greens! The fries done in duck fat were delicious and I almost had to maim my boyfriend for stealing them. My boyfriend had the Ostrich which he said was really good. One friend had the crispy pork chop which as I snagged a piece was a delightful. Our final person had the filet which she loved despite the fact she had to have it well done due to pregnancy. All in all we greatly enjoyed this meal. The food was wonderful and the waiter and atmosphere were great. I highly recommend
(5)
Paolo M.
Disappointing food that is over seasoned to compensate for the low quality meat. Service is indifferent. Pretty dining room but nothing to write home about.
(2)
Cassie R.
Alligator Soul is a gem! I'm a huge fan of any establishment that is farm to table and certified organic. The service was impeccable (Brittany, I believe was our server's name, she was fantastic!). We were in a drinking mood so we got a little crazy and ordered the moonshine martini flight. Beware! The flight comes with 3 martinis in the most adorable little glasses. The flavors were apple, pear (my favorite), and peach. They were quite sweet but we still enjoyed them, and they definitely served their purpose! ;) My mother ordered the scallops with an addition of shrimp. The scallops were melt in your mouth wonderful and the shrimp was a big enough portion was us to share. Score! I was feeling adventurous so I chose to explore the exotic fare that the restaurant is famous for. The special was elk and it was delicious and cooked to perfection, however I was quite taken aback by the $40 price tag we realized it accompanied when the bill came. Brittany did a great job of pairing a red wine that perfectly complimented the dish. We really enjoyed this experience and would recommend it to a friend looking for a special night out.
(4)
Jessica R.
So this review is a little late....just got back into the swing of things.... My boyfriend and I were here for a little weekend getaway in August or September sometime. I remember the drinks!;)....martinis....um, yea, can't go wrong there! I also had some of their specialty cocktails which I'm a stickler for since I used to bartend and am, lets face it, a big fan of alcohol....so with that, I was very happy that the drinks were both delicious and strong. If i remember correctly we had the cheese sampler which was devastatingly good. And the bread....oh, the bread... I remember that...soft and warm and freshly made. Also the diver scallops were pretty damn delicious too....whatever he had he was impressed with as well and he can be pretty critical of the food scene. The service put it over the top. I wish I could remember our waiters name because he was so nice and helpful in a town we'd never been to before. Gotta love that Southern charm. There's a dessert they bring you at the end where they dim all the lights in the restaurant and light the table on fire...pretty cool. I like that I can get that kind of entertainment without being surrounded by Vegas drunks or Applebees flare servers. Hell, who am I kidding, I like it then too.
(5)
Michael M.
Four stars = exceeded my expectations. Had a really tasty meal here. Started off with a Gin Gin Mule which was served in a metallic martini glass. Refreshing and easy to drink. Then finished the meal with a "pork three ways". This was a pork confit, pork tenderloin and a pork belly served over a bed of grits. I was almost able to rank this place 5 stars but the appetizer of blue crab was not very strong in terms of crab flavor; obscured by all the other flavors. Service was spot on.
(4)
Tammy F.
This was a very nice restaurant. The atmosphere was great. The waiter was very informed. The food not so good. I ordered grilled swordfish it was good. It was served on a grit Parmesan Romano Patty, this was not good at all. I could not even cut this with my knife. I tore it apart and tasted the middle there was no flavor at all. This was served with salad greens, supposedly eggplant and butternut squash. I found no butternut squash And only two bites of egg plant. My husband ordered the bacon wrapped tenderloin it was very good. It came with a side of greens collard greens and kale. My husband does not like grains, so I tried them. The taste was pretty good but after three bites I couldn't get over all the gritty sand in the greens. Then came dessert. My husband ordered a peach apple cobbler. The pecans in the cobbler tasted rancid it was awful. I was very disappointed in the food considering the price. I will not return.
(3)
Don F.
We loved our visit. We spent a WAD of dough here, but the food and the atmosphere was great. Our server was fun and we all had a great night. If you are worried about $$, that's cool, don't go here. But if you want GREAT food, this place gave us some of the best food we've had in a while, and we like our food.
(5)
Matthew W.
Great place, great service. Felt like we had 5 different waiters because so many we're asking if we needed anything. Great food as well. They have exotic choices to go with other favorites of savannah. A+
(5)
Kinny M.
The food was phenomenal! Best shrimp and grits I've had in Savannah. Hyman's in Charleston SC is the only place where I've had better. The wait staff was very friendly and helped make our dining experience even more enjoyable. It was a little expensive, but a great treat while on vacation. We'll be back on our next trip!
(5)
Penny L.
Went here New Years Eve and it was fantastic! Here are all my likes: Cocktail Menu - so much more than cosmos! The Strawberry Caipiroska was so fresh, homemade and worth every penny. Waiting area - cozy, dark, romantic, comfy couches and plenty of seats. And since it was the holidays they still had a beautiful, huge Christmas tree near the fireplace. Little Hilbo - the steak was unreal. My gal pal and I split this (it's a little expensive to split plate at $10), but we're glad we did. Our steak was huge, melted in your mouth, and had a nice butter sauce with it. Better than the steak we had the night before at Local 10 Eleven. Duck Fat Fries - It came with our steak, but if it doesn't come with your meal, get it as a side. It's a MUST. Birthday Celebration - it was my gal's bday and instead of cheesey singing, they did this really cool FIRE ON THE TABLE thing. Awesome! Game Meats - my guy got the 'game meat of the night' which was kangaroo. Prepared nicely, cooked perfectly, and not too gamey. Next time I'm in Savannah, this is the first place I'm stopping so I can get my fix of duck fat fries and trawberry caipiroskas!
(4)
Lourdes M.
We had an amazing experience here. The beef tenderloin is to die for and the restaurant week deals were fantastic. The house wine was lovely and the service was superb. They are very gluten free friendly as well. We left with giant grins on our faces we had such a great time.
(5)
Chris B.
Terrific place for a date. Low light sexy atmosphere. The food was incredible. My first time here and I lucked out......restaurant week!! Reservations on the weekend are a must. Would have gotten 5 stars but of course it was quite pricey.
(4)
Jason V.
The service was poor, the food was average. The house salad was nothing special and came out with no dressing (not lightly dressed actually no dressing). Our meals came out when we were still eating our appetizers (oysters). My wife's was ice cold and mine was not cooked to temperature. The manager came by to apologize and get things corrected. He offered to get us a round of drinks while we waited for our meals to be redone. We got the bill and were charged for the round, which didn't sit well with us. Of the three dinners we had in Savannah this was the clear cut worst and a far cry from "fine dinning".
(1)
Jerry R.
A must stop in Savannah. The food was absolutely outstanding, from the oysters, the alligator gumbo, the shrimp & grits, to the dry aged ribeye. The best cuisine with a southern / creole twist I've ever had. The warm, caring, hospitality of the staff and management were second to none. We were even given a house favorite recipe to bring back to Massachusetts to make! A must try. We would definitely go back If visiting Savannah again.
(5)
Kristie C.
Delicious food and excellent service!!! I like to eat food at restaurants that I can't cook at home and that it was you get here. Everything was perfect from appetizer to entree and dessert. I had sea bass for my entree and my husband had elk, both were perfectly cooked and a true treat to the palette. My husband is so picky and he lioved it, so that says a lot. Definitely recommend this restaurant. Can't wait to go back.
(5)
Ben H.
One of the bests of Savannah!!
(5)
Kaytee N.
I was thoroughly impressed by Alligator Soul. I was on vacation in Savannah for a week, and had heard so-so reviews on this place. I decided to go anyway, and I definitely do not regret that choice. My friend who I went with has a severe gluten allergy. We let the restaurant know ahead of time, just to be safe. Not only did the waiter promptly mention it when we got to the table, but the kitchen also baked a gluten free loaf of DELICIOUS bread from scratch for her. When she mentioned that she was blown away by their attention to detail and that the bread was amazing, they brought her a second loaf in a to-go bag. For free. Wow! I, however, eat glutenous foods like they're going out of style. Their "normal" breads were amazing--especially the one with herbs de provence in it. Damn. So good. The amuse-bouche was imaginative and nicely plated. Smoked whitefish on a thin, crispy chip with fig compote. I ordered the house salad first. I was a little thrown off when I saw a green-goddess-y dressing over top a bed of lettuce, olives, and figs. But wow! The flavors, though unorthodox together, were perfect in this salad. Really, really nice and unexpected compliments. The shrimp and grits entree was to die for. I feel like I ate it in under 5 minutes. Could have had seconds, even though it was a VERY generous portion! The grits were creamy and delicious, and the shrimp were cooked and seasoned perfectly. Absolutely wonderful dish. Next time I'm in Savannah, I'll definitely be back--I want to try some of the exotic meats (ostrich?! Kangaroo?!)!
(5)
Alicia S.
Excellent dinning experiece. My husband and I are foodies and I'm an LA native, so dinning is my passtime. If you are visitng Savannah, this place is a must. If your deciding between here and say, Ruths Chris, pick here. The fusion creole cuisine is very very good. The organic cocktails are mixed traditionally like an old school mixologist tends bar. Exotic fare is typically what is featured on the daily specials. My husband had bison, and I had Shrimp and Grts. Both superb.
(5)
J.K. F.
Hit or miss food, horrible service. Server wasn't knowledgable (about the menu or food/beverages in general). The menu offers "exotic" entrees (e.g., kangaroo) yet he couldn't describe to someone who'd never had it what it tasted like. After we sent back a bad cocktail, he struggled (staring at the menu) to recommend a dark beer! He didn't check back much or notice when our drinks were low/empty. Seemed to avoid eye contact even when passing our table. He set food and drinks down and walked away without comment or naming what he was serving (he actually got shown up by a much more competent bus boy when serving dessert). Bad timing on bringing drinks in time to go with the course for which we'd ordered them. Food had potential but execution was mostly just ok: - Slow-cooked pork/kale spring roll (special app): pork wasn't bad but putting in a spring roll just made it greasier and the kale was lost completely. Overly mustardy sauce on top. - Bison entree stood out as the one decent item. Flavorful with good chimichurri, and though the grit "tamal" wasn't as firm as a tamal should be, it was tasty. - Kangaroo was sold (by another server we flagged down after ours failed) as lean but more flavorful and juicy than beef, but it was actually not very flavorful and a bit try. Portion of meat was on the small side. The pasta primavera it came with was described as having a bounty of fresh, local vegetables - server made a point of listing all 6-8 types of veggies in it, so I had high hopes. The veggies were overcooked and lost in all the pasta (pasta was well-cooked). They were chopped into such small pieces that if they were fresh and impressive, you'd never be able to tell. - Cobbler was just ok. Meyer lemon-blueberry cheesecake was good, though if I see a meyer lemon dessert on a menu, I'm hoping the lemon really shines. This was pretty subtle. - Etta James cocktail was decent. Negroni was awful (sent it back). Beer (which we had to find ourselves after waiter failed) was good, though I can't remember what it was. Sonoma cabernet from the "featured winemaker" was good, though waiter looked confused when I ordered it so I'm only assuming he brought the right one. I can see having a better experience with another server and possibly different dishes, though I don't see this being more than a 3-star establishment, especially in a city with so much good food!
One of my favorite places in Savannah's historic district for fine dining. I have eaten here several times over the years. Place is located about a block from City Market on Barnard Street, right off Telfair Square. Great atmosphere for fine dining. Very innovative menu by the chef. Seems to change every time I go (every six months or so). Service is also first class. If you are looking for a local Savannah establishment to take your significant other out for a special dinner then I highly recommend this place. Also a great place to impress business associates. Last points, 1) Dinner will not come cheap so be sure to expect a high bill if you also plan on getting appetizers and wine (or other drinks). Still believe it is worth it. 2) You are on your own for parking like most places in the historic district. 3) Highly recommend using Open Table or Yelp to make reservations You may not get in if you don't have a reservation. 4) It is a classy place but you don't have to dress up. I have seen people there in shorts.
(5)
Terrence G.
My wife and I ate here on our anniversary. I like how it is located in the below ground level of a building. It was a little pricey, but worth it for a special occassion. I had one of the single malt scotch flights. I thought the price was a little high for the amount of liquior it came with. So I ordered a glass of scotch instead for my second drink. I ordered a ribeye wich was very tastey with a nice spice to it. My wife had the duck which was also very good. Overall Alligator Soul was a good place, but for my first visit to Savannah I thought the Pink House had them beat. I would still come back here next time I'm in town.
(4)
Karyn C.
Being born and raised on the West Coast, I never ate grits until I was a traveling adult. Giving into my 'eat by mood' desires, grits never cross my mind. I'm thankful my waiter Ryan told me to give them a try - they were absolutely delicious! Service by Ryan was great as well...he's passionate about the food, so descriptive and willing to give recommendations based on my mood, and made me feel he wanted me to be happy.
(5)
Jen B.
Even before the appetizers, they brought out a little taste of one of their soups. In general it was great to get such a good sampling of the local fare. The hostess was right, the crab tart was incredible. I would do that every day if it were practical. It was rich, in a good way. All of the staff were super-friendly, and it was never difficult to catch someone's attention if you needed anything. I was very happy with the lamb. It was nice and tender, but had a couple gristly spots. However, the sweet side that it came with complimented it so well.
(4)
Mike M.
Just returned from a great trip to Savannah and Charleston. Prior to our trip we researched the best eateries in both cities and made reservations at what we felt were the best of the best each city offered. That said, we ate at 8 top restaurants and without question the best of the best was Alligator Soul. I ordered the grilled American lamb chops and it was absolutely wonderful. The staff was professional and extremely courteous and our waiter, a fellow Californian was most gracious and knew the menu as if he were the head chef. Alligator Soul is down a flight of stairs off the street with small signage but with enormous taste and class.
(5)
Christine C.
We were visiting Savannah for Memorial Day weekend. I made reservations on Open Table for 4 people for Friday night at 745pm. I also called ahead to let the restaurant know that it was my brother-in-laws birthday (James). The moment we walked in we loved the ambiance. Once I gave the hostess our parties name she wished James a happy birthday. We had arrived early so we were able to sit at a nice lounge area in front of a fire place. We relaxed and had a couple of drinks. When we were ready we let the hostess know and she sat us at the table. We never felt rushed to sit even though our table had been ready for a while. We really enjoyed sitting in lounge with our cocktails. Once we were sat there was a personalized box that said Happy Birthday James which had some sweets inside. The food was delicious and service was amazing. The special for the night was Kangaroo. We will definitely be going back during our next trip to Savannah.
(5)
M L.
This place was excellent. It's got a great vibe and decor. The bar tenders are great - very friendly and knowledgable. Tonight I got to sample a new cocktail they're testing out and considering adding to the menu. The working name is "The Southern," and if you see it, I strongly recommend giving it a try. We rounded out our meal with the oysters (I almost never get baked oysters, but these were delicious), fried green tomatoes, and shrimp and grits. All excellent.
We had a fantastic experience at Alligator Soul! The service was excellent and the food was even better. I had the shrimp and grits and scallops for dinner, both were very good. My husband had the bacon wrapped tenderloin and it was delish. Cocktails were great and the wine selection was also great. The staff was very attentive, congratulating us on our anniversary and offering us a tasty gift.
(5)
John N.
WOW!!! My wife and I came to Savannah for our 22 year wedding anniversary and we kept hearing people say we had to visit Alligator Soul. With the word "Soul" in the name, I mistakenly thought this was a soul food place and a bit laid back. Boy was I wrong. We didn't make reservations as we were just wandering around Savannah on our last night in the city. We stumbled across the entrance at 5pm and decided to call them and see if we could get into the place (they open at 5:30pm). The person who answered told us no problem if were there at 5:30p. The place is absolutely beautiful inside! It is located in the basement of a building and has a very interesting old Savannah look to it. The waitress that we had (and the other waiters) were just amazing. The level of detail they go into on all aspects of your visit is just amazing. Be it all the drinks (we are not drinkers), to appetizers, entree's, deserts, etc. They told you the most intimate details of everything to ensure that you have a fantastic dining experience. At times it was a bit much, but I can see why they do it so that you know what you are getting and so they can gauge what you want and like. Very classy in my book and I have only seen this level of detail in a few places. My wife had the bacon wrapped tenderloins and I had the Little Hillbo steak. Being from the midwest, I didn't think Savannah would know how to cook beef properly (or even get good beef)... boy, was I wrong. The steak was done perfectly and had the most amazing sauce on it that I hear takes four days to make. And the friets were just amazing.... they were so tender inside but with the most amazing crispness that was ever so thin and just perfect. The person who was our server said that they cook them first in regular oil and then flash fry them in duck fat... amazing taste! My wife is really picky when it comes to having a steak done correctly for her. It is either too done, or not done enough. The chef here nailed it perfectly on the head. I also found out later that they had a big Hillbo steak that ranges from 30 - 40 oz!! Wow... too much beef for me as the little Hillbo was almost 18 - 20 oz. This was an amazing find in Savannah... you have a jewel of a place here and I will make sure that if we come back to Savannah, we stop back here again.
(5)
Haley M.
My boyfriend and I were searching for good southern food in Savannah and after being referred to Paula Dean's restaurant a few times (no thanks...), we settled on Alligator Soul. Positives: #1 The food was outstanding!!! My boyfriend ordered the buffalo prime rib at the suggestion of the server and I ordered the shrimp and grits. I'm not a fan of super rare meat so I generally stay away from prime rib, but I tried it and it was tender and not overly bloody...very tasty! The shrimp and grits was exquisite as well and even earned the approval of my boyfriend who claimed to hate grits (crazy, I know!). We both ordered specialty drinks (sangria & the ginger liquor/sparkling wine - can't remember what that one was called, Canton something I think) and they were both outstanding. We ordered the creme brulee for dessert, which was outstanding and went well w/my Baileys and coffee. Overall, you can tell the ingredients they use are high-quality. #2 Our server was ready with spot-on suggestions (the buffalo prime rib and sangria) and was very personable and helpful. #3 The atmosphere was really unique and open without being too loud. We sat at a corner table near the fireplace which gave a nice ambiance. Negatives: #1 Really over-priced (but Savannah seems to be a pricey city overall). #2 It got very busy right before our main course was served and we could tell our server was a bit over-worked since he disappeared for long periods of time. This we overlooked, though, since he was excellent in every other way.
(4)
Maggie H.
This restaurant was a complete wow in everyway! I wanted to eat at Alligator Soul from the moment I read about it and I was not disappointed when I went. I called to make a reservation and both people I spoke to on the phone where exceedingly helpful and friendly. When we arrived for our reservation, a bit early, we took a seat at the couch by the fire to wait. We mentioned how cozy the space was and asked if we could eat our appetizers/have our drinks there. Not only did they oblige us, but they brought over a tablecloth, candles, and flowers for us too! We ordered the baked oysters and local cheese plate, both were amazing. I value a good cheese plate highly and they did not disappoint with their local cheese selection. In addition, the baked oysters with crayfish (which are not on the online menu) were one of the best things I have ever had. The cocktail/wine menu was extensive and they even have a martini flight for people to try some different drink options. We found Alligator Soul so great we actually went back the next night to have cocktails and their cheese plate again. The atmosphere was also perfect for what we were looking for. It had fireplaces, leather furniture, and it felt "old school" with the jazz in the background and underground location. Originally I was planning on giving Alligator Soul 4 stars, mainly because of their pricing and its impact on their possible client base. However, they went above and beyond my expectations and I have to give them 5 stars! They really acted as if they wanted our business and they did everything possible to ensure we enjoyed our experience. In my opinion, this is a have-to in Savannah. Best restaurant I went to while there!
(5)
Nancy S.
My husband and I visited Alligator Soul for the first time to celebrate our wedding anniversary and it exceeded all expectations and then some!! The service was over the top! We felt like royalty! The oysters were the best thing I have ever had and I don't really care for oysters! I had the elk medium rare as the chef suggested and it was out of this world! (elk!?!? I know, right?!) All this and I forgot to mention the martini flight! Oh lord, the best! We are already planning our next visit to our new favorite place!
(5)
Corey M.
YAAAAAAAASSSSS. Now, being in Savannah already had my heart a flutter. It's really a magical place of city parks, spanish moss, and outdoor drinking. A happy place for sure. We ended our day of adventures at Alligator Soul without reservations, but managed to get 3 seats at the bar. Shrimp and grits to start bc THE SOUTH. The grits (a very polarizing food) were immaculate and the shrimp had the desirable bite back that only meant perfect cooking time. This place knows how to cook its animals. Which leads me to my main dish, a special of the day: Elk and gnocchi in a cream sauce with roasted green onions. Jaw dropping. Really a stunning meal. And great cocktails to boot, except our bartender was perpetually frazzled. I wanted to like him. I even complimented him on his tasteful vest, but only got a tepid "thanks" in return. Kind of wanted to playfully punch his arm and say, "it'll get better, dude". Brooding bartenders aside, I WAS ON A CLOUD AND NOBODY COULD BRING ME DOWN. Definitely a pricey place, but worth it.
(5)
Kathleen O.
I can't say enough about this restaurant. Dining with 8 people from my family they easily accommodated our large group. The farm to table experience is incredible. The menu is ever evolving due the availability of the local food, however if any of these are available on the menu you must must try the gator, the elk with pappardelle, the beef tenderloin wrapped in bacon and my favorite the shrimp and grits and oysters. Our waitress was over the top friendly and a real trooper with all of our requests and questions about the menu. Extremely knowledgable. A must go if you are in town.
(4)
Keira G.
Amazing! Even during Restaurant Week when volumes are up and service and food quality sometimes slip. They have every detail covered. It was our anniversary which they congratulated us when we arrived and then left us a gift box with pecan tarts on our table with a customized label that had our names and offered congratulations on our 2nd anniversary. Wow. Had the most amazing waiter. Super knowledgable and spent time giving us the real deal on best places in Savannah to eat at. Really appreciate that. Alligator Soul is by far the best restaurant in Savannah.
(5)
Susan M.
My husband's cousin could not wait to take us here during our weekend visit to Savannah. As soon as we walked through the door, we were consumed by an upbeat and lively energy that lasted the duration of our meal. For starters, we ordered fried green tomatoes, shrimp & grits, and tuna tartare. Everything was quickly shared and devoured. The shrimp & grits stole the show - I don't think I'll be able to order this dish from anywhere else because I know it will not measure up. Our entrees were stellar: bacon-wrapped filet, red snapper (special), and buffalo rib eye. We cleaned each plate and celebrated every bite. I'd go back to Alligator Soul just to have a drink. I enjoyed a dirty martini with blue cheese-stuffed olives - of course, it was amazing. It was my first time drinking a martini from a stainless steel martini "glass" but it stayed ice-cold and was a fun break from the norm. The house cabernet was medium-bodied and velvety smooth - it paired nicely with the filet. Our server was super-friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. He was always there when we needed him and gave us plenty of space to put ourselves into massive food comas. The only thing we weren't crazy about was the coffee after dinner. It tasted like it had been sitting out too long. One of the best restaurants I have experienced in my 38 years on this planet. 5-star ratings for food, cocktails, service, location, ambiance... it doesn't get much better than Alligator Soul.
(5)
Ily G.
One of the finest dining experiences I have ever had and I have traveled far and wide... Superb service. Picturesque decor. And, most importantly, fresh, organic, creative, and DELICIOUS food. If you want to treat yourself to a truly gourmet experience, Alligator Soul is the perfect choice.
(5)
Yuxi J.
Love love love this place! Great drink and great great food! This is the place you can't miss here
(5)
Lou Q.
The good...the food was phenomenal!!! The bad..the wait staff is very pushy with the appetizers and constantly refilling your wine glass from the bottle you purchased. Retrain the wait staff, they are like trained seals. Teach them to let the customer enjoy the experience and this becomes 5 stars
(4)
Shane B.
My wife and I visited the bar for a few drinks and appetizers, which included shrimp and grits which were very tasting. The bartenders were very friendly and provided great service. The atmosphere was great, dimly lit and trendy.
(5)
EliandJen W.
This was by far our favorite food experience! We ordered multiple appetizers including shrimp and grits, alligator sausage and the fried green tomatoes. The taste of all the food was so rich and flavorful. The fried green tomatoes are the best we had Savannah! For the main course we ordered Bison, vermillion snapper and Ostrich. The Bison and Snapper were very good and flavorful. The Ostrich was good and seasoned well but the meat lacked a lot of flavor. This was the exotic special so we had to try it. For dessert we ordered the banana beignet's and the Chocolate choice. The banana beignet was our favorite by far!
(5)
Rene T.
Almost missed the entrance to this restaurant, thankfully my husband remembered seeing a Yelp picture! I loved all of the brick and the low lighting in the restaurant, it gave off a cozy vibe. For the food- I ordered the bison (osso bucco) and my husband ordered the 'exotic' entree: Guinea hen. Now, we have a local bison ranch less than 5 miles from my house, so I am very familiar with well prepared bison. This was the real deal. They even put a spoon into the bone marrow, which was ridiculously good. The bison came with leeks and broccoli, while my husband's dish was pared with sweet potato and collard greens. You pay a little bit more than some of the other dinner restaurants around, but it's a no-brainer when you know that the food is grass fed, local, and farm to table at its best. Highly recommend!! I would love to return.
There's a deer chasing a sheep, wrestling an alligator, befriending a duck, while the oysters, mussels and shrimp sing amazing grace in soft sweet tones. And all of that is happening in a sea of moonshine, bourbon, and beer. And all of that is happening in my stomach. Well done.
(5)
Emily L.
We made reservations for a chef's tasting a few weeks in advance and called a few days before our arrival to confirm the reservations, as it would be our anniversary dinner. An hour and a half before, we were contacted to let us know that the executive chef was not in tonight. The owner, Maureen, called us back about 10-15 minutes later, to apologize. She went the extra mile to correct the hiccup and have the executive chef discuss options with Chef Martel, who was working this evening, to make sure we were still able to have our greatly anticipated night out. Chef Martel did an EXCELLENT job with the menu. Rebecca (or Rebekah?) was our waitress and we cannot say enough great things about her. Her enthusiasm for food, her knowledge of the mostly locally sourced ingredients and knowledge of their other (ethically sourced) wild game options, and her outstanding, friendly service should be commended. My husband and I love to try new, and sometimes exotic, foods. We also love the opportunity to partake in chef's tasting menus, as we often get to experience different, unique takes on food that are not standard menu options. Alligator Soul was a definite win in our book. 6 courses (and intermezzos), each paired with wine. Well done chef Martel, Rebecca, and Maureen. We will join you again next time we are in town.
(5)
Gentry U.
My wife and I have 10 years of food & bev experience between us. Rashad gave us by far the best experience we've ever had throughout all our dinning out. We celebrated our anniversary as well as my recent arrival home from a deployment. After all the great recommendations and the fire show we left amazed by our experience with not only the food but more importantly the service. Thank you Alligator Soul and the best service we've ever received by Rashad for making our evening so special. We'll be back for that bottle!!!
(5)
Liane J.
Super cool underground location. Loved the fried green tomatoes, oysters to start. We followed with the lamb and the buffalo ribeye. Both were outstanding. Finished with the banana beignets and tiramisu. Food. Baby. Love the farm to table concept and atmosphere here. Great wine selection too.
(5)
susan s.
Sit at the bar. Order the incredible oysters. Perhaps sample the shrimp and grits. BUT don't go any further. Despite the great service our food was mediocre. The fresh flounder special was boring and the scallops, though fresh and plump and cooked perfectly, had no seasoning or sauce whatsoever. The manager offered new dishes but we didn't want to start over. We just finished our nice bottle of wine and headed out surprised no one adjusted our bill or offered a drink or dessert on the house.
(2)
Matt S.
***DO NOT WASTE A MEAL IN SAVANNAH AT THIS PLACE*** My family and I were in Savannah recently, and due to unforeseen circumstances, we ate here. Way overpriced, terrible service and awful menu. There are much better restaurants in Savannah. If this is among the best Savannah has to offer, then I feel sorry for the city as a whole. We ordered the following: Oysters Bienville - very, very, mediocre. I'm being generous with that rating too. I don't know what we were thinking when we ordered these. I'm honestly shocked someone would put this on a menu at a halfway-respectable establishment. It's oysters on the half-shell, stuffed with FIVE DIFFERENT INGREDIENTS and then baked. I mean.....Jesus. You can't taste anything but some sausage-y panko flakes. You'd never be able to tell that there's actually an oyster buried somewhere in this ridiculously sloppy dish. It should be on a Red Lobster menu. Fried Green Tomatoes - certainly better than the Oysters, but that's not saying much. There's really not much to say about these. I've had fried green dozens of times in my life, and these would rank at the top of the bottom half. Slightly worse than average. Frog Legs - probably the best appetizer we had, but not good. My only real complaint with these was that they were kind of slimey. You're probably saying "well, they are frogs legs, why wouldn't they be slimey?". The slime factor came from the lack of execution in cooking them. They were totally undercooked. The breading came right off, they should have been fried and crispy. It seems like a no brainer when cooking frog legs. The "Little Hilbo" - it's a Cajun seasoned Ribeye steak. It was really tough, and we were suspicious about whether or not it was actually prime beef as they claimed. The seasoning did nothing but conveniently distract from the crappy meat, and was totally overcooked. Under normal circumstances we would've sent it back. However, since it took over an hour to get our meal once we ordered, the last thing we wanted to do was delay our departure. They came served over duck fat fries, and as a result the fries were soggy. Sucked. Rabbit - think it was the best dish (again, not saying much). It was kind of bland, but at that point I didn't care. My biggest problem was that it cost $40 for about 6 oz of meat. You'd think you were at an upscale French restaurant in NYC. Rabbit is not that expensive. Many great NYC restaurants have far superior dishes (in every sense) that don't cost $40. Total rip off considering A) the (lack of) flavor, and B) ridiculous price. Buffalo - very "meh". In their defense, I think Buffalo is pretty bland in general, so the lack of flavor here is not 100% their fault. Although, $40 for a really mediocre dish...give me a break. Despite what other users here say, the service was terrible. Our waitress was very nice, but not familiar with the menu or the specials. All she did was read us what was on the menu. Also, IT TOOK FOREVER. It was one and a half hours from the time we sat down until the time we actually got our entrees. The place was not busy either. A table of seven who sat down AFTER us (we were a party of four) was finished with their entrees, had paid their bill and was leaving before we even got our entrees. That's insane and we complained to the manager multiple times but to no avail. Even after knowing the problem, he never came to check on us. To make matters worse, one of us wanted the lamb, but since our server was so slow with everything, the table of seven who sat down after us nabbed the last order. A note to the owners: I know you have to sell certain items, but when servers describe certain menu items as "life-changing" and "transcendent", and those dishes end up being terrible, it creates serious customer resentment. I'm mad at my waiter for suggesting a terrible dish, and now I think they don't know what they're talking about. Tell your servers to chill with the hyperbole and try a different angle. The wait time should have been reason enough to make some sort of concession, but they didn't even comp us a round of drinks. They made no concession of any kind. All they did do was offer to "take care of us" the next time we ate there. Believe me, there's no way we'll ever eat there again. Amateur hour all around. Our waitress also didn't catch a $60 "mistake" on our bill. They charged us twice for three of our apps.
(1)
FortSki G.
My wife and I had dinner with close friends last night and very much enjoyed our dinner at Alligator Soul. Like a large number of Savannah establishments, you have to walk below street level to find the restaurant which makes the initial experience interesting. The hostess were extremely friendly and the wait staff was amazing. If you are a looking for a great dinner, whether it be steak, seafood or just a nice night out on Savannah than this may be your place. I suggest trying the following: - - Scallops and Greens -- Beef Tenderloin -- Gator Gumbo (really good) The food was plated well and our service was extremely attentive. The manager stopped by our table a number of times to ensure our meal was up to par. If you are looking for a good Georgia meal in Savannah, I'd suggest a stop by Alligator Soul.
(4)
Tim B.
Great place with an incredibly friendly bartender (Ana I believe). Go for the exotics! Red Deer was fantastic as was the alligator sausage, and they have an impressive stock of good bourbons.
(4)
D H.
A bit disappointing. Nice atmosphere and good service but the food was inconsistent. Try the oysters, shrimp and grits or pork belly. But, stay away from the charcuterie with bone marrow and sausage. The scallops were fine but the warm watermelon it was paired with was odd.
(3)
david h.
The atmosphere, ambiance and pre-visit hype had me ready for a world class experience. Best I can say about the food - pleasant! Not great, not bad, just pleasant. The service was interesting. Our server was nice and very knowledgeable but everything she did and said was over the top. She started with information about the drinks. She gave us information about the special, drinks, the house drinks, moonshine, craft beers and all kind of wines. I waited for her to take a breath so I could tell I wanted some ice tea. My wife drinks Bud Light. Memo to servers worldwide - ask your customer if they want information about something before you inundate them with information. Now for the food. The amuse bouche tasted like a spoonful of lukewarm vegetable beef soup. We're not off to a good start. We had the oysters Bienville for an appetizer. The taste was inconsistent from one oyster to the next. It was okay depending on which oyster you had. I had the stuffed pork chop. It was excellent flavor, perfectly cooked and a great cut of meat. Wish it hasn't been stuffed. My wife's shrimp and grits was simply serviceable. Nothing more, nothing less. The cheeses we had for dessert were just not the good. I expected a lot more out of this place and just didn't get it. Slightly upturned face.
(3)
Paige K.
You must try their oysters! They are amazing. Also their house wines are a great deal and very tasty. This is a great spot for a romantic dinner. My husband had the duck with succotash and it was delicious. I had the chef prepare me a vegetarian option. It was very creative and good. The service was also outstanding.
(5)
Steve S.
If you want a unique dining experience, this is an ideal choice. The food was good, but the ambiance excelled. My Buffalo was a bit tough, but very tasty. This is a venue to try at least once.
(3)
Leah L.
One of my favorite restaurants in Savannah! The food is delicious and the service is wonderful.
(5)
Adrianne H.
A beautiful, classy restaurant. Our server, Emily, was very nice and knowledgable about the menu. The one downside to this is she spoke on the menu for a solid three minutes without ever taking a breath (after we had already decided what to order). Our food was great- we both had small cups of gumbo as appetizers, the elk and buffalo for our entrees, and the banana beignets for dessert. However, two of the tables around us sent back the fish because it was too dry. The servers were apologetic and accommodating, and before they had barely left the table, the manager was out there in a snap, also apologizing and offering to comp the entree. Great food and great customer service makes for a great evening. Also, a note to tourists: this isn't the type of place where it's okay to wear your beach clothes and ball caps to dinner. Saw a handful of underdressed newbies and two men wearing their baseball hats inside. Enforcing a slight dress code here wouldn't be a bad idea, it would definitely add to the atmosphere.
(4)
Brett S.
Very average. We read great reviews but it didn't quite live up. Service was so-so and the food was also average. Shrimp and grits were ok. Fried green tomatoes were pretty good. Was bad but wasn't 5 star.
(3)
Richard G.
Great place with great food. The service is top shelf with every server helping out with everyone's table. My wife had a half dozen stuffed oysters which were outstanding and a small plate of gumbo which was great. I had an alligator sausage and a suckling pig which was very flavorful. The only negative I have is their own wine (alligator cab) which lacked body/ flavor.
(5)
Tai T.
We ventured here bcuz my son's name is Soul and I'm glad we did. I was hesitant at first cuz I was in a tshirt & shorts...we had been walking the historic district all day and the place is on the swanky side. Most everyone else was in button up shirts and fine dining attire. We usually steer clear of places like this with our kids, but an establishment with a staircase outside leading down to the lower level, and a name like Alligator Soul, is a place I'm determined to eat at. The hostess greeted us with kindness and got us seated in a jif. Any uncomfortable feelings I had about being in a swanky joint in street clothes with sweaty-dirty kids went right out the window after I had my Doc Holliday Double Rye Whiskey. The heirloom tomato appetizer was delicious. I had the Trigger fish special and it was divine. On the oily side but very yummy. My wife had the vegetarian special and she said it was very good, but she was hoping for a more southern flavored vegetarian dish. The kiddos had a steak and chicken fingers with Broccolini and they both really enjoyed theirs. The food and drinks are pricey, but I knew that going in, so I can't dock'em for that. The host, busboy and our waiter were all very kind. It came close to getting a 5 star review, but everything has to perfect to get one of those from me. Oh and they have a decent craft beer list.
(4)
Allison B.
Absolutely fantastic! Probably one of the best meals I have ever had in my life. Everything was spot on and the service was excellent. We had the charcuterie board that featured veal bone marrow, duck sausage, and duck bacon. My mouth is watering just thinking about it...then had the bison flank steak and elk steak for dinner. I highly recommend trying the chef's daily specials - we enjoyed it all!
(5)
Traci M.
In February we came here for dinner on our "babymoon" trip from Florida. When we walked in they were totally booked for the night but were told we could sit at the bar. The bartenders were extremely helpful and knowledgeable. The food was outstanding, especially the shrimp and grits. The atmosphere is also very pleasant. Underground, old school, dark prohibition feel to it. High prices but definitely worth it. This is always be a stop whenever we come to Savannah.
(5)
Carly T.
We dined at Alligator Soul the night of our engagement. My fiance had set up the reservation and told them his plan to propose before coming in. As soon as we walked in we were congratulated and shown to our table. The staff was amazing and everything was on point: food, wine, service. They went the extra mile to make us feel special. Dining here was truly the icing on the cake and we can't wait to return!
Excelent! Service and food too! Absolutely amazing, your money is worth it!
(5)
Cheddarj E.
Excellent food and service. We had two alligator starters, local fish of the day... salt water trout and pork suckling. All was yummy... staff was very thoughtful with our son... 20 months old. Chef made him a special fruit plate. He loved it.
(5)
Sandy P.
Great Place!! Alligator Sausage and Oysters over the top!! My husband had Lamb and I had Smoked Duck. The sweet potato cheesecake was to die for luscious and light. This was one of the best restaurants in Savannah.
(5)
Mandy P.
This is by far my most favorite Savannah restaurant! The service is always over the top and first class. The chef is amazing and is always changing the menu to offer the freshest seasonal seafoods.
(5)
Christi B.
Had dinner here last night everything was amazing, for appetizers we had the oysters, alligator boudain and the fried green tomatoes, it was amazing!! For my entree I had the kangaroo so tasty, I had never had it before!! For dessert we had the banana beignets and the chefs chocolate concoction with butter brittle with coconut, I think I had an orgasm! The management and staff were amazing! I would highly recommend this restaurant for an amazing Savannah epicurean experience!!
(5)
Julie K.
I wanted to like this place but it gets a two thumbs down. Go somewhere else. It started with the fact this place was hot. We started with cocktails and I ordered a gin martini, up with a twist of lime. I got a mediocre gin, up with olives. The waitress corrected by bringing me a lime! Totally unacceptable. I sent the drink back but the replacement tasted odd....pretty sure they took out the olive and sent it back. For my appetizer I ordered the house salad without pecans. I got the house salad with pecans. Sent it back too but if the drink is any measure I'd guess they scraped the pecans off and sent it back again...but maybe not...at any rate the salad was also mediocre. They specialize In odd meats so I ordered the exotic meat of the day which was venison.....not exactly exotic but ok. It came on grits, which were just flat out awful and sprinkled with....wait for it....pecans! Seriously, I just had a huge conversation with the waitress over the pecans in my salad, the menu says NOTHING about pecans on the venison and they send me an entree with pecans. Service gets a zero. Okay, so taste...gets a 3 of 10. Venison is a flavorful meat and this was shaved thin, no flavor and frankly on the tough side. Even I can make tender venison (yes, you do have to know how, which this chef didn't). So...I'm a glutton for punishment and ordered a chocolate cake for desert. No pecans but again...taste=0. The icing was thick and tasted like a brownie instead of icing and the cake was dry. The orange filling didn't taste orange. Desert flat out sucked. Overall, service was I impressive and taste/quality was poor at best. Save the money and go to Garibaldi's or anywhere else but this place just isn't worth it.
(1)
Dirk D.
I was warned by a local Inn owner that I would be disappointed with Alligator Soul, that "it's not worth the money" and well, he was right. When you read reviews, you have to bear in mind whether reviewers are on a vacation high and excited, or whether they're really looking for the pros and cons. I'm the latter. I eat out 5 nights a week, 52 weeks a year. So here it goes: - The basement vibe was cool - When we sat at the bar, neither of the bartenders were friendly. In fact, they were the least friendly service staff we experienced anywhere in 4 days on vacation. The wines by the glass were inexpensive and unimpressive. Four drinks were $54. - When we sat down, the server did the whole pretentious "we" thing, like "Are we from out of town?" and "Are we having sparkling water this evening?" and "Have we decided what we're having for main courses?". It was annoying. - The chef sent out an amuse bouche in the totally-played-out-in-2005 white miso soup spoons, which consisted of an incredibly thin, tasteless broth with some sort of mini diced unidentifiable meat cubes which were hard and tasteless. No idea. - We ordered the Frog Legs, which were good - We ordered the Oysters Bienville, which were good. Nothing special, no flavor explosions, no "wow" factor whatsoever. It's an oyster in a shell with breadcrumbs and apparently some exotic meats and spices in there. No idea. - We ordered Alligator Bites, which were inedible. They were drowning in approximately 8 pounds of salt. When I called the server over, she said "We brine our alligator, so it's going to be salty", which was translation for " We don't care about your concerns", at which point, all four of us at the table left the entire 8-10 alligator bites uneaten on the serving plate, grabbed our waters and prayed for hydration. We never ate them, she eventually took them away, and apparently took them off the check citing "the chef tasted one of your alligator bites and deemed them too salty", instead of, oh, I dunno, bringing us a proper order, which we would have gladly paid for. - We ordered the Duck Not Pie, which was good. The duck was cooked too rare, and cut in a raw fashion, and ate too chewy. Maybe the most forgettable duck dish I've had in recent memory. - And now for the Antelope, which was hands down, bar none, the worst, most embarrassing plate of food imaginable. The meat was so overcooked, so disgustingly dry, tasteless, devoid of moisture, that I took one bite, shoved the plate away from me and called the server over, and said "this mean is unbearably overcooked and tough, I can't eat it" at which point she started spewing some defensive crap (translation "we don't care what you think"), at which point my friends date grabbed my plate, switched with her duck, just to diffuse the situation. - When the $280 check hit for 4 people with zero wine (we brought our own), the inedible antelope still sat wholly uneaten on my friends girlfriends plate. Which Alligator Soul's staff didn't care about as they cleared our table. Be warned of this place. It's pretentious, expensive, has zero "customer first" sensibilities, and the food doesn't deliver. Don't be fooled by the "exotic meat" marketing ploy.
(2)
Elizabeth M.
Hands down our favorite fine dining spot in the Savannah area. It's our go-to for anniversaries, Valentine's Day, birthdays, etc. They'll give you a custom menu signed by the chef and a box of sweets to take home with you as thanks for choosing them for your special occasion. Alligator Soul is an underground restaurant with stone walls and a speakeasy feel. It's romantic and sophisticated, and I remember clearly every waiter and waitress we've ever had there and that the service has always been exceptional. What I love most about Alligator Soul is its eclectic menu featuring southern-creole dishes with a twist, and much of their meat and produce is locally sourced. They also feature lots of wild game and exotic proteins, innovative vegetarian dishes, and chef's tasting menus upon request in advance. We've done tasting menus with them as well as ordered off the regular menu, and nearly everything has been memorable and at the top of our "best of" meals list. They have a good wine list with several by the glass as well as an excellent prohibition-style cocktail list featuring local, organic ingredients. The food and drinks are creative, surprising, and tasty, and not things you're likely to find on other menus in Savannah. Try their duck fat fries, pork belly, and steaks - all incredible. Can't wait for our next visit later this week for Savannah Restaurant Week. It's a great time to go with a prix fixe menu for $30 with an appetizer, entree, and dessert.
(5)
Andrew R.
We were visiting Savannah for our honeymoon, and we selected Alligator Soul as our "special" meal out. It definitely did not disappoint. Our server, Kate, could not have done anything better. She warmly welcomed us, and asked us if we were dining for a special occasion. We told her it was our honeymoon, and she seemed genuinely thrilled that we'd chosen Alligator Soul. Later during our meal, we were congratulated by other members of the staff (not sure who), and also given a parting gift before we left (some chocolates and a pecan sandie). These are small touches, but rare and very nice to see... it really made us feel special. Another rare but small touch was when our server asked us, prior to ordering, if we had any food allergies she should be aware of. As my wife has a dairy allergy, we always have to be careful where we eat and what she orders. To have this question asked of us upfront, we knew we could completely relax and be taken care of. The food was all fabulous and unique. Everything is sustainable, farm to table. We talked specifically to our server about this, as our bed & breakfast host had misrepresented Alligator Soul. She assured us that the menu changes up as necessary. If they can't acquire a certain ingredient in a sustainable way, they take it off the menu until they can. We love places like this, as the food is noticeably higher quality. We ordered the charcuterie plate at the server's recommendation as an appetizer. This plate is always changing, and I can't remember exactly what was on it, but it was all delicious, and it's a great way to get a good idea of what Alligator Soul is all about. For my entree, I selected The Little "Hilbo". This was one of the best (and biggest) rib eye steaks I've ever had, and served with duck fat fried fries. The fries... amazing and inspired. They melt in your mouth and pair fantastically with the steak. You have to try them. I also had a side of Shrimp & Grits, which were probably the best Shrimp & Grits I've ever had. For dessert, we had the Banana Beignets. Also delicious and a great way to pull the meal to a close. The atmosphere of Alligator Soul was also perfect for a special occasion. It's dimly lit, I remember it as relatively quiet, and though we were tucked away in a corner of the restaurant, our table never went unattended. This place is pricey, but well worth it if you're looking for a special intimate meal out. We'll be back!
(5)
Alexandra J.
Food was great! It was the first place we ate at when we got to Savannah! Food was great!
(4)
Keif M.
Keep it short and sweet. Fantastic food, service ,.and atmosphere. One of the best restaurant's in Savannah. Will return on our next visit to beautiful Savannanh.
(5)
Brenda P.
Cute place, we didn't have a reservation, so we ate at the bar. I had a very refreshing strawberry basil rum cocktail to start. Tuna tartar app was very fresh and good.....but the Entrees were even better, I had the lamb loin which was very tender. I took the chefs suggestion for medium rare and it was perfect. My husband had the kangaroo with gnoccis. I tried it and loved it!! Banana beignets were delightful!! .
(4)
Ronnie F.
Anniversary dinner was fantastic! The food and service was incredible. Great atmosphere. Will definitely return the next time I am in Savannah!
(5)
sriparna m.
What a wonderful experience... My husband and myself were there this past weekend to celebrate our 30th marriage anniversary. Decided to go to Alligator Soul for dinner after reading on yelp and talking to some locals. The evening was just made from the moment we entered till we left. The hostess was very pleasant, there a cute gift on the table waiting for us. Our server Rachael was very knowledgable , food was just awesome . The ribeye and lamb was to die for. Great atmosphere, made friends with our neighbor table. When we were ready to leave, we were gifted with their house bottle of Merlot. Will definitely go back, whenever we visit !! Felt good...
(5)
Ed K.
Had dinner at alligator soul June 7 for our anniversary. I had mentioned when making reservations that it was our anniversary and everyone we encountered from the excellent staff made it a point to congratulate us and make us feel at home. Our server, Emily, was knowledgable, friendly, and effortlessly efficient, a real professional in a sometimes difficult job. Kudos to her. I had shrimp and grits, my wife had the scallops. She has eaten scallops In many restaurants over the years and declared these to be the best she has ever had. Shrimp and grits are prepared many different ways in any number of excellent restaurant, but these were done just right with just the right balance among the seasonings and just the right texture. All in all an excellent meal in a congenial atmosphere. 5 stars
Terrific dinner. Small menu, but every dish we had was great. Salad very fresh with light dressing. Fried green tomatoes were probably the low point if the dinner for us. They were good, but the flavor of the tomato was drowned out. Fish special and scallop dish were excellent, and our desserts were amazing. Andy, our server was very pleasant and attentive and he made some great recommendations.
(5)
Quinton D.
Absolutely the one place you should eat every time you visit Savannah. The gumbo was outstanding. Me and my co-workers had some of the best meals of our trip here. No one left without a flavor explosion. Southern cuisine is kept alive here.
(5)
Mark L.
this is the best restaurant I have eaten at in Georgia. I ordered the alligator turtle duck jambalaya. amazing. The place is in the basement of the building, however, its been decorated very nicely. The staff is great and knowledgeable. So this is my first trip to Savannah. If you haven't been, go! I was amazed. Its a beautiful city, that has a very specific charm. I can't call it southern, but it feels like walking into some sort of time warp. We stayed in a gorgeos historic home. Things seem to go at savannah pace. I might be imagining all of this, since I was drunk most of the time. As far as I can tell, you can walk around the city with a beer, as long as its in a plastic cup. One disclaimer. This is the only restaurant I have ever been to in Georgia.
(5)
Sally B.
Wow - the shrimp and grits have to be one of the best things I have eaten in quite some time. Even hubby who doesn't like cheese thought these were awesome. Smokey, slightly spicy. do not miss these! Had the shrimp creole taster - wonderful. Alligator sausage was dry - not worth it. Pork 'short rib' - really the belly - full of flavor but you can't be scared of fat on this one. Daughter had scallops which were divine. My buffalo tenderloin was fine but I may have well had been eating steak. They had kangaroo on the menu as well but i am not a fan so skipped. The waiter was great and service in general impeccable. They did have one snafu bc kitchen over cooked my buffalo and decided to refire before bringing to table. Hey- I'd rather that than have them bring shoe leather and have to send it back. Because of slowness ( we didn't complain), unasked, they comped our 2 desserts and 1 glass of wine. They were all quite apologetic. Now that is customer first! Highly recommend. Really great.
(4)
Ryan C.
A very solid find. We sat at the bar, great service, non-touristy and high quality. The menu doesn't offer gator but if you're game to try some, we added gator to the Shrimp Creole - awesome!
(5)
Tessa S.
Just passing through Savannah, GA. It was a walk away from our parking at the Whitaker parking garage (Bryan and Bay St.) so park nearer if you can. Metered parking is free after 5 PM M-F. The servings were generous - we just ordered the shrimp and grits, and the fried green tomatoes and it was more than enough to share for two. They have some exotic and interesting offerings in the menu (ie. frog legs, various meats) that I would have loved to try if we were staying a few more days in Savannah. The service was impeccable. Coming to the restaurant right after joining a tour with an annoying and rude couple, we were blown away by their courteousness and welcoming demeanor. It's a local hangout so the crowd was less touristy and had more yuppies and couples on a date. Try to dress up a bit.
(4)
William E.
Alligator soul's rib eye soothed my alligator soul. It was grilled to perfection...you could eat it with a butter knife. Thomas was an amazing and entertaining waiter. I definitely look forward to coming back! I wish I could eat all that was on my platter....the servings are more than enough.
(5)
Derek W.
The alligator gumbo was to die for, and I loved the ambience. Our bartender was very helpful and accommodating as well. The only reason I would knock the place is the price, which I felt was slightly out of line with what we received mostly due to my wife's entree and the fried green tomatoes. My wife ate the buffalo, which was tougher and more gamey than buffalo I have eaten in other restaurants, and I have had much better FGT's...namely at Magnolia's in Charleston who has the best, IMO.
(4)
Isadora T.
Unimpressed. I heard great things about this restaurant from everyone I knew so I decided to give it a try. Firstly no complaints about the service, it was excellent. The food itself... Well, while it was good it was not what I would have expected for the price I was paying. Got the cheese plate for appetizer, again, for the cost of it I would have expected a better choice of cheeses and a bigger portion - don't expect to share the appetizer with more than one person. I tried their catch of the day and also tried the food from everyone else in my table: lamb and the ostrich, the meats were good the sides tasted mediocre, the portions sizes for the main meals were appropriate. Dessert was extremely overpriced, and I got a baby sized portion, I don't mind getting 2 spoons of dessert if it tastes great... but it just didn't. The wine suggested by the waiter was good and complimented the meal well. Not a bad place to go but not great. I'd much rather go to Pink House or Jazzd down the street and spend the money where I feel like its worth.
(3)
Averi A.
I have been to this restaurant twice now and cannot say enough good things! As an out of towner from Manhattan, Alligator Soul is always on my to do list whenever I'm in town. They have an extensive beer, wine, and cocktail menu - and you can order 750s of a craft beer of your choice. We started off with the Oysters de la Soul which was definitely the highlight of the meal - filled with creamy craw fish and shrimp. I had the scallops which were complimented by speck and lavender rice. My mother on the other hand ordered the shrimp and grits - the grits were to DIE FOR! If you are ever in Savannah this restaurant is a must! Already looking forward to my next trip back.
(5)
Ken G.
We were in the mood for shrimp and grits tonight and the concierge at our hotel suggested Alligator Soul. It was terrific. The shrimp and grits with the best we've ever had and everything else we ordered was excellent. We very much appreciated our waiter's suggestion to order the appetizer portion of the shrimp and grits as a main course and we started with a salad and fried green tomatoes. All were so delicious! We also very much enjoyed the cocktails. Instead of wine, we shared a 750 ml. bottle of a wine cask aged porter - our waiter's suggestion and a perfect accompaniment to the shrimp. It was a delightful evening of wonderful food!
(5)
Deirdre L.
Best mussels I have ever had in my life. I enjoyed the artichoke goat cheese fritters, as well. They tasted perfectly with the crab. The bison burger was okay. The pork belly was good, but I really would come here for the mussels! That was definitely memorable!
(5)
Mas T.
The service was incredible. We shared the cheese board. I had the Beef Tenderloin wrapped in bacon. Creme brule for dessert. Great experience. I have never been so full in my whole life. Be sure to make a reservation.
(5)
A S.
Located down a set of stairs in the basement of the building. Once inside we received a warm welcome from the hostess who guided us to the lounge area for a cocktail. After being seated by our enthusiastic waiter Chris, who looked after us extremely well, he then proceeded to recite most of the menu off by heart (impressive). We chose the alligator boudin (delicious) and frogs legs jambalaya as starters, followed by the fish of the day (swordfish) and bison steak. The service and food were very good, although the wait between starter and main was just a bit too long. An atmospheric environment well worth a visit whilst in Savannah. Book ahead!
(4)
Wen X.
Great food. Loved everything we order except the shrimp and grits. It is too plain compare to the other restaurants' version. Overall, Great quality food. The tenderloin is the best and the cooked oyster is great too.
(5)
Kelly L.
I love the South. I love it. Everything about it. ESPECIALLY the food. Alligator Soul is located in a little underground nook which I immediately thought was cool. I've had a lot of friends recommend this place, so I definitely needed to try it. Starting off, we had the fried green tomatoes which were phenomenal. Also we had the goat cheese and artichoke fritters and sweet Jesus I could eat those everyday! For appetizers, my friends and I split a few things- we had mussels with peppadews and cornbread which honestly was my least favorite. We didn't finish half of them.. they just could have been much more flavorful. We tried the snapper special which was in a broth of ramps, leeks, tasso ham, pinto beans and greens- cooked to perfection and such a party in my mouth!! Shrimp and grits were also ordered, and since I have an allergy I can't tell you how it was but I could tell by the pleased, content faces that this did not disappoint. So all in all, it was very good. I was expecting a little more (maybe my expectations were too high) but it definitely was a great experience.
We Highly recommend! This restaurant was absolutely amazing. We were unable to get reservations because they were so busy (always a good sign), so we just sat at the bar. Which was extremely entertaining, we loved watching the friendly bartenders create the homemade concoctions. The flavors were divine- we loved the oysters, pork belly, and shrimp and grits!
(5)
Damien S.
One of the more anticipated reservations during our weekend in Savannah, Alligator Soul hit more than few culinary highlights and struggled, mysteriously, with one very important dinner element. Service maintained an observant, cordial and responsive demeanor throughout our meal. Thomas was there when we needed him, had menu answers at the ready, and displayed a great deal of pride to be representing Alligator Soul. Good show! Following a playful, umami rich amuse bouche, we destroyed the creative bread basket and salivated over a dozen Oyster a la Soul ($29): a regional spin on O-Rock, stuffing the bivalve's with local bacon, kinda local crawfish, mire poix and green onion, topping them with a parmesan-flaked roux and panko, and baked til bubbling. Very rich, balanced and surprisingly not overpowered by the house habanero hot sauce. My main was the elk special ($39), because when you have one night in a restaurant that boasts a mastery of gamier plates, you go for what they know. And did they! A beautiful medium-rare, presented a bit less gloriously over buttery polenta and roasted cipollini onions. A pinch of the house Hilbo seasoning - also found on the signature Little Hilbo - and the savory mostarda brought a welcomed edge to the plate. I was scraping the flatware for every last bite. And now the down note: the cocktail program. Loads of promise, abysmal execution. The Hilbo Bloody Mary ($13) is served up in a stainless martini "glass," is more than flecked with ice chips, and is laughable in the pour. Take a look at the pic below - that's unsipped. Asked Thomas is it was standard, He said yes, "the bar manager himself made it." According to other photos (like this: yelp.com/biz_photos/alli… ), that's simply not the case. This was an excellent opportunity to right a wrong by adding more mix - it's a bloody, after all, not a meticulous craft cocktail. But alas, they stood by it. At $13, it's a wimpy bust. Same could be said for the Gin Gin Mule - flat and watery, even with a house-made ginger syrup and wisps of mint. Stick with wine or a local beer. We wrapped up our meal with Banana Beignets ($11), a simple, delectable preparation of tempura fried fruits, dressed up with caramel, cinnamon wonton strips and candied nuts, served a la mode. It was fine. Overall, a 3.5 rounded up to 4, yet this is one of those important times when you've just got to break it down: - Service: 4 - Food: 4.5 - Drinks: 2
(4)
Yulissa M.
Came here back in 2013! So its been awhile but finally getting my review in. Amazing service at this place, it was my friends birthday so I called ahead and they had a little personalized box just for her on the table! Place is great for groups, gathering and/or a romantic dinner. Its in a basement so really gives it an intimate feel. Food was incredible! Had the Buffalo with gator bites and was yummoooo! Great stop while in Savannah!
(5)
christine s.
I loved this place. The menu had some exciting entrees and starters....we had the Alligator sausage (had to try it) it was delicately flavoured beautifully presented and delicious. Also tries the frogs legs served over jambalaya also very good. Then we had Bison steak The swordfish and the lamb kebab....all ver delicious. The waiter (Chris) Was extremely helpful and well.versed with the menu. We had to share a dessert of ice cream and banana fritters..,,,yummy!!! The only reason I didn't give this 5 stars was because it was quite a wait for our mains to arrive....
(4)
Lena D.
My favorite restaurant in Savannah. Located in a basement, the decor is warm and cozy. Love the exposed brick and fireplace. Our waitress was very sweet and knowledgeable about the items on the menu. Etta James cocktail was delicious, gin, cucumber and berry. Light and refreshing. Having read about this restaurant online, I was very excited to try the exotic menu. Luckily for me that meant New Zealand Red Deer. The meat was very red (new meaning to red meat), tender and not too gamy. Perfect. It was served with gruyere au gratin potatoes and green beans. There was plenty of food, I ate all of it and felt completely satisfied. My table mates had the flounder with mushroom risotto, awesome. The french fries were also well done and delicious (but aren't french fries sort of always delicious?) Didn't try dessert, but they were very tempting. Pricey, but a better bang for your buck compared to Olde Pink House.
(5)
Sasha P.
You know that moment in Ratatouille when Anton Ego tastes Remy's version of ratatouille and Anton flashes back to childhood in his mother's kitchen? Well, my mom doesn't make southern cuisine (I'm Latina after all), but this is how I felt about Alligator Soul after we went back home to Tampa. I was beyond impressed, my heart skipped a beat, dare I say that Alligator Soul touched my soul? I was forever scarred, in a good way. My husband and I went to Alligator Soul for dinner as part of my birthday trip to Savannah. I made reservations online and they called the day before our reservation to confirm it and see about any special arrangements, dietary restrictions, etc. I advised them that we would be there for my birthday dinner and this made all the difference in what I experienced when we went to dinner. Located in the lower level of another establishment, you must walk down some steps to get to Alligator Soul. Walking in, it's dark and dimly lit giving it a romantic and cozy vibe. The decor is modern yet rustic- I loved it! We checked in with the host, who wished me a happy birthday and called us both by our names. A nice personal touch that made us feel welcomed and special. We arrived at our table and what do you know, there was a small present waiting for me. It was a small pecan pie with a birthday note on the box. I was sold at this point, before even trying the food. But let's get to the good stuff: Oysters A La Soul: I'm not much of an oyster fan but these were baked and came stuffed with goodies: bacon, crawfish, scallions and bread crumbs. These were delicious and fresh with lemon squeezed on top. We chose the half order so we could have enough room for other appetizer items. Shrimp and Grits: We decided on a cup of the Shrimp and Grits, just to get a taste and still be able to order an entree. Creamy and savory! I especially liked that these were cheese grits, which added another level of rich wholesomeness to the dish. Let's not forget to mention the tasso ham undertones. This is a fantastic dish. Soul Creole: Again, we ordered the cup version of this dish. It wasn't my favorite of the evening but I can't say it was bad either. I can't put my finger on it but it was missing something in the flavor department. Perhaps it needed salt? Some more Cajun spice? I think I got more of the tomato base rather than the other fixings. Sadly, there were only a few shrimp in our cup. Exotic Specialty: New Zealand red deer with mashed potatoes, mushrooms and brussels sprouts. Absolutely amazing. It was my first time having venison and I really enjoyed it. It was soft, tender and juicy. Hearty yet light, if that makes any sense. I probably won't be able to eat it anywhere else, if not properly cooked to the tender perfection I had at Alligator Soul. Banana Beignets: Oh gosh, I really love beignets. And I really love bananas and caramel with ice cream. At Alligator Soul, they combine all of my loves into one love. These were absolutely delicious and a great way to end our evening. Overall, the service was great. Our waitress was very friendly and knowledgeable. The food was fantastic. This is my favorite place of all time.
Words cant express... I usually dont give 5 stars because there's always room for improvement, but Aligator soul is on point from making reservations on phone to walking into building. Awesome casaul setting and staff that is very knowledgeable. It's pricey, but a good experience to spurg when in Savannah area.
(5)
Anne H.
Before our recent visit to Savannah we did some research and came upon a wonderful video showing how the ingredients for the restaurant are locally sourced. We were already intrigued by the name and booked a table right then. Service was impeccable. Our food choices from the artichoke cheese fritters to the shrimp and grits to a special of the day - Thai swordfish over golden rice - were all delectable! The one slight issue was that the mousse dessert was served on a warm plate and so was a little runny. Delicious but not optimum. Highly recommend!
(4)
Nik S.
The staff made this location perfect. (Trent the host, Marianne, Melvin and the bar tender.) Were very friendly and made conversation with us about Savannah. The food was in small portions but overall impressively delivered. My filet was a little undercooked.
My husband and I visited SAV in April 2014. We were smart enough when coming in from out of town to call ahead and make a reservation. The entrance can be a little difficult to locate as you are heading to the basement but the ambience was soothing, natural warm wood, brick and lower lighting. The wait staff was incredible during our meal. We never wanted for anything. We started with the oysters and coming from the Southwest, we love a spicy surprise and the habenero sauce was just the ticket to strike a familiar chord. My husband flat out stated these were the best oysters he ever had. I had the fish of the day and it was cooked to moist perfection. I did not find it pricey for what we had, for the quality and the quantity. I'm in SAV occasionally and this is on my stop in list now. And you out scored the Pink House in my book on food quality.
(5)
D G.
We've been making the rounds to the highly rated restaurants in the area for our adult only date nights and this was the best meal we've had in Savannah so far! For both food and overall experience this is hands down my favorite. From start to finish this was my favorite meal. Everything, and I mean everything, was spot on. The bread and corn bread muffin, the flavored butters, the pork belly, the service, the mouth watering exotic entrees, the cheesecake, the complimentary birthday chocolate and mini pecan pies, etc etc I could go on and on. This will be my new go to restaurant for taking out of town guests - I cannot wait to go back. The service was polite, friendly, and accommodating without being overbearing and obnoxious. The food was exquisitely prepared and seasoned perfectly. Each item on the plate harmoniously went with each other, just as it should be. You could tell the chef obviously knows what he's doing and took the time to think through each dish and not just go with what was easy or predictable.
(5)
L K.
This meal was amazing!! Our waiter was also amazing and took great care of us. We started with the (baked) oysters....oh my god. These things are amazing, do yourself a favor and order 12 instead of 6. Youll thank me later. I got the shrimp and grits which was probably the best Ive ever had. The shrimp was cooked to perfection and plentiful, the grits were rich cheesy and creamy. My friend got the special "exotic meat" special of the night, which happened to be pheasant this night. It was cooked on top of a paella and she was in heaven. The menu is creative but approachable. Do not come to Savannah without trying this place!
(5)
Morgan D.
My husband and I went here for his birthday. Our experience can be summed up in one word: Phenomenal! We started with an alligator sausage appetizer which had a tomato chop on top that complimented the earthy flavor of the meat. We didn't go too adventurous on our entrees, my husband had a Ribeye with a lamb Demi-glaze and I had the pork shoulder ragu. Both were cooked and prepared perfectly. Our server was extremely knowledgable and friendly. She named the specials which included Red Deer steak. It sounded amazing. Maybe next time. Alligator Soul is our new favorite restaurant. A true culinary experience in the heart of downtown Savannah!!
(5)
Elizabeth R.
Goat cheese fritters melt in your mouth! Cannot be beat. We also ordered the soul oysters which our 9 year old also loved. Shrimp and grits were super rich and tasty. Bacon wrapped tenderloin was very tasty but didn't love the cut of meat - it's my own fault - should have stuck with the grouper which is what my husband ordered. Didn't have enough room for dessert but we will definitely be back. Super cool setting and great staff. John the waiter was so helpful and courteous and kind!
(5)
Lisa R.
A beautiful restaurant! Unfortunately we didn't have a reservation and had to eat at the bar. Dinner was very good! While we ate at the bar tables were empty the whole time so that was annoying. Anyway, I recommend the shrimp and grits, best I ever had!!
(4)
Melissa A.
The food was SO amazing. The watermelon mojito was delicious, asked for round 2. The carving board was okay, nothing special. The shrimp and grits were AMAZING. Although I had the half portion which was plenty. The service was excellent, the hostess was very sweet. Overall amazing and look forward to coming again if i am ever in savannah GA
(5)
Ken K.
Tried to get in tonight. Refused to seat us. Never go back place sucks!!!! Chef is quitting? I could care less. Not my problem. Place looked the inside Charlie Browns anyway. Are you kidding me!!! A boiler plate response. My friend received the same reply. Pathetic...
(1)
Jennifer A.
In a word: Rich. As in, the food is rich and decadent, and you need to be rich to dine here regularly. Alas, it is the perfect place for a birthday/anniversary/celebratory dinner and should be on your list of contenders for your next special night out. My husband and I dined here for restaurant week and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Here's our quick take on each of the dishes we tried: -Charcuterie Board: came with venison bone marrow, wild boar sausage, pork belly, pickled vegetables, stone ground mustard, and an assortment of toasts. The meats were phenomenal. I really loved the inclusion of papadums. -Shrimp & grits: a bit spicy, but delicious. One of the best shrimp & grits I've eaten. The tasso ham and okra were perfect additions to the classic dish. -Fried alligator bites: moist, mild, slightly stringy, but unremarkable. Tasty remoulade. We'll skip this one next time. -Crawfsh & alligator etouffee: holy good heavens this was awesome. Hands down, better than any etouffee I have ever eaten, and kicks the pants of the etouffees I tried in New Orleans. The crawfish was succulent and rich, like it was cooked in butter first. The alligator was very moist and tender with a smoky quality. The rice was perfectly cooked: it wasn't mushy nor tough. This dish alone is worth a return visit. - Bison hanger steak cooked medium-rare: savory and melt-in-your-mouth tender. Side note (queue my red meat rant): we overheard a diner complain about this dish being "tough," but she ordered it well-done. The server explained to her that bison is a very lean meat and will seize if cooked to well, which is why the chef recommended medium-rare. Seriously folks, it is a crime to order red meat this way. You do not appreciate red meat and are unworthy of it if you need to order it well-done. Yes, I said it. Save yourself (and the chef) the embarrassment and money and order chicken. -Peach bread pudding: heavenly, custard-like bread pudding that is more pudding than bread-like. It was delicate, delicious, and not overly sweet. It was served with a dollop of creme fraiche and a mint leaf. It was perfection. It should be noted the restaurant does not have salt or pepper available on tables. That should tell you something about the chef's confidence in his dishes. As expected, all the dishes were perfectly seasoned. The service was impeccable and friendly. They made the dining experience more relaxed and less-stuffy than other white table cloth places. I enjoyed the wine recommendations and that they let me sample the wines before committing to a full glass. The wine recommendations, by the way, were spot-on. The server listened to my preferences, considered my order, and made perfect recommendations. Overall, it was a wonderful meal and we are so glad we gave it a try for restaurant week. We'll definitely be back.
(5)
Kevin C.
Delicious food and drinks, even better staff. The food was cooked to perfection and the staff was so knowledgable with the menu. The chef also offers exotic meat like elk, kangaroo or rattlesnake...on the day I went they had red deer and it was incredible. The bilbo steak is also a fantastic choice.
(5)
Ashley L.
I have been here 3 times and the food is amazing overall. Tonight I ordered the pork tenderloin dish and it came out tasting charred and bitter. Basically the whole dish tasted burnt because of it. The manager, Melvin, came over and was very sassy and rude when I asked him to comp the wine because my husband was done eating and I was still waiting for my entree. Then, when he brought the food over he just put the plate on the table and left with an attitude. Our waiter, Rashiad, was very knowledgable, kind, and courteous. He was our waiter last time we came and we specifically asked for him because we were so pleased with the level of service he has offered. All of the food we have had here has been amazing with the one exception (including the boar special I had instead of the pork loin). My only issue is with the unprofessional attitude of the manager, Melvin. Regarding your comment, Melvin, yes the wild boar was good and it came quickly. My issue was with your attitude when I asked you to comp the wine and when you brought the boar to the table said nothing and quickly walked away, seemingly with an attitude/irritation of my request that the wine be comped.
(4)
Rita D.
Valentine's Dinner was awesome! Our server, Sonny, was attentive and engaging. The food was so delicious. The decor was cozy and romantic. Wonderful evening. Food: Charcuterie/Cheese - awesome all around. I believe we had venison, duck, bleu cheese, and a brie-type cheese. The venison sausage was SO good. House Salad - so interesting! They had what I thought were croutons - but it ended up being some sort of hot, cheesy thing. I don't really know how to describe it, to be honest... But it was awesome to be caught off guard in the best way. I had the Red Deer entree - completely awesome. I literally ate every single bite on my plate. My husband had the Little Hilbo and enjoyed his food as well - he had a LOT of food and did have leftovers. He said they reheated wonderfully and it tasted just as good! We were a bit too full for dessert, but they were kind enough to give us small treats to take home (it was our anniversary). I would absolutely, 100% return if we end up in Savannah again. It was one of the best dining experiences we've had.
(5)
HeaLa N.
We loved our food and they were very accommodating for our vegetarian needs. Great atmosphere. They should call the fritto misto the mushroom misto because it was 90% mushrooms. :(. But the gnocchi was delicious and I had a great veggie platter. The waiter was far too talkative for our taste. He seemed to be trying too hard.
(4)
Joe S.
Celebrated our anniversary here. We were happy to be seated in a quiet room away from the larger crowd. The service was impeccable from start to finish! Drinks were tasty and refreshing. For apps we had the alligator sausage- great flavor, and a baked oyster dish-good but not knock your socks off good. For our main courses, my wife had the daily catch- grouper. Again, good but not wowed by it. I had the exotic special-elk chops. They were delicious! Great flavor and cooked perfectly. Though we didn't order desert, the management did give us a personalized anniversary gift box with two small pecan tarts. Service a 5 plus, food a four... Five for the elk!
(4)
Anthony T.
Usually, a better experience is had at AS. Tonight, with our party of 8, they were slow with initial drink orders and getting us silverware after they sat nice appetizers in front of us. After ordering we saw a couple arrive and be served before we ever saw our food. The elk special lacked any spices and was bland and I have had wild elk in Oregon many times. Medium rare is the best way to prepare but it just did not have the taste I was used to. My wife had the grouper special and it lacked any flavor or spice to pep it up. Lemon had to be requested. Others needed salt and pepper (had to track down waiter to get) and steak sauce, which I personally feel is "blasphemous" for a well prepared steak. Too much time passed before the dessert menu arrived and then the desserts to follow. Arrived at 7:30 and were out the door by 10:45. 3 hours is too long. Very disappointed this time.
(3)
Harrison B.
Fantastic meal and service! A bit expensive but the food is well worth the cost. I had shrimp grits; done wonderfully and had true southern taste.
(5)
Heather Z.
Pretty amazing food. This was my second time in Savannah and my second time at Alligator Soul. I loved it. I brought 6 guests to dinner with me and what a treat. Everyone thought it was only alligator meat :-) We had amazing starters, and I recommend the Oysters with the baked stuff all over them. So good. I also loved the house Pinot. it went well with the Oysters, cheese and sausage board, and the fried green tomatoes. I had the ribs...magnificent. The companions were split between ribs, scallops and grits. No one complained! We were all too happy to try dessert. The most remarkable thing here is the service...from the owner to the wait staff. All delightful! Thank you! I am already looking forward to a third visit.
(5)
Woody F.
Everybody and their mother recommended this place to us when we drove down to Savannah. We were stoked for it and we weren't disappointed. The food was good, very solid. No complaints. The wine good as well. Service was clean and friendly. The insanely obnoxious people yelling across the room to other patrons was a bit much but not the restaurants fault per-say. The reason I'm giving this restaurant only three stars is because of their competition. We ate here on our first night and loved it but racked up a $180 tab. The second night we ate at The Grey, bill was only $120 for probably 20% more food and everything about the place was 50% better. The space was amazing, the staff was through the roof fantastic, the food mind blowing. The third day we ate at The Wyld and though the space didn't say much and the staff was perhaps overworked, the location (out in the salt marsh) was lovely and the food was to die for we spent $160 there and forgot about Alligator Soul for good.
(3)
John R.
Really quite a surprise find. Located in a basement location (don't let that fact stop you from finding the place) the place has an elegant feel to it and the menu shows signs that a chef is working an art and not just cooking food. I started with the Alligator Soul House Salad (Kachina Farms Organic Mixed Greens ~ Blood Orange Marmalade ~ Dried Cherries ~ Toasted Pecans ~ Caramelized Red Onions ~ Sweet Grass Dairy Lil' Moo ~ Wasabi Ginger Vinaigrette ~ Parmesan Grit Croutons) and for the main dish had the fish special of the evening - Flounder. For a rather boring seafood item it was prepared in a way I am not going to try to describe as my words would not do it justice. One thing is certain about this place -- this Alligator does have soul and if you are looking for something special come down and give it a try.
(5)
David H.
I only write one star or five star reviews. We are vegans. The owner is a vegan. The chef cooked me the finest vegan dish I've ever eaten. It was worth the 25 bucks for this risotto which is so over the top that it was worth every penny. The bar is stocked with the best wines and bourbons. Bring your snobby self here and learn a few things you don't know. This bar stocks Pappy Van Winkle. Look it up. We were underdressed for Christmas Eve in tee shirts. They welcomed us like family. Beautiful cellar atmosphere. All the bar patrons were in awe of the food deliveries. Fried Green Tomatoes are the best we've ever tasted. Not vegan but close enough. This is a great place to go if you are a foodie and need the entire experience to work in the important places. The chef is present in the front so he's rightly proud. A great value for foodies. Over the top at decent prices for what you are actually getting. We will be returning. There is love in this food and incredible creativity with texture and flavor layering.
(5)
Debby L.
OYSTERS A LA SOUL The oysters are so good. They're stuffed with a bunch of stuff in a creamy Hilbo spiced roux sauce, panko bread crumbs, cheese and baked. I think i taste bacon in it too but I'm not sure. I didn't read the menu very well. Served with habanero hot sauce. The habanero is awesome. It takes the oyster to the next level that Tabasco cannot do. THE LITTLE HILBO RIBEYE with FRIES Hilbo Spiced. We were told that the Hilbo spice has a kick, but I failed to taste it. It was nice and flavorful, salty enough, but spicy, no. Although the meat tasted good, it was undercooked. We asked for it to be cooked medium, but it came out very rare. I ate it anyway because I'm ok with rare. My friend asked for it to be cooked a bit more, but when it came back out, it was pretty much the same. Still very red in the middle, not even pink. The meat was very tender nonetheless. There was also a lot of fat on the meat, so even though it was a 16-18 oz piece of meat, only about 10 oz were meat. The fries are off the chain awesome. Duck fat I tell you. Duck fat. DIVER SCALLOPS pan seared with zaatar spice, watermelon, tomatoes, olives and pork belly. The scallops were amazing, cooked perfectly... but I did not taste any zaatar at all ... and we eat a lot of zaatar at home so I was a little disappointed about that. The pork belly was dry and not very good so we didn't really go for it. It was not crispy at all. WINES I had a pinot blanc called Willow Tree from Oregon and then a Pinot Noir from Oregon as well with the ribeye Both were delicious with my meal and I really like their pairing suggestions.
(4)
Lindsay B.
We had a fantastic meal at Alligator Soul- the food was delicious and our server Robert was fantastic. Everything about our meal here was perfect- except for the noisy bachelor party seated behind us- but there is only so much a restaurant can do about that :) Service was excellent for the entire night- my drink was never empty and our waiter checked in during each course. He also provided great recommendations and explanations of our dishes which was very helpful. My husband really enjoyed their old fashioned- and I had a nice tequila based cocktail that was quite large. Our evening started with a gazpacho amuse bouche which was delicious- along with some great bread (which I saved to go with my entree-perfection). We started with the pork belly appetizer- excellent- and moved on to our entrees. I had the mussels dish from the "sea" part of the menu(having discovered on this trip that I like mussels)- and they were the most delicious ones I had on my entire trip (tried 5 varieties overall). My husband was super excited about the "wild and adventurous" side of the menu which was Elk for the evening we were there- and he ate every single morsel. We finished our dinner with the Banana Beignets- which were just as the reviews noted- fantastic. I would definitely recommend sharing this dessert though- it is a large serving. We would head back to Alligator Soul in a second if we were ever back in Savannah- great location, service, and food- highly recommend checking it out for a nicer evening.
(5)
David B B.
I ate here with another conference-goer on my last night in Savannah. The restaurant was quiet and attractive, and the lighting was fashionably dim. The environment was conducive to discussion, and it seemed well suited both to a business dinner or a nice date. We started with a charcuterie and added an alligator tail sausage as a supplement. The charcuterie was really excellent. The leeks in the alligator sausage were cooked just enough, so you really got a taste of fresh vegetables that is rarely found in any sausage. Alligator is sometimes a bit off-putting in texture, but I found this to be reminiscent of minced shrimp and I could not get enough. The pork belly was crunchy and sharp, and not the least bit greasy. The pork and apple sausage had a delicate, savory taste and a lightness that set a new standard for German-style sausage. For a main, I had shrimp and grits. The shrimp were good but nothing special. The grits, however, had a sweet smokiness that was hard to describe. I accompanied the meal with a New York Sour, which adds a touch of pinot noir to the traditional whiskey sour. I had enjoyed a similar drink at the Franklin Bar in Philadelphia, so I was eager to try it here. This one was mellow, gently sour and very gently sweet, with a little tannic bite coming from the wine. It was served in a stainless steel martini glass, which was a bit sharp at the edge but otherwise a very nice touch. The chef sent out an amuse-bouche at the outset, and complementary mulled wine at the meal's end. The mulled wine was sweeter than I usually make it, but it was still a thoughtful gesture. I very much enjoyed my meal at Alligator Soul, and I would certainly go again if the occasion presented itself.
(5)
Tye J.
During a long road trip from fl-nj it was just the pit-stop we needed ! So elegant, the atmosphere was everything we needed to set us free from all the drive-thrus. Service was AMAZING ! Southern hospitality while being well versed in what was being served ! Our server walked us thru the menu, and after was very attentive. The food was prepared swiftly & did not disappoint. With their seasonal menu I can't wait to try something new next time!
(4)
Donna L.
Really cool place. Very interesting and creative menus. Friendly service. I overheard someone raving about the lamb kabob so I ordered it. It was really more like an appetizer, just one kabob with 5 or 6 small bites for 37 dollars. Although it was perfectly cooked, two pieces were inedible and hard to even cut with a serious steak knife. I would try the apps next time.
(4)
Rebecca U.
We came here on our honeymoon. I had left a note in our reservation that we were newlyweds, and the staff pulled out all the stops for us. Flowers on the table, a complementary glass of prosecco, and everyone who walked by congratulated us. On top of the phenomenal service, the food was also bar none. I highly recommend the goat cheese fritter app. My husband and I both went with a seasonal special for our entrees and they were both perfection. The ambiance is also great, with a speakeasy style vibe, complete with candlelight and stainless steel glasses. If you're celebrating a special occasion in Savannah, or simply wish to make any occasion special, you must come to Alligator Soul!
(5)
Marcella P.
This place was awesome and our waiter was fantastic. The food was outstanding. We had some dietary challenges and the chef had no problem accommodating us. If you like Bloody Mary's you need to try there's. The best I ever had. The Presentation ...Love it in the martini glass without all that ice. A must to try. I cannot wait to come back again and take some of my customers here for dinner.
(5)
Timothy B.
Love this place. Make us feel like their favorite customers every time we go. Please don't change a thing! The menu is very good here and varies. The alcohol selection is great and specifically the martini flights are great. Lamb is amazing!
(5)
Stephanie C.
Our server Sonny from Pitt was absolutely wonderful. The drinks were amazingly creative and delicious. I made it my goal to find a place with the perfect Shrimp & Grits in Savannah, tried MANY restaurants and this is my absolute favorite. The Shrimp & Grits tasted homemade and the mixed drinks were so wonderful if they offered them for shipment to my home I would do it in a second. Thanks for an absolutely amazing experience especially on my last day in Savannah.
(5)
A T.
All I can say is, wow. What an awesome and delicious experience. If you visit Savannah this is definitely the place to go. The price tag is high but it's definitely worth it for the farm table, completely organic experience. Even their cocktails are home made! Our server Sonny was so knowledgable of the menu including sauces, vegetables used and even the origin of the meats served. He was super friendly and certainly made our experience that much better! To Sonny's boss, the man deserves a raise! ;) thank you Alligator Soul, we'll be back when we visit Savannah again!
(5)
Kelly U.
The food was delicious and interesting. They had an awesome menu of unique items. The charcuterie board was really cool, although I didn't love the different meats on there, my husband really did and the display was beautiful. Besides the food the Staff was so kind and had really great energy to be around. If we ever make it back to Savannah we will check out this place again for sure.
(5)
Adrian M.
Best shrimp and grits in the South! The meats were cooked to perfection! I would recommend the bacon-wrapped filet. It practically melts in your mouth. I'm not local to the area, but if I'm ever in town again, dining at Alligator Soul will be at the top of my list!
(5)
Erin L.
While on vacation, my boyfriend and I made reservations at Alligator Soul after reading all the reviews online. We expected to have an amazing experience. While the food was fantastic and the service seemed great on the surface, our waitress Kate felt it necessary to up sell and manipulate us into adding more to our bill. She began by giving us very detailed explanations of all the specials, which was fantastic, but then began to up sell us on water. When we asked for water while we checked the drink menu, she asked "Would you like some sparkling water?" When my boyfriend responded, "No just flat water," she spoke over him saying "Flat bottled water?" as she walked away, not giving us a chance to stop her. She literally put words in his mouth to charge us $5 for bottled water that was carried to our table in an ice bucket. We immediately knew we would be charged for something we clearly hadn't ordered but since it was just water, we let it go. Before walking away to put in our drink orders she said she would give us a moment to look over the appetizer menu, then when she returned specifically asked what appetizers we wanted to order. Normally I wouldn't have thought anything of that but it became clear to us that this was part of her tactic to "sell" the menu to us instead of explaining the food in such a way that we would want to order more. When we told her "No" for the appetizers (second time we had to flat out say NO to what she wanted us to order), she just waited for us to say what entrees we wanted instead of explaining anything on the menu. Almost like she was bothered by the fact that we were only having one course. Again, not something I would normally pick up on but clearly becoming a trend with this particular waitress. When we ordered our entree she asked each of us twice about adding more to our selection. My boyfriend ordered The Little Hilbo, which he loved and would highly recommend to others. I ordered the Shrimp and Grits, and had to first refuse a side salad and then she quickly mumbled "Would you like scallops on that?" which I unfortunately misheard as "scallions" as those were listed on the menu with this entree. Not correctly hearing her was my mistake, but I did not expect her to add more seafood to something like a large portion of Shrimp and Grits. I personally don't even like scallops and wouldn't have added them if she had bothered to slow down when asking or explained why scallops would enhance the dish. At the moment it wasn't something I caught as an add-on, but by the end of the meal we both realized this was her sales tactic. The shrimp and grits were fantastic, and it was a very large portion that truly did not need scallops. When we saw the additional $14 added onto our bill, we realized why she quickly mumbled the suggestion to me. I could have said something then, as I didn't eat the scallops, but honestly I was embarrassed. This woman's intentions were obviously to make money by taking advantage of her customers, putting words into their mouths and flat out forcing you to refuse her up selling suggestions over and over again. Her overall demeanor was very kind and friendly, which was clearly part of her whole sales tactic. Though our experience was just with one person, I would never return to a restaurant that employs someone with this skill set. The fact that I misheard 'scallops' as 'scallions' and added $14 worth of food that I didn't want to our bill, made me feel angry and dumb. This type of treatment was not something we expected in a beautiful restaurant like Alligator Soul and something that will absolutely keep us from ever returning. Both of us are in sales professionally and understand the need to sell a service or product. We also both know that the best sales tactic is to explain your product as something that the customer needs and wants, not manipulate them into spending more money. The money itself wasn't an issue as diners should expect to pay more for a farm to table restaurant with an exotic menu. The price would have been worth it if we didn't feel like we were tricked into buying things we didn't need, and were forced into saying "No" over and over all night. Though the food was amazing, I would be ashamed to ever walk into this place in the future as I will always feel like the person who got tricked by a con artist on vacation.
(1)
john n.
Foodie Southern food with local organic fresh ingredients. Shrimp an grits and alligator sausage was fantastic!
(5)
Randy B.
A bit pricey, but food and service was good...service was actually a little better than the food. The dishes are unique as it is a farm to table restaurant, so the food is seasonal. The also had some very pricey drinks...don't bother. Cheese appetizer plate was really good.
(4)
laurie s.
Super meal for the while family. Little kids split a cheese plate filled with not just local cheeses but also seasonal fruit, nuts, and honey as well as pasta. Whole Snapper was beautifully presented, perfectly prepared, and accompanied by delicious vegetables. The vegetarian plate - vegetarian pierogies - was unique, and flavorful. Great spot we love to eat at every time in Savannah due to the ever changing menu.
(5)
Pat B.
I visited here during restaurant week. It's a great time to try a fixed menu for a fixed price. Without reservations at this busy establishment, we were seated at the bar. Next to us were a group of four ladies living it up tasting many drinks and ordering away on the menu. Then we were two, ordering the fixed menu and the bartender made us feel like second class citizens. I think they were offended we weren't dropping $100 on our meal.
(3)
Dev D.
For foodies & mixed drinks... Bread baked fresh w/cracked pepper hints & lemon-infused herb butter. Sidecar martini - Remy Martin VSOP, Cointreau, fresh lemon in a sugar rimmed glass. Etta James - House infused blueberry and lemon gin w/splash of sparkling soda and blueberries & cucumber slice. Shrimp n Grits - stone ground cheddar grits , Cajun seasoned shrimp , incredible sauce that I know had some lamb reduction in it among others. Hearty appetizer. Crocodile croquettes - 2 lightly fried w/another nice sauce (foodies forgive me again) sandwiching mixed greens, capers that complement the croc soo well, among other sauce features. If you manage bites w/all ingredients flavor is exponential. Perfect appetizer portion. Feature a 40oz. steak & on special that night a dry-smoked aged Cajun rubbed grill finished ribeye w/reduction toppings among other things BUT I didn't bring an appetite. So sorry so sad. Foodie server a plus & gregarious cocktail server a plus & mgr seating 20 min. to close a plus & music selection a plus & drink prices a plus & casual attire a plus. Martinis avail to go. Close early, 9:45 on a slow night, 10:15 on busier. Always ask the establishment. Have NOT tried the Jazz Tapas place that is between Alligator Soul and Ellis Square. Crocodile not available anywhere else on Alligator Soyl's menu currently 4/9/12, but mention at restaurant of future bison & more exotic items.
(5)
Ashleigh L.
We accidentally stumbled upon this gem after not having reservations for Lady & Sons. The staff was very friendly, food was amazing and atmosphere was perfect for a family of 5! Would definitely go back.
(5)
Koula S.
We 're in Savannah for a few days without the kid! Alligator soul was a good spot to visit. We shared the Oysters. Do use the habanero hot sauce. Just a little really adds to the flavor. The duck was good as were the scallops. The best part was dessert. We shared the banana beignet... Yum! It was a solid "good" meal.
(4)
Ryan D.
The best restaurant in Savannah!!! They have a great cocktail menu, and the food is fresh and all natural! The best shrimp and grits in town!
(5)
Amy A.
Delicious! Southern staples like shrimp and grits are on the menu but I was wowed by the more adventurous dishes. We started with the baked oysters and I'm still longing for another spoonful of the house made spicy pepper sauce. The venison was incredible! Served as 2 chops, it was perfectly cooked and tender without the gaminess I associate with venison. Step out of your comfort zone when you order and prepare to have your taste buds dance.
(5)
Nicole W.
Kinda dark, cave-like feel, but very intimate and 'romantic' :) Fear not- there is an elevator if you can't make it down the flight of steps (either before or after the alcohol). + Fried green tomatoes and/or the seasonal cheese plate. absolutely delicious~ cheese plate comes with fresh Savannah Bee honey & fruit. Entrees were also good, and not hugely proportioned. Service was attentive and helpful when trying to decide what to order. I appreciated this place for its formal dining experience. We had two appetizers, three cocktails, and two entrees for $100. Not bad!
(4)
Robyn M.
Need minus stars. We had this reservation since 2/23 for 04/21 (see below) Alligator Soul Reservations member_services@opentabl… Feb 23 to me Dear XXXXX, Your table for 2 at Alligator Soul will be ready on Saturday, April 21, 2012 at 6:30 PM. The reservation is held under: XXXXX. Be sure to check in with the maitre d' when you arrive. Upon dining, you will receive 100 OpenTable Points. Please note Dining Reward conditions: opentable.com/info/dinin… From the restaurant: Thank you for choosing Alligator Soul. Should your plans change, please let us know. We look forward to serving you. To get there: Alligator Soul 114 Barnard Street Savannah, GA 33127 Cross Street: Broughton/State (912) 232-7899 only for them to call the night before our reservation and say they didn't use "open table" for reservations and they booked my table to someone else. When I explained that we had the reservation since February, they told us to come and they would fix it. We did. We found that their entire reservation service was "open table" - lie one. Lie two - "someone at the exact same time that you were making your reservation made one too". Really, I wish I had known that someone was planning their trip to Savannah in February for April at the same time and made the same reservation at the exact same time - I would have played the lotto that day. I missed my chance. So I got the call the day before and they told us to come, even got a call confirming it. We got there, no table. They had a whole day to figure this out. Not a surprise. After 10 minutes and the rude hostess staff explained to me that they weren't seating folks before us, "they had a reservation". We were offered the opportunity to wait for a table or have one place right behind the hostess stand - what a great choice, so we waited, and waited. We were told we could wait in their "lounge area" since they actually take reservations for the seats at the bar - this is uptown eating! I have to say they don't even uphold their own standards. It clearly states "kids: No", but the lovely "lounge" area had two chairs and one couch, the couch had two "kids" wrestling on it. Again what a lovely place. My husband had to go to the bar to get served. When he got back, he looked and me and said, "I didn't have to change". I asked my husband to change from his nice jeans and shirt to dress pants and a dressy shirt, since the guidelines state "Dressy". I didn't know cut off jeans with t-shirts was dressy, my bad. We are finally seated. The starter was a shrimp cocktail with green tomato sauce and grill veggies. It was good, but the shrimp was mushy. I got shrimp and grits - too spicy and my husband got the Smoked Bacon Wrapped Beef Tenderloin and it was served "blue" not medium to medium well. Our anniversary "present" was pecan tarts (small pecan pies). Our waitress called them pralines. We don't eat pecans, but thanks. Then our waitress came and without explanation and poured some sort of alcohol on our table and set it a fire. Who knows. Don't waste your time. A typical situation where the two manager/owners can't see the forest for the trees. They want to be up scale, but the service is bad, they reserve the bar seats (who does that), the lady's bathroom has a two inch gap in the wall so anyone washing their hands can see you "rest", and the food is second rate at best.
(1)
Pamela J.
We had a wonderful dining experience from start to finish at Alligator Soul. I originally made a 9:30pm reservation on opentable , first available on a busy weekend, despite looking ahead 3 weeks. I called the same day and the manager personally called me back and was able to move our party to 7pm. When we arrived, we were warmly greeted at the host stand. Our server, Davis, was knowledgable, friendly, and made us feel instantly welcome. We ordered cocktails, appetizers- alligator, fried green tomatoes, shrimp and grits, followed by entrees of scallops, leg of lamb, and a speciality item, elk. Our server recommend a wine which paired extremely well and which was affordable. The staff worked as a team, multiple people refilling water, clearing our plates, asking us how we were. I saw the manager working as a bar back, host, food runner, processing payment. They looked like a well- oiled machine. We got a true southern dining experience, charming service, delicious and unique cuisine! Ten stars for Alligator Soul!
(5)
Elora R.
Loved this place. Came across it over Open Table and NO regrets choosing it for my graduation dinner. Had the Chet's special: grouper marinated in miso along with a side of fried gator and my tummy was in heaven! Great friendly service. Fresh, local food. A definite Savannah must. My ONLY complaint was that they poured broth over my dad'd risotto, making it soggy.
(4)
J B.
Awesome food! May hit this place everytime I am in Savannah
(5)
Shay H.
I'm writing this review a few months after visiting this restaurant, so unfortunately don't remember much about what we ate. What I do remember is being wowed by the entire experience. There was something very novel about heading downstairs into the basement of an old building which opened up into this beautiful underground restaurant. The drinks were good and I remember the food being absolutely delicious. Also, the service was top notch. This is definitely somewhere I would like to visit again if ever in Savannah. I would recommend it to anybody looking for a nice dinner out.
(5)
Bizz M.
I will start off my review with this. Best food we had in Savannah. Best service we had in Savannah...best dessert my wife has had since the inception of the dessert back in the 1970's. Since everything in Savannah seems to be accessible via walking (if your a tourist), that will come in handy when looking for this restaurant. We almost walked past it and we definitely would have driven past it 6 or 7 times. Its in a basement, a nice basement...actually a very very nice basement. The only thing that lets you know its there is the alligator art thingy that hangs over the steps. Go to the website and look at the picture of the Alligator logo...give yourself a chance at finding this spot. I forget our waiters name but we found out he was new. I would not have known that if I wasn't told that info. We had the shrimp and grits. Wow...I'm not a fan of grits but I would have eaten this all day. Really great stuff there. Scallops...thumbs up, and the chicken that my wife had??? I can't remember exactly. Another winner thou. Now the dessert. The Pear Tart. I honestly thought my wife was going to slap me across the face she was so happy to be eating this. Bopping up and down in her chair like a 3 year old playing spaceships. She doesn't normally like dessert but we ended up going back the next night just so she could get it again before we left town. That is were we met the bartender Emily who told us all about her trip to Atlanta to watch the Phillies spank the Braves, vegetable girl and the "To-Go Cup". Yeah we learned about the greatest concept in the history of drinking on the last night. You get "To-Go" with your drink or fill one up before you go, with your to-go....cup. Before I ramble on. Go here. You will like the people, you will like the food, you will like the dessert and by all means get a god damn "To-go" cup just to hold it high while walking down the street.
(5)
John H.
Elk was delicious! Definitely will go back to try some more game meats. Just hole in the ground if you're looking for it, but it's well worth the search. Make a reservation or you'll be waiting for hours!
(4)
Amy L.
We came here for our anniversary dinner on our first trip to Savannah. Btw, a most uniquely lovely city it is. The Good: we found the atmosphere lively, with super-cool architectural touches to the place, e.g., the large bricked archways, the magical little "view" outside from our cozy table. We loved our server Rachel. She was sweet and clearly wanted to ensure a great dining experience. The seafood charcuterie special appetizer was to die for as was the she-crab soup. i also quite enjoyed the fried green tomatoes, which had a nice crunchy cornmeal coating and a wonderfully flavorful and spicy sauce. The cocktail menu was imaginative and exciting in its range. The Etta James cocktail was a good choice for the gin-lover. Loved the lighting the table on fire trick in ackowledgement of our special occasion as well as the cute little personalized box w/ a baby pecan pie and chocolates. Finally, enjoyed hearing a little bit of the restaurant's namesake soul in the background. The Not So Good: I quickly found that one of the four sea scallops in the dish was basically raw, w/ the center being cold. We didnt say anything because we were stuffed anyway (and yeah we hate sending food back). In addition, the prices were pretty high but not too out of keeping with other fine-dining establishments in the area. The Summary: if (ok, it's more of a "when") we return to this charming city we would not hesitate to return for a take 2.
(4)
Ami K.
This place, nestled in an underground spot, was a fun spot where the service was impeccable and the food delicious. We came here soon after getting engaged and the restaurant, upon learning this detail, did their best to make sure that we did not forget our experience there. I was especially touched by the mini pastries sent over by the chef, with a note from the staff congratulating us. As for the food, I had the veggie plate, which was impeccable and possibly the most inventive and most adventurous creations I've seen in a restaurant. My fiance ordered a meat appetizer, the turtle soup, and an entree, all of which I sampled, and we finished with a cheese plate. The thing I like most about this restaurant is that it's not a place that is afraid to take risks, and it delivers well on its promise. I think it's a testament to culinary skill when a chef is able to work with a wide variety of foods and can create contrasts that don't overwhelm your palette or just clash. I would have preferred to give this 4.5 stars, instead of 4, because the food and service were wonderful and worth recommending; however, the restaurant was fairly loud (it seems the acoustics of the space are not forgiving) and it forces one to either shout or sit VERY closely to someone in order to have a conversation over your meal
(4)
Sarah P.
I came here with my new husband on our honeymoon, after a friend highly recommended it. We wanted to eat southern food since we were in the south, and what we got was an amazing experience of southern dining with a flair. Everything was overwhelmingly perfect from the chocolate box gift on our table wishing us a happy honeymoon was a great touch. Definitely a highlight of our trip!
Alligator Soul is amazing! This restaurant was recommended to my girlfriend and me by a local and it did not disappoint. I had the exotic special of the night, which was kangaroo served with shallots and mushrooms cooked in foie gras. The exotic special however changes regularly and you could get pheasant, camel, and some other exotic meats. My girlfriend had shrimp and grits. Both were delicious. Our server (David?) was awesome. He recommended that I get a cup of creole as an appetizer which was also delicious. We did order a lot of food since everything on the menu looked delicious and the price wasn't too bad, I've definitely paid more in Manhattan for dinner and drinks than I did here. I will definitely be going back to Alligator Soul, if I visit Savannah again.
(5)
Joanna R.
Had the sweetest dinner at Alligator Soul this past May while on vacation in Savannah. The service everywhere in the city seems to be superb so I won't even delve into that (even though it was fantastic). The restaurant is kind of underground and so initially we thought it was closed even though we'd made reservations. Once inside, the place was pretty packed for a Tuesday night. We had the blue crab tart to share as an appetizer and hmmm, wish I'd gotten my own. It was amazing. M chose the "little hilbo" which is the rib eye with duck fat fries, and I had the bacon wrapped tenderloin. Our waiter stated that his choice was the most popular but for once during our entire trip, I didn't feel like he picked the best dish. My mashed potatoes matched the beef perfectly and I ate the entire thing. Not to say his meal wasn't tasty and those fries, ahhhhh. I'm getting hungry just thinking about it. For dessert we had the tea crème brulee. Not my favorite but you can't really lose with crème brulee anyway. All in all, a place you should visit when in Savannah. Bon appetit, my lovelies.
(5)
Tom B.
Went to Savannah with another couple and had a great experience at Alligator Soul. The Shrimp and Grits was great, as was the service. Highly recommend this cozy, dressy restaurant for a date night.
(5)
Tiffany M.
No alligator, no fresh oysters, terrible service. The service was so bad that we asked for another waiter, but we were told that wasn't an option (if you get Kate, ask for another server). BTW, we're very nice people and did not make a scene - we just wanted some service. Our cocktails never arrived, but the wine we ordered for our dinner made it to the table first. After waiting and waiting, I went to the bar and asked the bartender where our drinks were. Unbelievable! The food was very disappointing, and we weren't the only ones complaining. We started with the beer battered oysters that tasted like batter. My husband ordered the shrimp and strawberry salad and asked to have the strawberries on the side. I guess good old Kate forgot about that request. My husband ordered the ribeye and it was so tough he couldn't eat it. When he mentioned it to another waiter (Kate was MIA) he was told ribeyes are always tough. Fatty yes, tough no. I ordered the jambalaya with extra shrimp - I overheard another waiter telling his table you could get it with anything extra (Kate never said a thing). By far the worse dining experience we had in Savannah and cannot recommend it.
(1)
Margie C.
Hostess welcome was sweet. Service very slow. Loved to cozy vibe. Cajun Jumbalaya was tasty. Overall - overrated.
(3)
Jason M.
Berkshire Pork Tenderloin.....AWESOME! Roasted Yellow Tomato Stone Ground Georgia White Grits...AWESOME! See uploaded photo
(5)
Claire O.
As others indicated, it is a nice upscale restaurant. The wait staffs are friendly and well trained. Our table did encountered a small mischief...the furniture accident. However, our waiter Adam was quick and fixed the problem immediately. The menu is well put together. My family all tried different dishes. For starter, we had charcuterie plate, blue crab tart, shrimp & grits, artisan cheese plate and frog legs. They were all good except frog legs, which was under cooked per my brother-in-law. In our entree course, while my duck entree was normal, the alligator gumbo my sister ordered was perfectly seasoned & cooked. For dessert, definitely get the soul banana beignets. It was crunchy, soft, hot, cold and sweet. Where can you find all those senses in your mouth at the same time?!! Therefore, I'll recommend this place to anyone who will be visiting Savannah, GA. Only one small final note, the decor of the place is wonderful, but don't be shock by the "Subway" type of restroom :(
(4)
Michelle C.
We called, but they were booked. We tried our luck and we scored a few seats at the bar. The staff was super friendly. They really made it fun to eat there. The food however was not as good as we would have hoped. They did not have half of the stuff on the menu. The ribeyes were not tender, at all. If I am ever back in Savannah. I would give them another shot. Just because they were so nice.
(3)
Gil K.
Great service at the bar - Melvin and Ryan. Great atmosphere. Scrumptious food. We had a rich smoked crab tort appetizer and delicious salad and grouper. Kind of expensive but most great places are!
(5)
Derek L.
This place is downstairs and kinda of hard to find. FYI The food here is delicious. It has alot of favor. I had the Kangaroo and my girlfriend had the buffalo. I learned when you go to these nice restaurants.. Just get the specials you typically can't go wrong. The surroundings were romantic and the lighting was perfect. I really enjoyed the service, my glass was filled everytime. Matter of fact they were waiters waiting around to make sure your glass stayed filled. Back to the food, Kangaroo good quality and mashed well with the sauce it had. Easy to eat. This place is quite expensive, so if you are on a budget, you may want to look else where. The buffalo was tender and melt in your mouth. Usually I don't like grits but they nailed grits all day!. Grits actually had TASTE for once! Very impressed. If you want to look for a place that is romantic and enjoyable with great food. Come to Alligator Soul!
(5)
Lou K.
Great ambiance eclectic staff. Food was tasty and well presented.
(3)
Josh D.
Yes, this is only my second yelp review, the first one was a 1 star. I figured karma required a positive review to balance out the universe. Alligator Soul was amazing. The service was great, atmosphere cool, and the food was even better. We had the shrimp creole and shrimp and grits for appetizers. Absolutely amazing, among the best we have had anywhere. I liked the shrimp creole so much, I cancelled my steak order and ordered more creole for my entree. My wife had the bacon wrapped fillet for dinner, it was great as well. Long and short, highly recommend this place.
(5)
Erin L.
My husband and I ate here last Friday and it was the best meal we had in Savannah! Friends of ours had eaten there and highly recommended it, insisting on making reservations for us on our honeymoon trip. The service was great. The waitress was knowledgeable and helped me select my dinner. We ordered Shrimp and Grits, Gator Croquettes, Bacon Wrapped Beef Tenderloin, and The Little Hilbo. Everything was delicious, but the croquettes with the citrus gastrique were unforgettable. We can't wait for the chance to dine here again.
(5)
Geo N.
Dont let the basement fool you- this place is wunderbar. Extraordinary veggie food- flavor, texture, attention to detail. Unexpectedly one of the best meals I've ever had. was a wonderful server. Wendy created an amazing old fashion with St Germaine. Vegans have a classy & tasty place in the south, says this dc guy. Even leaving you're courted for your leftover- no bag sitting on the table. Classy, delicious, great service- a must
(5)
Erin G.
I have nothing but good things to say about this restaurant!!! If you are in Savannah you must try!!!! My husband & I sat at the bar and were served my Brian the bartender. He had great recommendations for food & wine!! My shrimp & grits were some of the best I ever had!!! We can't wait for our next trip to Savannah just so we can go back!!!
(5)
Leslie H.
A solid dining experience. Everything was good, but not great...a shame, considering the upscale ambiance and attentive, knowledgeable service. The dessert here (lavender honey creme brulee for me, and banana beignets for the husband) stole the show, for sure.
(3)
Cliff C.
Came here famished and reservationless (I'm starting to see a trend in my reviews). My three guests and I were promptly offered the bar until a table was ready. The short wait went quickly with a pitcher of Sangria, surprisingly good but a little on the pricey side when the check came. The bartender was feisty but likable. We ordered Shrimp with Cheesy Grits and fried green tomatoes as apps. They arrived right when our table became available. Only now did I realize that grits are like polenta with a less frilly name and fried green tomatoes are like an eggplant Parmesan knock-off (without the sauce). The fried tomatoes here were far better than the ones I had the night before elsewhere. Unfortunately it seemed to take a long time to get our actual dinner but when it came it was tasty. My main was the gargantuan pork chop stuffed with greens and bacon and served in a killer sauce. Definitely recommend. Everyone left full and happy with a lighter pocketbook.
(4)
Laurie Z.
Read Yelp reviews and said, "yeah, we have to do this." A true gem. Excellent food. Excellent service. Pricy but so worth it. Our server asked us if we had any dietary restrictions (who does that?) and hubby said he avoids gluten. Two seconds later we had an "amuse bouche" - and hubby's was gluten-free. On to apps. Hubby had oysters that he enjoyed immensely. I had shrimp and grits, which was enough for a meal in itself. He had to help with it or else I wouldn't have had room for the main event: red snapper, which had been in the ocean just that morning. An OMG experience. Hubs had Creole Soul with a couple of diver scallops on the side. We shared tastes and everything was crazy delicious. During dinner we were discussing how we were going to come back on our next visit to Savannah and what we would order. Of course, next year the menu will probably be completely different and how fun will that be?
(5)
Tana M.
Had a nice weekend in Savannah and I had read some bad reviews on this place so I was not going to try it but our waitress at the Bohemian highly recommended it so we gave it a try. I am glad we did! The apps, and drinks where awesome.We had the cheese plate and shrimp and grits. For main course we had a special it was a NY strip, it wasn't mind blowing but the service an atmosphere where spot on!
(4)
Joseph L.
We ate at Alligator Soul at the suggestion of the Hyatt and we were so glad we did. We both had the gumbo appetizer and two salads the perfect starter. The gumbo is very good best since I dined in New Orleans I chose the fish special( I think Grouper) which was very good and perfectly cooked. My wife had the pork chop which was tender and juicy. We split one yummy chocolate mousse for dessert and then waddled out happy and well fed. The service was good so. If you are in Savannah, treat yourself to the Alligator Soul ...
(4)
Carolyn B.
I had the antelope Wellington it was fabulous highly recommended . Our server Jessica was well versed in the menu very friendly. We were fortunate enough to meet owner as it was restaurant week and she was helping serve tables. . We had reservation made on yelp and they had no record but found us a table within 10 min.
(5)
Charles C.
I made reservations for my special lady friend and myself at Alligator Soul last weekend. As we walked downstairs we both immediately were struck by the intimate atmosphere. The brick walls, cobblestone lighting, and fireplace all added to a cozy, below street level interior atmosphere. The staff had placed pecan cookies on the table in advance, and very early on, the chef provided bruschetta with crab spread that was so good. Although we did not have cocktails ( we went with red wine) the cocktail list looked eclectic and classy. All were recipes by in house mixologists. there was always food on the table. For an appetizer we split gator cakes that were tender and flavorful. For dinner, my lady friend had a fresh catch in the form of a chowder. It was a very generous, hearty portion. I myself had the scallops, which were large, soft ( no knife was needed to cut through them ), and very flavorful. The dish came with the best ochre and tomatoes I've ever had in my life. The staff was friendly, talkative, and did a great job explaining the dishes and specials. They were attentive, and never gone for so long that we had to turn our heads to look for them, we connected with our server so much that even asked her to be pulled out of the back afterwards so she could take a photo of us. All in all, very personable. For my money, the bill was just under the amount I spent at Local 1110 the night before, for more, better tasting food, and atmosphere. I would drive from Jacksonville to Savannah again to eat here. Fantastic!
Alligator Soul was recommended by a friend and did not disappoint. Both my wife and I had seafood dishes that were exquisite.
(5)
Melissa E.
5/5 stars all the way! BEST dining experience in vast travel experiences! As tourists of Savannah, northern America and globe, we each had a noteworthy dining experience! In our group of 5, we were able to taste a large majority of the menu and eagerly shared each other's delights. We enjoyed allegator, shrimp, gumbo, elk/venison, roasted savory chicken, pork chops in addition to an exquisite cheese platter, array of spirits and top notch service! The Cognac and specialty cheese cake topped it off. We would HIGHLY recommend this restaurant to any visitor! Please ask for Troy; he was fantastic! We spent approximately $50/pp. Enjoy!!
(5)
Jennifer B.
Went to this restaurant on our weekend getaway to Savannah. This restaurant came highly recommended from hotel staff and several people in Savannah. We arrived for our reservation and we were promptly greeted and seated. We were given a run down on the beverages and specials by our server. Our party of four all ordered different entrees. We had fried green tomatoes and a salami platter to start with. Appetizers were very good, but nothing to write home about. Our entrees came out a while after we ordered. All the food was very good. I would like to make that point clear. The food was good. I just did not see what all the hype was about. The food met all the marks, but nothing sent my taste buds sailing into euphoria. I would neither recommend or not recommend this restaurant. I could take it or leave it, but for the cost, I would probably leave it and go to The Olde Pink House.
(3)
Christopher H.
I was really looking forward to the frog legs listed on their online menu and experiencing other delicacies from down south. Unfortunately no frog legs. I did have the Turtle/alligator/duck gumbo. AMAZING. The adventurous special that night was rabbit. Not that adventurous for me. I had the buffalo short ribs. So tender I didn't even need the knife they brought me. I enjoyed myself. Some of my family members thought the place was a bit snobby and pretentious. Pricey but I enjoyed it.
(4)
Keegan M.
This was great! An upscale southern restaurant with local eats. The service was great and we were presented with a nice little surprise when we sat. They also have an awesome vegan dish, specially made by the chef. We got the rabbit, which I was a little hesitant in getting, but was quite impressed. The rabbit fell on the bone and melted in your mouth.
(5)
Tripplehorn P.
Lovely ambiance, great wait staff and the best food I've had at a restaurant in Savannah ever. I seriously recommend the alligator, turtle & duck jambalaya- only jambalaya worth having outside of New Orleans. The steak was wonderful and the scallops were perfection.
(4)
Kate F.
Yum! We had an awesome meal here. Points for attractive art on the walls and relative quiet of the restaurant, staff tried a little too hard on the up-sells. The wine flights were really just 'pick any three wines and we'll give you a small pour of each'. The sizes were inconsistent and it would have been nice if they had actually been paired in some logical way. We were greeted by name, and mini pecan pies were waiting for us at the table. The homemade bread was warm, and had a sweet/savory flavor. We started with the house salad and the gator croquettes. We were told they are permanently removing the fried green tomatoes from the menu (which was one of the reasons we went!). The salad was good, with some kind of fried-grits croutons that made it. The croquettes were good, I would say like crab cakes. For dinner we had the pork chop and the seared scallops, both were fantastic. Sauces that perfectly complimented the dishes and were so interesting. The grits served with the scallops will be in our dreams for years - I am not sure I even want to know what was in them, they were so good! We would recommend this to friends and we would definitely go back.
(5)
K Y.
Our waiter, Sean, was fabulous! He was familiarized with the menu and an amiable young man.
(5)
Keith F.
We live in Savannah, but had not been to Alligator Soul. Friends came in to town and wanted to go there, so we went. The service was very good, like you would expect for a fine dinnig restaurant. The house salad was one of the best I have had. I had the Gator Gumbo. I was expecting something like a New Orleans gumbo. It was not. Different is OK, but it was not favorable as I would of liked. I like a little spicy for a gumbo. I also like my rice with gumbo. There was may be a spoon full of rice in the middle of the plate - not even a kid's portion. One of our friends had the scallops. They were disapointed. Only three scallops? Most meal were around $30 - $35. Our favorite restaurant in Savannah prices are around $20 - $25 for a meal. Also, I had truffles and coffee for dessert. I love truffles! Alligator Soul's truffle were truly a disappointment! Overall service was great, food average and price too high for what you got.
(3)
Aleta M.
The food here is so good. I had the braised lamb and my husband had th e shrimp and grits. The lamb fell of the bone and was so delicious. I want to travel back just to eat here again.
(4)
Nicholas K.
I've had 2 meals at Alligator Soul. The first was with my parents a day or two after arriving in Savannh, and I got the osso bucco, my dad the rack of lamb, and my mom the salt roasted fish. The fish is what I remember the most, it was crusted in salt that had to be cracked with a spoon, and inside was the most wonderfully tender rock fish. It was one of the first times I'd really liked a fish other than salmon. It also helped tie the knot that I was going to be moving to Savannah. The restaurant itself is downstairs from Barnard and Broughton right beneath RolyPoly(also awesome). It's one of the more upscale eateries in Savannah as far as kitchen technicality. Some might call it a bit out of date, but everything I had there more than satiated me. The second time I went to Alligator Soul was for an anniversary with a girlfriend. It was one of the most memorable experiences of my life. It was the classic tale of the poor college boy trying to show the girl some great food, but not having the money for it. When offered the wine list I asked for water, to which the server went to the back and pulled some strings. We were given grain alcohol soaked cherries, glasses of champagne, a risotto appetizer, and a desert. All of the food was mind numbingly good, and is without question my favorite restaurant in Savannah. While I hold Alligator Soul in a sentimental corner of my heart, I can step away from myself and clearly state that the food here is cooked with care and loved and the waitstaff share that passion. It is an all around great time, and everyone should experience it.
(5)
Angela S.
I went to Alligator Soul during restaurant week and cannot say enough about the service (Melvin was our Server). Not only was Melvin fabulous but everyone that walked by the table was attentive and really seemed to take pride in delivering a great experience. I would be remiss to not mention the food. Wow...and the fact that it was extremely busy did not deter the Chef from truly creating A fabulously memorable meal. I will definitely be back!
(5)
Peter W.
This is a tough post for me to write as I am a restaurant professional and have been for the last 15 years in DC, Portland and Atlanta. I definitely know how things in the industry work so more often then not, I just let things go. I say that not for clout, but just to prove to the wait staff, that you never know who you are waiting on. My girlfriend and I came to Savannah for the 4th of July weekend getaway from Atlanta. When we found Alligator Soul we were really excited to try some quality southern food. Unfortunately, the service fell short from the very beginning. The hostess welcomed us to the fireplace lounge saying she would send a server to get our drink order...but they never showed up and I had to go to the bar for the drink. When our table was ready our server seemed awkward at best. She started her introduction and stuttered through it, having to restart three times. Maybe it was her first night? We immediately ordered the Fried Green Tomatoes. They were great! But we realized that some points of service were being missed when the table next to us got an amuse bouche and we did not. Our server didn't even come by to check to see how the first course was, while all her co-workers hurried by attending to their own tables. I had to flag down a buss boy to get me another drink. When she finally did come back to the table she seemed to mumble some excuse about it being busy, which it wasn't (930pm on a Sunday night) and the chef being good at chatting her up in the BOH (totally inappropriate). Our empty plates sat on the table for at least 10-15 minutes while we waited for our entrees, even though the table next to us had a server that was very attentive and friendly (where is the team work? We were clearly done). So we get our entrees and realize that once again the table next to us got something we did not...cornbread muffins. We had to ask our server for them when she got back to the table after forgetting some share plates we had asked for. The food was good. However, the rib-eye special that we ordered medium-rare, was just over medium even at its thickest point. We didn't send it back out of complacency, so I will put that on my shoulders. But the server didn't come by soon enough that it would have made a difference anyway. The portions were HUGE though, which is a plus for the money and the quality ingredients. The green beans were really good and the roasted potatoes in duck fat are hard to pass up. The charcuterie plate was big, with some really nice meats and the house salad is delicious with hush-puppy croutons. We were thinking about dessert...and third times a charm...the table next to us got treatment beyond what we did. The lights dimmed, the server light a small cup of liquor on fire and poured it around the table cloth. Cheesey but interesting and placed some vodka soaked cherries in the middle as a parting gift for the couple next to us. At this point we just felt unwelcome and awkward opting to pay the bill and leave. Overall we were really unhappy with the experience. The quality of service at the table next to us was so far from what we got, it made us feel out of place, unwanted and uncomfortable. And they were not regulars, VIPS or anything...just some out of towner's around for the weekend like us. After years in the industry I know enough to see that it was probably the individual servers quality of service and not the restaurant's overall. There was definitely something going on that we didn't see, though our server didn't seem to have any additional tables. Not sure what was up, but this place dropped the ball.
(2)
Charli J.
Really good food, really good service, and really good drinks. I highly recommend. Definitely get the Shrimp and Grits. The appetizer portion is pretty big. They gave us this amazing spiced wine for dessert. The bread was great. I saw a lot of people ordering the oysters so I would try that next time. Good dining experience.
(5)
Sam F.
Came here with a group of friends while on a road trip. Started off with a basil mojoto (fine) and shared appetizers: cheese plate (delicious!- but I am also a total sucker for cheese), alligator salad (fine), and fried green tomatoes (eh- I'm not sure what all the hype is about, definitely could have been better. It was way too much fried batter which sucked out all the tomato flavor) For entree I had the snapper, but with collard greens and mashed potatoes, instead of the bacon sauce it typically comes in. The snapper started out delicious, through the flavor fell flat towards the end and I couldn't finish it. The snapper was originally supposed to be prepared with this apricot sauce which our server brought on the side. After I tried it, I thought it was way too sweet and would have destroyed the good flavor of the fish, so I'm glad I didn't order it the way it was originally intended to be prepared. The sauce did taste good on the collard greens, though. Dessert was the banana beignet, which was fine, though I thought it could have had more flavor added to the batter. Service was fine. The most annoying part of the evening was that literally half of the things on the menu were unavailable. It was so ridiculous, I'm not even sure why the server bothered giving us a menu, since he could have just taken a sharpie and crossed out half the items on there. Also, for all the talk about this being a vegetarian-accomodating restaurant, many items had bacon ingredients which could not be removed. Total was about $175 for three people plus tip. Bottom line: eat here if you have gotten sucked into the hype and need to experience it for yourself. But frankly, you won't be missing anything extraordinary if you go without.
(3)
Jacqueline J.
Fantastic meal in a great restaurant. One of the best meals we've ever had. Inventive southern cuisine and even the vegetarian in the party was catered for. Well worth the money to taste the exquisite flavor concoctions of the chef. Favorites included the shrimp and grits and the sweet potato flan served with the buffalo.
(5)
Andrew F.
This was an odd choice for a Bachelor Party of 12 to visit. However, the staff and our waitress was very accommodating as they put us away from the couples and family for as long as they could. The experience was relaxed but upbeat for the occasion. The groom was taken care of and we didn't have any issues (except they ran out of Maker's Mark (minus one star). I do believe everyone in the wedding party had steak, the majority of us had the evening's special of the large Porter House Steak. That was probably the quietest part of the dinner as we devoured every last bite. To start we had the cheese plate, which was awesome because they paired the cheeses with all sorts of accoutrement like honey and dried fruits. We passed on dessert but they were gracious to give the groom a few pastries and ended the dinner with a interesting parlor trick by lighting the table on fire! Great time, great experience.
(4)
Holly S.
I booked my birthday dinner with A.Lure, but the Concierge at our hotel strongly recommended this place, and booked us here instead. She promised a top tier fine dining experience, and that I won't be disappointed. After dining at the Olde Pink House the night before, Alligator Soul was nothing spectacular. Our waitress was friendly and knowledgeable, and our meal was good, but not great. We had the frog legs appetizer, which was just ok. I had a creole dish with alligator, shrimp, and mostly rice with a salty spicy sauce. It was good but I wasn't blown away. The so-called hand crafted truffles were bland. I get better chocolate from Perugina. Hubby ordered bison and was pleased. Our dinner came to $50 more than at Olde Pink House, and we got a lot less in ambience, taste, history, and selection. They charge NYC prices without the sophistication and delivery. If you're looking for high end fine dining, go to the Olde Pink House instead.
(4)
Bill G.
Alligator Soul will either be a great choice, or way over hyped, depending on your roll of the dice. I like the staff, having the chief bring out signature plates is a nice touch. The ambiance is dark, and it is downstairs with no windows, but nice (Think cave). I was there with a party, the appetizers were well presented, yet blahh. My vegetarian entree was just ok. Members of my party ordered medium and medium well meat, and it all came out medium-rare. On balance, it's pricy, has nice ambiance, but perhaps the looks don't deliver to the tastebuds.
Alligator Salt is what this place should be called. I came here w/ my bf for his bday. The waitress recommended the pear martini, which was delicious, bf had a beer, don't remember which one. We split the shrimp gumbo app. which was good. I ordered the chicken breast that came with kale and bamboo rice, bf had the "filet of soul". My entree tasted like salt with a dash of chicken. gross gross gross. bf thought his steak was "ok" and said that he'd had potatoes out of box that tasted better. When the waitress asked how everything was, glancing down to see that I had barely eaten anything, I told her that my meal was salty. Without me asking her to, she tells the manager, who then comes over to our table to explain that the chicken is "brined". blah blah blah /careface. I don't care if they bought the chicken breast from Church's and just reheated it in the microwave as long as it tasted good, which it didn't. The manager didn't offer to take it off the bill or apologize. Two stars for our waitress who was great. Overall, we were so disappointed with this place. I should have gone w/ my gut and gone to the Olde Pink House for dinner. There is a reason why that place was booked on a Sunday night and Alligator Salt looked like a ghost town
(2)
Mike G.
Great food here last night. Hilbo steak is by far one of the best steaks I've had!
(5)
Deirdre H.
Cozy atmosphere, quiet and romantic. Fabulous cocktails - loved the Etta James. My husband enjoyed his flight of bourbon. We were there on the frirst day of the winter menu and the salad was probably the best salad I've ever had, incredible dressing. The entrees were good and creative, although the vegetarian special was only okay. Stick to the meat and fish entrees. Very attentive wait staff. We've were celebrating our 30th wedding anniversary they treated us to a bottle of wine to go! How sweet!
(4)
Cara B.
My family tried out this restaurant when we were in Savannah overnight on the way back from Florida. We were driving in on Friday evening and knew we would get to Savannah around 9 pm. We made a reservation for the four of us around 2 pm and they were booked through 9:30. We were okay with that considering you never know what will happen with traffic! When we got there, we were first confused. No you are not in the wrong place, the restaurant is in the basement of the building. After walking down the stairs, we found that the restaurant was quite full! We were seated immediately and told about the specials for the night. There were quite a few delicious sounding items on the menu, so we asked our waiter for his suggestions. He was very helpful and suggested that we try two appetizers between the four of us. We had the alligator cakes and fried green tomatoes. Both were delicious (especially the alligator cakes when you ate every ingredients on the plate at the exact same time- it was mouth wateringly good). The entree sized appetizers are HUGE. While I don't know how large the appetizer sizes are, you might ask your waiter. Three of us had these entrees, and we were overwhelmed with the amount of food that each of us received. Shrimp and grits and the gumbo were delicious. You can definitely taste the New Orleans influence in these dishes here! Very hearty with delicious homemade andouille! Both were quite spicy too! My mom had the fish special, and it was delicious too. We had a few drinks from the bar, and they were made beautifully! Service was great too. For some reason, I just can't give it 5 stars. Just one of those feelings. Maybe for the price point, I expect blow me away food, but we just got really really good. I'd still definitely recommend it though!
(4)
Travis D.
Best food we ate in Savannah, no question! I suggest you make reservations though. We didn't, and had to sit at the bar, but we always end up at the bar and it was no problem. Actually, it gave us a chance to chat with the bartender, who recommended things to see and do in Savannah. I also loved the ambiance of the restaurant, being in what seemed like a wine cellar below street level. Very cool. Ok - the food: absolutely amazing. The appetizers were huge. In fact, we could have ordered 3-4 appetizers and been stuffed between the 2 of us. We had the shrimp and grits app and the fried oysters. I wanted to lick the plate, the shrimp & grits were sooo good. The lamb ribs were good, as was were the scallops (which were perfectly cooked), but nothing could top the appetizers. The meal was worth the price, I highly recommend this place.
(5)
Timothy B.
The concierge said forget it.....you'll never get in. We walked over anyway and they had a table for two. Perfect. Excellent service. Ryan, our waiter gave us great tips on where to have a cocktail.....and what parts of Savannah are most haunted......and he's an expert! Unusual interesting menu filled with adventure. My partner may be the most conservative eater on the planet and he reached out and had the Kangaroo Shepherd's Pie. Phenomenal. Jumping with flavor. I enjoyed the smoked rib eye immensely. Fantastic. The Swiss chard was also great.....and the portion could have been a little bigger. Broad wine list. Ok pricing. This was our only meal in town......and glad we spent it here.
(5)
Cheryl M.
Best service we had in Savannah. We dined well in town over our week's visit, but only Alligator Soul managed to serve all of our food at the same time and hot. Our server Melvin from Alabama was pleasant and on top of things. Shrimp and grits were mighty tasty. We enjoyed our entrees. A very solid dining experience. We were celebrating a birthday and the birthday girl appreciated the tasteful but festive attention. Would definitely return and will recommend.
(4)
Steph V.
I thought Alligator Soul was a great Savannah restaurant!! The waiter recommended a great wine and was super knowledgable about everything on the menu. They give you all kinds of freebie starters, just little tastes of things, all with a very Southern flair (and being a Yankee from the north, I was delighted to try them!) We had the artisan cheese plate to start which was so delicious, and I had a chicken dish as my entree which doesn't appear to be on the menu anymore but was incredibly yummy. And they have all kinds of exotic choices for those who are more adventurous eaters. I would definitely recommend this restaurant to anyone visiting Savannah!
(5)
Don R.
Every once in a while you find a gem in a town you are visiting. Alligator Soul was our find on this trip to Savannah, Ga.. The server was informative and delightful, the food was thoughtful and tasty. The specialty dirnk amazing-sugar rum, lime juice and cane sugar with a salted rum. My wife's smoked steak tips were out of this world. The staff were very availalbe through the meal and only wanted to please. Savannah is the old south and Alligator Soul means to please.
(5)
squishy s.
We loved this. The servers were friendly and the food was delicious. The decor was a little weird, but I liked the cellar setting. As a vegetarian, my favorite part was that the veggie option changes daily and is based on what's fresh in the market. It's always a little sad to order the tasteless pasta dish the chef puts on the menu at most meat-centric restaurants in the region.
(5)
Kerri C.
I have been to Alligator Soul many times. It is definitely one of my favorites in Savannah. The atmosphere, service, and food are consistently good. My husband almost always orders the Hilbo steak (it periodically appears on the menu, but is always available). The steak is always tender and deliciously seasoned. I always order the fish, which is consistently fresh and properly prepared. Our friends dine with us frequently. They always love the shrimp and grits as well as the lamb. The menu changes seasonally, with a few mainstays. The servers and chef are always accommodating of any special requests. The only reason I am not giving the restaurant 5 stars is that I have not cared for some of the sides or sauces with the fish dishes. I've learned to order my sauces on the side, as they can sometimes overpower the fish or be too heavy for me. All said, my family, friends and I always have a good experience at Alligator Soul.
(4)
Debbie N.
This place was referred by friends we dine w/often. Maybe it was a bad nght for the restaurant but we def didn't see what the hype was about. Fried tomatoes were bland except for the pickled veggies on top (hubby got an okra STEM on his plate!). Home-made bread was ok, def have had better. Charcuterie platter was pretty good. My shrimp & grits def had GRIT but it was from the shrimp!! I also have 1 shrimp which wasn't fully deveined - def not what you'd excepct for a high-end gastro pub sort of place. Pig three ways that hubby had was very good. The entire time we were there the lights went one & off approx 8 times - each time for a special occasion presentation. It became very annoying & we would have actually preffered the lights off (nice candles lit the place up). Dined the prevoius night at another very high end restauant & it blew this place away - NO comparison. Unfortunately won't return - expensive for what you get & waitstaff is a little "green".
(2)
Rob L.
Took a quick trip to Savannah, and had an incredible dinner at Alligator Soul. I can't say enough good things about the restaurant. Not only was the food exceptional, but the service is top-notch. They were able to get us in at the last minute, and even went as far as creating custom cocktails paired to our food selections. I would recommend Alligator Soul to anyone living in, or traveling to, Savannah.
(5)
Ryan C.
Best restaurant I have eaten at in Savannah. Get the Hilbo w/a bottle of Hedges and just enjoy!!!!
(5)
M.A. J.
One of the best restaurants in Savannah. Great atmosphere, delicious foods, no cliched Southern meals here.
(4)
Katie V.
Alligator Soul is one of those memorable dining moments. From the crisp fried green tomatoes, the jambalaya with tasty fried gator, the delectable shrimp and grits washed down with a variety of well mixed cocktails. They will cater for children, not on the menu, but a creamy Alfredo pasta was served for the little ones. Service is attentive,friendly and quick. Prices are on the higher side but you pay for what you get...a food experience that you won't soon forget.
(5)
Cortland Native C.
Shrimp and grits definitely, but I would go to the Olde Pink House for a drink. Ordered a mojito and it was sub par then switched to a mint julep still not so great. Save room for the Banana Beignets!
(4)
Preeth K.
Me and my Arwen were walking around Savannah GA looking for a place to eat, as Paula Dean's restaurant was taking a 2 day break due to renovation. Almost every place was closed but this was open still at 7 o clock. I'm telling you it seems that only people in NY want to keep their restaurants open after 7 on weekdays! The entrance was cute as it was underground. The staff was very friendly, which was nice. They also were helpful as I wanted to know where Chippewa Square was, as that was where Forrest Gump is sitting down in his movie. I had the steak wrapped w/bacon, which was good, but the flavor of the bacon penetrated the steak too much. I asked for medium rare and did get an exact medium rare which was great. My date ordered the shrimp and grits which she was raving about. For dessert we ordered the gelato which was very good. I ordered the beer sampler - 4 different beers in 5oz glasses. Very good. All in all, the restaurant was good. I liked the atmosphere but it was quite pricey considering the food we got was better than average. Could of been a little bit better - esp for the price. Nothing made me want to come back next time I am in Savannah.
(3)
Greg H.
Food A+, Service C- The food here was amazing. Everything we had was delicious. However the service was poor, especially for the prices charged. Waited much to long in between courses. Server hardly came by the table to check on things and our entree wine arrived after we had finished our entrees! Shame, because the food was fantastic. 4 or 5 stars had the service been better.
(3)
Blair C.
Pretty good food, excellent atmosphere. We weren't that hungry so we ordered appetizers and salads. I had the alligator crabcakes, sort of a novelty for me. The crabcakes were seasoned well. Alligator meat tastes different and I am glad I tried it at a place with a name like Alligator Soul. We also ordered Oyster Rockefeller (not sure I am getting the name right). My Dad really didn't like it that much. I thought it was decent but heavy. Since I had the alligator crabcakes, too, it was a little too much oil for me. Then came our salads which were disappointing. The dried sour cherries were a nice addition but the candied walnuts were just raw walnuts and the balsamic tasted pretty over the counter. Our waitress was great. She had fresh drinks on the table whenever they were required and the food came out fast.
(3)
Kristina W.
I'm honestly not sure why people like this place so much. It was ok. The chicken dish was the best but the sides that came with it were gross. Way too sweet. Also, I'm done with green tomatoes. I was curious but I don't get them. They have no flavor. The gumbo was fine but not better than any gumbo I had in New Orleans. The wine options were not very good. The service was pleasant.
(3)
Ken L.
The food was okay. I had the Pork Chop and while it was good, I thought it was a little pricey. Atmosphere: You walk down a staircase, as if you're going into basement. And, the restaurant was a little dark and dingy. At the outset, the waiter did set the expectation level very high. He said it was the best restaurant in Savannah. The next evening I ate at Garabaldi's and would highly recommend the Crispy Flounder -- Incredible.
(3)
elissa g.
Expensive food, poor service, rude owner. Went to this restaurant last night with a group of people for a work dinner meeting. There were around 15 of us. They had put up a flimsy curtain between us and the rest of the diners. When the speaker was speaking, we couldn't hear him because of the noise and the music ( which was eventually turned off). Two hours after the dinner started, many of the diners still had not received their entrees. I got mine to go as did most of the other guests as we were angry and hungry. I decided to express my opinion to the waiters and then the manager who, I later learned, was the owner's daughter. They made excuses that the restaurant was busy and that they weren't supposed to serve while the speaker was speaking. The first excuse was not our problem the second was untrue. No one apologized or offered any compensation. When I arrived home with my meal, the $40 steak, which was ordered medium rare was bloody and raw. The next day, I called the owner as I thought she might want to know. She again offered endless excuses and no apology at all. After a long conversation, she finally said that she was upset that I had already left feedback on a restaurant website. She started yelling on the phone and hung up on me. Amazing. I am a local and will never go to this restaurant again.
(1)
Sarah F.
The food and service at Alligator Soul were exceptional, and the atmosphere was surprisingly good, considering they are subterranean. We walked in without reservations and they did back flips to accommodate us. They actually set up a little dining area for appetizers at a couch and coffee table in the lounge where we had local shrimp with lemon butter grits, cajun sauce, andouille sausage and cheddar cheese. It was outrageously good! I had an Adelsheim Pinot Gris which was excellent and my husband was happy with his beer selection. When our table came up, we had the same waitress who served us in the lounge. They are really on it, and she knew the menu by heart - as I said, the service was outstanding. My husband had the pork chops in a blackberry reduction sauce and I had lamb shanks with roasted tomato, feta, polenta, can't remember all the ingredients, but the meat just fell off the bone and it was so flavorful! My only regret is that there was way too much food to finish, and dessert was out of the question. Next time we might go for a different ordering strategy so we can try more smaller dishes. I certainly plan for there to BE a next time!
(5)
Jenny G.
We were visitting family in GA last year & while looking for some southern food, we came across this restaurant. we went out looking for it & after a view times of going around & around & asking a few locals we found it, under ground with a small sign that its a bit hard to read while you drive in down town. As we walked in we realized we were in a "high class' restaurant. very low light but still bright enough to read the menu without problems. Low playing soothing music. They started us out with some bread, super delicious! we kept asking for more & more (they would only bring one slice per person...come on now!) As appetizers we ordered some fried Alligator ofcurse, which was amazing! tender & great flavor, it felt as if i was just eating some chicken tenders or something. We also got some oysters, I cant remember the name but i know they were oysters & they were FANTASTIC the best oysters I'v ever had in my life & i cant wait to go back & have some more! As expected they were very pricey but omg soooo delicious!!! For our main entree I got a sirloin steak which literally just melted in your mouth. As a side i got mashed potatoes, red mashed potatoes which were also pretty good...Everyone else got different plates but i cant remember what they had because mine was so delicious that i just wanted to enjoy every bite of it...I did share my little piece of heaven with everyone on the table & they all agreed that my plate was the best of them all, & i could'nt agree more! :-) As far as the price goes, it was expensive but after seeing all that we ordered, the quality of the food, the service, the knowledge of the waiter it was SUPER cheap! I had a few glasses of white wine Chardonnay, an order of oysters, fried alligator, 5 adult meals & i cannot recall if we ordered dessert but i want to say we didnt all for around $200 plus tip! i think it was a great deal....& i must say i've never been to a restaurant where the waiters are so knowledgable, it's as if he went to a school just to explain all the dishes and how they are made and what they consist of...very impressed I must say! but i cant wait to visit GA again do we can go have some more of those awesome oysters!!!
(5)
Steven N.
We were in town for a wedding from Chicago and decided to ask around for a recommendation for our first meal. Alligator Soul came up repetitively so we figured that was a good sign. Everyone was correct, it was very good. The service was friendly, not stuffy but attentive and welcoming. The Shrimp and Grits appetizer was so delicious! From start to finish it was a very delicious meal and I'd highly recommend.
(5)
Richard B.
Took a chance on it and was very satisfied. Saw it just walking by and even tho lower level eateries can be less than desirable at times, this proved it really didn't matter. If you're going out to eat for the view, sit in the park. But if you love good food, then you'll miss nothing by eating here. Went with my college-age son and wife and we loved all the dishes we had. Very pleasant people and a nice vibe. Quality!
(4)
Skip H.
Well this was highly recommended. We had the chefs specials for the appetizer crawfish cake that was mostly filler, fried green tomatoes were pretty good but the most disappointing part was the chipino as a main course. I would say an app. Portion. What little seafood there was, was over cooked and tough as nails. We let our waitress know and she said " the chef will get to the bottom of it!" I hope he finds more seafood there! All in all beautiful atmosphere but not worth the value. We have had much better.
(3)
Heather S.
What a little romantic spot with all the touches of personal service. The bread basket was great, and everything we had was great! We had their specialty salad, omg and then our meals were terrific.
(4)
Byron K.
Great steak that was smoked at low temp and the scallops spectacular. Fried green tomatoes delicious. The salad was creative. Brought free drink for wife birthday and treated her so well. Gator soul made our wknd!!!
(5)
jackie t.
Great food. Ask for Matt. He was a wonderful wait staff. Food was fantastic..Very high class
(5)
Terry E.
I took a chance with this place, but it was recommended by two people, and hoping we would have a great meal in Savannah. I loved the food, I ordered the lamb, which is good, but a little on the fatty side. The fried green tomaoes were the best I've tried. The wine served were good. The rib-eye was ordered by my sister, and I tried a small piece and it was great, cooked to perfection. And oh the dessert, banana beignet, that's the killer...it was so good and Mitch our server added a little drama/show before serving it...you should try it, and their coffee was good. The place is very cozy and a little upscale, and we kinda felt out of place, because we didn't really dressed up, with Savannah's weather, hot the whole day and rains in the evening, who would want to dress up. We came in with our kids and other young people and they all enjoyed the food and the place, and the manager, she' so nice and very accomodating. Great service. Don't miss this place if you're in Savannah...
(4)
jessica s.
Best food we had in Savannah - I went this past May and I am still dreaming of their fillet. Great atmosphere, and decently priced - $36 for a steak, starch AND a vegetable is a great deal. Service was on par. As the only wine drinker in my party, I would have liked to see more offerings by the glass, but what I had was good. Reservations are a must here.
(5)
Jean T.
Traveling alone, so sat at bar. Great service and good food
(5)
George B.
Good atmosphere, good food, good service. I will definitely go back to Alligator Soul.
(4)
RC H.
Food was fantastic. The presentation was very nice, and came to the table piping hot -- always a plus. Service was decent and prompt but not over the top. The menu was well balanced with very nice appetizers and entrees. I and friends tried the special for the evening, a grouper fish, and it was very nicely presented and cooked properly. For an appetizer we tried the salad, and soup special -- both were perfect. Definitely recommend this restaurant as a repeat visit.
(4)
Lisa H.
Ambiance was nice, service was rushed, perhaps pushing us out for the 7 p.m. seatings? Watch out for the unpublished $10.00 split plate fee on top of an already expensive dinner. Not worthy of a revisit, too many other good restaurants in town.
(3)
Mason W.
Outstanding food, atmosphere & service. Make a reservation and try this for dinner. Flavors are uniquely layered in each bite.
(5)
Mike M.
This was without a doubt the best dining experience we had in Savannah. Everything from the service to the food to the atmosphere helped make it a wonderful evening. This is the kind of restaurant I would tell friends they HAVE to go to if they are ever in the area!
(5)
Rebecca L.
Forget Lady & Sons, Elizabeth on 37th, and Pink House: Alligator Soul is Savannah's ultimate hidden foodie gem. Gracious and accommodating, the Craigs know how to get a soulful taste of Southern cooking on every plate for every course. It's our go-to destination when we want to treat visitors out to a local meal, and we've never experienced an off night yet. Helpful hint: owner Maureen Craig is a vegetarian, and the kitchen is always happy to whip up something tasty for the Veggie in your party.
(5)
Jason W.
No gumbo :( And we we're set on getting some gumbo. However, their menu changes, which isn't necessarily something to frown upon. I got a mammoth steak and potatoes and it was sooooo goood. Not exactly the southern food we walked into the place for, but it was redeeming. Service here is excellent. The atmosphere is nice, if maybe a little dark. I'd have given them 5 stars if they let me eat from the leather sofas in front of the fireplace. You're definitely going to spend some change here, it's upscale even though it's downstairs. Very good if you have the money to spend on a fine dinner. If I ever go back I'm asking if they have gumbo first. GUMBO!$!@!!!
(4)
William L.
Love the building and interior located below street level- really different. Dined here summer of 2011 and was really pleased - not so much this time. Ordered the rabbit - it was dry with little flavor. For desert the chocolate mousse cake was bitter - not sweet.
(3)
April D.
We were headed to Savannah for vacation and, after reading reviews and checking out menus, I made reservations at Alligator Soul for dinner. We were very impressed with the service we received. Everyone was attentive and friendly. We were celebrating my husband's birthday and I mentioned this when they called to confirm our reservations. When we arrived, everyone wished him happy birthday and there was a box on our table with a pastry inside. For appetizers we ordered the fried oysters and crab tart. The tart was very spicy, which actually took away from the taste of the food, and the oysters weren't anything to write home about. For our main course I ordered the fish of the day - a blackened Grouper - and the hubby ordered the duck/turtle/gator jambalaya. We both like spicy foods, but this was a touch overboard. It was so spicy we couldn't really enjoy it. In fact, neither of us finished our food because it was too hot. If you do go here, I highly recommend the sangria. It is fantastic and was the only thing that put out the ire in my mouth. We went to The Pink House the night before and the food was far superior and the service was also good, although not quite as good as Alligator Soul's service.
(3)
Kelly S.
Alligator Soul was by far the best meal I've had in Savannah. My mom and I were looking for a place that was open on Monday and at which we wouldn't need a reservation, so we stopped by Alligator Soul. Oh my god, I am so glad we did. We started with an amuse bouche. It was a charcuterie bite and so so good. Salty, fatty, delicious. Then we had the shrimp and grits. Get this. It was amazing. For the entree, we split the eight ounce filet. Again, it was wonderful, cooked absolutely perfectly. For dessert, we had the banana beignet. I recommend them. An excellent close to an excellent meal. The service was great and the so was the food. I honestly wish I could give it a sixth star.
(5)
Garrett T.
My wife and I went here for our one year wedding anniversary. One of their newest employees at the time and was a good friend and referred us there saying that he was sure it was the right place for such an event. In short, the food was absolutely amazing, some of the best I've had here in savannah. It was a very classy atmosphere as well, and very relaxed. Towards the end of our dinner a waiter came to our table, and poured vodka on the table cloth and lit it for a bit of a show. Made the experience even better. I'd refer anyone looking for a great romantic time with amazing food to this restaurant!
(4)
Stella M.
I only go here for drinks, as the food menu is rather pricey, but the drinks alone are phenomenal. Go here around 5:30 - 6 when they are just opening and the bar will be yours. The servers are lovely and the menu consists of their own infused liquors. This is a definite cocktail spot to check out if you are in town.
(5)
Isy W.
ssuperb service. Outstanding food. And the restaurant has great character. Just a terrific experience. The owner/manager spent a lot of time making sure that we were satisfied. Thank you!!
(5)
Mike S.
Great upscale touch to low-country southern cooking. Everything was delicious and service was great too. Liked micro-brews on tap also. Highly recommend Aligator Soul.
(5)
Nicole F.
This restaurant was recommended to us by some folks at the Planters Inn who raved that it was the best restaurant around so we figured we'd give it a try. The restaurant itself is cute and our waiter was really friendly & helpful. We started with the fried green tomatoes which were really good. For my entree I chose the pork chop. It was pretty good but just a little dry. My mom had a braised shortrib or something like that and it was delicious. It was so tender and I remember wishing I had ordered that instead. Overall, I liked the restaurant but I don't believe that it is the best restaurant in Savannah.
(4)
Lisa F.
so I gave them a high rating becuase the other people in my party thought it was the best meal they ever had. Be prepared to wait and wait and then wait some more. the portions are huge and the gumbo is fantastic with just enough spice and they don't skimp on the shrimp. It took maybe about 3 hours before our food was ready and mine was wrong but I ate it because I was starving and didnt want to have to wait again.The steak special was to say the least the biggest steak I ever saw. Again they messed up my meal so I wasn't impressed with what I got. Out of a party of 7 , 4 said it was the best meal they had ever had. But be prepared to wait and the noise level is high. but they do have alot of space and don't cram you in like many of the other restuaruants in Savannah . I would try them again because some of the food was really good.
(4)
Jeff L.
This is one of the best restaurants in which I have ever dined! I had the Chef's Adventure with wine pairing. It truly was an adventure for the palate. Oysters three-way, shrimp on fried green tomatoes, lamb, pork and beef dishes--- everything was unique and delicious! I can't wait to go back to Savannah just to eat at this restaurant.
(5)
Amy Z.
I really like this place. The pork chop was to die for, especially the brandy braised peach that comes with. I think they do a great job at upscale southern food. If I had the choice, I would probably choose South City Kitchen in Atlanta over Alligator Soul, but it's still really delish. The lamb chops are also great and they have a seasonal vegetarian option, which usually includes tofu. Most everything else has some sort of meat in it and probably 75% of the dishes have some sort of use of bacon. So veggies beware!
(4)
Michelle L.
Husband and I ate here for our anniversary, wait staff was excellent. I enjoyed my dish, pork tenderloin and grits. I think my husband would have married his steak, if he could have- a cold-smoked rib eye, AMAZING! I took a bite and was jealous, grilled to perfection, and the lingering smoky taste very memorable!
(4)
Ed W.
I was a little thrown by the name and the fact that I saw an ad on my tourist map - was this place a tourist trap? - but I decided to trust yelp. All told, we were pleased with the dinner. The atmosphere is somewhat of a subterranean cavern. The wine list is somewhat limited, but that is fine by us, and prices were quite reasonable. The cheese plate was a highlight, and probably the reason I am rounding this up to four stars - the somewhat boring-sounding 'morbier', 'edam', etc. were actually all locally sourced raw-milk artisanal chesses, served with local fruits, honey, and walnuts. Very nice. That was all the appetizer four of us needed, as the mains ($28 range) were huge portions. I quite enjoyed the applewood bacon-wrapped Berkshire pork chop served with potato gratin and fresh vegetables. Reviews on the seafood dishes (daily catch of golden tilefish, and divers scallops) were more mixed from our group, but all told a solid meal.
(4)
Casey S.
Alligator soul is hard to find because it is located in the basement of a building. But once you get to the basement you will just love the ambiance. I really enjoyed the wine selection and it was fun to do the special tasting of three wines. I ended up enjoying the wine that the waiter recommended the most. My wife got a salad for an appetizer with grits croutons that was one of the best salads I've ever had. I got the oysters Bienville, which although it was heaped with tons of toppings, ended up being a bit bland, or nothing in particular stood out. I ordered the lamb chops. The lamb chops were excellent but I was very disappointed with the side dishes, which often make a good meal great. So I would say my dish was just good. My wife got the scallop dish, which I only had a few bites of but it was tasty. I wish that I would have stuck to the more traditional southern dishes, which seemed to the be their specialties. For desert, we had the banana beignet. Which was tempura fried bananas and fried banana flavored ice cream. This was an absolute divine desert. Overall I would say that this is a good but not great restaurant but I feel like my experience would have been better if I would have gotten some of the more traditional southern dishes.
(3)
Beach B.
The fried green tomatoes were good. They were prepared with peppers (not my favorite vegetable) and I thought the slices were too thick. I had a special of tenderloin tips (outstanding) and shrimp (very good). My husband had a grouper special which was also outstanding. The only negative was the service. We ordered cocktails and a bottle of water. The cocktails and water arrived 30 minutes later. The server, never apologized for the delay.
(4)
Sasha Z.
Went here yesterday for their new lunch. I had called the nite before to find out what time they open, and the guy said 11am, but when we got there, the sign said "11:30-2:30". We went and peeked in at the door and the owner came and was super gracious about letting us in and seating us. Our waitress came right over and took our drink orders and we felt very welcomed (usually, when showing up to a rest. before hours there's alot of delay and huffy attitude). Anyway, the ambiance was really beautiful, lots of exposed brick and lovely paintings. I ordered the steak salad, and my friend ordered the smoked chicken salad. We were served warm chedder-grilled corn-jalepeno corn bread which was quite good. Then the salads came out and the first thing that came to mind was "is that IT??" They were microscopic! Tasty, yes, but truly appetizer portions. My friend was also disappointed that her salad was chicken-salad, with mayonnaise etc. as opposed to fresh smoked chicken pieces. But really, the sizes are way too small for the prices. Unfortunately, not even the complimentary freshly baked almond biscotti could compensate for our still empty tummies. Oh well...
(3)
Des D.
We tried three dishes. The fried green tomatoes' breading was too heavy, but the fried basil leaf and the sauteed tomato with it were good. The fresh bread was good. The shrimp and grits were too salty. The Indian-spiced snapper was good. The prices were high for the food quality. The atmosphere was good.
(2)
Jeremy S.
I found this restaurant through yelp. I wanted to surprise my wife with a dinner at a local place we had never been to before. I scrolled through the many reviews on a lot of restaurants. Alligator Soul was the one that stuck out the most, and the reveiws were great. Knowing how well this restaurant was reveiwed it was no surprise to me that it was very tasty. The service was excellent, the fried green tomatos were to die for & the filet was tender and melted in your mouth. My wife ordered the chicken platter and I tasted it, it was also very good. The prices are high, but to be expected with the quality of the food. Expect to pay a lot, but expect to be very satisfied.
(4)
Lee L.
Awesome. Used Yelp to find Alligator Soul on a visit to Savannah and it was great. Distinctive, tasty dishes. Customer service excellent.
(5)
Vanessa R.
I tried Alligator Soul for the first time a few weeks ago with a friend. We selected this restaurant for our pre matinee meal after hearing they were now open for lunch. Upon entering the restaurant, which is below ground, I was instantly hit with feelings of claustrophobia, even though the space is far from small. So I high tailed it to a table closest to the "window". Then came the overwhelming scent of cleaning products. Not exactly appetizing. Nevertheless, I soldiered on. When my friend and I ordered sweet tea (me), half and half (her), we were informed that that they don't sweeten their tea. We were then shown the packets of sugar on the table and told we could sweeten the tea ourselves. A restaurant that serves southern food, yet they don't offer sweet tea? Moving right along. We looked over the menu, asked about the specials and made our selections. Then we noticed an oyster po boy sandwich that was not listed on the menu but in a little informational card at our table. I guess the waitress was too distracted by the ONE other table of patrons, to remember to mention it to us. I promptly switched my order to the oyster po boy sandwich with sweet potato fries. My dining companion ordered the chicken salad. Before our meals arrived we were provided with lavender cornbread. Interesting flavor combination. Our meals were of a decent size and we both enjoyed what we had ordered. The meal ended with complimentary cookies. Soon as we were through we busted out of that basement into the sunshine.
(3)
Marc C.
Had the chance to eat here recently and had been hearing great things. Neat atmosphere and absolutely delicious food. Huge portions. Loved the appetizers - oysters ala Soul - gotta get. Our main courses were - Grouper (giant piece) with side of shrimp/grits with friend okra in it; Pork shoulder that melted in your mouth (locally raised by friends at Savannah River Farms); and Hilbo steaks that overflowed from the plates and were as tender as you can get. Others in the party got Elk (my second choice) which they said was phenomenal, and Rabbit Jambalaya. Oh yeah - now that you are stuffed just reading this - save room for dessert. We got a chocolate torte, and my personal favorite the banana beignets with ice cream. Service was excellent. Another must eat in Savannah.
(5)
Mallory D.
We came here for dinner last Friday, once we arrived we got seated right away. Our waiter (I forgot his name) was very knowledgable about the menu. The food was delicious and cooked to perfection. I would eat here again next time I'm in town.
(5)
Diane G.
My husband and I spent two nights in Savannah--ate at The Pink House on Sunday evening and Alligator Soul last night. When I made the reservation, they asked if it was a special occasion. I told them we were celebrating our 48th anniversary. When we entered the restaurant and identified ourselves, everyone at the booth wished us a Happy Anniversary. Our table had a small gift box with small pecan tarts as a special gift--it was very much appreciated! We split the Beef Tenderloin wrapped in bacon--it was wonderful! We both felt the ambiance at Alligator Soul was way better than The Pink House.
(5)
Brien W.
Dined here over the memorial day weekend with friends. Came in without reservations and dined at the bar. Loved the food, location and staff. Bartenders took care of us, especially ? Kendra from Kansas City.
(5)
Paul G.
Ok If you are driving on route 95 and you see signs for Savannah, jerk your steering wheel to the appropriate direction and head for Alligator Soul on Barnard St in downtown Savannah. I have eaten at every recommended restaurant in Savannah and this one is in a class by itself. Thanks Bari and Dan from Blufton SC for this hot tip. I had the "caught today" Red Snapper. Rebecca was our server and made this stop better yet. Knowledgeable about the food and wine was on target. Don't come to Savannah without this stop on your schedule.
(5)
Caleb M.
I want you to know that the shrimp and grits were the best I have ever had. Period. The chef that night did a special with seared ostrich steak on risotto and a fried quail egg. It was delectable (though I found ostrich meat to be a tad bit more sinewy than I expected) For dessert we had the lavender honey creme brulee. Food is at it's best when it surprises you, and I was astounded. I will say that the ostrich's texture was ultimately distracting, however the concept behind the dish made up for it. I love the setting, a downstairs, out-of-the-way, hole-in-the-wall upscale restaurant it a wonderful notion. It made it feel like a secret that I was invited to. The staff was beyond warm and friendly. It was a while ago and I can't remember my waiter's name but he went above and beyond. The bartender let me talk shop and let me try some interesting ideas. If I needed an improvement, anywhere, I'd say that I was surprised that music was coming from a small portable music player behind the bar. Music is so important to ambience. I appreciated the classic rock, thoroughly. I was surprised that music wasn't designed into part of the ambience, or if it was I missed out on it. Alligator Soul is a hip, modern alternative to the old Savannah Standards, for tourists and locals alike. 1 part cheers, 1 part hip bar, this alligator please all senses--mind body and soul.
(5)
Raven R.
Easy to find location. Very friendly staff. Beautiful inside. Classy place, soI recommend dressing up a bit. Also make your reservation 1-2 days in advance. Menu is also seasonal. They change to the winter menu a week before Christmas. They have an interesting cocktail menu. I stuck to a glass of Riesling, while my guy had some smoked gin mixed drink which he thought was okay. My boyfriend had the exotic meat dish the night we came which was wild boar. He enjoyed it very much. I had the vegetarian dish, which was delicious. It means a lot to vegetarians when a restaurant makes sure they have food for you and not just a few frozen vegetables steamed and thrown on a plate. Thank you for a lovely experience!
(4)
Jeanetta B.
Excellent food. Great drinks. Had the Mahi Mahi. I believe it was a special. Our waitress was fantastic and it was one of the highlights of our trip.
(5)
Ken A.
Alligator Soul has my heart! I have been in the restaurant business(distribution) for 20+ years and I must say this group was flawless in their execution of every part of my wife and I's dining experience. Quite frankly, it was honestly the best I've had and I've eaten at some of the most famous restaurants in the U.S. The staff was genuine to our exit of the restaurant when several of them waited at the door and bid us farewell. The flavors, the portions, the timing, the ambiance, all were performed without issue. I am not being paid, or a relative....you simply must go to experience this. First timer- life timer! Thank you for an incredible evening!
(5)
D'steffano A.
So far the gin gin mule is goin on. The carve is the best. Yall nizzles needs to try this.. The mussels are the thing to start wit The desert with ice cream n banana ... Is the way to finish it of. Yall gon git the itis foe show...
(4)
Olinka W.
We made a last minute decision to drive up to Savannah from Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. Understandably, since we did not call to book for our Saturday (10/18/14) night reservation until that prior Wednesday, the only available reservation time was 9:15pm. That worked for us though since we were going to be walking around all day and knew we wanted to decompress before dinner. Upon booking, I wrote (scheduled on Open Table) that it was our second anniversary and again told the gentleman when he called to confirm that it was a special evening for us. Upon our arrival, we noticed the restaurant was fairly empty, though we were seated next to a table of about 12+ 30-somthing gentleman who were obviously enjoying their time together as it was a little noisy to say the least. I had wanted to eat here since reading the menu a couple of years back so I was excited for our impending culinary endeavor. Our waitress was new to the restaurant though knowledgeable and very nice. We brought our own special bottle of champagne from Hungary (corking fee $20) for this dinner (we were engaged there and had just visited again in September) so can not comment on the craft of the drink nor the extent of the lists. Upon review of the menu with our waitress, my husband and I were slightly disappointed that they did not have anything on their 'Exotic Specialty' menu other than 'Wild Hen Cordon Bleu.' In my opinion, that is not quite an exotic specialty. However, we decided to first try two appetizers; the Charcuterie Plate and the Awarding Winning Artisan Cheeses Plate. The bone marrow on the Charcuterie Plate was slightly overcooked, rendering most of the marrow too hard to indulge in, but other than that, all was pretty delicious. I especially liked how each one of the cheeses were locally produced. My husband really liked the pickled veggies on the 'meat' plate. For our main courses, we went with the Duck Succotash Cassoulet for him and the Roasted Leg of Lamb for me. Having just gorged ourselves across Eastern Europe for three weeks in September where duck, perogies and red cabbage are menu regulars, the duck dish was just OK. The sweet potato puree was tasty. The lamb dish was better. The only negatives for me was I felt as though the 'Duck Fat Yorkshire Pudding' was "older" (was not crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside as it should be) and the brussels sprouts were a little undercooked. The herb and peppercorn crust on the lamb however was the best part of the dish - the meat very tasty. With our reservation being so late, by the time we were finishing up our entrees, the wait staff was breaking down the tables around us so we opted for a check instead of dessert (our full stomachs thanked us for that as well.) I was a little disappointed that not once was it acknowledged that it was our second wedding anniversary. Some restaurants tend to forget that a simple congratulatory amuse bouche or dessert can go a long way - especially when you are walking out of there with almost $200 less than what you had walked in with. I would go here again though next time maybe with a larger group of people for a more casual dinner.
(3)
Jim P.
Ribeye best ever. Amazing smokey flavor. Best ever. Certainly not cheap, prepare to invest more than a few bucks in a good dinner. The duck fat fries are amazing.
(5)
Mark C.
We had a great experience at Alligator Soul. We didn't have reservations, so we decided to sit at the bar where they have full food service. The bartenders were extremely friendly and knowledgable about the menu. They made some excellent Old Fashions. We started with the carving board which included duck bacon, lamb sausage, and variety of cheeses. We then had the baked oyster appetizer which was delicious. We shared the 18oz Ribeye with Hillbo sauce. It was out of this world. The steak was cooked to perfection and the sauce was amazing.
(5)
Steve V.
I went here last night on a celebratory dinner. We were seated even though the kitchen was getting ready to close, so that was much appreciated. Our server, Rebecca, took care of us throughout the night and did a fabulous job. Timing on everything was perfect. We both ordered the cider cocktail (house favorite). It was super tasty but not as strong as advertised. The baked oysters were super delicious and the habenaro sauce they tease you with is exactly the amount you need. Anything more would drown out the bacon, oysters, lemon, cheese, and all the other goodness baked in there. Superb. We were served freshly baked warm bread with an amazing butter spread. We ordered Kangaroo and Shrimp Creole dinners. Presentation was excellent as was the flavor. The hint of black truffle over the Kangaroo was outstanding. Truffle is an easy thing to overdo but this chef is right on the money. The Shrimp Creole had a hint of smoke to it, which brought back memories of low boils and NawLeans in the French Quarter. Excellent. We were full by desert and the place was closing down so we declined desert, though the menu looked awesome! I like this place. I haven't been, maybe people are scared of paying an extra 5 dollars per item. Hey, you get what you pay for. This is an excellent place to go if you like trying new inventive dishes. They get as much of their foods and products from local farms. Shrimp is out of Charleston, SC. Fish is caught the day of. Kangaroo is locally raised in GA. Even their cocktail list is made from organic and local produce and liquors. The atmosphere and vibe are relaxing. This place was made by people who care. Everything down to the menus are given thought, which means a lot. 5/5. I'll be back when the family comes down to visit.
(5)
Liane V.
First- The staff and service -excellent. The taste of the mere morsels- good. We went during restaurant week to try it out $30.00 appetizer, entree, and dessert. We always order a nice bottle of wine to share. The waiter to his credit told us that it was a " sampling" and not a full entree. It sure was just a sampling!! Never would have gone there if we knew that we would leave hungry. We had been to Vic's, 700 Drayton, the old pink house and belfords this week all with exceptional full meals. At alligator soul the Appetizer was one (1) small goat cheese medallion the size of a silver dollar. The entree one lamb kabob ( dry , charred and over cooked) the dessert they just really should not have even served it- they embarrassed themselves. A small, thin , very flat piece of angel food cake LESS than the size and thickness of a mayonnaise lid covered with a thin layer of sauce. I had the smallest , thinnest piece of key lime cheesecake that I have ever seen- It was a one biter for sure. I'm surprised they were able to cut it that small really. It made us feel strange . We will definitely frequent the other restaurants we ate out at this week, but not to alligator soul. We travel and dine out frequently
(3)
Natalie G.
A definite must eat at restaurant while in Savannah. Must make reservations. It gets filled up! If not, you can come in sit in their lounge area and wait for a seat at the bar. Great service. Bartenders were very friendly and hospitable. They explained everything they brought out. I would recommend getting the little Hilbo (if you like steak) be prepared to take half of it home or share this plate. Really big portion. Very delicious! Agave flight and gentlemen flight is a must do! Very satisfying experience!
(5)
Jamie D.
I live across the street from Alligator Soul. Have eaten here 3 times now. 1 to go, and the others inside. Bottom line upfront; nice restaurant that is hit and miss on items. Will likely not go again. Bill is typically $200 for drinks, appetizer, dinner, dessert, and tip for two people. For that price, I expect a more predictable and higher quality level of service and food. First the good; nice atmosphere with a professional staff (for the most part, both visits the bartenders were great). For food, try the cheese board when available, beef tenderloin, and creme brulee. All great choices. The signature cocktails are what drinks should be. Food presentation is superb. Also, a great wine list. All in all, a great ambience that is tastefully decorated and perfect for a date night. Reasons for 3 stars: Your phone will more than likely not work here. Hit and miss with desserts; the bananas desert was simply put, not delicious. The shortcake was stale and we didn't finish the dish (staff didn't notice or didnt care it was 3/4 still full). The appetizers outside of the cheese board did not sound appealing. Reservations. Living next door we stopped in the last time without any. Volunteered to wait at the bar; they said no table would be available. I said we'd wait and if someone cancelled please let us know. For an hour we saw no more than five tables open and no fewer than three. I don't expect to eat at at a table with no reservations, however, I don't like to look at 5 empty tables and not be acknowledged again. Ordered a Little Hilbo steak to eat the last time. The food was delivered over cooked. The bartender quickly noticed when I cut into it and promptly addressed it. When a new steak arrived 10 minutes later, it was completely undercooked. The bartender noticed but not wanting to not eat for an additional 10 minutes I said to just leave it.
(3)
Cecille R.
Had my birthday dinner here recently! We made a reservation and ended up arriving much earlier than our time and they were able to accommodate us. The entrance is really cool. You walk down stairs leading to the restaurant which is dimly lit. The vibe is very dressy casual but since it's Savannah in the summertime most of the men were dressed in shorts with dressier shirts. Service was very spot on from the moment we sat down until we left. Our server was very prompt and thorough with her explanation of dishes on the menu as well as making recommendations. They brought us out 2 complimentary amuse bouche which was nice. My husband ordered from the Restaurant Week menu and enjoyed his meal although I am pretty sure the portions offered for that deal were not representative of full sized. I ended up going with the regular menu. The fried green tomatoes with the pickled veggies on top was phenomenal. I ate every single bite. My husband and I both enjoyed the complementary coffee espresso corn muffins. My only gripe is that we were not offered more! ;) I had the scallop entree and it was very good. And perfectly cooked. I was rather full after diving into the tomatoes so thankfully my husband helped finish the dish. I would definitely come back again on my next visit. It is pricey but worth your hard earned bucks and the cool thing is that I was referred to this place by a fellow Yelper! :)
(5)
Sally M.
We ate at Alligator Soul on a recent vacation in Savannah, GA. It may be a bit pretentious but the food was great. My husband had the pheasant which was a LOT of meat and I had the lamb chops. We were a little disappointed that the music was advertised as blues but we didn't find it to be that the night we were there. Otherwise, it's a nice restaurant for a special occasion.
(3)
Ben J.
Every patron is treated as if they own the place. Our waiter was beyond knowledgeable about every dish. He was extremely attentive and always around, but not smothering. The food....Christ. Absolutely delicious...and my wife and I are hard to impress. The shrimp and grits were spectacular. The filet was perfect. My yelp friends...this is a gem. Worth your hard earned dollars.
(5)
Darrell S.
We went there to take advantage of Savannah Restaurant Week prix fixe option. I had the pork belly appetizer, lamb kabob entree, and angel food cake dessert. My wife had the artichoke and goat cheese fritter, diver scallops, and key lime cheese cake. I know this is a tasting menu but just a taste is what we got. The thing that stood out the most is the lamb kabob is absolutely the toughest piece of meat I have ever encountered anywhere bar none. My wife and I always share when we eat out,which is often, and she could not chew her piece. I suffered through mine just to try to finish and believe me this was a chore. I don't like to base a restaurant's viability on one visit but this kabob will stand out in my memory. The service was great.
(2)
Lea G.
Man this was one of the best dining experiences in a long time. Our waiter Davis was very knowledgeable and he had great recommendations. We started with the alligator sausage and fried green tomatoes. My bison osso bucco was very tender and flavorful. My husband had the rib eye which was also wonderful. We ended with apple & cranberry cobbler ala mode. If your ever in Savannah it is a must try.
(5)
Tod H.
Great decor! Food was fabulous. I wish it was more exotic (aligator would be nice ;) but our dinner was fabulous. We sat at the bar since we had no idea that you would need reservations on a Monday night!! Who knew??? Anyway, the bar was great; sat next to some fun people and had a great time.
(5)
Nichole S.
My group of friends decided to celebrate a birthday on Saturday night and we started the evening off with dinner at Alligator Soul. The restaurant has great decor and is nice for intimate or group gatherings. Our server was fantastic, personable and fun but also very knowledgeable about the menu, I believe her name was Rebecca. We were given an amuse bouche to begin with, which was a peanut and collard green pesto on top of a crack of some sort- it was yummy. Since it was restaurant week, we had the option to select the 3 course tasting menu or order off the regular menu. All in all we had the artichoke and goat cheese fritters which were very tasty, shrimp & grits which were ok, the diver scallops, the frog leg jambalaya which was good but tasted more like a shrimp creole type dish, and then the last item was the bison hangar steak which was ordered medium and came out perfectly cooked and seasoned. The birthday girl was given a torte with her name on it, which we thought was a nice touch. They had a lot of interesting choices, which made it hard for us to choose but I think we made good choices and all around enjoyed our dining experience.
(4)
J O.
It was everything we read it to be. Fantastic fancy dining experience. Make sure you make a reservation or come early early otherwise you'll wait along time. We ate at the bar and the head bartender Mathew was delightful.
(5)
Megan J.
We came in on 2/27. The appetizer was the fried green tomatoes. For a fried dish with a veggie relish ( not sure what to call the overly acid veggies) I don't believe this to be a dish to "develop flavors". The excuse given by the manager was that they were changing the paper on the machine and the order popped up at another cook station and then was placed behind orders that were placed after ours at the app station. Having been a line chef and experienced this myself, it is an acceptable excuse. However the manager said the dish was rushed cooked, which is odd that the dish arrived cold. But the excuse provided was reasonable and forgotten until the two tables besides us with larger parties and were sat after us, ordered after us, and ordered the lamb and steak like us, got their food before us. Even another waiter made the observation that our food was taking a long time. We barely saw our waitress but the manager passed our table several times during our wait. The most upsetting is the standoff response my wife received from the manager when inquiring about our entree which was unchanged when our food was shortly brought to our table with absolutely nothing more than, " here's your food, enjoy". The entrees were perfectly prepared and enjoyable. The cheese cake was astounding with great destinguisable flavors and textures. The chocolate and mousse in the glass was dry and flavorless. Thanks for taking the time to respond. I hope this insight into our evening helps you improve your buisness. Regards, The Husband
(2)
Joel W.
Not what we expected. I ordered the oysters, house salad and bouillabaisse, my wife, the fried green tomatoes and catch of the day which was flounder. Flounder? That's the seafood special? Not too special to us. And served with vegetables that were laced with garlic, she could not eat them. It was also brought served without the double vegetable that she requested. My oysters were delicious but served on a plate with so much salt that whenever some of the topping from the oyster fell onto the plate it was now salt encrusted. Couldn't eat it after that. I think a poor choice in presentation. I thought that my house salad was also too heavy with garlic, it was delicious but overpowered me for the rest of the meal and night. Our service was attentive, professional, however slow. So slow that when our dinners finally came out (1 hour and 45 mins after we sat down), the manager came over to comp them without us even complaining! They knew that our experience was not their best. It is clear that they strive to be the best restaurant in town, and I believe that most patrons had a great experience. They are probably far better than our experience was, but I am not reviewing their meal just ours.
My girlfriend and I spent a weekend in Savannah to celebrate our birthdays. We made reservations here after reading all of the great reviews. From the moment we walked into the Cellar wine atmosphere, we new this was a winner. We had a glass of wine at the bar before dinner, and the servers were so gracious. They brought us wonderful pecan treats in lovely boxes, and wished us both a Happy Birthday. Our waiter was a Matthew McConaughey twin, and his service was impeccable. At the end of our dinner all of the lights went off , scrumptious desserts arrived, and they poured a liquid on our table and lit it on fire. We were once again wished a Happy Birthday! Thank you for the amazing food, service and memories.
(5)
Kurt M.
Excellent food experience. The shrimp and grits are the best hands down. Thomas provided excellent bar service!
(5)
Rachel B.
We had a lovely dinner here. No seats were available so we sat at the bar. Being vegetarians, there were very few options for us but on the menu there is a note indicating the chef will make a vegetarian or vegan dish upon request. We had the fried green tomatoes to start and then shared a risotto with pear and blue cheese. Very accommodating and delicious :-)
(5)
Philip H.
Alligator Soul has it all. Great atmosphere, excellent service, and above all - amazing food. Their menu is unique and changes due to the farm to table approach and the catch of the day from their day boat fishermen. We tried smaller portions of the shrimp and grits, oysters, and diver scallops. The fish of the day was a red snapper. I would order every item again! If you like spice, the sauce for the oysters and their Bloody Mary both contain habanero infused heat - very well done. This is a five-star restaurant that should find a night on your Savannah itinerary.
Went here our first night in Savannah, after reading and hearing how amazing. It was, AMAZING. Not the least bit disappointing. Loved every second, every drink, every app, entree and the service. This place is by far the best restaurant in Savannah. Everything else we have had since on our 4 day trip, we've been comparing to here. Nothing else comes remotely close. Wish we had one at home in Raleigh, NC. Make a reservation bc they run out of them quickly.
(5)
Cat S.
disclaimer: my favorite style of food is Southern Creole and Farm to Table. On a recent trip to Savannah, GA I found this place online and was determined to check it out. The only reservation available was at 9:15pm but we took it. Around 8, we found ourselves near the restaurant and popped in to see if they had bar seating or any cancellations. They looked about 1/2 empty but said "no, we can't seat you". No prob. We walked around the city for a while and came back. The same tables were still empty. All this to say that the hostess was lame but that was the only bad thing here. Service was perfect. Staff was knowledgeable, food was impeccable. Features local produce, exotic specialties, and authentic southern creole cooking. Really great cocktail menu, beer list, and wine list also. Oysters a la Soul (delicious!) Fried Green tomatoes (not the strongest) Soul Creole (perfect!) Duck succotash cassoulet (perfect!) Too full for dessert :( Restaurant is in the basement of a building but is fairly nice (great date spot) but you can dress pretty casually. Go there now! With friends so you can share!
Visiting Savannah for work and decided to take advantage of Restaurant week and visit someplace exciting. Let me break it down this way: The Good: To drink we selected the featured cocktail, a blackberry mint tea made with bourbon. It was a fine cocktail and one of the least expensive at $9. A bread plate was delivered with four corn cakes (a member of the party identified containing smoked cheese, she is a super taster, once she said it I was like "oh yeah, there is a faint smokiness to these"). The honeyed herb butter was a nice compliment to the corn cakes and dense, crusty baguette slices. Participating in Restraurant week, we were able to select an starter, entree and dessert for $30, we were told the portions were smaller than normal. I had the shrimp and grits starter, normally $13, and it was exquisite. I see this on every menu in town so I expected something pretty pedestrian. The sauce was flavorful and the dish had a nice heat to it. The Bad (Used poetically, not really bad, just not as good as the good): Next was the crawfish and gator etoufee. I am a northern boy, I enjoy crawfish but have eaten them only a handful of times in my life, and have experienced etouffee even less. The flavor of the dish was predominantly, 'fishy'. It wasn't unpleasant, but that was the main profile. I enjoyed the dish overall, it had a nice piece of grilled gator which I had forgotten was going to be in there. The portion was small (remember restaurant week) and I was thinking "I'm going to need a slice of pizza after this." I will admit that I am not an etouffee aficionado, so maybe this dish was spot on, I am only reporting as best as my limited experience will allow. One of the party had the venison lollypop, which I had a taste of. OMG, I've eaten venison my whole life and we never had anything like that. It was amazing, red deer from New Zealand prepared with salt and pepper, and grilled. Wow. Her portion was one frenched chop but what a chop! Next we had dessert, bread pudding was very dense, like tough to cut with my fork dense. The peaches, vanilla cream and bourbon glaze were not quite enough to cut the incredible density, but it tasted pretty damn good. After eating this I was no longer thinking of stopping for pizza. The Ugly (truly ugly): The service. Our server was friendly enough, pleasant in fact, but OMG, it was SLOOOOWWWWW. Cocktails and a tap beer took at least 20 minutes to arrive. The bread plate another 15+. Our starter long after the bread plate was gone. The entree another 20+ minutes. The forgot to make my friends' son's meal (which was an amazing bacon wrapped filet with duck fat fries, of which I helped myself to a few) and we were done with our entrees long before his food came. To their credit, the didn't charge for the child's meal, but overall, the pace of dinner was brutally slow. The boy was amazingly patient, my own children would have been destroying the place within the first 20 minutes of sitting there without a drink or bread. Dinner took two hours. With a 5 year old, that is just, unfathomable. A second cocktail arrived just after I had given up hope of ever receiving it. The place was bustling for a Tuesday night, but I wouldn't expect that to catch a high end place off guard. Or perhaps this is typical meal pacing and I am ignorant of fine dining practices. Secondly, the prices here are ridiculous. Maybe middle class folk don't belong in a place like this. I don't usually spend $30+ on an entree and $13 on a starter. Again, I was here for restaurant week so it was nice chance to experience a place I wouldn't normally visit. What I experienced wasn't encouraging, I will leave this place to the upper class who don't mind dropping $100 a meal. I am a simple public servant and will stick to more approachable establishments. I hear there is a nice NY Pizza slice place around here.
(2)
Darlene J.
You cannot go wrong with the food, service, or location. Everything about this place was 5 star. It is pricey and worth every penny of it. A must do if in Savannah!!!
(5)
Holly S.
Maybe wrong place at the wrong time? We didn't really enjoy this place as much as we thought from all the reviews we had read online. We were seated in a room off to the side by ourselves while the other room seemed more hopping but because we were off by ourselves, we didn't get good service. Our waitress had a really awkward vibe too. I don't think she should be in the service industry to be honest. The food was okay but we both agreed we probably wouldn't come back, it just wasn't that great for the price.
(3)
Drew P.
Great place!!! What a wonderful atmosphere. We met the executive chef when we entered. They have the best shrimp and grits in the country. We ate 2 plates, and had a bottle of their house red, which was Alligator Soul labeled. Service was exceptional. We will go back again when we are in the area.
(5)
Ronald C.
Our waiter Rashad was wonderful very informed about the menu and made excellent recommendations. The house oyster Al a soul appetizer was over the top as were the mussels. We shared the special house salad which was delicous with a honey based dressing and fried grit parmesan croutons- very tasty. When they ran out of the special boar our waiter suggested equally delightful alternatives A thoroughly enjoyable experience and very reasonably priced as great restaurants go. Ron from CT April 14,2015
(5)
Nate H.
I had high expectations. The restaurant is inviting but then things fall apart. Our table was not ready when we arrived for our reservation, so we were directed to the bar. Ok, I'll play... We order manhattans. They are made with organic rye bourbon. (What?) Ok, tasty as any other. And $14 each. Then the table was ready. Well played. I cash out at the bar for $30 for two drinks. Ouch. This is Savannah right? Just because I ordered a manhattan doesn't mean I expected to pay Manhattan prices. Moving on... Our table is in a side dining room with a big draft. January in savannah was cold enough. The vents across from our table added a new dimension in chilled. The amuse bouche soup spoon had no flavor. Broth at best. Breads were Italian and... Wait for it... Peanut butter biscuit. Ick. Our server stops by to offer bottled, filtered or "tap" water. Big pet peeve with high end restaurants serving entrees at +$35 is the distinction of offering tap water. Why don't u just offer it as garden hose water. It gives the same connotation. Working in restaurants, I never offer "tap" water. It's insulting. Just say ice water. It's the same water and not offensive. The server wants to take our appetizer order only. I want to relinquish the big menus so we give our complete dinner order so he can take them off our small table. We order a bottle of wine. He comes back with the bottle. Not showing me the label, he opens the bottle and pours a taste to both of us. It's now obvious we have a trainee. I had to ask to see the bottle, hoping it is what we ordered since it is now opened. It's fine and he pours both glasses...I thought he was going to fill them to the top! He was only able to pour two glasses each from the bottle. Wow, where is his trainer?? Food: charcuterie...described to us as fois gras, but it's a terrine actually. The real waiter serving the table next to us explained this dish correctly to his table. The terrine was dry, falling apart each time we tried to cut a piece off. Excited to try alligator, I get the alligator gumbo. We had to wait for fresh silver to be delivered AFTER our entrees arrived. Thus is a rookie mistake in restaurants at half the price. Mise en place folks! The gumbo stock is very sweet...like Ragu sweet. And the fried alligator chunks were so salty I couldn't eat half of them. My other half orders the Hilbo steak. Medium rare comes out medium. Very tough and mealy. Not a good cut. Our server was absent most of the meal, so we set the credit card on the table as we finished the entree. We wondered where he was since we figured we were his only table. Please just stop the bleeding and let us go. You would think that as bad as the dinner was, that I would complain. But I kept expecting it to get better. And it was a creeping experience as the night went on. Prices are way too high for these missteps. The two stars are for the bar...the first and last good experience we had. (Pull the price down a couple bucks on the drinks...you're not there yet).
(2)
Abby D.
Great food and excellent service. The menu changes seasonally and it's always something to look forward to. I highly recommend checking this restaurant out!!
(5)
Phil S.
I was very excited about my return to alligator but was very disappointed. The food quality has suffered after the change in executive chef. Not what it once was by any stretch. Our server Thomas seemed much less attentive after realizing we wouldn't be drinking alcohol or eating several courses. Just not worth the money.
(1)
Nefer P.
We just grabbed drinks but the food smelled great. I tried the mojito with watermelon- I loved it. Hubby ordered an old fashioned which was made with Chicago's Koval. It didn't have the same kick as Maker's but it was still crafted with detail. The service was excellent.
(5)
Zach G.
Four of us had a wonderful experience at Alligator Soul during a business trip/conference in Savannah. It was a Thursday evening and fairly quiet - we were sat immediately. The service was very friendly, and very good. A nice mix of upscale but relaxed. They nailed it in that regard. For an app, we split fried green tomatoes. They were quite good, but nothing amazing. It's hard to either ruin or make outstanding a dish of fried green tomatoes. For dinner, I got the shrimp and grits. So did my colleague. Another got a special of Red Snapper, and the other got oysters since he had already eaten. This was one big issue - the food took FOREVER to come out. I'm talking almost an hour. No joke. No apologies, no updates. Previously great service did run a bit low here. However, water was constantly refilled, and our wine poured. Speaking of wine, they do have a great wine list. But back to the food - when it did come, it was phenomenal. Shrimp and grits were creamy, amazing, and had tons of good shrimp in them. Everyone seemed happy with what they had. Prices are $20-$35 per entree, so it's definitely a nice meal. I would return in a heartbeat. Hopefully the service was a fluke...because like I said, it wasn't even that busy.
(4)
Joanne K.
Great experience. Was visiting Savannah for the 1st time and took my boyfriend there for his birthday. The table had a little treat box with a happy birthday wish for him when we arrived and the waitress was helpful and attentive. The food was delicious and the experience top notch. Will revisit next time we are in town. Worth every penny.
(5)
Stacy O.
Made reservations here on our first night in Savannah despite it not being on many 'best of' lists. The food was fantastic. The shrimp and grits are a must order. This place is absolutely a Best of Savannah. It was located below street level which made it cozy. Our server was young and enthusiastic with a hint of southern charm. It was a full house but not loud. I'd definitely go back.
(4)
Kathy Z.
One of the top places I've ever eaten! They made me feel special and not excluded when they asked if anyone had allergies and I said I have a gluten intolerance. I received a flour free banana bread muffin, appetizer crackers to go with the meat and cheese trays and chocolate cake! Seriously! This is above and beyond any expected. I ordered the sirloin which was cooked to perfection. Tons of flavor!!! Served with duck fat deep fried French fries. Which, by the way, are the crispiest fries I've ever had. Delicious!!!! I HIGHLY recommend you try it once.
(5)
Beth F.
We went to Alligator Soul during our most recent trip to Savannah. We went through a lot of yelp reviews and had only one real criteria- seafood! We went on a Thursday without having reservations. The bar was full so they told us we could wait at the lounge with a few drinks but just after sitting down they gave us a table that opened up on a no call, no show. To start we had the Oysters A La Soul. These are the most amazing oysters I have ever had. I don't often enjoy cooked oysters, but these were great. They still had some brininess and the habanero sauce is exceptional. For dinner I had the shrimp and grits and Tom had the bison. The shrimp and grits were expertly cooked and the serving was large with plenty of shrimp. The bison was a bit smaller portion. The flavors were fantastic and the tamale was delicious. The presentation was beautiful. For dessert we shared the meyer lemon and blueberry zebra cheesecake which was very good and a nice refreshing way to end the meal. I had a 10-year tawny and Tom took our server's suggestion and had the salted caramel chocolate martini. Both were good but the martini was to die for. Speaking of the server, Adam was really good. He was more knowledgeable about some aspects of the menu than others but was overall very courteous, pleasant, and responsive. Great place in Savannah if you want to splurge a little.
(5)
Mark S.
Truly a meal to remember! Upon descending the stairs to this basement restaurant we immediately knew we made the right choice to come here. The place is beautifully decorated while leaving plenty of the buildings charm to be enjoyed. The menu was extremely creative but accessible to all taste palates! We indulged in gator sausage, rabbit sausage, veal bone marrow, DUCK BACON, elk filets and more perfectly cooked meals. Also have to mention our server Sonny who made the overall experience perfect. He knew the menu front to back (including wines) and was extremely personable, I highly recommend asking to be in his section!!
(5)
Jeff R.
Alligator soul is one of my favorite dinner spots ever. Very original feel in the basement of an old building. It started at the bar with a New York Sour. Picture a blend of an Old Fashion with a finish a Pinot Noir. Outstanding Drink. The service was also great. Came for my one year anniversary with my wife and they greeted us at the hosted stand with congratulations and left a personalized dessert box on our table to celebrate. The food was amazing I would suggest the oysters as a side. Keep this at the top of the list in Savannah.
(5)
Ha H.
Great service and very romantic atmosphere. Shrimp and grits was the best! Huge portion for the steak and it was cooked perfectly. They ran out of banana beignets so we had the berry cheesecake which was good but was on the heavy creamy side.
(4)
Nick M.
Front service staff was a bit disorganized and we ended up having drinks at the bar while we waited for things to get prepared. We had arrived a bit early so it wasn't a big thing. When our table was ready, the maitre-d told us our table was ready, so we should close out our bar tab and they would seat us. The bartenders were busy and it took a while to finally grab their attention and a while longer for them to finish up what they were doing and take our payment. I'm not sure if this is a normal thing for this restaurant to keep the bar tab and food tab separate, but most restaurants of this calibre let you roll your bar tab into your meal. It was a hassle to try to nail down a bartender to close a tab when I just wanted to be seated so I could get on with the meal. I would have made sure to pay right when we ordered the drinks (and had the bartenders attention) if I had realized. Once we were seated, things went more smoothly. Our waiter was friendly and very professional. The food was pretty good, but generally what I would call "generic highfalutin" meaning it was good quality food, but without much to differentiate it from any other pricy "generic highfalutin" restaurant. There was nothing wrong with it, but I wasn't really wowed in any way. The food came in large portions. My favorite of the night was the bouillabaisse (nice flavor) and the house-made bread (nice texture) that was brought to the table. The shrimp and grits was also pretty good. For the entree I had the little Hilbo (an absolutely massive steak) and my associate had the buffalo short ribs. Both were reasonably decent. I had made a request to substitute the pommes-frites that came with the little Hilbo with horseradish mashed potatoes which was listed under another steak dish. (the fries sounded too heavy when added to an already fairly robust meal and I love horseradish) I was told the exchange wouldn't be a problem, but what I got wasn't horseradish mashed potatoes, just plain mashed potatoes. It wasn't terribly upsetting to me, but I had been kind of looking forward to the horseradish. I didn't say anything to the waiter because it didn't seem like that big of a thing, but again it kind of put a sour twist on things. We had the peppermint creme-brulee for dessert and it came out overly-hot and perhaps a bit overcooked-the custard seemed to be separating out into oil and curds just a bit. It was in a fairly large ramekin and was only like a centimeter thick and I suspect just bruleeing the sugar on top overcooked it. It was still good enough to eat, but missed the mark for what you would expect for a restaurant like this. I really wanted to like Alligator Soul more than I did. It was kind of a letdown after some of the other amazing food experiences we have had during our trip here. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't super great either. Just okay. Just under 3.5 stars.
(3)
Kara O.
Business trip to Savannah and we decide on this wonderful gem for a nice night out. Service was great and on point especially for a large party. Recommend the oysters holy moly. I don't even like oysters most of the time but these were just down right amazing. House salad has a fried grit crouton that melts in your mouth. The seem to have some amazing specials and on this particular night Kangaroo was available. While I enjoyed it, the table had mixed reviews. I would recommend ordering one for the table for everyone to try rather than making it a main meal. The alligator sausage was also delicious. Wonderful wines, desserts, truly a memorable experience.
(5)
Renato F.
Very special place, the service was possibly the best we ever hade, Rashad treatment and explanation of the cuisine was the best. The cuisine was just that, cuisine great flavors of the locally grown foods. The best.
(5)
Sarah M.
AMAZING! Expensive, but worth it. Waitress was great. Awesome place to go for a romantic evening. Very nice.
(5)
Tyler R.
My wife and I had one of our honeymoon dinners here and we couldn't have been happier. The food, service and ambiance were all fantastic. We tried a charcuterie plate for an app that included various forms of pork, smoked fish and cheese. When I heard "pork belly" I was sold and every bit of the plate was delicious. For entrees we had the beef tenderloin and the bison osso buco. Both were cooked perfectly and had excellent flavor. I would definitely recommend this spot to anyone in the Savannah area, you won't be disappointed.
(5)
Rachel Z.
I was very interested in being adventurist with my palate, and waited 2 days to try it. I was very disappointed with the lack of selection. The shrimp and grits was fair, but my husband couldn't get enough of the rosemary baguette with whipped butter. The chef's selection appetizer was very salty, by the standard of someone who likes salt.
(2)
Ben Y.
Quite possibly the best dining experience I have ever had! The decor is upscale and the food is gourmet, yet the atmosphere is Savannah casual. Basically, you can go there in a suit or come straight off the tour bus in your shorts, polo and flip flops; although I would recommend something in between. The wait staff is extremely knowledgable. They present the menu in an enthusiastic manner and their recommendations are spot on. It's hard to add anything more substantial than what has already been written...so, head over and experience this gem for yourself. Buon Appetite!
(5)
Erika C.
Wow. Impressive service and incredible food. If you love shrimp and grits this is a must. The kangaroo was a tasty choice too. Best meal in Savannah.
(5)
Sarah B.
Ditto the other rave reviews, this place is just divine!!! Service was beyond my wildest dreams, and likewise for the food. Amazing music and decor and ambiance. Can't wait till our next visit!
(5)
Mark Q.
Oh Lord.... Where do I begin? The food was amazing! The service was attentive and professional. We were looking for a true southern cuisine experience, and we found it here. We paired a crisp Russian River Valley pinot grigio with alligator pork sausage, alligator salad, habanero oysters, ocean trout, and suckling pork. It was all amazing, especially the oysters! The trout was simply perfect as well. It was the first time I had alligator, and it was really good! Did I mention we had a baby with us? They didn't miss a beat, they were extremely helpful and even made a special fruit dish for our little guy. Thanks Alligator Soul for treating us so well, and for the amazing food! One of the best meals I've had in a long time, and the best I've had while visiting in Savannah.
(5)
Kevin D.
We visited Alligator Soul during a recent trip to Savannah after several recommendations and the experience did not disappoint. From the moment you walk down the inconspicuously marked stairwell, it's clear that this place has an identity of its own. We loved the ambiance in the renovated cellar space, and the service was outstanding. We always like to try as many items as possible and our server Andrew couldn't have been more accommodating - he seemed to pick up on this and suggested we order partial portions of three of their small plates while only charging us for two. The fried green tomatoes and Oysters de la Soul were fantastic, and the alligator andouille sausage special was amazing (especially combined with the creole habanero hot sauce from the oysters). The "Little Hilbo" rib eye was one of the best steaks I've ever had, but the wild mushroom and phyllo napoleon the chef created for my wife stole the show. Did I mention that our server provided an excellent wine pairing recommendation for each of our entrees and the entire group of appetizers? I would highly recommend Alligator Soul to anyone looking for a special dining experience in Savannah.
(5)
Kristin S.
Overpriced. Wait staff friendly but not on their game. For a special occasion (anniversary) they go out of their way with a gift take home dessert and bottle of wine.
(2)
Karen H.
We dined at Alligator Soul our first night in Savannah, we tried other places the other 4 nights we stayed in Savannah, however hands down Alligator Soul was the best dining of our stay. We started with Artisan Cheeses which had wonderful selections and pairings followed by the main meals of the shrimp and grits and the diver scallops dish; both dishes were wonderfully prepared and amazingly full of flavor. Our waiter was attentive and knowledgeable, he recommended a lovely bottle of wine that paired perfectly with our meal. We highly recommend Alligator Soul and we will definitely return on our next visit to Savannah.
(5)
Abe G.
Great local spot, mix of casual fine dining and southern charm. Cool wine cellar style with open floor concept. Oysters with Habanero sauce are amazing; Gumbo is traditional gravy style with fresh ingredients. Service is fun and well trained. Overall a great local treat.
(4)
Dennis U.
As with a lot of Savannah joints patrons seem to talk more about the booze than the food, well the food ain't too bad either. The shrimp grits and the gator were the memorable points for me. Great ambiance, food service, Id put it up there as one of the many Savannah places worth a visit.
(4)
Christine T.
Interesting twist on southern food! Most dishes were very rich and decadent! The oysters are a must order!
(4)
Matt K.
Fantastic it was very good. The atmosphere was also cool. I was unimpressed with the bathrooms though, the soap dispenser was broken and the bathrooms weren't as high tech as I would like.
(5)
E F.
I had one of the best Margaritas that was made from scratch and someone ordered the sangria and it was very good. We started with the goat cheese and artichoke appetizer and it was so delicious. There were four in our party and we had the bacon wrapped tenderloin, the shrimp and grits, the pork shoulder and the ribeye. Every meal was perfection, hot, tender, juicy and packed with flavor. The waiters provided excellent service without smothering the table. If we lived in Savannah, Alligator Soul would be a restaurant we would frequent.
(5)
Marvin O.
I did a search on yelp for the most highly rated three-star restaurant and found this place. I did a reservation through open table within the yelp app and a young lady called me about a day before to confirm the reservation. I told them that it was for my wife's birthday and that we were visiting from out of town and they said that they would accommodate us. When we arrived there wasn't any customer parking so you have to circle the block a few times for street parking. We ended up parking directly behind the restaurant in the post office parking but the post office was closed so it's a "caveat emptor" situation if you decide to do the same. The restaurant has stairs leading down into it but there is an elevator inside the office on the street level that'll take you down there as well. It's a very dim and intimate environment. There are not very many chairs may be under 20 and we were immediately greeted by the hostess. The hours are from 5:30 PM till 10 so I would recommend trying to visit here for lunch as they will be closed. We were taken toward our table and immediately greeted by the waitress who presented us with some very delicious hors d'oeuvres courtesy of the chef before we ordered our water. Since it was my wife's birthday they had a box with her name preprinted on it wishing her a happy birthday with two little pecan pie's and the cookie inside which was a very nice touch. We started with the goat cheese fritters which were very delectable and had a nice salty creamy taste to it. I ordered the little hilbo which was a gigantic piece of ribeye meat and my wife ordered the shrimp and grits. They offer you some delicious cornbread with White bread with an out of this world butter that comes with it. The experience was very nice my only issue was that the meal I ordered which was called the little hilbo specifically stated on the menu that it was $26 but when we received our check it said $36. I didn't make a big stink about it to the waitress who gave me a snarky reply of "it's been this price for two years" but nonetheless it was a cool experience
(4)
Anne L.
We were somewhat disappointed. For a restaurant of this supposed caliber, parts of our experience were less than I would expect. We had very good cocktails, very attentive service. Mediocre pacing--gumbo arrived before my husband finished his salad. My bison osso bucco was tasty, but the meat was tough & chewy, & I was unable to eat it. The marrow was delicious, however. My husband's shrimp & grits were quite good. Our dessert, which was described as banana beignets, was not very good. First off, I would describe the dish as banana fritters. It was greasy & oily. Secondly, one of the so-called beignets was not cooked all the way through and had raw batter in the center. We pointed out both issues to our waitress, who said she would ask the chef why the batter was too thick on that one piece to cook all the way through. She did offer to refry another beignet for us, but by that point, we no longer had an appetite for the dish. To summarize, an average dinner with above average pricing--overall, an unimpressive experience.
(3)
Tawheed H.
Fantastic! I wish I were a lil more sober, and I wish my friend hadn't passed out in her chair... but hey when you start at Wet Willies in the morning and hold a strong pace til dinner, you get what you pay for. Here you get what you pay for too, and that is delicious food. Didn't feel like eating on the wild side so I ordered the rib eye cooked pittsburg, now I received a steak cooked more like rare+ and hence they didn't receive 5 *'s. The steak I did receive was delicious and my 7 companions all agreed. I remember the bread being damn good too. Everything else was as I would expect from a fine establishment such as this.
(4)
Brian S.
We had always planned on trying this restaurant but never seemed to make it, and when it came up on the list for Restaurant Week in Savannah we made a reservation. To start out the night is was difficult finding parking in the area near the restaurant itself. The dinner itself was offered with a fixed price menu or their standard selection, and we opted for the fixed price and added an additional salad to round out the meal. Our server, Andrew, was great and very good in explaining what our choices were for dinner and suggested some nice wine pairings for my meal that were by the glass. The first course was actually brought to the table by the Executive Chef and he introduced himself and said if we had any feedback he would be very interested in hearing it, very cool. The salads were all fresh and local with some really good croutons made from cheese grits which were very good. The appetizer we chose was the fried green tomatoes and they were they best I had ever had, served with some house made pickled vegetables. We ordered the Vermillion Snapper served over a grilled romaine lettuce with a house ceasar dressing and grilled heirloom cherry tomatoes as one of the entrees. The snapper was cooked perfectly and went very well with the Chenin Blanc suggested by our server. The other entree was the grilled Bison over coarse grilled corn grits, and topped with a mole' sauce. When the chef stopped by again my wife explained that since it was served in a bowl over the grits the steak got lost in the whole mix, and he agreed and actually changed his plating because of her suggestion. The only reason I explained this is because I can say for certain that the staff there is very interested in preparing the food according to the way the customer wants it and not just the way they always do things. Great experience and will definitely go back with either a group or another date night.
(5)
Mike W.
Wow . . . how did this ever transpire? I have mentioned Alligator Soul in my reviews for other Savannah restaurants here on Yelp, in fact I've used it as something of a benchmark for what I expect in fine dining in Savannah, yet I've not reviewed it here myself?! I don't know how that happened! However, it helps explain perhaps why two different people emailed me and, based on those other restaurant reviews, asked if I worked at Alligator Soul since I praised it so highly. For the record, I do not, nor ever have had any relationship with Alligator Soul other than being a pleased customer. I've been a customer of Alligator Soul since they first opened and I lived in Savannah so I got to know them and see the ups and downs of their professional and personal lives. While known for their dinners, their lunches (which they've done off and on for years, I guess as the local economy and response of clients dictates: currently there's no lunch but they may bring it on back) were the really stellar stand-outs for me, because these were at once both a more intimate and more casual experience. My then-boyfriend and I would often go in for lunch around one in the afternoon as the lunch crowd thinned out and were about the only customers in the house, and thus got very personal service. However, even when every table is full, I've never had less than great service at Alligator Soul, honestly. As for the food, the concept here is traditional Southern cooking with an elememt of flair. This is not Paula Deen-style downhome, it's far more Nathalie Dupree than Paula Deen . . . and if you don't know who Nathalie is, you really should because she's done for Southern cooking what Julia Child did for French. Talk to Susan Spicer or any highly-respected chef in the South and Nathalie's where it's at whereas Paula's what your cousin watches after her soap operas. My favorite dishes here are the Lamb Shank, the Shrimp and Grits (the best in town, though many places do them; consider them as your main dish but be warned that they're very very rich!), the Alligator Soul Cheese Course is a great cheese board and a different touch to the meat and fish-heavy menu here. All the salads are simply amazing--like seriously amazing. The Fish of the Day is always local and is worth asking about. The desserts here are also top-notch, especially their Pecan Pie and the Autumn Spiced Cobbler. As for the bar, they can make good mixed drinks and have a decent wine selection, though I've always opted for mixed drinks because seriously, Savannah and New Orleans are the only places where at dinner or lunch you can get away with ordering serious drinks during your meal (plus before and after too!) and not look like a lush or a fool. Don't worry: the local lawyers at the next table over are doing the exact same thing. The restuarant is in a renovated basement of an old commercial building and is warm, intimate, romantic, and nostalgic. For what Alligator Soul does, which is fine dining Southern style, it could not do it any better. Other local restaurants on par with Alligator Soul like 700 Drayton can do a superb job but at times feel like they're trying too hard, yet Alligator Soul hits the perfect tempo and has in my experience done so since 2003.
(5)
Christopher T.
This restaurant I believe has to be the best restaurant in the city - from what I have tasted so far. There were three of us and we all shared bites off of everyone's plate and every entree, dessert, and appetizer was right on - delicious! The flavors were just amazing on everything. To start we had the cheese plate. It came with a selection of about 5 different cheeses paired with grapes, apples, Savannah Bee honey, and raspberries. Of course crackers, too. This was a great start to the meal. I ordered the chicken and it was really good as well. The only thing I thought may have needed to be taken down a bit was the sauce. My rice was kind of swimming in it. It would have been better if the sauce had been drizzled here and there instead of poured into the plate. The sauce kind of took the flavor out of the sides. However, all of it combined I found a way to make it all come together. My friends lamb and fillet were really great! We finished with a three layered mouse cake and banana beignet. AMAZING. The ambiance could be better and our server was a bit slow on giving us proper attention but to her credit I believe she was also working a large group at the same time so she was doing her best. I would definitely recommend this place to any and everyone!
(4)
Amy M.
I had to plan a client dinner last week while in Savannah. The only two restaurants I even knew about in Savannah were not options since the client already had two other dinners planned at those locations. I came to Yelp to find something else that was great and stumbled upon Alligator Soul. The ratings were excellent, the menu looked good and I figured the ambience had to be great if it was named Alligator Soul. It did not disappoint. Immediately after I booked the reservation, the next day the restaurant owner called me to confirm and to review the menu options, wine list, table apps and make sure we had a custom menu for our group that would accomodate our budget. I talked to her several more times before the dinner and thought this was great service. Our group had so much fun in our private dining room. The drinks were good and the food was superb. I ordered a Basil-Mint Mojito that was fabulous and the Fried Green Tomoates and Shrimp and Grits were incredible. The waitstaff was attentive and very good. I would highly recommend this.
(5)
Jacob F.
Decent food. Nothing special, but nothing great. Booked a reservation for our anniversary, so we wanted a nice location, maybe a quiet table. I think they sat us at the table of last resort. Both of our chairs and the table were wobbly, and we were stuck in an awkward corner. Service was ridiculously slow--was rather infuriating to watch all of the tables near us be seated, served, and paid out while we waited around for our food. At least two of them arrived after us and left before us. Food was nothing special, though my wife was a big fan of the salad.
(3)
Rich B.
A fun place with an eclectic menu. We had antelope on a bed of mashed potatoes, and jambalaya with gator. Oh, yes, they also serve one of my favorite drinks you don't often find outside New Orleans -- sazarac.
(4)
Michael R.
Food was amazing. Had the buffalo and oysters. Delicious!!! Service was outstanding and the atmosphere was terrific! Definitely will be going again!!
(5)
Lexy S.
We always come here for dinner when in Savannah. I always get the vegetarian. We started with the fried green tomatoes. Bf didn't like the cornmeal, but I thought they were good. The vegetarian came and for $27 all you get is a cup of soup, tiny pear salad and 1 tofu spring roll? The plate seemed empty and tho it was missing something. We had a few signature drinks. The drink of the day and fleur de soul (yummy). All in all we got a lot of under $100. We will return. Hopefully I'll get more on the veggie dish next time.
(4)
Chris H.
Great restaurant. My girlfriend and I were visiting Savannah from Chicago, and this was our first restaurant in the city. We aren't big foodies, but we go to these kinds of restaurants regularly. We had a fantastic experience and would definitely go back. Here's our thoughts on the specifics: Ambience: 5 stars -- underground, exposed brick, dimmed lights, and warm but chic decorating. Service: 5 stars -- best part of the restaurant. Our waitress, Emily, was fantastic -- warm, fun, and attentive. Honestly some of the best service I've experienced. Food: 4 stars -- I had the stuffed pork chop and my girlfriend had the chicken. Both were excellent. We also had the pork belly and lamb appetizer (a special), which was okay. It was very small (a small piece of pork belly and lamb) and the lamb was very fatty...and $12 -- not worth it in my opinion. Excellent cocktail menu and dessert.
(5)
Dr P.
Stay away from the oysters... and even the martinis are lousy... Discussed options and the requested the 'special' ginger martini and got sick from bad oysters, the bartender was distracted and poured me a cosmo :( Go elsewhere
(1)
Jasmine S.
Unfortunately, I have to start by saying that the service I received at this restaurant was almost ridiculously bad. With that said, the food was so incredible that I can't help but still give it four stars. It was that good. Hopefully, my experience was the exception and not the rule, but if you have the patience to suffer through potentially terrible service and an entire evening to spend here, it's actually worth it.
(4)
Charlene T.
We call ahead and get the chef's tasting in the kitchen. It's a different atmosphere then the dining room but fun! The menu that Chef Chris and his staff prepare is always amazing. This is where we go when we want a great meal in Savannah.
(5)
Geoff P.
Alligator Soul was easily the best food I had in Savannah and it was the only restaurant we tried that I would think potentially worthy of a top Zagat score. The cocktail menu is very unique, and the food was stellar. Make sure to find out what the wild game selection of the day is--the choices might surprise you!
(5)
Chris L.
Gourmet food with five star service in an elegant but comfortable setting. Turned out to be a perfect choice for a special occasion. Buffalo and scallop entrees were both excellent. The creme brulee was the only negative. Good taste but too much brulee made it difficult to eat. Management seems outstanding with attention to customer service with reservations and asking about food allergies and dietary requirements.
(5)
Fabian W.
The service was excellent. Our waitress Kate(also the bartender) was friendly and attentive. I had the qual which was very good, but my wife's scallops made me jealous. Everything was cooked perfectly and seasoned well. Go for the scallops! Oh, great warm bread was also served before our meals.
(5)
Kim T.
We ate here tonight for the first time and I thought what I ordered was delicious! I ordered the shrimp and grits app and my husband ordered the shecrab soup app, which were both great! I ordered the gator jambalaya for my main meal and it was also very tasty. My husband ordered the duck but he said it was not what he expected. He ordered it medium but said it tasted raw and was really fatty. He almost choked on a piece of fat. That is why I am rating 4 stars and not 5. I ordered a Moscow mule to drink and it was fantastic. For dessert we shared a piece of cheesecake! I would definitely order the cheesecake again. We had great service overall and were seated before our reservation. I would definitely go back.
(4)
David Y.
we visited alligator soul for our 22nd anniversary. The atmosphere is quaint for a basement yet comfortable. Scott our waiter was descriptive with the specials and very attentive to details. We started with oysters Bienville and the pork belly charcuterie, different and delicious. she had the elk fillet with sweet potato gratin, divine. I had duck not pie with lane snapper, absolutely outstanding. we finished with banana begniet., SUPERB! The best dinner we ever had in Savannnah.
(5)
Jamie Z.
food was not that good.... kinda salty... atmosphere was great, good for dating. my phone got no service since it is in the basement
(3)
Elyse K.
Went with hubby on Sunday, January 20th, 7:00. VERY impressed from beginning to end. Ecclectic menu to suit many tastes. Waiter even asked if we had any food allergies. Sonny, the waiter, was personable and attentive, as was any employee that passed by. Manager, Rocky, frequented the tables to ensure patrons were happy. THE FOOD! Porterhouse lamb chop with diver scallops and a side, shrimp and grits entree and banana beignets for dessert. Freshly made Gingin mule cocktail and restaurant's private label wine. Felt the need to photograph every food item as presentation was beautiful. Wish we lived closer but will definitely go again when in Savannah!
(5)
Mia M.
Eh. The food was nothing to write home about. The more traditionally "southern" items that we tried, like the fried green tomatoes and the shrimp and grits were good (the shrimp and grits I didn't try so I cant really vouch for it but my friend said it was good) but more than anything the food seemed confused; like, spicy miso soup and some Asian themed sauteed vegetables in the vegetarian tasting at a Southern restaurant? Also, I thought, what was up with the spice in EVERYTHING? Was it supposed to be some "Cajun" thing? I can appreciate spicy food but a lot of the time it seemed really unnecessary and as if it was trying to overcompensate for something, like the way some people use balsamic reduction. It just seemed overpriced for what you actually got. It was cute how they brought out an amuse bouche though. All in all I probably wouldn't go back if I ever went back to Savannah. I was only in town for a night and clearly no expert on Savannah, but I was disappointed with the lack of apparent dining options. (I guess I was spoiled by Charleston.) But that, I suppose, is another story.
(2)
Jen H.
Decent food not as awesome as the price suggests it might be :). Felt rushed out although the place wasn't full yet- the waiter didn't leave us alone for longer than 2 minutes. No espresso, weird.
(2)
Robin A.
Dinner was pretty good. I would rate food a 3.5 but our service a 2. The shrimp and grits were delicious, my pork chop was good and cooked very well. Our server was just okay. Looked like she had a large table full of men and catered to them, not us. In fact, it looked like everyone else in our dining area received an amuse bouche. We did not. That was very disappointing. Part of why I made reservations was because of the reviews that mentioned the little things this restaurant does to make your dinner extra special. That didn't happen for us. Because of the service, I won't be recommending to anyone else.
(3)
Timothy T.
Amazing place. We sat at the bar. Our bartender Melvin was very knowledgeable and sold us on a few dishes. We werent even that hungry but we had to try all of his suggestions. Im glad we did. The shrimp and grits are amazing. Very cool, unique and creative menu selection. You cant go wrong at Alligator Soul. I'll be back everytime I'm in Savannah.
(5)
Carol W.
We celebrated our 20th anniversary tonight at Alligator Soul. This is our 3rd trip to Savannah and our best meal yet. Local sourcing meant best ingredients: the charcouterie was incredible, from duck rillete, to pork belly to smoked fish. We so enjoyed the broth with the mussels that we requested more bread and spoons. And the smoky, spicy gator gumbo hit all of the right notes. This place has a lovely atmosphere with lots of brick and local art. The tables are not squashed together and the service is very personable. Highly recommend Miss Emily and Eyore's cocktails.
(5)
Mike K.
We went to Alligator Soul on a recent trip to Savannah. I thought it was quite good, and was generally worth the expense. To begin, we walked in off the street without reservations, and were told that we could probably be seated within a half hour. We walked around and returned after a half hour, took a seat at the bar, and waited for our table. I passed the time with a Gator Andy Pale Ale and conversation with my wife. Both were very good. The restaurant is situated in the basement of an old brick building, and it's got a nice old feeling to it. It's all brick and stone, kind of a wine cellar feel. We were seated in a cozy corner near a basement vent window, and the vent space was filled with ferns and evergreen plants. Very nice ambiance. We got fried green tomatoes and breaded fried oysters for apps. Both were quite good. The gulf oysters were of ample size, but the breading on them, a nice thick crusty corn meal breading with more than a hint of spice, stole the show. The fried green tomatoes came as a substantial portion for an appetizer. They were perfectly fried, in a breading that was similar to that used for the oysters. For entrees, I got the lamb shank and my wife got the Gumbo. Weak part first. The gumbo was pretty decent, but was served almost lukewarm. The service at the restaurant was so good that had he said anything about the temperature, they would have taken care of it, but we were very hungry and just wanted to chow down. Again, the gumbo was good, but it wasn't out of this world. Gumbo isn't the hardest dish to make, and Alligator Soul didn't do much to make it stand out from the pack. My lamb shank was especially good. It was braised to the point of extreme tenderness, and had a bit of minty glaze on it. That was served on a bed of moroccan spiced orzo. My wife really dug that when she tasted it. Also on the menu was blue marlin steak, which I was curious about. A woman at a neighboring table had ordered that ad loved it, but I overheard another woman at a nearby table complaining that she did not like it. The service was excellent. Our waitress was very pleasant and knew every detail of every dish.
(4)
Kate H.
I should have known. I'm usually pretty good about following my intuition (sometimes I think it's even borderline psychic abilities) but what are you supposed to do when you are standing in front of the hostess and you just kinda want to run? Here's what happened: we walked in to Alligator Soul to find the hostess and (our future) server in an argument. As in, why would you do that in front of other people, much less guests? type of argument. After being seated at the most awkward table ever (literally in the doorway between two rooms) we were presented with a complementary cocktail and amuse bouche. The bubbly was perfect; the culinary 101 amuse had some serious textural challenges with the Salmon Mousse. We shared an order of Shrimp and Grits as an appetizer (it was our first night in Savannah after all) that was flavorful but again, gritty and texturally challenged. You know when you're on a budget and buy el cheapo cheese that just doesn't melt right? This was the issue. My entree choice was a special: local black Grouper with Stewed Tomatoes and Okra, Polenta and a Sambuca cream sauce. My fault on mis-ordering. One bite and I had a flashback to the Grouper with Amaretto sauce incident I had last year at Zenzi in Orlando. I've finally decided (and will remember in the future!) that I really just don't prefer fish with sweet cream sauces. Yelk. Plus, I'm not entirely convinced that the tomatoes were not canned. And honestly, I was probably only drawn in by the mention of Sambuca. Which is best left to dessert. We finished our meal with Banana Beignets that were really just tempura fried bananas but also with the best parts of the night: An amazing Cabernet based Mulled Wine and a recommendation from our server for a bar to ring out the old year. Bottom line: Alligator Soul is really trying to be fine dining and they have the prices to prove it! But it really missed the mark. If I lived in Savannah, I'd probably give it another try. But I don't, so I probably won't return.
(2)
Rachel W.
Ok so this place is pretty neat. It's downstairs and has a great atmosphere. My husband and I had the grouper and the duck "not pie" (deconstructed pot pie). They looked great and both had great flavor. However, I'm not an avid duck eater so when the duck arrive incredibly rare (raw), I thought that's how it was supposed to be. Now today, I've had a sad belly all day and after much research I now realize my duck was indeed not cooked at all. And so now my intestines are paying the price. But, I have to say, I probably would go back and try something else.
(2)
JW U.
Enjoyed dinner with Party of 12. Good food, a little on the pricey side. The ambiance is very nice but the service is average at best. Fried green tomatoes were not as good as the Chart House. Duck was prepared nicely but served cool - likely the waitress fault but the outcome remains the same. I'd try Vic's next time.
(3)
Dawn E.
The ambiance at Alligator Soul makes it a good date night place. The exposed brick, smaller rooms of tables, and underground location make it feel a little secret. We started our evening at the bar to get a drink before dinner. There were not a lot of people at the bar, but the service was not great. I asked the bar tender for a French 75, she said she was not familiar. When I told her what was in it, I expected she would offer to try to make one, instead she handed me a cocktail menu. I ordered their version of long island iced tea, it was fine, but nothing special. We went over to our table, they clearly wanted to get us moving along - the bartender gave us our check saying it was time for dinner. Shortly after we paid, we were still at the bar as the hostess told us it would be just a moment, the bartender came back and let us know we should go to our table. She did at least then carry my drink to the table. Luckily the quality of the food and attentiveness of our waitress made up for our experience at the bar. The food is good. I had the shrimp and grits. After a week in South Carolina and Georgia, and many a shrimp and grits dish, this was the best. It was creamy and spicy deliciousness on a plate. My husband started with 6 Southern oysters 'a la soul' ( i don't eat them; he said they were good enough but nothing to write home about. they show on the menu better than they taste). Dinner for me was the lamb chops. Wonderful strawberry balsamic reduction, lamb was cooked perfectly. My husband had the duck. It was also perfectly cooked with a great sauce. Served with a sweet potato griddle cake that was pretty tasty. We decided to pass on dessert and instead partake of the small batch bourbon flight. The bourbon was delicious. If I only had the tolerance I would have tried many more of their flight offerings - wine, scotch, irish whiskey, martinis - what a good idea. To sum up, the food is very good, the service was mixed, and the prices are slightly higher than you would expect to pay for what you get, but all in - a good meal in Savannah.
(4)
Chris K.
Love this place! Food and cocktails were fantastic. Highly recommend the shrimp gumbo and banana beignets. Atmosphere is intimate with exposed brick walls. Overall a great find.
We were in Savannah for two nights and stumbled upon Alligator Soul looking for a little off the beaten path place for dinner. Man, we couldn't be happier we found this place. In hindsight we were a little under-dressed after a hot day of walking around town, but we were greeted warmly and offered a seat at the bar or one of the two tables outside the main dining area. (No worries, they were packed) We have been raving about the food here since the moment we left. The shrimp and grits were excellent, creamy, and they didn't skimp on the shrimp. They had jambalaya on special that night and I had to ask for plastic utensils to take with us so I could eat the remainder back at the hotel. Yes, it's expensive, but the portions and quality of the food is certainly worthwhile. We will be back, and with reservations this time, the next time we're in Savannah.
(5)
rolanda n.
We arrived on a Friday night with no reservations, party of 3, and they accommodated us at the bar. Everything was ridiculously delicious, and service was outstanding. It wasn't cheap, but nothing good ever is. Location is great, and staff was genuinely helpful and friendly. Wonderful place with delicious food. Southern Long Island Sweet Tea? Redonk. Grits croutons? Come on. Highly recommend.
(5)
Mitch D.
I so wanted to give this place four stars, but just couldn't do it. The atmosphere is very cool, housed in the basement of a historic district building, and the service was great...but the food was not a home run. The best thing we had was the shrimp and grits. In fact it was the best shrimp and grits we had the whole time we were down south. But the rest was just okay. I would give it a shot, especially for a small group or a date night, but I'm recommending it mostly on ambience and potential. I think it could eventually be a great Savannah spot.
(3)
M M.
First time in Savannah, this restaurant was unique...nice atmosphere, service extremely attentive and knowledgeable. Tried fried alligator for first time...very good! I had fish special and husband had pork chop. Food was delicious. Nice experience, recommend for couples looking for nice, authentic, elegant dinner.
(4)
Steve A.
I'll be honest, a friend and I stumbled into ASR not really knowing what we were in for. There were a couple discussions about leaving or sticking it out, but in the end we did well. There were minor issues with our order (delivered to the wrong table), but eventually the chef came out and cleared everything up and made us feel quite welcome. When we got our food it was amazing and creative and even though there was the slight error, the service was excellent.
(4)
Greg S.
As a "non-dairy vegetarian" (generally I just net it out to "vegan" - either is equally freaky in SAV!) I was thrilled to read other reviews of Alligator Soul and their veg and vegan friendly chef. It's all true. We had the "vegan special" and it was both tasty and artfully prepared. Chef was also willing and able to make the fried green tomatoes without parmesan so we could have them as an appitizer. Our waitress was knowledgeable and helpful and friendly. In a "big city" this restaurant would be a solid place, in Savannah it's a real standout! We'll definitely be back.
(4)
Aaron C.
I came here during the Christmas holiday/ sabbatical. I had heard Savannah had some superb eateries and that Alligator Soul was one of them. So I checked it out on Christmas Eve and I must say I was impressed. The atmosphere felt like an old jazz club I used to visit in Philly. It's a downstairs spot, low lit and the tunes were amazing--I'm talking Sam Cooke greatest hits. Our server was Courtney, she was great and attentive. I ordered the fried green tomatoes, shrimp and grits, and a side of collards. I also ordered a Dark n' Stormy, yet the bar tender was out of ginger beer, so ginger liquor was a substitute. It was smooth and perfectly balanced. My only gripe, which is not really a gripe, is that the fried green tomatoes were missing something, maybe more sweetness in the relish they were topped with, not sure. I'll probably have to have them again to figure it out. I'm happy I didn't waste time a Paula Deen's and suggest you don't get caught in that tourist trap either. If you like good food and ambiance, check this place out. And if you happen to have Courtney as your server, that's an even bigger plus. "That's where it's at." - Sam Cooke
(4)
Kelli A.
Great space. Great service. Food was only ok. Baked oysters were too big and room temperature. Raw oysters weren't available for some reason. Steamed shrimp were small and limp. Shrimp and grits were good but not great. The grits were a course grind which I found a little odd. I was really disappointed since id heard such great reviews about this place.
(3)
Mike G.
Great food you can't find anywhere else. Best food in Savannah!
(5)
Krissy R.
My husband and I went to Savannah on our honeymoon and tried out Alligator Soul because it was recommended to us by a local resident. The service was wonderful and the food was equally as amazing. My husband still talks about the food to this day and we will definitely be going back when we travel back to Savannah. He had the alligator soup appetizer and raved about how amazing it was.
(5)
Gabriela C.
We came to this restaurant for my birthday based on the reviews. We were Very dissapointed. The service was good, but it was so over the top buttered up. The waitress and the bartender swore that the lamb chops were to die for. They weren't. They were plain and bland. I tried the grouper and it was the same, plain and bland. Both dishes were edible, but nothing to justify the price nor the praise. The cheese plate appetizer was good.
(1)
Katherine G.
Absolutely loved this place. Came on a Saturday night and they were quite busy. We did not have a reservation but the staff was very accommodating and we quickly were given a seat at the bar where others were dinning as well. The Filet "Soul" with the basil pesto mashed potatoes was phenomenal. I loved the atmosphere here, very comfortable and a perfect size, it was quite neat how hidden the restaurant was, it certainly felt like a local restaurant and not catered simply to tourists. Will absolutely go here again when in Savannah.
(5)
Sharon Y. C.
Alligator Soul is a cool restaurant located in the heart of Savannah's historical district. We booked an early table through Open Table and got lots of attentive service since so few guests were there. We learned from our personable waiter that we could get tastes of some appetizers, rather than a whole appetizer. I wanted to try their shrimp and grits, but only a tiny bit, so the waiter served us a cup of the yummiest stone ground grits with a couple of large shrimp. It was so rich, I was glad we didn't get a whole appetizer. We had wonderful pairings of wine suggested by the bartender and waiter. And they both offered a taste before ordering a glass. Nice. A gorgeous little amuse bouche was served when we sat down at the table. Also a small glass of complimentary warm mulled wine was served. Wonderful ways for the chef to say welcome. For an entree, I had smoked duck breast. The dish came with confit duck leg, a tiny bit of foie gras mousse, quinoa and gorgeous organic veg. The smoked duck breast was perfected medium rare as I ordered. The duck leg's skin was crisp, although the leg meat was a bit over cooked. Unfortunately the quinoa, described as pomegranate quinoa with fennel confit, was a bit of a mushy mess. I hate saying that, since we loved the restaurant and staff so much, but when quinoa loses its integrity it can get soft and soggy. And there was quite a bit of it on the plate so it was hard to ignore it. My husband ordered the rabbit dish. It was en croute which sounded delish. Although, the rabbit dish looked yummy, the rabbit en croute ate more like a spring roll with sweet Oriental sauce. My husband ate every bit on his plate since he's been a member of the Clean Plate Club since childhood, so even though the dish was unexpectedly sweet, it was good. We had the chocolate truffles for dessert, since we didn't want something heavy. There were 3 beautiful handmade candies, plus a tiny scoop of black currant sorbet. My husband had a nice glass of port too. Overall, it was a memorable experience and we appreciate the hospitality offered by every staff member.
(3)
Moonflower S.
My boyfriend surprised me by taking me here last week for our anniversary dinner... it was AMAZING! The atmosphere is dark and very ambient, chill, and cool - dark. The food was absolutely outstanding! The chef made us a little something special before we even ordered (sorry I forget what it was but it was really good!)... I got a martini that tasted like a glacier (cool,chilling, delicious) and to start a fresh salad with cheddar grits croutons. For my main course, I ordered the buffalo sirloin ($44) and was blown away! It was one of the best pieces of meat I have ever eaten, WOW... cut up in to thin juicy slices. It was served with a medley of mixed colorful sweet potatoes and kale... very good combo. ... I tried to eat a combo of the potatoes, kale, and buffalo together but any way it was done/eaten was just mouthwatering anyway! The flavors of each stood out but played very well in combination. Tender, perfectly cooked (med rare), and plenty to eat. The server was very knowledgeable of the food preps, and also pleasant and did not rush us. We both really enjoyed it and will be back. Very creative dishes that are well worth the price.
(5)
Claire P.
My husband and i are locals and decided to try Alligator Soul for "Restaurant Week". Everything was great! However, we had made reservations for dinner and ended up being about 15 minutes late because my husband had to stay late at work. The hostess felt like it was necessary to let us know that we had arrived late (with a bit of attitude), which normally wouldnt be a big deal. However, she then stated, "but your table isnt ready" and we ended up having to wait 20 extra minutes. The restaurant was wonderful! The food and service was all we expected! I just dont believe the hostess needed to make a smart comment about us being late then still having to wait because the table wasnt even ready yet.
(4)
Julie W.
we went here our first night in savannah based on the reviews. the review "I could have licked my plate" couldnt have been more true! the shrimp and grits is to die for!! I also loved they give u a little sample dish made by the chef to start. we also have the cheese platter that I would recommend. although there is no kids menu, they made our daughter some yummy pasta. the service is out of this world awesome and this is a must stop place to eat!!!
(5)
Carol L.
First night in Savannah is going to be hard to top. The food was top notch! We had fried green tomatoes, oysters, and blue crab tart to start. Then we had the jambalaya. Delish. The drinks were great too. The service could be ratcheted up a notch to make the experience even better, we had to wait a bit too long for the menus and our drinks but overall , it was great. We ate at the bar, no reservations, but had a good experience.
(5)
BJ A.
Worth a visit.. food is just shy of truly outstanding, and service is very good. It is a basement restaurant, albeit a well appointed one, and it's rather dark, so bring your pocket light for reading the menu. The 'soul' prime fillet is good (bit salty), so is the 'three tail' fish (grouper like)... shrimp & sausage jambalaya gumbo app was very good... don't bother with the key lime cheesecake (unless your just looking for a pics of plain old cheesecake (nothing lime about it at all). Dinner for 2 will set you back about $100.00 ... drinks, tip extra. PS... And if swordfish is on the menu, it's a must.. (you just will not believe what these folks can do with it)!!
(4)
Trevor L.
One of the best restaurants I have ever been to. Top of the line food and service. I had steak which came from the kitchen on fire...which was awesome, and soft shell crab which was still in the form of a crab, meat being held together by its exoskeleton. Great for a date, as it is not too large, and dim lit. If you are in Savannah, and have some money to spend on dinner, it is the place to be.
(5)
Ash G.
Really nice meal during Restaurant Week. The 3 course choices were a good representation of menu. The staff was attentive to the max, and informed, and were flexible with a vegetarian choice if our son had arrived.
(4)
Kevin N.
walked past this place tonight. saw a for lease sign in the window, and it was closed. Somewhere between the the last review on Sept. 27th and Oct. 1st 2011 this placed closed maybe???
(1)
Claudia D.
I was so disappointed. After reading some rave reviews and looking at the menu online I was sure this would be a great experience for me and my new husband on our honeymoon. I did read the bad reviews about the Oysters Bieneveille and chose to order them anyway. My apologies to my fellow yelpers. They where right. The oysters were overdone and covered in a very thick paste like concoction that tasted like glue. After we sent them back we shared the ostrich special. The fresh field peas were the only delicious thing on the plate. There was a huge glop of some kind of savory bread pudding that had the server been able to tell me about I wouldn't have ordered. The ostrich had a huge muscle running through it that made it almost impossible to eat. I don't even know how to describe the server other than he was jittery, kept walking away in the middle of our order, didn't know the menu, tried to convince us to order a different bottle of wine after we said that the Shatter by Orin Swift was what we had just served at our wedding and so was sentimental... I saw him leave the restaurant twice? Weird. And after it was obvious we weren't pleased with our experience they still charged us for the oysters and did not offer anything to make up for the bizarre service. I rated it a 2 only because they did give us a little box of chocolates to celebrate our wedding. I think they are catering only to tourists and not a repeat crowd. Which means it won't be around long.
(2)
Dilbert D.
The smoked ribeye here is the BEST steak I ever had. Apparently it was smoked in-house for many days....I was pretty fantastic and memorable. The sides were good, nothing special. I don't love the setting (a fancy lookin' basement), but the food quality and service are hard to argue with. Tried a mint julep for the first time ever---it tasted like a mojito with a splash of gasoline in it! I think that's how it is supposed to taste though
(4)
Jen S.
Amazing food, service and atmosphere. A foodie's dream.
(5)
John B.
Last night we went to Alligator Soul, as it is one of the few restaurants open on Sundays. It was fantastic! The food was perfect and on time. Our waiter, Sean, was funny and courteous. I will recommend the cheese plate and any martini on the menu. Thanks for a wonderful night!
(5)
Rachel R.
The service was poor. The waiter couldn't remember the specials and was absent most of the time. The bus boys kept pouring tap water into our bottled water. We ordered two starters and two entrees. The food was just okay. I really expected better food because of the other yelp reviews. I was extremely disappointed.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Street, Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Dressy Ambience : Classy Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Michael M.
Came down to Savannah from Charleston for a night away. This place has the right idea, but the service did not live up to the food or atmosphere. Our server seemed a little under-experienced, staff in general seemed young and overwhelmed for a Tuesday night during slow season. The host was a young guy that was very nice, seated us by the fireplace while we waited for our table. He took our drink order after a ten minute wait with no server/bartender and after another ten we were shown to our table, still no drinks. I ordered a glass of the house aligator soul red wine, seconds later the table adjacent to us tried to order the same, however their very outgoing server strongly suggested not to order "the cheapest wine, because if you want to just get drunk you can order anything". I ordered the bouillobaise, and like I had overheard from our neighbors order, it was strongly suggested to add scallops. I said sure I love scallops, which I do. When the entree arrived, sans scallops I let our server know I didn't notice any scallops. She checked and returned to say, "I am stupid, I accidentally pressed the extra shrimp button instead of scallops. Are you okay with extra shrimp or do you want me to pay for them?" I had never really heard that before, begrudgingly said it was fine and went on with what was a really good meal and deducted the $9 add on from the tip. It turned into a funny story for my wife and I, and as frequent diners in Charleston, allowed us to continue to turn our noses up a bit higher when it comes to comparing our two cities in terms of dining. This place has the right idea, and with a little better staff training will be top of the line (for Savannah.. haha).
(3)Julia R.
We visited Savannah on our way home from Florida. Such a charming city! After looking through reviews, this looked like our best bet and I still think it was. We ordered the cheese platter, fried green tomatoes, shrimp & grits, and the vegetarian special (a pot pie). The cheese was yummy, nothing out of the ordinary. Some of the bread on the platter was stale. The fried green tomatoes were standard. Again, good, but nothing special. The shrimp & grits was delicious. So flavorful and a huge serving. The vegetarian pot pie, I did not try, but my boyfriend seemed pleased. I would give the food 4 stars because it was standard and good. But I am also docking a star for our server. He seemed very preoccupied - often stopping in the middle of talking to us to look at something. He also read the specials off of a sheet of paper, which isn't necessarily bad, but he struggled to get through it. Still, I'd recommend Alligator Soul if you're stopping through Savannah.
(3)Caroline M.
4 stars for the food because it was cooked to perfection and wasn't lacking in flavor at all! Our waitress was accommodating but pushy at times and I had a make shift surf and turf put together with their special, alligator boudins, and a few shrimp along with some yummy carrots! Boyfriend had the exotic special which was an antelope meat shepherds pie. All I can say is that it was unreal and my taste buds like some cheetah food that's for sure! Only reason I didn't give it five stars is because the atmosphere is a little stuffy considering it's in a basement and could have a cool vibe if it really wanted to. And as I said the waitress was pushy with alcoholic beverages, appetizers, desserts, etc. and it just made us both weirdly uncomfortable! Other than that, great food and worth the price tag!
(4)Steven S.
My girlfriend and I went there for dinner and to put it simply; it was the best meal we have ever had!!
(5)Jennifer R.
The service was perfect and the food was wonderful. The menu was creative and imaginative. I loved the "exotic" food. The only negative I have is that it was COLD in the restaurant. Take a sweater if you are normally a "cold-blooded" person, as I am!!! Otherwise, you should be fine.
(5)Ally B.
Fantastic game meat dishes!! Beautiful atmosphere. Great service. Everything we ordered was better than the next. Extensive bar menu. We tried Kangaroo and Bison. Unreal!! A real gem in the heart of Savannah. A must if you like great quality food.
(5)Ken C.
AMAZING. We went here this week, and every course was better than the next. From the bread, to the appetizers of baked oysters shrimp and grits (SO GOOD), to our entrees of red deer and tenderloin wrapped in bacon with a side of fries cooked in duck fat. Mmmmmmmmm...... Just go, and you will find out for yourself.
(5)Jason T.
Great atmosphere, AMAZING ribeye, delicious corn bread, great drinks. One of the best restaurants we visited in Savannah.
(5)john n.
Foodie Southern food with local organic fresh ingredients. Shrimp an grits and alligator sausage was fantastic!
(5)Randy B.
A bit pricey, but food and service was good...service was actually a little better than the food. The dishes are unique as it is a farm to table restaurant, so the food is seasonal. The also had some very pricey drinks...don't bother. Cheese appetizer plate was really good.
(4)laurie s.
Super meal for the while family. Little kids split a cheese plate filled with not just local cheeses but also seasonal fruit, nuts, and honey as well as pasta. Whole Snapper was beautifully presented, perfectly prepared, and accompanied by delicious vegetables. The vegetarian plate - vegetarian pierogies - was unique, and flavorful. Great spot we love to eat at every time in Savannah due to the ever changing menu.
(5)Sarah K.
Alligator Soul is a cozy little underground treasure. The ambiance and decor were great with exposed brick walls, neat little subterranean gardens and great music. Our server greeted us warmly and asked about food allergies or restrictions, which we very much appreciated, since my husband and I are both lactose intolerant, which is challenging in the low country. Additionally, I'm pescetarian. No problems at all here. Our server brought out a refreshing amuse-bouche (compliments of the chef) that not only met our dietary weirdness, but was delicious! Our cocktails were lovely, and as we chose our dinner selections, our server was careful to point out items that met our dietary needs or dishes that would best adapt. We started with splitting the house salad, which we agreed was probably one of the best salads we've ever had. The combination of the watermelon radish, sorrel, and OMG! Parmesan Grit Croutons was amazing. Very light dressing, that makes it seems as though one is just eating straight up veggies, but the BEST veggies ever! The complimentary foccacia bread also shone in this course. Our server was able to provide us with detailed information about our wine choices when asked, but was not remotely pushy about anything. She had very soft, gentile mannerisms. This is the kind of place that perfectly balances casual elegance. Did I mention that she surreptitiously crumbed our table? This while hip blues plays in the background. Perfect. My husband had the shrimp creole and absolutely loved it. That's what bumped this up from as 4 star review to a 5. He was absolutely in heaven. Note, however, that he likes spice. And in our limited experience, Alligator Soul's chef seasons aggressively. This is what one would expect with shrimp creole, and it was perfect for my heat loving husband. I was a little disappointed, however, with my scallops. They were cooked perfectly, but a little too peppery for me. The menu description didn't mention the black pepper crust on the sear, which I found to be a bit overwhelming for the scallop and the lavender rice. Still, our overall experience was at minimum a 4, and with the level of service, and how much my husband loved his meal, I'm going to round up from the 4.5 rating I would have given to a 5.
(5)Lauren L.
I came here with a group that ended up being two more people than the reservation and a big deal was made about if my entire party could be accommodated. -1 star We arrived early and told the server we needed to be out of there by 8 but we repeatedly had to flag down servers to ask for things throughout the entire meal. -1 star It was restaurant week so most of the table ordered that @ $30 for dinner which I think is the same price as the entrees here. I didn't like the hibiscus margarita of which I am usually a big fan. My fried green tomatoes were only warm and okay but my steak tips were very fatty and just not that good so I mostly ate the fries. -1 star My friend had the grits which were delicious and my other friend had the buffalo which was very tender it had a good sauce and tasted exactly like short ribs. The tip was included because we were a large group but if I had more time I would have complained because the service was not acceptable. When our server was present she had an attitude that was not professional. I understand that this place is trying to be a big deal and a "foodie destination" so it charges NY prices but for that the place should deliver with service and on every dish and it didn't. Also when people have two hours to eat a meal and notify the staff in advance this should be achieved without us stressing out about getting to a show on time.
(2)Morgan H.
We started at world of beer around the corner, our bartender recommended alligator soul as a great place to grab dinner. It was a Friday night but we took a shot, walked around the corner and asked for a table. Just by chance they had one available and squeezed us in. Everyone was so polite ad accommodating! I could hardly believe it, we definitely were not dressed for a nice dinner, but they sat us straight away and our server was prompt and so knowledgable! We pretty much took every recommendation and had the alligator sausage appetizer special, scallops with risotto and duck. All of which were delicious and amazing. I have never been much of a seafood person, but I wish I would've gotten those scallops they were perfection. We also had the chocolate dessert special which was kind of a bread pudding, also delicious and not nearly as heavy as you would think. Not only did our server check on us during the meal, but so did the chef, manager, and other servers. This place runs like a well oiled machine, I CANNOT emphasize how wonderful it is to have a great meal with equally great service... It seems to be hard to come by these days. Thank you for making our first dinner on vacation a delight!
(5)E M.
Made the 8:30 pm reservation weeks in advance for my husband's bday. We were sat around 8:40, no problem. Husband was presented with a tiny personalized box of pecan tarts which was a nice intro. We took about 10 mins looking over the menu, ordered a round of drinks and 2 appetizers then waited.... And waited... Server brought delicious hot bread & corn muffins... Finally got our drinks around 9:15, appetizers a few minutes later. Panko crusted baked oysters were good, but not as great as the reviews. Mushroom pate very earthy indeed; pappadams were a nice touch. Entrees were very good-2 very tender tenderloins cooked spot on and lamb chops. The nutty red rice with the lamb chops and crispy duck fat fries were delicious. The white sangria was refreshing, but throw in some fruit for $14/glass. Overall our dinner was very good, but we are unsure whether or not we'll return which is the true test. The decor and ambiance could have be better. The lights were turned up too high, high enough to see a large brown smear on the curtains at shoulder height next to my dinner companion and the bad seafood paintings on the wall. Perhaps someone from the Paris Market down the street could redo the interior. Crossing this place off my Savannah list. Been there, done that.
(3)Adrian V.
Great experience from top to bottom. The bar tender was very sociable and knowledgeable. I tried a gin mule for the first time, and ordered about three more thereafter. The charcuterie board was the best I've ever tasted. If you're looking for the healthy option, it's not for you. If you want amazing trade, give it a go. The suckling pig was delicious but my date's roast lamb was still better. We had the chocolatier option for dessert, really good as well. If ever in town, I will certainly go again.
(5)Heather A.
Loved this place! We came to Savannah for a long weekend to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary and the staff at Alligator Soul were so sweet and wonderful to us. The food was excellent, the bartenders friendly and knowledgable, and table service was wonderful.
(5)Vinny G.
I almost rated this 4 stars because the service was so slow, but the food is really special. Also, we figured we're in Savannah, so why not relax and take our time. The chef here really knows what he/she is doing. We ordered and shared a variety of appetizers so that we could try as many different dishes as possible, and every one was a big hit. Some of the highlights: Oysters a la Soul: baked oysters on the half shell topped with a blend of crawfish, bacon, a spicy creamy roux, topped with panko crumbs. Stupid good. My new favorite oyster dish anywhere. Gator sausage spiced to perfection with a really interesting mustard based side. Sunnyside up quail eggs over sausage in a light sauce. Spicy and terrific. Shrimp and grits. I'm not a good person for this because I usually like even mediocre shrimp and grits, but these were spiced just right with creamy grits and fresh shrimp. A cut above. For dessert we had the cherry bourbon cobbler which we ordered a la mode, because by this time "why not?". The cherries had a great sweet/sour flavor with just enough burboun to add flavor but not overpower it. The wine list was fairly priced, as were all the dishes, and the atmosphere was large wine cellar mellow. The only downside was that the service was extremely slow, and it didn't appear to be just our table or waiter. We had all night, so we just went with the flow. It's one thing to have relaxed service and a long meal, but this was far too long between visits. The food makes it all worth it, but this is something that really should be corrected with a chef this good. Having said that, we have been to Savannah a number of times and this was not only our favorite meal in Savannah, it was up there with some of our favorite restaurants anywhere. Leave yourself some time and enjoy.
(5)Austin J.
Outstanding food and great service! My wife had the duck and it was cooked perfectly (medium-rare). I had the scallops and risotto. Both dishes were amazing and delicious. It is a great atmosphere! Great date night restaurant! We will definitely come back again to try more dishes!
(5)Todd C.
The food was excellent, my wife had the Shrimp n' Grits (A+) and I had the Scallops (awesome), the wine was great. Kate was our waiter and she was phenomenal....highly recommend. Make sure you make reservations. Oh, and being from the Bluegrass, great bourbon selection.
(5)Esi D.
Excellent service! Everyone was so friendly and checked in with us a lot about our food and service. I had the grouper and my husband had the lamb - both great dishes. The only reason why I am not giving it 5 stars is that we had to wait for quite a while to get our meals.
(4)Louisa S.
Awesome fresh organic local fine dining. We both started with the house tossed salad;incredible. I had the Surf and Turf; filet was so tender and the scallops so good. He had the fresh Fish of the day, Grouper, topped with Bernaise sauce, exquiste poltenta and butternut squash.fluffly mashed potatoes. Well worth the $50 per person meal. Especially if you are on vacation.
(5)Stephanie L.
Wow. We heard rave reviews of this place and it did not disappoint. From the moment we walked in, service was great. It's downstairs in the basement level, but the ambience is perfect. Not dark at all, which is what we were expecting. Hostess seated us quickly and our server promptly arrived at the table to greet us. We started off with a half dozen of the oysters de la soul... and thinking back, we should have ordered the full dozen. I'm not one for cooked oysters but these were amazing -- not too heavy, like oysters Rockefeller can be. Then my husband had the soup du jour and I had their house salad. Both solid. Now for the entrees... we were in for a treat. Husband ordered the bacon wrapped filet with horseradish mashed potatoes and brococlini. He cleaned his plate; said the mashed potatoes were the best he's ever had. I ordered the elk tenderloin special... just to be adventurous, and was pleasantly surprised with the flavors. Finally, for dessert, we asked our server to surprise us with two options. He brought out the cobbler and banana beignets. Just the right amount of sweet to finish off an excellent meal. Yum! All in all, a great dining experience... from food and drinks to service and attentiveness. Highly recommend.
(5)Natalia D.
Romantic and delicious. Chef uses local produce and whats in season, which keeps the menu fresh and exciting. Highly suggest a reservation. Definitely on our rotation list for the next trip to Savannah.
(4)Trent L.
Best upscale meal I've had in Savannah. It's all about the food here. The location is nice and the decor pleasant, but I was blown away by the food. We started with the Charcuterie Plate; an appetizer of pork belly, duck bacon, alligator sausage, and roasted smoked veal bone marrow. Absolutely delicious, and the marrow was one of the top 3 things I've ever eaten. For entrees, I had the ribeye and my wife had the shrimp and grits. Both absolutely fantastic. The duck fat frites were extraordinary. All that said, this is a restaurant with BOLD flavors. If you don't like rich/spicy/smokey, this may not be for you. You also need to be a bit adventurous. If eating elk/ostrich/alligator sounds scary, or if a chocolate and vanilla root beer float with stout beer sounds crazy, you may not like this place. But if you love great food with bold flavors and have a sense of adventure, do not miss this restaurant.
(5)Ella A.
We stopped by for dinner. We did not have a reservation, however the hostess was able to find us a table at the front of the restaurant. Service, in our case, was very slow. It took several walk-bys and about 10+ minutes before a waitperson took on our table. The food was good, nothing memorable one way or another, and service did improve throughout the evening. Based on our experience we probably would not go back, but we would not not recommend the establishment.
(3)Bob M.
Wow....Where do I start? We only ate in one place in Savannah. I am a big farm to table guy and the chef here has mastered this project! The food here is beyond words. Had the cheese plate and the wild mushroom miso soup. Fantastic. Corn muffins and home made bread was out of this world but don't fill up on carbs. Had do decide between the Hilo Ribeye or the Kangeroo steak. Went with the ribeye because I figured the Roo was going to be small and expensive. Ribeye shows up and holy $hit the thing is like 16 ounces! And it's cooked perfectly. And it's paired with fresh cut fries cooked in duck fat! I wanted to hug the chef! I don't doubt there is not a bad dish on the menu which they change seasonally. And everything is locally raised and organic. And you won't be waiting for staff to assist you. There was like a staff member for each 3-4 patrons. Go here! Get in your car or a taxi and do this place. Don't expect chicken wings or calamari. This is not that place. This is real food and you will wish it was right down the street from your house.... Stop reading this and go here......
(5)Annie Z.
My husband and I enjoyed our anniversary dinner at Alligator Soul. It was a great spot for a romantic dinner. The staff was very attentive and knowledgeable. We were asked if we were celebrating anything when the reservation was confirmed and our server was informed and brought it up when we were sat as well as asking if there was anything I needed to avoid as I am pregnant. The food was a little salty for my taste but my husband loved the meal. I'd recommend going with their exotic dish or chef's choice to get the most out of your experience. Overall it was a good choice for our celebration.
(4)Joseph F.
Over priced with average food. Miserable waiter with an attitude. I don't remember his name but he was tall and thin, about 6'6". One person in our party had to send his steak back 3 times and finally gave up and didn't eat. Shrimp and grits was so so. Much better in Charleston SC. Never again!
(2)Jan B.
Ask for Adam! Best waiter ever!!! This place is a jewel in Savannah. It rivals the best restaurants of Charleston. They use a lot of locally grown food and the flavor a come through. You must try the Oyster a la Soul. Best Oysters outside of New Orleans.
(5)Steve B.
Great ambiance and amazing food. Love the windows that were built into the walls. Restaurant is underground and this really makes it feel more spacious. Great service as well. Megan was great as well as the support staff. The drinks were remarkably good. Moonshine was tasty and not too powerful. Old fashioned was brilliantly made. Scallops were perfectly cooked and the portions were sizable, without being enormous. Would recommend to anyone who doesn't mind spending a decent amount of money for a great meal. Well worth the cost.
(5)Angela L.
From start to finish this place wowed us. A treat for my boyfriend for his birthday. The server explained all aspects of all the menus. The manager wishes us well. The food was delicious. Get the goat cheese cheesecake. Thank you Alligator Soul for a wonderful meal.
(5)Anna S.
On a trip to Savannah, we arbitrarily selected this spot from a list of restaurants. Definitely worth a trip! We were served a palate cleansing soup to start, followed by some delicious house-made cranberry and Aleppo pepper muffins, and a sea salt encrusted bread with honey lemon butter. The bread was still hot and fresh, and a lovely way to start the meal. We ordered a small portion of the creole shrimp and house salad. The small portion was definitely big enough for an entree, so if you're saving room for dessert I'd recommend doing the same. I ordered "The Little Hildo" which is - ribeye with the house spice mix. It came with fantastic duck fat-fried french fries, and flavorful asparagus. This was an excellent and large portion, and I ended up taking a lot of it to go. My waiter was even kind enough to cut it for me before putting it in a go-box because I didn't have access to a steak knife in my hotel. My sweet tea was also wonderful- not a sweet aftertaste and not cloying. The dessert options were kind of limited. We had a mint cheesecake which was fine, but I wouldn't go running back for it. Since they change their menu according to the local ingredients, I'm sure they have other and better options. The service was very friendly and anything they didn't know, they double checked in the kitchen. Excellent dining experience.
(5)Roberto F.
This is a great restaurant that's tucked away down in the basement area but makes for a great place to have dinner. Due to our budget I would recommend this place for a special day (birthday anniversary or just that special occasion where you want a fancy dinner. The food was amazing and the waiters were excellent at pairing wine with the dishes. Service was a bit slow but nothing really to complain about, especially since our section was full. Another great thing about this place is that even though it's higher end it didn't feel pretentious. When back in Savannah we will be sure to celebrate our return at this place.
(4)Tom M.
Very nice. Had the Bison Oso Bucolic and it was great! Only slight disappointment was the gumbo. Appetizer portion was pricey at $14 and was not as tastey as some I have had on the gulf coast.
(4)Holly G.
Easily my favorite dinner during our trip to Savannah! If you are vegetarian or vegan, and you are tired of only being able to eat ravioli or a salad in restaurants, you must come here! Seriously. I ordered the vegetarian special of the day and it was absolutely delicious! It was a huge puff pastry filled with fava beans, mushrooms, black truffle oil, super thin sliced smoky tofu - so much savory goodness! My husband ordered the little Hilbo (?) steak with duck fat fries and seemed happy with it, especially once the server brought out some habanero sauce to kick up the steak. In the end though, he agreed my meal was really the most flavorful of the two. ;)
(5)Nicole W.
I have to say I only came here for their desserts and Coffee. You walk down a couple of stairs and you're transported to a Disney-esque tavern were it looks like it was staged a little too perfect haha It was great! It just didnt have ANYTHING to do with "creole or cajun" culture. Expect maybe for the random aligators around the rooms. Ok lets talk about desserts: - Banana Beignets: these were AH-MAZING! my mouth waters to this day. HOWEVER i have to point out that there was absolutly nothing that looked or even resembled a doughnut covered in powered sugar. The dish was more of a decontructed beignet dish with bananas. It had vanilla icecream on the bottom, layered with tempura fried small pieces of banana (about 4) drizzled with caramel and topped off with crispy cinamony wonton crisps (what?) yeah. - Flourless expresso tart: it was great! just a little to heavy for me. Even though it was a small tort it was so rich and creamy and very thick that it was difficult to take another piece. Overall tasted more like chocolate than coffee which was a disappointment. - The berry cheesecake: ok this one was a flop for me. It was weird cheesecake with chunks and I mean BIG CHUNKS of what looked like were frozen canned peaches (ugh?) yeah so whenever you took a bite out of it you had to commit to the whole peach slice. It was just wierd all over. But my friend (who is a big dessert person) ate 3/4 of it, So it must have something she liked.
(4)Maria M.
love the food! did you hear me??? love the food! lamb was amazing, gumbo was ridic(good ridic) fried green tomatoes love love. Too full for dessert.
(5)Susan M.
Asparagus soup tasters, alligator boudin appetizer started the meal. Pep padre & scallion corn muffin with a honey butter. Tasty organic and natural juice cocktails. Exotic meats entree with elk and marrow butter as well as the bacon wrapped beef tenderloin with baby pea pods and cauliflower mash. Excellent wait staff. Overall, very nice evening/meal. Anniversary dinner. Husband wants to come back. Before our next anniversary!!
(5)D H.
Menu is interesting and offers a good range of choices from safe to adventurous. Shrimp and grits appetizer was amazing! Service impeccable. Hand-crafted cocktails a plus. This place is a must if you're in savannah.
(5)Jim W.
Atmosphere, food, service was excellent. Great place to take your wife or girlfriend for a romantic dinner. They took the effort to call me the day before to confirm our reservation and ask if my wife and I were celebrating a special occasion. These guys are paying attention and it shows in their service and food.
(5)Roni D.
My expectations were so high for this restaurant and unfortunately were not met. The food was mediocre as was the waiter. We found out more about the menu by eavesdropping on the other waitstaff in the restaurant while they discussed the dishes with the customers. When we asked our waiter about the specials he barely acknowledged them. Perhaps if we had better guidance in our selections we would have felt better about our experience here. But then again I can't remember any of the dishes that we did have so what does that say?
(2)N B.
When you come to Savannah you must dine here. My fiancé and I came here to celebrate our engagement. The entire staff made our day extraordinary. They truly spoiled us. The food was slap your grand momma good. Okay you may not live to tell the story after slapping grandma but the food is really just that good. You really can't go wrong with anything you order here. Many thanks to the owner and the entire staff for making our engagement so memorable. You are the best! Thank you for all that you do.
(5)Cynda R.
Great place with wonderful atmosphere. I didn't have a reservation and they graciously let me sit and order from the full menu at the bar. I had the blackened grouper nicoise salad. While the grouper wasn't blackened, the salad was beautiful and delicious. The barkeeper described the salad as deconstructed. Interesting. There were no olives but a few perfectly fried nuggets of okra. The fish was also perfectly cooked. Nice wine list.
(4)Tamara M.
This was our choice for my birthday dinner, and we chose well! This was my first visit to Savannah, and I was already impressed. Alligator Soul fits right in. The location is perfect, walking distance from our hotel in the historic district. The decor is simple yet elegant. The restaurant is on the basement level. We had a table in a small, side room, in the corner. We started with the Artisanal Cheese Plate featuring local specialties along with some fruits, nuts, flatbreads and honey to set off the cheeses. Delicious! They have some lively, unique cocktails featuring organic and natural juices and liquors. I can personally say that the GinGin Mule is addictive. For dinner, the bf had the Lamb Porterhouse with a Lamb and Feta Meatball. It was served with some flavorful rice: duck liver and Medjool date scallion dirty rice. All was rich and delicious. I had one of the specials: a Venison Puff Pastry with Wild Boar Pancetta and Bleu Cheese sweet potato mash. It was like a souped up comfort food, and I was totally in love. The pastry was light and flaky. It seemed like a venison pot pie in a way. The sweet potato mash was to die for. I am seriously going to try and recreate it. Our server was young and sweet. He did a really good job at being attentive and funny but not overbearing. We felt we could take our time and really enjoy the food. I had an after-dinner coffee to end the meal, and the bf had a nice tawny port. It was an excellent meal all around.
(5)Barbara F.
Service, atmosphere, value and most importantly the quality of the meal was unbelievable! Best Valentines dinner ever. Alligator Soul is a must do!!!!
(5)Paige N.
Alligator Soul is AMAZIING!!! I ate here this past weekend while visiting Atlanta with my folks and it was far and away the best meal we had there. We'd made a reservation in advance of arriving for the Sunday night before we left Savannah and after touring around town the past two days exploring River Street, the squares, the Pirate House and all the other notable historical places (Girl Scout HQ, the awesome Roman Catholic church, Broughton St, etc), were excited to dine here. I was a little leery when I first learned Alligator Soul is below street level - I was picturing images of a basement or dungeon like set up, but I was very pleasantly surprised instead. Although the restaurant is below street level it still has windows with flowers and shrubbery and high ceilings giving the feeling of being above ground. Genius - and the inside is charming - very comfortable and inviting but still classy with white table cloths, plush carpets, servers dressed to a tee, and the feeling of almost being in a swanky New Orleans type restaurant. The walls are exposed brick and there's more stone archways inside the restaurant separating the bar area from the main dining rooms, but it's all very elegant still. My mom really got the ball rolling in classic style as soon as we were escorted to our table, by proceeding to knock over the champagne stand at the table next to ours holding a bottle of sparkling water. Winning! Off to a great start already. After the puddle was cleaned up and she'd apologized profusely (the ladies were totally cool with it - it was only water, after all), our waiter proceeded to introduce himself, and take our drink order. When he returned to get our dinner order he brought a complimentary appetizer of bruschetta with a balsamic glaze and a mixture of tomatoes and mushrooms chopped on top of the little toasts - delicious. It was a specialty of the night and yet another testament to their excellent service. Since I'd never seen alligator croquettes on a menu (and probably won't again for some time), my mom and I split an appetizer of that and my dad ordered a dinner salad to go with his entree. For our main dishes, I ordered the lamb tagine, my mom got the flounder special that evening and my dad had the filet of wellington. The croquettes were delicious, I didn't know what to expect alligator to taste like (chicken, perhaps?), but whatever it was, it was great and drizzled with some kind of remoulade, which made it perfect. And the main courses - let me tell you... My lamb tagine was beautifully presented (everything was) and so, so tasty. It came out as a stew of lamb and vegetables like peppers, onions and the like with a side of lentils (the first time I've had them prepared well) and spinach sauteed with chopped garlic. Dad's filet of wellington looked perfect in its puff pastry crust with mashed potatoes and asparagus, and Mom's flounder was very pretty atop a creamy base of canellini beans with proscuitto mixed in. We were also given a loaf of freshly sliced, still warm from the oven herb bread - and I won't lie - that's some of the tastiest bread I've ever had. Everything could not have been better - yes, the bill was a bit steep, but for an experience like that - it was worth it. And really, Alligator Soul is someplace you'd go for a special occasion or if you're an out of towner. Besides, you can't take it with you - put the money you worked hard for to good use: good food! One of the best touches of the night was that since it was our first time dining at Alligator Soul, there was a little box at our table when we arrived saying, "Thanks for coming for the first time, enjoy." And inside were three of the cutest, bite-sized pecan pies I've ever laid eyes on. Not only was it memorable and won instant brownie points from me, but they were also really tasty! Fantastic restaurant I'll highly recommend to anyone visiting Savannah and wanting to have a great food experience.
(5)Renee G.
A hidden gem in town! Dark and delicious interior that emulates an easy ambiance and food that's out of this world. Try a kangaroo filet or the Little Hilbo steak. Sexy, savoury food. Every time.
(5)John S.
Right there with Green Truck as the best food we had in Savannah. A nice room, inventive menu, fresh ingredients, very good service. It's pricey, but worth it. I had a piece of roast fish, she had bison, both very good. Good cocktails, great wine list. You should go for the farm-to-table action.
(5)Courtney D.
My husband and I had a wonderful meal. Our server was fantastic and we enjoyed the entire experience. We were only in town for one night and we were so happy we chose to eat here. Wonderful!
(5)Will B.
Was in town for business and took try at this place. Exceptional service (sat at the bar, great chatting with others and the bartenders) good drinks and excellent food.
(5)Paula E.
We decided to try this place for a different dinner in Savannah while there on vacation. You will downstairs to the basement and its a great environment and nicely decorated! We were given antelope minestrone to start with on a teaspoon to taste which was very good. The waiter asked if we felt adventurous and described the specials. He also brought out a lovely plate of baguette and cornbread served with lemon honey and tyme butter. Again had a nice flavor. I decided on adventure and went with the antelope stroganoff. Unfortunately later in the evening I felt queasy and developed a horrible headache. The next morning after ordering breakfast at another establishment before the food even arrived I became horribly ill from the dinner the night before and quickly realized I had food poisoning. Ended up spending the rest of the day sick in my hotel room. I did call to let them know about it but never heard back. Think I will try adventure from home and not on vacations!
(3)Jennie L.
would be a 3.5 if possible. great ambiance, had a wonderful server. although she was quite disappointed that my husband only ordered the charcuterie plate as his entree (one: he wasn't that hungry. two: he can't pass up pork belly. ever.) the shrimp and grits were wonderful! lots of shrimp and a great flavor! the entree portion was very well sized, and I couldn't come close to finishing. pretty decent wine list, not a whole lot of by the glass options, but found a few to choose from! great meal, overall! would recommend to friends for a good shrimp and grits meal!
(4)V Y.
This place is out of this world. Seriously. The service is impeccable. The food is out of control. We had the shrimp and grits, the beef tenderloin and the elk special. Amazing. I could've had a vat of the mashed potatoes as well. I would encourage everyone to go for the exotic special! They have really fun alcohol flights here too that I've never seen at other restaurants. We had the beer and wine flights, but they also have things like bourbon and martini flights. Go here! Run don't walk!
(5)Mark F.
WOW! Never smiled so much while eating from the pure flavor of food! We went on our anniversary and it was special. We had already seen the menu online and knew what we wanted , the Shrimp and grits. But we also ordered the house salad. Not many salads create a flavor explosion in your mouth, but this one did! The Shrimp and Grits are the best I have ever had. While the food was the best we had during our 4 day stay in Savannah, and maybe in the south, it was the service that made it so special. SPENCER...you're the best, and we both thank you!!! The most memorable meal in out 28 year marriage! We WILL be back again!
(5)Debra B.
Since this was my 1st visit to Savannah, I stopped by a coffee house to get a recommendation from the locals. What great advice! The service and food was excellent. From the moment I walked in, everyone was there to make sure I enjoyed the dining experience. The food was fresh and delicious, the wait staff very helpful and attentive. The next time I visit, this restaurant is on the list.
(5)K. W.
Truly one of the best spots in Savannah! The service was impeccable, seriously one of the nicest waiters ever (rashad) waited on us and we couldn't get over how nice he was and kept tending to us, he made us feel like we were the only ones he was waiting on! The food, oh Lordy, the food was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!!! I can not say enough about the whole experience, we started with a seaweed beef "palette awakener" which was delicious followed by a meat and cheese board (get it, you won't be disappointed) which consisted of pheasant pate, green hill cheese, spicy cheddar, flat bread, and a bunch more stuff I can't remember but was really good. Then we each had our meal - my husband had the bison hangar steak and I had the little hilbo, both were outrageous! We then shared a dessert, banana beignet and ice wine. You NEED to get here if you are a local or a visitor, it's really worth it! But make sure you make reservations - the restaurant was packed when we went! Also try to sit in the room to the right, there's only three or so tables there and it's quite romantic!
(5)Timothy B.
Love this place. Make us feel like their favorite customers every time we go. Please don't change a thing! The menu is very good here and varies. The alcohol selection is great and specifically the martini flights are great. Lamb is amazing!
(5)Stephanie C.
Our server Sonny from Pitt was absolutely wonderful. The drinks were amazingly creative and delicious. I made it my goal to find a place with the perfect Shrimp & Grits in Savannah, tried MANY restaurants and this is my absolute favorite. The Shrimp & Grits tasted homemade and the mixed drinks were so wonderful if they offered them for shipment to my home I would do it in a second. Thanks for an absolutely amazing experience especially on my last day in Savannah.
(5)A T.
All I can say is, wow. What an awesome and delicious experience. If you visit Savannah this is definitely the place to go. The price tag is high but it's definitely worth it for the farm table, completely organic experience. Even their cocktails are home made! Our server Sonny was so knowledgable of the menu including sauces, vegetables used and even the origin of the meats served. He was super friendly and certainly made our experience that much better! To Sonny's boss, the man deserves a raise! ;) thank you Alligator Soul, we'll be back when we visit Savannah again!
(5)Kelly U.
The food was delicious and interesting. They had an awesome menu of unique items. The charcuterie board was really cool, although I didn't love the different meats on there, my husband really did and the display was beautiful. Besides the food the Staff was so kind and had really great energy to be around. If we ever make it back to Savannah we will check out this place again for sure.
(5)Adrian M.
Best shrimp and grits in the South! The meats were cooked to perfection! I would recommend the bacon-wrapped filet. It practically melts in your mouth. I'm not local to the area, but if I'm ever in town again, dining at Alligator Soul will be at the top of my list!
(5)Erin L.
While on vacation, my boyfriend and I made reservations at Alligator Soul after reading all the reviews online. We expected to have an amazing experience. While the food was fantastic and the service seemed great on the surface, our waitress Kate felt it necessary to up sell and manipulate us into adding more to our bill. She began by giving us very detailed explanations of all the specials, which was fantastic, but then began to up sell us on water. When we asked for water while we checked the drink menu, she asked "Would you like some sparkling water?" When my boyfriend responded, "No just flat water," she spoke over him saying "Flat bottled water?" as she walked away, not giving us a chance to stop her. She literally put words in his mouth to charge us $5 for bottled water that was carried to our table in an ice bucket. We immediately knew we would be charged for something we clearly hadn't ordered but since it was just water, we let it go. Before walking away to put in our drink orders she said she would give us a moment to look over the appetizer menu, then when she returned specifically asked what appetizers we wanted to order. Normally I wouldn't have thought anything of that but it became clear to us that this was part of her tactic to "sell" the menu to us instead of explaining the food in such a way that we would want to order more. When we told her "No" for the appetizers (second time we had to flat out say NO to what she wanted us to order), she just waited for us to say what entrees we wanted instead of explaining anything on the menu. Almost like she was bothered by the fact that we were only having one course. Again, not something I would normally pick up on but clearly becoming a trend with this particular waitress. When we ordered our entree she asked each of us twice about adding more to our selection. My boyfriend ordered The Little Hilbo, which he loved and would highly recommend to others. I ordered the Shrimp and Grits, and had to first refuse a side salad and then she quickly mumbled "Would you like scallops on that?" which I unfortunately misheard as "scallions" as those were listed on the menu with this entree. Not correctly hearing her was my mistake, but I did not expect her to add more seafood to something like a large portion of Shrimp and Grits. I personally don't even like scallops and wouldn't have added them if she had bothered to slow down when asking or explained why scallops would enhance the dish. At the moment it wasn't something I caught as an add-on, but by the end of the meal we both realized this was her sales tactic. The shrimp and grits were fantastic, and it was a very large portion that truly did not need scallops. When we saw the additional $14 added onto our bill, we realized why she quickly mumbled the suggestion to me. I could have said something then, as I didn't eat the scallops, but honestly I was embarrassed. This woman's intentions were obviously to make money by taking advantage of her customers, putting words into their mouths and flat out forcing you to refuse her up selling suggestions over and over again. Her overall demeanor was very kind and friendly, which was clearly part of her whole sales tactic. Though our experience was just with one person, I would never return to a restaurant that employs someone with this skill set. The fact that I misheard 'scallops' as 'scallions' and added $14 worth of food that I didn't want to our bill, made me feel angry and dumb. This type of treatment was not something we expected in a beautiful restaurant like Alligator Soul and something that will absolutely keep us from ever returning. Both of us are in sales professionally and understand the need to sell a service or product. We also both know that the best sales tactic is to explain your product as something that the customer needs and wants, not manipulate them into spending more money. The money itself wasn't an issue as diners should expect to pay more for a farm to table restaurant with an exotic menu. The price would have been worth it if we didn't feel like we were tricked into buying things we didn't need, and were forced into saying "No" over and over all night. Though the food was amazing, I would be ashamed to ever walk into this place in the future as I will always feel like the person who got tricked by a con artist on vacation.
(1)Pat B.
I visited here during restaurant week. It's a great time to try a fixed menu for a fixed price. Without reservations at this busy establishment, we were seated at the bar. Next to us were a group of four ladies living it up tasting many drinks and ordering away on the menu. Then we were two, ordering the fixed menu and the bartender made us feel like second class citizens. I think they were offended we weren't dropping $100 on our meal.
(3)Dev D.
For foodies & mixed drinks... Bread baked fresh w/cracked pepper hints & lemon-infused herb butter. Sidecar martini - Remy Martin VSOP, Cointreau, fresh lemon in a sugar rimmed glass. Etta James - House infused blueberry and lemon gin w/splash of sparkling soda and blueberries & cucumber slice. Shrimp n Grits - stone ground cheddar grits , Cajun seasoned shrimp , incredible sauce that I know had some lamb reduction in it among others. Hearty appetizer. Crocodile croquettes - 2 lightly fried w/another nice sauce (foodies forgive me again) sandwiching mixed greens, capers that complement the croc soo well, among other sauce features. If you manage bites w/all ingredients flavor is exponential. Perfect appetizer portion. Feature a 40oz. steak & on special that night a dry-smoked aged Cajun rubbed grill finished ribeye w/reduction toppings among other things BUT I didn't bring an appetite. So sorry so sad. Foodie server a plus & gregarious cocktail server a plus & mgr seating 20 min. to close a plus & music selection a plus & drink prices a plus & casual attire a plus. Martinis avail to go. Close early, 9:45 on a slow night, 10:15 on busier. Always ask the establishment. Have NOT tried the Jazz Tapas place that is between Alligator Soul and Ellis Square. Crocodile not available anywhere else on Alligator Soyl's menu currently 4/9/12, but mention at restaurant of future bison & more exotic items.
(5)Ashleigh L.
We accidentally stumbled upon this gem after not having reservations for Lady & Sons. The staff was very friendly, food was amazing and atmosphere was perfect for a family of 5! Would definitely go back.
(5)Koula S.
We 're in Savannah for a few days without the kid! Alligator soul was a good spot to visit. We shared the Oysters. Do use the habanero hot sauce. Just a little really adds to the flavor. The duck was good as were the scallops. The best part was dessert. We shared the banana beignet... Yum! It was a solid "good" meal.
(4)Ryan D.
The best restaurant in Savannah!!! They have a great cocktail menu, and the food is fresh and all natural! The best shrimp and grits in town!
(5)Amy A.
Delicious! Southern staples like shrimp and grits are on the menu but I was wowed by the more adventurous dishes. We started with the baked oysters and I'm still longing for another spoonful of the house made spicy pepper sauce. The venison was incredible! Served as 2 chops, it was perfectly cooked and tender without the gaminess I associate with venison. Step out of your comfort zone when you order and prepare to have your taste buds dance.
(5)Liane J.
Super cool underground location. Loved the fried green tomatoes, oysters to start. We followed with the lamb and the buffalo ribeye. Both were outstanding. Finished with the banana beignets and tiramisu. Food. Baby. Love the farm to table concept and atmosphere here. Great wine selection too.
(5)susan s.
Sit at the bar. Order the incredible oysters. Perhaps sample the shrimp and grits. BUT don't go any further. Despite the great service our food was mediocre. The fresh flounder special was boring and the scallops, though fresh and plump and cooked perfectly, had no seasoning or sauce whatsoever. The manager offered new dishes but we didn't want to start over. We just finished our nice bottle of wine and headed out surprised no one adjusted our bill or offered a drink or dessert on the house.
(2)Matt S.
***DO NOT WASTE A MEAL IN SAVANNAH AT THIS PLACE*** My family and I were in Savannah recently, and due to unforeseen circumstances, we ate here. Way overpriced, terrible service and awful menu. There are much better restaurants in Savannah. If this is among the best Savannah has to offer, then I feel sorry for the city as a whole. We ordered the following: Oysters Bienville - very, very, mediocre. I'm being generous with that rating too. I don't know what we were thinking when we ordered these. I'm honestly shocked someone would put this on a menu at a halfway-respectable establishment. It's oysters on the half-shell, stuffed with FIVE DIFFERENT INGREDIENTS and then baked. I mean.....Jesus. You can't taste anything but some sausage-y panko flakes. You'd never be able to tell that there's actually an oyster buried somewhere in this ridiculously sloppy dish. It should be on a Red Lobster menu. Fried Green Tomatoes - certainly better than the Oysters, but that's not saying much. There's really not much to say about these. I've had fried green dozens of times in my life, and these would rank at the top of the bottom half. Slightly worse than average. Frog Legs - probably the best appetizer we had, but not good. My only real complaint with these was that they were kind of slimey. You're probably saying "well, they are frogs legs, why wouldn't they be slimey?". The slime factor came from the lack of execution in cooking them. They were totally undercooked. The breading came right off, they should have been fried and crispy. It seems like a no brainer when cooking frog legs. The "Little Hilbo" - it's a Cajun seasoned Ribeye steak. It was really tough, and we were suspicious about whether or not it was actually prime beef as they claimed. The seasoning did nothing but conveniently distract from the crappy meat, and was totally overcooked. Under normal circumstances we would've sent it back. However, since it took over an hour to get our meal once we ordered, the last thing we wanted to do was delay our departure. They came served over duck fat fries, and as a result the fries were soggy. Sucked. Rabbit - think it was the best dish (again, not saying much). It was kind of bland, but at that point I didn't care. My biggest problem was that it cost $40 for about 6 oz of meat. You'd think you were at an upscale French restaurant in NYC. Rabbit is not that expensive. Many great NYC restaurants have far superior dishes (in every sense) that don't cost $40. Total rip off considering A) the (lack of) flavor, and B) ridiculous price. Buffalo - very "meh". In their defense, I think Buffalo is pretty bland in general, so the lack of flavor here is not 100% their fault. Although, $40 for a really mediocre dish...give me a break. Despite what other users here say, the service was terrible. Our waitress was very nice, but not familiar with the menu or the specials. All she did was read us what was on the menu. Also, IT TOOK FOREVER. It was one and a half hours from the time we sat down until the time we actually got our entrees. The place was not busy either. A table of seven who sat down AFTER us (we were a party of four) was finished with their entrees, had paid their bill and was leaving before we even got our entrees. That's insane and we complained to the manager multiple times but to no avail. Even after knowing the problem, he never came to check on us. To make matters worse, one of us wanted the lamb, but since our server was so slow with everything, the table of seven who sat down after us nabbed the last order. A note to the owners: I know you have to sell certain items, but when servers describe certain menu items as "life-changing" and "transcendent", and those dishes end up being terrible, it creates serious customer resentment. I'm mad at my waiter for suggesting a terrible dish, and now I think they don't know what they're talking about. Tell your servers to chill with the hyperbole and try a different angle. The wait time should have been reason enough to make some sort of concession, but they didn't even comp us a round of drinks. They made no concession of any kind. All they did do was offer to "take care of us" the next time we ate there. Believe me, there's no way we'll ever eat there again. Amateur hour all around. Our waitress also didn't catch a $60 "mistake" on our bill. They charged us twice for three of our apps.
(1)FortSki G.
My wife and I had dinner with close friends last night and very much enjoyed our dinner at Alligator Soul. Like a large number of Savannah establishments, you have to walk below street level to find the restaurant which makes the initial experience interesting. The hostess were extremely friendly and the wait staff was amazing. If you are a looking for a great dinner, whether it be steak, seafood or just a nice night out on Savannah than this may be your place. I suggest trying the following: - - Scallops and Greens -- Beef Tenderloin -- Gator Gumbo (really good) The food was plated well and our service was extremely attentive. The manager stopped by our table a number of times to ensure our meal was up to par. If you are looking for a good Georgia meal in Savannah, I'd suggest a stop by Alligator Soul.
(4)Tim B.
Great place with an incredibly friendly bartender (Ana I believe). Go for the exotics! Red Deer was fantastic as was the alligator sausage, and they have an impressive stock of good bourbons.
(4)D H.
A bit disappointing. Nice atmosphere and good service but the food was inconsistent. Try the oysters, shrimp and grits or pork belly. But, stay away from the charcuterie with bone marrow and sausage. The scallops were fine but the warm watermelon it was paired with was odd.
(3)david h.
The atmosphere, ambiance and pre-visit hype had me ready for a world class experience. Best I can say about the food - pleasant! Not great, not bad, just pleasant. The service was interesting. Our server was nice and very knowledgeable but everything she did and said was over the top. She started with information about the drinks. She gave us information about the special, drinks, the house drinks, moonshine, craft beers and all kind of wines. I waited for her to take a breath so I could tell I wanted some ice tea. My wife drinks Bud Light. Memo to servers worldwide - ask your customer if they want information about something before you inundate them with information. Now for the food. The amuse bouche tasted like a spoonful of lukewarm vegetable beef soup. We're not off to a good start. We had the oysters Bienville for an appetizer. The taste was inconsistent from one oyster to the next. It was okay depending on which oyster you had. I had the stuffed pork chop. It was excellent flavor, perfectly cooked and a great cut of meat. Wish it hasn't been stuffed. My wife's shrimp and grits was simply serviceable. Nothing more, nothing less. The cheeses we had for dessert were just not the good. I expected a lot more out of this place and just didn't get it. Slightly upturned face.
(3)Paige K.
You must try their oysters! They are amazing. Also their house wines are a great deal and very tasty. This is a great spot for a romantic dinner. My husband had the duck with succotash and it was delicious. I had the chef prepare me a vegetarian option. It was very creative and good. The service was also outstanding.
(5)Steve S.
If you want a unique dining experience, this is an ideal choice. The food was good, but the ambiance excelled. My Buffalo was a bit tough, but very tasty. This is a venue to try at least once.
(3)Leah L.
One of my favorite restaurants in Savannah! The food is delicious and the service is wonderful.
(5)Adrianne H.
A beautiful, classy restaurant. Our server, Emily, was very nice and knowledgable about the menu. The one downside to this is she spoke on the menu for a solid three minutes without ever taking a breath (after we had already decided what to order). Our food was great- we both had small cups of gumbo as appetizers, the elk and buffalo for our entrees, and the banana beignets for dessert. However, two of the tables around us sent back the fish because it was too dry. The servers were apologetic and accommodating, and before they had barely left the table, the manager was out there in a snap, also apologizing and offering to comp the entree. Great food and great customer service makes for a great evening. Also, a note to tourists: this isn't the type of place where it's okay to wear your beach clothes and ball caps to dinner. Saw a handful of underdressed newbies and two men wearing their baseball hats inside. Enforcing a slight dress code here wouldn't be a bad idea, it would definitely add to the atmosphere.
(4)Brett S.
Very average. We read great reviews but it didn't quite live up. Service was so-so and the food was also average. Shrimp and grits were ok. Fried green tomatoes were pretty good. Was bad but wasn't 5 star.
(3)Richard G.
Great place with great food. The service is top shelf with every server helping out with everyone's table. My wife had a half dozen stuffed oysters which were outstanding and a small plate of gumbo which was great. I had an alligator sausage and a suckling pig which was very flavorful. The only negative I have is their own wine (alligator cab) which lacked body/ flavor.
(5)Derek W.
The alligator gumbo was to die for, and I loved the ambience. Our bartender was very helpful and accommodating as well. The only reason I would knock the place is the price, which I felt was slightly out of line with what we received mostly due to my wife's entree and the fried green tomatoes. My wife ate the buffalo, which was tougher and more gamey than buffalo I have eaten in other restaurants, and I have had much better FGT's...namely at Magnolia's in Charleston who has the best, IMO.
(4)Tai T.
We ventured here bcuz my son's name is Soul and I'm glad we did. I was hesitant at first cuz I was in a tshirt & shorts...we had been walking the historic district all day and the place is on the swanky side. Most everyone else was in button up shirts and fine dining attire. We usually steer clear of places like this with our kids, but an establishment with a staircase outside leading down to the lower level, and a name like Alligator Soul, is a place I'm determined to eat at. The hostess greeted us with kindness and got us seated in a jif. Any uncomfortable feelings I had about being in a swanky joint in street clothes with sweaty-dirty kids went right out the window after I had my Doc Holliday Double Rye Whiskey. The heirloom tomato appetizer was delicious. I had the Trigger fish special and it was divine. On the oily side but very yummy. My wife had the vegetarian special and she said it was very good, but she was hoping for a more southern flavored vegetarian dish. The kiddos had a steak and chicken fingers with Broccolini and they both really enjoyed theirs. The food and drinks are pricey, but I knew that going in, so I can't dock'em for that. The host, busboy and our waiter were all very kind. It came close to getting a 5 star review, but everything has to perfect to get one of those from me. Oh and they have a decent craft beer list.
(4)Allison B.
Absolutely fantastic! Probably one of the best meals I have ever had in my life. Everything was spot on and the service was excellent. We had the charcuterie board that featured veal bone marrow, duck sausage, and duck bacon. My mouth is watering just thinking about it...then had the bison flank steak and elk steak for dinner. I highly recommend trying the chef's daily specials - we enjoyed it all!
(5)Traci M.
In February we came here for dinner on our "babymoon" trip from Florida. When we walked in they were totally booked for the night but were told we could sit at the bar. The bartenders were extremely helpful and knowledgeable. The food was outstanding, especially the shrimp and grits. The atmosphere is also very pleasant. Underground, old school, dark prohibition feel to it. High prices but definitely worth it. This is always be a stop whenever we come to Savannah.
(5)Carly T.
We dined at Alligator Soul the night of our engagement. My fiance had set up the reservation and told them his plan to propose before coming in. As soon as we walked in we were congratulated and shown to our table. The staff was amazing and everything was on point: food, wine, service. They went the extra mile to make us feel special. Dining here was truly the icing on the cake and we can't wait to return!
(5)sriparna m.
What a wonderful experience... My husband and myself were there this past weekend to celebrate our 30th marriage anniversary. Decided to go to Alligator Soul for dinner after reading on yelp and talking to some locals. The evening was just made from the moment we entered till we left. The hostess was very pleasant, there a cute gift on the table waiting for us. Our server Rachael was very knowledgable , food was just awesome . The ribeye and lamb was to die for. Great atmosphere, made friends with our neighbor table. When we were ready to leave, we were gifted with their house bottle of Merlot. Will definitely go back, whenever we visit !! Felt good...
(5)Tabitha B.
AMAZING! There aren't enough words to describe how Alligator Soul impressed me and my fiancé during our weekend trip to Savannah. The occasion was my fiancé's birthday, which I informed the restaurant of upon making reservations. An employee called to confirm the reservation, check on any dietary needs or restrictions, ask about the occasion we were celebrating, and let us know that they were excited to have us in the upcoming days. When we arrived, my fiancé was greeted with a warm HAPPY BIRTHDAY and we were led to our table. A gift was waiting for him at the table. I'm going to keep the gift a secret so that you can experience it for yourself when you visit for an occasion! We were so impressed with the attention to detail. The service is GREAT...the drinks are amazing...and the atmosphere is so classy, but definitely not stiff. I ordered the shrimp and grits. Let's just say those are the best shrimp and grits I have had in my life!! My fiancé ordered The "Little Hilbo". It is almost a month since we visited Alligator Soul and he is STILL talking about that Ribeye. LOL. We will be back soon!
(5)Ev B.
Excelent! Service and food too! Absolutely amazing, your money is worth it!
(5)Cheddarj E.
Excellent food and service. We had two alligator starters, local fish of the day... salt water trout and pork suckling. All was yummy... staff was very thoughtful with our son... 20 months old. Chef made him a special fruit plate. He loved it.
(5)Sandy P.
Great Place!! Alligator Sausage and Oysters over the top!! My husband had Lamb and I had Smoked Duck. The sweet potato cheesecake was to die for luscious and light. This was one of the best restaurants in Savannah.
(5)Mandy P.
This is by far my most favorite Savannah restaurant! The service is always over the top and first class. The chef is amazing and is always changing the menu to offer the freshest seasonal seafoods.
(5)Christi B.
Had dinner here last night everything was amazing, for appetizers we had the oysters, alligator boudain and the fried green tomatoes, it was amazing!! For my entree I had the kangaroo so tasty, I had never had it before!! For dessert we had the banana beignets and the chefs chocolate concoction with butter brittle with coconut, I think I had an orgasm! The management and staff were amazing! I would highly recommend this restaurant for an amazing Savannah epicurean experience!!
(5)Andrea W.
And so our love affair continues with Alligator Soul....tonight was our anticipated return visit. Again, every thing...without exception, was delightfully tasty. So full of flavor... complex, and inventive. It's food we know, but done in a new way. Again, the service is great, attentive and friendly without being in your space. There are many wonderful places to dine while in Savannah. We had one night, and we choose this one. Again. Hope it's not another 2 years till we are in Savannah. I dont know if I cant wait that long to get some Soul!
(5)Julie K.
I wanted to like this place but it gets a two thumbs down. Go somewhere else. It started with the fact this place was hot. We started with cocktails and I ordered a gin martini, up with a twist of lime. I got a mediocre gin, up with olives. The waitress corrected by bringing me a lime! Totally unacceptable. I sent the drink back but the replacement tasted odd....pretty sure they took out the olive and sent it back. For my appetizer I ordered the house salad without pecans. I got the house salad with pecans. Sent it back too but if the drink is any measure I'd guess they scraped the pecans off and sent it back again...but maybe not...at any rate the salad was also mediocre. They specialize In odd meats so I ordered the exotic meat of the day which was venison.....not exactly exotic but ok. It came on grits, which were just flat out awful and sprinkled with....wait for it....pecans! Seriously, I just had a huge conversation with the waitress over the pecans in my salad, the menu says NOTHING about pecans on the venison and they send me an entree with pecans. Service gets a zero. Okay, so taste...gets a 3 of 10. Venison is a flavorful meat and this was shaved thin, no flavor and frankly on the tough side. Even I can make tender venison (yes, you do have to know how, which this chef didn't). So...I'm a glutton for punishment and ordered a chocolate cake for desert. No pecans but again...taste=0. The icing was thick and tasted like a brownie instead of icing and the cake was dry. The orange filling didn't taste orange. Desert flat out sucked. Overall, service was I impressive and taste/quality was poor at best. Save the money and go to Garibaldi's or anywhere else but this place just isn't worth it.
(1)Elizabeth M.
Hands down our favorite fine dining spot in the Savannah area. It's our go-to for anniversaries, Valentine's Day, birthdays, etc. They'll give you a custom menu signed by the chef and a box of sweets to take home with you as thanks for choosing them for your special occasion. Alligator Soul is an underground restaurant with stone walls and a speakeasy feel. It's romantic and sophisticated, and I remember clearly every waiter and waitress we've ever had there and that the service has always been exceptional. What I love most about Alligator Soul is its eclectic menu featuring southern-creole dishes with a twist, and much of their meat and produce is locally sourced. They also feature lots of wild game and exotic proteins, innovative vegetarian dishes, and chef's tasting menus upon request in advance. We've done tasting menus with them as well as ordered off the regular menu, and nearly everything has been memorable and at the top of our "best of" meals list. They have a good wine list with several by the glass as well as an excellent prohibition-style cocktail list featuring local, organic ingredients. The food and drinks are creative, surprising, and tasty, and not things you're likely to find on other menus in Savannah. Try their duck fat fries, pork belly, and steaks - all incredible. Can't wait for our next visit later this week for Savannah Restaurant Week. It's a great time to go with a prix fixe menu for $30 with an appetizer, entree, and dessert.
(5)Dirk D.
I was warned by a local Inn owner that I would be disappointed with Alligator Soul, that "it's not worth the money" and well, he was right. When you read reviews, you have to bear in mind whether reviewers are on a vacation high and excited, or whether they're really looking for the pros and cons. I'm the latter. I eat out 5 nights a week, 52 weeks a year. So here it goes: - The basement vibe was cool - When we sat at the bar, neither of the bartenders were friendly. In fact, they were the least friendly service staff we experienced anywhere in 4 days on vacation. The wines by the glass were inexpensive and unimpressive. Four drinks were $54. - When we sat down, the server did the whole pretentious "we" thing, like "Are we from out of town?" and "Are we having sparkling water this evening?" and "Have we decided what we're having for main courses?". It was annoying. - The chef sent out an amuse bouche in the totally-played-out-in-2005 white miso soup spoons, which consisted of an incredibly thin, tasteless broth with some sort of mini diced unidentifiable meat cubes which were hard and tasteless. No idea. - We ordered the Frog Legs, which were good - We ordered the Oysters Bienville, which were good. Nothing special, no flavor explosions, no "wow" factor whatsoever. It's an oyster in a shell with breadcrumbs and apparently some exotic meats and spices in there. No idea. - We ordered Alligator Bites, which were inedible. They were drowning in approximately 8 pounds of salt. When I called the server over, she said "We brine our alligator, so it's going to be salty", which was translation for " We don't care about your concerns", at which point, all four of us at the table left the entire 8-10 alligator bites uneaten on the serving plate, grabbed our waters and prayed for hydration. We never ate them, she eventually took them away, and apparently took them off the check citing "the chef tasted one of your alligator bites and deemed them too salty", instead of, oh, I dunno, bringing us a proper order, which we would have gladly paid for. - We ordered the Duck Not Pie, which was good. The duck was cooked too rare, and cut in a raw fashion, and ate too chewy. Maybe the most forgettable duck dish I've had in recent memory. - And now for the Antelope, which was hands down, bar none, the worst, most embarrassing plate of food imaginable. The meat was so overcooked, so disgustingly dry, tasteless, devoid of moisture, that I took one bite, shoved the plate away from me and called the server over, and said "this mean is unbearably overcooked and tough, I can't eat it" at which point she started spewing some defensive crap (translation "we don't care what you think"), at which point my friends date grabbed my plate, switched with her duck, just to diffuse the situation. - When the $280 check hit for 4 people with zero wine (we brought our own), the inedible antelope still sat wholly uneaten on my friends girlfriends plate. Which Alligator Soul's staff didn't care about as they cleared our table. Be warned of this place. It's pretentious, expensive, has zero "customer first" sensibilities, and the food doesn't deliver. Don't be fooled by the "exotic meat" marketing ploy.
(2)Andrew R.
We were visiting Savannah for our honeymoon, and we selected Alligator Soul as our "special" meal out. It definitely did not disappoint. Our server, Kate, could not have done anything better. She warmly welcomed us, and asked us if we were dining for a special occasion. We told her it was our honeymoon, and she seemed genuinely thrilled that we'd chosen Alligator Soul. Later during our meal, we were congratulated by other members of the staff (not sure who), and also given a parting gift before we left (some chocolates and a pecan sandie). These are small touches, but rare and very nice to see... it really made us feel special. Another rare but small touch was when our server asked us, prior to ordering, if we had any food allergies she should be aware of. As my wife has a dairy allergy, we always have to be careful where we eat and what she orders. To have this question asked of us upfront, we knew we could completely relax and be taken care of. The food was all fabulous and unique. Everything is sustainable, farm to table. We talked specifically to our server about this, as our bed & breakfast host had misrepresented Alligator Soul. She assured us that the menu changes up as necessary. If they can't acquire a certain ingredient in a sustainable way, they take it off the menu until they can. We love places like this, as the food is noticeably higher quality. We ordered the charcuterie plate at the server's recommendation as an appetizer. This plate is always changing, and I can't remember exactly what was on it, but it was all delicious, and it's a great way to get a good idea of what Alligator Soul is all about. For my entree, I selected The Little "Hilbo". This was one of the best (and biggest) rib eye steaks I've ever had, and served with duck fat fried fries. The fries... amazing and inspired. They melt in your mouth and pair fantastically with the steak. You have to try them. I also had a side of Shrimp & Grits, which were probably the best Shrimp & Grits I've ever had. For dessert, we had the Banana Beignets. Also delicious and a great way to pull the meal to a close. The atmosphere of Alligator Soul was also perfect for a special occasion. It's dimly lit, I remember it as relatively quiet, and though we were tucked away in a corner of the restaurant, our table never went unattended. This place is pricey, but well worth it if you're looking for a special intimate meal out. We'll be back!
(5)Alexandra J.
Food was great! It was the first place we ate at when we got to Savannah! Food was great!
(4)Keif M.
Keep it short and sweet. Fantastic food, service ,.and atmosphere. One of the best restaurant's in Savannah. Will return on our next visit to beautiful Savannanh.
(5)Brenda P.
Cute place, we didn't have a reservation, so we ate at the bar. I had a very refreshing strawberry basil rum cocktail to start. Tuna tartar app was very fresh and good.....but the Entrees were even better, I had the lamb loin which was very tender. I took the chefs suggestion for medium rare and it was perfect. My husband had the kangaroo with gnoccis. I tried it and loved it!! Banana beignets were delightful!! .
(4)Ronnie F.
Anniversary dinner was fantastic! The food and service was incredible. Great atmosphere. Will definitely return the next time I am in Savannah!
(5)Ed K.
Had dinner at alligator soul June 7 for our anniversary. I had mentioned when making reservations that it was our anniversary and everyone we encountered from the excellent staff made it a point to congratulate us and make us feel at home. Our server, Emily, was knowledgable, friendly, and effortlessly efficient, a real professional in a sometimes difficult job. Kudos to her. I had shrimp and grits, my wife had the scallops. She has eaten scallops In many restaurants over the years and declared these to be the best she has ever had. Shrimp and grits are prepared many different ways in any number of excellent restaurant, but these were done just right with just the right balance among the seasonings and just the right texture. All in all an excellent meal in a congenial atmosphere. 5 stars
(5)Jennifer B.
What a wonderful dining experience! We are from Chicago, and are true "foodies," in that we like to cook, and know a good restaurant. I had booked the reservation to celebrate a grandfather's birthday, and a daughter's first semester and horse show win at SCAD. Since they knew it was a birthday, the hostess greeted us with, "Happy Birthday, Papa!" much to his delight. And it just got better from there. I read the reviews about the so-so service, and this restaurant has rectified that problem. Our server Jessica was personal, pleasant, and on-spot with being attentive. Everyone who brought out the food or cleared away the dishes did it with a courteous smile. And a special thanks to the server who brought out the artesian cheese plate - he identified each of the cheeses so my daughter could enjoy! The oysters as appetizers were consumed with relish, and the vegan charcuterie was delicious. The vegetarian daughter opted out of the vegan dinner, and had the cheese plate and Alligator Soul house salad, and was surprised herself to like the dressing. The deconstructed duck pot pie and the gator gumbo (ordered by a former Louisiana dweller) were fantastic. Shrimp and grits and seared diver scallops were done to perfection. We all shared the raspberry chocolate tart and the cherry creme brûlée,which were sublime. And Papa got a little box of cookies with his name on it. Jessica's wine suggestion made it complete. Lots of praise for the warm and friendly service, the delicious food, and a memorable evening!
(5)Frank D.
Terrific dinner. Small menu, but every dish we had was great. Salad very fresh with light dressing. Fried green tomatoes were probably the low point if the dinner for us. They were good, but the flavor of the tomato was drowned out. Fish special and scallop dish were excellent, and our desserts were amazing. Andy, our server was very pleasant and attentive and he made some great recommendations.
(5)Quinton D.
Absolutely the one place you should eat every time you visit Savannah. The gumbo was outstanding. Me and my co-workers had some of the best meals of our trip here. No one left without a flavor explosion. Southern cuisine is kept alive here.
(5)Mark L.
this is the best restaurant I have eaten at in Georgia. I ordered the alligator turtle duck jambalaya. amazing. The place is in the basement of the building, however, its been decorated very nicely. The staff is great and knowledgeable. So this is my first trip to Savannah. If you haven't been, go! I was amazed. Its a beautiful city, that has a very specific charm. I can't call it southern, but it feels like walking into some sort of time warp. We stayed in a gorgeos historic home. Things seem to go at savannah pace. I might be imagining all of this, since I was drunk most of the time. As far as I can tell, you can walk around the city with a beer, as long as its in a plastic cup. One disclaimer. This is the only restaurant I have ever been to in Georgia.
(5)Sally B.
Wow - the shrimp and grits have to be one of the best things I have eaten in quite some time. Even hubby who doesn't like cheese thought these were awesome. Smokey, slightly spicy. do not miss these! Had the shrimp creole taster - wonderful. Alligator sausage was dry - not worth it. Pork 'short rib' - really the belly - full of flavor but you can't be scared of fat on this one. Daughter had scallops which were divine. My buffalo tenderloin was fine but I may have well had been eating steak. They had kangaroo on the menu as well but i am not a fan so skipped. The waiter was great and service in general impeccable. They did have one snafu bc kitchen over cooked my buffalo and decided to refire before bringing to table. Hey- I'd rather that than have them bring shoe leather and have to send it back. Because of slowness ( we didn't complain), unasked, they comped our 2 desserts and 1 glass of wine. They were all quite apologetic. Now that is customer first! Highly recommend. Really great.
(4)Ryan C.
A very solid find. We sat at the bar, great service, non-touristy and high quality. The menu doesn't offer gator but if you're game to try some, we added gator to the Shrimp Creole - awesome!
(5)Tessa S.
Just passing through Savannah, GA. It was a walk away from our parking at the Whitaker parking garage (Bryan and Bay St.) so park nearer if you can. Metered parking is free after 5 PM M-F. The servings were generous - we just ordered the shrimp and grits, and the fried green tomatoes and it was more than enough to share for two. They have some exotic and interesting offerings in the menu (ie. frog legs, various meats) that I would have loved to try if we were staying a few more days in Savannah. The service was impeccable. Coming to the restaurant right after joining a tour with an annoying and rude couple, we were blown away by their courteousness and welcoming demeanor. It's a local hangout so the crowd was less touristy and had more yuppies and couples on a date. Try to dress up a bit.
(4)William E.
Alligator soul's rib eye soothed my alligator soul. It was grilled to perfection...you could eat it with a butter knife. Thomas was an amazing and entertaining waiter. I definitely look forward to coming back! I wish I could eat all that was on my platter....the servings are more than enough.
(5)Isadora T.
Unimpressed. I heard great things about this restaurant from everyone I knew so I decided to give it a try. Firstly no complaints about the service, it was excellent. The food itself... Well, while it was good it was not what I would have expected for the price I was paying. Got the cheese plate for appetizer, again, for the cost of it I would have expected a better choice of cheeses and a bigger portion - don't expect to share the appetizer with more than one person. I tried their catch of the day and also tried the food from everyone else in my table: lamb and the ostrich, the meats were good the sides tasted mediocre, the portions sizes for the main meals were appropriate. Dessert was extremely overpriced, and I got a baby sized portion, I don't mind getting 2 spoons of dessert if it tastes great... but it just didn't. The wine suggested by the waiter was good and complimented the meal well. Not a bad place to go but not great. I'd much rather go to Pink House or Jazzd down the street and spend the money where I feel like its worth.
(3)Averi A.
I have been to this restaurant twice now and cannot say enough good things! As an out of towner from Manhattan, Alligator Soul is always on my to do list whenever I'm in town. They have an extensive beer, wine, and cocktail menu - and you can order 750s of a craft beer of your choice. We started off with the Oysters de la Soul which was definitely the highlight of the meal - filled with creamy craw fish and shrimp. I had the scallops which were complimented by speck and lavender rice. My mother on the other hand ordered the shrimp and grits - the grits were to DIE FOR! If you are ever in Savannah this restaurant is a must! Already looking forward to my next trip back.
(5)Ken G.
We were in the mood for shrimp and grits tonight and the concierge at our hotel suggested Alligator Soul. It was terrific. The shrimp and grits with the best we've ever had and everything else we ordered was excellent. We very much appreciated our waiter's suggestion to order the appetizer portion of the shrimp and grits as a main course and we started with a salad and fried green tomatoes. All were so delicious! We also very much enjoyed the cocktails. Instead of wine, we shared a 750 ml. bottle of a wine cask aged porter - our waiter's suggestion and a perfect accompaniment to the shrimp. It was a delightful evening of wonderful food!
(5)Kinny M.
The food was phenomenal! Best shrimp and grits I've had in Savannah. Hyman's in Charleston SC is the only place where I've had better. The wait staff was very friendly and helped make our dining experience even more enjoyable. It was a little expensive, but a great treat while on vacation. We'll be back on our next trip!
(5)Penny L.
Went here New Years Eve and it was fantastic! Here are all my likes: Cocktail Menu - so much more than cosmos! The Strawberry Caipiroska was so fresh, homemade and worth every penny. Waiting area - cozy, dark, romantic, comfy couches and plenty of seats. And since it was the holidays they still had a beautiful, huge Christmas tree near the fireplace. Little Hilbo - the steak was unreal. My gal pal and I split this (it's a little expensive to split plate at $10), but we're glad we did. Our steak was huge, melted in your mouth, and had a nice butter sauce with it. Better than the steak we had the night before at Local 10 Eleven. Duck Fat Fries - It came with our steak, but if it doesn't come with your meal, get it as a side. It's a MUST. Birthday Celebration - it was my gal's bday and instead of cheesey singing, they did this really cool FIRE ON THE TABLE thing. Awesome! Game Meats - my guy got the 'game meat of the night' which was kangaroo. Prepared nicely, cooked perfectly, and not too gamey. Next time I'm in Savannah, this is the first place I'm stopping so I can get my fix of duck fat fries and trawberry caipiroskas!
(4)Cathy W.
Loved the feel of this place. It's downstairs and feels like a speakeasy. The wait staff was genuine and friendly, demonstrating a good show of Southern hospitality. They took an interest in us and laughed at our lame "menu banter." While usually a wine drinker, the speakeasy environment prompted me to order a Brown Derby cocktail, which was DELICIOUS. With a heightened buzz, I enjoyed my shrimp and grits and corn muffins. I had a house salad too. The shrimp and grits fills you up, fast, so I think this dish can be shared by two people who both want to order dessert. I remember my dessert as "okay," chocolate pie with white chocolate mousse. We rolled out of there.
(4)Amy R.
I had heard such great things about this place and it was recommended by two different friends. good food, service was pretty awful. I walked in without a res and sat at the bar. The host, made me get up. Said another couple had been waiting for the seats. one of which I had sat at. Mind you there was no crowd and I had been eyeing the seats for a good minute or two. I apologized and said I didn't realize the bar was reserved seated. He said no, it's first come first serve. So I'm still scratching my head over that..... I got up and sat at the end bar stool closest to the door hung my head low and tried to hide my embarrassment for how I had been treated. I would have complained but I was so embarrassed I didn't want to draw anymore attention to myself. The bar staff was preoccupied and I had to wait a long time for everything. Won't go back. not the southern hospitality Savannah is known for.
(2)Daniela S.
Ambience was appealing except for the smokiness from the kitchen. Overall would have rated this 4 star but the suckling pig dish was one of the worst pork dishes I've ever had...bland, overcooked and overpriced- should have sent it back. Redeeming qualities were the charcuterie board for an appetizer. My husband had the elk dish that was excellent.
(3)Angela K.
Came here for an anniversary dinner. Was very pleased with the food, not as much with the service. Our waitress kept disappearing for extended periods of time, especially before we were going to order! It can also feel a little claustrophobic. We were in a very small room and it was packed in there. Felt a little stuffy. The food is awesome. Very interesting, and quite pricey. Be prepared to spend some money. If you have not eaten alligator before, now is the time to try it! I also suggest getting whatever meat has been brought in! My boyfriend had the elk they were offering and it was cooked to absolute perfection! Overall, it was a pretty good experience.
(4)Colin A.
I know this place has great ratings and went in with high expectations after getting recommendations from many people. The atmosphere is cool but I think that may be about it. I ordered the oysters for an appetizer which was the only good thing about the meal. Bread came out after I was finished with the appetizer, followed by an old fashioned heavy on the soda water. Over an hour elapsed before my entree, the roasted pig came out. The meat was cold, I left it on the plate and I voiced that to the staff. I was disappointed to see the entree was not comped.
(2)Aileen W.
We only stopped in for adrink but Melvin our bartender made the most excellent infused organic cocktails for us. We will be back!
(5)Jason H.
Jesus somebody please tell me why their butter taste like I died and came back!!! Overall food is exceptional! ....but that butter...
(5)Angela B.
We were in Savannah for a wedding. As it was our first time we wanted to make sure our one big dinner out was fabulous. We decided on Alligator Soul and none of us regret it! The atmosphere is really nice. Lots of old brick and dark but nice. We were seated in a comfy seating area until our table was ready. Their drink menu had some selections that were standard and some unique stuff. They handled alterations to the drink menu really well. I had the strawberry caiprioshka and it was amazing. Had a couple actually! We were seated in an alcove and treated to really tasty bread and butter. Our waiter was hilarious and a highlight of the night. He was funny and attentive. A big hit all around! For an appetizer we ordered the grilled alligator. 2 people in our party had never consumed alligator before and I was thrilled this was what they tried. It was perfectly grilled and seasoned. Really tasty meat with a bit of very good sausage on the skewer. For dinner I had the ribeye which was perfectly cooked which came with greens that were to die for and normally I hate greens! The fries done in duck fat were delicious and I almost had to maim my boyfriend for stealing them. My boyfriend had the Ostrich which he said was really good. One friend had the crispy pork chop which as I snagged a piece was a delightful. Our final person had the filet which she loved despite the fact she had to have it well done due to pregnancy. All in all we greatly enjoyed this meal. The food was wonderful and the waiter and atmosphere were great. I highly recommend
(5)Paolo M.
Disappointing food that is over seasoned to compensate for the low quality meat. Service is indifferent. Pretty dining room but nothing to write home about.
(2)Cassie R.
Alligator Soul is a gem! I'm a huge fan of any establishment that is farm to table and certified organic. The service was impeccable (Brittany, I believe was our server's name, she was fantastic!). We were in a drinking mood so we got a little crazy and ordered the moonshine martini flight. Beware! The flight comes with 3 martinis in the most adorable little glasses. The flavors were apple, pear (my favorite), and peach. They were quite sweet but we still enjoyed them, and they definitely served their purpose! ;) My mother ordered the scallops with an addition of shrimp. The scallops were melt in your mouth wonderful and the shrimp was a big enough portion was us to share. Score! I was feeling adventurous so I chose to explore the exotic fare that the restaurant is famous for. The special was elk and it was delicious and cooked to perfection, however I was quite taken aback by the $40 price tag we realized it accompanied when the bill came. Brittany did a great job of pairing a red wine that perfectly complimented the dish. We really enjoyed this experience and would recommend it to a friend looking for a special night out.
(4)Jessica R.
So this review is a little late....just got back into the swing of things.... My boyfriend and I were here for a little weekend getaway in August or September sometime. I remember the drinks!;)....martinis....um, yea, can't go wrong there! I also had some of their specialty cocktails which I'm a stickler for since I used to bartend and am, lets face it, a big fan of alcohol....so with that, I was very happy that the drinks were both delicious and strong. If i remember correctly we had the cheese sampler which was devastatingly good. And the bread....oh, the bread... I remember that...soft and warm and freshly made. Also the diver scallops were pretty damn delicious too....whatever he had he was impressed with as well and he can be pretty critical of the food scene. The service put it over the top. I wish I could remember our waiters name because he was so nice and helpful in a town we'd never been to before. Gotta love that Southern charm. There's a dessert they bring you at the end where they dim all the lights in the restaurant and light the table on fire...pretty cool. I like that I can get that kind of entertainment without being surrounded by Vegas drunks or Applebees flare servers. Hell, who am I kidding, I like it then too.
(5)Michael M.
Four stars = exceeded my expectations. Had a really tasty meal here. Started off with a Gin Gin Mule which was served in a metallic martini glass. Refreshing and easy to drink. Then finished the meal with a "pork three ways". This was a pork confit, pork tenderloin and a pork belly served over a bed of grits. I was almost able to rank this place 5 stars but the appetizer of blue crab was not very strong in terms of crab flavor; obscured by all the other flavors. Service was spot on.
(4)Tammy F.
This was a very nice restaurant. The atmosphere was great. The waiter was very informed. The food not so good. I ordered grilled swordfish it was good. It was served on a grit Parmesan Romano Patty, this was not good at all. I could not even cut this with my knife. I tore it apart and tasted the middle there was no flavor at all. This was served with salad greens, supposedly eggplant and butternut squash. I found no butternut squash And only two bites of egg plant. My husband ordered the bacon wrapped tenderloin it was very good. It came with a side of greens collard greens and kale. My husband does not like grains, so I tried them. The taste was pretty good but after three bites I couldn't get over all the gritty sand in the greens. Then came dessert. My husband ordered a peach apple cobbler. The pecans in the cobbler tasted rancid it was awful. I was very disappointed in the food considering the price. I will not return.
(3)Don F.
We loved our visit. We spent a WAD of dough here, but the food and the atmosphere was great. Our server was fun and we all had a great night. If you are worried about $$, that's cool, don't go here. But if you want GREAT food, this place gave us some of the best food we've had in a while, and we like our food.
(5)Matthew W.
Great place, great service. Felt like we had 5 different waiters because so many we're asking if we needed anything. Great food as well. They have exotic choices to go with other favorites of savannah. A+
(5)Lourdes M.
We had an amazing experience here. The beef tenderloin is to die for and the restaurant week deals were fantastic. The house wine was lovely and the service was superb. They are very gluten free friendly as well. We left with giant grins on our faces we had such a great time.
(5)Chris B.
Terrific place for a date. Low light sexy atmosphere. The food was incredible. My first time here and I lucked out......restaurant week!! Reservations on the weekend are a must. Would have gotten 5 stars but of course it was quite pricey.
(4)Jason V.
The service was poor, the food was average. The house salad was nothing special and came out with no dressing (not lightly dressed actually no dressing). Our meals came out when we were still eating our appetizers (oysters). My wife's was ice cold and mine was not cooked to temperature. The manager came by to apologize and get things corrected. He offered to get us a round of drinks while we waited for our meals to be redone. We got the bill and were charged for the round, which didn't sit well with us. Of the three dinners we had in Savannah this was the clear cut worst and a far cry from "fine dinning".
(1)Jerry R.
A must stop in Savannah. The food was absolutely outstanding, from the oysters, the alligator gumbo, the shrimp & grits, to the dry aged ribeye. The best cuisine with a southern / creole twist I've ever had. The warm, caring, hospitality of the staff and management were second to none. We were even given a house favorite recipe to bring back to Massachusetts to make! A must try. We would definitely go back If visiting Savannah again.
(5)Kristie C.
Delicious food and excellent service!!! I like to eat food at restaurants that I can't cook at home and that it was you get here. Everything was perfect from appetizer to entree and dessert. I had sea bass for my entree and my husband had elk, both were perfectly cooked and a true treat to the palette. My husband is so picky and he lioved it, so that says a lot. Definitely recommend this restaurant. Can't wait to go back.
(5)Ben H.
One of the bests of Savannah!!
(5)Iliana A.
We had a fantastic experience at Alligator Soul! The service was excellent and the food was even better. I had the shrimp and grits and scallops for dinner, both were very good. My husband had the bacon wrapped tenderloin and it was delish. Cocktails were great and the wine selection was also great. The staff was very attentive, congratulating us on our anniversary and offering us a tasty gift.
(5)Kaytee N.
I was thoroughly impressed by Alligator Soul. I was on vacation in Savannah for a week, and had heard so-so reviews on this place. I decided to go anyway, and I definitely do not regret that choice. My friend who I went with has a severe gluten allergy. We let the restaurant know ahead of time, just to be safe. Not only did the waiter promptly mention it when we got to the table, but the kitchen also baked a gluten free loaf of DELICIOUS bread from scratch for her. When she mentioned that she was blown away by their attention to detail and that the bread was amazing, they brought her a second loaf in a to-go bag. For free. Wow! I, however, eat glutenous foods like they're going out of style. Their "normal" breads were amazing--especially the one with herbs de provence in it. Damn. So good. The amuse-bouche was imaginative and nicely plated. Smoked whitefish on a thin, crispy chip with fig compote. I ordered the house salad first. I was a little thrown off when I saw a green-goddess-y dressing over top a bed of lettuce, olives, and figs. But wow! The flavors, though unorthodox together, were perfect in this salad. Really, really nice and unexpected compliments. The shrimp and grits entree was to die for. I feel like I ate it in under 5 minutes. Could have had seconds, even though it was a VERY generous portion! The grits were creamy and delicious, and the shrimp were cooked and seasoned perfectly. Absolutely wonderful dish. Next time I'm in Savannah, I'll definitely be back--I want to try some of the exotic meats (ostrich?! Kangaroo?!)!
(5)Alicia S.
Excellent dinning experiece. My husband and I are foodies and I'm an LA native, so dinning is my passtime. If you are visitng Savannah, this place is a must. If your deciding between here and say, Ruths Chris, pick here. The fusion creole cuisine is very very good. The organic cocktails are mixed traditionally like an old school mixologist tends bar. Exotic fare is typically what is featured on the daily specials. My husband had bison, and I had Shrimp and Grts. Both superb.
(5)J.K. F.
Hit or miss food, horrible service. Server wasn't knowledgable (about the menu or food/beverages in general). The menu offers "exotic" entrees (e.g., kangaroo) yet he couldn't describe to someone who'd never had it what it tasted like. After we sent back a bad cocktail, he struggled (staring at the menu) to recommend a dark beer! He didn't check back much or notice when our drinks were low/empty. Seemed to avoid eye contact even when passing our table. He set food and drinks down and walked away without comment or naming what he was serving (he actually got shown up by a much more competent bus boy when serving dessert). Bad timing on bringing drinks in time to go with the course for which we'd ordered them. Food had potential but execution was mostly just ok: - Slow-cooked pork/kale spring roll (special app): pork wasn't bad but putting in a spring roll just made it greasier and the kale was lost completely. Overly mustardy sauce on top. - Bison entree stood out as the one decent item. Flavorful with good chimichurri, and though the grit "tamal" wasn't as firm as a tamal should be, it was tasty. - Kangaroo was sold (by another server we flagged down after ours failed) as lean but more flavorful and juicy than beef, but it was actually not very flavorful and a bit try. Portion of meat was on the small side. The pasta primavera it came with was described as having a bounty of fresh, local vegetables - server made a point of listing all 6-8 types of veggies in it, so I had high hopes. The veggies were overcooked and lost in all the pasta (pasta was well-cooked). They were chopped into such small pieces that if they were fresh and impressive, you'd never be able to tell. - Cobbler was just ok. Meyer lemon-blueberry cheesecake was good, though if I see a meyer lemon dessert on a menu, I'm hoping the lemon really shines. This was pretty subtle. - Etta James cocktail was decent. Negroni was awful (sent it back). Beer (which we had to find ourselves after waiter failed) was good, though I can't remember what it was. Sonoma cabernet from the "featured winemaker" was good, though waiter looked confused when I ordered it so I'm only assuming he brought the right one. I can see having a better experience with another server and possibly different dishes, though I don't see this being more than a 3-star establishment, especially in a city with so much good food!
(2)Mike G.
First the good: Very inviting atmosphere in a basement, exposed brick, fire place, nice lighting level. Server very friendly. Great flavors. My son loved the Lavender Creme Brûlée and my wife and I had the Banana Beignets which were very good. The bad: Ran out of Ostrich. I ordered the Buffalo, game meats can be tricky, so I always ask and was told it was a NY Strip cut. It was very small and only about 1/4 inch thick, more like a pan steak than a NY Strip. My wife had the Rib Eye, again very thin. Not what I would have expected from a restaurant of this caliber and reputation. Also, a picky thing, but the server kept reaching across the table in front of me to serve my wife, and the server who brought the kids drinks just threw the straws down in the middle of the table, not professional and again not what I expected. Overall experience, very expensive for very skimpy portions. Glad I went, but wont be back. Better places in Savannah.
(3)Tim S.
One of my favorite places in Savannah's historic district for fine dining. I have eaten here several times over the years. Place is located about a block from City Market on Barnard Street, right off Telfair Square. Great atmosphere for fine dining. Very innovative menu by the chef. Seems to change every time I go (every six months or so). Service is also first class. If you are looking for a local Savannah establishment to take your significant other out for a special dinner then I highly recommend this place. Also a great place to impress business associates. Last points, 1) Dinner will not come cheap so be sure to expect a high bill if you also plan on getting appetizers and wine (or other drinks). Still believe it is worth it. 2) You are on your own for parking like most places in the historic district. 3) Highly recommend using Open Table or Yelp to make reservations You may not get in if you don't have a reservation. 4) It is a classy place but you don't have to dress up. I have seen people there in shorts.
(5)Terrence G.
My wife and I ate here on our anniversary. I like how it is located in the below ground level of a building. It was a little pricey, but worth it for a special occassion. I had one of the single malt scotch flights. I thought the price was a little high for the amount of liquior it came with. So I ordered a glass of scotch instead for my second drink. I ordered a ribeye wich was very tastey with a nice spice to it. My wife had the duck which was also very good. Overall Alligator Soul was a good place, but for my first visit to Savannah I thought the Pink House had them beat. I would still come back here next time I'm in town.
(4)Karyn C.
Being born and raised on the West Coast, I never ate grits until I was a traveling adult. Giving into my 'eat by mood' desires, grits never cross my mind. I'm thankful my waiter Ryan told me to give them a try - they were absolutely delicious! Service by Ryan was great as well...he's passionate about the food, so descriptive and willing to give recommendations based on my mood, and made me feel he wanted me to be happy.
(5)Jen B.
Even before the appetizers, they brought out a little taste of one of their soups. In general it was great to get such a good sampling of the local fare. The hostess was right, the crab tart was incredible. I would do that every day if it were practical. It was rich, in a good way. All of the staff were super-friendly, and it was never difficult to catch someone's attention if you needed anything. I was very happy with the lamb. It was nice and tender, but had a couple gristly spots. However, the sweet side that it came with complimented it so well.
(4)Mike M.
Just returned from a great trip to Savannah and Charleston. Prior to our trip we researched the best eateries in both cities and made reservations at what we felt were the best of the best each city offered. That said, we ate at 8 top restaurants and without question the best of the best was Alligator Soul. I ordered the grilled American lamb chops and it was absolutely wonderful. The staff was professional and extremely courteous and our waiter, a fellow Californian was most gracious and knew the menu as if he were the head chef. Alligator Soul is down a flight of stairs off the street with small signage but with enormous taste and class.
(5)Christine C.
We were visiting Savannah for Memorial Day weekend. I made reservations on Open Table for 4 people for Friday night at 745pm. I also called ahead to let the restaurant know that it was my brother-in-laws birthday (James). The moment we walked in we loved the ambiance. Once I gave the hostess our parties name she wished James a happy birthday. We had arrived early so we were able to sit at a nice lounge area in front of a fire place. We relaxed and had a couple of drinks. When we were ready we let the hostess know and she sat us at the table. We never felt rushed to sit even though our table had been ready for a while. We really enjoyed sitting in lounge with our cocktails. Once we were sat there was a personalized box that said Happy Birthday James which had some sweets inside. The food was delicious and service was amazing. The special for the night was Kangaroo. We will definitely be going back during our next trip to Savannah.
(5)M L.
This place was excellent. It's got a great vibe and decor. The bar tenders are great - very friendly and knowledgable. Tonight I got to sample a new cocktail they're testing out and considering adding to the menu. The working name is "The Southern," and if you see it, I strongly recommend giving it a try. We rounded out our meal with the oysters (I almost never get baked oysters, but these were delicious), fried green tomatoes, and shrimp and grits. All excellent.
(5)R B.
My husband and I went here Saturday, with his aunt and uncle from out of town. My husband and I arrived first, with reservations, and they stuck us at an awkward table in close proximity to the bar. When the server came to get our drink orders, he saw that I was vacillating, but made no suggestions. However, when he came to get our relatives' drink orders, he made mention of the bar specials. I ended up giving my drink to another person so that I could have a bar special - a little disappointed in that. It took a godawful long time to get our drinks and when the gin and tonic came, it had been made with soda and not tonic. My husband and I wanted to split a soup and a salad, because I wanted to try both. However, the server did not seem to understand this and just brought out two soups. I had to repeat my request for a salad, which, thank god, was the only redeeming food of the meal. The server described the "Veggies Fear Not" and it sounded spectacular. It was actually the whole reason we chose this restaurant versus any other, given the hype about the owners being vegetarians. What I understood from the server was a side of asparagus, red rice and seared tofu. What I got was puréed cold asparagus (maybe my palate isn't refined enough!) and a side of red rice and beans (think Uncle Ben's). When I asked about the tofu, the server agreed that I was supposed to get some and went back to ask the chief. He returned to explain that the seared tofu was in the rice and beans. When I looked, indeed I saw microscopic chunks of white. There was also a tiny tomato halved with something white (and tasty!) inside. But for $23 and loads of expectations? Wholly disappointing. Ambiance: dark, romantic and pretty with questionable seating arrangement. Service: slow with large pauses between visits, slow to bring drinks, forgotten offering of specials and food offered to the wrong person (when paying that much, you damn well ought to know everything we ordered and where it goes) Food: Salad was great with good croutons, everything else was devastating.
(2)John N.
WOW!!! My wife and I came to Savannah for our 22 year wedding anniversary and we kept hearing people say we had to visit Alligator Soul. With the word "Soul" in the name, I mistakenly thought this was a soul food place and a bit laid back. Boy was I wrong. We didn't make reservations as we were just wandering around Savannah on our last night in the city. We stumbled across the entrance at 5pm and decided to call them and see if we could get into the place (they open at 5:30pm). The person who answered told us no problem if were there at 5:30p. The place is absolutely beautiful inside! It is located in the basement of a building and has a very interesting old Savannah look to it. The waitress that we had (and the other waiters) were just amazing. The level of detail they go into on all aspects of your visit is just amazing. Be it all the drinks (we are not drinkers), to appetizers, entree's, deserts, etc. They told you the most intimate details of everything to ensure that you have a fantastic dining experience. At times it was a bit much, but I can see why they do it so that you know what you are getting and so they can gauge what you want and like. Very classy in my book and I have only seen this level of detail in a few places. My wife had the bacon wrapped tenderloins and I had the Little Hillbo steak. Being from the midwest, I didn't think Savannah would know how to cook beef properly (or even get good beef)... boy, was I wrong. The steak was done perfectly and had the most amazing sauce on it that I hear takes four days to make. And the friets were just amazing.... they were so tender inside but with the most amazing crispness that was ever so thin and just perfect. The person who was our server said that they cook them first in regular oil and then flash fry them in duck fat... amazing taste! My wife is really picky when it comes to having a steak done correctly for her. It is either too done, or not done enough. The chef here nailed it perfectly on the head. I also found out later that they had a big Hillbo steak that ranges from 30 - 40 oz!! Wow... too much beef for me as the little Hillbo was almost 18 - 20 oz. This was an amazing find in Savannah... you have a jewel of a place here and I will make sure that if we come back to Savannah, we stop back here again.
(5)Haley M.
My boyfriend and I were searching for good southern food in Savannah and after being referred to Paula Dean's restaurant a few times (no thanks...), we settled on Alligator Soul. Positives: #1 The food was outstanding!!! My boyfriend ordered the buffalo prime rib at the suggestion of the server and I ordered the shrimp and grits. I'm not a fan of super rare meat so I generally stay away from prime rib, but I tried it and it was tender and not overly bloody...very tasty! The shrimp and grits was exquisite as well and even earned the approval of my boyfriend who claimed to hate grits (crazy, I know!). We both ordered specialty drinks (sangria & the ginger liquor/sparkling wine - can't remember what that one was called, Canton something I think) and they were both outstanding. We ordered the creme brulee for dessert, which was outstanding and went well w/my Baileys and coffee. Overall, you can tell the ingredients they use are high-quality. #2 Our server was ready with spot-on suggestions (the buffalo prime rib and sangria) and was very personable and helpful. #3 The atmosphere was really unique and open without being too loud. We sat at a corner table near the fireplace which gave a nice ambiance. Negatives: #1 Really over-priced (but Savannah seems to be a pricey city overall). #2 It got very busy right before our main course was served and we could tell our server was a bit over-worked since he disappeared for long periods of time. This we overlooked, though, since he was excellent in every other way.
(4)Maggie H.
This restaurant was a complete wow in everyway! I wanted to eat at Alligator Soul from the moment I read about it and I was not disappointed when I went. I called to make a reservation and both people I spoke to on the phone where exceedingly helpful and friendly. When we arrived for our reservation, a bit early, we took a seat at the couch by the fire to wait. We mentioned how cozy the space was and asked if we could eat our appetizers/have our drinks there. Not only did they oblige us, but they brought over a tablecloth, candles, and flowers for us too! We ordered the baked oysters and local cheese plate, both were amazing. I value a good cheese plate highly and they did not disappoint with their local cheese selection. In addition, the baked oysters with crayfish (which are not on the online menu) were one of the best things I have ever had. The cocktail/wine menu was extensive and they even have a martini flight for people to try some different drink options. We found Alligator Soul so great we actually went back the next night to have cocktails and their cheese plate again. The atmosphere was also perfect for what we were looking for. It had fireplaces, leather furniture, and it felt "old school" with the jazz in the background and underground location. Originally I was planning on giving Alligator Soul 4 stars, mainly because of their pricing and its impact on their possible client base. However, they went above and beyond my expectations and I have to give them 5 stars! They really acted as if they wanted our business and they did everything possible to ensure we enjoyed our experience. In my opinion, this is a have-to in Savannah. Best restaurant I went to while there!
(5)Nicole W.
Kinda dark, cave-like feel, but very intimate and 'romantic' :) Fear not- there is an elevator if you can't make it down the flight of steps (either before or after the alcohol). + Fried green tomatoes and/or the seasonal cheese plate. absolutely delicious~ cheese plate comes with fresh Savannah Bee honey & fruit. Entrees were also good, and not hugely proportioned. Service was attentive and helpful when trying to decide what to order. I appreciated this place for its formal dining experience. We had two appetizers, three cocktails, and two entrees for $100. Not bad!
(4)Pamela J.
We had a wonderful dining experience from start to finish at Alligator Soul. I originally made a 9:30pm reservation on opentable , first available on a busy weekend, despite looking ahead 3 weeks. I called the same day and the manager personally called me back and was able to move our party to 7pm. When we arrived, we were warmly greeted at the host stand. Our server, Davis, was knowledgable, friendly, and made us feel instantly welcome. We ordered cocktails, appetizers- alligator, fried green tomatoes, shrimp and grits, followed by entrees of scallops, leg of lamb, and a speciality item, elk. Our server recommend a wine which paired extremely well and which was affordable. The staff worked as a team, multiple people refilling water, clearing our plates, asking us how we were. I saw the manager working as a bar back, host, food runner, processing payment. They looked like a well- oiled machine. We got a true southern dining experience, charming service, delicious and unique cuisine! Ten stars for Alligator Soul!
(5)Elora R.
Loved this place. Came across it over Open Table and NO regrets choosing it for my graduation dinner. Had the Chet's special: grouper marinated in miso along with a side of fried gator and my tummy was in heaven! Great friendly service. Fresh, local food. A definite Savannah must. My ONLY complaint was that they poured broth over my dad'd risotto, making it soggy.
(4)J B.
Awesome food! May hit this place everytime I am in Savannah
(5)Shay H.
I'm writing this review a few months after visiting this restaurant, so unfortunately don't remember much about what we ate. What I do remember is being wowed by the entire experience. There was something very novel about heading downstairs into the basement of an old building which opened up into this beautiful underground restaurant. The drinks were good and I remember the food being absolutely delicious. Also, the service was top notch. This is definitely somewhere I would like to visit again if ever in Savannah. I would recommend it to anybody looking for a nice dinner out.
(5)Robyn M.
Need minus stars. We had this reservation since 2/23 for 04/21 (see below) Alligator Soul Reservations member_services@opentabl… Feb 23 to me Dear XXXXX, Your table for 2 at Alligator Soul will be ready on Saturday, April 21, 2012 at 6:30 PM. The reservation is held under: XXXXX. Be sure to check in with the maitre d' when you arrive. Upon dining, you will receive 100 OpenTable Points. Please note Dining Reward conditions: opentable.com/info/dinin… From the restaurant: Thank you for choosing Alligator Soul. Should your plans change, please let us know. We look forward to serving you. To get there: Alligator Soul 114 Barnard Street Savannah, GA 33127 Cross Street: Broughton/State (912) 232-7899 only for them to call the night before our reservation and say they didn't use "open table" for reservations and they booked my table to someone else. When I explained that we had the reservation since February, they told us to come and they would fix it. We did. We found that their entire reservation service was "open table" - lie one. Lie two - "someone at the exact same time that you were making your reservation made one too". Really, I wish I had known that someone was planning their trip to Savannah in February for April at the same time and made the same reservation at the exact same time - I would have played the lotto that day. I missed my chance. So I got the call the day before and they told us to come, even got a call confirming it. We got there, no table. They had a whole day to figure this out. Not a surprise. After 10 minutes and the rude hostess staff explained to me that they weren't seating folks before us, "they had a reservation". We were offered the opportunity to wait for a table or have one place right behind the hostess stand - what a great choice, so we waited, and waited. We were told we could wait in their "lounge area" since they actually take reservations for the seats at the bar - this is uptown eating! I have to say they don't even uphold their own standards. It clearly states "kids: No", but the lovely "lounge" area had two chairs and one couch, the couch had two "kids" wrestling on it. Again what a lovely place. My husband had to go to the bar to get served. When he got back, he looked and me and said, "I didn't have to change". I asked my husband to change from his nice jeans and shirt to dress pants and a dressy shirt, since the guidelines state "Dressy". I didn't know cut off jeans with t-shirts was dressy, my bad. We are finally seated. The starter was a shrimp cocktail with green tomato sauce and grill veggies. It was good, but the shrimp was mushy. I got shrimp and grits - too spicy and my husband got the Smoked Bacon Wrapped Beef Tenderloin and it was served "blue" not medium to medium well. Our anniversary "present" was pecan tarts (small pecan pies). Our waitress called them pralines. We don't eat pecans, but thanks. Then our waitress came and without explanation and poured some sort of alcohol on our table and set it a fire. Who knows. Don't waste your time. A typical situation where the two manager/owners can't see the forest for the trees. They want to be up scale, but the service is bad, they reserve the bar seats (who does that), the lady's bathroom has a two inch gap in the wall so anyone washing their hands can see you "rest", and the food is second rate at best.
(1)laurie g.
We went last night for dinner and the food was amazing. Oysters a la soul were the best oysters I have ever eaten. The chef was extremely considerate of my garlic allergy and took great care in sauces and backed down the garlic. The food was 5 stars! Hands down, but they were very busy and service was a little slow. Everyone was very attentive it was just a little slow, and I didn't think the staff was very knowledgable regarding the wine list. If you haven't tried this place, you WILL NOT be disappointed. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone wanting an elegant dinner in savannah .
(4)Miles E.
Pricey but totally worth it to splurge every now and then. They attention to detail in the food and service really is amazing. Example: All Parmesan Grit Croutons in the salad are homemade and pan fried there? SERIOUSLY? haha this place is awesome.The chef is amazing and is always changing the menu to offer the freshest seasonal seafoods/proteins. For the whiskey lovers out there this place has a fantastic sampler selection that will def but some hair on your chest. I PROMISE THIS PLACE WILL NOT LET YOU DOWN
(5)Paula M.
I highly recommend this restaurant. Excellent food, drinks, and service!
(5)Ramon P.
Well we went to alligator soul based on all the hype but sadly it didn't live up to any of it. The food wasn't anything to write home about at all the service was horrible. The waiter didn't even know what was on the menu and that they had run out of scallops.. So he continues to try to sell us scallops we had to continue to remind him that he doesn't have that on the menu. Overall we paid over $180 and we hated spending every penny NEVER AGAIN WILL WE EVER GO BACK THERE THANKS BUT NO THANKS
(2)Ginger J.
The food was outstanding! Better than that was our waiter. He was darling and was really cute with my 7 month old nephew, which made us love this place even more!
(5)STEPHANIE L.
My family and I dined at Alligator Soul- the food was delicious! We originally tried making a reservation and were disappointed when it would not take on open table. Then two days before our trip I received a phone call confirming our reservation. He explained that it must have been a glitch. We were happy to see that we could be accommodated. We tried many cocktails- all of which were delicious. We really liked their sidecar's the best! We did Fried Green Tomatoes for an appetizer. The portions are great size to split and add a salad. Our table had many items. By far our favorite was the shrimp and grits. Incredibly tasty! Our server was great- Lots of personality, and incredibly attentive. I would suggest this as a great restaurant for a date, or an intimate meal. Due to the popularity it was hard to get a reservation and we could be sat until 9:15.
(4)Bizz M.
I will start off my review with this. Best food we had in Savannah. Best service we had in Savannah...best dessert my wife has had since the inception of the dessert back in the 1970's. Since everything in Savannah seems to be accessible via walking (if your a tourist), that will come in handy when looking for this restaurant. We almost walked past it and we definitely would have driven past it 6 or 7 times. Its in a basement, a nice basement...actually a very very nice basement. The only thing that lets you know its there is the alligator art thingy that hangs over the steps. Go to the website and look at the picture of the Alligator logo...give yourself a chance at finding this spot. I forget our waiters name but we found out he was new. I would not have known that if I wasn't told that info. We had the shrimp and grits. Wow...I'm not a fan of grits but I would have eaten this all day. Really great stuff there. Scallops...thumbs up, and the chicken that my wife had??? I can't remember exactly. Another winner thou. Now the dessert. The Pear Tart. I honestly thought my wife was going to slap me across the face she was so happy to be eating this. Bopping up and down in her chair like a 3 year old playing spaceships. She doesn't normally like dessert but we ended up going back the next night just so she could get it again before we left town. That is were we met the bartender Emily who told us all about her trip to Atlanta to watch the Phillies spank the Braves, vegetable girl and the "To-Go Cup". Yeah we learned about the greatest concept in the history of drinking on the last night. You get "To-Go" with your drink or fill one up before you go, with your to-go....cup. Before I ramble on. Go here. You will like the people, you will like the food, you will like the dessert and by all means get a god damn "To-go" cup just to hold it high while walking down the street.
(5)John H.
Elk was delicious! Definitely will go back to try some more game meats. Just hole in the ground if you're looking for it, but it's well worth the search. Make a reservation or you'll be waiting for hours!
(4)Amy L.
We came here for our anniversary dinner on our first trip to Savannah. Btw, a most uniquely lovely city it is. The Good: we found the atmosphere lively, with super-cool architectural touches to the place, e.g., the large bricked archways, the magical little "view" outside from our cozy table. We loved our server Rachel. She was sweet and clearly wanted to ensure a great dining experience. The seafood charcuterie special appetizer was to die for as was the she-crab soup. i also quite enjoyed the fried green tomatoes, which had a nice crunchy cornmeal coating and a wonderfully flavorful and spicy sauce. The cocktail menu was imaginative and exciting in its range. The Etta James cocktail was a good choice for the gin-lover. Loved the lighting the table on fire trick in ackowledgement of our special occasion as well as the cute little personalized box w/ a baby pecan pie and chocolates. Finally, enjoyed hearing a little bit of the restaurant's namesake soul in the background. The Not So Good: I quickly found that one of the four sea scallops in the dish was basically raw, w/ the center being cold. We didnt say anything because we were stuffed anyway (and yeah we hate sending food back). In addition, the prices were pretty high but not too out of keeping with other fine-dining establishments in the area. The Summary: if (ok, it's more of a "when") we return to this charming city we would not hesitate to return for a take 2.
(4)Ami K.
This place, nestled in an underground spot, was a fun spot where the service was impeccable and the food delicious. We came here soon after getting engaged and the restaurant, upon learning this detail, did their best to make sure that we did not forget our experience there. I was especially touched by the mini pastries sent over by the chef, with a note from the staff congratulating us. As for the food, I had the veggie plate, which was impeccable and possibly the most inventive and most adventurous creations I've seen in a restaurant. My fiance ordered a meat appetizer, the turtle soup, and an entree, all of which I sampled, and we finished with a cheese plate. The thing I like most about this restaurant is that it's not a place that is afraid to take risks, and it delivers well on its promise. I think it's a testament to culinary skill when a chef is able to work with a wide variety of foods and can create contrasts that don't overwhelm your palette or just clash. I would have preferred to give this 4.5 stars, instead of 4, because the food and service were wonderful and worth recommending; however, the restaurant was fairly loud (it seems the acoustics of the space are not forgiving) and it forces one to either shout or sit VERY closely to someone in order to have a conversation over your meal
(4)Sarah P.
I came here with my new husband on our honeymoon, after a friend highly recommended it. We wanted to eat southern food since we were in the south, and what we got was an amazing experience of southern dining with a flair. Everything was overwhelmingly perfect from the chocolate box gift on our table wishing us a happy honeymoon was a great touch. Definitely a highlight of our trip!
(5)Joanna R.
Had the sweetest dinner at Alligator Soul this past May while on vacation in Savannah. The service everywhere in the city seems to be superb so I won't even delve into that (even though it was fantastic). The restaurant is kind of underground and so initially we thought it was closed even though we'd made reservations. Once inside, the place was pretty packed for a Tuesday night. We had the blue crab tart to share as an appetizer and hmmm, wish I'd gotten my own. It was amazing. M chose the "little hilbo" which is the rib eye with duck fat fries, and I had the bacon wrapped tenderloin. Our waiter stated that his choice was the most popular but for once during our entire trip, I didn't feel like he picked the best dish. My mashed potatoes matched the beef perfectly and I ate the entire thing. Not to say his meal wasn't tasty and those fries, ahhhhh. I'm getting hungry just thinking about it. For dessert we had the tea crème brulee. Not my favorite but you can't really lose with crème brulee anyway. All in all, a place you should visit when in Savannah. Bon appetit, my lovelies.
(5)Tom B.
Went to Savannah with another couple and had a great experience at Alligator Soul. The Shrimp and Grits was great, as was the service. Highly recommend this cozy, dressy restaurant for a date night.
(5)Anne M.
Indisputably the pinnacle of our Low Country dining. Arriving via a Savannah Pedicab nearly an hour ahead of our reservation, we were content to settle in at the bar where we were cordially greeted and engaged by the bartender. To enjoy with our cocktails, we chose the Gator Croquettes (an amazing blend of alligator and mahi mahi) that were finished with a Tasso Ham Cream Sauce - utterly succulent. We were also treated to the Chef's welcoming appetizer, a Beef Wellington wafer with a blue cheese dressing - very creative. Still seated at the bar, a complimentary loaf of warm thyme/chive bread with ever-so-slightly sweetened, lemon-infused butter was presented to us. Basking at the bar we appreciated the warm, welcoming décor despite being a lower level with strong brick and stone influence. Dining areas were intimate without being crowded. Despite a growing crowd, noise was never an irritant. Once seated at our table, our taste buds thoroughly enticed by the bar treats, we could not resist ordering appetizers: one plate of the Shrimp and Grits, another of a special Buffalo and Duck Sausage plate with caramelized Vidallia onions. The rich, complex, complimentary flavors nearly caused us to swoon. For entrees: from the menu, I chose the Seared Duck Breast and asked that there be no pink. My husband chose a special rib eye steak, nine hours cold smoked, and requested medium well. Here-in arose our only irritant for the night: the snooty, condescending waiter. He argued with me about my request for no-pink and queried my husband several times about the medium well. Each dish arrived essentially the way the waiter tried to direct us: mostly rare. But, by then everyone else (staff) had been so embracing/refined, the food was so utterly amazing and the ambiance so relaxing it was easy to levitate above his fly speck insignificance by sharing our dishes, each taking away from the other what appealed to our individual palates. My husband is more tolerant of rare than I so I enjoyed the outside edges of his steak, and he was happy to take the middle, most-rare slices of my duck. Dessert was Banana Beignets with strawberries and vanilla ice cream - truly a heavenly end to a stellar meal. Considering the creativeness and quality of the food, value/cost is very reasonable - this certainly was not our most expensive Low Country meal, but it was the most memorable. We consider ourselves fairly seasoned when dining in up-scale restaurants (Chez Panisse, Berkley. Geronimo, Santa Fe. Fogo de Chao, Addison when it was the sole US location. Topolobampo, Chicago.), but Alligator Soul left us with our jaws agape: simply stupendous! Go to Savannah, Georgia, take a Savannah Pedicab to Alligator Soul from your historic district motel, and immerse yourself in unfeigned Low Country grace and charm. Bon appétit! Date of Visit: 1Apr2012
(5)Bill D.
Alligator Soul is amazing! This restaurant was recommended to my girlfriend and me by a local and it did not disappoint. I had the exotic special of the night, which was kangaroo served with shallots and mushrooms cooked in foie gras. The exotic special however changes regularly and you could get pheasant, camel, and some other exotic meats. My girlfriend had shrimp and grits. Both were delicious. Our server (David?) was awesome. He recommended that I get a cup of creole as an appetizer which was also delicious. We did order a lot of food since everything on the menu looked delicious and the price wasn't too bad, I've definitely paid more in Manhattan for dinner and drinks than I did here. I will definitely be going back to Alligator Soul, if I visit Savannah again.
(5)Tiffany M.
No alligator, no fresh oysters, terrible service. The service was so bad that we asked for another waiter, but we were told that wasn't an option (if you get Kate, ask for another server). BTW, we're very nice people and did not make a scene - we just wanted some service. Our cocktails never arrived, but the wine we ordered for our dinner made it to the table first. After waiting and waiting, I went to the bar and asked the bartender where our drinks were. Unbelievable! The food was very disappointing, and we weren't the only ones complaining. We started with the beer battered oysters that tasted like batter. My husband ordered the shrimp and strawberry salad and asked to have the strawberries on the side. I guess good old Kate forgot about that request. My husband ordered the ribeye and it was so tough he couldn't eat it. When he mentioned it to another waiter (Kate was MIA) he was told ribeyes are always tough. Fatty yes, tough no. I ordered the jambalaya with extra shrimp - I overheard another waiter telling his table you could get it with anything extra (Kate never said a thing). By far the worse dining experience we had in Savannah and cannot recommend it.
(1)Margie C.
Hostess welcome was sweet. Service very slow. Loved to cozy vibe. Cajun Jumbalaya was tasty. Overall - overrated.
(3)Jason M.
Berkshire Pork Tenderloin.....AWESOME! Roasted Yellow Tomato Stone Ground Georgia White Grits...AWESOME! See uploaded photo
(5)Claire O.
As others indicated, it is a nice upscale restaurant. The wait staffs are friendly and well trained. Our table did encountered a small mischief...the furniture accident. However, our waiter Adam was quick and fixed the problem immediately. The menu is well put together. My family all tried different dishes. For starter, we had charcuterie plate, blue crab tart, shrimp & grits, artisan cheese plate and frog legs. They were all good except frog legs, which was under cooked per my brother-in-law. In our entree course, while my duck entree was normal, the alligator gumbo my sister ordered was perfectly seasoned & cooked. For dessert, definitely get the soul banana beignets. It was crunchy, soft, hot, cold and sweet. Where can you find all those senses in your mouth at the same time?!! Therefore, I'll recommend this place to anyone who will be visiting Savannah, GA. Only one small final note, the decor of the place is wonderful, but don't be shock by the "Subway" type of restroom :(
(4)Michelle C.
We called, but they were booked. We tried our luck and we scored a few seats at the bar. The staff was super friendly. They really made it fun to eat there. The food however was not as good as we would have hoped. They did not have half of the stuff on the menu. The ribeyes were not tender, at all. If I am ever back in Savannah. I would give them another shot. Just because they were so nice.
(3)Gil K.
Great service at the bar - Melvin and Ryan. Great atmosphere. Scrumptious food. We had a rich smoked crab tort appetizer and delicious salad and grouper. Kind of expensive but most great places are!
(5)Derek L.
This place is downstairs and kinda of hard to find. FYI The food here is delicious. It has alot of favor. I had the Kangaroo and my girlfriend had the buffalo. I learned when you go to these nice restaurants.. Just get the specials you typically can't go wrong. The surroundings were romantic and the lighting was perfect. I really enjoyed the service, my glass was filled everytime. Matter of fact they were waiters waiting around to make sure your glass stayed filled. Back to the food, Kangaroo good quality and mashed well with the sauce it had. Easy to eat. This place is quite expensive, so if you are on a budget, you may want to look else where. The buffalo was tender and melt in your mouth. Usually I don't like grits but they nailed grits all day!. Grits actually had TASTE for once! Very impressed. If you want to look for a place that is romantic and enjoyable with great food. Come to Alligator Soul!
(5)Lou K.
Great ambiance eclectic staff. Food was tasty and well presented.
(3)Josh D.
Yes, this is only my second yelp review, the first one was a 1 star. I figured karma required a positive review to balance out the universe. Alligator Soul was amazing. The service was great, atmosphere cool, and the food was even better. We had the shrimp creole and shrimp and grits for appetizers. Absolutely amazing, among the best we have had anywhere. I liked the shrimp creole so much, I cancelled my steak order and ordered more creole for my entree. My wife had the bacon wrapped fillet for dinner, it was great as well. Long and short, highly recommend this place.
(5)Erin L.
My husband and I ate here last Friday and it was the best meal we had in Savannah! Friends of ours had eaten there and highly recommended it, insisting on making reservations for us on our honeymoon trip. The service was great. The waitress was knowledgeable and helped me select my dinner. We ordered Shrimp and Grits, Gator Croquettes, Bacon Wrapped Beef Tenderloin, and The Little Hilbo. Everything was delicious, but the croquettes with the citrus gastrique were unforgettable. We can't wait for the chance to dine here again.
(5)Geo N.
Dont let the basement fool you- this place is wunderbar. Extraordinary veggie food- flavor, texture, attention to detail. Unexpectedly one of the best meals I've ever had. was a wonderful server. Wendy created an amazing old fashion with St Germaine. Vegans have a classy & tasty place in the south, says this dc guy. Even leaving you're courted for your leftover- no bag sitting on the table. Classy, delicious, great service- a must
(5)Erin G.
I have nothing but good things to say about this restaurant!!! If you are in Savannah you must try!!!! My husband & I sat at the bar and were served my Brian the bartender. He had great recommendations for food & wine!! My shrimp & grits were some of the best I ever had!!! We can't wait for our next trip to Savannah just so we can go back!!!
(5)Leslie H.
A solid dining experience. Everything was good, but not great...a shame, considering the upscale ambiance and attentive, knowledgeable service. The dessert here (lavender honey creme brulee for me, and banana beignets for the husband) stole the show, for sure.
(3)Cliff C.
Came here famished and reservationless (I'm starting to see a trend in my reviews). My three guests and I were promptly offered the bar until a table was ready. The short wait went quickly with a pitcher of Sangria, surprisingly good but a little on the pricey side when the check came. The bartender was feisty but likable. We ordered Shrimp with Cheesy Grits and fried green tomatoes as apps. They arrived right when our table became available. Only now did I realize that grits are like polenta with a less frilly name and fried green tomatoes are like an eggplant Parmesan knock-off (without the sauce). The fried tomatoes here were far better than the ones I had the night before elsewhere. Unfortunately it seemed to take a long time to get our actual dinner but when it came it was tasty. My main was the gargantuan pork chop stuffed with greens and bacon and served in a killer sauce. Definitely recommend. Everyone left full and happy with a lighter pocketbook.
(4)Laurie Z.
Read Yelp reviews and said, "yeah, we have to do this." A true gem. Excellent food. Excellent service. Pricy but so worth it. Our server asked us if we had any dietary restrictions (who does that?) and hubby said he avoids gluten. Two seconds later we had an "amuse bouche" - and hubby's was gluten-free. On to apps. Hubby had oysters that he enjoyed immensely. I had shrimp and grits, which was enough for a meal in itself. He had to help with it or else I wouldn't have had room for the main event: red snapper, which had been in the ocean just that morning. An OMG experience. Hubs had Creole Soul with a couple of diver scallops on the side. We shared tastes and everything was crazy delicious. During dinner we were discussing how we were going to come back on our next visit to Savannah and what we would order. Of course, next year the menu will probably be completely different and how fun will that be?
(5)Tana M.
Had a nice weekend in Savannah and I had read some bad reviews on this place so I was not going to try it but our waitress at the Bohemian highly recommended it so we gave it a try. I am glad we did! The apps, and drinks where awesome.We had the cheese plate and shrimp and grits. For main course we had a special it was a NY strip, it wasn't mind blowing but the service an atmosphere where spot on!
(4)Joseph L.
We ate at Alligator Soul at the suggestion of the Hyatt and we were so glad we did. We both had the gumbo appetizer and two salads the perfect starter. The gumbo is very good best since I dined in New Orleans I chose the fish special( I think Grouper) which was very good and perfectly cooked. My wife had the pork chop which was tender and juicy. We split one yummy chocolate mousse for dessert and then waddled out happy and well fed. The service was good so. If you are in Savannah, treat yourself to the Alligator Soul ...
(4)Carolyn B.
I had the antelope Wellington it was fabulous highly recommended . Our server Jessica was well versed in the menu very friendly. We were fortunate enough to meet owner as it was restaurant week and she was helping serve tables. . We had reservation made on yelp and they had no record but found us a table within 10 min.
(5)Charles C.
I made reservations for my special lady friend and myself at Alligator Soul last weekend. As we walked downstairs we both immediately were struck by the intimate atmosphere. The brick walls, cobblestone lighting, and fireplace all added to a cozy, below street level interior atmosphere. The staff had placed pecan cookies on the table in advance, and very early on, the chef provided bruschetta with crab spread that was so good. Although we did not have cocktails ( we went with red wine) the cocktail list looked eclectic and classy. All were recipes by in house mixologists. there was always food on the table. For an appetizer we split gator cakes that were tender and flavorful. For dinner, my lady friend had a fresh catch in the form of a chowder. It was a very generous, hearty portion. I myself had the scallops, which were large, soft ( no knife was needed to cut through them ), and very flavorful. The dish came with the best ochre and tomatoes I've ever had in my life. The staff was friendly, talkative, and did a great job explaining the dishes and specials. They were attentive, and never gone for so long that we had to turn our heads to look for them, we connected with our server so much that even asked her to be pulled out of the back afterwards so she could take a photo of us. All in all, very personable. For my money, the bill was just under the amount I spent at Local 1110 the night before, for more, better tasting food, and atmosphere. I would drive from Jacksonville to Savannah again to eat here. Fantastic!
(5)Ralph A.
This is one of those "traveling vegan" reviews... I was in Savannah ( a truly beautiful small city) for a week long conference. After a week of dinners with the group at a variety of both local and tourist haunts, I was getting discouraged.... I'll never understand why you have to throw a handful of bacon in every vegetable dish you cook! Oh yeah....southern cooking...... Thanks for nothing, Paula D. I decided for my last night in town, I'd seek out a vegan fine dining restaurant and was led by both personal recommendations and web reviews to Alligator Soul. Warning- meat (domesticated and wild) is very important to this restaurant. Don't go here if your going to be offended reading the menu..... I called to inquire about reservations and was told the only place to sit would be the bar..... Ok.... I arrived, sat and was given a stack of reading. The drink menu was interesting but since I was at the bar it was kind of awkward that the bartender just waited for me to order rather than inquire about my taste and offer suggestions. Wine list was acceptable.... Albeit a bit pricey. I had a glass of Sauvignon Blanc that was crisp and tasty... Villa San Juliette, Paso Robles, California, 2010 for 10 bucks. From the menu - For Our Other Important Friends and Guests... Veggies Fear Not Are You a Vegetarian or Vegan Looking for a Good Meal? Chef Will Prepare a Unique and Delicious Vegetarian Entrée with Today's Market-Fresh Ingredients so, Veggies.... Fear Not! Twenty-Seven Dollars Dinner.... I told the bartender that I was Vegan and asked them to amaze me. Well I wasn't amazed, but I had a great dinner. A fresh baked gluten free and vegan miniature fruit muffin (still warm); a Curry soup (fantastic!); Poppadoms with a Mango Chutney; and a sauté of carrots, onions and mushrooms with a delicious smoked tofu. I was satiated and left a happy vegan!
(4)Robert K.
Alligator Soul was recommended by a friend and did not disappoint. Both my wife and I had seafood dishes that were exquisite.
(5)Melissa E.
5/5 stars all the way! BEST dining experience in vast travel experiences! As tourists of Savannah, northern America and globe, we each had a noteworthy dining experience! In our group of 5, we were able to taste a large majority of the menu and eagerly shared each other's delights. We enjoyed allegator, shrimp, gumbo, elk/venison, roasted savory chicken, pork chops in addition to an exquisite cheese platter, array of spirits and top notch service! The Cognac and specialty cheese cake topped it off. We would HIGHLY recommend this restaurant to any visitor! Please ask for Troy; he was fantastic! We spent approximately $50/pp. Enjoy!!
(5)Jennifer B.
Went to this restaurant on our weekend getaway to Savannah. This restaurant came highly recommended from hotel staff and several people in Savannah. We arrived for our reservation and we were promptly greeted and seated. We were given a run down on the beverages and specials by our server. Our party of four all ordered different entrees. We had fried green tomatoes and a salami platter to start with. Appetizers were very good, but nothing to write home about. Our entrees came out a while after we ordered. All the food was very good. I would like to make that point clear. The food was good. I just did not see what all the hype was about. The food met all the marks, but nothing sent my taste buds sailing into euphoria. I would neither recommend or not recommend this restaurant. I could take it or leave it, but for the cost, I would probably leave it and go to The Olde Pink House.
(3)Christopher H.
I was really looking forward to the frog legs listed on their online menu and experiencing other delicacies from down south. Unfortunately no frog legs. I did have the Turtle/alligator/duck gumbo. AMAZING. The adventurous special that night was rabbit. Not that adventurous for me. I had the buffalo short ribs. So tender I didn't even need the knife they brought me. I enjoyed myself. Some of my family members thought the place was a bit snobby and pretentious. Pricey but I enjoyed it.
(4)Keegan M.
This was great! An upscale southern restaurant with local eats. The service was great and we were presented with a nice little surprise when we sat. They also have an awesome vegan dish, specially made by the chef. We got the rabbit, which I was a little hesitant in getting, but was quite impressed. The rabbit fell on the bone and melted in your mouth.
(5)Tripplehorn P.
Lovely ambiance, great wait staff and the best food I've had at a restaurant in Savannah ever. I seriously recommend the alligator, turtle & duck jambalaya- only jambalaya worth having outside of New Orleans. The steak was wonderful and the scallops were perfection.
(4)Kate F.
Yum! We had an awesome meal here. Points for attractive art on the walls and relative quiet of the restaurant, staff tried a little too hard on the up-sells. The wine flights were really just 'pick any three wines and we'll give you a small pour of each'. The sizes were inconsistent and it would have been nice if they had actually been paired in some logical way. We were greeted by name, and mini pecan pies were waiting for us at the table. The homemade bread was warm, and had a sweet/savory flavor. We started with the house salad and the gator croquettes. We were told they are permanently removing the fried green tomatoes from the menu (which was one of the reasons we went!). The salad was good, with some kind of fried-grits croutons that made it. The croquettes were good, I would say like crab cakes. For dinner we had the pork chop and the seared scallops, both were fantastic. Sauces that perfectly complimented the dishes and were so interesting. The grits served with the scallops will be in our dreams for years - I am not sure I even want to know what was in them, they were so good! We would recommend this to friends and we would definitely go back.
(5)K Y.
Our waiter, Sean, was fabulous! He was familiarized with the menu and an amiable young man.
(5)Keith F.
We live in Savannah, but had not been to Alligator Soul. Friends came in to town and wanted to go there, so we went. The service was very good, like you would expect for a fine dinnig restaurant. The house salad was one of the best I have had. I had the Gator Gumbo. I was expecting something like a New Orleans gumbo. It was not. Different is OK, but it was not favorable as I would of liked. I like a little spicy for a gumbo. I also like my rice with gumbo. There was may be a spoon full of rice in the middle of the plate - not even a kid's portion. One of our friends had the scallops. They were disapointed. Only three scallops? Most meal were around $30 - $35. Our favorite restaurant in Savannah prices are around $20 - $25 for a meal. Also, I had truffles and coffee for dessert. I love truffles! Alligator Soul's truffle were truly a disappointment! Overall service was great, food average and price too high for what you got.
(3)Aleta M.
The food here is so good. I had the braised lamb and my husband had th e shrimp and grits. The lamb fell of the bone and was so delicious. I want to travel back just to eat here again.
(4)Nicholas K.
I've had 2 meals at Alligator Soul. The first was with my parents a day or two after arriving in Savannh, and I got the osso bucco, my dad the rack of lamb, and my mom the salt roasted fish. The fish is what I remember the most, it was crusted in salt that had to be cracked with a spoon, and inside was the most wonderfully tender rock fish. It was one of the first times I'd really liked a fish other than salmon. It also helped tie the knot that I was going to be moving to Savannah. The restaurant itself is downstairs from Barnard and Broughton right beneath RolyPoly(also awesome). It's one of the more upscale eateries in Savannah as far as kitchen technicality. Some might call it a bit out of date, but everything I had there more than satiated me. The second time I went to Alligator Soul was for an anniversary with a girlfriend. It was one of the most memorable experiences of my life. It was the classic tale of the poor college boy trying to show the girl some great food, but not having the money for it. When offered the wine list I asked for water, to which the server went to the back and pulled some strings. We were given grain alcohol soaked cherries, glasses of champagne, a risotto appetizer, and a desert. All of the food was mind numbingly good, and is without question my favorite restaurant in Savannah. While I hold Alligator Soul in a sentimental corner of my heart, I can step away from myself and clearly state that the food here is cooked with care and loved and the waitstaff share that passion. It is an all around great time, and everyone should experience it.
(5)Angela S.
I went to Alligator Soul during restaurant week and cannot say enough about the service (Melvin was our Server). Not only was Melvin fabulous but everyone that walked by the table was attentive and really seemed to take pride in delivering a great experience. I would be remiss to not mention the food. Wow...and the fact that it was extremely busy did not deter the Chef from truly creating A fabulously memorable meal. I will definitely be back!
(5)Peter W.
This is a tough post for me to write as I am a restaurant professional and have been for the last 15 years in DC, Portland and Atlanta. I definitely know how things in the industry work so more often then not, I just let things go. I say that not for clout, but just to prove to the wait staff, that you never know who you are waiting on. My girlfriend and I came to Savannah for the 4th of July weekend getaway from Atlanta. When we found Alligator Soul we were really excited to try some quality southern food. Unfortunately, the service fell short from the very beginning. The hostess welcomed us to the fireplace lounge saying she would send a server to get our drink order...but they never showed up and I had to go to the bar for the drink. When our table was ready our server seemed awkward at best. She started her introduction and stuttered through it, having to restart three times. Maybe it was her first night? We immediately ordered the Fried Green Tomatoes. They were great! But we realized that some points of service were being missed when the table next to us got an amuse bouche and we did not. Our server didn't even come by to check to see how the first course was, while all her co-workers hurried by attending to their own tables. I had to flag down a buss boy to get me another drink. When she finally did come back to the table she seemed to mumble some excuse about it being busy, which it wasn't (930pm on a Sunday night) and the chef being good at chatting her up in the BOH (totally inappropriate). Our empty plates sat on the table for at least 10-15 minutes while we waited for our entrees, even though the table next to us had a server that was very attentive and friendly (where is the team work? We were clearly done). So we get our entrees and realize that once again the table next to us got something we did not...cornbread muffins. We had to ask our server for them when she got back to the table after forgetting some share plates we had asked for. The food was good. However, the rib-eye special that we ordered medium-rare, was just over medium even at its thickest point. We didn't send it back out of complacency, so I will put that on my shoulders. But the server didn't come by soon enough that it would have made a difference anyway. The portions were HUGE though, which is a plus for the money and the quality ingredients. The green beans were really good and the roasted potatoes in duck fat are hard to pass up. The charcuterie plate was big, with some really nice meats and the house salad is delicious with hush-puppy croutons. We were thinking about dessert...and third times a charm...the table next to us got treatment beyond what we did. The lights dimmed, the server light a small cup of liquor on fire and poured it around the table cloth. Cheesey but interesting and placed some vodka soaked cherries in the middle as a parting gift for the couple next to us. At this point we just felt unwelcome and awkward opting to pay the bill and leave. Overall we were really unhappy with the experience. The quality of service at the table next to us was so far from what we got, it made us feel out of place, unwanted and uncomfortable. And they were not regulars, VIPS or anything...just some out of towner's around for the weekend like us. After years in the industry I know enough to see that it was probably the individual servers quality of service and not the restaurant's overall. There was definitely something going on that we didn't see, though our server didn't seem to have any additional tables. Not sure what was up, but this place dropped the ball.
(2)Charli J.
Really good food, really good service, and really good drinks. I highly recommend. Definitely get the Shrimp and Grits. The appetizer portion is pretty big. They gave us this amazing spiced wine for dessert. The bread was great. I saw a lot of people ordering the oysters so I would try that next time. Good dining experience.
(5)Sam F.
Came here with a group of friends while on a road trip. Started off with a basil mojoto (fine) and shared appetizers: cheese plate (delicious!- but I am also a total sucker for cheese), alligator salad (fine), and fried green tomatoes (eh- I'm not sure what all the hype is about, definitely could have been better. It was way too much fried batter which sucked out all the tomato flavor) For entree I had the snapper, but with collard greens and mashed potatoes, instead of the bacon sauce it typically comes in. The snapper started out delicious, through the flavor fell flat towards the end and I couldn't finish it. The snapper was originally supposed to be prepared with this apricot sauce which our server brought on the side. After I tried it, I thought it was way too sweet and would have destroyed the good flavor of the fish, so I'm glad I didn't order it the way it was originally intended to be prepared. The sauce did taste good on the collard greens, though. Dessert was the banana beignet, which was fine, though I thought it could have had more flavor added to the batter. Service was fine. The most annoying part of the evening was that literally half of the things on the menu were unavailable. It was so ridiculous, I'm not even sure why the server bothered giving us a menu, since he could have just taken a sharpie and crossed out half the items on there. Also, for all the talk about this being a vegetarian-accomodating restaurant, many items had bacon ingredients which could not be removed. Total was about $175 for three people plus tip. Bottom line: eat here if you have gotten sucked into the hype and need to experience it for yourself. But frankly, you won't be missing anything extraordinary if you go without.
(3)Jacqueline J.
Fantastic meal in a great restaurant. One of the best meals we've ever had. Inventive southern cuisine and even the vegetarian in the party was catered for. Well worth the money to taste the exquisite flavor concoctions of the chef. Favorites included the shrimp and grits and the sweet potato flan served with the buffalo.
(5)Andrew F.
This was an odd choice for a Bachelor Party of 12 to visit. However, the staff and our waitress was very accommodating as they put us away from the couples and family for as long as they could. The experience was relaxed but upbeat for the occasion. The groom was taken care of and we didn't have any issues (except they ran out of Maker's Mark (minus one star). I do believe everyone in the wedding party had steak, the majority of us had the evening's special of the large Porter House Steak. That was probably the quietest part of the dinner as we devoured every last bite. To start we had the cheese plate, which was awesome because they paired the cheeses with all sorts of accoutrement like honey and dried fruits. We passed on dessert but they were gracious to give the groom a few pastries and ended the dinner with a interesting parlor trick by lighting the table on fire! Great time, great experience.
(4)Holly S.
I booked my birthday dinner with A.Lure, but the Concierge at our hotel strongly recommended this place, and booked us here instead. She promised a top tier fine dining experience, and that I won't be disappointed. After dining at the Olde Pink House the night before, Alligator Soul was nothing spectacular. Our waitress was friendly and knowledgeable, and our meal was good, but not great. We had the frog legs appetizer, which was just ok. I had a creole dish with alligator, shrimp, and mostly rice with a salty spicy sauce. It was good but I wasn't blown away. The so-called hand crafted truffles were bland. I get better chocolate from Perugina. Hubby ordered bison and was pleased. Our dinner came to $50 more than at Olde Pink House, and we got a lot less in ambience, taste, history, and selection. They charge NYC prices without the sophistication and delivery. If you're looking for high end fine dining, go to the Olde Pink House instead.
(4)Bill G.
Alligator Soul will either be a great choice, or way over hyped, depending on your roll of the dice. I like the staff, having the chief bring out signature plates is a nice touch. The ambiance is dark, and it is downstairs with no windows, but nice (Think cave). I was there with a party, the appetizers were well presented, yet blahh. My vegetarian entree was just ok. Members of my party ordered medium and medium well meat, and it all came out medium-rare. On balance, it's pricy, has nice ambiance, but perhaps the looks don't deliver to the tastebuds.
(3)J T.
Alligator soul is A-OK as the star rating suggests. Its in central Savannah - the historic district. Service was good. For the price point, the cuisine was fine, but not over the top. My main comment here is this: my diver scallops were done exactly right, but the rest of the dish was a little off. The menu described this entrée as having a mix of savory flavors (i.e. shiitake, etc.) with cherry tomatoes and served on a bed of couscous. This sounded to me like a great combination (I'm a sucker for tomatoes), and it would have been except...I had exactly one cherry tomato (halved) for 4 large scallops. My muscles were left sorely wanting.
(3)Samantha L.
Alligator Salt is what this place should be called. I came here w/ my bf for his bday. The waitress recommended the pear martini, which was delicious, bf had a beer, don't remember which one. We split the shrimp gumbo app. which was good. I ordered the chicken breast that came with kale and bamboo rice, bf had the "filet of soul". My entree tasted like salt with a dash of chicken. gross gross gross. bf thought his steak was "ok" and said that he'd had potatoes out of box that tasted better. When the waitress asked how everything was, glancing down to see that I had barely eaten anything, I told her that my meal was salty. Without me asking her to, she tells the manager, who then comes over to our table to explain that the chicken is "brined". blah blah blah /careface. I don't care if they bought the chicken breast from Church's and just reheated it in the microwave as long as it tasted good, which it didn't. The manager didn't offer to take it off the bill or apologize. Two stars for our waitress who was great. Overall, we were so disappointed with this place. I should have gone w/ my gut and gone to the Olde Pink House for dinner. There is a reason why that place was booked on a Sunday night and Alligator Salt looked like a ghost town
(2)Mike G.
Great food here last night. Hilbo steak is by far one of the best steaks I've had!
(5)Deirdre H.
Cozy atmosphere, quiet and romantic. Fabulous cocktails - loved the Etta James. My husband enjoyed his flight of bourbon. We were there on the frirst day of the winter menu and the salad was probably the best salad I've ever had, incredible dressing. The entrees were good and creative, although the vegetarian special was only okay. Stick to the meat and fish entrees. Very attentive wait staff. We've were celebrating our 30th wedding anniversary they treated us to a bottle of wine to go! How sweet!
(4)Cara B.
My family tried out this restaurant when we were in Savannah overnight on the way back from Florida. We were driving in on Friday evening and knew we would get to Savannah around 9 pm. We made a reservation for the four of us around 2 pm and they were booked through 9:30. We were okay with that considering you never know what will happen with traffic! When we got there, we were first confused. No you are not in the wrong place, the restaurant is in the basement of the building. After walking down the stairs, we found that the restaurant was quite full! We were seated immediately and told about the specials for the night. There were quite a few delicious sounding items on the menu, so we asked our waiter for his suggestions. He was very helpful and suggested that we try two appetizers between the four of us. We had the alligator cakes and fried green tomatoes. Both were delicious (especially the alligator cakes when you ate every ingredients on the plate at the exact same time- it was mouth wateringly good). The entree sized appetizers are HUGE. While I don't know how large the appetizer sizes are, you might ask your waiter. Three of us had these entrees, and we were overwhelmed with the amount of food that each of us received. Shrimp and grits and the gumbo were delicious. You can definitely taste the New Orleans influence in these dishes here! Very hearty with delicious homemade andouille! Both were quite spicy too! My mom had the fish special, and it was delicious too. We had a few drinks from the bar, and they were made beautifully! Service was great too. For some reason, I just can't give it 5 stars. Just one of those feelings. Maybe for the price point, I expect blow me away food, but we just got really really good. I'd still definitely recommend it though!
(4)Travis D.
Best food we ate in Savannah, no question! I suggest you make reservations though. We didn't, and had to sit at the bar, but we always end up at the bar and it was no problem. Actually, it gave us a chance to chat with the bartender, who recommended things to see and do in Savannah. I also loved the ambiance of the restaurant, being in what seemed like a wine cellar below street level. Very cool. Ok - the food: absolutely amazing. The appetizers were huge. In fact, we could have ordered 3-4 appetizers and been stuffed between the 2 of us. We had the shrimp and grits app and the fried oysters. I wanted to lick the plate, the shrimp & grits were sooo good. The lamb ribs were good, as was were the scallops (which were perfectly cooked), but nothing could top the appetizers. The meal was worth the price, I highly recommend this place.
(5)Timothy B.
The concierge said forget it.....you'll never get in. We walked over anyway and they had a table for two. Perfect. Excellent service. Ryan, our waiter gave us great tips on where to have a cocktail.....and what parts of Savannah are most haunted......and he's an expert! Unusual interesting menu filled with adventure. My partner may be the most conservative eater on the planet and he reached out and had the Kangaroo Shepherd's Pie. Phenomenal. Jumping with flavor. I enjoyed the smoked rib eye immensely. Fantastic. The Swiss chard was also great.....and the portion could have been a little bigger. Broad wine list. Ok pricing. This was our only meal in town......and glad we spent it here.
(5)Cheryl M.
Best service we had in Savannah. We dined well in town over our week's visit, but only Alligator Soul managed to serve all of our food at the same time and hot. Our server Melvin from Alabama was pleasant and on top of things. Shrimp and grits were mighty tasty. We enjoyed our entrees. A very solid dining experience. We were celebrating a birthday and the birthday girl appreciated the tasteful but festive attention. Would definitely return and will recommend.
(4)Steph V.
I thought Alligator Soul was a great Savannah restaurant!! The waiter recommended a great wine and was super knowledgable about everything on the menu. They give you all kinds of freebie starters, just little tastes of things, all with a very Southern flair (and being a Yankee from the north, I was delighted to try them!) We had the artisan cheese plate to start which was so delicious, and I had a chicken dish as my entree which doesn't appear to be on the menu anymore but was incredibly yummy. And they have all kinds of exotic choices for those who are more adventurous eaters. I would definitely recommend this restaurant to anyone visiting Savannah!
(5)Don R.
Every once in a while you find a gem in a town you are visiting. Alligator Soul was our find on this trip to Savannah, Ga.. The server was informative and delightful, the food was thoughtful and tasty. The specialty dirnk amazing-sugar rum, lime juice and cane sugar with a salted rum. My wife's smoked steak tips were out of this world. The staff were very availalbe through the meal and only wanted to please. Savannah is the old south and Alligator Soul means to please.
(5)squishy s.
We loved this. The servers were friendly and the food was delicious. The decor was a little weird, but I liked the cellar setting. As a vegetarian, my favorite part was that the veggie option changes daily and is based on what's fresh in the market. It's always a little sad to order the tasteless pasta dish the chef puts on the menu at most meat-centric restaurants in the region.
(5)Kerri C.
I have been to Alligator Soul many times. It is definitely one of my favorites in Savannah. The atmosphere, service, and food are consistently good. My husband almost always orders the Hilbo steak (it periodically appears on the menu, but is always available). The steak is always tender and deliciously seasoned. I always order the fish, which is consistently fresh and properly prepared. Our friends dine with us frequently. They always love the shrimp and grits as well as the lamb. The menu changes seasonally, with a few mainstays. The servers and chef are always accommodating of any special requests. The only reason I am not giving the restaurant 5 stars is that I have not cared for some of the sides or sauces with the fish dishes. I've learned to order my sauces on the side, as they can sometimes overpower the fish or be too heavy for me. All said, my family, friends and I always have a good experience at Alligator Soul.
(4)Debbie N.
This place was referred by friends we dine w/often. Maybe it was a bad nght for the restaurant but we def didn't see what the hype was about. Fried tomatoes were bland except for the pickled veggies on top (hubby got an okra STEM on his plate!). Home-made bread was ok, def have had better. Charcuterie platter was pretty good. My shrimp & grits def had GRIT but it was from the shrimp!! I also have 1 shrimp which wasn't fully deveined - def not what you'd excepct for a high-end gastro pub sort of place. Pig three ways that hubby had was very good. The entire time we were there the lights went one & off approx 8 times - each time for a special occasion presentation. It became very annoying & we would have actually preffered the lights off (nice candles lit the place up). Dined the prevoius night at another very high end restauant & it blew this place away - NO comparison. Unfortunately won't return - expensive for what you get & waitstaff is a little "green".
(2)Rob L.
Took a quick trip to Savannah, and had an incredible dinner at Alligator Soul. I can't say enough good things about the restaurant. Not only was the food exceptional, but the service is top-notch. They were able to get us in at the last minute, and even went as far as creating custom cocktails paired to our food selections. I would recommend Alligator Soul to anyone living in, or traveling to, Savannah.
(5)Ryan C.
Best restaurant I have eaten at in Savannah. Get the Hilbo w/a bottle of Hedges and just enjoy!!!!
(5)M.A. J.
One of the best restaurants in Savannah. Great atmosphere, delicious foods, no cliched Southern meals here.
(4)Katie V.
Alligator Soul is one of those memorable dining moments. From the crisp fried green tomatoes, the jambalaya with tasty fried gator, the delectable shrimp and grits washed down with a variety of well mixed cocktails. They will cater for children, not on the menu, but a creamy Alfredo pasta was served for the little ones. Service is attentive,friendly and quick. Prices are on the higher side but you pay for what you get...a food experience that you won't soon forget.
(5)Cortland Native C.
Shrimp and grits definitely, but I would go to the Olde Pink House for a drink. Ordered a mojito and it was sub par then switched to a mint julep still not so great. Save room for the Banana Beignets!
(4)Preeth K.
Me and my Arwen were walking around Savannah GA looking for a place to eat, as Paula Dean's restaurant was taking a 2 day break due to renovation. Almost every place was closed but this was open still at 7 o clock. I'm telling you it seems that only people in NY want to keep their restaurants open after 7 on weekdays! The entrance was cute as it was underground. The staff was very friendly, which was nice. They also were helpful as I wanted to know where Chippewa Square was, as that was where Forrest Gump is sitting down in his movie. I had the steak wrapped w/bacon, which was good, but the flavor of the bacon penetrated the steak too much. I asked for medium rare and did get an exact medium rare which was great. My date ordered the shrimp and grits which she was raving about. For dessert we ordered the gelato which was very good. I ordered the beer sampler - 4 different beers in 5oz glasses. Very good. All in all, the restaurant was good. I liked the atmosphere but it was quite pricey considering the food we got was better than average. Could of been a little bit better - esp for the price. Nothing made me want to come back next time I am in Savannah.
(3)Greg H.
Food A+, Service C- The food here was amazing. Everything we had was delicious. However the service was poor, especially for the prices charged. Waited much to long in between courses. Server hardly came by the table to check on things and our entree wine arrived after we had finished our entrees! Shame, because the food was fantastic. 4 or 5 stars had the service been better.
(3)Blair C.
Pretty good food, excellent atmosphere. We weren't that hungry so we ordered appetizers and salads. I had the alligator crabcakes, sort of a novelty for me. The crabcakes were seasoned well. Alligator meat tastes different and I am glad I tried it at a place with a name like Alligator Soul. We also ordered Oyster Rockefeller (not sure I am getting the name right). My Dad really didn't like it that much. I thought it was decent but heavy. Since I had the alligator crabcakes, too, it was a little too much oil for me. Then came our salads which were disappointing. The dried sour cherries were a nice addition but the candied walnuts were just raw walnuts and the balsamic tasted pretty over the counter. Our waitress was great. She had fresh drinks on the table whenever they were required and the food came out fast.
(3)Kristina W.
I'm honestly not sure why people like this place so much. It was ok. The chicken dish was the best but the sides that came with it were gross. Way too sweet. Also, I'm done with green tomatoes. I was curious but I don't get them. They have no flavor. The gumbo was fine but not better than any gumbo I had in New Orleans. The wine options were not very good. The service was pleasant.
(3)Ken L.
The food was okay. I had the Pork Chop and while it was good, I thought it was a little pricey. Atmosphere: You walk down a staircase, as if you're going into basement. And, the restaurant was a little dark and dingy. At the outset, the waiter did set the expectation level very high. He said it was the best restaurant in Savannah. The next evening I ate at Garabaldi's and would highly recommend the Crispy Flounder -- Incredible.
(3)elissa g.
Expensive food, poor service, rude owner. Went to this restaurant last night with a group of people for a work dinner meeting. There were around 15 of us. They had put up a flimsy curtain between us and the rest of the diners. When the speaker was speaking, we couldn't hear him because of the noise and the music ( which was eventually turned off). Two hours after the dinner started, many of the diners still had not received their entrees. I got mine to go as did most of the other guests as we were angry and hungry. I decided to express my opinion to the waiters and then the manager who, I later learned, was the owner's daughter. They made excuses that the restaurant was busy and that they weren't supposed to serve while the speaker was speaking. The first excuse was not our problem the second was untrue. No one apologized or offered any compensation. When I arrived home with my meal, the $40 steak, which was ordered medium rare was bloody and raw. The next day, I called the owner as I thought she might want to know. She again offered endless excuses and no apology at all. After a long conversation, she finally said that she was upset that I had already left feedback on a restaurant website. She started yelling on the phone and hung up on me. Amazing. I am a local and will never go to this restaurant again.
(1)Sarah F.
The food and service at Alligator Soul were exceptional, and the atmosphere was surprisingly good, considering they are subterranean. We walked in without reservations and they did back flips to accommodate us. They actually set up a little dining area for appetizers at a couch and coffee table in the lounge where we had local shrimp with lemon butter grits, cajun sauce, andouille sausage and cheddar cheese. It was outrageously good! I had an Adelsheim Pinot Gris which was excellent and my husband was happy with his beer selection. When our table came up, we had the same waitress who served us in the lounge. They are really on it, and she knew the menu by heart - as I said, the service was outstanding. My husband had the pork chops in a blackberry reduction sauce and I had lamb shanks with roasted tomato, feta, polenta, can't remember all the ingredients, but the meat just fell off the bone and it was so flavorful! My only regret is that there was way too much food to finish, and dessert was out of the question. Next time we might go for a different ordering strategy so we can try more smaller dishes. I certainly plan for there to BE a next time!
(5)Jenny G.
We were visitting family in GA last year & while looking for some southern food, we came across this restaurant. we went out looking for it & after a view times of going around & around & asking a few locals we found it, under ground with a small sign that its a bit hard to read while you drive in down town. As we walked in we realized we were in a "high class' restaurant. very low light but still bright enough to read the menu without problems. Low playing soothing music. They started us out with some bread, super delicious! we kept asking for more & more (they would only bring one slice per person...come on now!) As appetizers we ordered some fried Alligator ofcurse, which was amazing! tender & great flavor, it felt as if i was just eating some chicken tenders or something. We also got some oysters, I cant remember the name but i know they were oysters & they were FANTASTIC the best oysters I'v ever had in my life & i cant wait to go back & have some more! As expected they were very pricey but omg soooo delicious!!! For our main entree I got a sirloin steak which literally just melted in your mouth. As a side i got mashed potatoes, red mashed potatoes which were also pretty good...Everyone else got different plates but i cant remember what they had because mine was so delicious that i just wanted to enjoy every bite of it...I did share my little piece of heaven with everyone on the table & they all agreed that my plate was the best of them all, & i could'nt agree more! :-) As far as the price goes, it was expensive but after seeing all that we ordered, the quality of the food, the service, the knowledge of the waiter it was SUPER cheap! I had a few glasses of white wine Chardonnay, an order of oysters, fried alligator, 5 adult meals & i cannot recall if we ordered dessert but i want to say we didnt all for around $200 plus tip! i think it was a great deal....& i must say i've never been to a restaurant where the waiters are so knowledgable, it's as if he went to a school just to explain all the dishes and how they are made and what they consist of...very impressed I must say! but i cant wait to visit GA again do we can go have some more of those awesome oysters!!!
(5)Steven N.
We were in town for a wedding from Chicago and decided to ask around for a recommendation for our first meal. Alligator Soul came up repetitively so we figured that was a good sign. Everyone was correct, it was very good. The service was friendly, not stuffy but attentive and welcoming. The Shrimp and Grits appetizer was so delicious! From start to finish it was a very delicious meal and I'd highly recommend.
(5)Richard B.
Took a chance on it and was very satisfied. Saw it just walking by and even tho lower level eateries can be less than desirable at times, this proved it really didn't matter. If you're going out to eat for the view, sit in the park. But if you love good food, then you'll miss nothing by eating here. Went with my college-age son and wife and we loved all the dishes we had. Very pleasant people and a nice vibe. Quality!
(4)Skip H.
Well this was highly recommended. We had the chefs specials for the appetizer crawfish cake that was mostly filler, fried green tomatoes were pretty good but the most disappointing part was the chipino as a main course. I would say an app. Portion. What little seafood there was, was over cooked and tough as nails. We let our waitress know and she said " the chef will get to the bottom of it!" I hope he finds more seafood there! All in all beautiful atmosphere but not worth the value. We have had much better.
(3)Heather S.
What a little romantic spot with all the touches of personal service. The bread basket was great, and everything we had was great! We had their specialty salad, omg and then our meals were terrific.
(4)Byron K.
Great steak that was smoked at low temp and the scallops spectacular. Fried green tomatoes delicious. The salad was creative. Brought free drink for wife birthday and treated her so well. Gator soul made our wknd!!!
(5)jackie t.
Great food. Ask for Matt. He was a wonderful wait staff. Food was fantastic..Very high class
(5)Terry E.
I took a chance with this place, but it was recommended by two people, and hoping we would have a great meal in Savannah. I loved the food, I ordered the lamb, which is good, but a little on the fatty side. The fried green tomaoes were the best I've tried. The wine served were good. The rib-eye was ordered by my sister, and I tried a small piece and it was great, cooked to perfection. And oh the dessert, banana beignet, that's the killer...it was so good and Mitch our server added a little drama/show before serving it...you should try it, and their coffee was good. The place is very cozy and a little upscale, and we kinda felt out of place, because we didn't really dressed up, with Savannah's weather, hot the whole day and rains in the evening, who would want to dress up. We came in with our kids and other young people and they all enjoyed the food and the place, and the manager, she' so nice and very accomodating. Great service. Don't miss this place if you're in Savannah...
(4)jessica s.
Best food we had in Savannah - I went this past May and I am still dreaming of their fillet. Great atmosphere, and decently priced - $36 for a steak, starch AND a vegetable is a great deal. Service was on par. As the only wine drinker in my party, I would have liked to see more offerings by the glass, but what I had was good. Reservations are a must here.
(5)Jean T.
Traveling alone, so sat at bar. Great service and good food
(5)George B.
Good atmosphere, good food, good service. I will definitely go back to Alligator Soul.
(4)RC H.
Food was fantastic. The presentation was very nice, and came to the table piping hot -- always a plus. Service was decent and prompt but not over the top. The menu was well balanced with very nice appetizers and entrees. I and friends tried the special for the evening, a grouper fish, and it was very nicely presented and cooked properly. For an appetizer we tried the salad, and soup special -- both were perfect. Definitely recommend this restaurant as a repeat visit.
(4)Lisa H.
Ambiance was nice, service was rushed, perhaps pushing us out for the 7 p.m. seatings? Watch out for the unpublished $10.00 split plate fee on top of an already expensive dinner. Not worthy of a revisit, too many other good restaurants in town.
(3)Mason W.
Outstanding food, atmosphere & service. Make a reservation and try this for dinner. Flavors are uniquely layered in each bite.
(5)Mike M.
This was without a doubt the best dining experience we had in Savannah. Everything from the service to the food to the atmosphere helped make it a wonderful evening. This is the kind of restaurant I would tell friends they HAVE to go to if they are ever in the area!
(5)Rebecca L.
Forget Lady & Sons, Elizabeth on 37th, and Pink House: Alligator Soul is Savannah's ultimate hidden foodie gem. Gracious and accommodating, the Craigs know how to get a soulful taste of Southern cooking on every plate for every course. It's our go-to destination when we want to treat visitors out to a local meal, and we've never experienced an off night yet. Helpful hint: owner Maureen Craig is a vegetarian, and the kitchen is always happy to whip up something tasty for the Veggie in your party.
(5)Jason W.
No gumbo :( And we we're set on getting some gumbo. However, their menu changes, which isn't necessarily something to frown upon. I got a mammoth steak and potatoes and it was sooooo goood. Not exactly the southern food we walked into the place for, but it was redeeming. Service here is excellent. The atmosphere is nice, if maybe a little dark. I'd have given them 5 stars if they let me eat from the leather sofas in front of the fireplace. You're definitely going to spend some change here, it's upscale even though it's downstairs. Very good if you have the money to spend on a fine dinner. If I ever go back I'm asking if they have gumbo first. GUMBO!$!@!!!
(4)William L.
Love the building and interior located below street level- really different. Dined here summer of 2011 and was really pleased - not so much this time. Ordered the rabbit - it was dry with little flavor. For desert the chocolate mousse cake was bitter - not sweet.
(3)April D.
We were headed to Savannah for vacation and, after reading reviews and checking out menus, I made reservations at Alligator Soul for dinner. We were very impressed with the service we received. Everyone was attentive and friendly. We were celebrating my husband's birthday and I mentioned this when they called to confirm our reservations. When we arrived, everyone wished him happy birthday and there was a box on our table with a pastry inside. For appetizers we ordered the fried oysters and crab tart. The tart was very spicy, which actually took away from the taste of the food, and the oysters weren't anything to write home about. For our main course I ordered the fish of the day - a blackened Grouper - and the hubby ordered the duck/turtle/gator jambalaya. We both like spicy foods, but this was a touch overboard. It was so spicy we couldn't really enjoy it. In fact, neither of us finished our food because it was too hot. If you do go here, I highly recommend the sangria. It is fantastic and was the only thing that put out the ire in my mouth. We went to The Pink House the night before and the food was far superior and the service was also good, although not quite as good as Alligator Soul's service.
(3)Kelly S.
Alligator Soul was by far the best meal I've had in Savannah. My mom and I were looking for a place that was open on Monday and at which we wouldn't need a reservation, so we stopped by Alligator Soul. Oh my god, I am so glad we did. We started with an amuse bouche. It was a charcuterie bite and so so good. Salty, fatty, delicious. Then we had the shrimp and grits. Get this. It was amazing. For the entree, we split the eight ounce filet. Again, it was wonderful, cooked absolutely perfectly. For dessert, we had the banana beignet. I recommend them. An excellent close to an excellent meal. The service was great and the so was the food. I honestly wish I could give it a sixth star.
(5)Garrett T.
My wife and I went here for our one year wedding anniversary. One of their newest employees at the time and was a good friend and referred us there saying that he was sure it was the right place for such an event. In short, the food was absolutely amazing, some of the best I've had here in savannah. It was a very classy atmosphere as well, and very relaxed. Towards the end of our dinner a waiter came to our table, and poured vodka on the table cloth and lit it for a bit of a show. Made the experience even better. I'd refer anyone looking for a great romantic time with amazing food to this restaurant!
(4)Stella M.
I only go here for drinks, as the food menu is rather pricey, but the drinks alone are phenomenal. Go here around 5:30 - 6 when they are just opening and the bar will be yours. The servers are lovely and the menu consists of their own infused liquors. This is a definite cocktail spot to check out if you are in town.
(5)Isy W.
ssuperb service. Outstanding food. And the restaurant has great character. Just a terrific experience. The owner/manager spent a lot of time making sure that we were satisfied. Thank you!!
(5)Mike S.
Great upscale touch to low-country southern cooking. Everything was delicious and service was great too. Liked micro-brews on tap also. Highly recommend Aligator Soul.
(5)Nicole F.
This restaurant was recommended to us by some folks at the Planters Inn who raved that it was the best restaurant around so we figured we'd give it a try. The restaurant itself is cute and our waiter was really friendly & helpful. We started with the fried green tomatoes which were really good. For my entree I chose the pork chop. It was pretty good but just a little dry. My mom had a braised shortrib or something like that and it was delicious. It was so tender and I remember wishing I had ordered that instead. Overall, I liked the restaurant but I don't believe that it is the best restaurant in Savannah.
(4)Lisa F.
so I gave them a high rating becuase the other people in my party thought it was the best meal they ever had. Be prepared to wait and wait and then wait some more. the portions are huge and the gumbo is fantastic with just enough spice and they don't skimp on the shrimp. It took maybe about 3 hours before our food was ready and mine was wrong but I ate it because I was starving and didnt want to have to wait again.The steak special was to say the least the biggest steak I ever saw. Again they messed up my meal so I wasn't impressed with what I got. Out of a party of 7 , 4 said it was the best meal they had ever had. But be prepared to wait and the noise level is high. but they do have alot of space and don't cram you in like many of the other restuaruants in Savannah . I would try them again because some of the food was really good.
(4)Jeff L.
This is one of the best restaurants in which I have ever dined! I had the Chef's Adventure with wine pairing. It truly was an adventure for the palate. Oysters three-way, shrimp on fried green tomatoes, lamb, pork and beef dishes--- everything was unique and delicious! I can't wait to go back to Savannah just to eat at this restaurant.
(5)Amy Z.
I really like this place. The pork chop was to die for, especially the brandy braised peach that comes with. I think they do a great job at upscale southern food. If I had the choice, I would probably choose South City Kitchen in Atlanta over Alligator Soul, but it's still really delish. The lamb chops are also great and they have a seasonal vegetarian option, which usually includes tofu. Most everything else has some sort of meat in it and probably 75% of the dishes have some sort of use of bacon. So veggies beware!
(4)Michelle L.
Husband and I ate here for our anniversary, wait staff was excellent. I enjoyed my dish, pork tenderloin and grits. I think my husband would have married his steak, if he could have- a cold-smoked rib eye, AMAZING! I took a bite and was jealous, grilled to perfection, and the lingering smoky taste very memorable!
(4)Ed W.
I was a little thrown by the name and the fact that I saw an ad on my tourist map - was this place a tourist trap? - but I decided to trust yelp. All told, we were pleased with the dinner. The atmosphere is somewhat of a subterranean cavern. The wine list is somewhat limited, but that is fine by us, and prices were quite reasonable. The cheese plate was a highlight, and probably the reason I am rounding this up to four stars - the somewhat boring-sounding 'morbier', 'edam', etc. were actually all locally sourced raw-milk artisanal chesses, served with local fruits, honey, and walnuts. Very nice. That was all the appetizer four of us needed, as the mains ($28 range) were huge portions. I quite enjoyed the applewood bacon-wrapped Berkshire pork chop served with potato gratin and fresh vegetables. Reviews on the seafood dishes (daily catch of golden tilefish, and divers scallops) were more mixed from our group, but all told a solid meal.
(4)Casey S.
Alligator soul is hard to find because it is located in the basement of a building. But once you get to the basement you will just love the ambiance. I really enjoyed the wine selection and it was fun to do the special tasting of three wines. I ended up enjoying the wine that the waiter recommended the most. My wife got a salad for an appetizer with grits croutons that was one of the best salads I've ever had. I got the oysters Bienville, which although it was heaped with tons of toppings, ended up being a bit bland, or nothing in particular stood out. I ordered the lamb chops. The lamb chops were excellent but I was very disappointed with the side dishes, which often make a good meal great. So I would say my dish was just good. My wife got the scallop dish, which I only had a few bites of but it was tasty. I wish that I would have stuck to the more traditional southern dishes, which seemed to the be their specialties. For desert, we had the banana beignet. Which was tempura fried bananas and fried banana flavored ice cream. This was an absolute divine desert. Overall I would say that this is a good but not great restaurant but I feel like my experience would have been better if I would have gotten some of the more traditional southern dishes.
(3)Beach B.
The fried green tomatoes were good. They were prepared with peppers (not my favorite vegetable) and I thought the slices were too thick. I had a special of tenderloin tips (outstanding) and shrimp (very good). My husband had a grouper special which was also outstanding. The only negative was the service. We ordered cocktails and a bottle of water. The cocktails and water arrived 30 minutes later. The server, never apologized for the delay.
(4)Sasha Z.
Went here yesterday for their new lunch. I had called the nite before to find out what time they open, and the guy said 11am, but when we got there, the sign said "11:30-2:30". We went and peeked in at the door and the owner came and was super gracious about letting us in and seating us. Our waitress came right over and took our drink orders and we felt very welcomed (usually, when showing up to a rest. before hours there's alot of delay and huffy attitude). Anyway, the ambiance was really beautiful, lots of exposed brick and lovely paintings. I ordered the steak salad, and my friend ordered the smoked chicken salad. We were served warm chedder-grilled corn-jalepeno corn bread which was quite good. Then the salads came out and the first thing that came to mind was "is that IT??" They were microscopic! Tasty, yes, but truly appetizer portions. My friend was also disappointed that her salad was chicken-salad, with mayonnaise etc. as opposed to fresh smoked chicken pieces. But really, the sizes are way too small for the prices. Unfortunately, not even the complimentary freshly baked almond biscotti could compensate for our still empty tummies. Oh well...
(3)Des D.
We tried three dishes. The fried green tomatoes' breading was too heavy, but the fried basil leaf and the sauteed tomato with it were good. The fresh bread was good. The shrimp and grits were too salty. The Indian-spiced snapper was good. The prices were high for the food quality. The atmosphere was good.
(2)Jeremy S.
I found this restaurant through yelp. I wanted to surprise my wife with a dinner at a local place we had never been to before. I scrolled through the many reviews on a lot of restaurants. Alligator Soul was the one that stuck out the most, and the reveiws were great. Knowing how well this restaurant was reveiwed it was no surprise to me that it was very tasty. The service was excellent, the fried green tomatos were to die for & the filet was tender and melted in your mouth. My wife ordered the chicken platter and I tasted it, it was also very good. The prices are high, but to be expected with the quality of the food. Expect to pay a lot, but expect to be very satisfied.
(4)Lee L.
Awesome. Used Yelp to find Alligator Soul on a visit to Savannah and it was great. Distinctive, tasty dishes. Customer service excellent.
(5)Paul G.
Ok If you are driving on route 95 and you see signs for Savannah, jerk your steering wheel to the appropriate direction and head for Alligator Soul on Barnard St in downtown Savannah. I have eaten at every recommended restaurant in Savannah and this one is in a class by itself. Thanks Bari and Dan from Blufton SC for this hot tip. I had the "caught today" Red Snapper. Rebecca was our server and made this stop better yet. Knowledgeable about the food and wine was on target. Don't come to Savannah without this stop on your schedule.
(5)Vanessa R.
I tried Alligator Soul for the first time a few weeks ago with a friend. We selected this restaurant for our pre matinee meal after hearing they were now open for lunch. Upon entering the restaurant, which is below ground, I was instantly hit with feelings of claustrophobia, even though the space is far from small. So I high tailed it to a table closest to the "window". Then came the overwhelming scent of cleaning products. Not exactly appetizing. Nevertheless, I soldiered on. When my friend and I ordered sweet tea (me), half and half (her), we were informed that that they don't sweeten their tea. We were then shown the packets of sugar on the table and told we could sweeten the tea ourselves. A restaurant that serves southern food, yet they don't offer sweet tea? Moving right along. We looked over the menu, asked about the specials and made our selections. Then we noticed an oyster po boy sandwich that was not listed on the menu but in a little informational card at our table. I guess the waitress was too distracted by the ONE other table of patrons, to remember to mention it to us. I promptly switched my order to the oyster po boy sandwich with sweet potato fries. My dining companion ordered the chicken salad. Before our meals arrived we were provided with lavender cornbread. Interesting flavor combination. Our meals were of a decent size and we both enjoyed what we had ordered. The meal ended with complimentary cookies. Soon as we were through we busted out of that basement into the sunshine.
(3)Marc C.
Had the chance to eat here recently and had been hearing great things. Neat atmosphere and absolutely delicious food. Huge portions. Loved the appetizers - oysters ala Soul - gotta get. Our main courses were - Grouper (giant piece) with side of shrimp/grits with friend okra in it; Pork shoulder that melted in your mouth (locally raised by friends at Savannah River Farms); and Hilbo steaks that overflowed from the plates and were as tender as you can get. Others in the party got Elk (my second choice) which they said was phenomenal, and Rabbit Jambalaya. Oh yeah - now that you are stuffed just reading this - save room for dessert. We got a chocolate torte, and my personal favorite the banana beignets with ice cream. Service was excellent. Another must eat in Savannah.
(5)Mallory D.
We came here for dinner last Friday, once we arrived we got seated right away. Our waiter (I forgot his name) was very knowledgable about the menu. The food was delicious and cooked to perfection. I would eat here again next time I'm in town.
(5)Diane G.
My husband and I spent two nights in Savannah--ate at The Pink House on Sunday evening and Alligator Soul last night. When I made the reservation, they asked if it was a special occasion. I told them we were celebrating our 48th anniversary. When we entered the restaurant and identified ourselves, everyone at the booth wished us a Happy Anniversary. Our table had a small gift box with small pecan tarts as a special gift--it was very much appreciated! We split the Beef Tenderloin wrapped in bacon--it was wonderful! We both felt the ambiance at Alligator Soul was way better than The Pink House.
(5)Brien W.
Dined here over the memorial day weekend with friends. Came in without reservations and dined at the bar. Loved the food, location and staff. Bartenders took care of us, especially ? Kendra from Kansas City.
(5)Caleb M.
I want you to know that the shrimp and grits were the best I have ever had. Period. The chef that night did a special with seared ostrich steak on risotto and a fried quail egg. It was delectable (though I found ostrich meat to be a tad bit more sinewy than I expected) For dessert we had the lavender honey creme brulee. Food is at it's best when it surprises you, and I was astounded. I will say that the ostrich's texture was ultimately distracting, however the concept behind the dish made up for it. I love the setting, a downstairs, out-of-the-way, hole-in-the-wall upscale restaurant it a wonderful notion. It made it feel like a secret that I was invited to. The staff was beyond warm and friendly. It was a while ago and I can't remember my waiter's name but he went above and beyond. The bartender let me talk shop and let me try some interesting ideas. If I needed an improvement, anywhere, I'd say that I was surprised that music was coming from a small portable music player behind the bar. Music is so important to ambience. I appreciated the classic rock, thoroughly. I was surprised that music wasn't designed into part of the ambience, or if it was I missed out on it. Alligator Soul is a hip, modern alternative to the old Savannah Standards, for tourists and locals alike. 1 part cheers, 1 part hip bar, this alligator please all senses--mind body and soul.
(5)Raven R.
Easy to find location. Very friendly staff. Beautiful inside. Classy place, soI recommend dressing up a bit. Also make your reservation 1-2 days in advance. Menu is also seasonal. They change to the winter menu a week before Christmas. They have an interesting cocktail menu. I stuck to a glass of Riesling, while my guy had some smoked gin mixed drink which he thought was okay. My boyfriend had the exotic meat dish the night we came which was wild boar. He enjoyed it very much. I had the vegetarian dish, which was delicious. It means a lot to vegetarians when a restaurant makes sure they have food for you and not just a few frozen vegetables steamed and thrown on a plate. Thank you for a lovely experience!
(4)Jeanetta B.
Excellent food. Great drinks. Had the Mahi Mahi. I believe it was a special. Our waitress was fantastic and it was one of the highlights of our trip.
(5)Ken A.
Alligator Soul has my heart! I have been in the restaurant business(distribution) for 20+ years and I must say this group was flawless in their execution of every part of my wife and I's dining experience. Quite frankly, it was honestly the best I've had and I've eaten at some of the most famous restaurants in the U.S. The staff was genuine to our exit of the restaurant when several of them waited at the door and bid us farewell. The flavors, the portions, the timing, the ambiance, all were performed without issue. I am not being paid, or a relative....you simply must go to experience this. First timer- life timer! Thank you for an incredible evening!
(5)D'steffano A.
So far the gin gin mule is goin on. The carve is the best. Yall nizzles needs to try this.. The mussels are the thing to start wit The desert with ice cream n banana ... Is the way to finish it of. Yall gon git the itis foe show...
(4)Nancy S.
My husband and I visited Alligator Soul for the first time to celebrate our wedding anniversary and it exceeded all expectations and then some!! The service was over the top! We felt like royalty! The oysters were the best thing I have ever had and I don't really care for oysters! I had the elk medium rare as the chef suggested and it was out of this world! (elk!?!? I know, right?!) All this and I forgot to mention the martini flight! Oh lord, the best! We are already planning our next visit to our new favorite place!
(5)Corey M.
YAAAAAAAASSSSS. Now, being in Savannah already had my heart a flutter. It's really a magical place of city parks, spanish moss, and outdoor drinking. A happy place for sure. We ended our day of adventures at Alligator Soul without reservations, but managed to get 3 seats at the bar. Shrimp and grits to start bc THE SOUTH. The grits (a very polarizing food) were immaculate and the shrimp had the desirable bite back that only meant perfect cooking time. This place knows how to cook its animals. Which leads me to my main dish, a special of the day: Elk and gnocchi in a cream sauce with roasted green onions. Jaw dropping. Really a stunning meal. And great cocktails to boot, except our bartender was perpetually frazzled. I wanted to like him. I even complimented him on his tasteful vest, but only got a tepid "thanks" in return. Kind of wanted to playfully punch his arm and say, "it'll get better, dude". Brooding bartenders aside, I WAS ON A CLOUD AND NOBODY COULD BRING ME DOWN. Definitely a pricey place, but worth it.
(5)Deirdre L.
Best mussels I have ever had in my life. I enjoyed the artichoke goat cheese fritters, as well. They tasted perfectly with the crab. The bison burger was okay. The pork belly was good, but I really would come here for the mussels! That was definitely memorable!
(5)Mas T.
The service was incredible. We shared the cheese board. I had the Beef Tenderloin wrapped in bacon. Creme brule for dessert. Great experience. I have never been so full in my whole life. Be sure to make a reservation.
(5)A S.
Located down a set of stairs in the basement of the building. Once inside we received a warm welcome from the hostess who guided us to the lounge area for a cocktail. After being seated by our enthusiastic waiter Chris, who looked after us extremely well, he then proceeded to recite most of the menu off by heart (impressive). We chose the alligator boudin (delicious) and frogs legs jambalaya as starters, followed by the fish of the day (swordfish) and bison steak. The service and food were very good, although the wait between starter and main was just a bit too long. An atmospheric environment well worth a visit whilst in Savannah. Book ahead!
(4)Wen X.
Great food. Loved everything we order except the shrimp and grits. It is too plain compare to the other restaurants' version. Overall, Great quality food. The tenderloin is the best and the cooked oyster is great too.
(5)Kelly L.
I love the South. I love it. Everything about it. ESPECIALLY the food. Alligator Soul is located in a little underground nook which I immediately thought was cool. I've had a lot of friends recommend this place, so I definitely needed to try it. Starting off, we had the fried green tomatoes which were phenomenal. Also we had the goat cheese and artichoke fritters and sweet Jesus I could eat those everyday! For appetizers, my friends and I split a few things- we had mussels with peppadews and cornbread which honestly was my least favorite. We didn't finish half of them.. they just could have been much more flavorful. We tried the snapper special which was in a broth of ramps, leeks, tasso ham, pinto beans and greens- cooked to perfection and such a party in my mouth!! Shrimp and grits were also ordered, and since I have an allergy I can't tell you how it was but I could tell by the pleased, content faces that this did not disappoint. So all in all, it was very good. I was expecting a little more (maybe my expectations were too high) but it definitely was a great experience.
(4)Linda O.
Everything was perfect from the food, to the service, and the delightful atmosphere. Loved the "gift" from the chef which was a special appetizer carefully customized to my food needs. Specifically, I had the wild mushroom pate, alligator house salad, and a side of fava beans (I noticed they were on the menu with another entrée and asked if they could be à la carted and they obliged). I am a vegan so it is important to me to get enough protein so the beans were perfect. They also had a vegetarian plate, but it featured fried eggplant which is not within my diet, so I was pleased that they happily accommodated me with the above multiple side items.
(5)Nishan K.
My family and I stumbled onto Alligator Soul during our vacation and boy are we glad that we did. It was the very best meal we had in Savannah. The food is outstanding!!! Don't be scared away by the location, which is located down a flight of stairs in a basement setting. The inside is beautifully decorated, dimly lit, and has an old world southern charm to it. And yes, there's a cool painting of a "soulful" alligator on the wall. Our meal started with a complimentary amuse-bouche of papadum, black eyed pea hummus, smoked tomato, and chive. It was a tiny little burst of flavor that we all loved!! We were then given a basket of fresh bread that was so good, we couldn't stop ourselves from eating it. But we knew we had an amazing meal coming, so we restrained ourselves from devouring only bread for our dinner. I'll digress for a moment and get to the service. Our waiter Rashad was perhaps the best waiter I've ever had at any restaurant anywhere in the world and that's saying a lot. We liked Rashad because he was not only the pro-typical southern gentlemen, but he was also funny and knew the menu inside and out. We told him we were visiting from New York and asked for recommendations of things to do and see in Savannah. He came back a short while later with a list of some of his favorite haunts written down. That's going above and beyond the call of duty! Back to the food! Rashad made some recommendations on the menu and we took them. We ordered the crispy pork belly, but since Rashad saw that our party of five was sharing all the appetizers, he brought out an extra one on the house so that we could all enjoy it. Once again, above and beyond the call of duty and very much appreciated! Needless to say, the crispy pork belly was divine and only got us more excited for what was yet to come. We also added the artichoke and goat cheese fritters and baked oysters to round out our appetizers. All were excellent! For our main courses, my family ordered the hilbo steak, lamb chops, and shrimp and grits. My fiancée, who is a vegetarian, ordered the vegetarian special, which we learned was code name for a specially made assortment of vegetarian yumminess that she loved! All of our entrees were absolutely delicious though the hilbo steak took the gold medal as the best entree of the night. For dessert, we were encouraged by our wonderful waiter to try both the banana beignets and the chocolatier special. We were very glad that we got both since they were the perfect way to end our extraordinary meal. If you only have time for one restaurant in Savannah head straight to Alligator Soul and ask for Rashad. You'll be in excellent hands and will enjoy a wonderful southern meal!
(5)Ana B.
We Highly recommend! This restaurant was absolutely amazing. We were unable to get reservations because they were so busy (always a good sign), so we just sat at the bar. Which was extremely entertaining, we loved watching the friendly bartenders create the homemade concoctions. The flavors were divine- we loved the oysters, pork belly, and shrimp and grits!
(5)Damien S.
One of the more anticipated reservations during our weekend in Savannah, Alligator Soul hit more than few culinary highlights and struggled, mysteriously, with one very important dinner element. Service maintained an observant, cordial and responsive demeanor throughout our meal. Thomas was there when we needed him, had menu answers at the ready, and displayed a great deal of pride to be representing Alligator Soul. Good show! Following a playful, umami rich amuse bouche, we destroyed the creative bread basket and salivated over a dozen Oyster a la Soul ($29): a regional spin on O-Rock, stuffing the bivalve's with local bacon, kinda local crawfish, mire poix and green onion, topping them with a parmesan-flaked roux and panko, and baked til bubbling. Very rich, balanced and surprisingly not overpowered by the house habanero hot sauce. My main was the elk special ($39), because when you have one night in a restaurant that boasts a mastery of gamier plates, you go for what they know. And did they! A beautiful medium-rare, presented a bit less gloriously over buttery polenta and roasted cipollini onions. A pinch of the house Hilbo seasoning - also found on the signature Little Hilbo - and the savory mostarda brought a welcomed edge to the plate. I was scraping the flatware for every last bite. And now the down note: the cocktail program. Loads of promise, abysmal execution. The Hilbo Bloody Mary ($13) is served up in a stainless martini "glass," is more than flecked with ice chips, and is laughable in the pour. Take a look at the pic below - that's unsipped. Asked Thomas is it was standard, He said yes, "the bar manager himself made it." According to other photos (like this: yelp.com/biz_photos/alli… ), that's simply not the case. This was an excellent opportunity to right a wrong by adding more mix - it's a bloody, after all, not a meticulous craft cocktail. But alas, they stood by it. At $13, it's a wimpy bust. Same could be said for the Gin Gin Mule - flat and watery, even with a house-made ginger syrup and wisps of mint. Stick with wine or a local beer. We wrapped up our meal with Banana Beignets ($11), a simple, delectable preparation of tempura fried fruits, dressed up with caramel, cinnamon wonton strips and candied nuts, served a la mode. It was fine. Overall, a 3.5 rounded up to 4, yet this is one of those important times when you've just got to break it down: - Service: 4 - Food: 4.5 - Drinks: 2
(4)Yulissa M.
Came here back in 2013! So its been awhile but finally getting my review in. Amazing service at this place, it was my friends birthday so I called ahead and they had a little personalized box just for her on the table! Place is great for groups, gathering and/or a romantic dinner. Its in a basement so really gives it an intimate feel. Food was incredible! Had the Buffalo with gator bites and was yummoooo! Great stop while in Savannah!
(5)christine s.
I loved this place. The menu had some exciting entrees and starters....we had the Alligator sausage (had to try it) it was delicately flavoured beautifully presented and delicious. Also tries the frogs legs served over jambalaya also very good. Then we had Bison steak The swordfish and the lamb kebab....all ver delicious. The waiter (Chris) Was extremely helpful and well.versed with the menu. We had to share a dessert of ice cream and banana fritters..,,,yummy!!! The only reason I didn't give this 5 stars was because it was quite a wait for our mains to arrive....
(4)Lena D.
My favorite restaurant in Savannah. Located in a basement, the decor is warm and cozy. Love the exposed brick and fireplace. Our waitress was very sweet and knowledgeable about the items on the menu. Etta James cocktail was delicious, gin, cucumber and berry. Light and refreshing. Having read about this restaurant online, I was very excited to try the exotic menu. Luckily for me that meant New Zealand Red Deer. The meat was very red (new meaning to red meat), tender and not too gamy. Perfect. It was served with gruyere au gratin potatoes and green beans. There was plenty of food, I ate all of it and felt completely satisfied. My table mates had the flounder with mushroom risotto, awesome. The french fries were also well done and delicious (but aren't french fries sort of always delicious?) Didn't try dessert, but they were very tempting. Pricey, but a better bang for your buck compared to Olde Pink House.
(5)Heather C.
Made reservations via open table for 6 on Thursday night. I thought the place would be crowded, but it wasn't. Our waitress, Rachel, was very knowledgeable about the menu, which was refreshing. Ambiance was cool, although it was a bit chilly (but the muggy heat outside was defintely Appetizers were deelish! Pork belly Oysters not as good as the char-grilled in NO, but good nonetheless. Cheese platter w/smoked duck and alligator sausages and rabbit paté. Dinner was also good. I had the ribeye steak w/pommel frites and zucchini. The steak could have been seasoned a bit more but otherwise it was good. Others in my party ordered (i) the pheasant (which was the only exotic meat available), it was good but a little dry, however the accompanying rice veggie mixture was delicious; and (ii) bison with macaroni and cheese and string beans. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed their meal. Dessert was angel food cake, it was great.
(4)Keith A.
Words cant express... I usually dont give 5 stars because there's always room for improvement, but Aligator soul is on point from making reservations on phone to walking into building. Awesome casaul setting and staff that is very knowledgeable. It's pricey, but a good experience to spurg when in Savannah area.
(5)Anne H.
Before our recent visit to Savannah we did some research and came upon a wonderful video showing how the ingredients for the restaurant are locally sourced. We were already intrigued by the name and booked a table right then. Service was impeccable. Our food choices from the artichoke cheese fritters to the shrimp and grits to a special of the day - Thai swordfish over golden rice - were all delectable! The one slight issue was that the mousse dessert was served on a warm plate and so was a little runny. Delicious but not optimum. Highly recommend!
(4)Nik S.
The staff made this location perfect. (Trent the host, Marianne, Melvin and the bar tender.) Were very friendly and made conversation with us about Savannah. The food was in small portions but overall impressively delivered. My filet was a little undercooked.
(4)Sasha P.
You know that moment in Ratatouille when Anton Ego tastes Remy's version of ratatouille and Anton flashes back to childhood in his mother's kitchen? Well, my mom doesn't make southern cuisine (I'm Latina after all), but this is how I felt about Alligator Soul after we went back home to Tampa. I was beyond impressed, my heart skipped a beat, dare I say that Alligator Soul touched my soul? I was forever scarred, in a good way. My husband and I went to Alligator Soul for dinner as part of my birthday trip to Savannah. I made reservations online and they called the day before our reservation to confirm it and see about any special arrangements, dietary restrictions, etc. I advised them that we would be there for my birthday dinner and this made all the difference in what I experienced when we went to dinner. Located in the lower level of another establishment, you must walk down some steps to get to Alligator Soul. Walking in, it's dark and dimly lit giving it a romantic and cozy vibe. The decor is modern yet rustic- I loved it! We checked in with the host, who wished me a happy birthday and called us both by our names. A nice personal touch that made us feel welcomed and special. We arrived at our table and what do you know, there was a small present waiting for me. It was a small pecan pie with a birthday note on the box. I was sold at this point, before even trying the food. But let's get to the good stuff: Oysters A La Soul: I'm not much of an oyster fan but these were baked and came stuffed with goodies: bacon, crawfish, scallions and bread crumbs. These were delicious and fresh with lemon squeezed on top. We chose the half order so we could have enough room for other appetizer items. Shrimp and Grits: We decided on a cup of the Shrimp and Grits, just to get a taste and still be able to order an entree. Creamy and savory! I especially liked that these were cheese grits, which added another level of rich wholesomeness to the dish. Let's not forget to mention the tasso ham undertones. This is a fantastic dish. Soul Creole: Again, we ordered the cup version of this dish. It wasn't my favorite of the evening but I can't say it was bad either. I can't put my finger on it but it was missing something in the flavor department. Perhaps it needed salt? Some more Cajun spice? I think I got more of the tomato base rather than the other fixings. Sadly, there were only a few shrimp in our cup. Exotic Specialty: New Zealand red deer with mashed potatoes, mushrooms and brussels sprouts. Absolutely amazing. It was my first time having venison and I really enjoyed it. It was soft, tender and juicy. Hearty yet light, if that makes any sense. I probably won't be able to eat it anywhere else, if not properly cooked to the tender perfection I had at Alligator Soul. Banana Beignets: Oh gosh, I really love beignets. And I really love bananas and caramel with ice cream. At Alligator Soul, they combine all of my loves into one love. These were absolutely delicious and a great way to end our evening. Overall, the service was great. Our waitress was very friendly and knowledgeable. The food was fantastic. This is my favorite place of all time.
(5)Carla H.
My husband and I visited SAV in April 2014. We were smart enough when coming in from out of town to call ahead and make a reservation. The entrance can be a little difficult to locate as you are heading to the basement but the ambience was soothing, natural warm wood, brick and lower lighting. The wait staff was incredible during our meal. We never wanted for anything. We started with the oysters and coming from the Southwest, we love a spicy surprise and the habenero sauce was just the ticket to strike a familiar chord. My husband flat out stated these were the best oysters he ever had. I had the fish of the day and it was cooked to moist perfection. I did not find it pricey for what we had, for the quality and the quantity. I'm in SAV occasionally and this is on my stop in list now. And you out scored the Pink House in my book on food quality.
(5)D G.
We've been making the rounds to the highly rated restaurants in the area for our adult only date nights and this was the best meal we've had in Savannah so far! For both food and overall experience this is hands down my favorite. From start to finish this was my favorite meal. Everything, and I mean everything, was spot on. The bread and corn bread muffin, the flavored butters, the pork belly, the service, the mouth watering exotic entrees, the cheesecake, the complimentary birthday chocolate and mini pecan pies, etc etc I could go on and on. This will be my new go to restaurant for taking out of town guests - I cannot wait to go back. The service was polite, friendly, and accommodating without being overbearing and obnoxious. The food was exquisitely prepared and seasoned perfectly. Each item on the plate harmoniously went with each other, just as it should be. You could tell the chef obviously knows what he's doing and took the time to think through each dish and not just go with what was easy or predictable.
(5)L K.
This meal was amazing!! Our waiter was also amazing and took great care of us. We started with the (baked) oysters....oh my god. These things are amazing, do yourself a favor and order 12 instead of 6. Youll thank me later. I got the shrimp and grits which was probably the best Ive ever had. The shrimp was cooked to perfection and plentiful, the grits were rich cheesy and creamy. My friend got the special "exotic meat" special of the night, which happened to be pheasant this night. It was cooked on top of a paella and she was in heaven. The menu is creative but approachable. Do not come to Savannah without trying this place!
(5)Morgan D.
My husband and I went here for his birthday. Our experience can be summed up in one word: Phenomenal! We started with an alligator sausage appetizer which had a tomato chop on top that complimented the earthy flavor of the meat. We didn't go too adventurous on our entrees, my husband had a Ribeye with a lamb Demi-glaze and I had the pork shoulder ragu. Both were cooked and prepared perfectly. Our server was extremely knowledgable and friendly. She named the specials which included Red Deer steak. It sounded amazing. Maybe next time. Alligator Soul is our new favorite restaurant. A true culinary experience in the heart of downtown Savannah!!
(5)Elizabeth R.
Goat cheese fritters melt in your mouth! Cannot be beat. We also ordered the soul oysters which our 9 year old also loved. Shrimp and grits were super rich and tasty. Bacon wrapped tenderloin was very tasty but didn't love the cut of meat - it's my own fault - should have stuck with the grouper which is what my husband ordered. Didn't have enough room for dessert but we will definitely be back. Super cool setting and great staff. John the waiter was so helpful and courteous and kind!
(5)Lisa R.
A beautiful restaurant! Unfortunately we didn't have a reservation and had to eat at the bar. Dinner was very good! While we ate at the bar tables were empty the whole time so that was annoying. Anyway, I recommend the shrimp and grits, best I ever had!!
(4)Melissa A.
The food was SO amazing. The watermelon mojito was delicious, asked for round 2. The carving board was okay, nothing special. The shrimp and grits were AMAZING. Although I had the half portion which was plenty. The service was excellent, the hostess was very sweet. Overall amazing and look forward to coming again if i am ever in savannah GA
(5)Ken K.
Tried to get in tonight. Refused to seat us. Never go back place sucks!!!! Chef is quitting? I could care less. Not my problem. Place looked the inside Charlie Browns anyway. Are you kidding me!!! A boiler plate response. My friend received the same reply. Pathetic...
(1)Ashley L.
I have been here 3 times and the food is amazing overall. Tonight I ordered the pork tenderloin dish and it came out tasting charred and bitter. Basically the whole dish tasted burnt because of it. The manager, Melvin, came over and was very sassy and rude when I asked him to comp the wine because my husband was done eating and I was still waiting for my entree. Then, when he brought the food over he just put the plate on the table and left with an attitude. Our waiter, Rashiad, was very knowledgable, kind, and courteous. He was our waiter last time we came and we specifically asked for him because we were so pleased with the level of service he has offered. All of the food we have had here has been amazing with the one exception (including the boar special I had instead of the pork loin). My only issue is with the unprofessional attitude of the manager, Melvin. Regarding your comment, Melvin, yes the wild boar was good and it came quickly. My issue was with your attitude when I asked you to comp the wine and when you brought the boar to the table said nothing and quickly walked away, seemingly with an attitude/irritation of my request that the wine be comped.
(4)Jennifer A.
In a word: Rich. As in, the food is rich and decadent, and you need to be rich to dine here regularly. Alas, it is the perfect place for a birthday/anniversary/celebratory dinner and should be on your list of contenders for your next special night out. My husband and I dined here for restaurant week and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Here's our quick take on each of the dishes we tried: -Charcuterie Board: came with venison bone marrow, wild boar sausage, pork belly, pickled vegetables, stone ground mustard, and an assortment of toasts. The meats were phenomenal. I really loved the inclusion of papadums. -Shrimp & grits: a bit spicy, but delicious. One of the best shrimp & grits I've eaten. The tasso ham and okra were perfect additions to the classic dish. -Fried alligator bites: moist, mild, slightly stringy, but unremarkable. Tasty remoulade. We'll skip this one next time. -Crawfsh & alligator etouffee: holy good heavens this was awesome. Hands down, better than any etouffee I have ever eaten, and kicks the pants of the etouffees I tried in New Orleans. The crawfish was succulent and rich, like it was cooked in butter first. The alligator was very moist and tender with a smoky quality. The rice was perfectly cooked: it wasn't mushy nor tough. This dish alone is worth a return visit. - Bison hanger steak cooked medium-rare: savory and melt-in-your-mouth tender. Side note (queue my red meat rant): we overheard a diner complain about this dish being "tough," but she ordered it well-done. The server explained to her that bison is a very lean meat and will seize if cooked to well, which is why the chef recommended medium-rare. Seriously folks, it is a crime to order red meat this way. You do not appreciate red meat and are unworthy of it if you need to order it well-done. Yes, I said it. Save yourself (and the chef) the embarrassment and money and order chicken. -Peach bread pudding: heavenly, custard-like bread pudding that is more pudding than bread-like. It was delicate, delicious, and not overly sweet. It was served with a dollop of creme fraiche and a mint leaf. It was perfection. It should be noted the restaurant does not have salt or pepper available on tables. That should tell you something about the chef's confidence in his dishes. As expected, all the dishes were perfectly seasoned. The service was impeccable and friendly. They made the dining experience more relaxed and less-stuffy than other white table cloth places. I enjoyed the wine recommendations and that they let me sample the wines before committing to a full glass. The wine recommendations, by the way, were spot-on. The server listened to my preferences, considered my order, and made perfect recommendations. Overall, it was a wonderful meal and we are so glad we gave it a try for restaurant week. We'll definitely be back.
(5)Kevin C.
Delicious food and drinks, even better staff. The food was cooked to perfection and the staff was so knowledgable with the menu. The chef also offers exotic meat like elk, kangaroo or rattlesnake...on the day I went they had red deer and it was incredible. The bilbo steak is also a fantastic choice.
(5)Rita D.
Valentine's Dinner was awesome! Our server, Sonny, was attentive and engaging. The food was so delicious. The decor was cozy and romantic. Wonderful evening. Food: Charcuterie/Cheese - awesome all around. I believe we had venison, duck, bleu cheese, and a brie-type cheese. The venison sausage was SO good. House Salad - so interesting! They had what I thought were croutons - but it ended up being some sort of hot, cheesy thing. I don't really know how to describe it, to be honest... But it was awesome to be caught off guard in the best way. I had the Red Deer entree - completely awesome. I literally ate every single bite on my plate. My husband had the Little Hilbo and enjoyed his food as well - he had a LOT of food and did have leftovers. He said they reheated wonderfully and it tasted just as good! We were a bit too full for dessert, but they were kind enough to give us small treats to take home (it was our anniversary). I would absolutely, 100% return if we end up in Savannah again. It was one of the best dining experiences we've had.
(5)HeaLa N.
We loved our food and they were very accommodating for our vegetarian needs. Great atmosphere. They should call the fritto misto the mushroom misto because it was 90% mushrooms. :(. But the gnocchi was delicious and I had a great veggie platter. The waiter was far too talkative for our taste. He seemed to be trying too hard.
(4)Joe S.
Celebrated our anniversary here. We were happy to be seated in a quiet room away from the larger crowd. The service was impeccable from start to finish! Drinks were tasty and refreshing. For apps we had the alligator sausage- great flavor, and a baked oyster dish-good but not knock your socks off good. For our main courses, my wife had the daily catch- grouper. Again, good but not wowed by it. I had the exotic special-elk chops. They were delicious! Great flavor and cooked perfectly. Though we didn't order desert, the management did give us a personalized anniversary gift box with two small pecan tarts. Service a 5 plus, food a four... Five for the elk!
(4)Anthony T.
Usually, a better experience is had at AS. Tonight, with our party of 8, they were slow with initial drink orders and getting us silverware after they sat nice appetizers in front of us. After ordering we saw a couple arrive and be served before we ever saw our food. The elk special lacked any spices and was bland and I have had wild elk in Oregon many times. Medium rare is the best way to prepare but it just did not have the taste I was used to. My wife had the grouper special and it lacked any flavor or spice to pep it up. Lemon had to be requested. Others needed salt and pepper (had to track down waiter to get) and steak sauce, which I personally feel is "blasphemous" for a well prepared steak. Too much time passed before the dessert menu arrived and then the desserts to follow. Arrived at 7:30 and were out the door by 10:45. 3 hours is too long. Very disappointed this time.
(3)Harrison B.
Fantastic meal and service! A bit expensive but the food is well worth the cost. I had shrimp grits; done wonderfully and had true southern taste.
(5)Heather Z.
Pretty amazing food. This was my second time in Savannah and my second time at Alligator Soul. I loved it. I brought 6 guests to dinner with me and what a treat. Everyone thought it was only alligator meat :-) We had amazing starters, and I recommend the Oysters with the baked stuff all over them. So good. I also loved the house Pinot. it went well with the Oysters, cheese and sausage board, and the fried green tomatoes. I had the ribs...magnificent. The companions were split between ribs, scallops and grits. No one complained! We were all too happy to try dessert. The most remarkable thing here is the service...from the owner to the wait staff. All delightful! Thank you! I am already looking forward to a third visit.
(5)Woody F.
Everybody and their mother recommended this place to us when we drove down to Savannah. We were stoked for it and we weren't disappointed. The food was good, very solid. No complaints. The wine good as well. Service was clean and friendly. The insanely obnoxious people yelling across the room to other patrons was a bit much but not the restaurants fault per-say. The reason I'm giving this restaurant only three stars is because of their competition. We ate here on our first night and loved it but racked up a $180 tab. The second night we ate at The Grey, bill was only $120 for probably 20% more food and everything about the place was 50% better. The space was amazing, the staff was through the roof fantastic, the food mind blowing. The third day we ate at The Wyld and though the space didn't say much and the staff was perhaps overworked, the location (out in the salt marsh) was lovely and the food was to die for we spent $160 there and forgot about Alligator Soul for good.
(3)John R.
Really quite a surprise find. Located in a basement location (don't let that fact stop you from finding the place) the place has an elegant feel to it and the menu shows signs that a chef is working an art and not just cooking food. I started with the Alligator Soul House Salad (Kachina Farms Organic Mixed Greens ~ Blood Orange Marmalade ~ Dried Cherries ~ Toasted Pecans ~ Caramelized Red Onions ~ Sweet Grass Dairy Lil' Moo ~ Wasabi Ginger Vinaigrette ~ Parmesan Grit Croutons) and for the main dish had the fish special of the evening - Flounder. For a rather boring seafood item it was prepared in a way I am not going to try to describe as my words would not do it justice. One thing is certain about this place -- this Alligator does have soul and if you are looking for something special come down and give it a try.
(5)Laura V.
Food here was delicious. I had the shrimps and grits. The portion is very large so make sure you don't eat too much bread before hand. They also serve a complimentary sample of bruchetta, as pre-pallete taster. I would highly recommend Alligator Soul for their wonderful food and excellent wait staff.
(4)David H.
I only write one star or five star reviews. We are vegans. The owner is a vegan. The chef cooked me the finest vegan dish I've ever eaten. It was worth the 25 bucks for this risotto which is so over the top that it was worth every penny. The bar is stocked with the best wines and bourbons. Bring your snobby self here and learn a few things you don't know. This bar stocks Pappy Van Winkle. Look it up. We were underdressed for Christmas Eve in tee shirts. They welcomed us like family. Beautiful cellar atmosphere. All the bar patrons were in awe of the food deliveries. Fried Green Tomatoes are the best we've ever tasted. Not vegan but close enough. This is a great place to go if you are a foodie and need the entire experience to work in the important places. The chef is present in the front so he's rightly proud. A great value for foodies. Over the top at decent prices for what you are actually getting. We will be returning. There is love in this food and incredible creativity with texture and flavor layering.
(5)Debby L.
OYSTERS A LA SOUL The oysters are so good. They're stuffed with a bunch of stuff in a creamy Hilbo spiced roux sauce, panko bread crumbs, cheese and baked. I think i taste bacon in it too but I'm not sure. I didn't read the menu very well. Served with habanero hot sauce. The habanero is awesome. It takes the oyster to the next level that Tabasco cannot do. THE LITTLE HILBO RIBEYE with FRIES Hilbo Spiced. We were told that the Hilbo spice has a kick, but I failed to taste it. It was nice and flavorful, salty enough, but spicy, no. Although the meat tasted good, it was undercooked. We asked for it to be cooked medium, but it came out very rare. I ate it anyway because I'm ok with rare. My friend asked for it to be cooked a bit more, but when it came back out, it was pretty much the same. Still very red in the middle, not even pink. The meat was very tender nonetheless. There was also a lot of fat on the meat, so even though it was a 16-18 oz piece of meat, only about 10 oz were meat. The fries are off the chain awesome. Duck fat I tell you. Duck fat. DIVER SCALLOPS pan seared with zaatar spice, watermelon, tomatoes, olives and pork belly. The scallops were amazing, cooked perfectly... but I did not taste any zaatar at all ... and we eat a lot of zaatar at home so I was a little disappointed about that. The pork belly was dry and not very good so we didn't really go for it. It was not crispy at all. WINES I had a pinot blanc called Willow Tree from Oregon and then a Pinot Noir from Oregon as well with the ribeye Both were delicious with my meal and I really like their pairing suggestions.
(4)John M.
I don't honestly get the rave reviews of this place. I ate 5 different shrimp and grits in Savannah and this was the worst of the bunch. It also cost me $30. You read that correctly. I thought the food was okay. The wines by the glass were poor. We opted for champagne to start and were brought sweet bubbly rose in individual screw top bottles. My wife couldn't find a dry glass of white. When we ordered our very expensive entrees, we were asked if we wanted the house salad or a side order of shrimp and grits to go with it. We were not informed that the salads were optional and cost $10 more. Meal for two was $200. The baked oysters were the only noteworthy dish.
(2)Lindsay B.
We had a fantastic meal at Alligator Soul- the food was delicious and our server Robert was fantastic. Everything about our meal here was perfect- except for the noisy bachelor party seated behind us- but there is only so much a restaurant can do about that :) Service was excellent for the entire night- my drink was never empty and our waiter checked in during each course. He also provided great recommendations and explanations of our dishes which was very helpful. My husband really enjoyed their old fashioned- and I had a nice tequila based cocktail that was quite large. Our evening started with a gazpacho amuse bouche which was delicious- along with some great bread (which I saved to go with my entree-perfection). We started with the pork belly appetizer- excellent- and moved on to our entrees. I had the mussels dish from the "sea" part of the menu(having discovered on this trip that I like mussels)- and they were the most delicious ones I had on my entire trip (tried 5 varieties overall). My husband was super excited about the "wild and adventurous" side of the menu which was Elk for the evening we were there- and he ate every single morsel. We finished our dinner with the Banana Beignets- which were just as the reviews noted- fantastic. I would definitely recommend sharing this dessert though- it is a large serving. We would head back to Alligator Soul in a second if we were ever back in Savannah- great location, service, and food- highly recommend checking it out for a nicer evening.
(5)David B B.
I ate here with another conference-goer on my last night in Savannah. The restaurant was quiet and attractive, and the lighting was fashionably dim. The environment was conducive to discussion, and it seemed well suited both to a business dinner or a nice date. We started with a charcuterie and added an alligator tail sausage as a supplement. The charcuterie was really excellent. The leeks in the alligator sausage were cooked just enough, so you really got a taste of fresh vegetables that is rarely found in any sausage. Alligator is sometimes a bit off-putting in texture, but I found this to be reminiscent of minced shrimp and I could not get enough. The pork belly was crunchy and sharp, and not the least bit greasy. The pork and apple sausage had a delicate, savory taste and a lightness that set a new standard for German-style sausage. For a main, I had shrimp and grits. The shrimp were good but nothing special. The grits, however, had a sweet smokiness that was hard to describe. I accompanied the meal with a New York Sour, which adds a touch of pinot noir to the traditional whiskey sour. I had enjoyed a similar drink at the Franklin Bar in Philadelphia, so I was eager to try it here. This one was mellow, gently sour and very gently sweet, with a little tannic bite coming from the wine. It was served in a stainless steel martini glass, which was a bit sharp at the edge but otherwise a very nice touch. The chef sent out an amuse-bouche at the outset, and complementary mulled wine at the meal's end. The mulled wine was sweeter than I usually make it, but it was still a thoughtful gesture. I very much enjoyed my meal at Alligator Soul, and I would certainly go again if the occasion presented itself.
(5)Tye J.
During a long road trip from fl-nj it was just the pit-stop we needed ! So elegant, the atmosphere was everything we needed to set us free from all the drive-thrus. Service was AMAZING ! Southern hospitality while being well versed in what was being served ! Our server walked us thru the menu, and after was very attentive. The food was prepared swiftly & did not disappoint. With their seasonal menu I can't wait to try something new next time!
(4)Donna L.
Really cool place. Very interesting and creative menus. Friendly service. I overheard someone raving about the lamb kabob so I ordered it. It was really more like an appetizer, just one kabob with 5 or 6 small bites for 37 dollars. Although it was perfectly cooked, two pieces were inedible and hard to even cut with a serious steak knife. I would try the apps next time.
(4)Rebecca U.
We came here on our honeymoon. I had left a note in our reservation that we were newlyweds, and the staff pulled out all the stops for us. Flowers on the table, a complementary glass of prosecco, and everyone who walked by congratulated us. On top of the phenomenal service, the food was also bar none. I highly recommend the goat cheese fritter app. My husband and I both went with a seasonal special for our entrees and they were both perfection. The ambiance is also great, with a speakeasy style vibe, complete with candlelight and stainless steel glasses. If you're celebrating a special occasion in Savannah, or simply wish to make any occasion special, you must come to Alligator Soul!
(5)Marcella P.
This place was awesome and our waiter was fantastic. The food was outstanding. We had some dietary challenges and the chef had no problem accommodating us. If you like Bloody Mary's you need to try there's. The best I ever had. The Presentation ...Love it in the martini glass without all that ice. A must to try. I cannot wait to come back again and take some of my customers here for dinner.
(5)Esther K.
We had an amazing meal here at alligator soul! I came here with a bunch of gfs for a bach party and we were thrilled when our server was also originally from the East Coast! We ordred the gumbo and shrimp and grits. Both were very good, it met my expectations. They don't skimp out on the shrimps either. We also ordered the fried green tomatoes and can I say yummmzzz. I had a piece of my friend's steak and it was super juicy and moist. My favorite bonus about this restaurant was the hot sauce! It was spicy and flavorful, all that you could ask about a hot sauce! It was so good, we actually bought a couple of bottles to go. You know its a good sauce when they pre bottle them for purchasing!
(5)Hugh P.
Matthew/Heather and other staff members are pretty friendly. I ate at the bar which was ok too. My ribeye meal was tasty and cooked just right. My issue is that it was very heavy on the sea salt. The salty taste left a lower rating on my mind. But everyone sees to like their other meals.
(3)Michelle C.
I love this place and recommend it to everyone. I went out of my way to bring friends to dinner tonight. When we walked in to sit at the bar the hostess told us that they were not seating any more it was only 8:40. The manager then said "we are having issues". Not sure what that means but they are no longer on my go to list for dinner in Savannah.... In response to Alligator Soul's comment about my review. I would have completely understood and never posted this negative review if we had been told the truth of the situation. Telling patrons that you have issues and stating "if you don't already have a reservation we can't seat you" is not good customer service. I hope that your Chef is ok and very glad that you made the decision to put him 1st. I was a restaurant manager for many years and would have done the same for my employees but I would have been honest with my customers.
(1)Michael B.
Went here this past Saturday night. I highly recommend the Hilbo Ribeye. Delicious. Best restaurant I've been to in Savannah.
(5)YelpHatesMe Y.
Honestly, completely baffled at the high reviews of this place. The ambiance isn't what we expected. It was set out more like a an old storage basement or small warehouse. I was expecting more of a modern look. Service was OK, although there was some piss poor communication between what cheeses were and weren't pasteurized - which was important to know for my pregnant wife. The ones they told us that were - weren't. Seriously? Ever heard of lawsuits? The food. Their "premier" food was this duck bacon, that I thought wasn't that great and pretty cold by the time I got to the cutting board. They had an alligator sausage, but all I tasted was salt. Their cheese completely tasted like it was store bought. I had pretty run of the mill shrimp and grits, with a ton of grits and small on the over cooked side shrimp. The pork belly was basically a piece of meat with a HUGE piece of fat on top of it. I wasn't excited to eat it, it was more of an "OK, I "wanted this" so lets get it over with" experience. The wine list wasn't very good either. We usually just go to the Olde Pink House but thought we would try something different this trip. We chose wrong and will be going back to the Pink House whenever in town.
(2)Jay W.
Very creative menu and drink list. Very attentive and professional staff from greeters to waiters. Wife said the shrimp and grits were as good as any she has had. My jambalaya was excellent but shrimp replaced frog legs in this entree and will probably will be a permanent change. Shrimp were plentiful and were excellent so no complaints although the frog legs drew me there. Excellent decor. Negatives: pricey menu and very loud so don't expect a quiet romantic meal. We would certainly go back as we are out-of-owners.
(4)Rich T.
After walking a few blocks in the crazy heat of Savannah, I was happy to learn we were going underground to visit Alligator Soul. We went through the preliminary motions while we waited for our table to be set up and we took the opportunity to visit the chef's selections. Our table was in the farthest third of the venue and while we had company in nearby tables, we did not feel crowded in the well appointed restaurant. Our server was good in explaining the menu to us was we opted for the meat and cheese platters before rolling into the main courses. We noticed our server had an assistant who seemed to be learning on the job and I thought the prime time of Saturday night seemed to be an odd time to be conducting waiter training. We then entered a period of anticipation that reminded me of the Twilight Zone where nothing happened...we waited... and waited....our server seemed to be there and serving other tables, but not us. A party table for 8 sat down next to us and they got a team of servers at their call. To the amazement of the management and the other diners, we did what anyone would have done: we started playing cards....Rummy... Finally, a different server brought us the stunning meat and cheese plates, which went too quickly. Then we waited some more. I lost three more hands of Rummy.... Dinner rolled out with the duck entree for me and the steak for her. Both were very good and worth noting as we shared our plates. Looking back at it now, dinner was 3+ hours long. The food was good, but the service needed help that night as the party of 8 plus the two tables on either side of us came and went with the wind before us. I may return to Alligator Soul to see if my impression was wrong, but I am certain Savannah does better than this on a regular basis.
(3)Mary Ann Keogh K.
We had the little bilbo and it delicious but not little. It was huge. The duck fat fries were very tasty. That being said the oysters were even more delicious with many flavored blending together. However the shrimp and grits were the star of the show. The small portion had 6large fresh shrimp and the sauce was over the top. This is truly a gem. The service is very attentive and the ambience was very classic and romantic
(5)Tracy N.
The best meal we had in Charleston, Beaufort, and Savannah! House salad left something to be desired -the grit croutons were unique but the salad was a bit wilted by the dressing and not cold. The creole and duck entrees were amazing. The smaller appetizer portion of the creole was perfect for me.. I imagine the taste might be too much in a big size. The restaurant was very thoughtful in recognizing our anniversary with a small gift. We will definitely return!! This is a great romantic restaurant.. Lots of couples here.
(5)Keri F.
We got in late our first night (US airways - need I say more?), no baggage in hand, starving... I remembered something about an alligator from the yelp reviews, plugged it into the phone, got us there quickly. Tuesday, night, no one out, in a cellar? Wasn't sure what to expect, but soon realized, while underdressed, we were in the right place! They have moonshine on their specialty drink list! Had to try that, it was good. Started with a nice little amuse bouche: corned beef and cabbage stew in a bite - OMG! why don't they serve this as a meal? I don't eat beef, but for this I would have! Appetizer was FGT (fried green tomato) - very good. Had a bread and butter pickle type chow chow on top, and decent breading with slight salt and pepper. Specialty of the night was fried mahi mahi, presented like a basic fish fry bar night. But the mahi mahi was cooked perfectly, in breading? I don't know how they did it, but it worked. The breading here was average, nothing special. My other got the shrimp and grits appetizer for the main meal - stated "It was really good! Shrimp were cooked perfect." I had to sample the grits (took my lactaide) and it was exactly what grits and cheese should be - a perfect marriage of hard with soft texture and a light cheese and light corn flavor. And this one comes with little bits of sausage which adds a nice salt and smokey flavor. Our last night in Savannah: we had to go back to see if this place was really "THAT" good. This time we sat at the bar, a nice crowd friendly experience. We elected on 2 appetizers: the FGT again and frog legs. FGT were good again, but this time the breading was a little heavier, which downgraded it from best to second best FGT in Savannah. Frog legs were in a coconut cream curry, but the legs were smoked on a grill. Good combination. Negatives: Service took forever! You guys are nice but gotta pick up the pace a little, and I'm talking about alcohol and food service.
(4)Rick R.
Great place!!!! Oysters a la Soul and Shrimp & Grits were awesome. Fun atmosphere and incredible menu!
(5)Christina J.
Slow down people!! To much tunnel vision goin on here. Kind of a hit an miss for our party. We would give them another chance. And if the woman who was said to be the owner would relax a little and take the keys off her hip would be really helpful for a better experience for anyone with in 10' of her.
(3)Lindsey K.
Fantastic! My husband and I had our first honeymoon dinner here and the food was amazing. The staff even had a box of mini praline pies and a nice congratulatory note waiting on our table upon our arrival. Food-wise it was awesome. I had red deer, he had shrimp & grits, and we shared some alligator sausage. Delicious. Our server was able to describe every item in detail, as well as the drinks. Being from Portland, we weren't familiar with some of the alcohol, and I was torn between two drinks. I ended up only ordering one of them, but our server caught us on the way out (after we had already paid and tipped) and offered us a sample of the drink I did not choose. Needless to say, the service was great. Next time we're in Savannah, we'll definitely we back!
(5)Sarah L.
Had my first dinner here a week ago for my boyfriends birthday, what a great place!! We had the best and most friendly waiter named Davis. He was so knowledgable about the menu, very attentive, and so friendly! For appetizers we ordered a cheese board and the alligator sausage. Both were wonderful. The cheese board was not only beautiful but delicious, I would recommend it to anyone. As entrees I got the flounder and my boyfriend ordered the venison. My dish was very good, the fish mixed with the lentils was great. The flounder itself was over seasoned for my taste, it took away from the fish. But when mixed with everything on the plate the flavor a were perfect. The venison was to die for!! I was sneaking bites off my boyfriends plate all night! Alligator Soul is a must if you live in Savannah!
(5)Jamie S.
Alligator Soul is amazing and definitely lives up to the hype! Its one of those place that you'd eat at and always remember because of the food and overall experience. I ate at this place my last two nights in Savannah...that's how good it is! The restaurant's attention to detail is unparalleled! The cuisine is creative and flavorful but yet still versatile enough to be adapted to fit your dietary restrictions. On my 1st night, I had the Creole Soul dish for my appetizer and Red Snapper special for my main entree. On my 2nd night, I tried the Elk for my main entree. The Creole Soul was an explosion of rich, unique but complimentary flavors that dance with your palette. I ordered it without the pork so it only came with shrimp and crawfish, but it was still well executed. The Red Snapper special was fantastic and served with an artichoke, pink eye beans, and another vegetable that I can't recall. The fish was wonderfully fresh and lightly seasoned with sea salt. The Elk completely blew me away and this is coming from a person who usually only eats fish and turkey. It was cooked to perfection...flawlessly tender and seasoned. It was served with collards and a twice-baked potato. Service was excellent! The restaurant uses of team approach to make sure your food gets to the table quickly and accurately so you see different people bring you drinks, food, dessert, etc. This place is definitely a "must try" and should be your first stop while in Savannah! I highly recommend making reservations because this place is packed everyday of the week. I love that the restaurant supports local farmers too!!!
(5)Sierra L.
Seriously amazing! From the pork belly appetizer to our steak and bison dinners! The drinks were great. Simply delicious! You have to try it!!! A must go for sure!
(5)Peter C.
Amazing Restaurant. Friends from NYC told us it was a must, and they were right. Our waiter Rashiad was amazing, really made it extra special. Great atmosphere. The exotic choices were amazing. I had the Elk, wow. So tasty!! My daughter had the Bison Ribs, who knew!!! They were like beef ribs, but better. The Shrimp and Grits with Okra were to die for!!! The menu changes seasonally, so be ready. I had heard to have the étouffée, it was not on the menu, oh well a reason to come back.
(5)Wendy S.
Loved the soul-food Boudin was the best! The Service was excellent people were great atmosphere was awesome!
(5)Diane A.
Alligator Soul is my favorite restaurant hands down in Savannah!!! Now make sure though you make reservations, and the yelp app allows you to do so from their page. We came in over the July 4th weekend with a 530pm reservation, when the restaurant just opened. I like the early dinner because I can get in before the crowds and still have room for dessert in the evening. They start you off with a palate cleanser and that was already yum! We ordered the cheese plate for appetizer and it had an assortment of 4 cheeses, breads, and then fruit. I ordered a small plate of shrimp & grits while hubby got the Soul Creole (too bad he ended up getting an allergic reaction to the crawfish). Other times we've gotten the scallops, fried green tomatoes, and another dish. Now, my favorite drink has to be the ETTA JAMES. In the past I've had it with the gin but my recent trip I got it as a mocktail since I'm 22 weeks pregnant. Now the mocktail was even better than the real drink. OMG, to die for! Service is always remarkable and consistent. Multiple people come to your table to provide you with anything you need so there's no way you won't be missing out on something. The atmosphere is beautiful and the employees are wonderful. I love coming here!!
(5)Penny L.
Same as the other Yelper Erin L( comments made 9 months ago), exactly the same experience happened to me when dinning in this restaurant: Everything was great including the service, ambience, and food. However, I hope the owner can pay attention to what I post since IT HAPPENED AGAIN TO THE 2ND CUSTOMER; if you don't want to receive another one star by the third person, please take this into consideration. Two things bothered me on the bill: 1)$5 charge for sparkled water- at first I ask for simple water, but the server Kate brought up a choice of sparkling water. I do not think this will add to the bill since I have never been to a high end restaurant which "charges" any type of water, including sparkling one. However, seeing the $5 on the bill really upset me for tonight. 2)$14 for two scallops. Yes ONLY TWO pieces for $14. This was recommend by the server Kate again, and of course she did not mention the added price to me in the beginning. I feel tricked for her hiding this important factor to sway my decision making. As I know, the high quality of sashimi (yellow tail) in a highly reviewed Japanese restaurant in NYC is $3 a piece. One scallop in Savannah costs almost $7? I am sorry, though I really love scallop and I hate comparing, this uncomfortable charge def brings my satisfaction down to almost zero. I have grown up having fresh seafood; obviously this price does not make sense to me at all. After all, I still tip enough tonight for I understand how tough it is to run a restaurant and to be a server. And I really love southern hospitality in this travel experience. Letting this ruin my mood is not worth it. Next time, I will rethink about whether to come back to Alligator Soul.
(2)Darci S.
I had the shrimp and grits and was impressed. The shrimp was prepared perfectly but the sauce was the winner of the dish. I don't know what was in it but the smokiness balanced the dish very well. This was also my first time to eat shrimp and grits. I will happily do so again. My husband had the fresh caught scallops which I tried and they were crazy tender. Unlike I've ever had before. My boys had the bacon wrapped tenderloin. What can I say they are 18 & 13 not very adventurous. They both liked their dishes. The craft cocktails were creative and well made. That maple infused rum, though.
(4)Michelle M.
We researched this restaurant before coming to Savannah. It did not disappoint. Perfectly cooked seared scallops, melt in your mouth steak, pork belly to die for. This meal was well worth the trip we made from Charleston.
(5)Amy C.
Lovely restaurant. My husband and I went this past Saturday evening and had a great meal. The food was wonderful--from the amuse bouche and fresh bread to the seriously amazing grilled oysters, the nice wine and beer list, the whole thing was on point. The house salad was even awesome. For our entrees we had the catch (wreckfish--grouperish fish) and the beef tenderloin. Sadly, we didn't have room for dessert. I only did 4 stars because I was left waiting for a drink a couple of times, but the meal was well-paced and the service pretty good in general. We will definitely be back next time we're in town. Can't wait to eat those oysters again!
(4)Mark R.
Ms. B. and I were visiting Savannah over my birthday weekend, so I did some searching to see what restaurants appeared suitable for a nice birthday dinner. Alligator Soul's menu seemed most intriguing, so we decided to give it a go and made a reservation. When the restaurant called to confirm it, they asked if this was a special occasion, so I informed them it was my birthday. And thus, when we came in, they presented me with a nice little box filled with some chocolate and a couple of nutty tarts, which were pretty tasty. Sweet! To begin, we ordered a bottle of Rioja Ergo, which was decent (though, not unexpectedly, the markup for wine and cocktails was exorbitant). For an appetizer, we decided to try the artichoke and goat cheese fritters, which were delicious -- warm, crispy outside, soft but not runny inside, and, of course, very, very rich. For dinner, it was a difficult choice, as there were many appealing options on the menu. In the end, I settled on the bison hanger steak, and Ms. B. opted for a vegetarian combination with farro. We were both quite taken with our choices; the bison was delicious and fairly tender, cooked medium rare. In fact, I had only taken a few bites when our server stopped by and mentioned that certain of us seemed overtly pleased with our dinners. I suppose I might have made a satisfied noise or two; it's hard to recall, for it was my birthday and now I am old. The ambiance at Alligator is warm and inviting, the servers top-notch -- perfectly attentive without being overbearing. We could eat at a leisurely pace but never had to wonder where the food or our servers were hiding out. Prices are not for the faint of heart, but then, we expected this and compensated by eating sand for a few days afterward. It's all good.
(4)Kathleen O.
I can't say enough about this restaurant. Dining with 8 people from my family they easily accommodated our large group. The farm to table experience is incredible. The menu is ever evolving due the availability of the local food, however if any of these are available on the menu you must must try the gator, the elk with pappardelle, the beef tenderloin wrapped in bacon and my favorite the shrimp and grits and oysters. Our waitress was over the top friendly and a real trooper with all of our requests and questions about the menu. Extremely knowledgable. A must go if you are in town.
(4)Keira G.
Amazing! Even during Restaurant Week when volumes are up and service and food quality sometimes slip. They have every detail covered. It was our anniversary which they congratulated us when we arrived and then left us a gift box with pecan tarts on our table with a customized label that had our names and offered congratulations on our 2nd anniversary. Wow. Had the most amazing waiter. Super knowledgable and spent time giving us the real deal on best places in Savannah to eat at. Really appreciate that. Alligator Soul is by far the best restaurant in Savannah.
(5)Susan M.
My husband's cousin could not wait to take us here during our weekend visit to Savannah. As soon as we walked through the door, we were consumed by an upbeat and lively energy that lasted the duration of our meal. For starters, we ordered fried green tomatoes, shrimp & grits, and tuna tartare. Everything was quickly shared and devoured. The shrimp & grits stole the show - I don't think I'll be able to order this dish from anywhere else because I know it will not measure up. Our entrees were stellar: bacon-wrapped filet, red snapper (special), and buffalo rib eye. We cleaned each plate and celebrated every bite. I'd go back to Alligator Soul just to have a drink. I enjoyed a dirty martini with blue cheese-stuffed olives - of course, it was amazing. It was my first time drinking a martini from a stainless steel martini "glass" but it stayed ice-cold and was a fun break from the norm. The house cabernet was medium-bodied and velvety smooth - it paired nicely with the filet. Our server was super-friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. He was always there when we needed him and gave us plenty of space to put ourselves into massive food comas. The only thing we weren't crazy about was the coffee after dinner. It tasted like it had been sitting out too long. One of the best restaurants I have experienced in my 38 years on this planet. 5-star ratings for food, cocktails, service, location, ambiance... it doesn't get much better than Alligator Soul.
(5)Ily G.
One of the finest dining experiences I have ever had and I have traveled far and wide... Superb service. Picturesque decor. And, most importantly, fresh, organic, creative, and DELICIOUS food. If you want to treat yourself to a truly gourmet experience, Alligator Soul is the perfect choice.
(5)Yuxi J.
Love love love this place! Great drink and great great food! This is the place you can't miss here
(5)Lou Q.
The good...the food was phenomenal!!! The bad..the wait staff is very pushy with the appetizers and constantly refilling your wine glass from the bottle you purchased. Retrain the wait staff, they are like trained seals. Teach them to let the customer enjoy the experience and this becomes 5 stars
(4)Shane B.
My wife and I visited the bar for a few drinks and appetizers, which included shrimp and grits which were very tasting. The bartenders were very friendly and provided great service. The atmosphere was great, dimly lit and trendy.
(5)EliandJen W.
This was by far our favorite food experience! We ordered multiple appetizers including shrimp and grits, alligator sausage and the fried green tomatoes. The taste of all the food was so rich and flavorful. The fried green tomatoes are the best we had Savannah! For the main course we ordered Bison, vermillion snapper and Ostrich. The Bison and Snapper were very good and flavorful. The Ostrich was good and seasoned well but the meat lacked a lot of flavor. This was the exotic special so we had to try it. For dessert we ordered the banana beignet's and the Chocolate choice. The banana beignet was our favorite by far!
(5)Rene T.
Almost missed the entrance to this restaurant, thankfully my husband remembered seeing a Yelp picture! I loved all of the brick and the low lighting in the restaurant, it gave off a cozy vibe. For the food- I ordered the bison (osso bucco) and my husband ordered the 'exotic' entree: Guinea hen. Now, we have a local bison ranch less than 5 miles from my house, so I am very familiar with well prepared bison. This was the real deal. They even put a spoon into the bone marrow, which was ridiculously good. The bison came with leeks and broccoli, while my husband's dish was pared with sweet potato and collard greens. You pay a little bit more than some of the other dinner restaurants around, but it's a no-brainer when you know that the food is grass fed, local, and farm to table at its best. Highly recommend!! I would love to return.
(5)Sally M.
We ate at Alligator Soul on a recent vacation in Savannah, GA. It may be a bit pretentious but the food was great. My husband had the pheasant which was a LOT of meat and I had the lamb chops. We were a little disappointed that the music was advertised as blues but we didn't find it to be that the night we were there. Otherwise, it's a nice restaurant for a special occasion.
(3)Ben J.
Every patron is treated as if they own the place. Our waiter was beyond knowledgeable about every dish. He was extremely attentive and always around, but not smothering. The food....Christ. Absolutely delicious...and my wife and I are hard to impress. The shrimp and grits were spectacular. The filet was perfect. My yelp friends...this is a gem. Worth your hard earned dollars.
(5)Tommy B.
First off let me say that if you want to sit at a table to eat dinner you need to get reservations. My girlfriend and I heard about the place and decided to just drop in and try it out; we did not get a table. We were asked if we would like to sit at the bar and have dinner there which we said absolutely. The atmosphere was very nice, you could tell it was a nice restaurant but not one where they judged what you wore or looked down on you. Our bartender / waiter was Matthew and he was very knowledgeable on the menu as well as the drinks... to me that is rare to find. The dining experience was incredible; they start off with a "palate cleansing" dish that is supposed to wake your senses and get you thinking about the rest of the menu (I'm not too fancy so I used mine to dip my bread in) and then they bring out some different bread that was delicious. For the main course: Me: THE " LITTLE HILBO" A nice size steak cooked to my liking of medium with just the perfect amount of seasoning on it. I have never been one for a lot of seasoning on steaks so to try one with a little cajun put into was interesting. The meat was tender and subtle taste of the spicy seasoning was amazing. The dish came with duck fat frittes (fries); let's say I will never be able to eat another french fry again. They were crispy but soft.. they were awesome. Her: BISON OSSO BUCO Red Wine and Herb Braised Bison Shank ~ Sautéed Broccolini Gratin of Leeks, Potato, Kohlrabi and Capra Gia Cheese Company Goat Cheese". I had never had bison, until now. This meat was cooked wonderfully. It had the texture of a "pot roast' and had a tender, fall off your fork, and melt in your mouth taste. The richness of the meat complimented the potato perfectly. The potato was cut thin, and cooked almost "au gratin" style. She paired her meal with the "Etta James" which is a gin drink with some cucumber and blueberry. It was great and Matthew did an amazing job mixing it. Desert: ALLIGATOR SOUL BANANA BEIGNETS We both agree this is the best desert that we have ever had- hands down! Fried banana stuffed into a beignets with candied pecans over a bowl of amazing ice cream... It doesn't get much better than this. If you have been to the pick house and thought it was great you have to come here. This tops out over two and you don't leave hungry. It's not a place where you spend a lot of money and get a teaspoon of food on your plate. Good portions, amazing, food, and an amazing wait staff.
(5)Mike C.
There's a deer chasing a sheep, wrestling an alligator, befriending a duck, while the oysters, mussels and shrimp sing amazing grace in soft sweet tones. And all of that is happening in a sea of moonshine, bourbon, and beer. And all of that is happening in my stomach. Well done.
(5)Mark C.
We had a great experience at Alligator Soul. We didn't have reservations, so we decided to sit at the bar where they have full food service. The bartenders were extremely friendly and knowledgable about the menu. They made some excellent Old Fashions. We started with the carving board which included duck bacon, lamb sausage, and variety of cheeses. We then had the baked oyster appetizer which was delicious. We shared the 18oz Ribeye with Hillbo sauce. It was out of this world. The steak was cooked to perfection and the sauce was amazing.
(5)Emily L.
We made reservations for a chef's tasting a few weeks in advance and called a few days before our arrival to confirm the reservations, as it would be our anniversary dinner. An hour and a half before, we were contacted to let us know that the executive chef was not in tonight. The owner, Maureen, called us back about 10-15 minutes later, to apologize. She went the extra mile to correct the hiccup and have the executive chef discuss options with Chef Martel, who was working this evening, to make sure we were still able to have our greatly anticipated night out. Chef Martel did an EXCELLENT job with the menu. Rebecca (or Rebekah?) was our waitress and we cannot say enough great things about her. Her enthusiasm for food, her knowledge of the mostly locally sourced ingredients and knowledge of their other (ethically sourced) wild game options, and her outstanding, friendly service should be commended. My husband and I love to try new, and sometimes exotic, foods. We also love the opportunity to partake in chef's tasting menus, as we often get to experience different, unique takes on food that are not standard menu options. Alligator Soul was a definite win in our book. 6 courses (and intermezzos), each paired with wine. Well done chef Martel, Rebecca, and Maureen. We will join you again next time we are in town.
(5)Gentry U.
My wife and I have 10 years of food & bev experience between us. Rashad gave us by far the best experience we've ever had throughout all our dinning out. We celebrated our anniversary as well as my recent arrival home from a deployment. After all the great recommendations and the fire show we left amazed by our experience with not only the food but more importantly the service. Thank you Alligator Soul and the best service we've ever received by Rashad for making our evening so special. We'll be back for that bottle!!!
(5)Darlene J.
You cannot go wrong with the food, service, or location. Everything about this place was 5 star. It is pricey and worth every penny of it. A must do if in Savannah!!!
(5)Holly S.
Maybe wrong place at the wrong time? We didn't really enjoy this place as much as we thought from all the reviews we had read online. We were seated in a room off to the side by ourselves while the other room seemed more hopping but because we were off by ourselves, we didn't get good service. Our waitress had a really awkward vibe too. I don't think she should be in the service industry to be honest. The food was okay but we both agreed we probably wouldn't come back, it just wasn't that great for the price.
(3)Drew P.
Great place!!! What a wonderful atmosphere. We met the executive chef when we entered. They have the best shrimp and grits in the country. We ate 2 plates, and had a bottle of their house red, which was Alligator Soul labeled. Service was exceptional. We will go back again when we are in the area.
(5)Olinka W.
We made a last minute decision to drive up to Savannah from Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. Understandably, since we did not call to book for our Saturday (10/18/14) night reservation until that prior Wednesday, the only available reservation time was 9:15pm. That worked for us though since we were going to be walking around all day and knew we wanted to decompress before dinner. Upon booking, I wrote (scheduled on Open Table) that it was our second anniversary and again told the gentleman when he called to confirm that it was a special evening for us. Upon our arrival, we noticed the restaurant was fairly empty, though we were seated next to a table of about 12+ 30-somthing gentleman who were obviously enjoying their time together as it was a little noisy to say the least. I had wanted to eat here since reading the menu a couple of years back so I was excited for our impending culinary endeavor. Our waitress was new to the restaurant though knowledgeable and very nice. We brought our own special bottle of champagne from Hungary (corking fee $20) for this dinner (we were engaged there and had just visited again in September) so can not comment on the craft of the drink nor the extent of the lists. Upon review of the menu with our waitress, my husband and I were slightly disappointed that they did not have anything on their 'Exotic Specialty' menu other than 'Wild Hen Cordon Bleu.' In my opinion, that is not quite an exotic specialty. However, we decided to first try two appetizers; the Charcuterie Plate and the Awarding Winning Artisan Cheeses Plate. The bone marrow on the Charcuterie Plate was slightly overcooked, rendering most of the marrow too hard to indulge in, but other than that, all was pretty delicious. I especially liked how each one of the cheeses were locally produced. My husband really liked the pickled veggies on the 'meat' plate. For our main courses, we went with the Duck Succotash Cassoulet for him and the Roasted Leg of Lamb for me. Having just gorged ourselves across Eastern Europe for three weeks in September where duck, perogies and red cabbage are menu regulars, the duck dish was just OK. The sweet potato puree was tasty. The lamb dish was better. The only negatives for me was I felt as though the 'Duck Fat Yorkshire Pudding' was "older" (was not crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside as it should be) and the brussels sprouts were a little undercooked. The herb and peppercorn crust on the lamb however was the best part of the dish - the meat very tasty. With our reservation being so late, by the time we were finishing up our entrees, the wait staff was breaking down the tables around us so we opted for a check instead of dessert (our full stomachs thanked us for that as well.) I was a little disappointed that not once was it acknowledged that it was our second wedding anniversary. Some restaurants tend to forget that a simple congratulatory amuse bouche or dessert can go a long way - especially when you are walking out of there with almost $200 less than what you had walked in with. I would go here again though next time maybe with a larger group of people for a more casual dinner.
(3)Jim P.
Ribeye best ever. Amazing smokey flavor. Best ever. Certainly not cheap, prepare to invest more than a few bucks in a good dinner. The duck fat fries are amazing.
(5)Steve V.
I went here last night on a celebratory dinner. We were seated even though the kitchen was getting ready to close, so that was much appreciated. Our server, Rebecca, took care of us throughout the night and did a fabulous job. Timing on everything was perfect. We both ordered the cider cocktail (house favorite). It was super tasty but not as strong as advertised. The baked oysters were super delicious and the habenaro sauce they tease you with is exactly the amount you need. Anything more would drown out the bacon, oysters, lemon, cheese, and all the other goodness baked in there. Superb. We were served freshly baked warm bread with an amazing butter spread. We ordered Kangaroo and Shrimp Creole dinners. Presentation was excellent as was the flavor. The hint of black truffle over the Kangaroo was outstanding. Truffle is an easy thing to overdo but this chef is right on the money. The Shrimp Creole had a hint of smoke to it, which brought back memories of low boils and NawLeans in the French Quarter. Excellent. We were full by desert and the place was closing down so we declined desert, though the menu looked awesome! I like this place. I haven't been, maybe people are scared of paying an extra 5 dollars per item. Hey, you get what you pay for. This is an excellent place to go if you like trying new inventive dishes. They get as much of their foods and products from local farms. Shrimp is out of Charleston, SC. Fish is caught the day of. Kangaroo is locally raised in GA. Even their cocktail list is made from organic and local produce and liquors. The atmosphere and vibe are relaxing. This place was made by people who care. Everything down to the menus are given thought, which means a lot. 5/5. I'll be back when the family comes down to visit.
(5)Liane V.
First- The staff and service -excellent. The taste of the mere morsels- good. We went during restaurant week to try it out $30.00 appetizer, entree, and dessert. We always order a nice bottle of wine to share. The waiter to his credit told us that it was a " sampling" and not a full entree. It sure was just a sampling!! Never would have gone there if we knew that we would leave hungry. We had been to Vic's, 700 Drayton, the old pink house and belfords this week all with exceptional full meals. At alligator soul the Appetizer was one (1) small goat cheese medallion the size of a silver dollar. The entree one lamb kabob ( dry , charred and over cooked) the dessert they just really should not have even served it- they embarrassed themselves. A small, thin , very flat piece of angel food cake LESS than the size and thickness of a mayonnaise lid covered with a thin layer of sauce. I had the smallest , thinnest piece of key lime cheesecake that I have ever seen- It was a one biter for sure. I'm surprised they were able to cut it that small really. It made us feel strange . We will definitely frequent the other restaurants we ate out at this week, but not to alligator soul. We travel and dine out frequently
(3)Natalie G.
A definite must eat at restaurant while in Savannah. Must make reservations. It gets filled up! If not, you can come in sit in their lounge area and wait for a seat at the bar. Great service. Bartenders were very friendly and hospitable. They explained everything they brought out. I would recommend getting the little Hilbo (if you like steak) be prepared to take half of it home or share this plate. Really big portion. Very delicious! Agave flight and gentlemen flight is a must do! Very satisfying experience!
(5)Jamie D.
I live across the street from Alligator Soul. Have eaten here 3 times now. 1 to go, and the others inside. Bottom line upfront; nice restaurant that is hit and miss on items. Will likely not go again. Bill is typically $200 for drinks, appetizer, dinner, dessert, and tip for two people. For that price, I expect a more predictable and higher quality level of service and food. First the good; nice atmosphere with a professional staff (for the most part, both visits the bartenders were great). For food, try the cheese board when available, beef tenderloin, and creme brulee. All great choices. The signature cocktails are what drinks should be. Food presentation is superb. Also, a great wine list. All in all, a great ambience that is tastefully decorated and perfect for a date night. Reasons for 3 stars: Your phone will more than likely not work here. Hit and miss with desserts; the bananas desert was simply put, not delicious. The shortcake was stale and we didn't finish the dish (staff didn't notice or didnt care it was 3/4 still full). The appetizers outside of the cheese board did not sound appealing. Reservations. Living next door we stopped in the last time without any. Volunteered to wait at the bar; they said no table would be available. I said we'd wait and if someone cancelled please let us know. For an hour we saw no more than five tables open and no fewer than three. I don't expect to eat at at a table with no reservations, however, I don't like to look at 5 empty tables and not be acknowledged again. Ordered a Little Hilbo steak to eat the last time. The food was delivered over cooked. The bartender quickly noticed when I cut into it and promptly addressed it. When a new steak arrived 10 minutes later, it was completely undercooked. The bartender noticed but not wanting to not eat for an additional 10 minutes I said to just leave it.
(3)Cecille R.
Had my birthday dinner here recently! We made a reservation and ended up arriving much earlier than our time and they were able to accommodate us. The entrance is really cool. You walk down stairs leading to the restaurant which is dimly lit. The vibe is very dressy casual but since it's Savannah in the summertime most of the men were dressed in shorts with dressier shirts. Service was very spot on from the moment we sat down until we left. Our server was very prompt and thorough with her explanation of dishes on the menu as well as making recommendations. They brought us out 2 complimentary amuse bouche which was nice. My husband ordered from the Restaurant Week menu and enjoyed his meal although I am pretty sure the portions offered for that deal were not representative of full sized. I ended up going with the regular menu. The fried green tomatoes with the pickled veggies on top was phenomenal. I ate every single bite. My husband and I both enjoyed the complementary coffee espresso corn muffins. My only gripe is that we were not offered more! ;) I had the scallop entree and it was very good. And perfectly cooked. I was rather full after diving into the tomatoes so thankfully my husband helped finish the dish. I would definitely come back again on my next visit. It is pricey but worth your hard earned bucks and the cool thing is that I was referred to this place by a fellow Yelper! :)
(5)Darrell S.
We went there to take advantage of Savannah Restaurant Week prix fixe option. I had the pork belly appetizer, lamb kabob entree, and angel food cake dessert. My wife had the artichoke and goat cheese fritter, diver scallops, and key lime cheese cake. I know this is a tasting menu but just a taste is what we got. The thing that stood out the most is the lamb kabob is absolutely the toughest piece of meat I have ever encountered anywhere bar none. My wife and I always share when we eat out,which is often, and she could not chew her piece. I suffered through mine just to try to finish and believe me this was a chore. I don't like to base a restaurant's viability on one visit but this kabob will stand out in my memory. The service was great.
(2)Lea G.
Man this was one of the best dining experiences in a long time. Our waiter Davis was very knowledgeable and he had great recommendations. We started with the alligator sausage and fried green tomatoes. My bison osso bucco was very tender and flavorful. My husband had the rib eye which was also wonderful. We ended with apple & cranberry cobbler ala mode. If your ever in Savannah it is a must try.
(5)Tod H.
Great decor! Food was fabulous. I wish it was more exotic (aligator would be nice ;) but our dinner was fabulous. We sat at the bar since we had no idea that you would need reservations on a Monday night!! Who knew??? Anyway, the bar was great; sat next to some fun people and had a great time.
(5)Nichole S.
My group of friends decided to celebrate a birthday on Saturday night and we started the evening off with dinner at Alligator Soul. The restaurant has great decor and is nice for intimate or group gatherings. Our server was fantastic, personable and fun but also very knowledgeable about the menu, I believe her name was Rebecca. We were given an amuse bouche to begin with, which was a peanut and collard green pesto on top of a crack of some sort- it was yummy. Since it was restaurant week, we had the option to select the 3 course tasting menu or order off the regular menu. All in all we had the artichoke and goat cheese fritters which were very tasty, shrimp & grits which were ok, the diver scallops, the frog leg jambalaya which was good but tasted more like a shrimp creole type dish, and then the last item was the bison hangar steak which was ordered medium and came out perfectly cooked and seasoned. The birthday girl was given a torte with her name on it, which we thought was a nice touch. They had a lot of interesting choices, which made it hard for us to choose but I think we made good choices and all around enjoyed our dining experience.
(4)J O.
It was everything we read it to be. Fantastic fancy dining experience. Make sure you make a reservation or come early early otherwise you'll wait along time. We ate at the bar and the head bartender Mathew was delightful.
(5)Megan J.
We came in on 2/27. The appetizer was the fried green tomatoes. For a fried dish with a veggie relish ( not sure what to call the overly acid veggies) I don't believe this to be a dish to "develop flavors". The excuse given by the manager was that they were changing the paper on the machine and the order popped up at another cook station and then was placed behind orders that were placed after ours at the app station. Having been a line chef and experienced this myself, it is an acceptable excuse. However the manager said the dish was rushed cooked, which is odd that the dish arrived cold. But the excuse provided was reasonable and forgotten until the two tables besides us with larger parties and were sat after us, ordered after us, and ordered the lamb and steak like us, got their food before us. Even another waiter made the observation that our food was taking a long time. We barely saw our waitress but the manager passed our table several times during our wait. The most upsetting is the standoff response my wife received from the manager when inquiring about our entree which was unchanged when our food was shortly brought to our table with absolutely nothing more than, " here's your food, enjoy". The entrees were perfectly prepared and enjoyable. The cheese cake was astounding with great destinguisable flavors and textures. The chocolate and mousse in the glass was dry and flavorless. Thanks for taking the time to respond. I hope this insight into our evening helps you improve your buisness. Regards, The Husband
(2)Joel W.
Not what we expected. I ordered the oysters, house salad and bouillabaisse, my wife, the fried green tomatoes and catch of the day which was flounder. Flounder? That's the seafood special? Not too special to us. And served with vegetables that were laced with garlic, she could not eat them. It was also brought served without the double vegetable that she requested. My oysters were delicious but served on a plate with so much salt that whenever some of the topping from the oyster fell onto the plate it was now salt encrusted. Couldn't eat it after that. I think a poor choice in presentation. I thought that my house salad was also too heavy with garlic, it was delicious but overpowered me for the rest of the meal and night. Our service was attentive, professional, however slow. So slow that when our dinners finally came out (1 hour and 45 mins after we sat down), the manager came over to comp them without us even complaining! They knew that our experience was not their best. It is clear that they strive to be the best restaurant in town, and I believe that most patrons had a great experience. They are probably far better than our experience was, but I am not reviewing their meal just ours.
(3)Emily S.
If we could give them ten stars we would! My boyfriend and I dined here during our week vacation in Savannah and it was our favorite part of the trip! Service: wonderful! As 20 something's we often get treated with less than mediocre service but not here. The place was busy but our drinks were never empty and food was served at a great pace. We were checked up on by several servers and other staff who were all great! Can't say enough about them! Food: Hands down, the BEST vegetarian meal I've ever had. We are both vegetarians and we had the chefs vegetarian dish of the night. We started with the fried green tomatoes which were fantastic-- like everything else; drinks, bread, dessert. I won't do justice explaining our main dish but I will give it my best effort-- Broccoli and pine nut croquets with wild mushrooms and tomato bisque. There was also a lovely frisée salad with pea tendrils and walnuts. We were over the moon excited when the chef came to our table to ask about our meal. It was nice to share with him how much we enjoyed his food. Make reservations and go to alligator soul! You will not be sorry you did.
(5)Holly N.
My girlfriend and I spent a weekend in Savannah to celebrate our birthdays. We made reservations here after reading all of the great reviews. From the moment we walked into the Cellar wine atmosphere, we new this was a winner. We had a glass of wine at the bar before dinner, and the servers were so gracious. They brought us wonderful pecan treats in lovely boxes, and wished us both a Happy Birthday. Our waiter was a Matthew McConaughey twin, and his service was impeccable. At the end of our dinner all of the lights went off , scrumptious desserts arrived, and they poured a liquid on our table and lit it on fire. We were once again wished a Happy Birthday! Thank you for the amazing food, service and memories.
(5)Kurt M.
Excellent food experience. The shrimp and grits are the best hands down. Thomas provided excellent bar service!
(5)Rachel B.
We had a lovely dinner here. No seats were available so we sat at the bar. Being vegetarians, there were very few options for us but on the menu there is a note indicating the chef will make a vegetarian or vegan dish upon request. We had the fried green tomatoes to start and then shared a risotto with pear and blue cheese. Very accommodating and delicious :-)
(5)Philip H.
Alligator Soul has it all. Great atmosphere, excellent service, and above all - amazing food. Their menu is unique and changes due to the farm to table approach and the catch of the day from their day boat fishermen. We tried smaller portions of the shrimp and grits, oysters, and diver scallops. The fish of the day was a red snapper. I would order every item again! If you like spice, the sauce for the oysters and their Bloody Mary both contain habanero infused heat - very well done. This is a five-star restaurant that should find a night on your Savannah itinerary.
(5)Elizabeth S.
The best dining experience we had in Savannah hands down. Davis, our server, was as wonderful as the food. He gave us enough attention to make us feel special but didn't overwhelm or crowd. We shared an artisanal cheese plate which had about 11 items on it! There was a beef sausage, thick small pieces of bacon, soft brie and a marbled Aztec Chedder-type cheese if my memory is correct. There were razor thin slices of green apple, candied pecans, crostini, a papadum cracker 'bread', Savannah Tupelo honey, a basalmic reduction, and some pickled veggies to clear the palate. It was so much fun to eat. We also ordered another appetizer special of blue cheese, which I think was lightly fried or warmed with big lumps of crab meat over the top. My son had the Bacon Wrapped Beef Tenderloin for his entrée. This hunk of meat was superthick and served with roasted parsnip creamed potatoes and peas. Biscuits and cornbread were accompanied with a flavored whipped butter. This is all we had and we were too full for dessert. Too bad. I bet that would've been great. The restaurant, which also offers exotic meats on a rotating basis such as elk, kangaroo, alligator, venison, etc. was down a staircase, one level below the street and had a cozy atmosphere. I would highly recommend you make at least one visit to this restaurant when visiting this romantic city.
(5)Krystal B.
Went here our first night in Savannah, after reading and hearing how amazing. It was, AMAZING. Not the least bit disappointing. Loved every second, every drink, every app, entree and the service. This place is by far the best restaurant in Savannah. Everything else we have had since on our 4 day trip, we've been comparing to here. Nothing else comes remotely close. Wish we had one at home in Raleigh, NC. Make a reservation bc they run out of them quickly.
(5)Cat S.
disclaimer: my favorite style of food is Southern Creole and Farm to Table. On a recent trip to Savannah, GA I found this place online and was determined to check it out. The only reservation available was at 9:15pm but we took it. Around 8, we found ourselves near the restaurant and popped in to see if they had bar seating or any cancellations. They looked about 1/2 empty but said "no, we can't seat you". No prob. We walked around the city for a while and came back. The same tables were still empty. All this to say that the hostess was lame but that was the only bad thing here. Service was perfect. Staff was knowledgeable, food was impeccable. Features local produce, exotic specialties, and authentic southern creole cooking. Really great cocktail menu, beer list, and wine list also. Oysters a la Soul (delicious!) Fried Green tomatoes (not the strongest) Soul Creole (perfect!) Duck succotash cassoulet (perfect!) Too full for dessert :( Restaurant is in the basement of a building but is fairly nice (great date spot) but you can dress pretty casually. Go there now! With friends so you can share!
(5)Heather H.
I absolutely loved Alligator Soul! This was my first trip to Savannah and I had researched the restaurant. I had read some reviews that said they served some pretty "far-out there" animals. I was a little leery to try it and then I talked to my friend who said I must go there and eat and just don't order the exotic plate. Haha so for being by myself I felt completely comfortable at my table for one. I wanted to try a few things on the menu and my server was so kind as to get me samples of the shrimp and grits and the oysters, so I was able to try them both without stuffing myself. I had a glass of champagne that I took a few sips of and then when my cheeseboard came out I had a glass of the recommended Pinot Noir. It was quite lovely! The cheeseboard wasn't the best I've ever had but it was good. Then my entrée was the scallops and they were divine! Needless to say, I did end up stuffing myself! After dinner I sat at the bar and had a cocktail and talked to the new bartender Alex and he was very sweet. I will definitely be back during my next trip to Savannah.
(5)Pit M.
Visiting Savannah for work and decided to take advantage of Restaurant week and visit someplace exciting. Let me break it down this way: The Good: To drink we selected the featured cocktail, a blackberry mint tea made with bourbon. It was a fine cocktail and one of the least expensive at $9. A bread plate was delivered with four corn cakes (a member of the party identified containing smoked cheese, she is a super taster, once she said it I was like "oh yeah, there is a faint smokiness to these"). The honeyed herb butter was a nice compliment to the corn cakes and dense, crusty baguette slices. Participating in Restraurant week, we were able to select an starter, entree and dessert for $30, we were told the portions were smaller than normal. I had the shrimp and grits starter, normally $13, and it was exquisite. I see this on every menu in town so I expected something pretty pedestrian. The sauce was flavorful and the dish had a nice heat to it. The Bad (Used poetically, not really bad, just not as good as the good): Next was the crawfish and gator etoufee. I am a northern boy, I enjoy crawfish but have eaten them only a handful of times in my life, and have experienced etouffee even less. The flavor of the dish was predominantly, 'fishy'. It wasn't unpleasant, but that was the main profile. I enjoyed the dish overall, it had a nice piece of grilled gator which I had forgotten was going to be in there. The portion was small (remember restaurant week) and I was thinking "I'm going to need a slice of pizza after this." I will admit that I am not an etouffee aficionado, so maybe this dish was spot on, I am only reporting as best as my limited experience will allow. One of the party had the venison lollypop, which I had a taste of. OMG, I've eaten venison my whole life and we never had anything like that. It was amazing, red deer from New Zealand prepared with salt and pepper, and grilled. Wow. Her portion was one frenched chop but what a chop! Next we had dessert, bread pudding was very dense, like tough to cut with my fork dense. The peaches, vanilla cream and bourbon glaze were not quite enough to cut the incredible density, but it tasted pretty damn good. After eating this I was no longer thinking of stopping for pizza. The Ugly (truly ugly): The service. Our server was friendly enough, pleasant in fact, but OMG, it was SLOOOOWWWWW. Cocktails and a tap beer took at least 20 minutes to arrive. The bread plate another 15+. Our starter long after the bread plate was gone. The entree another 20+ minutes. The forgot to make my friends' son's meal (which was an amazing bacon wrapped filet with duck fat fries, of which I helped myself to a few) and we were done with our entrees long before his food came. To their credit, the didn't charge for the child's meal, but overall, the pace of dinner was brutally slow. The boy was amazingly patient, my own children would have been destroying the place within the first 20 minutes of sitting there without a drink or bread. Dinner took two hours. With a 5 year old, that is just, unfathomable. A second cocktail arrived just after I had given up hope of ever receiving it. The place was bustling for a Tuesday night, but I wouldn't expect that to catch a high end place off guard. Or perhaps this is typical meal pacing and I am ignorant of fine dining practices. Secondly, the prices here are ridiculous. Maybe middle class folk don't belong in a place like this. I don't usually spend $30+ on an entree and $13 on a starter. Again, I was here for restaurant week so it was nice chance to experience a place I wouldn't normally visit. What I experienced wasn't encouraging, I will leave this place to the upper class who don't mind dropping $100 a meal. I am a simple public servant and will stick to more approachable establishments. I hear there is a nice NY Pizza slice place around here.
(2)Ronald C.
Our waiter Rashad was wonderful very informed about the menu and made excellent recommendations. The house oyster Al a soul appetizer was over the top as were the mussels. We shared the special house salad which was delicous with a honey based dressing and fried grit parmesan croutons- very tasty. When they ran out of the special boar our waiter suggested equally delightful alternatives A thoroughly enjoyable experience and very reasonably priced as great restaurants go. Ron from CT April 14,2015
(5)Nate H.
I had high expectations. The restaurant is inviting but then things fall apart. Our table was not ready when we arrived for our reservation, so we were directed to the bar. Ok, I'll play... We order manhattans. They are made with organic rye bourbon. (What?) Ok, tasty as any other. And $14 each. Then the table was ready. Well played. I cash out at the bar for $30 for two drinks. Ouch. This is Savannah right? Just because I ordered a manhattan doesn't mean I expected to pay Manhattan prices. Moving on... Our table is in a side dining room with a big draft. January in savannah was cold enough. The vents across from our table added a new dimension in chilled. The amuse bouche soup spoon had no flavor. Broth at best. Breads were Italian and... Wait for it... Peanut butter biscuit. Ick. Our server stops by to offer bottled, filtered or "tap" water. Big pet peeve with high end restaurants serving entrees at +$35 is the distinction of offering tap water. Why don't u just offer it as garden hose water. It gives the same connotation. Working in restaurants, I never offer "tap" water. It's insulting. Just say ice water. It's the same water and not offensive. The server wants to take our appetizer order only. I want to relinquish the big menus so we give our complete dinner order so he can take them off our small table. We order a bottle of wine. He comes back with the bottle. Not showing me the label, he opens the bottle and pours a taste to both of us. It's now obvious we have a trainee. I had to ask to see the bottle, hoping it is what we ordered since it is now opened. It's fine and he pours both glasses...I thought he was going to fill them to the top! He was only able to pour two glasses each from the bottle. Wow, where is his trainer?? Food: charcuterie...described to us as fois gras, but it's a terrine actually. The real waiter serving the table next to us explained this dish correctly to his table. The terrine was dry, falling apart each time we tried to cut a piece off. Excited to try alligator, I get the alligator gumbo. We had to wait for fresh silver to be delivered AFTER our entrees arrived. Thus is a rookie mistake in restaurants at half the price. Mise en place folks! The gumbo stock is very sweet...like Ragu sweet. And the fried alligator chunks were so salty I couldn't eat half of them. My other half orders the Hilbo steak. Medium rare comes out medium. Very tough and mealy. Not a good cut. Our server was absent most of the meal, so we set the credit card on the table as we finished the entree. We wondered where he was since we figured we were his only table. Please just stop the bleeding and let us go. You would think that as bad as the dinner was, that I would complain. But I kept expecting it to get better. And it was a creeping experience as the night went on. Prices are way too high for these missteps. The two stars are for the bar...the first and last good experience we had. (Pull the price down a couple bucks on the drinks...you're not there yet).
(2)Abby D.
Great food and excellent service. The menu changes seasonally and it's always something to look forward to. I highly recommend checking this restaurant out!!
(5)Phil S.
I was very excited about my return to alligator but was very disappointed. The food quality has suffered after the change in executive chef. Not what it once was by any stretch. Our server Thomas seemed much less attentive after realizing we wouldn't be drinking alcohol or eating several courses. Just not worth the money.
(1)Nefer P.
We just grabbed drinks but the food smelled great. I tried the mojito with watermelon- I loved it. Hubby ordered an old fashioned which was made with Chicago's Koval. It didn't have the same kick as Maker's but it was still crafted with detail. The service was excellent.
(5)Zach G.
Four of us had a wonderful experience at Alligator Soul during a business trip/conference in Savannah. It was a Thursday evening and fairly quiet - we were sat immediately. The service was very friendly, and very good. A nice mix of upscale but relaxed. They nailed it in that regard. For an app, we split fried green tomatoes. They were quite good, but nothing amazing. It's hard to either ruin or make outstanding a dish of fried green tomatoes. For dinner, I got the shrimp and grits. So did my colleague. Another got a special of Red Snapper, and the other got oysters since he had already eaten. This was one big issue - the food took FOREVER to come out. I'm talking almost an hour. No joke. No apologies, no updates. Previously great service did run a bit low here. However, water was constantly refilled, and our wine poured. Speaking of wine, they do have a great wine list. But back to the food - when it did come, it was phenomenal. Shrimp and grits were creamy, amazing, and had tons of good shrimp in them. Everyone seemed happy with what they had. Prices are $20-$35 per entree, so it's definitely a nice meal. I would return in a heartbeat. Hopefully the service was a fluke...because like I said, it wasn't even that busy.
(4)Joanne K.
Great experience. Was visiting Savannah for the 1st time and took my boyfriend there for his birthday. The table had a little treat box with a happy birthday wish for him when we arrived and the waitress was helpful and attentive. The food was delicious and the experience top notch. Will revisit next time we are in town. Worth every penny.
(5)Stacy O.
Made reservations here on our first night in Savannah despite it not being on many 'best of' lists. The food was fantastic. The shrimp and grits are a must order. This place is absolutely a Best of Savannah. It was located below street level which made it cozy. Our server was young and enthusiastic with a hint of southern charm. It was a full house but not loud. I'd definitely go back.
(4)Kathy Z.
One of the top places I've ever eaten! They made me feel special and not excluded when they asked if anyone had allergies and I said I have a gluten intolerance. I received a flour free banana bread muffin, appetizer crackers to go with the meat and cheese trays and chocolate cake! Seriously! This is above and beyond any expected. I ordered the sirloin which was cooked to perfection. Tons of flavor!!! Served with duck fat deep fried French fries. Which, by the way, are the crispiest fries I've ever had. Delicious!!!! I HIGHLY recommend you try it once.
(5)Beth F.
We went to Alligator Soul during our most recent trip to Savannah. We went through a lot of yelp reviews and had only one real criteria- seafood! We went on a Thursday without having reservations. The bar was full so they told us we could wait at the lounge with a few drinks but just after sitting down they gave us a table that opened up on a no call, no show. To start we had the Oysters A La Soul. These are the most amazing oysters I have ever had. I don't often enjoy cooked oysters, but these were great. They still had some brininess and the habanero sauce is exceptional. For dinner I had the shrimp and grits and Tom had the bison. The shrimp and grits were expertly cooked and the serving was large with plenty of shrimp. The bison was a bit smaller portion. The flavors were fantastic and the tamale was delicious. The presentation was beautiful. For dessert we shared the meyer lemon and blueberry zebra cheesecake which was very good and a nice refreshing way to end the meal. I had a 10-year tawny and Tom took our server's suggestion and had the salted caramel chocolate martini. Both were good but the martini was to die for. Speaking of the server, Adam was really good. He was more knowledgeable about some aspects of the menu than others but was overall very courteous, pleasant, and responsive. Great place in Savannah if you want to splurge a little.
(5)Mark S.
Truly a meal to remember! Upon descending the stairs to this basement restaurant we immediately knew we made the right choice to come here. The place is beautifully decorated while leaving plenty of the buildings charm to be enjoyed. The menu was extremely creative but accessible to all taste palates! We indulged in gator sausage, rabbit sausage, veal bone marrow, DUCK BACON, elk filets and more perfectly cooked meals. Also have to mention our server Sonny who made the overall experience perfect. He knew the menu front to back (including wines) and was extremely personable, I highly recommend asking to be in his section!!
(5)Jeff R.
Alligator soul is one of my favorite dinner spots ever. Very original feel in the basement of an old building. It started at the bar with a New York Sour. Picture a blend of an Old Fashion with a finish a Pinot Noir. Outstanding Drink. The service was also great. Came for my one year anniversary with my wife and they greeted us at the hosted stand with congratulations and left a personalized dessert box on our table to celebrate. The food was amazing I would suggest the oysters as a side. Keep this at the top of the list in Savannah.
(5)Ha H.
Great service and very romantic atmosphere. Shrimp and grits was the best! Huge portion for the steak and it was cooked perfectly. They ran out of banana beignets so we had the berry cheesecake which was good but was on the heavy creamy side.
(4)Nick M.
Front service staff was a bit disorganized and we ended up having drinks at the bar while we waited for things to get prepared. We had arrived a bit early so it wasn't a big thing. When our table was ready, the maitre-d told us our table was ready, so we should close out our bar tab and they would seat us. The bartenders were busy and it took a while to finally grab their attention and a while longer for them to finish up what they were doing and take our payment. I'm not sure if this is a normal thing for this restaurant to keep the bar tab and food tab separate, but most restaurants of this calibre let you roll your bar tab into your meal. It was a hassle to try to nail down a bartender to close a tab when I just wanted to be seated so I could get on with the meal. I would have made sure to pay right when we ordered the drinks (and had the bartenders attention) if I had realized. Once we were seated, things went more smoothly. Our waiter was friendly and very professional. The food was pretty good, but generally what I would call "generic highfalutin" meaning it was good quality food, but without much to differentiate it from any other pricy "generic highfalutin" restaurant. There was nothing wrong with it, but I wasn't really wowed in any way. The food came in large portions. My favorite of the night was the bouillabaisse (nice flavor) and the house-made bread (nice texture) that was brought to the table. The shrimp and grits was also pretty good. For the entree I had the little Hilbo (an absolutely massive steak) and my associate had the buffalo short ribs. Both were reasonably decent. I had made a request to substitute the pommes-frites that came with the little Hilbo with horseradish mashed potatoes which was listed under another steak dish. (the fries sounded too heavy when added to an already fairly robust meal and I love horseradish) I was told the exchange wouldn't be a problem, but what I got wasn't horseradish mashed potatoes, just plain mashed potatoes. It wasn't terribly upsetting to me, but I had been kind of looking forward to the horseradish. I didn't say anything to the waiter because it didn't seem like that big of a thing, but again it kind of put a sour twist on things. We had the peppermint creme-brulee for dessert and it came out overly-hot and perhaps a bit overcooked-the custard seemed to be separating out into oil and curds just a bit. It was in a fairly large ramekin and was only like a centimeter thick and I suspect just bruleeing the sugar on top overcooked it. It was still good enough to eat, but missed the mark for what you would expect for a restaurant like this. I really wanted to like Alligator Soul more than I did. It was kind of a letdown after some of the other amazing food experiences we have had during our trip here. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't super great either. Just okay. Just under 3.5 stars.
(3)Kara O.
Business trip to Savannah and we decide on this wonderful gem for a nice night out. Service was great and on point especially for a large party. Recommend the oysters holy moly. I don't even like oysters most of the time but these were just down right amazing. House salad has a fried grit crouton that melts in your mouth. The seem to have some amazing specials and on this particular night Kangaroo was available. While I enjoyed it, the table had mixed reviews. I would recommend ordering one for the table for everyone to try rather than making it a main meal. The alligator sausage was also delicious. Wonderful wines, desserts, truly a memorable experience.
(5)Renato F.
Very special place, the service was possibly the best we ever hade, Rashad treatment and explanation of the cuisine was the best. The cuisine was just that, cuisine great flavors of the locally grown foods. The best.
(5)Sarah M.
AMAZING! Expensive, but worth it. Waitress was great. Awesome place to go for a romantic evening. Very nice.
(5)Tyler R.
My wife and I had one of our honeymoon dinners here and we couldn't have been happier. The food, service and ambiance were all fantastic. We tried a charcuterie plate for an app that included various forms of pork, smoked fish and cheese. When I heard "pork belly" I was sold and every bit of the plate was delicious. For entrees we had the beef tenderloin and the bison osso buco. Both were cooked perfectly and had excellent flavor. I would definitely recommend this spot to anyone in the Savannah area, you won't be disappointed.
(5)Rachel Z.
I was very interested in being adventurist with my palate, and waited 2 days to try it. I was very disappointed with the lack of selection. The shrimp and grits was fair, but my husband couldn't get enough of the rosemary baguette with whipped butter. The chef's selection appetizer was very salty, by the standard of someone who likes salt.
(2)Ben Y.
Quite possibly the best dining experience I have ever had! The decor is upscale and the food is gourmet, yet the atmosphere is Savannah casual. Basically, you can go there in a suit or come straight off the tour bus in your shorts, polo and flip flops; although I would recommend something in between. The wait staff is extremely knowledgable. They present the menu in an enthusiastic manner and their recommendations are spot on. It's hard to add anything more substantial than what has already been written...so, head over and experience this gem for yourself. Buon Appetite!
(5)Erika C.
Wow. Impressive service and incredible food. If you love shrimp and grits this is a must. The kangaroo was a tasty choice too. Best meal in Savannah.
(5)Sarah B.
Ditto the other rave reviews, this place is just divine!!! Service was beyond my wildest dreams, and likewise for the food. Amazing music and decor and ambiance. Can't wait till our next visit!
(5)Mark Q.
Oh Lord.... Where do I begin? The food was amazing! The service was attentive and professional. We were looking for a true southern cuisine experience, and we found it here. We paired a crisp Russian River Valley pinot grigio with alligator pork sausage, alligator salad, habanero oysters, ocean trout, and suckling pork. It was all amazing, especially the oysters! The trout was simply perfect as well. It was the first time I had alligator, and it was really good! Did I mention we had a baby with us? They didn't miss a beat, they were extremely helpful and even made a special fruit dish for our little guy. Thanks Alligator Soul for treating us so well, and for the amazing food! One of the best meals I've had in a long time, and the best I've had while visiting in Savannah.
(5)Kevin D.
We visited Alligator Soul during a recent trip to Savannah after several recommendations and the experience did not disappoint. From the moment you walk down the inconspicuously marked stairwell, it's clear that this place has an identity of its own. We loved the ambiance in the renovated cellar space, and the service was outstanding. We always like to try as many items as possible and our server Andrew couldn't have been more accommodating - he seemed to pick up on this and suggested we order partial portions of three of their small plates while only charging us for two. The fried green tomatoes and Oysters de la Soul were fantastic, and the alligator andouille sausage special was amazing (especially combined with the creole habanero hot sauce from the oysters). The "Little Hilbo" rib eye was one of the best steaks I've ever had, but the wild mushroom and phyllo napoleon the chef created for my wife stole the show. Did I mention that our server provided an excellent wine pairing recommendation for each of our entrees and the entire group of appetizers? I would highly recommend Alligator Soul to anyone looking for a special dining experience in Savannah.
(5)Kristin S.
Overpriced. Wait staff friendly but not on their game. For a special occasion (anniversary) they go out of their way with a gift take home dessert and bottle of wine.
(2)Karen H.
We dined at Alligator Soul our first night in Savannah, we tried other places the other 4 nights we stayed in Savannah, however hands down Alligator Soul was the best dining of our stay. We started with Artisan Cheeses which had wonderful selections and pairings followed by the main meals of the shrimp and grits and the diver scallops dish; both dishes were wonderfully prepared and amazingly full of flavor. Our waiter was attentive and knowledgeable, he recommended a lovely bottle of wine that paired perfectly with our meal. We highly recommend Alligator Soul and we will definitely return on our next visit to Savannah.
(5)Abe G.
Great local spot, mix of casual fine dining and southern charm. Cool wine cellar style with open floor concept. Oysters with Habanero sauce are amazing; Gumbo is traditional gravy style with fresh ingredients. Service is fun and well trained. Overall a great local treat.
(4)Dennis U.
As with a lot of Savannah joints patrons seem to talk more about the booze than the food, well the food ain't too bad either. The shrimp grits and the gator were the memorable points for me. Great ambiance, food service, Id put it up there as one of the many Savannah places worth a visit.
(4)Christine T.
Interesting twist on southern food! Most dishes were very rich and decadent! The oysters are a must order!
(4)Matt K.
Fantastic it was very good. The atmosphere was also cool. I was unimpressed with the bathrooms though, the soap dispenser was broken and the bathrooms weren't as high tech as I would like.
(5)E F.
I had one of the best Margaritas that was made from scratch and someone ordered the sangria and it was very good. We started with the goat cheese and artichoke appetizer and it was so delicious. There were four in our party and we had the bacon wrapped tenderloin, the shrimp and grits, the pork shoulder and the ribeye. Every meal was perfection, hot, tender, juicy and packed with flavor. The waiters provided excellent service without smothering the table. If we lived in Savannah, Alligator Soul would be a restaurant we would frequent.
(5)Marvin O.
I did a search on yelp for the most highly rated three-star restaurant and found this place. I did a reservation through open table within the yelp app and a young lady called me about a day before to confirm the reservation. I told them that it was for my wife's birthday and that we were visiting from out of town and they said that they would accommodate us. When we arrived there wasn't any customer parking so you have to circle the block a few times for street parking. We ended up parking directly behind the restaurant in the post office parking but the post office was closed so it's a "caveat emptor" situation if you decide to do the same. The restaurant has stairs leading down into it but there is an elevator inside the office on the street level that'll take you down there as well. It's a very dim and intimate environment. There are not very many chairs may be under 20 and we were immediately greeted by the hostess. The hours are from 5:30 PM till 10 so I would recommend trying to visit here for lunch as they will be closed. We were taken toward our table and immediately greeted by the waitress who presented us with some very delicious hors d'oeuvres courtesy of the chef before we ordered our water. Since it was my wife's birthday they had a box with her name preprinted on it wishing her a happy birthday with two little pecan pie's and the cookie inside which was a very nice touch. We started with the goat cheese fritters which were very delectable and had a nice salty creamy taste to it. I ordered the little hilbo which was a gigantic piece of ribeye meat and my wife ordered the shrimp and grits. They offer you some delicious cornbread with White bread with an out of this world butter that comes with it. The experience was very nice my only issue was that the meal I ordered which was called the little hilbo specifically stated on the menu that it was $26 but when we received our check it said $36. I didn't make a big stink about it to the waitress who gave me a snarky reply of "it's been this price for two years" but nonetheless it was a cool experience
(4)Anne L.
We were somewhat disappointed. For a restaurant of this supposed caliber, parts of our experience were less than I would expect. We had very good cocktails, very attentive service. Mediocre pacing--gumbo arrived before my husband finished his salad. My bison osso bucco was tasty, but the meat was tough & chewy, & I was unable to eat it. The marrow was delicious, however. My husband's shrimp & grits were quite good. Our dessert, which was described as banana beignets, was not very good. First off, I would describe the dish as banana fritters. It was greasy & oily. Secondly, one of the so-called beignets was not cooked all the way through and had raw batter in the center. We pointed out both issues to our waitress, who said she would ask the chef why the batter was too thick on that one piece to cook all the way through. She did offer to refry another beignet for us, but by that point, we no longer had an appetite for the dish. To summarize, an average dinner with above average pricing--overall, an unimpressive experience.
(3)Tawheed H.
Fantastic! I wish I were a lil more sober, and I wish my friend hadn't passed out in her chair... but hey when you start at Wet Willies in the morning and hold a strong pace til dinner, you get what you pay for. Here you get what you pay for too, and that is delicious food. Didn't feel like eating on the wild side so I ordered the rib eye cooked pittsburg, now I received a steak cooked more like rare+ and hence they didn't receive 5 *'s. The steak I did receive was delicious and my 7 companions all agreed. I remember the bread being damn good too. Everything else was as I would expect from a fine establishment such as this.
(4)Brian S.
We had always planned on trying this restaurant but never seemed to make it, and when it came up on the list for Restaurant Week in Savannah we made a reservation. To start out the night is was difficult finding parking in the area near the restaurant itself. The dinner itself was offered with a fixed price menu or their standard selection, and we opted for the fixed price and added an additional salad to round out the meal. Our server, Andrew, was great and very good in explaining what our choices were for dinner and suggested some nice wine pairings for my meal that were by the glass. The first course was actually brought to the table by the Executive Chef and he introduced himself and said if we had any feedback he would be very interested in hearing it, very cool. The salads were all fresh and local with some really good croutons made from cheese grits which were very good. The appetizer we chose was the fried green tomatoes and they were they best I had ever had, served with some house made pickled vegetables. We ordered the Vermillion Snapper served over a grilled romaine lettuce with a house ceasar dressing and grilled heirloom cherry tomatoes as one of the entrees. The snapper was cooked perfectly and went very well with the Chenin Blanc suggested by our server. The other entree was the grilled Bison over coarse grilled corn grits, and topped with a mole' sauce. When the chef stopped by again my wife explained that since it was served in a bowl over the grits the steak got lost in the whole mix, and he agreed and actually changed his plating because of her suggestion. The only reason I explained this is because I can say for certain that the staff there is very interested in preparing the food according to the way the customer wants it and not just the way they always do things. Great experience and will definitely go back with either a group or another date night.
(5)Mike W.
Wow . . . how did this ever transpire? I have mentioned Alligator Soul in my reviews for other Savannah restaurants here on Yelp, in fact I've used it as something of a benchmark for what I expect in fine dining in Savannah, yet I've not reviewed it here myself?! I don't know how that happened! However, it helps explain perhaps why two different people emailed me and, based on those other restaurant reviews, asked if I worked at Alligator Soul since I praised it so highly. For the record, I do not, nor ever have had any relationship with Alligator Soul other than being a pleased customer. I've been a customer of Alligator Soul since they first opened and I lived in Savannah so I got to know them and see the ups and downs of their professional and personal lives. While known for their dinners, their lunches (which they've done off and on for years, I guess as the local economy and response of clients dictates: currently there's no lunch but they may bring it on back) were the really stellar stand-outs for me, because these were at once both a more intimate and more casual experience. My then-boyfriend and I would often go in for lunch around one in the afternoon as the lunch crowd thinned out and were about the only customers in the house, and thus got very personal service. However, even when every table is full, I've never had less than great service at Alligator Soul, honestly. As for the food, the concept here is traditional Southern cooking with an elememt of flair. This is not Paula Deen-style downhome, it's far more Nathalie Dupree than Paula Deen . . . and if you don't know who Nathalie is, you really should because she's done for Southern cooking what Julia Child did for French. Talk to Susan Spicer or any highly-respected chef in the South and Nathalie's where it's at whereas Paula's what your cousin watches after her soap operas. My favorite dishes here are the Lamb Shank, the Shrimp and Grits (the best in town, though many places do them; consider them as your main dish but be warned that they're very very rich!), the Alligator Soul Cheese Course is a great cheese board and a different touch to the meat and fish-heavy menu here. All the salads are simply amazing--like seriously amazing. The Fish of the Day is always local and is worth asking about. The desserts here are also top-notch, especially their Pecan Pie and the Autumn Spiced Cobbler. As for the bar, they can make good mixed drinks and have a decent wine selection, though I've always opted for mixed drinks because seriously, Savannah and New Orleans are the only places where at dinner or lunch you can get away with ordering serious drinks during your meal (plus before and after too!) and not look like a lush or a fool. Don't worry: the local lawyers at the next table over are doing the exact same thing. The restuarant is in a renovated basement of an old commercial building and is warm, intimate, romantic, and nostalgic. For what Alligator Soul does, which is fine dining Southern style, it could not do it any better. Other local restaurants on par with Alligator Soul like 700 Drayton can do a superb job but at times feel like they're trying too hard, yet Alligator Soul hits the perfect tempo and has in my experience done so since 2003.
(5)Christopher T.
This restaurant I believe has to be the best restaurant in the city - from what I have tasted so far. There were three of us and we all shared bites off of everyone's plate and every entree, dessert, and appetizer was right on - delicious! The flavors were just amazing on everything. To start we had the cheese plate. It came with a selection of about 5 different cheeses paired with grapes, apples, Savannah Bee honey, and raspberries. Of course crackers, too. This was a great start to the meal. I ordered the chicken and it was really good as well. The only thing I thought may have needed to be taken down a bit was the sauce. My rice was kind of swimming in it. It would have been better if the sauce had been drizzled here and there instead of poured into the plate. The sauce kind of took the flavor out of the sides. However, all of it combined I found a way to make it all come together. My friends lamb and fillet were really great! We finished with a three layered mouse cake and banana beignet. AMAZING. The ambiance could be better and our server was a bit slow on giving us proper attention but to her credit I believe she was also working a large group at the same time so she was doing her best. I would definitely recommend this place to any and everyone!
(4)Amy M.
I had to plan a client dinner last week while in Savannah. The only two restaurants I even knew about in Savannah were not options since the client already had two other dinners planned at those locations. I came to Yelp to find something else that was great and stumbled upon Alligator Soul. The ratings were excellent, the menu looked good and I figured the ambience had to be great if it was named Alligator Soul. It did not disappoint. Immediately after I booked the reservation, the next day the restaurant owner called me to confirm and to review the menu options, wine list, table apps and make sure we had a custom menu for our group that would accomodate our budget. I talked to her several more times before the dinner and thought this was great service. Our group had so much fun in our private dining room. The drinks were good and the food was superb. I ordered a Basil-Mint Mojito that was fabulous and the Fried Green Tomoates and Shrimp and Grits were incredible. The waitstaff was attentive and very good. I would highly recommend this.
(5)Jacob F.
Decent food. Nothing special, but nothing great. Booked a reservation for our anniversary, so we wanted a nice location, maybe a quiet table. I think they sat us at the table of last resort. Both of our chairs and the table were wobbly, and we were stuck in an awkward corner. Service was ridiculously slow--was rather infuriating to watch all of the tables near us be seated, served, and paid out while we waited around for our food. At least two of them arrived after us and left before us. Food was nothing special, though my wife was a big fan of the salad.
(3)Rich B.
A fun place with an eclectic menu. We had antelope on a bed of mashed potatoes, and jambalaya with gator. Oh, yes, they also serve one of my favorite drinks you don't often find outside New Orleans -- sazarac.
(4)Michael R.
Food was amazing. Had the buffalo and oysters. Delicious!!! Service was outstanding and the atmosphere was terrific! Definitely will be going again!!
(5)Lexy S.
We always come here for dinner when in Savannah. I always get the vegetarian. We started with the fried green tomatoes. Bf didn't like the cornmeal, but I thought they were good. The vegetarian came and for $27 all you get is a cup of soup, tiny pear salad and 1 tofu spring roll? The plate seemed empty and tho it was missing something. We had a few signature drinks. The drink of the day and fleur de soul (yummy). All in all we got a lot of under $100. We will return. Hopefully I'll get more on the veggie dish next time.
(4)Chris H.
Great restaurant. My girlfriend and I were visiting Savannah from Chicago, and this was our first restaurant in the city. We aren't big foodies, but we go to these kinds of restaurants regularly. We had a fantastic experience and would definitely go back. Here's our thoughts on the specifics: Ambience: 5 stars -- underground, exposed brick, dimmed lights, and warm but chic decorating. Service: 5 stars -- best part of the restaurant. Our waitress, Emily, was fantastic -- warm, fun, and attentive. Honestly some of the best service I've experienced. Food: 4 stars -- I had the stuffed pork chop and my girlfriend had the chicken. Both were excellent. We also had the pork belly and lamb appetizer (a special), which was okay. It was very small (a small piece of pork belly and lamb) and the lamb was very fatty...and $12 -- not worth it in my opinion. Excellent cocktail menu and dessert.
(5)Dr P.
Stay away from the oysters... and even the martinis are lousy... Discussed options and the requested the 'special' ginger martini and got sick from bad oysters, the bartender was distracted and poured me a cosmo :( Go elsewhere
(1)Jasmine S.
Unfortunately, I have to start by saying that the service I received at this restaurant was almost ridiculously bad. With that said, the food was so incredible that I can't help but still give it four stars. It was that good. Hopefully, my experience was the exception and not the rule, but if you have the patience to suffer through potentially terrible service and an entire evening to spend here, it's actually worth it.
(4)Charlene T.
We call ahead and get the chef's tasting in the kitchen. It's a different atmosphere then the dining room but fun! The menu that Chef Chris and his staff prepare is always amazing. This is where we go when we want a great meal in Savannah.
(5)Geoff P.
Alligator Soul was easily the best food I had in Savannah and it was the only restaurant we tried that I would think potentially worthy of a top Zagat score. The cocktail menu is very unique, and the food was stellar. Make sure to find out what the wild game selection of the day is--the choices might surprise you!
(5)Chris L.
Gourmet food with five star service in an elegant but comfortable setting. Turned out to be a perfect choice for a special occasion. Buffalo and scallop entrees were both excellent. The creme brulee was the only negative. Good taste but too much brulee made it difficult to eat. Management seems outstanding with attention to customer service with reservations and asking about food allergies and dietary requirements.
(5)Fabian W.
The service was excellent. Our waitress Kate(also the bartender) was friendly and attentive. I had the qual which was very good, but my wife's scallops made me jealous. Everything was cooked perfectly and seasoned well. Go for the scallops! Oh, great warm bread was also served before our meals.
(5)Kim T.
We ate here tonight for the first time and I thought what I ordered was delicious! I ordered the shrimp and grits app and my husband ordered the shecrab soup app, which were both great! I ordered the gator jambalaya for my main meal and it was also very tasty. My husband ordered the duck but he said it was not what he expected. He ordered it medium but said it tasted raw and was really fatty. He almost choked on a piece of fat. That is why I am rating 4 stars and not 5. I ordered a Moscow mule to drink and it was fantastic. For dessert we shared a piece of cheesecake! I would definitely order the cheesecake again. We had great service overall and were seated before our reservation. I would definitely go back.
(4)David Y.
we visited alligator soul for our 22nd anniversary. The atmosphere is quaint for a basement yet comfortable. Scott our waiter was descriptive with the specials and very attentive to details. We started with oysters Bienville and the pork belly charcuterie, different and delicious. she had the elk fillet with sweet potato gratin, divine. I had duck not pie with lane snapper, absolutely outstanding. we finished with banana begniet., SUPERB! The best dinner we ever had in Savannnah.
(5)Jamie Z.
food was not that good.... kinda salty... atmosphere was great, good for dating. my phone got no service since it is in the basement
(3)Elyse K.
Went with hubby on Sunday, January 20th, 7:00. VERY impressed from beginning to end. Ecclectic menu to suit many tastes. Waiter even asked if we had any food allergies. Sonny, the waiter, was personable and attentive, as was any employee that passed by. Manager, Rocky, frequented the tables to ensure patrons were happy. THE FOOD! Porterhouse lamb chop with diver scallops and a side, shrimp and grits entree and banana beignets for dessert. Freshly made Gingin mule cocktail and restaurant's private label wine. Felt the need to photograph every food item as presentation was beautiful. Wish we lived closer but will definitely go again when in Savannah!
(5)Mia M.
Eh. The food was nothing to write home about. The more traditionally "southern" items that we tried, like the fried green tomatoes and the shrimp and grits were good (the shrimp and grits I didn't try so I cant really vouch for it but my friend said it was good) but more than anything the food seemed confused; like, spicy miso soup and some Asian themed sauteed vegetables in the vegetarian tasting at a Southern restaurant? Also, I thought, what was up with the spice in EVERYTHING? Was it supposed to be some "Cajun" thing? I can appreciate spicy food but a lot of the time it seemed really unnecessary and as if it was trying to overcompensate for something, like the way some people use balsamic reduction. It just seemed overpriced for what you actually got. It was cute how they brought out an amuse bouche though. All in all I probably wouldn't go back if I ever went back to Savannah. I was only in town for a night and clearly no expert on Savannah, but I was disappointed with the lack of apparent dining options. (I guess I was spoiled by Charleston.) But that, I suppose, is another story.
(2)Jen H.
Decent food not as awesome as the price suggests it might be :). Felt rushed out although the place wasn't full yet- the waiter didn't leave us alone for longer than 2 minutes. No espresso, weird.
(2)Robin A.
Dinner was pretty good. I would rate food a 3.5 but our service a 2. The shrimp and grits were delicious, my pork chop was good and cooked very well. Our server was just okay. Looked like she had a large table full of men and catered to them, not us. In fact, it looked like everyone else in our dining area received an amuse bouche. We did not. That was very disappointing. Part of why I made reservations was because of the reviews that mentioned the little things this restaurant does to make your dinner extra special. That didn't happen for us. Because of the service, I won't be recommending to anyone else.
(3)Timothy T.
Amazing place. We sat at the bar. Our bartender Melvin was very knowledgeable and sold us on a few dishes. We werent even that hungry but we had to try all of his suggestions. Im glad we did. The shrimp and grits are amazing. Very cool, unique and creative menu selection. You cant go wrong at Alligator Soul. I'll be back everytime I'm in Savannah.
(5)Carol W.
We celebrated our 20th anniversary tonight at Alligator Soul. This is our 3rd trip to Savannah and our best meal yet. Local sourcing meant best ingredients: the charcouterie was incredible, from duck rillete, to pork belly to smoked fish. We so enjoyed the broth with the mussels that we requested more bread and spoons. And the smoky, spicy gator gumbo hit all of the right notes. This place has a lovely atmosphere with lots of brick and local art. The tables are not squashed together and the service is very personable. Highly recommend Miss Emily and Eyore's cocktails.
(5)Mike K.
We went to Alligator Soul on a recent trip to Savannah. I thought it was quite good, and was generally worth the expense. To begin, we walked in off the street without reservations, and were told that we could probably be seated within a half hour. We walked around and returned after a half hour, took a seat at the bar, and waited for our table. I passed the time with a Gator Andy Pale Ale and conversation with my wife. Both were very good. The restaurant is situated in the basement of an old brick building, and it's got a nice old feeling to it. It's all brick and stone, kind of a wine cellar feel. We were seated in a cozy corner near a basement vent window, and the vent space was filled with ferns and evergreen plants. Very nice ambiance. We got fried green tomatoes and breaded fried oysters for apps. Both were quite good. The gulf oysters were of ample size, but the breading on them, a nice thick crusty corn meal breading with more than a hint of spice, stole the show. The fried green tomatoes came as a substantial portion for an appetizer. They were perfectly fried, in a breading that was similar to that used for the oysters. For entrees, I got the lamb shank and my wife got the Gumbo. Weak part first. The gumbo was pretty decent, but was served almost lukewarm. The service at the restaurant was so good that had he said anything about the temperature, they would have taken care of it, but we were very hungry and just wanted to chow down. Again, the gumbo was good, but it wasn't out of this world. Gumbo isn't the hardest dish to make, and Alligator Soul didn't do much to make it stand out from the pack. My lamb shank was especially good. It was braised to the point of extreme tenderness, and had a bit of minty glaze on it. That was served on a bed of moroccan spiced orzo. My wife really dug that when she tasted it. Also on the menu was blue marlin steak, which I was curious about. A woman at a neighboring table had ordered that ad loved it, but I overheard another woman at a nearby table complaining that she did not like it. The service was excellent. Our waitress was very pleasant and knew every detail of every dish.
(4)Kate H.
I should have known. I'm usually pretty good about following my intuition (sometimes I think it's even borderline psychic abilities) but what are you supposed to do when you are standing in front of the hostess and you just kinda want to run? Here's what happened: we walked in to Alligator Soul to find the hostess and (our future) server in an argument. As in, why would you do that in front of other people, much less guests? type of argument. After being seated at the most awkward table ever (literally in the doorway between two rooms) we were presented with a complementary cocktail and amuse bouche. The bubbly was perfect; the culinary 101 amuse had some serious textural challenges with the Salmon Mousse. We shared an order of Shrimp and Grits as an appetizer (it was our first night in Savannah after all) that was flavorful but again, gritty and texturally challenged. You know when you're on a budget and buy el cheapo cheese that just doesn't melt right? This was the issue. My entree choice was a special: local black Grouper with Stewed Tomatoes and Okra, Polenta and a Sambuca cream sauce. My fault on mis-ordering. One bite and I had a flashback to the Grouper with Amaretto sauce incident I had last year at Zenzi in Orlando. I've finally decided (and will remember in the future!) that I really just don't prefer fish with sweet cream sauces. Yelk. Plus, I'm not entirely convinced that the tomatoes were not canned. And honestly, I was probably only drawn in by the mention of Sambuca. Which is best left to dessert. We finished our meal with Banana Beignets that were really just tempura fried bananas but also with the best parts of the night: An amazing Cabernet based Mulled Wine and a recommendation from our server for a bar to ring out the old year. Bottom line: Alligator Soul is really trying to be fine dining and they have the prices to prove it! But it really missed the mark. If I lived in Savannah, I'd probably give it another try. But I don't, so I probably won't return.
(2)Rachel W.
Ok so this place is pretty neat. It's downstairs and has a great atmosphere. My husband and I had the grouper and the duck "not pie" (deconstructed pot pie). They looked great and both had great flavor. However, I'm not an avid duck eater so when the duck arrive incredibly rare (raw), I thought that's how it was supposed to be. Now today, I've had a sad belly all day and after much research I now realize my duck was indeed not cooked at all. And so now my intestines are paying the price. But, I have to say, I probably would go back and try something else.
(2)JW U.
Enjoyed dinner with Party of 12. Good food, a little on the pricey side. The ambiance is very nice but the service is average at best. Fried green tomatoes were not as good as the Chart House. Duck was prepared nicely but served cool - likely the waitress fault but the outcome remains the same. I'd try Vic's next time.
(3)Dawn E.
The ambiance at Alligator Soul makes it a good date night place. The exposed brick, smaller rooms of tables, and underground location make it feel a little secret. We started our evening at the bar to get a drink before dinner. There were not a lot of people at the bar, but the service was not great. I asked the bar tender for a French 75, she said she was not familiar. When I told her what was in it, I expected she would offer to try to make one, instead she handed me a cocktail menu. I ordered their version of long island iced tea, it was fine, but nothing special. We went over to our table, they clearly wanted to get us moving along - the bartender gave us our check saying it was time for dinner. Shortly after we paid, we were still at the bar as the hostess told us it would be just a moment, the bartender came back and let us know we should go to our table. She did at least then carry my drink to the table. Luckily the quality of the food and attentiveness of our waitress made up for our experience at the bar. The food is good. I had the shrimp and grits. After a week in South Carolina and Georgia, and many a shrimp and grits dish, this was the best. It was creamy and spicy deliciousness on a plate. My husband started with 6 Southern oysters 'a la soul' ( i don't eat them; he said they were good enough but nothing to write home about. they show on the menu better than they taste). Dinner for me was the lamb chops. Wonderful strawberry balsamic reduction, lamb was cooked perfectly. My husband had the duck. It was also perfectly cooked with a great sauce. Served with a sweet potato griddle cake that was pretty tasty. We decided to pass on dessert and instead partake of the small batch bourbon flight. The bourbon was delicious. If I only had the tolerance I would have tried many more of their flight offerings - wine, scotch, irish whiskey, martinis - what a good idea. To sum up, the food is very good, the service was mixed, and the prices are slightly higher than you would expect to pay for what you get, but all in - a good meal in Savannah.
(4)Chris K.
Love this place! Food and cocktails were fantastic. Highly recommend the shrimp gumbo and banana beignets. Atmosphere is intimate with exposed brick walls. Overall a great find.
(5)Melissa C.
My husband and I dined here for our anniversary and it was one of the best meals we have ever had, and that is saying a lot since we have dined at some Michelin star establishments. We were contacted prior to our reservation to ask if there was a special occasion OR any food allergies (gluten =me, fish=husband). We were given handmade chocolates and a mini pecan pie to celebrate our anniversary. The food is flavorful southern meets wild game with a unexpected twist. We had fried green tomatoes (best we've ever had) and seafood pilou, which was similar to a gumbo, but with alligator, shrimp, and crawfish for an appetizer. For dinner we both HAD to have the wild game of the night, which was kangaroo. I've had kangaroo before, and this preparation was mindblowing. The meat was rubbed with a coffee and chocolate mixture, seared, and served MR with a sweet potato soufflé and roasted root veggies and walnuts. WOW! For dessert we had an assortment of handmade truffles, which included a honeycomb truffle that was so decadent. Service was on spot, and the meal was paced quite nicely. I can't wait to go back to Savannah and eat here again! I highly recommend this place to any adventurous eater.
(5)Rob K.
We were in Savannah for two nights and stumbled upon Alligator Soul looking for a little off the beaten path place for dinner. Man, we couldn't be happier we found this place. In hindsight we were a little under-dressed after a hot day of walking around town, but we were greeted warmly and offered a seat at the bar or one of the two tables outside the main dining area. (No worries, they were packed) We have been raving about the food here since the moment we left. The shrimp and grits were excellent, creamy, and they didn't skimp on the shrimp. They had jambalaya on special that night and I had to ask for plastic utensils to take with us so I could eat the remainder back at the hotel. Yes, it's expensive, but the portions and quality of the food is certainly worthwhile. We will be back, and with reservations this time, the next time we're in Savannah.
(5)rolanda n.
We arrived on a Friday night with no reservations, party of 3, and they accommodated us at the bar. Everything was ridiculously delicious, and service was outstanding. It wasn't cheap, but nothing good ever is. Location is great, and staff was genuinely helpful and friendly. Wonderful place with delicious food. Southern Long Island Sweet Tea? Redonk. Grits croutons? Come on. Highly recommend.
(5)Mitch D.
I so wanted to give this place four stars, but just couldn't do it. The atmosphere is very cool, housed in the basement of a historic district building, and the service was great...but the food was not a home run. The best thing we had was the shrimp and grits. In fact it was the best shrimp and grits we had the whole time we were down south. But the rest was just okay. I would give it a shot, especially for a small group or a date night, but I'm recommending it mostly on ambience and potential. I think it could eventually be a great Savannah spot.
(3)M M.
First time in Savannah, this restaurant was unique...nice atmosphere, service extremely attentive and knowledgeable. Tried fried alligator for first time...very good! I had fish special and husband had pork chop. Food was delicious. Nice experience, recommend for couples looking for nice, authentic, elegant dinner.
(4)Steve A.
I'll be honest, a friend and I stumbled into ASR not really knowing what we were in for. There were a couple discussions about leaving or sticking it out, but in the end we did well. There were minor issues with our order (delivered to the wrong table), but eventually the chef came out and cleared everything up and made us feel quite welcome. When we got our food it was amazing and creative and even though there was the slight error, the service was excellent.
(4)Greg S.
As a "non-dairy vegetarian" (generally I just net it out to "vegan" - either is equally freaky in SAV!) I was thrilled to read other reviews of Alligator Soul and their veg and vegan friendly chef. It's all true. We had the "vegan special" and it was both tasty and artfully prepared. Chef was also willing and able to make the fried green tomatoes without parmesan so we could have them as an appitizer. Our waitress was knowledgeable and helpful and friendly. In a "big city" this restaurant would be a solid place, in Savannah it's a real standout! We'll definitely be back.
(4)Aaron C.
I came here during the Christmas holiday/ sabbatical. I had heard Savannah had some superb eateries and that Alligator Soul was one of them. So I checked it out on Christmas Eve and I must say I was impressed. The atmosphere felt like an old jazz club I used to visit in Philly. It's a downstairs spot, low lit and the tunes were amazing--I'm talking Sam Cooke greatest hits. Our server was Courtney, she was great and attentive. I ordered the fried green tomatoes, shrimp and grits, and a side of collards. I also ordered a Dark n' Stormy, yet the bar tender was out of ginger beer, so ginger liquor was a substitute. It was smooth and perfectly balanced. My only gripe, which is not really a gripe, is that the fried green tomatoes were missing something, maybe more sweetness in the relish they were topped with, not sure. I'll probably have to have them again to figure it out. I'm happy I didn't waste time a Paula Deen's and suggest you don't get caught in that tourist trap either. If you like good food and ambiance, check this place out. And if you happen to have Courtney as your server, that's an even bigger plus. "That's where it's at." - Sam Cooke
(4)Kelli A.
Great space. Great service. Food was only ok. Baked oysters were too big and room temperature. Raw oysters weren't available for some reason. Steamed shrimp were small and limp. Shrimp and grits were good but not great. The grits were a course grind which I found a little odd. I was really disappointed since id heard such great reviews about this place.
(3)Mike G.
Great food you can't find anywhere else. Best food in Savannah!
(5)Krissy R.
My husband and I went to Savannah on our honeymoon and tried out Alligator Soul because it was recommended to us by a local resident. The service was wonderful and the food was equally as amazing. My husband still talks about the food to this day and we will definitely be going back when we travel back to Savannah. He had the alligator soup appetizer and raved about how amazing it was.
(5)Gabriela C.
We came to this restaurant for my birthday based on the reviews. We were Very dissapointed. The service was good, but it was so over the top buttered up. The waitress and the bartender swore that the lamb chops were to die for. They weren't. They were plain and bland. I tried the grouper and it was the same, plain and bland. Both dishes were edible, but nothing to justify the price nor the praise. The cheese plate appetizer was good.
(1)Katherine G.
Absolutely loved this place. Came on a Saturday night and they were quite busy. We did not have a reservation but the staff was very accommodating and we quickly were given a seat at the bar where others were dinning as well. The Filet "Soul" with the basil pesto mashed potatoes was phenomenal. I loved the atmosphere here, very comfortable and a perfect size, it was quite neat how hidden the restaurant was, it certainly felt like a local restaurant and not catered simply to tourists. Will absolutely go here again when in Savannah.
(5)Sharon Y. C.
Alligator Soul is a cool restaurant located in the heart of Savannah's historical district. We booked an early table through Open Table and got lots of attentive service since so few guests were there. We learned from our personable waiter that we could get tastes of some appetizers, rather than a whole appetizer. I wanted to try their shrimp and grits, but only a tiny bit, so the waiter served us a cup of the yummiest stone ground grits with a couple of large shrimp. It was so rich, I was glad we didn't get a whole appetizer. We had wonderful pairings of wine suggested by the bartender and waiter. And they both offered a taste before ordering a glass. Nice. A gorgeous little amuse bouche was served when we sat down at the table. Also a small glass of complimentary warm mulled wine was served. Wonderful ways for the chef to say welcome. For an entree, I had smoked duck breast. The dish came with confit duck leg, a tiny bit of foie gras mousse, quinoa and gorgeous organic veg. The smoked duck breast was perfected medium rare as I ordered. The duck leg's skin was crisp, although the leg meat was a bit over cooked. Unfortunately the quinoa, described as pomegranate quinoa with fennel confit, was a bit of a mushy mess. I hate saying that, since we loved the restaurant and staff so much, but when quinoa loses its integrity it can get soft and soggy. And there was quite a bit of it on the plate so it was hard to ignore it. My husband ordered the rabbit dish. It was en croute which sounded delish. Although, the rabbit dish looked yummy, the rabbit en croute ate more like a spring roll with sweet Oriental sauce. My husband ate every bit on his plate since he's been a member of the Clean Plate Club since childhood, so even though the dish was unexpectedly sweet, it was good. We had the chocolate truffles for dessert, since we didn't want something heavy. There were 3 beautiful handmade candies, plus a tiny scoop of black currant sorbet. My husband had a nice glass of port too. Overall, it was a memorable experience and we appreciate the hospitality offered by every staff member.
(3)Moonflower S.
My boyfriend surprised me by taking me here last week for our anniversary dinner... it was AMAZING! The atmosphere is dark and very ambient, chill, and cool - dark. The food was absolutely outstanding! The chef made us a little something special before we even ordered (sorry I forget what it was but it was really good!)... I got a martini that tasted like a glacier (cool,chilling, delicious) and to start a fresh salad with cheddar grits croutons. For my main course, I ordered the buffalo sirloin ($44) and was blown away! It was one of the best pieces of meat I have ever eaten, WOW... cut up in to thin juicy slices. It was served with a medley of mixed colorful sweet potatoes and kale... very good combo. ... I tried to eat a combo of the potatoes, kale, and buffalo together but any way it was done/eaten was just mouthwatering anyway! The flavors of each stood out but played very well in combination. Tender, perfectly cooked (med rare), and plenty to eat. The server was very knowledgeable of the food preps, and also pleasant and did not rush us. We both really enjoyed it and will be back. Very creative dishes that are well worth the price.
(5)Claire P.
My husband and i are locals and decided to try Alligator Soul for "Restaurant Week". Everything was great! However, we had made reservations for dinner and ended up being about 15 minutes late because my husband had to stay late at work. The hostess felt like it was necessary to let us know that we had arrived late (with a bit of attitude), which normally wouldnt be a big deal. However, she then stated, "but your table isnt ready" and we ended up having to wait 20 extra minutes. The restaurant was wonderful! The food and service was all we expected! I just dont believe the hostess needed to make a smart comment about us being late then still having to wait because the table wasnt even ready yet.
(4)Julie W.
we went here our first night in savannah based on the reviews. the review "I could have licked my plate" couldnt have been more true! the shrimp and grits is to die for!! I also loved they give u a little sample dish made by the chef to start. we also have the cheese platter that I would recommend. although there is no kids menu, they made our daughter some yummy pasta. the service is out of this world awesome and this is a must stop place to eat!!!
(5)Carol L.
First night in Savannah is going to be hard to top. The food was top notch! We had fried green tomatoes, oysters, and blue crab tart to start. Then we had the jambalaya. Delish. The drinks were great too. The service could be ratcheted up a notch to make the experience even better, we had to wait a bit too long for the menus and our drinks but overall , it was great. We ate at the bar, no reservations, but had a good experience.
(5)BJ A.
Worth a visit.. food is just shy of truly outstanding, and service is very good. It is a basement restaurant, albeit a well appointed one, and it's rather dark, so bring your pocket light for reading the menu. The 'soul' prime fillet is good (bit salty), so is the 'three tail' fish (grouper like)... shrimp & sausage jambalaya gumbo app was very good... don't bother with the key lime cheesecake (unless your just looking for a pics of plain old cheesecake (nothing lime about it at all). Dinner for 2 will set you back about $100.00 ... drinks, tip extra. PS... And if swordfish is on the menu, it's a must.. (you just will not believe what these folks can do with it)!!
(4)Trevor L.
One of the best restaurants I have ever been to. Top of the line food and service. I had steak which came from the kitchen on fire...which was awesome, and soft shell crab which was still in the form of a crab, meat being held together by its exoskeleton. Great for a date, as it is not too large, and dim lit. If you are in Savannah, and have some money to spend on dinner, it is the place to be.
(5)Ash G.
Really nice meal during Restaurant Week. The 3 course choices were a good representation of menu. The staff was attentive to the max, and informed, and were flexible with a vegetarian choice if our son had arrived.
(4)Kevin N.
walked past this place tonight. saw a for lease sign in the window, and it was closed. Somewhere between the the last review on Sept. 27th and Oct. 1st 2011 this placed closed maybe???
(1)Claudia D.
I was so disappointed. After reading some rave reviews and looking at the menu online I was sure this would be a great experience for me and my new husband on our honeymoon. I did read the bad reviews about the Oysters Bieneveille and chose to order them anyway. My apologies to my fellow yelpers. They where right. The oysters were overdone and covered in a very thick paste like concoction that tasted like glue. After we sent them back we shared the ostrich special. The fresh field peas were the only delicious thing on the plate. There was a huge glop of some kind of savory bread pudding that had the server been able to tell me about I wouldn't have ordered. The ostrich had a huge muscle running through it that made it almost impossible to eat. I don't even know how to describe the server other than he was jittery, kept walking away in the middle of our order, didn't know the menu, tried to convince us to order a different bottle of wine after we said that the Shatter by Orin Swift was what we had just served at our wedding and so was sentimental... I saw him leave the restaurant twice? Weird. And after it was obvious we weren't pleased with our experience they still charged us for the oysters and did not offer anything to make up for the bizarre service. I rated it a 2 only because they did give us a little box of chocolates to celebrate our wedding. I think they are catering only to tourists and not a repeat crowd. Which means it won't be around long.
(2)Dilbert D.
The smoked ribeye here is the BEST steak I ever had. Apparently it was smoked in-house for many days....I was pretty fantastic and memorable. The sides were good, nothing special. I don't love the setting (a fancy lookin' basement), but the food quality and service are hard to argue with. Tried a mint julep for the first time ever---it tasted like a mojito with a splash of gasoline in it! I think that's how it is supposed to taste though
(4)Jen S.
Amazing food, service and atmosphere. A foodie's dream.
(5)John B.
Last night we went to Alligator Soul, as it is one of the few restaurants open on Sundays. It was fantastic! The food was perfect and on time. Our waiter, Sean, was funny and courteous. I will recommend the cheese plate and any martini on the menu. Thanks for a wonderful night!
(5)Rachel R.
The service was poor. The waiter couldn't remember the specials and was absent most of the time. The bus boys kept pouring tap water into our bottled water. We ordered two starters and two entrees. The food was just okay. I really expected better food because of the other yelp reviews. I was extremely disappointed.
(2)Laura V.
Food here was delicious. I had the shrimps and grits. The portion is very large so make sure you don't eat too much bread before hand. They also serve a complimentary sample of bruchetta, as pre-pallete taster. I would highly recommend Alligator Soul for their wonderful food and excellent wait staff.
(4)John M.
I don't honestly get the rave reviews of this place. I ate 5 different shrimp and grits in Savannah and this was the worst of the bunch. It also cost me $30. You read that correctly. I thought the food was okay. The wines by the glass were poor. We opted for champagne to start and were brought sweet bubbly rose in individual screw top bottles. My wife couldn't find a dry glass of white. When we ordered our very expensive entrees, we were asked if we wanted the house salad or a side order of shrimp and grits to go with it. We were not informed that the salads were optional and cost $10 more. Meal for two was $200. The baked oysters were the only noteworthy dish.
(2)Esther K.
We had an amazing meal here at alligator soul! I came here with a bunch of gfs for a bach party and we were thrilled when our server was also originally from the East Coast! We ordred the gumbo and shrimp and grits. Both were very good, it met my expectations. They don't skimp out on the shrimps either. We also ordered the fried green tomatoes and can I say yummmzzz. I had a piece of my friend's steak and it was super juicy and moist. My favorite bonus about this restaurant was the hot sauce! It was spicy and flavorful, all that you could ask about a hot sauce! It was so good, we actually bought a couple of bottles to go. You know its a good sauce when they pre bottle them for purchasing!
(5)Hugh P.
Matthew/Heather and other staff members are pretty friendly. I ate at the bar which was ok too. My ribeye meal was tasty and cooked just right. My issue is that it was very heavy on the sea salt. The salty taste left a lower rating on my mind. But everyone sees to like their other meals.
(3)Michelle C.
I love this place and recommend it to everyone. I went out of my way to bring friends to dinner tonight. When we walked in to sit at the bar the hostess told us that they were not seating any more it was only 8:40. The manager then said "we are having issues". Not sure what that means but they are no longer on my go to list for dinner in Savannah.... In response to Alligator Soul's comment about my review. I would have completely understood and never posted this negative review if we had been told the truth of the situation. Telling patrons that you have issues and stating "if you don't already have a reservation we can't seat you" is not good customer service. I hope that your Chef is ok and very glad that you made the decision to put him 1st. I was a restaurant manager for many years and would have done the same for my employees but I would have been honest with my customers.
(1)Michael B.
Went here this past Saturday night. I highly recommend the Hilbo Ribeye. Delicious. Best restaurant I've been to in Savannah.
(5)YelpHatesMe Y.
Honestly, completely baffled at the high reviews of this place. The ambiance isn't what we expected. It was set out more like a an old storage basement or small warehouse. I was expecting more of a modern look. Service was OK, although there was some piss poor communication between what cheeses were and weren't pasteurized - which was important to know for my pregnant wife. The ones they told us that were - weren't. Seriously? Ever heard of lawsuits? The food. Their "premier" food was this duck bacon, that I thought wasn't that great and pretty cold by the time I got to the cutting board. They had an alligator sausage, but all I tasted was salt. Their cheese completely tasted like it was store bought. I had pretty run of the mill shrimp and grits, with a ton of grits and small on the over cooked side shrimp. The pork belly was basically a piece of meat with a HUGE piece of fat on top of it. I wasn't excited to eat it, it was more of an "OK, I "wanted this" so lets get it over with" experience. The wine list wasn't very good either. We usually just go to the Olde Pink House but thought we would try something different this trip. We chose wrong and will be going back to the Pink House whenever in town.
(2)Jay W.
Very creative menu and drink list. Very attentive and professional staff from greeters to waiters. Wife said the shrimp and grits were as good as any she has had. My jambalaya was excellent but shrimp replaced frog legs in this entree and will probably will be a permanent change. Shrimp were plentiful and were excellent so no complaints although the frog legs drew me there. Excellent decor. Negatives: pricey menu and very loud so don't expect a quiet romantic meal. We would certainly go back as we are out-of-owners.
(4)Rich T.
After walking a few blocks in the crazy heat of Savannah, I was happy to learn we were going underground to visit Alligator Soul. We went through the preliminary motions while we waited for our table to be set up and we took the opportunity to visit the chef's selections. Our table was in the farthest third of the venue and while we had company in nearby tables, we did not feel crowded in the well appointed restaurant. Our server was good in explaining the menu to us was we opted for the meat and cheese platters before rolling into the main courses. We noticed our server had an assistant who seemed to be learning on the job and I thought the prime time of Saturday night seemed to be an odd time to be conducting waiter training. We then entered a period of anticipation that reminded me of the Twilight Zone where nothing happened...we waited... and waited....our server seemed to be there and serving other tables, but not us. A party table for 8 sat down next to us and they got a team of servers at their call. To the amazement of the management and the other diners, we did what anyone would have done: we started playing cards....Rummy... Finally, a different server brought us the stunning meat and cheese plates, which went too quickly. Then we waited some more. I lost three more hands of Rummy.... Dinner rolled out with the duck entree for me and the steak for her. Both were very good and worth noting as we shared our plates. Looking back at it now, dinner was 3+ hours long. The food was good, but the service needed help that night as the party of 8 plus the two tables on either side of us came and went with the wind before us. I may return to Alligator Soul to see if my impression was wrong, but I am certain Savannah does better than this on a regular basis.
(3)Mary Ann Keogh K.
We had the little bilbo and it delicious but not little. It was huge. The duck fat fries were very tasty. That being said the oysters were even more delicious with many flavored blending together. However the shrimp and grits were the star of the show. The small portion had 6large fresh shrimp and the sauce was over the top. This is truly a gem. The service is very attentive and the ambience was very classic and romantic
(5)Keri F.
We got in late our first night (US airways - need I say more?), no baggage in hand, starving... I remembered something about an alligator from the yelp reviews, plugged it into the phone, got us there quickly. Tuesday, night, no one out, in a cellar? Wasn't sure what to expect, but soon realized, while underdressed, we were in the right place! They have moonshine on their specialty drink list! Had to try that, it was good. Started with a nice little amuse bouche: corned beef and cabbage stew in a bite - OMG! why don't they serve this as a meal? I don't eat beef, but for this I would have! Appetizer was FGT (fried green tomato) - very good. Had a bread and butter pickle type chow chow on top, and decent breading with slight salt and pepper. Specialty of the night was fried mahi mahi, presented like a basic fish fry bar night. But the mahi mahi was cooked perfectly, in breading? I don't know how they did it, but it worked. The breading here was average, nothing special. My other got the shrimp and grits appetizer for the main meal - stated "It was really good! Shrimp were cooked perfect." I had to sample the grits (took my lactaide) and it was exactly what grits and cheese should be - a perfect marriage of hard with soft texture and a light cheese and light corn flavor. And this one comes with little bits of sausage which adds a nice salt and smokey flavor. Our last night in Savannah: we had to go back to see if this place was really "THAT" good. This time we sat at the bar, a nice crowd friendly experience. We elected on 2 appetizers: the FGT again and frog legs. FGT were good again, but this time the breading was a little heavier, which downgraded it from best to second best FGT in Savannah. Frog legs were in a coconut cream curry, but the legs were smoked on a grill. Good combination. Negatives: Service took forever! You guys are nice but gotta pick up the pace a little, and I'm talking about alcohol and food service.
(4)Rick R.
Great place!!!! Oysters a la Soul and Shrimp & Grits were awesome. Fun atmosphere and incredible menu!
(5)Christina J.
Slow down people!! To much tunnel vision goin on here. Kind of a hit an miss for our party. We would give them another chance. And if the woman who was said to be the owner would relax a little and take the keys off her hip would be really helpful for a better experience for anyone with in 10' of her.
(3)Lindsey K.
Fantastic! My husband and I had our first honeymoon dinner here and the food was amazing. The staff even had a box of mini praline pies and a nice congratulatory note waiting on our table upon our arrival. Food-wise it was awesome. I had red deer, he had shrimp & grits, and we shared some alligator sausage. Delicious. Our server was able to describe every item in detail, as well as the drinks. Being from Portland, we weren't familiar with some of the alcohol, and I was torn between two drinks. I ended up only ordering one of them, but our server caught us on the way out (after we had already paid and tipped) and offered us a sample of the drink I did not choose. Needless to say, the service was great. Next time we're in Savannah, we'll definitely we back!
(5)Sarah L.
Had my first dinner here a week ago for my boyfriends birthday, what a great place!! We had the best and most friendly waiter named Davis. He was so knowledgable about the menu, very attentive, and so friendly! For appetizers we ordered a cheese board and the alligator sausage. Both were wonderful. The cheese board was not only beautiful but delicious, I would recommend it to anyone. As entrees I got the flounder and my boyfriend ordered the venison. My dish was very good, the fish mixed with the lentils was great. The flounder itself was over seasoned for my taste, it took away from the fish. But when mixed with everything on the plate the flavor a were perfect. The venison was to die for!! I was sneaking bites off my boyfriends plate all night! Alligator Soul is a must if you live in Savannah!
(5)Jamie S.
Alligator Soul is amazing and definitely lives up to the hype! Its one of those place that you'd eat at and always remember because of the food and overall experience. I ate at this place my last two nights in Savannah...that's how good it is! The restaurant's attention to detail is unparalleled! The cuisine is creative and flavorful but yet still versatile enough to be adapted to fit your dietary restrictions. On my 1st night, I had the Creole Soul dish for my appetizer and Red Snapper special for my main entree. On my 2nd night, I tried the Elk for my main entree. The Creole Soul was an explosion of rich, unique but complimentary flavors that dance with your palette. I ordered it without the pork so it only came with shrimp and crawfish, but it was still well executed. The Red Snapper special was fantastic and served with an artichoke, pink eye beans, and another vegetable that I can't recall. The fish was wonderfully fresh and lightly seasoned with sea salt. The Elk completely blew me away and this is coming from a person who usually only eats fish and turkey. It was cooked to perfection...flawlessly tender and seasoned. It was served with collards and a twice-baked potato. Service was excellent! The restaurant uses of team approach to make sure your food gets to the table quickly and accurately so you see different people bring you drinks, food, dessert, etc. This place is definitely a "must try" and should be your first stop while in Savannah! I highly recommend making reservations because this place is packed everyday of the week. I love that the restaurant supports local farmers too!!!
(5)Sierra L.
Seriously amazing! From the pork belly appetizer to our steak and bison dinners! The drinks were great. Simply delicious! You have to try it!!! A must go for sure!
(5)Diane A.
Alligator Soul is my favorite restaurant hands down in Savannah!!! Now make sure though you make reservations, and the yelp app allows you to do so from their page. We came in over the July 4th weekend with a 530pm reservation, when the restaurant just opened. I like the early dinner because I can get in before the crowds and still have room for dessert in the evening. They start you off with a palate cleanser and that was already yum! We ordered the cheese plate for appetizer and it had an assortment of 4 cheeses, breads, and then fruit. I ordered a small plate of shrimp & grits while hubby got the Soul Creole (too bad he ended up getting an allergic reaction to the crawfish). Other times we've gotten the scallops, fried green tomatoes, and another dish. Now, my favorite drink has to be the ETTA JAMES. In the past I've had it with the gin but my recent trip I got it as a mocktail since I'm 22 weeks pregnant. Now the mocktail was even better than the real drink. OMG, to die for! Service is always remarkable and consistent. Multiple people come to your table to provide you with anything you need so there's no way you won't be missing out on something. The atmosphere is beautiful and the employees are wonderful. I love coming here!!
(5)Penny L.
Same as the other Yelper Erin L( comments made 9 months ago), exactly the same experience happened to me when dinning in this restaurant: Everything was great including the service, ambience, and food. However, I hope the owner can pay attention to what I post since IT HAPPENED AGAIN TO THE 2ND CUSTOMER; if you don't want to receive another one star by the third person, please take this into consideration. Two things bothered me on the bill: 1)$5 charge for sparkled water- at first I ask for simple water, but the server Kate brought up a choice of sparkling water. I do not think this will add to the bill since I have never been to a high end restaurant which "charges" any type of water, including sparkling one. However, seeing the $5 on the bill really upset me for tonight. 2)$14 for two scallops. Yes ONLY TWO pieces for $14. This was recommend by the server Kate again, and of course she did not mention the added price to me in the beginning. I feel tricked for her hiding this important factor to sway my decision making. As I know, the high quality of sashimi (yellow tail) in a highly reviewed Japanese restaurant in NYC is $3 a piece. One scallop in Savannah costs almost $7? I am sorry, though I really love scallop and I hate comparing, this uncomfortable charge def brings my satisfaction down to almost zero. I have grown up having fresh seafood; obviously this price does not make sense to me at all. After all, I still tip enough tonight for I understand how tough it is to run a restaurant and to be a server. And I really love southern hospitality in this travel experience. Letting this ruin my mood is not worth it. Next time, I will rethink about whether to come back to Alligator Soul.
(2)Darci S.
I had the shrimp and grits and was impressed. The shrimp was prepared perfectly but the sauce was the winner of the dish. I don't know what was in it but the smokiness balanced the dish very well. This was also my first time to eat shrimp and grits. I will happily do so again. My husband had the fresh caught scallops which I tried and they were crazy tender. Unlike I've ever had before. My boys had the bacon wrapped tenderloin. What can I say they are 18 & 13 not very adventurous. They both liked their dishes. The craft cocktails were creative and well made. That maple infused rum, though.
(4)Tracy N.
The best meal we had in Charleston, Beaufort, and Savannah! House salad left something to be desired -the grit croutons were unique but the salad was a bit wilted by the dressing and not cold. The creole and duck entrees were amazing. The smaller appetizer portion of the creole was perfect for me.. I imagine the taste might be too much in a big size. The restaurant was very thoughtful in recognizing our anniversary with a small gift. We will definitely return!! This is a great romantic restaurant.. Lots of couples here.
(5)Peter C.
Amazing Restaurant. Friends from NYC told us it was a must, and they were right. Our waiter Rashiad was amazing, really made it extra special. Great atmosphere. The exotic choices were amazing. I had the Elk, wow. So tasty!! My daughter had the Bison Ribs, who knew!!! They were like beef ribs, but better. The Shrimp and Grits with Okra were to die for!!! The menu changes seasonally, so be ready. I had heard to have the étouffée, it was not on the menu, oh well a reason to come back.
(5)Wendy S.
Loved the soul-food Boudin was the best! The Service was excellent people were great atmosphere was awesome!
(5)Michelle M.
We researched this restaurant before coming to Savannah. It did not disappoint. Perfectly cooked seared scallops, melt in your mouth steak, pork belly to die for. This meal was well worth the trip we made from Charleston.
(5)Amy C.
Lovely restaurant. My husband and I went this past Saturday evening and had a great meal. The food was wonderful--from the amuse bouche and fresh bread to the seriously amazing grilled oysters, the nice wine and beer list, the whole thing was on point. The house salad was even awesome. For our entrees we had the catch (wreckfish--grouperish fish) and the beef tenderloin. Sadly, we didn't have room for dessert. I only did 4 stars because I was left waiting for a drink a couple of times, but the meal was well-paced and the service pretty good in general. We will definitely be back next time we're in town. Can't wait to eat those oysters again!
(4)Mark R.
Ms. B. and I were visiting Savannah over my birthday weekend, so I did some searching to see what restaurants appeared suitable for a nice birthday dinner. Alligator Soul's menu seemed most intriguing, so we decided to give it a go and made a reservation. When the restaurant called to confirm it, they asked if this was a special occasion, so I informed them it was my birthday. And thus, when we came in, they presented me with a nice little box filled with some chocolate and a couple of nutty tarts, which were pretty tasty. Sweet! To begin, we ordered a bottle of Rioja Ergo, which was decent (though, not unexpectedly, the markup for wine and cocktails was exorbitant). For an appetizer, we decided to try the artichoke and goat cheese fritters, which were delicious -- warm, crispy outside, soft but not runny inside, and, of course, very, very rich. For dinner, it was a difficult choice, as there were many appealing options on the menu. In the end, I settled on the bison hanger steak, and Ms. B. opted for a vegetarian combination with farro. We were both quite taken with our choices; the bison was delicious and fairly tender, cooked medium rare. In fact, I had only taken a few bites when our server stopped by and mentioned that certain of us seemed overtly pleased with our dinners. I suppose I might have made a satisfied noise or two; it's hard to recall, for it was my birthday and now I am old. The ambiance at Alligator is warm and inviting, the servers top-notch -- perfectly attentive without being overbearing. We could eat at a leisurely pace but never had to wonder where the food or our servers were hiding out. Prices are not for the faint of heart, but then, we expected this and compensated by eating sand for a few days afterward. It's all good.
(4)Ginger J.
The food was outstanding! Better than that was our waiter. He was darling and was really cute with my 7 month old nephew, which made us love this place even more!
(5)STEPHANIE L.
My family and I dined at Alligator Soul- the food was delicious! We originally tried making a reservation and were disappointed when it would not take on open table. Then two days before our trip I received a phone call confirming our reservation. He explained that it must have been a glitch. We were happy to see that we could be accommodated. We tried many cocktails- all of which were delicious. We really liked their sidecar's the best! We did Fried Green Tomatoes for an appetizer. The portions are great size to split and add a salad. Our table had many items. By far our favorite was the shrimp and grits. Incredibly tasty! Our server was great- Lots of personality, and incredibly attentive. I would suggest this as a great restaurant for a date, or an intimate meal. Due to the popularity it was hard to get a reservation and we could be sat until 9:15.
(4)Michael M.
Came down to Savannah from Charleston for a night away. This place has the right idea, but the service did not live up to the food or atmosphere. Our server seemed a little under-experienced, staff in general seemed young and overwhelmed for a Tuesday night during slow season. The host was a young guy that was very nice, seated us by the fireplace while we waited for our table. He took our drink order after a ten minute wait with no server/bartender and after another ten we were shown to our table, still no drinks. I ordered a glass of the house aligator soul red wine, seconds later the table adjacent to us tried to order the same, however their very outgoing server strongly suggested not to order "the cheapest wine, because if you want to just get drunk you can order anything". I ordered the bouillobaise, and like I had overheard from our neighbors order, it was strongly suggested to add scallops. I said sure I love scallops, which I do. When the entree arrived, sans scallops I let our server know I didn't notice any scallops. She checked and returned to say, "I am stupid, I accidentally pressed the extra shrimp button instead of scallops. Are you okay with extra shrimp or do you want me to pay for them?" I had never really heard that before, begrudgingly said it was fine and went on with what was a really good meal and deducted the $9 add on from the tip. It turned into a funny story for my wife and I, and as frequent diners in Charleston, allowed us to continue to turn our noses up a bit higher when it comes to comparing our two cities in terms of dining. This place has the right idea, and with a little better staff training will be top of the line (for Savannah.. haha).
(3)Julia R.
We visited Savannah on our way home from Florida. Such a charming city! After looking through reviews, this looked like our best bet and I still think it was. We ordered the cheese platter, fried green tomatoes, shrimp & grits, and the vegetarian special (a pot pie). The cheese was yummy, nothing out of the ordinary. Some of the bread on the platter was stale. The fried green tomatoes were standard. Again, good, but nothing special. The shrimp & grits was delicious. So flavorful and a huge serving. The vegetarian pot pie, I did not try, but my boyfriend seemed pleased. I would give the food 4 stars because it was standard and good. But I am also docking a star for our server. He seemed very preoccupied - often stopping in the middle of talking to us to look at something. He also read the specials off of a sheet of paper, which isn't necessarily bad, but he struggled to get through it. Still, I'd recommend Alligator Soul if you're stopping through Savannah.
(3)Caroline M.
4 stars for the food because it was cooked to perfection and wasn't lacking in flavor at all! Our waitress was accommodating but pushy at times and I had a make shift surf and turf put together with their special, alligator boudins, and a few shrimp along with some yummy carrots! Boyfriend had the exotic special which was an antelope meat shepherds pie. All I can say is that it was unreal and my taste buds like some cheetah food that's for sure! Only reason I didn't give it five stars is because the atmosphere is a little stuffy considering it's in a basement and could have a cool vibe if it really wanted to. And as I said the waitress was pushy with alcoholic beverages, appetizers, desserts, etc. and it just made us both weirdly uncomfortable! Other than that, great food and worth the price tag!
(4)Steven S.
My girlfriend and I went there for dinner and to put it simply; it was the best meal we have ever had!!
(5)Jennifer R.
The service was perfect and the food was wonderful. The menu was creative and imaginative. I loved the "exotic" food. The only negative I have is that it was COLD in the restaurant. Take a sweater if you are normally a "cold-blooded" person, as I am!!! Otherwise, you should be fine.
(5)Ally B.
Fantastic game meat dishes!! Beautiful atmosphere. Great service. Everything we ordered was better than the next. Extensive bar menu. We tried Kangaroo and Bison. Unreal!! A real gem in the heart of Savannah. A must if you like great quality food.
(5)Ken C.
AMAZING. We went here this week, and every course was better than the next. From the bread, to the appetizers of baked oysters shrimp and grits (SO GOOD), to our entrees of red deer and tenderloin wrapped in bacon with a side of fries cooked in duck fat. Mmmmmmmmm...... Just go, and you will find out for yourself.
(5)Jason T.
Great atmosphere, AMAZING ribeye, delicious corn bread, great drinks. One of the best restaurants we visited in Savannah.
(5)Sarah K.
Alligator Soul is a cozy little underground treasure. The ambiance and decor were great with exposed brick walls, neat little subterranean gardens and great music. Our server greeted us warmly and asked about food allergies or restrictions, which we very much appreciated, since my husband and I are both lactose intolerant, which is challenging in the low country. Additionally, I'm pescetarian. No problems at all here. Our server brought out a refreshing amuse-bouche (compliments of the chef) that not only met our dietary weirdness, but was delicious! Our cocktails were lovely, and as we chose our dinner selections, our server was careful to point out items that met our dietary needs or dishes that would best adapt. We started with splitting the house salad, which we agreed was probably one of the best salads we've ever had. The combination of the watermelon radish, sorrel, and OMG! Parmesan Grit Croutons was amazing. Very light dressing, that makes it seems as though one is just eating straight up veggies, but the BEST veggies ever! The complimentary foccacia bread also shone in this course. Our server was able to provide us with detailed information about our wine choices when asked, but was not remotely pushy about anything. She had very soft, gentile mannerisms. This is the kind of place that perfectly balances casual elegance. Did I mention that she surreptitiously crumbed our table? This while hip blues plays in the background. Perfect. My husband had the shrimp creole and absolutely loved it. That's what bumped this up from as 4 star review to a 5. He was absolutely in heaven. Note, however, that he likes spice. And in our limited experience, Alligator Soul's chef seasons aggressively. This is what one would expect with shrimp creole, and it was perfect for my heat loving husband. I was a little disappointed, however, with my scallops. They were cooked perfectly, but a little too peppery for me. The menu description didn't mention the black pepper crust on the sear, which I found to be a bit overwhelming for the scallop and the lavender rice. Still, our overall experience was at minimum a 4, and with the level of service, and how much my husband loved his meal, I'm going to round up from the 4.5 rating I would have given to a 5.
(5)Lauren L.
I came here with a group that ended up being two more people than the reservation and a big deal was made about if my entire party could be accommodated. -1 star We arrived early and told the server we needed to be out of there by 8 but we repeatedly had to flag down servers to ask for things throughout the entire meal. -1 star It was restaurant week so most of the table ordered that @ $30 for dinner which I think is the same price as the entrees here. I didn't like the hibiscus margarita of which I am usually a big fan. My fried green tomatoes were only warm and okay but my steak tips were very fatty and just not that good so I mostly ate the fries. -1 star My friend had the grits which were delicious and my other friend had the buffalo which was very tender it had a good sauce and tasted exactly like short ribs. The tip was included because we were a large group but if I had more time I would have complained because the service was not acceptable. When our server was present she had an attitude that was not professional. I understand that this place is trying to be a big deal and a "foodie destination" so it charges NY prices but for that the place should deliver with service and on every dish and it didn't. Also when people have two hours to eat a meal and notify the staff in advance this should be achieved without us stressing out about getting to a show on time.
(2)Miles E.
Pricey but totally worth it to splurge every now and then. They attention to detail in the food and service really is amazing. Example: All Parmesan Grit Croutons in the salad are homemade and pan fried there? SERIOUSLY? haha this place is awesome.The chef is amazing and is always changing the menu to offer the freshest seasonal seafoods/proteins. For the whiskey lovers out there this place has a fantastic sampler selection that will def but some hair on your chest. I PROMISE THIS PLACE WILL NOT LET YOU DOWN
(5)Paula M.
I highly recommend this restaurant. Excellent food, drinks, and service!
(5)Ramon P.
Well we went to alligator soul based on all the hype but sadly it didn't live up to any of it. The food wasn't anything to write home about at all the service was horrible. The waiter didn't even know what was on the menu and that they had run out of scallops.. So he continues to try to sell us scallops we had to continue to remind him that he doesn't have that on the menu. Overall we paid over $180 and we hated spending every penny NEVER AGAIN WILL WE EVER GO BACK THERE THANKS BUT NO THANKS
(2)Morgan H.
We started at world of beer around the corner, our bartender recommended alligator soul as a great place to grab dinner. It was a Friday night but we took a shot, walked around the corner and asked for a table. Just by chance they had one available and squeezed us in. Everyone was so polite ad accommodating! I could hardly believe it, we definitely were not dressed for a nice dinner, but they sat us straight away and our server was prompt and so knowledgable! We pretty much took every recommendation and had the alligator sausage appetizer special, scallops with risotto and duck. All of which were delicious and amazing. I have never been much of a seafood person, but I wish I would've gotten those scallops they were perfection. We also had the chocolate dessert special which was kind of a bread pudding, also delicious and not nearly as heavy as you would think. Not only did our server check on us during the meal, but so did the chef, manager, and other servers. This place runs like a well oiled machine, I CANNOT emphasize how wonderful it is to have a great meal with equally great service... It seems to be hard to come by these days. Thank you for making our first dinner on vacation a delight!
(5)E M.
Made the 8:30 pm reservation weeks in advance for my husband's bday. We were sat around 8:40, no problem. Husband was presented with a tiny personalized box of pecan tarts which was a nice intro. We took about 10 mins looking over the menu, ordered a round of drinks and 2 appetizers then waited.... And waited... Server brought delicious hot bread & corn muffins... Finally got our drinks around 9:15, appetizers a few minutes later. Panko crusted baked oysters were good, but not as great as the reviews. Mushroom pate very earthy indeed; pappadams were a nice touch. Entrees were very good-2 very tender tenderloins cooked spot on and lamb chops. The nutty red rice with the lamb chops and crispy duck fat fries were delicious. The white sangria was refreshing, but throw in some fruit for $14/glass. Overall our dinner was very good, but we are unsure whether or not we'll return which is the true test. The decor and ambiance could have be better. The lights were turned up too high, high enough to see a large brown smear on the curtains at shoulder height next to my dinner companion and the bad seafood paintings on the wall. Perhaps someone from the Paris Market down the street could redo the interior. Crossing this place off my Savannah list. Been there, done that.
(3)Adrian V.
Great experience from top to bottom. The bar tender was very sociable and knowledgeable. I tried a gin mule for the first time, and ordered about three more thereafter. The charcuterie board was the best I've ever tasted. If you're looking for the healthy option, it's not for you. If you want amazing trade, give it a go. The suckling pig was delicious but my date's roast lamb was still better. We had the chocolatier option for dessert, really good as well. If ever in town, I will certainly go again.
(5)Heather A.
Loved this place! We came to Savannah for a long weekend to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary and the staff at Alligator Soul were so sweet and wonderful to us. The food was excellent, the bartenders friendly and knowledgable, and table service was wonderful.
(5)laurie g.
We went last night for dinner and the food was amazing. Oysters a la soul were the best oysters I have ever eaten. The chef was extremely considerate of my garlic allergy and took great care in sauces and backed down the garlic. The food was 5 stars! Hands down, but they were very busy and service was a little slow. Everyone was very attentive it was just a little slow, and I didn't think the staff was very knowledgable regarding the wine list. If you haven't tried this place, you WILL NOT be disappointed. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone wanting an elegant dinner in savannah .
(4)Vinny G.
I almost rated this 4 stars because the service was so slow, but the food is really special. Also, we figured we're in Savannah, so why not relax and take our time. The chef here really knows what he/she is doing. We ordered and shared a variety of appetizers so that we could try as many different dishes as possible, and every one was a big hit. Some of the highlights: Oysters a la Soul: baked oysters on the half shell topped with a blend of crawfish, bacon, a spicy creamy roux, topped with panko crumbs. Stupid good. My new favorite oyster dish anywhere. Gator sausage spiced to perfection with a really interesting mustard based side. Sunnyside up quail eggs over sausage in a light sauce. Spicy and terrific. Shrimp and grits. I'm not a good person for this because I usually like even mediocre shrimp and grits, but these were spiced just right with creamy grits and fresh shrimp. A cut above. For dessert we had the cherry bourbon cobbler which we ordered a la mode, because by this time "why not?". The cherries had a great sweet/sour flavor with just enough burboun to add flavor but not overpower it. The wine list was fairly priced, as were all the dishes, and the atmosphere was large wine cellar mellow. The only downside was that the service was extremely slow, and it didn't appear to be just our table or waiter. We had all night, so we just went with the flow. It's one thing to have relaxed service and a long meal, but this was far too long between visits. The food makes it all worth it, but this is something that really should be corrected with a chef this good. Having said that, we have been to Savannah a number of times and this was not only our favorite meal in Savannah, it was up there with some of our favorite restaurants anywhere. Leave yourself some time and enjoy.
(5)Austin J.
Outstanding food and great service! My wife had the duck and it was cooked perfectly (medium-rare). I had the scallops and risotto. Both dishes were amazing and delicious. It is a great atmosphere! Great date night restaurant! We will definitely come back again to try more dishes!
(5)Todd C.
The food was excellent, my wife had the Shrimp n' Grits (A+) and I had the Scallops (awesome), the wine was great. Kate was our waiter and she was phenomenal....highly recommend. Make sure you make reservations. Oh, and being from the Bluegrass, great bourbon selection.
(5)Esi D.
Excellent service! Everyone was so friendly and checked in with us a lot about our food and service. I had the grouper and my husband had the lamb - both great dishes. The only reason why I am not giving it 5 stars is that we had to wait for quite a while to get our meals.
(4)Louisa S.
Awesome fresh organic local fine dining. We both started with the house tossed salad;incredible. I had the Surf and Turf; filet was so tender and the scallops so good. He had the fresh Fish of the day, Grouper, topped with Bernaise sauce, exquiste poltenta and butternut squash.fluffly mashed potatoes. Well worth the $50 per person meal. Especially if you are on vacation.
(5)Stephanie L.
Wow. We heard rave reviews of this place and it did not disappoint. From the moment we walked in, service was great. It's downstairs in the basement level, but the ambience is perfect. Not dark at all, which is what we were expecting. Hostess seated us quickly and our server promptly arrived at the table to greet us. We started off with a half dozen of the oysters de la soul... and thinking back, we should have ordered the full dozen. I'm not one for cooked oysters but these were amazing -- not too heavy, like oysters Rockefeller can be. Then my husband had the soup du jour and I had their house salad. Both solid. Now for the entrees... we were in for a treat. Husband ordered the bacon wrapped filet with horseradish mashed potatoes and brococlini. He cleaned his plate; said the mashed potatoes were the best he's ever had. I ordered the elk tenderloin special... just to be adventurous, and was pleasantly surprised with the flavors. Finally, for dessert, we asked our server to surprise us with two options. He brought out the cobbler and banana beignets. Just the right amount of sweet to finish off an excellent meal. Yum! All in all, a great dining experience... from food and drinks to service and attentiveness. Highly recommend.
(5)Natalia D.
Romantic and delicious. Chef uses local produce and whats in season, which keeps the menu fresh and exciting. Highly suggest a reservation. Definitely on our rotation list for the next trip to Savannah.
(4)Trent L.
Best upscale meal I've had in Savannah. It's all about the food here. The location is nice and the decor pleasant, but I was blown away by the food. We started with the Charcuterie Plate; an appetizer of pork belly, duck bacon, alligator sausage, and roasted smoked veal bone marrow. Absolutely delicious, and the marrow was one of the top 3 things I've ever eaten. For entrees, I had the ribeye and my wife had the shrimp and grits. Both absolutely fantastic. The duck fat frites were extraordinary. All that said, this is a restaurant with BOLD flavors. If you don't like rich/spicy/smokey, this may not be for you. You also need to be a bit adventurous. If eating elk/ostrich/alligator sounds scary, or if a chocolate and vanilla root beer float with stout beer sounds crazy, you may not like this place. But if you love great food with bold flavors and have a sense of adventure, do not miss this restaurant.
(5)Ella A.
We stopped by for dinner. We did not have a reservation, however the hostess was able to find us a table at the front of the restaurant. Service, in our case, was very slow. It took several walk-bys and about 10+ minutes before a waitperson took on our table. The food was good, nothing memorable one way or another, and service did improve throughout the evening. Based on our experience we probably would not go back, but we would not not recommend the establishment.
(3)Bob M.
Wow....Where do I start? We only ate in one place in Savannah. I am a big farm to table guy and the chef here has mastered this project! The food here is beyond words. Had the cheese plate and the wild mushroom miso soup. Fantastic. Corn muffins and home made bread was out of this world but don't fill up on carbs. Had do decide between the Hilo Ribeye or the Kangeroo steak. Went with the ribeye because I figured the Roo was going to be small and expensive. Ribeye shows up and holy $hit the thing is like 16 ounces! And it's cooked perfectly. And it's paired with fresh cut fries cooked in duck fat! I wanted to hug the chef! I don't doubt there is not a bad dish on the menu which they change seasonally. And everything is locally raised and organic. And you won't be waiting for staff to assist you. There was like a staff member for each 3-4 patrons. Go here! Get in your car or a taxi and do this place. Don't expect chicken wings or calamari. This is not that place. This is real food and you will wish it was right down the street from your house.... Stop reading this and go here......
(5)Annie Z.
My husband and I enjoyed our anniversary dinner at Alligator Soul. It was a great spot for a romantic dinner. The staff was very attentive and knowledgeable. We were asked if we were celebrating anything when the reservation was confirmed and our server was informed and brought it up when we were sat as well as asking if there was anything I needed to avoid as I am pregnant. The food was a little salty for my taste but my husband loved the meal. I'd recommend going with their exotic dish or chef's choice to get the most out of your experience. Overall it was a good choice for our celebration.
(4)Joseph F.
Over priced with average food. Miserable waiter with an attitude. I don't remember his name but he was tall and thin, about 6'6". One person in our party had to send his steak back 3 times and finally gave up and didn't eat. Shrimp and grits was so so. Much better in Charleston SC. Never again!
(2)Jan B.
Ask for Adam! Best waiter ever!!! This place is a jewel in Savannah. It rivals the best restaurants of Charleston. They use a lot of locally grown food and the flavor a come through. You must try the Oyster a la Soul. Best Oysters outside of New Orleans.
(5)Steve B.
Great ambiance and amazing food. Love the windows that were built into the walls. Restaurant is underground and this really makes it feel more spacious. Great service as well. Megan was great as well as the support staff. The drinks were remarkably good. Moonshine was tasty and not too powerful. Old fashioned was brilliantly made. Scallops were perfectly cooked and the portions were sizable, without being enormous. Would recommend to anyone who doesn't mind spending a decent amount of money for a great meal. Well worth the cost.
(5)Angela L.
From start to finish this place wowed us. A treat for my boyfriend for his birthday. The server explained all aspects of all the menus. The manager wishes us well. The food was delicious. Get the goat cheese cheesecake. Thank you Alligator Soul for a wonderful meal.
(5)Anna S.
On a trip to Savannah, we arbitrarily selected this spot from a list of restaurants. Definitely worth a trip! We were served a palate cleansing soup to start, followed by some delicious house-made cranberry and Aleppo pepper muffins, and a sea salt encrusted bread with honey lemon butter. The bread was still hot and fresh, and a lovely way to start the meal. We ordered a small portion of the creole shrimp and house salad. The small portion was definitely big enough for an entree, so if you're saving room for dessert I'd recommend doing the same. I ordered "The Little Hildo" which is - ribeye with the house spice mix. It came with fantastic duck fat-fried french fries, and flavorful asparagus. This was an excellent and large portion, and I ended up taking a lot of it to go. My waiter was even kind enough to cut it for me before putting it in a go-box because I didn't have access to a steak knife in my hotel. My sweet tea was also wonderful- not a sweet aftertaste and not cloying. The dessert options were kind of limited. We had a mint cheesecake which was fine, but I wouldn't go running back for it. Since they change their menu according to the local ingredients, I'm sure they have other and better options. The service was very friendly and anything they didn't know, they double checked in the kitchen. Excellent dining experience.
(5)Roberto F.
This is a great restaurant that's tucked away down in the basement area but makes for a great place to have dinner. Due to our budget I would recommend this place for a special day (birthday anniversary or just that special occasion where you want a fancy dinner. The food was amazing and the waiters were excellent at pairing wine with the dishes. Service was a bit slow but nothing really to complain about, especially since our section was full. Another great thing about this place is that even though it's higher end it didn't feel pretentious. When back in Savannah we will be sure to celebrate our return at this place.
(4)Tom M.
Very nice. Had the Bison Oso Bucolic and it was great! Only slight disappointment was the gumbo. Appetizer portion was pricey at $14 and was not as tastey as some I have had on the gulf coast.
(4)Holly G.
Easily my favorite dinner during our trip to Savannah! If you are vegetarian or vegan, and you are tired of only being able to eat ravioli or a salad in restaurants, you must come here! Seriously. I ordered the vegetarian special of the day and it was absolutely delicious! It was a huge puff pastry filled with fava beans, mushrooms, black truffle oil, super thin sliced smoky tofu - so much savory goodness! My husband ordered the little Hilbo (?) steak with duck fat fries and seemed happy with it, especially once the server brought out some habanero sauce to kick up the steak. In the end though, he agreed my meal was really the most flavorful of the two. ;)
(5)Nicole W.
I have to say I only came here for their desserts and Coffee. You walk down a couple of stairs and you're transported to a Disney-esque tavern were it looks like it was staged a little too perfect haha It was great! It just didnt have ANYTHING to do with "creole or cajun" culture. Expect maybe for the random aligators around the rooms. Ok lets talk about desserts: - Banana Beignets: these were AH-MAZING! my mouth waters to this day. HOWEVER i have to point out that there was absolutly nothing that looked or even resembled a doughnut covered in powered sugar. The dish was more of a decontructed beignet dish with bananas. It had vanilla icecream on the bottom, layered with tempura fried small pieces of banana (about 4) drizzled with caramel and topped off with crispy cinamony wonton crisps (what?) yeah. - Flourless expresso tart: it was great! just a little to heavy for me. Even though it was a small tort it was so rich and creamy and very thick that it was difficult to take another piece. Overall tasted more like chocolate than coffee which was a disappointment. - The berry cheesecake: ok this one was a flop for me. It was weird cheesecake with chunks and I mean BIG CHUNKS of what looked like were frozen canned peaches (ugh?) yeah so whenever you took a bite out of it you had to commit to the whole peach slice. It was just wierd all over. But my friend (who is a big dessert person) ate 3/4 of it, So it must have something she liked.
(4)Roni D.
My expectations were so high for this restaurant and unfortunately were not met. The food was mediocre as was the waiter. We found out more about the menu by eavesdropping on the other waitstaff in the restaurant while they discussed the dishes with the customers. When we asked our waiter about the specials he barely acknowledged them. Perhaps if we had better guidance in our selections we would have felt better about our experience here. But then again I can't remember any of the dishes that we did have so what does that say?
(2)N B.
When you come to Savannah you must dine here. My fiancé and I came here to celebrate our engagement. The entire staff made our day extraordinary. They truly spoiled us. The food was slap your grand momma good. Okay you may not live to tell the story after slapping grandma but the food is really just that good. You really can't go wrong with anything you order here. Many thanks to the owner and the entire staff for making our engagement so memorable. You are the best! Thank you for all that you do.
(5)Cynda R.
Great place with wonderful atmosphere. I didn't have a reservation and they graciously let me sit and order from the full menu at the bar. I had the blackened grouper nicoise salad. While the grouper wasn't blackened, the salad was beautiful and delicious. The barkeeper described the salad as deconstructed. Interesting. There were no olives but a few perfectly fried nuggets of okra. The fish was also perfectly cooked. Nice wine list.
(4)Maria M.
love the food! did you hear me??? love the food! lamb was amazing, gumbo was ridic(good ridic) fried green tomatoes love love. Too full for dessert.
(5)Susan M.
Asparagus soup tasters, alligator boudin appetizer started the meal. Pep padre & scallion corn muffin with a honey butter. Tasty organic and natural juice cocktails. Exotic meats entree with elk and marrow butter as well as the bacon wrapped beef tenderloin with baby pea pods and cauliflower mash. Excellent wait staff. Overall, very nice evening/meal. Anniversary dinner. Husband wants to come back. Before our next anniversary!!
(5)D H.
Menu is interesting and offers a good range of choices from safe to adventurous. Shrimp and grits appetizer was amazing! Service impeccable. Hand-crafted cocktails a plus. This place is a must if you're in savannah.
(5)Tamara M.
This was our choice for my birthday dinner, and we chose well! This was my first visit to Savannah, and I was already impressed. Alligator Soul fits right in. The location is perfect, walking distance from our hotel in the historic district. The decor is simple yet elegant. The restaurant is on the basement level. We had a table in a small, side room, in the corner. We started with the Artisanal Cheese Plate featuring local specialties along with some fruits, nuts, flatbreads and honey to set off the cheeses. Delicious! They have some lively, unique cocktails featuring organic and natural juices and liquors. I can personally say that the GinGin Mule is addictive. For dinner, the bf had the Lamb Porterhouse with a Lamb and Feta Meatball. It was served with some flavorful rice: duck liver and Medjool date scallion dirty rice. All was rich and delicious. I had one of the specials: a Venison Puff Pastry with Wild Boar Pancetta and Bleu Cheese sweet potato mash. It was like a souped up comfort food, and I was totally in love. The pastry was light and flaky. It seemed like a venison pot pie in a way. The sweet potato mash was to die for. I am seriously going to try and recreate it. Our server was young and sweet. He did a really good job at being attentive and funny but not overbearing. We felt we could take our time and really enjoy the food. I had an after-dinner coffee to end the meal, and the bf had a nice tawny port. It was an excellent meal all around.
(5)Barbara F.
Service, atmosphere, value and most importantly the quality of the meal was unbelievable! Best Valentines dinner ever. Alligator Soul is a must do!!!!
(5)Paige N.
Alligator Soul is AMAZIING!!! I ate here this past weekend while visiting Atlanta with my folks and it was far and away the best meal we had there. We'd made a reservation in advance of arriving for the Sunday night before we left Savannah and after touring around town the past two days exploring River Street, the squares, the Pirate House and all the other notable historical places (Girl Scout HQ, the awesome Roman Catholic church, Broughton St, etc), were excited to dine here. I was a little leery when I first learned Alligator Soul is below street level - I was picturing images of a basement or dungeon like set up, but I was very pleasantly surprised instead. Although the restaurant is below street level it still has windows with flowers and shrubbery and high ceilings giving the feeling of being above ground. Genius - and the inside is charming - very comfortable and inviting but still classy with white table cloths, plush carpets, servers dressed to a tee, and the feeling of almost being in a swanky New Orleans type restaurant. The walls are exposed brick and there's more stone archways inside the restaurant separating the bar area from the main dining rooms, but it's all very elegant still. My mom really got the ball rolling in classic style as soon as we were escorted to our table, by proceeding to knock over the champagne stand at the table next to ours holding a bottle of sparkling water. Winning! Off to a great start already. After the puddle was cleaned up and she'd apologized profusely (the ladies were totally cool with it - it was only water, after all), our waiter proceeded to introduce himself, and take our drink order. When he returned to get our dinner order he brought a complimentary appetizer of bruschetta with a balsamic glaze and a mixture of tomatoes and mushrooms chopped on top of the little toasts - delicious. It was a specialty of the night and yet another testament to their excellent service. Since I'd never seen alligator croquettes on a menu (and probably won't again for some time), my mom and I split an appetizer of that and my dad ordered a dinner salad to go with his entree. For our main dishes, I ordered the lamb tagine, my mom got the flounder special that evening and my dad had the filet of wellington. The croquettes were delicious, I didn't know what to expect alligator to taste like (chicken, perhaps?), but whatever it was, it was great and drizzled with some kind of remoulade, which made it perfect. And the main courses - let me tell you... My lamb tagine was beautifully presented (everything was) and so, so tasty. It came out as a stew of lamb and vegetables like peppers, onions and the like with a side of lentils (the first time I've had them prepared well) and spinach sauteed with chopped garlic. Dad's filet of wellington looked perfect in its puff pastry crust with mashed potatoes and asparagus, and Mom's flounder was very pretty atop a creamy base of canellini beans with proscuitto mixed in. We were also given a loaf of freshly sliced, still warm from the oven herb bread - and I won't lie - that's some of the tastiest bread I've ever had. Everything could not have been better - yes, the bill was a bit steep, but for an experience like that - it was worth it. And really, Alligator Soul is someplace you'd go for a special occasion or if you're an out of towner. Besides, you can't take it with you - put the money you worked hard for to good use: good food! One of the best touches of the night was that since it was our first time dining at Alligator Soul, there was a little box at our table when we arrived saying, "Thanks for coming for the first time, enjoy." And inside were three of the cutest, bite-sized pecan pies I've ever laid eyes on. Not only was it memorable and won instant brownie points from me, but they were also really tasty! Fantastic restaurant I'll highly recommend to anyone visiting Savannah and wanting to have a great food experience.
(5)Renee G.
A hidden gem in town! Dark and delicious interior that emulates an easy ambiance and food that's out of this world. Try a kangaroo filet or the Little Hilbo steak. Sexy, savoury food. Every time.
(5)John S.
Right there with Green Truck as the best food we had in Savannah. A nice room, inventive menu, fresh ingredients, very good service. It's pricey, but worth it. I had a piece of roast fish, she had bison, both very good. Good cocktails, great wine list. You should go for the farm-to-table action.
(5)Courtney D.
My husband and I had a wonderful meal. Our server was fantastic and we enjoyed the entire experience. We were only in town for one night and we were so happy we chose to eat here. Wonderful!
(5)Will B.
Was in town for business and took try at this place. Exceptional service (sat at the bar, great chatting with others and the bartenders) good drinks and excellent food.
(5)Paula E.
We decided to try this place for a different dinner in Savannah while there on vacation. You will downstairs to the basement and its a great environment and nicely decorated! We were given antelope minestrone to start with on a teaspoon to taste which was very good. The waiter asked if we felt adventurous and described the specials. He also brought out a lovely plate of baguette and cornbread served with lemon honey and tyme butter. Again had a nice flavor. I decided on adventure and went with the antelope stroganoff. Unfortunately later in the evening I felt queasy and developed a horrible headache. The next morning after ordering breakfast at another establishment before the food even arrived I became horribly ill from the dinner the night before and quickly realized I had food poisoning. Ended up spending the rest of the day sick in my hotel room. I did call to let them know about it but never heard back. Think I will try adventure from home and not on vacations!
(3)Jennie L.
would be a 3.5 if possible. great ambiance, had a wonderful server. although she was quite disappointed that my husband only ordered the charcuterie plate as his entree (one: he wasn't that hungry. two: he can't pass up pork belly. ever.) the shrimp and grits were wonderful! lots of shrimp and a great flavor! the entree portion was very well sized, and I couldn't come close to finishing. pretty decent wine list, not a whole lot of by the glass options, but found a few to choose from! great meal, overall! would recommend to friends for a good shrimp and grits meal!
(4)V Y.
This place is out of this world. Seriously. The service is impeccable. The food is out of control. We had the shrimp and grits, the beef tenderloin and the elk special. Amazing. I could've had a vat of the mashed potatoes as well. I would encourage everyone to go for the exotic special! They have really fun alcohol flights here too that I've never seen at other restaurants. We had the beer and wine flights, but they also have things like bourbon and martini flights. Go here! Run don't walk!
(5)Mark F.
WOW! Never smiled so much while eating from the pure flavor of food! We went on our anniversary and it was special. We had already seen the menu online and knew what we wanted , the Shrimp and grits. But we also ordered the house salad. Not many salads create a flavor explosion in your mouth, but this one did! The Shrimp and Grits are the best I have ever had. While the food was the best we had during our 4 day stay in Savannah, and maybe in the south, it was the service that made it so special. SPENCER...you're the best, and we both thank you!!! The most memorable meal in out 28 year marriage! We WILL be back again!
(5)Debra B.
Since this was my 1st visit to Savannah, I stopped by a coffee house to get a recommendation from the locals. What great advice! The service and food was excellent. From the moment I walked in, everyone was there to make sure I enjoyed the dining experience. The food was fresh and delicious, the wait staff very helpful and attentive. The next time I visit, this restaurant is on the list.
(5)Jim W.
Atmosphere, food, service was excellent. Great place to take your wife or girlfriend for a romantic dinner. They took the effort to call me the day before to confirm our reservation and ask if my wife and I were celebrating a special occasion. These guys are paying attention and it shows in their service and food.
(5)K. W.
Truly one of the best spots in Savannah! The service was impeccable, seriously one of the nicest waiters ever (rashad) waited on us and we couldn't get over how nice he was and kept tending to us, he made us feel like we were the only ones he was waiting on! The food, oh Lordy, the food was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!!! I can not say enough about the whole experience, we started with a seaweed beef "palette awakener" which was delicious followed by a meat and cheese board (get it, you won't be disappointed) which consisted of pheasant pate, green hill cheese, spicy cheddar, flat bread, and a bunch more stuff I can't remember but was really good. Then we each had our meal - my husband had the bison hangar steak and I had the little hilbo, both were outrageous! We then shared a dessert, banana beignet and ice wine. You NEED to get here if you are a local or a visitor, it's really worth it! But make sure you make reservations - the restaurant was packed when we went! Also try to sit in the room to the right, there's only three or so tables there and it's quite romantic!
(5)Cathy W.
Loved the feel of this place. It's downstairs and feels like a speakeasy. The wait staff was genuine and friendly, demonstrating a good show of Southern hospitality. They took an interest in us and laughed at our lame "menu banter." While usually a wine drinker, the speakeasy environment prompted me to order a Brown Derby cocktail, which was DELICIOUS. With a heightened buzz, I enjoyed my shrimp and grits and corn muffins. I had a house salad too. The shrimp and grits fills you up, fast, so I think this dish can be shared by two people who both want to order dessert. I remember my dessert as "okay," chocolate pie with white chocolate mousse. We rolled out of there.
(4)Amy R.
I had heard such great things about this place and it was recommended by two different friends. good food, service was pretty awful. I walked in without a res and sat at the bar. The host, made me get up. Said another couple had been waiting for the seats. one of which I had sat at. Mind you there was no crowd and I had been eyeing the seats for a good minute or two. I apologized and said I didn't realize the bar was reserved seated. He said no, it's first come first serve. So I'm still scratching my head over that..... I got up and sat at the end bar stool closest to the door hung my head low and tried to hide my embarrassment for how I had been treated. I would have complained but I was so embarrassed I didn't want to draw anymore attention to myself. The bar staff was preoccupied and I had to wait a long time for everything. Won't go back. not the southern hospitality Savannah is known for.
(2)Daniela S.
Ambience was appealing except for the smokiness from the kitchen. Overall would have rated this 4 star but the suckling pig dish was one of the worst pork dishes I've ever had...bland, overcooked and overpriced- should have sent it back. Redeeming qualities were the charcuterie board for an appetizer. My husband had the elk dish that was excellent.
(3)Angela K.
Came here for an anniversary dinner. Was very pleased with the food, not as much with the service. Our waitress kept disappearing for extended periods of time, especially before we were going to order! It can also feel a little claustrophobic. We were in a very small room and it was packed in there. Felt a little stuffy. The food is awesome. Very interesting, and quite pricey. Be prepared to spend some money. If you have not eaten alligator before, now is the time to try it! I also suggest getting whatever meat has been brought in! My boyfriend had the elk they were offering and it was cooked to absolute perfection! Overall, it was a pretty good experience.
(4)Colin A.
I know this place has great ratings and went in with high expectations after getting recommendations from many people. The atmosphere is cool but I think that may be about it. I ordered the oysters for an appetizer which was the only good thing about the meal. Bread came out after I was finished with the appetizer, followed by an old fashioned heavy on the soda water. Over an hour elapsed before my entree, the roasted pig came out. The meat was cold, I left it on the plate and I voiced that to the staff. I was disappointed to see the entree was not comped.
(2)Aileen W.
We only stopped in for adrink but Melvin our bartender made the most excellent infused organic cocktails for us. We will be back!
(5)Jason H.
Jesus somebody please tell me why their butter taste like I died and came back!!! Overall food is exceptional! ....but that butter...
(5)Andrea W.
And so our love affair continues with Alligator Soul....tonight was our anticipated return visit. Again, every thing...without exception, was delightfully tasty. So full of flavor... complex, and inventive. It's food we know, but done in a new way. Again, the service is great, attentive and friendly without being in your space. There are many wonderful places to dine while in Savannah. We had one night, and we choose this one. Again. Hope it's not another 2 years till we are in Savannah. I dont know if I cant wait that long to get some Soul!
(5)Angela B.
We were in Savannah for a wedding. As it was our first time we wanted to make sure our one big dinner out was fabulous. We decided on Alligator Soul and none of us regret it! The atmosphere is really nice. Lots of old brick and dark but nice. We were seated in a comfy seating area until our table was ready. Their drink menu had some selections that were standard and some unique stuff. They handled alterations to the drink menu really well. I had the strawberry caiprioshka and it was amazing. Had a couple actually! We were seated in an alcove and treated to really tasty bread and butter. Our waiter was hilarious and a highlight of the night. He was funny and attentive. A big hit all around! For an appetizer we ordered the grilled alligator. 2 people in our party had never consumed alligator before and I was thrilled this was what they tried. It was perfectly grilled and seasoned. Really tasty meat with a bit of very good sausage on the skewer. For dinner I had the ribeye which was perfectly cooked which came with greens that were to die for and normally I hate greens! The fries done in duck fat were delicious and I almost had to maim my boyfriend for stealing them. My boyfriend had the Ostrich which he said was really good. One friend had the crispy pork chop which as I snagged a piece was a delightful. Our final person had the filet which she loved despite the fact she had to have it well done due to pregnancy. All in all we greatly enjoyed this meal. The food was wonderful and the waiter and atmosphere were great. I highly recommend
(5)Paolo M.
Disappointing food that is over seasoned to compensate for the low quality meat. Service is indifferent. Pretty dining room but nothing to write home about.
(2)Cassie R.
Alligator Soul is a gem! I'm a huge fan of any establishment that is farm to table and certified organic. The service was impeccable (Brittany, I believe was our server's name, she was fantastic!). We were in a drinking mood so we got a little crazy and ordered the moonshine martini flight. Beware! The flight comes with 3 martinis in the most adorable little glasses. The flavors were apple, pear (my favorite), and peach. They were quite sweet but we still enjoyed them, and they definitely served their purpose! ;) My mother ordered the scallops with an addition of shrimp. The scallops were melt in your mouth wonderful and the shrimp was a big enough portion was us to share. Score! I was feeling adventurous so I chose to explore the exotic fare that the restaurant is famous for. The special was elk and it was delicious and cooked to perfection, however I was quite taken aback by the $40 price tag we realized it accompanied when the bill came. Brittany did a great job of pairing a red wine that perfectly complimented the dish. We really enjoyed this experience and would recommend it to a friend looking for a special night out.
(4)Jessica R.
So this review is a little late....just got back into the swing of things.... My boyfriend and I were here for a little weekend getaway in August or September sometime. I remember the drinks!;)....martinis....um, yea, can't go wrong there! I also had some of their specialty cocktails which I'm a stickler for since I used to bartend and am, lets face it, a big fan of alcohol....so with that, I was very happy that the drinks were both delicious and strong. If i remember correctly we had the cheese sampler which was devastatingly good. And the bread....oh, the bread... I remember that...soft and warm and freshly made. Also the diver scallops were pretty damn delicious too....whatever he had he was impressed with as well and he can be pretty critical of the food scene. The service put it over the top. I wish I could remember our waiters name because he was so nice and helpful in a town we'd never been to before. Gotta love that Southern charm. There's a dessert they bring you at the end where they dim all the lights in the restaurant and light the table on fire...pretty cool. I like that I can get that kind of entertainment without being surrounded by Vegas drunks or Applebees flare servers. Hell, who am I kidding, I like it then too.
(5)Michael M.
Four stars = exceeded my expectations. Had a really tasty meal here. Started off with a Gin Gin Mule which was served in a metallic martini glass. Refreshing and easy to drink. Then finished the meal with a "pork three ways". This was a pork confit, pork tenderloin and a pork belly served over a bed of grits. I was almost able to rank this place 5 stars but the appetizer of blue crab was not very strong in terms of crab flavor; obscured by all the other flavors. Service was spot on.
(4)Tammy F.
This was a very nice restaurant. The atmosphere was great. The waiter was very informed. The food not so good. I ordered grilled swordfish it was good. It was served on a grit Parmesan Romano Patty, this was not good at all. I could not even cut this with my knife. I tore it apart and tasted the middle there was no flavor at all. This was served with salad greens, supposedly eggplant and butternut squash. I found no butternut squash And only two bites of egg plant. My husband ordered the bacon wrapped tenderloin it was very good. It came with a side of greens collard greens and kale. My husband does not like grains, so I tried them. The taste was pretty good but after three bites I couldn't get over all the gritty sand in the greens. Then came dessert. My husband ordered a peach apple cobbler. The pecans in the cobbler tasted rancid it was awful. I was very disappointed in the food considering the price. I will not return.
(3)Don F.
We loved our visit. We spent a WAD of dough here, but the food and the atmosphere was great. Our server was fun and we all had a great night. If you are worried about $$, that's cool, don't go here. But if you want GREAT food, this place gave us some of the best food we've had in a while, and we like our food.
(5)Matthew W.
Great place, great service. Felt like we had 5 different waiters because so many we're asking if we needed anything. Great food as well. They have exotic choices to go with other favorites of savannah. A+
(5)Kinny M.
The food was phenomenal! Best shrimp and grits I've had in Savannah. Hyman's in Charleston SC is the only place where I've had better. The wait staff was very friendly and helped make our dining experience even more enjoyable. It was a little expensive, but a great treat while on vacation. We'll be back on our next trip!
(5)Penny L.
Went here New Years Eve and it was fantastic! Here are all my likes: Cocktail Menu - so much more than cosmos! The Strawberry Caipiroska was so fresh, homemade and worth every penny. Waiting area - cozy, dark, romantic, comfy couches and plenty of seats. And since it was the holidays they still had a beautiful, huge Christmas tree near the fireplace. Little Hilbo - the steak was unreal. My gal pal and I split this (it's a little expensive to split plate at $10), but we're glad we did. Our steak was huge, melted in your mouth, and had a nice butter sauce with it. Better than the steak we had the night before at Local 10 Eleven. Duck Fat Fries - It came with our steak, but if it doesn't come with your meal, get it as a side. It's a MUST. Birthday Celebration - it was my gal's bday and instead of cheesey singing, they did this really cool FIRE ON THE TABLE thing. Awesome! Game Meats - my guy got the 'game meat of the night' which was kangaroo. Prepared nicely, cooked perfectly, and not too gamey. Next time I'm in Savannah, this is the first place I'm stopping so I can get my fix of duck fat fries and trawberry caipiroskas!
(4)Lourdes M.
We had an amazing experience here. The beef tenderloin is to die for and the restaurant week deals were fantastic. The house wine was lovely and the service was superb. They are very gluten free friendly as well. We left with giant grins on our faces we had such a great time.
(5)Chris B.
Terrific place for a date. Low light sexy atmosphere. The food was incredible. My first time here and I lucked out......restaurant week!! Reservations on the weekend are a must. Would have gotten 5 stars but of course it was quite pricey.
(4)Jason V.
The service was poor, the food was average. The house salad was nothing special and came out with no dressing (not lightly dressed actually no dressing). Our meals came out when we were still eating our appetizers (oysters). My wife's was ice cold and mine was not cooked to temperature. The manager came by to apologize and get things corrected. He offered to get us a round of drinks while we waited for our meals to be redone. We got the bill and were charged for the round, which didn't sit well with us. Of the three dinners we had in Savannah this was the clear cut worst and a far cry from "fine dinning".
(1)Jerry R.
A must stop in Savannah. The food was absolutely outstanding, from the oysters, the alligator gumbo, the shrimp & grits, to the dry aged ribeye. The best cuisine with a southern / creole twist I've ever had. The warm, caring, hospitality of the staff and management were second to none. We were even given a house favorite recipe to bring back to Massachusetts to make! A must try. We would definitely go back If visiting Savannah again.
(5)Kristie C.
Delicious food and excellent service!!! I like to eat food at restaurants that I can't cook at home and that it was you get here. Everything was perfect from appetizer to entree and dessert. I had sea bass for my entree and my husband had elk, both were perfectly cooked and a true treat to the palette. My husband is so picky and he lioved it, so that says a lot. Definitely recommend this restaurant. Can't wait to go back.
(5)Ben H.
One of the bests of Savannah!!
(5)Kaytee N.
I was thoroughly impressed by Alligator Soul. I was on vacation in Savannah for a week, and had heard so-so reviews on this place. I decided to go anyway, and I definitely do not regret that choice. My friend who I went with has a severe gluten allergy. We let the restaurant know ahead of time, just to be safe. Not only did the waiter promptly mention it when we got to the table, but the kitchen also baked a gluten free loaf of DELICIOUS bread from scratch for her. When she mentioned that she was blown away by their attention to detail and that the bread was amazing, they brought her a second loaf in a to-go bag. For free. Wow! I, however, eat glutenous foods like they're going out of style. Their "normal" breads were amazing--especially the one with herbs de provence in it. Damn. So good. The amuse-bouche was imaginative and nicely plated. Smoked whitefish on a thin, crispy chip with fig compote. I ordered the house salad first. I was a little thrown off when I saw a green-goddess-y dressing over top a bed of lettuce, olives, and figs. But wow! The flavors, though unorthodox together, were perfect in this salad. Really, really nice and unexpected compliments. The shrimp and grits entree was to die for. I feel like I ate it in under 5 minutes. Could have had seconds, even though it was a VERY generous portion! The grits were creamy and delicious, and the shrimp were cooked and seasoned perfectly. Absolutely wonderful dish. Next time I'm in Savannah, I'll definitely be back--I want to try some of the exotic meats (ostrich?! Kangaroo?!)!
(5)Alicia S.
Excellent dinning experiece. My husband and I are foodies and I'm an LA native, so dinning is my passtime. If you are visitng Savannah, this place is a must. If your deciding between here and say, Ruths Chris, pick here. The fusion creole cuisine is very very good. The organic cocktails are mixed traditionally like an old school mixologist tends bar. Exotic fare is typically what is featured on the daily specials. My husband had bison, and I had Shrimp and Grts. Both superb.
(5)J.K. F.
Hit or miss food, horrible service. Server wasn't knowledgable (about the menu or food/beverages in general). The menu offers "exotic" entrees (e.g., kangaroo) yet he couldn't describe to someone who'd never had it what it tasted like. After we sent back a bad cocktail, he struggled (staring at the menu) to recommend a dark beer! He didn't check back much or notice when our drinks were low/empty. Seemed to avoid eye contact even when passing our table. He set food and drinks down and walked away without comment or naming what he was serving (he actually got shown up by a much more competent bus boy when serving dessert). Bad timing on bringing drinks in time to go with the course for which we'd ordered them. Food had potential but execution was mostly just ok: - Slow-cooked pork/kale spring roll (special app): pork wasn't bad but putting in a spring roll just made it greasier and the kale was lost completely. Overly mustardy sauce on top. - Bison entree stood out as the one decent item. Flavorful with good chimichurri, and though the grit "tamal" wasn't as firm as a tamal should be, it was tasty. - Kangaroo was sold (by another server we flagged down after ours failed) as lean but more flavorful and juicy than beef, but it was actually not very flavorful and a bit try. Portion of meat was on the small side. The pasta primavera it came with was described as having a bounty of fresh, local vegetables - server made a point of listing all 6-8 types of veggies in it, so I had high hopes. The veggies were overcooked and lost in all the pasta (pasta was well-cooked). They were chopped into such small pieces that if they were fresh and impressive, you'd never be able to tell. - Cobbler was just ok. Meyer lemon-blueberry cheesecake was good, though if I see a meyer lemon dessert on a menu, I'm hoping the lemon really shines. This was pretty subtle. - Etta James cocktail was decent. Negroni was awful (sent it back). Beer (which we had to find ourselves after waiter failed) was good, though I can't remember what it was. Sonoma cabernet from the "featured winemaker" was good, though waiter looked confused when I ordered it so I'm only assuming he brought the right one. I can see having a better experience with another server and possibly different dishes, though I don't see this being more than a 3-star establishment, especially in a city with so much good food!
(2)Mike G.
First the good: Very inviting atmosphere in a basement, exposed brick, fire place, nice lighting level. Server very friendly. Great flavors. My son loved the Lavender Creme Brûlée and my wife and I had the Banana Beignets which were very good. The bad: Ran out of Ostrich. I ordered the Buffalo, game meats can be tricky, so I always ask and was told it was a NY Strip cut. It was very small and only about 1/4 inch thick, more like a pan steak than a NY Strip. My wife had the Rib Eye, again very thin. Not what I would have expected from a restaurant of this caliber and reputation. Also, a picky thing, but the server kept reaching across the table in front of me to serve my wife, and the server who brought the kids drinks just threw the straws down in the middle of the table, not professional and again not what I expected. Overall experience, very expensive for very skimpy portions. Glad I went, but wont be back. Better places in Savannah.
(3)Tim S.
One of my favorite places in Savannah's historic district for fine dining. I have eaten here several times over the years. Place is located about a block from City Market on Barnard Street, right off Telfair Square. Great atmosphere for fine dining. Very innovative menu by the chef. Seems to change every time I go (every six months or so). Service is also first class. If you are looking for a local Savannah establishment to take your significant other out for a special dinner then I highly recommend this place. Also a great place to impress business associates. Last points, 1) Dinner will not come cheap so be sure to expect a high bill if you also plan on getting appetizers and wine (or other drinks). Still believe it is worth it. 2) You are on your own for parking like most places in the historic district. 3) Highly recommend using Open Table or Yelp to make reservations You may not get in if you don't have a reservation. 4) It is a classy place but you don't have to dress up. I have seen people there in shorts.
(5)Terrence G.
My wife and I ate here on our anniversary. I like how it is located in the below ground level of a building. It was a little pricey, but worth it for a special occassion. I had one of the single malt scotch flights. I thought the price was a little high for the amount of liquior it came with. So I ordered a glass of scotch instead for my second drink. I ordered a ribeye wich was very tastey with a nice spice to it. My wife had the duck which was also very good. Overall Alligator Soul was a good place, but for my first visit to Savannah I thought the Pink House had them beat. I would still come back here next time I'm in town.
(4)Karyn C.
Being born and raised on the West Coast, I never ate grits until I was a traveling adult. Giving into my 'eat by mood' desires, grits never cross my mind. I'm thankful my waiter Ryan told me to give them a try - they were absolutely delicious! Service by Ryan was great as well...he's passionate about the food, so descriptive and willing to give recommendations based on my mood, and made me feel he wanted me to be happy.
(5)Jen B.
Even before the appetizers, they brought out a little taste of one of their soups. In general it was great to get such a good sampling of the local fare. The hostess was right, the crab tart was incredible. I would do that every day if it were practical. It was rich, in a good way. All of the staff were super-friendly, and it was never difficult to catch someone's attention if you needed anything. I was very happy with the lamb. It was nice and tender, but had a couple gristly spots. However, the sweet side that it came with complimented it so well.
(4)Mike M.
Just returned from a great trip to Savannah and Charleston. Prior to our trip we researched the best eateries in both cities and made reservations at what we felt were the best of the best each city offered. That said, we ate at 8 top restaurants and without question the best of the best was Alligator Soul. I ordered the grilled American lamb chops and it was absolutely wonderful. The staff was professional and extremely courteous and our waiter, a fellow Californian was most gracious and knew the menu as if he were the head chef. Alligator Soul is down a flight of stairs off the street with small signage but with enormous taste and class.
(5)Christine C.
We were visiting Savannah for Memorial Day weekend. I made reservations on Open Table for 4 people for Friday night at 745pm. I also called ahead to let the restaurant know that it was my brother-in-laws birthday (James). The moment we walked in we loved the ambiance. Once I gave the hostess our parties name she wished James a happy birthday. We had arrived early so we were able to sit at a nice lounge area in front of a fire place. We relaxed and had a couple of drinks. When we were ready we let the hostess know and she sat us at the table. We never felt rushed to sit even though our table had been ready for a while. We really enjoyed sitting in lounge with our cocktails. Once we were sat there was a personalized box that said Happy Birthday James which had some sweets inside. The food was delicious and service was amazing. The special for the night was Kangaroo. We will definitely be going back during our next trip to Savannah.
(5)M L.
This place was excellent. It's got a great vibe and decor. The bar tenders are great - very friendly and knowledgable. Tonight I got to sample a new cocktail they're testing out and considering adding to the menu. The working name is "The Southern," and if you see it, I strongly recommend giving it a try. We rounded out our meal with the oysters (I almost never get baked oysters, but these were delicious), fried green tomatoes, and shrimp and grits. All excellent.
(5)R B.
My husband and I went here Saturday, with his aunt and uncle from out of town. My husband and I arrived first, with reservations, and they stuck us at an awkward table in close proximity to the bar. When the server came to get our drink orders, he saw that I was vacillating, but made no suggestions. However, when he came to get our relatives' drink orders, he made mention of the bar specials. I ended up giving my drink to another person so that I could have a bar special - a little disappointed in that. It took a godawful long time to get our drinks and when the gin and tonic came, it had been made with soda and not tonic. My husband and I wanted to split a soup and a salad, because I wanted to try both. However, the server did not seem to understand this and just brought out two soups. I had to repeat my request for a salad, which, thank god, was the only redeeming food of the meal. The server described the "Veggies Fear Not" and it sounded spectacular. It was actually the whole reason we chose this restaurant versus any other, given the hype about the owners being vegetarians. What I understood from the server was a side of asparagus, red rice and seared tofu. What I got was puréed cold asparagus (maybe my palate isn't refined enough!) and a side of red rice and beans (think Uncle Ben's). When I asked about the tofu, the server agreed that I was supposed to get some and went back to ask the chief. He returned to explain that the seared tofu was in the rice and beans. When I looked, indeed I saw microscopic chunks of white. There was also a tiny tomato halved with something white (and tasty!) inside. But for $23 and loads of expectations? Wholly disappointing. Ambiance: dark, romantic and pretty with questionable seating arrangement. Service: slow with large pauses between visits, slow to bring drinks, forgotten offering of specials and food offered to the wrong person (when paying that much, you damn well ought to know everything we ordered and where it goes) Food: Salad was great with good croutons, everything else was devastating.
(2)Iliana A.
We had a fantastic experience at Alligator Soul! The service was excellent and the food was even better. I had the shrimp and grits and scallops for dinner, both were very good. My husband had the bacon wrapped tenderloin and it was delish. Cocktails were great and the wine selection was also great. The staff was very attentive, congratulating us on our anniversary and offering us a tasty gift.
(5)John N.
WOW!!! My wife and I came to Savannah for our 22 year wedding anniversary and we kept hearing people say we had to visit Alligator Soul. With the word "Soul" in the name, I mistakenly thought this was a soul food place and a bit laid back. Boy was I wrong. We didn't make reservations as we were just wandering around Savannah on our last night in the city. We stumbled across the entrance at 5pm and decided to call them and see if we could get into the place (they open at 5:30pm). The person who answered told us no problem if were there at 5:30p. The place is absolutely beautiful inside! It is located in the basement of a building and has a very interesting old Savannah look to it. The waitress that we had (and the other waiters) were just amazing. The level of detail they go into on all aspects of your visit is just amazing. Be it all the drinks (we are not drinkers), to appetizers, entree's, deserts, etc. They told you the most intimate details of everything to ensure that you have a fantastic dining experience. At times it was a bit much, but I can see why they do it so that you know what you are getting and so they can gauge what you want and like. Very classy in my book and I have only seen this level of detail in a few places. My wife had the bacon wrapped tenderloins and I had the Little Hillbo steak. Being from the midwest, I didn't think Savannah would know how to cook beef properly (or even get good beef)... boy, was I wrong. The steak was done perfectly and had the most amazing sauce on it that I hear takes four days to make. And the friets were just amazing.... they were so tender inside but with the most amazing crispness that was ever so thin and just perfect. The person who was our server said that they cook them first in regular oil and then flash fry them in duck fat... amazing taste! My wife is really picky when it comes to having a steak done correctly for her. It is either too done, or not done enough. The chef here nailed it perfectly on the head. I also found out later that they had a big Hillbo steak that ranges from 30 - 40 oz!! Wow... too much beef for me as the little Hillbo was almost 18 - 20 oz. This was an amazing find in Savannah... you have a jewel of a place here and I will make sure that if we come back to Savannah, we stop back here again.
(5)Haley M.
My boyfriend and I were searching for good southern food in Savannah and after being referred to Paula Dean's restaurant a few times (no thanks...), we settled on Alligator Soul. Positives: #1 The food was outstanding!!! My boyfriend ordered the buffalo prime rib at the suggestion of the server and I ordered the shrimp and grits. I'm not a fan of super rare meat so I generally stay away from prime rib, but I tried it and it was tender and not overly bloody...very tasty! The shrimp and grits was exquisite as well and even earned the approval of my boyfriend who claimed to hate grits (crazy, I know!). We both ordered specialty drinks (sangria & the ginger liquor/sparkling wine - can't remember what that one was called, Canton something I think) and they were both outstanding. We ordered the creme brulee for dessert, which was outstanding and went well w/my Baileys and coffee. Overall, you can tell the ingredients they use are high-quality. #2 Our server was ready with spot-on suggestions (the buffalo prime rib and sangria) and was very personable and helpful. #3 The atmosphere was really unique and open without being too loud. We sat at a corner table near the fireplace which gave a nice ambiance. Negatives: #1 Really over-priced (but Savannah seems to be a pricey city overall). #2 It got very busy right before our main course was served and we could tell our server was a bit over-worked since he disappeared for long periods of time. This we overlooked, though, since he was excellent in every other way.
(4)Maggie H.
This restaurant was a complete wow in everyway! I wanted to eat at Alligator Soul from the moment I read about it and I was not disappointed when I went. I called to make a reservation and both people I spoke to on the phone where exceedingly helpful and friendly. When we arrived for our reservation, a bit early, we took a seat at the couch by the fire to wait. We mentioned how cozy the space was and asked if we could eat our appetizers/have our drinks there. Not only did they oblige us, but they brought over a tablecloth, candles, and flowers for us too! We ordered the baked oysters and local cheese plate, both were amazing. I value a good cheese plate highly and they did not disappoint with their local cheese selection. In addition, the baked oysters with crayfish (which are not on the online menu) were one of the best things I have ever had. The cocktail/wine menu was extensive and they even have a martini flight for people to try some different drink options. We found Alligator Soul so great we actually went back the next night to have cocktails and their cheese plate again. The atmosphere was also perfect for what we were looking for. It had fireplaces, leather furniture, and it felt "old school" with the jazz in the background and underground location. Originally I was planning on giving Alligator Soul 4 stars, mainly because of their pricing and its impact on their possible client base. However, they went above and beyond my expectations and I have to give them 5 stars! They really acted as if they wanted our business and they did everything possible to ensure we enjoyed our experience. In my opinion, this is a have-to in Savannah. Best restaurant I went to while there!
(5)Nancy S.
My husband and I visited Alligator Soul for the first time to celebrate our wedding anniversary and it exceeded all expectations and then some!! The service was over the top! We felt like royalty! The oysters were the best thing I have ever had and I don't really care for oysters! I had the elk medium rare as the chef suggested and it was out of this world! (elk!?!? I know, right?!) All this and I forgot to mention the martini flight! Oh lord, the best! We are already planning our next visit to our new favorite place!
(5)Corey M.
YAAAAAAAASSSSS. Now, being in Savannah already had my heart a flutter. It's really a magical place of city parks, spanish moss, and outdoor drinking. A happy place for sure. We ended our day of adventures at Alligator Soul without reservations, but managed to get 3 seats at the bar. Shrimp and grits to start bc THE SOUTH. The grits (a very polarizing food) were immaculate and the shrimp had the desirable bite back that only meant perfect cooking time. This place knows how to cook its animals. Which leads me to my main dish, a special of the day: Elk and gnocchi in a cream sauce with roasted green onions. Jaw dropping. Really a stunning meal. And great cocktails to boot, except our bartender was perpetually frazzled. I wanted to like him. I even complimented him on his tasteful vest, but only got a tepid "thanks" in return. Kind of wanted to playfully punch his arm and say, "it'll get better, dude". Brooding bartenders aside, I WAS ON A CLOUD AND NOBODY COULD BRING ME DOWN. Definitely a pricey place, but worth it.
(5)Kathleen O.
I can't say enough about this restaurant. Dining with 8 people from my family they easily accommodated our large group. The farm to table experience is incredible. The menu is ever evolving due the availability of the local food, however if any of these are available on the menu you must must try the gator, the elk with pappardelle, the beef tenderloin wrapped in bacon and my favorite the shrimp and grits and oysters. Our waitress was over the top friendly and a real trooper with all of our requests and questions about the menu. Extremely knowledgable. A must go if you are in town.
(4)Keira G.
Amazing! Even during Restaurant Week when volumes are up and service and food quality sometimes slip. They have every detail covered. It was our anniversary which they congratulated us when we arrived and then left us a gift box with pecan tarts on our table with a customized label that had our names and offered congratulations on our 2nd anniversary. Wow. Had the most amazing waiter. Super knowledgable and spent time giving us the real deal on best places in Savannah to eat at. Really appreciate that. Alligator Soul is by far the best restaurant in Savannah.
(5)Susan M.
My husband's cousin could not wait to take us here during our weekend visit to Savannah. As soon as we walked through the door, we were consumed by an upbeat and lively energy that lasted the duration of our meal. For starters, we ordered fried green tomatoes, shrimp & grits, and tuna tartare. Everything was quickly shared and devoured. The shrimp & grits stole the show - I don't think I'll be able to order this dish from anywhere else because I know it will not measure up. Our entrees were stellar: bacon-wrapped filet, red snapper (special), and buffalo rib eye. We cleaned each plate and celebrated every bite. I'd go back to Alligator Soul just to have a drink. I enjoyed a dirty martini with blue cheese-stuffed olives - of course, it was amazing. It was my first time drinking a martini from a stainless steel martini "glass" but it stayed ice-cold and was a fun break from the norm. The house cabernet was medium-bodied and velvety smooth - it paired nicely with the filet. Our server was super-friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. He was always there when we needed him and gave us plenty of space to put ourselves into massive food comas. The only thing we weren't crazy about was the coffee after dinner. It tasted like it had been sitting out too long. One of the best restaurants I have experienced in my 38 years on this planet. 5-star ratings for food, cocktails, service, location, ambiance... it doesn't get much better than Alligator Soul.
(5)Ily G.
One of the finest dining experiences I have ever had and I have traveled far and wide... Superb service. Picturesque decor. And, most importantly, fresh, organic, creative, and DELICIOUS food. If you want to treat yourself to a truly gourmet experience, Alligator Soul is the perfect choice.
(5)Yuxi J.
Love love love this place! Great drink and great great food! This is the place you can't miss here
(5)Lou Q.
The good...the food was phenomenal!!! The bad..the wait staff is very pushy with the appetizers and constantly refilling your wine glass from the bottle you purchased. Retrain the wait staff, they are like trained seals. Teach them to let the customer enjoy the experience and this becomes 5 stars
(4)Shane B.
My wife and I visited the bar for a few drinks and appetizers, which included shrimp and grits which were very tasting. The bartenders were very friendly and provided great service. The atmosphere was great, dimly lit and trendy.
(5)EliandJen W.
This was by far our favorite food experience! We ordered multiple appetizers including shrimp and grits, alligator sausage and the fried green tomatoes. The taste of all the food was so rich and flavorful. The fried green tomatoes are the best we had Savannah! For the main course we ordered Bison, vermillion snapper and Ostrich. The Bison and Snapper were very good and flavorful. The Ostrich was good and seasoned well but the meat lacked a lot of flavor. This was the exotic special so we had to try it. For dessert we ordered the banana beignet's and the Chocolate choice. The banana beignet was our favorite by far!
(5)Rene T.
Almost missed the entrance to this restaurant, thankfully my husband remembered seeing a Yelp picture! I loved all of the brick and the low lighting in the restaurant, it gave off a cozy vibe. For the food- I ordered the bison (osso bucco) and my husband ordered the 'exotic' entree: Guinea hen. Now, we have a local bison ranch less than 5 miles from my house, so I am very familiar with well prepared bison. This was the real deal. They even put a spoon into the bone marrow, which was ridiculously good. The bison came with leeks and broccoli, while my husband's dish was pared with sweet potato and collard greens. You pay a little bit more than some of the other dinner restaurants around, but it's a no-brainer when you know that the food is grass fed, local, and farm to table at its best. Highly recommend!! I would love to return.
(5)Tommy B.
First off let me say that if you want to sit at a table to eat dinner you need to get reservations. My girlfriend and I heard about the place and decided to just drop in and try it out; we did not get a table. We were asked if we would like to sit at the bar and have dinner there which we said absolutely. The atmosphere was very nice, you could tell it was a nice restaurant but not one where they judged what you wore or looked down on you. Our bartender / waiter was Matthew and he was very knowledgeable on the menu as well as the drinks... to me that is rare to find. The dining experience was incredible; they start off with a "palate cleansing" dish that is supposed to wake your senses and get you thinking about the rest of the menu (I'm not too fancy so I used mine to dip my bread in) and then they bring out some different bread that was delicious. For the main course: Me: THE " LITTLE HILBO" A nice size steak cooked to my liking of medium with just the perfect amount of seasoning on it. I have never been one for a lot of seasoning on steaks so to try one with a little cajun put into was interesting. The meat was tender and subtle taste of the spicy seasoning was amazing. The dish came with duck fat frittes (fries); let's say I will never be able to eat another french fry again. They were crispy but soft.. they were awesome. Her: BISON OSSO BUCO Red Wine and Herb Braised Bison Shank ~ Sautéed Broccolini Gratin of Leeks, Potato, Kohlrabi and Capra Gia Cheese Company Goat Cheese". I had never had bison, until now. This meat was cooked wonderfully. It had the texture of a "pot roast' and had a tender, fall off your fork, and melt in your mouth taste. The richness of the meat complimented the potato perfectly. The potato was cut thin, and cooked almost "au gratin" style. She paired her meal with the "Etta James" which is a gin drink with some cucumber and blueberry. It was great and Matthew did an amazing job mixing it. Desert: ALLIGATOR SOUL BANANA BEIGNETS We both agree this is the best desert that we have ever had- hands down! Fried banana stuffed into a beignets with candied pecans over a bowl of amazing ice cream... It doesn't get much better than this. If you have been to the pick house and thought it was great you have to come here. This tops out over two and you don't leave hungry. It's not a place where you spend a lot of money and get a teaspoon of food on your plate. Good portions, amazing, food, and an amazing wait staff.
(5)Mike C.
There's a deer chasing a sheep, wrestling an alligator, befriending a duck, while the oysters, mussels and shrimp sing amazing grace in soft sweet tones. And all of that is happening in a sea of moonshine, bourbon, and beer. And all of that is happening in my stomach. Well done.
(5)Emily L.
We made reservations for a chef's tasting a few weeks in advance and called a few days before our arrival to confirm the reservations, as it would be our anniversary dinner. An hour and a half before, we were contacted to let us know that the executive chef was not in tonight. The owner, Maureen, called us back about 10-15 minutes later, to apologize. She went the extra mile to correct the hiccup and have the executive chef discuss options with Chef Martel, who was working this evening, to make sure we were still able to have our greatly anticipated night out. Chef Martel did an EXCELLENT job with the menu. Rebecca (or Rebekah?) was our waitress and we cannot say enough great things about her. Her enthusiasm for food, her knowledge of the mostly locally sourced ingredients and knowledge of their other (ethically sourced) wild game options, and her outstanding, friendly service should be commended. My husband and I love to try new, and sometimes exotic, foods. We also love the opportunity to partake in chef's tasting menus, as we often get to experience different, unique takes on food that are not standard menu options. Alligator Soul was a definite win in our book. 6 courses (and intermezzos), each paired with wine. Well done chef Martel, Rebecca, and Maureen. We will join you again next time we are in town.
(5)Gentry U.
My wife and I have 10 years of food & bev experience between us. Rashad gave us by far the best experience we've ever had throughout all our dinning out. We celebrated our anniversary as well as my recent arrival home from a deployment. After all the great recommendations and the fire show we left amazed by our experience with not only the food but more importantly the service. Thank you Alligator Soul and the best service we've ever received by Rashad for making our evening so special. We'll be back for that bottle!!!
(5)Liane J.
Super cool underground location. Loved the fried green tomatoes, oysters to start. We followed with the lamb and the buffalo ribeye. Both were outstanding. Finished with the banana beignets and tiramisu. Food. Baby. Love the farm to table concept and atmosphere here. Great wine selection too.
(5)susan s.
Sit at the bar. Order the incredible oysters. Perhaps sample the shrimp and grits. BUT don't go any further. Despite the great service our food was mediocre. The fresh flounder special was boring and the scallops, though fresh and plump and cooked perfectly, had no seasoning or sauce whatsoever. The manager offered new dishes but we didn't want to start over. We just finished our nice bottle of wine and headed out surprised no one adjusted our bill or offered a drink or dessert on the house.
(2)Matt S.
***DO NOT WASTE A MEAL IN SAVANNAH AT THIS PLACE*** My family and I were in Savannah recently, and due to unforeseen circumstances, we ate here. Way overpriced, terrible service and awful menu. There are much better restaurants in Savannah. If this is among the best Savannah has to offer, then I feel sorry for the city as a whole. We ordered the following: Oysters Bienville - very, very, mediocre. I'm being generous with that rating too. I don't know what we were thinking when we ordered these. I'm honestly shocked someone would put this on a menu at a halfway-respectable establishment. It's oysters on the half-shell, stuffed with FIVE DIFFERENT INGREDIENTS and then baked. I mean.....Jesus. You can't taste anything but some sausage-y panko flakes. You'd never be able to tell that there's actually an oyster buried somewhere in this ridiculously sloppy dish. It should be on a Red Lobster menu. Fried Green Tomatoes - certainly better than the Oysters, but that's not saying much. There's really not much to say about these. I've had fried green dozens of times in my life, and these would rank at the top of the bottom half. Slightly worse than average. Frog Legs - probably the best appetizer we had, but not good. My only real complaint with these was that they were kind of slimey. You're probably saying "well, they are frogs legs, why wouldn't they be slimey?". The slime factor came from the lack of execution in cooking them. They were totally undercooked. The breading came right off, they should have been fried and crispy. It seems like a no brainer when cooking frog legs. The "Little Hilbo" - it's a Cajun seasoned Ribeye steak. It was really tough, and we were suspicious about whether or not it was actually prime beef as they claimed. The seasoning did nothing but conveniently distract from the crappy meat, and was totally overcooked. Under normal circumstances we would've sent it back. However, since it took over an hour to get our meal once we ordered, the last thing we wanted to do was delay our departure. They came served over duck fat fries, and as a result the fries were soggy. Sucked. Rabbit - think it was the best dish (again, not saying much). It was kind of bland, but at that point I didn't care. My biggest problem was that it cost $40 for about 6 oz of meat. You'd think you were at an upscale French restaurant in NYC. Rabbit is not that expensive. Many great NYC restaurants have far superior dishes (in every sense) that don't cost $40. Total rip off considering A) the (lack of) flavor, and B) ridiculous price. Buffalo - very "meh". In their defense, I think Buffalo is pretty bland in general, so the lack of flavor here is not 100% their fault. Although, $40 for a really mediocre dish...give me a break. Despite what other users here say, the service was terrible. Our waitress was very nice, but not familiar with the menu or the specials. All she did was read us what was on the menu. Also, IT TOOK FOREVER. It was one and a half hours from the time we sat down until the time we actually got our entrees. The place was not busy either. A table of seven who sat down AFTER us (we were a party of four) was finished with their entrees, had paid their bill and was leaving before we even got our entrees. That's insane and we complained to the manager multiple times but to no avail. Even after knowing the problem, he never came to check on us. To make matters worse, one of us wanted the lamb, but since our server was so slow with everything, the table of seven who sat down after us nabbed the last order. A note to the owners: I know you have to sell certain items, but when servers describe certain menu items as "life-changing" and "transcendent", and those dishes end up being terrible, it creates serious customer resentment. I'm mad at my waiter for suggesting a terrible dish, and now I think they don't know what they're talking about. Tell your servers to chill with the hyperbole and try a different angle. The wait time should have been reason enough to make some sort of concession, but they didn't even comp us a round of drinks. They made no concession of any kind. All they did do was offer to "take care of us" the next time we ate there. Believe me, there's no way we'll ever eat there again. Amateur hour all around. Our waitress also didn't catch a $60 "mistake" on our bill. They charged us twice for three of our apps.
(1)FortSki G.
My wife and I had dinner with close friends last night and very much enjoyed our dinner at Alligator Soul. Like a large number of Savannah establishments, you have to walk below street level to find the restaurant which makes the initial experience interesting. The hostess were extremely friendly and the wait staff was amazing. If you are a looking for a great dinner, whether it be steak, seafood or just a nice night out on Savannah than this may be your place. I suggest trying the following: - - Scallops and Greens -- Beef Tenderloin -- Gator Gumbo (really good) The food was plated well and our service was extremely attentive. The manager stopped by our table a number of times to ensure our meal was up to par. If you are looking for a good Georgia meal in Savannah, I'd suggest a stop by Alligator Soul.
(4)Tim B.
Great place with an incredibly friendly bartender (Ana I believe). Go for the exotics! Red Deer was fantastic as was the alligator sausage, and they have an impressive stock of good bourbons.
(4)D H.
A bit disappointing. Nice atmosphere and good service but the food was inconsistent. Try the oysters, shrimp and grits or pork belly. But, stay away from the charcuterie with bone marrow and sausage. The scallops were fine but the warm watermelon it was paired with was odd.
(3)david h.
The atmosphere, ambiance and pre-visit hype had me ready for a world class experience. Best I can say about the food - pleasant! Not great, not bad, just pleasant. The service was interesting. Our server was nice and very knowledgeable but everything she did and said was over the top. She started with information about the drinks. She gave us information about the special, drinks, the house drinks, moonshine, craft beers and all kind of wines. I waited for her to take a breath so I could tell I wanted some ice tea. My wife drinks Bud Light. Memo to servers worldwide - ask your customer if they want information about something before you inundate them with information. Now for the food. The amuse bouche tasted like a spoonful of lukewarm vegetable beef soup. We're not off to a good start. We had the oysters Bienville for an appetizer. The taste was inconsistent from one oyster to the next. It was okay depending on which oyster you had. I had the stuffed pork chop. It was excellent flavor, perfectly cooked and a great cut of meat. Wish it hasn't been stuffed. My wife's shrimp and grits was simply serviceable. Nothing more, nothing less. The cheeses we had for dessert were just not the good. I expected a lot more out of this place and just didn't get it. Slightly upturned face.
(3)Paige K.
You must try their oysters! They are amazing. Also their house wines are a great deal and very tasty. This is a great spot for a romantic dinner. My husband had the duck with succotash and it was delicious. I had the chef prepare me a vegetarian option. It was very creative and good. The service was also outstanding.
(5)Steve S.
If you want a unique dining experience, this is an ideal choice. The food was good, but the ambiance excelled. My Buffalo was a bit tough, but very tasty. This is a venue to try at least once.
(3)Leah L.
One of my favorite restaurants in Savannah! The food is delicious and the service is wonderful.
(5)Adrianne H.
A beautiful, classy restaurant. Our server, Emily, was very nice and knowledgable about the menu. The one downside to this is she spoke on the menu for a solid three minutes without ever taking a breath (after we had already decided what to order). Our food was great- we both had small cups of gumbo as appetizers, the elk and buffalo for our entrees, and the banana beignets for dessert. However, two of the tables around us sent back the fish because it was too dry. The servers were apologetic and accommodating, and before they had barely left the table, the manager was out there in a snap, also apologizing and offering to comp the entree. Great food and great customer service makes for a great evening. Also, a note to tourists: this isn't the type of place where it's okay to wear your beach clothes and ball caps to dinner. Saw a handful of underdressed newbies and two men wearing their baseball hats inside. Enforcing a slight dress code here wouldn't be a bad idea, it would definitely add to the atmosphere.
(4)Brett S.
Very average. We read great reviews but it didn't quite live up. Service was so-so and the food was also average. Shrimp and grits were ok. Fried green tomatoes were pretty good. Was bad but wasn't 5 star.
(3)Richard G.
Great place with great food. The service is top shelf with every server helping out with everyone's table. My wife had a half dozen stuffed oysters which were outstanding and a small plate of gumbo which was great. I had an alligator sausage and a suckling pig which was very flavorful. The only negative I have is their own wine (alligator cab) which lacked body/ flavor.
(5)Tai T.
We ventured here bcuz my son's name is Soul and I'm glad we did. I was hesitant at first cuz I was in a tshirt & shorts...we had been walking the historic district all day and the place is on the swanky side. Most everyone else was in button up shirts and fine dining attire. We usually steer clear of places like this with our kids, but an establishment with a staircase outside leading down to the lower level, and a name like Alligator Soul, is a place I'm determined to eat at. The hostess greeted us with kindness and got us seated in a jif. Any uncomfortable feelings I had about being in a swanky joint in street clothes with sweaty-dirty kids went right out the window after I had my Doc Holliday Double Rye Whiskey. The heirloom tomato appetizer was delicious. I had the Trigger fish special and it was divine. On the oily side but very yummy. My wife had the vegetarian special and she said it was very good, but she was hoping for a more southern flavored vegetarian dish. The kiddos had a steak and chicken fingers with Broccolini and they both really enjoyed theirs. The food and drinks are pricey, but I knew that going in, so I can't dock'em for that. The host, busboy and our waiter were all very kind. It came close to getting a 5 star review, but everything has to perfect to get one of those from me. Oh and they have a decent craft beer list.
(4)Allison B.
Absolutely fantastic! Probably one of the best meals I have ever had in my life. Everything was spot on and the service was excellent. We had the charcuterie board that featured veal bone marrow, duck sausage, and duck bacon. My mouth is watering just thinking about it...then had the bison flank steak and elk steak for dinner. I highly recommend trying the chef's daily specials - we enjoyed it all!
(5)Traci M.
In February we came here for dinner on our "babymoon" trip from Florida. When we walked in they were totally booked for the night but were told we could sit at the bar. The bartenders were extremely helpful and knowledgeable. The food was outstanding, especially the shrimp and grits. The atmosphere is also very pleasant. Underground, old school, dark prohibition feel to it. High prices but definitely worth it. This is always be a stop whenever we come to Savannah.
(5)Carly T.
We dined at Alligator Soul the night of our engagement. My fiance had set up the reservation and told them his plan to propose before coming in. As soon as we walked in we were congratulated and shown to our table. The staff was amazing and everything was on point: food, wine, service. They went the extra mile to make us feel special. Dining here was truly the icing on the cake and we can't wait to return!
(5)Tabitha B.
AMAZING! There aren't enough words to describe how Alligator Soul impressed me and my fiancé during our weekend trip to Savannah. The occasion was my fiancé's birthday, which I informed the restaurant of upon making reservations. An employee called to confirm the reservation, check on any dietary needs or restrictions, ask about the occasion we were celebrating, and let us know that they were excited to have us in the upcoming days. When we arrived, my fiancé was greeted with a warm HAPPY BIRTHDAY and we were led to our table. A gift was waiting for him at the table. I'm going to keep the gift a secret so that you can experience it for yourself when you visit for an occasion! We were so impressed with the attention to detail. The service is GREAT...the drinks are amazing...and the atmosphere is so classy, but definitely not stiff. I ordered the shrimp and grits. Let's just say those are the best shrimp and grits I have had in my life!! My fiancé ordered The "Little Hilbo". It is almost a month since we visited Alligator Soul and he is STILL talking about that Ribeye. LOL. We will be back soon!
(5)Ev B.
Excelent! Service and food too! Absolutely amazing, your money is worth it!
(5)Cheddarj E.
Excellent food and service. We had two alligator starters, local fish of the day... salt water trout and pork suckling. All was yummy... staff was very thoughtful with our son... 20 months old. Chef made him a special fruit plate. He loved it.
(5)Sandy P.
Great Place!! Alligator Sausage and Oysters over the top!! My husband had Lamb and I had Smoked Duck. The sweet potato cheesecake was to die for luscious and light. This was one of the best restaurants in Savannah.
(5)Mandy P.
This is by far my most favorite Savannah restaurant! The service is always over the top and first class. The chef is amazing and is always changing the menu to offer the freshest seasonal seafoods.
(5)Christi B.
Had dinner here last night everything was amazing, for appetizers we had the oysters, alligator boudain and the fried green tomatoes, it was amazing!! For my entree I had the kangaroo so tasty, I had never had it before!! For dessert we had the banana beignets and the chefs chocolate concoction with butter brittle with coconut, I think I had an orgasm! The management and staff were amazing! I would highly recommend this restaurant for an amazing Savannah epicurean experience!!
(5)Julie K.
I wanted to like this place but it gets a two thumbs down. Go somewhere else. It started with the fact this place was hot. We started with cocktails and I ordered a gin martini, up with a twist of lime. I got a mediocre gin, up with olives. The waitress corrected by bringing me a lime! Totally unacceptable. I sent the drink back but the replacement tasted odd....pretty sure they took out the olive and sent it back. For my appetizer I ordered the house salad without pecans. I got the house salad with pecans. Sent it back too but if the drink is any measure I'd guess they scraped the pecans off and sent it back again...but maybe not...at any rate the salad was also mediocre. They specialize In odd meats so I ordered the exotic meat of the day which was venison.....not exactly exotic but ok. It came on grits, which were just flat out awful and sprinkled with....wait for it....pecans! Seriously, I just had a huge conversation with the waitress over the pecans in my salad, the menu says NOTHING about pecans on the venison and they send me an entree with pecans. Service gets a zero. Okay, so taste...gets a 3 of 10. Venison is a flavorful meat and this was shaved thin, no flavor and frankly on the tough side. Even I can make tender venison (yes, you do have to know how, which this chef didn't). So...I'm a glutton for punishment and ordered a chocolate cake for desert. No pecans but again...taste=0. The icing was thick and tasted like a brownie instead of icing and the cake was dry. The orange filling didn't taste orange. Desert flat out sucked. Overall, service was I impressive and taste/quality was poor at best. Save the money and go to Garibaldi's or anywhere else but this place just isn't worth it.
(1)Dirk D.
I was warned by a local Inn owner that I would be disappointed with Alligator Soul, that "it's not worth the money" and well, he was right. When you read reviews, you have to bear in mind whether reviewers are on a vacation high and excited, or whether they're really looking for the pros and cons. I'm the latter. I eat out 5 nights a week, 52 weeks a year. So here it goes: - The basement vibe was cool - When we sat at the bar, neither of the bartenders were friendly. In fact, they were the least friendly service staff we experienced anywhere in 4 days on vacation. The wines by the glass were inexpensive and unimpressive. Four drinks were $54. - When we sat down, the server did the whole pretentious "we" thing, like "Are we from out of town?" and "Are we having sparkling water this evening?" and "Have we decided what we're having for main courses?". It was annoying. - The chef sent out an amuse bouche in the totally-played-out-in-2005 white miso soup spoons, which consisted of an incredibly thin, tasteless broth with some sort of mini diced unidentifiable meat cubes which were hard and tasteless. No idea. - We ordered the Frog Legs, which were good - We ordered the Oysters Bienville, which were good. Nothing special, no flavor explosions, no "wow" factor whatsoever. It's an oyster in a shell with breadcrumbs and apparently some exotic meats and spices in there. No idea. - We ordered Alligator Bites, which were inedible. They were drowning in approximately 8 pounds of salt. When I called the server over, she said "We brine our alligator, so it's going to be salty", which was translation for " We don't care about your concerns", at which point, all four of us at the table left the entire 8-10 alligator bites uneaten on the serving plate, grabbed our waters and prayed for hydration. We never ate them, she eventually took them away, and apparently took them off the check citing "the chef tasted one of your alligator bites and deemed them too salty", instead of, oh, I dunno, bringing us a proper order, which we would have gladly paid for. - We ordered the Duck Not Pie, which was good. The duck was cooked too rare, and cut in a raw fashion, and ate too chewy. Maybe the most forgettable duck dish I've had in recent memory. - And now for the Antelope, which was hands down, bar none, the worst, most embarrassing plate of food imaginable. The meat was so overcooked, so disgustingly dry, tasteless, devoid of moisture, that I took one bite, shoved the plate away from me and called the server over, and said "this mean is unbearably overcooked and tough, I can't eat it" at which point she started spewing some defensive crap (translation "we don't care what you think"), at which point my friends date grabbed my plate, switched with her duck, just to diffuse the situation. - When the $280 check hit for 4 people with zero wine (we brought our own), the inedible antelope still sat wholly uneaten on my friends girlfriends plate. Which Alligator Soul's staff didn't care about as they cleared our table. Be warned of this place. It's pretentious, expensive, has zero "customer first" sensibilities, and the food doesn't deliver. Don't be fooled by the "exotic meat" marketing ploy.
(2)Elizabeth M.
Hands down our favorite fine dining spot in the Savannah area. It's our go-to for anniversaries, Valentine's Day, birthdays, etc. They'll give you a custom menu signed by the chef and a box of sweets to take home with you as thanks for choosing them for your special occasion. Alligator Soul is an underground restaurant with stone walls and a speakeasy feel. It's romantic and sophisticated, and I remember clearly every waiter and waitress we've ever had there and that the service has always been exceptional. What I love most about Alligator Soul is its eclectic menu featuring southern-creole dishes with a twist, and much of their meat and produce is locally sourced. They also feature lots of wild game and exotic proteins, innovative vegetarian dishes, and chef's tasting menus upon request in advance. We've done tasting menus with them as well as ordered off the regular menu, and nearly everything has been memorable and at the top of our "best of" meals list. They have a good wine list with several by the glass as well as an excellent prohibition-style cocktail list featuring local, organic ingredients. The food and drinks are creative, surprising, and tasty, and not things you're likely to find on other menus in Savannah. Try their duck fat fries, pork belly, and steaks - all incredible. Can't wait for our next visit later this week for Savannah Restaurant Week. It's a great time to go with a prix fixe menu for $30 with an appetizer, entree, and dessert.
(5)Andrew R.
We were visiting Savannah for our honeymoon, and we selected Alligator Soul as our "special" meal out. It definitely did not disappoint. Our server, Kate, could not have done anything better. She warmly welcomed us, and asked us if we were dining for a special occasion. We told her it was our honeymoon, and she seemed genuinely thrilled that we'd chosen Alligator Soul. Later during our meal, we were congratulated by other members of the staff (not sure who), and also given a parting gift before we left (some chocolates and a pecan sandie). These are small touches, but rare and very nice to see... it really made us feel special. Another rare but small touch was when our server asked us, prior to ordering, if we had any food allergies she should be aware of. As my wife has a dairy allergy, we always have to be careful where we eat and what she orders. To have this question asked of us upfront, we knew we could completely relax and be taken care of. The food was all fabulous and unique. Everything is sustainable, farm to table. We talked specifically to our server about this, as our bed & breakfast host had misrepresented Alligator Soul. She assured us that the menu changes up as necessary. If they can't acquire a certain ingredient in a sustainable way, they take it off the menu until they can. We love places like this, as the food is noticeably higher quality. We ordered the charcuterie plate at the server's recommendation as an appetizer. This plate is always changing, and I can't remember exactly what was on it, but it was all delicious, and it's a great way to get a good idea of what Alligator Soul is all about. For my entree, I selected The Little "Hilbo". This was one of the best (and biggest) rib eye steaks I've ever had, and served with duck fat fried fries. The fries... amazing and inspired. They melt in your mouth and pair fantastically with the steak. You have to try them. I also had a side of Shrimp & Grits, which were probably the best Shrimp & Grits I've ever had. For dessert, we had the Banana Beignets. Also delicious and a great way to pull the meal to a close. The atmosphere of Alligator Soul was also perfect for a special occasion. It's dimly lit, I remember it as relatively quiet, and though we were tucked away in a corner of the restaurant, our table never went unattended. This place is pricey, but well worth it if you're looking for a special intimate meal out. We'll be back!
(5)Alexandra J.
Food was great! It was the first place we ate at when we got to Savannah! Food was great!
(4)Keif M.
Keep it short and sweet. Fantastic food, service ,.and atmosphere. One of the best restaurant's in Savannah. Will return on our next visit to beautiful Savannanh.
(5)Brenda P.
Cute place, we didn't have a reservation, so we ate at the bar. I had a very refreshing strawberry basil rum cocktail to start. Tuna tartar app was very fresh and good.....but the Entrees were even better, I had the lamb loin which was very tender. I took the chefs suggestion for medium rare and it was perfect. My husband had the kangaroo with gnoccis. I tried it and loved it!! Banana beignets were delightful!! .
(4)Ronnie F.
Anniversary dinner was fantastic! The food and service was incredible. Great atmosphere. Will definitely return the next time I am in Savannah!
(5)sriparna m.
What a wonderful experience... My husband and myself were there this past weekend to celebrate our 30th marriage anniversary. Decided to go to Alligator Soul for dinner after reading on yelp and talking to some locals. The evening was just made from the moment we entered till we left. The hostess was very pleasant, there a cute gift on the table waiting for us. Our server Rachael was very knowledgable , food was just awesome . The ribeye and lamb was to die for. Great atmosphere, made friends with our neighbor table. When we were ready to leave, we were gifted with their house bottle of Merlot. Will definitely go back, whenever we visit !! Felt good...
(5)Ed K.
Had dinner at alligator soul June 7 for our anniversary. I had mentioned when making reservations that it was our anniversary and everyone we encountered from the excellent staff made it a point to congratulate us and make us feel at home. Our server, Emily, was knowledgable, friendly, and effortlessly efficient, a real professional in a sometimes difficult job. Kudos to her. I had shrimp and grits, my wife had the scallops. She has eaten scallops In many restaurants over the years and declared these to be the best she has ever had. Shrimp and grits are prepared many different ways in any number of excellent restaurant, but these were done just right with just the right balance among the seasonings and just the right texture. All in all an excellent meal in a congenial atmosphere. 5 stars
(5)Jennifer B.
What a wonderful dining experience! We are from Chicago, and are true "foodies," in that we like to cook, and know a good restaurant. I had booked the reservation to celebrate a grandfather's birthday, and a daughter's first semester and horse show win at SCAD. Since they knew it was a birthday, the hostess greeted us with, "Happy Birthday, Papa!" much to his delight. And it just got better from there. I read the reviews about the so-so service, and this restaurant has rectified that problem. Our server Jessica was personal, pleasant, and on-spot with being attentive. Everyone who brought out the food or cleared away the dishes did it with a courteous smile. And a special thanks to the server who brought out the artesian cheese plate - he identified each of the cheeses so my daughter could enjoy! The oysters as appetizers were consumed with relish, and the vegan charcuterie was delicious. The vegetarian daughter opted out of the vegan dinner, and had the cheese plate and Alligator Soul house salad, and was surprised herself to like the dressing. The deconstructed duck pot pie and the gator gumbo (ordered by a former Louisiana dweller) were fantastic. Shrimp and grits and seared diver scallops were done to perfection. We all shared the raspberry chocolate tart and the cherry creme brûlée,which were sublime. And Papa got a little box of cookies with his name on it. Jessica's wine suggestion made it complete. Lots of praise for the warm and friendly service, the delicious food, and a memorable evening!
(5)Frank D.
Terrific dinner. Small menu, but every dish we had was great. Salad very fresh with light dressing. Fried green tomatoes were probably the low point if the dinner for us. They were good, but the flavor of the tomato was drowned out. Fish special and scallop dish were excellent, and our desserts were amazing. Andy, our server was very pleasant and attentive and he made some great recommendations.
(5)Quinton D.
Absolutely the one place you should eat every time you visit Savannah. The gumbo was outstanding. Me and my co-workers had some of the best meals of our trip here. No one left without a flavor explosion. Southern cuisine is kept alive here.
(5)Mark L.
this is the best restaurant I have eaten at in Georgia. I ordered the alligator turtle duck jambalaya. amazing. The place is in the basement of the building, however, its been decorated very nicely. The staff is great and knowledgeable. So this is my first trip to Savannah. If you haven't been, go! I was amazed. Its a beautiful city, that has a very specific charm. I can't call it southern, but it feels like walking into some sort of time warp. We stayed in a gorgeos historic home. Things seem to go at savannah pace. I might be imagining all of this, since I was drunk most of the time. As far as I can tell, you can walk around the city with a beer, as long as its in a plastic cup. One disclaimer. This is the only restaurant I have ever been to in Georgia.
(5)Sally B.
Wow - the shrimp and grits have to be one of the best things I have eaten in quite some time. Even hubby who doesn't like cheese thought these were awesome. Smokey, slightly spicy. do not miss these! Had the shrimp creole taster - wonderful. Alligator sausage was dry - not worth it. Pork 'short rib' - really the belly - full of flavor but you can't be scared of fat on this one. Daughter had scallops which were divine. My buffalo tenderloin was fine but I may have well had been eating steak. They had kangaroo on the menu as well but i am not a fan so skipped. The waiter was great and service in general impeccable. They did have one snafu bc kitchen over cooked my buffalo and decided to refire before bringing to table. Hey- I'd rather that than have them bring shoe leather and have to send it back. Because of slowness ( we didn't complain), unasked, they comped our 2 desserts and 1 glass of wine. They were all quite apologetic. Now that is customer first! Highly recommend. Really great.
(4)Ryan C.
A very solid find. We sat at the bar, great service, non-touristy and high quality. The menu doesn't offer gator but if you're game to try some, we added gator to the Shrimp Creole - awesome!
(5)Tessa S.
Just passing through Savannah, GA. It was a walk away from our parking at the Whitaker parking garage (Bryan and Bay St.) so park nearer if you can. Metered parking is free after 5 PM M-F. The servings were generous - we just ordered the shrimp and grits, and the fried green tomatoes and it was more than enough to share for two. They have some exotic and interesting offerings in the menu (ie. frog legs, various meats) that I would have loved to try if we were staying a few more days in Savannah. The service was impeccable. Coming to the restaurant right after joining a tour with an annoying and rude couple, we were blown away by their courteousness and welcoming demeanor. It's a local hangout so the crowd was less touristy and had more yuppies and couples on a date. Try to dress up a bit.
(4)William E.
Alligator soul's rib eye soothed my alligator soul. It was grilled to perfection...you could eat it with a butter knife. Thomas was an amazing and entertaining waiter. I definitely look forward to coming back! I wish I could eat all that was on my platter....the servings are more than enough.
(5)Derek W.
The alligator gumbo was to die for, and I loved the ambience. Our bartender was very helpful and accommodating as well. The only reason I would knock the place is the price, which I felt was slightly out of line with what we received mostly due to my wife's entree and the fried green tomatoes. My wife ate the buffalo, which was tougher and more gamey than buffalo I have eaten in other restaurants, and I have had much better FGT's...namely at Magnolia's in Charleston who has the best, IMO.
(4)Isadora T.
Unimpressed. I heard great things about this restaurant from everyone I knew so I decided to give it a try. Firstly no complaints about the service, it was excellent. The food itself... Well, while it was good it was not what I would have expected for the price I was paying. Got the cheese plate for appetizer, again, for the cost of it I would have expected a better choice of cheeses and a bigger portion - don't expect to share the appetizer with more than one person. I tried their catch of the day and also tried the food from everyone else in my table: lamb and the ostrich, the meats were good the sides tasted mediocre, the portions sizes for the main meals were appropriate. Dessert was extremely overpriced, and I got a baby sized portion, I don't mind getting 2 spoons of dessert if it tastes great... but it just didn't. The wine suggested by the waiter was good and complimented the meal well. Not a bad place to go but not great. I'd much rather go to Pink House or Jazzd down the street and spend the money where I feel like its worth.
(3)Averi A.
I have been to this restaurant twice now and cannot say enough good things! As an out of towner from Manhattan, Alligator Soul is always on my to do list whenever I'm in town. They have an extensive beer, wine, and cocktail menu - and you can order 750s of a craft beer of your choice. We started off with the Oysters de la Soul which was definitely the highlight of the meal - filled with creamy craw fish and shrimp. I had the scallops which were complimented by speck and lavender rice. My mother on the other hand ordered the shrimp and grits - the grits were to DIE FOR! If you are ever in Savannah this restaurant is a must! Already looking forward to my next trip back.
(5)Ken G.
We were in the mood for shrimp and grits tonight and the concierge at our hotel suggested Alligator Soul. It was terrific. The shrimp and grits with the best we've ever had and everything else we ordered was excellent. We very much appreciated our waiter's suggestion to order the appetizer portion of the shrimp and grits as a main course and we started with a salad and fried green tomatoes. All were so delicious! We also very much enjoyed the cocktails. Instead of wine, we shared a 750 ml. bottle of a wine cask aged porter - our waiter's suggestion and a perfect accompaniment to the shrimp. It was a delightful evening of wonderful food!
(5)Deirdre L.
Best mussels I have ever had in my life. I enjoyed the artichoke goat cheese fritters, as well. They tasted perfectly with the crab. The bison burger was okay. The pork belly was good, but I really would come here for the mussels! That was definitely memorable!
(5)Mas T.
The service was incredible. We shared the cheese board. I had the Beef Tenderloin wrapped in bacon. Creme brule for dessert. Great experience. I have never been so full in my whole life. Be sure to make a reservation.
(5)A S.
Located down a set of stairs in the basement of the building. Once inside we received a warm welcome from the hostess who guided us to the lounge area for a cocktail. After being seated by our enthusiastic waiter Chris, who looked after us extremely well, he then proceeded to recite most of the menu off by heart (impressive). We chose the alligator boudin (delicious) and frogs legs jambalaya as starters, followed by the fish of the day (swordfish) and bison steak. The service and food were very good, although the wait between starter and main was just a bit too long. An atmospheric environment well worth a visit whilst in Savannah. Book ahead!
(4)Wen X.
Great food. Loved everything we order except the shrimp and grits. It is too plain compare to the other restaurants' version. Overall, Great quality food. The tenderloin is the best and the cooked oyster is great too.
(5)Kelly L.
I love the South. I love it. Everything about it. ESPECIALLY the food. Alligator Soul is located in a little underground nook which I immediately thought was cool. I've had a lot of friends recommend this place, so I definitely needed to try it. Starting off, we had the fried green tomatoes which were phenomenal. Also we had the goat cheese and artichoke fritters and sweet Jesus I could eat those everyday! For appetizers, my friends and I split a few things- we had mussels with peppadews and cornbread which honestly was my least favorite. We didn't finish half of them.. they just could have been much more flavorful. We tried the snapper special which was in a broth of ramps, leeks, tasso ham, pinto beans and greens- cooked to perfection and such a party in my mouth!! Shrimp and grits were also ordered, and since I have an allergy I can't tell you how it was but I could tell by the pleased, content faces that this did not disappoint. So all in all, it was very good. I was expecting a little more (maybe my expectations were too high) but it definitely was a great experience.
(4)Nishan K.
My family and I stumbled onto Alligator Soul during our vacation and boy are we glad that we did. It was the very best meal we had in Savannah. The food is outstanding!!! Don't be scared away by the location, which is located down a flight of stairs in a basement setting. The inside is beautifully decorated, dimly lit, and has an old world southern charm to it. And yes, there's a cool painting of a "soulful" alligator on the wall. Our meal started with a complimentary amuse-bouche of papadum, black eyed pea hummus, smoked tomato, and chive. It was a tiny little burst of flavor that we all loved!! We were then given a basket of fresh bread that was so good, we couldn't stop ourselves from eating it. But we knew we had an amazing meal coming, so we restrained ourselves from devouring only bread for our dinner. I'll digress for a moment and get to the service. Our waiter Rashad was perhaps the best waiter I've ever had at any restaurant anywhere in the world and that's saying a lot. We liked Rashad because he was not only the pro-typical southern gentlemen, but he was also funny and knew the menu inside and out. We told him we were visiting from New York and asked for recommendations of things to do and see in Savannah. He came back a short while later with a list of some of his favorite haunts written down. That's going above and beyond the call of duty! Back to the food! Rashad made some recommendations on the menu and we took them. We ordered the crispy pork belly, but since Rashad saw that our party of five was sharing all the appetizers, he brought out an extra one on the house so that we could all enjoy it. Once again, above and beyond the call of duty and very much appreciated! Needless to say, the crispy pork belly was divine and only got us more excited for what was yet to come. We also added the artichoke and goat cheese fritters and baked oysters to round out our appetizers. All were excellent! For our main courses, my family ordered the hilbo steak, lamb chops, and shrimp and grits. My fiancée, who is a vegetarian, ordered the vegetarian special, which we learned was code name for a specially made assortment of vegetarian yumminess that she loved! All of our entrees were absolutely delicious though the hilbo steak took the gold medal as the best entree of the night. For dessert, we were encouraged by our wonderful waiter to try both the banana beignets and the chocolatier special. We were very glad that we got both since they were the perfect way to end our extraordinary meal. If you only have time for one restaurant in Savannah head straight to Alligator Soul and ask for Rashad. You'll be in excellent hands and will enjoy a wonderful southern meal!
(5)Ana B.
We Highly recommend! This restaurant was absolutely amazing. We were unable to get reservations because they were so busy (always a good sign), so we just sat at the bar. Which was extremely entertaining, we loved watching the friendly bartenders create the homemade concoctions. The flavors were divine- we loved the oysters, pork belly, and shrimp and grits!
(5)Damien S.
One of the more anticipated reservations during our weekend in Savannah, Alligator Soul hit more than few culinary highlights and struggled, mysteriously, with one very important dinner element. Service maintained an observant, cordial and responsive demeanor throughout our meal. Thomas was there when we needed him, had menu answers at the ready, and displayed a great deal of pride to be representing Alligator Soul. Good show! Following a playful, umami rich amuse bouche, we destroyed the creative bread basket and salivated over a dozen Oyster a la Soul ($29): a regional spin on O-Rock, stuffing the bivalve's with local bacon, kinda local crawfish, mire poix and green onion, topping them with a parmesan-flaked roux and panko, and baked til bubbling. Very rich, balanced and surprisingly not overpowered by the house habanero hot sauce. My main was the elk special ($39), because when you have one night in a restaurant that boasts a mastery of gamier plates, you go for what they know. And did they! A beautiful medium-rare, presented a bit less gloriously over buttery polenta and roasted cipollini onions. A pinch of the house Hilbo seasoning - also found on the signature Little Hilbo - and the savory mostarda brought a welcomed edge to the plate. I was scraping the flatware for every last bite. And now the down note: the cocktail program. Loads of promise, abysmal execution. The Hilbo Bloody Mary ($13) is served up in a stainless martini "glass," is more than flecked with ice chips, and is laughable in the pour. Take a look at the pic below - that's unsipped. Asked Thomas is it was standard, He said yes, "the bar manager himself made it." According to other photos (like this: yelp.com/biz_photos/alli… ), that's simply not the case. This was an excellent opportunity to right a wrong by adding more mix - it's a bloody, after all, not a meticulous craft cocktail. But alas, they stood by it. At $13, it's a wimpy bust. Same could be said for the Gin Gin Mule - flat and watery, even with a house-made ginger syrup and wisps of mint. Stick with wine or a local beer. We wrapped up our meal with Banana Beignets ($11), a simple, delectable preparation of tempura fried fruits, dressed up with caramel, cinnamon wonton strips and candied nuts, served a la mode. It was fine. Overall, a 3.5 rounded up to 4, yet this is one of those important times when you've just got to break it down: - Service: 4 - Food: 4.5 - Drinks: 2
(4)Yulissa M.
Came here back in 2013! So its been awhile but finally getting my review in. Amazing service at this place, it was my friends birthday so I called ahead and they had a little personalized box just for her on the table! Place is great for groups, gathering and/or a romantic dinner. Its in a basement so really gives it an intimate feel. Food was incredible! Had the Buffalo with gator bites and was yummoooo! Great stop while in Savannah!
(5)christine s.
I loved this place. The menu had some exciting entrees and starters....we had the Alligator sausage (had to try it) it was delicately flavoured beautifully presented and delicious. Also tries the frogs legs served over jambalaya also very good. Then we had Bison steak The swordfish and the lamb kebab....all ver delicious. The waiter (Chris) Was extremely helpful and well.versed with the menu. We had to share a dessert of ice cream and banana fritters..,,,yummy!!! The only reason I didn't give this 5 stars was because it was quite a wait for our mains to arrive....
(4)Lena D.
My favorite restaurant in Savannah. Located in a basement, the decor is warm and cozy. Love the exposed brick and fireplace. Our waitress was very sweet and knowledgeable about the items on the menu. Etta James cocktail was delicious, gin, cucumber and berry. Light and refreshing. Having read about this restaurant online, I was very excited to try the exotic menu. Luckily for me that meant New Zealand Red Deer. The meat was very red (new meaning to red meat), tender and not too gamy. Perfect. It was served with gruyere au gratin potatoes and green beans. There was plenty of food, I ate all of it and felt completely satisfied. My table mates had the flounder with mushroom risotto, awesome. The french fries were also well done and delicious (but aren't french fries sort of always delicious?) Didn't try dessert, but they were very tempting. Pricey, but a better bang for your buck compared to Olde Pink House.
(5)Sasha P.
You know that moment in Ratatouille when Anton Ego tastes Remy's version of ratatouille and Anton flashes back to childhood in his mother's kitchen? Well, my mom doesn't make southern cuisine (I'm Latina after all), but this is how I felt about Alligator Soul after we went back home to Tampa. I was beyond impressed, my heart skipped a beat, dare I say that Alligator Soul touched my soul? I was forever scarred, in a good way. My husband and I went to Alligator Soul for dinner as part of my birthday trip to Savannah. I made reservations online and they called the day before our reservation to confirm it and see about any special arrangements, dietary restrictions, etc. I advised them that we would be there for my birthday dinner and this made all the difference in what I experienced when we went to dinner. Located in the lower level of another establishment, you must walk down some steps to get to Alligator Soul. Walking in, it's dark and dimly lit giving it a romantic and cozy vibe. The decor is modern yet rustic- I loved it! We checked in with the host, who wished me a happy birthday and called us both by our names. A nice personal touch that made us feel welcomed and special. We arrived at our table and what do you know, there was a small present waiting for me. It was a small pecan pie with a birthday note on the box. I was sold at this point, before even trying the food. But let's get to the good stuff: Oysters A La Soul: I'm not much of an oyster fan but these were baked and came stuffed with goodies: bacon, crawfish, scallions and bread crumbs. These were delicious and fresh with lemon squeezed on top. We chose the half order so we could have enough room for other appetizer items. Shrimp and Grits: We decided on a cup of the Shrimp and Grits, just to get a taste and still be able to order an entree. Creamy and savory! I especially liked that these were cheese grits, which added another level of rich wholesomeness to the dish. Let's not forget to mention the tasso ham undertones. This is a fantastic dish. Soul Creole: Again, we ordered the cup version of this dish. It wasn't my favorite of the evening but I can't say it was bad either. I can't put my finger on it but it was missing something in the flavor department. Perhaps it needed salt? Some more Cajun spice? I think I got more of the tomato base rather than the other fixings. Sadly, there were only a few shrimp in our cup. Exotic Specialty: New Zealand red deer with mashed potatoes, mushrooms and brussels sprouts. Absolutely amazing. It was my first time having venison and I really enjoyed it. It was soft, tender and juicy. Hearty yet light, if that makes any sense. I probably won't be able to eat it anywhere else, if not properly cooked to the tender perfection I had at Alligator Soul. Banana Beignets: Oh gosh, I really love beignets. And I really love bananas and caramel with ice cream. At Alligator Soul, they combine all of my loves into one love. These were absolutely delicious and a great way to end our evening. Overall, the service was great. Our waitress was very friendly and knowledgeable. The food was fantastic. This is my favorite place of all time.
(5)Heather C.
Made reservations via open table for 6 on Thursday night. I thought the place would be crowded, but it wasn't. Our waitress, Rachel, was very knowledgeable about the menu, which was refreshing. Ambiance was cool, although it was a bit chilly (but the muggy heat outside was defintely Appetizers were deelish! Pork belly Oysters not as good as the char-grilled in NO, but good nonetheless. Cheese platter w/smoked duck and alligator sausages and rabbit paté. Dinner was also good. I had the ribeye steak w/pommel frites and zucchini. The steak could have been seasoned a bit more but otherwise it was good. Others in my party ordered (i) the pheasant (which was the only exotic meat available), it was good but a little dry, however the accompanying rice veggie mixture was delicious; and (ii) bison with macaroni and cheese and string beans. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed their meal. Dessert was angel food cake, it was great.
(4)Keith A.
Words cant express... I usually dont give 5 stars because there's always room for improvement, but Aligator soul is on point from making reservations on phone to walking into building. Awesome casaul setting and staff that is very knowledgeable. It's pricey, but a good experience to spurg when in Savannah area.
(5)Anne H.
Before our recent visit to Savannah we did some research and came upon a wonderful video showing how the ingredients for the restaurant are locally sourced. We were already intrigued by the name and booked a table right then. Service was impeccable. Our food choices from the artichoke cheese fritters to the shrimp and grits to a special of the day - Thai swordfish over golden rice - were all delectable! The one slight issue was that the mousse dessert was served on a warm plate and so was a little runny. Delicious but not optimum. Highly recommend!
(4)Nik S.
The staff made this location perfect. (Trent the host, Marianne, Melvin and the bar tender.) Were very friendly and made conversation with us about Savannah. The food was in small portions but overall impressively delivered. My filet was a little undercooked.
(4)Linda O.
Everything was perfect from the food, to the service, and the delightful atmosphere. Loved the "gift" from the chef which was a special appetizer carefully customized to my food needs. Specifically, I had the wild mushroom pate, alligator house salad, and a side of fava beans (I noticed they were on the menu with another entrée and asked if they could be à la carted and they obliged). I am a vegan so it is important to me to get enough protein so the beans were perfect. They also had a vegetarian plate, but it featured fried eggplant which is not within my diet, so I was pleased that they happily accommodated me with the above multiple side items.
(5)Carla H.
My husband and I visited SAV in April 2014. We were smart enough when coming in from out of town to call ahead and make a reservation. The entrance can be a little difficult to locate as you are heading to the basement but the ambience was soothing, natural warm wood, brick and lower lighting. The wait staff was incredible during our meal. We never wanted for anything. We started with the oysters and coming from the Southwest, we love a spicy surprise and the habenero sauce was just the ticket to strike a familiar chord. My husband flat out stated these were the best oysters he ever had. I had the fish of the day and it was cooked to moist perfection. I did not find it pricey for what we had, for the quality and the quantity. I'm in SAV occasionally and this is on my stop in list now. And you out scored the Pink House in my book on food quality.
(5)D G.
We've been making the rounds to the highly rated restaurants in the area for our adult only date nights and this was the best meal we've had in Savannah so far! For both food and overall experience this is hands down my favorite. From start to finish this was my favorite meal. Everything, and I mean everything, was spot on. The bread and corn bread muffin, the flavored butters, the pork belly, the service, the mouth watering exotic entrees, the cheesecake, the complimentary birthday chocolate and mini pecan pies, etc etc I could go on and on. This will be my new go to restaurant for taking out of town guests - I cannot wait to go back. The service was polite, friendly, and accommodating without being overbearing and obnoxious. The food was exquisitely prepared and seasoned perfectly. Each item on the plate harmoniously went with each other, just as it should be. You could tell the chef obviously knows what he's doing and took the time to think through each dish and not just go with what was easy or predictable.
(5)L K.
This meal was amazing!! Our waiter was also amazing and took great care of us. We started with the (baked) oysters....oh my god. These things are amazing, do yourself a favor and order 12 instead of 6. Youll thank me later. I got the shrimp and grits which was probably the best Ive ever had. The shrimp was cooked to perfection and plentiful, the grits were rich cheesy and creamy. My friend got the special "exotic meat" special of the night, which happened to be pheasant this night. It was cooked on top of a paella and she was in heaven. The menu is creative but approachable. Do not come to Savannah without trying this place!
(5)Morgan D.
My husband and I went here for his birthday. Our experience can be summed up in one word: Phenomenal! We started with an alligator sausage appetizer which had a tomato chop on top that complimented the earthy flavor of the meat. We didn't go too adventurous on our entrees, my husband had a Ribeye with a lamb Demi-glaze and I had the pork shoulder ragu. Both were cooked and prepared perfectly. Our server was extremely knowledgable and friendly. She named the specials which included Red Deer steak. It sounded amazing. Maybe next time. Alligator Soul is our new favorite restaurant. A true culinary experience in the heart of downtown Savannah!!
(5)Elizabeth R.
Goat cheese fritters melt in your mouth! Cannot be beat. We also ordered the soul oysters which our 9 year old also loved. Shrimp and grits were super rich and tasty. Bacon wrapped tenderloin was very tasty but didn't love the cut of meat - it's my own fault - should have stuck with the grouper which is what my husband ordered. Didn't have enough room for dessert but we will definitely be back. Super cool setting and great staff. John the waiter was so helpful and courteous and kind!
(5)Lisa R.
A beautiful restaurant! Unfortunately we didn't have a reservation and had to eat at the bar. Dinner was very good! While we ate at the bar tables were empty the whole time so that was annoying. Anyway, I recommend the shrimp and grits, best I ever had!!
(4)Melissa A.
The food was SO amazing. The watermelon mojito was delicious, asked for round 2. The carving board was okay, nothing special. The shrimp and grits were AMAZING. Although I had the half portion which was plenty. The service was excellent, the hostess was very sweet. Overall amazing and look forward to coming again if i am ever in savannah GA
(5)Ken K.
Tried to get in tonight. Refused to seat us. Never go back place sucks!!!! Chef is quitting? I could care less. Not my problem. Place looked the inside Charlie Browns anyway. Are you kidding me!!! A boiler plate response. My friend received the same reply. Pathetic...
(1)Jennifer A.
In a word: Rich. As in, the food is rich and decadent, and you need to be rich to dine here regularly. Alas, it is the perfect place for a birthday/anniversary/celebratory dinner and should be on your list of contenders for your next special night out. My husband and I dined here for restaurant week and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Here's our quick take on each of the dishes we tried: -Charcuterie Board: came with venison bone marrow, wild boar sausage, pork belly, pickled vegetables, stone ground mustard, and an assortment of toasts. The meats were phenomenal. I really loved the inclusion of papadums. -Shrimp & grits: a bit spicy, but delicious. One of the best shrimp & grits I've eaten. The tasso ham and okra were perfect additions to the classic dish. -Fried alligator bites: moist, mild, slightly stringy, but unremarkable. Tasty remoulade. We'll skip this one next time. -Crawfsh & alligator etouffee: holy good heavens this was awesome. Hands down, better than any etouffee I have ever eaten, and kicks the pants of the etouffees I tried in New Orleans. The crawfish was succulent and rich, like it was cooked in butter first. The alligator was very moist and tender with a smoky quality. The rice was perfectly cooked: it wasn't mushy nor tough. This dish alone is worth a return visit. - Bison hanger steak cooked medium-rare: savory and melt-in-your-mouth tender. Side note (queue my red meat rant): we overheard a diner complain about this dish being "tough," but she ordered it well-done. The server explained to her that bison is a very lean meat and will seize if cooked to well, which is why the chef recommended medium-rare. Seriously folks, it is a crime to order red meat this way. You do not appreciate red meat and are unworthy of it if you need to order it well-done. Yes, I said it. Save yourself (and the chef) the embarrassment and money and order chicken. -Peach bread pudding: heavenly, custard-like bread pudding that is more pudding than bread-like. It was delicate, delicious, and not overly sweet. It was served with a dollop of creme fraiche and a mint leaf. It was perfection. It should be noted the restaurant does not have salt or pepper available on tables. That should tell you something about the chef's confidence in his dishes. As expected, all the dishes were perfectly seasoned. The service was impeccable and friendly. They made the dining experience more relaxed and less-stuffy than other white table cloth places. I enjoyed the wine recommendations and that they let me sample the wines before committing to a full glass. The wine recommendations, by the way, were spot-on. The server listened to my preferences, considered my order, and made perfect recommendations. Overall, it was a wonderful meal and we are so glad we gave it a try for restaurant week. We'll definitely be back.
(5)Kevin C.
Delicious food and drinks, even better staff. The food was cooked to perfection and the staff was so knowledgable with the menu. The chef also offers exotic meat like elk, kangaroo or rattlesnake...on the day I went they had red deer and it was incredible. The bilbo steak is also a fantastic choice.
(5)Ashley L.
I have been here 3 times and the food is amazing overall. Tonight I ordered the pork tenderloin dish and it came out tasting charred and bitter. Basically the whole dish tasted burnt because of it. The manager, Melvin, came over and was very sassy and rude when I asked him to comp the wine because my husband was done eating and I was still waiting for my entree. Then, when he brought the food over he just put the plate on the table and left with an attitude. Our waiter, Rashiad, was very knowledgable, kind, and courteous. He was our waiter last time we came and we specifically asked for him because we were so pleased with the level of service he has offered. All of the food we have had here has been amazing with the one exception (including the boar special I had instead of the pork loin). My only issue is with the unprofessional attitude of the manager, Melvin. Regarding your comment, Melvin, yes the wild boar was good and it came quickly. My issue was with your attitude when I asked you to comp the wine and when you brought the boar to the table said nothing and quickly walked away, seemingly with an attitude/irritation of my request that the wine be comped.
(4)Rita D.
Valentine's Dinner was awesome! Our server, Sonny, was attentive and engaging. The food was so delicious. The decor was cozy and romantic. Wonderful evening. Food: Charcuterie/Cheese - awesome all around. I believe we had venison, duck, bleu cheese, and a brie-type cheese. The venison sausage was SO good. House Salad - so interesting! They had what I thought were croutons - but it ended up being some sort of hot, cheesy thing. I don't really know how to describe it, to be honest... But it was awesome to be caught off guard in the best way. I had the Red Deer entree - completely awesome. I literally ate every single bite on my plate. My husband had the Little Hilbo and enjoyed his food as well - he had a LOT of food and did have leftovers. He said they reheated wonderfully and it tasted just as good! We were a bit too full for dessert, but they were kind enough to give us small treats to take home (it was our anniversary). I would absolutely, 100% return if we end up in Savannah again. It was one of the best dining experiences we've had.
(5)HeaLa N.
We loved our food and they were very accommodating for our vegetarian needs. Great atmosphere. They should call the fritto misto the mushroom misto because it was 90% mushrooms. :(. But the gnocchi was delicious and I had a great veggie platter. The waiter was far too talkative for our taste. He seemed to be trying too hard.
(4)Joe S.
Celebrated our anniversary here. We were happy to be seated in a quiet room away from the larger crowd. The service was impeccable from start to finish! Drinks were tasty and refreshing. For apps we had the alligator sausage- great flavor, and a baked oyster dish-good but not knock your socks off good. For our main courses, my wife had the daily catch- grouper. Again, good but not wowed by it. I had the exotic special-elk chops. They were delicious! Great flavor and cooked perfectly. Though we didn't order desert, the management did give us a personalized anniversary gift box with two small pecan tarts. Service a 5 plus, food a four... Five for the elk!
(4)Anthony T.
Usually, a better experience is had at AS. Tonight, with our party of 8, they were slow with initial drink orders and getting us silverware after they sat nice appetizers in front of us. After ordering we saw a couple arrive and be served before we ever saw our food. The elk special lacked any spices and was bland and I have had wild elk in Oregon many times. Medium rare is the best way to prepare but it just did not have the taste I was used to. My wife had the grouper special and it lacked any flavor or spice to pep it up. Lemon had to be requested. Others needed salt and pepper (had to track down waiter to get) and steak sauce, which I personally feel is "blasphemous" for a well prepared steak. Too much time passed before the dessert menu arrived and then the desserts to follow. Arrived at 7:30 and were out the door by 10:45. 3 hours is too long. Very disappointed this time.
(3)Harrison B.
Fantastic meal and service! A bit expensive but the food is well worth the cost. I had shrimp grits; done wonderfully and had true southern taste.
(5)Heather Z.
Pretty amazing food. This was my second time in Savannah and my second time at Alligator Soul. I loved it. I brought 6 guests to dinner with me and what a treat. Everyone thought it was only alligator meat :-) We had amazing starters, and I recommend the Oysters with the baked stuff all over them. So good. I also loved the house Pinot. it went well with the Oysters, cheese and sausage board, and the fried green tomatoes. I had the ribs...magnificent. The companions were split between ribs, scallops and grits. No one complained! We were all too happy to try dessert. The most remarkable thing here is the service...from the owner to the wait staff. All delightful! Thank you! I am already looking forward to a third visit.
(5)Woody F.
Everybody and their mother recommended this place to us when we drove down to Savannah. We were stoked for it and we weren't disappointed. The food was good, very solid. No complaints. The wine good as well. Service was clean and friendly. The insanely obnoxious people yelling across the room to other patrons was a bit much but not the restaurants fault per-say. The reason I'm giving this restaurant only three stars is because of their competition. We ate here on our first night and loved it but racked up a $180 tab. The second night we ate at The Grey, bill was only $120 for probably 20% more food and everything about the place was 50% better. The space was amazing, the staff was through the roof fantastic, the food mind blowing. The third day we ate at The Wyld and though the space didn't say much and the staff was perhaps overworked, the location (out in the salt marsh) was lovely and the food was to die for we spent $160 there and forgot about Alligator Soul for good.
(3)John R.
Really quite a surprise find. Located in a basement location (don't let that fact stop you from finding the place) the place has an elegant feel to it and the menu shows signs that a chef is working an art and not just cooking food. I started with the Alligator Soul House Salad (Kachina Farms Organic Mixed Greens ~ Blood Orange Marmalade ~ Dried Cherries ~ Toasted Pecans ~ Caramelized Red Onions ~ Sweet Grass Dairy Lil' Moo ~ Wasabi Ginger Vinaigrette ~ Parmesan Grit Croutons) and for the main dish had the fish special of the evening - Flounder. For a rather boring seafood item it was prepared in a way I am not going to try to describe as my words would not do it justice. One thing is certain about this place -- this Alligator does have soul and if you are looking for something special come down and give it a try.
(5)David H.
I only write one star or five star reviews. We are vegans. The owner is a vegan. The chef cooked me the finest vegan dish I've ever eaten. It was worth the 25 bucks for this risotto which is so over the top that it was worth every penny. The bar is stocked with the best wines and bourbons. Bring your snobby self here and learn a few things you don't know. This bar stocks Pappy Van Winkle. Look it up. We were underdressed for Christmas Eve in tee shirts. They welcomed us like family. Beautiful cellar atmosphere. All the bar patrons were in awe of the food deliveries. Fried Green Tomatoes are the best we've ever tasted. Not vegan but close enough. This is a great place to go if you are a foodie and need the entire experience to work in the important places. The chef is present in the front so he's rightly proud. A great value for foodies. Over the top at decent prices for what you are actually getting. We will be returning. There is love in this food and incredible creativity with texture and flavor layering.
(5)Debby L.
OYSTERS A LA SOUL The oysters are so good. They're stuffed with a bunch of stuff in a creamy Hilbo spiced roux sauce, panko bread crumbs, cheese and baked. I think i taste bacon in it too but I'm not sure. I didn't read the menu very well. Served with habanero hot sauce. The habanero is awesome. It takes the oyster to the next level that Tabasco cannot do. THE LITTLE HILBO RIBEYE with FRIES Hilbo Spiced. We were told that the Hilbo spice has a kick, but I failed to taste it. It was nice and flavorful, salty enough, but spicy, no. Although the meat tasted good, it was undercooked. We asked for it to be cooked medium, but it came out very rare. I ate it anyway because I'm ok with rare. My friend asked for it to be cooked a bit more, but when it came back out, it was pretty much the same. Still very red in the middle, not even pink. The meat was very tender nonetheless. There was also a lot of fat on the meat, so even though it was a 16-18 oz piece of meat, only about 10 oz were meat. The fries are off the chain awesome. Duck fat I tell you. Duck fat. DIVER SCALLOPS pan seared with zaatar spice, watermelon, tomatoes, olives and pork belly. The scallops were amazing, cooked perfectly... but I did not taste any zaatar at all ... and we eat a lot of zaatar at home so I was a little disappointed about that. The pork belly was dry and not very good so we didn't really go for it. It was not crispy at all. WINES I had a pinot blanc called Willow Tree from Oregon and then a Pinot Noir from Oregon as well with the ribeye Both were delicious with my meal and I really like their pairing suggestions.
(4)Lindsay B.
We had a fantastic meal at Alligator Soul- the food was delicious and our server Robert was fantastic. Everything about our meal here was perfect- except for the noisy bachelor party seated behind us- but there is only so much a restaurant can do about that :) Service was excellent for the entire night- my drink was never empty and our waiter checked in during each course. He also provided great recommendations and explanations of our dishes which was very helpful. My husband really enjoyed their old fashioned- and I had a nice tequila based cocktail that was quite large. Our evening started with a gazpacho amuse bouche which was delicious- along with some great bread (which I saved to go with my entree-perfection). We started with the pork belly appetizer- excellent- and moved on to our entrees. I had the mussels dish from the "sea" part of the menu(having discovered on this trip that I like mussels)- and they were the most delicious ones I had on my entire trip (tried 5 varieties overall). My husband was super excited about the "wild and adventurous" side of the menu which was Elk for the evening we were there- and he ate every single morsel. We finished our dinner with the Banana Beignets- which were just as the reviews noted- fantastic. I would definitely recommend sharing this dessert though- it is a large serving. We would head back to Alligator Soul in a second if we were ever back in Savannah- great location, service, and food- highly recommend checking it out for a nicer evening.
(5)David B B.
I ate here with another conference-goer on my last night in Savannah. The restaurant was quiet and attractive, and the lighting was fashionably dim. The environment was conducive to discussion, and it seemed well suited both to a business dinner or a nice date. We started with a charcuterie and added an alligator tail sausage as a supplement. The charcuterie was really excellent. The leeks in the alligator sausage were cooked just enough, so you really got a taste of fresh vegetables that is rarely found in any sausage. Alligator is sometimes a bit off-putting in texture, but I found this to be reminiscent of minced shrimp and I could not get enough. The pork belly was crunchy and sharp, and not the least bit greasy. The pork and apple sausage had a delicate, savory taste and a lightness that set a new standard for German-style sausage. For a main, I had shrimp and grits. The shrimp were good but nothing special. The grits, however, had a sweet smokiness that was hard to describe. I accompanied the meal with a New York Sour, which adds a touch of pinot noir to the traditional whiskey sour. I had enjoyed a similar drink at the Franklin Bar in Philadelphia, so I was eager to try it here. This one was mellow, gently sour and very gently sweet, with a little tannic bite coming from the wine. It was served in a stainless steel martini glass, which was a bit sharp at the edge but otherwise a very nice touch. The chef sent out an amuse-bouche at the outset, and complementary mulled wine at the meal's end. The mulled wine was sweeter than I usually make it, but it was still a thoughtful gesture. I very much enjoyed my meal at Alligator Soul, and I would certainly go again if the occasion presented itself.
(5)Tye J.
During a long road trip from fl-nj it was just the pit-stop we needed ! So elegant, the atmosphere was everything we needed to set us free from all the drive-thrus. Service was AMAZING ! Southern hospitality while being well versed in what was being served ! Our server walked us thru the menu, and after was very attentive. The food was prepared swiftly & did not disappoint. With their seasonal menu I can't wait to try something new next time!
(4)Donna L.
Really cool place. Very interesting and creative menus. Friendly service. I overheard someone raving about the lamb kabob so I ordered it. It was really more like an appetizer, just one kabob with 5 or 6 small bites for 37 dollars. Although it was perfectly cooked, two pieces were inedible and hard to even cut with a serious steak knife. I would try the apps next time.
(4)Rebecca U.
We came here on our honeymoon. I had left a note in our reservation that we were newlyweds, and the staff pulled out all the stops for us. Flowers on the table, a complementary glass of prosecco, and everyone who walked by congratulated us. On top of the phenomenal service, the food was also bar none. I highly recommend the goat cheese fritter app. My husband and I both went with a seasonal special for our entrees and they were both perfection. The ambiance is also great, with a speakeasy style vibe, complete with candlelight and stainless steel glasses. If you're celebrating a special occasion in Savannah, or simply wish to make any occasion special, you must come to Alligator Soul!
(5)Marcella P.
This place was awesome and our waiter was fantastic. The food was outstanding. We had some dietary challenges and the chef had no problem accommodating us. If you like Bloody Mary's you need to try there's. The best I ever had. The Presentation ...Love it in the martini glass without all that ice. A must to try. I cannot wait to come back again and take some of my customers here for dinner.
(5)Timothy B.
Love this place. Make us feel like their favorite customers every time we go. Please don't change a thing! The menu is very good here and varies. The alcohol selection is great and specifically the martini flights are great. Lamb is amazing!
(5)Stephanie C.
Our server Sonny from Pitt was absolutely wonderful. The drinks were amazingly creative and delicious. I made it my goal to find a place with the perfect Shrimp & Grits in Savannah, tried MANY restaurants and this is my absolute favorite. The Shrimp & Grits tasted homemade and the mixed drinks were so wonderful if they offered them for shipment to my home I would do it in a second. Thanks for an absolutely amazing experience especially on my last day in Savannah.
(5)A T.
All I can say is, wow. What an awesome and delicious experience. If you visit Savannah this is definitely the place to go. The price tag is high but it's definitely worth it for the farm table, completely organic experience. Even their cocktails are home made! Our server Sonny was so knowledgable of the menu including sauces, vegetables used and even the origin of the meats served. He was super friendly and certainly made our experience that much better! To Sonny's boss, the man deserves a raise! ;) thank you Alligator Soul, we'll be back when we visit Savannah again!
(5)Kelly U.
The food was delicious and interesting. They had an awesome menu of unique items. The charcuterie board was really cool, although I didn't love the different meats on there, my husband really did and the display was beautiful. Besides the food the Staff was so kind and had really great energy to be around. If we ever make it back to Savannah we will check out this place again for sure.
(5)Adrian M.
Best shrimp and grits in the South! The meats were cooked to perfection! I would recommend the bacon-wrapped filet. It practically melts in your mouth. I'm not local to the area, but if I'm ever in town again, dining at Alligator Soul will be at the top of my list!
(5)Erin L.
While on vacation, my boyfriend and I made reservations at Alligator Soul after reading all the reviews online. We expected to have an amazing experience. While the food was fantastic and the service seemed great on the surface, our waitress Kate felt it necessary to up sell and manipulate us into adding more to our bill. She began by giving us very detailed explanations of all the specials, which was fantastic, but then began to up sell us on water. When we asked for water while we checked the drink menu, she asked "Would you like some sparkling water?" When my boyfriend responded, "No just flat water," she spoke over him saying "Flat bottled water?" as she walked away, not giving us a chance to stop her. She literally put words in his mouth to charge us $5 for bottled water that was carried to our table in an ice bucket. We immediately knew we would be charged for something we clearly hadn't ordered but since it was just water, we let it go. Before walking away to put in our drink orders she said she would give us a moment to look over the appetizer menu, then when she returned specifically asked what appetizers we wanted to order. Normally I wouldn't have thought anything of that but it became clear to us that this was part of her tactic to "sell" the menu to us instead of explaining the food in such a way that we would want to order more. When we told her "No" for the appetizers (second time we had to flat out say NO to what she wanted us to order), she just waited for us to say what entrees we wanted instead of explaining anything on the menu. Almost like she was bothered by the fact that we were only having one course. Again, not something I would normally pick up on but clearly becoming a trend with this particular waitress. When we ordered our entree she asked each of us twice about adding more to our selection. My boyfriend ordered The Little Hilbo, which he loved and would highly recommend to others. I ordered the Shrimp and Grits, and had to first refuse a side salad and then she quickly mumbled "Would you like scallops on that?" which I unfortunately misheard as "scallions" as those were listed on the menu with this entree. Not correctly hearing her was my mistake, but I did not expect her to add more seafood to something like a large portion of Shrimp and Grits. I personally don't even like scallops and wouldn't have added them if she had bothered to slow down when asking or explained why scallops would enhance the dish. At the moment it wasn't something I caught as an add-on, but by the end of the meal we both realized this was her sales tactic. The shrimp and grits were fantastic, and it was a very large portion that truly did not need scallops. When we saw the additional $14 added onto our bill, we realized why she quickly mumbled the suggestion to me. I could have said something then, as I didn't eat the scallops, but honestly I was embarrassed. This woman's intentions were obviously to make money by taking advantage of her customers, putting words into their mouths and flat out forcing you to refuse her up selling suggestions over and over again. Her overall demeanor was very kind and friendly, which was clearly part of her whole sales tactic. Though our experience was just with one person, I would never return to a restaurant that employs someone with this skill set. The fact that I misheard 'scallops' as 'scallions' and added $14 worth of food that I didn't want to our bill, made me feel angry and dumb. This type of treatment was not something we expected in a beautiful restaurant like Alligator Soul and something that will absolutely keep us from ever returning. Both of us are in sales professionally and understand the need to sell a service or product. We also both know that the best sales tactic is to explain your product as something that the customer needs and wants, not manipulate them into spending more money. The money itself wasn't an issue as diners should expect to pay more for a farm to table restaurant with an exotic menu. The price would have been worth it if we didn't feel like we were tricked into buying things we didn't need, and were forced into saying "No" over and over all night. Though the food was amazing, I would be ashamed to ever walk into this place in the future as I will always feel like the person who got tricked by a con artist on vacation.
(1)john n.
Foodie Southern food with local organic fresh ingredients. Shrimp an grits and alligator sausage was fantastic!
(5)Randy B.
A bit pricey, but food and service was good...service was actually a little better than the food. The dishes are unique as it is a farm to table restaurant, so the food is seasonal. The also had some very pricey drinks...don't bother. Cheese appetizer plate was really good.
(4)laurie s.
Super meal for the while family. Little kids split a cheese plate filled with not just local cheeses but also seasonal fruit, nuts, and honey as well as pasta. Whole Snapper was beautifully presented, perfectly prepared, and accompanied by delicious vegetables. The vegetarian plate - vegetarian pierogies - was unique, and flavorful. Great spot we love to eat at every time in Savannah due to the ever changing menu.
(5)Pat B.
I visited here during restaurant week. It's a great time to try a fixed menu for a fixed price. Without reservations at this busy establishment, we were seated at the bar. Next to us were a group of four ladies living it up tasting many drinks and ordering away on the menu. Then we were two, ordering the fixed menu and the bartender made us feel like second class citizens. I think they were offended we weren't dropping $100 on our meal.
(3)Dev D.
For foodies & mixed drinks... Bread baked fresh w/cracked pepper hints & lemon-infused herb butter. Sidecar martini - Remy Martin VSOP, Cointreau, fresh lemon in a sugar rimmed glass. Etta James - House infused blueberry and lemon gin w/splash of sparkling soda and blueberries & cucumber slice. Shrimp n Grits - stone ground cheddar grits , Cajun seasoned shrimp , incredible sauce that I know had some lamb reduction in it among others. Hearty appetizer. Crocodile croquettes - 2 lightly fried w/another nice sauce (foodies forgive me again) sandwiching mixed greens, capers that complement the croc soo well, among other sauce features. If you manage bites w/all ingredients flavor is exponential. Perfect appetizer portion. Feature a 40oz. steak & on special that night a dry-smoked aged Cajun rubbed grill finished ribeye w/reduction toppings among other things BUT I didn't bring an appetite. So sorry so sad. Foodie server a plus & gregarious cocktail server a plus & mgr seating 20 min. to close a plus & music selection a plus & drink prices a plus & casual attire a plus. Martinis avail to go. Close early, 9:45 on a slow night, 10:15 on busier. Always ask the establishment. Have NOT tried the Jazz Tapas place that is between Alligator Soul and Ellis Square. Crocodile not available anywhere else on Alligator Soyl's menu currently 4/9/12, but mention at restaurant of future bison & more exotic items.
(5)Ashleigh L.
We accidentally stumbled upon this gem after not having reservations for Lady & Sons. The staff was very friendly, food was amazing and atmosphere was perfect for a family of 5! Would definitely go back.
(5)Koula S.
We 're in Savannah for a few days without the kid! Alligator soul was a good spot to visit. We shared the Oysters. Do use the habanero hot sauce. Just a little really adds to the flavor. The duck was good as were the scallops. The best part was dessert. We shared the banana beignet... Yum! It was a solid "good" meal.
(4)Ryan D.
The best restaurant in Savannah!!! They have a great cocktail menu, and the food is fresh and all natural! The best shrimp and grits in town!
(5)Amy A.
Delicious! Southern staples like shrimp and grits are on the menu but I was wowed by the more adventurous dishes. We started with the baked oysters and I'm still longing for another spoonful of the house made spicy pepper sauce. The venison was incredible! Served as 2 chops, it was perfectly cooked and tender without the gaminess I associate with venison. Step out of your comfort zone when you order and prepare to have your taste buds dance.
(5)Nicole W.
Kinda dark, cave-like feel, but very intimate and 'romantic' :) Fear not- there is an elevator if you can't make it down the flight of steps (either before or after the alcohol). + Fried green tomatoes and/or the seasonal cheese plate. absolutely delicious~ cheese plate comes with fresh Savannah Bee honey & fruit. Entrees were also good, and not hugely proportioned. Service was attentive and helpful when trying to decide what to order. I appreciated this place for its formal dining experience. We had two appetizers, three cocktails, and two entrees for $100. Not bad!
(4)Robyn M.
Need minus stars. We had this reservation since 2/23 for 04/21 (see below) Alligator Soul Reservations member_services@opentabl… Feb 23 to me Dear XXXXX, Your table for 2 at Alligator Soul will be ready on Saturday, April 21, 2012 at 6:30 PM. The reservation is held under: XXXXX. Be sure to check in with the maitre d' when you arrive. Upon dining, you will receive 100 OpenTable Points. Please note Dining Reward conditions: opentable.com/info/dinin… From the restaurant: Thank you for choosing Alligator Soul. Should your plans change, please let us know. We look forward to serving you. To get there: Alligator Soul 114 Barnard Street Savannah, GA 33127 Cross Street: Broughton/State (912) 232-7899 only for them to call the night before our reservation and say they didn't use "open table" for reservations and they booked my table to someone else. When I explained that we had the reservation since February, they told us to come and they would fix it. We did. We found that their entire reservation service was "open table" - lie one. Lie two - "someone at the exact same time that you were making your reservation made one too". Really, I wish I had known that someone was planning their trip to Savannah in February for April at the same time and made the same reservation at the exact same time - I would have played the lotto that day. I missed my chance. So I got the call the day before and they told us to come, even got a call confirming it. We got there, no table. They had a whole day to figure this out. Not a surprise. After 10 minutes and the rude hostess staff explained to me that they weren't seating folks before us, "they had a reservation". We were offered the opportunity to wait for a table or have one place right behind the hostess stand - what a great choice, so we waited, and waited. We were told we could wait in their "lounge area" since they actually take reservations for the seats at the bar - this is uptown eating! I have to say they don't even uphold their own standards. It clearly states "kids: No", but the lovely "lounge" area had two chairs and one couch, the couch had two "kids" wrestling on it. Again what a lovely place. My husband had to go to the bar to get served. When he got back, he looked and me and said, "I didn't have to change". I asked my husband to change from his nice jeans and shirt to dress pants and a dressy shirt, since the guidelines state "Dressy". I didn't know cut off jeans with t-shirts was dressy, my bad. We are finally seated. The starter was a shrimp cocktail with green tomato sauce and grill veggies. It was good, but the shrimp was mushy. I got shrimp and grits - too spicy and my husband got the Smoked Bacon Wrapped Beef Tenderloin and it was served "blue" not medium to medium well. Our anniversary "present" was pecan tarts (small pecan pies). Our waitress called them pralines. We don't eat pecans, but thanks. Then our waitress came and without explanation and poured some sort of alcohol on our table and set it a fire. Who knows. Don't waste your time. A typical situation where the two manager/owners can't see the forest for the trees. They want to be up scale, but the service is bad, they reserve the bar seats (who does that), the lady's bathroom has a two inch gap in the wall so anyone washing their hands can see you "rest", and the food is second rate at best.
(1)Pamela J.
We had a wonderful dining experience from start to finish at Alligator Soul. I originally made a 9:30pm reservation on opentable , first available on a busy weekend, despite looking ahead 3 weeks. I called the same day and the manager personally called me back and was able to move our party to 7pm. When we arrived, we were warmly greeted at the host stand. Our server, Davis, was knowledgable, friendly, and made us feel instantly welcome. We ordered cocktails, appetizers- alligator, fried green tomatoes, shrimp and grits, followed by entrees of scallops, leg of lamb, and a speciality item, elk. Our server recommend a wine which paired extremely well and which was affordable. The staff worked as a team, multiple people refilling water, clearing our plates, asking us how we were. I saw the manager working as a bar back, host, food runner, processing payment. They looked like a well- oiled machine. We got a true southern dining experience, charming service, delicious and unique cuisine! Ten stars for Alligator Soul!
(5)Elora R.
Loved this place. Came across it over Open Table and NO regrets choosing it for my graduation dinner. Had the Chet's special: grouper marinated in miso along with a side of fried gator and my tummy was in heaven! Great friendly service. Fresh, local food. A definite Savannah must. My ONLY complaint was that they poured broth over my dad'd risotto, making it soggy.
(4)J B.
Awesome food! May hit this place everytime I am in Savannah
(5)Shay H.
I'm writing this review a few months after visiting this restaurant, so unfortunately don't remember much about what we ate. What I do remember is being wowed by the entire experience. There was something very novel about heading downstairs into the basement of an old building which opened up into this beautiful underground restaurant. The drinks were good and I remember the food being absolutely delicious. Also, the service was top notch. This is definitely somewhere I would like to visit again if ever in Savannah. I would recommend it to anybody looking for a nice dinner out.
(5)Bizz M.
I will start off my review with this. Best food we had in Savannah. Best service we had in Savannah...best dessert my wife has had since the inception of the dessert back in the 1970's. Since everything in Savannah seems to be accessible via walking (if your a tourist), that will come in handy when looking for this restaurant. We almost walked past it and we definitely would have driven past it 6 or 7 times. Its in a basement, a nice basement...actually a very very nice basement. The only thing that lets you know its there is the alligator art thingy that hangs over the steps. Go to the website and look at the picture of the Alligator logo...give yourself a chance at finding this spot. I forget our waiters name but we found out he was new. I would not have known that if I wasn't told that info. We had the shrimp and grits. Wow...I'm not a fan of grits but I would have eaten this all day. Really great stuff there. Scallops...thumbs up, and the chicken that my wife had??? I can't remember exactly. Another winner thou. Now the dessert. The Pear Tart. I honestly thought my wife was going to slap me across the face she was so happy to be eating this. Bopping up and down in her chair like a 3 year old playing spaceships. She doesn't normally like dessert but we ended up going back the next night just so she could get it again before we left town. That is were we met the bartender Emily who told us all about her trip to Atlanta to watch the Phillies spank the Braves, vegetable girl and the "To-Go Cup". Yeah we learned about the greatest concept in the history of drinking on the last night. You get "To-Go" with your drink or fill one up before you go, with your to-go....cup. Before I ramble on. Go here. You will like the people, you will like the food, you will like the dessert and by all means get a god damn "To-go" cup just to hold it high while walking down the street.
(5)John H.
Elk was delicious! Definitely will go back to try some more game meats. Just hole in the ground if you're looking for it, but it's well worth the search. Make a reservation or you'll be waiting for hours!
(4)Amy L.
We came here for our anniversary dinner on our first trip to Savannah. Btw, a most uniquely lovely city it is. The Good: we found the atmosphere lively, with super-cool architectural touches to the place, e.g., the large bricked archways, the magical little "view" outside from our cozy table. We loved our server Rachel. She was sweet and clearly wanted to ensure a great dining experience. The seafood charcuterie special appetizer was to die for as was the she-crab soup. i also quite enjoyed the fried green tomatoes, which had a nice crunchy cornmeal coating and a wonderfully flavorful and spicy sauce. The cocktail menu was imaginative and exciting in its range. The Etta James cocktail was a good choice for the gin-lover. Loved the lighting the table on fire trick in ackowledgement of our special occasion as well as the cute little personalized box w/ a baby pecan pie and chocolates. Finally, enjoyed hearing a little bit of the restaurant's namesake soul in the background. The Not So Good: I quickly found that one of the four sea scallops in the dish was basically raw, w/ the center being cold. We didnt say anything because we were stuffed anyway (and yeah we hate sending food back). In addition, the prices were pretty high but not too out of keeping with other fine-dining establishments in the area. The Summary: if (ok, it's more of a "when") we return to this charming city we would not hesitate to return for a take 2.
(4)Ami K.
This place, nestled in an underground spot, was a fun spot where the service was impeccable and the food delicious. We came here soon after getting engaged and the restaurant, upon learning this detail, did their best to make sure that we did not forget our experience there. I was especially touched by the mini pastries sent over by the chef, with a note from the staff congratulating us. As for the food, I had the veggie plate, which was impeccable and possibly the most inventive and most adventurous creations I've seen in a restaurant. My fiance ordered a meat appetizer, the turtle soup, and an entree, all of which I sampled, and we finished with a cheese plate. The thing I like most about this restaurant is that it's not a place that is afraid to take risks, and it delivers well on its promise. I think it's a testament to culinary skill when a chef is able to work with a wide variety of foods and can create contrasts that don't overwhelm your palette or just clash. I would have preferred to give this 4.5 stars, instead of 4, because the food and service were wonderful and worth recommending; however, the restaurant was fairly loud (it seems the acoustics of the space are not forgiving) and it forces one to either shout or sit VERY closely to someone in order to have a conversation over your meal
(4)Sarah P.
I came here with my new husband on our honeymoon, after a friend highly recommended it. We wanted to eat southern food since we were in the south, and what we got was an amazing experience of southern dining with a flair. Everything was overwhelmingly perfect from the chocolate box gift on our table wishing us a happy honeymoon was a great touch. Definitely a highlight of our trip!
(5)Anne M.
Indisputably the pinnacle of our Low Country dining. Arriving via a Savannah Pedicab nearly an hour ahead of our reservation, we were content to settle in at the bar where we were cordially greeted and engaged by the bartender. To enjoy with our cocktails, we chose the Gator Croquettes (an amazing blend of alligator and mahi mahi) that were finished with a Tasso Ham Cream Sauce - utterly succulent. We were also treated to the Chef's welcoming appetizer, a Beef Wellington wafer with a blue cheese dressing - very creative. Still seated at the bar, a complimentary loaf of warm thyme/chive bread with ever-so-slightly sweetened, lemon-infused butter was presented to us. Basking at the bar we appreciated the warm, welcoming décor despite being a lower level with strong brick and stone influence. Dining areas were intimate without being crowded. Despite a growing crowd, noise was never an irritant. Once seated at our table, our taste buds thoroughly enticed by the bar treats, we could not resist ordering appetizers: one plate of the Shrimp and Grits, another of a special Buffalo and Duck Sausage plate with caramelized Vidallia onions. The rich, complex, complimentary flavors nearly caused us to swoon. For entrees: from the menu, I chose the Seared Duck Breast and asked that there be no pink. My husband chose a special rib eye steak, nine hours cold smoked, and requested medium well. Here-in arose our only irritant for the night: the snooty, condescending waiter. He argued with me about my request for no-pink and queried my husband several times about the medium well. Each dish arrived essentially the way the waiter tried to direct us: mostly rare. But, by then everyone else (staff) had been so embracing/refined, the food was so utterly amazing and the ambiance so relaxing it was easy to levitate above his fly speck insignificance by sharing our dishes, each taking away from the other what appealed to our individual palates. My husband is more tolerant of rare than I so I enjoyed the outside edges of his steak, and he was happy to take the middle, most-rare slices of my duck. Dessert was Banana Beignets with strawberries and vanilla ice cream - truly a heavenly end to a stellar meal. Considering the creativeness and quality of the food, value/cost is very reasonable - this certainly was not our most expensive Low Country meal, but it was the most memorable. We consider ourselves fairly seasoned when dining in up-scale restaurants (Chez Panisse, Berkley. Geronimo, Santa Fe. Fogo de Chao, Addison when it was the sole US location. Topolobampo, Chicago.), but Alligator Soul left us with our jaws agape: simply stupendous! Go to Savannah, Georgia, take a Savannah Pedicab to Alligator Soul from your historic district motel, and immerse yourself in unfeigned Low Country grace and charm. Bon appétit! Date of Visit: 1Apr2012
(5)Bill D.
Alligator Soul is amazing! This restaurant was recommended to my girlfriend and me by a local and it did not disappoint. I had the exotic special of the night, which was kangaroo served with shallots and mushrooms cooked in foie gras. The exotic special however changes regularly and you could get pheasant, camel, and some other exotic meats. My girlfriend had shrimp and grits. Both were delicious. Our server (David?) was awesome. He recommended that I get a cup of creole as an appetizer which was also delicious. We did order a lot of food since everything on the menu looked delicious and the price wasn't too bad, I've definitely paid more in Manhattan for dinner and drinks than I did here. I will definitely be going back to Alligator Soul, if I visit Savannah again.
(5)Joanna R.
Had the sweetest dinner at Alligator Soul this past May while on vacation in Savannah. The service everywhere in the city seems to be superb so I won't even delve into that (even though it was fantastic). The restaurant is kind of underground and so initially we thought it was closed even though we'd made reservations. Once inside, the place was pretty packed for a Tuesday night. We had the blue crab tart to share as an appetizer and hmmm, wish I'd gotten my own. It was amazing. M chose the "little hilbo" which is the rib eye with duck fat fries, and I had the bacon wrapped tenderloin. Our waiter stated that his choice was the most popular but for once during our entire trip, I didn't feel like he picked the best dish. My mashed potatoes matched the beef perfectly and I ate the entire thing. Not to say his meal wasn't tasty and those fries, ahhhhh. I'm getting hungry just thinking about it. For dessert we had the tea crème brulee. Not my favorite but you can't really lose with crème brulee anyway. All in all, a place you should visit when in Savannah. Bon appetit, my lovelies.
(5)Tom B.
Went to Savannah with another couple and had a great experience at Alligator Soul. The Shrimp and Grits was great, as was the service. Highly recommend this cozy, dressy restaurant for a date night.
(5)Tiffany M.
No alligator, no fresh oysters, terrible service. The service was so bad that we asked for another waiter, but we were told that wasn't an option (if you get Kate, ask for another server). BTW, we're very nice people and did not make a scene - we just wanted some service. Our cocktails never arrived, but the wine we ordered for our dinner made it to the table first. After waiting and waiting, I went to the bar and asked the bartender where our drinks were. Unbelievable! The food was very disappointing, and we weren't the only ones complaining. We started with the beer battered oysters that tasted like batter. My husband ordered the shrimp and strawberry salad and asked to have the strawberries on the side. I guess good old Kate forgot about that request. My husband ordered the ribeye and it was so tough he couldn't eat it. When he mentioned it to another waiter (Kate was MIA) he was told ribeyes are always tough. Fatty yes, tough no. I ordered the jambalaya with extra shrimp - I overheard another waiter telling his table you could get it with anything extra (Kate never said a thing). By far the worse dining experience we had in Savannah and cannot recommend it.
(1)Margie C.
Hostess welcome was sweet. Service very slow. Loved to cozy vibe. Cajun Jumbalaya was tasty. Overall - overrated.
(3)Jason M.
Berkshire Pork Tenderloin.....AWESOME! Roasted Yellow Tomato Stone Ground Georgia White Grits...AWESOME! See uploaded photo
(5)Claire O.
As others indicated, it is a nice upscale restaurant. The wait staffs are friendly and well trained. Our table did encountered a small mischief...the furniture accident. However, our waiter Adam was quick and fixed the problem immediately. The menu is well put together. My family all tried different dishes. For starter, we had charcuterie plate, blue crab tart, shrimp & grits, artisan cheese plate and frog legs. They were all good except frog legs, which was under cooked per my brother-in-law. In our entree course, while my duck entree was normal, the alligator gumbo my sister ordered was perfectly seasoned & cooked. For dessert, definitely get the soul banana beignets. It was crunchy, soft, hot, cold and sweet. Where can you find all those senses in your mouth at the same time?!! Therefore, I'll recommend this place to anyone who will be visiting Savannah, GA. Only one small final note, the decor of the place is wonderful, but don't be shock by the "Subway" type of restroom :(
(4)Michelle C.
We called, but they were booked. We tried our luck and we scored a few seats at the bar. The staff was super friendly. They really made it fun to eat there. The food however was not as good as we would have hoped. They did not have half of the stuff on the menu. The ribeyes were not tender, at all. If I am ever back in Savannah. I would give them another shot. Just because they were so nice.
(3)Gil K.
Great service at the bar - Melvin and Ryan. Great atmosphere. Scrumptious food. We had a rich smoked crab tort appetizer and delicious salad and grouper. Kind of expensive but most great places are!
(5)Derek L.
This place is downstairs and kinda of hard to find. FYI The food here is delicious. It has alot of favor. I had the Kangaroo and my girlfriend had the buffalo. I learned when you go to these nice restaurants.. Just get the specials you typically can't go wrong. The surroundings were romantic and the lighting was perfect. I really enjoyed the service, my glass was filled everytime. Matter of fact they were waiters waiting around to make sure your glass stayed filled. Back to the food, Kangaroo good quality and mashed well with the sauce it had. Easy to eat. This place is quite expensive, so if you are on a budget, you may want to look else where. The buffalo was tender and melt in your mouth. Usually I don't like grits but they nailed grits all day!. Grits actually had TASTE for once! Very impressed. If you want to look for a place that is romantic and enjoyable with great food. Come to Alligator Soul!
(5)Lou K.
Great ambiance eclectic staff. Food was tasty and well presented.
(3)Josh D.
Yes, this is only my second yelp review, the first one was a 1 star. I figured karma required a positive review to balance out the universe. Alligator Soul was amazing. The service was great, atmosphere cool, and the food was even better. We had the shrimp creole and shrimp and grits for appetizers. Absolutely amazing, among the best we have had anywhere. I liked the shrimp creole so much, I cancelled my steak order and ordered more creole for my entree. My wife had the bacon wrapped fillet for dinner, it was great as well. Long and short, highly recommend this place.
(5)Erin L.
My husband and I ate here last Friday and it was the best meal we had in Savannah! Friends of ours had eaten there and highly recommended it, insisting on making reservations for us on our honeymoon trip. The service was great. The waitress was knowledgeable and helped me select my dinner. We ordered Shrimp and Grits, Gator Croquettes, Bacon Wrapped Beef Tenderloin, and The Little Hilbo. Everything was delicious, but the croquettes with the citrus gastrique were unforgettable. We can't wait for the chance to dine here again.
(5)Geo N.
Dont let the basement fool you- this place is wunderbar. Extraordinary veggie food- flavor, texture, attention to detail. Unexpectedly one of the best meals I've ever had. was a wonderful server. Wendy created an amazing old fashion with St Germaine. Vegans have a classy & tasty place in the south, says this dc guy. Even leaving you're courted for your leftover- no bag sitting on the table. Classy, delicious, great service- a must
(5)Erin G.
I have nothing but good things to say about this restaurant!!! If you are in Savannah you must try!!!! My husband & I sat at the bar and were served my Brian the bartender. He had great recommendations for food & wine!! My shrimp & grits were some of the best I ever had!!! We can't wait for our next trip to Savannah just so we can go back!!!
(5)Leslie H.
A solid dining experience. Everything was good, but not great...a shame, considering the upscale ambiance and attentive, knowledgeable service. The dessert here (lavender honey creme brulee for me, and banana beignets for the husband) stole the show, for sure.
(3)Cliff C.
Came here famished and reservationless (I'm starting to see a trend in my reviews). My three guests and I were promptly offered the bar until a table was ready. The short wait went quickly with a pitcher of Sangria, surprisingly good but a little on the pricey side when the check came. The bartender was feisty but likable. We ordered Shrimp with Cheesy Grits and fried green tomatoes as apps. They arrived right when our table became available. Only now did I realize that grits are like polenta with a less frilly name and fried green tomatoes are like an eggplant Parmesan knock-off (without the sauce). The fried tomatoes here were far better than the ones I had the night before elsewhere. Unfortunately it seemed to take a long time to get our actual dinner but when it came it was tasty. My main was the gargantuan pork chop stuffed with greens and bacon and served in a killer sauce. Definitely recommend. Everyone left full and happy with a lighter pocketbook.
(4)Laurie Z.
Read Yelp reviews and said, "yeah, we have to do this." A true gem. Excellent food. Excellent service. Pricy but so worth it. Our server asked us if we had any dietary restrictions (who does that?) and hubby said he avoids gluten. Two seconds later we had an "amuse bouche" - and hubby's was gluten-free. On to apps. Hubby had oysters that he enjoyed immensely. I had shrimp and grits, which was enough for a meal in itself. He had to help with it or else I wouldn't have had room for the main event: red snapper, which had been in the ocean just that morning. An OMG experience. Hubs had Creole Soul with a couple of diver scallops on the side. We shared tastes and everything was crazy delicious. During dinner we were discussing how we were going to come back on our next visit to Savannah and what we would order. Of course, next year the menu will probably be completely different and how fun will that be?
(5)Tana M.
Had a nice weekend in Savannah and I had read some bad reviews on this place so I was not going to try it but our waitress at the Bohemian highly recommended it so we gave it a try. I am glad we did! The apps, and drinks where awesome.We had the cheese plate and shrimp and grits. For main course we had a special it was a NY strip, it wasn't mind blowing but the service an atmosphere where spot on!
(4)Joseph L.
We ate at Alligator Soul at the suggestion of the Hyatt and we were so glad we did. We both had the gumbo appetizer and two salads the perfect starter. The gumbo is very good best since I dined in New Orleans I chose the fish special( I think Grouper) which was very good and perfectly cooked. My wife had the pork chop which was tender and juicy. We split one yummy chocolate mousse for dessert and then waddled out happy and well fed. The service was good so. If you are in Savannah, treat yourself to the Alligator Soul ...
(4)Carolyn B.
I had the antelope Wellington it was fabulous highly recommended . Our server Jessica was well versed in the menu very friendly. We were fortunate enough to meet owner as it was restaurant week and she was helping serve tables. . We had reservation made on yelp and they had no record but found us a table within 10 min.
(5)Charles C.
I made reservations for my special lady friend and myself at Alligator Soul last weekend. As we walked downstairs we both immediately were struck by the intimate atmosphere. The brick walls, cobblestone lighting, and fireplace all added to a cozy, below street level interior atmosphere. The staff had placed pecan cookies on the table in advance, and very early on, the chef provided bruschetta with crab spread that was so good. Although we did not have cocktails ( we went with red wine) the cocktail list looked eclectic and classy. All were recipes by in house mixologists. there was always food on the table. For an appetizer we split gator cakes that were tender and flavorful. For dinner, my lady friend had a fresh catch in the form of a chowder. It was a very generous, hearty portion. I myself had the scallops, which were large, soft ( no knife was needed to cut through them ), and very flavorful. The dish came with the best ochre and tomatoes I've ever had in my life. The staff was friendly, talkative, and did a great job explaining the dishes and specials. They were attentive, and never gone for so long that we had to turn our heads to look for them, we connected with our server so much that even asked her to be pulled out of the back afterwards so she could take a photo of us. All in all, very personable. For my money, the bill was just under the amount I spent at Local 1110 the night before, for more, better tasting food, and atmosphere. I would drive from Jacksonville to Savannah again to eat here. Fantastic!
(5)Ralph A.
This is one of those "traveling vegan" reviews... I was in Savannah ( a truly beautiful small city) for a week long conference. After a week of dinners with the group at a variety of both local and tourist haunts, I was getting discouraged.... I'll never understand why you have to throw a handful of bacon in every vegetable dish you cook! Oh yeah....southern cooking...... Thanks for nothing, Paula D. I decided for my last night in town, I'd seek out a vegan fine dining restaurant and was led by both personal recommendations and web reviews to Alligator Soul. Warning- meat (domesticated and wild) is very important to this restaurant. Don't go here if your going to be offended reading the menu..... I called to inquire about reservations and was told the only place to sit would be the bar..... Ok.... I arrived, sat and was given a stack of reading. The drink menu was interesting but since I was at the bar it was kind of awkward that the bartender just waited for me to order rather than inquire about my taste and offer suggestions. Wine list was acceptable.... Albeit a bit pricey. I had a glass of Sauvignon Blanc that was crisp and tasty... Villa San Juliette, Paso Robles, California, 2010 for 10 bucks. From the menu - For Our Other Important Friends and Guests... Veggies Fear Not Are You a Vegetarian or Vegan Looking for a Good Meal? Chef Will Prepare a Unique and Delicious Vegetarian Entrée with Today's Market-Fresh Ingredients so, Veggies.... Fear Not! Twenty-Seven Dollars Dinner.... I told the bartender that I was Vegan and asked them to amaze me. Well I wasn't amazed, but I had a great dinner. A fresh baked gluten free and vegan miniature fruit muffin (still warm); a Curry soup (fantastic!); Poppadoms with a Mango Chutney; and a sauté of carrots, onions and mushrooms with a delicious smoked tofu. I was satiated and left a happy vegan!
(4)Robert K.
Alligator Soul was recommended by a friend and did not disappoint. Both my wife and I had seafood dishes that were exquisite.
(5)Melissa E.
5/5 stars all the way! BEST dining experience in vast travel experiences! As tourists of Savannah, northern America and globe, we each had a noteworthy dining experience! In our group of 5, we were able to taste a large majority of the menu and eagerly shared each other's delights. We enjoyed allegator, shrimp, gumbo, elk/venison, roasted savory chicken, pork chops in addition to an exquisite cheese platter, array of spirits and top notch service! The Cognac and specialty cheese cake topped it off. We would HIGHLY recommend this restaurant to any visitor! Please ask for Troy; he was fantastic! We spent approximately $50/pp. Enjoy!!
(5)Jennifer B.
Went to this restaurant on our weekend getaway to Savannah. This restaurant came highly recommended from hotel staff and several people in Savannah. We arrived for our reservation and we were promptly greeted and seated. We were given a run down on the beverages and specials by our server. Our party of four all ordered different entrees. We had fried green tomatoes and a salami platter to start with. Appetizers were very good, but nothing to write home about. Our entrees came out a while after we ordered. All the food was very good. I would like to make that point clear. The food was good. I just did not see what all the hype was about. The food met all the marks, but nothing sent my taste buds sailing into euphoria. I would neither recommend or not recommend this restaurant. I could take it or leave it, but for the cost, I would probably leave it and go to The Olde Pink House.
(3)Christopher H.
I was really looking forward to the frog legs listed on their online menu and experiencing other delicacies from down south. Unfortunately no frog legs. I did have the Turtle/alligator/duck gumbo. AMAZING. The adventurous special that night was rabbit. Not that adventurous for me. I had the buffalo short ribs. So tender I didn't even need the knife they brought me. I enjoyed myself. Some of my family members thought the place was a bit snobby and pretentious. Pricey but I enjoyed it.
(4)Keegan M.
This was great! An upscale southern restaurant with local eats. The service was great and we were presented with a nice little surprise when we sat. They also have an awesome vegan dish, specially made by the chef. We got the rabbit, which I was a little hesitant in getting, but was quite impressed. The rabbit fell on the bone and melted in your mouth.
(5)Tripplehorn P.
Lovely ambiance, great wait staff and the best food I've had at a restaurant in Savannah ever. I seriously recommend the alligator, turtle & duck jambalaya- only jambalaya worth having outside of New Orleans. The steak was wonderful and the scallops were perfection.
(4)Kate F.
Yum! We had an awesome meal here. Points for attractive art on the walls and relative quiet of the restaurant, staff tried a little too hard on the up-sells. The wine flights were really just 'pick any three wines and we'll give you a small pour of each'. The sizes were inconsistent and it would have been nice if they had actually been paired in some logical way. We were greeted by name, and mini pecan pies were waiting for us at the table. The homemade bread was warm, and had a sweet/savory flavor. We started with the house salad and the gator croquettes. We were told they are permanently removing the fried green tomatoes from the menu (which was one of the reasons we went!). The salad was good, with some kind of fried-grits croutons that made it. The croquettes were good, I would say like crab cakes. For dinner we had the pork chop and the seared scallops, both were fantastic. Sauces that perfectly complimented the dishes and were so interesting. The grits served with the scallops will be in our dreams for years - I am not sure I even want to know what was in them, they were so good! We would recommend this to friends and we would definitely go back.
(5)K Y.
Our waiter, Sean, was fabulous! He was familiarized with the menu and an amiable young man.
(5)Keith F.
We live in Savannah, but had not been to Alligator Soul. Friends came in to town and wanted to go there, so we went. The service was very good, like you would expect for a fine dinnig restaurant. The house salad was one of the best I have had. I had the Gator Gumbo. I was expecting something like a New Orleans gumbo. It was not. Different is OK, but it was not favorable as I would of liked. I like a little spicy for a gumbo. I also like my rice with gumbo. There was may be a spoon full of rice in the middle of the plate - not even a kid's portion. One of our friends had the scallops. They were disapointed. Only three scallops? Most meal were around $30 - $35. Our favorite restaurant in Savannah prices are around $20 - $25 for a meal. Also, I had truffles and coffee for dessert. I love truffles! Alligator Soul's truffle were truly a disappointment! Overall service was great, food average and price too high for what you got.
(3)Aleta M.
The food here is so good. I had the braised lamb and my husband had th e shrimp and grits. The lamb fell of the bone and was so delicious. I want to travel back just to eat here again.
(4)Nicholas K.
I've had 2 meals at Alligator Soul. The first was with my parents a day or two after arriving in Savannh, and I got the osso bucco, my dad the rack of lamb, and my mom the salt roasted fish. The fish is what I remember the most, it was crusted in salt that had to be cracked with a spoon, and inside was the most wonderfully tender rock fish. It was one of the first times I'd really liked a fish other than salmon. It also helped tie the knot that I was going to be moving to Savannah. The restaurant itself is downstairs from Barnard and Broughton right beneath RolyPoly(also awesome). It's one of the more upscale eateries in Savannah as far as kitchen technicality. Some might call it a bit out of date, but everything I had there more than satiated me. The second time I went to Alligator Soul was for an anniversary with a girlfriend. It was one of the most memorable experiences of my life. It was the classic tale of the poor college boy trying to show the girl some great food, but not having the money for it. When offered the wine list I asked for water, to which the server went to the back and pulled some strings. We were given grain alcohol soaked cherries, glasses of champagne, a risotto appetizer, and a desert. All of the food was mind numbingly good, and is without question my favorite restaurant in Savannah. While I hold Alligator Soul in a sentimental corner of my heart, I can step away from myself and clearly state that the food here is cooked with care and loved and the waitstaff share that passion. It is an all around great time, and everyone should experience it.
(5)Angela S.
I went to Alligator Soul during restaurant week and cannot say enough about the service (Melvin was our Server). Not only was Melvin fabulous but everyone that walked by the table was attentive and really seemed to take pride in delivering a great experience. I would be remiss to not mention the food. Wow...and the fact that it was extremely busy did not deter the Chef from truly creating A fabulously memorable meal. I will definitely be back!
(5)Peter W.
This is a tough post for me to write as I am a restaurant professional and have been for the last 15 years in DC, Portland and Atlanta. I definitely know how things in the industry work so more often then not, I just let things go. I say that not for clout, but just to prove to the wait staff, that you never know who you are waiting on. My girlfriend and I came to Savannah for the 4th of July weekend getaway from Atlanta. When we found Alligator Soul we were really excited to try some quality southern food. Unfortunately, the service fell short from the very beginning. The hostess welcomed us to the fireplace lounge saying she would send a server to get our drink order...but they never showed up and I had to go to the bar for the drink. When our table was ready our server seemed awkward at best. She started her introduction and stuttered through it, having to restart three times. Maybe it was her first night? We immediately ordered the Fried Green Tomatoes. They were great! But we realized that some points of service were being missed when the table next to us got an amuse bouche and we did not. Our server didn't even come by to check to see how the first course was, while all her co-workers hurried by attending to their own tables. I had to flag down a buss boy to get me another drink. When she finally did come back to the table she seemed to mumble some excuse about it being busy, which it wasn't (930pm on a Sunday night) and the chef being good at chatting her up in the BOH (totally inappropriate). Our empty plates sat on the table for at least 10-15 minutes while we waited for our entrees, even though the table next to us had a server that was very attentive and friendly (where is the team work? We were clearly done). So we get our entrees and realize that once again the table next to us got something we did not...cornbread muffins. We had to ask our server for them when she got back to the table after forgetting some share plates we had asked for. The food was good. However, the rib-eye special that we ordered medium-rare, was just over medium even at its thickest point. We didn't send it back out of complacency, so I will put that on my shoulders. But the server didn't come by soon enough that it would have made a difference anyway. The portions were HUGE though, which is a plus for the money and the quality ingredients. The green beans were really good and the roasted potatoes in duck fat are hard to pass up. The charcuterie plate was big, with some really nice meats and the house salad is delicious with hush-puppy croutons. We were thinking about dessert...and third times a charm...the table next to us got treatment beyond what we did. The lights dimmed, the server light a small cup of liquor on fire and poured it around the table cloth. Cheesey but interesting and placed some vodka soaked cherries in the middle as a parting gift for the couple next to us. At this point we just felt unwelcome and awkward opting to pay the bill and leave. Overall we were really unhappy with the experience. The quality of service at the table next to us was so far from what we got, it made us feel out of place, unwanted and uncomfortable. And they were not regulars, VIPS or anything...just some out of towner's around for the weekend like us. After years in the industry I know enough to see that it was probably the individual servers quality of service and not the restaurant's overall. There was definitely something going on that we didn't see, though our server didn't seem to have any additional tables. Not sure what was up, but this place dropped the ball.
(2)Charli J.
Really good food, really good service, and really good drinks. I highly recommend. Definitely get the Shrimp and Grits. The appetizer portion is pretty big. They gave us this amazing spiced wine for dessert. The bread was great. I saw a lot of people ordering the oysters so I would try that next time. Good dining experience.
(5)Sam F.
Came here with a group of friends while on a road trip. Started off with a basil mojoto (fine) and shared appetizers: cheese plate (delicious!- but I am also a total sucker for cheese), alligator salad (fine), and fried green tomatoes (eh- I'm not sure what all the hype is about, definitely could have been better. It was way too much fried batter which sucked out all the tomato flavor) For entree I had the snapper, but with collard greens and mashed potatoes, instead of the bacon sauce it typically comes in. The snapper started out delicious, through the flavor fell flat towards the end and I couldn't finish it. The snapper was originally supposed to be prepared with this apricot sauce which our server brought on the side. After I tried it, I thought it was way too sweet and would have destroyed the good flavor of the fish, so I'm glad I didn't order it the way it was originally intended to be prepared. The sauce did taste good on the collard greens, though. Dessert was the banana beignet, which was fine, though I thought it could have had more flavor added to the batter. Service was fine. The most annoying part of the evening was that literally half of the things on the menu were unavailable. It was so ridiculous, I'm not even sure why the server bothered giving us a menu, since he could have just taken a sharpie and crossed out half the items on there. Also, for all the talk about this being a vegetarian-accomodating restaurant, many items had bacon ingredients which could not be removed. Total was about $175 for three people plus tip. Bottom line: eat here if you have gotten sucked into the hype and need to experience it for yourself. But frankly, you won't be missing anything extraordinary if you go without.
(3)Jacqueline J.
Fantastic meal in a great restaurant. One of the best meals we've ever had. Inventive southern cuisine and even the vegetarian in the party was catered for. Well worth the money to taste the exquisite flavor concoctions of the chef. Favorites included the shrimp and grits and the sweet potato flan served with the buffalo.
(5)Andrew F.
This was an odd choice for a Bachelor Party of 12 to visit. However, the staff and our waitress was very accommodating as they put us away from the couples and family for as long as they could. The experience was relaxed but upbeat for the occasion. The groom was taken care of and we didn't have any issues (except they ran out of Maker's Mark (minus one star). I do believe everyone in the wedding party had steak, the majority of us had the evening's special of the large Porter House Steak. That was probably the quietest part of the dinner as we devoured every last bite. To start we had the cheese plate, which was awesome because they paired the cheeses with all sorts of accoutrement like honey and dried fruits. We passed on dessert but they were gracious to give the groom a few pastries and ended the dinner with a interesting parlor trick by lighting the table on fire! Great time, great experience.
(4)Holly S.
I booked my birthday dinner with A.Lure, but the Concierge at our hotel strongly recommended this place, and booked us here instead. She promised a top tier fine dining experience, and that I won't be disappointed. After dining at the Olde Pink House the night before, Alligator Soul was nothing spectacular. Our waitress was friendly and knowledgeable, and our meal was good, but not great. We had the frog legs appetizer, which was just ok. I had a creole dish with alligator, shrimp, and mostly rice with a salty spicy sauce. It was good but I wasn't blown away. The so-called hand crafted truffles were bland. I get better chocolate from Perugina. Hubby ordered bison and was pleased. Our dinner came to $50 more than at Olde Pink House, and we got a lot less in ambience, taste, history, and selection. They charge NYC prices without the sophistication and delivery. If you're looking for high end fine dining, go to the Olde Pink House instead.
(4)Bill G.
Alligator Soul will either be a great choice, or way over hyped, depending on your roll of the dice. I like the staff, having the chief bring out signature plates is a nice touch. The ambiance is dark, and it is downstairs with no windows, but nice (Think cave). I was there with a party, the appetizers were well presented, yet blahh. My vegetarian entree was just ok. Members of my party ordered medium and medium well meat, and it all came out medium-rare. On balance, it's pricy, has nice ambiance, but perhaps the looks don't deliver to the tastebuds.
(3)J T.
Alligator soul is A-OK as the star rating suggests. Its in central Savannah - the historic district. Service was good. For the price point, the cuisine was fine, but not over the top. My main comment here is this: my diver scallops were done exactly right, but the rest of the dish was a little off. The menu described this entrée as having a mix of savory flavors (i.e. shiitake, etc.) with cherry tomatoes and served on a bed of couscous. This sounded to me like a great combination (I'm a sucker for tomatoes), and it would have been except...I had exactly one cherry tomato (halved) for 4 large scallops. My muscles were left sorely wanting.
(3)Samantha L.
Alligator Salt is what this place should be called. I came here w/ my bf for his bday. The waitress recommended the pear martini, which was delicious, bf had a beer, don't remember which one. We split the shrimp gumbo app. which was good. I ordered the chicken breast that came with kale and bamboo rice, bf had the "filet of soul". My entree tasted like salt with a dash of chicken. gross gross gross. bf thought his steak was "ok" and said that he'd had potatoes out of box that tasted better. When the waitress asked how everything was, glancing down to see that I had barely eaten anything, I told her that my meal was salty. Without me asking her to, she tells the manager, who then comes over to our table to explain that the chicken is "brined". blah blah blah /careface. I don't care if they bought the chicken breast from Church's and just reheated it in the microwave as long as it tasted good, which it didn't. The manager didn't offer to take it off the bill or apologize. Two stars for our waitress who was great. Overall, we were so disappointed with this place. I should have gone w/ my gut and gone to the Olde Pink House for dinner. There is a reason why that place was booked on a Sunday night and Alligator Salt looked like a ghost town
(2)Mike G.
Great food here last night. Hilbo steak is by far one of the best steaks I've had!
(5)Deirdre H.
Cozy atmosphere, quiet and romantic. Fabulous cocktails - loved the Etta James. My husband enjoyed his flight of bourbon. We were there on the frirst day of the winter menu and the salad was probably the best salad I've ever had, incredible dressing. The entrees were good and creative, although the vegetarian special was only okay. Stick to the meat and fish entrees. Very attentive wait staff. We've were celebrating our 30th wedding anniversary they treated us to a bottle of wine to go! How sweet!
(4)Cara B.
My family tried out this restaurant when we were in Savannah overnight on the way back from Florida. We were driving in on Friday evening and knew we would get to Savannah around 9 pm. We made a reservation for the four of us around 2 pm and they were booked through 9:30. We were okay with that considering you never know what will happen with traffic! When we got there, we were first confused. No you are not in the wrong place, the restaurant is in the basement of the building. After walking down the stairs, we found that the restaurant was quite full! We were seated immediately and told about the specials for the night. There were quite a few delicious sounding items on the menu, so we asked our waiter for his suggestions. He was very helpful and suggested that we try two appetizers between the four of us. We had the alligator cakes and fried green tomatoes. Both were delicious (especially the alligator cakes when you ate every ingredients on the plate at the exact same time- it was mouth wateringly good). The entree sized appetizers are HUGE. While I don't know how large the appetizer sizes are, you might ask your waiter. Three of us had these entrees, and we were overwhelmed with the amount of food that each of us received. Shrimp and grits and the gumbo were delicious. You can definitely taste the New Orleans influence in these dishes here! Very hearty with delicious homemade andouille! Both were quite spicy too! My mom had the fish special, and it was delicious too. We had a few drinks from the bar, and they were made beautifully! Service was great too. For some reason, I just can't give it 5 stars. Just one of those feelings. Maybe for the price point, I expect blow me away food, but we just got really really good. I'd still definitely recommend it though!
(4)Travis D.
Best food we ate in Savannah, no question! I suggest you make reservations though. We didn't, and had to sit at the bar, but we always end up at the bar and it was no problem. Actually, it gave us a chance to chat with the bartender, who recommended things to see and do in Savannah. I also loved the ambiance of the restaurant, being in what seemed like a wine cellar below street level. Very cool. Ok - the food: absolutely amazing. The appetizers were huge. In fact, we could have ordered 3-4 appetizers and been stuffed between the 2 of us. We had the shrimp and grits app and the fried oysters. I wanted to lick the plate, the shrimp & grits were sooo good. The lamb ribs were good, as was were the scallops (which were perfectly cooked), but nothing could top the appetizers. The meal was worth the price, I highly recommend this place.
(5)Timothy B.
The concierge said forget it.....you'll never get in. We walked over anyway and they had a table for two. Perfect. Excellent service. Ryan, our waiter gave us great tips on where to have a cocktail.....and what parts of Savannah are most haunted......and he's an expert! Unusual interesting menu filled with adventure. My partner may be the most conservative eater on the planet and he reached out and had the Kangaroo Shepherd's Pie. Phenomenal. Jumping with flavor. I enjoyed the smoked rib eye immensely. Fantastic. The Swiss chard was also great.....and the portion could have been a little bigger. Broad wine list. Ok pricing. This was our only meal in town......and glad we spent it here.
(5)Cheryl M.
Best service we had in Savannah. We dined well in town over our week's visit, but only Alligator Soul managed to serve all of our food at the same time and hot. Our server Melvin from Alabama was pleasant and on top of things. Shrimp and grits were mighty tasty. We enjoyed our entrees. A very solid dining experience. We were celebrating a birthday and the birthday girl appreciated the tasteful but festive attention. Would definitely return and will recommend.
(4)Steph V.
I thought Alligator Soul was a great Savannah restaurant!! The waiter recommended a great wine and was super knowledgable about everything on the menu. They give you all kinds of freebie starters, just little tastes of things, all with a very Southern flair (and being a Yankee from the north, I was delighted to try them!) We had the artisan cheese plate to start which was so delicious, and I had a chicken dish as my entree which doesn't appear to be on the menu anymore but was incredibly yummy. And they have all kinds of exotic choices for those who are more adventurous eaters. I would definitely recommend this restaurant to anyone visiting Savannah!
(5)Don R.
Every once in a while you find a gem in a town you are visiting. Alligator Soul was our find on this trip to Savannah, Ga.. The server was informative and delightful, the food was thoughtful and tasty. The specialty dirnk amazing-sugar rum, lime juice and cane sugar with a salted rum. My wife's smoked steak tips were out of this world. The staff were very availalbe through the meal and only wanted to please. Savannah is the old south and Alligator Soul means to please.
(5)squishy s.
We loved this. The servers were friendly and the food was delicious. The decor was a little weird, but I liked the cellar setting. As a vegetarian, my favorite part was that the veggie option changes daily and is based on what's fresh in the market. It's always a little sad to order the tasteless pasta dish the chef puts on the menu at most meat-centric restaurants in the region.
(5)Kerri C.
I have been to Alligator Soul many times. It is definitely one of my favorites in Savannah. The atmosphere, service, and food are consistently good. My husband almost always orders the Hilbo steak (it periodically appears on the menu, but is always available). The steak is always tender and deliciously seasoned. I always order the fish, which is consistently fresh and properly prepared. Our friends dine with us frequently. They always love the shrimp and grits as well as the lamb. The menu changes seasonally, with a few mainstays. The servers and chef are always accommodating of any special requests. The only reason I am not giving the restaurant 5 stars is that I have not cared for some of the sides or sauces with the fish dishes. I've learned to order my sauces on the side, as they can sometimes overpower the fish or be too heavy for me. All said, my family, friends and I always have a good experience at Alligator Soul.
(4)Debbie N.
This place was referred by friends we dine w/often. Maybe it was a bad nght for the restaurant but we def didn't see what the hype was about. Fried tomatoes were bland except for the pickled veggies on top (hubby got an okra STEM on his plate!). Home-made bread was ok, def have had better. Charcuterie platter was pretty good. My shrimp & grits def had GRIT but it was from the shrimp!! I also have 1 shrimp which wasn't fully deveined - def not what you'd excepct for a high-end gastro pub sort of place. Pig three ways that hubby had was very good. The entire time we were there the lights went one & off approx 8 times - each time for a special occasion presentation. It became very annoying & we would have actually preffered the lights off (nice candles lit the place up). Dined the prevoius night at another very high end restauant & it blew this place away - NO comparison. Unfortunately won't return - expensive for what you get & waitstaff is a little "green".
(2)Rob L.
Took a quick trip to Savannah, and had an incredible dinner at Alligator Soul. I can't say enough good things about the restaurant. Not only was the food exceptional, but the service is top-notch. They were able to get us in at the last minute, and even went as far as creating custom cocktails paired to our food selections. I would recommend Alligator Soul to anyone living in, or traveling to, Savannah.
(5)Ryan C.
Best restaurant I have eaten at in Savannah. Get the Hilbo w/a bottle of Hedges and just enjoy!!!!
(5)M.A. J.
One of the best restaurants in Savannah. Great atmosphere, delicious foods, no cliched Southern meals here.
(4)Katie V.
Alligator Soul is one of those memorable dining moments. From the crisp fried green tomatoes, the jambalaya with tasty fried gator, the delectable shrimp and grits washed down with a variety of well mixed cocktails. They will cater for children, not on the menu, but a creamy Alfredo pasta was served for the little ones. Service is attentive,friendly and quick. Prices are on the higher side but you pay for what you get...a food experience that you won't soon forget.
(5)Cortland Native C.
Shrimp and grits definitely, but I would go to the Olde Pink House for a drink. Ordered a mojito and it was sub par then switched to a mint julep still not so great. Save room for the Banana Beignets!
(4)Preeth K.
Me and my Arwen were walking around Savannah GA looking for a place to eat, as Paula Dean's restaurant was taking a 2 day break due to renovation. Almost every place was closed but this was open still at 7 o clock. I'm telling you it seems that only people in NY want to keep their restaurants open after 7 on weekdays! The entrance was cute as it was underground. The staff was very friendly, which was nice. They also were helpful as I wanted to know where Chippewa Square was, as that was where Forrest Gump is sitting down in his movie. I had the steak wrapped w/bacon, which was good, but the flavor of the bacon penetrated the steak too much. I asked for medium rare and did get an exact medium rare which was great. My date ordered the shrimp and grits which she was raving about. For dessert we ordered the gelato which was very good. I ordered the beer sampler - 4 different beers in 5oz glasses. Very good. All in all, the restaurant was good. I liked the atmosphere but it was quite pricey considering the food we got was better than average. Could of been a little bit better - esp for the price. Nothing made me want to come back next time I am in Savannah.
(3)Greg H.
Food A+, Service C- The food here was amazing. Everything we had was delicious. However the service was poor, especially for the prices charged. Waited much to long in between courses. Server hardly came by the table to check on things and our entree wine arrived after we had finished our entrees! Shame, because the food was fantastic. 4 or 5 stars had the service been better.
(3)Blair C.
Pretty good food, excellent atmosphere. We weren't that hungry so we ordered appetizers and salads. I had the alligator crabcakes, sort of a novelty for me. The crabcakes were seasoned well. Alligator meat tastes different and I am glad I tried it at a place with a name like Alligator Soul. We also ordered Oyster Rockefeller (not sure I am getting the name right). My Dad really didn't like it that much. I thought it was decent but heavy. Since I had the alligator crabcakes, too, it was a little too much oil for me. Then came our salads which were disappointing. The dried sour cherries were a nice addition but the candied walnuts were just raw walnuts and the balsamic tasted pretty over the counter. Our waitress was great. She had fresh drinks on the table whenever they were required and the food came out fast.
(3)Kristina W.
I'm honestly not sure why people like this place so much. It was ok. The chicken dish was the best but the sides that came with it were gross. Way too sweet. Also, I'm done with green tomatoes. I was curious but I don't get them. They have no flavor. The gumbo was fine but not better than any gumbo I had in New Orleans. The wine options were not very good. The service was pleasant.
(3)Ken L.
The food was okay. I had the Pork Chop and while it was good, I thought it was a little pricey. Atmosphere: You walk down a staircase, as if you're going into basement. And, the restaurant was a little dark and dingy. At the outset, the waiter did set the expectation level very high. He said it was the best restaurant in Savannah. The next evening I ate at Garabaldi's and would highly recommend the Crispy Flounder -- Incredible.
(3)elissa g.
Expensive food, poor service, rude owner. Went to this restaurant last night with a group of people for a work dinner meeting. There were around 15 of us. They had put up a flimsy curtain between us and the rest of the diners. When the speaker was speaking, we couldn't hear him because of the noise and the music ( which was eventually turned off). Two hours after the dinner started, many of the diners still had not received their entrees. I got mine to go as did most of the other guests as we were angry and hungry. I decided to express my opinion to the waiters and then the manager who, I later learned, was the owner's daughter. They made excuses that the restaurant was busy and that they weren't supposed to serve while the speaker was speaking. The first excuse was not our problem the second was untrue. No one apologized or offered any compensation. When I arrived home with my meal, the $40 steak, which was ordered medium rare was bloody and raw. The next day, I called the owner as I thought she might want to know. She again offered endless excuses and no apology at all. After a long conversation, she finally said that she was upset that I had already left feedback on a restaurant website. She started yelling on the phone and hung up on me. Amazing. I am a local and will never go to this restaurant again.
(1)Sarah F.
The food and service at Alligator Soul were exceptional, and the atmosphere was surprisingly good, considering they are subterranean. We walked in without reservations and they did back flips to accommodate us. They actually set up a little dining area for appetizers at a couch and coffee table in the lounge where we had local shrimp with lemon butter grits, cajun sauce, andouille sausage and cheddar cheese. It was outrageously good! I had an Adelsheim Pinot Gris which was excellent and my husband was happy with his beer selection. When our table came up, we had the same waitress who served us in the lounge. They are really on it, and she knew the menu by heart - as I said, the service was outstanding. My husband had the pork chops in a blackberry reduction sauce and I had lamb shanks with roasted tomato, feta, polenta, can't remember all the ingredients, but the meat just fell off the bone and it was so flavorful! My only regret is that there was way too much food to finish, and dessert was out of the question. Next time we might go for a different ordering strategy so we can try more smaller dishes. I certainly plan for there to BE a next time!
(5)Jenny G.
We were visitting family in GA last year & while looking for some southern food, we came across this restaurant. we went out looking for it & after a view times of going around & around & asking a few locals we found it, under ground with a small sign that its a bit hard to read while you drive in down town. As we walked in we realized we were in a "high class' restaurant. very low light but still bright enough to read the menu without problems. Low playing soothing music. They started us out with some bread, super delicious! we kept asking for more & more (they would only bring one slice per person...come on now!) As appetizers we ordered some fried Alligator ofcurse, which was amazing! tender & great flavor, it felt as if i was just eating some chicken tenders or something. We also got some oysters, I cant remember the name but i know they were oysters & they were FANTASTIC the best oysters I'v ever had in my life & i cant wait to go back & have some more! As expected they were very pricey but omg soooo delicious!!! For our main entree I got a sirloin steak which literally just melted in your mouth. As a side i got mashed potatoes, red mashed potatoes which were also pretty good...Everyone else got different plates but i cant remember what they had because mine was so delicious that i just wanted to enjoy every bite of it...I did share my little piece of heaven with everyone on the table & they all agreed that my plate was the best of them all, & i could'nt agree more! :-) As far as the price goes, it was expensive but after seeing all that we ordered, the quality of the food, the service, the knowledge of the waiter it was SUPER cheap! I had a few glasses of white wine Chardonnay, an order of oysters, fried alligator, 5 adult meals & i cannot recall if we ordered dessert but i want to say we didnt all for around $200 plus tip! i think it was a great deal....& i must say i've never been to a restaurant where the waiters are so knowledgable, it's as if he went to a school just to explain all the dishes and how they are made and what they consist of...very impressed I must say! but i cant wait to visit GA again do we can go have some more of those awesome oysters!!!
(5)Steven N.
We were in town for a wedding from Chicago and decided to ask around for a recommendation for our first meal. Alligator Soul came up repetitively so we figured that was a good sign. Everyone was correct, it was very good. The service was friendly, not stuffy but attentive and welcoming. The Shrimp and Grits appetizer was so delicious! From start to finish it was a very delicious meal and I'd highly recommend.
(5)Richard B.
Took a chance on it and was very satisfied. Saw it just walking by and even tho lower level eateries can be less than desirable at times, this proved it really didn't matter. If you're going out to eat for the view, sit in the park. But if you love good food, then you'll miss nothing by eating here. Went with my college-age son and wife and we loved all the dishes we had. Very pleasant people and a nice vibe. Quality!
(4)Skip H.
Well this was highly recommended. We had the chefs specials for the appetizer crawfish cake that was mostly filler, fried green tomatoes were pretty good but the most disappointing part was the chipino as a main course. I would say an app. Portion. What little seafood there was, was over cooked and tough as nails. We let our waitress know and she said " the chef will get to the bottom of it!" I hope he finds more seafood there! All in all beautiful atmosphere but not worth the value. We have had much better.
(3)Heather S.
What a little romantic spot with all the touches of personal service. The bread basket was great, and everything we had was great! We had their specialty salad, omg and then our meals were terrific.
(4)Byron K.
Great steak that was smoked at low temp and the scallops spectacular. Fried green tomatoes delicious. The salad was creative. Brought free drink for wife birthday and treated her so well. Gator soul made our wknd!!!
(5)jackie t.
Great food. Ask for Matt. He was a wonderful wait staff. Food was fantastic..Very high class
(5)Terry E.
I took a chance with this place, but it was recommended by two people, and hoping we would have a great meal in Savannah. I loved the food, I ordered the lamb, which is good, but a little on the fatty side. The fried green tomaoes were the best I've tried. The wine served were good. The rib-eye was ordered by my sister, and I tried a small piece and it was great, cooked to perfection. And oh the dessert, banana beignet, that's the killer...it was so good and Mitch our server added a little drama/show before serving it...you should try it, and their coffee was good. The place is very cozy and a little upscale, and we kinda felt out of place, because we didn't really dressed up, with Savannah's weather, hot the whole day and rains in the evening, who would want to dress up. We came in with our kids and other young people and they all enjoyed the food and the place, and the manager, she' so nice and very accomodating. Great service. Don't miss this place if you're in Savannah...
(4)jessica s.
Best food we had in Savannah - I went this past May and I am still dreaming of their fillet. Great atmosphere, and decently priced - $36 for a steak, starch AND a vegetable is a great deal. Service was on par. As the only wine drinker in my party, I would have liked to see more offerings by the glass, but what I had was good. Reservations are a must here.
(5)Jean T.
Traveling alone, so sat at bar. Great service and good food
(5)George B.
Good atmosphere, good food, good service. I will definitely go back to Alligator Soul.
(4)RC H.
Food was fantastic. The presentation was very nice, and came to the table piping hot -- always a plus. Service was decent and prompt but not over the top. The menu was well balanced with very nice appetizers and entrees. I and friends tried the special for the evening, a grouper fish, and it was very nicely presented and cooked properly. For an appetizer we tried the salad, and soup special -- both were perfect. Definitely recommend this restaurant as a repeat visit.
(4)Lisa H.
Ambiance was nice, service was rushed, perhaps pushing us out for the 7 p.m. seatings? Watch out for the unpublished $10.00 split plate fee on top of an already expensive dinner. Not worthy of a revisit, too many other good restaurants in town.
(3)Mason W.
Outstanding food, atmosphere & service. Make a reservation and try this for dinner. Flavors are uniquely layered in each bite.
(5)Mike M.
This was without a doubt the best dining experience we had in Savannah. Everything from the service to the food to the atmosphere helped make it a wonderful evening. This is the kind of restaurant I would tell friends they HAVE to go to if they are ever in the area!
(5)Rebecca L.
Forget Lady & Sons, Elizabeth on 37th, and Pink House: Alligator Soul is Savannah's ultimate hidden foodie gem. Gracious and accommodating, the Craigs know how to get a soulful taste of Southern cooking on every plate for every course. It's our go-to destination when we want to treat visitors out to a local meal, and we've never experienced an off night yet. Helpful hint: owner Maureen Craig is a vegetarian, and the kitchen is always happy to whip up something tasty for the Veggie in your party.
(5)Jason W.
No gumbo :( And we we're set on getting some gumbo. However, their menu changes, which isn't necessarily something to frown upon. I got a mammoth steak and potatoes and it was sooooo goood. Not exactly the southern food we walked into the place for, but it was redeeming. Service here is excellent. The atmosphere is nice, if maybe a little dark. I'd have given them 5 stars if they let me eat from the leather sofas in front of the fireplace. You're definitely going to spend some change here, it's upscale even though it's downstairs. Very good if you have the money to spend on a fine dinner. If I ever go back I'm asking if they have gumbo first. GUMBO!$!@!!!
(4)William L.
Love the building and interior located below street level- really different. Dined here summer of 2011 and was really pleased - not so much this time. Ordered the rabbit - it was dry with little flavor. For desert the chocolate mousse cake was bitter - not sweet.
(3)April D.
We were headed to Savannah for vacation and, after reading reviews and checking out menus, I made reservations at Alligator Soul for dinner. We were very impressed with the service we received. Everyone was attentive and friendly. We were celebrating my husband's birthday and I mentioned this when they called to confirm our reservations. When we arrived, everyone wished him happy birthday and there was a box on our table with a pastry inside. For appetizers we ordered the fried oysters and crab tart. The tart was very spicy, which actually took away from the taste of the food, and the oysters weren't anything to write home about. For our main course I ordered the fish of the day - a blackened Grouper - and the hubby ordered the duck/turtle/gator jambalaya. We both like spicy foods, but this was a touch overboard. It was so spicy we couldn't really enjoy it. In fact, neither of us finished our food because it was too hot. If you do go here, I highly recommend the sangria. It is fantastic and was the only thing that put out the ire in my mouth. We went to The Pink House the night before and the food was far superior and the service was also good, although not quite as good as Alligator Soul's service.
(3)Kelly S.
Alligator Soul was by far the best meal I've had in Savannah. My mom and I were looking for a place that was open on Monday and at which we wouldn't need a reservation, so we stopped by Alligator Soul. Oh my god, I am so glad we did. We started with an amuse bouche. It was a charcuterie bite and so so good. Salty, fatty, delicious. Then we had the shrimp and grits. Get this. It was amazing. For the entree, we split the eight ounce filet. Again, it was wonderful, cooked absolutely perfectly. For dessert, we had the banana beignet. I recommend them. An excellent close to an excellent meal. The service was great and the so was the food. I honestly wish I could give it a sixth star.
(5)Garrett T.
My wife and I went here for our one year wedding anniversary. One of their newest employees at the time and was a good friend and referred us there saying that he was sure it was the right place for such an event. In short, the food was absolutely amazing, some of the best I've had here in savannah. It was a very classy atmosphere as well, and very relaxed. Towards the end of our dinner a waiter came to our table, and poured vodka on the table cloth and lit it for a bit of a show. Made the experience even better. I'd refer anyone looking for a great romantic time with amazing food to this restaurant!
(4)Stella M.
I only go here for drinks, as the food menu is rather pricey, but the drinks alone are phenomenal. Go here around 5:30 - 6 when they are just opening and the bar will be yours. The servers are lovely and the menu consists of their own infused liquors. This is a definite cocktail spot to check out if you are in town.
(5)Isy W.
ssuperb service. Outstanding food. And the restaurant has great character. Just a terrific experience. The owner/manager spent a lot of time making sure that we were satisfied. Thank you!!
(5)Mike S.
Great upscale touch to low-country southern cooking. Everything was delicious and service was great too. Liked micro-brews on tap also. Highly recommend Aligator Soul.
(5)Nicole F.
This restaurant was recommended to us by some folks at the Planters Inn who raved that it was the best restaurant around so we figured we'd give it a try. The restaurant itself is cute and our waiter was really friendly & helpful. We started with the fried green tomatoes which were really good. For my entree I chose the pork chop. It was pretty good but just a little dry. My mom had a braised shortrib or something like that and it was delicious. It was so tender and I remember wishing I had ordered that instead. Overall, I liked the restaurant but I don't believe that it is the best restaurant in Savannah.
(4)Lisa F.
so I gave them a high rating becuase the other people in my party thought it was the best meal they ever had. Be prepared to wait and wait and then wait some more. the portions are huge and the gumbo is fantastic with just enough spice and they don't skimp on the shrimp. It took maybe about 3 hours before our food was ready and mine was wrong but I ate it because I was starving and didnt want to have to wait again.The steak special was to say the least the biggest steak I ever saw. Again they messed up my meal so I wasn't impressed with what I got. Out of a party of 7 , 4 said it was the best meal they had ever had. But be prepared to wait and the noise level is high. but they do have alot of space and don't cram you in like many of the other restuaruants in Savannah . I would try them again because some of the food was really good.
(4)Jeff L.
This is one of the best restaurants in which I have ever dined! I had the Chef's Adventure with wine pairing. It truly was an adventure for the palate. Oysters three-way, shrimp on fried green tomatoes, lamb, pork and beef dishes--- everything was unique and delicious! I can't wait to go back to Savannah just to eat at this restaurant.
(5)Amy Z.
I really like this place. The pork chop was to die for, especially the brandy braised peach that comes with. I think they do a great job at upscale southern food. If I had the choice, I would probably choose South City Kitchen in Atlanta over Alligator Soul, but it's still really delish. The lamb chops are also great and they have a seasonal vegetarian option, which usually includes tofu. Most everything else has some sort of meat in it and probably 75% of the dishes have some sort of use of bacon. So veggies beware!
(4)Michelle L.
Husband and I ate here for our anniversary, wait staff was excellent. I enjoyed my dish, pork tenderloin and grits. I think my husband would have married his steak, if he could have- a cold-smoked rib eye, AMAZING! I took a bite and was jealous, grilled to perfection, and the lingering smoky taste very memorable!
(4)Ed W.
I was a little thrown by the name and the fact that I saw an ad on my tourist map - was this place a tourist trap? - but I decided to trust yelp. All told, we were pleased with the dinner. The atmosphere is somewhat of a subterranean cavern. The wine list is somewhat limited, but that is fine by us, and prices were quite reasonable. The cheese plate was a highlight, and probably the reason I am rounding this up to four stars - the somewhat boring-sounding 'morbier', 'edam', etc. were actually all locally sourced raw-milk artisanal chesses, served with local fruits, honey, and walnuts. Very nice. That was all the appetizer four of us needed, as the mains ($28 range) were huge portions. I quite enjoyed the applewood bacon-wrapped Berkshire pork chop served with potato gratin and fresh vegetables. Reviews on the seafood dishes (daily catch of golden tilefish, and divers scallops) were more mixed from our group, but all told a solid meal.
(4)Casey S.
Alligator soul is hard to find because it is located in the basement of a building. But once you get to the basement you will just love the ambiance. I really enjoyed the wine selection and it was fun to do the special tasting of three wines. I ended up enjoying the wine that the waiter recommended the most. My wife got a salad for an appetizer with grits croutons that was one of the best salads I've ever had. I got the oysters Bienville, which although it was heaped with tons of toppings, ended up being a bit bland, or nothing in particular stood out. I ordered the lamb chops. The lamb chops were excellent but I was very disappointed with the side dishes, which often make a good meal great. So I would say my dish was just good. My wife got the scallop dish, which I only had a few bites of but it was tasty. I wish that I would have stuck to the more traditional southern dishes, which seemed to the be their specialties. For desert, we had the banana beignet. Which was tempura fried bananas and fried banana flavored ice cream. This was an absolute divine desert. Overall I would say that this is a good but not great restaurant but I feel like my experience would have been better if I would have gotten some of the more traditional southern dishes.
(3)Beach B.
The fried green tomatoes were good. They were prepared with peppers (not my favorite vegetable) and I thought the slices were too thick. I had a special of tenderloin tips (outstanding) and shrimp (very good). My husband had a grouper special which was also outstanding. The only negative was the service. We ordered cocktails and a bottle of water. The cocktails and water arrived 30 minutes later. The server, never apologized for the delay.
(4)Sasha Z.
Went here yesterday for their new lunch. I had called the nite before to find out what time they open, and the guy said 11am, but when we got there, the sign said "11:30-2:30". We went and peeked in at the door and the owner came and was super gracious about letting us in and seating us. Our waitress came right over and took our drink orders and we felt very welcomed (usually, when showing up to a rest. before hours there's alot of delay and huffy attitude). Anyway, the ambiance was really beautiful, lots of exposed brick and lovely paintings. I ordered the steak salad, and my friend ordered the smoked chicken salad. We were served warm chedder-grilled corn-jalepeno corn bread which was quite good. Then the salads came out and the first thing that came to mind was "is that IT??" They were microscopic! Tasty, yes, but truly appetizer portions. My friend was also disappointed that her salad was chicken-salad, with mayonnaise etc. as opposed to fresh smoked chicken pieces. But really, the sizes are way too small for the prices. Unfortunately, not even the complimentary freshly baked almond biscotti could compensate for our still empty tummies. Oh well...
(3)Des D.
We tried three dishes. The fried green tomatoes' breading was too heavy, but the fried basil leaf and the sauteed tomato with it were good. The fresh bread was good. The shrimp and grits were too salty. The Indian-spiced snapper was good. The prices were high for the food quality. The atmosphere was good.
(2)Jeremy S.
I found this restaurant through yelp. I wanted to surprise my wife with a dinner at a local place we had never been to before. I scrolled through the many reviews on a lot of restaurants. Alligator Soul was the one that stuck out the most, and the reveiws were great. Knowing how well this restaurant was reveiwed it was no surprise to me that it was very tasty. The service was excellent, the fried green tomatos were to die for & the filet was tender and melted in your mouth. My wife ordered the chicken platter and I tasted it, it was also very good. The prices are high, but to be expected with the quality of the food. Expect to pay a lot, but expect to be very satisfied.
(4)Lee L.
Awesome. Used Yelp to find Alligator Soul on a visit to Savannah and it was great. Distinctive, tasty dishes. Customer service excellent.
(5)Vanessa R.
I tried Alligator Soul for the first time a few weeks ago with a friend. We selected this restaurant for our pre matinee meal after hearing they were now open for lunch. Upon entering the restaurant, which is below ground, I was instantly hit with feelings of claustrophobia, even though the space is far from small. So I high tailed it to a table closest to the "window". Then came the overwhelming scent of cleaning products. Not exactly appetizing. Nevertheless, I soldiered on. When my friend and I ordered sweet tea (me), half and half (her), we were informed that that they don't sweeten their tea. We were then shown the packets of sugar on the table and told we could sweeten the tea ourselves. A restaurant that serves southern food, yet they don't offer sweet tea? Moving right along. We looked over the menu, asked about the specials and made our selections. Then we noticed an oyster po boy sandwich that was not listed on the menu but in a little informational card at our table. I guess the waitress was too distracted by the ONE other table of patrons, to remember to mention it to us. I promptly switched my order to the oyster po boy sandwich with sweet potato fries. My dining companion ordered the chicken salad. Before our meals arrived we were provided with lavender cornbread. Interesting flavor combination. Our meals were of a decent size and we both enjoyed what we had ordered. The meal ended with complimentary cookies. Soon as we were through we busted out of that basement into the sunshine.
(3)Marc C.
Had the chance to eat here recently and had been hearing great things. Neat atmosphere and absolutely delicious food. Huge portions. Loved the appetizers - oysters ala Soul - gotta get. Our main courses were - Grouper (giant piece) with side of shrimp/grits with friend okra in it; Pork shoulder that melted in your mouth (locally raised by friends at Savannah River Farms); and Hilbo steaks that overflowed from the plates and were as tender as you can get. Others in the party got Elk (my second choice) which they said was phenomenal, and Rabbit Jambalaya. Oh yeah - now that you are stuffed just reading this - save room for dessert. We got a chocolate torte, and my personal favorite the banana beignets with ice cream. Service was excellent. Another must eat in Savannah.
(5)Mallory D.
We came here for dinner last Friday, once we arrived we got seated right away. Our waiter (I forgot his name) was very knowledgable about the menu. The food was delicious and cooked to perfection. I would eat here again next time I'm in town.
(5)Diane G.
My husband and I spent two nights in Savannah--ate at The Pink House on Sunday evening and Alligator Soul last night. When I made the reservation, they asked if it was a special occasion. I told them we were celebrating our 48th anniversary. When we entered the restaurant and identified ourselves, everyone at the booth wished us a Happy Anniversary. Our table had a small gift box with small pecan tarts as a special gift--it was very much appreciated! We split the Beef Tenderloin wrapped in bacon--it was wonderful! We both felt the ambiance at Alligator Soul was way better than The Pink House.
(5)Brien W.
Dined here over the memorial day weekend with friends. Came in without reservations and dined at the bar. Loved the food, location and staff. Bartenders took care of us, especially ? Kendra from Kansas City.
(5)Paul G.
Ok If you are driving on route 95 and you see signs for Savannah, jerk your steering wheel to the appropriate direction and head for Alligator Soul on Barnard St in downtown Savannah. I have eaten at every recommended restaurant in Savannah and this one is in a class by itself. Thanks Bari and Dan from Blufton SC for this hot tip. I had the "caught today" Red Snapper. Rebecca was our server and made this stop better yet. Knowledgeable about the food and wine was on target. Don't come to Savannah without this stop on your schedule.
(5)Caleb M.
I want you to know that the shrimp and grits were the best I have ever had. Period. The chef that night did a special with seared ostrich steak on risotto and a fried quail egg. It was delectable (though I found ostrich meat to be a tad bit more sinewy than I expected) For dessert we had the lavender honey creme brulee. Food is at it's best when it surprises you, and I was astounded. I will say that the ostrich's texture was ultimately distracting, however the concept behind the dish made up for it. I love the setting, a downstairs, out-of-the-way, hole-in-the-wall upscale restaurant it a wonderful notion. It made it feel like a secret that I was invited to. The staff was beyond warm and friendly. It was a while ago and I can't remember my waiter's name but he went above and beyond. The bartender let me talk shop and let me try some interesting ideas. If I needed an improvement, anywhere, I'd say that I was surprised that music was coming from a small portable music player behind the bar. Music is so important to ambience. I appreciated the classic rock, thoroughly. I was surprised that music wasn't designed into part of the ambience, or if it was I missed out on it. Alligator Soul is a hip, modern alternative to the old Savannah Standards, for tourists and locals alike. 1 part cheers, 1 part hip bar, this alligator please all senses--mind body and soul.
(5)Raven R.
Easy to find location. Very friendly staff. Beautiful inside. Classy place, soI recommend dressing up a bit. Also make your reservation 1-2 days in advance. Menu is also seasonal. They change to the winter menu a week before Christmas. They have an interesting cocktail menu. I stuck to a glass of Riesling, while my guy had some smoked gin mixed drink which he thought was okay. My boyfriend had the exotic meat dish the night we came which was wild boar. He enjoyed it very much. I had the vegetarian dish, which was delicious. It means a lot to vegetarians when a restaurant makes sure they have food for you and not just a few frozen vegetables steamed and thrown on a plate. Thank you for a lovely experience!
(4)Jeanetta B.
Excellent food. Great drinks. Had the Mahi Mahi. I believe it was a special. Our waitress was fantastic and it was one of the highlights of our trip.
(5)Ken A.
Alligator Soul has my heart! I have been in the restaurant business(distribution) for 20+ years and I must say this group was flawless in their execution of every part of my wife and I's dining experience. Quite frankly, it was honestly the best I've had and I've eaten at some of the most famous restaurants in the U.S. The staff was genuine to our exit of the restaurant when several of them waited at the door and bid us farewell. The flavors, the portions, the timing, the ambiance, all were performed without issue. I am not being paid, or a relative....you simply must go to experience this. First timer- life timer! Thank you for an incredible evening!
(5)D'steffano A.
So far the gin gin mule is goin on. The carve is the best. Yall nizzles needs to try this.. The mussels are the thing to start wit The desert with ice cream n banana ... Is the way to finish it of. Yall gon git the itis foe show...
(4)Olinka W.
We made a last minute decision to drive up to Savannah from Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. Understandably, since we did not call to book for our Saturday (10/18/14) night reservation until that prior Wednesday, the only available reservation time was 9:15pm. That worked for us though since we were going to be walking around all day and knew we wanted to decompress before dinner. Upon booking, I wrote (scheduled on Open Table) that it was our second anniversary and again told the gentleman when he called to confirm that it was a special evening for us. Upon our arrival, we noticed the restaurant was fairly empty, though we were seated next to a table of about 12+ 30-somthing gentleman who were obviously enjoying their time together as it was a little noisy to say the least. I had wanted to eat here since reading the menu a couple of years back so I was excited for our impending culinary endeavor. Our waitress was new to the restaurant though knowledgeable and very nice. We brought our own special bottle of champagne from Hungary (corking fee $20) for this dinner (we were engaged there and had just visited again in September) so can not comment on the craft of the drink nor the extent of the lists. Upon review of the menu with our waitress, my husband and I were slightly disappointed that they did not have anything on their 'Exotic Specialty' menu other than 'Wild Hen Cordon Bleu.' In my opinion, that is not quite an exotic specialty. However, we decided to first try two appetizers; the Charcuterie Plate and the Awarding Winning Artisan Cheeses Plate. The bone marrow on the Charcuterie Plate was slightly overcooked, rendering most of the marrow too hard to indulge in, but other than that, all was pretty delicious. I especially liked how each one of the cheeses were locally produced. My husband really liked the pickled veggies on the 'meat' plate. For our main courses, we went with the Duck Succotash Cassoulet for him and the Roasted Leg of Lamb for me. Having just gorged ourselves across Eastern Europe for three weeks in September where duck, perogies and red cabbage are menu regulars, the duck dish was just OK. The sweet potato puree was tasty. The lamb dish was better. The only negatives for me was I felt as though the 'Duck Fat Yorkshire Pudding' was "older" (was not crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside as it should be) and the brussels sprouts were a little undercooked. The herb and peppercorn crust on the lamb however was the best part of the dish - the meat very tasty. With our reservation being so late, by the time we were finishing up our entrees, the wait staff was breaking down the tables around us so we opted for a check instead of dessert (our full stomachs thanked us for that as well.) I was a little disappointed that not once was it acknowledged that it was our second wedding anniversary. Some restaurants tend to forget that a simple congratulatory amuse bouche or dessert can go a long way - especially when you are walking out of there with almost $200 less than what you had walked in with. I would go here again though next time maybe with a larger group of people for a more casual dinner.
(3)Jim P.
Ribeye best ever. Amazing smokey flavor. Best ever. Certainly not cheap, prepare to invest more than a few bucks in a good dinner. The duck fat fries are amazing.
(5)Mark C.
We had a great experience at Alligator Soul. We didn't have reservations, so we decided to sit at the bar where they have full food service. The bartenders were extremely friendly and knowledgable about the menu. They made some excellent Old Fashions. We started with the carving board which included duck bacon, lamb sausage, and variety of cheeses. We then had the baked oyster appetizer which was delicious. We shared the 18oz Ribeye with Hillbo sauce. It was out of this world. The steak was cooked to perfection and the sauce was amazing.
(5)Steve V.
I went here last night on a celebratory dinner. We were seated even though the kitchen was getting ready to close, so that was much appreciated. Our server, Rebecca, took care of us throughout the night and did a fabulous job. Timing on everything was perfect. We both ordered the cider cocktail (house favorite). It was super tasty but not as strong as advertised. The baked oysters were super delicious and the habenaro sauce they tease you with is exactly the amount you need. Anything more would drown out the bacon, oysters, lemon, cheese, and all the other goodness baked in there. Superb. We were served freshly baked warm bread with an amazing butter spread. We ordered Kangaroo and Shrimp Creole dinners. Presentation was excellent as was the flavor. The hint of black truffle over the Kangaroo was outstanding. Truffle is an easy thing to overdo but this chef is right on the money. The Shrimp Creole had a hint of smoke to it, which brought back memories of low boils and NawLeans in the French Quarter. Excellent. We were full by desert and the place was closing down so we declined desert, though the menu looked awesome! I like this place. I haven't been, maybe people are scared of paying an extra 5 dollars per item. Hey, you get what you pay for. This is an excellent place to go if you like trying new inventive dishes. They get as much of their foods and products from local farms. Shrimp is out of Charleston, SC. Fish is caught the day of. Kangaroo is locally raised in GA. Even their cocktail list is made from organic and local produce and liquors. The atmosphere and vibe are relaxing. This place was made by people who care. Everything down to the menus are given thought, which means a lot. 5/5. I'll be back when the family comes down to visit.
(5)Liane V.
First- The staff and service -excellent. The taste of the mere morsels- good. We went during restaurant week to try it out $30.00 appetizer, entree, and dessert. We always order a nice bottle of wine to share. The waiter to his credit told us that it was a " sampling" and not a full entree. It sure was just a sampling!! Never would have gone there if we knew that we would leave hungry. We had been to Vic's, 700 Drayton, the old pink house and belfords this week all with exceptional full meals. At alligator soul the Appetizer was one (1) small goat cheese medallion the size of a silver dollar. The entree one lamb kabob ( dry , charred and over cooked) the dessert they just really should not have even served it- they embarrassed themselves. A small, thin , very flat piece of angel food cake LESS than the size and thickness of a mayonnaise lid covered with a thin layer of sauce. I had the smallest , thinnest piece of key lime cheesecake that I have ever seen- It was a one biter for sure. I'm surprised they were able to cut it that small really. It made us feel strange . We will definitely frequent the other restaurants we ate out at this week, but not to alligator soul. We travel and dine out frequently
(3)Natalie G.
A definite must eat at restaurant while in Savannah. Must make reservations. It gets filled up! If not, you can come in sit in their lounge area and wait for a seat at the bar. Great service. Bartenders were very friendly and hospitable. They explained everything they brought out. I would recommend getting the little Hilbo (if you like steak) be prepared to take half of it home or share this plate. Really big portion. Very delicious! Agave flight and gentlemen flight is a must do! Very satisfying experience!
(5)Jamie D.
I live across the street from Alligator Soul. Have eaten here 3 times now. 1 to go, and the others inside. Bottom line upfront; nice restaurant that is hit and miss on items. Will likely not go again. Bill is typically $200 for drinks, appetizer, dinner, dessert, and tip for two people. For that price, I expect a more predictable and higher quality level of service and food. First the good; nice atmosphere with a professional staff (for the most part, both visits the bartenders were great). For food, try the cheese board when available, beef tenderloin, and creme brulee. All great choices. The signature cocktails are what drinks should be. Food presentation is superb. Also, a great wine list. All in all, a great ambience that is tastefully decorated and perfect for a date night. Reasons for 3 stars: Your phone will more than likely not work here. Hit and miss with desserts; the bananas desert was simply put, not delicious. The shortcake was stale and we didn't finish the dish (staff didn't notice or didnt care it was 3/4 still full). The appetizers outside of the cheese board did not sound appealing. Reservations. Living next door we stopped in the last time without any. Volunteered to wait at the bar; they said no table would be available. I said we'd wait and if someone cancelled please let us know. For an hour we saw no more than five tables open and no fewer than three. I don't expect to eat at at a table with no reservations, however, I don't like to look at 5 empty tables and not be acknowledged again. Ordered a Little Hilbo steak to eat the last time. The food was delivered over cooked. The bartender quickly noticed when I cut into it and promptly addressed it. When a new steak arrived 10 minutes later, it was completely undercooked. The bartender noticed but not wanting to not eat for an additional 10 minutes I said to just leave it.
(3)Cecille R.
Had my birthday dinner here recently! We made a reservation and ended up arriving much earlier than our time and they were able to accommodate us. The entrance is really cool. You walk down stairs leading to the restaurant which is dimly lit. The vibe is very dressy casual but since it's Savannah in the summertime most of the men were dressed in shorts with dressier shirts. Service was very spot on from the moment we sat down until we left. Our server was very prompt and thorough with her explanation of dishes on the menu as well as making recommendations. They brought us out 2 complimentary amuse bouche which was nice. My husband ordered from the Restaurant Week menu and enjoyed his meal although I am pretty sure the portions offered for that deal were not representative of full sized. I ended up going with the regular menu. The fried green tomatoes with the pickled veggies on top was phenomenal. I ate every single bite. My husband and I both enjoyed the complementary coffee espresso corn muffins. My only gripe is that we were not offered more! ;) I had the scallop entree and it was very good. And perfectly cooked. I was rather full after diving into the tomatoes so thankfully my husband helped finish the dish. I would definitely come back again on my next visit. It is pricey but worth your hard earned bucks and the cool thing is that I was referred to this place by a fellow Yelper! :)
(5)Sally M.
We ate at Alligator Soul on a recent vacation in Savannah, GA. It may be a bit pretentious but the food was great. My husband had the pheasant which was a LOT of meat and I had the lamb chops. We were a little disappointed that the music was advertised as blues but we didn't find it to be that the night we were there. Otherwise, it's a nice restaurant for a special occasion.
(3)Ben J.
Every patron is treated as if they own the place. Our waiter was beyond knowledgeable about every dish. He was extremely attentive and always around, but not smothering. The food....Christ. Absolutely delicious...and my wife and I are hard to impress. The shrimp and grits were spectacular. The filet was perfect. My yelp friends...this is a gem. Worth your hard earned dollars.
(5)Darrell S.
We went there to take advantage of Savannah Restaurant Week prix fixe option. I had the pork belly appetizer, lamb kabob entree, and angel food cake dessert. My wife had the artichoke and goat cheese fritter, diver scallops, and key lime cheese cake. I know this is a tasting menu but just a taste is what we got. The thing that stood out the most is the lamb kabob is absolutely the toughest piece of meat I have ever encountered anywhere bar none. My wife and I always share when we eat out,which is often, and she could not chew her piece. I suffered through mine just to try to finish and believe me this was a chore. I don't like to base a restaurant's viability on one visit but this kabob will stand out in my memory. The service was great.
(2)Lea G.
Man this was one of the best dining experiences in a long time. Our waiter Davis was very knowledgeable and he had great recommendations. We started with the alligator sausage and fried green tomatoes. My bison osso bucco was very tender and flavorful. My husband had the rib eye which was also wonderful. We ended with apple & cranberry cobbler ala mode. If your ever in Savannah it is a must try.
(5)Tod H.
Great decor! Food was fabulous. I wish it was more exotic (aligator would be nice ;) but our dinner was fabulous. We sat at the bar since we had no idea that you would need reservations on a Monday night!! Who knew??? Anyway, the bar was great; sat next to some fun people and had a great time.
(5)Nichole S.
My group of friends decided to celebrate a birthday on Saturday night and we started the evening off with dinner at Alligator Soul. The restaurant has great decor and is nice for intimate or group gatherings. Our server was fantastic, personable and fun but also very knowledgeable about the menu, I believe her name was Rebecca. We were given an amuse bouche to begin with, which was a peanut and collard green pesto on top of a crack of some sort- it was yummy. Since it was restaurant week, we had the option to select the 3 course tasting menu or order off the regular menu. All in all we had the artichoke and goat cheese fritters which were very tasty, shrimp & grits which were ok, the diver scallops, the frog leg jambalaya which was good but tasted more like a shrimp creole type dish, and then the last item was the bison hangar steak which was ordered medium and came out perfectly cooked and seasoned. The birthday girl was given a torte with her name on it, which we thought was a nice touch. They had a lot of interesting choices, which made it hard for us to choose but I think we made good choices and all around enjoyed our dining experience.
(4)J O.
It was everything we read it to be. Fantastic fancy dining experience. Make sure you make a reservation or come early early otherwise you'll wait along time. We ate at the bar and the head bartender Mathew was delightful.
(5)Megan J.
We came in on 2/27. The appetizer was the fried green tomatoes. For a fried dish with a veggie relish ( not sure what to call the overly acid veggies) I don't believe this to be a dish to "develop flavors". The excuse given by the manager was that they were changing the paper on the machine and the order popped up at another cook station and then was placed behind orders that were placed after ours at the app station. Having been a line chef and experienced this myself, it is an acceptable excuse. However the manager said the dish was rushed cooked, which is odd that the dish arrived cold. But the excuse provided was reasonable and forgotten until the two tables besides us with larger parties and were sat after us, ordered after us, and ordered the lamb and steak like us, got their food before us. Even another waiter made the observation that our food was taking a long time. We barely saw our waitress but the manager passed our table several times during our wait. The most upsetting is the standoff response my wife received from the manager when inquiring about our entree which was unchanged when our food was shortly brought to our table with absolutely nothing more than, " here's your food, enjoy". The entrees were perfectly prepared and enjoyable. The cheese cake was astounding with great destinguisable flavors and textures. The chocolate and mousse in the glass was dry and flavorless. Thanks for taking the time to respond. I hope this insight into our evening helps you improve your buisness. Regards, The Husband
(2)Joel W.
Not what we expected. I ordered the oysters, house salad and bouillabaisse, my wife, the fried green tomatoes and catch of the day which was flounder. Flounder? That's the seafood special? Not too special to us. And served with vegetables that were laced with garlic, she could not eat them. It was also brought served without the double vegetable that she requested. My oysters were delicious but served on a plate with so much salt that whenever some of the topping from the oyster fell onto the plate it was now salt encrusted. Couldn't eat it after that. I think a poor choice in presentation. I thought that my house salad was also too heavy with garlic, it was delicious but overpowered me for the rest of the meal and night. Our service was attentive, professional, however slow. So slow that when our dinners finally came out (1 hour and 45 mins after we sat down), the manager came over to comp them without us even complaining! They knew that our experience was not their best. It is clear that they strive to be the best restaurant in town, and I believe that most patrons had a great experience. They are probably far better than our experience was, but I am not reviewing their meal just ours.
(3)Emily S.
If we could give them ten stars we would! My boyfriend and I dined here during our week vacation in Savannah and it was our favorite part of the trip! Service: wonderful! As 20 something's we often get treated with less than mediocre service but not here. The place was busy but our drinks were never empty and food was served at a great pace. We were checked up on by several servers and other staff who were all great! Can't say enough about them! Food: Hands down, the BEST vegetarian meal I've ever had. We are both vegetarians and we had the chefs vegetarian dish of the night. We started with the fried green tomatoes which were fantastic-- like everything else; drinks, bread, dessert. I won't do justice explaining our main dish but I will give it my best effort-- Broccoli and pine nut croquets with wild mushrooms and tomato bisque. There was also a lovely frisée salad with pea tendrils and walnuts. We were over the moon excited when the chef came to our table to ask about our meal. It was nice to share with him how much we enjoyed his food. Make reservations and go to alligator soul! You will not be sorry you did.
(5)Holly N.
My girlfriend and I spent a weekend in Savannah to celebrate our birthdays. We made reservations here after reading all of the great reviews. From the moment we walked into the Cellar wine atmosphere, we new this was a winner. We had a glass of wine at the bar before dinner, and the servers were so gracious. They brought us wonderful pecan treats in lovely boxes, and wished us both a Happy Birthday. Our waiter was a Matthew McConaughey twin, and his service was impeccable. At the end of our dinner all of the lights went off , scrumptious desserts arrived, and they poured a liquid on our table and lit it on fire. We were once again wished a Happy Birthday! Thank you for the amazing food, service and memories.
(5)Kurt M.
Excellent food experience. The shrimp and grits are the best hands down. Thomas provided excellent bar service!
(5)Rachel B.
We had a lovely dinner here. No seats were available so we sat at the bar. Being vegetarians, there were very few options for us but on the menu there is a note indicating the chef will make a vegetarian or vegan dish upon request. We had the fried green tomatoes to start and then shared a risotto with pear and blue cheese. Very accommodating and delicious :-)
(5)Philip H.
Alligator Soul has it all. Great atmosphere, excellent service, and above all - amazing food. Their menu is unique and changes due to the farm to table approach and the catch of the day from their day boat fishermen. We tried smaller portions of the shrimp and grits, oysters, and diver scallops. The fish of the day was a red snapper. I would order every item again! If you like spice, the sauce for the oysters and their Bloody Mary both contain habanero infused heat - very well done. This is a five-star restaurant that should find a night on your Savannah itinerary.
(5)Elizabeth S.
The best dining experience we had in Savannah hands down. Davis, our server, was as wonderful as the food. He gave us enough attention to make us feel special but didn't overwhelm or crowd. We shared an artisanal cheese plate which had about 11 items on it! There was a beef sausage, thick small pieces of bacon, soft brie and a marbled Aztec Chedder-type cheese if my memory is correct. There were razor thin slices of green apple, candied pecans, crostini, a papadum cracker 'bread', Savannah Tupelo honey, a basalmic reduction, and some pickled veggies to clear the palate. It was so much fun to eat. We also ordered another appetizer special of blue cheese, which I think was lightly fried or warmed with big lumps of crab meat over the top. My son had the Bacon Wrapped Beef Tenderloin for his entrée. This hunk of meat was superthick and served with roasted parsnip creamed potatoes and peas. Biscuits and cornbread were accompanied with a flavored whipped butter. This is all we had and we were too full for dessert. Too bad. I bet that would've been great. The restaurant, which also offers exotic meats on a rotating basis such as elk, kangaroo, alligator, venison, etc. was down a staircase, one level below the street and had a cozy atmosphere. I would highly recommend you make at least one visit to this restaurant when visiting this romantic city.
(5)Krystal B.
Went here our first night in Savannah, after reading and hearing how amazing. It was, AMAZING. Not the least bit disappointing. Loved every second, every drink, every app, entree and the service. This place is by far the best restaurant in Savannah. Everything else we have had since on our 4 day trip, we've been comparing to here. Nothing else comes remotely close. Wish we had one at home in Raleigh, NC. Make a reservation bc they run out of them quickly.
(5)Cat S.
disclaimer: my favorite style of food is Southern Creole and Farm to Table. On a recent trip to Savannah, GA I found this place online and was determined to check it out. The only reservation available was at 9:15pm but we took it. Around 8, we found ourselves near the restaurant and popped in to see if they had bar seating or any cancellations. They looked about 1/2 empty but said "no, we can't seat you". No prob. We walked around the city for a while and came back. The same tables were still empty. All this to say that the hostess was lame but that was the only bad thing here. Service was perfect. Staff was knowledgeable, food was impeccable. Features local produce, exotic specialties, and authentic southern creole cooking. Really great cocktail menu, beer list, and wine list also. Oysters a la Soul (delicious!) Fried Green tomatoes (not the strongest) Soul Creole (perfect!) Duck succotash cassoulet (perfect!) Too full for dessert :( Restaurant is in the basement of a building but is fairly nice (great date spot) but you can dress pretty casually. Go there now! With friends so you can share!
(5)Heather H.
I absolutely loved Alligator Soul! This was my first trip to Savannah and I had researched the restaurant. I had read some reviews that said they served some pretty "far-out there" animals. I was a little leery to try it and then I talked to my friend who said I must go there and eat and just don't order the exotic plate. Haha so for being by myself I felt completely comfortable at my table for one. I wanted to try a few things on the menu and my server was so kind as to get me samples of the shrimp and grits and the oysters, so I was able to try them both without stuffing myself. I had a glass of champagne that I took a few sips of and then when my cheeseboard came out I had a glass of the recommended Pinot Noir. It was quite lovely! The cheeseboard wasn't the best I've ever had but it was good. Then my entrée was the scallops and they were divine! Needless to say, I did end up stuffing myself! After dinner I sat at the bar and had a cocktail and talked to the new bartender Alex and he was very sweet. I will definitely be back during my next trip to Savannah.
(5)Pit M.
Visiting Savannah for work and decided to take advantage of Restaurant week and visit someplace exciting. Let me break it down this way: The Good: To drink we selected the featured cocktail, a blackberry mint tea made with bourbon. It was a fine cocktail and one of the least expensive at $9. A bread plate was delivered with four corn cakes (a member of the party identified containing smoked cheese, she is a super taster, once she said it I was like "oh yeah, there is a faint smokiness to these"). The honeyed herb butter was a nice compliment to the corn cakes and dense, crusty baguette slices. Participating in Restraurant week, we were able to select an starter, entree and dessert for $30, we were told the portions were smaller than normal. I had the shrimp and grits starter, normally $13, and it was exquisite. I see this on every menu in town so I expected something pretty pedestrian. The sauce was flavorful and the dish had a nice heat to it. The Bad (Used poetically, not really bad, just not as good as the good): Next was the crawfish and gator etoufee. I am a northern boy, I enjoy crawfish but have eaten them only a handful of times in my life, and have experienced etouffee even less. The flavor of the dish was predominantly, 'fishy'. It wasn't unpleasant, but that was the main profile. I enjoyed the dish overall, it had a nice piece of grilled gator which I had forgotten was going to be in there. The portion was small (remember restaurant week) and I was thinking "I'm going to need a slice of pizza after this." I will admit that I am not an etouffee aficionado, so maybe this dish was spot on, I am only reporting as best as my limited experience will allow. One of the party had the venison lollypop, which I had a taste of. OMG, I've eaten venison my whole life and we never had anything like that. It was amazing, red deer from New Zealand prepared with salt and pepper, and grilled. Wow. Her portion was one frenched chop but what a chop! Next we had dessert, bread pudding was very dense, like tough to cut with my fork dense. The peaches, vanilla cream and bourbon glaze were not quite enough to cut the incredible density, but it tasted pretty damn good. After eating this I was no longer thinking of stopping for pizza. The Ugly (truly ugly): The service. Our server was friendly enough, pleasant in fact, but OMG, it was SLOOOOWWWWW. Cocktails and a tap beer took at least 20 minutes to arrive. The bread plate another 15+. Our starter long after the bread plate was gone. The entree another 20+ minutes. The forgot to make my friends' son's meal (which was an amazing bacon wrapped filet with duck fat fries, of which I helped myself to a few) and we were done with our entrees long before his food came. To their credit, the didn't charge for the child's meal, but overall, the pace of dinner was brutally slow. The boy was amazingly patient, my own children would have been destroying the place within the first 20 minutes of sitting there without a drink or bread. Dinner took two hours. With a 5 year old, that is just, unfathomable. A second cocktail arrived just after I had given up hope of ever receiving it. The place was bustling for a Tuesday night, but I wouldn't expect that to catch a high end place off guard. Or perhaps this is typical meal pacing and I am ignorant of fine dining practices. Secondly, the prices here are ridiculous. Maybe middle class folk don't belong in a place like this. I don't usually spend $30+ on an entree and $13 on a starter. Again, I was here for restaurant week so it was nice chance to experience a place I wouldn't normally visit. What I experienced wasn't encouraging, I will leave this place to the upper class who don't mind dropping $100 a meal. I am a simple public servant and will stick to more approachable establishments. I hear there is a nice NY Pizza slice place around here.
(2)Darlene J.
You cannot go wrong with the food, service, or location. Everything about this place was 5 star. It is pricey and worth every penny of it. A must do if in Savannah!!!
(5)Holly S.
Maybe wrong place at the wrong time? We didn't really enjoy this place as much as we thought from all the reviews we had read online. We were seated in a room off to the side by ourselves while the other room seemed more hopping but because we were off by ourselves, we didn't get good service. Our waitress had a really awkward vibe too. I don't think she should be in the service industry to be honest. The food was okay but we both agreed we probably wouldn't come back, it just wasn't that great for the price.
(3)Drew P.
Great place!!! What a wonderful atmosphere. We met the executive chef when we entered. They have the best shrimp and grits in the country. We ate 2 plates, and had a bottle of their house red, which was Alligator Soul labeled. Service was exceptional. We will go back again when we are in the area.
(5)Ronald C.
Our waiter Rashad was wonderful very informed about the menu and made excellent recommendations. The house oyster Al a soul appetizer was over the top as were the mussels. We shared the special house salad which was delicous with a honey based dressing and fried grit parmesan croutons- very tasty. When they ran out of the special boar our waiter suggested equally delightful alternatives A thoroughly enjoyable experience and very reasonably priced as great restaurants go. Ron from CT April 14,2015
(5)Nate H.
I had high expectations. The restaurant is inviting but then things fall apart. Our table was not ready when we arrived for our reservation, so we were directed to the bar. Ok, I'll play... We order manhattans. They are made with organic rye bourbon. (What?) Ok, tasty as any other. And $14 each. Then the table was ready. Well played. I cash out at the bar for $30 for two drinks. Ouch. This is Savannah right? Just because I ordered a manhattan doesn't mean I expected to pay Manhattan prices. Moving on... Our table is in a side dining room with a big draft. January in savannah was cold enough. The vents across from our table added a new dimension in chilled. The amuse bouche soup spoon had no flavor. Broth at best. Breads were Italian and... Wait for it... Peanut butter biscuit. Ick. Our server stops by to offer bottled, filtered or "tap" water. Big pet peeve with high end restaurants serving entrees at +$35 is the distinction of offering tap water. Why don't u just offer it as garden hose water. It gives the same connotation. Working in restaurants, I never offer "tap" water. It's insulting. Just say ice water. It's the same water and not offensive. The server wants to take our appetizer order only. I want to relinquish the big menus so we give our complete dinner order so he can take them off our small table. We order a bottle of wine. He comes back with the bottle. Not showing me the label, he opens the bottle and pours a taste to both of us. It's now obvious we have a trainee. I had to ask to see the bottle, hoping it is what we ordered since it is now opened. It's fine and he pours both glasses...I thought he was going to fill them to the top! He was only able to pour two glasses each from the bottle. Wow, where is his trainer?? Food: charcuterie...described to us as fois gras, but it's a terrine actually. The real waiter serving the table next to us explained this dish correctly to his table. The terrine was dry, falling apart each time we tried to cut a piece off. Excited to try alligator, I get the alligator gumbo. We had to wait for fresh silver to be delivered AFTER our entrees arrived. Thus is a rookie mistake in restaurants at half the price. Mise en place folks! The gumbo stock is very sweet...like Ragu sweet. And the fried alligator chunks were so salty I couldn't eat half of them. My other half orders the Hilbo steak. Medium rare comes out medium. Very tough and mealy. Not a good cut. Our server was absent most of the meal, so we set the credit card on the table as we finished the entree. We wondered where he was since we figured we were his only table. Please just stop the bleeding and let us go. You would think that as bad as the dinner was, that I would complain. But I kept expecting it to get better. And it was a creeping experience as the night went on. Prices are way too high for these missteps. The two stars are for the bar...the first and last good experience we had. (Pull the price down a couple bucks on the drinks...you're not there yet).
(2)Abby D.
Great food and excellent service. The menu changes seasonally and it's always something to look forward to. I highly recommend checking this restaurant out!!
(5)Phil S.
I was very excited about my return to alligator but was very disappointed. The food quality has suffered after the change in executive chef. Not what it once was by any stretch. Our server Thomas seemed much less attentive after realizing we wouldn't be drinking alcohol or eating several courses. Just not worth the money.
(1)Nefer P.
We just grabbed drinks but the food smelled great. I tried the mojito with watermelon- I loved it. Hubby ordered an old fashioned which was made with Chicago's Koval. It didn't have the same kick as Maker's but it was still crafted with detail. The service was excellent.
(5)Zach G.
Four of us had a wonderful experience at Alligator Soul during a business trip/conference in Savannah. It was a Thursday evening and fairly quiet - we were sat immediately. The service was very friendly, and very good. A nice mix of upscale but relaxed. They nailed it in that regard. For an app, we split fried green tomatoes. They were quite good, but nothing amazing. It's hard to either ruin or make outstanding a dish of fried green tomatoes. For dinner, I got the shrimp and grits. So did my colleague. Another got a special of Red Snapper, and the other got oysters since he had already eaten. This was one big issue - the food took FOREVER to come out. I'm talking almost an hour. No joke. No apologies, no updates. Previously great service did run a bit low here. However, water was constantly refilled, and our wine poured. Speaking of wine, they do have a great wine list. But back to the food - when it did come, it was phenomenal. Shrimp and grits were creamy, amazing, and had tons of good shrimp in them. Everyone seemed happy with what they had. Prices are $20-$35 per entree, so it's definitely a nice meal. I would return in a heartbeat. Hopefully the service was a fluke...because like I said, it wasn't even that busy.
(4)Joanne K.
Great experience. Was visiting Savannah for the 1st time and took my boyfriend there for his birthday. The table had a little treat box with a happy birthday wish for him when we arrived and the waitress was helpful and attentive. The food was delicious and the experience top notch. Will revisit next time we are in town. Worth every penny.
(5)Stacy O.
Made reservations here on our first night in Savannah despite it not being on many 'best of' lists. The food was fantastic. The shrimp and grits are a must order. This place is absolutely a Best of Savannah. It was located below street level which made it cozy. Our server was young and enthusiastic with a hint of southern charm. It was a full house but not loud. I'd definitely go back.
(4)Kathy Z.
One of the top places I've ever eaten! They made me feel special and not excluded when they asked if anyone had allergies and I said I have a gluten intolerance. I received a flour free banana bread muffin, appetizer crackers to go with the meat and cheese trays and chocolate cake! Seriously! This is above and beyond any expected. I ordered the sirloin which was cooked to perfection. Tons of flavor!!! Served with duck fat deep fried French fries. Which, by the way, are the crispiest fries I've ever had. Delicious!!!! I HIGHLY recommend you try it once.
(5)Beth F.
We went to Alligator Soul during our most recent trip to Savannah. We went through a lot of yelp reviews and had only one real criteria- seafood! We went on a Thursday without having reservations. The bar was full so they told us we could wait at the lounge with a few drinks but just after sitting down they gave us a table that opened up on a no call, no show. To start we had the Oysters A La Soul. These are the most amazing oysters I have ever had. I don't often enjoy cooked oysters, but these were great. They still had some brininess and the habanero sauce is exceptional. For dinner I had the shrimp and grits and Tom had the bison. The shrimp and grits were expertly cooked and the serving was large with plenty of shrimp. The bison was a bit smaller portion. The flavors were fantastic and the tamale was delicious. The presentation was beautiful. For dessert we shared the meyer lemon and blueberry zebra cheesecake which was very good and a nice refreshing way to end the meal. I had a 10-year tawny and Tom took our server's suggestion and had the salted caramel chocolate martini. Both were good but the martini was to die for. Speaking of the server, Adam was really good. He was more knowledgeable about some aspects of the menu than others but was overall very courteous, pleasant, and responsive. Great place in Savannah if you want to splurge a little.
(5)Mark S.
Truly a meal to remember! Upon descending the stairs to this basement restaurant we immediately knew we made the right choice to come here. The place is beautifully decorated while leaving plenty of the buildings charm to be enjoyed. The menu was extremely creative but accessible to all taste palates! We indulged in gator sausage, rabbit sausage, veal bone marrow, DUCK BACON, elk filets and more perfectly cooked meals. Also have to mention our server Sonny who made the overall experience perfect. He knew the menu front to back (including wines) and was extremely personable, I highly recommend asking to be in his section!!
(5)Jeff R.
Alligator soul is one of my favorite dinner spots ever. Very original feel in the basement of an old building. It started at the bar with a New York Sour. Picture a blend of an Old Fashion with a finish a Pinot Noir. Outstanding Drink. The service was also great. Came for my one year anniversary with my wife and they greeted us at the hosted stand with congratulations and left a personalized dessert box on our table to celebrate. The food was amazing I would suggest the oysters as a side. Keep this at the top of the list in Savannah.
(5)Ha H.
Great service and very romantic atmosphere. Shrimp and grits was the best! Huge portion for the steak and it was cooked perfectly. They ran out of banana beignets so we had the berry cheesecake which was good but was on the heavy creamy side.
(4)Nick M.
Front service staff was a bit disorganized and we ended up having drinks at the bar while we waited for things to get prepared. We had arrived a bit early so it wasn't a big thing. When our table was ready, the maitre-d told us our table was ready, so we should close out our bar tab and they would seat us. The bartenders were busy and it took a while to finally grab their attention and a while longer for them to finish up what they were doing and take our payment. I'm not sure if this is a normal thing for this restaurant to keep the bar tab and food tab separate, but most restaurants of this calibre let you roll your bar tab into your meal. It was a hassle to try to nail down a bartender to close a tab when I just wanted to be seated so I could get on with the meal. I would have made sure to pay right when we ordered the drinks (and had the bartenders attention) if I had realized. Once we were seated, things went more smoothly. Our waiter was friendly and very professional. The food was pretty good, but generally what I would call "generic highfalutin" meaning it was good quality food, but without much to differentiate it from any other pricy "generic highfalutin" restaurant. There was nothing wrong with it, but I wasn't really wowed in any way. The food came in large portions. My favorite of the night was the bouillabaisse (nice flavor) and the house-made bread (nice texture) that was brought to the table. The shrimp and grits was also pretty good. For the entree I had the little Hilbo (an absolutely massive steak) and my associate had the buffalo short ribs. Both were reasonably decent. I had made a request to substitute the pommes-frites that came with the little Hilbo with horseradish mashed potatoes which was listed under another steak dish. (the fries sounded too heavy when added to an already fairly robust meal and I love horseradish) I was told the exchange wouldn't be a problem, but what I got wasn't horseradish mashed potatoes, just plain mashed potatoes. It wasn't terribly upsetting to me, but I had been kind of looking forward to the horseradish. I didn't say anything to the waiter because it didn't seem like that big of a thing, but again it kind of put a sour twist on things. We had the peppermint creme-brulee for dessert and it came out overly-hot and perhaps a bit overcooked-the custard seemed to be separating out into oil and curds just a bit. It was in a fairly large ramekin and was only like a centimeter thick and I suspect just bruleeing the sugar on top overcooked it. It was still good enough to eat, but missed the mark for what you would expect for a restaurant like this. I really wanted to like Alligator Soul more than I did. It was kind of a letdown after some of the other amazing food experiences we have had during our trip here. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't super great either. Just okay. Just under 3.5 stars.
(3)Kara O.
Business trip to Savannah and we decide on this wonderful gem for a nice night out. Service was great and on point especially for a large party. Recommend the oysters holy moly. I don't even like oysters most of the time but these were just down right amazing. House salad has a fried grit crouton that melts in your mouth. The seem to have some amazing specials and on this particular night Kangaroo was available. While I enjoyed it, the table had mixed reviews. I would recommend ordering one for the table for everyone to try rather than making it a main meal. The alligator sausage was also delicious. Wonderful wines, desserts, truly a memorable experience.
(5)Renato F.
Very special place, the service was possibly the best we ever hade, Rashad treatment and explanation of the cuisine was the best. The cuisine was just that, cuisine great flavors of the locally grown foods. The best.
(5)Sarah M.
AMAZING! Expensive, but worth it. Waitress was great. Awesome place to go for a romantic evening. Very nice.
(5)Tyler R.
My wife and I had one of our honeymoon dinners here and we couldn't have been happier. The food, service and ambiance were all fantastic. We tried a charcuterie plate for an app that included various forms of pork, smoked fish and cheese. When I heard "pork belly" I was sold and every bit of the plate was delicious. For entrees we had the beef tenderloin and the bison osso buco. Both were cooked perfectly and had excellent flavor. I would definitely recommend this spot to anyone in the Savannah area, you won't be disappointed.
(5)Rachel Z.
I was very interested in being adventurist with my palate, and waited 2 days to try it. I was very disappointed with the lack of selection. The shrimp and grits was fair, but my husband couldn't get enough of the rosemary baguette with whipped butter. The chef's selection appetizer was very salty, by the standard of someone who likes salt.
(2)Ben Y.
Quite possibly the best dining experience I have ever had! The decor is upscale and the food is gourmet, yet the atmosphere is Savannah casual. Basically, you can go there in a suit or come straight off the tour bus in your shorts, polo and flip flops; although I would recommend something in between. The wait staff is extremely knowledgable. They present the menu in an enthusiastic manner and their recommendations are spot on. It's hard to add anything more substantial than what has already been written...so, head over and experience this gem for yourself. Buon Appetite!
(5)Erika C.
Wow. Impressive service and incredible food. If you love shrimp and grits this is a must. The kangaroo was a tasty choice too. Best meal in Savannah.
(5)Sarah B.
Ditto the other rave reviews, this place is just divine!!! Service was beyond my wildest dreams, and likewise for the food. Amazing music and decor and ambiance. Can't wait till our next visit!
(5)Mark Q.
Oh Lord.... Where do I begin? The food was amazing! The service was attentive and professional. We were looking for a true southern cuisine experience, and we found it here. We paired a crisp Russian River Valley pinot grigio with alligator pork sausage, alligator salad, habanero oysters, ocean trout, and suckling pork. It was all amazing, especially the oysters! The trout was simply perfect as well. It was the first time I had alligator, and it was really good! Did I mention we had a baby with us? They didn't miss a beat, they were extremely helpful and even made a special fruit dish for our little guy. Thanks Alligator Soul for treating us so well, and for the amazing food! One of the best meals I've had in a long time, and the best I've had while visiting in Savannah.
(5)Kevin D.
We visited Alligator Soul during a recent trip to Savannah after several recommendations and the experience did not disappoint. From the moment you walk down the inconspicuously marked stairwell, it's clear that this place has an identity of its own. We loved the ambiance in the renovated cellar space, and the service was outstanding. We always like to try as many items as possible and our server Andrew couldn't have been more accommodating - he seemed to pick up on this and suggested we order partial portions of three of their small plates while only charging us for two. The fried green tomatoes and Oysters de la Soul were fantastic, and the alligator andouille sausage special was amazing (especially combined with the creole habanero hot sauce from the oysters). The "Little Hilbo" rib eye was one of the best steaks I've ever had, but the wild mushroom and phyllo napoleon the chef created for my wife stole the show. Did I mention that our server provided an excellent wine pairing recommendation for each of our entrees and the entire group of appetizers? I would highly recommend Alligator Soul to anyone looking for a special dining experience in Savannah.
(5)Kristin S.
Overpriced. Wait staff friendly but not on their game. For a special occasion (anniversary) they go out of their way with a gift take home dessert and bottle of wine.
(2)Karen H.
We dined at Alligator Soul our first night in Savannah, we tried other places the other 4 nights we stayed in Savannah, however hands down Alligator Soul was the best dining of our stay. We started with Artisan Cheeses which had wonderful selections and pairings followed by the main meals of the shrimp and grits and the diver scallops dish; both dishes were wonderfully prepared and amazingly full of flavor. Our waiter was attentive and knowledgeable, he recommended a lovely bottle of wine that paired perfectly with our meal. We highly recommend Alligator Soul and we will definitely return on our next visit to Savannah.
(5)Abe G.
Great local spot, mix of casual fine dining and southern charm. Cool wine cellar style with open floor concept. Oysters with Habanero sauce are amazing; Gumbo is traditional gravy style with fresh ingredients. Service is fun and well trained. Overall a great local treat.
(4)Dennis U.
As with a lot of Savannah joints patrons seem to talk more about the booze than the food, well the food ain't too bad either. The shrimp grits and the gator were the memorable points for me. Great ambiance, food service, Id put it up there as one of the many Savannah places worth a visit.
(4)Christine T.
Interesting twist on southern food! Most dishes were very rich and decadent! The oysters are a must order!
(4)Matt K.
Fantastic it was very good. The atmosphere was also cool. I was unimpressed with the bathrooms though, the soap dispenser was broken and the bathrooms weren't as high tech as I would like.
(5)E F.
I had one of the best Margaritas that was made from scratch and someone ordered the sangria and it was very good. We started with the goat cheese and artichoke appetizer and it was so delicious. There were four in our party and we had the bacon wrapped tenderloin, the shrimp and grits, the pork shoulder and the ribeye. Every meal was perfection, hot, tender, juicy and packed with flavor. The waiters provided excellent service without smothering the table. If we lived in Savannah, Alligator Soul would be a restaurant we would frequent.
(5)Marvin O.
I did a search on yelp for the most highly rated three-star restaurant and found this place. I did a reservation through open table within the yelp app and a young lady called me about a day before to confirm the reservation. I told them that it was for my wife's birthday and that we were visiting from out of town and they said that they would accommodate us. When we arrived there wasn't any customer parking so you have to circle the block a few times for street parking. We ended up parking directly behind the restaurant in the post office parking but the post office was closed so it's a "caveat emptor" situation if you decide to do the same. The restaurant has stairs leading down into it but there is an elevator inside the office on the street level that'll take you down there as well. It's a very dim and intimate environment. There are not very many chairs may be under 20 and we were immediately greeted by the hostess. The hours are from 5:30 PM till 10 so I would recommend trying to visit here for lunch as they will be closed. We were taken toward our table and immediately greeted by the waitress who presented us with some very delicious hors d'oeuvres courtesy of the chef before we ordered our water. Since it was my wife's birthday they had a box with her name preprinted on it wishing her a happy birthday with two little pecan pie's and the cookie inside which was a very nice touch. We started with the goat cheese fritters which were very delectable and had a nice salty creamy taste to it. I ordered the little hilbo which was a gigantic piece of ribeye meat and my wife ordered the shrimp and grits. They offer you some delicious cornbread with White bread with an out of this world butter that comes with it. The experience was very nice my only issue was that the meal I ordered which was called the little hilbo specifically stated on the menu that it was $26 but when we received our check it said $36. I didn't make a big stink about it to the waitress who gave me a snarky reply of "it's been this price for two years" but nonetheless it was a cool experience
(4)Anne L.
We were somewhat disappointed. For a restaurant of this supposed caliber, parts of our experience were less than I would expect. We had very good cocktails, very attentive service. Mediocre pacing--gumbo arrived before my husband finished his salad. My bison osso bucco was tasty, but the meat was tough & chewy, & I was unable to eat it. The marrow was delicious, however. My husband's shrimp & grits were quite good. Our dessert, which was described as banana beignets, was not very good. First off, I would describe the dish as banana fritters. It was greasy & oily. Secondly, one of the so-called beignets was not cooked all the way through and had raw batter in the center. We pointed out both issues to our waitress, who said she would ask the chef why the batter was too thick on that one piece to cook all the way through. She did offer to refry another beignet for us, but by that point, we no longer had an appetite for the dish. To summarize, an average dinner with above average pricing--overall, an unimpressive experience.
(3)Tawheed H.
Fantastic! I wish I were a lil more sober, and I wish my friend hadn't passed out in her chair... but hey when you start at Wet Willies in the morning and hold a strong pace til dinner, you get what you pay for. Here you get what you pay for too, and that is delicious food. Didn't feel like eating on the wild side so I ordered the rib eye cooked pittsburg, now I received a steak cooked more like rare+ and hence they didn't receive 5 *'s. The steak I did receive was delicious and my 7 companions all agreed. I remember the bread being damn good too. Everything else was as I would expect from a fine establishment such as this.
(4)Brian S.
We had always planned on trying this restaurant but never seemed to make it, and when it came up on the list for Restaurant Week in Savannah we made a reservation. To start out the night is was difficult finding parking in the area near the restaurant itself. The dinner itself was offered with a fixed price menu or their standard selection, and we opted for the fixed price and added an additional salad to round out the meal. Our server, Andrew, was great and very good in explaining what our choices were for dinner and suggested some nice wine pairings for my meal that were by the glass. The first course was actually brought to the table by the Executive Chef and he introduced himself and said if we had any feedback he would be very interested in hearing it, very cool. The salads were all fresh and local with some really good croutons made from cheese grits which were very good. The appetizer we chose was the fried green tomatoes and they were they best I had ever had, served with some house made pickled vegetables. We ordered the Vermillion Snapper served over a grilled romaine lettuce with a house ceasar dressing and grilled heirloom cherry tomatoes as one of the entrees. The snapper was cooked perfectly and went very well with the Chenin Blanc suggested by our server. The other entree was the grilled Bison over coarse grilled corn grits, and topped with a mole' sauce. When the chef stopped by again my wife explained that since it was served in a bowl over the grits the steak got lost in the whole mix, and he agreed and actually changed his plating because of her suggestion. The only reason I explained this is because I can say for certain that the staff there is very interested in preparing the food according to the way the customer wants it and not just the way they always do things. Great experience and will definitely go back with either a group or another date night.
(5)Mike W.
Wow . . . how did this ever transpire? I have mentioned Alligator Soul in my reviews for other Savannah restaurants here on Yelp, in fact I've used it as something of a benchmark for what I expect in fine dining in Savannah, yet I've not reviewed it here myself?! I don't know how that happened! However, it helps explain perhaps why two different people emailed me and, based on those other restaurant reviews, asked if I worked at Alligator Soul since I praised it so highly. For the record, I do not, nor ever have had any relationship with Alligator Soul other than being a pleased customer. I've been a customer of Alligator Soul since they first opened and I lived in Savannah so I got to know them and see the ups and downs of their professional and personal lives. While known for their dinners, their lunches (which they've done off and on for years, I guess as the local economy and response of clients dictates: currently there's no lunch but they may bring it on back) were the really stellar stand-outs for me, because these were at once both a more intimate and more casual experience. My then-boyfriend and I would often go in for lunch around one in the afternoon as the lunch crowd thinned out and were about the only customers in the house, and thus got very personal service. However, even when every table is full, I've never had less than great service at Alligator Soul, honestly. As for the food, the concept here is traditional Southern cooking with an elememt of flair. This is not Paula Deen-style downhome, it's far more Nathalie Dupree than Paula Deen . . . and if you don't know who Nathalie is, you really should because she's done for Southern cooking what Julia Child did for French. Talk to Susan Spicer or any highly-respected chef in the South and Nathalie's where it's at whereas Paula's what your cousin watches after her soap operas. My favorite dishes here are the Lamb Shank, the Shrimp and Grits (the best in town, though many places do them; consider them as your main dish but be warned that they're very very rich!), the Alligator Soul Cheese Course is a great cheese board and a different touch to the meat and fish-heavy menu here. All the salads are simply amazing--like seriously amazing. The Fish of the Day is always local and is worth asking about. The desserts here are also top-notch, especially their Pecan Pie and the Autumn Spiced Cobbler. As for the bar, they can make good mixed drinks and have a decent wine selection, though I've always opted for mixed drinks because seriously, Savannah and New Orleans are the only places where at dinner or lunch you can get away with ordering serious drinks during your meal (plus before and after too!) and not look like a lush or a fool. Don't worry: the local lawyers at the next table over are doing the exact same thing. The restuarant is in a renovated basement of an old commercial building and is warm, intimate, romantic, and nostalgic. For what Alligator Soul does, which is fine dining Southern style, it could not do it any better. Other local restaurants on par with Alligator Soul like 700 Drayton can do a superb job but at times feel like they're trying too hard, yet Alligator Soul hits the perfect tempo and has in my experience done so since 2003.
(5)Christopher T.
This restaurant I believe has to be the best restaurant in the city - from what I have tasted so far. There were three of us and we all shared bites off of everyone's plate and every entree, dessert, and appetizer was right on - delicious! The flavors were just amazing on everything. To start we had the cheese plate. It came with a selection of about 5 different cheeses paired with grapes, apples, Savannah Bee honey, and raspberries. Of course crackers, too. This was a great start to the meal. I ordered the chicken and it was really good as well. The only thing I thought may have needed to be taken down a bit was the sauce. My rice was kind of swimming in it. It would have been better if the sauce had been drizzled here and there instead of poured into the plate. The sauce kind of took the flavor out of the sides. However, all of it combined I found a way to make it all come together. My friends lamb and fillet were really great! We finished with a three layered mouse cake and banana beignet. AMAZING. The ambiance could be better and our server was a bit slow on giving us proper attention but to her credit I believe she was also working a large group at the same time so she was doing her best. I would definitely recommend this place to any and everyone!
(4)Amy M.
I had to plan a client dinner last week while in Savannah. The only two restaurants I even knew about in Savannah were not options since the client already had two other dinners planned at those locations. I came to Yelp to find something else that was great and stumbled upon Alligator Soul. The ratings were excellent, the menu looked good and I figured the ambience had to be great if it was named Alligator Soul. It did not disappoint. Immediately after I booked the reservation, the next day the restaurant owner called me to confirm and to review the menu options, wine list, table apps and make sure we had a custom menu for our group that would accomodate our budget. I talked to her several more times before the dinner and thought this was great service. Our group had so much fun in our private dining room. The drinks were good and the food was superb. I ordered a Basil-Mint Mojito that was fabulous and the Fried Green Tomoates and Shrimp and Grits were incredible. The waitstaff was attentive and very good. I would highly recommend this.
(5)Jacob F.
Decent food. Nothing special, but nothing great. Booked a reservation for our anniversary, so we wanted a nice location, maybe a quiet table. I think they sat us at the table of last resort. Both of our chairs and the table were wobbly, and we were stuck in an awkward corner. Service was ridiculously slow--was rather infuriating to watch all of the tables near us be seated, served, and paid out while we waited around for our food. At least two of them arrived after us and left before us. Food was nothing special, though my wife was a big fan of the salad.
(3)Rich B.
A fun place with an eclectic menu. We had antelope on a bed of mashed potatoes, and jambalaya with gator. Oh, yes, they also serve one of my favorite drinks you don't often find outside New Orleans -- sazarac.
(4)Michael R.
Food was amazing. Had the buffalo and oysters. Delicious!!! Service was outstanding and the atmosphere was terrific! Definitely will be going again!!
(5)Lexy S.
We always come here for dinner when in Savannah. I always get the vegetarian. We started with the fried green tomatoes. Bf didn't like the cornmeal, but I thought they were good. The vegetarian came and for $27 all you get is a cup of soup, tiny pear salad and 1 tofu spring roll? The plate seemed empty and tho it was missing something. We had a few signature drinks. The drink of the day and fleur de soul (yummy). All in all we got a lot of under $100. We will return. Hopefully I'll get more on the veggie dish next time.
(4)Chris H.
Great restaurant. My girlfriend and I were visiting Savannah from Chicago, and this was our first restaurant in the city. We aren't big foodies, but we go to these kinds of restaurants regularly. We had a fantastic experience and would definitely go back. Here's our thoughts on the specifics: Ambience: 5 stars -- underground, exposed brick, dimmed lights, and warm but chic decorating. Service: 5 stars -- best part of the restaurant. Our waitress, Emily, was fantastic -- warm, fun, and attentive. Honestly some of the best service I've experienced. Food: 4 stars -- I had the stuffed pork chop and my girlfriend had the chicken. Both were excellent. We also had the pork belly and lamb appetizer (a special), which was okay. It was very small (a small piece of pork belly and lamb) and the lamb was very fatty...and $12 -- not worth it in my opinion. Excellent cocktail menu and dessert.
(5)Dr P.
Stay away from the oysters... and even the martinis are lousy... Discussed options and the requested the 'special' ginger martini and got sick from bad oysters, the bartender was distracted and poured me a cosmo :( Go elsewhere
(1)Jasmine S.
Unfortunately, I have to start by saying that the service I received at this restaurant was almost ridiculously bad. With that said, the food was so incredible that I can't help but still give it four stars. It was that good. Hopefully, my experience was the exception and not the rule, but if you have the patience to suffer through potentially terrible service and an entire evening to spend here, it's actually worth it.
(4)Charlene T.
We call ahead and get the chef's tasting in the kitchen. It's a different atmosphere then the dining room but fun! The menu that Chef Chris and his staff prepare is always amazing. This is where we go when we want a great meal in Savannah.
(5)Geoff P.
Alligator Soul was easily the best food I had in Savannah and it was the only restaurant we tried that I would think potentially worthy of a top Zagat score. The cocktail menu is very unique, and the food was stellar. Make sure to find out what the wild game selection of the day is--the choices might surprise you!
(5)Chris L.
Gourmet food with five star service in an elegant but comfortable setting. Turned out to be a perfect choice for a special occasion. Buffalo and scallop entrees were both excellent. The creme brulee was the only negative. Good taste but too much brulee made it difficult to eat. Management seems outstanding with attention to customer service with reservations and asking about food allergies and dietary requirements.
(5)Fabian W.
The service was excellent. Our waitress Kate(also the bartender) was friendly and attentive. I had the qual which was very good, but my wife's scallops made me jealous. Everything was cooked perfectly and seasoned well. Go for the scallops! Oh, great warm bread was also served before our meals.
(5)Kim T.
We ate here tonight for the first time and I thought what I ordered was delicious! I ordered the shrimp and grits app and my husband ordered the shecrab soup app, which were both great! I ordered the gator jambalaya for my main meal and it was also very tasty. My husband ordered the duck but he said it was not what he expected. He ordered it medium but said it tasted raw and was really fatty. He almost choked on a piece of fat. That is why I am rating 4 stars and not 5. I ordered a Moscow mule to drink and it was fantastic. For dessert we shared a piece of cheesecake! I would definitely order the cheesecake again. We had great service overall and were seated before our reservation. I would definitely go back.
(4)David Y.
we visited alligator soul for our 22nd anniversary. The atmosphere is quaint for a basement yet comfortable. Scott our waiter was descriptive with the specials and very attentive to details. We started with oysters Bienville and the pork belly charcuterie, different and delicious. she had the elk fillet with sweet potato gratin, divine. I had duck not pie with lane snapper, absolutely outstanding. we finished with banana begniet., SUPERB! The best dinner we ever had in Savannnah.
(5)Jamie Z.
food was not that good.... kinda salty... atmosphere was great, good for dating. my phone got no service since it is in the basement
(3)Elyse K.
Went with hubby on Sunday, January 20th, 7:00. VERY impressed from beginning to end. Ecclectic menu to suit many tastes. Waiter even asked if we had any food allergies. Sonny, the waiter, was personable and attentive, as was any employee that passed by. Manager, Rocky, frequented the tables to ensure patrons were happy. THE FOOD! Porterhouse lamb chop with diver scallops and a side, shrimp and grits entree and banana beignets for dessert. Freshly made Gingin mule cocktail and restaurant's private label wine. Felt the need to photograph every food item as presentation was beautiful. Wish we lived closer but will definitely go again when in Savannah!
(5)Mia M.
Eh. The food was nothing to write home about. The more traditionally "southern" items that we tried, like the fried green tomatoes and the shrimp and grits were good (the shrimp and grits I didn't try so I cant really vouch for it but my friend said it was good) but more than anything the food seemed confused; like, spicy miso soup and some Asian themed sauteed vegetables in the vegetarian tasting at a Southern restaurant? Also, I thought, what was up with the spice in EVERYTHING? Was it supposed to be some "Cajun" thing? I can appreciate spicy food but a lot of the time it seemed really unnecessary and as if it was trying to overcompensate for something, like the way some people use balsamic reduction. It just seemed overpriced for what you actually got. It was cute how they brought out an amuse bouche though. All in all I probably wouldn't go back if I ever went back to Savannah. I was only in town for a night and clearly no expert on Savannah, but I was disappointed with the lack of apparent dining options. (I guess I was spoiled by Charleston.) But that, I suppose, is another story.
(2)Jen H.
Decent food not as awesome as the price suggests it might be :). Felt rushed out although the place wasn't full yet- the waiter didn't leave us alone for longer than 2 minutes. No espresso, weird.
(2)Robin A.
Dinner was pretty good. I would rate food a 3.5 but our service a 2. The shrimp and grits were delicious, my pork chop was good and cooked very well. Our server was just okay. Looked like she had a large table full of men and catered to them, not us. In fact, it looked like everyone else in our dining area received an amuse bouche. We did not. That was very disappointing. Part of why I made reservations was because of the reviews that mentioned the little things this restaurant does to make your dinner extra special. That didn't happen for us. Because of the service, I won't be recommending to anyone else.
(3)Timothy T.
Amazing place. We sat at the bar. Our bartender Melvin was very knowledgeable and sold us on a few dishes. We werent even that hungry but we had to try all of his suggestions. Im glad we did. The shrimp and grits are amazing. Very cool, unique and creative menu selection. You cant go wrong at Alligator Soul. I'll be back everytime I'm in Savannah.
(5)Carol W.
We celebrated our 20th anniversary tonight at Alligator Soul. This is our 3rd trip to Savannah and our best meal yet. Local sourcing meant best ingredients: the charcouterie was incredible, from duck rillete, to pork belly to smoked fish. We so enjoyed the broth with the mussels that we requested more bread and spoons. And the smoky, spicy gator gumbo hit all of the right notes. This place has a lovely atmosphere with lots of brick and local art. The tables are not squashed together and the service is very personable. Highly recommend Miss Emily and Eyore's cocktails.
(5)Mike K.
We went to Alligator Soul on a recent trip to Savannah. I thought it was quite good, and was generally worth the expense. To begin, we walked in off the street without reservations, and were told that we could probably be seated within a half hour. We walked around and returned after a half hour, took a seat at the bar, and waited for our table. I passed the time with a Gator Andy Pale Ale and conversation with my wife. Both were very good. The restaurant is situated in the basement of an old brick building, and it's got a nice old feeling to it. It's all brick and stone, kind of a wine cellar feel. We were seated in a cozy corner near a basement vent window, and the vent space was filled with ferns and evergreen plants. Very nice ambiance. We got fried green tomatoes and breaded fried oysters for apps. Both were quite good. The gulf oysters were of ample size, but the breading on them, a nice thick crusty corn meal breading with more than a hint of spice, stole the show. The fried green tomatoes came as a substantial portion for an appetizer. They were perfectly fried, in a breading that was similar to that used for the oysters. For entrees, I got the lamb shank and my wife got the Gumbo. Weak part first. The gumbo was pretty decent, but was served almost lukewarm. The service at the restaurant was so good that had he said anything about the temperature, they would have taken care of it, but we were very hungry and just wanted to chow down. Again, the gumbo was good, but it wasn't out of this world. Gumbo isn't the hardest dish to make, and Alligator Soul didn't do much to make it stand out from the pack. My lamb shank was especially good. It was braised to the point of extreme tenderness, and had a bit of minty glaze on it. That was served on a bed of moroccan spiced orzo. My wife really dug that when she tasted it. Also on the menu was blue marlin steak, which I was curious about. A woman at a neighboring table had ordered that ad loved it, but I overheard another woman at a nearby table complaining that she did not like it. The service was excellent. Our waitress was very pleasant and knew every detail of every dish.
(4)Kate H.
I should have known. I'm usually pretty good about following my intuition (sometimes I think it's even borderline psychic abilities) but what are you supposed to do when you are standing in front of the hostess and you just kinda want to run? Here's what happened: we walked in to Alligator Soul to find the hostess and (our future) server in an argument. As in, why would you do that in front of other people, much less guests? type of argument. After being seated at the most awkward table ever (literally in the doorway between two rooms) we were presented with a complementary cocktail and amuse bouche. The bubbly was perfect; the culinary 101 amuse had some serious textural challenges with the Salmon Mousse. We shared an order of Shrimp and Grits as an appetizer (it was our first night in Savannah after all) that was flavorful but again, gritty and texturally challenged. You know when you're on a budget and buy el cheapo cheese that just doesn't melt right? This was the issue. My entree choice was a special: local black Grouper with Stewed Tomatoes and Okra, Polenta and a Sambuca cream sauce. My fault on mis-ordering. One bite and I had a flashback to the Grouper with Amaretto sauce incident I had last year at Zenzi in Orlando. I've finally decided (and will remember in the future!) that I really just don't prefer fish with sweet cream sauces. Yelk. Plus, I'm not entirely convinced that the tomatoes were not canned. And honestly, I was probably only drawn in by the mention of Sambuca. Which is best left to dessert. We finished our meal with Banana Beignets that were really just tempura fried bananas but also with the best parts of the night: An amazing Cabernet based Mulled Wine and a recommendation from our server for a bar to ring out the old year. Bottom line: Alligator Soul is really trying to be fine dining and they have the prices to prove it! But it really missed the mark. If I lived in Savannah, I'd probably give it another try. But I don't, so I probably won't return.
(2)Rachel W.
Ok so this place is pretty neat. It's downstairs and has a great atmosphere. My husband and I had the grouper and the duck "not pie" (deconstructed pot pie). They looked great and both had great flavor. However, I'm not an avid duck eater so when the duck arrive incredibly rare (raw), I thought that's how it was supposed to be. Now today, I've had a sad belly all day and after much research I now realize my duck was indeed not cooked at all. And so now my intestines are paying the price. But, I have to say, I probably would go back and try something else.
(2)JW U.
Enjoyed dinner with Party of 12. Good food, a little on the pricey side. The ambiance is very nice but the service is average at best. Fried green tomatoes were not as good as the Chart House. Duck was prepared nicely but served cool - likely the waitress fault but the outcome remains the same. I'd try Vic's next time.
(3)Dawn E.
The ambiance at Alligator Soul makes it a good date night place. The exposed brick, smaller rooms of tables, and underground location make it feel a little secret. We started our evening at the bar to get a drink before dinner. There were not a lot of people at the bar, but the service was not great. I asked the bar tender for a French 75, she said she was not familiar. When I told her what was in it, I expected she would offer to try to make one, instead she handed me a cocktail menu. I ordered their version of long island iced tea, it was fine, but nothing special. We went over to our table, they clearly wanted to get us moving along - the bartender gave us our check saying it was time for dinner. Shortly after we paid, we were still at the bar as the hostess told us it would be just a moment, the bartender came back and let us know we should go to our table. She did at least then carry my drink to the table. Luckily the quality of the food and attentiveness of our waitress made up for our experience at the bar. The food is good. I had the shrimp and grits. After a week in South Carolina and Georgia, and many a shrimp and grits dish, this was the best. It was creamy and spicy deliciousness on a plate. My husband started with 6 Southern oysters 'a la soul' ( i don't eat them; he said they were good enough but nothing to write home about. they show on the menu better than they taste). Dinner for me was the lamb chops. Wonderful strawberry balsamic reduction, lamb was cooked perfectly. My husband had the duck. It was also perfectly cooked with a great sauce. Served with a sweet potato griddle cake that was pretty tasty. We decided to pass on dessert and instead partake of the small batch bourbon flight. The bourbon was delicious. If I only had the tolerance I would have tried many more of their flight offerings - wine, scotch, irish whiskey, martinis - what a good idea. To sum up, the food is very good, the service was mixed, and the prices are slightly higher than you would expect to pay for what you get, but all in - a good meal in Savannah.
(4)Chris K.
Love this place! Food and cocktails were fantastic. Highly recommend the shrimp gumbo and banana beignets. Atmosphere is intimate with exposed brick walls. Overall a great find.
(5)Melissa C.
My husband and I dined here for our anniversary and it was one of the best meals we have ever had, and that is saying a lot since we have dined at some Michelin star establishments. We were contacted prior to our reservation to ask if there was a special occasion OR any food allergies (gluten =me, fish=husband). We were given handmade chocolates and a mini pecan pie to celebrate our anniversary. The food is flavorful southern meets wild game with a unexpected twist. We had fried green tomatoes (best we've ever had) and seafood pilou, which was similar to a gumbo, but with alligator, shrimp, and crawfish for an appetizer. For dinner we both HAD to have the wild game of the night, which was kangaroo. I've had kangaroo before, and this preparation was mindblowing. The meat was rubbed with a coffee and chocolate mixture, seared, and served MR with a sweet potato soufflé and roasted root veggies and walnuts. WOW! For dessert we had an assortment of handmade truffles, which included a honeycomb truffle that was so decadent. Service was on spot, and the meal was paced quite nicely. I can't wait to go back to Savannah and eat here again! I highly recommend this place to any adventurous eater.
(5)Rob K.
We were in Savannah for two nights and stumbled upon Alligator Soul looking for a little off the beaten path place for dinner. Man, we couldn't be happier we found this place. In hindsight we were a little under-dressed after a hot day of walking around town, but we were greeted warmly and offered a seat at the bar or one of the two tables outside the main dining area. (No worries, they were packed) We have been raving about the food here since the moment we left. The shrimp and grits were excellent, creamy, and they didn't skimp on the shrimp. They had jambalaya on special that night and I had to ask for plastic utensils to take with us so I could eat the remainder back at the hotel. Yes, it's expensive, but the portions and quality of the food is certainly worthwhile. We will be back, and with reservations this time, the next time we're in Savannah.
(5)rolanda n.
We arrived on a Friday night with no reservations, party of 3, and they accommodated us at the bar. Everything was ridiculously delicious, and service was outstanding. It wasn't cheap, but nothing good ever is. Location is great, and staff was genuinely helpful and friendly. Wonderful place with delicious food. Southern Long Island Sweet Tea? Redonk. Grits croutons? Come on. Highly recommend.
(5)Mitch D.
I so wanted to give this place four stars, but just couldn't do it. The atmosphere is very cool, housed in the basement of a historic district building, and the service was great...but the food was not a home run. The best thing we had was the shrimp and grits. In fact it was the best shrimp and grits we had the whole time we were down south. But the rest was just okay. I would give it a shot, especially for a small group or a date night, but I'm recommending it mostly on ambience and potential. I think it could eventually be a great Savannah spot.
(3)M M.
First time in Savannah, this restaurant was unique...nice atmosphere, service extremely attentive and knowledgeable. Tried fried alligator for first time...very good! I had fish special and husband had pork chop. Food was delicious. Nice experience, recommend for couples looking for nice, authentic, elegant dinner.
(4)Steve A.
I'll be honest, a friend and I stumbled into ASR not really knowing what we were in for. There were a couple discussions about leaving or sticking it out, but in the end we did well. There were minor issues with our order (delivered to the wrong table), but eventually the chef came out and cleared everything up and made us feel quite welcome. When we got our food it was amazing and creative and even though there was the slight error, the service was excellent.
(4)Greg S.
As a "non-dairy vegetarian" (generally I just net it out to "vegan" - either is equally freaky in SAV!) I was thrilled to read other reviews of Alligator Soul and their veg and vegan friendly chef. It's all true. We had the "vegan special" and it was both tasty and artfully prepared. Chef was also willing and able to make the fried green tomatoes without parmesan so we could have them as an appitizer. Our waitress was knowledgeable and helpful and friendly. In a "big city" this restaurant would be a solid place, in Savannah it's a real standout! We'll definitely be back.
(4)Aaron C.
I came here during the Christmas holiday/ sabbatical. I had heard Savannah had some superb eateries and that Alligator Soul was one of them. So I checked it out on Christmas Eve and I must say I was impressed. The atmosphere felt like an old jazz club I used to visit in Philly. It's a downstairs spot, low lit and the tunes were amazing--I'm talking Sam Cooke greatest hits. Our server was Courtney, she was great and attentive. I ordered the fried green tomatoes, shrimp and grits, and a side of collards. I also ordered a Dark n' Stormy, yet the bar tender was out of ginger beer, so ginger liquor was a substitute. It was smooth and perfectly balanced. My only gripe, which is not really a gripe, is that the fried green tomatoes were missing something, maybe more sweetness in the relish they were topped with, not sure. I'll probably have to have them again to figure it out. I'm happy I didn't waste time a Paula Deen's and suggest you don't get caught in that tourist trap either. If you like good food and ambiance, check this place out. And if you happen to have Courtney as your server, that's an even bigger plus. "That's where it's at." - Sam Cooke
(4)Kelli A.
Great space. Great service. Food was only ok. Baked oysters were too big and room temperature. Raw oysters weren't available for some reason. Steamed shrimp were small and limp. Shrimp and grits were good but not great. The grits were a course grind which I found a little odd. I was really disappointed since id heard such great reviews about this place.
(3)Mike G.
Great food you can't find anywhere else. Best food in Savannah!
(5)Krissy R.
My husband and I went to Savannah on our honeymoon and tried out Alligator Soul because it was recommended to us by a local resident. The service was wonderful and the food was equally as amazing. My husband still talks about the food to this day and we will definitely be going back when we travel back to Savannah. He had the alligator soup appetizer and raved about how amazing it was.
(5)Gabriela C.
We came to this restaurant for my birthday based on the reviews. We were Very dissapointed. The service was good, but it was so over the top buttered up. The waitress and the bartender swore that the lamb chops were to die for. They weren't. They were plain and bland. I tried the grouper and it was the same, plain and bland. Both dishes were edible, but nothing to justify the price nor the praise. The cheese plate appetizer was good.
(1)Katherine G.
Absolutely loved this place. Came on a Saturday night and they were quite busy. We did not have a reservation but the staff was very accommodating and we quickly were given a seat at the bar where others were dinning as well. The Filet "Soul" with the basil pesto mashed potatoes was phenomenal. I loved the atmosphere here, very comfortable and a perfect size, it was quite neat how hidden the restaurant was, it certainly felt like a local restaurant and not catered simply to tourists. Will absolutely go here again when in Savannah.
(5)Sharon Y. C.
Alligator Soul is a cool restaurant located in the heart of Savannah's historical district. We booked an early table through Open Table and got lots of attentive service since so few guests were there. We learned from our personable waiter that we could get tastes of some appetizers, rather than a whole appetizer. I wanted to try their shrimp and grits, but only a tiny bit, so the waiter served us a cup of the yummiest stone ground grits with a couple of large shrimp. It was so rich, I was glad we didn't get a whole appetizer. We had wonderful pairings of wine suggested by the bartender and waiter. And they both offered a taste before ordering a glass. Nice. A gorgeous little amuse bouche was served when we sat down at the table. Also a small glass of complimentary warm mulled wine was served. Wonderful ways for the chef to say welcome. For an entree, I had smoked duck breast. The dish came with confit duck leg, a tiny bit of foie gras mousse, quinoa and gorgeous organic veg. The smoked duck breast was perfected medium rare as I ordered. The duck leg's skin was crisp, although the leg meat was a bit over cooked. Unfortunately the quinoa, described as pomegranate quinoa with fennel confit, was a bit of a mushy mess. I hate saying that, since we loved the restaurant and staff so much, but when quinoa loses its integrity it can get soft and soggy. And there was quite a bit of it on the plate so it was hard to ignore it. My husband ordered the rabbit dish. It was en croute which sounded delish. Although, the rabbit dish looked yummy, the rabbit en croute ate more like a spring roll with sweet Oriental sauce. My husband ate every bit on his plate since he's been a member of the Clean Plate Club since childhood, so even though the dish was unexpectedly sweet, it was good. We had the chocolate truffles for dessert, since we didn't want something heavy. There were 3 beautiful handmade candies, plus a tiny scoop of black currant sorbet. My husband had a nice glass of port too. Overall, it was a memorable experience and we appreciate the hospitality offered by every staff member.
(3)Moonflower S.
My boyfriend surprised me by taking me here last week for our anniversary dinner... it was AMAZING! The atmosphere is dark and very ambient, chill, and cool - dark. The food was absolutely outstanding! The chef made us a little something special before we even ordered (sorry I forget what it was but it was really good!)... I got a martini that tasted like a glacier (cool,chilling, delicious) and to start a fresh salad with cheddar grits croutons. For my main course, I ordered the buffalo sirloin ($44) and was blown away! It was one of the best pieces of meat I have ever eaten, WOW... cut up in to thin juicy slices. It was served with a medley of mixed colorful sweet potatoes and kale... very good combo. ... I tried to eat a combo of the potatoes, kale, and buffalo together but any way it was done/eaten was just mouthwatering anyway! The flavors of each stood out but played very well in combination. Tender, perfectly cooked (med rare), and plenty to eat. The server was very knowledgeable of the food preps, and also pleasant and did not rush us. We both really enjoyed it and will be back. Very creative dishes that are well worth the price.
(5)Claire P.
My husband and i are locals and decided to try Alligator Soul for "Restaurant Week". Everything was great! However, we had made reservations for dinner and ended up being about 15 minutes late because my husband had to stay late at work. The hostess felt like it was necessary to let us know that we had arrived late (with a bit of attitude), which normally wouldnt be a big deal. However, she then stated, "but your table isnt ready" and we ended up having to wait 20 extra minutes. The restaurant was wonderful! The food and service was all we expected! I just dont believe the hostess needed to make a smart comment about us being late then still having to wait because the table wasnt even ready yet.
(4)Julie W.
we went here our first night in savannah based on the reviews. the review "I could have licked my plate" couldnt have been more true! the shrimp and grits is to die for!! I also loved they give u a little sample dish made by the chef to start. we also have the cheese platter that I would recommend. although there is no kids menu, they made our daughter some yummy pasta. the service is out of this world awesome and this is a must stop place to eat!!!
(5)Carol L.
First night in Savannah is going to be hard to top. The food was top notch! We had fried green tomatoes, oysters, and blue crab tart to start. Then we had the jambalaya. Delish. The drinks were great too. The service could be ratcheted up a notch to make the experience even better, we had to wait a bit too long for the menus and our drinks but overall , it was great. We ate at the bar, no reservations, but had a good experience.
(5)BJ A.
Worth a visit.. food is just shy of truly outstanding, and service is very good. It is a basement restaurant, albeit a well appointed one, and it's rather dark, so bring your pocket light for reading the menu. The 'soul' prime fillet is good (bit salty), so is the 'three tail' fish (grouper like)... shrimp & sausage jambalaya gumbo app was very good... don't bother with the key lime cheesecake (unless your just looking for a pics of plain old cheesecake (nothing lime about it at all). Dinner for 2 will set you back about $100.00 ... drinks, tip extra. PS... And if swordfish is on the menu, it's a must.. (you just will not believe what these folks can do with it)!!
(4)Trevor L.
One of the best restaurants I have ever been to. Top of the line food and service. I had steak which came from the kitchen on fire...which was awesome, and soft shell crab which was still in the form of a crab, meat being held together by its exoskeleton. Great for a date, as it is not too large, and dim lit. If you are in Savannah, and have some money to spend on dinner, it is the place to be.
(5)Ash G.
Really nice meal during Restaurant Week. The 3 course choices were a good representation of menu. The staff was attentive to the max, and informed, and were flexible with a vegetarian choice if our son had arrived.
(4)Kevin N.
walked past this place tonight. saw a for lease sign in the window, and it was closed. Somewhere between the the last review on Sept. 27th and Oct. 1st 2011 this placed closed maybe???
(1)Claudia D.
I was so disappointed. After reading some rave reviews and looking at the menu online I was sure this would be a great experience for me and my new husband on our honeymoon. I did read the bad reviews about the Oysters Bieneveille and chose to order them anyway. My apologies to my fellow yelpers. They where right. The oysters were overdone and covered in a very thick paste like concoction that tasted like glue. After we sent them back we shared the ostrich special. The fresh field peas were the only delicious thing on the plate. There was a huge glop of some kind of savory bread pudding that had the server been able to tell me about I wouldn't have ordered. The ostrich had a huge muscle running through it that made it almost impossible to eat. I don't even know how to describe the server other than he was jittery, kept walking away in the middle of our order, didn't know the menu, tried to convince us to order a different bottle of wine after we said that the Shatter by Orin Swift was what we had just served at our wedding and so was sentimental... I saw him leave the restaurant twice? Weird. And after it was obvious we weren't pleased with our experience they still charged us for the oysters and did not offer anything to make up for the bizarre service. I rated it a 2 only because they did give us a little box of chocolates to celebrate our wedding. I think they are catering only to tourists and not a repeat crowd. Which means it won't be around long.
(2)Dilbert D.
The smoked ribeye here is the BEST steak I ever had. Apparently it was smoked in-house for many days....I was pretty fantastic and memorable. The sides were good, nothing special. I don't love the setting (a fancy lookin' basement), but the food quality and service are hard to argue with. Tried a mint julep for the first time ever---it tasted like a mojito with a splash of gasoline in it! I think that's how it is supposed to taste though
(4)Jen S.
Amazing food, service and atmosphere. A foodie's dream.
(5)John B.
Last night we went to Alligator Soul, as it is one of the few restaurants open on Sundays. It was fantastic! The food was perfect and on time. Our waiter, Sean, was funny and courteous. I will recommend the cheese plate and any martini on the menu. Thanks for a wonderful night!
(5)Rachel R.
The service was poor. The waiter couldn't remember the specials and was absent most of the time. The bus boys kept pouring tap water into our bottled water. We ordered two starters and two entrees. The food was just okay. I really expected better food because of the other yelp reviews. I was extremely disappointed.
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