Visitors to Savannah enjoy strolling its charming Historic District. It’s a great way to get to know the city and learn its culture and history. But walking the streets can build up a thirst. Fortunately, Savannah is also home to amazing spots where you can get off your feet and enjoy a pleasant afternoon drink.
The Sentient Beach Coffee Shop and Cafe is one of our favorites. Located at 13 E. Park Ave., it’s the go-to place for locals. It serves organic, fair-trade specialty coffee drinks, along with a wide selection of teas. If you’re hungry, the food is delicious and includes plenty of vegan choices and green smoothies.
Gryphon, located at 337 Bull St. at the Savannah College of Art and Design, offers an Afternoon Tea in an elegant, historic building that dates to 1926. Afternoon Tea includes a selection of tea sandwiches, scones with Devonshire cream and jam, assorted pastries, and petit fours. Or order a pot of tea in your choice of about 10 varieties, including a flavor of the day.
Along with an array of coffee and tea specialties, Cafe M, 128 E. Bay St., serves sandwiches, salads, quiche, and sweets. Cafe M offers an amazing selection of hot teas, tea lattes and deluxe teas poured over ice. If coffee is more your thing, they offer plenty of choices, from beans roasted right here in Savannah! This French bistro’s cozy outdoor seating makes a perfect spot for afternoon snacks and drinks.
Mate Factor Cafe at 402 E. Hall St. is a hidden gem a couple of blocks from Forysth Park. This quaint, rustic teahouse serves yerba mate beverages, coffee drinks, and fresh baked goods, as well as lunch items. In addition to the cozy indoor seating area, there’s also a private patio.
Mirabelle Savannah, 13 Abercorn St., is a unique bistro that offers specialty coffees, matcha latte, chai, and loose leaf teas. Season your tea with their house-made syrups of vanilla, cardamom, lavender, and mint. If you’re hungry, order one of their delicious waffles. Yes, you read that right: Waffles, in varieties like peach cobbler, lemon zing, S’mores, and more.
Learn about tea traditions and experience an early 19th-century activity with Springtime Tea at the Davenports. The tea takes place at 5 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays during May in the Davenport House’s beautiful courtyard garden. Cost is $18 for adults; $14 for children and reservations are recommended.
Some of our other favorites include The Savannah Tea Room, 14 E. Macon St. near Madison Square; The Little Crown by Pie Society in City Market; a High Tea Tasting at the Ashford Tea Company, 406 E. Oglethorpe Ave.; and Wright Square Cafe at 21 W. York St.
Take a break and enjoy a spot of tea while strolling around the Historic District.
