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    Alligator Soul

    4.3 (1.4k reviews)
    Open 5:00 pm - 10:00 PM
    Updated 2 weeks ago

    Alligator Soul Photos

    Business Info

    ALLIGATOR SOUL ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Classy
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - Alligator Soul

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    Crispy and candied alligator
    Julia O.

    What a gem in Savannah! The ambiance was on point with dim lights and beautiful decor. The staff was very friendly and attentive. Food was absolutely delicious and menu had good options to pick from. Highly recommend dining here.

    Alligator Fritter
    Karis L.

    Food quantity: 9/10 Food quality: 9/10 Service: 10/10 Ambiance: 9/10 Overall rating: 9.5/10 Very pleasant southern fine dining experience, would highly recommend!

    Parmesan grit croutons

    Our first trip as a family in Savannah, and picking Alligator Soul was the best dinner experience hands down! Being natives of Los angeles, we felt overwhelmed by the food choices but we were so happy with every aspect of Alligator Soul, from the ambiance, food preparation, and top tier service (shoutout to Amanda). The entire staff was so welcoming and attentive. Complements to the innovative and highly skilled chef and kitchen staff to a meal worth coming back for in the future. Thank you to all for making my family feel like part of your own in a high class setting. We will be back!! Our first trip as a family in Savannah, and picking Alligator Soul was the best dinner experience hands down! Being natives of Los angeles, we felt overwhelmed by the food choices but we were so happy with every aspect of Alligator Soul, from the ambiance, food preparation, and top tier service (shoutout to Amanda). The entire staff was so welcoming and attentive. Complements to the innovative and highly skilled chef and kitchen staff to a meal worth coming back for in the future. Thank you to all for making my family feel like part of your own in a high class setting. We will be back!!

    Candied alligator bites
    Yixin L.

    Very interesting menu for an experience but also very expensive. You have to go down a flight of stairs to reach the restaurant. The inside was dimly lit with some jazz music playing overhead. I was seated at the bar because I didn't have a reservation. They offer complementary bread and butter which tasted amazing. The bread was warm and soft on the inside. The crispy outside was lined with a spicy Hillsborough seasoning. The butter was also seasoned with herbs that paired perfectly with the bread. The game of the day was elk and fish of the day was mahi. I chose the wild boar volcano shank as I was informed it would be a larger portion size than the elk. I also ordered a cup of the Brunswick Gumbo and the candied alligator. The alligator tasted good at first, but after a while it gave the mouth a rubbery feeling. The Brunswick gumbo tasted better as it had more flavor than the shrimp and grits. The bartender also served as a waiter and answered any questions you had on the menu. He also started off asking if I had any allergies they should be aware of. I arrived around 5pm at opening but waited until 6:45pm to receive my entree since they prioritized a larger group of people.

    Alligator Mac and cheese
    Suzanne M.

    What a class act all the way around. The service, vibe, offerings exceeded our expectations. Our server was top notch. How did she remember all those ingredients??!! We tried the alligator mac and cheese. It was rich and heavy with tender chunks of alligator. A couple of folks in our group had the fresh catch. I had the fall off the bone short rib and my husband had the deviled crab. All were wonderful. We were celebrating a birthday and 2 wedding anniversaries. We were greeted with celebratory cards and pralines to take. Wonderful personalized touches. Things that stay with you and remember.

    Menu
    Kika G.

    Great little hidden gem. It's on the bottom floor of a building. You can take the stairs or the elevator. When you get to the lobby of the restaurant, it had alligator heads of various sizes as a decor. The menu is for the adventurous eater. The server knew the dishes very well and described them accordingly. Presentation was perfect for each dish, It was adorable that the had a children's menu for the little one to c Great little hidden gem. It's on the bottom floor of a building. You can take the stairs or the elevator. When you get to the lobby of the restaurant, it had alligator heads of various sizes as a decor. The menu is for the adventurous eater. The server knew the dishes very well and described them accordingly. Presentation was perfect for each dish, It was adorable that the had a children's menu for the little one to color on,

    Redfish special
    Julie M.

    This restaurant is dim, moody and very sultry. The brick walls in a basement setting reminds me of some 1940's film noir scene. Service was attentive but not obnoxiously so. Started off with the Smoked Bone Marrow (Pecan Smoked Bone Marrow, Mushroom Medley with Chardonnay Mustard, House Grilled Bread, Baby Greens). This was probably #3 of the dishes I tasted that night. The marrow was a little skimpy and was not buttery like I have had it in the past. Still good though. My entree was a Redfish special. The fish was incredible, flaky, perfectly seasoned and just overall fantastic. I also had a few bites of the Wild boar mac and cheese, and that was probably my favorite item. Cheesy, gooey and with just the right amount of meat mixed in. I would order this for myself next time it was that great. Overall, an amazing place, I definitely recommend coming here!

    Wild Boar Volcano Shank
    David K.

    Not cheap but no regrets; it was pretty amazing. Reservation secured I made my way down the stairs into the subterranean space - stone walls and floors, dimly lit with chandeliers and table lamps, classic vocal jazz playing barely audibly - and after a short wait was brought to my seat at the bar. Customers to my left and right were engaged in their own conversations so aside from replying to a couple of quick questions about what was on my plate and theirs I was left to my own thoughts. I enjoyed watching the two bartenders making beautiful, complicated drinks. Bethany, who was also my waitress, was in training and getting lots of coaching from the head bartender. These drinks require finesse and making them correctly takes time to master. I started with a Cherry Smoked Pig, made from Hogsworth Bourbon, Armagnac, Luxardo, sweet vermouth, El Guapo bitters, aged vanilla bitters, smoked cherry. An escalated Manhattan, basically. The bitters really made this drink special, one of bitters (the vanilla) actually aged in a miniature wood barrel behind the bar. The complimentary table bread, made in house daily and described as focaccia, was unusual but interesting: white, very soft, and brushed with agave and sea salt. It came with a compound butter that looked interesting, but I didn't try it. The bread worked well for getting the last of the goodness from my very small appetizer "Oysters A La Soul": roasted, topped with crawfish, bacon, breadcrumbs, side of Creole Bell habanero sauce. So good. The sauce was interesting: tangy and sweet and not as hot as I expected from the name. Only three oysters. I should have got the larger size with six but the price stopped me. And also the fact that I knew my chosen entree was one of the larger-size portions on their menu. This was the "Wild Boar Volcano Shank": Confit Fort Worth (not sure what that is and Google was no help), Texas wild boar, maque choux, crispy sweet plantains, rum lime foster sauce. A meat lover's dish to be sure: three large pieces, on the bone for easy handling (and I wasn't shy about using my hands on occasion when the knife and fork wasn't the right tool), tender, and smoky and sweet from the glaze. The plantains really were simultaneously soft and crispy. And the maque choux was so well crafted that they almost made me reconsider my dislike of okra - but not quite. How is "wild boar" different from pork? From the research I did later, it's complicated. Truly wild-caught game isn't really a thing in the USA; it's actually illegal to serve in restaurants. But what they do in Texas may come close; huge private ranches - one is 800,000 acres - where the boar roam free and are caught by skilled hunters. At least according to one article that I read. Does it make a difference? As for the taste, I can't say, but it if truly is free-range then I approve for the animals' sake. For the vegetarians there's the "Vegetarian Specialty", described as "Chef will prepare a unique and delicious entree with today's fresh ingredients. Ask your server what Chef has prepared tonight." No doubt it's delicious, but I think if you're a vegetarian you've come to the wrong place! My second drink was a Barrel-Aged Sazerac: Castel & Key Restoration rye, absinthe rinse, Bitter Truth lemon bitters, Peychaud's bitters, Bitter Truth apricot liqueur. Best Sazerac ever, if not exactly traditional. These cocktails were strong so a third was out of the question. All the specialties sounded amazing. Wish I could have tried them all. Alligator Soul is one of those "foodie" places. Overheard conversations seemed more about the food than their personal lives. One group was discussing the merits of various Campari analogs for several minutes. Three other solo diners at the bar, all well dressed men with beards, spent several minutes examining the menus and asking many questions but otherwise kept to themselves. I finished with Banana Cheesecake Parfait: Brûléed banana, banana compote, banana pudding, rum caramel, Chantilly whipped cream cheese, crushed candied pecans, Nilla Wafer crumble, whipped cream, coconut flakes. That's a lot of ingredients! But it made sense as a whole, and because of the careful plating they could be enjoyed separately, so it was like several desserts in one.

    Hunter S.

    For full details, please see my prior review. Had to go back to try the bison Mac n cheese--so savory, gooey, hot, cheesy. It was excellent. Also tried the wild boar volcano shank, which was fall off the bone tender and absolutely delicious. It is gamey, as expected, so be aware before you order this tasty masterpiece. It's not the usual pork chop! Service was again good. Not as amazing as Paige maybe, but was still great. Again, the drinks were superb. I had the charcuterie board again with the rabbit-python sausage and candied alligator. Can't beat this place and there isn't anywhere else in Savannah like it. Come with an empty stomach and a big appetite. I might go a third time before I leave the city. And make sure you have a reservation!

    Crispy Alligator
    Olivia S.

    Alligator Soul is recommended on a lot of lists for fancy dinners in Savannah. They're located in the lower level of the building, so it's kind of a speakeasy vibe as you proceed down the stairs into the dark restaurant. You definitely need a reservation! Alligator Soul is very wild game focused. There are vegetarian options, but most options are meat heavy. And everything is quite expensive, so prepare yourself. I tried the crispy alligator (it was my first time tasting alligator), and it tasted like chicken but with a chewy texture. The buttermilk ranch was really tasty, but I'm not sure the alligator was worth the expense. The scallops special was pretty solid. The wild game macaroni and cheese was the star of the meal! It was topped with bison on the night that I visited. The portion was small but delicious! The Negroni was maybe the best Negroni I've ever had! The complimentary bread was also delicious! Overall, the meal was good but definitely very expensive.

    Wild game Mac and cheese
    Kim S.

    We celebrated our engagement with a dinner here, and it was an absolute 10/10 experience! Our server was attentive, kind, and incredibly knowledgeable, making the evening even more special by congratulating us and leaving a heartfelt note that added such a personal touch. The restaurant's intimate, quiet ambiance created the perfect vibe for the occasion. We kicked off with drinks. I had the Alligator Foal mocktail, which was hands-down the best mocktail I've ever tasted. My fiancé opted for the Velvet Nectar, which was great too. The meal began with a little stuffed pepper to cleanse our palate, bursting with flavor (I wish I wrote down what it was!). Then came warm, soft bread paired with a phenomenal garlic herb butter which was perfection in every bite. For appetizers, we chose the crispy alligator, which was perfectly cooked/seasoned, and served with a delicious buttermilk ranch. Our main courses were the deviled crab, a local day boat black fish from the South Carolina coast, and a side of wild game mac and cheese. Every dish was flawlessly seasoned, packed with flavor, and cooked to perfection. This was, without a doubt, the ideal spot for our special occasion. We couldn't be happier with our experience and highly recommend it!

    Appetizer

    Bartender with the mohoawk was super cool and the frog legs were amazing. Definitely going back when I'm back in Savannah

    Rebecca M.

    A Savannah must! My friends and I drug our feet on dinner reservations, and stopped here on a whim. Somehow, we scored four seats at the bar together. Everything from drinks, to food, absolutely fantastic. Our two bartenders were fantastic, they made our dining experience to notch. The ambiance is lovely, located in a basement gives this restaurant a very romantic/exclusive vibe. Low lit, candles, southern food in the air.. yes! My gumbo was very good. Perfectly flavored, and a generous portion size as well. Make reservations, check this place out!

    Beignets with ice cream

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    Page 1 of 35

    Alligator Soul Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Alligator Soul

    What's the dress code ar Alligator Soul?

    There's not one. I went in October and people were wearing shorts/hats/t-shirts. You do stand out a bit not dressed nice, but it's not a rule/necessity.

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

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    Mrs Wilkes' Dining Room - Sooo many sides...all so good!

    Mrs Wilkes' Dining Room

    4.6(1.8k reviews)
    0.5 mi
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    Excellent experience. We arrived after the main crowd and were seated right away. The table was…read morecovered with what seemed like every Southern dish imaginable--far more than anyone could reasonably try in one sitting. I managed about ten, and everything was well prepared, generous, and full of flavor. The communal-table atmosphere makes the meal feel less like dining at a restaurant and more like being welcomed into a very large Savannah family dinner. The service was warm and attentive, and the whole experience felt genuine rather than staged for tourists. For anyone visiting Savannah, Mrs. Wilkes is a must. Come hungry.

    My wife and I visited Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room while celebrating our 45th wedding anniversary in…read moreSavannah, Georgia. Before our trip, one of my fraternity brothers told me that if I wanted some of the best Southern soul food in Savannah, I had to visit Mrs. Wilkes. He also warned me that there would be a long wait. Let me just say--he was absolutely right on both counts! We arrived at the restaurant and stood in line outside in the rain. We didn't get seated until 1:00 PM. Normally, I would not wait that long for a meal, but for the record, and I can't believe I'm saying this--it was worth every minute of the wait. The experience was unlike any restaurant I've ever visited. My wife and I were seated at a large table with approximately eight other people whom we had never met. Yet within minutes, it felt like we were dining with family. The atmosphere was warm, welcoming, and filled with genuine Southern hospitality. The food was simply outstanding. Every traditional Southern dish you can imagine was brought to the table and passed family-style from person to person. The home-cooked flavors reminded me of the meals many of us grew up enjoying. Everything was delicious, and the desserts were just as impressive. What made the experience even more special was the sense of community. People of different backgrounds and races were dining together, sharing food, conversation, and fellowship. The staff worked together seamlessly and went out of their way to make every guest feel welcome. While we waited in line, a gracious lady shared the history of the restaurant and the legacy of Mrs. Wilkes herself. The staff even provided umbrellas to guests who didn't have one--including me--which was a thoughtful gesture that spoke volumes about their commitment to customer service. From the food, to the hospitality, to the rich history and unique family-style dining experience, Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room exceeded every expectation. If you're visiting Savannah, this is not just a meal--it's an experience. I proudly give Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room a 5 out of 5-star rating and highly recommend it to anyone visiting Savannah.

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    Table of all the sides + very good fried chicken

    Geneva's Famous Chicken and Cornbread - Fried Shrimp

    Geneva's Famous Chicken and Cornbread

    4.3(450 reviews)
    3.2 mi
    $$

    Well, when to you see good reviews and there is a line of people out the door waiting for the place…read moreto open.... And it was the chicken was cooked to order, came out super hot, and was both crispy and juicy. The greens were super flavorful and needed no added spices. I'm not a big cornbread guy but took a couple bites anyway. The jalapeños weren't over powering and offset the sweetness a little. My server was amazing!!! She greeted me as soon as I walked with lively smile and great attitude. At first I was confused if it was fast casual or full service as they takeout section is in the center of the restaurant. She explained that you can do both, so opted to stay for lunch. I wish I could recall name, because she is worth requesting.

    Upon arriving in Savannah, we were looking for a good local spot to eat and stumbled across…read moreGeneva's Famous Chicken & Cornbread Co. Looking back, we probably should've kept right on walking. We ordered the fried chicken, potato wedges, red rice, New Orleans rice, and cabbage, jalapeno cornbread and pecan cornbread. Unfortunately, the only things we actually enjoyed were the fried chicken and the potato wedges. Once again, it was an epic fail. The cabbage tasted like it had been boiled in plain water with absolutely no seasoning. Both the red rice and the New Orleans rice reminded us of Minute Rice or Uncle Ben's microwavable rice--bland, lacking flavor, and nothing like the rich, seasoned rice dishes we were expecting. The fried chicken was crispy, juicy, and well-seasoned, and the potato wedges were cooked perfectly, but those two items weren't enough to save the meal. We came hoping for authentic Southern comfort food, but left disappointed. Sadly, this is one restaurant we won't be adding to our list of places to revisit.

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    Geneva's Famous Chicken and Cornbread - Front of staff - the lady in the grey shirt is disengaged.

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    Rhett Restaurant and Bar - Avocado Toast

    Rhett Restaurant and Bar

    4.4(835 reviews)
    0.3 mi
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    Well worth the walk and the price. The salmon tonight, which I had on an amazing caesar salad, is…read morethe best I have ever had. Skin on and pan fried to crispy perfection- any and all complements to the chef. In addition to the delicious food, the ambiance was relaxing yet classy. 10/10 would recommend and will be back!

    I have been here a number of times, both as solely a patron and also as a guest of the hotel…read moreimmediately above the restaurant. I've been with big groups and sat by myself. Been here for both dinner and lunch. All this said, I think my approach to this review is comprehensive. With regard to food, I think they have a decent (not expansive) selection of food, which I think lends itself to quality. They do most things really well. This said, I do think there is inconsistency based on staff at the restaurant. On one occasion they have accommodated a request, and on another I was denied the exact same request. I found this frustrating. On one occasion I've also seen management talk down to staff here, which is a big no no for me. All people (especially staff) are due respect and this rubbed me the wrong way. This was an isolated incident but it definitely made my dining experience uncomfortable. Especially because I was getting excellent service from the server!!! I've always had quality service from servers here. In the future, I would come to Rhett for convenience as a hotel guest (the hotel is lovely), but would likely not spend my money if I wasn't staying at the hotel. Overall- it's good food, decent ambiance... but there are soooo many good options in Savannah. You have to be exceptional to stand out in that city.

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    Ardsley Station - Seared Jumbo Scallops

    Ardsley Station

    4.6(363 reviews)
    1.9 mi
    $$

    An Incredible Meal, Exceptional Service & the Perfect Soundtrack!…read more Went to dinner recently as a solo. I had heard so much about their short rib and mashed potatoes dish that I had to try it. I requested Rylee as my server. I met her when I had lunch this past year. Rylee is certainly one of the best servers I have ever had. Her recommendations were on point and I cannot say enough about her professionalism, friendly demeanor and menu knowledge. The short rib dish was beyond what I expected and absolutely delicious! Hands down, one of the best meals I have ever had! I also decided to get the flourless chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream for dessert. It was so yummy! I will definitely be back. Love the atmosphere as well and the bar area is inviting. Wait! I forgot one of the best parts! The music! I am a huge fan of alternative music so being able to enjoy my meal to the sounds of New Order's "Ceremony" and then Depeche Mode while finishing my dessert was the cherry on top of the cake! It really made for an overall incredible experience! Thank you! I will definitely highly recommend your restaurant and look forward to coming back!

    Service was excellent... Thanks PM @ the bar Small place,…read morebut huge in quality Food was exceptional Deviled Eggs were amazing Bolognese was crazy good Ardsley will be on my agenda anytime I'm in Savannah

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    Braised Beef Short Rib

    Alligator Soul - southern - Updated September 2026

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