The Thomas Square Streetcar District pulses with a vibrant food scene that captures the creative heart of Savannah. Nestled between Forsyth Park and Victory Drive, this historic neighborhood is more than just charming architecture and leafy squares—it’s a culinary playground loved by both locals and visitors craving diverse flavors. Whether you’re seeking cozy cafés, inventive Southern bistros, global fare, or mouthwatering baked goods, Thomas Square delivers with an abundance of standout spots. Here’s an enthusiastic guide to eating your way through this beloved Savannah neighborhood.
Where to Start: The Starland Block
At the core of Thomas Square’s food vibe is the Starland area, radiating from the intersection of Bull and 41st Street—a hub for arts, nightlife, and, especially, dining delights. Here, innovation meets tradition, offering something for every craving and budget.
- The Vault Kitchen & Market
- *Cuisine*: Asian Fusion
- *Price*: $$
- *Why Go*: Housed in a converted bank on Bull Street, The Vault dazzles with its stylish, light-filled setting and zippy menu. Sushi, creative salads, bao sliders, and signature cocktails star here. Don’t miss their crispy Brussels sprouts or the dragon roll—a neighborhood classic.
- Back in the Day Bakery
- *Cuisine*: Bakery, Southern Comfort
- *Price*: $-$$
- *What Makes It Special*: A rootsy bakery oasis on Bull Street, Back in the Day is legendary for pillow-soft biscuits, dreamy cupcakes, and old-school Layer Cakes. Southern hospitality and playful retro decor sweeten the deal. Arrive early on weekends—their buttermilk biscuits often sell out!
- Big Bon Bodega
- *Cuisine*: Bagels, Pizza, Deli
- *Price*: $-$$
- *Insider Tip*: Just off Bull, on E 40th, Big Bon Bodega channels NYC deli energy with chewy, wood-fired bagels and innovative breakfast sandwiches. Their partner restaurant Big Bon Ghost Kitchen (also nearby) flips to wood-fired pizza in the evening.
International Eats & Local Legends
Thomas Square boasts a surprisingly global range. If you’re looking to travel via tastebuds, these options deliver intrigue and authenticity.
- Narobia’s Grits & Gravy
- *Cuisine*: Classic Southern Breakfast
- *Price*: $
- *Don’t Miss*: A true neighborhood institution on Habersham Street—no frills, just flawless cheese grits, smothered pork chops, and legendary breakfast sandwiches. Expect a line, but locals swear it’s the ultimate comfort food.
- La Scala Ristorante
- *Cuisine*: Italian, Upscale
- *Price*: $$$
- *What’s Noteworthy*: Located in a restored mansion on E 37th Street, La Scala offers an elegant escape with classic Italian dishes, homemade pasta, and a stellar wine list. Perfect for a date or celebratory dinner as the sun sets.
- Sly’s Sliders and Fries
- *Cuisine*: American
- *Price*: $
- *Neighborhood Favorite*: On Abercorn, Sly’s rocks tiny but crave-worthy burgers and creative fries—try the fried green tomato slider or local wild-caught shrimp po’boy. Great for a quick bite between mural tours or gallery hopping.
Café Culture: Best Brews and Brunch
Tucked among the district’s historic row houses are cafés that keep the neighborhood buzzed and brunch-happy.
- Foxy Loxy Café
- *Cuisine*: Tex-Mex, Coffeehouse
- *Price*: $-$$
- *Vibe*: An artsy hangout on Bull, Foxy Loxy is beloved for its courtyard, late-night lattes, and spicy breakfast tacos. Bonus: jam sessions and open mic nights light up the weekends.
- Henny Penny Art Space & Café
- *Cuisine*: Café, Family-Friendly
- *Price*: $
- *Why You’ll Love It*: Also on Bull, this whimsical café shares roots with Foxy Loxy but shines as a family spot with cookies, coloring sessions, and creative workshops for kids. The quiche and scones are clutch for a mellow afternoon.
Food Trucks and Street Eats
Creativity thrives streetside in Thomas Square. Food truck pop-ups and mobile eateries change seasonally, but you can often find:
- Chazito’s Latin Cuisine
- *Cuisine*: Puerto Rican
- *Price*: $
- *What to Try*: Track them on social media for stops in Starland Yard—a lively outdoor food hall and beer garden at 2411 DeSoto Ave. Grab empanadas, loaded plantains, or their famous Cuban sandwich for a portable feast.
- Starland Yard
- *Food Hall & Rotating Trucks*
- *Price*: $-$$
- *Why Visit*: This colorful shipping container park is a Thomas Square highlight, with resident eatery Vittoria (wood-fired pizza) and a rolling lineup of food trucks—think poke, tacos, burgers, and shaved ice on sunny afternoons.
Sweet Spots & Hidden Gems
Let your sweet tooth guide you, but be sure to check out a few under-the-radar finds:
- Leopold’s Ice Cream Kiosk
- *Cuisine*: Ice Cream
- *Price*: $
- *Local Twist*: While the flagship is downtown, you’ll often spot the Leopold’s cart at neighborhood events—nothing beats a scoop of their old-fashioned Tutti Frutti on a summer stroll.
- PERC Coffee Roasters
- *Cuisine*: Coffee
- *Price*: $
- *Bona Fides*: Nationally lauded local roaster with a bright, hip micro-café on East Broad near the edge of the neighborhood. Their cold brew is rocket fuel, and they partner with area bakeries for fresh pastries daily.
- Common Thread
- *Cuisine*: Modern American, Farm-to-Table
- *Price*: $$$
- *Why It’s Special*: On Habersham, this stylish, chef-driven spot is a hidden sanctuary for elevated Southern cuisine—think grilled Georgia trout, house-made charcuterie boards, and perfectly cooked steaks. An ideal spot for foodies who want to taste what’s locally grown.
Celebrate the Spirit of Thomas Square
What makes the Thomas Square Streetcar District food scene unforgettable isn’t just the flavors—it’s the passion and community spirit behind each dish. From mural-covered cafés to glowing evening patios, every meal here feels like you’re part of Savannah’s creative renaissance. So, grab a friend or wander solo, and discover why Thomas Square is fast becoming Savannah’s favorite destination for something deliciously different.