Carlito's Mexican Bar and Grill - Savannah, Georgia

Carlito's was another of the restaurants we visited on our recent trip to Savannah. I continue to be really happy with the location we stayed in. We were within walking distance of local attractions, restaurants and bars. Like I mentioned before, we parked the car and didn't move it all weekend. That's a big plus in my opinion and one I give high marks for when thinking about a place to stay.

On one of our many walks in the neighborhood we spotted Carlito's. The Dining Companion and I both like Mexican food so we stopped in for dinner.

You walk into a bright, colorful dining room hung with lots of cheerful artwork. And hey, check out that floor. 

 

 

We ordered drinks and looked over the menu.

Our waiter made a couple of suggestions. Based on his recommendation I ordered an off the menu vegetarian dish. The dish consisted of grilled vegetables with a very tasty sauce served in a molcajete. A molcajete is basically the mortar part of a large mortar and pestle. It's a preparation we've had before. It turned out to be a good choice and I really enjoyed it.

 The Dining Companion ordered the Carnitas.

Everything we tried was flavorful and the prices were reasonable.

Oh and one other thing. If you like your salsas hot and spicy you're in luck. I asked for something a bit hotter than the usual salsa and boy did I get it. Our waiter dropped off a bowl of some of the hottest, best tasting salsa I've had in a long time. I was so glad I asked.

There are a few more locations on my list of places to visit in Savannah. Hopefully we get back there so I can check them out.

Savannah is an old city with a young vibe. The mix of tourist, college students and residents feels vital and inviting. An old Southern charmer with a very vibrant spirit.

Happy travels!

Crystal Beer Parlor - Savannah, Georgia

I figured by the time the Dining Companion and I got to Savannah we'd both be ready for lunch. I was right. Once we got checked into our hotel and got the 4LB Wonder settled it was just lunchtime. Fortunately I had planned ahead and had our lunch spot picked out, Crystal Beer Parlor.

I didn't know much about this place other than the fact that it was within short walking distance to the hotel and they had burgers and beer. If it turned out to be a bust we weren't out more than a nice walk on a beautiful day.

Fortunately it turned out to be a great place for lunch. Many others knew this too and they all got there before us. We walked into the Crystal Beer Parlor to a pretty much packed house. We headed past the busy bar to the back of the room to find the hostess. We found her, and a throng of people waiting to be seated. A little disappointed we headed back the way we came. By some miracle there were now two empty seats, side by side, waiting for us at the bar. Score.

We ordered a couple of beers and looked over the menu. We decided on the Fried Stuffed 'Shrooms and a Classic Crystal Burger with a side of onion rings.

FRIED STUFFED ‘SHROOMS - Four Big White Mushroom Caps Stuffed with Gorgonzola, Parmesan, Fennel, Garlic, Sun Dried Tomatoes & Basil, Panko Coated, Served with Sweet Red Pepper Remoulade Sauce

THE CLASSIC CRYSTAL BURGER -  Half a Pound of Griddled Ground Chuck with
Lettuce, Tomato, Onion, Mayo & Pickle

According to the locals that were sitting next to us, we made a good choice. The stuffed mushrooms, with all that cheese and tasty remoulade sauce, were a great start. The burger was perfectly cooked and the onion rings were light and crisp.

The Crystal is located in what was a family grocery store in the early 1900's. It became a restaurant and bar in the 1930's. Pictures around the bar depict scenes from Savannah's past. The building and interior are little changed since the original restaurant was turning out burgers back in the '30s.

With a name like Crystal Beer Parlor you would expect there to be a decent beer selection. You would be right. There are lots of choices here. Local and visitor beers on tap, a whole selection of Beers of Our Fathers and a selection of Rare, Unique and Tasty Big Bottles. Beer, they have it.

The menu is pretty diverse. Not in the mood for a burger? No problem, there are salads and sandwiches. As well as seafood and grilled lamb. No problem with everyone in your party finding something good to eat.

The Crystal was a good find. It's on my list of go to's when visiting Savannah. Put it on your list too. There are so many great places to eat in Savannah and this is definitely one of them.

Happy Dining!

Boomys Bar - Savannah, Georgia

Taking a stroll through Savannah's Historic District the Dining Companion and I almost walked right past Boomys Bar. Almost. The DC noticed a beer special so we stopped in.

Boomys Bock

The bar was pretty empty when we were there. I have a feeling that calm state doesn't last very long. Our plan was to grab a go-cup of beer and continue our walk. That was the plan but you know what they say about plans. We took a seat and a look around.

While we were sitting there enjoying our beer the Dining Companion pointed out the slushy machines behind the bar. Jameson and Ginger Slushee's? Yes, yes, yes! I love a good slushy machine drink. Everything from a daiquiri to a frozen Rum Runner to a frozen Jack and Coke. This Jameson and Ginger was perfect. I immediately ordered one.

Jameson and Ginger Slushee

Good beer at a great price AND awesome slushy drinks? How could it get better? Thai food. The answer is Thai food and Boomys has it.

So to recap, Boomys has awesome drinks, good beer, a great happy hour, Thai food and live music. Did I mention the live music before? No, well, they have that too.

I know I don't need to say it but I will. If I lived anywhere near this place it would be my go to bar. No question. All I can do right now is plot my return and I am. I so am.

Happy travels!

Residence Inn Savannah Downtown/Historic District - Savannah, GA

 

On our recent trip to Savannah we stayed at the Marriott Residence Inn in the Downtown/Historic District. A truly pet friendly hotel located within walking distance of restaurants and attractions. The area around the hotel is peaceful and very pleasant.

Once inside a beautiful lobby area greets you as you enter the main building, the Charlton House.

We got our keys and the 4 Pound Wonder got a welcome gift. Nice touch and unexpected.

The property consists of the main building and several guest cottages. The architecture reminded me of beautiful row houses.

Each of the cottages has a lovely brick sidewalk leading to the entrance.

The buildings that make up the property surround a beautiful courtyard; swimming pool, fire pit and several places to sit and enjoy the grounds.

 

 

This was one of the most uniquely styled chain hotels that we've visited. The fact that it's truly pet friendly was a nice bonus. We've stayed at hotels that are listed as pet friendly but are only pet tolerant at best. The Residence Inn Savannah Downtown is actually pet friendly and the accommodations reflect that. Directly across the street is a park for dog walking and romping. A welcome perk.

Dog walking and play area

There are some nice people perks as well. A hot breakfast is served every morning and there is a bar in the lobby where you can grab a quick drink.  

If your travel plans take you to Savannah, and they should, check out this beautiful hotel. You're a short walk from good food, unique bars and lots of Southern charm.

Happy travels!

Savannah, Georgia - Third Time's a Charm

City Market

The Dining Companion and I spent a recent weekend in Savannah. This was our third visit to this charming city and the best one so far. It felt like the welcome mat had been rolled out for us. The weather was just about perfect. The city was alive with crowds of people; some celebrating graduations and weddings and, some like us, just happy being there.

I saw a lot of bicycles over the weekend. It seems a popular way to get around the city

There are a lot of places to get outdoors and enjoy the city

This visit we stayed in the Downtown/Historic District. After our last visit I wanted to stay where we could park the car for the weekend and get around on foot.

We were very near the Georgia State Railroad Museum. Which, sadly, I didn't make time to see but is on my list for a future visit. I did manage to grab a couple of pictures.

What better than to spend a lovely weekend in an equally lovely city? We stayed at a beautiful property, ate good food and truly relaxed. 

If coming to Savannah isn't on your travel list it should be. A beautiful city steeped in history but with a young heart. There's something interesting around every corner. I can tell you that after three visits we've barely made a dent.

Street art

Happy travels!

NOTE: Stay tuned for a great, pet friendly property, a lucky find in a small bar and some really good food.

Brandi's World Famous Hot Dogs - Marietta, Georgia

Photo from city-data.com

The Dining Companion and I recently had lunch at Brandi's World Famous Hot Dogs. Brandi's in Marietta is a small lunch place that's open 10am-3pm Monday through Friday.

When we arrived at lunch time there was a line at the door and the tiny dining room was standing room only. Luckily for us we were able to snag a seat with two older gentleman that were finishing up their lunch. They seemed a little bemused at my request to sit with them but they were polite and gracious and allowed us to share their table. We chatted briefly about the weather, like you do, they gave us a couple of recommendations for local places to eat and then said their goodbyes. By this time we had placed our order and sat looking around and waiting for our food.

 

There are a handful of tables in the dining room as well as a a two sided bar that surrounds the small kitchen. Every seat in the house was filled. Everyone from moms with kids, business men and law enforcement officers stopped in for lunch.

Finally lunch arrived.

Chili Slaw Dogs, Chili Burgers, Fries and Onion Rings

The chili dogs, one of the things Brandi's is known for, were really good. The burgers were okay but it was clear that the dogs were the star of the show. The onion rings were made with whole onion slices, as they should be and the fries were crinkle cut and fried crispy just like I prefer.

Brandi's is a simple place with a small dining room and a limited menu. It is also a beloved local institution. Having lunch with the locals, and people like ourselves who came here based on word of mouth, was fun. A room full of happy people sharing good food and a fun time. What could be better than that?

Happy dining!