Above: Ryan Sheenah, co-owner and Bar Manager at lowcountry |
Hero: Martini Flight at lowcountry © Rebecca Dickson
Named after the region stretching from mid-coast Georgia to North Carolina, renowned for its Bourbon and Rye, lowcountry is overseen by Savannah-born mixologist Ryan Sheehan and celebrates American whiskey and its historical significance. Located below counter 71, a modern British chef’s table in Shoreditch, lowcountry can seat 28 covers and accepts both reservations and walk-ins, plus guests of counter 71 who wish to visit before or after dinner. The beverage selection encompasses ‘Signature’, ‘Historical’, and ‘Classic’ cocktails, utilizing surplus ingredients from the counter 71 kitchen to minimize unnecessary waste. Lowcountry’s cocktail offerings adopt a culinary approach, often adjusting to the seasonal produce available.
In tandem with the cocktails, Joe Laker, the Head Chef of counter 71, who spent part of his youth in Alabama and South Carolina, has crafted a menu of small plates inspired by the rich flavors of the Lowcountry. Using locally sourced British ingredients, the menu features dishes like Pimento Cheese Rarebit, Shrimp & Grits, Prawn Toast, and Fried Okra.
Lowcountry’s ‘Signature’ cocktails emphasize advanced techniques such as fat-washing, maceration, gelling and infusions. The selection includes a Hot Tomato concoction blending tomato water, Jalapeno-infused tequila, basil oil, and salt; a Fat-Fashioned composed of bacon-washed Bourbon, maple syrup and creole bitters; and a Blueberry Manhattan crafted with blueberry-infused whiskey along with sweet and dry vermouth.
A veritable foodie and lover of all things Lowcountry, Ryan takes us on a tour of his favourite bars and restaurants in his hometown of Savannah, Georgia…
Above: Interior of lowcountry © Rebecca Dickson
Restaurants
The Olde Pink House
“Everything I’ve ever eaten at The Olde Pink House has been incredible. The shrimp and grits are nuts, as are the fried shrimp and crispy scored flounder. Well known for a reason — you can’t go wrong.”
The Grey
“Built in an old Greyhound station in a part of town where there weren’t a lot of restaurants — The Grey is well-loved by the community. Fantastic biscuits and an elevated take on what the region has to offer, and really lovely staff as well.”
Garibaldi
“Get Garibaldi’s Fried Green Tomatoes and Shrimp Gang. Don’t skip dessert!”
The Pirate’s House
“This has all the markings of a tourist trap, including that of a pirate who never stops talking. Once you get past that, everything on the buffet is amazing, and the fried chicken is some of the best in town.”
Mrs Wilkes Dining Room
“This no-frills, family-style southern restaurant has had a line out front my entire life and probably will long after I’m gone! If you’re from the South and your grandma can cook, this is how you grew up eating.”
Sandfly Barbecue
“The best barbecue in the city, maybe the state. Order more than you think you need and eat until you think you might die because you won’t get it this good anywhere else.”
Midtown Deli
Fantastic deli in midtown, as the name suggests. The Lady Liberty with potato salad is my go-to order, and it doesn’t disappoint. This is one of my first stops every time I go home.
45 Bistro
This restaurant inside The Marshall House doesn’t get enough attention. The espresso-dusted ribeye is out of this world — a classy place for a date night.
Above: Chevron cocktail and fried chicken at lowcountry © Rebecca Dickson
Bars
The Arches at the Olde Pink House
“The bar on the side of The Olde Pink House. Some of the best cocktails in town, access to most of the The Olde Pink House menu, and you can catch the Georgia game on Saturdays
Congress Street Social Club
“Just a proper boozer. There is a good selection of beer and whiskey, plenty of comfortable seating, and a nice outdoor area. Congress Street Social Club ticks all the boxes.”
Pinkie Masters
“Dive bar. A must-visit when you’re in Savannah.”
The Rail
“A local’s bar, but every type of local. You can get a 40, eat peanuts, and throw them on the floor. As long as you go with the flow, you will have the time of your life.”
McDonough’s
“A great place to have a weird time. Go in on a Sunday night for karaoke.
Above: Cocktail and snacks at lowcountry © Rebecca Dickson