Savannah's Open Container Changes the Night

Savannah allows open containers in the Historic District — a to-go cup from any bar is legal on the street within the district's boundaries, and this shapes the whole nightlife pattern. River Street and City Market are the tourist corridors; Jones Street and the quieter east-side bars are where the locals go.

Mata Hari is the speakeasy-style cocktail bar on Chatham Square with serious drinks. The Alley Cat Lounge is the cocktail bar in an alley downtown. Planters Inn's rooftop has the best view over Reynolds Square.

For live music: The Jinx on Congress runs punk, metal, and touring indie. Congress Street Social Club does the late-night dance thing with rotating DJs. 3 AM last call in Georgia is real, and the walkable grid makes the crawl actually work.