Becca S.
Yelp
This was the surprise hit of my vacation. I am always on the hunt for good oysters and Savannah doesn't disappoint. I got them several places, and the best I found were on happy hour at the Emporium. I was out and about, doing touristy things, and ran a quick search for my favorite shellfish and a glass of wine, and I was one block away, just as they were opening up for their afternoon happy hour.
I stolled in and was welcomed by Jeff, behind the bar. He quickly had me set up with refreshments and a half dozen oysters on the way. I really like James River oysters, but apparently round here they are the standard, as they are what everyone puts on special. Great for me. They are smaller and have a different profile than Gulf oysters which are more prevalent in Texas. They are mild and plump and delicious. They came with a minionette and what tasted like a homemade cocktail sauce, as well as a couple of lemons. The minionette was perfect, and those oysters ended up being the best I had. They were so good, I came back the next day. And as soon as I sat down, I was again welcomed by Jeff, holding the bottle of Malbec, asking me if I would like a glass. What service! A couple came in shortly after I did and asked him if he is the famous Jeff. He had given them some recommendations when they were there a year before, and they remembered him. He is a rockstar, behind the bar.
I also ended up ordering their cheese board, as I saw one going to a table nearby and I couldn't pass it up. Oh my gosh it was HUGE. There was a blue cheese, brie, and a smoked Gouda. It came with a pile of grapes, mustard, pickles, candied pecans, and strawberry jam. Also these lovely cracker flatbreads to accompany. Wonderful. But too much, I had to pack most of it away for an epic late night snack. And it WAS epic.
The building was beautiful, the service was top notch, and if my flight were later, I would have probably come by one more time.