I’m thirsty to find old historic taverns with a ghostly presence. Not only do I traipse around looking for them, but I want to savor their food and imbibe their forgotten drinks. So let’s take a different kind of Safari Journey and head to one of the oldest taverns in Savannah, Georgia, The Pirates’ House.

A Touch of History

A bit off the beaten path on E Broad Street is the famous Pirates’ House restaurant and tavern. It’s history starts in 1733 with British General James Oglethorpe and his plan to settle along the Savannah River. What started out as a crop garden, then as an inn for seafarers, later became a haven for murderous pirates.

Legend has it that pirates, drunk on the local “grog,” caused quite a stir at the Pirates’ House. Grog, which was made from mixing rum, water, lime and sugar apparently increased the violent nature of the pirates. Consequently, deadly fights soon broke out and an escape route was needed. A tunnel underneath the Captain’s Room became a quick escape route to the river and onto an awaiting ship for the unconscious.

Many a death took place in and around the Pirates’ House and its said to be visited by several of those pirates of the past. Specifically, The Captain’s Room is believed to be haunted by one Captain Flint, the most bloodthirsty of them all.

I don’t really know if Captain Flint resides there, but I do know I felt shaken walking near a secluded area in the back of the restaurant. Stories abound about the strange sights caught on camera, loud noises coming from empty rooms, and items inadvertently falling off shelves. It does makes one wonder. But it definitely adds to the excitement of visiting this historic tavern.

Below is a grog” meant for drinking, but not for seafaring. A terrific drink to start off a great evening.

The Pirates House serves up the best Chatham Artillery Punch in the city. It’s their own concoction of the original traditional drink. To “splice the mainbrace,” or to have this drink, be aware, it’s potent. Made from a mixture of rum, wine, brandy, tea, juices and sugar, along with cherries and Benedictine, it packs a mighty punch. But it’s definitely worth it. Along with the ghost stories, great service and friendly staff, its a “must try.”

Seated at the bar, I ordered the Award Winning Honey Pecan Chicken with Sweet Potatoes and Broccoli to go along with my Artillery Punch. Between the chicken covered with sweet honey sauce and pecans and the mashed sweet potatoes with veggie, I was hooked. Other favorites are the Pistachio Crusted Fresh Catch, Shrimp Gumbo, or the Seared Cheshire Prime Port Tenderloin. Be prepared, you don’t go home hungry.

Do you believe in ghosts? It’s said the House is Haunted?

If you go, which I hope you will, check out the History of The Pirates’ House placemat for examples of their spirited friends. Each room appears to have it’s own special visitor. Friendly ghosts; that’s what they are supposed to be. I was unable to “capture” them while there. Or maybe I did? What is that blue light floating in my photo?