There’s a restaurant along the Savannah River in Georgia that is populated by many. The ambiance conveys southern charm and the staff is generously hospitable, as expected in such a quaint area of the South. Ladies meet here for cocktails in the lounge, executives gather for power lunches and locals and tourists alike all seem to know that they won’t leave disappointed when they choose Vic’s On the River as their dining destination for whatever event they may be involved.
A fun and scenic method of getting to Vic’s is to occupy one of the Savannah Belles Ferry’s water taxis from Hutchinson Island. Just a few minutes is all it takes to cross the mighty Savannah River, as the ferry ride is relatively slow-paced. Resembling the crafts that were once seen in the harbor over a hundred years ago, you will feel as thought you’ve been transported back in time when you step aboard.
The four-story building that is now Vic’s On the River was originally used as a warehouse many years ago. With entrances on East Bay Street on the city side and on River Street on the water side, Vic’s welcomes patrons from all corners of the world. Offering live entertainment every day of the week, Vic’s not only draws people in for their delectable cuisine, but also for their lively and romantic entertainment in the lounge.
The East Bay Street entrance welcomes diners with it’s wood floors, cozy bistro tables, and colorful floral arrangements. Step into the lounge, and a black Baby Grand piano greets you and invites you in with its sultry and romantic sounds during Vic’s live entertainment hours.
The menu at Vic’s is one to admire. Having dined there on several of our trips to visit with friends that live in the city, we can do nothing but rave about the exquisite presentation and flavorsome quality of the cuisine.
The Savannah Peach
My favorite drink at Vic’s (above) …the Savannah Peach (Absolut Apeach Vodka, Peach Schnapps, a splash of cranberry juice and orange juice.) Everything one could want in a southern cocktail! A crisp chilled glass of chardonnay and a rum and soda are not bad either!
Rum and Coke, and a Glass of Chardonnay
Below, the basket of homemade biscuits with butter and a marmalade jam are a wonderful way to start any meal at Vic’s. The flaky, delicate, lightly-browned bread will melt in your mouth on first contact. Pair that will a touch of sweet cream butter and a drop of orange marmalade and you’ve got the makings of a true traditional beginning to any southern meal.
Made-From-Scratch Buttermilk Biscuits With Butter & Orange Marmalade
Below, the best Fried Green Tomatoes you will ever have in your life! Really. A creative culinary spin on the traditional version, these savory bites will leave you wondering why you never tried them before. Goat cheese and tomato chutney with a balsamic drizzle…my mouth is literally watering right now as I write this article!
Fried Green Tomatoes
Open-Faced Half-Oyster-Half Shrimp Fried Po’Boy Sandwich
The Half-Oyster-Half-Shrimp fried Po’Boy is perfectly crisp and juicy on a gourmet French Bread bun with a tangy seasoned Aioli. Below, the Po’Boy once it was assembled…
Assembled Half-Oyster-Half-Shrimp Fried Po’Boy Sandwich
The next photo is of soft tortillas encasing Vic’s Fish Tacos with plump strips of lightly battered fish, red cabbage, Mandarin orange sections, chipotle sour cream, a black bean salsa, and roasted tomatoes. Served with a side of salsa verde and Sweet Corn rice pilaf, this dish would easily please anyone’s craving for a delicious fish taco…
Fish Tacos With Salsa Verde and Sweet Corn Rice Pilaf
Below, the Herb Crusted Salmon with roasted potatoes, haricots verts and ramp (wild leek) cream sauce. Here, the cream sauce was served on the side, as requested, and was flavorful and not nearly as heavy as one might expect it to be.
Herb Crusted Salmon
The below Crab Stuffed Wild Georgia Shrimp were phenomenal. With a lemon herb sauce, grilled asparagus and a sweet corn rice pilaf, there was really nothing left to do but devour every single morsel…
Crab Stuffed Wild Georgia Shrimp
Another terrific item to try is Vic’s Shrimp Quesadilla (below). Melty cheese and fresh delicious shrimp make this a perfect meal or snack any time of the day…
Shrimp Quesadilla
Cheese Steak sandwiches don’t just belong to Philly anymore! After tasting this southern version of the classic sandwich, we were sold. Prepared with tenderloin tips, caramelized onions, sauteed mushrooms, Swiss cheese and green tomato chow-chow, (a pickled relish made from a combination of vegetables), it didn’t take any convincing to completely indulge in this tasty, crunchy, and meaty delight…
Cheese Steak Sandwich
A bit of fun and interesting information…in the main dining room hangs a glass case on one wall that showcases a hand-drawn map by Union soldiers detailing Sherman’s march from Tennessee through Georgia! This priceless piece of history was found in 1901 during a renovation of the building when workers noticed lines that had been drawn on the wall. A small piece of the map was preserved as the rest was covered because of damage and wear. How historic!
- ESTABLISHMENT / DECOR: Upscale elegance welcomes you into Vic’s On the River in Savannah, GA with its beautiful dark wooden floors, intricate interior decor and expansive views of the Savannah River.
- FOOD / DRINK: Definitive southern cuisine prepared with care and memorable presentation.
- LOCATION: Vic’s On the River is located at 26 East Bay Street in Savannah, GA 31401.
- HOURS: Open Sunday through Thursday for Lunch between 11 AM and 4 PM, then straight through to Dinner from 4 PM to 10 PM. On Fridays and Saturdays, Lunch is served between 11 AM and 4 PM, then Dinner is available from 4 PM – 11 PM.
- SERVICE / STAFF: Friendly, pleasant and polite.
- PRICE / VALUE: No arguing over this one…great value at this eatery!
- CORKAGE FEE: NO CORKAGE CHARGE!!!
- CONTACT INFO: Phone: (912) 721-1000, Website: www.vicsontheriver.com
- PARKING: There is ample parking on Bay Street, as well as the several small parking lots along the main thoroughfare.
- TOTAL BILL: With Lunch entrees between $12 and $14 and Dinner entrees ranging from $19 to $30, we’ve always been happy with our final bill during both Lunch and Dinner.
* Menu and prices subject to change without notice.