Ask anyone why they love Savannah and the likely answer will be the food. Every corner is bustling with dining and drinking spots that satisfy a variety of tastes. Lucky for locals and tourists alike, there's never a shortage of spots to visit, especially when new businesses are rolling in every month. Here are three restaurants to keep an eye out for in the remaining months of 2021.
PONKO Chicken
405 Pooler Pkwy, Pooler; ponkochicken.com
Atlanta-based PONKO Chicken is coming to Pooler, adding to the city's continuous development of robust dining, retail and entertainment options. Steve Mills, PONKO franchise owner, and Charlie Bruce, his business partner for seven years and a Pooler resident, have partnered to bring the award-winning Japanese-American chicken tender to the first location outside of metro-Atlanta.
Credit: Courtesy of PONKO Chicken
Credit: Courtesy of PONKO Chicken
Expected opening: November 2021
What customers can expect: According to a press release, "The "Eats Meets West" restaurant concept will seat 50 inside and 24 people on their patio. The Pooler restaurant will offer PONKO's full menu, featuring its award-winning PONKO Chicken, as well as vegan and vegetarian options, customized catering and will also serve beer and wine."
John McGraw's Irish Pub
14 N. Abercorn Ramp
The incoming pub is owned by Don McGraw who recently purchased three staple Tybee Island businesses Agnes Marie shrimp boat, Coco’s Sunset Grille and Captain Mike’s Dolphin Adventure. The Irish pub will be located where River Street favorite Bayou Café once stood.
Expected opening: End of October 2021, beginning of November 2021.
What customers can expect: "We're going to have traditional Irish fare with a twist. For example, corned beef and cabbage egg rolls with a nice horseradish sauce and Guinness-infused caramelized onions burgers," said Marta Midgala, regional manager for John McGraw's Irish Pub.
The Frosty Frog Express
224 W. Factors Walk
Expected opening: Undetermined
What customers can expect: There's not much known about the new bar/lounge located between Barnard Street ramp and Montgomery Street. The bar will open every day of the week until 3 a.m. and there will be a full-service restaurant.
Laura Nwogu is the quality of life reporter for Savannah Morning News. Contact her at lnwogu@gannett.com. Twitter: @lauranwogu_
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Atlanta-based chicken tender restaurant, Irish pub at Bayou Café space coming to Savannah
