Cheap Local Eats
Written by Danny James. Graphic by Avery Melhado.
Savannah loves to dangle delicious bites attached to bank-breaking price tags right in our faces. How can an average food-lover experience it all without going broke? How can someone pick up a quick meal without selling off a kidney? Luckily, there are plenty of local spots that won’t take your whole wallet.
SIXBY
Located at 220 E 41st Street, SIXBY is a tiny coffee and breakfast shop. They have become known for their bread, made fresh each morning, and innovative coffee recipes that combine unique flavors not typically seen, such as cherry cola and espresso or hojicha and maple pecan. SIXBY is open every day from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
They have a large spread of food options that sometimes vary by day and availability. Some standouts include two slices of fresh sourdough and artisanal butter for only $3, the breakfast sandwich with baked egg custard, cheddar cheese, and SIXBY sauce on a benne seed bun for $8, and an 8oz cappuccino for $4.50.
You can choose to sit in a cozy indoor seating area with booths lining the wall and local artwork or a large outdoor area with umbrella-covered tables, bar stools, and picnic tables on their lush green lawn.
SIXBY is a true local gem. It is unlikely to see many SCAD students sitting on the lawn. You are far more likely to see the local pastor leading a bible study, neighborhood dog walkers, and elderly couples that have lived in Savannah longer than most students have been alive. (A very selfish part of me does not want to write about this, in fear that it will become too popular.) Natasha Gaskill, the owner and head chef, frequently pops in and out of the kitchen to check on diners and say hello to regulars and friends. If you want to feel like a true Savannah local, SIXBY is the best spot in the Historic District.
Goody’s
A short walk from Arnold Hall, located at 1526 Bull Street, Goody’s offers incredibly filling breakfast and lunch options. They open at 8 a.m. and close at 2 p.m., Thursday through Monday. Their building is surrounded with windows, allowing the bright sun to stream in and illuminate the indoor area. Outside, there are a few tables for diners to enjoy their food with a side of fresh air.
Their menu is smaller, but every dish has the option to add on more toppings for a slight upcharge. They also have a weekly lunch special. The portions of the meals are large enough to fuel you for the whole day without forcing you into a biscuit-induced coma. Some favorite picks include “Tots and Prayers,” a burrito stuffed with sausage gravy, cheddar cheese, tator tot croutons, eggs, and scallions for $9.95; the Three-Piece Chicken Tenders for $7.95; you can add tator tots for $2.95; and the Three-Piece Beignets for $4.95.
If you ever want to catch your professor outside of Arnold Hall, Goody’s might be your new spot. Frequently, you will see them sitting outside to catch a quick bite in between or after classes. (You can say hi, but let them enjoy their food.) If our professors deem it worthy, we should all be checking it out.
Al Salaam Deli
A true-hole-in-the wall gem, Al Salaam Deli serves authentic Mediterranean food. Located at 2311 Habersham Street, Al Salaam Deli is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7p.m. The exterior of the deli is very recognizable, covered in posters, the menu, newspapers, and awards. Upon entering, you’ll see a small room with a few tables, benches, and shelves of Mediterranean pantry staples for purchase.
The head chef and owner, Meqbel Salameh, greets everyone with a warm smile and quick service. The cozy interior and friendly greeting make you feel like you’ve come to a friend’s house rather than a quick-service deli. (Al Salaam is a personal favorite of mine. I go at least once a week and hope to start seeing a line wrap around the block.)
A classic go-to order is a lamb gyro for only $9. For a slightly higher price of $12, you can get a lamb gyro, a hefty side of fries, and a canned drink. The gyro is filled with piles of tender meat, lettuce, tomatoes, grilled onions, and their special sauce.
You’ll get your food fast and engage in small talk with just about everyone in the tiny space. The outside and inside may give some individuals a pause, but do not be afraid. The food is incredible, the company is kind, and you’ll never feel unsafe in the hands of chef Salameh.
Sly’s Sliders & Fries
Around the corner from Arnold Hall, at 1710 Abercorn Street, Sly’s offers artisan sliders, hand-cut fries, and slider dogs. They are open every day, except Wednesday, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., making this the perfect place for an after-class meal.
The interior is spacious and goes back much farther than the outside would suggest. Inside, the walls are lined with artwork from locals, all available for purchase. Outdoor seating is slightly limited, but offers a very peaceful location to enjoy your food.
Some notable choices include the Pain Don’t Hurt with smoked brisket, pepper jack cheese, crispy fried onions, and red BBQ sauce for $3.95; the Perro Cubano with yellow mustard, herb mayo, Swiss cheese, pulled pork, and dill pickles for $3.95; and the heaping half basket of fries for only $1.75. Every item can accommodate substitutions and add-ons. There are vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options available as well.
Sly’s feels very quick and convenient for many reasons. Not only can you come here for a slider and fries, you can also pop next door to the piercing shop, Planet 3 Piercing, for a new hole in your face. After a 5 to 7:30 p.m. class you will find a tsunami of students forming a line out the door.
Black Rabbit
Next to Eckburg Hall, Black Rabbit serves sandwiches and drinks. Located at 1215 Barnard Street, they open at 11 a.m. and close at 1 a.m., Monday through Saturday; on Sundays they open at 11:30 a.m. and close at 12 a.m.
The tiny light blue building is the gathering place for a wide range of Savannah locals. People all pack into the small space to socialize, eat, and drink together. Inside, there are a few tables against the walls and a long bar with seats. There is seating both outside the front of the bar and in their private back patio.
Every week they have a new special sandwich, pasta salad, and soup displayed on their chalkboard. There is a set menu with some amazing staples such as the Van Gogh with sliced chicken breast, cider-marinated sweet peppers, Havarti, and honey mustard on whole wheat bread for $8; seasonal spicy pickled veggies for $4; and a slice of Auspicious Baking Co. cheesecake for $6.
The crowd at Black Rabbit is filled with quirky characters. A man with long hair sits in the corner and draws other patrons in his notebook; if you are lucky, he gives it to you after he is done. An old biker smokes outside and tells tales of adventure with his bike, which he named Molly. When a coke is $2, drinks and dollars flow, everyone becomes your friend at Black Rabbit.
