The Olde Pink House: A historic, fine dining experience
Written by Paul Jerome Watson. Photo by WTGS.
From the mansion, tea parlor and haunted restaurant, the Olde Pink House has accrued a long and varied history, making it one of Savannah’s premier landmarks in the city.
Built in 1777 for James Habersham Jr., the Olde Pink House was originally a mansion whose red bricks would bleed into the white plaster, turning the home pink. Its history afterward is sporadic––the home served as a bank in 1812, was converted into an attorney’s office after the Civil War, eventually became a bookstore and later served as a tea parlor until the establishment was fully painted pink. Today, it is a restaurant and tavern serving Savannah tourists from around the world.
The Olde Pink House is a fine dining scene featuring traditional southern cuisine. The dress code is casual despite the fine dining experience that it offers. The lunch menu includes items such as shrimp and grits, country fried chicken and fried quail with honey glaze. And while it can be somewhat costly, SCAD Fashion Design student Caroline Tetlow thought it was a worthwhile experience. “I had a great time,” said Tetlow. “I’ve been meaning to go ever since I started at SCAD but have never been able to get a reservation.”
After making a reservation in early February, Tetlow visited the restaurant for the first time in mid-April with family. She described the atmosphere as “beautiful”, the food “amazing” and the service “excellent”––all of it affirming what she had previously known about the establishment. “I didn’t know much about the Olde Pink House,” said Tetlow, “but I’ve heard so many good reviews from basically everyone in Savannah.”
Tetlow also claims she didn’t stumble upon a ghost which was admittedly disappointing. Ghost City Tours reports that such sightings have been made in the restaurant, including a Revolutionary War veteran, a crying woman on the second floor and a prankster who spills wine on guests. Even James Habersham Jr. is said to converse with patrons before disappearing. Ghost Tours also recommends the fried green tomatoes. Still, such apparitions only entice Tetlow to return. “I would love to visit a haunted restaurant,” said Tetlow. “Nothing horrible happened to me when I went, so I’m sure I would be fine again.”
Haunted or not, the Olde Pink House is a place of history, cuisine and possibly ghosts. There’s a little something for everyone to enjoy.
