"A Parisian-style bistro and pub in a restored 1875 building downtown — steak frites and escargot in old-world Savannah surroundings."
Circa 1875 sits at 48 Whitaker Street in the historic district of Savannah, a short walk from the squares. It anchors part of our Savannah coverage and our French guide as the city's most convincing old-world bistro.
Owners Donald Lubowicki and Jeffery Downey opened it in 2007, first as a pub and then as a full French bistro, in a building that dates to 1875. The room was restored to its period detail rather than themed.
The kitchen turns out classic French bistro cooking: escargot, pate, mussels and a steak frites built on a ten-ounce New York strip with red wine demi-glace and french fries. Onion soup and duck round out the regular order.
Prices are fair for downtown Savannah, with steak frites the signature plate. It is honest brasserie cooking rather than fine dining, done with care in a white-tablecloth dining room.
The bistro keeps its 1875 bones — pressed-tin ceilings, a mahogany bar, intricate tile floors, high windows and dark wood. The pub side stays lively while the dining room is quieter.
It reads as a Paris corner bistro set down in the Savannah historic district. Tables in the main room suit a longer dinner.
Circa 1875 suits a relaxed first date, a low-key anniversary or a downtown business lunch. For other Savannah tables, compare The Olde Pink House, Vic's on the River and Common Thread.
Not for diners after a tasting menu, modern plating or a quick counter meal — it is a traditional French bistro and pub built around classics and a full bar.
Classic French bistro cooking in a restored 1875 building in downtown Savannah. The steak frites — a ten-ounce New York strip with red wine demi-glace and fries — is the signature, alongside escargot, pate and mussels.
Owners Donald Lubowicki and Jeffery Downey, who opened it in 2007, first as a pub and then as a full French bistro and gastro pub.
At 48 Whitaker Street in Savannah's historic district, a short walk from the downtown squares.
The steak frites is the signature plate. Regulars also order the escargot, pate, mussels and French onion soup.
Yes. Circa 1875 began as a pub and keeps a lively bar alongside the quieter white-tablecloth dining room.
Book the dining room for a quieter dinner. Find Circa 1875 at 48 Whitaker Street in downtown Savannah.
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Circa 1875 anchors part of our Savannah guide — Donald Lubowicki and Jeffery Downey's old-world French bistro and pub at 48 Whitaker Street, open since 2007.
See the Savannah guide →