Nightlife

HOT SOUTHERN NIGHTS

Once the center of the South’s mercantile trade, Savannah’s historic district now hosts musical imports from all over the country

Of all places to earn the title of idiosyncratic, Savannah seems to deserve it most. After all, who couldn’t find a town that once banned liquor, Catholics and lawyers a bit intriguing? Especially when, 275 years later, that same town is now home to the South’s largest St. Patrick’s Day celebration and is infamous for its “to go” policy on cocktails. (The city’s attitude toward lawyers is not as well defined.) Additionally, in 2002, the American Institute of Parapsychology proclaimed that the burg was the perfect place for supernatural activity and named it “America’s Most Haunted City.” When it comes to identity, Savannah is indeed unique.—Jeremy Dillahunt

The Jinx • 127 W Congress St • 912-236-2281 • www.thejinx.net

The Jinx’s house special pretty much says it all: Pabst tallboys and shots of Wild Turkey. A favorite with the Savannah College of Art and Design crowd and local tattooed rockers, this rambunctious hootch hut caters to everyone by hosting punk, hip hop, Southern rock and house nights. Formerly The Velvet Elvis, Jinx is definitely not for the faint of heart; its reputation as a drinking joint is renowned. Monday is service industry night, Tuesday is hip-hop night, Wednesday is Rock & Roll Bingo and Thursday is Fever Dance Party. Weekends are reserved for special guests; check the website for a schedule of events.

Mercury Lounge • 125 W Congress St • 912-447-6952

An immaculate version of the classic Southern cocktail club, Mercury Lounge is the place to go when you desire a sampling of must-taste regional cocktail fare such as the mint julep. The interior still holds much of its original 1800’s mercantile shop charm, just updated with a nod toward the Rat Pack heyday of large martinis and an ear for live jazz, blues and indie rock.

Jazz’d Tapas • Bar 52 Barnard St • 912-236-7777 www.jazzdsavannah.com

Since opening in 2003, Jazz’d has won just about every award that Savannah Magazine has to offer: Best Martini, Best Live Music, Best Service, Best Place to Meet Singles… the list goes on. Designed with both socializing and enjoying music in mind, the space offers an intimate and modern feel, minus claustrophobia. The cocktails are stunning and the sound system superb. The best jazz and blues musicians give it their all when under Jazz’d lights. Tuesday through Thursday feature house bands, while Friday through Sunday are dedicated to out-oftown acts.