On our recent trip to Savannah, I nearly drove my poor little Beloved Barbara insane. That’s because every time we walked down Bay Street and past the Moon River Brewing Company, I would burst out into song to the strains of the old Andy Williams tune, Moon River. Eventually, I think, she gave in-because she started to sing along with me. Of such moments are fond memories made.

At any rate, we had just dined at The Lady and Sons, Paula Deen’s restaurant located just a block or two down the road, when we first walked by Moon River. It was just after noon, and we decided we would return a bit later. We eventually made two visits to Moon River before our sojourn was over. We liked it that much.

Atmosphere
Moon River is located on Bay Street, just a street from the waterfront and Savannah’s famous River Street section. The brewery is located in a quaint old building that fits the theme of historic Savannah. Inside, the lighting is soft and the atmosphere relaxed, with a mix of locals and tourists at the bar.

That bar is a thing of beauty in and of itself. Constructed of dark oak with a thin copper runner, it’s ornate and elegant, if such can be said for a bar. We parked our behinds there for a few hours and enjoyed a few libations rather comfortably. The dining area is rather large with two sections downstairs that we saw. The fine work of a local artist adorns the walls throughout. Moon River makes it a point to stay local whenever possible, whether it be for the ingredients of their beers and food or their artwork. I like that.

Food
We were a bit disappointed that the menu we saw on the website was outdated (they have since updated it, oddly enough, after we asked for the Sweet Potato Waffle Fries which they no longer offer. Drats!). But the menu is diverse with a variety ranging from salads to appetizers to burgers to sandwiches and entrees.

Of course there is seafood-Crabcakes will run you $16, Blackened Tilapia $15. A Crab Melt sandwich seemed reasonable for $7. Or you can go with a six-ounce Filet Mignon ($16.95).

Having already feasted earlier in the day upon our first visit, we nibbled on Buffalo Wings, $7 for a pound. They were plump and meaty and served with a tangy sauce. Day two found us munching Nachos Rio Luna, and we got a heaping plate full for just $6. They absolutely oozed cheese and were topped with plenty of black olives, salsa, onions, and more. Both appetizers were plenty for the two of us, and perfect with a few beers.

The Beer
This is what I was really here for, and I was not disappointed. Moon River had nine (count ‘em) beers on tap. Fortunately, they offer a sampler, so I was able to try them all in four ounce doses before ordering larger glasses of those I liked best.

Some basic information: first, you can get a beer to go here in a plastic cup. In it’s never ending attempts to emulate New Orleans, Savannah allows alcoholic beverages to go within an area about five blocks from River Street. Next, Moon River has a very generous Happy Hour every day from 4 to 7, so you know when we were here. A 12-ounce beer will only set you back $2, for another $1 you can get a twenty ounce imperial pint. Prefer a mixed drink? They’re just $2.50.

One of the beers I tried was:

Moon Light Lager, a catchy name for a mediocre beer. This is the standard brewpub pale lager offering, and just about everyone has one like it. It was light in body, slightly thin, but balanced in the finish. You could drink a lot of it, certainly, but there are much better beers here.

Service
We were very happy with the service here. The bartenders both nights were very friendly and prompt. At 6 on Friday night, the brewer came out to the bar and served a sampler of the Mai-Rye Bock on the house and proffered a toast. We thought this a very nice touch.

Overall
While not the best brewpub I’ve visited in my time, Moon River nonetheless offers some truly great brews at reasonable prices in a quaint atmosphere. The food is good and the service very good. Next time we hit Savannah, you know I’ll be here again.



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