The Pirates’ House

The Pirates’ House

Savannah Historic District

The Pirates’ House is one of America’s most unique restaurants, and it is only a block away from the Savannah River. Many believe that The Pirates’ House is the oldest standing building in the state. But today, the restaurant is one of the city’s most-popular tourist attractions.

Established in 1753, the historic structure is modernized for today’s standards. Yet within these walls the legend of the days of pirates and ships lives on. Stories exist of sailors lured to the inn with a hot meal and liquor, and then drugged and dragged away to far-away ships and forced into labor.

Treasure Island

Robert Louis Stevenson’s literary work, “Treasure Island, made The Pirates’ House famous.” In the book, Captain Flint dies in a room upstairs and the fictional character, Long John Silver, says, “I was with Flint when he died at Savannah.” Consequently, this gives rise to rumors that Captain Flint’s spirit still haunts the Pirates’ House at night. This also makes it a popular destination for visitors wanting to catch a glimpse of the legendary ghost.

There are countless other stories of ghostly apparitions seen walking along the dining rooms of the tavern today. People who visit now report having the sensation of someone watching them. No one knows if these stories are true. Nevertheless, The Pirates’ House is an anticipated stop on the Savannah ghost tours.

The American Museum Society is in recognition of The Pirates’ House. It is therefore listed as a house museum which was transformed into a restaurant and tavern. Every day locals and tourists from around the world come here to savor the Georgia Southern cuisine and the original setting from the past.

Visitors are welcome to explore the 15 dining rooms, in particular the peg-beamed rooms, nautical displays and rare collections.