The Darling Oyster Bar

The adaptive reuse and historic renovation process of this project brings community residents and visitors a vibrant dining destination, complete with two full-service bars, a raw bar, and ample dining space with private dining options on the first and second floors.

In addition to preserving much of the building’s original brick and wood features, the main dining room showcases a dramatic, two-story ceiling that mimics the inside of a wooden ship through high-quality carpentry. Complete restoration of the exterior includes masonry and stucco repairs, as well as new mahogany and steel storefront systems. Due to the age and inherent character of a building that has survived more than 100 years, nearly every aspect is customized to fit the existing space properly, including windows, MEP systems, flooring, and millwork.

Sitting adjacent to Franklin Square in Savannah’s Historic District, The Darling Oyster Bar is one of the latest additions in the area’s bustling and long-established hub. During the colonial period, Savannahians gathered in the City Market area for groceries, other goods and services, and community. The Market continued to thrive well into the 1800s, withstanding two fires, the Civil War, and Savannah’s great 1896 hurricane.

As the population began to spread into the surrounding neighborhoods and away from City Market, the area fell into a less emboldened state. Thanks to Savannah’s preservation movement, the Market is once again home to some of the District’s most popular eateries, art galleries, and favorite local shops – welcoming The Darling Oyster Bar into its community.