Fried Shrimp with a Side of History

Crystal Beer Parlor: A Savannah Staple Since 1933.

Crystal Beer Parlor in Savannah, located at 301 West Jones St., has been serving up cold beer and delicious food since 1933. For years, I’ve stopped in for their famous burgers or fried shrimp, sat in a cozy red booth, or pulled up a chair at the bar and soaked up some Savannah history.

It’s all about casual food, easy camaraderie, and Savannah-style celebration. Chef and Savannah native John Nichols took over the historic restaurant in 2009 and continues its long-standing traditions.

The Crystal Beer Parlor, affectionately known as "The Crystal," is a Savannah institution that locals will proudly declare serves the best burgers, the best fried shrimp, and the best peach cobbler in town. As Savannah's oldest restaurant, it holds a special place in the hearts of many, including John Nichols, the man who took on the task of revitalizing this historic establishment.

Located on the corner of Jones and Jefferson Streets, The Crystal has been a cornerstone of the community for generations. When Nichols took over, he was determined to preserve the restaurant's charm and character while elevating the dining experience. He understood the importance of honoring the past while embracing the future.

For Nichols, the Crystal wasn't just a business opportunity; it was a connection to his childhood. He fondly recalled those evenings when his father would announce, "Son, we're gonna eat good tonight," before heading to The Crystal for takeout. Those memories fueled his passion for the project and his commitment to ensuring that The Crystal would continue to be a place where families could create their cherished moments.

Nichols' efforts have not gone unnoticed. Many patrons, some of whom have been dining at The Crystal for decades, have expressed their gratitude for his dedication to preserving the restaurant's legacy. They appreciate that he has managed to maintain the nostalgic ambiance while also introducing modern touches that enhance the overall experience. The Crystal Beer Parlor is a testament to the power of reinvention and the importance of honoring history. It is a place where the past and the present seamlessly blend, creating a dining experience that is both familiar and exciting.

It was tough for me to decide what to order. The wings faced fierce competition from The Crystal’s deviled crab, chicken cordon bleu sandwich, crab dip, and the burger. I decided on the burger.

This beloved Savannah establishment exudes an aura of history that captivates all who enter. As I awaited my lunch, my gaze was drawn to the walls, adorned with framed photographs and mementos that whispered tales of the city's storied past. These walls bore witness to the ebb and flow of time, reaching back to the early 1900s when the building housed the Gerken Family Grocery Store. In those days, the Gerken family lived upstairs, their daily routines intertwined with the rhythms of the bustling store below. The aroma of freshly baked bread, the chatter of customers, and the clinking of coins must have been the soundtrack of their lives.

The building's narrative took an intriguing turn in the early 1930s when the Gerkens passed the torch to William "Blocko" and Connie Manning. Local legends paint Blocko as a charismatic figure with a penchant for skirting the law. Whispers of his illicit activities during Prohibition still linger. It's said that he ran an illegal hooch operation and a hidden speakeasy in the basement, where the clandestine clinking of glasses and hushed conversations of patrons seeking forbidden libations filled the air.

The basement's dimly lit corners and concealed entrance must have added to the allure of this illicit haven.

In 1933, a new era dawned with the grand opening of The Crystal. The timing was impeccable, coinciding with the repeal of Prohibition. This momentous event allowed The Crystal to become one of the first American establishments to openly and legally serve alcohol once more. The atmosphere of secrecy and defiance that had once clung to the basement was replaced with the celebratory spirit of newfound freedoms. The Crystal quickly blossomed into a cherished gathering place where locals and visitors alike could raise a toast to the end of Prohibition and savor a meal in an ambiance steeped in history. The restaurant's warm glow, the lively chatter of patrons, and the tantalizing aromas of delicious food created an inviting atmosphere that has endured through the years.

Native Savannahians still talk about The Crystal. Some got engaged here, had their first date or beer here, or came with their family for a burger, creamy crab stew, and homemade fries. It’s an experience that stirs memories of a rich and colorful piece of Savannah’s past.

Today, the legend lives on in the Hostess City of the South.