Rocks on the River

Following cocktails and appetizers at the Arches Bar Becky and I meandered towards our next destination, Rocks on the Roof. This spot is located on top  of the Bohemian Hotel, and was suggested by the bartender at the Olde Pink House. We were told the the atmosphere and views of Savannah made it worth a visit.  Walking towards Bay Street we passed an old man playing sitting on a bench in a shaded square playing the flute and feeding pigeons.  We stopped and listened as he skillfully played and people dropped loose coins and bills into his tin pail.

Continuing on we soon arrived at Bay Street and crossed over a small bridge to the Bohemian Hotel.  The five story brick structure mimicked the form of a cotton mill from the industrial revolution. Large windows lined each floor and the marque stretched down the left side of the structure.  Walking towards the  front door it was opened by a doorman who directed us to the elevator.  Exposed brick, polished wood and brushed metals gave the entry and ride to the rooftop a cosmopolitan feel.

Reaching the rooftop we walked down a short corridor towards the seating area.  Rocks on the Roof is divided into two main areas, an interior one focused on the bar and an outdoor area that runs the length of the building facing the Savannah River.  Each section provides a variety of seating options, including high tops, sofas, and regular tables.  We made our way towards a set of chairs outside near a fire pit.  A waitress came over and handed us a couple of drink menus.  Rocks on the Roofs offers a large selection of wines, beers, and signature drinks. After researching Old Fashions, I was in the mood for something less potent, and ordered a Laughing Skull Ale.  Becky ordered a glass of wine.  Despite the bar being packed service was quick and we soon had our drinks.

We sipped, chatted, and waited for a table on the river to open up.  Soon a couple got up and we moved in to secure a prime spot.  A large Maersk container ship cruised up the river towards the Atlantic Ocean and we marveled at the containers stacked high on its deck.  More wine and beer followed before we asked for to see a food menu. Rocks on the River serves a tapas style menu which includes lighter items such as marinated olives to more substantial fare including lamb chops and Wagyu sliders.  At the suggestion of our waitress we ordered the truffle fries.  An Alagash White Ale and another glass of wine completed our order.

Service was against fast and we were presented with a rectangular ceramic plate.  On top was an oval dish full of golden French fries along with two small plastic containers of ketchup and an undisclosed dipping sauce.  The presentation left a bit to be desired as it appeared to have been hastily thrown together.  The fries themselves were well cooked, sparsely sprinkled with Parmesan cheese and drizzled with truffle oil.  While not amazing, they were a good accompaniment to our drinks and as the sun sank below the horizon they quickly disappeared.

We had a great time  at Rocks on the River.  The views of the city were fantastic and our waitress was a doll.  The atmosphere was phenomenal and it is worth heading to the top of the Bohemian Hotel to spend some time relaxing and taking in the views.   Rocks on the Roof is open Sunday – Thursday from 12:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. and on Friday – Saturday from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 a.m.  The lounge can be found online and contacted by telephone at (912) 721-3800.

Sweet Tea & Bourbon’s Rating:
Atmosphere: A
Taste: B
Presentation: D+
Service: A
Cleanliness: A
Price: $$$