Last Updated on October 20, 2025
Savannah, GA is known as one of the most haunted cities in America. The timeless architecture and vibrant food scene command attention on their own, but it is the ghosts, the shadow people, and the spirits of those who have passed on that bring many curious visitors to this city.
Are the apparitions real?
Are the stories true?
One world-famous restaurant and tavern on Broad Street in Savannah’s historic district lays claims to the presence of ghosts and has the history and the stories to prove it.
The Pirates’ House opened in 1753 as an inn and tavern for pirates and sailors to partake of the local ‘grog’ and to share tall tales of sailing the ocean’s waters. The house’s history is one of infamous characters, hearty food, drinkable mixtures, and a lot of fighting.
Many people were known to have died in and around the property. Over time, there have been believers and disbelievers of suspected ghostly activities. Their immortal legends and stories have circulated over the years, and it seems that the more notorious and mischievous pirates are still active, especially at night.
Ghostly Happenings
One might feel a bit unsettled, dizzy, or sense a heaviness in the air at The Pirates’ House. The eerie sound of footsteps could suggest that Captain Flint is about. Even though Flint is a fictional character from Robert Louis Stevenson’s novel “Treasure Island,” the book tells the tale that he died at the Pirates’ House. According to story, his ghost lives on, haunting the house to this day.
Another ghostly speculation is that the spirit of a Victorian woman and a young boy named James haunts the rum cellar below the building. Tread lightly if you go below deck, for even the paper placemats at your table warn “…there are pirates here you cannot see!”
A bit off-putting for some, but mostly all in genuine fun.
An-Mei O’Malley, a Savannah tour guide reported that, “Staff and guests have heard unexplained noises, footsteps late at night, lights being switched on and off, as well as things moving that have not been touched.”
For those into it, ghost hunting can be an exciting and fun all-ages activity. The upstairs Gift Shop accessed by a spiral staircase and online restaurant shopping site provide everything needed for your ghostly discoveries.
Pirates’ Grub and Grog
The Pirates’ House has a long-standing reputation for great food, old-tavern atmosphere, and friendly staff.
Always a favorite on the pirate-themed menu is their famous award-winning Honey Pecan Fried Chicken. Topped with sweet honey sauce and pecans and accompanied by sautéed vegetables and mashed sweet potatoes, it makes for an incredibly delicious dish and a must-try for guests.
Other Captain Flint’s favorites are the pan-seared parmesan tilapia with crab or the sautéed shrimp and stone ground grits. Children receive their own First Mates’ Menu which includes Pirate Pasta, Pirate Mocktails and desserts designed especially for the younger crowd and palate.
The Pirates’ House specialty ‘grog’ – the Chatham Artillery Punch – is a mixture of wine and liquor, fruit juices, tea, and sweetener. With added cherries and Benedictine, the drink packs a mighty punch. Not for the faint of heart, but one to certainly try.
The entire house and grounds of the Pirate House are like a story-filled museum with a world-famous tavern and restaurant. The building itself is said to be the oldest in Georgia. The Herb House inside the house is original and dates to 1734. In the main house, the restaurant and the bar include a vast collection of pirate memorabilia. Masted pirate ships hang on century old bricks alongside charts of voyages claimed by the King of England.
There’s also a skeleton pirate seated next to an amazing antique gun collection and a poster of the Pirates of the Caribbean movie with a Captain Jack Sparrow’s likeness standing next to it. From the royal blue and white dinnerware lining the shelves to pages of “Treasure Island” on display, this house, museum, and gift shop is a delightful mix of 21st century storytelling, fabulous souvenirs, ghost finding paraphernalia, and 1700’s pirate lore.
The Blue Orbs
Are you a believer or a disbeliever? Either way, you may want to check your photos for blue orbs.
According to several area tour guides, the blue dots in these photos indicate that ghosts are in the area. Another thought is that those from the beyond are trying to communicate with us in a kind and peaceful manner. Or it just might be a trick of lights or dust particles on the lens of the camera.
What is known is that at the award-winning Pirates’ House you can find ghosts, great food and knowing that… all are welcome here!
