A Visit to Tondee's Tavern

Built originally as a 1850's bank, Tondee's tavern was named after one of Savannah's popular taverns from colonial times owned by the legendary Peter Tondee. Tondee's has since hosted hundreds of eager visitors who seek good food, good times, and ghost stories.

Peter Tondee's beloved tavern also played a pivotal role in the Revolutionary War. In 1775 the Liberty Boys met in the tavern to discuss replacing British rule, and Georgia's Son's of Liberty often met to discuss politics. Revolutionary spirit grew wild within the walls of Tondee's tavern, however Peter did not live to see the new country take flight as he died in the fall of that year.

However the Tavern continued to stand and operate after Peter's death and was still a popular hot spot. President Washington was even introduced to some of Savannah's beautiful young ladies in the tavern.

Known for being one of Savannah's more haunted site, the Tondee's staff is no stranger to odd occurrences. According to staff, who wished not to be named, the TV's flicker on and off at mysterious hours, mason jar lids fly off of shelves, and a woman's screams can be heard from the sealed off tunnels below the tavern. Never the less, none of the apparitions have ever proved harmful, and staff believe the most famous of the spirits is the legendary Peter Tondee himself. They joke that if strange things begin happening, a simple cry of "Peter, stop!" will quiet the noisy ghost.



Tondee's is a beautiful place to grab a drink or a bite to eat, I myself highly recommend a pina colada and peanut butter and chocolate cheesecake! The flavor combination is amazing! Also, don't be afraid to ask staff about ghostly encounters! There are great stories behind the smiling faces of the staff! Also, you won't get better service anywhere else! Excellent on all accounts!

My fiancee and I had a blast talking with the staff and making new friends! We loved the feel of the restaurant and of course the food and drink! Seriously, try the pina colada and chocolate peanut butter cheesecake! It's not just slap your mama good, it's slap your pastor and sell your soul good. Yea, the little baptist girl just went there.

Also, it's right across the street from River Street, so if your feeling some shopping or strolling just walk across the street! Just take care on the historical steps....the last thing you need to do after a night of pina coladas or bloody mary's is to try and navigate the steep stairwells of historic River Street. If you're feeling nervous be smart, take a ramp. I on the other hand usually take the steps--why? Because a broken ankle to me is a good story. ;)

I intend to visit Tondee's again this week and introduce three new friends to the wonders of this beautiful spot! And yes, they are going to at least try the pina colada and cheesecake because even if they don't like it---and they'd be crazy not to--I get to finish what's left over. Diet good bye, Tondee's cheesecake is here!!

More upcoming trips include Bonaventure Cemetery, the French Market, The International Festival, A River Boat Cruise aboard the Savannah River Queen and a visit to the Candy Kitchen of River Street. Stay tuned for more adventures!

Until next time!

Rebecca

Final Cost of Trip: 10 dollars for food. Of course I only ordered cheesecake and a Pina Colada so...



Citation:

Weeks, C., & Starbuck, O. (n.d.). Georgia Heritage 1999 - Life and Times of Peter Tondee. Retrieved November 4, 2015, from http://savannahnow.com/features/year2000/gaheritage/tondee.html


For more Information, visit these awesome sites: 

The Georgia Historical Society: The Life and Times of Peter Tondee

http://savannahnow.com/features/year2000/gaheritage/tondee.html

Or the Tondee's Official Site:

http://tondees.com/Home_Page.html