The Grey

Very elegant retro style restaurant, great selection of foods… Always a variety of raw oysters, though I like their pickled oysters the best. Dinner selections always delicious, Snickerdoodle Ice Cream for dessert– fabulous!!!

What an interesting and unique restaurant in a renovated Greyhound bus station. Food is excellent! I had a 14 oz NY strip steak in a red wine demi glacé and my husband had cat fish that was nice and light. We shared red potatoes with Brewer yeast, sour cream and scallions that was fantastic. Only negative was that they sat us next to the bar. Every time they shook a drink in the metal cups, it was very noisy.

The pork shank is not only huge, but absolutely amazing. I almost tried to eat the entire thing, but decided to save the rest for another meal.

I live on the other side of the country. (New York, to be exact.) It’s been more than two months since I ate here. And I am still thinking about that meal. Occasionally I scan the internet for cheap flights to Savannah. Just to go back here.
That is how far out of the park they hit it!

I have not been writing any reviews for a while because I have not had much to «Yelp» about. Long story short I have been missing all the variety, of places I have lived in the past. And although I have eaten at many of the places people rave about in town, not many have left me with anything short of desire… desire to go to another place. Until, last night going to The Grey. Savannah is horrible for parking, but The Grey valet’s. This was a good start! Then we were seated, the location used to be a Greyhound Bus terminal, but it has all of the Art Deco feel of the 40’s. The finishes are perfect throughout, including the waiting staff’s «look». They give a complimentary app which was a chickpea crisp that night (light as air, crispy, deliciousness). We ordered the smoked greens (which thankfully had no meat to season), fire roasted whole fish, country pasta (with shrimp, tomatoes, and bottarga) and the potatoes. While we were waiting I ordered the Sub Liner Cocktail, it was very balanced and refreshing. The bread comes from «Back in the Day Bakery» and is a real treat! Our food was absolutely delicious. Presentation, service and FLAVOR. If you are in Savannah make your reservation Chef MASHAMA BAILEY will make you something delicious!!!

I wouldn’t like to drown you out with a story. So let’s bullet point it, shall we?
The good:
Bar Seating in the front room under the large porthole window allows you front seats to the making of shaved meat and cheese slates. The lovely fellow even offered us leftover cheese rinds!
Drink prices did not gouge me as I thought they would. Ranging from mojitos at $ 10 and Tom Collins at $ 11.
Atmosphere lead me to believe I was right inside the Great Gatsby and Leo DiCaprio would come in any minute to share a drink.
Service/​Timeliness of food and drink was exceptional for the volume they were tending to.
-
The bad:
Hostess on the night of ²⁄₁₃ was quite uncheerful, but they did allow me to change tables which I kindly thank you again for. (Those 3 tables when you first walk in are the worst)
Based on what we ordered, you’re getting one protein (one flavor).
The pork shank has greens and a pancake, but everything was drowned in that salty sauce. The $ 48 NY Strip, also drowned in the same salty sauce with 4 sad potato slices. I need some variation on my plate, please!
They do not tend to celebrations. While making note on my reservation it was my guest’s birthday, I also let it be known to the dejected hostess. I was not expecting a free dessert (Wait, maybe I was) But come on, not even a candle?
Overall, I would visit The Grey again but simply only for a cocktail and cheese platter meet up. This is a place you need to try for yourself though, aside from some kinks in the rope it’s quite lovely.

A restaurant’s focus should be serving excellent food, and sadly, The Grey leaves a lot to be desired. I do not understand all the press the restaurant has gotten in food world as of late. The flavors are either bland or overpowering spices, nothing I would want to eat more of or recommend to anybody to try. We had the Sizzling Smokey Pig, and it was good, but not delicious. Ordered the Pork Shank, Fish Tagine, and Ash Roasted Sweet Potatoes, and the favorite out of those three were the sweet potatoes… Again, the main entrees were okay, but nothing you would want to eat a second time.
The service was excellent, the cocktails were good, and the place is just amazing. I will give it a second chance for lunch sometime, but with no expectations.

I love the atmosphere and food here. Our server was very poetic when explaining the food and that added to the fun. I like how experimental the menu is although I do wish they had more variety in their cocktail menu. Although, my sister ordered a Negroni that was pretty tasty. They have a bar in the front and in the back. It’s very roomy.
Some of the food portions are tiny, like the oysters which were kind of sad. Although, I really loved the Carrots and Country Pasta with Pork Belly, they are always changing the menu. Even though, I’m against eating Veal Sweetbreads (thymus and other neck meats from a baby cow), I heard they were delicious as well.
For dessert, I was really surprised by how good the bread pudding was. I got the Rum Baba cake and while it was definitely pretty, it didn’t have any rum flavors in it.
Overall, this place is really wonderful. The three of us all ordered different desserts to share so we could try more of them and they all tasted like cereal in different way; the third dessert was Sweet Potato Pie made with coconut milk.

I need to clarify. The 1 star is solely for service which can ruin a great meal. The food is 4.
The service at The Grey was so horrible and inexcusable that it ruined a great night out. A group of six should not take just under 3 hours for a meal. The average number of items ordered per person was 2.15. Which means each person averaged over one hour per item served.
We watched the entire restaurant turnover two and a half times before we were served entrees.
This was brought to the attention of management who claimed it was based on the coursing. That makes no sense. There were times when our server, who was noticeably absent for drink refills, would bring plates for the table only to take them away after they went unused.
As for the food — I enjoyed the Blue Point oysters. The sizzling smoking pig appetizer was great. My entrée was the steak. At $ 48 I thought it would be great. It was average and served lukewarm on the ends and cold in the middle (much like management). Our server stopped by once to see how everything was. When I pointed out my uneaten steak was cold he asked if I wanted another. My response — I don’t feel like waiting another hour.
Dessert. No way. That may have added two more hours. I could walk over to Lulu’s and back before The Grey puts out a cup of coffee.
Will I go back? I live in Savannah so probably not unless someone visiting really wants to try The Grey. Instead I will suggest a place that knows what they are doing — Alligator Soul.

This place is awesome!
Let’s start with the stellar service. Both Cody and Daniel were attentive, knowledgable and really (really) fun! The space is cool. It see to be a greyhound station (hence the name).
Everything was good, the beet salad, SIZZLING SMOKY PIG, the fish and the SMOKED COLLARDS. For dessert, we had the Rum Baba and the snickerdoodles ice cream, both divine.
Tip: they make great pisco sour!
Tip: the meat mains (chicken and pork) are huge! Skip apps or share a main. The baked fish main is reasonable in size.

Words simply can not express how much my soul and inner child enjoyed this dining experience. From the moment we took our seats at the bar to begin our evening my senses were magnetically drawn to the time period influence that this restaurant exudes across every touch and finish. The warm incandescent glow from the kitchen where the greyhound ticket booth once stood to the historical waiting room area transported me back in time to the late 1940’s and early 50’s where stainless steel, rich wood accents and rounded glass were the golden standard of American architecture.
The iconic greyhound was found throughout the restaurant, menu and leather table mats providing another historical reference that sends your mind back in time.
Our waiters at the bar suggested several different beers to start our evening and they were perfect in every way. The passion by which they described the way certain beers and cocktails tasted was enchanting. These two gentlemen truly made it seem as if we were their only customers!
I opted to take down the Pork Shank and greens with a side of new potatoes after observing so many other patrons enjoying this dish. My selection was on point. The smoky flavors of pork blended well with the greens upon which the shank was served in the most harmonious fashion.
The new potatoes side was exquisite. Soft and creamy insides were encased in a delightfully salted crusty exterior and accented with sour cream and chopped green onions. The blended textures were legendary by any standard. Dinner was naturally followed by dessert and coffee.
Rich, bold coffee with artisan sugar cubes and heavy cream paired with a lovely sweet potato pie and pear granita quite possibly short circuited my taste buds. I may have experienced dessert nirvana. I simply didn’t want the experience to end.
I am beyond thrilled having discovered this place via a traveling companion who mentioned that we must dine here during our final evening in the lovely state of Georgia.
This Texas boy will sleep quite happily tonight and will dream of the next time that I may be able
to eat at this incredible restaurant. Two thumbs way up for The Grey! Salute!

After walking through the rambunctious Ellis Square area of Savannah on a Saturday night, finding The Grey on the quieter MLK Blvd was a breath of fresh air. This place is built around an old greyhound station and transformed into a modern bar and restaurant. I really like the vibe here with simple yet practical décor.
Their prosciutto on the cheese platter is cut very fresh on the spot. I also recommend trying the house cocktails on their menu; tasty with a kick of sass.
We weren’t able to sit in the main dining area because we were only in to nibble on small plates, but the diner part is lovely, too.
One of our servers with brown hair and tattoos was VERY friendly; he was enthusiastic about telling us what was in each plate.

Ah-‘maz-ing
Cannot say enough good things about this place.
1) Expect a wait. Like 45+ minutes no matter when you go. Its that good.
2) Drinks — Scott or Cody will do you right. Know your liquor and let them take you on a journey.
3) Food. Beyond. amazing. Limited Menu — but you cannot go wrong. i swear.
Hands down, the best place to eat and drink in Savannah.

Great staff, good food, great design — Just too popular and busy. Simple bar menu items took forever. This restaurant really pissed me off with the LONG waiting. Hire more staff and get the kitchen organized.
Again the staff were great and apologetic– the kitchen is disorganized on their timing.

While we were visiting SC we decided to take a day trip to Savannah and I was delighted when I found out The Grey would be our dinner destination.
I would highly recommend reservations for the dining room or coming early and choosing to have dinner at the gorgeous horseshoe bar in the center of the room. We opted for the bar to take advantage of the gorgeous views of the renovated Greyhound Station.
The menu does not fully describe the dishes coming out of the outstanding kitchen, it only highlights a few of the main ingredients. I suggest asking your server to describe the preparation and flavor profiles of the dishes that interest you so you can make a delicious decision.
We started with the Tuna Crudo which was good however the tuna was not as flavorful as I had hoped it would be. We then moved on to the Sizzling Smoky Pig which was pulled pork accompanied by red pepper jelly, a soft cooked egg and a side of homemade biscuits. It was not as I imagined the dish would be when I read the description on the menu, it was much, much better. The pulled pork was succulent and when paired with the red pepper jelly and the runny yolk was a divine balance of savory and sweet. Add in the soft biscuit and each bite was outstanding.
For our entrée we shared the Catfish Tagine. The dish was a stunning shade of red and orange and the fish was flakey and moist. Underneath the fish was a fabulous combination of chickpeas, bell pepper, preserved lemon and Moroccan spices. The combination of the melt in your mouth catfish and the Moroccan chickpeas was dynamite. If I was local I would come back time and time again for this sensational dish.
I finished the evening with the Crème Caramel served with a coconut rum sauce and warm banana donuts. It was rich and creamy and a lovely way to end the evening.
Our dinner was superb from start to finish. It would be a wonderful spot for a group that likes to share inventive food or a fun date night spot. The space itself has been gorgeously renovated and even if you just stop in for a drink it’s worth a visit.

Wow. This place knocked my socks off. Whole fish, Sancerre, smoked collards, flounder on toast in an old greyhound bus station.
A beautifully renovated treasure that is walkable from anywhere near the historic waterfront.
Memorable evening spent with my daughter who attends a nearby university.
Get the smashed potatoes.

I made reservations at The Grey as soon as we made plans to go to Savannah over Easter weekend because my husband and I had heard so much about it.
When we first arrived we were really impressed by the ambiance. The restaurant is located in an old Greyhound Bus Terminal that has been carefully renovated to be a cool, hip restaurant while keeping the original, modern Greyhound Terminal vibe alive.
I have to be honest though, once we were seated and flipping through the menu; I wasnt that impressed with the menu. The dishes sounded good, but slightly underwhelming considering the hype the restaurant was getting. We started out with cocktails and oysters; because thats always a good start to a nice dinner, and then decided on several dishes we wanted to try.
My advice to you? Dont let the underwhelming descriptions on the menu deter you from this fantastic restaurant. Each and every dish we tried was not only good; it was incredible. From the amuse bouche (gazpacho!), to the oysters, to the main dishes, to the desserts– everything was really good and really surprised us considering we werent really sure what to expect upon ordering.
Do yourself a favor and order the Crudo. and the Sizzling Smoky Pig. and the Country Pasta. and the Smoked Collards. and save room for the Brown Sugar Pie.
The Grey is getting a lot of hype in the food and restaurant world for a reason– plan a trip to Savannah a make a reservation here for dinner, you wont be disappointed!

This has been one of the best meals I have had in a long time.
It all started with complimentary still and sparkling water. After looking over the menu we picked out a half dozen dishes and in all honesty none of them disappointed, in fact each one was absolutely delightful.
The restaurant is a restoration of a Greyhound bus station, hence the name ‘The Grey’. From the period floors, paints, wooden panel walls, trims and doors. You would never know you where in one because of all the lavish and tasteful period style furniture and bar. We called someone over and low and behold the owner came over to explain to us the history of the building. He really put in time to restore it to the way it was with his own twist.
Now for the evening’s spoils. Firstly the eggplant and gazpacho arrived. The eggplant was so incredible creamy, tender, flavoured and slow cooked to perfection. The gazpacho held strong with its bold strong yet fresh flavour. Sadly we where so drawn in by the food I didn’t manage to take a snapshot of the clams and dumplings (that’s one single dish), as a non-​fan of seafood it was actually quite tame and flavoursome without that back palette taste of seawater. We both had the same main… The catfish tagine and what a dish. It wasn’t cooked in the traditional tagine but seasoned with a North African twist. It has SO much flavour.
Unexpectedly we where brought the most adorable melon Popsicle and again it blew our minds. Such a small thing would have so must fresh flavour. When the desert menu arrived we thought it could keep going but after seeing and ordering the goats milk chocolate mouse cake that was when everything got real. Real tradition French chocolate mouse (the kind I make myself with only three ingredients) atop a dense moist dark chocolate cake… The caramel cream on the plate and cacao nibs to decorate where no mere decorations… Each too brought something to the plate.
I highly recommend it and hope you are just as impressed as we where.
Enjoy

Great retro feel in reinvention of a 1938 Greyhound Bus Station. Beautiful Art Deco exterior façade. Interior could be a Mad Men set. The ticket booth was repurposed as the kitchen.
Chef Bailey came here from acclaimed Prune in NY.
The bar overlooks the street and is separate from the main dining room. We did not have reservations so sat at counter of u-​shaped 2^nd bar in the middle of the dining room. Full menu available there but only bar food available in the front bar.
The eggplant appetizer and wild king salmon were good. Service was 5 star, separate managers checked on us throughout the evening. A sorbet was served prior to entrée.

Fantastic cocktails!
We didn’t eat in the main dining room, only in the front bar area, but the cocktails served there are really wonderful. The bartenders know their stuff and have a real knowledge and appreciation for craft cocktails. The bar menu is very limited, but the cheese plate and Savannah rice cakes (which were like arancini made with red beans and rice-​style rice) were delicious.
Don’t come here expecting lightning quick service, as each cocktail is crafted from scratch. That said, the bartenders were very nice and when I spilled my delicious cocktail all over the table, they brought me another one for no extra charge.
This place was hopping in the dining room, even on a Tuesday night, so reservations seem to be a must if you’re planning on coming for dinner. Can’t wait to come back for cocktails again!