Savannah, Georgia, is the first official city on our twenty-seven-day road food trip. The stop in Daytona Beach to gas up and snack from Buc-ees doesn’t count.
By the time we arrive at Spanky’s Pizza Galley & Saloon, it’s almost 5 PM. We were able to make it to Thunderbird Inn as the sun was going down.
Spanky’s Pizza Galley & Saloon
Spanky’s Pizza Galley & Saloon (317 E River Street, Savannah) has been on my future road trips around the U.S. for years. Its claim to fame is that the Spanky’s location on Savannah’s Waterfront is the first spot to ever sell chicken fingers.
In an “I didn’t see that twist coming,” Marcela opts out of eating nachos. I can’t remember the last time that happened but it might have to do with all of the food from Buc-ees she was snacking on during the drive.
We already know that chicken fingers are a must but I’m thinking pizza too since it’s in the restaurant’s official title. Well, they’re out of the pizza dough so there goes that.
Fred inexplicably orders a salad which is even funnier when they bring him portions of ranch dressing to drown his healthy meal.
So it turns out that there is a burger and a chili dog that replaced the pizza.
I loved the crispy charbroiled all-beef dog and even the very red chili, but the bun and unmelted shredded cheese turned me off. Luckily, Pete’s Weenie had some relish hiding everything that popped out flavorwise here and there.
Spanky’s Burger Talk
The half-pound burger is all ground chuck, charbroiled like the dog, and served on a neutral bun. The meat itself was properly seasoned and cooked to my preferred temperature, medium.
The oddest thing about this whole affair was the use of shredded cheese melted onto the burger instead of a nice thick slice of cheddar. A dill pickle spear accompanies the sandwich with your choice of either Spanky’s Spud’s, french fries, cole slaw, or a small salad.
Spanky’s Spuds sound like I’d something I’d enjoy, so I go with those. If you love baked potatoes, potato chips, and anything battered & fried, then you’ve found your spirit animal.
The order of five-piece chicken fingers brings another one of those dreaded pickle spears and one of the most majestic sauces I’ve had in a very long time. Spanky’s signature honey horseradish sauce is one for the record books.
Someone bottle this sauce and sell it at retail!
The nice twist on these, Spanky’s original chicken fingers, is that they’re battered. They’re outstanding, and when you dip them in the honey horseradish, you’ve got a legendary combo.
Thunderbird Inn
The stop at the Thunderbird Inn (611 W Oglethorpe Avenue, Savannah) was just for a few photo opportunities. I’ve seen the legendary hotel on some travel vlogs and knew that it fit right in with our likes.
Unfortunately, when we got around to booking a night, they were sold out.
Fred is always up for being in pictures which is great. However, while Marcela and I like to document everywhere we visit, we’re not so big on taking pictures of ourselves at these travel landmarks.
Here’s a picture of the three of us at the start of our twenty-seven-day road trip.
We did walk into the lobby area, where I bought a Moon Pie and a glass bottle of RC Cola. Why those two? If you know, then you know.