Nickel and Oak Lounge, located at 111 W. Congress Street in historic downtown Savannah, will open its doors officially on July 3rd. Centered on music-focused entertainment, an elevated bar program, and a sophisticated atmosphere, the lounge anticipates being in a heavy rotation for locals and a highlight for Savannah tourists.

Normal operations are planned to run Tuesday through Saturday (closed Sunday and Monday) and hours are projected to be 3pm to 11pm Tuesday through Thursday, and 3pm to 12am on Fridays and Saturdays. Larger concerts will be ticketed, while regular operation will be a mix of regional touring acts, local musicians, comedians, live band karaoke, screenings, performances and more.

To cover all the patron’s senses, the beverage program promises to be on beat with the music. The space boasts two unique bars: the main bar and the rooftop bar.

Guests may anticipate craft cocktails, a wine program, premium spirits, N/A
cocktails, bottled and draft beer, as well as a spritz-focused menu on the rooftop.

Light bites from local chefs will also be offered during all hours of operation. The bar program will also offer several spirit and drink options that have undergone sonic maturation, where sound waves are actually an ingredient. Through sonic maturation, the vibrations gently agitate spirits over time, helping flavors marry and evolve in rhythm with the space.

Owner Matthew Lipman is bringing his vision for a high-end lounge concept with quality musical offerings to life with the help of General Manager Ava Pandiani, Music DIrector Isaac Smith, and Events Director Natasha Drena. Ms. Pandiani has been the General Manager at Starland Yard for the past seven years and brings unique experience leading teams at entertainment-focused hospitality concepts to life. Mr. Smith has been a professional musician for over 20 years, and is a staple of the Savannah music community both as a performer and on the production side. He will be booking talent as well as overseeing sound at Nickel and Oak.

In addition to the bar and music programming, Nickel and Oak Lounge plans to also position itself as a prime event space downtown. Ms. Drena has a background in both performing arts and hospitality, and serves as Artistic Director of Savannah Repertory Theatre. These qualities make her uniquely suited for this position at the intersection between performance and events. She noted “I’m passionate about creating spaces where live performance feels intentional and unforgettable—where the audience is part of the experience, not just observing it.”

Regarding the Grand Opening, Ms. Pandiani offered that “Nickel and Oak has an opportunity to bridge the gap between live music, Congress Street nightlife, cocktail culture, and the uptick in high-end hospitality concepts downtown, and the diversity of our musician talent and bar program reflects that.”