Dottie's Market Savannah — Restaurant in Savannah

My experience at Dottie’s was absolutely unacceptable. Rude & Humiliating Owner that HATES Dogs (Even Service Dogs).

To be clear: I have no problem with a restaurant not allowing pets. However, the law requires them to allow service animals, and if they don’t, it’s an act of discrimination. They must also have a visible sign stating their policy, especially in very pet friendly city like Savannah, GA. If Dottie’s had a sign saying, “No pets allowed, service animals welcome,” we wouldn’t have gone in. We are respectful of rules.

When we entered, the owner saw us walk in with the dog and said nothing. I greeted her politely and asked if orders were taken at the table or counter. She rudely directed me to the counter. Despite her attitude, we ordered, paid, and sat down. If the issue was the dog, she should have told us when we walked in. A simple sign would have avoided all of this. Instead, she waited until we were comfortable waiting for the food to approach us with hostility, looking at us like garbage on the floor.

She never asked if my dog was a service animal, as the law requires. Instead, she said dogs were “unsanitary.” I explained that while my dog wasn’t currently working as a service animal, he was fully trained and well-behaved. Despite this, she told us to tie him outside in the cold, rather than politely suggesting we eat outside with him.

I told her we had no problem leaving if that was her policy, but I wasn’t going to leave my dog outside in the cold. I requested a refund—not because of her pet policy, but her attitude. If she had politely explained and asked us to sit outside, I would have agreed or taken the food to-go. The issue wasn’t about not allowing pets; it was her humiliating and disdainful attitude. Even after I said we were leaving, she continued being hostile, saying dogs were “unsanitary” “dirty”.

I asked her: “What do you do if someone comes in with a service animal they depend on for their life?” She replied, with disgust: “No dog belongs in any restaurant. They’re dirty and unsanitary. I don’t understand how the government allows that, even with service dogs.” Her response shows a complete lack of empathy and a clear violation of the law.

Afterward, she tried to keep the money we had paid and demanded to see my phone because I had taken a photo of the place, accusing me of photographing her. I told her I didn’t take a picture of her, and why would I want a photo of such an unpleasant person? Like anyone else, I have the right to take photos in a public space and she has no right to look in my phone, that’s a violation too.

Her husband came out of the kitchen, clearly understanding her behavior was unacceptable. He tried to calm her and the situation and offered me to pack the food, but she stood there, glaring and provoking me. I told him I just wanted my money back so I could leave. Eventually, I believe he forced her to process the refund and she did with a nasty attitude.

All she had to do was politely ask, “Is your dog a service animal?” If the answer was no, she could have respectfully explained their policy and offered all of us an outdoor table. Instead, she disrespected the dog and humiliated us by saying dogs are “disgusting” and “unsanitary.” She didn’t care about stepping all over us or making other customers uncomfortable—everyone noticed the scene. Even with everyone watching, she refused to refund my money until I threatened to call the police and her husband told her to do so. She even stepped outside as we left to keep provoking us from the door.

I felt abused, stepped on, and humiliated. AVOID this place if you are looking for a pleasant, peaceful and respectful...

This was the perfect choice for our last night in Savannah.

From the moment we walked in, we felt welcome and received top-notch service. Whether you're in jeans and a t-shirt or dressed to the nines, Dottie's treats everyone the same. (to clarify - we were in jeans and tshirts after a long touring day!) The restaurant is pristine from top to bottom. The food was incredibly fresh, and everything was wonderful. The homemade bread with roasted red pepper butter was a standout. I've tried fried green tomatoes everywhere I go (and I'm from the south y'all), and theirs were inspired—non-traditional but amazing. Their 'Dottie's Totties' appetizer left no one at our table, including the kids, wanting more. The fried chicken was simply stellar. Our group also tried the brisket burger, flounder po' boy, and short ribs—everything was demolished.

I wish we had discovered Dottie's earlier in our visit to Savannah, as we would have loved to explore more of their menu and experience their warm, incredible service again.

If there's one thing I can emphasize about Dottie's, it's that from the moment we walked in to the moment we got in our Uber, we felt at home. Add fresh quality ingredients and creative, yet simple food combinations, and I can't imagine going anywhere else for a fantastic dinner...

My husband and I went to this place based on the 4.9 star rating. The HIGHEST of any other restaurant in the area. Even higher than our old favorite from our visit in 2010! We, HANDS DOWN AGREE that Dottie's is by far the ABSOLUTE BEST restaurant in the historic Savannah district. I wouldn't call it a restaurant though, it's MORE... It's a culinary masterpiece! I don't have the space to type all I want about this place. I had to take off a star due to one egregious, unsanitary act by an employee, which I reported and it was handled professionally and discreetly. It broke my heart (as I believe it did the owner's) to see this and I almost said nothing but right is right; however, I'm sure it was a lone act of one person and doesn't reflect the overall excellence, professionalism, culinary execution, or service we had at this establishment! Impeccable! Eye pleasing! Tantalizing to the taste buds! Unique! Dottie's is the place to be for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner. Alec's service was flawless. Thank you Dottie's for a perfect ending to our weekend getaway from Montgomery Alabama... First place we're coming to the next time we plan a trip to Savannah. Hope we can book that RESERVATION ONLY dinner spot!...