Beneath the landmark Municipal Grand hotel, a new chapter in Savannah’s cocktail story unfolds. The Hot Eye opened this weekend. An intimate, late-night bar accessed through a discreet laneway entrance and a porthole door that offers just a glimpse of the dimly lit revelry within.
Designed by Municipal Grand design partner AAmp Studio as a deliberate contrast to the bright sweep of the hotel above, The Hot Eye envelops guests in a sultry atmosphere of walnut wood, oxblood leather, glossy finishes, and black tile. Deep red walls, smoky mirrors, and an art-lined interior create a space that feels equal parts lounge and escape. Lighting and sound are tuned to set the mood for an evening of connection, discovery, and a touch of disarray.
The bar program, led by Head Bartender Alexis Cooper, is concise yet dynamic: a mix of inventive cocktails (priced from $12 to $17), refreshing highballs, a smart wine list, and a section of playful shooters. Standouts include Crushed Vice, a Tequila Mai Tai variation with corn and pasilla chiles that balances smoky, savory notes with bright seasonal energy. Classic highballs offer a sessionable counterpoint, designed for easy sipping. And for those who don’t want the night to end, the menu even features a sly add-on: “The Hot Eye Afters” — the option to tack on a room upstairs, M.P. (discounted, of course), turning one more round into a sleepover…