Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room: A Southern Culinary Tradition in Savannah

Mrs. Wilkes holds such a special place in my heart. I remember coming here back in high school, grabbing food to go out the back entrance—the smell alone brings back so many memories. Every time I’m in Savannah, I make a point to come here, and now I’ve introduced my husband to it as well. We usually visit in December, and this time we were pleasantly surprised there was no hour-and-a-half wait around the block. We walked right in and felt incredibly lucky. The staff is always warm and welcoming, and the food is pure comfort—especially the fried chicken, biscuits, cornbread, banana pudding, and all the vegetables. Everything makes you feel full, happy, and right at home. Mrs. Wilkes is truly a Savannah institution, and one that should always be treasured.

This is a family style dining place. We had lunch on Christmas Eve, by 10:40am there was long line in front, wait time was about one hour and ten minutes. Every table sits about 8-10 people, they serve typical southern food, like fried chicken, fried okra, cornbread, etc. The legendary chicken was really juicy and tender, all the food was very delicious. The hostess was very courteous to come to every table to ask if food is satisfying. This is truly unique dining experience.

Must do if you are visiting Savannah. Entry is by a first come first served system, so queueing outside is pretty well mandatory. Tables typically seat 8 people, so if you are a smaller group you will probably be sharing with strangers, which can be fun. The table is set with between 23 to 26 different Southern style side dishes, rice, beans, okra, potatoes, corn, greens, etc. etc., too many to mention, which are passed around family style to accompany the huge plates of fried chicken which are brought to the table by the servers. If a dish is empty, it is almost immediately replaced. Food is good and plentiful and washed down with lots of sweet tea, or unsweetened or water if preferred. There is also a dessert offered, on the day ours was banana pudding. The simplicity of the food, seating and service takes away the pressure of wondering what to order, and it is good to get to know new fellow diners. The cost for the meal was $35.00, which for the type of food is not especially cheap, but the experience more than makes up for it. They only accept cash, which is another quirky feature (there is an ATM in the waiting area). Don, the greeter and cashier was Incredibly helpful and friendly, as were all the staff. We were also lucky enough to meet Marsha, Mrs. Wilkes' granddaughter who was a real Southern Belle! All in all, an unforgettable experience.

Have to go at least once. A Savanah institution. Went on a Monday. Line already formed at 11:15. One group was inside for first seating. Waited an hour. Tables of ten... you and whoever. Dishes passed family-style. Most everything you'd want cooked southern style. Collard greens, creamed corn, black eye peas, red rice, mashed potatoes, biscuits, cornbread, chicken, pulled pork bbq. Dishes are refilled. Only option is sweet iced tea (but you can request unsweetened). Dessert was banana pudding or peach conner cobbler. All very good. Not especially exceptional, but the food is definitely good. This is the south. Don't expect anything al dente. We COOK food. When you are finished, leave when you want (not dismissed as a table), take your plates, utensils and glass to the kitchen door. Someone in the family tells the story of the restaurant while you wait in line outside. Mrs. Wilkes is no longer living (1906-2001). Her family is carrying on the tradition. Small gift shop inside. Tees, aprons, cook books (signed by family member, stamped with Mrs. Wilkes' signature $20.) All-in-all a fun experience. You certainly don't leave hungry.

My mother-in-law recommended this place and it did not disappoint. This is my first time in Savannah and we went straight here for lunch, before even checking into our hotel. At the time that we showed up, there wasn't a very long wait. It's a family style-all you can eat restaurant, which at first I didn't understand but as they bring you in, they sit you with other people not in your group and you pass the different types of food around the table. If your table runs out of something, the staff gladly brings more. Each dish is a unique experience, a cornucopia of flavors. Must haves are the BBQ pulled pork, beef stew, fried chicken, and the fried okra. Keep in mind to leave room for desert, peach cobbler and banana pudding! Price is $35 per person but we'll worth every penny. If the rest of my trip to Savannah is anything like this restaurant, I just might move here!

Yes the is a usually a wait to get in, but grab a beverage and line up - you will not be disappointed. This is family style dining NOT to be missed if you’re visiting Savannah. It’s a set menu, the food is soul food - collards, fried chicken etc. it’s like having lunch with your new friends and family. A great experience and only $40 - a bargain.

This place feels like home. Like one of those big family dinners you only see in Christmas movies. At this restaurant you will sit at a large table with complete strangers and by the end of your meal you will have a new aunt and uncle from Wisconsin, a cousin from California, and a sibling from New York. Such an amazing place to meet new people from all over the country. The staff here are amazing. From the cooks, to the servers, and the Host. Everyone is so kind. Pure southern hospitality, truly they made me feel at home. The food? Lord, it is hard to describe what pleasantries your taste buds will go through. The fried chicken is outta this world, juicy and tender, crispy and flavorful, the best fried chicken in the US. The Mac and cheese will leave you wanting for more, the butter beans, I had no idea how simple, how humble something like that could taste so good. The collard greens....... I took one bite... and everything around me went silent. I had a moment where time just froze, and all my taste buds were in heaven. Praise the Lord I have never had something so delicious in my life. I cannot compare it to any other savory food item. Unfortunately I live all the way in NY. But I will make it a ritual to make my way down to Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room when ever I visit the south. This place is an absolute treasure. Tips: Bring cash, come on an empty stomach, and come atleast a full hour if not more before opening. The line (even on a cold unnatural 20° day) will go around the block.

So I would say definitely come an hour before the open because the line is very long. They take cash or Venmo and the food was good, but not great for me at least. It was enjoyable sharing the food with people I just met in the line and talk and laughed together so I would say that made the whole experience really great. Come with a big appetite because it is a lot of food on the table.