Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room

Item: Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room
Author: Michelle da Silva Richmond

Cuisine: American, Regional, Soul Food

Price Range: $$

10Best Says

For the "real deal," Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room is "must" if you're in the mood for real Southern food. The popular lunch spot, located in a cozy house on a brick-lined street in the Historic District, has been drawing a crowd of tourists and locals alike since a young Mrs. Wilkes took over a boarding house in 1943. Her establishment is so popular that on most days you'll have to wait in line before landing a spot at one of her coveted tables. The family-style restaurant offers a rotating selection of delicious homemade Southern favorites including the necessary fried chicken, meatloaf, mac and cheese, candied yams, okra, butter beans, collard greens and more.

Address:

107 W Jones St
Savannah, GA 31401

Phone:

912-232-5997

Website:

mrswilkes.com

EXPERT TIPS BY: Michelle da Silva Richmond
St. Petersburg / Clearwater Local Expert

Southern: "Be sure to bring cash. Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room doesn't accept credit cards."

Best for Southern Because: It's been around for decades and is noted for good, boarding room-type comfort-food.

EXPERT TIPS BY: Amy Pine
Savannah Local Expert

Best Restaurants: "Wear comfortable shoes. You may have to wait on Jones Street for a while before getting a coveted spot at one of Mrs. Wilkes' tables."
Homestyle, Best of Savannah's Historic District, Lunch: "Doors open at 11 a.m., but you may want to arrive early to secure a good spot in line."

Recommended as Best Restaurants Because: Forget about that other grand dame of Southern cooking. Locals know that if you want the real deal, you go to Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room.
Best for Homestyle Because: You'll have to stand in line to get a seat at Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room, but the family-style meal is well worth the wait.
Recommended as Best of Savannah's Historic District Because: Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room has perfected the art of Southern home cooking. Dining alongside people from around the world is a bonus.
Best for Lunch Because: Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room is Southern cooking at its finest. Family-style dining alongside strangers makes the dining experience even more special.