Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room
Southern restaurant (US) · Savannah ·
Family-style Southern diner serving ample lunches at communal tables
Family-style Southern diner serving ample lunches at communal tables
"A communal, family-style lunch experience known for classic Southern comfort dishes; lines form early for the 11 a.m. seating, but guests are rewarded with shared plates of fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, butter beans, okra and tomatoes, and other homey favorites." - Lydia Mansel Lydia Mansel Lydia Mansel is a writer with more than eight years of experience editing and writing for both brands and online publications—with a particular focus on travel, fashion, and lifestyle. She’s also the founder of the travel site justpacked.com. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"You’ll have to line up outside this 1943 boarding house for the city’s best family-style Southern food. That’s because the restaurant is only open on weekdays from 11am-2pm, but if you’re even hesitating at the word “line,” know that Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room is definitely somewhere to prioritize. The menu changes by season, with candied yams and apple salad in the fall and snap beans in the summer. But you’ll always find our favorites: fried chicken, heaping portions of macaroni and cheese, and black-eyed peas." - caroline eubanks
"Remains open despite delivery issues, continuing to serve its traditional family‑style, all‑you‑can‑eat format." - Kiki Dy
"Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room makes every Savannah must-visit list there is. It’s even President Barack Obama’s go-to Savannah stop. It’s cash only, doesn’t take reservations, doesn’t do takeout orders, and has filled up daily since 1946. Winner of a James Beard Award in the American Classics category, Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room serves homestyle Southern staples like fried chicken, cornbread dressing, gumbo, and black eye peas. Hop in line by 11 a.m., and join other diners at one of the 10 communal tables for one of the best lunches in town." - Elizabeth Bowers
"When I'm exploring Savannah's Historic District, I go to Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room for classic Southern-forward fare." - Vicki Denig