Prior to going to Savannah I hopped on yelp for some ideas about places to go. This had one of the highest ratings so I knew I had to go. Now before I start I should say that this place is CASH ONLY. Yes, I read other reviews stating they dont accept CC's but that fact completly left my mind the moment when it mattered. Considering this place is only open for lunch M-F that resulted in the boyfriend and I going on our last day in Savannah. What a way to end a weekend revolving around food!!!! We waited in line for about a 30min. The line went fairly quickly because they seat you at at table with other people. Upon reaching the door I see the 'cash only' sign. I just about die since we have been waiting and are really hungry. I pop my head in and ask the guy at the register where the closest ATM is so I can run there. Well, the extremely nice guy told me that we could worry about money later since we were next. We were seated with a group on nice people (and one very annoying man). The table is set and there are glasses of sweet tea at every seating. As you as you are seated food starts to come out and cover the entire table. Seriously, there are no room left!! They take orders for unsweetened tea at that point (I proclaimed my love for sweet tea the moment I sat down and everyone started to pass what they did not want to me.. pure heaven) Well, the food here is amazing. In all there were 23 items on the table. Yes, someone counted. It is better than all of your big eatting holidays combined... Easter, the 4th of July, Thanksgiving, and Christmas have nothing on this place! The fried chicken was pretty good (I thought the Lady and Sons was better). What really made the meal was all the sides you passed around to your fellow diners. Well here is a sampling of the items we had: mac and cheese, corn muffins, biscuits, okra, collards, black eyed peas, red beans and rice, mash potatos, cucumber salad, beef stew, snap peas, butter beans, carrot/raisin/pineapple/coconut salad, sweet potatos, and canied yams. After stuffing our selves to eternity the very friendly waitresses brought out banana pudding. Once we were done we waddled our way out to kitchen to drop off our dirty dishes. It was at that time a waddled my way over to an ATM which really was like 3 blocks away. One of the best meals I ever had!
(5)
Jeffrey C.
On a whim my fiance and I stopped into Mrs Wilkes, literally hitting a sitting time dead on. As we walked in we immediately knew this was a great choice from the smells alone. The spread of food you're presented with is no less amazing and as you take a bite of each new dish you'll find yourself saying time and again how this is in fact the best food you have ever had. There is little more to say here that could accurately portray the experience of this place, so I will stop here and let the food do the rest.
(5)
Joe C.
The fried chicken was good and the overall value of what you get for the 18.00 is a good deal. I give the food 3 1/2 stars but the 90 min wait and the inconvenience of having to constantly pass around bowls to 10 people at the table would frankly keep me from doing it again. It was not worth the hype.
(3)
Bobby M.
I'd stand in line for THREE hours to eat here again and I absolutely can't stomach standing in line for even five minutes at my local drug store to purchase necessities! I've never quite had a lunch as filling and delicious as this. Doubt I ever will again. I absolutely love to give bad Yelp reviews and I especially enjoy tearing apart tourist traps and destroying long standing, overrated culinary institutions. While standing in line at Mrs. Wilkes' for 45 minutes, I was even thinking about how much I was going to enjoy placing Mrs. Wilkes' to the top of my 'Most Overrated' list. (I know, I'm a huge bastard and will be burning in hell one day) But, Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room is quite possibly the best meal I've ever had. I'm racking my brain to try and compare and I'm finding great difficulty in doing so. I keep hearing Coach Dennis Green's post game rant when he yells, "They are who we thought they were!" The hype is all real here...trust me! This truly is an unreal and amazing dining experience that Kings and Queens should have their armies fight wars over! (How's that for hype?)
I'm sorry but I just don't get it. It was good but not wait in line for an hour good. We waited from 11-12:15 and it was really cold so we couldn't wait to get inside. The atmosphere was cute and comfortable and we sat down with a bunch of pleasant strangers. I enjoyed the rutabaga, mac and cheese, banana pudding and sweet tea the most. The fried chicken wasn't better than what you get at publix and nothing blew me away. Salty and fatty in the way that you don't want it, not the kind that's soothing to the soul. I didn't get seconds of anything. I'm glad I had the experience since this place seems to be considered an institution in Savannah. I know my opinion is in the minority but some of the other companions at the table seemed to share my feelings.
(3)
Jenn M.
Delicious!! I'm from the south and this is THE BEST southern food! Go closer to closing (my boyfriend and I showed up at 1:45) and were seated within 10 minutes. Worth the wait if there is one... And Mrs. Wilkes is right there looking over everything.
(5)
Donna A.
get there early and get in line! One of the best experiences in all of savannah!
(5)
Colin A.
This is one of the most unique lunches I've enjoyed since those long ago days on My grandmothers porch. The food is high quality, it's served hot, flavorful, with a southern smile. If you want to sit down with the world and eat the best fried chicken ever, go to Mrs. Wilkes. Every thing about it is honest and true.
(4)
Lou N.
Best food I've ever had. Felt like I was at an old friends house for dinner. Service top notch. Five star!!!
(5)
chrisina b.
The food was delicious, no complaints there. Our waitstaff was friendly. BUT. At the end of the meal the waitress said "normally ya'll walk the dishes the kitchen, but it's OK, I'll do it for you." We said "no, we'll help" (we didn't know that's how it was done, since no one told us otherwise we were just sitting chatting.) She said "No, I'll do, no problem." So we passed the plates she could carry and resumed chatting. About five minutes later a woman, who seemed to be the Head B*tch In Charge, stormed into the dining room and said ''We are CLOSED, the staff wants to go home, ya'll have to bring those dishes (the ones that were left) into the kitchen." So much for Southern Hospitality! Her attitude was completely uncalled for, and soured the whole experience. If anyone from Mrs. Wilkes is reading this, maybe take into consideration that you should TELL people they have to bus their own dishes, and that closed at 2pm doesn't mean they stop serving at 2pm, it means you're literally supposed to be out by 2pm. And if people are still sitting at the table, they're not doing it to be obnoxious, it's just that they weren't told. So loose the crap attitude.
(3)
Olivia W.
Mrs. Wilkes is always a pleasure. Even though we waited in line for an hour plus, the food was nothing short of amazing. I left full and satisfied. My picky eater guests were not disappointed either. I would eat there every day, so I went ahead and bought the cookbook sold inside. The setting is a large dining table which will sit approx 10 guests, so be prepared to sit with other parties. Also, you may have to drive around to find a good spot to park since it is off the street parking. Bring your cash, as Mrs. Wilkes is cash only. The first time I went I had to walk to the Hilton to use the ATM. Also, make sure you arrive early since the line starts forming up prior to opening. We go there around 12:00 and didn't eat until 1:30.
(5)
Stella P.
Be ready to wait on line but it is well worth it. We did not know what to expect, and we were wowed!! Tables of ten and tons of food! They keep bringing the food out and you keep eating. Fried chicken, biscuits, mashed sweet potatoes, Mac n cheese, beans, rice and so much more!!!! All for a whopping $18!!! Amazing experience and yummy soul food!!! Get on line by 10:15!!
(5)
Dawn K.
After a punch in the face from Paula Deen the previous day, we decided we redeem ourselves by visiting Mrs. Wilkes. There's already enough reviews to draw from, so I'll keep it short. Things you need to know: - there will be a line - get chummy with the ones in the line, because that's who you're eating with - sample every dish- you'll be surprised at what you like! - cash only - wear your stretchy pants overall, a super unique experience and totally worth the money + time
(5)
Jaclyn S.
Don't get me wrong, the food at Mrs. Wilkes was good. Certainly worth eating. But worth standing in an hour long line and paying $16 for? I don't know about that. I insisted on going to Mrs. Wilkes after reading all of the rave Yelp reviews and I forced my boyfriend to stand in the hour long line with me while we waited for this promised land. By the time we got to the front of the line we were the last group let into the restaurant. The ladies working in the room were clearly done with their day and were not thrilled to have two more tables to serve. Glasses of (amazing) sweet tea were already waiting at each seat. The waitress came to the table and asked if anyone wanted unsweet tea. My boyfriend did, and she asked him if he had touched the glass of sweet tea at his plate. He had, because he hadn't known it was sweet tea, and when he said yes, she scoffed and jerked the cup away. Awkward. Of course, this place is family style, which I didn't realize meant that we'd be sitting at a round table with eight other people. For some reason I was imagining more of a cafeteria-like setting. Ever the hater of small-talk, my boyfriend was not thrilled to be seated with a group of people we didn't know, but I can hold my own in friendly conversation, so I chatted people up for the both of us. The fried chicken was good, but it didn't blow me away. The biscuits were excellent. The sides were all good, but again, nothing to brag about. I guess the draw here is that this food is literally home-cooking and tastes like it came from your grandmother's kitchen, but for me, the absence of my grandmother's love in the dishes just made the whole meal underwhelming. It's not restaurant-quality food and while I'm okay with small-talk, it IS kind of weird to ask total strangers to pass the mashed potatoes. I hate to interrupt people who are eating. I think that without the long line revving up the anticipation and with friendlier service, we would have been happier with this meal. It was so clear that the serving staff wanted us to hurry up and finish so they could close up that I felt a little uncomfortable. I also got so full because of the richness of the food that I felt like I was trudging through molasses for the rest of the day. It seems odd that they're not open for dinner when people are ready for heavier meals. I don't know, I guess I'm missing the supposed magic of this place. Maybe I don't appreciate it because I'm not a true Southerner (I'm a Floridian) but while the food was all good (no doubt about that) and the sweet tea was the best I had on the whole trip, we wouldn't return for a second go.
(3)
Deb S.
Oh My Land... if you don't go anywhere else in Savannah, you must visit Mrs. Wilkes'. The line is long (1-1/2 hours for us) but worth every minute that you wait. Some people even had folding chairs with them for the long wait. Upon your entrance, you will be seated at a table for ten, all of them brand new friends for you. There are about 20 dishes on the table and the passing begins. We sat with a few ladies from Florida who were adorable former Girl Scouts. Oh the veggies, and grits, and fried chicken, and gravy, and rice, and sweet potatoes and on and on. So much delicious-ness I could cry. The desert we were served was a blueberry cobbler or banana pudding. I loved the cobbler. When you're done you'll bus your own table and pay as you exit. Bring CASH!! And meet some new friends in line too. It's a blast, and we will be back.
(5)
Tina K.
Mrs Wilkes is definitely worth the wait! Best fried chicken I've ever had. If you go away hungry, that's your fault.
(5)
Jamie L.
We were told by our hotel concierge that "Lady and Sons is where the Tourists go, the Locals go to Mrs. Wilkes!" With an intro like that, how could we not head over and join the line at the door? It's always an interesting experience. The line forms down the cobblestone sidewalk before Mrs. Wilkes doors open at 11am. You'll find yourself chatting with locals and tourists, sharing stories and tips, and then sitting with those same people at the Family Style round tables once you (finally) get inside. And, OHHHHHH.... what's inside. Iced glasses of sweet tea, steaming bowls of southern goodness waiting for you at the table, with more to come. Sit down, put your napkin on your lap, and prepare to EAT. No, really. You don't know the definition of the word "Eat" until you've done so at Mrs. Wilkes. The table is jam-packed with Southern staples. Boiled, buttered Green Cabbage (heaven). Black eyed peas, studded with smoky ham. Spicy Red rice. Creamy Potato Salad. Mac 'N Cheese. Corn Bread. Sweet squash. Cole Slaw. Rutabaga (ew.) Sugar-Snap Peas. Biscuits. Sauteed Okra and Tomatoes (omg.) Potatoes, both Mashed and Sweet (yams. glazed. yum.) Mahogany gravy. Peas and Egg Noodles. Collard Greens (divine.) And the meats? Mrs. Wilkes is famous for her Fried Chicken, which is passed fresh from the kitchen throughout your meal. My favorite were actually the sliced sausages, savory, sweet, and spicy all at once. You'll also find Beef Stew and Meat Loaf, depending on which day you visit. For dessert, it's Banana Pudding, and it's perfect. You finish your meal by bringing your plates to the kitchen, in the Old Tradition of Southern Boarding Houses. You pay the gentleman at the cash register in the store, where you can also buy cookbooks featuring Mrs Wilkes' recipes, olde-style post cards, tee shirts, and other knicknacks. The cost currently is $16, half price for children. It's well worth it. You're experiencing Southern History, in one of the South's most historic cities, and eating true Southern Cuisine. Mrs. Wilkes' has kept us coming back. Every time we're in Georgia on 1-95, we'll detour to Savannah just for lunch there.
(5)
Lindsey D.
I live one street away from Mrs. Wilkes and honestly, I have never left there feeling like I am physically capable of doing anything, because there was no possible way I could stop myself from eating all of the delicious food laid out in front of me. My roommates and I prepare for this epic meal (which happens whenever someone comes to visit us) in advance. Home cooked food waiting on your table as you are seated, so many dishes it's hard to try everything. And only $16 for everything including tea and dessert? Win. The only thing I can complain about is that you feel a bit rushed. They really try to keep the huge line outside moving by getting in and out which I can understand, but god forbid everyone else at your table is done, you better be too! A must-visit if you are in Savannah, IF you are up for a 30min-1 hour wait outside, (which is usually beautiful) definitely worth the time.
(4)
Jenny T.
Yes, the line is really long (we waited over an hour). But the funny thing is that it doesn't matter. Once you step foot inside, the food is so abundant and mouth-wateringly delicious that you will forget how long you stood outside. I came with my friend K, my aunt, and my two little cousins. For some reason, they didn't have any smaller groups to seat us with so we got the ENTIRE TABLE to ourselves. A table meant for 10 given to 3 adults and 2 kids. And I swear, I only ate like half the food. OMG I'm kidding. There is no way anyone could eat that much food. The way it works is that they seat you family-style with other groups and they start bringing out an endless supply of deliciousness. They actually bring you like every type of southern food you might possibly want. And they're all really really good. Since each person is the same price ($16), it might be a little pricey if you want to bring kids... although, my 7 year old cousin did eat 4 pieces of fried chicken. (She also said it was the best fried chicken she's ever had.) Long story short: Long wait. COMPLETELY worth it. Bring me with you next time you go. :)
(5)
Brian M.
My wife and I visited Savannah (from Chicago) for three days this week and Mrs. Wilkes came highly recommended. We decided to go on Friday. After reading so many great reviews and tips, we knew we had to leave early to have a chance to get in. We arrived an hour before doors opened and were #75 & 76 in line (yes - many people counted throughout the wait). There are only eight tables that seat eight to ten people, so we knew we were in for a wait. After two hours, we finally made it in...and we were not disappointed! We were joined by another couple from Orlando, FL and four locals who raved about the food. As we sat down, there were 26 dishes waiting for us. I was in food heaven! My favorites were the fried chicken, cabbage, collard greens and sweet potatoes...but everything was great. I also LOVED that you eat family style and talk to new people, and that after finishing you take your dishes up to a washer. Could not rate this any higher...an incredible experience!
(5)
Byron K.
I love this place. This is by far the best soul food that I've had while in Savannah. I stress that I've had because there may be other places around that are just as good, but this place is awesome. It reminds me of my grandmother's food on Sundays before our trip back home to Atlanta. There is almost always a long line so its best to get there before they open. They are only open for like 3-4 hours a day if I am not mistaken. Double check the website to make sure and whatever time they open, you should get there at least 20 minutes prior. The dining is family style so you are sitting with your family/friends and asking the people next to you to pass this or that. Not to worry though, because depending on how long you were in line, you have probably already made friends with them anyway. It's the closest thing to Thanksgiving you will have outside of November. Chicken, beef, dressing, fried corn, collard greens, macaroni & cheese, string beans, etc. etc. etc. etc. I plan to go in June when I return to pick up my son for graduation. My only gripe would be the dessert, which is a bit small, but after stuffing myself with all that food and sweet tea, its hard to complain about only getting a little dessert that I don't need anyway. No disrespect to Paula Dean, but I think this is much better than her restaurant. REMEMBER THAT IT'S CASH ONLY.........
(5)
Todd M.
It seems that "famous" restaurants often disappoint, and Mrs. Wilkes has been a legendary Savannah institution for many decades. I was, therefore, a bit guarded as I entered Mrs. Wilkes' humble basement door. However, I can honestly report that Mrs. Wilkes' reputation is deserved. Sitting down at a table laden with fried chicken, beef stew, BBQ pork loin, mac and cheese, cornbread stuffing, green beans, lima beans, blackeyed peas, rice (red and plain), stewed squash, succotash, scalloped potatoes, rutabagas, cucumber salad, brown gravy, cornbread and biscuits, my eyes widened like a child on Christmas morning! The fried chicken, lightly seasoned, reminded me of my mother's and grandmother's fried chicken - perfectly cooked with crispy skin, and non-greasy. The BBQ pork loin, with a flavorful but non-spicy tomato-based sauce, was a "stand-out" as well. Unfortunately, the hearty beef stew had been oversalted, but was still very tender with a rich, beefy flavor. Of the side dishes, the mac and cheese, succotash, and red rice were true stars; the mac and cheese was creamy without being greasy or heavy, while the succotash was delicately cooked and seasoned to perfection (a bit sweet with minimal herbs). The red rice, cooked with peppers, onions, and a bit of sausage, exploded flavors in my mouth and brought a smile to my face. Despite the fact that the offerings were heavy, "country" foods, I didn't feel uncomfortable after my meal, as I did after the meal at Paula Deen's restaurant. The only criticism I can muster of Mrs. Wilkes' Boarding House is the somewhat frenzied atmosphere. From the time you sit down, servers are whizzing by you, carrying refills and pushing carts for setting up other tables (don't sit next to the aisle, as I did); in addition, the serving bowls were entirely too small for "popular" dishes to make it around the table on the first round. The servers tended to be somewhat curt as well; they seemed overwhelmed, and will bark at customers! You don't get to linger over your meal: the moment you slow down, along comes the dessert tray with the server bellowing, "ONE per customer...When you are through, take your plate, dessert bowl, and tea glass to the kitchen, thank you!!" You really come to understand that you are expected to get in, eat, and get out - not the best Southern hospitality, I'd say. Despite these weaknesses, the quality and taste of Mrs. Wilkes' food makes up for the lack of atmosphere. It is certainly worth the wait in line!
(4)
Stephanie C.
We were shopping in downtown Savannah when a very helpful store associate named LuLu led us to Ms. Wilkes for lunch calling it "Savannah's best kept secret". We walked a few blocks, enjoying the scenery, and finally found ourselves outside of Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room. I'm not quite sure how much of a "secret" Mrs. Wilkes is, as there was a line wrapping around the corner of the street, but it was most definitely worth the wait! According to the locals it is only open for lunch 11-2, so it would be a good idea to get into the line as early as possible! Also, the restaurant is cash only, $16 per person for all you can eat. While standing in line, someone told me that the restaurant was so good that it would make me want to "slap my momma when I get home because she can't cook as well as Ms. Wilkes". I'm not one for violence, and if I ever tried to slap my momma I'd might as well dig my own grave, but it was probably one of the most fantastic meals I have eaten and I plan on visiting Savannah several more times just to experience Ms. Wilkes again. There were 23 dishes total, including fried chicken, BBQ, beef stew, and just about every side dish one can imagine. Everything tasted just like Grandma made it herself, I was shocked that not a single item needed additional seasoning. It was also nice to spend a meal meeting new people, forming a little family of tourists and locals alike! The setting reminds you of a family thanksgiving with photos on the walls and modest serving dishes. Another thing to note is that the sweet tea was phenomenal, and the service exemplary. All in all, Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room is an invaluable treasure in Savannah! If you go, it's a must!
(5)
Pete G.
Best place to eat in Savannah! If your from the north like my wife and I there is no better example of true southern cooking. This place was well worth the hour wait in line. The fried chicken and Mac & cheese was amazing! You must go!
(5)
Shirley F.
Wow. Worth the hour wait, being seated with strangers, being served a pre set menu, and having to bus your own plates and glasses. Mrs. Wilkes is about Southern Comfort Food. You will be served large amounts of fried chicken, mashed sweet potatoes, black eyed peas, collard greens, sweet ice tea, biscuits, pot roast, banana pudding, cornbread, all the classic Southern dishes. The fried chicken sets the standard for all other fried chicken. Usually I would avoid touristy venues, but Mrs. Wilkes is a great place to chat with strangers while in line or eating together family style. Friendly people, awesome food.
(5)
JENNIFER W.
A must do! How to do it: Show up. Stand in line. Wait (35 minutes on a Thursday at 12:30). Enter and get seated with 8 others. EAT!!!!! The table is already set and filled with fried chicken, sweet tea, biscuits/cornbread, and 15-20 side dishes all served family style when you arrive. This really negates the line outside because you don't have to order or wait for your food. EAT MORE! Then eat dessert! (About 40 minutes of solid eating) Take your dishes to the kitchen. Pay. $18 per person (plus a tip)=$20 per person. CASH ONLY! Leave. NAP! The food was all awesome! I tried many sides that I would have never ordered in a normal restaurant. I understand that they will keep bringing food.....but our table didn't finish anything at the table.
(5)
Todd P.
I'm conflicted on how to rate Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room...this is one of the times I wish Yelp allowed for half-star ratings. The reason is that I loved the food, but hated the "set up" which besides the inconvenience of waiting also impacted my meal. Rating the food is easy, as it was all very good. The fried chicken of course was excellent, though we ran out of certain pieces rather quickly and were never offered a fresh dish. Other highlights include the mac and cheese, beef stew, chicken and dumplings, and cucumber salad. The biscuit I had was a little tough, the baked beans were nothing to write home about, and there were some dishes that were virtually untouched by the table such as the okra and tomatoes. All in all though, people counted between twenty and twenty-five different dishes to choose from. Dessert was kind of an after thought, with small portions of banana pudding or blueberry cobbler, but not enough to try both. The inefficiency of the set up though makes it necessary to take a couple of stars off, so much so that I would give 3.5 stars if I could. Everyone knows about the wait, which for us was little over an hour and yet we were only inside for thirty to forty minutes. But the wait negatively affected the meal itself as you are starving by the time you get inside and start gorging yourself, trying to cram everything onto one plate, so you don't really get the chance to savor or actually enjoy what you're eating. You also feel rushed because you know there are other people waiting in the same line you just braved, so you eat too quickly, going from starving to stuffed (if not uncomfortable) in minutes. There is little "instruction" from the staff, in fact we were only asked if anyone wanted unsweetened tea or water. No one asked if we wanted refills of any dishes, explained anything about tipping or when you pay (you pay on your way out and tip at a basket near the register) and we didn't know when/how dessert would come and if we should bus our dishes before while we were waiting for dessert or after. The serving method also was very wasteful. Everything I would have wanted refills on ran out quickly while there were other dishes that were barely touched by our table and I can only assume were thrown out. For instance, our table barely touched the okra and tomatoes, but tore through the mac and cheese and fried chicken, so by the end of the meal some plates/dishes were completely empty while others were pretty much still full. So in the end, while I really enjoyed the food, the "set up" really detracted from it. I can appreciate not wanting to expand too much or to loose your "roots", but there has to be a better way to manage the wait, to "orientate" patrons to how things are run, and manage the food so that people can have plenty of what they want while minimizing the waste of dishes only some people will want. If I could break it out like a Zagat's review into food and service, I would give the food five stars, service three stars. I'd probably go back if I hit it right and there was a minimal wait, but I doubt I would ever wait over an hour again to be rushed through my meal.
(4)
John S.
So good. I hated turnip greens until ate them here. There are so many vegetables to choose from, its amazing. It would be 5 stars if you didn't have to share a table with other people. I also wish they had more to drink other than water or sweet tea.
(4)
John P.
So far one of the best southern restaurants I've been to. When I got there, there was a line extending two blocks. I was concerned that we won't make it in before they close in the afternoon. However, they were accommodating, and made sure everyone waiting in line was served. The setting is a basement with two large dining rooms each with three large tables. You are expected to eat family style. The price is the same for everyone, and you pay when you leave $16 per person. The Mac and cheese, collards, and wonderful yam. It was fun interacting ith others at the table, since I never been to this kind of dining place where I am from (Seattle). Overall it was a fun dining experience and excellent food.
(5)
Rachel M.
Overall one of the best dining experience of my life. It was like Thanksgiving dinner in the south. Everything was so good. We ate with a table full of strangers which is kind of terrifying but everyone was extremely friendly and had wonderful stories to tell. Favorites were the fried chicken, pickled beets, black eyed peas and okra and tomatoes. Go early, about 45-60 minutes before it opens or later past the rush. This is a definite restaurant to hit in Savannah.
(5)
Chris T.
I very much enjoyed this place. I agree with previous reviews that if you have had or have access to southern food, this may not yield a rave review, but it definitely was delicious and took me back to my childhood and "Grandma's cookin'." I was not expecting this either, but you bring CASH and CASH only. $16 per head, and you pay on the way out. You wait in line, (GET THERE EARLY and bring an umbrella in case it's sunny) When you get inside, the table is all ready, the food is already there, no ordering, you just pass around the bowls and take what you want. The chicken, blackeyed peas, and biscuits were my favorite. When you have had all you want, you take your plate to the back room and head to the door to pay. The place was worth the wait, especially for those who aren't accustomed to having a good southern meal.
(4)
Cecilia A.
Today the wait was 2 hours, and I still think is worth it. We passed the time talking to the other people on line and then finally we get a table... THE FOOD!!! Amazing as always, next time I am in Savana will stand in line again.
(5)
Markus S.
Good and generous southern food and reasonably priced!! Two things I like about Mrs. Wilkes Boarding house. Not a fan of waiting for an hour and their limited time to serve. Best time to go there and fall in line is after peak lunch hours when they are about to close to avoid long lines. But that is the way it is, boarding house style!!
(4)
Shannon T.
Best Southern Food Ever! Pros: Delicious Southern Food, with a variety of everything to try. Fried Chicken and Sweet Tea were delicious. Huge Family Style Table, so you will be seated with strangers (unless you have a large party of 12 or so). Cons: They are only open on weekdays Monday thru Friday for lunch only 11am to 2pm. This means very long lines to get in, so line up early. The food is well worth it!!
(5)
Lindsay L.
Holy. Effing. Cow. We decided not to do Paula Dean and chose Mrs. Wilkes' instead. Definitely the way to go. We got in line around 11am and sat down to eat around 12:30. It's pretty easy to make conversation with the people around you. It's also fun to watch people come out the door looking so stuffed! You do have to wait until the host comes out if you are the front of the line. You can't just walk in and wait. The front door is even locked to prevent this. I can't think of anything I wanted to eat that they didn't have. Fried chicken, mashed potatoes, collard greens, okra, biscuits, mac and cheese, banana pudding, corn muffins...the list goes on. My personal favorites were the mac and cheese (with a perfect texture), stuffing (with hard boiled eggs!), carrot slaw (with huge pineapple chunks and juicy raisins), and the corn muffins (with lots of butter). The sweet tea was also perfect - not overly sweet but not bitter. The service is very friendly, everyone was smiling and thanking us for being there. It just puts you in a good mood and you don't feel like you're in a restaurant. My hints? Don't eat breakfast beforehand. Don't drink a big cup of coffee either. And, be friendly to those around you. This is The South. If you didn't want to wait so long, go eat at Outback. No one wants to listen to you gripe and then pass you the biscuits and gravy!
(5)
Ellen E.
Since moving to Savannah two years ago, this is the restaurant I've been wanting to go to the most. It's been difficult because it's only open Monday - Friday from 11 - 2, but the stars finally aligned and we went this week. Since it's the off-season here for tourists, the line wasn't nearly as bad as you normally hear about, so that was a plus. And yes, the food is as good as everyone says. The fried chicken is A-mazing! It will make you forget KFC's extra crispy forever. The barbeque tasted like it had been slowed cooked for hours and was incredibly tender. The mashed sweet potatoes demanded seconds. Just a great Southern meal all around. Plus eating with five people we didn't know before made it fun (there were four of us in our group). The only down sides were the meatloaf (my sister said it was dry), and dessert servings were very small. The offerings the day we were there were cherries jubilee and bananna pudding. I saved room for dessert and would have enjoyed a little bigger serving. One last thing - they don't accept credit cards, only cash or checks. I didn't know this until we just about ready to go in. I went in and asked the gentleman at the cash register where the nearest ATM was (Ameris Bank - 300 Bull Street). He asked if we were getting ready to come in, and when I said yes, he told me I could get the money after we finished eating. When's the last time you heard someone say that?! So, put on your fat pants, go stand in line, and enjoy one the best meals you'll ever have!
(4)
Jennifer O.
After living in Savannah for five years, I can now say that I have been to Mrs. Wilkes. My parents, husband and I got there 20 minutes before opening. As usual the line had already formed and was almost to Whitaker st. Those closest to the front of the line had been there since 10am. We were in line for 1h 15m which wasn't bad because like everyone else the food was wonderful! My father stated that "nothing surprises me and when going to a place like this, normally there are a few things really good, a couple of things so so, and several things that are not so hot. Everything I ate was beyond my expectations!" I needed to pace myself with really really small samples of most items. I personally really enjoyed the collard greens, cabbage, fresh cucumbers, beef stew, mac and cheese, and of course after reading several reviews about the banana pudding, I had banana pudding. WOW! The rest of the family was going on about the red rice, corn bread and another item I can not recall. The service was wonderful, and everything was done just like Mom would have you do at home! My only complaint. I wish my stomach would allow me to eat $16 worth of food!
(5)
Rena B.
Don't eat breakfast before you go!!! Believe the hype!!! and CASH ONLY We arrived at 10:05 and were the fifth group to get seat at 11:00. There are 8 tables seating 10 people. When you get seated at your table, the side dishes and two of the meats are already on the table. The fried chicken usually comes out within 5 minutes. The chicken was hot and tasty. It is best to take a spoon of each bowl as it comes around, they can always pass it back for seconds. Our menu for the day: Meats: Chicken, Beef Stew and BBQ Pork. Side dishes: Rice and Gravy, Cabbage, Turnip Greens, Macaroni and cheese, Lima Beans, Creamed Corn, Corn on the Cob, Rutabagas, Pickled Cucumbers, Red Rice with Sausage, Potato Salad, Warm Potato Salad, Squash, Stuffing, Pole Bean, Corn Bread and Biscuits. Dessert: Peach Cobbler and Banana Pudding
(5)
Gina C.
Watch out Paula Deen, you have some competition! Def worth the wait and a fun experience! We arrived around 11:30 and got seated at 12:30. They do not take reservations so it's first come, first serve. When we finally entered the restaurant it was fast paced and organized. Your party sits family style with other people at a table. The food is already all set on the table. We didn't know where to begin. There was so much food! They had 3 entrees of fried chicken, beef stew, and sausage with rice. I only tried the fried chicken and it didn't disappoint! Not the best, bc my friend's nana makes the best, but close to it. Then came all the southern veggies. Seriously, every veggie you can think of - mashed potatoes, cabbage, cream corn, mac and cheese, lima beans, green beans, okra and tomatoes, cucumbers, rice and gravy, collards and several others. The waitresses were refilling the dishes, so you can eat as much as you want. Also included with your meal is tea and for dessert a choice of banana pudding or cooked cherries. Luckily, we didn't eat anything for breakfast and this was our first meal. Come hungry! Mrs. Wilkes only takes cash. It is $16 per person. Only opened on Mon-Fri from 11-2. Everyone that works there is so friendly! I heard it through the grapevine that this place is no comparison to Paula Deen's restaurant. If you are in Savannah and want some good southern food, def try Mrs. Wilkes!
(5)
Jim M.
If you can appreciate home cooking as an artform that can hold its own with the food that gets whipped up by CIA graduates you'll love this place. It's definitely Southern in the particulars but if your Mom loved to cook you'll feel right at home here wherever you are from. Like everyone else has said the food is delicious and abundant. I skipped breakfast just to leave room for this lunchtime experience intending to do some damage but there just was too much deliciousness to make a dent in the meal they lay out for you. You definitely have to rearrange your schedule to eat here (weekdays from 11:00AM to 2:00 PM only) but I'll repeat the line that my tourguide used when I asked him whether it was worth eating here -" It's like a solar eclipse, you have to take advantage of it while its there. And if you do you'll be glad you did." He was right. Make the time to check this place out. PS It's cash only ($16 per person and worth every penny.)
(5)
Bianca M.
A must when in Savannah! It was a ridiculous amount of food, but all of it was fantastic. I considered trying to smuggle biscuits out in my purse, but instead I just purchased the cookbook. I arrived around 1:00 and waited for about 10 minutes. I'm not sure that showing up when they open is the best idea.
(5)
Mike G.
Great experience and great food. Go with a few people of you can, you'll be waiting for quite a while before you get inside to sit.
(5)
Natalie B.
I've been wanting to dine at Mrs. Wilkes for around seven years. However, all my trips to Savannah took place over weekends. Mrs. Wilkes is only open for lunch, Monday to Friday. However, I set my mind on having lunch there on the day after Thanksgiving. Success! Mrs. Wilkes was exactly what I pictured. From the long line (bearable if you have a friend to take turns in line while you run into the cute surrounding stores) to the family style dining to the most delicious Southern food I've ever had. I had studied Mrs. Wilkes' website so I knew what would be served. Imagine my surprise when we not only got the Fried Chicken and Beef Stew listed for Friday's meal, but also a bowl of BBQ pork AND the Meatloaf. That plus the 15-18 bowls of side dishes made for an amazing experience. My favorites included the Fried Chicken, Meatloaf, Pork, Stuffing, Greens, Mac and Cheese, Biscuits, and Squash. Service is friendly! They will bring you more of anything you want! For our table, that included the macaroni and cheese and biscuits! Helpful tips: - Bring cash - Lunch is $16, which includes your drink (sweet tea, but they will bring you unsweet tea), dessert and tax. Grats are left in a communal bowl when you pay out. - Be prepared to make quick friends with your tablemates, as they may be passing you the black eyed peas! - Be prepared to bring your plate to the kitchen - Lunch starts at 11am. We got in line around 10:30. We got sat around 11:40. Just be prepared! All hints aside, it is completely worth it!!!
They don't make southern food in San Francisco: I cry. I had thirds of fried chicken. I ate things I've only read about in books. I stood in line for 20 minutes because I wasn't stoopid and didn't try to get there right at lunch time (hint, hint). The people sitting across from my peeps and I were hilarious, so try to swing that sort of seating, if you can (it's boarding-house style). You don't order, they just bring you a never-ending train of delicious. I don't care that it was full of tourists, some things are worth it, and this is one of those things.
(5)
I. F.
I have been a Savannahian my whole life, and today was the first time I have gone to Mrs. Wilkes. Best decision ever made. Let's just start off by saying, the fried chicken was the best I've ever had. I usually only have dark chicken, but I just said, I'll try the white. The white meat was so juicy, and tasty. It just melts in your mouth. As much Mac and Cheese they brought out for the table, I probably ate the equivalent of 2-3 bowls-it was that good. There are probably at least 20 dishes on the table at once. The mashed potatoes were amazing. Though I don't eat pork, the red rice looked really good. Sweet potatoes probably the second best side dish--so good! The beef stew was absolutely superb, with carrots. Also, from what people said at my table, the barbecue pork ribs, maybe something like that were phenomenal. I can not wait to come back here, though waiting in line is very long. One recommendation for visitors, and first timers: Come here early.
(5)
Shari v.
Mmmmmmm cant talk .... eating! Making homer simpson noises! Fabulous food every single thing I put in my mouth was phenominal! The staff was fun and friendly. I only wish I could have eaten MORE! If you don't like vegetables try Mrs. Wilkes, you will love em and wonder why "yo momma" can't make em like these! We stood in line long enough to feed the meter twice & we parked 2 blocks down. I would have parked a mile and fed the meter 5 times! We met fun people and had wonderful conversations in line until the big payoff ALL THE FOOD inside! Its Thanksgiving everyday here. I will be back again & again - travelin several hours! Thanks to the Wilkes for the wonderful traditions carried thru today.
(5)
Andrea R.
Really fun place - the BBQ pork and cheesy mashed potatoes were to die for. The cherry cobbler and banana pudding reminded me exactly of cafeteria lunches at primary school, so not my fave, but by the time the dessert came out I was so full it didn't matter. Definitely recommend this place for lunch:-)
(5)
Brianna M.
Best food I've ever had. This is not hyperbole. I was only in Savannah for about 24 hrs. Worth the long line. I was skeptical about spending $16/person just for lunch. Worth the money. Btw, when they ask which dessert you want, get the banana pudding.
(5)
Christopher T.
Think this is still a really good staple and go to place while in Savannah. 16 dollars though, ouf. i am just not sure of the price on all that. They're definitely pulling out a profit. This time I would say that the chicken tasted much better to me. the pulled bbq pork is still killer!
(4)
Joanna L.
I joined the long line of people paying homage to the lovely Mrs Wilkes and boy, was that line long. Down the street at around 1pm we waited 40 minutes to an hour. We entered and we were seated awkwardly with about 4 other groups of people at a large table. I love the idea of communal dining, but when you're seated with people who don't know how to start a conversation, it can be quite uncomfortable. Luckily, as soon as we started passing the food around, everyone started to get a bit chatty. SO. MUCH. FOOD. That's really all I can say. I can't even describe what 22 dishes is like when you're trying to make decisions on what to eat first. Fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes, candied yams, creamed corn, beef stew, lentils, biscuits, green beans, dirty rice, collard greens... oh god, just thinking about it is making me drool a little bit. I love southern food and this is the best of the best. Well, unless you have a southern grandma (oh god, I want one). Worth the wait, but I'd try to go at a "random time" to avoid crazIER waits.
If you only have time for one meal, this is a must. Sure there is a line, maybe 35 to 50 min, but it is definitely worth the wait for the experience and the food! The fun part about standing in line is getting to meet all the different people, local and tourist. Once you get inside, you are seated at a table of 8 or 10. All the sides are already set on the table and the waitresses bring the main course. There were so many sides that we really didn't need the main course of fired chicken and meatloaf. Loved loved all the sides. And if you want more which you won't , just ask. When done, bring your plate and cup to the kitchen. Pay as you exit..$18.00 a person for lunch... If you're not doing it everyday, it's definitely worth the experience!
(4)
Tessa M.
This place is a must! I traveled with a group of HARD to please travelers but this Mrs. Wilkes was loved by all. This is real southern cooking and no one else can even hold a candle to it. The bad news is the bathrooms are the grossest nastiest thing I have ever seen in my life. Ok have you been to a trucker's stop that may be nicer. Suggestion: Have a very light breakfast head over to Mrs. Wilkes before 11am. You stand in line and eat and leave. It's that easy. They only take cash or check. But the wait and the have to have cash is well worth it.
(5)
Jane K.
OH MY GOD BEST FOOD EVER -- if you like thanksgiving dinner with your family you will love mrs.wilkes. you just sit down with complete strangers and pass the gravy, mashed potatoes, collarded greens, fried chicken, beef stew etc. all arond and top it off with some sweet tea. Oh man sooo goooddd
(5)
Velina L.
Listed as one of the "1000 Places to See Before You Die", Mrs. Wilkes actually gets 4.5 stars. I was in Savannah for the long weekend and had to eat here...even if I had to wait in line for an hour. Which is what I did. They're only open weekdays from 11am to 2pm but if you're in line before 2pm, they'll still let you in for lunch. Was it really one of the 1000 places to see before you die? Maybe. Was it worth the wait? Definitely! You sit at communal tables with people who stood in line with you so hopefully by now, after an hour of waiting together, you've already struck up a conversation and are no longer strangers. As soon as you walk up to the table, you're greeted by cold glasses of southern sweet tea and a smorgasbord of side dishes: mashed potatoes, blackeyed peas, green beans, collard greens, sweet potatoes, mac and cheese, cabbage, rice and beans...I could go on. You also get a plate of tender bbq pork and beef stew., and a large plate of probably the best fried chicken I've ever eaten- piping hot, crispy on the outside, and moist and succulent on the inside. Perfection! For dessert, you get a very small bowl of their famous banana pudding. "Good," you think, "I'm already too full". Then you take a spoonful of the stuff and you change your mind- you want more! Who cares how full you are when you get to have the perfect combination of creamy vanilla pudding delicately laced with slices of banana and chunks of soft vanilla wafers, all singing in harmony on your tongue? So simple, yet so amazingly delicious. This is definitely a place to go to if you're ever in Savannah. Hearty, homey comfort food, just what you'd expect in the South.
(4)
Jacy R.
We waited 2 hours to eat here on a Monday. Yes we were warned but I will say that by the time we got in to eat we were not in the mood for convo's with the strangers at the table or the multiple photo ops they wanted to take of the table. We were hungry and grumpy, Ill be honest. The food is very, very good and something I would recommend that you experience if you have never been here. However, I will say that we all agreed that while it was delicious we would likely not wait 2 hours to eat here again. It's a lot of food and you have to go hungry so the 2 hour wait can become a bit exhausting especially if weather is not ideal. We were also very curious to know what they do with all the leftover food. There are approx 23 bowls/plates of food that they bring to each table and did not see anyone leave with doggy bags. They told us that they save it and let the employees take it home. We have NO reason to believe that they "recycle" the barely touched bowl of squash for example at our table but wonder how they seperate all this "leftover" food from fresh food in the kitchen with such little space.....just sayin.
(4)
R K.
This is the best Southern food I've tasted. It was recommended by a neighbor before heading to Savannah. It was well worth waiting in line. It's set up family style, and you sit at a large table with other guests. There are plenty of side dishes, sweet tea, and the best fried chicken you've ever tasted. One price for all you can eat. After you've finished eating you pick up your plate and bring it to the kitchen. It's only open for lunch until 2 p.m. (they'll take you if you're still in line at 2p). If you're ever in Savannah, this restaurant is a must!
(5)
Clara C.
DELICIOUS. Definitely a must-try for tourists and visitors of Savannah. This place has a lot of historic significance as it has been around since 1943. It's briefly mentioned in the book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. My roommates and I arrived at 10:30 AM and waited about an hour to get in. You definitely need to get there early! Right when you enter, the table is already set and the spread of food is already waiting for your consumption. There was every type of southern food you could imagine. My favorites were the mac & cheese, fried chicken, brown rice with sausage, mashed potatoes, and chicken & dumplings. It was nice eating family style and our fellow diners were very nice. It was interesting hearing where everyone was from. Two of the diners had come all the way from Washington (the state). I was a little disappointed that our table had gotten skimped of the biscuits & cornbread. I didn't realize til I was far too stuffed to ingest anything, but they looked amazing. Dinner comes with sweet tea and the bowls of food are replaced constantly. Service was quick and attentive. Desserts were a little too sweet for my taste. If I could do it all over again, I'd probably fast the night before so I could eat even more. Wear loose fitting clothes because you WILL be stuffed beyond belief.
(5)
G Z.
The hype is real. Believe it. Stand in line and pace yourself because there is desert after the main meal. Sweet tea is only a tad sweet, which is how I like it. The fried chicken was really very good, salty and tender meat. Who really has a problem with spending $16 for a meal that will keep you so full and happy you don't need dinner? I have been to a similar family style southern restaurant in Nashville and this one was way better.
(5)
Matt R.
After a long wait, this was some of the most amazing Southern food I've ever had. My strategy: a small scoop of everything in order to taste it all without over-doing it. You won't be disappointed!
(5)
Vicky A.
Food is average but doesn't live up to the hype in my opinion. Make sure you have cash as it's cash only. We felt very rushed to eat and get out so I recommend going to the final seating if possible so you won't feel as rushed. There's other good southern cooking restaurants outside of the historic district but if you have no car then this one is the best.
(3)
F. P.
The ultimate in Southern dining experience. Couldn't have asked for a better time, everything was near perfect. For starters, we were staying nearby and so we strolled down beautiful Jones St. right after some morning showers that may have kept some people away and made the city look beautiful. When we got there around a little before noon, there was no line and we just had to wait for about five minutes while they set up the next table. When we got to the table (which seats about 10 or so), it was an amazing first sight to behold. First of all, we were the only two to be seated at the table at first (four people joined later on) so we got to see the full effect. A plate of fried chicken with no less than fifteen sides! It was like Thanksgiving, part II. The chicken tasted great but I only a few pieces because I was too busy going to town on the sides. The standouts were the okra & tomatoes, the creamed corn and the bbq pork and rice with sausage. But there was also black eyed peas, mac 'n cheese, beef stew, cucumbers, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, collard greens, etc. I did my best but I don't even think I got around to trying everything. The sweet tea was refreshing and both desserts (banana creme pie and peach cobbler) were excellent. After you're done, you bus your plate and glass and then pay in cash ($16 per person) Amazing how a place that's only open on weekdays for lunch btw 11-2 w/o reservations can be so popular. But now I know. This is probably one of the most memorable meals I have ever had.
(5)
Brady B.
If you should ever find yourself in Savannah on a Mon-Fri, GO EAT HERE! I found this restaurant on Yelp when I was doing some research on the best Southern cuisine available in Savannah for my pending trip with my Momma. Needless to say, thank you Yelpers once again for pointing me in the right direction. As others have mentioned, the restaurant is open for lunch only Mon-Fri. We got in line around 10:15 and were lucky enough to get an 11:00 seating. What we saw in front of us was nothing short of Southern decadence. Bowls and platters of what seemed to be every Southern staple. "Take what's in front of you, take a helping and pass it on to the left" was what we were told. We were seated at a large table with several other hungry hopefuls which was really a great experience socially....we just ooohed and ahhed together at Mrs. Wilkes' decadent offerings. Everything was delicious! And we're talking a huge spread folks. But as others have mentioned, be prepared to eat probably the tastiest fried chicken you will ever have in your life. The rule of thumb seems to be eat and out in 30, seeing as there will be a huge line of other hungry hopefuls dying to share the experience. What my Mom and I could not believe was that this amazing lunch experience, paired with an ambiance you can only get in Savannah was only $16 a person!!! If you should ever be in Savannah and decide to skip this, it will leave you with a bad conscience and an unfulfilled palate.
(5)
Jason L.
I liked the atmosphere and the build-up (the line outside actually starts at 10am EVERYDAY)...but the food was very average. $18 per person isn't terrible, but I've had much better for that price. You're paying for the ambiance and experience (which was fine by me).
(3)
Sam P.
Obama picked the right restaurant to visit in Savannah. I grew up here and am surrounded by Southern cooks, but I still think Mrs. Wilkes' is worth a visit every now and then. Meals are still served boarding house style: you share a table with strangers and pass the communal dishes around the table. Don't forget to take your dishes to the kitchen on your way out. Fried chicken, biscuits, Brunswick stew, vegetables (preferably with meat in them), etc. I've never been disappointed by an item there. Well worth standing in line. Well worth $16/person, especially if you can fast the day before. Delicious, authentic, and worth the wait. In other words, the polar opposite of the Lady and Sons.
(5)
Roger B.
It had been more than two decades since I had eaten there, so when I was back in town, I wanted to try it again. The food is good enough for the price ($16 flat - no tax), but not if you had to wait two hours as we did. Several people at our table voiced the same. As for the food, the sweet tea was too sweet. the fried chicken was pretty good and very hot. The turnip greens rank as among the best. The biscuits were pretty good. Most everything else was just average.
(3)
Ali Y.
What an experience... wait two hours to sit with people you don't know and eat like it's your last meal! Yes Please! It was great! Food was phenominal and who doesn't like to get to know the 8 others at the table over some delishous southern cooking!! Best collard greens and real down home mac 'n cheese for sure! It was like the best Thanksgiving you could ever ask for! It is a must if you are in savannah!
(4)
Matt O.
There are few restaurants that I will wait in line to experience. No, I won't even put my name on the list and take a pager. It's even less likely that I would wait outside in the sun, admittedly sweating from places I didn't know I could. Mrs Wilkes' was one exception, and I would do it all again. This is probably a dream come true for indecisive people - no menus and no ordering necessary. You walk in and your table is already set with dozens of southern classics. Just sit down and pass it around. Without a doubt the best southern meal I have ever experienced. The food speaks for itself and you quickly learn that they have been doing this for a long time at Mrs Wilkes'. They only take cash, really, so be prepared.
(5)
Miriam D.
Waited in line for and hour and a half to eat here and it was worth every second. Southern food at its finest, best and most delicious. You will be served food family style and mostly likely have another group at your table, no issue. Once food comes you will be too busy eating and stuffing your face to care about who is next to you. Service is very personable and friendly. I came out of hear feeling as if I had just had thanksgiving dinner, only I ate more than I did on thanksgiving and this was way better. I have no regrets.
(5)
Janet L.
A must do in Savannah. Skip breakfast and get in line at 1:45 when you're totally starving. They stop letting folks in at 2pm, but if you're in line, you should be okay. Mind-boggling array of Southern fare. Can't possibly list all of the dishes that magically appear on your table, but the highlights were: killer fried chicken, BBQ pulled pork, corn bread, sweet potatoes with raisins, rutabagas. okra. etc etc. every dish had a unique and terrific flavor. Well worth $20 per person.
(4)
Jay J.
AWESOME!!! Love the atmosphere and the family style dining!
(4)
Krista M.
Oh man. Could this be any more perfect? Our silence around the table said it all. Yes, the two-and-a-half hour wait wasn't ideal, but we made some friends in line. It just added to the whole experience. This was easily one of the highlights of our Savannah trip.
(5)
Rizzo S.
Hands down the BEST Soul Food I've eaten. Mrs Wilkes opens from 11am - 2 pm which is why there's a line. So get down there by 10:30 to stand in line. We got there by 11:15 and the first group of people had already gone in. We prob waited for 30-35 mins. There's a water cooler by the door because I understand it gets pretty warm here in Savannah. The best part about this place (aside from the food) is you don't have to order the food. You walk in, sit down and start eating. The food is already on the table. Its like you're at your Mom's for dinner. You are seated at a table of ten so you will be eating together with people you don't know. If you're not a talker, it's fine. The food is so delicious you won't wanna talk but you will help pass the dishes around:) I tried to get a lil bit of everything on my plate but i just couldn't wait to taste. I LOVED the fried chicken, collard greens, yams (usually not a fan but Mrs Wilkes yams is to die for), sweet corn (wow) and etc. Man my tummy is growling and mouth watery jus thinking about it. Definitely a place you want to try for Southern home cooking. Don't forget to wear some stretchy pants:)
(5)
Joey P.
This place definitely lives up to the hype! Located on the most beautiful street in America, Mrs Wilkes serves a smorgasbord of food to you family style at tables for about 10 people. We were offered fried chicken, barbecue pork, mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, multiple types of veggies, delicious sweet tea, peach cobbler, and everything that's good and southern. It was almost like having thanksgiving dinner with a bunch of strangers. In fact it's probably less awkward than thanksgiving with your weird relatives because everyone's in a good mood and we met some cool interesting people. I'd recommend getting there early; our group arrived shortly after 11 and there was a 30 to 45 minute wait. The only negative was that I went into and food coma after eating here and nothing else has tasted as good ever since. A must do for visitors to Savannah!
(5)
Joe B.
A Savannah institution for many years now. Should definitely be placed on your to do list when in the area. VERY limited seating inside. You are in the basement of a home. You will be sitting at a table with other people basically eating family style. When you enter, you will be shown to your table where you will find it all set up with food, drinks, and sides. There is no menu, you get what they make and what they make is damn good! On this day, we had fried chicken, meatloaf, barbecued pork, mac and cheese, collard greens, black eyed peas, too many more to remember!! Now remember, they are only open from 11am - 2 pm. You're hungry?? You want to eat?? Then you will get there around 9:30am We got there at 10am and there were already about 60 people on line waiting. We just missed the first seating. Did I mention that you have 30 minutes to eat?? They don't throw you out, but you will get the hint. The price is more than right for the food you get. It's $18 a head. Every single thing we tasted was very good. This is southern cooking at it's finest. Forget about the Paula Deen tourist trap and make your way here. If you don't get here early enough, don't say I didn't warn you!!
(5)
Tyler L.
As one of the consistantly mentioned must experience restaurants in Savannah, we knew we had to give it a try. The doors open at 11, but you will want to line up earlier or you'll have a long wait. The house is an old boarding house where Mrs. Wilkes began serving quality southern comfort food to the boarders and the tradition continues today with tourists. The interior is surprisingly big with a bunch of tables. Seating is done by the table, and the 12 person takes are always seated full, so you'll be drinking with strangers. This makes fur a fun family style experience as you'll have to ask your table mates to pass the sides. There are something like 12 different southern sides like okra, corn bread, rice, greens, yams, and beans. The main dish is the fried chicken which is delicious and crispy but I loved the bbq and sausage too. Service noisily leaves you alone, but it's charming in a boarding house way. Must do in Savannah.
(5)
John P.
Even though I had to wait in line for at least 40 minutes it was worth it. If you come to Savannah and enjoy food, don't miss this place. You'll be amazed at how good this home cooking was. Served family around a big table with more vegetables than I can remember.
(5)
Craig B.
You know how people say things like "I wouldn't write home about it.". You'd write home about this place. A friend suggested this. I especially wanted to get real Southern food. It's totally worth it. Three tips though: - I'd make this your sole meal of the day. Just skip breakfast and dinner - It's $18 -- cash only - Plan on about 2-3 hours when it's all said and done. When I showed up around 12:30 pm, the line was out the door, down the street, and and was starting to go around the corner. It then moves very slowly. A few of the staff come out now and then to say "hello" and joke with you. But you do start to wonder if you'll ever get in. You might even want to line up before they open. Then, finally, you're in, and seated at one of many long tables with strangers - they were strangers anyway. Either you met them in line or you're going to meet them now. Not strangers anymore. Actually a lot of fun. The table is covered with 20+ bowls of different dishes. Now you'll need to start being strategic about how you go through this because you probably want to eat every last bowl after waiting in line for 1 to 1.5 hours, and I doubt that you'll even be able to try a little bit of everything -- there is just too much food. I can't even list it all: fried chicken, collard greens, sweet potatoes, squash, creamed corn, pulled pork, picked beets, black eyed peas, cucumbers, macaroni and cheese, sweet tea. I can't remember much more than that because I think that I passed out. Afterwards Mrs Walkes came over to chat with our table. She's the granddaughter of the original Mrs Wilkes. I was impressed just with the way that she answered all of our questions and just seemed happy to talk with us. President Obama and his entourage ate here. There is a photo by the register. I asked the cashier if the president had to wait in line, too, and he quickly answered that "those secret service thugs got him right in here."
(5)
Rachel S.
Good Food! Word of advice: even though the place opens at 11:00AM, please be sure to stand in line before that!!
(5)
Vicky P.
Outstanding! My entire family was happy with the food and the service. I don't think it's possible to even try everything they put on the table. It's a great opportunity to try all the southern favorites. It's a great concept, I loved sitting at a table with another group from different parts of the country. It's worth the wait and worth the money. We got there at 9:50 and were seated right at 11am when they opened.
(4)
Jo M.
This place was worth the 45 minute wait. So much good food for the low price of $18! That fried chicken was just heavenly. I have dreams about it. All the sides were very yummy too. So much food!! Only complaint was that there was no hot sauce to be found in the entire restaurant. Service was friendly but rushed. CASH ONLY. *note: my friend and I couldn't move after lunch here, we sat in the car for about 30mins. Pace yourself when eating here lol.
(5)
Greg B.
Great food, great price, long wait. Suggest getting there no later than 9:45am to be in the first seating. The wait goes by pretty quick chatting up with everyone in line. There are a ton of sides brought to your table even more than what is there when you first sit down so pace yourself to try everything because it's all delicious. Absolutely loved the fried chicken!! Creamed corn and pulled pork were fantastic too. Just try a little of everything.
(5)
Rachel R.
Good God, this place is good. My mother is Southern and is obsessed with this place, and we always stop by on our way to the beach in the summer. You really need to fast starting the night before--you WILL overeat here, and it's worth clearing out some stomach space if you don't want to feel sick later. Come at least an hour before--they seat in waves and if you're there at 10:00 there's a good chance you'll be in the first seating. Make weird small talk with fellow diners (many of whom are tourists, but there are lots of locals during the times I've been there--I think the predominantly tourist population is because Mrs. Wilkes' is only open during the week and it's an investment for a workday lunch for most people). A bunch of Savannah city councilors showed up once when I was there, and everyone got very excited. Pass around plates of super-light cornbread and biscuits and heaping bowls of butter beans, squash casserole, green beans, collards, mashed potatoes, and mac and cheese. I'm not super-enthused about the mac and cheese (not a huge fan of Southern-style mac and cheese to begin with, honestly), but the mashed potatoes, squash, and green beans are fab--the mashed potatoes are creamy and flecked with bits of onion and cheese, the green beans redolent of bacon, the squash tender and creamy. A word to those reviewers who complain that the vegetables are "mushy:" in Southern cuisine, vegetables are deliberately cooked for a long time, usually with some bacon, under they're very tender. One man's authenticity is another man's mushy, I suppose. The chicken is delicious--though I like Willie Mae's in New Orleans better if we're judging fried chicken in the South--but it's the side dishes and the awesome baking powder biscuits that really shine here. Trust me--if it's good enough for my nothing-tastes-like-my-grandmother's finicky-about-collars mother, it's good enough for anyone looking for a taste of rural Southern cuisine in Savannah.
(5)
Maria M.
Ate so much...felt guilty eating the rest of the week! Just soooo good. Fried Chicken and mac and cheese, and, and, and ...... everything good!
(5)
Emily Y.
Go there. Best meal I've ever eaten. Get there at ten am, wait in line, bring cash and come hungry. An absolute must for savannah.
(5)
Leah L.
I cant say anything about this place that has not already been said. This food is the absolute best in Savannah. The business has a fantastic history and should be so proud of everything it is. Word of advice... get there at 10am!! Do yourself a favor and eat here!
(5)
Lady Di D.
The line to get your grub on is sooooooo worth it........ Fried chicken, Mac and cheese, black eyed peas and peach cobbler were the belles of the ball........didn't mind the family table set up in that we were able to meet interesting folks from around the USA.
(5)
Jason D.
Awesome and delicious. Kind people and great family event to add to any visit to Savannah.
(5)
Joan L.
Waited 2 hours & 45 minutes to get seated. Canned corn, green beans but good fried chicken . Will NOT return
(1)
Lindsley A.
The line is WORTH the wait! As long as you have good company, waiting won't be as bad as you think. This place is CASH ONLY! For the price you pay, you definitely got your money's worth. The aroma of food while waiting outside the restaurant will strike your hunger to another level like no other. Once you walk in and are seated the food is all laid out for you and you get served sweet tea along with it. My eyes were overwhelmed with the amount of food that was on the table, it looked like it would never end. FRIED CHICKEN is the TRUTH! Oh my gosh, the best fried chicken I've ever had. The sides were just as good, my favorites were: -Mac-n-cheese -Mashed Potato & gravy (oh but the gravy..mmm) -Mashed cream of corn -Collard greens -Stuffing -Cornbread Jalapeno -Cucumber (very refreshing) -Sweet Potatoes (to die for.. ahh) Also don't forget dessert which is included, the banana pudding = perfect ending to the entire food! There were other sides as well, trust me, a little bit of something for everyone. My goodness my goodness, the food was overall amazing, the experience, and the staff were super friendly. Once you're done, you have to pick up after yourselves, but don't worry it's just your plate. Alright, enough of this reading. just go and enjoy it! Trust me, I will come back!
(5)
Magan T.
AMAZING! Just go! I don't know how we missed a line to get in, but there was no wait for our group of 5. It was a rainy mid-weekday and we walked right inside and only waited 5 minutes before we were seated at a large, family-style table with another small group. As soon as the drink order was taken the food started coming! Every southern food you can imagine, and it was all some of the best southern food I have ever had. After a few helpings of my favorites, our plates were cleared and we decided on a dessert. I'm originally from Savannah, and while living there I never visited Mrs. Wilkes'. Now, I will not visit without making time for lunch here. The entire experience was so wonderful.
(5)
Vin C.
Disclaimer: I don't know what home cooked southern food tastes like, so as to the authenticity of this place, I can't say. It sure as hell tasted home cooked though, and eating here felt more like sitting at grandmas table than any restaurant I've ever been too. That alone made the experience worth the wait. Reviewers who likened the chicken to KFC and called the sides flavorless...shame on you. The majority of the dishes were excellent, some were admittedly a little bland but this is the closest thing a New Yorker like me will get to sitting at aunties table and sipping sweet tea. I'm glad yelp pointed me in their direction...worth the wait if you only plan on visiting savannah once.
(4)
Jean M.
One of the best meals you will ever eat. The absolute best part of the south is having experiences like this. A table full of deliciousness. Nothing like this exists at home in California, unfortunately. A girl can dream...
(5)
Megan S.
Show up with a snack in your purse at 11AM and be prepared to wait in line until 1PM! My best friend and I stood in the sun and questioned our sanity a few times but finally making it into the boarding style dining room to a table filled with every southern comfort dish you could imagine! Sweet tea and place settings were out, we took a seat said grace with a group of strangers and immediately asked to pass the mac n cheese, fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and more all around the table. You name it, they had it! And then they had the nerve to bring out dessert... Peach cobbler and banana pudding! We all looked around the table, smiled and parted ways a very happy group. Absolutely worth the wait! PS It's CASH ONLY!
(5)
Tom D.
There really isn't anything to say that hasn't been said about Mrs Wilkes. The wait is the only negative, but suck it up and get in there, you will not regret it! If you think you like fried chicken, your gonna love this.
(5)
Jennifer D.
One of the best meals we had, define tally a must go. Loved the family seating and the people we met. The food was great, every dish.
(5)
Tracy E.
Love it! Expect to wait approximately 1 hour, but it's completely worth it. They serve you family style at the table and you sit with a crowd of strangers and friends alike. Best authentic Southern cooking in Savannah. Perfect for visiting family, or if you are touring Savannah and want an authentic experience. Locals and tourists both frequent this place.
(5)
Lucas R.
Tourist Trap! Do not buy the hype! We got there at 1100 and stood at the back of the 1.5 hour wait line, as expected. My uncle and I took turns drifting through the crowd chatting w/ folks and we found only ONE person who had been there before! That's the big warning folks; when you have 125 people in line and less than 10% are repeat customers.... buyer beware. Service was great, food was about average southern food. 1.5 hour wait and $20 price tag make this meal a 1 or 2 star meal. The best thing I can say about the food is that it is superfluous. There were about 20+ bowls of sides at the table, most of which was unimpressive. The only thing I thought was better than your average southern food was they called "filling". But the main staples- yams, collard greens, biscuits, fried chicken, green beans, corn, etc. were MEH.
(2)
Joanna Y.
My only comment is 24 dishes on the table, each one tasting like it came from a loving grandma's kitchen,, I don't know how they do it. as for long waits.. we visited in December... arrived about 1 pm. and there was no line, and about 10 minutes wait for a table of 8 to fill. even at that time everything was piping hot, fresh, and appetizing and DELICIOUS!!!!! Mrs Wilkes granddaughter was our very gracious host, and she appeared to be loving what she was doing. This is an experience you should not miss, even if you have to wait.
(5)
Anthony R.
This place was awesome! There was so much to choose from. Every item was cooked to perfection. The fried chicken is some of the best the best I've ever eaten!
(5)
Eddie R.
Our friend recommended that we come eat here. The first thing you will notice is the line that sometimes wraps around the corner. On this day, we got here and were half way up the block. Not bad. We met people on line that's eventually wool end up seated with you. It is a family style dining. Tables seat about10 people. As you get closer to the door you hear the comments of how good and how much food and how full they are. You hear this over and over again. Everyone also says "it was worth the wait". We finally were chosen to enter the house and sat down to a table full of food. Too many to mention here but chicken, meat loaf, veggies were just some of the foods awaiting our attack. Let the feeding frenzy commence. Within 20 mins, I was so full, I could not move. Potatoes, black eye peas, bread, jambalaya, and OMG on and on. Just when you think it's over and you can't eat one more thing, they bring out dessert. If you are ever in the area of Savannah, you must try this place. There is something for everybody. You won't be sorry you came, just sorry if you didn't. Must do. Highly recommend.
(5)
Davina D.
Sigh. Georgia is on my mind. Goddamn, Mrs. Wilkes. What a legacy you left behind! A southern charm, family style, escorted by shifts into dining tables of 8, food all laid out ilke a gangsta thankgiving feast! a table of 12, you are forced to at least try to get along with your new best friends for the next 30minutes to an hour as you share one thang, FEAST AND BEAST on this goddsend. MMMMMMMM.... After an hour and a half wait, we were finally seated still sweaty under the summer sun.....without introduction to the other folks at the table, we began to pass the plates of DELICIOUS FRIED CHICKEN around followed bythe biscuits then the never ending bowls of side dishes. Orgasmic masterpiece finally laid out on your personal plate. What will be your FIRST bite? Hell yeah, the fried chicken. AWESOMEEEEEEEE! Lightly fried, non oily crispy skin, juicy tender meat. Still droooling... Biscuits were awesome, lightly buttery, flaky and airy. Mmm. Nothing makes it more worth it than finally biting into a biscuit cuz that's ALL YOU'RE GON SMELL WHILE ON LINE....Also offer cornbread, mmm BISCUITS! The sweet corn was AMAZINGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG...what is in this heaven? THIS PORK DISH- WHOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAa BLACK BEANS-PERFECT MASH POTATOES-PERFECT COLLARD GREENS-PERFECT MAC AND CHEESE- CHEESY POTATO SALAD WOW DESSERT- BANANA PUDDING---ON THE FLOOR LICKING THE BOWL DRY Ahhhh PURE HAPPINESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS But once you getting, we start the introductions amongst our tables and suddenly we're laughing and talking and inevitably leaning on one another for SUPPORT as you begin to fallllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll into overconsumption BUT nobody wants to STOP. Mrs. Wilkes is a true true badass and DO BELIEVE THE HYPE, it's that GOOD and worth it. Savannah is so gorgeous but Mrs. Wilke's dining hall is STUNNING! Think about your lover as Mrs. Wilke's Dining Room. MMMMMMMM right? RIGHT ON! My homegirl I was with is a vegetarian btw, and she BALLED OUT HERE so NO WORRIES. ALL FOR $18 SMACKAROOS. COME ON NOW. Anyways for the NYC Ballers and Hard core foodies.........WINK WINK A one day trip is POSSSSSSSSSIBLE if you flyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy.
(5)
Blair C.
Oh joy was this good. A little different process, standing on line for about 30 minutes, family style with 4 other couples but a great and satisfying experience. The food was out of this world. Fried chicken, fried green tomatoes, corn bread, fresh rolls, greens, mac and cheese, and lots of other stuff I am forgetting about. This is a must go place!
(5)
Lynne J.
If you did not grow up in the South, this is a place to try. Traditional southern food served family style. The corn, fried chicken, and banana pudding were great. The numerous other sides were just "okay," compared to my mom and grandmother's home cooking. Be prepared to wait in line. Our concierge recommended being in line by 1:00. We waited 45 minutes but we were not rushed through our meal.
(4)
Sharon S.
No menu just a table full of southern favorites. My personal recommendations would be the B-B-Q beef, beets & mac & cheese. But it's not just the food, it's a chance to sit & visit with locals & other visitors to Savannah and if you are as lucky as we were, meet the gracious owners. The down side would be their limited hours & having to remember to bring cash.
(5)
Brandon H.
You can't NOT eat here. Everything is ridiculously perfectly cooked and probably the best bargain you can find for all you can eat at $20. We waited an hour at 1130 on a Thursday which in my mind translates to about a 30 minute wait anywhere else, considering the food is waiting at the table as soon as you sit down.
(5)
Randi H.
Deeelish! The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because I would rather not sit with strangers.
(4)
Hudson C.
If you're standing in line waiting in front of Mrs. Wilkes for a table reading this review, STAY PUT!! It's worth the wait and you are in for a treat. You'll be hard pressed to find better food and a better atmosphere with friendlier staff anywhere. It's a great place for families or big groups, or if you're in a small party you'll get seated next to some new friends who are just as excited about the food as you are! I know you're hungry, but don't have a meltdown - very good things are coming your way.
(5)
S Z.
You just have to suck it up and do this! Yup our wait was 2 hours. Chat with the people around you. You will probably wind up sitting with them. Every single one of the 25 dishes was amazing. I left my manners behind and drank the gravy. Fried chicken was the best ever. They can make strange veggies taste like dessert. I mean, the president ate here. The family is still working and super nice. And you bring your own dishes to get cleaned!
(5)
Phil A.
Worth the wait, and yes, the fried chicken is the best. Ample food that is guaranteed to stick to your ribs. There isn't much more to say other than you won't be sorry if you like good ol' homecooked southern cuisine. I tried just about everything on the table, and while some things were definitely better than others, nothing was disappointing. Everyone should give this place a go at least once in a lifetime.
(5)
Rosie P.
Ok... ok... ok... this place is AMAZING! $18 per person and it's totally worth it. You might get a little frustrated by standing in line... but fight the frustration because you won't experience another place like this. 5 for sure!
(5)
Tara P.
The food is amazing. Just like a home cooked southern meal. Went there around 10:00 and we were in the first seating at 11:00. When we left the restaurant the line was wrapped around the block so definitely try to get there early. Make sure to bring cash, they don't accept credit cards!
(5)
Anita C.
Went here at recommendation of a local. Its an interesting place with a unique communal style of dining. There was a short line at 12:30 and we were seated in about 15 mins. You are whisked to a 12 person table with other newfound friends to share a meal like you are at your parents house for Thanksgiving. On the table are about 24 different sides and entrees served family style. Not a great assortment of main dishes but perfectly good for what this is. Fried chicken, pork bbq, jambalaya, beef stew, mashed potatoes, mac n cheese, collared greens, b-e peas, sweet potatoes, gravy, pasta salad, baked beans, and rutabaga and a few other things i never tried. Sweet and unsweetened tea are served with lunch. Desert tray comes out last and both the peach one and banana dish were very good. Not a fancy place at all, and you get to wait your own dishes to the washroom when you are done. You pay $20 pp when leaving. Make sure to pay when you are absolutely leaving because there is no bill nor anyway for them to track if you already paid if you wander back in to review all the knickknacks they have on display. Pay and leave! Wait staff is pleasant and helpful and will offer coffee at end of meal. For what it is, this place does a very good job at what they are doing and providing - good ole all you can eat southern comfort food baby!!
(5)
Mark W.
Place lives up to the hype! The "King of Southern Comfort food" or should I say Queen! You really can't go to Savannah and not do Mrs. Wilkes..... The sides are all good but those cheesy mashed potatoes with onions are incredible! The whole line thing is a bit of a cunnundrum.... Early, late, 11:15 or 11:30 what should I do????? My advice get there at 11:10ish.... You won't be first in line... The "old Timers got the front of the line on lockdown! I think they are getting there around 10:45.... Way too early, but they don't seem to mind. You'll be about the 20th or 30th in line but don't fret.... You'll be in the first seating. The tourists will be snapping pictures of the line from every angle and you may be stuck next to a "Space Invader" from Minnesota but you'll be in by 11:10 and out by 12:00 and ready for the trolley tour!
(5)
Tim P.
Family style. Y'all better bring your appetite. I was impressed with the spread! So - in case you didn't know, even if your party is two people, you sit at one of the big family sized tables and they bring out around 9-12 bowls of different food. It's all pretty amazing. I though the collard greens and the fried chicken were the best. We didn't have to wait too long. I was very impressed with the food! SO GOOD. CASH ONLY.
(5)
Steve B.
Holy moly was this place definitely worth the wait. We were told that if we're visiting Savannah, we MUST GO to Mrs. Wilkes and to expect a very long wait but to be rewarded with fantastic southern cookin'. They're only open 11am-2pm M-F, and I now understand why...They don't need to operate any more than 3 hours per day, 5 days a week because of their fantastic food and surplus of patrons. We waited about one hour outside in the grueling heat and humidity and I began to doubt whether or not it WOULD be worth it - oh it was. When we finally entered I immediately realized that this was not a typical restaurant. We sat down at a large oval table that sat about 8 people - and the table was already chock full of food. Probably about 15-20 bowls of different foods from fried chicken, pulled pork, mac 'n cheese, baked beans, corn bread, beef, creamed corn, and on and on and on. What, all you can eat you say? Oh boy. We sat there with 6 total strangers and overwhelmed our feed for about 45 minutes - needless to say we were a bit uncomfortable on our way out, but for only $18/pp? Wow. Do not miss this diamond in the rough if you're ever in Savannah.
(5)
Tony S.
A recent trip to Savannah,GA for a conference gave me little time to break away, but fortunately there was a decent enough break in my schedule to make a run to this place. We asked one of the wait staff at the Hyatt downtown where she would eat locally if she was from out of town, and without batting an eye this was the first place she named. It is within walking distance of anywhere downtown, and given the parking meters that don't give you much time for the money you put in the meters, walking may be the best option if weather permits. Three very important things to know: 1) It is ONLY open Monday through Friday from 11:00 AM until 2:00 PM. 2) Cash only...currently $18 a person, but it is a steal for the experience. 3) Chances are you will be seated with people not part of your party, but that makes it even more special! My suggestion is to arrive no later than 9:30 AM and get in line. No matter what you do, you WILL wait about two hours. I would rather wait on a full stomach and be hungry by the time I am seated fairly close to a "normal" lunchtime, than to wait past the point when I am ravenous. You are let in in groups to make up a party of ten; this means that the five in our group were seated with five strangers, but by the time we were done with our meal we felt like family, which is the whole point! You are directed to a large table already set with large bowls of the food...there is every kind of southern comfort food imaginable on this table, and the simplicity of it is stunning. You each take a seat, and begin passing the bowls around. There is simply not enough room on the plate to sample everything, and you have to pace yourself to not get full before you get some of everything you want to try. But take your time; you're allowed to be seated as long as you want. The fried chicken is some of the best I've ever had. The beef stew was awesome. But some of the best were the summer squash, the black eyed peas, the lima beans, and so on....everything was well seasoned and piping hot. And as soon as a bowl or plate emptied, more came pouring out of the kitchen. Accompanying rolls, cornbread, and tea or water also kept coming out. It was literally a horn of plenty. I would definitely go back again. I think this place is equal or better than some other establishments in town ( you know who I am referring to!) but to me this is the real cradle of Savannah hospitality!
(5)
Keri F.
I agree with all the positive reviews. It's just fun to sit down with 8 other people and pass about 25 plates of food around! No one in our group was overly talkative, it was pleasant conversation. The wait was about 2 hours no matter when you get there, only the people arriving closer to opening time (11am) might actually wait and NOT get seated. We arrived at 9:30 on a Friday and were 2nd in line. We sat promptly at 11am, but only the front room got seated (3 tables x 10 ppl each) - they filled the other room around 12. We sat down with all the sides on the table (about 25), and right away we were brought the fresh fried chicken, BBQ pork, and then bread. I could go on and on about each of these dishes but really why? What I like might be different for you. I think it's a given that everyone loves the fried chicken - it's always fresh, crispy, and moist. And it's refillable! The other meats seems to rotate - and it's above your average restaurant taste. The side dishes: there are 25! You are bound to love at least 3-4, which, let's face it, is really all you need on a good dinner plate! There are 2 desserts to choose from - go with a friend who will let you sample the one you don't get. Highlights for us: (and I know I just said it was pointless) Fried Chicken - Awesome. good salt level, good garlic, medium breading, perfect crisp, all pieces moist, and hot of course (take a bite and let it cool). BBQ pork - more a sweet flavor but still nice Green beans - no meat in it, but it was still pretty good (Momma does it better.) Black eyed peas - very good, pop in your mouth, smokey, medium salt Corn bread - oh yes, best in town, moist and peels apart (not flakey), more like a biscuit, you can taste the corn! Rutabaga - never had this one before, but it was very good, like a squash but not as squishy. Cabbage - very good, cooked tender. Spanish rice - surprisingly light and tomatoey Mac n cheese - I did not try (d/t lactose issues) but my friend stated it was the best she tried in Savannah, the cheese was good and (while not Velveeta) still gooey. Sweet tea - just enough sugar to overpower the tea leaf, but not too heavy (like some places) The negatives: okra and collard greens - were undercooked and rough, which with okra, can really be gross. Overall, fun and yummy. Give it exactly 4 stars. (Mom still gets the 5 stars)
(4)
Lisa H.
Mrs. Wilkes was not only one of the best meals I have ever had but a wonderful experience as well. The fried chicken was moist and delicious but the vegetable sides were truly amazing. Many reminded me of my grandmother's and mother's home cooked Southern meals. I miss them so much. But to get back to the experience, you may have to stand in line and wait to eat, but you get to make friends. Then you enjoy that great meal with them and that is the wonderful experience if the place! Simply terrific!
(5)
Shkinia M.
Wonderful. Everything I ate was good. I went into it like being invited to eat at someone's house and you don't know the other guests. Food was good and plentiful. The people we were seated with held great conversations. Highly recommended.
(5)
Princess S.
I'd never heard of this place until I arrived in Savannah, but it of course came highly recommended. I stopped by around 12:30 one day and witnessed the line, so I decided to try again the next day. I got in line at 10:05am, and there were already 5 people there. Time passed by easily with conversation and reading, and finally at 10:55 the doors opened. It was like walking into someone spacious dining room, exactly as it's called. I was alone, but everyone was seated as if they were a big happy family. The food was delicious and for $18, it was all you could eat (within ~40 mins) southern home cookin. My favorites included the jambalaya, sweet potatoes, and beans. Sad to say, the fried chicken had too little salt, the collards had too much salt and there was no coffee. It's a great experience for people who don't have regular access to Southern home cooking, but since I do, I'm just happy to have met the people at my table!
(3)
Rachel m.
There's a reason people wait in a line for forty plus minutes for this place. True Southern Soul food, served family style. It's almost like a Southern Thanksgiving. Sitting at a large table with people you don't know, it's a great way to make new friends and enjoy the true meaning of a sit down, "family" dinner. You walk in, are directed where to sit, and your meal is already at the table waiting for you. 18 bucks a person for food, drinks, and dessert, but it's pretty much all you can eat because they keep bringing food, even thought there's still plenty already on the table. My boyfriend loved the fried chicken, which is a favorite, but I loved the pulled pork and Mac and Cheese, but really, EVERYTHING was great. On the occasion you might spot a celeb, today we spotted Alec Baldwin! Definitely a local favorite. You won't be disappointed, definitely worth the wait. But make sure you're in line before 1:30. They close at 2!
(5)
Bianca D.
Where's the 6th star? This place definitely deserves it. Started off my trip in Savannah before making the drive over to Atlanta the next day. Had a few hours to roam around downtown by myself and I knew those few hours would be solely dedicated to Mrs. Wilkes and eating incredibly too much before our drive. Showed up at 10 to beat the masses and there was already about 15 people forming a line in front of the tiny hidden building. Glad I came early... (make sure you also bring change for the meters) I thought it would be a little awkward waiting in a huge line for an hour around groups of people when I was by myself but it wasn't at all. Everyone was very nice and interested in hearing about the mystery land of California. Southern hospitality definitely shined. The clock struck 11 and the first of us were let in. Bowls of food already waiting on the large round tables that fit 9 people each. We sat down and started passing the food around. There was about 20 or so bowls of different food... Fried chicken, bbq pork, beef stew, rice, gravy, black eyed peas, greens, candied yams, mac n cheese, creamed corn, cabbage, rutabaga, lima beans, dressing, pasta with peas, corn bread, biscuits, baked beans, potato salad, can't think of what else, and then banana pudding to finish it off. Here's for the highlights. The fried chicken...best fried chicken I've EVER had. Ever. Great crunch on the outside with amazing juicy meat. BBQ pork was one of my favorite things on the table. Great flavor with the tangy flavor and savoriness that I like. Candied yams were nice and sweet without tasting more like a sweet potato pie than a dinner side. Raisins were a nice touch too. Greens reminded me of my mom's...made with love, ham hocks or bacon without being too salty or vinegary. Banana pudding was amazing and the PERFECT way to end a meal and start my trip in Georgia. Glad I got to visit this great place, sad that I will most likely never get to eat there again.
(5)
Mo H.
This was my husband's pick, as I had never heard of it. He stayed in line while I took the Trolley around with our 1.5 year old son. I was a bit nervous about taking him there, but as I walked in a bit late (after our table was seated and sides were passed) there was a highchair waiting. I plopped him in it and let him start on some mac n cheese. I started piling my plate up and tried just about every side. I ate 4, count that FOUR pieces of the most delicious fried chicken that has ever met my lips. I generally don't eat that much, but I had skipped breakfast in anticipation. I think my favorite sides were the okra and stewed tomatoes, the mac and cheese and the fava beans. It's hard to pick though, everything was delicious and my husband said definitely worth the wait!
(4)
Stephanie S.
OMG. At 10:30 am (place doesn't open until 11) there was approximately 70 people in line. Hot, humid day & no one was getting out of line. It was WORTH the wait. Once you are in the restaurant you are seated at a table of 10 & with strangers that become friends over a meal. There are approximately 15-20 side dishes plus your fried chicken & two other meats. What can I say other than this was the best fried chicken I have ever had. This was echoed from each person around the table & I wish I could have taken a doggie bag home. The side dishes depending on what you like - there is something for everyone. Desserts you have two choices & they are small servings but you don't need much because you are so full from the lunch. The place is clean, folks are real nice & the price is perfect!
(5)
Natasha U.
Where do I begin??! The wait: TOTALLY WORTH IT! Now, they are are only open for 3 hours according to their website and what's posted on the sign (11am-2pm) but if you stand in line before 2pm or close to it, you will get seated, so don't fret! They will not turn you away. We got there around 12:30 and got seated around 2:10. That's enough time to wait and garner up an appetite. You will need to come here extremely hungry. BE PREPARED! As soon as you walk in, the food is already on the table and ready to be eaten! Service: Very friendly and down home. Just like I expected. Everything was on point and super cool. As soon as a bowl was empty, they came back and asked if wanted more food. Unbelievable. Price: $16..what? Okay, based on the amount of dishes we had plus sweet tea, that comes out to less than a dollar per item...that's right, less than a dollar per item for all you can eat of some of the most amazing soul food ever! There were over 22 items on the table. Now that is a steal. I didn't even have enough room to try each of them! THE FOOD: In the famous words of Usher...OMG!!! Talk about a belly busting meal. The fried chicken was fried to golden perfection with just the right amount of seasonings, the collard greens, the sweet potatoes, the mac and cheese, cornbread, black-eyed peas...it just goes on and on and on and you don't stop. Wow! Just about the best damn soul food you will ever have. If you ever find yourself in Savannah, GA..this is a MUST SEE, MUST EAT, MUST GORGE YOURSELF place to eat. Skip Paula Deen's Lady and Sons..seriously there is no competition here.
(5)
Fabian W.
The wait is horrible but the food is magnificent. The family style serving added to the overall experience. But that damn wait, almost 2 hours outside was rough..... Oh, cash or check. Yup, I said check. No credit cards at this spot. But I'll be back on my next trip to Savannah.
(5)
Shiyana V.
Mrs. Wilkes' = never-ending delicious home-cooked southern food, served up to your communal table of 10 for just $18 per person (no credit cards accepted). We left Mrs Wilkes' Dining Room completely satiated. It was totally worth the hour-plus line in somewhat chilly weather, and all the calories that I definitely put on at the dining table (especially after that 3rd piece of fried chicken!). About 23 dishes were served up to our table. Proteins included fried chicken (just perfectly crispy, not overly breaded, tender,...), beef stew, bbq pulled pork. Plus there were plenty of veggies - corn bread stuffing (amazing flavor), black-eyed peas, collard greens, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, creamed corn, rutabaga, dirty rice, I could keep going - but I lost track. I wouldn't bother saving room for dessert, have another piece of fried chicken instead. They offered us banana pudding or blueberry cobbler - definitely not the stars of the meal, perhaps a distant third cousin. Hence my four star rating rather than five. Get there early as the doors open at 11am and the line seems to start forming just before 10am. Apparently if you know them, you get to sneak in the back door, which means that the line might look a bit deceptive - although I can't believe that too many do that regularly. For two non-southerners - this was a great opportunity to taste real down-home cooking - without any of the modernizing that happens in so many other places. Wish I could have Thanksgiving with the Wilkes family someday!
(4)
Lisa L.
Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room was one of the restaurants recommended by our hotel during our stay in Savannah last month. There were about twenty people ahead of us in line as we waited approximately 45 minutes outside on a hot, muggy day in July. They seat eight to ten people per table. You enter as a group and you leave as a group. We were seated with three other couples and everyone seemed to enjoy their meal. It reminded me of Sunday dinners at my grandparents home when I was a child. The first ten minutes were spent passing all the food around. The food was lightly seasoned, not overly salty or too buttery. It appeared the mashed potatoes won the "best dish" award at our table. The cabbage was my favorite. Although I did not partake of the fried chicken, those that did commented it was good. You have a choice of two desserts, and it was at this time that our table began lightening up and engaging more in conversation. One couple was from Atlanta, near my hometown, and the other two couples were from my son's alma mater, the University of Louisville. Small world. All in all, it was a nice meal and we enjoyed the fellowship around the table. If you've got the time, Mrs. Wilkes' definitely has the food!
(4)
Zayla D.
Best ever. Totally worth the wait in line. Literally the best soul food experience that we've ever had. Family style dinner, meet new people, eat great food. EAT HERE!
(5)
Michelle J.
We were lucky to be near the front of the line when we came, so our wait wasn't too late. The experience overall was good. I enjoyed the family style dining. The meal was delicious. The amount of side dishes was astounding, and all of them were good. The biscuits and dessert were my favorite. If you're looking for good home-cooked southern food, this is the place. However, for the price tag I would probably prefer to eat my grandma's cooking. It tastes just as good.
(4)
Jim F.
We arrived in Savannah late afternoon and made our way to Mrs. Wilkes' first thing. We waited only 1/2 hour to be seated with several other smaller groups. I have to say we were slightly disappointed. We had tried a similar place in Nashville the year before and it was fantastic, so perhaps our expectations were too high. Some of the sides were not very hot, and the mains, although tasty, were not near the "best ever" category. And we thought the service was a bit detached. I probably would not go back, but it is certainly a "must do" your first time in Savannah.
(3)
Cathy M.
This is probably the best soul food I have ever had! First of all, this place seats family style and it is ALL YOU CAN EAT! This place has the best fried chicken I have ever tasted! The cream corn is to die for! And the mash potato is whipped and tastes so light that it just melts in your mouth. I could probably eat the whole bowl of mash potato myself! I waited 2 hours to go in and believe that it is worth the wait. All this food for $20 a person, so go in hungry!
(5)
Colleen M.
So you and your sweetheart came to Savannah on vacation, making reservations at Lady and Sons for an authentic low country meal. Well, bless your heart. Now, call and cancel those reservations. Then make your way to Jones Street around 11:00 for lunch at Mrs Wilkes. On my first trip to Savannah, my now husband picked me up from the airport and - no joke - drove me straight to Mrs Wilkes. There is no better introduction to Savannah. Our family insists on a trip to Mrs Wilkes on every trip. The food is hot, delicious and made by human hands. There is always almost always just a little too much of it and you never manage to restrain yourself. Be prepared to stand in line to wait. It's just how Mrs Wilkes is. Food is family style and tables hold ten or twelve people. You will end up sitting with strangers and the smaller your group, the sooner you will eat. There is no lingering and Savannah locals hint that the dessert is mediocre to encourage you to move on out and let the next dozen in. It's cash only, so come prepared. There aren't any ATMs nearby. But don't worry -- the food's already been blessed.
(5)
Tanya G.
Advertised as one of the "Thousand places to visit before I die", I did not want to miss out and have this regret over my head on my deathbed. There is so much history in Savannah and Mrs. Wilke's is definitely an important chapter in the book. A former boarding school, you can just imagine what it would feel like to be a student in the school. We were seated at a large table with other travelers, forced to greet and meet but the awkward forced conversation did not last long. On comes the parade of F-O-O-D!!! It was a blur of awesome fried chicken, side dishes and sweet tea. Mmmmmm mmmmmm mmmmmmm Now conversation was easy flowing as you ask your neighbors to pass the green beans or tell them to try the candied yams. Food is always a better conversation piece than "where are you from", "how long are you in town for". I don't really care to know. I do care that you share your food with me, yes please don't hog the mac and cheese!!! What?!? I said please :-) All you can stuff your face, Mrs. Wilke's make sure you are happily full and satisfied. Yes ma'am!! As a souvenir, I bought her cookbook. . . We won't get into how my food turned out using her instructions. . . :-P I am happy with no regrets, can't really ask for more.
(5)
Jessie C.
Being a tourist, I was told the best Southern food was at Mrs. Wilkes'. So off I went on a 6 block trek to this place. To my dismay, there was already a long line up by 11:15am. Waited over one hour for what I hoped to be worth the wait, and got to jump the line as a 1-person party. I was then informed to follow a group of people walking in, so confused, off I went. At the next room, there was just one big table available. Well, this was awkward, I didn't see any tables for a single person but was promptly told to sit down in their lilting southern accents. Who was I to argue? There was food on the table. Alright, table for 10 and about 4 different parties of people. The food was already laid out family style, so introductions were quick and off we started rotating the endless bowls of food. I wasn't sure what some of the stuff was, but my table was super friendly and loved introducing me to "their" food. Black eyed peas, some other beans, collard greens, mashed potatoes, biscuits, cornbread, fried chicken, and tons more dishes. The peas were perfectly firm and tasty, the fried chicken was to die for. Not too oily yet crispy and oh just so tender and moist. The collard greens were very delicious and the mashed potatoes were like clouds of buttery, savory creaminess. The cornbread was not the sweet type and the macaroni salad was tangy, creamy and the noodles were firm. By the time we had all had our fill and had started to slow down, one of the guys picked up what looked to me like maple syrup (I am, afterall, Canadian!!). But they mentioned it was something else, like treacle or sorghum. I dripped it on my biscuit like they suggested, with the warning that not everyone could "take to it" on their first time. Oh.My.God. I swear there were fireworks going off in my head. My tastebuds were rejoicing for this amazing, delicious goodness. The fluffy, butter biscuit became merely a vehicle for this sticky goodness that I had just discovered. After I recovered from that amazing meal, we were told to bring our dishes to the kitchen. Well then, this truly was family style dining and I had just adopted a few Floridians, a couple Nova Scotians and a pair of Kentucky-ites (?). On my way to pay I discovered the Mrs. Wilkes' cook book. Snapped that up real quick and on my way out, I felt so satiated that I felt like telling everyone still in the lineup (which had greatly elongated since the beginning of my journey) that the wait was SO WORTH IT!!! Keeping my big mouth in check, I walked quietly by with a big smile on my face. Upon my return to Canada, I told all my friends about this amazing experience, and sure enough, as quickly as I snatched up that cook book, it left my hands even quicker to make their rounds through my dear dear friends. I will definitely think about this place often and wonder when my next travel to the southern state will be.
(5)
Jerry W.
As a true Savannah local, (my family came to Savannah in 1788) I can tell you that this is one of the most incredible, consistent, delicious and authentic dining experiences I have ever had anywhere in the world. I am a confessed foodie and have travelled worldwide. This place is the real thing. The line is there for a reason: fantastic food and service at a great price. If you come to Savannah and do not eat here, you missed out! I eat here once every 2 weeks just to get my fix!
(5)
Nekiba M.
It is worth the wait, my mother and I went back the following day. Some people complain about being rushed but I didn't feel like that at all. The key is to get there early. I was warned by the tour guy, the place opens at 11am but get there no later than 10:15. We got there at 10:30 and the line was already down the block. Took the guys advice the following day arriving at 9:47 and was the first in line. Now back to the food, did I saw how really good the food is. The restaurant is family style southern food seating at a table with complete strangers. When you walk in the food is already set up, all that was left was say our blessing and dig in. The main course was fried chicken, pot roast, and barbeque pork. The barbeque pork was okay but the fried chicken and pot roast was the best. The sides didn't disappoint either. The standouts were the beets, collard greens, and rutabeggas. You this is the place to go when locals are willing to stay in the long line with tourist. The second best part was talking with the people at the table. Great food and great company is a good combination which Mrs. WILKES has.
(5)
Robyn M.
So my husband ate here on our recent visit to Savannah. I had read the great reviews and the locals could not stop telling us how yummy everything was here. Well....we waited in line here for lunch for 1 and 1/2 hours with nothing to drink and no place to sit. When you finally reach the door you are sat at a table with complete strangers. The food is already there on the table and it is passed like you would at a "family" dinner around the table (I think I mentioned you eat with strangers). The staff didn't offer any explanation for the food on the table, so I had some fun explaining it to the other folks being a southern gal and all (you can take the girl out of the south, but not the southern out of the gal). We sat with one family from up state New York, a newly wed couple from up state New York, and a couple from Arizona. I really enjoyed explaining to everyone that the stewed okra was not jalapenos. LOL! Now the food. The chicken was not good. The cabbage had sugar in it - who does that! The lima beans and creamed corn were okay. The biscuits were sad. The black eye peas were cooked to death and in their own rue. The greens, although cooked to the correct consistency, had enough salt to kill anyone with one bite. There were many dishes my husband and I didn't try, just because they didn't look right. We will never go back and recommend everyone considering this place to go to Lady and Sons. Southern cooking can be bad for your health, and this place defines just how bad. Don't get me wrong, I am not saying Lady and Sons is healthily food, but it is yummy. Southern cooking doesn't have to be bad for you. The deserts were peach cobbler (which was a high point for me) YUMMY! and nasty banana puddin' (my favorite on a regular day). After clearing my own plate, we got to pay cash for this lovely meal ("no plastic accepted"). Please don't waste you time with this place.
(1)
Dillon C.
Amazing food, plenty to eat, great service. Be prepared for the long wait but it is definitely worth it. Keep in mind that it is a communal table with bowls full of food set at the table as soon as you are seated. They bring refills of food and drinks if needed and a choice of 3 small desert plates are offered after the meal. Be sure to try a little of everything because it is all great. Way better food than Lady and Sons, the fried chicken was on another level. REMEMBER that it is cash only, and be sure to arrive early to ensure that you get through the long line.
(5)
Doug H.
Great food and service when you get inside - but you need a better system for waiting in line. It is in-human to make people stand 2-3 hours in a line to eat. The original Mrs. Wilkes ran the boarding house and restaurant for decades and worked there until her death in the 90's at age 95, but now that the management has passed through the family the customer service is less. I think the great-grandson runs it now, and they have all of the customers they can handle, but you should consider your customers and have a call-ahead system or something that acknowledges the concern that the founder had for her customers. Why not return to earlier opening and later closing since they don't open on weekends. Staying open until 3:00 pm will prevent people from feeling they have to be there at 11:00 am just to get served. I know that a different waiting system is in place for locals and tour groups, but at least provide some relief for those who must stand for 2-3 hours.
(4)
Jeff C.
The food here is good, some of it very good. But for me, it didn't live up to the hype that everyone seems to give it! The major problem being that you don't really enjoy your dining experience. After waiting on the long line out front, you're seated with other folks and inundated with the food, then after you finally get done passing all the plates and filling yours, you get a VERY definite rushed feeling! Not everyone at our table was done eating, when they started clearing all the tables and serving dessert, then informed everyone of the policy to bus your own plates. Another very big hint to finish up!!! So, although the food was good, the overall experience was a disappointment!
(3)
Girl B.
I'm not a fan of Southern cooking. I tried it, I disliked it. Hell, I'd go so far as to say I HATE SOUTHERN COOKING. Fried tomatoes, collared greens, wtf? Mrs Wilkes did NOT change my mind but I have to say, it was an awesome experience because for $20 per person, you sit at a table for 10 and are introduced to more than 20 traditional, home-cooked southern dishes. There is nothing to order. Perfect introduction to southern food. So altho I hate Southern food, I can still appreciate an establishment's efforts and inventiveness. I couldn't just give every southern restaurant a bad review because their style doesn't gel with mine. It's like hating Chinese food and then going to China and giving every chinese restaurant over there one star only. Huh?? Anyway, worth a visit.
(4)
Tramaine W.
Definitely lived up to the hype, it was everything I was expecting. For $18(cash or check) you get a drink and a table full of at least 15 food options. Not all the items are great but when you have that many options you'll leave satisfied. My favorites were the BBQ pork, sweet potato casserole, fried chicken, and mashed potatoes. My least favorite was the collard greens, it tasted like old frying grease. I also didn't care much for the cabbage, dumplings and cornbread. All in all I would go back in a heartbeat and it's a must when visiting savannah.
(4)
Demetria M.
This place is all that the other reviews say it is, I'm just adding my 2 cents. The food is already on the table when you're seated except for the fried chicken and biscuits, which both come out nice and hot within minutes of being seated. If you get there early enough, there is meter parking on both sides of the street so I went ahead and stood in line but didn't put any money in the meter until about 10 minutes before the restaurant was opening. I was about the 10th person in line and they let about 60 people in at the opening of 11am. Don't put alot of time on the meter because they start cleaning your table off after about 30-35 minutes but don't worry, you will be good and full by that time. I got there around 9:50 and there were already 2 people in line. Everything was delish, but I didn't care for the stew beef, it wasn't seasoned right or something. Definitely worth the wait!
(5)
Mike W.
Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room had been highly recommended by several folks upon our arrival during our recent visit to Savannah. So, we ate at the Dining Room on our second night. Our wait in line outside the Dining Room was slightly over an hour, which was OK since the weather was nice. Once inside we were seated with the people that had been in line near us, at a table with the numerous bowls of food already present. Serve yourself family style. The staff didn't offer any explanation for the food on the table unless asked. A lot of food! The chicken, black eyed peas, sweet potatos, and pork were all good. Collard greens, cabbage, and other dishes were generally OK. The biscuits and corn bread weren't so great. Overall, the food was good but not exceptional. However, Mrs. Wilkes' is an Interesting and fun dining experience if you are open to talking to and dining with strangers in a "boarding house" atmosphere. Avoid if you aren't open to this.
(4)
Alex H.
I waited in line for 45 minutes on a muggy Monday, and every 10 minutes or so I wondered to myself whether or not this was really worth the hassle. Maybe it's a tourist trap. Maybe it's all nostalgia hype. Then we made it inside. I'm so glad I trusted in my fellow Yelpers. This place deserves a special spot in my heart as my 100th review. You get seated at a table that holds 10 and it's loaded up with a handful of meat dishes, a plate full of biscuits and muffins, and somewhere around twenty or more sides. If you hit the bottom of anything, they bring you more. The fried chicken is as good as advertised. Be advised, this establishment is CASH ONLY, so if you want a t-shirt or a cook book, make sure you take extra.
(5)
Eilleen B.
Came to Savannah with best friend's family. Was really looking for authentic southern food and boy was this it!!! I really love fried chicken and I have to say this was the best fried chicken I've ever had. Get in line early by 10:30am. There is some shopping around. Only same is some of the food was thrown out. But a definite must do in Savannah! Can't wait to go back!
(5)
Michelle P.
Worth the very long, very hot, wait. Good ole southern food served family style. We loved meeting other tourists & some a couple of locals while we shared a table and wonderful meal!
(4)
Marcela H.
If food is anywhere near as good as this in heaven, may I be struck down this very second! I was on a cross country road trip with a friend and we initially had plans on going to Paula Deen's restaurant but thanks to fellow Yelpers, we were steered straight into Mrs. Wilke's Dining Room. When we arrived we were greeted with a line out the door. Being an avid Yelper, I have conditioned myself to expect and appreciate long lines for that means that what awaits inside is well worth the effort. But never have I stood in line with a crowd full of like minded determined individuals that even your heaviest most unexpected rain didn't change our plans. Sure some of the elders sought refuge under nearby awnings but only if they had someone in their party willing to brunt the rain. Once inside I was pleasantly surprised to see that it was family style type dining. I guess the name should have tipped me off - Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room - but the LA native in me had already written off the name as a marketing ploy. Twelve of us were seated together in a massive dining room table. There was a total of 4 tables in the front room and probably another 3 or 4 in the back room. There were no menus and no waitresses. Once we arrived at our seat cold and soaked from the heavens, we were greeted with a spread of food that made you want to say grace even if you've never been religious a day in your life. There was a platter of fried chicken surrounded by bowls full of mashed potatoes, gravy, greens, cream of corn, mac & cheese, black beans, yams.. MY GOD the yams and a whole lot more that I need to stop naming because I am tempted to drive to Savannah tonight. In short, this place is definitely worth the effort. And if food isn't THIS good in heaven, may I at least get a 7 hour warning so that I may hop on a plane and end this the right way. Peace, love and good ol' fashioned southern home cookin'!
(5)
Derek L.
My girlfriend and I decided to try this place because it was listed as one of the best places to eat in Savannah. I was very impressed. Savannah as many of you may know its an older town so they keep their tradition. This place is a house with 4 tables in it. We went on a Thursday and we had to wait outside at 9:30am even though this place was opened at 11am. Trust me its worth the wait. This place has a great environment. You don't just sit with you and your date. Its a round table and you are seated with other customers. The food was amazing, they had beans ( I hate beans) but these beans were great. The beef stew was WONDERFUL. The beef was cooked just right. It was very tender and melt in your mouth. The corn bread is so delicious it makes you want to slap somebody. Now the mash potatoes great cook correctly and has a perfect blend of potato and milk used. On top of that, the people you meet are very nice and easy going. We ran into this couple we sat with about 4 times during our walk at riverboat street. One of the nicest couples ever! You never know who you are going to meet. AGAIN GREAT FOOD GREAT PEOPLE AND GREAT ENVIRONMENT a MUST GO PLACE IN SAVANNAH!
(5)
Tiffany M.
We were not planning on eating at Mrs. Wilkes' but everyone we encountered told us "y'all got to eat there before leaving Savannah." I really didn't think it would be worth the wait and I really am not one to go for quantity, but instead prefer quality. And really, who wants to wait outside in line for an hour for a meal? I do now and am now a full blown Mrs. Wilke's convert. All the dishes were very good, the collards which I had thirds, were awesome. We were served so many dishes, that I wish that they would have identified them as they brought them to the table because some guests sitting at our table kept asking the rest of us what they were - one of the disadvantages of dining family style. The desserts were okay, but not great. I originally ordered the peach cobbler, but it was so bad I asked for the banana pudding instead. I bought the cookbook as a souvenir but after perusing the recipes, many of them included Cambell's soup and were from the original printing from the 70's which I'm sure are not the recipes they currently use. So save yourself the $18 and look online for the recipes.
(4)
Gibson J.
Great food. Great service
(5)
Richard B.
I don't know of a better place to taste the wonderful tradition of Southern Soul Food. While the platter of chicken is tempting, I actually love what they do with the sides. Veggies have never been made so noble--I had six or seven kinds my last visit. BTW: the sweet "oss" tea is a tad too sweet, so stick with the plain Jane version. The long lines here speak volumes; a landmark.
(5)
Miriam P.
Whenever my family and I visit Savannah we make sure we have time to eat lunch at Mrs. Wilkes. We have eaten there at least 3-4 times and each time was well worth it. Don't eat breakfast before going because you will be stuffed. We typically arrive around 11 am and get in by about noon. You will get your money's worth! Excellent family style southern food. Just like my Nana used to make.
(5)
Michele S.
Outstanding. We were here maybe 7 years ago and kept dreaming of going back. We finally went today and were not disappointed. Still the sweetest service and real Southern food cooked right. Best of all, there's a little of everything (really, a LOT of everything!)... try it all! If you haven't had rutabagas... or succotash (okra included)... or limas... or black-eyed peas... or the many other side dishes, now's your chance. Everything is delicious. We also enjoy sitting with others at the communal table and meeting new friends. The whole experience is worth the wait. We got there at 10:40am... doors opened at 11... we were seated around 11:45am. While we waited, we brought some cards and played a few rounds of poker. I also walked around the lovely gift shop on the corner (One Fish, Two Fish) while my family waited in line. Bring cash (it's cash only) and quarters (for the meters), get in line... you'll waddle out happy!
(5)
Ronnie W.
Absolute best southern food I've had. I came expecting great food, and was still amazed. Arrived at 10:15 and was among the first to eat. Show up at 11:00 and you'll be waiting awhile. Worth the wait for the food and the experience. I grew up having both sets of my grandparents and my Dad and Mom cook family style meals as a catering business, and this food was right on. I will definitely be bringing my mother here once I get a chance.
(5)
Jessica G.
I loved this whole experience. The food is worth the wait and the family style dining makes the experience that much more memorable. Remember to PACE yourself though. Just a taste of everything because there is just too much to try. Loved every bite.
(5)
Todd A.
The food and atmosphere were both so good I almost cried.
(5)
Jillian C.
This place was highly recommended so I was excited when I walked in to make a reservation but the older gentleman at the hostess stand was SO rude! He asked if I wanted a table and I asked if I could see a menu (I'm a vegetarian so I wanted so see if there were any options that would work) and he snapped at me and said, "Look, either grab a seat at the table or leave." I was stunned! A man standing next to me, waiting for his seat even widened his eyes in shock. I sort of laughed and said, "Well, I guess I'll leave..." Seriously awful customer service.
(1)
Shan W.
Couldn't have asked for a better meal... everything I ate i would say to the hubby "I want this recipe!" It was a Thursday morning and we got there at 1030 - we were part of the first group to get in. I hear on Fridays it's a lot more crowded. By the time 1100 rolled around the line was pretty far down the street (not a two hour wait for them though) You know its a good place when they offer a cookbook with all their food! Confident that letting their secret out won't hurt the business. So glad I listened to my friend who listened to the locals who said skip lady and sons and go to the place where Mrs. Wilkes was named Julia Child of country cooking. I wanna go back...
(5)
Megan R.
Mrs. Wilkes' is one of the best places for authentic Southern food in Savannah, other than my grandma's house! The wait is REALLY long, but very worth it.
(4)
Melissa G.
The food was amazing. If you are going to have one Southern home meal in Savannah eat here. The fried chicken was good, but the sides were great- beef stew, bbq, mac and cheese, fresh cornbread. We got the first table and sat with two people who knew Mrs. Wilkes and had stories about Obama visiting (all good). Were the first in line at 9:30, the line was around the block by 10:30. Tips- cash only. Before serving food there is a prayer mentioning Jesus. Just a heads up if that makes you uncomfortable.
(5)
Thomas v.
Food: multiple side veggies, some good, some ok, black eye pea is salty. Corn bread does not have enough corn taste. Biscuits are dry. Jamba rice was burn. Fried chicken does not wow factor, which is my disappointed. Banana pudding is just ok. Service: good and friendly service. Lady owner come around 3 times to check on us to make sure everything ok. Cash only. Make sure you have $18 each adult. We don't have kid, so i don't know how price for a child. Parking: on street. There are tons of parking around. Location: right in the middle of historic area. There are many beautiful park, fountain, historic building around. You can walk around for taking picture and sight seeing. There are many horse carriage pass by. Waiting: we wait on line for 3:10 hours to get in. It is Friday morning 12/27/2013. I don't know if regular weekdays people have to wait that long? However, it is once a life time experience. I myself do not think it is worth for it. Since we miss our tour just for few so so fried chicken!!! It kind a ruin the whole morning. Luckily the weather is too beautiful. And we bring a dog to play in the park near by. So it is not too bad for me. But i saw people walk out with a long face, too. Maybe most of us do not want to admit how dumb we are of wasting hours and paying so expensive for just ok food. We are tourist. Sometimes we make mistake. Please be brave and speak up and share experience to each other. Thanks.
(2)
Megan Kristen M.
I read another review indicating plentiful vegan options and was doubtful, so I called. They have tons of vegan options. I have seriously never eaten this much food in my life and it was spectacular. My husband says if you like chicken, go. I say it doesn't matter what you like, it will still be delicious. If you are picky like me, ask and they are helpful about what is in their dishes. So yum.
(5)
Lissete D.
I can only concur with all the great reviews. Everything that I tried was great. Food was refilled quickly and there was more than plenty. Pricing is reasonable. This is a much better option than The Lady and her huge gift shop/ waiting room. I was a bit apprehensive about the dining with strangers thing. But after our hour wait in line, we had already been conversing with most of our dining companions. We will definitely be back!
(5)
Joelle A.
Long line, but so good!
(5)
Paul G.
Hate to pick on this place, but the food is flavorless, canned and overcooked. The chicken was only slightly better than KFC. They can't even get banana pudding right! The facility was cramped and noisy. Feel sorry for all the tourists who don't know that this is not "Good Southern Cooking". Skip the hype and the line. This may have been a good place when Miss. W. was here, but she is gone and you should be gone also.
(1)
Phil C.
You'll only have to eat once for the day. But, this place is worth it. Not only for the food, but the family style lets you meet a lot of other interesting people so your great food comes with good conversation.
(5)
Ana M.
I'm probably gonna get a lot of flak for this review, but it has to be done. This is the perfect exemplification of how when people have to work hard for something, they will do anything to justify its worth. It's why fraternities haze new recruits and it's why this place has 4.5 stars on Yelp. Of course, as all reviews have said, there's the wait. It's open for a very small window and the line starts filling up fast from 9:30-10 even though it opens at 11. The wait was pleasant enough since you're chatting with people and whatnot. We were lucky enough to be the first table let in. Though when we got in, we realized there was already a table sat. We assumed they knew the people or were otherwise VIP. The table was beautiful and already set and full of food. The server explained the process and we said grace- something that they didn't do with any of the other tables, and despite the fact that I'm not religious, I thought it was really traditional and cute. Before long, we dug in. On the table were a wide variety of vegetables, meat and starches that refilled itself throughout the meal. They also had pitchers of delicious sweetened iced tea, which was simply perfect. Now, the food. I got a fried chicken breast, since it's one of their most touted items. It was okay. I can't say it's the best chicken I've ever had. It was kinda fatty and my friend even said Publix chicken tastes better. The mac and cheese was very good, and I'm kind of a mac and cheese snob, but to be honest, it wasn't as good as Paula Deen's (yeah, I said it). The mashed potatoes, the biscuits, yams, cornbread etc. were all good, but by no means the kind of knock-me-out-of-my-seat southern meal everyone likes to say it is. My favorite meat was the BBQ pork, which was super soft and delicious. The worst offender was the beef. It was sooo fatty that I actually had to spit it out, which is an awful thing to do at a table with strangers, but I couldn't help it. It was really that bad. When we were stuffed, they started coming around with dessert. They brought large pans of banana pudding, which was spectacular. One of the servers also told us they had blueberry cobbler, but alas, that wasn't the case. At the end of the meal, you walk your plates and cups over to the kitchen. Overall, it was a good meal, but not mind blowing. The experience is better than the actual food. While it's probably worth the cost, because it's all you can eat, I've had better. If we hadn't been the first group in and we had waited longer, I definitely would have been exponentially more disappointed. So get there early, cozy up to your neighbors and enjoy, but come with more realistic expectations.
(3)
Jessie M.
My favorite meal on our trip. The wait was excruciating in the heat, but it ended up being worth it. Yes the fried chicken is awesome, but virtually every other dish we tried was just as good. I loved the bbq pork, the sweet potatoes, the creamed corn, biscuits, mashed potatoes, gravy, the list goes on. Awesome concept and execution.
(5)
Sarah Y.
Wake up early, snag an Irish Coffee togo from McDonoughs and enjoy the wait. It is definitely worth it. Not much to add that hasn't been said. Food is great. Definitely like herding cattle to get in and out. Sit back, make some new friends, and eat as much as you possibly can.
(5)
Robin P.
I've waited SO long to eat here and during our recent trip to Hilton Head we made the short drive to Savannah. Mrs. Wilkes' fried chicken is the BEST I've EVER put in my mouth! It was crispy, tender, juicy and chock full of flavor! All the side dishes were wonderful - turnip greens, mac & cheese, stuffing (which is really a Yankee side dish; in the south we eat cornbread dressing), sweet potatoes, green beans, rutabagas. There were so many side dishes I can't remember them all. The banana pudding was so good it made me want to slap myself! The sweet tea was perfectly sweet, although I could have used an extra glass of ice. The wait in line was WELL worth it! We sat with some Yankees & Californians and they were very quiet because they were enjoying the food too much to gab!! A must visit for anyone visiting Savannah. Get in line early (by 10:00 am) or you may miss out!
(5)
John K.
If you were lucky enough to have family Sunday lunches that comprised of dishes of a little of everything that covered every inch of counter in the kitchen... then you'll already know why this place is so awesome. This is a family style, all you can put down place with all the southern fixings you'd expect your grandmother to make. Greens, scalloped potatoes, okra, black eyed peas, mac & cheese, baked beans, biscuits, cornbread, pot roast, pulled pork, fired chicken... I mean I guess I could keep going, but I'm sure you get it. Everything is excellent, nothing fancy about it, plain good-old-fashioned food. Just so you know, they open at 11AM, but if you have any intentions of eating around then, I'd recommend getting in line at least by 10:30. We got to our table around 11:15 and when we left at 12:00 or so, the line was 80+ people deep still. And they're only open for lunch, so don't pass it up for later. It's $18 a head flat fee, and entirely worth the early morning wait and the lunch price for the experience.
(5)
Laura I.
Authentic southern cooking served family style at tables of 10. I would highly recommend fitting this into your trip to Savannah. We ended up waiting a little less than an hour and it was worth it!
(5)
Brian M.
Read the the other reviews. You HAVE to try the fried chicken. There's no doubt about it. This is southern home cooking at its finest. But make a decision if you're not a local and visiting that you'll give up a few hours of your life to wait in line to eat at a table with plenty of people you've never met before. That's the downside. And I'm not sure it outweighs the simply excellent food. Clearly a 5 on food alone.
(4)
Katie G.
Wow! Well worth the wait. We got in line at about 145 and waited until 215 (we were the last group). Great food!! We especially loved the sweet potatoes, corn, beans, coleslaw, chicken, meatloaf- everything! Oh...and the Mac and cheese was the best I've ever had! A must do if you're visiting savannah!! Not a negative but just FYI- they only serve tea and water. We had our toddler (2) and would have brought some milk along had we known (but water was just fine.). Highly recommend!
(5)
Aaron H.
Awesome food, you can never say that you left here with an empty stomach. More food then you could ever eat
(5)
Jedigyrl J.
Anyone wanting to sample southern food should stop here. Some of the best non home fried chicken I've had. It may seem odd to sit with strangers but it's all about the food and a new common interest u have: passing fantastic food to each other. Highly recommend and I tell everyone to go.
(5)
Elizabeth S.
Went there during our trip to Florida/Georgia during the last week of May. We walked there from our hotel and we arrived around 10:45am and the line was already down the street. My husband gave me this "are you kidding me?!" look but I assured him that the food will be very good since it has a lot of good reviews. (Deep down I told myself "Please don't fail me Mrs. Wilkes because I had no idea how the food was going to be.)There was an older lady behind us saying to the other patrons that the food is true southern comfort food and that she has been going there for years which put my husband (and myself) at ease. After waiting for 1.5 hours, we finally got seated to a table full of food. I had a little of everything during my first round and then stuck to my favorites for the 2nd (and 3rd) round. The fried chicken was good but the BBQ pork was good and tender. The black eyes were delish as well as the yams. I was not that impress with the mac and cheese but there were so many options that if you didn't like one thing you had 10 other to choose from. Everything was so good and my husband did say at the end that it was worth the wait.
(5)
jessica g.
The food was excellent! We arrived around 10:00 am on a Thursday and were part of the first table seated. I think the experience is worth the wait. I loved everything that I had there. It was the best fried chicken I have ever had. All the sides were amazing! I loved the okra, cabbage and black eyed peas the most. My suggestion is to get there early, just skip breakfast that day. It's an overwhelming amount of food and if you are like me, sampling everything is a must! Plus, there's dessert that can't be skipped (cobbler and banana pudding0! All in all, go there. We have skipped it on multiple trips to Savannah because we thought it was too touristy. Not at all! We sat with people that live in the city.
(4)
Vanessa D.
I'm a buzz kill. I know. I wanted to love this place, especially after waiting as long as we did. But, I didn't. First, the wait. Holy crap, the wait. Thank god people were nice. It made it tolerable. We finally got in and sat at a table with about 8 others. Everyone was sweet as can be and I do love how we everyone is on their best behavior. It's cute. The food kept coming. The chicken is delicious but not the best I've ever had. Oddly, I loved the rice and gravy and had about three helpings. It just made me happy. The sweet tea was good. Not something to but you in a diabetic coma but sweet enough to be really refreshing. I'm glad we went so we could say we did, But i won't be back. At $18 a smack, it didn't seem worth it unless you haven't eaten for three days. I have a list of other places I loved more...
(3)
Pedro P.
Visited this while in Savannah a couple weeks ago. It was truly memorable. Our table must have had 30 different dishes waiting for us, including the absolute best fried chicken I have ever tasted. Even dishes that I normally do not like, such as okra, collard greens, and black eyed peas, were delicious. The friendly service and charming interior were part of the great experience. Wow!
(5)
Morgan E.
I don't think I can say enough good things about this restaurant. The staff was friendly and accommodating. I love the entire set up of this restaurant. You wait outside until it's time to be sat at the a table and you're seated with other people in line (family, friends, and strangers alike). The food is already on the table when you sit down and you're ready to dig in. The menu changes from day-to-day, but it's all good home-cookin' and it's all amazing. You won't leave hungry, that's for sure because the staff keeps everything on your table full and you're able to eat as much as you like. If you're going to Savannah, skip the Lady and Sons restaurant and RUN to Mrs. Wilkes - the taste and quality of food is much better there.
(5)
Stephanie B.
We have been coming here for years. Food great! Desserts- not so great. This time we felt rushed to hurry up and leave even though there was no wait and we were the first seating. One of the wait staff yelled at someone at our table when she took 2 desserts. We have met Mrs Wilkes and this would never happen on her watch. Too bad!!
(3)
Kathea S.
Yes, yes, yes, yes. Eat here. You will stand in line. Suck it up. Bring a fan and bottled water. The line starts early. Worth every single second. I've eaten here since I was a child. My dad even said the blessing for the restaurant once when I was kid. Lady and Sons doesn't even hold a candle. Everything you eat will be amazing. It's family style. You and 10 of your closest strangers at a table. Pass the plate. You will have to be rolled out of the place and want to take a nap. Go hungry to really get your money's worth.
(5)
Jordan A.
Worth the wait. Pretty much everything I tried was amazing, and reminded me of Grandma's cooking. The stand outs were the sweet potatoes (I already looked up the recipe to attempt to recreate them for thanksgiving), the Mac and Cheese, and the fried chicken. The family style dining was fine with us...we were pretty focused on the eating, anyway! It's a definite must for a trip to Savannah.
(5)
Mike K.
I would say it was worth the hour wait to get in. Everything I had was fantastic. Fried chicken, beef stew, ham all done well. About 12 vegetables and they were all great. Service was very good also. To me it was the best food I have had dining out since I don't remember when. I would certainly do it again!
(5)
Richard R.
Savannah Georgia is a great city full of history. We love to walk the quaint "Squares" in the downtown historic district. If you are a movie buff then you have already viewed one of the squares (Chippewa) in the movie Forrest Gump. The bench where Forrest did most of his story telling was located here as well as the church where the feather first falls during it's opening flight in the movie. Then there is River Street, with great shops, restaurants and those OH SO HEAVENLY smelling candy shops. Walking the cobblestone streets behind some of the River Street buildings will lead you to curious looking structures that seem to be old fashion garages, but are said to have been actual holding cells for slaves that were delivered right to the Port of Savannah and auctioned. As a black American, I don't pass these structures without taking time to give my respects to the history of my ancestry that may have passed through here. And although Savannah is probably best known for it's architecture and hospitality, we come here mainly for one reason... Mrs. Wilkes!!!! We discovered this place on our first trip to Savannah while standing in line @ 8 am waiting to place our name on the guest list for Paula Deen's famous restaurant Lady and Sons. They don't start taking reservations til 9:30am so that left plenty of time to get to know the other eager souls standing in line along with us. One made the suggestion of trying Mrs. Wilkes the next time we were in town, but being a food lover, I decided to go for lunch that day. Side note: Never eat @ Paula Deen's & Mrs. Wilkes in the same day!!!! You will need a wheel chair to help you back to your hotel. Since that faithful day, we try to visit Mrs. Wilkes every chance we get. You also have to wait in line here and it best to get there 45 minutes early to be part of first seating. However, unlike Paula Deen's, you will be eating immediately after entering verses placing your name on a reservation list for later in the day. Mrs. Wilkes offers just about every southern style side dish you can think of. Don't walk in with the traditional "Buffet" in your brain. This is family style dining, based on the old soup kitchens. You are seated @ a large table (often times with other families) and all of the sides are already awaiting you at your table. Drink orders are taken and soon after come the meats of the day. Always included in those meats is the MOST GLORIOUSLY DELICIOUS FRIED CHICKEN you will likely ever eat. I often times think most Buffets are a waste of time and usually wind up overeating because I want to get my moneys worth (not because it's so good). But Mrs. Wilkes chicken makes me eat well past the point I need to stop because I just can't stop. But stop you must and you are also required to take your plate to the kitchen before leaving. Honestly, they should have a 6 star rating!!!! I've never had anyone whom I recommended this place to tell me anything less than it was the best food experience ever. Tons of celebrities have eaten here and even the President (as evident from the large plaque near the front door). Mrs. Wilkes delivers the goods, so make Savannah Georgia a destination. Just remember they only accept cash, and are only open weekdays between 11am - 2pm.
(5)
Shannan M.
I'm a Southern girl through and through, so Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room was like heaven for me. A large table full of honest to goodness, down home Southern staples right down to the corn bread and sweet tea...perfection! We arrived around 11:10 and there was already a line out front. Apparently, people arrive up to 30 minutes early to be the first seated for all the deliciousness. We were in the "second seating" and got in around 12:15 or so. The restaurant is only open from 11-2, so timing is of the essence. The one hour wait was absolutely worth it! There were too many delicious dishes to name, but here goes a few: Fried chicken, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, okra and tomatoes, macaroni and cheese, green beans, black eye peas, cabbage, creamed corn, ribs, beef stew, corn bread, and for dessert: berry cobbler or banana pudding. I'm sure I missed at least 5 other dishes! It's served family style...about 10 people per table. Everyone helps themselves to as much as they want and passes the bowls around. It was nice talking to tourists and locals about the beautiful city of Savannah while enjoying such a fabulous meal! Things to remember: Cash only!!! I also heard they take checks. Don't expect to lounge around here for two hours. The hours of service are very limited and they try to accommodate as many guests as possible. You probably get an hour tops which is more than enough time because the food is already on the table waiting for you when you arrive! You absolutely MUST visit here when in Savannah...until I go back, I'll be dreaming about Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room:)
(5)
Amanda H.
Fried Chicken, Collard Greens, Mashed Potatoes, BBQ pork!! All in one meal! Great great place to eat!!! The wait is pretty lengthy but we'll worth it! You make friends in line and most likely sit with them, great place!
(5)
Jala C.
On our first trip to Savannah we went to Lady and Sons. It was good, but after talking to locals, were told to go to Mrs. Wilkes next time. We eloped in Savannah this month and made sure to go to Mrs. Wilkes for lunch. Great place! Love the family style dining and made some friends while waiting in line. The food is great. Service great. Love the southern hospitality of being called, "Baby girl" when I needed some help and got extra desert. A must anytime you're in Savannah.
(5)
Cor B.
I would take any out of town visitor here- its more than fried chicken- it's an experience. And the food is good, and you will have more than you could possibly want.
(5)
Bronc M.
Not much to say that hasn't been mentioned... it's good. REALLY good. Note: THEY ONLY TAKE CASH. I wish they had a sign that stated that before I saw it posted on the door (after an 1.5 hr wait) and had to make a frantic dash to the ATM. But man -- this is good. Think: Thanksgiving at Lunch. Like 20 bowls of food all waiting for you on a family style table (maybe like 10 to a table or so). So you may as well be friendly with those that you're waiting in line with -- it will make the meal more enjoyable. Did I mention how good the food is??? Oh I did? Good. Was worth saying twice!
(5)
Jon N.
First, let me say that I had a great time at Mrs. Wilkes Boarding House and, in spite of my low rating, I would encourage anyone visiting Savannah to go there for lunch. Get there early and expect to wait in line for a spot at a communal table. We waited just over an hour for a table. We were a group of 8 and when we were seated, we had a table to ourselves, but we had a great time talking to people in line. THAT's the real charm of a visit to Mrs. Wilkes, the EXPERIENCE. The food is plentiful (I think it was 22 items!) and would be really good if they would back off of the salt. Seriously, everyone in our party commented or complained to one another about how much was in just about every dish. It's kind of like a diabetics training ground. Winners on the table were the fried chicken, mac and cheese, dirty rice and beets. They have a glass of very sweet, sweet tea for everyone and a pitcher on the table for you to refill. They will also bring you water and unsweetened tea if you ask. Don't make the mistake of calling it regular tea if you want unsweetened, as they feel there is "Nothing regular about that!" It's a great value at $18 per person including tax. And, TIP: Bring CASH or check, because they do not take credit cards. As for going on a business meeting (especially for a larger group - up to 10 can sit at one table), unless you are pressed for time, it's a GREAT option as you can really interact with the "family-style" service. Only open M-F from 11-2. Definitely worth the visit. You will have a great experience and with regard to the food, as they say, everything in moderation.
(3)
Dances W.
This is a MUST VISIT for anyone local or out of town. We are locals but my mother in law absolutely MUST go here everytime she visits. It is a fantastic atmosphere and superb service. Nothing like a real home cooked meal and you are always full when you leave. Fantastic!
(5)
K C.
Going to Mrs Wilke's is just one of those things you HAVE to do in Savannah. The wait will be long. (We waited well over an hour) but it is heaven once you are seated. The food is all on the table so there is no further wait. I believe there are 22-24 dishes on each table. It is served family style and each dish is excellent. It doesn't get any better than this. It is $18 CASH per person. Add a couple for the tip. Well worth the experience. I believe it is a block west of Bull Street. Just look for the line! Only downer was that I believe there were only two bathrooms.
(5)
Art G.
This was our second visit after first having lunch here a year ago. The mid week, 30 minute wait (10:30 to 11:00), was well worth it. The amazing fried chicken, pulled pork and meatloaf accompanied by a 10 person table covered in side dishes is a great value for $18. Way worth it. Tip - don't eat breakfast that day and don't miss the biscuits!
(5)
Linda N.
We went to Mrs Wilke's at the suggestion of Fodor's review. The history and concept of the restaurant is interesting. We met two other couples while waiting over 1+ hours to be seated and, luckily ate together which made it more enjoyable. The amount of food served is plentiful but, watch out if you don't like salty food! The collard greens, creamed corn, and squash were SO salty making them inedible. The rest of the sides were seasoned normally and were fine. It was Monday so the beef stew, pulled pork, and sausage dishes were delicious. The fried chicken is THE best! Mrs. Wilke's definitely has a great reputation in Savannah and I would recommend a visit. Be mindful, bring an umbrella in case you get caught in a Savannah rain!
(4)
Tom L.
This one is worth the hype! I am writing this review a few years after my attenance, as Yelp wasn't in my vocabulary then. But, I can tell you my memory is vivid! I was able to go to Mrs. Wilkes because of a business trip and found it one of the most delightful places I have ever visited. From the historic images of guests on the wall to the family style seating and the one-size-fits-all menu, it was an experience. And, the food added to that! I know I enjoyed everything. It was truly food for the soul. From deep fried okra to chicken, greens and the rest, it was wondful souther cooking. The biscuits and, well, everything were wonderful! I was fortunate enough to be with a private party and came to Mrs. Wilkes for dinner. If you're in Savannah, one of our last walking cities, trot on over to Mrs. Wilkes, stand in line, and get your fill. Its an experience you will not soon forget!
(4)
J W.
Finally tried this place after hearing about it for so long and I was not disappointed! First, you have to find it...tucked away on Jones st. Second, plan on getting in line early. We arrived about an hour prior to opening and the line was starting to grow. We met some lovely people in line and chatted for a while. We were lead into the dining room and found heaping piles of food on the table (you sit with about 9 other people, family-style). Everything I tried was delicious from the mac and cheese to the cornbread and biscuits. You even get dessert with the meal, although I was so stuffed I could only eat a bite. While I was not sure how I was going to feel about eating with strangers, it turned out to be very nice. Definitely make time for Mrs. Wilkes!! Make sure you bring cash and a healthy appetite!!
(5)
Terry B.
This is one of the finest eating places we know of anywhere in America. I won't stand in line for anything, but I gladly wait half an hour or worse to sit at these tables with a dozen strangers and start dishing as dozens of plates and bowls arrive filled with heavenly southern cooking. It's all good, but the fried chicken is some of the best I've had anywhere. Green beans, grits, macaroni & cheese - this is the very Mecca of comfort food. We could not dream of visiting Savannah without a stop here.
(5)
Taylor H.
The line to get in didn't look that long, but it ended up being an hour and a half wait. Once you get in, though, it is totally worth the wait. The southern food at this restaurant is absolutely perfect. The atmosphere is friendly and I loved everything that I ate on my plate, especially the biscuit and the sweet potatoes with raisins. My only complaint was that, the fried chicken was so good that it was gone within a minute. It took a while for us to get more, but I understand it's a busy restaurant. This was my second time at Mrs. Wilkes (my first was a year ago) and I feel like this time was even better than last year. I enjoyed the food so much, it was better than I remembered. Believe me when I say that there is no way that you can leave that place feeling hungry.
(4)
Ron N.
Served homestyle with over 20 dishes. This place is amazing. Best fried chicken I ever had in a restaurant. Don't come unless you are hungry. I think they only take cash so be prepared.
(5)
Titi T.
First time trying Southern comfort food, and it did not disappoint. We got in line at 1:30 thinking it'll go faster toward the end of the day. Not so! We waited for nearly 2 hours before seated. Luckily they're still taking in people past the closing time of 2 pm. Two hours went by quickly chatting with strangers and getting to know people. Occasionally a staff member came out to talk with us and answer our questions. There are 20+ dishes, and each was flavorful and worth the 2-hour wait. Some people who stood in line have been coming each year for 10+ years. Yes - you do sit with strangers, but that's part of the charm. Normally I balked at waiting for more than 2 hours for a meal, but it was a worthwhile experience and something not to be missed when in Savannah. Banana pudding at the end was just blah. With the amount of food we get, who needs dessert.
(5)
Jeremy G.
Get there early. Prepare to wait (its more than worth it). Don't eat dinner the night before. Wear stretchy pants. Enjoy the smell and company. When its your turn, enter heaven. The side dishes alone. Barbeque was probably one of the best I've ever had. Fried chicken was exceptional. I would eat, bathe, brush my teeth, etc with the greens. One of the top 5 things I've ever eaten. Ever. And I've eaten a lot of things. Wakka Wakka.
(5)
Sue D.
We recently dined here at the recommendations of yelp and other websites. The place was homey likes grandmas for a Sunday dinner. It was a nice experienced. But we were amazed at the quality of the food that was served. It was like eating cafeteria or buffet food. Everything tasted like canned food or instant like the mashed potatoes and rice. Nothing tasted homemade, maybe the fried chicken. Even the bisqits tasted like a package mix. Everything was so salty, not home cooking as we expected. They give you a lot of food but after one taste you don't want more. I don't understand why this restaurant gets so many good reviews. I wouldn't recommend this to my friends visiting the area, as there are plenty of others authentic home cooking restaurants!
(2)
Dee Y.
We got there around 11:30AM, there were already about 2 tables of people in front of us... The line moved pretty fast... We waited probably about 20 minutes. When we arrived, The food was already on the table... Huge amount of food... and they just kept coming and coming... I can see the appeal of southern comfort food for the patrons... Especially if you come with a bunch of friends... Good food, good company... A lot of the food is not something I normally look for, but they're quite tasty.... I was a bit torn between three stars and four stars because I thought they were a bit over hyped... But the customer service was excellent, and I would probably come here again... So, four stars for now...
(4)
Melissa R.
The upsides to this restaurant: It is an absolute staple to Savannah's history and dining. It has a very interesting story -- Google it. It's on Jones Street, which is the most beautiful resident street in SAV. Being forced to sit and mingle with strangers is surprisingly refreshing. The sweet tea and desserts are amazing. Very kid and picky-eater friendly as the majority of the food is vegetables. The downsides to my experience: Went in the middle of August -- please go during a cooler month if you! Wait staff forgot the fried chicken for our entire room. The serving bowls are plastic and get extremely hot, making them difficult to pass around. You'll have to stand outside in line for an hour if you want to get seated first, that's just how it works. But if you love Southern food, it is definitely worth the wait.
(4)
Sean W.
Real Southern Cooking. The only thing I had that was even close to this was small roadside joint in the middle of nowhere in South Carolina. Mrs. Wilkes' is a MUST in Savannah. Bring a paper for the wait, eat your heart out, and take a nap in the park in the afternoon.
(5)
Stephanie B.
One of the best places I've ever had the pleasure of eating. The fried chicken was divine, and eating with a group of strangers around a vast spread of tasty sides was a real experience. The service was very generous, in fact they refilled our fried chicken plate 4 times, and the line itself moved swiftly. My favorite item, which in fact wasn't featured on the online menus, was the BBQ beef brisket. Rich, sweet, and spicy all at the same time. It's great value here too, at only $16 each, and even the cookbooks are pretty reasonably priced for what you get. Mrs. Wilkes, your restaurant is a triumph! A must do in Savannah. If you are eating anywhere else while you are in Savannah, you are missing out.
(5)
Fran T.
This is one of the MAIN reasons I love Savannah...okay I love the city in general, but Mrs. Wilkes is the only place that can cook like my Mom and my Nana used to. Most people don't even know what rutabaga is...but this place does, and they do it right! The fried chicken may even beat Mom's...(ohhh, who said that? :-) Just go, you won't be disappointed. Be prepared to WAIT outside, rain or shine or heat, but it's great to talk with others in line and warm up to them before you sit at that big family style table for your meal. :-) FYI, no reservations and no charge cards.
(5)
Dylan P.
don't tell the staff but we got there around 3 (an hour after they supposedly close) and waited in the line for only about 20mins before they let us in (we were the last ones to be let in!). they brought us in to our table and the food was already laid out for us on the table hot and ready, so that made up for the wait in line. they seat you in a party of about 10 with other families, so hope u like company! this place defines southern hospitality. the food is amazing from the fried chicken to the banana bread pudding. definitely worth the time and money
(5)
Katharine K.
Ok, so this place doesn't need any more reviews - but I enjoyed it enough to write one. My husband and I were on a road trip through the south and read about Mrs. Wilkes and thought it sounded like our type of place - seeing as though we love southern food! We arrived just before noon on a Tuesday expecting to wait in line - and we did (about 1 hour 15 mins). I was skeptical as to whether or not the food would be worth standing outside for, since I thought Mrs. Wilkes may be more of an "experience" destination than a spot for great food. I was pleasantly surprised and am SO glad we waited. I can't speak for the meat items (fried chicken, beef stew, pork were the dishes that day), since I didn't have those - but my husband enjoyed them a lot. I loved the mac & cheese, beans, creamed corn, sweet potato casserole, mashed potatoes, corn muffins, and especially the biscuits. AMAZING. I think I had three and wanted to put a few more in my purse to take home. I assumed doggie bags weren't appropriate at a family style place though... I would recommend Mrs. Wilkes to anyone visiting Savannah on a weekday - it was one of the highlights of our trip!
(5)
Tighe R.
I typically would not give anything 5 stars, but Mrs. Wilkes is very deserving. No explanation needed. The fact that the line wraps around the block every single day speaks to itself. Luckily, I was first in line for my visit, and my fiancee and I left Mrs. Wilkes' the two happiest people in Savannah. Lived up to all expecations, we cannot wait to make out way back.
(5)
Rosetta M.
I don't know if this will help at all because it seems that everything I wanted to say has already been said. Even before we got into town many of our friends who'd been here said to make sure we went to this restaurant. I am so very glad that we did. This has got to be the best restaurant I've ever eaten at. The atmosphere is great. All of the servers were friendly and very pleasant. The food was unbelievable! My mother is from the south and she is the best cook but this restaurant comes in at a very close second. Like everyone else has said, take cash and be prepared to wait. We went on a Wednesday afternoon and we waited in line about an hour. However, we enjoyed talking and getting to know the people around us. You will definitely not be disappointed.
(5)
steve b.
Ok, you've read the other reviews so you know what kinds of dishes they have there so I don't need to itemize that. Let's start with the experience...it's open from 11:00am to 2:00pm so we were told to get there about 12:30. We did and there was a line of about 60 people in front of us. We waited about 45 minutes and were let in and seated at a long bench to wait for our table to be set. The dining room is small with about 7-8 large tables that can seat 8-10 people. We sat at the bench for 3 minutes and a lady said, OK to the 10 of us seated on the bench, "please be seated at this table" pointing to a table next to the restroom. We all quickly seated ourselves at the table loaded with bowls and platters of the many dishes and began filling our plates and passing the items around the table. Now here's the thing...if you are not familiar with southern cooking then you might be surprised that most everything is cooked WELL DONE! The cooked vegitables reminded me of the food in the army...well done. I like southern food and I thought this was OK, but not super. The chicken was very good, but the platter had mostly wings and legs and it was never replenished. After 20 minutes or so (I guess when they thought we had finsihed) they brought around a tray of banana cream pie in small dishes and we passed that around for our table participants to eat. Within a few minutes the head lady started looking at us as if to say, "I'ts time to go!" I saw others at other tables bussing their dishes so I asked the head lady if we were supposed to buss the dishes. She said, "Ya'll would be so nice to do that". We did and then walked to the cash register and paid the $18 per head for the meal (no credit cards) and out the door...wham, bam thank you maam. Don't get me wrong, it was an experience and I enjoyed it and the food was 7 on a 10 scale but I wouldn't do it again not with the wait and the pressure feeling I had to eat and get the hell out as quickly as possible.
(2)
Luyi H.
This is amazing! :) We got there around 10:30 am, so we were part of the first batch of people to go in. B/c we were tourists, we also tested Paula Deen's Lady and Sons, and this definitely beat that experience. The food was good. There was so much of it. The banana pudding at the end was fantastic. You get sweet tea, collard greens, black eyed peas, friend chicken, brisket?, corn bread, etc. etc. We sat next to a group of locals who also loved the place. We learned that Mrs. Wilkes was a real person, who owned a boarding house that cooked amazing food. And, eventually it opened up to the public. For liberal atheistic yankees, note, the meal starts off with a quick saying of grace. Nothing too offensive, so don't be scared away. I recommend, getting to Paula Deen's really early, getting a late dinner reservation, and then going to Wilkes' to wait in line. I recommend NOT eating breakfast, or else your day of southern food will be a day of sadly staring at southern food you're too full to eat. I also recommend walking around Savannah. And, if you don't have cash, there's a BOA about a 15 minute walk away from Wilkes', which is... a bit of a hassle to find and get to. So, bring your cash, or make sure your friend has cash. :) All in all, this is one of my favorite experiences in Savannah.
(5)
Dan B.
Southern food at its best. That's all I have to say about Mrs. Wilkes. See ya'll soon.
(5)
Dennis K.
My wife and I were in Savannah for the day and looked to yelp to decide where to eat...Yelp came through yet again. We showed up early, around 10:30 and there was already a line formed in front of the building, but the line moved quickly and we were seated by 11:30. The family style was fun, most people were from different states and all were friendly. THE FOOD: This was the best fried chicken I have ever tasted in my life, I wish I ate more...dont be shy, they will bring more if you finish the first round...All the fixins are incredible and you won't be sorry if you choose to eat here.
(5)
Taylor H.
This place definitely lives up to all of the hype in all of the other posts. Get there by at least 10:45 to get in by 12:15. You have been warned- You will wait in line- it will be hot and humid, you will not have access to a bathroom or water or chairs- you have been warned, no more complaining! The sides are all amazing; the family dining concept really makes you feel like you're doing something different; and the fried chicken is way better than "The Lady and Sons." Make sure to bring cash. Perhaps most memorable for me was the roasted squash side dish- it was perfectly cooked with just a bit of charring in a light butter sauce. Absolutely divine. Make sure your bring some good company to stand in line with- or just make friends with other people in line. I've been to both here and Lady & Sons- This is hands down the winner! A must visit for any tourist to Savannah.
(5)
Mike A.
Believe the reviews - this place is AWESOME! We eat here at least twice during each visit to Savannah. You'll have to wait in line, so be prepared. Use the time to get acquainted with the people standing in line around you! You may very well end up enjoying lunch with them, too. The Fried Chicken is amazing - the best I've ever had. The BBQ pork is great, as well. There are more side dishes than you'll find on many large buffet lines, and they vary slightly throughout the week. While I'm not a big fan of the mac & cheese or the dumplings (just my opinion), the rest of the sides are absolutely delicious. They serve sweet ice tea unless you request water or unsweetened tea. Do yourself a favor - go with the sweet tea. It's some of the best in Savannah. Oh, and don't forget to bring your plate and glass to the kitchen when you're through eating! That's just good manners. :-)
(5)
Teri S.
Yelpers - you have done it again!! You filled me in on a place that is a MUST when visiting Savannah!! After I was inside I realized that I had seen the place on Food Network - but it was because of Yelp that I wanted to try Mrs. Wilkes. My husband & I went on our last day in Savannah - what a great way to end the trip. We got in line around 10am. We had a great spot & watched the line grown as time went on. I can't begin to describe the food & experience. Just that you MUST have Mrs. Wilkes & you must not eat breakfast before. There is SO much delicious goodness. Fellow yelpers provided me with great information that I was prepared for the wonderful experience. We were craving Mrs. Wilkes all the way to Charleston & back home in California!!
(5)
Scott B.
I really enjoyed this place and was glad my son suggested it! This is a true Southern dining experience to be enjoyed. Lot's of food and good company. The sweet potatos were fantastic along with the carrot salad. The line can get long so get there early. We did not feel rushed at all, it was a home cookin' dining experience which is rare these days.
(5)
Amy J.
aw Mrs. Wilkes...I have heard about you but, I had no idea. My boyfriend and I waited about an hour and a half. We made friends in line and enjoyed our conversations. Once we got in we enjoyed the community seating and of course the dishes. The fried chicken was great and the BBQ pork was amazing. With so much to try if you didn't like something you just moved on. Something I would do again.
(4)
Maggie D.
CASH ONLY! And be ready to get there VERY early and wait OUTSIDE! But this is a must do if you're in Savannah!! We got there around 10:30am and were seated at 11:30. You sit at a table with around 12 people and the food is all set out before you are seated, so there's no waiting inside! The food is amazing and there's sooo much of it! Go hungry and be prepared to eat more than you should! Not only is the food delicious it's also a fun experience sitting at a table with other people and getting to know them.
(5)
Scott C.
I have been in Hilton Head, SC for almost a week and eaten at many places. This is in the top category. Haven't had better fried chicken since my mom's when I was a kid and that was a long time ago. It is a small place that our family of 10 took about 45 minutes to get into. It was well worth it. 20 items on the table with anything from the aforementioned fried chicken to other southern specialties such as collard greens, creamed corn, okrah, bbq pulled pork, corn bread and the list goes on. If you are in Savannah and you are hungry try it out. You will be rewarded with good food and a very southern hospitality wait staff.
(4)
Marc M.
Mrs. Wilkes is on one of the squares in Savannah and does not have a neon sign, a billboard, none of the usual restaurant promotional stuff. It is just there and you find it. And finding it is easy. You sit at big tables with strangers who quickly become your friends. We sat with a big group of ladies from Colorado who were happily vacationing without their husbands (And, to quote Maxwell Smart: "and loving it"). It was festive and the fried chicken was sensational as were the vegetables, especially the yams and corn. The iced tea is superb and the pies are to die for. And so many types of salad. You can't go wrong at Mrs. Wilkes. Sadly, Mrs. Wilkes has passed on but the tradition continues.
(5)
Bob S.
Yes you have to stand in line in the hot sun (they do bring out water.) Yes you have to bring your plate to the kitchen. Yes they serve in roughly 30 minute sittings and you can't really enjoy a languid lunch. Just go. It's great. You won't regret it.
(5)
Michael C.
When we arrived in Savannah, our hosts took us here for lunch straight from the airport. I was shocked to see the line out front. I knew that it was going to be a good lunch! The four of us sat at a table with four others and started passing around the food that was already on the table. Every imaginable southern dish was there - all cooked to perfection. It was magical. The only drawback was that we all seemed to be in some sort of contest to finish quickly. I wanted to sit there and savor but the food was passed around so quickly and everyone ate so fast that we were out of there in less than an hour. I could have easily stayed for twice that long. At the end of the meal, the servers brought around banana pudding and cherry cobbler. We then took our plates to the kitchen and rolled out the door. It was a great introduction to Savannah hospitality and I'm glad we went. And all-you-can-eat for under $20? What a bargain!
(4)
Thien D.
Holy moly! I've hit the gold mine on this one. We went here for lunch one day and the line was just a monster!!!! I almost not wanted to stay but she talked me into it. The wait was long and it was a big tease. You can smell the food from the outside and from time to time, a cook will come out and just start talking to the people. We meet a few people in front and behind us and we talked to them and got to know them. We seem to be the only natives there, but that was ok because it still made us unique in a crowd of tourist. We waited for what it seemed to be forever (1.5-2 hours) and I was finally the person standing at the front door waiting to get in. When I saw the guy that work there coming to fetch me and the next group, my heart started pounding like the first time I'd seen a girl in a thong at the beach. As we went in, the guy instructed us to our tables but somehow I ran to the wrong one and it was even dirty. I didn't care at that point. I was Hongry! So when I finally sat at my right table, we sat with the people that we met in line. They sit you there ten to a table. Most of them are strangers unless you came with a party of ten. When you sit, the table is already set with food and sweet tea. There were 20+ different food item on the table that was served family style. After all that talking outside and food in front of me, it was eating time and I didn't talk to anyone from that point on. I looked like a slob piling my plate up with everything and being the first one to clear it as well and continued to go for seconds, thirds, fourths, and so ons. I was forwarned to save room for dessert but I did not. When the desserts came out....a banana pudding and blueberry cobbler, I only managed to take a small bite of each. The banana pudding when swallowed was touching my uvula I swear. The food was awesome!!!! But by the time I was stuffed to the rim, it looked disgusting lol. We both enjoyed it and I can say that it is most worth it to wait in line again just for lunch like that.
(5)
Thomas P.
The food was great, and it was a very cool experience. I will always remember sitting with 20 strangers and meeting new friends over very good southern food. I know the wait sucks, however, be patient you will not be disappointed!
(5)
Jason L.
Very good. Had to stand outside in the rain to eat here, but was still good.
(5)
David S.
A haiku. The line moves quite fast. Her fried chicken, best in class. That meal, not the last.
(5)
Joe T.
We were on a fairly tight schedule because we had to drive to the airport in Jacksonville and I wanted to be on the road by 12:30. Since Mrs. Wilkes' opens at 11AM I didn't think this would be a problem, especially since we got there at 10:30AM. I was surprised that there was already quite a line when we got there. This was a Monday morning so I assumed it would not be quite as busy. We had to wait about 45 minutes to get inside but everyone in line seemed to enjoy themselves, talking to each other and wondering in a good natured way how long it would be before we got in. Once inside we were seated with a large group of people until our table was filled. Then they started bring out bowl after bowl of Southern cooking. There were so many dishes that I can't remember them all nor did I get to sample all of them. There simply was too much food for me to try them all. I do remember: English peas, black eyed peas, summer squash, cream corn, okra, fried chicken, barbeque, gravy, biscuits and cornbread, banana pudding, cherry cobbler, and many more dishes. The food was very good and there was lots of it served family style. I believe the cost was $16 per person and well worth it. The restaurant is only open from 11AM to 2 PM so I hope all those in line after us got in. Even with the wait to get in, we finished our meal, walked back to get our car, and were on the road at exactly 12:30! I highly recommend Mrs. Wilkes'! Don't let the lines intimidate you. The food is well worth the wait and you will probably enjoy the conversation with the others in line with you.
(5)
J S.
Like this place needs a bigger line after another 5 star rating. I will keep it simple. The first time I have ever gone out and felt like I was eating in (in a good way). I am the son of a preacher man from down south. This means I have a LOT of pot lucks under my belt. For the southern religious crowd on Yelp you will know what I mean when I say this: you know how every church pot luck has that one or maybe 2 dishes that everyone loves that is made by that one little old lady and then there is a lot of jello mold and only so so food. Well picture a restaurant that went around the entire state and poached ever churches one little old lady to come work for them an only make that one thing. Then picture 27 of them back there. This is basically what eating here is like. I wish I could take every Yankee and every foreigner in America and seat them here. You wana taste the south? You want the teroir of the Southern spirit on your tongue? Take a seat in Mrs Wilkes Dining Room.
(5)
Jim S.
I have been reading review after review and was completely enticed to travel an hour to get here for that great food. It was closed. : ( I checked the website (2 weeks before & now a week after) and there is nothing stating they were closed for remodeling or for the winter season. My family of 4 & our 2 friends were pretty disappointed. We talked to some locals & a postman that assured us they were indeed closed. So my review is a warning to all to verify they are open now before you make the trip. We ended up at Clary's (check for my review).
(3)
John J.
Long wait. Good food. Not worth the wait though.
(3)
Adam S.
Upon arriving in Savannah, the first stop was the visitor center to find out where the best local grub was. The nice old lady directed me to Lady and Sons, which I had heard good things about from other visitors.. As i was leaving, the security guard pulled me aside and explained that i was on my way to tourist central, and if i really wanted to eat like a local, Mrs Wilkes was the spot. So we made our way over and got in line. Shortly after we were told that we would be the last group for lunch. I didn't pay much attention to the folks in line, but i should have, as those would turn out to be my dining companions. Everyone eats together at one of three tables in the dining room, and each table is covered in fixings and sweet tea upon arrival. Shortly after sitting, you are swarmed with meats ranging from fried chicken to sausage. Accompanied by mac and cheese, collard greens, black eyed peas, cracklin cornbread and any other southern delights you can think of, this is truly a down home meal. But what really made the experience for me, was sitting with a table full of strangers, and everyone being in the best mood possible due to the amazing food in front of us. We conversed and even wound up taking pictures with our fellow diners, as they were as much a part of the experience as the food. Bus your own place settings and make sure to pay the man at the door on your way out. This is a MUST if you are ever in Savannah.
(5)
Guillermo K.
Oh man, this place was dope. And always fun to have a little convo with friendly strangers from all over (mainly folks from other parts of the southeast and the occasional elderly couple on an epic RV trip).
(5)
Tony D.
Very cool place in Savannah. It is definitely worth the wait. Odds are if you go in the summer time you will spend 30-60 minutes in line waiting for a seat. Every table is a communal table so you might as well make conversation with the people around you in line. There is a good chance you will be eating together. When you walk in there are large tables all over the small place and you sit down to a table literally covered in plates and bowls of homemade cooking. Sit down, start eating and pass the bread. Being from LA, it's a definite change to our eating style, but the restaurant has a Southern, down home kind of feel. It is a must eat when you visit Savannah.
(5)
jaimie k.
I'm going to be totally honest, I feel happier having eaten here than when I was actually getting to eat there, if that makes sense. It's certainly something to do, and simply for the chow down with strangers table arrangements -- you're ushered in after a typically hour (plus) wait to a table for twelve where you eat family style. The food itself is pretty damn good. The mac and cheese was Yu-umMY, but not as good as at Lady & Sons, though this is the only place where I got to eat some fantastic creamy squash dish that left me wanting seconds...and going for thirds. And, while the desserts left something to be desired -- your choice of a tiny cup-let of blueberry cobbler of banana pudding when I was there -- the biscuits were faboooooooooooo.
(3)
heej c.
here are some important food tips: FRIED CHICKEN!!! so tasty with perfect balance of salt and pepper with crispy skin ::drool:: i gotta say, it was the best fried chicken i've yet to taste :d RED RICE!!! it looked like jambalaya, but the online menu says it's red rice. this also might have been the best jambalayaish red rice i've had! they gave generous amount of sausage chunks. as a first timer, the dilemma is that you enter the room where your table is and you're greeted with FIFTEEN to TWENTY-TWO DISHES (and friendly servers). it's like a thanksgiving dinner table: but with strangers who are just as hungry and thankful for the AC as you are. if i had known what to eat.. i probably would have dug straight into the fried chicken and the red rice :D there were other good dishes such as collard green, cucumber w/ dressing, corn, mash potato with gravy, bbq pork, mac and cheese, cabbage, some radish dish, okra and tomatoes, beans, yams, and more. but if i were to go again, i'd skip some of those and eat more fried chicken and red rice :D they also serve sweet and unsweet tea - go for the sweet one ;) once the servers think that you're done, they bring out dessert (when you already feel like you're ready to pop). ours that day was fresh tasting banana pudding for each person at the table. i only say fresh because the nilla cookies were still crunchy, which i loved. my boyfriend and i went there on monday and thought that they served the same dishes everyday, but it turns out, according to their website, their menu varies slightly each day. tip here: go on monday, taste that red rice! ( mrswilkes.com/menu.html ) and here are some non-food tips: when we got there, the first thing we saw was this looooong line before we even got to locate the entrance. we parked and lined up. tip here: the parking meter rate is much cheaper than the city of atlanta rate, but do bring quarters enough for 2 hours. it was a hot spring day and we ended up waiting for an hour. tip here: if you can, get some cold water or drinks with you so that you can hydrate yourself if you happen to visit this place in the hot weather. don't bring anything that'll melt.. bring a straw hat, a sunbrella, shades, COLD WATER, COLD WATER and COLD WATER. i suppose you can bring something to entertain yourself with, but talking to those in front of and behind you is also a good idea because you're most likely to be seated with them inside. once we were in, the cold AC and the smell of the food greeted us. on our way to our table, we saw a framed picture of president obama dining at mrs. wilkes. we were seated with some strangers: these people were a few people ahead of us in the line outside (yes, we got to skip some people and got seated a little faster for being a party of two). we enjoyed the experience of chatting with strangers, sharing where we all were from, commenting and agreeing on the taste of the food. all of us at the table walked out slowly and stuffed. oh yeah, when you're done, you bring your own dishes and bring it to the dish washing area - that's the tradition. then you pay at the exit and there goes your experience of mrs. wilkes! P.S. worth the wait, worth sweating in the heat, and worth the money. go!
(5)
Dallas K.
Well worth the wait. Amazing chicken, all you can eat sides (the menu online only lists a small portion of what you end up getting), great sweet tea. Plus, you get to meet travelers from all over at the family style tables. Definitely try!
(5)
JR D.
BOTTOM LINE AT THE TOP: While Savannah has it's fair share of iconic eateries, and classic low-country establishments for the common folk, Mrs. Wilkes, with its hollowed history and reasonably priced authentic cuisine might be the only place in town that is both at the same time. This age-old establishment needs no billboard or grand entryway to attract its clientele. The legendary food does that all on its own. And if you can't find it on most of the tour maps and trolly stops in the city, just look for the two hour line of people standing outside an old brown-brick building on Jones St. and you will have found Ms. Wilkes. What used to be a boarding house for travelers, Ms. Wilkes Dinning Room is set in two small rooms on the bottom floor with large tables set comfortably into its corners. Patrons are brought in a table at a time and seated together, next to strangers and other groups and served family style. On any given day the serve up 20 or so dishes per table including: there legendary fried chicken (the best I've had), beef stew, pork BBQ, Mac n' Cheese, cream corn, black-eyed peas, stuffing, fresh corn bread... and all the other classic southern dishes you care to think of. And each one is amazing on it's own, and absolutely fabulous in concert with the other dishes. This is all served with a glass of sweet tea and a choice of desert and all for around $15.00 a person. Waiting times vary from season to season, where there is usually a short or no wait in the winter to as long as three hours in the tourist happy summer. They are only open for lunch and there is not liquor sold on the premises.
(5)
Thomas T.
You will not be disappointed! Incredible real southern cooking! Often a long wait but you usually meet people in line and start talking and it doesn't seem so long after all. Family style so if your group isn't large enough to fill up a table then you'll be sitting with the people you just met in line:), and don't forget to take your plate to the kitchen when you're done!
(5)
Chris D.
We visited Savannah just last week and was told by our tour guide we had to eat here. we got there a little after 11 and was seated by 1230. it was everything we were told it was. GREAT!!! it was like sitting down at my Grandmas house and having dinner. the food was great, and we met some intresting folks. would recommend to everyone. thanks for the great experience, the next time we are in town we will visit again.
(5)
Michaela L.
Definitely an exercise in quantity- arrived at 10:45am on a Weds and were seated at 12:00. If you have a few people in line, you can send someone over 1 block and up two blocks to the Gryphon which has to-go coffee if you order from the "bar", also a nice bathroom. Food at Mrs Wilkes was as-mentioned in previous reviews. Fried chicken was probably the best item, some of the sides seemed re-heated. Mac and cheese good, all food very rich and extremely salty. Sweet potatoes were like eating straight maple syrup. Glad we went for the experience of it but I would not recommend it on food quality alone.
(3)
Nick Z.
It's a no-brainer that anyone visiting Savannah simply must experience Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room. I've found that to be an understatement. This was easily the best lunch experience of my life. Perhaps best meal I've ever had served to me from a commercial establishment. I began the whole thing in a long queue on a sunny day in Savannah. My fiancee and I had spent the morning apartment hunting so we'd worked up an agreeable appetite. We even ate light at our hotel's continental breakfast in order to spare room for the calories we knew we'd ingest at lunch. I happened to be wearing my Yelp shirt I'd recently got at an Elite Event in Detroit and lo and behold, we stepped in line right behind Dee, Liz, and Ashley M. of Chicago. Liz took note of my shirt and showed me her own and we all just started chatting about anything and everything while we killed time in line. The line moved as fast as it could and I really can't fault people for not being in any rush to vacate their tables. To put it into perspective, it was like waiting in line for a popular attraction at an amusement park. The line was shorter (but moved slower) and blissfully shaded by large trees. Every time people left the restaurant, they did so exclaiming that it was worth the wait, hands resting happily over their full bellies. Those utterances of satisfaction emboldened everyone to stay the course no matter how far away the goal may have seemed. When we finally were ushered into the restaurant, we were thrilled to find we'd all be seated together to enjoy our own miniature Elite Event. No sooner had I sampled the (perfectly made) sweet tea than the bowls began to arrive one after another until they numbered 23. I was amazed and thrilled and overwhelmed and very, very hungry. We began the game of passing the bowls and eventually tore in and every bite was a thrilling discovery. Everything was delicious. It's a testament to the abilities of this restaurant that most every dish served is a shining example of what the dish ought to be. The fried chicken, greens, sweet potatoes, beef stew, squash and succatash were all the best I'd ever eaten. To be served six dishes that earn a "best ever" badge is unheard of. The meat loaf, while delicious, is only bested by my mother's and the cabbage is tied with the stuff that comes out of my grandmother's kitchen. Incredible. The only thing that beat the food was the company. I had a great time with these folks and have to thank Mrs. Wilkes' setup for fostering this kind of eating environment. Family style dining is a glorious thing because of the conversation and kinship it promotes. Dee managed to grab our portion of the check before I was able and I'd only be too happy to make that up to them the next time they're in town and looking for a good meal.
(5)
Scott L.
I ate here a long time ago. And at that time they had breakfast. I guess they got rid of that. But this was by far one of the most interesting dining experiences I ever had. It was like the definitive meal at grandmas house. Mrs. Wilkes was there serving family style dishes that had the rich flavor of generations. I never forgot that meal. I highly recommend this place for a real southern experience in the heart of Savannah.
(4)
Jen H.
thought I was going to die from the long wait but it was worth every second. Hands down the best meal I've ever had in my life.
(5)
Michelle G.
What's not to like or even love about this place! Well, Mrs. Wilkes is definitely one unforgettable dining experience during my trip to Georgia. Why? Because I've never been to restaurant where they serve Southern Thanksgiving like dinner all year round. With that being said, as a Filipina we were not familiarize with the way Thanksgiving family dinners work. Which is, sharing a huge table with a different family member to share variety of dishes and sides already served on our table. I personally have been to a family like dinner but our traditional family members did not know that you have to pass the dishes around after you get some for yourselves. Hehe. Which made our experience together as a family so much fun, because we got to know the other family members we shared our food with on our table. Yes, there will be a huge line filled with hungry people even before they open. Well, we actually got there right on time since there were only 5 families in front of us. As soon as you walk in their basement like restaurant, you'll get the feeling that you just walked in someone's grandma's house. It just very old fashioned, very comfy, very antique and very homey with their decor. Once you get to your table, you'll see that the dishes are already served family style at the table. I believe there were about 20 dishes to share. There's no need for a menu, Coz everything is right on the table. Drinks wise, they will ask you as soon as your sat into the table. Their sweet tea was so delicious, the reason why I bought some from their mini store. My favorite was their tender, juicy, flavorful, crispy fried chicken. Mmmmm! It sure was very "country southern food." After your meal, they will serve you with choices of desserts to choose from. And like a family dinner, you bring your plate to the kitchen to be washed. Luckily, we did not have anything for breakfast which made it our first meal of the day. So, we really ate as if it was dinner time and not brunch. Lol. The staff was very friendly, always smiling, very courteous, and polite which really made it into a very Southern experience you won't get any where else in a restaurant. Not only that but my cousin had mentioned to the staff that I was just visiting from CA, and that I would love to have just a little bit of our leftover to take home. The staff did not think other wise and gave us a little something to go. I really loved it here period and if ever I do go back to Georgia, I will definitely come back here at Mrs. Wilkes. Thank you for such an great hospitality.
(5)
Steve K.
This was definitely a worthwhile unique dining experience. I loved eating family style in an old historic boarding house! You'll need to plan your day around this lunch because of the very limited hours and long lines. (open Mon-Fri 11am-2pm). I waited about 40 mins which wasn't too bad. The price is now $18, which isn't a bad deal considering how wonderful and plentiful the food is! My advice is to only take a little of each item if you want to have enough room to try everything. The drinks are iced tea or water, and the meal ends with a small dessert (banana pudding or peach cobbler). The lunch does feel a little rushed- they start clearing plates, giving you dessert and telling you to buss your own plates even when some people are still eating. Don't expect to linger around and have a conversation after your meal. I understand that they need to turn tables quick for the long lines outside, during the short business hours. I have no idea why such a popular restaurant is only open for a few hours and closed on the weekends. Still worth the visit if you can fit it in your schedule!
(4)
Becky T.
The best restaurant ever. We got in line at 10:30, so easily made the first seating at 11am. We walked in their small dining room to our table, and our jaws just dropped at the sight of it. On the table were over 20 dishes of food including from what I can remember: lima beans,creamed corn, cheesy mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, greens, cabbage, beef stew, chicken dumplings, yellow squash, BBQ pork slices, black eye peas, white rice, dirty rice with sausage, succotash, rutabaga, corn bread, rolls, mac and cheese, tomato pasta salad, and a platter of the best fried chicken ever. Then for dessert you get a choice of blueberry compote or banana pudding. All for $16 even. I loved that it was served family style and that you get to eat with strangers. We were lucky because the people we were with were all visiting foodies, and they have hit all the best spots in Savannah already and we enjoyed hearing all these retired people who's main amusement in life is to now travel the country in search for good food. Its something to look forward to in life. The only disappointing thing was that the people weren't big eaters, though that turned out to be a good thing because I ended up finishing up the platter of chicken. I'm sure they thought I was a pig considering I had like 5 pieces of chicken while everyone else had 2. Must not go to waste! Seriously, Paula Dean's is not even in the same league as this. Everyone needs to take a pilgrimage here. I love, love this place.
(5)
Mary V.
Would have loved to have had lunch here, but there was a two hour wait to just get in the door. We did talk with folks who were committed to waiting in line and they sounded very excited about their lunch adventures at Mrs Wilkes Dining Room.
(4)
Mary O.
This is the place to go for lunch in Savannah. There's always a line and depending on how big your party is, you may sit with strangers. It's like going to a dinner party. The people I sat with were from New Jersey and South Carolina. The food is all set in the middle and southern comfort type of food. I discovered a love for lima beans and the fried chicken is delicious. The only thin g that sucked was that you had to bus your own dishes and cash only.
(4)
X V.
Believe the hype. This place is well worth it. Bring cash or a check - they don't accept credit or debit cards! I didn't get to try everything so I am going back tomorrow. Go there hungry!!! You won't be disappointed. Everything was very good, hot, and fresh! Plus the added fun of sitting with fellow diners at a large round table. Loved it and will be going back!!
(4)
Lisa Z.
This was a very amazing experience for me! I didn't care for waiting in line for 2 hours in the hot and humid Savannah climate, but it was worth it. I would have to compare it to either going back in time or playing a role in a movie (neither of which I've ever done! You will never have more authentic Southern food! At the end of this family style lunch you clear the table and bring your dirty dishes to the kitchen... it was awesome. I believe it is also on the top 100 places to go before you die (or something like that). Put this restaurant on your Bucket List but bring a battery operated fan with you if you go in the summer time!
(5)
Enoch C.
long line, worth the wait. the gf and i went on a day trip to savannah planing to go to the lady and sons, but after reading poor reviews and rave reviews for mrs. wilkes, we decided to come here instead. i don't know if i missed anything at the lady and sons, but i'm very satisfied with our decision to go to mrs. wilkes instead. we arrived around 1:00 with the line winding to the end of the intersection. here's a tip, if you're going to get there around 1 on a monday, you might as well just take your time and get there right at 2. you'll be about 10 people back, but you won't have to wait nearly as long. it was hot outside, so bring a cool drink if you're going to brave the heat. now, on to the food. you sit in tables of 10 with whoever you were in line with, food already on the table. we didn't know what to do since my table was all out-of-towners. we just sat there marveling at the food not knowing if we were allowed to start eating or not. finally we asked one of the servers and she gave us a look like, "i can't believe you fools aren't eating this bountiful feast we made for you." so we dove in. it reminded me of what a thanksgiving meal would be like. everyone passing bowls and plates. i think someone counted 22 different dishes on the table at one point. here are some highlights: the fried chicken - delicious!! one of the best i've had. i usually eat white meat for the test. it was so tender and juicy... i'm salivating right now as i remember each bite i had. dirty rice/jumbalaya - huge chunks of sausage (andouille i think). flavored really well. biscuits - really moist and soft. the cornbread was a little too dry and hard for me. bbq pork - was ok. but you're not there for this. you're there for the fried chicken. the mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, red potatoes, collards, squash, and cabbage were all good. nothing i had there was bad. the thing is, besides the chicken, nothing's GREAT! but everything is darn good. southern home cooking at its finest. for dessert, we had banana pudding which was good. it's my favorite dessert, so i inhaled it. it was good. i can't say i've had exceptional banana pudding though. what i liked most about the meal is the experience. it was fun chatting it up with out-of-towners. wouldn't have had that experience at paula deen's restaurant.
(4)
Terry E.
We went to the place for the experience; the price of $16.00 per person is alright if you have a big appetite for fried chicken and all the helpings. You really have to get in line early, they open at 11am and line starts at 9am. Once you're in they have the table set up with all the food on bowls and you could eat as much as you want; bottomless iced tea. If you want desserts, they have it in very,very small bowls, so tell the server right away if you like more than one. I love the servers, they're so wonderful and very attentive. You won't be able to finish the food, they keep on filling it up; I don't know what they do with the leftovers, but it's sad to have all those food go into waste. No take-outs for leftovers and before I forget it's Cash only 'If it's your first time in Savannah, just go and try it...
(2)
Jen P.
A dining experience to be had. Family style portions served thanksgiving style. Never will you have homecooking like this in a restaurant anywhere other than here.. (that i know of atleast) It was my favorite place in Savannah.Everything served is delicious. The sweet tea is really good too. Yes, the line is long but so worth it. And yes, I feel guilty for liking this "thanksgiving" meal a tad bit more than my own Mothers. Ooops.
(5)
Chad B.
This place was amazing. Being a foody and pretty particular about food, every dish was excellent. No need for salt and pepper on any dish, which is always a shocker. Only downsides to the experience were: 1. You sit with strangers, which was great, but there was this tourist schmuck at our table breaking the cardinal principle of talking politics in front of strangers. 2. Everyone at really fast - I am tall and have a high metabolism, so I will eat more than most, not to mention I like to take my time. Therefore, I felt like everyone was kind of waiting on the wife and I to finish up because they felt embarrassed leaving the table before we were done. In the end, though, the food is great, which is what you came for, not to mention that this place has been doing the same since the 40's.
(5)
Keith L.
My wife knows I love good buffets and all you can eat places but I also like good food. I know this is in congruent, but I found my nirvana, Mrs Wilkes' Mrs Wilkes' is the place to go when you are in Savannah if you like family style southern cuisine and don't mind waiting for over 1 hours to get in and paying $16/person (cash only). I agree with the previous reviewer that the Fried Chicken was the bomb (does anyone say that anymore besides me?) It was seasoned perfectly without dripping in grease. I think I had about 4 pieces. I also agree that creamy squash dish, which looked like something you would get at an Indian place but was delicious and I too had 2nd, 3rds. The other best dish I had was the chicken and noodles. I think I had 5ths of that. Surprisingly I did not roll out of the place but was full. Hey, after waiting in line for over 1 hour in the heat and humidity you have to get your fill, right? Serving staff was very nice and we sat at the same table with a guy who married into this family. He said that the original Mrs' Wilkes granddaughter is running the place now and she was out there serving us biscuits. Did anyone mention you need to bus your dishes when you are done...kinda homey in a good way. I'm going back if every I'm back in Savannah
(5)
Kate C.
This place came highly recommended, as in "You have to go to Mrs. Wilkes". We obliged, but it wasn't all that. We waited for about an hour and we were basically rushed in and out. We sat for a half hour tops. And although it may be part of the charm, I'm not really into clearing my own dishes after you have rushed me through lunch. That being said, a few of the sides were excellent: the stuffing, the turnips, the yams, they were all great. the fried chicken was okay (in my opinion, my boyfriend loved it - probably because it's fried). The biscuits were embarrassingly bad. Yeah, I guess you "gotta go" but don't expect to be able to relax and enjoy your meal.
(3)
Antoinette T.
If you're coming to Savannah you just can't pass up a landmark. I couldn't. My sister and I came here and we were SO stoked. We were the first people in line and got seated at a large table with some nice enough people. As soon as the food started pouring out of the kitchen my mouth was watering... I was mentally rushing the people at my table to pass the fooooooood! but i have to say, as much hype as this place has built up.. i just thought it was average. It wasn't bad... but it wasn't great. Not great enough to make a second trip and wait in line and sit with people I don't know and wait for them to pass the food!
(3)
Tony S.
The fact I won't stand in line to get into anything - cinema, nightclub, Apple store (especially Apple store) but was happy to stand in line for an hour to get friend chicken says a little too much about me. Mrs. Wilkes was the quintessential southern dining experience for me. Even the wait was well mannered. Family style service normally feels odd but here it was right. Arriving to a table laid out with all kinds of delicious foods was so cool, and everyone at our table was so nice. It was like dining on the home of a great southern cook. And the food? The fried chicken wasn't the best I've ever had, but it was darn close and really crispy and moist. The sides were so varied and yum you'll want to try a little of everything. I couldn't believe I had a second helping of green beans! The BBQ pork was also a highlight. There was tons of food left over and one of the staff told us that leftovers are offered to local charities, which is good to know. All in all a real Savannah experience worth having. Just be prepared for the wait in line and don't let that frame your experience.
(4)
andrea r.
For true southern food, you must go here, Family style and the food keeps coming !! You must go here--
(5)
Kate F.
Totally overrated! We were so excited to try this spot with all of the great reviews - and we were so disappointed. The only thing we both liked was the fried chicken, which was pretty good (but we have had better). The experience of waiting in a loooooong line built up our anticipation - but the fact that it was a line of tourists with tour bus stickers and fanny packs should have been the first hint we were in the wrong place. Once we were herded inside, we were sent to a large table that seated probably a dozen people. The table was filled with bowls of side dishes, and each spot had a glass of iced sweet tea. No one came to tell us what any of the dishes were - we were left guessing. We had to flag down the surly waitress in order to get water and unsweetened tea, and she made it seem as though we had asked for something totally unreasonable. The dishes were varied, but all were lukewarm. The macaroni and cheese seemed to not have real cheese on it, there were some dishes with turnips in them. The biscuits were not lofty, but oily and flat. The collard greens were so salty (and I love salt), we could barely eat them. The pulled pork was pretty good, but again - we've had better. There was something that I would describe as corn pudding, but I have no clue if it was creamed corn, grits... or what? It was so gelatinous, it was disgusting. Everything seemed to have salt, sweeteners, chemicals, etc. It actually lacked a true homemade taste. We had a couple of vegetarians at our table who were not clued in to the set menu, they clearly were miffed as well. So, for $16 a head you get to wait in line for mediocre cold food that you have no idea what it is, get treated badly by the 'waitstaff', have to beg for water, and then - you get to clear your own dishes! Amazingly enough - as soon as the meal was coming to an end, the previously surly and rude waitress who had walked around the dining room talking on her iPhone (!) during lunch - became sunny as she told us we could leave the tips on the table if we wanted HER to have them, instead of in the common tip basket as you check out. We would never go back, nor would we recommend this tourist trap. Beware of all those positive reviews!
(2)
Terese G.
I could say "see Dawn K.'s review," but I guess that'd be lazy. We waited in line for over two hours on our last day in Savannah, and we'll do it all again the next time we're in town. The food and experience were wonderful. We loved the communal dinner table, the incredible array of Southern sides, and the heaping plate of fried chicken. There's no lingering at the table, but that's probably for the best so you can avoid a dreaded food coma.
(5)
Tracy P.
This is the best place to eat EVER! Words can't describe this place if you love Southern Food.... Now there are a ton of things to choose from and YES my Grandmother can make some of the dishes BETTER! But for the money and the Delicious EATING nothing can compare! Not EVEN Paula Dean's I would not even think about standing in her line to eat! I might cause a riot inside if it didn't compare or if it wasn't better than Ms. Wilkes so I stay away....Paula looks like she could handle me LOL! I wish you could take leftovers but you can't and it's probably a good thing. I can't imagine the fighting at the table over who would get to leave with the goodies! Wear your loose fitting clothes and forget about your DIET! Awesome Eating!
(5)
Art T.
Two thumb ups for this place. I guess the touring season is gone. My friend and I went there at 10:30 am. We were seated by 11 am. The food was just like any home-made cooking. The collard greens and fried chicken were out of the world. There were over 20 side dishes. Everything was just perfectly made. The staff was attentive. I definitely would go back and recommend anyone to try it.
(5)
Patricia C.
A must for your Savannah visit. Was skeptical when I heard it was cash only and it was only open for 3 hours a day during the week but it was worth waiting in line for. The fried chicken was flavorful, yet light and the MANY sides left me stuffed.
(5)
Holly S.
Southern food at its BEST! This is one tourist trap in Savannah that is truly worth going to! If you drive by Jones St on a weekday between 11-2, you are sure to see a long line leading into what looks to be a house. Be sure to get there at about 10:50 if you don't like to wait.. but it is a shady wait if you choose to get there later. You must go with a HUGE appetite. As you wait in line, the people leaving Mrs. Wilkes will always say "It's worth the wait!". How annoying because after an hour of hearing.. "It's worth the wait," you just want everyone who already ate to hush.. haha. That sounds bitter, but you will see. Upon entering, you feel like you are at granny's house. Our table consisted of about 12 people. Try to not let the people at your table ruin your experience. We had a guy from New Jersey and other person at the table asked if he was from New York... Oh..That made Mr. New Jersey VERYY angry It made for an awkward lunch experience, but my beau and I found it rather comical. Beyond that, the food was delicious. I love bringing family and friends here, as well. This place is 100 times better than Lady and Sons!
(5)
Josh C.
Don't tell her I said this, but Mrs. Wilkes is better than my southern Grandmother's cooking. We arrived at 10:45 and were seated less than 30 minutes later my wife and I loved the family atmosphere. I was a little worried about sitting with strangers, but we had a great time. I've seen some reviewers complaining about running out of food...you must have been sitting with some greedy people! We all ate tons (everyone had seconds and thirds) and it seems like we barely made a dent in what we were served. I would advise you to try everything on the table. I generally don't like barbecue or stuffing, but I loved both at Mrs. Wilkes. You might find a new favorite as well.
(5)
Sarah H.
Mrs Wilkes is a must for anyone visiting or living in Savannah- the food is excellent and there is just no way to try everything they put on the table. The best fried chicken. Definitely a must.
(5)
Skip H.
Just like grandmas house! If your here, just go, it's a must do for lunch. Something for everyone on the table of delicious southern dishes. Loved the experience.
(5)
Ross W.
Forewarned, we got there at 10:30a, but there were already 30+ people in line. However, we made first seating. You sit with a bunch of strangers. The table is already filled with sweet tea and side dishes, from cabbage, collard greens, mac & cheese, black-eyed peas, okra & tomatoes to squash and candied yams. There must have been a dozen of them. Just having a little of everything could fill you up. Beef Stew was good. The highlight was definitely the Fried Chicken, which was amazing. Be sure to save room for Banana Pudding and Peach Cobbler. It is cash only and opens from 11a -2p. If we're back in Savannah, we'll definitely eat here again.
(5)
Jaime S.
Such good food!! True southern cooking.I felt like I was eating a meal at my mommom's...very home like atmosphere. We will eat here every time we visit Savannah.
(5)
Ray B.
We ate there in June. Had to wait and sweat for at least or more than an hour. By the time you got seated, you were so thirsty.... so you re-hydrate yourself and therefore not as hungry. lol.. They need a bigger place for sure. Food was like eating at home but better. Great food. I will eat there again, for sure...
(5)
Gen L.
Very tasty southern food. Come hungry! You are served family style at a table of 8. More food than you can imagine.
(4)
Alexa S.
I LOVE THIS PLACE! Went there this morning. Wait was about an hour (arrived around 10 minutes after 10). The food is excellent. There's so much of it that I forgot a majority of it. You will not be disappointed. So yes this is the must go grub spot if you're visiting like I am. It's best if you walk around afterwards.
(5)
Leslie T.
Great fried chicken, mac n cheese, and banana pudding. Worth the wait!
(5)
DN P.
Trying to keep it short but will probably fail... - location: historic Savannah on a beautiful street - price: it was a bargain ($16 for about 80 lbs of food) - clientele: touristy, but fun (keep in mind all tables are family style - we sat with folks from all over and had a great time) - waitstaff: humorously officious (and everyone was very friendly) - food: delicious, hearty southern food without being too heavy/greasy We counted 23 different family-style served dishes on the table. The succotash was my favorite and the fried chicken a close second. The chicken was probably the best I've had outside of my grandmother's. Grandma still has the edge, but even coming close is tough in my opinion. Also, the sweet tea was perfect and that might have been the best Banana Puddin' I've ever had. The only negative: the wait. We waited for 1.5 hours to get in. But honestly it only made us hungrier and the food taste even better. Worth the wait if you're looking to eat well-prepared southern food with strangers in an environment with history and character. A must-eat in Savannah for me. Just get there early (11:00 or so) or carve out three hours in the middle of the day so you can build your hunger in line outside.
(5)
James S.
After one hour in line to finish our meal in 35 minutes, I can say it was not worth all the hype! You'll leave full and with that feeling that you just ate at your grandmothers thanksgiving dinner. But to be honest, it was just a bunch of vegi's and a few meat options but nothing special about any of it! There is a place off I-75 at x201 called Buckner's that is just like this place but actually does have good chicken and you sit 10 to a table like Mrs Wilkes. If you're traveling on your trip skip this place and try Buckner's with very little wait and a better experience! P.S. Mrs Wilkes does not take credit cards and the meal is $16 a person. And they are only open M-F 11-2!
(3)
Scott A.
Worth the hour wait. 22 bowls of southern comfort at the dinner table to enjoy with awesome fried chicken & pulled pork. Skip Lady & Sons and plan on going here instead.
(5)
Rich J.
Everything you could hope it to be. They have about 7 tables, about 10 to a table. Got there at 10:30, waited 2 hours... totally worth it. Definitely get there before noon. Go crazy with the greens, cabbage, and okra salad; you won't find better anywhere. I haven't ate like this since my grandma passed.
(5)
Foodie S.
Best southern cooking I've ever had!!! It only opens from 11 - 2 for lunch. I arrived at 1:30 and there was a line out the door. Lunch is served family style with collard green, chicken and dumplings, cream corn, mash red potato, lima beans, squash, black eye peas, , mac and cheese, red beans, green beans, pull pork, stew, (about 15 different dishes) are on the table. No picking from the menu. Everyone gets the same thing. The fried chicken is to die for! If you don't mind sharing the table with strangers, you will love this. And - everyone clears his own table and bring his dishes to the dishwasher. Must experience when in Savannah.
(5)
Yuna P.
My boyfriend and I went to extreme measures to taste the true Southern cooking. First of all, we stayed an extra day in Savannah, just to eat at Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room, which is opened only on Monday through Friday. Not only that, we woke up at 8 AM (on a vacation!) to line up in front of Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room by 10 AM. I can't disagree with the other reviews here. The wait was totally worth this unique dining experience. Fried Chicken wasn't all Fancy Schmancy (spiced up, or whatever restaurants do nowadays); in fact, it was a real, authentic fried chicken. I also thoroughly enjoyed the macaroni and cheese, mashed potato, beef stew, and the banana pudding! The combination of mashed bananas and wafers.. it truly is a flavor party! I wish they served the banana pudding as one of the side items on the tables, so I can eat bowls of it! For future goers, I will pass on the wisdom I've obtained upon eating at Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room: 1. Be prepared to line up staring 10 AM. This will guarantee your entrance to the restaurant as soon as it opens. 2. Make sure to touch up on some table manners before you go as you will be sharing the table with strangers! 3. save room for dessert - go for the banana pudding. It is to die for! 4. Most importantly, take cash or check! You have to pay for this graceful food somehow.
(5)
Leslie M.
The best fried chicken ever! I was tipped off to this place by an extremely nice local after I told her about the encounter I had with a very rude hostess standing outside of The Lady and Sons (I'm writing Paula Dean a letter.) The advice I got was to line up at 10am, even though the place doesn't open till 11. My sister and Abel wanted to take a walk so technically I was the first one in line and armed with my camera, US Weekly, and my cell phone I had more than enough distractions to keep myself entertained as I patiently waited and fantasized about gooey mac n cheese. But I wasn't alone for long cause within 10 minutes people were showing up asking if this was the place. It's kinda tricky cause it really just looks like a townhouse. Before I knew it, the time was 10:55, Kim and Abel had returned, and the front door had just opened. (yay!) When you walk in, you immediately notice the four tables in the room already set with like 20 serving bowls of food. I took a seat that was the closest to the fried chicken. ( I had been smelling it for an hour!) Once everyone was seated this man comes to the middle of the room and rings a bell which signifies that it's time to "dig in." The concept of this place is "family style" where you pick up a dish, serve yourself a helping, and then pass it on to the person sitting beside you. And let me tell you, there is sooo much food to choose from! Collard greens, corn, okra, scalloped potatoes and gravy, cornbread, sweet potatoes, mac n cheese...it just goes on and on. Everything is absolutely AMAZING and probably a 100% better than anything served at that over-hyped establishment I mentioned earlier. (I really am writing Paula Dean a letter.) But seriously, get there early cause as we were leaving I noticed that the line had quadrupled down the sidewalk and they have limited hours (11am-2pm mon-fri) and limited seating--first come first serve.
(5)
Lisa B.
This was by far hands down the BEST authentic southern food I ever had. The staff were very nice and made you feel at home. The overall experience was I felt like I was sitting down for dinner at Grandma's. Be patient it's worth the wait .
(5)
Sarah C.
Make this place a PRIORITY while visiting Savannah, people! And good luck on getting in!! First time ever waiting in an roller coaster line to eat lunch. The line of drooling people literally wrapped around the corner of the street. (Pictures to prove it) They are only open M-F from 11am-2pm. We got there at 11:20am and it took us about an hour and 15 to get in. You are only able to get into the house in "waves". They have a certain amount of tables, and once they are filled, that's it! You're stuck waiting outside and then seeing the FULL FOOD COMA patrons come out satisfied & letting us know "its worth the wait!" And it TRULY TRULY was. BEST MEAL EVER. Felt like you were a guest in someones home (which you practically are), sitting around the table with the people you acquainted yourself with during that hour wait (we met the kindest couple), and sharing a large meal w/ over 20 diff. dishes, I KID YOU NOT. It was our last day and last meal in Savannah~ GREAT, EPIC ending to the trip. =) Again, cash only!
(5)
Courtney E.
Trust the other reviews...this place is money! I went here for lunch after just moving to Savannah. It was a great place to go to alone since you sit with other people anyway. I counted 22 different bowls of food on our table. Everything was good but I especially liked the bbq pork, squash casserole, and banana pudding. It's only open for lunch Mon-Fri so I suggest planning your vacation around making a stop here.
(5)
Johnny C.
This was the first restaurant we visited in Savannah and it turned out to be the best. We didn't know beforehand that food was served family style on a table for ten people. It felt a little strange eating with strangers at first but conversation flow easy with great food. In no time we were chatting up with everyone at our table and it was quite enjoyable. We counted 23 dishes that were served. Every dish was well made and a couple of dishes were simply amazing. My wife considers herself to be a fried chicken connoisseur and she thinks they have the best fried chicken she's ever tasted. My personal favorite was their BBQ beef and candied yams. Considering the affordable price, enjoyable atmosphere, excellent varieties of dishes, and some of the best food we ever tasted. This place rank in the top three on our all time favorite restaurant list. This is a must visit if you are near Savannah.
(5)
Elissa O.
Food = very good and authentic southern. This is definitely an experience you should have if you visit Savannah. The best thing, yes seriously, is the wait. And there will be one. I really enjoyed talking to other people in line. We got there at 10:10 and we got in about 11:15 and were out before noon. Overall, you will leave smiling and satisfied. Just remember - cash only!
(4)
Andrew M.
The best food we ate while in Savannah. This is a must stop when you are in town. Only drawback is the wait. We got in line at 12pm and did not get seated until 2:30. Only serves lunch Monday through Friday 11am to 2pm, so we were glad we still got in. Once in no complaints about any of the food. Not a good place to take little children due to the amount of wait to get seated.
(5)
Louise B.
If I could give Mrs. Wilkes a 4.5 I would. I'd seen this place on Food Network several years ago (back when Mrs Wilkes was still with us) & have been wanting to try it. I FINALLY made it! This wasn't my first trip to Savannah but as other reviewers (and the website) have noted, they are only open during the week from 11am-2pm. Well, this trip was planned with the SOLE purpose being to visit Mrs Wilkes Boarding House. I have to say, I think the stars were aligned for me this day. We pulled up to the restaurant 15 minutes to 11, plenty of parking & only about 40-50 people already in line (yes, I said "only"). My friend & I waited about 20 minutes & we were in. Seating is very quick because there are about 8 tables in the 2 dining areas & they each seat 10-12 people. When we walked in the table was already setup with all of our sides. I can't remember them all but it was much more than the sides they listed on the website for that day (Thursday). The Mac & Cheese was Cheesy Goodness, Fried Chicken nicely seasoned, not at all greasy, Oh So GOOD! and to my surprise my favorite thing of all was the Cabbage! Now normally, you couldn't pay me all the money in the world to eat cabbage, seriously... wouldn't touch it with a 10 foot pole. I had that cabbage parked right in front of me so I could keep going back for more without having to ask for it to be passed back. Two things made me knock off half a star, towards the end of the meal we were all having a great time chatting with the others at our table & they brought around desert. We had to pick either banana pudding, or peach cobbler. Well, Savannah is not exactly in my backyard so if I'm gonna drive almost 4 hours I want to at least be able to try both, it's not like they were huge servings... probably about a small serving spoon of each one on a tiny little plate. Well, the first person that got the desert tray at our table took both so we all followed suit. When the waitress came back for the ones that should have been left over she just laughed at the empty tray we handed back to her. Now, once you're done you better pack it up! No dilly dallying, they don't want you sitting around at the table talking because there are hungry people lined up outside waiting to come in. So... we bid good day to our fellow diners & were on our way. I will definitely go back, but next time I'll take my cousin who eats super slow so we can take our times & not be rushed. I've figured out that's they key to being able to stay a little longer... as long as someone at the table is still eating they won't push you out.
(4)
Kristina W.
How fun was it to eat at Mrs Wilkes. I think most people probably wait in line longer than it takes to eat their lunch but I got lucky and there was no line (I went off season on a rainy day). Once it is your groups turn to be seated, they take you to your table which is fully laid out with fried chicken, BBQ chicken, black eyed peas, biscuits, beans, cheesy mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes and a whole lot more. Everything was good but personally, I thought the fried chicken stood out. It was so moist. I also loved their beef stew. If you come to Savannah, you have to try this establishment.
(4)
Justin K.
Most people visiting Savannah will make the pilgrimmage to Paula Deen's restaurant, but it can't hold a candle to this Southern classic. Thanks to other Yelpers' reviews (thanks guys), we knew Mrs. Wilke's would be popular, but we had not idea how much Southerners love this food. (And well they should.) The restaurant serves only one meal a day (lunch) and they're only open on weekdays. The restaurant opens its doors promptly at 11:00, but diners start lining up well before. We arrived at 10:40, and barely made the first seating. Note: if you don't make the first seating, you have to wait until a whole group has finished its entire dinner, which can be around 45 minutes. When we left, the line extended down the block and almost around the corner. For the uninitiated, allow me to explain. Mrs. Wilkes' serves on common tables, meaning you'll be dining with around 8 other people, often strangers. When you enter the dining room, the table is already laden with around 15 side dishes, chicken, and pot roast/stew. You choose a seat, introduce yourself to your new friends, and then you start passing the side dishes. Oh, and what side dishes! Collard greens, creamed corn, okra -- whatever southern dish you could crave -- it's here. The chicken was the best I've had in a long time. It mirrored the chicken my Texan great grandmother used to make. Sigh. Practical information: Eat a small breakfast, since it's all you can eat, and you'll want to indulge. Get there by 10:45 at the latest. Cost is $16 per person. In a nice homey touch, servers ask diners to bus their own dinner dish at the end of the meal.
(5)
Jamie E.
Get there before 10:30 or expect a 90 minute wait. The fried chicken, Mac and cheese and Lima beans were excellent. Some of the side dishes were on the salty side. Unless you really like sweet tea, make sure you ask for unsweetened.
(4)
Ryan S.
We got there early to get in line and still only got the second seating. The food is very good and there is a large variety and a lot of it. We felt like we rushed. Try a small amount of everything first, then get seconds on what you like. Some things were outstanding, some were average. I'd recommend anybody visiting Savannah to try it once.
(4)
G H.
It is worth the wait. Luckily there is a cute shop with air conditioning to browse next door while a good natured boyfriend waits in line. Make friends with the people in line with you. I enjoyed the family style seating. The food is great and there is tons of it. I put just a little taste of each thing on my plate and it was heaping full. Then they brought out the biscuits, then the dessert. Wow. Go on an empty stomach. I am not from the south, so there were several dishes I had never tried before. I liked it all.
(5)
Robert C.
This place was really good, but I don't know if it was good enough to wait 2 hrs for! If you get there before 11am and the line is already "around the corner", you're in for a 1.5hr+ wait. When other reviewers say "don't worry about looking for the sign, you'll see the line of people", man were they right!
(4)
jessica d.
Sometimes touristy places are good. Like, how Mama's in SF is still good, but overrun by tourists. This place is good, so don't be afraid. You have to sit at a communal table and talk to people from parts of the country that are villified by the coastal free thinkers, but then you find out that they are real people too! And you are united by the most American of pastimes - stuffing yourself with the most wonderful fried chicken and like 20 other sides. Seriously - 20(!), I didn't even get to try all the sides! I wish I was hungrier. I would say that the sides were only ok, and it was more quantity over quality, but that fried chicken... Oh man! It was like Proust's imagined perfect madeline - real fried chicken never measures up to what is in my head, but this did. Can I go again tomorrow? So. If you visit Savannah, come here. We got lucky and rolled up at 11 am on a Tuesday in winter. There was a long line, but we got in for the first seating. Don't be like us, you probably won't be as lucky. Get a coffee somewhere, bring a book, and arrive by 10 am at the latest. Be hungry!
(4)
Amanda D.
"All you can eat" should be modified to "all you can eat in 25 minutes". That's about how long we were in Mrs Wilkies before our table began being cleared because our group's time was "up". You have quite an impressive selection of dishes to try at Mrs Wilkies and some of them are really excellent (BBQ, mashes potatoes, yams, butter beans, fried chicken) but you spend about 10 minutes passing dishes back and forth between others at your table. This doesn't leave too much time to eat before being rushed over to pay and leave. We suspect this place was incredible at one time and just got too big for itself. Now the line out the door translates to a factory feel. Hate to say it, but this is definitely a tourist trap. Nevertheless, it was an experience worth having. Just go prepared.
(3)
Steve S.
What a lunch feast. Even though it was almost 2:00 closing time, they seated everyone in line. Table for 10 already had the more than 20 dishes ready to serve. Fried chicken very tender & juicy. So many sides to try (20), we tried a spoon of each before going back to our favorites.
(4)
Annie M.
150% worth the wait. We got there at 11 to wait in line and were lucky enough to be first in line. We got nervous at first that the hype was all overrated as no one else came in line... but after about 20 minutes the line went out the door. Every item on the table was simply presented and smelled great. The chicken was truly the best friend chicken I think I have ever had. I am so happy we came here instead of Paula Deen's. I was surprised by how many people had never heard of it, yet the place was full by the time we left. Family style and clear your own plates added to the atmosphere and we had a great time! Glad we heard about it and took a chance:)
(5)
Bradley L.
So we arrived at eleven, when it opened, and the line was already to the end of the block and you could smell the fried chicken. We got in line and quickly made friends with these two fun ladies from Kansas City who were in town for a sewing convention. This is why I love this place, the line kinda forces you to get to know the people you will be eating with (i guess unless you are in a group of ten) and you may have nothing in common with them. Well about ten minutes in with were just ke-keing with them and laughing about who knows what. Thirty minutes later, you got some table friends and you are HUNGRY. They seat you and bring a ridiculous amount of good southern food out. The fried chicken was good, the gravy was on point, and the cucumbers in vinegar reminded me of my Mamaw. I was in love. All the cooks are old southern black ladies, which totally validates the place for me, bc everyone knows if you want some good southern cooking the best place to turn (besides my Mom's kitchen) is some church going black ladies. Skip Lady and Son's and head here... oh and take your plate to the kitchen when you are done.
(4)
Johnny B.
Awesome homestyle family food. Down home country southern cookin! YUMMMM!!! The wait (20 mins) was def worth it. They only take cash or check, no credit cards! Def get the banana pudding for dessert!
(5)
Gary C.
Overrated! Thank god I can say I went there ONCE and only once. One star sounds too harsh for the place but, it certainly qualifies for "don't bother".
(2)
Liz S.
Oh. My. God. Why does this place not have to full five stars? This really is food heaven. Just had to say it again. I love this place. It's a good thing I don't live here or I would be eating here way too often. I love you Mrs. Wilkes!
(5)
Ciara L.
Fabulous. If you go to Savannah and have the time, wait in the line, and eat here. The experience is awesome and the food is beyond amazing and true southern cooking at it's best! :)
(5)
Lem C.
SOUTHERN COMFORT FOOD--10 dishes family-style--shared with friendly strangers from all over. Fried chicken--excellent. Sweet corn grits--simple but good. Sweet iced tea--refreshes you after sitting on Forrest Gump's bench in summer heat & humidity. An enjoyable memory that layers your Savannah experience.
(4)
Andres M.
The most interesting eating experience I've had. I went by myself and I ended up sharing a big table with lots of strangers, passing the food around was fun. The food was delicious and very filling. Lots of dishes. To add to the experience, you have bring your own plate to the kitchen to get it washed. There was a line but I didn't have to wait that long. Since this is an "all you can eat" place, do not eat anything before and go for a walk afterwards (nice neighborhood to do it)
(5)
john j.
It's a Savannah landmark and you should therefore try it. The food is good and you get a ton of it so skip breakfast, forget about your diet, and come hungry. If your table can eat half of all they put in front of you as a group then you did better than we all did. I hope they give the left overs to second harvest, a soup kitchen, or at least take it home. That would be a lot of wasted food if not. All of it is good. This is traditional soul food.. Here's just a partial list of what you'll get: fried chicken, biscuits, black eyed peas, pulled pork, rice, mashed potatoes, dressing, chili rice and sausage, lima beans, white rice, squash, sweet potatoes, and a few more I can't remember. As it gets passed around to you your plate will quickly fill up. In terms of the not so good....we had to stand in line for an hour and a half for this. It's also $16 a shot so it ain't cheap. One thing that really turned me off was that I was required (everyone was) to take their dirty plate through the entire restaraunt to the dishwasher. Really? I wait in line for an hour and a half and pay $16 so I can bus my own table? Really? Bottom line: The food is good to be sure but I'm not sure it's really worth 1.5 hours of my life out on a sidewalk and $16. Good but didn't knock my socks off. Go to say you went but I'm not sure I'd go back unless the wait was less and they knocked off a few bucks. Kind of the same thing as Paula Dean's place.
(3)
Bruce M.
The name says it all! Dine here as a guest in a friends home. Share a table of about 10 with other guests. The table is loaded with food like a thanksgiving dinner. Everything was down home southern cooking and it was amazing!!! The wait was about 45mins to an hour but so worth it! This place is not for everyone, it is DOWN HOME SOUTHERN cooking!!!
(5)
Lori H.
Went here in mid March. Got on the line at 1pm with quite a few people in front of us. We were afraid we might not make it in before their closing time of 2 pm. But after a 90 minute wait we got in. We sat with the people we were chatty with in front of us. The food was delicious as everyone on Yelp has been saying. I was a bit surprised that the chicken didn't keep coming. After the first plate, it took quite a bit of waiting and another guest requesting it again before we saw our second plate. By the time it did come, most people had filled up on the side dishes. There was only one dessert offered when we were there... a banana pudding type dish. I passed on it thinking there would be other choices coming along but it never came. We were not offered coffee or tea after the meal either. The prices have gone up to $18 per person. The food was good. The new friends we made while waiting and eating was a nice experience. But I feel like we could have gotten more chicken and more desserts. If I'm ever in town again and hungry, I'd go a little earlier. I suspect they ran out of food by the time we got there. I felt a bit rushed out by the end.
(4)
Troy B.
This may well be the best southern style food in the country. I know its the best I have had at least. The fried chicken is incredible, the biscuits perfect, and the vegetables are plentiful and delicious. The boarding house seating, with maybe 10 to a table, is fun and good for conversation during your meal. Despite the rather high price for lunch, it is all you care to eat and worth the cost. Get there early to avoid the line. I would highly recommend Mrs Wilkes to anyone visiting Savannah.
(5)
Dan R.
I had heard about Mrs. Wilkes but was not going to go. 2 hours in line? Is any food worth that? YES! This place is. We drove by around a quarter to 2 which was near closing. The line was short, so what the heck. Street parking was right there. We waited for about a half hour and were the last ones in. I could go on about the food, but these reviews have already done that. They talk about feeling like family. Because we were at the end of the day, Marcia Thompson sat at our table to have her lunch. She is Mrs. Wilkes' granddaughter. We had a chance to chat and I learned about the history of the place, about the excitement of Barack Obamba's visit the month before, and Caroline Kennedy's visit the week before. I wanted to talk for hours and I think she would have let me, but they were closing up and I did not want to outstay my welcome. I want to go back. Before we left, she asked If I had tasted the biscuits. I had not, and when I went to reach for one on the table she called for someone to get me hot ones. OMG How could a lowly biscuit taste so good. Especially with the syrup. Thank you Marcia Thompson for one of the most memorable dining experiences.
(5)
BklynMama K.
The wait is incredible. Is the food incredible enough for the wait? It's certainly an experience. Chatty neighbors on line, friendly folk sharing your table. The food is abundant and plenty of it was tasty, too. Like a giant Southern Thanksgiving.
(3)
Maryanne S.
I prefer Mrs. Wilkes' to The Lady and Sons because the wait, though long, is on a lovely shaded street and, once inside, the food comes to you, you don't have to go to a buffet. (I hate buffets! I have witnessed too many people sneeze over them or stick fingers into food--yuck!) but honestly, if it weren't for the guests-from-out-of-town factor, I don't see why anyone would wait two hours for Southern food. it's just not good for you and it's so overcooked. ok it's tasty, but really, so is a raw carrot.
(4)
Brad E.
We ate here on Feb 3. We were in town for one day and wanted to sample true southern cuisine. We were going to try Paula Deens place but after reading reviews we decided to try Mrs Wilkes instead. We were not disappointed!! We showed up at 10:50 and we were able to get right in. You sit at tables of 10 and eat family style. It was a great way to meet people and gather suggestions on what to do while visiting Savanah. We sat with locals and a family visiting from Jacksonville. All were fun and entertaining...we were only called yankees once!! They werent to brutal to us....Now the food. Everything was in bowls on the table when we sat down. There were 3 meats, all amazing...meatloaf,bbq pork and the best fried chicken I have ever eaten. Truly awesome!!!! Also available were ruttabagas, mashed potatos, sweet potatos,bisquits,savanah rice with sausage,green beans, black eye peas,okra and tomatos,cole slaw,collards,beefstew, and more!!! Enjoyed everything, a great way to sample a little of the southern classics!! Oh yeah the locals we sat with also said to avoid Paula Deens place and come here...Just sayin....
(5)
Miki M.
Yes, the wait is long. Yes, its only open on the weekdays. Yes, its cash only. Yes, if you are not in line by 12pm you probably won't get it. And YES its WORTH IT!! 25 amazing dishes that I know was made fresh and with love. The best fried chicken I ever ate and all for $16!
(5)
Eric L.
Now this is eating. Soul food, comfort cooking at it's simple best. There is nothing extra done to the food, no pizaz, nothing fancy. Just generous amounts of fat for frying, salt, and that's about it. I made it a point to try everything on the table, which was no simple feet. We counted 20 different bowls of sides on the table. The fried chicken is the real thing, better than you will get anywhere. Among the sides standouts were the salty collard greens, sweet as sugar yams, and some wonderful mac and cheese. Honestly nothing was bad or even average. I might be setting a bar so high that what you now have in your mind will never match the food, but I doubt it. Be aware that the meal is served family style and you will be seated with people not in your party whom you will have to ask to pass you things. If this is a deal breaker for you I'm sorry. You are missing out on a great meal. At $16 for all you can eat, well, it does not get any better than this.
(5)
Harriet R.
Not worth the 1.5 hour wait in the hot sun. Chicken was the best part of the lunch.
(2)
Diana L.
OH MY GOD!!! The best fried chicken in the South! Maybe ever! On vacation and we had this place on our list as a must do! And it is! We were in line about 10:30 (in the rain) and was seated at our table within 15 minutes of opening. This is family style and once seated we counted 18 dishes - yes 18 - different side dishes on the table - green beans, collards, mac & cheese, etc.... Start passing to the right! The food is southern and amazing! Brought back many WONDERFUL memories of my grandma's cooking! If you go - and you will - go hungry and try to savor each side dish - they are truly yummy! The staff are really friendly and will go the extra mile for their guests. I asked for 1 piece of dark meat fried chicken and she brought the table another full plate. I jokingly say I had fried chicken for dessert. This is one of Savannah's most treasured eating places and I wish them continued success. Look forward to more chicken!!!
(5)
Marilyn H.
This fried chicken is truly the standard by which all other should be judged. Coming from the West coast we wanted to find authentic and local food and this was definitely it. It has truly been the best meal of the whole trip to Georgia and South Carolina. Don't miss the oppoutunity to eat here. It was a treat.
(5)
Dan K.
very fun place - southern cookin' ,, sort of tight quarters but always tasty
(4)
Den G.
Very long line in the hot sun for a meal that's a bit above average, but not great. A lot of the reviews mention meatloaf, pulled pork and fried chicken was served with their meal but on my visit the only meat was the fried chicken and a small bowl of stew that we all shared. True, there are many bowls of food on the table, but almost all are vegetables (which were very good) and the accompanying biscuits were only average with the dessert being small and sub par with only 2 choices. Also,family style is ok but it was a bit bothersome passing all of the bowls of vegetables around while trying to eat.They do seem to try move you out as fast as possible which made me uncomfortable and rushed.
(3)
Ju L.
If you're in Savannah, this is a definite must-eat place -- especially if you love Southern cuisine or want to sample well-prepared Southern cuisine (even if you're not a big fan of Southern food). It's well worth the wait. I went in summer and waited well over an hour in the burning hot sun but thoroughly enjoyed my dining experience. It's communal dining and all-you-can-eat. Everything they served was delicious, and I can't wait to go back to eat there again.
(5)
Joe B.
So, what's the deal here? I was told by multitudes of people how great this place was. Well, I headed over there the other morning to wait on the line for what's supposed to be a glorious home cooked lunch. I waited about 2 hours on the line (the average, I was told, OK). Then finally let in by a rather gruff young man saying "two?, straight ahead to the table in the back." Then was met by a cranky elderly woman who said, "Hey, you 2 sit here!" So, down we sat at a table covered with medium sized bowls of dull looking, lukewarm side dishes of Mashed sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, turnips, green beans, butter beans, collard greens, stuffing, pork barbecue, creamed corn, sweet potato salad, noodles and peas, macaroni salad, beef stew and cornbread with biscuits. Then out came the fried chicken. The fried chicken was very good, crispy and well seasoned with moist and tender meat. But, the sides were a hit or miss sort of mess. Most were, like I said, not really even warm, and many tasted canned and institutional. What was great was the fun crowd sitting around the table with me criticizing the dull food and agreeing that it was just OK for Sixteen bucks. But, not worth that wait. There are better places in this town, really!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(2)
Lauren S.
A true southern gem, and well worth any wait! Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room has family style seating, so they seat an entire table at a time. Less than $20 a person, and TWENTY SIX courses later (yes we counted, and took pictures) including fresh-brewed sweet tea and an ending of banana bread pudding, we left feeling incredibly happy... and incredibly full. It was great to meet and mingle with the other travelers at your table and hear their stories while passing around dish after dish of absolutely delicious southern cooking. I have to confess I even bought the Mrs. Wilkes cookbook on the way out... Eat here, come hungry, and leave happy.... you will not be disappointed!
(5)
Lance C.
This place is definitely a must. You will have to wait to get in, but the 24 different dishes that were placed on our table were all fantastic. Sweet tea, pulled pork ... spiced pickled beets .. stuffing ... all served family style ..... all were great ... be prepared to leave over fed
(4)
Phuong N.
Excellent family style unlimited lunch for $16 including sweet iced tea! There's about 20+ dishes on the table. The fried chicken was good without all the grease dripping! Dessert was great as well! We went on a wednesday and made the line at 10:45am with about 30 people ahead of us. We made the first seating without any problems. Would highly recommend trying it!
(5)
Daniel E.
best comfort food available. sit down to some high quality southern cooking...
(5)
Beau D.
If you could only eat one meal in the South before you die, this is the place. Buy the recipe book you will love it Nuff said.
(5)
Andrew G.
Besides the hour long wait, this place was the best restaurant on our trip to Savannah. Amazing food all around. The fried chicken, the Spanish rice, the bbq pork, the okra, the mac and cheese. And the cucumbers! All plus so much more. Great for lunch! I also really enjoyed the communal seating idea. You get to meet other people while enjoying great food. A must in Savannah!
(5)
Kelley H.
What's not to love, except the wait, which can be up to an hour, standing on the street. (Advise: They start seating about 10:55 a.m. Go around 10:15-10:30 on a beautiful morning. Trade off waiting in line with a friend while you walk around Jones Street which is quintessential Savannah.) Make friends with those you are in line with, for they will be your dining companions as the seating is family syle. All the food will be on the table when you are seated. You just sit down and go for it. They try and move you through in about 30-45 minutes, which is enough. NOTE: If you are from the south and a good southern cook, this is like Thanksgiving dinner- it is wonderful, but not unlike anything you have ever had- with the possible exception of the unusual biscuits- possible the best Ive ever had. So good, I bought the cookbook. Also, it is cash or check only.
(4)
Ellie S.
Ate here November 2008. The food was wonderful! Kind of like the best Thanksgiving or Holiday dinner you ever had in your life. Every dish was wonderful although I actually liked the honey pecan fried chicken better at the pirate house but, everything here was great and so many things to try! I do wish it was not so rushed but, I understand so many people want to eat here they have to accomodate as many as they can. It was nice to sit family style and meet other people and the Wilkes family does their best to make you feel like your at home during the rush by personally visiting the table. The staff is amazing. Their are usually several people assigned to your table to take care of your needs. The only negative I could give it is if you have real picky eaters there is no kids menu food i.e. (french fries and the like) . My one child only ate biscuits and some chicken with water and my other child only ate bbq, biscuits and water but, my kids are the pickiest of eaters and I knew enough to give them some waffles from breakfast while we waited in line. It worked like a charm. Also, we got there about 11:45am and there were about 20-30 people ahead of us but, I don't think we waited more than 20 minutes. We let our boys play off to the side of the line and the wait did not bother us at all.
(5)
Mark T.
The wait made this a hard 5 stars. Yes, the food is everything people say it is, but we got there at 10:45 and it took until 12:15 to sit. People who got there at noon must have waited at least 2 hours. Food 5+ stars, but wow what a wait.
(4)
Crystal F.
Fun experience. Loved seeing the sea of yummy southern dishes all over the table. Enough food to feed an army. For southern food in savannah, this place is a must. Thinking about their fried chicken makes my mouth water. Come very hungry. Much better that lady & sons!
(5)
Marie R.
Okay- seriously- Ive lived in Savannah for 18 years and have heard about this gem since the day I arrived. If you are looking for REAL southern good in a REAL southern setting....go to Mrs. Wilkes. You will be at a large table with other people and you all pass around the food.....like an old southern traditional family. The fried chicken and barbecue rock! When you take your plate and glass to the kitchen, sneak a look into the back and see who is making the southern magic happen.....AND its all FRESH. Take it from me.
(5)
Don D.
for home cooked southern food, you cannot beat Mis Wilkes. I have been going there for years.
(5)
Matthew W.
I'm sorry Mrs. Wilkes - I really wanted to give you a 5 star, but I'm going to have to give you 3 stars. My actual rating is probably around 3.5 stars, but I'm going to round down. This is why I can't give 5 stars: (1) Looooooong wait in the hot sun, with no workers telling us how long it will be, and not enough tables to make the line go faster (2) Forced to eat family style, and since I went to the restaurant by myself, it felt awkward having to politely ask (in the proper Southern fashion) people to pass me certain dishes. One lady yelled at me in the beginning for passing the food the wrong way around the table. A lazy susan would be an awesome idea. Furthermore, everyone else finished before me, which was kind of awkward, because I was still eating, and felt like I had to rush to finish. It was probably awkward for them because they probably felt bad for leaving before I was done. (3) The food was good, but not every dish was excellent. For example, the noodles with peas was bland. The dressing (similar to stuffing) was good but not great, and same for the sausage. The sweet potatoes were really really good though - good use of spices. (4) Weird hours. Only open between 11-2 M-F. Extra coolness points for Obama having eaten there, though. Not sure if it's worth the hype. If you go, get there really early. I got there at 10:45 AM on a Friday and had to wait about 1 1/2 hours. You should probably get there at 10 AM and you might be the first wave in, maybe the second wave.
(3)
Pamela M.
oh man, if you're in Savannah M-F for lunch, skip Paula Dean's place and come straight to the line-up at Mrs. Wilkes'!!! And yes, there will be a line, and standing in it for an hour is well worth your time once you get inside and taste all that good Southern cooking laid out in front of you. There was two of us together on this outing and we wound up sitting at a large table with the ladies that we had stood in line with outside, what fun we wound up having sitting down to a family meal with lots of new people! There was so much food on the table, it was hard to pass up anything that was passed around to you, and easy to go back for second (or even third) helpings of your favorites. The fried chicken was some of the best I've had and there were too many side dishes to keep track of. And the sassiest waitresses in Savannah, even kept the one guy at our table in check! Come and experience this homey atmosphere and you will leave with your buckle undone a couple of notches and only for $16, don't miss it!
(5)
Timothy G.
When we sat down with six total strangers, the table was already set with 16 dishes of piping hot food. Every dish looked like Grandma's cooking - just a lot more choices. We got to know our table-mates as we figured out how to pass the plates clockwise. As we talked and ate, the waitresses kept bring more and more plates of piping hot southern foods. In all, we counted 24 dishes. I'm sure we all consumed a pound of butter, but without any regrets. Every dish was a joy, and we all entertained ourselves watching the young (thin) lady across from us consume just as any in our group (The three of us all tip 250 lbs.). I rarely eat desert, so that was the only thing I passed on. But everyone else practically licked the bowel of banana pudding clean. My favorite was the Cheesy Mashed Potatoes and the BBQ pulled Pork. We couldn't figure out what a few of the dishes were - but we enjoyed them just the same. It was worth the 40 minute wait.
(5)
Clay J.
My wife and I arrived here at 10:30 and got in about 11:15. The food was delicious. There were far too many to review all of them, but every one of them is good.
(5)
Bill B.
Yes, we waited through about 2 cycles of the 60 capacity. There is shade though and it's not too bad. It was worth it. Delicious southern cooking and more than you can possibly eat. Just keeps coming. Was very pleasureable experience dining with strangers and passing dishes. The biscuits...YUM.
(5)
Amy Z.
A must-see in Savannah. It's worth the wait (which wasn't so bad), the cash (which really wasn't bad at all) and the hype. My sister and I went on a Monday, we arrived at 11:30 and we were seated in the first seating. Everything was excellent, particularly the fried chicken, beef stew, pulled pork, candied yams, and about 10000000 different kinds of cooked veggies. I'm a California girl, so I'm not used to all of this down home cooking, but seriously, it was amazing. A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. It's so much food, so go hungry and ready to make friends.
(5)
Liana P.
One of the most memorable places in Savannah. If you are visting or even if you are a local and have been putting off going here, GO! This was so fun, we got there around 10:30 am, and the line was already starting to form. They started seating promptly at 11 am. You are seated at a 10 top table, with other strangers. It totally added to the experience and I wouldn't like it any other way. You get seated and some of the food is already on the table, which is piping hot and fresh, next more and more dishes come out. Everything from bbq pork, fried chicken, to fried okra, sweet potatoes, green beans. biscuits, corn bread, etc.It's basically like going home to mom's for thanksgiving dinner, except the food is BETTER, and that's saying alot b/c my mom has thanksgiving dinner down to a science, and instead of turkey you get fried chicken. They serve sweet or unsweetened tea, and vanilla bread pudding for dessert. Some tips: bring a slow eater because you are going to want the extra time to eat, and they have a lot of people to get in so they want you to get in/out, but they aren't rude about it. And this is not a place for veggies, sorry veggie friends :( If I'm ever in Savannah again i will definitely go back to this place.
(5)
Toby V.
Yes, yes, yes! We (a group of 8) got there a half-hour before opening on a Wed in mid-June and were seated immediately upon opening at 11am.
(5)
Marti C.
I have to add my whi-hoos, yippees and yumms to all the reviews about Mrs. Wilkes. We were just there last week, for the first time, and it rocked. We got there at 11:30 a.m. and only waited 10 minutes. We were seated with a father and his two sons from Connecticut and a local that pops in for lunch every so often. You know its good if the locals show up. It was great that you don't have to think about what to order, you get to try everything and the refills are free flowing. Every dish was delicious. It was southern homemade food through and through - fried chicken, biscuits, cornbread, creamed corn, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, black-eyed peas and about 10 other dishes. They leave no traditional southern food off the menu or your table. So, if you leave hungry its your own fault. I would definitely go back next time time I'm in town.
(5)
Amanda M.
If you don't like to share, don't go. We had the best time, passing food around the table and sharing with the people we had just met. GREAT down home country food, and literally an endless array and amount to choose from. Everything was delicious, my only complaint is that it felt a little rushed, due to the long lines they are trying to fit in for the lunch shift. Overall, I loved the food and it was worth the wait, just wish I had more time to savor the food.
(4)
Sean M.
Mrs Wilkes is closed until the end of January 31st, 2011.. bummer.
(4)
Edward R.
tourist trap. if you like southern greasy and overwrought give it a try. i view the place as a nuisance as their line causes pedestrian traffic to overflow into the street at least once a week. not to mention it somehow overshadows the restaurants in this town with actual culinary skill.
(1)
CJ C.
Another super recommendation from yelpers. Waited in line for 45 minutes, but it was worth it. We were worried because there was a sign outside the restaurant that said only the first 35 in line would be served due to a large group reservation and that they would resume letting people in at 11:35. We decided to stay put and chat with the nice people waiting in line with us, even though the humidity and heat were rising. LOTS of food served family style. The outstanding items--succulent fried chicken, sweet potatoes and okra were our favorites (and I don't even like okra--but it was so good, took seconds on it). Everything else was good, just not exceptional--hence the 4 stars. (Really, it should be 4.5, but there are no halves here!) But if you want a real down home experience and the feel of being in someone's home, this is a great place to come. I think it's a must if you come to Savannah! My dining companion, who had never experienced real southern cooking, but is a true foodie, gave it 4.5 stars.
(4)
Christine K.
This was an awesome and delicious experience. We waited in line for almost two hours in the scorching heat, but it was totally worth it. Being seated with a table of strangers was really unique and I would definitely do it again, but more than that- the FOOD was just SO GOOD. There were more than 20 dishes on the table and every single one of them was scrumptious. The combination of the dining experience and the quality of the food makes it worth every minute waiting and every penny spent ($16- a BARGAIN). 10 million times better than Lady and Sons FOR SURE.
(5)
Robert B.
Sorry, but the fried chicken was not worth the 1+ hr wait. If your goal is tons of adequately prepared food, this is the place. Otherwise, Savannah has much better to offer at half the wait.
(2)
Angie M.
Mrs. Wilkes' was the highlight of the wonderful Southern food we ate during our trip to Charleston and Savannah. It's definitely worth the wait. The fried chicken and the sweet potatoes were unbelievably good. The biscuits, banana pudding, and cobbler were excellent as well. If you want to experience real southern cooking, go to Mrs. Wilkes'.
(5)
sara c.
Outstanding! We got there around 12:45pm and the line was down to the corner of the block! It was about 1 and 1/2 hour wait, but worth it. We made friends in line which moved things along. The line moves quickly because you are seated in groups of about 9 or 10 at a large table. Once you are in line, you get to eat (as long as you're in line by 2pm-which is when they close)-they don't send you away at 2 if you have been waiting in line (they'll let you know if they run out of food though). They are closed for the whole month of January. Make sure you come with cash-it is $16 per person...worth it!!!! The food was great, come with your appetite.
(5)
Joshua T.
Mrs. Wilkes, with the exception of Paula Deen's monstrosity of a restaurant (aka. The Disney world of southern cuisine) is one of Savannah's, most well known venues for artery clogging indulgent southern plates of greatness.With such well known, and almost cliche southern favorites, you just have to immerse yourself in the decadency of it all. Southern fried chicken, cornbread, buttered peas, mashed potatoes, and iced tea sweet enough to pour on pancakes are just a few of the favorite dishes at this Savannah landmark.This restaurant succeeds where so many other local restaurateurs fail, in providing something good enough that the crowd is a healthy mix of both locals, and tourists.Be sure to arrive early though as its a first come/first served, family style lunch and the line tends to stretch down the block even in the off season.Also remember that they only serve lunch, and only for limited hours.
(5)
Jeffery H.
Ok...we were in Savannah over the 4th of July holiday (Savannah in July?? We must have been nuts!)...anyway, after waiting in line for an hour and a half, the line finally puts us up to the front door. We get escorted to our table of 10 or so seats and everyone just stares, gape mouthed at the spread on the table. I thought I had died and gone to soul-food heaven! Absolutely insane. I can't name all of the sides because, frankly there were just too many to name. What I can say is that this place provided the BEST meal that we had in Savannah. I am a person who NEVER stands in line for anything....(DMV notwithstanding!) and wasn't sure that I was going to make it...or, even whether or not the long wait was worth it. Well folks, I'm here to tell you....IT'S WORTH IT! If you happen to be in Savannah, DO STOP BY THIS PLACE AND EAT!! The staff could not have been nicer....southern hospitality to the nth degree. I felt like I was at one of my relatives house during Thanksgiving or some other holiday. The people you meet in line while waiting will be your dining mates most likely. At first, I thought I'd have a problem with that...but, the people in line were extremely nice and friendly. We chatted up about different things (mostly the food!) for the entire wait in line. Everyone at our table ate to their hearts content. My only "con" was that they had run out of peach cobbler and banana pudding was all the dessert that was left. Well, if you think I'm going to take away a "star" for something like that, you're mistaken! Please do yourself a favor and DO GO TO MRS. WILKES!
(5)
Vanessa C.
I just visited Savannah for the first time this weekend with my 16 year old son as we were visiting SCAD University. I had done a lot of research on restaurants before we got there and Mrs. Wilkes was one of my picks to try. We didn't think it would fit in our plans as they are only open from 11am - 2pm. Luckily we finished our meetings early and found our way over to Mrs. Wilkes. It was about a half a block line but we had time so we waited. And waited. And waited. About an hour and a half before we made our way to the front door. Luckily the people in line were nice so we were able to talk to some of the locals who also visit this place. (Not just for tourists). Once inside, it's family style and all the food is already on the table. I believe there's 10 to a table. So you get to meet new people and share a meal. The food was abundant. If anything was empty, they brought you more. The fried chicken was awesome. Best I've had. Not greasy at all. Mashed potatoes were delicious. Alot of southern staples such as collards, mac and cheese, red beans and rice, okra, etc; All in all, a great experience and I'm glad we didn't miss it.
(4)
Traci K.
Been dining here almost 20 years, still the best food in Savannah! Come early, bring cash and an empty stomach.
(5)
Pamela F.
This place is absolutely awesome!! Food is excellent southern cooking servers are nice and experience is memorable. Wish we had one in our neck of the woods(Houston)....lol. You won't be disappointed. Enjoy!
(5)
Angi C.
if you go to only one place to eat in savannah, this would be my recommedation (although be prepared to be rolled out the door if you have weak will, like me)! we went for lunch on a thursday and once we got through the pretty-ridiculous line (about an hour wait), we were seated at one of ten big communal tables. the table itself was already full with pitchers of sweet tea and so many bowls of side dishes: mac n cheese, collard greens, cheese grits, black-eyed peas, okra, yams, rice, gravy, macaroni salad, apple salad, biscuits, cornbread, sausages, bbq chicken, chicken and dumplings, etc. once everyone sat down, plates of freshly fried chicken, still hot and crispy from the fryer, were passed around. empty bowls/plates of anything were quickly replenished and little bowls of banana pudding or strawberry pie were given out at the end. mrs. wilkes is no longer alive, but the whole place is still run by her family.
(5)
Sarah S.
If you can only manage ONE meal in Savannah, you have to make the trek to Mrs. Wilkes! The line can and will seem daunting - they're only open from 11-2 pm Monday through Friday, no reservations allowed - but I promise, the experience is more than worth it. Mrs. Wilkes is an authentic Southern soul food restaurant, homed in a converted former boarding house and named after its former chef and owner, Selma, who cooked until she passed away at 95. Her family continues to run the place, and has upheld her standards of homestyle, no-frills eating. After a long wait (just accept it), you're brought into the restaurant in groups of ten and seated at a normal dinner table. The food is served family style, and is made up of all the Southern goodness you could hope for: fried chicken, pulled pork, sweet potatoes, fluffy biscuits, stewed okra, macaroni & cheese and grits and everything in between. Y'all, this is the REAL DEAL. The fried chicken was the best I've ever had, the pork melted in my mouth, and I never even thought I LIKED creamed corn until I tasted it here. Sure, some of the dishes are over-salted (pretty across the board at most places in the South, for me) but that's the only complaint I could muster up. After a truly decadent meal, they manage to fill the cracks with dishes of homemade peach cobbler and banana pudding, which left me wishing to high Heaven for a second stomach. On the way out, you pay $20 (cash only!) at the counter and are left with a "Y'all come back and see us!"; hard-pressed to remember you ever waited in line in the first place. Mrs. Wilkes is far from from your typical "tourist trap;" it's as authentic as you could get. I'll be back...just as soon as my arteries recover.
(5)
A S.
It's an institution... There is a LONG queue... There is a LOT of food... It costs $20 pp, cash ONLY... There is a LOT of fried chicken... There is a LONG queue... There is a still a LOT of fried chicken left... It's open from 1100am until 2pm Monday to Fridays only... There are a variety of other southern food delicacies up for grabs at your table where you will sit with up to 10 people. The really good thing about this place is that while you are queuing with all the other folk who decided to eat at this institution in Savannah, you will make a lot of friends, some of whom you get to sit with for lunch. So once you get in, kick back, make it social and enjoy the chicken. TIP take full wet gear, trainers, poncho, umbrella the lot, in case it rains because you will be standing outside for a long time and will get very very wet if it rains.
(3)
Thysis R.
This was one of the best meals that I had while visiting Savannah. I'm only giving 4 stars because of the wait time and weather that we were forced to deal with. We stayed at a Bed and Breakfast that was literally 3 buildings down so the walk wasn't bad. They open at 11am but people were lined up around 10am if not earlier. We got in line at about 10:45 and were seated at 12:30. It was hot, muggy and rainy so if you don't have an umbrella you're going to get wet. They do however offer complimentary water while you wait in line but still it was hot! It's probably much more bearable in the fall. Let me tell you, the wait is worth it!!! I'm so glad we stuck it out. The place itself has a ton of history. There are about 10 tables that seat at least 10 people to a table. This is true family style southern cooking. Some of the previous reviews stated that they weren't happy with the people they were seated with but our table was definitely the fun table. None of us knew each other but we made the best of it. We all passed the various dishes when requested and no one was impatient. Hands down this was the best fried chicken I've ever had! It really makes you want to slap ya mama! Lol! Oh and the sides were outstanding. The ones that stood out the most for me were the sweet potatoes, Mac n cheese, potato salad, collard greens, biscuits and oh my word, the creamed corn! We were given 2 dessert options of banana pudding and peach cobbler. I chose the banana pudding which was very good. It was truly worth the $20 per person. Make sure you wear stretchy pants cause you will need them. I look forward to my next visit very soon. Make sure you pick up a copy of their cookbook. I can't wait to recreate the dishes.
(4)
Pamela D.
Well I finally did it: I woke up early, drove to Savannah and waited an hour and forty five minutes for Mrs. Wilkes dining experience. As someone who doesn't mind lines, I had a great time waiting except for the ridiculous Georgia heat. We met some other great people in line which we ended up sitting with so it was nice to socialize a bit before our feast. Everyone who works there seems to love working there; they are all super friendly, wonderful people. Our main waitress has been there for 17 years! Now down to the food: Delicious. I normally don't eat fried anything but had to make an exception for the chicken and it was damn good: Crispy crispy outside and juicy goodness inside as it should be. My favorite dishes were definitely the turnips, creamed corn, okra and the black eyed peas. Some at our table felt the food was salty, which it was but not to the point where it made it inedible. You can taste the salt, but that is a Southern thing I believe and if you're not used to it you'll be caught by surprise. The biscuits and cornbread were sooo dry, which was disappointing but I was so full from the rest of the meal it didn't matter haha. Dessert: PEACH CRISP all the way. So tasty and just the perfect way to cleanse your palate and finish up a meal. I'm happy I finally enjoyed this experience. I definitely recommend anyone who appreciates Southern cuisine to plan for this place once in their lifetime. It is homestyle comfort food worth waiting for an excellent price ($20 flat, then extra for tip) Come early and bring cash!!
(4)
Kseniya Z.
The best first stop idea we could've had! When we saw the line outside we knew it was a good thing. Originally a boarding house, Mrs Wilkes has a ton of history, and opened because soldiers encouraged mrs Wilkes to cook for everyone not just them. The family style seating makes you feel like you're at Thanksgiving dinner and I personally loved that. The food is as real as it can get in the South. The sweet tea is served in pitchers. You don't get a menu, just sit down and ask your neighbor to pass the fried chicken or collard greens, etc. Close it off with a peach cobbler or banana pudding and you're practically in a food coma for the rest of the day. Amazing food and ambiance. Will always remember my experience there.
(5)
Melinda H.
How to explain how amazing this place is... really no words could describe how delicious everything is there. The wait is long but everything about this place is perfect. It's family style so you may or may not get seated with other people that you don't know. It's awesome though because you end up meeting people and it's pretty unique. I've been there a few times and each time was just as amazing as the last. They are consistent with their food and experience. The only problem is how limited they are in operating hours. It's hard to coordinate.
(5)
D. K.
Oh how we loved our lunch at Mrs. Wilkes! Be prepared to wait a long time (for context, we arrived at 10:30 am on a Friday and weren't seated until 11:45 am). You sit with strangers, but it was fun and the food was DELICIOUS. The fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and macaroni and cheese (oh and banana pudding!) were out of this world. Totally worth it!
(5)
Maurice C.
*Show Up Early* *Cash Only* What can I say.. I love this place! Writing this review after my third time eating here over a 3 year period. If I lived in Savannah I'd probably eat here for lunch every day during the week when they're open. I've grown up on southern food and Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room met and surpassed all of my expectations for southern comfort food and ambiance. The communal tables create an experience to remember. The "boarding house" style seating makes it so no one around you is a stranger for long. On my second trip to Mrs. Wilkes I sat next to someone from my hometown which is a thousand miles from Savannah...small world. That probably wouldn't have happened with normal seating. The food has never had any flaws. I wish I knew how they got their fried chicken that so crunchy and juicy. Like they told us the colonel (KFC) would be a general if he could cook chicken like Mrs. Wilkes. The sides were all seasoned perfectly and exemplify real down home cooking. The banana pudding and peach cobbler were extraordinary as well. So good! Mrs. Wilkes embodies the southern dining experience. A trip to Mrs. Wilkes will leave you more than satisfied!
(5)
James W.
5/5 This is a fairly unusual restaurant in that there is no menu, they're only open for lunch, and not open on the weekends. At this point you're probably scratching your head as to how such a proposition could possibly work much less thrive for decades. You need only look to the lines that form every day in anticipation of opening to tell it must be working. We arrived around 10am to get in line at the suggestion of our concierge. As it turned out we were about 40 or so back from the front. This meant a bit of a wait after they opened but it wasn't too bad. They only have about 6 or 7 large tables total that seat 8-10 people each. You're seated in groups with other people like an old country inn. At that point the table is covered in food. It's almost a southern Thanksgiving type vibe. Fried chicken, meatloaf, beef stew, mashed potatoes, cornbread, biscuits, etc, etc, etc. The fried chicken was good and I really enjoyed the meatloaf as well. Eat as much as you like, if you run low the staff will gladly bring out a fresh replacement helping for the table. Once everyone finishes the staff brings along desserts, the peach cobbler was very good, and then you bring your dishes to the cleaning area. Then you simply pay on your way out. As of April 2015 that was $20. They could almost certainly charge twice that and still have a line around the block. Also remember to bring cash. Highly recommended if you're in Savannah.
(5)
Ryan M.
I agree that this is a one-time, must-visit for anyone looking for a new experience. But not something I would recommend for great food or to go to more than once. Though, I absolutely loved the concept of southern comfort food being served family style inside one of the beautiful Savannah homes, the food was quantity over quality. They had all the different varieties of southern food, but as someone who grew on on southern cooking, nothing tasted as good as I expected. Nonetheless, it was an interesting experience. I would recommend going as early as possible and eating here for brunch to avoid the long line.
(3)
DJ V.
Line was very long upon arriving. They have odd hours seems like they are only open during lunchtime M-F. We arrived around 120pm. After about an hour and a half wait we were seated. The food was really good. It was true southern cuisine like grandma used to make. Seating was cruise ship style sitting at a big table with a bunch of strangers. Everything tasted authentic and a plus was i didn't have anything that tasted overly sweet as you do in some soul food restaurants. Oh yeah, bring some cash. Cash Only. It's definitely worth the wait. I have a few tips. If you go with small kids Bring a stroller and/or entertainment for the long wait in line. Water is provided at the entrance in an "igloo" with paper cups. Bottled water is available for sale at the store on the corner as well.(one fish two fish). Street parking was available at 25 cents per 30 min with 2 hour max.
(5)
Julie R.
Delicious Southern family style dining! They are only open Monday thru Friday and from 11 am to 2 pm, and if you want to be one of the first ones in get there by 10 am to wait in line. Otherwise you will still be waiting in line, but it will more than likely just be a longer wait if you're not early. If you go on a cold day like we did, it feels amazing once you get to the inside part and get to sit on the church style benches they have before you get seated and get nice and warm, or if it's hot then you can feel the nice a/c ;-). Either way, once you're there you start to see the food at the tables people are already seated at and it gets you all excited to have a plate of your own. They have two separate dining rooms, the main one is bigger than the other, but in total I would say they have like 10-12 tables and each one seats 10 (I believe). So whether you know the people you went into the place with or not you will be sitting together like a family, whether you like it or not (just like a family...sometimes you like each other and sometimes you don't, lol ;-). Once you are seated all the side dishes are already at the table, as well as iced tea. They bring out the star of the show, the fried chicken after, I guess so that it's as fresh as can be. They also ask once you are all seated whether you would like some water instead of the iced tea or as well as (yes, those are your only options for drinks). The side options were so many, let's see if I can remember them all: white rice, green beans, creamed sweet corn, collard greens, baked beans, mashed potatoes, cucumbers, squash, mac & cheese, mashed candied sweet potatoes (yams), black eyed peas, cabbage, rice and red beans, beef stew, bbq pork and meatloaf. Yes, the last three I named are technically part of the meat portions, but to me they are considered sides, and once you see and try the fried chicken you will know why. Their fried chicken comes out fresh, so it's nice and hot and juicy on the inside, but perfectly crisp on the outside!! It had just the right amount of salt and slightly peppery. And you can't stop at just having one piece, you will have at least two, if not more. And why not? It's not like you get to eat at Mrs Wilkes everyday so go ahead and indulge yourself! Then as if you hadn't already stuffed your face and belly enough they bring out the dessert, banana pudding and peach cobbler. The banana pudding has vanilla wafers in it and you may even get a little chunk of banana that didn't get fully mashed/ground up, it's delicious! I did give the peach cobbler a try, but since I'm not a fan of peaches I didn't like it. My husband said it was ok for him though (but also not his fav). Once you're all done you get up and take your plates to the kitchen (like if you were at home). And then you pay at the register at the entrance/exit. And remember it is cash ONLY, so don't forget to pull cash out before going. If you're visiting Savannah, make sure to stop here. And if you live in Savannah, or neighboring areas, and haven't been here shame on you! This is a def must do!!
(5)
D N.
good food -and lots of it. Actually so much food I didn't have room to try everything. I think people love the QUANTITY of food; the quaintness of sitting in a comfortable dining room with others, and being served family style. The food was very tasty --I personally loved the cornbread dressing, the carrot soufle, and the gravy. The fried chicken was okay --but not the best. I think $20 was a lot to pay for this meal....but it was a once in a life time event..i can't imagine standing in line for this again. Good --not great.
(3)
Julio H.
**CASH ONLY**CASH ONLY***CASH ONLY***CASH ONLY*** I tell you this. A two hour wait to experience a Thansgiving Day meal with fried chicken, instead of turkey, may seem insane to some, but perfectly acceptable to others. I still don't know what to make of it. I tell you this though. The food was really good, almost extraordinarily really good. Everything that we tasted was very well made, no flaws whatsoever, no complains. The fried chicken was soft and moist, fresh, cooked perfectly, as well as the sides, which accounted for roughly twenty dishes. My favorite side dishes were the mac and cheese, the black rice with sausage, the sweet potato mash (candied yams), the okra and tomatoes, the pigeon peas, the pasta salad, etc. You get the idea... But even with that preamble, the big question remains. Is it worth it? I don't know how to answer this. The fee to sit down is twenty dollars in cash, the food is unlimited (the will replace all empty dishes or you could ask for more), so that should make frugal and hungry people happy. As far as quality, it was all really good, but I am no longer able to tell if this is the best fried chicken ever. For sure, it is really good, although I have been lucky to find similar chicken at other places. So, is it worth it? I don't know... One thing is for sure. If you want to know what fried chicken should taste like, come here. This is what soul food is all about. Comfort and good taste. As far as ambiance, it is a laid back meal. You sit in a ten person table with perfect strangers and share a meal, accompanied with iced tea, while everything around you screams "You're in the South". At times things may seem a little rushed, but with the hundred plus people waiting outside, that is how the cookie crumbles. Lots of reviewers have spoken about making the line and talking to people, making friends and how this is part of the Mrs. Wilkes experience. Here is my take: I myself was in utter rage for being in a long line which led to something that was "hopefully" a great dinner, without even knowing that it was a two hour wait. The whole time I made the line, I wanted to know two things: how long and how good. So, while I made the line, I asked a few people how long had they been waiting in line. Everyone was optimistic and said over an hour, but nobody wanted to admit two hours (because it's crazy). Even the early birds had been waiting over an hour. So, if you make it out here, think of waiting close to two hours for sure. Also, I wanted to know if it was worth the wait, and many nodded and told me not to leave. But then again, I only met one couple who were repeat customers, so this is mostly a tourist thing to do. For example, my table had a group from Boston and another from St. Louis, and I'm not a local. Without a regular in sight, I was almost ready to walk out. But in hindsight, I am glad I stayed. The food was really good, and unlimited, and all for a measly twenty dollars. In other words, show me to the waiting queue. If you don't mind waiting for two hours, come and eat here. You will talk to tourists instead of talking to locals. You will eat way too much, but it will all be good. And you will not break the bank. But if you don't want to wait and want a similar experience minus the 'Mrs. Wilkes" factor, something you can brag about later and blow out of proportion, go elsewhere. By the way, on my visit, I waited exactly two hours in line, and it took me exactly thirty minutes to finish my meal. So, allocate your time wisely. One more thing before I go... the biscuits were the bomb. It was like eating a warm stick of butter. So good.
(4)
Gina P.
Mrs wilkes is southern food at its finest! The thing about this popular lunchtime spot is that lines start forming at a tender hour to walk in. We arrived a little before 10 (the place opens at 11) and we were about 10th in line. Within 15 minutes the line easily tripled and soon enough it was down the block and around the corner. So pack your patience. We were within the first seating at 11. The tables are large dining room types that seat about 10 people so you are with other families. The food is placed on the table already in family style bowls and since we were the first seating they did a quick prayer before we dug in. The sides are endless my favorites were the sweet potato, bbq pork, mac and cheese and yummy biscuits. You have to ask people to pass things down as you would at a family meal. The men we were with were getting frustrated as men do with this process. The main food showcased here is the fried chicken. It's amazing. I don't even really like fried chicken but this is out of this world good. Light crispy and would turn any vegetarian back. For dessert they give u a mini serving of either banana pudding or peach cobbler. And then after eating your asked to bring you tray, plate silverware and cup to the dishwasher to clean up. Paying is as u walk out at the register and it's cash only. They have a tip basket near the register too. You basically leave rolling out but it's located on such a beautiful street it's a great way to walk off lunch!
(5)
Victor H.
It just doesn't get more southern thank this delicious gem!! The 1.5 hour wait is well worth the effort, as every single side dish compliments the delicious fried chicken. Bring your appetite and be ready for Fried Chicken Heaven!!
(5)
Kristian D.
This is the best Southern meal anywhere! You will stand in line outside for a long time, but they are masters of turnover and will get you in and stuffed very efficiently. They have the standard items - fried chicken, biscuits, mashed potatoes, etc - but each one is done to perfection and will leave a lifelong impression. I still do not know how their fluffy biscuits stay together - some sort of Savannah magic. The restaurant is very cute with dining tables tucked into several rooms in the house. Each table is set for a small group, so you will probably share a table with strangers which is part of the experience. Pass the food around and enjoy! Words cannot accurately describe the deliciousness of the food. The chicken is the best. The biscuits are the best. The vegetables are the best. You get the picture. It is cash only, but an excellent value. Service is warm and efficient. Have a good conversation with your fellow diners, and have a great day!
Our first "food" stop in Savannah was recommended to us by a great fellow Yelper. When we arrived in Savannah, Ga. and checked into The Gastonian Bed and Breakfast, so many people we spoke with there also recommended Mrs. Wilkes, as it is a big landmark original Southern Dining experience. We did not know what to expect. No one told us anything other than the lines begin at 8 am until they close at 2 pm, they don't take reservations and to wait in that line, it goes fast and is worth every minute waiting to try this experience. Everyone was right, nothing in the South could possibly be like this. We walked about 6 blocks around the corner from our bed and breakfast and as we were told, just look to your left on Jones Street off Whitaker Street and we would see the line. That we did and there was probably 50 people in front of us. Like everything else in Savannah, it was in a historic old house on one of the many other beautifully preserved historic landmarks. I thought: how could we possibly get in and get served before 2 pm with all these people. We got in line and waited with the other 50 or so people and met some great visitors in line with us from everywhere. We met a great couple from Canada, and some people from New York. Everyone was so friendly and as newcomers to Savannah, we got some great recommendations right in line there about what to do in this lovely, historic town. The line was moving though and moving quicker than I anticipated. We finally approached the door to get in and I thought I was in a time machine, somewhere in the movie, Gone With the Wind. As I looked in all I saw was large tables with a lot of people at one table and as we approached our table with so many others we were in line with, I saw approximately 25 plates of food sitting there waiting for our table of 10 people and each sitting had a glass of sweet tea as part of the setting. Never did I expect this incredible community dining experience was going to take place, with the opportunity to meet so many different people at our table. Nor did I expect the amount of food served family style, as much as we can take to be passed around by everyone at the table, on and on and on. Southern Style at its best: Fried chicken, Collard Greens, BBQ Pork, Macaroni and Cheese, Beets, Green Beans, rice, brown rice, southern style mixed vegetables, chicken and dumplings, more Fried Chicken, cream corn, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, baked beans, cucumber salad, dirty rice, beef stew and on and on. The food kept being passed around, we actually had to find time to eat because old Southern hospitality says you must keep passing the dish around as you get it to the left ( I picked up on that). Well, we have all heard or had Black Eyed Peas, but not me, a Yankee from Chicago. There they were. Actual Black Eyed Peas, not the music group but REAL Black Eyed Peas. Everything was so delicious and cooked as original Southern cuisine as you can get. The hard working friendly servers kept bringing food to the table. As we ate, we met several people and had great conversation. We were STUFFED, but then: Southern Style home made banana pudding was the last hurrah. That first bite was like banana pudding I never had, as they used fresh bananas in it. To add to this experience, like it was always done, we had to take our own dirty dishes back to the kitchen!!! It was time to go, as we all got up, said our good byes and as we were walking out, we paid our $20.00 in cash per person, no tax, threw in a nice tip in the jar an left. No ticket to be had, not signing, just the good old Southern honor system of paying your $20.00 for a great family style meal and Southern Experience. Just like the way Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room started back in 1943 as a boarding house and dining room for hard working Southern Laborers and middle class workers, the tradition of Sema Wilkes southern hospitality lives on. Go there and experience the best Southern Food and best Fried Chicken in Savannah, Ga.
(5)
Bernie D.
Well to wait in line for food is very insane and to realize that the leftovers don't go to the needy is tragic. With that being said, rating this on the meal is why it gets 4 stars. Each dish is seasoned perfectly with my favorite being the sweet potatoes, black eyed peas and limas!
(4)
Sarah C.
Before I get down to why I think this place should be shut down as a menace to our society, I'll say this: The food was good. Otherwise, this place and concept is obscene. We were a group of 7 women and two other women were sat with us (family style). The sheer volume of food coming out to each table (none of which is ordered, just served) was absolutely unbelievable. Thanksgiving on steroids. So for me there's just a gross-out factor. Each person might, MIGHT have a spoonful of everything on the table. Most girls at the table didn't realize half the items were even there because it was lost in the sea of bowls. When we asked what happens to all the leftover food (just think, this much food coming out of the kitchen ALL DAY LONG, and not getting eaten), the woman in her sweet southern accent goes "Can you even imagine wrapping all this up?" as though that were ridiculous and that no one would want it. I would say they should provide their overwhelming excess to those in need, but then that would make the obesity, hypertension and diabetic epidemics insurmountable. This place made me sick. Not in the food poisoning way, but in the moral dilemma way. Oh and not to mention, you sit down to this salt lick after standing in the hot sun and humidity for an hour or more. And you have to ask for water, because all that's out is a pitcher of sweet tea. I know this place sounds fun for a one-time, must-do savannah staple, but it's a very sad place.
(1)
G.I. J.
You stand in the line waiting for few hours with other two to three hundred of people from all over the world. And enjoy a little socializing before the meal. $20 per person and unforgettable food. Love the whole experience. Except, too much food left on the table. I felt guilty for wasting food so I ask wait staff if I can pack some of the leftover. I get rejected. What can I do. Still feel bad about leaving so much food behind.
(5)
Michelle D.
I'm going with the minority here and say it's okay to give Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room a pass. My three girlfriends and I stayed in a suite next door for a four-day weekend in July, and if you've been to the south in July, you'll understand about standing in line in the sun for three hours just to have lunch. Who queues up at 9am for lunch? We must have been out of our minds. The place has been around since the 40s, and like the rest of Savannah, there's a lot of history here. I guess it's viewed as quaint that they're only open on weekdays 11 - 2, that it's cash only, that it's $20 per person and you walk in to find large tables already filled with bowls of side dishes. The community tables, where you're seated with other people, well I guess it can be nice, but it largely depends on who you get stuck with -- the people we were with didn't offer to pass along the bowls of food nearest them, plus they had a kid with them, so, ya know. I suppose it's quaint that you bring your dirty dishes back to the kitchen yourself when you're done. Maybe it's because I'm a jaded northern city mouse, but what exactly are we passing off as "quaint" here? You wait outside for so long because they do "seatings." They open the door when they can fill all the mis-matched chairs at the large dining tables, and they're probably in there watching us swelter while they set out individual side dish bowls on every table. Wouldn't it be more convenient to them, and us, to open for longer lunch hours and simply make it a regular buffet? Could it be that Mrs. Wilkes is a marketing genius who is playing the supply & demand card like a shark? Open for three hours a day, we'll become known for long lines and long waits and the tourists will pay to see what the hype is all about? The food is good. Many tantalizing side dishes, a person couldn't possibly try it all. Really good fried chicken. But I was with my best friend, who lives in Gulf Shores area of Alabama, and we'd spent a few days together prior to driving to Savannah -- we'd just had fried chicken and sides as good as, if not better than this, for less money, and we got to sit by ourselves while we ate it. And we didn't have to wake up early and queue up for three hours. As for taking care of your after-meal clean-up yourself...call it quaint, but isn't that just the same as at, say, McDonald's? All told, I guess I'm glad to have experienced Mrs. Wilkes' once, seeing as how it's a Savannah institution. But I question the wisdom of being on vacation for a scant four days and wasting three hours of it standing in line for what amounts to a decent fried chicken dinner.
(2)
Thracius L.
Not much to be said about this place that hasn't already been mentioned. Food was delicious. We had a party or 10, so we got our own table, which was nice. Otherwise you have to sit with strangers, which means forced and awkward conversations for those of us who don't like people. You also have to clear your own dishes, which is fine, if a little unfamiliar to most people. You just pick up your plate and your cup and walk them back to the kitchen where someone is waiting to take them off your hands. Probably the best food I've ever eaten in Savannah, a place I've been to many times and where I've eaten some damn good meals.
(5)
Mark G.
Get here early!! This is not a huge place by any means and they will fill up fast. We waited in line for hours since this is the go to place. Patience was necessary because the line does move so slow. Once we got in I was impressed with how organized they were. Great service and very friendly faces. Once you get in, they seat you at a community table. You most likely will sit with strangers and eat family style meaning you pass dishes to your neighbor. It was fun to talk to other people while we ate. It really is something different you really don't come across, nice community builder. The food is southern deliciousness. They have for sides Cabbage, Snap Peas, Macaroni & Cheese, Butter Beans, Black-eyed Peas, Rutabega, Squash, Rice & Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, Candied Yams, Pickled Beets, Red Rice, Collard Greens, Okra & Tomatoes, Brown Rice, Potato Salad, Apple Salad, Macaroni Salad, English Peas & Noodles, Baked Beans, Cole Slaw. For the meat there are Fried Chicken, Sausage, Beef Stew, Meat Loaf. All of the items are worth a few healthy helpings, you will be full after you try a little bit of everything. They do a fine job here and if you have time this place is worth the wait.
(5)
Donna S.
Southern cooking at its best! 3 meats, 20 salads, veggies, and breads-plus banana pudding or peach cobbler. Rutabagas were divine!! A VERY long wait to get in then you eat at a table with 10-12 people and the attentive staff just keeps bringing out bowls of hot, delicious food. Must pay $20 in cash. To ensure the wait staff gets a tip- put it in their hands!!
(5)
Elizabeth H.
My husband and I visited Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room on 4/9/15 while visiting Savannah, GA. I wasn't upset when we arrived at 10:00 AM and saw the line (we got a seat at a table at 11:30 AM). I had been told numerous times to expect and plan for a wait. It wasn't that bad of a wait. The weather was comfortable; and, the people we were sandwiched in between were very polite. The meal at Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room is served family style and you are seated at a large table with strangers (and most likely a couple of people you were waiting in line with). I am a vegetarian and there was more than enough sides for me to try. The best part of this experience frankly was the price to gorge yourself. It is $20 a person. I am sure Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room could get away with charging more considering by the time we left the restaurant at and/or 12:15 PM the line was around the block. I appreciate their willingness to keep the meal and experience affordable. I enjoyed visiting Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room. However Savannah, GA has a lot of great food options and if I visit again I will most likely elect to skip Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room. I was happy to say I had tried it but the time to wait in line and the food coma you feel afterwards prevents you from exploring some of the other great things Savannah, GA has to offer.
(3)
Stuart B.
4.5 stars This is definitely an experience one should try at least once. If you've been to Penn Dutch, this is definitely the southern version. You start out by waiting in line going down the block. My Soup Nazi days completely prepared me for this! The line for us was about 1.5 hours, however it was a gorgeous day (around 65) so this part was fine. You snake around an alley and they seat you (our party of 4 got to cut in front of a party of 8) Once inside it's a relatively small dining area with many separate rooms. We were in the main room off to the side. There was another family of 3 and us leaving 5 chairs empty. This surprised me. I figured they would fill each table first. The food is waiting for you as you sit. For me it was fried chicken and a bunch of veggies. There were a few additional meat dishes (bbq and stew) The only item that really stood out for me was the chicken. Everything else seemed to blend in as the same. I'm not saying that the other items weren't good, but they didn't compare to the chicken. (Collards, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, stuffing / dressing, etc.) Dessert was an afterthought. (Bannana pudding) The service was great. The atmosphere was great. As I said at the beginning, you should check this place out at least once.
(4)
Brian R.
My girlfriend and I arrived an hour before the restaurant opens. There were about 30-40 people ahead of us, so arrive earlier if possible, they open at 11. While in line we chatted with others which made the wait go quicker. Once inside we were brought to a table fitting ten people. The food was already on the table for us to eat. The food was amazing! The fried chicken and biscuits were my favorite. The staff was extremely friendly and they didn't rush you. The restaurant has about seven to eight tables that sit around ten each. Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room is definitely worth a visit to anyone living or visiting in the area. ***cash only establishment ($20 per person)
(5)
Heather W.
MUST EAT HERE- Fun one of a kind dining experience. Arrive an hour early if you want to be able enjoy a great meal. A variety of over 26 different types of Southern food including desert served by some of the most genuinely sweetest servers in Savannah. More food than anyone can possibly eat including some very flavorful fried chicken. Ran by the grand daughter of Mrs Wilkes, this is an amazing dining experience. Sitting at a table with 8 strangers and enjoying a good meal and good conversation & leaving with new friends is not typical in today's society, so we appreciate all this dining experience has to offer. Cash only! Yummy food - see pic
(5)
Tierra H.
A Most Visit ! Don't be discouraged by the wait times or the heat , it's worth it every drop of sweat and time . Have been here 3 times and this last visit was the best ! Get there as soon as they open if you can to help with your wait time . Longest time we have waited was 2 hours and that was the 1st time we visited . CASH ONLY!!!!! Reasonable priced for all the food you get .
(5)
Mai V.
Mrs. Wilkes is a true Savannah experience. After hearing/reading about and spending three hours in line to get a taste of the hype, I was expecting the best of Southern country charm and flavor. Fortunately, the staff delivered. There was a massive quantity of food, more than enough to feed the 10 people started at the table (and probably enough to feed 30 people). I didn't get a chance to try everything--see previous sentence about sheer amount of food--but most of what I ate was delicious. The main attraction, according to Yelpers, is the fried chicken. I was not a huge fan; it was a little too dry and tasted like it had been under the warmers for a little too long. The sides, though. Wow! My favorites (of the dishes I tried) were the dressing, collard greens, macaroni salad, cucumber salad, and jambalaya. The biscuits were also amazing! The staff were very friendly to us, but they appeared to be having some work-related issues. With the small space, it was kind not to notice when they talked amongst themselves. Also, while we were waiting in line, several chefs came out to the front on their cigarette breaks. I thought that was a little ride, but no one else seemed bothered by it.
(4)
Liza N.
Damn good fried chicken ya'll! Family style, share, pass the collard greens please? And more sweet tea please? Very long wait but worth the experience. And when you're finished eating, pick up your plate and take it to the the kitchen (staff will take it from you)... Just like home.
(4)
Ana R.
Hands down the best fried chicken I've ever had! My husband and I arrived at 11:30a.m. and the wait was about one hour. The waiting time doesn't feel that long if you strike up a conversation with some of the people that are waiting in line with you. Once inside each table sits 10 people and the food is at the table for you to dig in. The food is served family style and you can always ask for seconds of whatever you want. My husband and I will definitely be coming back to Mrs. Wilkes the next time that we are in Savannah.
(5)
Jenn S.
This place really doesn't need another review. But in short it was good and I am glad we went but I am not sure I would stand in line for another 2.5 hours to go again. It was fun to sit at a table with people I didn't know and make awkward conversation about where everyone was from. Since they don't open until 11am I would go at like 8am. There will already be a line but that is how early you need to get there. And btw don't eat breakfast or the night before.
(4)
TheHungryDad Jeff C.
Amazing. That is all there is to say. First, let me say that it is not cheap but it is all you can eat (and you will eat a TON) and totally worth it. .. but you can't use Credit Cards or debit cards here. so have cash OR they will let you write a check. You need to know. Also they are only open for lunch 11-am - 2p and there will be a wait. And not like at most restaurants where they give you a pager or call you name from a list. You wait in line. Yes, You will have to get there early and yes even if you do, you will still stand in line for hours. It may be raining or cold, but do not think about it.... just do it. The wait time just allows you to get good and hungry for the food. (and do not eat a big breakfast! You want to save room!) The other great part of the wait time is that you can get to know the people around you that are also waiting in line. Most of them are visiting Savannah like you probably are so it is fun to find out where they are from and who they are. And while that may seem silly to get to know strangers in line at a restaurant, but there is a great reason I suggest it, and that is because this restaurant serves you at big tables, family style. So you will probably be sitting for a meal, passing plates and sharing baskets of cornbread with the folks around you. You may not get to know them in line but for sure, do not make them dislike you, since you will likely share their table. ;) The food is crazy good. True southern fare with family style flair. The large dining room tables filled with several meats like fried chicken, country fried steak, sausages, roast beef... and tons of veggies like collards, grits, corn, green beans, broccoli casserole, potatoes, and more. Cornbread, biscuits, and rolls. THEN desserts roll in. Pudding, pie, and more. so so so so good, but you can get good southern food lots of places. It is the experience at Mrs. Wilkes' that is so special and unique. Do not miss it.
(5)
Philly P.
Be prepared to wait at least for an hour before you get to experience this place which is 107th number mentioned in the "1000 places to visit before you die". So as everyone does, we too waited in a long queue in the sultry hot Savannah. Finally we got our turn n we were seated on a big table filled with at least 20 -25 small bowls of side dishes that they serve with the fresh fried chicken n of course not to forget the sweetened ice tea. They do offer unsweetened tea along with water. Since this is a family style you share the table with other food enthus from around US n the world. It's a great experience that you get to share with strangers n talk about your travel experiences. For us it was the side dishes that won us over instead of the fried chicken which was good but nothing to rave about. If in Savannah one must go to this place for the southern experience of family style dining. Try out every single of the side dishes they serve n don't even think of skipping the dessert. We had the banana pudding, but this keeps changing very often. Just one concern though, since there is so much food (fried chicken as much as you can devour) most of the side dishes are hardly finished n that's a lot of food to be wasted, so hope they think of some way the leftovers are used as it would be criminal to waste all that food. Don't pass this place as it's truly an experience but be prepared to be overwhelmed when you are at the table
(4)
Erica C.
After much research and a recommendation from Tyler at The Westin, my boyfriend and I decided to check out Mrs.Wilkes for lunch. We arrived at 11:00am and there was already a long line reaching the corner. We waited approximately an hour before being seated in the back dining room. The food and sweet tea was served "family style" and awaiting our arrival. It was definitely more than enough for the 6 people seated at our table. The food was definitely AMAZING!! I felt like I was attending a southern Thanksgiving dinner. The Mac and Cheese was great and the cheesy mashed potatoes with onions were an absolute hit at our table. The fried chicken was moist and crispy and the bbq was better than expected. There was an abundance of side items (collards, black eyed peas, buttered beans, sweet potatoes, potato salad, macaroni salad, corn bread.... The list goes on). After indulging ourselves into a food coma, they brought out the dessert. Banana pudding and peach cobbler. Both were equally delicious. I must say that I truly enjoyed my meal and it was definitely worth the hour wait. The cost is $20 per person (cash only). I will most likely return to Mrs.Wilkes on my next trip to Savannah.
(4)
Julie Z.
This place already has pages of stellar reviews, but I found it worth the hype. Even on a chilly February Thursday morning we waited about 30 minutes to get inside the restaurant.It is family style dining and each table sits 10 people. For me the stars of the meal were the fried chicken, bbq pork, sweet tea, collard greens, and cream corn. The servers are prompt in bringing out refills or fresh food that seemed to be endless. The dishes also included Mac n cheese, meatloaf, squash, yams, biscuits, green beans, mashed potatoes, beef stew, and so much more. I've never been to a restaurant like this so a big part of it is truly the experience. Our "breakfast" ended up being like thanksgiving dinner. $20 and totally stuffed. A true Savannah experience, do yourself a favor and check it out.
(5)
Amy W.
The 2 hour wait was definitely worth it! Food was very good and service was great. Definitely coming back again next time!
(5)
Christi S.
Very worth the wait in the long line. (If you go later in the day the line is shorter.) The moment you sit down you can begin pigging out on the huge array of food sitting before you. My personal favorites were the fried chicken, Mac n cheese, sweet potatoes, creamed corn, and greens. Everyone working there was super sweet and welcoming. It felt like sitting down for a thanksgiving dinner at a family member's house. There's such a big selection of food, everyone will find something they like. I tried almost everything and did not eat one thing I didn't love. I can't believe how reasonable the price is too. Overall a definite must visit for anyone in Savannah.
(5)
rebecca l.
Got there at 9:30am and were the first ones in line. We were super glad later when we got out around 11:45am and the line stretched all the way down the block, past the corner and beyond! Food was delicious - of particular note was the sweet tea (perfect ratio of tea to sugar) and the rutabagas. Fried chicken was good and not too greasy. Banana pudding was obviously made fresh. They say they also have peach cobbler, but on the day we went they only had the banana pudding... A good reminder is it IS family-style so best to be nice while waiting in the line or that is going to be one awkward table! We had an excellent group at ours and enjoyed the experience and the food immensely. Easy to see why it is a "must-do" for Savannah... The experience of waiting in line is as much a part of it as the food itself!
(5)
T W.
This place only took cash when I visited a couple months ago, so be prepared. This is a family style restaurant so you may sit beside some people you do not know. However, do not be afraid to talk and pass the serving dishes to your neighbor, we met some great people. It is completely worth sitting with a few strangers for an hour to get a helping on this delicious food. This should be on everyones to do list in Savannah.
(4)
Nicolas L.
Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room lives up to the hype and is the best place I have been to for Southern food. You will likely have to wait at least two hours to be seated. The dining room opens at 11am but the line starts forming around 9:30am. I got in line around 10:10am and wasn't seated until noon. Once inside you are seated at a dining table with nine other people. The table is already set with a variety of food and sweet tea. It is like a Thanksgiving dinner on steroids. All of the food was delicious. My favorites were the Fried Chicken which was very juicy and perfectly crispy (some of the best I have ever tried), the Creamed Corn which was sweet, creamy, and flavorful, and the Mashed Sweet Potatoes which were nicely creamy and sweet. Overall this was one of the best dining experiences I have ever had. Hands down a must visit.
(5)
Jessica K.
Great restaurant, amazing experience! We were here on a rainy, cold February morning and there was still a line. We got in line around 11:15 and were in eating by noon. It didn't seem like that long though. Everyone was friendly, chatty, and excited. We were waiting with two small kids and it wasn't bad. Don't let the wait stop you from going. Once in, the meal was incredible. Truly everything on the table was great. Even the sides you wouldn't expect to wow you like the green beans. All the recipes here have been perfected overtime. Everyone in our party, including the little ones, ate quietly with a smile on our faces. We sat with a lovely couple from Canada. The sitting with strangers thing is awesome. Again, everyone is so happy to be here that the conversations were light and upbeat. Dessert was a little disappointing but by the time it arrives you have no room anyways. Service was great, everyone was so friendly. I've eaten at fancy restaurants but this was probably the best restaurant experience of my life.
(5)
Nicole G.
Some of the best Southern food I have ever eaten. The fried chicken was so good it almost didn't seem real. All the sides (that i could manage to try) were delicious. There are 17 different sides so it's sort of impossible to try them all. The stand outs included the mac and cheese, the collard greens, the stuffing, the bbq pork rib, the green beans, and the biscuits. The atmosphere is welcoming; you are in what looks like your grandmothers' dining room and you share a table with people you don't know. The dining is family style (there are no menus, you eat what is put on the table). It's like having Thanksgiving dinner with strangers. I loved the experience. You will wait in line for at least 1.5 hours. It is absolutely worth it. I would wait longer for that food. It's cash only and they're only open M-F from 11am to 2pm. Get there early. We arrived at 11:15 and we were seated around 12:45. Don't that that discourage you. Get a cup of coffee and hang out in line. The whole experience is fun.
(5)
Sylvain A.
Southern comfort food at it's finest delivered to you by some of Georgia's finest too. It's an experience and for those with groups of 8 or less, expect to share your table with strangers whom by the end of the meal you'll either love or hate haha You sit down, pick between water or sweat tea... Followed by about 12 endless dishes which are passed around the table just like you would on thanksgiving. Oh and don't forget the deep fried chicken! Once everyone is done, you take your dishes to the kitchen and pay a set price for the entire meal. Not an experience to miss out on!
(5)
Josh S.
Mrs. Wilkes' is one of THE spots in Savannah. This is how it works. The dining room is open from 11am to 2pm Monday through Friday; it is closed for the month of January. A line starts forming around 10am. Make friends; you're probably going to be hanging out for a while. The restaurant has three tables with 10 chairs apiece. The first 30 people go in and sit, and each time a table finishes, everybody leaves, pays $20, and the next 10 people go in. Serving is family style. When you sit, you'll find in front of you a plate, silverware and a trays and bowls of food. When we went, the meat was fried chicken (pretty good), meatloaf (the same) and barbecued pork (outstanding), and the sides were too plentiful to name, but I'll give it a shot: green beans, mac-n-cheese, cornbread biscuits, okra and tomatoes, squash, red rice with sausage, white rice with gravy, mashed potatoes, black-eyed peas, cabbage, stuffing and a whole bunch of other stuff. Dessert was banana pudding or peach cobbler (we both tried the cobbler, which was a little sweet, but peaches were out of season). Pitchers of sweet and unsweet tea sit on the table, and the waitstaff will gladly bring out water and are constantly making sure that all the dishes are still full. We're new to town, but we do live in Savannah. We were seated with a large party of other locals, so it's good to know that despite the 90-minute wait -- we got there at about 10:55 and were seated about 12:30 -- locals do eat there, and do return. If you're in a hurry, skip it. If you're deciding between here and Paula Deen's restaurant The Lady & Sons, go to Mrs. Wilkes'. Plan to be a little slow-moving when you get out of there, but thankfully it's a beautiful downtown to walk around.
(4)
Chris O.
Don't forget the rules: 1. COME EARLY. If you can't get in line by about 10:15am, I probably wouldn't bother. 10am would be even better. Be prepared to stand around for a long time until the 11am opening. If you're sociable, strike up conversations with the people around you because there's a good chance you'll be sitting with them at the family-style tables. 2. COME WITH CASH. $20 per person plus tip. No credit cards. 3. DON'T COME ON THE WEEKENDS, AND DON'T COME FOR DINNER. They're only open Monday-Friday and only for lunch. 4. COME HUNGRY. There's an absurd amount of food. You don't order the food; they just bring out plates and bowls and more plates and more bowls until there's no more room on the table. From memory, they served us sweet tea, fried chicken, beef stew, roast pork with a not-quite bbq sauce, meatloaf, potatos with cheese, white rice, rice with sausage, stuffing with gravy, mac cheese, corn muffins, biscuits, baked beans, black-eyed peas, mashed yellow squash, green beans, okra succotash, collard greens, and banana pudding. And I'm sure I'm forgetting a few. Everything was at least good -- and most much better than good! -- except for the banana pudding, which I didn't like at all (but, too be fair, I'm not a banana fan). I know that sounds like an emphasis on quantity over quality, but the quality was exceptionally high, easily the best meal I had in Savannah. If you forget any of the above rules, you're likely to have poor experience. Finally, I'll add one more suggestion. It's not a rule because you can have a perfectly satisfying meal even if you forget. The suggestion is to periodically look around the table to see what dishes you haven't tried yet. The table is pretty big, so you'll probably notice several that never made it around to your side of the table. In my case, I know there was a corn dish that never made it around to me, and probably a few more.
(4)
Mike G.
Amazing. Cash only $20 per person, expect a 2-2:45 hour wait. Absolutely worth it. Bring water for hot days and sun screen. Plan ahead for the cash part. No ATM's within a block. This is definitely a destination to hit while in Savannah. You end up making friends with people in line, and it turns into a crucible to endure with a reward of southern comfort food that is out of this world. You get about 3 meats and an absolute amazing selection of vegetables side dishes. Ocra and collard greens are to die for! My advice, get there about 9:30 or 10 am to get out by noon and enjoy walking off the food coma in the historic district of Savannah.
(5)
Aja R.
Delicious....enough said. Left here full and satisfied above expectations. The only thing needing improvement was dessert. They offered peach cobbler or banana pudding. The cobbler would've been better served warm with vanilla ice cream. The food was so great that I didn't discount the stars because of the dessert.
(5)
Christine H.
Mrs. Wilkes' is outstanding. Well worth the wait in line and very reasonably priced. I have visited twice and both times I was impressed. A big thank you to the hard working staff that puts all that food out on the tables and does it with a smile.
(5)
Larry G.
I took Monday off of work specifically so I can spend some time at Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room. After walking around and hitting up some of Savannah's finest establishments over the weekend, I couldn't shake off the thought that I was missing out on the quintessential Savannah dining experience. I needed to get down to this sick beat. It was a high-risk high-reward gamble that paid off. You won't exactly become besties with the random people at your table, but asking someone to pass the potatoes and them doing it without a snarky look is better than the body language I receive at the in-laws house. Plus we keep the conversation light, touchy topics that show up on family holidays that center around having kids, healthcare, global warming and Obama ruining this country are replaced with lighter and less controversial fare as we are all feeling each other out. You have read about the quantity of dishes (the fried and bbq chicken were the standouts to me) but the quality was off the charts for everything I tasted. The food wasn't salted as much as I typically see from other restaurants while still exhibiting an attractive flavor profile, it tasted homemade. My suggestion is to get here about 45 minutes ahead of the open and you should easily make the first wave of customers entering the dining room. One last thing to note is that it costs $18 and they only take cash or check so please come prepared. $18 per person may sound expensive for breakfast/brunch, but keep in mind that clocks out to approximately $0.50 per dish for all you math or penny pinching nerds like myself out there. Not to be missed.
(5)
Matthew W.
Wow. This was one of the best places I've ever eaten at. There is a line out front, but it is well worth the wait. Once you get inside you are seated at a 9-12 person table and then the staff begin to bring out food. It is an all-you-can-eat, family style restaurant. The waiters bring in about 18 different southerns style dishes. All of them are excellent. After the meal you get to choose one of a couple desserts (for us it was Peach Pie or another dessert). After the meal you make your way to the front and pay. It is a little pricey for a lunch, but again well worth it. :) I'd definitely go here again when I'm back in the south.
(5)
Anita O.
Things to keep in mind: CASH ONLY!!! And there's a long wait so you need to get there early. There was already a line 30 minutes before the restaurant opened! Once you get inside, you're seated family style with other people (unless you have a larger party). The fried chicken is wonderful, and the other food is delicious comfort food. So many options! It's located on a quaint street. If you love soul food, this is the place to stop by while in Savannah!
(4)
Mary Ann Keogh K.
This is an eating experience. The fried chicken is crunchy outside and juicy inside. The barbquue pork was delicious my favorite was the sweet potto cassette the cole slaw and cornbread as well as creamed corn were all equally delicious. This is well worth the visit but plan it as your only meal of the day. And lastly talk bout perfect sweet tea
(5)
Sara M.
Dude. DUDE. DUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUDE. If you are looking for great Southern experience, then this is the place to try. It's like dining at the home of the Southern grandmother you never had. You'll wait in line, sit with strangers, and buss your own dishes...but it is all worth it. Here is a giant list of the food that somehow all managed to fit on the table: Mac & cheese Succotash Cabbage White rice Rice and sausage Creamed corn Lima beans Green beans Baked beans Barbecue pork Mashed potatoes with cheese Beef stew Collard greens Black-eyed peas Squash Chicken and dumplings Cornbread Biscuits Meatloaf Gravy Fried chicken The vast majority of these dishes were outstanding. The black-eyed peas were a little too salty, and the barbecue sauce was a little tangy for me. Even the non-outstanding dishes were still pretty good. Dessert options were banana pudding or peach cobbler, and these did come to the table in individual portions. So you walk in after waiting for an hour in the hot, muggy September afternoon and find yourself at a table of ten. Dishes and silverware are already set, with a cup of cold sweet tea on the right. Every dish but the fried chicken, which comes out a little later, is in the middle of the table. And then the communal dining experience begins. Everyone begins to bond over the food...strangers become friends, families grows closer, enemies become lovers...wait, I'm getting carried away (but I could totally see that happening here). At the end of the meal, you are asked to clear your own dishes and bring them to the kitchen, where an older lady will take them from you, thank you, and call you "sweetheart." IMPORTANT NOTES: - $18 CASH or PERSONAL CHECK (with ID) only. We didn't know the latter was an option until we found ourselves next in line with nothing but credit cards and a couple of checkbooks. Good thing we asked before getting out of line to find an ATM! The price includes tax but not tip. - Restrooms are located in two different places. There is one in the front lobby in the back left corner (if you are standing in the doorway facing in) and another in the passageway between the front dining room and the back one. - The wait is worth it! One of my dining companions had a time constraint and was starting to get antsy. But after multiple people walked out rubbing their distended bellies and singing the restaurant's praises, we decided to wait it out. TL;DR: Totally worth it.
(5)
Mercedes Y.
Best decision you could ever make. Cash only. Get there early. Worth the wait. Absolutely amazing food!
(5)
M O.
Okay this by far is the best place ever. The fried chicken is the best I have ever had. Ever. Seriously. It was perfectly crunchy and moist and delicious. The 15 sides that went with the chicken were fantastic too. It's fun sitting with other families. But you don't talk too much because you are just eating as much as you can of the delicious food. The staff was courteous and nice. I waited about an hour and 20 mins in line. Worth every second. This is a must try in Savannah.
(5)
Allison B.
What a wonderful experience we had eating here. It truly was special. First of all, we arrived at 10:30am which was *still* not early enough to be in the first rush of diners. We made it into the restaurant in the second wave of diners, just around 11:30. The wait was certainly worth it. The food was all absolutely divine. The fried chicken was as good as everyone said. The baked beans were ridiculous. The green beans were insane. The red rice was wonderful. The biscuits and corn bread were great. The yams and pulled pork and cucumber salad and macaroni and cheese and cheesy grits and collards and black eyed peas and EVERYTHING were just mind-blowing. Seriously. At one point, we counted at least 20 dishes on the table, and more kept coming. I don't love the aspect of dining with strangers, but I totally get that it's the way things are done there, and they make it work very nicely! They even helped us figure out a good system for passing the dishes so that everyone got some of everything. I was anticipating absolute chaos at the idea of 10 hungry strangers dining at a table together, but the staff at Mrs. Wilkes have it down to a finely-tuned science! They kept the food coming and did not let any plates remain empty for long. I loved the sweet tea, and everyone was so friendly. Can I please go back right now?
(5)
Ta B.
The best fried chicken I've ever had in my life!!!! This is the best southern food you will have in Georgia! I've never had veggies so good in my life. 20 + dishes of the most amazing southern food you've ever had!!!! Hannds down!!!!! The line is about 1-2 hours long but its def worth thr wait! Trust me! This is a cash only restaurant. Come with and empty stomach and $20 and leave ridiculously full and satisfied. I guarantee you this will be one of the best if not THE BEST meal you will ever have!!! Obama sat at the head of the first table behind the register when he ate here. A must go to if you're in the Savannah area.
(5)
Nick H.
Great southern style family dining house, tons of amazing food for the price! They have over 20 side dishes on the table and the fried chicken is exceptional. It's got a great light batter to it, so it's not overly greasy and incredibly moist! Get to know your neighbors, it may be a surprise. Three-fourths of our table was from the same place as we were. Thousands of miles from home and the world is still small! Save a little room for dessert and try it all, additionally they typically have 1 or 2 unique sides for that day. Ours was chicken dumplings and they were perfect. Only open from 11am-2pm so if you go late just make sure your in line before 2 and they'll still seat you. Early or late is the local recommendation. Worked well for us! Enjoy!
(5)
Mauricio H.
An absolute must when in Savannah. I have to warn you, you will wait online anywhere between 45 minutes to one hour and a half before getting to come in and sit down. When you walk in, you're seated at a table, family-style, with another group of strangers. The food is already served, and you just pass it around and share. The fried chicken is the most delicious chicken I have ever had in my life.
(5)
Nicole M.
A family style table with the food already on the table. Great food and a great experience! I've been to Savannah twice and I made sure to make a stop at Mrs. Wilkes each time. Here's a couple of pointers: 1- check their hours of operation before going. They are only open for lunch. 2- you will be waiting in a very long line so be prepared if you are really hungry. The wait is worth it, I promise. 3- get to know the people you are waiting in line with. They probably will be sitting with you at your table. 4- they only accept cash for payment. 5- try everything on the table!! If a bowl runs out before it gets to you, don't worry! They will refill it for you in a heartbeat.
(5)
Scott F.
I got there at 1045 and there was a very long line, so I bailed out. The people with me waited for 2 hours in the stifling heat for their meal, which I hear was pretty good. They were a little irritated that a group of girl scouts got to cut in line in front of them, prolonging their torturous wait. Since it is a unique experience, i would recommend going in the winter time when it would be a little more pleasant to wait two hours outside for basically a similar meal you could get at a Luby's, - the US Food's truck in back should give you a clue where the food comes from!!!
(3)
Jamie D.
An excellent spot for lunch! Easily besting Paula Deens buffet! Recommend heading there early to not wait in line for so long. The staff was completely accommodating and nice and match their high quality of food.
(5)
Kenneth W.
There are hundreds of reviews on Yelp about the dining experience here so I won't go too in depth except to say that the wait was well worth it simply because the food was exceptional. The fried chicken is unquestionably the star of the show and it was light and not too greasy yet full of flavor and the sides were just as good, especially the collard greens and mashed potatoes. We visited a lot of places during our stay in Savannah and while many were excellent, Mrs Wilkes stood above the rest. Look forward to going back.
(5)
Lynsey W.
Definitely worth the hour-long wait! So much delicious Southern food (yes to seconds on the sweet potato casserole!), and a fun opportunity to chat with others at a community table. They also provided lots of cold water while we were waiting outside beforehand, which was much appreciated. When you're done eating, check out all the photos of famous folks who have frequented the place. All in all, a fun a day unique dining experience!
(5)
Kim L.
If I died and went to heaven (or maybe just the South and wound up in Savannah), this is what kind of food I would find there. Wow! I cannot even begin to say how amazing my experience was here. We got on line around 10:30am and got in by 11:15ish. And the food came pouring in. It's amazing, they keep bringing out more as you try to stuff yourself and pass around wonderful, delicious classics. We had people from California to Florida to NJ at our table enjoying the meal that waited in the rain just like us! It was totally worth the wait and $20/person is a STEAL! Make sure you stop by!
(5)
Jordan S.
Get in line between 10-11 am or you may not get in! I didn't believe my friend, but we barely made it in and we got in line around 12. And don't let the wait deter you! Mrs. Wilkes' is absolutely worth the wait. When you walk in and sit down, an array of 20+ side dishes await you, refreshing freshly brewed southern sweet tea is already poured, and the best fried chicken of your life is only moments away. Examples of side dishes we had: Corn, mashed potatoes, cole slaw, baked beans, green beans, corn bread, biscuits, creamed corn, Jambalaya, rice, fried okra, and so much more. Depending on the day you go, there will be at least 20 side dishes, and on the weekends there may even be 24.
(5)
Kent G.
Worldstar best place to eat. Mad they throw all that food away though. I ate everything there. Service was average. Well worth the expensive price. Recommended. ...
(5)
Rachel B.
We had a nice experience here and really enjoyed the hospitality. The food was good, but because we are vegetarian, we were limited with dishes that appeared to be veg friendly, but were not (greens, beans, etc). We met some cool people while in line but didn't connect too much with those at our table (obviously to no fault of the restaurant). We liked the idea of communal style dining. One concern I do have is the amount of food that goes uneaten. It's family style dining so when everyone is done, what happens to the food? Our table had enough food left to feed another 15 people. I hope the restaurant donates the food. Either that or I think they should consider putting less food on the table and just refilling bowls as needed. Or giving people boxes to take home food.
(4)
Dan M.
Southern food at its best. I'm not a local and this was my first time in Savannah. My girlfriend, who is originally from here, said we had to eat at Mrs Wilkes. The food is served family style and you will be seated in a table of ten with random strangers. The atmosphere will make you talk to strangers as you past the food around the table. "Fried Chicken? Yes. Please" The food was simple home cooking. You will not leave hungry. The number of sides seems endless. The entree today was fried chicken which was simple and full of flavor. All this great food for $18! And don't forget to take your own plate to the kitchen! This is Mrs Wilkes Kitchen and she wouldn't have it any other way.
(5)
Sincere R.
Family style seating. You sit at a table with 8 other people. As soon as you sit down, the table is set with fried chicken, chicken and dumplings, beef stew, meatloaf, BBQ pork, and all the fixings. Most everything had gold flavors you can definitely tell nothing is store-bought. However, A few of the sides were overly salty. Staff were extremely friendly and polite. The family style was authenticated by the fact that you had to personally walk your plate to the kitchen. Great bang for the buck. If I'm ever in town again, I'd go back in a heartbeat. Just remember to get there early. Banana pudding was a major let down. I kinda expected more.
(4)
Chad E.
While it took me two (three?) trips to Savannah to get to Mrs. Wilkes', that is a mistake I won't be making again. It's a bit off the beaten path, but that just makes it a bit more interesting - take the time to find it and get out of the river district and all. As everyone else is lining up over at that other place, head yourself to Mrs. Wilkes' and get in line. Yes, in line. There will very likely be one, at just about any time. The first issue you may find is that the hours are limited. Lunch only, weekdays only. That means that everyone trying to get in is going to cram themselves inside this tiny space in a small window of opportunity. The next problem is that you won't find traditional seating - instead, it's family style. Eight or so people per table, as tables clear. So one table opens up, and the next group sits down to eat. The good news is there are no menus, so it moves fast. As soon as everyone sits down, the food starts coming, twenty-plus items, as much as you can stuff in your face. Really. I think it was twenty-three, but I could be mistaken. We tried to get a picture, but we couldn't fit it all in the frame. Quality on the food ranged from solid to un-freaking-believable. Definitely worthwhile. Once you're done eating, stand up and head to the counter - everyone's bill will be the same: $18 each. Cash only!
(4)
Karen D.
The food was tasty. Chicken was excellent. Just like my grandma and Mother makes but better. There are at least 20 Sides and sweet tea set on the table as you walk in. It is a preset meal at a preset price set and ready to eat as you walk in the door. Kind of nice due to the long hot stand in line as you wait your turn to get in the door to get In The door, you are ready to eat. All tables are set for 10 so you get to meet fellow Savannah tourists and share site seeing stories if you are not in a group of ten. Just a side note, there is a Pub called Crystal just 2 blocks away that you can walk to to buy soft drinks, beer, etc for your party in line. You can walk the streets with alcohol in your hand so it's all good and you can stay refreshed while waiting in line.
(4)
Christy M.
It was hard to imagine that Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room could come close to living up to its Yelp reviews, but it was beyond anything I had imagined. We first tried to eat at Mrs. Wilkes' on Monday, arriving around 12:30 to see a crazy line snaking out of the building, down the street, and around the corner. I knew there would be a line, but we were just too hungry to wait that day. On Tuesday, we came back at 10:30. There was already a short line, about 40 people or so. We waited patiently for opening time at 11. There are some benches and steps on the sidewalk there for folks who really need to sit down. The line began moving right at 11, and people seemed to get seated pretty efficiently. We weren't sure we were going to get in for the first seating, having to wait just outside the door for table space until the wonderful host came out and ushered us inside. Inside, you'll find a couple of cozy rooms with large group tables that seat about 10 adults. When you sit down, the table is already covered in dishes of food and there is sweet tea at every place setting (although they come around pretty quickly and offer unsweetened tea or water). Service is family-style, and there were literally 26 dishes of food on our table - I counted. What I can remember: Fried chicken Beef stew Barbecued meat (pork?) Rice Mashed potatoes with onion and cheese Mashed sweet potatoes Mac n cheese Boiled potatoes Gravy Bread (biscuits and cornbread) Succotash Green beans Collard greens Cucumber salad Coleslaw Stewed cabbage Black eyed peas Lima beans Squash casserole Creamed corn Rutabaga I know I'm leaving off some of the vegetables, which is a shame because they were all so delicious. Seriously - everything on the table was just stellar. The fried chicken was some of the best I've had, not too much breading but lots of nice crunchy pieces on the edges. The stewed cabbage was a surprise hit for the table - I can only imagine how much butter went into making cabbage craveable. After your table has consumed all it can comfortably manage, a server comes around with small dishes of dessert. For us, it was a choice between banana pudding and peach cobbler. I had the banana puddling (stellar) and I heard the peach cobbler was also delicious. At $18 (cash or check only), it's not a cheap lunch, but it's a great value for the quality and quantity. I dropped $2 in the tip bucket by the register, and, to me, $20 for a great meal, beverage, dessert, and tip is very reasonable. Totally worth the wait - just don't come too late. 10:30 is about the latest you should arrive and expect to eat in the first seating as the place only has about 5 ten-top tables. And don't eat breakfast!
(5)
Rachel H.
This place is wonderful! If you want to go to s touristy destination that serves good southern cooking this is the place to be! You're served family style and could be with other people that are not in your group but that's the fun of it. I recommend trying out the sweet tea because it's absolutely delicious! Get there early because there is NO RESERVATIONS and it's CASH/CHECK ONLY. But even if you're waiting in line it goes by a lot quicker than you think!
(5)
Melanie R.
We came across Mrs. Wilkes 4 years ago on a day trip to Savannah while we were on summer vacation in Hilton Head Island. It's a charming little place, with dining room in the basement. The lines are long, so arrive 15 minutes before they open. You're seated with strangers at a round table and servers bring dozens of dishes of food. There are probably a dozen "core" dishes: Fried chicken, mashed potatoes with gravy, creamed corn, collard greens, macaroni and cheese, sweet potatoes, succotash, biscuits, and many items I would consider "comfort food". In our five visits to Mrs. Wilkes' there have been additional entrees and side dishes, like pickled beets, boiled cabbage, roast beef, and summer squash. The servers are attentive and replenish items as needed. After the abundant feast, there is a dessert, usually a fruit cobbler and banana pudding, if you have room. We always leave happy with full stomachs. Tip: Eat a very light breakfast and bring cash or a check--they don't take credit cards.
(5)
Annie T.
Can the Wilkes family adopt me? Food: Southern ya'll Quantity: Family style with non-family members. Buffet-like Pice: One price. Cash only Noise: Thanksgiving dinner Attire: Respectable Service: Friendly coz you're the service. Bus your own table Parking: Street Ordered: wait...they order for you? Plan #1: Just eat the chicken, skip the sides (fillers) Plan #2: Eat the chicken and the sides (Best) Plan #3: Eat the chicken and sides and sweet tea Plan #4: Skip the sweet tea (the sugars) - I planned for #1, actually did #2. I really wanted #3, but did #4 Side Note: No matter what you do, don't eat the substance in the bowl that looks like mashed potatoes...in the bathroom Best experience of Southern food I've had. They had all the typical southern sides like greens, mac n' cheese, sweet potato..etc. The chicken was juicy and not too oily. They also had some kind of beef stew and pulled pork. Tip: You can always ask for a plateful of a particular part of the chicken that you want i.e. wings, drumsticks, breasts. Also, get in line 30 minutes before closing. Line is much shorter. Downfall: Like most buffets, you can't take the leftovers. Overall: 4.5-5.0 stars
(4)
Mario K.
I've been here every time I visit Savannah. It's not fancy and there is always a line, so you'll be assured a wait, but as far as Southern comfort food goes, I have yet to find better. Be prepared to wait 30-90 minutes and then you'll be seated with strangers (that become friends over a wonderful meal) at tables that typically accommodate 12. Food is waiting, piping hot and delicious, and I have yet to have room or want for anything after I leave (but perhaps for pockets deep enough to carry some of the delicious food home - they don't do take out at Mrs. Wilkes'). Their fried chicken is probably the most noteworthy, but everything is delicious. It's family-run and has pleased generations of Savannah locals and visitors and it's as good today as it was nearly 20 years ago when I first tried it. For $20 (cash) per person, this is a must-visit Savannah tradition.
(5)
Marc C.
Just finished up a business trip to Savannah and before we left we had to get our Mrs. Wilkes fix. Got there about 1:15 and had about an hour plus wait. Stood in line with some newbies from Florida, Alabama, and Canada. Kept assuring them that it was worth the wait. Once we were seated the plates started flowing with some delicious southern food. I was craving the fried chicken and was not disappointed (never am there). The Pot Roast was tender, the sides - there were so many that I am not even sure I got them all. Needless to say - Mrs. Wilkes is a definite must eat when in Savannah. Better and more enjoyable than some of the more famous places. Meal ran about $20 per person before tip (and please do tip because the servers are busting their humps while remaining nice as can be). They only take cash so make sure to hit the ATM. You will not regret it. We were lucky enough to strike up a conversation with Mrs Wilkes granddaughter and her husband which just added to the experience. This is a permanent place on our Savannah eating list so be sure to add it to yours.
(5)
Diana C.
This place was EVERYTHING. Everything about it was phenomenal. You WILL have to wait - we did for almost 2 hours but let me say it was WELL worth it! We met some great folks while waiting in line as we played a game of "Heads Up!" Honestly, I don't even eat MAC and cheese OR drink sweet tea but both were great!!! I will definitely be back on a future trip - if anything JUST to come back here!
(5)
Dale M.
I rarely wait in line for food, mostly because I'm just impatient. We waited for two hours (having arrived 45 minutes before opening) to dine at Mrs. Wilkes', and I'm glad we did. There was an amazing amount of food- it was almost hard to try everything. In addition to the perfect crispy fried chicken, my favorites were the vinegary cucumbers and jambalaya. Great food and TONS of it.
(4)
Pratik S.
After several attempts of getting in line and then leaving to go elsewhere, we finally got in line early enough and had the patience to wait. It was completely worth it and everything lived up to the hype. I'd really recommend getting in line as early as you can. They open at 11 and the line starts forming around 10. We go there at 10:30 and it was already around the corner. I think we finally sat down around 11:45. All the tables seat around 8 to 12 people so unless you go with a large group you will be seated with whoever in around you in line. It's kind of fun meeting strangers and having a family style meal with them, unless you are seated with a lady who keeps talking about how she can make all the food better. Once you are seated everything they are serving that day is dropped off to your table and you share it. Definitely come very hungry because everything is delicious. I really liked the fried chicken, pulled pork, cabbage, squash casserole, mac & cheese, creamed corn, stuffing, and collard greens. The sweet tea is really good too. I can't remember what we had for dessert but I was too full at that point. There is gift shop you can look through once you are done eating. I was given Mrs. Wilkes cookbook as a present and it has some really good recipes in there. Like all old cookbooks the directions aren't super specific but I don't mind that. It is cash only and you pay a cashier as you exit. Don't let the line hold you back...it is definitely worth the wait. If you get there around 10 you should be guaranteed to be seated right at 11.
(5)
Michael U.
Items experienced: Fried Chicken, Meat Loaf, Barbecue Pork, Beef Stew Banana Pudding Blackberry Cobbler Beans, Green Beans, Creamed Corn, Pickled Beets, Stuffing, Mac n' Cheese, Lima Beans, Boiled Okra,Mixed Vegetables, Beans/Sausage/Rice, Cornbread, Biscuits, Au Gratin Potatoes, Squash, Sweet Potato Puree, Vinegar Cucumbers, Giblet Gravy Tea, Sweet Tea, Iced Water Open 11:00am until 2:00pm five days a week with a line starting as early as 9:00am whether rain, shine, or humidity and ninety-five degree temperatures making patrons feel as though they'd been rained on Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room is truly an institution, the historic boardinghouse feeding locals and tourists for nearly eighty years...and on the day of my visit feeding The Real Housewives of Atlanta who were allowed to skip the line while myself and a hundred others waited ninety minutes in the August sun, much to the dismay of the locals in front of me who still waited, despite having been to Mrs. Wilkes' greater than two dozen times - as great a testament as I needed to stay in line for the $18 family style meal with more than a dozen sides, four main proteins, and two desserts of exemplary quality and an experience I won't soon forget.
(4)
Michelle B.
After hearing and reading so many reviews about this restaurant, I began to wonder if it was worth all of the hassle of waiting in line for 2 hours and sitting with random strangers who you are standing in line with. It was. I lucked out in traveling to Savannah the week before Christmas, where the number of tourists was low and the weather was perfect, about 60 each day. Despite all of the reviews about the line (and I'm sure the line is worse during busier times), I only waited about 10 minutes and then we were seated at a large table filled with so many dishes of delicious smelling food. After a few initial introductions at the table, everyone got down to the business of digging into the food. There were so many delicious sides and smaller dishes including mashed potatoes, cucumber salad, macaroni and cheese, creamed corn, sweet potatoes, BBQ pork, etc. but for me the star was the fried chicken. The skin was perfectly crispy and the meat was juicy that while I tried many of the sides, I saved most of my room for the fried chicken. The staff was also super friendly and the cashier seemed genuinely interested in talking to all of the guests as we left the restaurant and understanding where we were from and whether we enjoyed the food. Overall delicious Southern food and definitely worth trying on an empty stomach.
(5)
Debra L.
Absolutely worth waiting in line for one hour! The fried chicken was crisp on the outside moist on the inside and not at all greasy. The side dishes were abundant fresh and delicious! A trip to Savannah is not complete unless you lunch at Mrs. Wilkes.
(5)
Melissa H.
If you go, be prepared to wait a LONG time. We arrived at 10:00 (the restaurant opens at 11:00) and still had to wait over an hour. I was ready to kill my husband by the time we were seated. It was a disgustingly hot and humid day in the middle of July, and I was covered in sunburn and mosquito bites. Imagine my surprise when the food turned out to be worth the wait. Everything was simply but perfectly prepared and I had a really enjoyable meal. The place really does live up to it's legend. Come prepared, be patient, and I promise you will be rewarded.
(4)
Rene T.
This is a must visit if you're in Savannah. My husband and I arrived at 11:45 on a Friday (12/19) and only waited in line for 30 minutes. I counted 23 separate dishes on the table when we sat down. Following other yelp reviewers' advice, we skipped breakfast and were glad we had! This remains my favorite meal from our trip. I'm still craving the chicken and biscuits. Some (if not all) of our dishes: -Collard Greens, Baked beans, black eyed peas, lima beans, green beans, potato salad, pasta salad, rice, mashed potatoes, gravy, sweet potatoes/yams, mac and cheese, cheesy potatoes, butternut squash, pickled cucumbers, biscuits, corn bread, okra/tomato/corn salad, Rutabaga, creamed corn, stuffing, fried chicken, bbq pork, and beef stew. Phew. Tea and water also on table. Dessert: banana pudding or peach cobbler. To top off a fabulous meal, one of Mrs. Wilkes' daughters (in law?) stopped by our table to see how it was. The cashier (presumably family, as well) was insanely nice and genuinely happy that we stopped by to dine with them. There was also an adorable 70/80 year old guy plopped down in his walker seat by the entrance eating out of a bowl of potatoes just for him. You can buy a cook book if you want to, my husband's still sad I didn't get one after he fell in love with the biscuits.
(5)
Mr M.
So I'm sure my review on this will be lost in the masses and they all say the same thing..but if you find this review just go. If today isn't Saturday or Sunday stop reading reviews, get dressed, get in your car and just go. .....you're welcome
(5)
Alex K.
I have to write this right away if I'm gonna do this right. Worth every painful minute of waiting in line. I got there after 11, and the line was already down the street and around the corner from the restaurant. It moved slowly in the beginning and then kind of picked up near the end. I'm not sure if it was the excitement or anticipation of having some of the best Southern cuisine in Savannah (better than Paula Deen's Lady and Sons, by several accounts). When you got seated and inside, everything is chaotic with people running around, noise from conversations and staff trying to talk to guests at the tables. Honestly, who the hell cares. The food was comforting and delicious!! Fried chicken can be screwed up in so many ways. Namely, breast pieces always tend to be dry in the middle, because of the amount of meat that the oil has to penetrate through to cook. I cut mine in half just to check the moistness. Juicy and fully cooked all the way through. The breading is light and crispy. Not my favorite when it comes to the seasoning, but skillfully done and I went back for another piece. The pulled pork was very flavorful but a little dry on the ends. Not the best I've had, but given the amount of food, and that you aren't really there for BBQ, it's better than a lot of other places I've been that have it on the menu. The vegetables were plentiful and crazy. Boiled cabbage, yams, rutabagas, black eye peas, collard greens...there were a lot and they kept on coming. The collards (could have been turnip greens, according to one of the guests sitting next to me) were porky. Pulled pork inside, and I did find a pork bone in my second helping. I'm still a distracted happy camper. The boiled okra veggie medley was delicious as well. The sweet tea was awesome. If I hadn't drank so much of the stuff, I probably would have stuffed my face even more. Dessert was ok. Peach cobbler was good and very flavorful and sweet, but the crust underneath was dense and heavy, perhaps from shortening or the flour. I can't wait to come back. Get there early.
(5)
Kevin K.
You know what you're getting into with Mrs. Wilkes, so stay away if: - You aren't a fan of standing in line for 45 minutes - You aren't a fan of sitting at a table and sharing food with strangers - You aren't a fan of bussing your own dishes I'm not really a fan of any of these things, BUT I knew what I was getting into. It's part of the experience, and it was fun. So let's get down to two core things: The service, and The food. The service is exceptional as far as it goes. Everyone was friendly, everyone was smiling, and our hostess came around to check in on each table (sadly, the original Mrs. Wilkes is no longer with us). The food is an almost obscene bounty. I think there were more than 25 different dishes on the table. Yes, it's Southern comfort food, but it's often the best of it's type. The cheesey mashed potatoes, the Savannah red rice and sausage, the stuffing, the cucumber salad, the turnips, the mac and cheese, and the sweet potatoes were among the best. There was SO much though, it became kind of a joke to pass it around to everyone. About 1/3 of the dishes could have been eliminated because they were unexceptional and brought it down to a manageable amount - white rice, lima beans (one of five bean offerings!), cole slaw, meatloaf and a few others. Finally, the fried chicken was good, but far from the best I've had. Considering the focus they put on it, I expected more. This is great home-style food though, and definitely a top-five Savannah experience!
(4)
Frances S.
Mrs. Wilkes is worth the wait. All the food was delicious. I especially liked the fried chicken, cucumbers, and cole slaw. If you don't want to wait as long I suggest getting there very early- around 10am. We arrived in line at 11am and didn't eat until 1pm. We loved it.
(5)
Fabiana F.
Get there are 10am! We got there at 10:20am and waited till the second wave of diners. The atmosphere is very homey! You sit at a table of 10 and are served upwards of 20 plates, family style. (there's no menu, and apparently what's on the table changes frequently). The fried chicken was fantastic and all the sides were as southern as it gets and were all pretty great! You sit down to sweet tea at your seat and can ask for water once you're seated. The experience is one you won't find elsewhere and it is very interesting to seat 10 strangers at a time so it's a place you don't want to skip if you're visiting savannah. However, to start, we weren't even offered water until halfway through and we had to ask for it. Also, while the food is some great authentic southern home cooking, you're definitely waiting an entire hour or so in line for the experience and atmosphere over the food. If you hate lines, this probably isn't the place for you.
(4)
Diane Z.
Loved the experience! We arrived around 12:30pm and waited about 30 minutes to get seated. We kind of lucked out because the way it works is they will seat an entire table then when everyone is finished the whole table is cleared and then the second seating gets their turn. Once we got in, we were seated at a table of 10 and all the food was already on the table. They brought out the hot and fresh fried chicken, and then we just stuffed ourselves for about 20 minutes. It's really quick since you don't have to wait for any food to come out. However, if you need refills or a specific cut of chicken, just ask and they will gladly bring it out for you! Everything definitely tasted like homestyle cooking. My favorites were the creamed corn, beef stew, wild rice, and mac and cheese. But if you just try a little bit of each thing, you will definitely get full. For the meats, we had fried chicken, barbequed chicken, meatloaf, and a beef stew.You will definitely get full and probably won't have to eat for another 7-8 hours. I also loved the banana pudding for dessert! Save room! Oh yea, and you get sweet tea! All for $18 (gratuity not included, dig deep for those nice folks!).
(4)
Nick O.
Food was amazing and the service was just as good. Everyone was so friendly. Had a great time sitting with everyone at the table.
(5)
Robert Q.
So many good things have been said, far from me to add much to the praise, except yep they're right it's excellent. There was 12 of us, table to ourselves, bowl after bowl of delicious home cooked food. Love the no rush policy, one of us was going for fourths and the staff was apologizing and asking if we wanted more. Very pleasant people, looking out the window at the line and shaking their heads at all the crazies. We waited two hours forty minutes and ended up sending the kids for pizza. The wait is way too long, get there at 10, no joke, and bring a book! We met some nice folks on line, but it was a little chilly, can't even imagine the heat of August. You should go, great experience but know what you're getting into. Wear comfortable shoes and loose pants you're going to need them.
(5)
Meredith M.
Wait in a long long line for food I grew up with. True, it's better than some of the other southern food places around town, but my grandma's was still better.
(3)
Frank R.
Incredible 15.00 cash only
(5)
Allan S.
Very good all-you-can-eat southern food delivered family style. Two choices: get their early or wait in line. Either way you will probably wait 30 minutes to an hour.
(5)
Lissie C.
During my trip to savannah this was the spot everyone told me not to miss. The line is very long and you will likely have to wait between 45-1 hour to be seated. However, it's totally worth it. This is the best soul food I've ever had. The fried chicken is divine and everything I ate was just delicious. This is an authentic soul food spot at its best!
(5)
Ana R.
I was here a couple of years back. I do not recall details, just that it was a wonderful experience. I remember things like sweet tea and fried chicken. What else matters... The history of Mrs. Wilkes was great and seeing the locals come here for lunch was a plus.
(5)
Michele W.
Be prepared to set a new bar for fried chicken Get there early, the line moves fast but there is always a line Note, i had so much food even the table next to us commented on it (I out ate the table, thank you little person genes) but I came prepared. Strategy: worked out in the morning, showered, waited in line (all on an empty stomach). Once we got seated (they seat 10 at a time) the food was waiting for us and I was ready. Fried chicken (I had 3 pieces), Mac and cheese (I finished most of the bowl, they brought out more) buttermilk biscuits and cornbread (I had about 3 pieces) sweet potatoes (tons for moi), mashed potatoes (with cheese too, nom nom nom) potato salad (was ok) Tomato and okra (probably the pallet cleanser) spiced vinegary cucumbers (helped degrease the body) baked beans (these were ok) buttered lima bean (meh) green beans with bacon (not a personal favorite) black eyed peas (didn't bother) collard greens (when in the south) rutabaga (filler) pulled pork (I've had better) pot roast (see "pulled pork") succotash (gotta get veg somewhere) jambalaya (the sausage makes it look better than it is) peach cobbler and banana pudding (both were good) and wash it all down with sweet tea.....mmmmmmm! Truly an EPIC MEAL TIME Be prepared to go to the bathroom after, walk some of it off, and for your future self to hate you for 24 hours after (worth it)
(4)
Lynsy M.
There is always a line down the Spanish moss-draped street of this former boarding house in historic downtown Savannah. Arriving at 9:30am on a Monday morning, we trickled in place behind the other curious hopefuls, mostly fellow distant travelers sharing the same wonderment of Mrs. Wilkes' legacy on southern communal dining. The alluring quality of Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room is the experience. Anachronistic customs carry you to a distinctive, earlier time period; good ole' southern homestyle traditions and family-style dining in a communal setting give Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room character and charm. Guests bustle in the low-ceiling establishment in groups of 8 and are seated at the same table. That's right; make friends with those around you while waiting in line. They will no longer be strangers by dessert. As you enter, an array of various southern comfort foods in ceramic dishes are already situated on the table. Collard greens, mac n' cheese, dirty rice/jambalaya, BBQ pork, succotash, creamed corn, pickled beets, boiled okra, mixed vegetables, sweet potato puree, green beans, lima beans, beef stew, and cornbread -- just to name a few. Born and raised in the South and immersed in the corresponding traditions, I appreciate the reverence for southern cuisine and its homestyle dining experience that Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room has instilled in many out-of-towners. However, I was left mostly underwhelmed after tasting several of the side dishes. I was also left disappointed and saddened after seeing the copious amounts of food wasted after each meal. The highlight of our experience, though, was the fried chicken; the skin was perfectly seasoned and crispy while the meat was succulent and juicy. At the end of your meal, bring your polished plate to the kitchen. Say good-bye to your new friends and head to the front counter. Hopefully, you stopped by the ATM on the way, because they only accept cash.
(3)
Christina H.
We arrived at 1:45 pm to see a line that went all the way to the corner of the block. Despite the cold cold weather we were experiencing in savannah, we stuck out the wait with beer and conversations with our new hungry friends. Once we arrived inside the restaurant, we felt a great sense of accomplishment and were very pleased with our reward. With more than 25 different dishes on the table, we went ahead and tried a little bit of everything. For our favorite plates, we went back for seconds, thirds, etc... I don't eat meat and I was pleased to find the majority of the dishes to be vegetarian. I am sure some of them were cooked in chicken or beef broth, but that doesn't bother me. Personally, I loved the creamed corn and sweet potatoes, and the banana pudding for dessert. Paying $18 for unlimited delicious food was a great deal and I would definitely do it again. What a great memorable experience!
(5)
Emily L.
Mrs. Wilkes' is the place to try while in Savannah. They are only open from 11-2, and lines form super early. We were there at 10:20 and were about the 20th in line. They stagger seating tables, which is the perfect way to keep things flowing from both a dining perspective and a serving/cooking perspective. Great southern food, family style. It's fun to find out things about your table mates while enjoying amazing food. The best fried chicken around-not greasy at all and perfectly crispy. The peach cobbler is awesome. For newcomers, bring cash ($20 per person) as they don't accept credit cards, come early (or be patient).
(5)
Flo H.
Worth waiting in line! Absolutly excellent!!! Best introduction to Southern food. We've eaten at other places (more expensive!) and they do not compare to Mrs Wilkes' Dining Room. Very simple approach, everything is on the table (all you can eat!), which you share with other people (sits about 10 people). You're asked to bring your plate to the kitchen. Everybody raves about the fried chicken, it is indeed delicious. There are a lot of vegeterian dishes, which balances out the "heavy" meat ones. Lovely, friendly staff.
(5)
Andrew P.
We got in line about 10 AM on a chilly morning and my girlfriend thought I was nuts waiting that long to get lunch. But this place delivered, and we were in the first group to get in thankfully. By the time 11AM rolled around, the line was the whole way down around the block. This was one of the best meals I've ever ate. There was so much food on the table and everything I tried was great, even stuff I usually don't like such as creamed corn. The chicken is the star on TV, and it was everything I expected it to be. So tender and juicy and delicious, easily top 3 I've had in my life. I forget what all I had while I was here, but the cream corn was great, as was the rice. I'm pretty sure they had some good mac and cheese there too. Mashed potatoes and lima beans were also quite good. I will be back for certain next time I'm in Savannah.
(5)
Atif I.
"1000 Places to See Before You Die" I don't believe in bucket lists, but when it comes to Southern Fried Chicken, I don't like to tempt fate. As it happens, before flying into Savannah I had completed my physical and was waiting for the results. Checking in to the Andaz, I listened to my doctor's voicemail as he went through the test results for Glucose, Triglycerides, Cholesterol... No soon had I heard the Cholesterol reading, I switched from the voicemail to the yelp app to look up Fried Chicken!! True Story. But, not one that my doctor appreciated when I recounted it later to him.... :) Located in the Historic District of Savannah, Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room is a family style restaurant that has two rooms with 4 tables each that can seat 10 people. The restaurant is only open from 11 am to 2 pm on weekdays. That means that there is likely a line one hundred deep before 11 am. But, this was the rare occasion when I didn't mind the wait, for I was able to strike up a lively conversation about New York with the couple ahead of me who had been at the restaurant many times before. It helps to be social while you're waiting in line for you're probably going to share the meal with the people around you. The restaurant recreates an experience from a bygone era as strangers sit down together to enjoy a feast. The risk while dining at Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room is not that you may not have an excellent meal - but that you may not have saved your stomach space for the best of the two dozen things you can eat. The restaurant features a set menu as servers line up efficiently to place one dish after another from the food trolley. You know you're here for the Fried Chicken, but you can also get meat loaf, beef stew and sausage in addition to Cabbage, Okra, Mac n cheese, Potato salad, Butter Beans, Black-eyed peas, Collard greens, Red rice, Baked beans, Cole slaw, Mashed Potatoes... seriously, there are 20 sides. Obviously not everything is exceptional, which is where I was ably guided by the couple I had befriended. But, seriously: BEST FRIED CHICKEN I'VE EVER HAD.... I don't make that assertion lightly having tried many exceptional versions of fried chicken in the South (and, surprisingly, in Portland, Oregon) but can confidently shout this from the rooftops! Also, Best Mac and Cheese I've ever had! You know the cheese could well be Velveeta, but the dish is absolutely fantastic! Best Candied Yams I've ever had. Best black eyed peas... I could go on, but these would easily be the pick of the bunch. I would advise skipping dessert, probably the weakest link on the menu. You're probably too full for it anyway, should you have had the minimum 4 helpings of Fried Chicken that you should have (along with all the 'sides'). Amazingly, the fabulous meal will only set you back by $18 (excluding tip). I can honestly say that it's the best value meal I've ever had in my life. In fact, I confidently recommended the restaurant to my doctor...I'm pretty sure he will be tempted to make up my cholesterol reading the next time around. I can only hope he is ethically conflicted in doing so by the Hippocratic oath.
(5)
Phillip L.
A must visit if your in town. Visited on the last day before it closes for the month of January and got there around 10:30. Waited 3 hours and was seated at 1:30 doubting if anything could possibly be worth a 3 hour wait. The moment I walked in I was completely mind blown by the amount of food at the table already. Met a really cool family who happened to be an alum at the current school I attended. After some chatting and introductions, dove right into the amazing fried chicken, sweet potatoes with raisins, pickled cucumbers, mashed potatoes, Mexican rice with sausage, buttered white rice, biscuits and cornbread, squash, collared greens, green beans, cabbage, beets, Lima beans, baked brown beans, cole slaw, smoked BBQ pork, rutabaga, okra, and corn. This was followed by a desert of peach and banana pudding. Long story short: all the sides were so good. The fried chicken was definitely better than average; however, it was a tiny bit dry. Also the both the service and sweet tea provided were top-notch as well. For only $18, you won't get better food, atmosphere, or service elsewhere. The only con was that I felt like my stomach was about to explode afterwards. Warning: don't eat breakfast!!!
(5)
Smiley B.
Southern Cooking at it's finest! We were told about Mrs. Wilkes' Boarding House by the tour guides but we had also heard Paula Deen say that she has gotten some of her recipes that she uses from Mrs. Wilkes. We read some of the reviews and most everyone talked about the long wait in line to get in the door. We arrived about 11:30 AM and we were seated by 12:10 PM so we felt like that was pretty fast based on what we had read. We were seated at a table for 10 with others who showed up in line around us. We met some really nice people! The food was on the table already and we started eating...Boiled Cabbage, Black-Eyed Peas and Rice, Red Rice, Fried Chicken, Sweet Potatoes, Corn Bread, Mashed Potatoes, Okra, BBQ Pork, Cucumber Salad, and Sweet Tea. This isn't everything we had, I just can't remember all of the tasty items that we were served. And for dessert we had the choice of Banana Pudding or Peach Cobbler. I highly recommend Mrs. Wilkes' Boarding House to anyone visiting Savannah. It is well known and a local favorite. Also, bring cash, no credit cards taken!
(5)
Tami W.
Oh My Gosh! I have never been so full. They put so much great food on the table you can't eat it all. Dont miss the fried chicken, the corn, the cornbread stuffing...and the list goes on! It's all amazing. We waited 1 1/2 hours beginning around 1:30pm, but it was totally worth it. The people behind us in line had driven from Charleston just to come here. Good choice.
(5)
Cherise J.
Wow! The concept of this restaurant was a pleasant surprise. It's amazing how a table of food can bring strangers together. If this sounds off the wall to you, it means you need to experience Mrs. Wilkes. I literally have never seen anything like this before. There was so much food, I couldn't eat it all. For a flat $18, you can't beat this family style dining. The only thing I would suggest is that they add a grill meat like chicken or salmon, as there are guests who do not eat fried foods, pork or beef. Get there at 10am so you can be in the first seating. There's always a line. I highly suggest this place. Service is spectacular. Oh, don't forget to bring cash or a check. They don't take charge cards.
(4)
Andy D.
Absolutely delicious. Make friends with the people you're in line with, because you will be sitting family-style with them when you get in. Everything is laid out for you when you finally get inside, and it is delicious- you can see from the photos and other reviews what they offer, I'm just validating that! It is worth the wait in line! It moves pretty fast, as they get people in in out surprisingly quickly, but don't forget to arrive early.
(5)
Teresa H.
Fantastic. We arrived just before 10 and were seated shortly after 11. The table was packed with countless dishes of homemade delights. The fried chicken was brought out moments after us taking our seats. It was tasty, crunchy, and perfectly fried. By far the best I've ever had. I've never had homemade creamed corn, only the canned stuff. Always a fan, I dove into the sweet, creamy veggie candy. Wow!! Pretty much a magical experience. The green beans were perfectly cooked. Our dessert options were banana pudding or peach cobbler. The banana pudding was most excellent. The staff was very friendly and happy to answer any questions we had.
(5)
Taylor K.
This definitely deserves to be #1 in Savannah! Make sure you show up early (like 1030am) and bring a BIG appetite (do not eat breakfast). For only $18, you get to try 20+ bowls of different fresh southern country foods, drinks, and dessert. We loved the family/boarding house vibe and the quaint street. This place is a must stop if you are in Savannah; you wont be disappointed! They are only open until 2pm and the line starts forming at around 1030am!
(5)
Jordan K.
We had a great experience at Mrs. Wilkes today in Savannah. The wait wqs only 45 minutes or so. We arrived at 10:30 and were seated by 11:15 and finished and out the door shortly after noon. The family style dining is different but in a good way. We had a good time with the group we were seated with. There was so much food, all of which was delicious. Our favorites were the creamed corn, mac n cheese, fried chicken, bbq pork, sweet potatoes and slaw but everything was very good. The waitresses were great as well. We left very full and very happy. The walk home was helpful.
(5)
Tommy G.
Mrs Wilkes deserves a 5 star rating, because its a fresh take on dining atmosphere. The food is delicious on the first time, however, like buffet style food, one should expect to acquire that 'cafeteria food' taste after the second round. I know I did. Definitely worth a visit, the staff is friendly, and the food is amazing.
(5)
Michael D.
Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room is an iconic Savannah eatery located in a charming neighborhood. It serves fare modeled after the type of food provided by boarding houses of the past. It is open for lunch on weekdays with a set menu that changes daily for the bargain price of $18 per person and only cash is accepted. The restaurant consists of a large dinning room with exposed brick walls that is quaintly decorated and furnished with large communal tables that seat ten. This restaurant is meant to provide hungry folks with an abundance of food at a very low cost. It is always crowded and long waiting lines form well before the opening time of 11:00 a.m. The operation is well organized and once all the tables are filled, big platters of food are served in waves and a sufficient amount of time is given the guests to eat. Afterward, all of the tables are cleared and the entire restaurant is vacated and then refilled with new guests. On the day my wife and I lunched there, we were astounded by the large selection and high quality of the food. It was served family style and all-you-can-eat that included but was not limited to: fried chicken, beef stew, BBQ pork, collard greens, black eyed peas, mac and cheese, squash, rice and gravy, pickled beets, okra and tomatoes, mashed potatoes, and candied yams. In addition, several desserts were offered, including a peach cobbler and a bread pudding, along with sweet and unsweetened tea as well as water. Everything was fresh, well prepared, and delicious. However, we thought that the fried chicken was a standout. It was crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and very tasty. We also really liked the okra gumbo, the black-eyed peas, and collard greens. Eating at the communal table was very entertaining. What with food constantly being served and dishes and bowls being passed around nonstop along with the lively conversations amongst our fellow diners, our lunch became a kind of frenetic adventure. If you want to sample a large assortment of very good authentic Southern cooking along with highly courteous and efficient service and have a great deal of fun doing so, don't miss Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room. As a word of caution, when you leave you will be stuffed to the gills so don't plan on having dinner that night.
(5)
Sarah K.
Went for lunch today. Arrived at 11:15 to a moderate sized line. Was slightly dismayed but the line moved fairly quickly. By the time we were let in the line had doubled so arriving early truly seems to be key. We were seated with 3 other groups, with one person from each celebrating a birthday. The food was all laid out on the table with sweetened ice tea to wash down all the deliciousness. Our favorites were: - the fried chicken which had a perfectly crispy outside and moist, tender & flavorful inside, not too greasy or heavy - the creamed corn which was sweet and creamy - the sweet potatoes which instantly brought me back to my favorite thanksgiving dish but with a cinnamon flavor - the macaroni salad was my bf's favorite because of the hint of spice - the cabbage was tender & sweet - the biscuit was buttery & flaky Along with all that the Mac & cheese, green beans, squash, Lima beans, meatloaf & pulled pork and banana pudding were quite tasty. The dishes that were slightly disappointing were the jambalaya & cornbread which lacked uniqueness. My favorite part of the meal was sharing the experience with strangers and getting to hear their stories over the most incredible comfort meal. There's not tons of time to leisurely dine as eating is the main event here but it's the perfect amount of time to get your grub on. I only wish I hadn't stayed uncomfortably full for 9 hours afterwards but that's my own fault for eating enough to feed a family of 5!
(5)
S H.
Even in July, when tourism in the area is quiet, the line for Mrs. Wilkes was down the block. We get there around 10:30 and waited for a little over an hour but it was well worth it!! Family style tables were set and filled with dishes of fried chicken, sweet mashed potatoes, pulled pork, and a ton of other dishes. We didn't eat for HOURS afterward that day because we were so full. And it's all for only $18!! This place is a must! Get there early so you don't miss out before they close at 2 pm - or so you don't wait in the hot afternoon sun (when it peeked through the trees we were sweating but they do have a nice cooler of iced water outside for you).
(4)
Josh S.
My girlfriend and I are visiting savannah for our first time. Saw that this place is a must to do while down here. If you see a line going down the block that's normal and goes by fast. The line is worth the wait for great hospitality, food, and overall good atmosphere. You will get a real taste of southern home cooking food. I highly recommend going here!! No regrets.
(5)
Clifford C.
This is as good as it gets. You dine with others around a big round table with an amazing 24 (that's twenty-four) dishes on the table. This is history, good food and you can say you were there. Highly recommend. I think this is the place where the Amish learned how to serve the public - but it's a lot more intimate. Can't go wrong here.
(5)
Daniel J.
This was incredible. Must go. It is worth the wait. Those working were very nice, polite and hospitable. It was like eating at the Lord's Supper. The great wedding banquet in Heaven with Master Jesus. It was so good I asked the Lord to take me a plate to Heaven and place into the heavenly fridge so I can have a plate reserved for when I get to heaven.
(5)
Cyndi S.
We had to wait an hour and 1/2 on a Friday afternoon to get in but it was worth it. The food was amazing - good home cooked food and LOTS of it. The seating is family style with people you don't know but do afterwards! There were some 24 plates/bowls of food on the table waiting to be dug into and boy did we! The fried chicken was fabulous, mac and cheese, potatoes, every vegetable imaginable, ribs, potato salad, - you name it, we had it. After eating you bus your dishes to the kitchen. It was fun and I am so glad we waited. We sure didn't need anymore food that day or even the next morning! Just resign yourself to waiting in line to get in. You'll be glad you did.
(5)
Mark J.
OK, I am clearly in the minority here - and I am definitely not an expert on Southern cuisine, but from my perspective it was OK but not phenomenal. You sit down at a table of about 10-12 and they bring out a whole array of foods, sort of as if you were eating at home with family on Thanksgiving. The main meats are fried chicken and meatloaf, I only tried the chicken which was OK but probably not any better than Popeyes or KFC. Other items were cabbage, mac & cheese, beans, black-eyed peas, squash,mashed potatoes, yams, fried okra, rice and stuffing or dressing as they call it in the South. The only dish that I though was very good was the dressing the rest was OK but really nothing special. I would go for the experience but don't expect gee wiz amazing food.
(3)
Abel K.
The wait is so so so so worth it! The breakfast is the best southern cooking i have had in a long time! The Fried chicken is heavenly!
(5)
Miguel S.
Wow. My trip to savannah felt incomplete until I dragged my wife to wait in a line in the rain with me for about an hour without any food in our bellies. She wasn't too amused about it but I told her it was worth it. While we were waiting in line we found out that the restaurant is cash only. We don't really carry any cash around so I had to walk in the rain and make it to the Hilton hotel where I found an ATM. This is about 2 or 3 blocks from the restaurant. After an hour or so, we were sat in a big dining room table with a bunch of strangers; in case you didn't know this is the way it works here. No menus, no drinks or cocktails; no complaints allowed. You either get the choice of water, sweet tea or unsweetened tea. And the food is already waiting for you on the table. They have over 20 different choices portioned in white bowls in the center of the table. The whole dynamic around it is that you actually have to talk to these strangers to pass food around. If you are socially awkward or have issues dealing with strangers, you will go home hungry. Some of the highlights of the dinner were: Fried chicken, meatloaf, pulled pork, Mac and cheese, collard greens and dirty rice. At the end you get to pick between the peach cobbler or the banana pudding for dessert and then when you're really done, you literally have to pick up after yourself; take your plate, silverware and cup to the dishroom. Then say goodbye to the strangers at your table and go to the cashier and pay for your meal. Anyways; yes; it is worth it. Just suck it up in line and you will be rewarded. Thank you Mrs. Wilkes
(5)
Janene H.
Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room is one of those places everyone will tell you you MUST try while visiting Savannah. I'm glad we did, but I don't think I'd come back. We arrived outside of the restaurant 40 minutes before they opened on a Monday morning. The only reason we got in on the first seating was because the large group ahead of us couldn't all be sat together. Luckily we squeaked in! When we entered the dining room the food was already laid out on the table, including delicious sweat tea. The food was obviously fresh as it was piping hot. The dining room was jammed packed and quickly felt hot and, thanks to the low ceiling, felt smothering. Still, the array of food immediately caught my attention and surprised me. I surveyed the selection and at first thought that the food had been doubled for each half of the table. Nope, each bowl was a different dish. My favorites? The fried chicken (of course) which had a wonderful flavor but wasn't as crispy as I would have hoped. The sweet potatoes were also very good with the right amount of creaminess and lumpiness. I put a little helping of everything on my plate and was amazed at the mountain of food! I couldn't help but wonder how much of this stuff gets wasted everyday. It made me a little sad looking over the table after we'd all stuffed ourselves. Still, I couldn't eat another bite. We rolled out of there, rubbing our bellies and guiltily walked past the looong line still waiting outside. We ate at 11am and did not even feel like looking at food for the rest of the day! Seriously, I don't think I ate again until 8pm! The food was good but wasn't five star amazing. The teeny tiny desserts were sad. I had the blueberry cobbler but wished I'd had the banana pudding. Mine tasted canned. This is a place where people who value quantity over all else will LOVE. It is homey, and is quite the experience. It reminds me of other family style dining I've had like the Daniel Boone Inn in North Carolina.
(3)
Ho L.
When you mention Savannah, everything always thinks of Paula Deen's place. But honestly, that place is garbage compared to Mrs Wilkes. The wait can be excruciatingly long if you come during peak lunch hours, but it's well worth it. All you can eat southern cuisine, friendly service, and the chance to sit, eat, and chat with other people from across the world. The food is soooo good, better than the heat lamp food found at Lady & Sons.
(5)
Nichole S.
Yes you have to wait in line, and yes you may end up sitting with strangers due to the tables being sat as groups of ten. If you do not want that, don't go and eat here. The restaurant opens at 11am and it seems that if you get there by 10:15 or so you only end up waiting about an hour. Once you get in, everything is very straightforward. The food is already laid out on the table, 3 meats and countless sides (the website will tell you what will be on the menu for each day). We were a group of 4, and ended up sitting with 2 other groups of 2. We were all considerate and made sure to pass the items around the table, and pass individual items when they were requested. That being said, the food was great. It tasted like someone's grandmother and aunts had been up since 5am cooking. You eat until you are full, and they even bring refills of items if you want them. Then once you think you cannot eat anymore they bring out dessert. When you are finished, you pick up your plate, cup and utensils and deposit them in the assigned area. Since there are so many people in the place daily, I would assume this helps with efficiencies in getting the table cleared and set up for the next batch of guests. It's was a great experience, one that anyone visiting Savannah should try.
(5)
Emily D.
After reading the reviews, we based what time we left Florida for our trip to Savannah on the restaurants hours. Believe me, it was absolutely worth waking up at 430 am! My boyfriend and I both said numerous times "I didn't think I liked (insert lima beans black eyed peas and collards here) but it turns out, it's so good!" We loved Mrs. Wilkes dining room because it was so unlike anything we had ever tried. We had lunch with a lovely couple from Minnesota and another from Texas. My favorite thing served was the squash casserole, my boyfriends was the okra soup. I can't say enough about this place. It's amazing in every way.
(5)
Shannon S.
Always have a great time here the lines get insane but if you are there early it's not too bad and it's well worth the wait. The staff is very pleasant and the food is fantastic love their sweet tea! Cash only so make sure you have enough. They have some very famous patrons such as Obama and the house wives of Atlanta, Paula Deen started here career here as we'll.
(5)
Branham P.
Best Soul food I have had outside of my home. Have cash and be ready to wait.. well worth it. family style.. just keep your head down and eat.. GO ASAP..
(5)
Myrus C.
We loved it! We went there the day after Christmas and got there at 10:30 and got seated around noon. We were overwhelmed by the amount of yummy food and enjoyed the family style lunch. A Savannah must! As other people say it's definitely worth the wait!
(5)
Nadine R.
We went to Mrs Wilkes because of the great reviews we read. We now have an expression for food that is overrated and not great - "Is it a Mrs Wilkes' meal?" All of the food is lacking in seasoning and VERY average to down right disappointing. We arrived at 10:30. Everyone was lovely in line. We got in at 11:45. There were only two of us so we joined a party of 8. Lots of dishes were on the table so we all took a spoonful or two of the different vegetables, mac and cheese, etc. It all reminded me of food at Assisted Living places or Hospitals. Almost every bowl had underseasoned and mushy food items. Most were cold or room temperature. There were no mash potatoes (if this was truly Southern cooking where were they?) but there was a gravy item on the table and a boring stuffing. The Mac and Cheese had no great flavor. The salted cucumbers, however, were cucumbers covered in a box of salt. Don't eat them. The other family had older teenagers and adults and no one thought any of the food on the table was great. We would ask each other what do you think of the rutabaga dish or collard greens and the answer was always not very good (and mushy) and no one even bothered to try it afterwards as it wasn't worth it. So let's discuss the Fried Chicken; I was anticipating all of the yelp reviews to be on target but all I can say is save your $18.00/person and go somewhere else if you want to taste better than very average fried chicken. Yes, it was fried, there was NO seasoning in the batter, it is a little greasy but not too bad, my drum stick dark meat was a bit dry, the wings were fine, the chicken breast dry and overall there was NOTHING special about this chicken or worthy of all of these great reviews. Dessert and how they get rid of you in 45 minutes: No matter how much anyone has on his or her plate, even if you had just asked for more of an item, the desserts in tiny bowls will arrive served on a steel tray and you get to pick peach cobble or banana pudding. The banana pudding was excellent and I gather so was the peach cobbler. However, the waitress then tells you that we are suppose to take our dishes to a window and basically time for us to leave. I have no idea how one can linger longer after this gentle "times up" is given to you, especially if half your table or more gets up and follows directions. There is no coffee offered. (The unsweetened ice tea, and I love ice tea, is horrible). The servers are lovely and probably laughing at all of the white people standing in line for hours who come in to eat this bland and overpriced meal. I think this place in a self-perpetuating myth and no one wants to admit that a family of four threw $80.00 away. Seriously, there is a reason ONLY tourists go here and no one from Savannah bothers with this place.
(2)
Joanna V.
This is an absolute must when in Savannah. Know going in you will have to wait about 2 hours. This seems insane, but it is worth it believe me. My husband and I lined up at 10:30AM on a Wednesday and the line was already down the block. There is one store next to the line so you can take turns and pop into there to kill some time. My husband and I also brought books to read which helped pass the time. The seating and serving is family style. You will sit at a table with 10 other people and numerous bowls of delicious southern food will be placed in front of you. I am a vegetarian and I was a bit worried there would not anything for me, but I did not need to worry. I have MANY choice and definitely got my moneys worth. Everything was delicious. Not a bad dish was served to us. The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful. The place opens at 11AM and closes at 3PM. I highly recommend getting there early to wait in line. They also only take cash or check. It is a $20 flat fee. Go here!
(5)
Matthew L.
Went on a WEDNESDAY during MARCH. Showed up at 10:15a and the line was about 20 deep. If you get in line by 10:30 it seems like you'll be seated by 11:30. The quintessential Southern experience! From the setting to the staff and finally the food, everything was awesome. If you want a taste of what Southern hospitality is all about, don't miss this jewel of Savannah.
(5)
Brandon B.
If you're in Savannah and looking for great southern soul food, this is your spot. I preface most of my reviews by saying that I'm not a foodie (I eat to live, not live to eat), so that I can emphasize that if I like the food, that's saying a lot. I love this food. Everything I tried was seasoned so perfectly. It was rich, filling, and for the fixed $18 we got more food and more selection than anyone at our table could possibly want (in the best way possible). We kept hearing the description of it being like at grandma's house, and that's definitely it, especially if your grandma is from the south. It is family style with 10 people at a table and about 7 tables total. They let in 50 people initially and filter more people in as entire tables finish. When you get in, the table is covered in medium-sized bowls of the main meal. Squash, peas, rice&beans, fried chicken, greens, pickled beets, beef tips, and about a dozen other dishes to pass around. Sweet tea and water are included. A small cobbler dessert was served as well. What was just as good as the food was the company. Waiting in line we met a group of older local women (mom and 2 daughters), an older couple from the mid-west in town for a conference, and a middle-aged couple from up north. We're a younger couple from South Carolina. The 4 groups may never have met and interacted outside of this dining experience, but for our time in line and while we were seated together, we exchanged stories and laughs like good friends. It was wonderful. We only found out about this restaurant because we happened to be on vacation staying in the rental home that sits just above it. So after seeing the lines form and dissipate for 3 days, we had to try it. Good call. Here are my tips: 1) Arrive early. The place is only open weekdays from 11a-2p. If you want to be first in line, arrive at 9am. By 10am, the line is already 50 people long. 2) Don't worry about the long lines. It moves relatively quickly. But don't show up super hungry, because there will be waiting involved. 3) Bring cash or check! No cards accepted. 4) Make friends in line and at the tables. Would you rather have a fun family dinner experience, or an awkward first date dining experience? Choice is up to you :) 5) There's a tip jar at the checkout register. Speaking with a number of servers and kitchen staff during my time staying above the restaurant, there's word that the management does not split those tips fairly with staff. If you want to make sure your server gets the tip, leave it on the table or hand it to them directly. Or, for that added local experience, walk around to the back of the restaurant through the alley and hand it to them directly. You'll get to see them cutting up greens and other food prep in the kitchen where the magic is made!
(5)
G W.
The food was excellent! ! We got to the restaurant around 10:30 and was able get with the first group of dinners. The fried chicken crisp and moist, the greens peas, meatloaf, potatoes, Candid yams, everything, everything delicious. The serving staff was very accommodating.
(5)
Ej F.
OMG! This place is so good! What place is only open 3 hours a day and has a line down the sidewalk even when its 40 degrees outside? Mrs Wilkes..and its worth the wait. You walk in and 10 people sit a a large table with the most amazing southern cooking waiting to be consumed. Great conversation takes place from people from all over the planet. Everything about this place made me smile and I would highly recommend the experience to anyone in Savanna for the day.
(5)
Matthieu K.
Solid Southern cuisine ... better than most in town. If, by the time you hit this place, you have not tired of fried chikkenz, do try it. The wait was rather long, close to an hour ... The price was absolutely right, under $20/person. Check it out if you are in town.
(4)
Liz P.
Food was excellent, the experience itself was worth it but not the whole thing I was expecting. Got in line around 11:35am on a Friday and was let in at around 1:15pm. My faves were the sweet mashed potatoes, the sweet sweet SWEET tea (made a convert out of me, I normally hate sweet tea!), and of course the chicken, even though it was actually TOO fresh (too hot) to eat at first. Restaurants normally make money off me at buffets and this was no exception ($18 and cash only) since I don't eat as much as I used to, but the food was worth it. It was kind of fun to sit with people we didn't know, too. Check out the photos on the walls - there's one of a Mrs. Wilkes server with Obama, and another of a very young Dennis Quaid who dined there! Very cool. I would go back to Mrs Wilkes with people who have never been, not sure if I would go with the same people again now that we've experienced it.
(4)
Ian B.
Wow. What a great restaurant. Waited about 1.5 hours but it was well worth it. The food was excellent an service is great. You sit down at a table with 10 people. We were unsure at first about the communal style but it ended up being great. I can eat a lot and couldn't even try every dish. Will definitely go back when I return to savannah!
(5)
Kristin C.
Make sure you get there early!! We arrived by 9:50am and when it opened at 11 we were lucky enough to get seated with the first group. When you enter the tables are already set up and food is there to be served family style. The food is endless!! Sooo many sides and you have to try a little of everything! My favorites were the fried chicken, sweet potato, Mac and cheese, collards, and BBQ pork. I've never had okra and the okra soup was very tasty. The cornbread was a little dried out but I had plenty of other foods to munch on. The best thing there though is the dessert... homemade banana pudding! It is so fresh and delicious I couldn't get enough. Make sure you save room!
(4)
E. M.
Simply the best southern food I've ever had. Worth the 1.5 hr line wait. Also just incase you didn't know, if your still waiting in line at 2, they will still serve you.
(5)
Tom O.
Worth the wait. Great food served in a casual relaxed way. Priced right for what you get. Nice people!
(5)
Shannon A.
Not much to add, it is just the most amazing place to get true southern cuisine. We went on a Thursday near 2pm (closing time) and only waited about 15 minutes. They will take you as long as you are in line by 2pm. When you sit down all of the sides are already on the table, piping hot. Every seat has a sweet tea waiting. The staff is attentive and there is a very comfortable feel. The only word of warning I have is that they only take cash. This place will be a must for all future trips!
(5)
Dominick T.
You get the food on their terms. This is Mrs Wilkes place. You wait in line for a long time, You clean up your places and sit here, one price fits all. Yes you are going to sit with other guests, and if you know whats good for you, you are going to like it. At any other place I would be put off. Not here. No. They have mind blowing fried chicken. It is an experience you won't believe was once walking around on two legs pecking anything. There has never been a chicken that died so good. If there is better, you better prove it or I will find satisfaction on the dueling fields by the graveyard, sir. Every side was well done, with the flavor God put into that food, and little subtle overtones that makes southern cooking and this place great. The greens had the slightly tangy bitterness, then a creamy smoothness, a sweetness, and a hotness. The meatloaf was the lunch item for our day, and it was better than my meatloaf. (I feel so inadequate!) Rutabagas, macaroni, corn, everything is worth trying and eating. Even better, they will bring more food. Then more food. They are happy to make you a lot fatter than you went in. The people are nice, but loaded with tourists, some who get the concept and some who don't. Not a place for those with food finickiness, eat what she put on the table, or no dessert. 'Nilla Pudding, yes, cobbler, yes. I was so dizzy with my entrees, dessert was just like going to heaven, having a nice place to enjoy the view, and then St. Peter brings you a pony. Every local will tell you this is the MUST go place in Savannah. The more famous place here can't touch Mrs. Wilkes, she can kick the Lady's butt, and then both her Sons, and have enough left over to kick your butt at lunchtime.
(5)
Url R.
The sides are what gives this place five stars. The chicken is decent, but I have had better. Yes, the line is long but bring some friends or, if alone, an iphone with headphones and it goes by fast. There are a few benches nearer the house for those with kids and elderly. If you have a larger group, like more than 4, plan on splitting up so that you can get a seat faster. I saw a large family waiting inside forever so that they could all sit together. That was dumb. Anyway, all of the sides were outstanding especially the gravy and cornbread stuffing. Get a roll and make sure to dip it in the molasses. Sweet potatoes were unforgettable. I recommend buying the cookbook.
(5)
Chad S.
blows paula deens restaurant out of the water. best southern food you can find.
(5)
PG B.
Been coming here for 37 years, and lived across the street at one point. Consistently good ole fashion southern food, 20 sides, family style and get there early, long lines...
(5)
John H.
Cash only Fun times as you eat family style and meet new people Locals eat here as well Everything was delicious except the collard greens Bring your appetite, it is worth the wait
(4)
Jon M.
Great Southern Food! You will feel like u are eating at someone's grandmothers house. The service is great and the food even better. Usually a very long line to get in so plan on getting there early!
We arrived before 10:30 and made it into the first seating. The line seemed to really fill up after 10:30. There were 21 dishes so we got to sample a huge variety of Southern food. It was a great experience.
(4)
Kalani M.
Wish I had the appetite to eat here more often. It's one of my absolute favorite restaurants in the world. The dishes are unique and there's something for everyone. There are a lot of tourists and chatty Kathy's here so expect a lot of mindless chit chat that's likely to distract from the plethora of food.
(5)
Ryan C.
Absolutely a must when in Savannah! I was here on business for the afternoon and this was my only stop. Like other posts say, family style. They even have you take your dirty dishes to the kitchen at the end of your meal! Awesome!
(5)
Jumi Y.
If you're ever visiting Savannah (or live there), you have to try this place. I originally thought I would give this place 4 stars since there's nothing super fancy or innovative. But really, this place deserves a 5 because everything (all kajillion) dishes were solid and delicious. This is a place that delivers real Southern food without any shi shi additions. We got there around 1030 a. They open at 11. By the time we got there, the line was already wrapping around the corner. They can seat only 80 at a time, so we waited 2 hours. There was a couple in front of us, who we eventually sat down with, that had been going to this place for 20 years! When we finally sat down, we were greeted by a table full of food and waitstaff who explained the "rules." We eat however much we want, and then we clear our own plates. What I can remember of what was on our table: Fried chicken Green beans Collards Beef stew Rice Gravy Mashed potatoes Potato salad Jambalaya Lima beans Black eyed peas Cabbage Barbeque pork Yams Squash Creamed corn, corn on the cob, corn bread, (corn shrimp.. jk. just thinking about Forrest Gump) Cucumber salad Biscuits Mac and cheese All finished with banana pudding! not too sweet, crunchy nilla wafers, and large chunks of banana. mmm.. Wait, I ate all this?! And all of it was delicious. By far my favorite was the chicken. Simply flavored, crispy, hot. I had a breast piece, and it was juicy. Collards were not too far behind. The beef stew was soft and well-flavored. Great food, great service. I'll go here again the next time I go to Savannah.
(5)
Linda K.
What a terrific meal. The wait was worth the it. What a reasonable well organized pleasant experience. Saw about it on TV , read raving reviews and they were accurate. Not every restaurant has your meal on the table waiting for you to sit down. I love the family style service atmosphere and great hospitality. If you're going to visit or are visiting dont miss this opportunity to dine at Mrs Wilkes
(5)
Katie R.
Three words: WORTH THE WAIT. Everyone knows Mrs. Wilkes' is among the best of the best in Savannah, and always will be. This place is so different than every other "Southern Cooking" spot you've ever been to. Everything tastes the way it should, and the fried chicken speaks for itself. Every single dish and the chicken absolutely make it worth the wait, and prepare yourself for the food coma. I wouldn't schedule anything too major after eating here!
(5)
Steve R.
This place is an absolute must if you're in or near the Savannah area. I set next to a young couple from London England who were over on business and even the word has made it to London and a couple on my right were from New York and little old me from Houston Texas were seated at the family style table. I am sorry Paula Deen but The food here including the chicken put yours is far superior. I tried everything and enjoyed everything my only complaint is indeed larger plates and I need a larger stomach
(5)
Miss M.
i got lucky, others did the wait in line forever routine and I just walked in and joined them. I got unlucky, sitting with strangers reaching all over for stuff and asking me personal questions is a step above assault. I didn't order, I lasted 8 minutes and realized there was a real disdain for vegetarians or anyone who just wants a healthy meal. and that the jersey shore couple next to me wasn't getting the hints that I was there to see friends, not make new ones.
(1)
Alison D.
Best Southern food in Savannah!
(5)
Henry B.
This was a much awaited dining experience. We new it would be a long wait (90 minutes standing in a line outside). For the most part, I am glad. The place is TINY and the kitchen even smaller. This is great comfort food - imagine Thanksgiving dinner at your grandma's home. Too much food, some OK, some great. The barbecue was amazing, as good as any I have had in Kansas City or in the Carolinas. The fried chicken and the okra/tomato/corn/lima bean concoction were very good. The potatoes, beans, etc.were just OK. Dessert was not very good (bananas, graham crackers and pudding). All you could possibly eat for only $20 (cash only). A good experience to endure. Once.
(3)
Leo C.
Overall: Food was good and worth the ~1 hour wait if it's your 1st time. A must if you visit only once. However, I won't be back if I visit Savannah again - not worth it. Summary: Long line & wait. Big round table with strangers. Buffet style. Food was good, chicken was a bit salty - felt rushed. ~ 8 Tables ~ 12 People Per Table Price: $20/person (CASH ONLY) Pros: - Unique dining experience (family style) - 24 good southern sides & 2 meat dishes (BBQ Pork & Fried Chicken) - BBQ pork - Buffet Style Cons: - Long line/wait (1-1.5 hours) - Awkward if you don't like to eat with strangers - Fried Chicken was a little salty - They rush you out to keep the long line moving - Cash Only - NO Credit Cards
(3)
Neen J.
So we'd heard about this place, seen it on TV and had locals tell us we MUST do it. We arrived at 10.30 am as instructed (it is only open from 11 am- 2 pm) and we only waited 45 minutes and had fun listening to everyone in line share their experiences of it and we were intrigued how far people had come to eat here again! Once inside you are seated at large tables of 10+ people and the top of the table is literally covered in bowls of deliciousness! There is a crazy amount of food offerings which change daily. Even though I am GF I had to try the fried chicken O.M.G - best I have ever had! The secret it seems is that it is dipped in evaporated milk before frying. Amazing! I loved the sausage and rice, the beef stew and potatoes was incredible and the sweet corn mush was yum! I didn't try everything on the table because there was just too much. A tip - sample only - don't eat all you put on your plate or you will roll out of there! Try the blueberry cobbler for dessert, it is a tiny portion and divine. It is a tourist thing to do and yet it is fun too - great service, sweet ladies, fun to share stories family style at the dining table - be warned, wear loose pants!
(4)
Sunil G.
Yes, it's worth the wait and hype. To give you an idea about the wait I was in line at 10.50 sound the corner and say down at 1pm. I don't think any individual own was the world's best but as a spread it's definitely the best.
(5)
Rachel D.
I've been here twice - once in 2011 and again 2 days ago. Maybe my tastes have changed, but this time around most of the sides were either way too sugary sweet or too salty. The fried chicken was delicious. Not sure I'd wait 2+ hours to eat here again in the future. May be time to find another hole in the wall soul food restaurant in Savannah.
(3)
Alana P.
The long wait at Mrs. Wilkes' Boarding House is absolutely worth the food. There were so many delicious dishes set on the table that I'm certain I didn't even sample them all. The fried chicken was the best I've ever had, the biscuits were light and buttery, and the creamed corn (my personal favorite) was filled with so many delicious flavors, as we're all of the other unmentioned dishes. And the peach cobbler was to die for!
(5)
Erika P.
Anyone who says this is a tourist trap does not know what they are talking about. Every person I know in Savannah and every local I met on my trip told me this was a MUST go. And almost EVERYONE at my table was a local. This place is a great way to sample many types of southern food without worrying if you won't like it. They have everything from stewed okra to fried chicken which is phenomenal. Do not pass up the veggies: the greens, cabbage and creamed corn are to die for. It is CASH ONLY which is my only qualm. The line was long but moved fast and they had ice water for us. Overall great place and worth the wait.
(5)
Hilary D.
Get there early and well worth the wait. Only open for lunch. Do not eat breakfast and maybe won't eat dinner. About 20 side dishes. Best way to experience southern food. Highly recommend.
(5)
Connie G.
I love Mrs Wilkes Dining room. We got there before it was time for it to open and the lwait really wasn't that bad. We enjoyed talking to the other folks in line and yes it beats Paula Deens by a mile. We enjoyed the fried chicken even though one of the other folks we didn't know pawed through the fried chicken with their fingers (ewww) but fortunately I had already gotten mine. Bring cash - they don't take credit cards. You bus your own table. Lots of good southern food. Have some change ready for the parking meter - we didn't and had to park in a parking garage and walk a ways so we could use larger bills.
(5)
Eve P.
We knew what we were getting into when we decided to eat here. Get in line early (by 10:30 am). Check. Wait in the heat. Check. Prepare to eat with complete strangers. Check. Bring cash. Check. Know that you're going to eat pretty fast. Check. With all that information, all we had to do was sit down where they told us to sit and eat. And eat we did. I can't say one bad thing about the food. And all the people working there were lovely. If I lived in Savannah, I would eat there as often as my waistline would allow. Which I'm guessing wouldn't be that often.
(5)
Owen S.
Wow, it was like Thanksgiving for Breakfast. Thank you to the random guy in Chipewa Square we had the good fortune to speak with for his advice, which I will now give to the internet: skip breakfast, get here by 10:30 am (doors open at 11), and bring cash (no credit cards accepted). You won't be disappointed.
(5)
Leighton S.
This is probably my one of my top 3 favorite restaurants in the country. We came to downtown Savannah from Knoxville for a weekend getaway, and this is one of the 3 restaurants we ate at. What a perfect experience. After a 2 hour wait, we finally sat down to the best Southern meal I've ever eaten. Everything was delicious! They give you about 20 different bowls of vegetables or meat to put on your plate and pass, family style. Mrs Wilke's is the #1 restaurant I recommend to friends going to Savannah. Sorry Paula Deen, Mrs Wilke's is the best!
(5)
J.K. F.
So good, though do try to pace yourself. Our whole table was in sprint mode for the first 10 minutes and by 20 minutes in, everyone was stuffed. I think there were 2 dishes I didn't even try (at a certain point you have to prioritize and use the last of your appetite for seconds and thirds of your favorite dishes). The table next to us seemed to be stretching out their meal a bit more, they probably looked at us and scoffed, "rookies." Favorites: sweet potatoes, BBQ pork, collards, creamed corn, cabbage, dirty rice (might not be the accurate name). Thought the line might be shorter/start later on a Monday, but sure enough when we arrived just after 10am, there were 15-20 people already in line. The line stretched to the corner by the time they opened.
(5)
Caprice L.
This place was good. The fried chicken is amazing. But all the other dishes weren't something I could really say were memorable. For the price and the amount of time you have to wait in line I don't really think it's worth it. The fried chicken is great stuff tho.
(3)
Christie Y.
2.5 2 stars for the food. .5 stars for the concept. definitely the hype is what killed it for me...i was waiting for the most epic meal of my life and was super excited since obama was seen leaving the place a while ago. the wait was a lot faster than i've had expected i got there at 10:45 and was in the door by 12. not bad! . Yes I loved the idea, the service, the people, the fellow eaters, and most of the homecooked sides but the fried chicken was a bit dry. the sides were lukewarm and i really think the food being placed on the table before you sat down allowed the food to cool a bit. I tried every single side and they were delicious just not hot enough. I had two pieces of fried chicken to make sure that my critique wouldn't be biased based on just one piece of chicken. but nope.. still dry. the mac and cheese was not that great.. but the biscuits, the collard greens, squash, stuffing, pork was pretty good. The banana bread pudding was amazing though. the meal lasted probably only 20 min since everyone else also wolfed down the food and left in food coma. the sweet tea was also spectacular.
(2)
Rose F.
Arrive at 10am & don't eat breakfast before u get here! We arrived at 10:35 & waited till noon to be seated but it was totally worth it! We met some really nice people while waiting and while eating. The food is fantastic! This place is served family style and u sit at a big table with 10 strangers who all share everything but it was interesting that way. Every bite was yummy! It's also cash only $18/person so come prepared. This place is an institution in Savannah... don't miss it!
(4)
Lindsey F.
Went on a Monday thinking the line would be short. It wasn't. Got in line at about 10:15, was seated a little after 11. It was worth it, though. Is it a "tourist trap"? No more so than anything else in downtown Savannah. And the food is wonderful. I don't think I've ever had fried chicken that good. Just skip breakfast, get in line early, and come prepared to enjoy sitting with and conversing with strangers. Also, if at all possible, come as a small group. I got to go in ahead of two or three larger groups because I was on my own. Score!
(5)
Sarah E.
On our walking tour of Savannah, our tour guide pointed this place out and said that we would need to get there at 10 in order to even get seated. Good advice. We did wait in line for a while before we ate, but I think the wait was worth it. When you walk in, there are tables set for 10 people, already laid out with the food for the day (check the website to see what's being made for the day). It's just bowls and plates and platters of food set out before you. And it's crazy to look at. They serve either water or sweet tea - not much else. All the food is served family style, so you will sit with people you don't know if your party is smaller than 10. Better hope you get to sit with people that understand what family style is, otherwise you'll probably miss out on half the dishes because they won't understand the concept of passing the food around. but seriously, you'll eat so much that you will be ready to pop. All the food is amazing - fried chicken, collard greens, all sorts of potatoes, cucumber salad - I could go on and on and on. The dessert was the only thing that was lacking. Compared to the lunch that we had, it was just so lackluster. Tasted like it came out of a can. For the price, you can't get a better meal - i think it's $18 a person. Amazing place - totally need to stop by!
(4)
Katie P.
Heard about this restaurant through the door man at our hotel and decided that we would try it out. He told us to get in line early and wait. They open at 11am and we were there right at 11 and had to wait in a line that was about an hour long. Waiting in line is definately worth it. You walk in and it is family style dining, approximately 10 people per table. We were in the first dining room when you walk in, I think there was another one next to us. When you walk in you are sat at a table with 20 sides already on the table along with your sweet tea. When the table is sat the fried chicken is brought out to you. All of the food was amazing!!! You sit down though and feel like you need to eat fast (because you know how many other people are outside waiting to eat). You soon realize that it hurts to breathe because you are soooo full. One thing I really enjoyed was that when you are done eating you have to bring your plate up to the kitchen window yourself and they take the plate from you there. It was a neat concept that I haven't experienced at a restaurant before. Then dessert is brought out and it looks so good you have to at least try it. The service is friendly, tough loving mother like. I loved it, made you feel right at home. Come to check out it was a flat rate (can't remember right off the bat but I think it was $18) and they only accept cash. Very memorable experience and if I ever go back I will def. wait the hour + in line.
(5)
Andrea S.
What a great meal! I'm vegan, and there was plenty to eat for me! Well worth the 45 minute wait :) It's a boarding house style shared lunch, and there is a lot of food for everybody. Their dishes are about the same ever day, but they do have some variations. I ate with three other groups, all really nice people, you can't help but chat throughout the meal. One old couple was local, and they specifically came on Tuesday, once a month for the cornbread dressing, which I can totally vouch for. The wife was vegetarian, so we pretty much ate the same thing. For your meat eaters out there, people rave about the fried chicken and there are other stews and stuff too. There is corn bread and buttermilk buscuit to go with the meal. If you have room left, they offer one small dessert. Chill atmosphere, no rushing. I felt stuffed and very happy.
(5)
Erika W.
We got extremely lucky while visiting Mrs. Wilkes. We went on a Thursday after the lunch rush, and walked right in and got a table. They have a tight system here. I'd be interested how many people they serve a day! We were seated at a round table with lots of strangers and about 20 bowls and plates filled with every kind of side you could think of. Every kind of potato, bean, veggie that you would find at a down home feast fit for a king. Everything is delicious... obviously. The people that work here are SO nice. They definitely fit the bill for welcoming. I wanted a hug before I left! At the end of the meal, we left with some new friends and a smile... very Savannah... Also, this place is cash only ,and the nearest ATM is more than a few blocks away (we found one at the Hilton). When we were walking out and forgot cash, the guy at the door said, "Okay just bring it back when you get time today." Umm, WHAT? Being from D.C. I asked, "Do you want me to leave an ID or credit card (first born etc)? " Nope! Just come back and pay whenever. (NOTE: We did come right back. Hopefully everyone else would do the same.)
(4)
Andrew S.
We got here an hour early, and it was the right thing to do. Everything was so tasty, well worth it for 18 dollars. Spotless clean bathroom. Love it.
(5)
Andrew L.
Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room has been a Savannah institution since 1943. Mrs. Wilkes is open for lunch daily from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Seating is family style on a first-come basis. The line forms early every day outside Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room. In order to be at an early seating, you need to in line along West Jones Street by 10:00 a.m.! We were there by 10 and a number of people were ahead of us. We were seated about 11:10 at a table with a group of ladies from Atlanta. They told us they come to Savannah to dine at Mrs. Wilkes frequently. The waiters then brought platters of food to the table for guests to pass around. Platters are replenished when empty and the servers will ask if anything else is needed! Lunch selections vary each day, but always represent traditional Southern cooking. (Check the web site for weekly menus.) My lunch selections included Fried Chicken, Snap Beans, Beef Stew, Rice and Sausage, Macaroni and Cheese, and Candied Yams. Dessert was Peach Cobbler. Everything was very good! Lunch is a fixed price of $18. Mrs. Wilkes does not accept credit cards. Be sure to bring cash! Outstanding. A must-try in Savannah!
(5)
Jesse V.
You will wait in line for at least an hour before you are seated. Which isn't really that big of a deal, people wait in 2 or 3 hour lines all the time to ride a 45 second roller coaster. This is way better than a roller coaster ride - and I love roller coasters. Great atmosphere. Its fun sitting at a big table and passing all the dishes around. There is more than enough to eat, you will leave beyond stuffed. If a dish runs out it is quickly refilled, as are your drinks by the cheerful staff. The food is solid, although few dishes were outstanding. I could name a better place to get this or that all over town. The advantage here is you get it all in one place. You are sampling over twenty southern dishes here with unlimited sweet tea for $18, that is a pretty amazing deal! Excuse me now, I'm going to go collapse into a food coma...
(4)
Happiness L.
***Gratuity basket is next to the register*** Everyone there works so hard. What you give to the cashier is only for your meal....not the tip. I was astonished how many people left nothing or $1-2. If you need change I am sure they have it. 15% is normal. I generally give 20%. Yet to see people leave nothing for a kind, attentive staff was very unpleasant. The food....come hungry. Amazing amount of food! There is a lot of variety and the flavor is pretty good. It is all served family style and you meet so many people at your table. You can eat at a good pace yet the slow eaters might be leaving before they are ready. Why is there only one person who can make cobbler? We didn't get any at all at the first seating because the person who makes it was late. Disappointing. The banana pudding was yummy yet a small portion. Cute place. No need to return. I feel that food flavor overall is better elsewhere. Great experience though. Oh..and before I forget....yes you will probably wait about an hour to get in. Perhaps longer. Since the wait is so long feel free to bring a fold up chair to use. And...they will let you in to use the restroom if you need to. The one between the dining rooms is nicer than the one in the front...and both are clean and supplied. Thanks to the staff for being so kind, helpful, and hard working.
(3)
R P.
Plenty of choices for those who eschew meat: mashed potatoes, two kinds of rice, succotash, green beans, Lima beans, yams, beets, macaroni and cheese, cornbread stuffing, biscuits. Now, I can't claim that none of those are cooked in animal fat or stock, but I'm not a big stickler. Worth the wait and a great way to meet a nice mix of locals and tourists.
(5)
Sandy K.
We got in line at 10:30 am, the line was already pretty long. I had Mrs Wilkes bookmarked for months and didn't realize our current President dined here in March. Mrs Wilkes is closed on weekends and excepts only cash. The seating arrangement is simple with seven to eight people per table. When your escorted to your table you'll be welcomed by 23 dishes of southern style perfectly prepared entrees. Meats included fried chicken, beef stew, boneless BBQ ribs, and sausage. Vegetables of the day were collard greens, snap beans, butter beans, black eyed beans, squash, okra and tomatoes, rice and gravy, English peas & noodles, baked beans, mac & cheese, potato salad, candied yams, pickle beets, corn muffins, biscuits and cole slaw. The sweet tea is also very good BC it's not overly sweet and perfectly flavored. I won't be repetitive about how great the food is but Mrs Wilkes is a must try when visiting Savannah and it's not commercialized like some other southern places in town. Check out the history of Mrs Wilkes: mrswilkes.com/history.ht… Don't miss this historical place - it's magical and I'm so glad I was able to experience Mrs Wilkes dinning room.
(5)
Allen C.
If you go away hungry, it's your own fault. Best meal in a long time. Fried chicken was some of the best ever. All the dishes (and there were plenty of them) were great! This will be a stop every time we are in the area.
(5)
Steve V.
We got here today 45 minutes early and the line was already 30 minutes long after the doors opened. Was it worth the wait? That's the big question. It's really good food, down home grandma's style and all the southern dishes are served. The biscuit at the end was the surprise for me; dipped in syrup, it was mouth watering good... even after I sampled the other 15 some odd dishes. So I feel if you're visiting Savannah, yeah its worth the wait... just to try all the Southern dishes. Get there early though, I felt bad for the older crowd waiting in the heat.
(4)
Todd M.
great soul food. excellent fried chicken. tons of veggie choices. everything was very well prepared. almost too many damned choices. for 18.00 i don't know how you could ever beat it.
(5)
Cheryl M.
No matter what, be prepared to wait in line for two hours to eat. Whether you are first in line at 9 AM, you will wait until the restaurant opens at 11am. We arrived at 10:30 and were seated at 12:30. We used our time checking emails and making friends with our fellow adventurers, all asking the same question, "does the food really warrant this insane line?" Occasionally the aroma of fried chicken would waft by and we would recommit to keep waiting, no matter how long we had to wait. Finally, my husband and I, along with 10 others, were escorted to an empty dining table set with dozens of dishes, including fried chicken beef stew, over a dozen side dishes (I counted 14), biscuit, cornbread and sweet tea. We ate as much as we wanted of whatever we wanted. When we could eat no more, they served us Dessert of peach cobbler, banana pudding, or both. Everything was served family style so you made new friends while asking for dishes be passed. While we could not try every dish, almost everything we did try was very good. I especially enjoyed the sweet potatoes with pineapple and coconut! We bussed our own dishes and paid at the end. Well worth the $18!
(4)
Andrew C.
Home style southern cooking. Biscuits were awesome. Truthfully, almost every dish i tried was the best of the respective southern dish i've ever had. 20 Bucks a head and its anywhere from a 45-1.5 hr wait in line. Don't be deterred, this is one instance where patience pays off.
(5)
Angela H.
So maybe it's a tourist trap. Maybe the line is too long. Maybe your mom makes better okra. But maybe it's the best southern food you've ever had. Personally, I thought it was delicious. I recommend setting your alarm, putting on your thanksgiving pants and getting in line no later than 10 a.m. As long as you're within the first 80 people in line, you won't wait much more than an hour and the most delicious, home-cooked southern food will be waiting for you on the table when you get in, along with 8 equally gluttonous strangers. Dive into a bevy of more than 18 tasty dishes, don't skip the sweet potatoes, cream corn, potato salad, mac 'n' cheese or the collards. (skip the biscuits and corn bread) And save room for for the best fried chicken that ever graced your lips. You'll roll home $18 lighter, 10 pounds heavier, and 100% happier.
(5)
Sarah E.
On our walking tour of Savannah, our tour guide pointed this place out and said that we would need to get there at 10 in order to even get seated. Good advice. We did wait in line for a while before we ate, but I think the wait was worth it. When you walk in, there are tables set for 10 people, already laid out with the food for the day (check the website to see what's being made for the day). It's just bowls and plates and platters of food set out before you. And it's crazy to look at. They serve either water or sweet tea - not much else. All the food is served family style, so you will sit with people you don't know if your party is smaller than 10. Better hope you get to sit with people that understand what family style is, otherwise you'll probably miss out on half the dishes because they won't understand the concept of passing the food around. but seriously, you'll eat so much that you will be ready to pop. All the food is amazing - fried chicken, collard greens, all sorts of potatoes, cucumber salad - I could go on and on and on. The dessert was the only thing that was lacking. Compared to the lunch that we had, it was just so lackluster. Tasted like it came out of a can. For the price, you can't get a better meal - i think it's $18 a person. Amazing place - totally need to stop by!
(4)
Katie P.
Heard about this restaurant through the door man at our hotel and decided that we would try it out. He told us to get in line early and wait. They open at 11am and we were there right at 11 and had to wait in a line that was about an hour long. Waiting in line is definately worth it. You walk in and it is family style dining, approximately 10 people per table. We were in the first dining room when you walk in, I think there was another one next to us. When you walk in you are sat at a table with 20 sides already on the table along with your sweet tea. When the table is sat the fried chicken is brought out to you. All of the food was amazing!!! You sit down though and feel like you need to eat fast (because you know how many other people are outside waiting to eat). You soon realize that it hurts to breathe because you are soooo full. One thing I really enjoyed was that when you are done eating you have to bring your plate up to the kitchen window yourself and they take the plate from you there. It was a neat concept that I haven't experienced at a restaurant before. Then dessert is brought out and it looks so good you have to at least try it. The service is friendly, tough loving mother like. I loved it, made you feel right at home. Come to check out it was a flat rate (can't remember right off the bat but I think it was $18) and they only accept cash. Very memorable experience and if I ever go back I will def. wait the hour + in line.
(5)
Andrea S.
What a great meal! I'm vegan, and there was plenty to eat for me! Well worth the 45 minute wait :) It's a boarding house style shared lunch, and there is a lot of food for everybody. Their dishes are about the same ever day, but they do have some variations. I ate with three other groups, all really nice people, you can't help but chat throughout the meal. One old couple was local, and they specifically came on Tuesday, once a month for the cornbread dressing, which I can totally vouch for. The wife was vegetarian, so we pretty much ate the same thing. For your meat eaters out there, people rave about the fried chicken and there are other stews and stuff too. There is corn bread and buttermilk buscuit to go with the meal. If you have room left, they offer one small dessert. Chill atmosphere, no rushing. I felt stuffed and very happy.
(5)
Erika W.
We got extremely lucky while visiting Mrs. Wilkes. We went on a Thursday after the lunch rush, and walked right in and got a table. They have a tight system here. I'd be interested how many people they serve a day! We were seated at a round table with lots of strangers and about 20 bowls and plates filled with every kind of side you could think of. Every kind of potato, bean, veggie that you would find at a down home feast fit for a king. Everything is delicious... obviously. The people that work here are SO nice. They definitely fit the bill for welcoming. I wanted a hug before I left! At the end of the meal, we left with some new friends and a smile... very Savannah... Also, this place is cash only ,and the nearest ATM is more than a few blocks away (we found one at the Hilton). When we were walking out and forgot cash, the guy at the door said, "Okay just bring it back when you get time today." Umm, WHAT? Being from D.C. I asked, "Do you want me to leave an ID or credit card (first born etc)? " Nope! Just come back and pay whenever. (NOTE: We did come right back. Hopefully everyone else would do the same.)
(4)
Andrew S.
We got here an hour early, and it was the right thing to do. Everything was so tasty, well worth it for 18 dollars. Spotless clean bathroom. Love it.
(5)
Andrew L.
Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room has been a Savannah institution since 1943. Mrs. Wilkes is open for lunch daily from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Seating is family style on a first-come basis. The line forms early every day outside Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room. In order to be at an early seating, you need to in line along West Jones Street by 10:00 a.m.! We were there by 10 and a number of people were ahead of us. We were seated about 11:10 at a table with a group of ladies from Atlanta. They told us they come to Savannah to dine at Mrs. Wilkes frequently. The waiters then brought platters of food to the table for guests to pass around. Platters are replenished when empty and the servers will ask if anything else is needed! Lunch selections vary each day, but always represent traditional Southern cooking. (Check the web site for weekly menus.) My lunch selections included Fried Chicken, Snap Beans, Beef Stew, Rice and Sausage, Macaroni and Cheese, and Candied Yams. Dessert was Peach Cobbler. Everything was very good! Lunch is a fixed price of $18. Mrs. Wilkes does not accept credit cards. Be sure to bring cash! Outstanding. A must-try in Savannah!
(5)
Jesse V.
You will wait in line for at least an hour before you are seated. Which isn't really that big of a deal, people wait in 2 or 3 hour lines all the time to ride a 45 second roller coaster. This is way better than a roller coaster ride - and I love roller coasters. Great atmosphere. Its fun sitting at a big table and passing all the dishes around. There is more than enough to eat, you will leave beyond stuffed. If a dish runs out it is quickly refilled, as are your drinks by the cheerful staff. The food is solid, although few dishes were outstanding. I could name a better place to get this or that all over town. The advantage here is you get it all in one place. You are sampling over twenty southern dishes here with unlimited sweet tea for $18, that is a pretty amazing deal! Excuse me now, I'm going to go collapse into a food coma...
(4)
Happiness L.
***Gratuity basket is next to the register*** Everyone there works so hard. What you give to the cashier is only for your meal....not the tip. I was astonished how many people left nothing or $1-2. If you need change I am sure they have it. 15% is normal. I generally give 20%. Yet to see people leave nothing for a kind, attentive staff was very unpleasant. The food....come hungry. Amazing amount of food! There is a lot of variety and the flavor is pretty good. It is all served family style and you meet so many people at your table. You can eat at a good pace yet the slow eaters might be leaving before they are ready. Why is there only one person who can make cobbler? We didn't get any at all at the first seating because the person who makes it was late. Disappointing. The banana pudding was yummy yet a small portion. Cute place. No need to return. I feel that food flavor overall is better elsewhere. Great experience though. Oh..and before I forget....yes you will probably wait about an hour to get in. Perhaps longer. Since the wait is so long feel free to bring a fold up chair to use. And...they will let you in to use the restroom if you need to. The one between the dining rooms is nicer than the one in the front...and both are clean and supplied. Thanks to the staff for being so kind, helpful, and hard working.
(3)
R P.
Plenty of choices for those who eschew meat: mashed potatoes, two kinds of rice, succotash, green beans, Lima beans, yams, beets, macaroni and cheese, cornbread stuffing, biscuits. Now, I can't claim that none of those are cooked in animal fat or stock, but I'm not a big stickler. Worth the wait and a great way to meet a nice mix of locals and tourists.
(5)
Sandy K.
We got in line at 10:30 am, the line was already pretty long. I had Mrs Wilkes bookmarked for months and didn't realize our current President dined here in March. Mrs Wilkes is closed on weekends and excepts only cash. The seating arrangement is simple with seven to eight people per table. When your escorted to your table you'll be welcomed by 23 dishes of southern style perfectly prepared entrees. Meats included fried chicken, beef stew, boneless BBQ ribs, and sausage. Vegetables of the day were collard greens, snap beans, butter beans, black eyed beans, squash, okra and tomatoes, rice and gravy, English peas & noodles, baked beans, mac & cheese, potato salad, candied yams, pickle beets, corn muffins, biscuits and cole slaw. The sweet tea is also very good BC it's not overly sweet and perfectly flavored. I won't be repetitive about how great the food is but Mrs Wilkes is a must try when visiting Savannah and it's not commercialized like some other southern places in town. Check out the history of Mrs Wilkes: mrswilkes.com/history.ht… Don't miss this historical place - it's magical and I'm so glad I was able to experience Mrs Wilkes dinning room.
(5)
Allen C.
If you go away hungry, it's your own fault. Best meal in a long time. Fried chicken was some of the best ever. All the dishes (and there were plenty of them) were great! This will be a stop every time we are in the area.
(5)
Cheryl M.
No matter what, be prepared to wait in line for two hours to eat. Whether you are first in line at 9 AM, you will wait until the restaurant opens at 11am. We arrived at 10:30 and were seated at 12:30. We used our time checking emails and making friends with our fellow adventurers, all asking the same question, "does the food really warrant this insane line?" Occasionally the aroma of fried chicken would waft by and we would recommit to keep waiting, no matter how long we had to wait. Finally, my husband and I, along with 10 others, were escorted to an empty dining table set with dozens of dishes, including fried chicken beef stew, over a dozen side dishes (I counted 14), biscuit, cornbread and sweet tea. We ate as much as we wanted of whatever we wanted. When we could eat no more, they served us Dessert of peach cobbler, banana pudding, or both. Everything was served family style so you made new friends while asking for dishes be passed. While we could not try every dish, almost everything we did try was very good. I especially enjoyed the sweet potatoes with pineapple and coconut! We bussed our own dishes and paid at the end. Well worth the $18!
(4)
Andrew C.
Home style southern cooking. Biscuits were awesome. Truthfully, almost every dish i tried was the best of the respective southern dish i've ever had. 20 Bucks a head and its anywhere from a 45-1.5 hr wait in line. Don't be deterred, this is one instance where patience pays off.
(5)
Angela H.
So maybe it's a tourist trap. Maybe the line is too long. Maybe your mom makes better okra. But maybe it's the best southern food you've ever had. Personally, I thought it was delicious. I recommend setting your alarm, putting on your thanksgiving pants and getting in line no later than 10 a.m. As long as you're within the first 80 people in line, you won't wait much more than an hour and the most delicious, home-cooked southern food will be waiting for you on the table when you get in, along with 8 equally gluttonous strangers. Dive into a bevy of more than 18 tasty dishes, don't skip the sweet potatoes, cream corn, potato salad, mac 'n' cheese or the collards. (skip the biscuits and corn bread) And save room for for the best fried chicken that ever graced your lips. You'll roll home $18 lighter, 10 pounds heavier, and 100% happier.
(5)
Ronnie W.
Absolute best southern food I've had. I came expecting great food, and was still amazed. Arrived at 10:15 and was among the first to eat. Show up at 11:00 and you'll be waiting awhile. Worth the wait for the food and the experience. I grew up having both sets of my grandparents and my Dad and Mom cook family style meals as a catering business, and this food was right on. I will definitely be bringing my mother here once I get a chance.
(5)
Jessica G.
I loved this whole experience. The food is worth the wait and the family style dining makes the experience that much more memorable. Remember to PACE yourself though. Just a taste of everything because there is just too much to try. Loved every bite.
(5)
Todd A.
The food and atmosphere were both so good I almost cried.
(5)
Shan W.
Couldn't have asked for a better meal... everything I ate i would say to the hubby "I want this recipe!" It was a Thursday morning and we got there at 1030 - we were part of the first group to get in. I hear on Fridays it's a lot more crowded. By the time 1100 rolled around the line was pretty far down the street (not a two hour wait for them though) You know its a good place when they offer a cookbook with all their food! Confident that letting their secret out won't hurt the business. So glad I listened to my friend who listened to the locals who said skip lady and sons and go to the place where Mrs. Wilkes was named Julia Child of country cooking. I wanna go back...
(5)
Megan R.
Mrs. Wilkes' is one of the best places for authentic Southern food in Savannah, other than my grandma's house! The wait is REALLY long, but very worth it.
(4)
Thomas v.
Food: multiple side veggies, some good, some ok, black eye pea is salty. Corn bread does not have enough corn taste. Biscuits are dry. Jamba rice was burn. Fried chicken does not wow factor, which is my disappointed. Banana pudding is just ok. Service: good and friendly service. Lady owner come around 3 times to check on us to make sure everything ok. Cash only. Make sure you have $18 each adult. We don't have kid, so i don't know how price for a child. Parking: on street. There are tons of parking around. Location: right in the middle of historic area. There are many beautiful park, fountain, historic building around. You can walk around for taking picture and sight seeing. There are many horse carriage pass by. Waiting: we wait on line for 3:10 hours to get in. It is Friday morning 12/27/2013. I don't know if regular weekdays people have to wait that long? However, it is once a life time experience. I myself do not think it is worth for it. Since we miss our tour just for few so so fried chicken!!! It kind a ruin the whole morning. Luckily the weather is too beautiful. And we bring a dog to play in the park near by. So it is not too bad for me. But i saw people walk out with a long face, too. Maybe most of us do not want to admit how dumb we are of wasting hours and paying so expensive for just ok food. We are tourist. Sometimes we make mistake. Please be brave and speak up and share experience to each other. Thanks.
(2)
Megan Kristen M.
I read another review indicating plentiful vegan options and was doubtful, so I called. They have tons of vegan options. I have seriously never eaten this much food in my life and it was spectacular. My husband says if you like chicken, go. I say it doesn't matter what you like, it will still be delicious. If you are picky like me, ask and they are helpful about what is in their dishes. So yum.
(5)
Lissete D.
I can only concur with all the great reviews. Everything that I tried was great. Food was refilled quickly and there was more than plenty. Pricing is reasonable. This is a much better option than The Lady and her huge gift shop/ waiting room. I was a bit apprehensive about the dining with strangers thing. But after our hour wait in line, we had already been conversing with most of our dining companions. We will definitely be back!
(5)
Joelle A.
Long line, but so good!
(5)
Ana M.
I'm probably gonna get a lot of flak for this review, but it has to be done. This is the perfect exemplification of how when people have to work hard for something, they will do anything to justify its worth. It's why fraternities haze new recruits and it's why this place has 4.5 stars on Yelp. Of course, as all reviews have said, there's the wait. It's open for a very small window and the line starts filling up fast from 9:30-10 even though it opens at 11. The wait was pleasant enough since you're chatting with people and whatnot. We were lucky enough to be the first table let in. Though when we got in, we realized there was already a table sat. We assumed they knew the people or were otherwise VIP. The table was beautiful and already set and full of food. The server explained the process and we said grace- something that they didn't do with any of the other tables, and despite the fact that I'm not religious, I thought it was really traditional and cute. Before long, we dug in. On the table were a wide variety of vegetables, meat and starches that refilled itself throughout the meal. They also had pitchers of delicious sweetened iced tea, which was simply perfect. Now, the food. I got a fried chicken breast, since it's one of their most touted items. It was okay. I can't say it's the best chicken I've ever had. It was kinda fatty and my friend even said Publix chicken tastes better. The mac and cheese was very good, and I'm kind of a mac and cheese snob, but to be honest, it wasn't as good as Paula Deen's (yeah, I said it). The mashed potatoes, the biscuits, yams, cornbread etc. were all good, but by no means the kind of knock-me-out-of-my-seat southern meal everyone likes to say it is. My favorite meat was the BBQ pork, which was super soft and delicious. The worst offender was the beef. It was sooo fatty that I actually had to spit it out, which is an awful thing to do at a table with strangers, but I couldn't help it. It was really that bad. When we were stuffed, they started coming around with dessert. They brought large pans of banana pudding, which was spectacular. One of the servers also told us they had blueberry cobbler, but alas, that wasn't the case. At the end of the meal, you walk your plates and cups over to the kitchen. Overall, it was a good meal, but not mind blowing. The experience is better than the actual food. While it's probably worth the cost, because it's all you can eat, I've had better. If we hadn't been the first group in and we had waited longer, I definitely would have been exponentially more disappointed. So get there early, cozy up to your neighbors and enjoy, but come with more realistic expectations.
(3)
Jessie M.
My favorite meal on our trip. The wait was excruciating in the heat, but it ended up being worth it. Yes the fried chicken is awesome, but virtually every other dish we tried was just as good. I loved the bbq pork, the sweet potatoes, the creamed corn, biscuits, mashed potatoes, gravy, the list goes on. Awesome concept and execution.
(5)
Sarah Y.
Wake up early, snag an Irish Coffee togo from McDonoughs and enjoy the wait. It is definitely worth it. Not much to add that hasn't been said. Food is great. Definitely like herding cattle to get in and out. Sit back, make some new friends, and eat as much as you possibly can.
(5)
Robin P.
I've waited SO long to eat here and during our recent trip to Hilton Head we made the short drive to Savannah. Mrs. Wilkes' fried chicken is the BEST I've EVER put in my mouth! It was crispy, tender, juicy and chock full of flavor! All the side dishes were wonderful - turnip greens, mac & cheese, stuffing (which is really a Yankee side dish; in the south we eat cornbread dressing), sweet potatoes, green beans, rutabagas. There were so many side dishes I can't remember them all. The banana pudding was so good it made me want to slap myself! The sweet tea was perfectly sweet, although I could have used an extra glass of ice. The wait in line was WELL worth it! We sat with some Yankees & Californians and they were very quiet because they were enjoying the food too much to gab!! A must visit for anyone visiting Savannah. Get in line early (by 10:00 am) or you may miss out!
(5)
John K.
If you were lucky enough to have family Sunday lunches that comprised of dishes of a little of everything that covered every inch of counter in the kitchen... then you'll already know why this place is so awesome. This is a family style, all you can put down place with all the southern fixings you'd expect your grandmother to make. Greens, scalloped potatoes, okra, black eyed peas, mac & cheese, baked beans, biscuits, cornbread, pot roast, pulled pork, fired chicken... I mean I guess I could keep going, but I'm sure you get it. Everything is excellent, nothing fancy about it, plain good-old-fashioned food. Just so you know, they open at 11AM, but if you have any intentions of eating around then, I'd recommend getting in line at least by 10:30. We got to our table around 11:15 and when we left at 12:00 or so, the line was 80+ people deep still. And they're only open for lunch, so don't pass it up for later. It's $18 a head flat fee, and entirely worth the early morning wait and the lunch price for the experience.
(5)
Laura I.
Authentic southern cooking served family style at tables of 10. I would highly recommend fitting this into your trip to Savannah. We ended up waiting a little less than an hour and it was worth it!
(5)
Brian M.
Read the the other reviews. You HAVE to try the fried chicken. There's no doubt about it. This is southern home cooking at its finest. But make a decision if you're not a local and visiting that you'll give up a few hours of your life to wait in line to eat at a table with plenty of people you've never met before. That's the downside. And I'm not sure it outweighs the simply excellent food. Clearly a 5 on food alone.
(4)
Katie G.
Wow! Well worth the wait. We got in line at about 145 and waited until 215 (we were the last group). Great food!! We especially loved the sweet potatoes, corn, beans, coleslaw, chicken, meatloaf- everything! Oh...and the Mac and cheese was the best I've ever had! A must do if you're visiting savannah!! Not a negative but just FYI- they only serve tea and water. We had our toddler (2) and would have brought some milk along had we known (but water was just fine.). Highly recommend!
(5)
Aaron H.
Awesome food, you can never say that you left here with an empty stomach. More food then you could ever eat
(5)
Elizabeth S.
Went there during our trip to Florida/Georgia during the last week of May. We walked there from our hotel and we arrived around 10:45am and the line was already down the street. My husband gave me this "are you kidding me?!" look but I assured him that the food will be very good since it has a lot of good reviews. (Deep down I told myself "Please don't fail me Mrs. Wilkes because I had no idea how the food was going to be.)There was an older lady behind us saying to the other patrons that the food is true southern comfort food and that she has been going there for years which put my husband (and myself) at ease. After waiting for 1.5 hours, we finally got seated to a table full of food. I had a little of everything during my first round and then stuck to my favorites for the 2nd (and 3rd) round. The fried chicken was good but the BBQ pork was good and tender. The black eyes were delish as well as the yams. I was not that impress with the mac and cheese but there were so many options that if you didn't like one thing you had 10 other to choose from. Everything was so good and my husband did say at the end that it was worth the wait.
(5)
jessica g.
The food was excellent! We arrived around 10:00 am on a Thursday and were part of the first table seated. I think the experience is worth the wait. I loved everything that I had there. It was the best fried chicken I have ever had. All the sides were amazing! I loved the okra, cabbage and black eyed peas the most. My suggestion is to get there early, just skip breakfast that day. It's an overwhelming amount of food and if you are like me, sampling everything is a must! Plus, there's dessert that can't be skipped (cobbler and banana pudding0! All in all, go there. We have skipped it on multiple trips to Savannah because we thought it was too touristy. Not at all! We sat with people that live in the city.
(4)
Vanessa D.
I'm a buzz kill. I know. I wanted to love this place, especially after waiting as long as we did. But, I didn't. First, the wait. Holy crap, the wait. Thank god people were nice. It made it tolerable. We finally got in and sat at a table with about 8 others. Everyone was sweet as can be and I do love how we everyone is on their best behavior. It's cute. The food kept coming. The chicken is delicious but not the best I've ever had. Oddly, I loved the rice and gravy and had about three helpings. It just made me happy. The sweet tea was good. Not something to but you in a diabetic coma but sweet enough to be really refreshing. I'm glad we went so we could say we did, But i won't be back. At $18 a smack, it didn't seem worth it unless you haven't eaten for three days. I have a list of other places I loved more...
(3)
Pedro P.
Visited this while in Savannah a couple weeks ago. It was truly memorable. Our table must have had 30 different dishes waiting for us, including the absolute best fried chicken I have ever tasted. Even dishes that I normally do not like, such as okra, collard greens, and black eyed peas, were delicious. The friendly service and charming interior were part of the great experience. Wow!
(5)
Morgan E.
I don't think I can say enough good things about this restaurant. The staff was friendly and accommodating. I love the entire set up of this restaurant. You wait outside until it's time to be sat at the a table and you're seated with other people in line (family, friends, and strangers alike). The food is already on the table when you sit down and you're ready to dig in. The menu changes from day-to-day, but it's all good home-cookin' and it's all amazing. You won't leave hungry, that's for sure because the staff keeps everything on your table full and you're able to eat as much as you like. If you're going to Savannah, skip the Lady and Sons restaurant and RUN to Mrs. Wilkes - the taste and quality of food is much better there.
(5)
Stephanie B.
We have been coming here for years. Food great! Desserts- not so great. This time we felt rushed to hurry up and leave even though there was no wait and we were the first seating. One of the wait staff yelled at someone at our table when she took 2 desserts. We have met Mrs Wilkes and this would never happen on her watch. Too bad!!
(3)
Kathea S.
Yes, yes, yes, yes. Eat here. You will stand in line. Suck it up. Bring a fan and bottled water. The line starts early. Worth every single second. I've eaten here since I was a child. My dad even said the blessing for the restaurant once when I was kid. Lady and Sons doesn't even hold a candle. Everything you eat will be amazing. It's family style. You and 10 of your closest strangers at a table. Pass the plate. You will have to be rolled out of the place and want to take a nap. Go hungry to really get your money's worth.
(5)
Jordan A.
Worth the wait. Pretty much everything I tried was amazing, and reminded me of Grandma's cooking. The stand outs were the sweet potatoes (I already looked up the recipe to attempt to recreate them for thanksgiving), the Mac and Cheese, and the fried chicken. The family style dining was fine with us...we were pretty focused on the eating, anyway! It's a definite must for a trip to Savannah.
(5)
Bronc M.
Not much to say that hasn't been mentioned... it's good. REALLY good. Note: THEY ONLY TAKE CASH. I wish they had a sign that stated that before I saw it posted on the door (after an 1.5 hr wait) and had to make a frantic dash to the ATM. But man -- this is good. Think: Thanksgiving at Lunch. Like 20 bowls of food all waiting for you on a family style table (maybe like 10 to a table or so). So you may as well be friendly with those that you're waiting in line with -- it will make the meal more enjoyable. Did I mention how good the food is??? Oh I did? Good. Was worth saying twice!
(5)
Mike K.
I would say it was worth the hour wait to get in. Everything I had was fantastic. Fried chicken, beef stew, ham all done well. About 12 vegetables and they were all great. Service was very good also. To me it was the best food I have had dining out since I don't remember when. I would certainly do it again!
(5)
Richard R.
Savannah Georgia is a great city full of history. We love to walk the quaint "Squares" in the downtown historic district. If you are a movie buff then you have already viewed one of the squares (Chippewa) in the movie Forrest Gump. The bench where Forrest did most of his story telling was located here as well as the church where the feather first falls during it's opening flight in the movie. Then there is River Street, with great shops, restaurants and those OH SO HEAVENLY smelling candy shops. Walking the cobblestone streets behind some of the River Street buildings will lead you to curious looking structures that seem to be old fashion garages, but are said to have been actual holding cells for slaves that were delivered right to the Port of Savannah and auctioned. As a black American, I don't pass these structures without taking time to give my respects to the history of my ancestry that may have passed through here. And although Savannah is probably best known for it's architecture and hospitality, we come here mainly for one reason... Mrs. Wilkes!!!! We discovered this place on our first trip to Savannah while standing in line @ 8 am waiting to place our name on the guest list for Paula Deen's famous restaurant Lady and Sons. They don't start taking reservations til 9:30am so that left plenty of time to get to know the other eager souls standing in line along with us. One made the suggestion of trying Mrs. Wilkes the next time we were in town, but being a food lover, I decided to go for lunch that day. Side note: Never eat @ Paula Deen's & Mrs. Wilkes in the same day!!!! You will need a wheel chair to help you back to your hotel. Since that faithful day, we try to visit Mrs. Wilkes every chance we get. You also have to wait in line here and it best to get there 45 minutes early to be part of first seating. However, unlike Paula Deen's, you will be eating immediately after entering verses placing your name on a reservation list for later in the day. Mrs. Wilkes offers just about every southern style side dish you can think of. Don't walk in with the traditional "Buffet" in your brain. This is family style dining, based on the old soup kitchens. You are seated @ a large table (often times with other families) and all of the sides are already awaiting you at your table. Drink orders are taken and soon after come the meats of the day. Always included in those meats is the MOST GLORIOUSLY DELICIOUS FRIED CHICKEN you will likely ever eat. I often times think most Buffets are a waste of time and usually wind up overeating because I want to get my moneys worth (not because it's so good). But Mrs. Wilkes chicken makes me eat well past the point I need to stop because I just can't stop. But stop you must and you are also required to take your plate to the kitchen before leaving. Honestly, they should have a 6 star rating!!!! I've never had anyone whom I recommended this place to tell me anything less than it was the best food experience ever. Tons of celebrities have eaten here and even the President (as evident from the large plaque near the front door). Mrs. Wilkes delivers the goods, so make Savannah Georgia a destination. Just remember they only accept cash, and are only open weekdays between 11am - 2pm.
(5)
Shannan M.
I'm a Southern girl through and through, so Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room was like heaven for me. A large table full of honest to goodness, down home Southern staples right down to the corn bread and sweet tea...perfection! We arrived around 11:10 and there was already a line out front. Apparently, people arrive up to 30 minutes early to be the first seated for all the deliciousness. We were in the "second seating" and got in around 12:15 or so. The restaurant is only open from 11-2, so timing is of the essence. The one hour wait was absolutely worth it! There were too many delicious dishes to name, but here goes a few: Fried chicken, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, okra and tomatoes, macaroni and cheese, green beans, black eye peas, cabbage, creamed corn, ribs, beef stew, corn bread, and for dessert: berry cobbler or banana pudding. I'm sure I missed at least 5 other dishes! It's served family style...about 10 people per table. Everyone helps themselves to as much as they want and passes the bowls around. It was nice talking to tourists and locals about the beautiful city of Savannah while enjoying such a fabulous meal! Things to remember: Cash only!!! I also heard they take checks. Don't expect to lounge around here for two hours. The hours of service are very limited and they try to accommodate as many guests as possible. You probably get an hour tops which is more than enough time because the food is already on the table waiting for you when you arrive! You absolutely MUST visit here when in Savannah...until I go back, I'll be dreaming about Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room:)
(5)
Amanda H.
Fried Chicken, Collard Greens, Mashed Potatoes, BBQ pork!! All in one meal! Great great place to eat!!! The wait is pretty lengthy but we'll worth it! You make friends in line and most likely sit with them, great place!
(5)
Jala C.
On our first trip to Savannah we went to Lady and Sons. It was good, but after talking to locals, were told to go to Mrs. Wilkes next time. We eloped in Savannah this month and made sure to go to Mrs. Wilkes for lunch. Great place! Love the family style dining and made some friends while waiting in line. The food is great. Service great. Love the southern hospitality of being called, "Baby girl" when I needed some help and got extra desert. A must anytime you're in Savannah.
(5)
Cor B.
I would take any out of town visitor here- its more than fried chicken- it's an experience. And the food is good, and you will have more than you could possibly want.
(5)
Dylan P.
don't tell the staff but we got there around 3 (an hour after they supposedly close) and waited in the line for only about 20mins before they let us in (we were the last ones to be let in!). they brought us in to our table and the food was already laid out for us on the table hot and ready, so that made up for the wait in line. they seat you in a party of about 10 with other families, so hope u like company! this place defines southern hospitality. the food is amazing from the fried chicken to the banana bread pudding. definitely worth the time and money
(5)
Jon N.
First, let me say that I had a great time at Mrs. Wilkes Boarding House and, in spite of my low rating, I would encourage anyone visiting Savannah to go there for lunch. Get there early and expect to wait in line for a spot at a communal table. We waited just over an hour for a table. We were a group of 8 and when we were seated, we had a table to ourselves, but we had a great time talking to people in line. THAT's the real charm of a visit to Mrs. Wilkes, the EXPERIENCE. The food is plentiful (I think it was 22 items!) and would be really good if they would back off of the salt. Seriously, everyone in our party commented or complained to one another about how much was in just about every dish. It's kind of like a diabetics training ground. Winners on the table were the fried chicken, mac and cheese, dirty rice and beets. They have a glass of very sweet, sweet tea for everyone and a pitcher on the table for you to refill. They will also bring you water and unsweetened tea if you ask. Don't make the mistake of calling it regular tea if you want unsweetened, as they feel there is "Nothing regular about that!" It's a great value at $18 per person including tax. And, TIP: Bring CASH or check, because they do not take credit cards. As for going on a business meeting (especially for a larger group - up to 10 can sit at one table), unless you are pressed for time, it's a GREAT option as you can really interact with the "family-style" service. Only open M-F from 11-2. Definitely worth the visit. You will have a great experience and with regard to the food, as they say, everything in moderation.
(3)
Dances W.
This is a MUST VISIT for anyone local or out of town. We are locals but my mother in law absolutely MUST go here everytime she visits. It is a fantastic atmosphere and superb service. Nothing like a real home cooked meal and you are always full when you leave. Fantastic!
(5)
K C.
Going to Mrs Wilke's is just one of those things you HAVE to do in Savannah. The wait will be long. (We waited well over an hour) but it is heaven once you are seated. The food is all on the table so there is no further wait. I believe there are 22-24 dishes on each table. It is served family style and each dish is excellent. It doesn't get any better than this. It is $18 CASH per person. Add a couple for the tip. Well worth the experience. I believe it is a block west of Bull Street. Just look for the line! Only downer was that I believe there were only two bathrooms.
(5)
Art G.
This was our second visit after first having lunch here a year ago. The mid week, 30 minute wait (10:30 to 11:00), was well worth it. The amazing fried chicken, pulled pork and meatloaf accompanied by a 10 person table covered in side dishes is a great value for $18. Way worth it. Tip - don't eat breakfast that day and don't miss the biscuits!
(5)
Linda N.
We went to Mrs Wilke's at the suggestion of Fodor's review. The history and concept of the restaurant is interesting. We met two other couples while waiting over 1+ hours to be seated and, luckily ate together which made it more enjoyable. The amount of food served is plentiful but, watch out if you don't like salty food! The collard greens, creamed corn, and squash were SO salty making them inedible. The rest of the sides were seasoned normally and were fine. It was Monday so the beef stew, pulled pork, and sausage dishes were delicious. The fried chicken is THE best! Mrs. Wilke's definitely has a great reputation in Savannah and I would recommend a visit. Be mindful, bring an umbrella in case you get caught in a Savannah rain!
(4)
Tom L.
This one is worth the hype! I am writing this review a few years after my attenance, as Yelp wasn't in my vocabulary then. But, I can tell you my memory is vivid! I was able to go to Mrs. Wilkes because of a business trip and found it one of the most delightful places I have ever visited. From the historic images of guests on the wall to the family style seating and the one-size-fits-all menu, it was an experience. And, the food added to that! I know I enjoyed everything. It was truly food for the soul. From deep fried okra to chicken, greens and the rest, it was wondful souther cooking. The biscuits and, well, everything were wonderful! I was fortunate enough to be with a private party and came to Mrs. Wilkes for dinner. If you're in Savannah, one of our last walking cities, trot on over to Mrs. Wilkes, stand in line, and get your fill. Its an experience you will not soon forget!
(4)
J W.
Finally tried this place after hearing about it for so long and I was not disappointed! First, you have to find it...tucked away on Jones st. Second, plan on getting in line early. We arrived about an hour prior to opening and the line was starting to grow. We met some lovely people in line and chatted for a while. We were lead into the dining room and found heaping piles of food on the table (you sit with about 9 other people, family-style). Everything I tried was delicious from the mac and cheese to the cornbread and biscuits. You even get dessert with the meal, although I was so stuffed I could only eat a bite. While I was not sure how I was going to feel about eating with strangers, it turned out to be very nice. Definitely make time for Mrs. Wilkes!! Make sure you bring cash and a healthy appetite!!
(5)
Terry B.
This is one of the finest eating places we know of anywhere in America. I won't stand in line for anything, but I gladly wait half an hour or worse to sit at these tables with a dozen strangers and start dishing as dozens of plates and bowls arrive filled with heavenly southern cooking. It's all good, but the fried chicken is some of the best I've had anywhere. Green beans, grits, macaroni & cheese - this is the very Mecca of comfort food. We could not dream of visiting Savannah without a stop here.
(5)
Taylor H.
The line to get in didn't look that long, but it ended up being an hour and a half wait. Once you get in, though, it is totally worth the wait. The southern food at this restaurant is absolutely perfect. The atmosphere is friendly and I loved everything that I ate on my plate, especially the biscuit and the sweet potatoes with raisins. My only complaint was that, the fried chicken was so good that it was gone within a minute. It took a while for us to get more, but I understand it's a busy restaurant. This was my second time at Mrs. Wilkes (my first was a year ago) and I feel like this time was even better than last year. I enjoyed the food so much, it was better than I remembered. Believe me when I say that there is no way that you can leave that place feeling hungry.
(4)
Ron N.
Served homestyle with over 20 dishes. This place is amazing. Best fried chicken I ever had in a restaurant. Don't come unless you are hungry. I think they only take cash so be prepared.
(5)
Titi T.
First time trying Southern comfort food, and it did not disappoint. We got in line at 1:30 thinking it'll go faster toward the end of the day. Not so! We waited for nearly 2 hours before seated. Luckily they're still taking in people past the closing time of 2 pm. Two hours went by quickly chatting with strangers and getting to know people. Occasionally a staff member came out to talk with us and answer our questions. There are 20+ dishes, and each was flavorful and worth the 2-hour wait. Some people who stood in line have been coming each year for 10+ years. Yes - you do sit with strangers, but that's part of the charm. Normally I balked at waiting for more than 2 hours for a meal, but it was a worthwhile experience and something not to be missed when in Savannah. Banana pudding at the end was just blah. With the amount of food we get, who needs dessert.
(5)
Jeremy G.
Get there early. Prepare to wait (its more than worth it). Don't eat dinner the night before. Wear stretchy pants. Enjoy the smell and company. When its your turn, enter heaven. The side dishes alone. Barbeque was probably one of the best I've ever had. Fried chicken was exceptional. I would eat, bathe, brush my teeth, etc with the greens. One of the top 5 things I've ever eaten. Ever. And I've eaten a lot of things. Wakka Wakka.
(5)
Sue D.
We recently dined here at the recommendations of yelp and other websites. The place was homey likes grandmas for a Sunday dinner. It was a nice experienced. But we were amazed at the quality of the food that was served. It was like eating cafeteria or buffet food. Everything tasted like canned food or instant like the mashed potatoes and rice. Nothing tasted homemade, maybe the fried chicken. Even the bisqits tasted like a package mix. Everything was so salty, not home cooking as we expected. They give you a lot of food but after one taste you don't want more. I don't understand why this restaurant gets so many good reviews. I wouldn't recommend this to my friends visiting the area, as there are plenty of others authentic home cooking restaurants!
(2)
Dee Y.
We got there around 11:30AM, there were already about 2 tables of people in front of us... The line moved pretty fast... We waited probably about 20 minutes. When we arrived, The food was already on the table... Huge amount of food... and they just kept coming and coming... I can see the appeal of southern comfort food for the patrons... Especially if you come with a bunch of friends... Good food, good company... A lot of the food is not something I normally look for, but they're quite tasty.... I was a bit torn between three stars and four stars because I thought they were a bit over hyped... But the customer service was excellent, and I would probably come here again... So, four stars for now...
(4)
Melissa R.
The upsides to this restaurant: It is an absolute staple to Savannah's history and dining. It has a very interesting story -- Google it. It's on Jones Street, which is the most beautiful resident street in SAV. Being forced to sit and mingle with strangers is surprisingly refreshing. The sweet tea and desserts are amazing. Very kid and picky-eater friendly as the majority of the food is vegetables. The downsides to my experience: Went in the middle of August -- please go during a cooler month if you! Wait staff forgot the fried chicken for our entire room. The serving bowls are plastic and get extremely hot, making them difficult to pass around. You'll have to stand outside in line for an hour if you want to get seated first, that's just how it works. But if you love Southern food, it is definitely worth the wait.
(4)
Sean W.
Real Southern Cooking. The only thing I had that was even close to this was small roadside joint in the middle of nowhere in South Carolina. Mrs. Wilkes' is a MUST in Savannah. Bring a paper for the wait, eat your heart out, and take a nap in the park in the afternoon.
(5)
Stephanie B.
One of the best places I've ever had the pleasure of eating. The fried chicken was divine, and eating with a group of strangers around a vast spread of tasty sides was a real experience. The service was very generous, in fact they refilled our fried chicken plate 4 times, and the line itself moved swiftly. My favorite item, which in fact wasn't featured on the online menus, was the BBQ beef brisket. Rich, sweet, and spicy all at the same time. It's great value here too, at only $16 each, and even the cookbooks are pretty reasonably priced for what you get. Mrs. Wilkes, your restaurant is a triumph! A must do in Savannah. If you are eating anywhere else while you are in Savannah, you are missing out.
(5)
Fran T.
This is one of the MAIN reasons I love Savannah...okay I love the city in general, but Mrs. Wilkes is the only place that can cook like my Mom and my Nana used to. Most people don't even know what rutabaga is...but this place does, and they do it right! The fried chicken may even beat Mom's...(ohhh, who said that? :-) Just go, you won't be disappointed. Be prepared to WAIT outside, rain or shine or heat, but it's great to talk with others in line and warm up to them before you sit at that big family style table for your meal. :-) FYI, no reservations and no charge cards.
(5)
Katharine K.
Ok, so this place doesn't need any more reviews - but I enjoyed it enough to write one. My husband and I were on a road trip through the south and read about Mrs. Wilkes and thought it sounded like our type of place - seeing as though we love southern food! We arrived just before noon on a Tuesday expecting to wait in line - and we did (about 1 hour 15 mins). I was skeptical as to whether or not the food would be worth standing outside for, since I thought Mrs. Wilkes may be more of an "experience" destination than a spot for great food. I was pleasantly surprised and am SO glad we waited. I can't speak for the meat items (fried chicken, beef stew, pork were the dishes that day), since I didn't have those - but my husband enjoyed them a lot. I loved the mac & cheese, beans, creamed corn, sweet potato casserole, mashed potatoes, corn muffins, and especially the biscuits. AMAZING. I think I had three and wanted to put a few more in my purse to take home. I assumed doggie bags weren't appropriate at a family style place though... I would recommend Mrs. Wilkes to anyone visiting Savannah on a weekday - it was one of the highlights of our trip!
(5)
Tighe R.
I typically would not give anything 5 stars, but Mrs. Wilkes is very deserving. No explanation needed. The fact that the line wraps around the block every single day speaks to itself. Luckily, I was first in line for my visit, and my fiancee and I left Mrs. Wilkes' the two happiest people in Savannah. Lived up to all expecations, we cannot wait to make out way back.
(5)
Rosetta M.
I don't know if this will help at all because it seems that everything I wanted to say has already been said. Even before we got into town many of our friends who'd been here said to make sure we went to this restaurant. I am so very glad that we did. This has got to be the best restaurant I've ever eaten at. The atmosphere is great. All of the servers were friendly and very pleasant. The food was unbelievable! My mother is from the south and she is the best cook but this restaurant comes in at a very close second. Like everyone else has said, take cash and be prepared to wait. We went on a Wednesday afternoon and we waited in line about an hour. However, we enjoyed talking and getting to know the people around us. You will definitely not be disappointed.
(5)
Dennis K.
My wife and I were in Savannah for the day and looked to yelp to decide where to eat...Yelp came through yet again. We showed up early, around 10:30 and there was already a line formed in front of the building, but the line moved quickly and we were seated by 11:30. The family style was fun, most people were from different states and all were friendly. THE FOOD: This was the best fried chicken I have ever tasted in my life, I wish I ate more...dont be shy, they will bring more if you finish the first round...All the fixins are incredible and you won't be sorry if you choose to eat here.
(5)
steve b.
Ok, you've read the other reviews so you know what kinds of dishes they have there so I don't need to itemize that. Let's start with the experience...it's open from 11:00am to 2:00pm so we were told to get there about 12:30. We did and there was a line of about 60 people in front of us. We waited about 45 minutes and were let in and seated at a long bench to wait for our table to be set. The dining room is small with about 7-8 large tables that can seat 8-10 people. We sat at the bench for 3 minutes and a lady said, OK to the 10 of us seated on the bench, "please be seated at this table" pointing to a table next to the restroom. We all quickly seated ourselves at the table loaded with bowls and platters of the many dishes and began filling our plates and passing the items around the table. Now here's the thing...if you are not familiar with southern cooking then you might be surprised that most everything is cooked WELL DONE! The cooked vegitables reminded me of the food in the army...well done. I like southern food and I thought this was OK, but not super. The chicken was very good, but the platter had mostly wings and legs and it was never replenished. After 20 minutes or so (I guess when they thought we had finsihed) they brought around a tray of banana cream pie in small dishes and we passed that around for our table participants to eat. Within a few minutes the head lady started looking at us as if to say, "I'ts time to go!" I saw others at other tables bussing their dishes so I asked the head lady if we were supposed to buss the dishes. She said, "Ya'll would be so nice to do that". We did and then walked to the cash register and paid the $18 per head for the meal (no credit cards) and out the door...wham, bam thank you maam. Don't get me wrong, it was an experience and I enjoyed it and the food was 7 on a 10 scale but I wouldn't do it again not with the wait and the pressure feeling I had to eat and get the hell out as quickly as possible.
(2)
Luyi H.
This is amazing! :) We got there around 10:30 am, so we were part of the first batch of people to go in. B/c we were tourists, we also tested Paula Deen's Lady and Sons, and this definitely beat that experience. The food was good. There was so much of it. The banana pudding at the end was fantastic. You get sweet tea, collard greens, black eyed peas, friend chicken, brisket?, corn bread, etc. etc. We sat next to a group of locals who also loved the place. We learned that Mrs. Wilkes was a real person, who owned a boarding house that cooked amazing food. And, eventually it opened up to the public. For liberal atheistic yankees, note, the meal starts off with a quick saying of grace. Nothing too offensive, so don't be scared away. I recommend, getting to Paula Deen's really early, getting a late dinner reservation, and then going to Wilkes' to wait in line. I recommend NOT eating breakfast, or else your day of southern food will be a day of sadly staring at southern food you're too full to eat. I also recommend walking around Savannah. And, if you don't have cash, there's a BOA about a 15 minute walk away from Wilkes', which is... a bit of a hassle to find and get to. So, bring your cash, or make sure your friend has cash. :) All in all, this is one of my favorite experiences in Savannah.
(5)
Dan B.
Southern food at its best. That's all I have to say about Mrs. Wilkes. See ya'll soon.
(5)
Taylor H.
This place definitely lives up to all of the hype in all of the other posts. Get there by at least 10:45 to get in by 12:15. You have been warned- You will wait in line- it will be hot and humid, you will not have access to a bathroom or water or chairs- you have been warned, no more complaining! The sides are all amazing; the family dining concept really makes you feel like you're doing something different; and the fried chicken is way better than "The Lady and Sons." Make sure to bring cash. Perhaps most memorable for me was the roasted squash side dish- it was perfectly cooked with just a bit of charring in a light butter sauce. Absolutely divine. Make sure your bring some good company to stand in line with- or just make friends with other people in line. I've been to both here and Lady & Sons- This is hands down the winner! A must visit for any tourist to Savannah.
(5)
Mike A.
Believe the reviews - this place is AWESOME! We eat here at least twice during each visit to Savannah. You'll have to wait in line, so be prepared. Use the time to get acquainted with the people standing in line around you! You may very well end up enjoying lunch with them, too. The Fried Chicken is amazing - the best I've ever had. The BBQ pork is great, as well. There are more side dishes than you'll find on many large buffet lines, and they vary slightly throughout the week. While I'm not a big fan of the mac & cheese or the dumplings (just my opinion), the rest of the sides are absolutely delicious. They serve sweet ice tea unless you request water or unsweetened tea. Do yourself a favor - go with the sweet tea. It's some of the best in Savannah. Oh, and don't forget to bring your plate and glass to the kitchen when you're through eating! That's just good manners. :-)
(5)
Teri S.
Yelpers - you have done it again!! You filled me in on a place that is a MUST when visiting Savannah!! After I was inside I realized that I had seen the place on Food Network - but it was because of Yelp that I wanted to try Mrs. Wilkes. My husband & I went on our last day in Savannah - what a great way to end the trip. We got in line around 10am. We had a great spot & watched the line grown as time went on. I can't begin to describe the food & experience. Just that you MUST have Mrs. Wilkes & you must not eat breakfast before. There is SO much delicious goodness. Fellow yelpers provided me with great information that I was prepared for the wonderful experience. We were craving Mrs. Wilkes all the way to Charleston & back home in California!!
(5)
Scott B.
I really enjoyed this place and was glad my son suggested it! This is a true Southern dining experience to be enjoyed. Lot's of food and good company. The sweet potatos were fantastic along with the carrot salad. The line can get long so get there early. We did not feel rushed at all, it was a home cookin' dining experience which is rare these days.
(5)
Amy J.
aw Mrs. Wilkes...I have heard about you but, I had no idea. My boyfriend and I waited about an hour and a half. We made friends in line and enjoyed our conversations. Once we got in we enjoyed the community seating and of course the dishes. The fried chicken was great and the BBQ pork was amazing. With so much to try if you didn't like something you just moved on. Something I would do again.
(4)
Marc M.
Mrs. Wilkes is on one of the squares in Savannah and does not have a neon sign, a billboard, none of the usual restaurant promotional stuff. It is just there and you find it. And finding it is easy. You sit at big tables with strangers who quickly become your friends. We sat with a big group of ladies from Colorado who were happily vacationing without their husbands (And, to quote Maxwell Smart: "and loving it"). It was festive and the fried chicken was sensational as were the vegetables, especially the yams and corn. The iced tea is superb and the pies are to die for. And so many types of salad. You can't go wrong at Mrs. Wilkes. Sadly, Mrs. Wilkes has passed on but the tradition continues.
(5)
Bob S.
Yes you have to stand in line in the hot sun (they do bring out water.) Yes you have to bring your plate to the kitchen. Yes they serve in roughly 30 minute sittings and you can't really enjoy a languid lunch. Just go. It's great. You won't regret it.
(5)
Michael C.
When we arrived in Savannah, our hosts took us here for lunch straight from the airport. I was shocked to see the line out front. I knew that it was going to be a good lunch! The four of us sat at a table with four others and started passing around the food that was already on the table. Every imaginable southern dish was there - all cooked to perfection. It was magical. The only drawback was that we all seemed to be in some sort of contest to finish quickly. I wanted to sit there and savor but the food was passed around so quickly and everyone ate so fast that we were out of there in less than an hour. I could have easily stayed for twice that long. At the end of the meal, the servers brought around banana pudding and cherry cobbler. We then took our plates to the kitchen and rolled out the door. It was a great introduction to Savannah hospitality and I'm glad we went. And all-you-can-eat for under $20? What a bargain!
(4)
Guillermo K.
Oh man, this place was dope. And always fun to have a little convo with friendly strangers from all over (mainly folks from other parts of the southeast and the occasional elderly couple on an epic RV trip).
(5)
Tony D.
Very cool place in Savannah. It is definitely worth the wait. Odds are if you go in the summer time you will spend 30-60 minutes in line waiting for a seat. Every table is a communal table so you might as well make conversation with the people around you in line. There is a good chance you will be eating together. When you walk in there are large tables all over the small place and you sit down to a table literally covered in plates and bowls of homemade cooking. Sit down, start eating and pass the bread. Being from LA, it's a definite change to our eating style, but the restaurant has a Southern, down home kind of feel. It is a must eat when you visit Savannah.
(5)
Thien D.
Holy moly! I've hit the gold mine on this one. We went here for lunch one day and the line was just a monster!!!! I almost not wanted to stay but she talked me into it. The wait was long and it was a big tease. You can smell the food from the outside and from time to time, a cook will come out and just start talking to the people. We meet a few people in front and behind us and we talked to them and got to know them. We seem to be the only natives there, but that was ok because it still made us unique in a crowd of tourist. We waited for what it seemed to be forever (1.5-2 hours) and I was finally the person standing at the front door waiting to get in. When I saw the guy that work there coming to fetch me and the next group, my heart started pounding like the first time I'd seen a girl in a thong at the beach. As we went in, the guy instructed us to our tables but somehow I ran to the wrong one and it was even dirty. I didn't care at that point. I was Hongry! So when I finally sat at my right table, we sat with the people that we met in line. They sit you there ten to a table. Most of them are strangers unless you came with a party of ten. When you sit, the table is already set with food and sweet tea. There were 20+ different food item on the table that was served family style. After all that talking outside and food in front of me, it was eating time and I didn't talk to anyone from that point on. I looked like a slob piling my plate up with everything and being the first one to clear it as well and continued to go for seconds, thirds, fourths, and so ons. I was forwarned to save room for dessert but I did not. When the desserts came out....a banana pudding and blueberry cobbler, I only managed to take a small bite of each. The banana pudding when swallowed was touching my uvula I swear. The food was awesome!!!! But by the time I was stuffed to the rim, it looked disgusting lol. We both enjoyed it and I can say that it is most worth it to wait in line again just for lunch like that.
(5)
Joe T.
We were on a fairly tight schedule because we had to drive to the airport in Jacksonville and I wanted to be on the road by 12:30. Since Mrs. Wilkes' opens at 11AM I didn't think this would be a problem, especially since we got there at 10:30AM. I was surprised that there was already quite a line when we got there. This was a Monday morning so I assumed it would not be quite as busy. We had to wait about 45 minutes to get inside but everyone in line seemed to enjoy themselves, talking to each other and wondering in a good natured way how long it would be before we got in. Once inside we were seated with a large group of people until our table was filled. Then they started bring out bowl after bowl of Southern cooking. There were so many dishes that I can't remember them all nor did I get to sample all of them. There simply was too much food for me to try them all. I do remember: English peas, black eyed peas, summer squash, cream corn, okra, fried chicken, barbeque, gravy, biscuits and cornbread, banana pudding, cherry cobbler, and many more dishes. The food was very good and there was lots of it served family style. I believe the cost was $16 per person and well worth it. The restaurant is only open from 11AM to 2 PM so I hope all those in line after us got in. Even with the wait to get in, we finished our meal, walked back to get our car, and were on the road at exactly 12:30! I highly recommend Mrs. Wilkes'! Don't let the lines intimidate you. The food is well worth the wait and you will probably enjoy the conversation with the others in line with you.
(5)
J S.
Like this place needs a bigger line after another 5 star rating. I will keep it simple. The first time I have ever gone out and felt like I was eating in (in a good way). I am the son of a preacher man from down south. This means I have a LOT of pot lucks under my belt. For the southern religious crowd on Yelp you will know what I mean when I say this: you know how every church pot luck has that one or maybe 2 dishes that everyone loves that is made by that one little old lady and then there is a lot of jello mold and only so so food. Well picture a restaurant that went around the entire state and poached ever churches one little old lady to come work for them an only make that one thing. Then picture 27 of them back there. This is basically what eating here is like. I wish I could take every Yankee and every foreigner in America and seat them here. You wana taste the south? You want the teroir of the Southern spirit on your tongue? Take a seat in Mrs Wilkes Dining Room.
(5)
Jim S.
I have been reading review after review and was completely enticed to travel an hour to get here for that great food. It was closed. : ( I checked the website (2 weeks before & now a week after) and there is nothing stating they were closed for remodeling or for the winter season. My family of 4 & our 2 friends were pretty disappointed. We talked to some locals & a postman that assured us they were indeed closed. So my review is a warning to all to verify they are open now before you make the trip. We ended up at Clary's (check for my review).
(3)
John J.
Long wait. Good food. Not worth the wait though.
(3)
Adam S.
Upon arriving in Savannah, the first stop was the visitor center to find out where the best local grub was. The nice old lady directed me to Lady and Sons, which I had heard good things about from other visitors.. As i was leaving, the security guard pulled me aside and explained that i was on my way to tourist central, and if i really wanted to eat like a local, Mrs Wilkes was the spot. So we made our way over and got in line. Shortly after we were told that we would be the last group for lunch. I didn't pay much attention to the folks in line, but i should have, as those would turn out to be my dining companions. Everyone eats together at one of three tables in the dining room, and each table is covered in fixings and sweet tea upon arrival. Shortly after sitting, you are swarmed with meats ranging from fried chicken to sausage. Accompanied by mac and cheese, collard greens, black eyed peas, cracklin cornbread and any other southern delights you can think of, this is truly a down home meal. But what really made the experience for me, was sitting with a table full of strangers, and everyone being in the best mood possible due to the amazing food in front of us. We conversed and even wound up taking pictures with our fellow diners, as they were as much a part of the experience as the food. Bus your own place settings and make sure to pay the man at the door on your way out. This is a MUST if you are ever in Savannah.
(5)
heej c.
here are some important food tips: FRIED CHICKEN!!! so tasty with perfect balance of salt and pepper with crispy skin ::drool:: i gotta say, it was the best fried chicken i've yet to taste :d RED RICE!!! it looked like jambalaya, but the online menu says it's red rice. this also might have been the best jambalayaish red rice i've had! they gave generous amount of sausage chunks. as a first timer, the dilemma is that you enter the room where your table is and you're greeted with FIFTEEN to TWENTY-TWO DISHES (and friendly servers). it's like a thanksgiving dinner table: but with strangers who are just as hungry and thankful for the AC as you are. if i had known what to eat.. i probably would have dug straight into the fried chicken and the red rice :D there were other good dishes such as collard green, cucumber w/ dressing, corn, mash potato with gravy, bbq pork, mac and cheese, cabbage, some radish dish, okra and tomatoes, beans, yams, and more. but if i were to go again, i'd skip some of those and eat more fried chicken and red rice :D they also serve sweet and unsweet tea - go for the sweet one ;) once the servers think that you're done, they bring out dessert (when you already feel like you're ready to pop). ours that day was fresh tasting banana pudding for each person at the table. i only say fresh because the nilla cookies were still crunchy, which i loved. my boyfriend and i went there on monday and thought that they served the same dishes everyday, but it turns out, according to their website, their menu varies slightly each day. tip here: go on monday, taste that red rice! ( mrswilkes.com/menu.html ) and here are some non-food tips: when we got there, the first thing we saw was this looooong line before we even got to locate the entrance. we parked and lined up. tip here: the parking meter rate is much cheaper than the city of atlanta rate, but do bring quarters enough for 2 hours. it was a hot spring day and we ended up waiting for an hour. tip here: if you can, get some cold water or drinks with you so that you can hydrate yourself if you happen to visit this place in the hot weather. don't bring anything that'll melt.. bring a straw hat, a sunbrella, shades, COLD WATER, COLD WATER and COLD WATER. i suppose you can bring something to entertain yourself with, but talking to those in front of and behind you is also a good idea because you're most likely to be seated with them inside. once we were in, the cold AC and the smell of the food greeted us. on our way to our table, we saw a framed picture of president obama dining at mrs. wilkes. we were seated with some strangers: these people were a few people ahead of us in the line outside (yes, we got to skip some people and got seated a little faster for being a party of two). we enjoyed the experience of chatting with strangers, sharing where we all were from, commenting and agreeing on the taste of the food. all of us at the table walked out slowly and stuffed. oh yeah, when you're done, you bring your own dishes and bring it to the dish washing area - that's the tradition. then you pay at the exit and there goes your experience of mrs. wilkes! P.S. worth the wait, worth sweating in the heat, and worth the money. go!
(5)
Dallas K.
Well worth the wait. Amazing chicken, all you can eat sides (the menu online only lists a small portion of what you end up getting), great sweet tea. Plus, you get to meet travelers from all over at the family style tables. Definitely try!
(5)
jaimie k.
I'm going to be totally honest, I feel happier having eaten here than when I was actually getting to eat there, if that makes sense. It's certainly something to do, and simply for the chow down with strangers table arrangements -- you're ushered in after a typically hour (plus) wait to a table for twelve where you eat family style. The food itself is pretty damn good. The mac and cheese was Yu-umMY, but not as good as at Lady & Sons, though this is the only place where I got to eat some fantastic creamy squash dish that left me wanting seconds...and going for thirds. And, while the desserts left something to be desired -- your choice of a tiny cup-let of blueberry cobbler of banana pudding when I was there -- the biscuits were faboooooooooooo.
(3)
JR D.
BOTTOM LINE AT THE TOP: While Savannah has it's fair share of iconic eateries, and classic low-country establishments for the common folk, Mrs. Wilkes, with its hollowed history and reasonably priced authentic cuisine might be the only place in town that is both at the same time. This age-old establishment needs no billboard or grand entryway to attract its clientele. The legendary food does that all on its own. And if you can't find it on most of the tour maps and trolly stops in the city, just look for the two hour line of people standing outside an old brown-brick building on Jones St. and you will have found Ms. Wilkes. What used to be a boarding house for travelers, Ms. Wilkes Dinning Room is set in two small rooms on the bottom floor with large tables set comfortably into its corners. Patrons are brought in a table at a time and seated together, next to strangers and other groups and served family style. On any given day the serve up 20 or so dishes per table including: there legendary fried chicken (the best I've had), beef stew, pork BBQ, Mac n' Cheese, cream corn, black-eyed peas, stuffing, fresh corn bread... and all the other classic southern dishes you care to think of. And each one is amazing on it's own, and absolutely fabulous in concert with the other dishes. This is all served with a glass of sweet tea and a choice of desert and all for around $15.00 a person. Waiting times vary from season to season, where there is usually a short or no wait in the winter to as long as three hours in the tourist happy summer. They are only open for lunch and there is not liquor sold on the premises.
(5)
Thomas T.
You will not be disappointed! Incredible real southern cooking! Often a long wait but you usually meet people in line and start talking and it doesn't seem so long after all. Family style so if your group isn't large enough to fill up a table then you'll be sitting with the people you just met in line:), and don't forget to take your plate to the kitchen when you're done!
(5)
Chris D.
We visited Savannah just last week and was told by our tour guide we had to eat here. we got there a little after 11 and was seated by 1230. it was everything we were told it was. GREAT!!! it was like sitting down at my Grandmas house and having dinner. the food was great, and we met some intresting folks. would recommend to everyone. thanks for the great experience, the next time we are in town we will visit again.
(5)
Nick Z.
It's a no-brainer that anyone visiting Savannah simply must experience Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room. I've found that to be an understatement. This was easily the best lunch experience of my life. Perhaps best meal I've ever had served to me from a commercial establishment. I began the whole thing in a long queue on a sunny day in Savannah. My fiancee and I had spent the morning apartment hunting so we'd worked up an agreeable appetite. We even ate light at our hotel's continental breakfast in order to spare room for the calories we knew we'd ingest at lunch. I happened to be wearing my Yelp shirt I'd recently got at an Elite Event in Detroit and lo and behold, we stepped in line right behind Dee, Liz, and Ashley M. of Chicago. Liz took note of my shirt and showed me her own and we all just started chatting about anything and everything while we killed time in line. The line moved as fast as it could and I really can't fault people for not being in any rush to vacate their tables. To put it into perspective, it was like waiting in line for a popular attraction at an amusement park. The line was shorter (but moved slower) and blissfully shaded by large trees. Every time people left the restaurant, they did so exclaiming that it was worth the wait, hands resting happily over their full bellies. Those utterances of satisfaction emboldened everyone to stay the course no matter how far away the goal may have seemed. When we finally were ushered into the restaurant, we were thrilled to find we'd all be seated together to enjoy our own miniature Elite Event. No sooner had I sampled the (perfectly made) sweet tea than the bowls began to arrive one after another until they numbered 23. I was amazed and thrilled and overwhelmed and very, very hungry. We began the game of passing the bowls and eventually tore in and every bite was a thrilling discovery. Everything was delicious. It's a testament to the abilities of this restaurant that most every dish served is a shining example of what the dish ought to be. The fried chicken, greens, sweet potatoes, beef stew, squash and succatash were all the best I'd ever eaten. To be served six dishes that earn a "best ever" badge is unheard of. The meat loaf, while delicious, is only bested by my mother's and the cabbage is tied with the stuff that comes out of my grandmother's kitchen. Incredible. The only thing that beat the food was the company. I had a great time with these folks and have to thank Mrs. Wilkes' setup for fostering this kind of eating environment. Family style dining is a glorious thing because of the conversation and kinship it promotes. Dee managed to grab our portion of the check before I was able and I'd only be too happy to make that up to them the next time they're in town and looking for a good meal.
(5)
Scott L.
I ate here a long time ago. And at that time they had breakfast. I guess they got rid of that. But this was by far one of the most interesting dining experiences I ever had. It was like the definitive meal at grandmas house. Mrs. Wilkes was there serving family style dishes that had the rich flavor of generations. I never forgot that meal. I highly recommend this place for a real southern experience in the heart of Savannah.
(4)
Jen H.
thought I was going to die from the long wait but it was worth every second. Hands down the best meal I've ever had in my life.
(5)
Michelle G.
What's not to like or even love about this place! Well, Mrs. Wilkes is definitely one unforgettable dining experience during my trip to Georgia. Why? Because I've never been to restaurant where they serve Southern Thanksgiving like dinner all year round. With that being said, as a Filipina we were not familiarize with the way Thanksgiving family dinners work. Which is, sharing a huge table with a different family member to share variety of dishes and sides already served on our table. I personally have been to a family like dinner but our traditional family members did not know that you have to pass the dishes around after you get some for yourselves. Hehe. Which made our experience together as a family so much fun, because we got to know the other family members we shared our food with on our table. Yes, there will be a huge line filled with hungry people even before they open. Well, we actually got there right on time since there were only 5 families in front of us. As soon as you walk in their basement like restaurant, you'll get the feeling that you just walked in someone's grandma's house. It just very old fashioned, very comfy, very antique and very homey with their decor. Once you get to your table, you'll see that the dishes are already served family style at the table. I believe there were about 20 dishes to share. There's no need for a menu, Coz everything is right on the table. Drinks wise, they will ask you as soon as your sat into the table. Their sweet tea was so delicious, the reason why I bought some from their mini store. My favorite was their tender, juicy, flavorful, crispy fried chicken. Mmmmm! It sure was very "country southern food." After your meal, they will serve you with choices of desserts to choose from. And like a family dinner, you bring your plate to the kitchen to be washed. Luckily, we did not have anything for breakfast which made it our first meal of the day. So, we really ate as if it was dinner time and not brunch. Lol. The staff was very friendly, always smiling, very courteous, and polite which really made it into a very Southern experience you won't get any where else in a restaurant. Not only that but my cousin had mentioned to the staff that I was just visiting from CA, and that I would love to have just a little bit of our leftover to take home. The staff did not think other wise and gave us a little something to go. I really loved it here period and if ever I do go back to Georgia, I will definitely come back here at Mrs. Wilkes. Thank you for such an great hospitality.
(5)
Steve K.
This was definitely a worthwhile unique dining experience. I loved eating family style in an old historic boarding house! You'll need to plan your day around this lunch because of the very limited hours and long lines. (open Mon-Fri 11am-2pm). I waited about 40 mins which wasn't too bad. The price is now $18, which isn't a bad deal considering how wonderful and plentiful the food is! My advice is to only take a little of each item if you want to have enough room to try everything. The drinks are iced tea or water, and the meal ends with a small dessert (banana pudding or peach cobbler). The lunch does feel a little rushed- they start clearing plates, giving you dessert and telling you to buss your own plates even when some people are still eating. Don't expect to linger around and have a conversation after your meal. I understand that they need to turn tables quick for the long lines outside, during the short business hours. I have no idea why such a popular restaurant is only open for a few hours and closed on the weekends. Still worth the visit if you can fit it in your schedule!
(4)
Becky T.
The best restaurant ever. We got in line at 10:30, so easily made the first seating at 11am. We walked in their small dining room to our table, and our jaws just dropped at the sight of it. On the table were over 20 dishes of food including from what I can remember: lima beans,creamed corn, cheesy mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, greens, cabbage, beef stew, chicken dumplings, yellow squash, BBQ pork slices, black eye peas, white rice, dirty rice with sausage, succotash, rutabaga, corn bread, rolls, mac and cheese, tomato pasta salad, and a platter of the best fried chicken ever. Then for dessert you get a choice of blueberry compote or banana pudding. All for $16 even. I loved that it was served family style and that you get to eat with strangers. We were lucky because the people we were with were all visiting foodies, and they have hit all the best spots in Savannah already and we enjoyed hearing all these retired people who's main amusement in life is to now travel the country in search for good food. Its something to look forward to in life. The only disappointing thing was that the people weren't big eaters, though that turned out to be a good thing because I ended up finishing up the platter of chicken. I'm sure they thought I was a pig considering I had like 5 pieces of chicken while everyone else had 2. Must not go to waste! Seriously, Paula Dean's is not even in the same league as this. Everyone needs to take a pilgrimage here. I love, love this place.
(5)
Mary V.
Would have loved to have had lunch here, but there was a two hour wait to just get in the door. We did talk with folks who were committed to waiting in line and they sounded very excited about their lunch adventures at Mrs Wilkes Dining Room.
(4)
Mary O.
This is the place to go for lunch in Savannah. There's always a line and depending on how big your party is, you may sit with strangers. It's like going to a dinner party. The people I sat with were from New Jersey and South Carolina. The food is all set in the middle and southern comfort type of food. I discovered a love for lima beans and the fried chicken is delicious. The only thin g that sucked was that you had to bus your own dishes and cash only.
(4)
Terese G.
I could say "see Dawn K.'s review," but I guess that'd be lazy. We waited in line for over two hours on our last day in Savannah, and we'll do it all again the next time we're in town. The food and experience were wonderful. We loved the communal dinner table, the incredible array of Southern sides, and the heaping plate of fried chicken. There's no lingering at the table, but that's probably for the best so you can avoid a dreaded food coma.
(5)
Tracy P.
This is the best place to eat EVER! Words can't describe this place if you love Southern Food.... Now there are a ton of things to choose from and YES my Grandmother can make some of the dishes BETTER! But for the money and the Delicious EATING nothing can compare! Not EVEN Paula Dean's I would not even think about standing in her line to eat! I might cause a riot inside if it didn't compare or if it wasn't better than Ms. Wilkes so I stay away....Paula looks like she could handle me LOL! I wish you could take leftovers but you can't and it's probably a good thing. I can't imagine the fighting at the table over who would get to leave with the goodies! Wear your loose fitting clothes and forget about your DIET! Awesome Eating!
(5)
Enoch C.
long line, worth the wait. the gf and i went on a day trip to savannah planing to go to the lady and sons, but after reading poor reviews and rave reviews for mrs. wilkes, we decided to come here instead. i don't know if i missed anything at the lady and sons, but i'm very satisfied with our decision to go to mrs. wilkes instead. we arrived around 1:00 with the line winding to the end of the intersection. here's a tip, if you're going to get there around 1 on a monday, you might as well just take your time and get there right at 2. you'll be about 10 people back, but you won't have to wait nearly as long. it was hot outside, so bring a cool drink if you're going to brave the heat. now, on to the food. you sit in tables of 10 with whoever you were in line with, food already on the table. we didn't know what to do since my table was all out-of-towners. we just sat there marveling at the food not knowing if we were allowed to start eating or not. finally we asked one of the servers and she gave us a look like, "i can't believe you fools aren't eating this bountiful feast we made for you." so we dove in. it reminded me of what a thanksgiving meal would be like. everyone passing bowls and plates. i think someone counted 22 different dishes on the table at one point. here are some highlights: the fried chicken - delicious!! one of the best i've had. i usually eat white meat for the test. it was so tender and juicy... i'm salivating right now as i remember each bite i had. dirty rice/jumbalaya - huge chunks of sausage (andouille i think). flavored really well. biscuits - really moist and soft. the cornbread was a little too dry and hard for me. bbq pork - was ok. but you're not there for this. you're there for the fried chicken. the mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, red potatoes, collards, squash, and cabbage were all good. nothing i had there was bad. the thing is, besides the chicken, nothing's GREAT! but everything is darn good. southern home cooking at its finest. for dessert, we had banana pudding which was good. it's my favorite dessert, so i inhaled it. it was good. i can't say i've had exceptional banana pudding though. what i liked most about the meal is the experience. it was fun chatting it up with out-of-towners. wouldn't have had that experience at paula deen's restaurant.
(4)
Terry E.
We went to the place for the experience; the price of $16.00 per person is alright if you have a big appetite for fried chicken and all the helpings. You really have to get in line early, they open at 11am and line starts at 9am. Once you're in they have the table set up with all the food on bowls and you could eat as much as you want; bottomless iced tea. If you want desserts, they have it in very,very small bowls, so tell the server right away if you like more than one. I love the servers, they're so wonderful and very attentive. You won't be able to finish the food, they keep on filling it up; I don't know what they do with the leftovers, but it's sad to have all those food go into waste. No take-outs for leftovers and before I forget it's Cash only 'If it's your first time in Savannah, just go and try it...
(2)
Jen P.
A dining experience to be had. Family style portions served thanksgiving style. Never will you have homecooking like this in a restaurant anywhere other than here.. (that i know of atleast) It was my favorite place in Savannah.Everything served is delicious. The sweet tea is really good too. Yes, the line is long but so worth it. And yes, I feel guilty for liking this "thanksgiving" meal a tad bit more than my own Mothers. Ooops.
(5)
Chad B.
This place was amazing. Being a foody and pretty particular about food, every dish was excellent. No need for salt and pepper on any dish, which is always a shocker. Only downsides to the experience were: 1. You sit with strangers, which was great, but there was this tourist schmuck at our table breaking the cardinal principle of talking politics in front of strangers. 2. Everyone at really fast - I am tall and have a high metabolism, so I will eat more than most, not to mention I like to take my time. Therefore, I felt like everyone was kind of waiting on the wife and I to finish up because they felt embarrassed leaving the table before we were done. In the end, though, the food is great, which is what you came for, not to mention that this place has been doing the same since the 40's.
(5)
Keith L.
My wife knows I love good buffets and all you can eat places but I also like good food. I know this is in congruent, but I found my nirvana, Mrs Wilkes' Mrs Wilkes' is the place to go when you are in Savannah if you like family style southern cuisine and don't mind waiting for over 1 hours to get in and paying $16/person (cash only). I agree with the previous reviewer that the Fried Chicken was the bomb (does anyone say that anymore besides me?) It was seasoned perfectly without dripping in grease. I think I had about 4 pieces. I also agree that creamy squash dish, which looked like something you would get at an Indian place but was delicious and I too had 2nd, 3rds. The other best dish I had was the chicken and noodles. I think I had 5ths of that. Surprisingly I did not roll out of the place but was full. Hey, after waiting in line for over 1 hour in the heat and humidity you have to get your fill, right? Serving staff was very nice and we sat at the same table with a guy who married into this family. He said that the original Mrs' Wilkes granddaughter is running the place now and she was out there serving us biscuits. Did anyone mention you need to bus your dishes when you are done...kinda homey in a good way. I'm going back if every I'm back in Savannah
(5)
Kate C.
This place came highly recommended, as in "You have to go to Mrs. Wilkes". We obliged, but it wasn't all that. We waited for about an hour and we were basically rushed in and out. We sat for a half hour tops. And although it may be part of the charm, I'm not really into clearing my own dishes after you have rushed me through lunch. That being said, a few of the sides were excellent: the stuffing, the turnips, the yams, they were all great. the fried chicken was okay (in my opinion, my boyfriend loved it - probably because it's fried). The biscuits were embarrassingly bad. Yeah, I guess you "gotta go" but don't expect to be able to relax and enjoy your meal.
(3)
Antoinette T.
If you're coming to Savannah you just can't pass up a landmark. I couldn't. My sister and I came here and we were SO stoked. We were the first people in line and got seated at a large table with some nice enough people. As soon as the food started pouring out of the kitchen my mouth was watering... I was mentally rushing the people at my table to pass the fooooooood! but i have to say, as much hype as this place has built up.. i just thought it was average. It wasn't bad... but it wasn't great. Not great enough to make a second trip and wait in line and sit with people I don't know and wait for them to pass the food!
(3)
Tony S.
The fact I won't stand in line to get into anything - cinema, nightclub, Apple store (especially Apple store) but was happy to stand in line for an hour to get friend chicken says a little too much about me. Mrs. Wilkes was the quintessential southern dining experience for me. Even the wait was well mannered. Family style service normally feels odd but here it was right. Arriving to a table laid out with all kinds of delicious foods was so cool, and everyone at our table was so nice. It was like dining on the home of a great southern cook. And the food? The fried chicken wasn't the best I've ever had, but it was darn close and really crispy and moist. The sides were so varied and yum you'll want to try a little of everything. I couldn't believe I had a second helping of green beans! The BBQ pork was also a highlight. There was tons of food left over and one of the staff told us that leftovers are offered to local charities, which is good to know. All in all a real Savannah experience worth having. Just be prepared for the wait in line and don't let that frame your experience.
(4)
andrea r.
For true southern food, you must go here, Family style and the food keeps coming !! You must go here--
(5)
Kate F.
Totally overrated! We were so excited to try this spot with all of the great reviews - and we were so disappointed. The only thing we both liked was the fried chicken, which was pretty good (but we have had better). The experience of waiting in a loooooong line built up our anticipation - but the fact that it was a line of tourists with tour bus stickers and fanny packs should have been the first hint we were in the wrong place. Once we were herded inside, we were sent to a large table that seated probably a dozen people. The table was filled with bowls of side dishes, and each spot had a glass of iced sweet tea. No one came to tell us what any of the dishes were - we were left guessing. We had to flag down the surly waitress in order to get water and unsweetened tea, and she made it seem as though we had asked for something totally unreasonable. The dishes were varied, but all were lukewarm. The macaroni and cheese seemed to not have real cheese on it, there were some dishes with turnips in them. The biscuits were not lofty, but oily and flat. The collard greens were so salty (and I love salt), we could barely eat them. The pulled pork was pretty good, but again - we've had better. There was something that I would describe as corn pudding, but I have no clue if it was creamed corn, grits... or what? It was so gelatinous, it was disgusting. Everything seemed to have salt, sweeteners, chemicals, etc. It actually lacked a true homemade taste. We had a couple of vegetarians at our table who were not clued in to the set menu, they clearly were miffed as well. So, for $16 a head you get to wait in line for mediocre cold food that you have no idea what it is, get treated badly by the 'waitstaff', have to beg for water, and then - you get to clear your own dishes! Amazingly enough - as soon as the meal was coming to an end, the previously surly and rude waitress who had walked around the dining room talking on her iPhone (!) during lunch - became sunny as she told us we could leave the tips on the table if we wanted HER to have them, instead of in the common tip basket as you check out. We would never go back, nor would we recommend this tourist trap. Beware of all those positive reviews!
(2)
Holly S.
Southern food at its BEST! This is one tourist trap in Savannah that is truly worth going to! If you drive by Jones St on a weekday between 11-2, you are sure to see a long line leading into what looks to be a house. Be sure to get there at about 10:50 if you don't like to wait.. but it is a shady wait if you choose to get there later. You must go with a HUGE appetite. As you wait in line, the people leaving Mrs. Wilkes will always say "It's worth the wait!". How annoying because after an hour of hearing.. "It's worth the wait," you just want everyone who already ate to hush.. haha. That sounds bitter, but you will see. Upon entering, you feel like you are at granny's house. Our table consisted of about 12 people. Try to not let the people at your table ruin your experience. We had a guy from New Jersey and other person at the table asked if he was from New York... Oh..That made Mr. New Jersey VERYY angry It made for an awkward lunch experience, but my beau and I found it rather comical. Beyond that, the food was delicious. I love bringing family and friends here, as well. This place is 100 times better than Lady and Sons!
(5)
Josh C.
Don't tell her I said this, but Mrs. Wilkes is better than my southern Grandmother's cooking. We arrived at 10:45 and were seated less than 30 minutes later my wife and I loved the family atmosphere. I was a little worried about sitting with strangers, but we had a great time. I've seen some reviewers complaining about running out of food...you must have been sitting with some greedy people! We all ate tons (everyone had seconds and thirds) and it seems like we barely made a dent in what we were served. I would advise you to try everything on the table. I generally don't like barbecue or stuffing, but I loved both at Mrs. Wilkes. You might find a new favorite as well.
(5)
Sarah H.
Mrs Wilkes is a must for anyone visiting or living in Savannah- the food is excellent and there is just no way to try everything they put on the table. The best fried chicken. Definitely a must.
(5)
Skip H.
Just like grandmas house! If your here, just go, it's a must do for lunch. Something for everyone on the table of delicious southern dishes. Loved the experience.
(5)
Ross W.
Forewarned, we got there at 10:30a, but there were already 30+ people in line. However, we made first seating. You sit with a bunch of strangers. The table is already filled with sweet tea and side dishes, from cabbage, collard greens, mac & cheese, black-eyed peas, okra & tomatoes to squash and candied yams. There must have been a dozen of them. Just having a little of everything could fill you up. Beef Stew was good. The highlight was definitely the Fried Chicken, which was amazing. Be sure to save room for Banana Pudding and Peach Cobbler. It is cash only and opens from 11a -2p. If we're back in Savannah, we'll definitely eat here again.
(5)
Jaime S.
Such good food!! True southern cooking.I felt like I was eating a meal at my mommom's...very home like atmosphere. We will eat here every time we visit Savannah.
(5)
DN P.
Trying to keep it short but will probably fail... - location: historic Savannah on a beautiful street - price: it was a bargain ($16 for about 80 lbs of food) - clientele: touristy, but fun (keep in mind all tables are family style - we sat with folks from all over and had a great time) - waitstaff: humorously officious (and everyone was very friendly) - food: delicious, hearty southern food without being too heavy/greasy We counted 23 different family-style served dishes on the table. The succotash was my favorite and the fried chicken a close second. The chicken was probably the best I've had outside of my grandmother's. Grandma still has the edge, but even coming close is tough in my opinion. Also, the sweet tea was perfect and that might have been the best Banana Puddin' I've ever had. The only negative: the wait. We waited for 1.5 hours to get in. But honestly it only made us hungrier and the food taste even better. Worth the wait if you're looking to eat well-prepared southern food with strangers in an environment with history and character. A must-eat in Savannah for me. Just get there early (11:00 or so) or carve out three hours in the middle of the day so you can build your hunger in line outside.
(5)
James S.
After one hour in line to finish our meal in 35 minutes, I can say it was not worth all the hype! You'll leave full and with that feeling that you just ate at your grandmothers thanksgiving dinner. But to be honest, it was just a bunch of vegi's and a few meat options but nothing special about any of it! There is a place off I-75 at x201 called Buckner's that is just like this place but actually does have good chicken and you sit 10 to a table like Mrs Wilkes. If you're traveling on your trip skip this place and try Buckner's with very little wait and a better experience! P.S. Mrs Wilkes does not take credit cards and the meal is $16 a person. And they are only open M-F 11-2!
(3)
Scott A.
Worth the hour wait. 22 bowls of southern comfort at the dinner table to enjoy with awesome fried chicken & pulled pork. Skip Lady & Sons and plan on going here instead.
(5)
Rich J.
Everything you could hope it to be. They have about 7 tables, about 10 to a table. Got there at 10:30, waited 2 hours... totally worth it. Definitely get there before noon. Go crazy with the greens, cabbage, and okra salad; you won't find better anywhere. I haven't ate like this since my grandma passed.
(5)
Foodie S.
Best southern cooking I've ever had!!! It only opens from 11 - 2 for lunch. I arrived at 1:30 and there was a line out the door. Lunch is served family style with collard green, chicken and dumplings, cream corn, mash red potato, lima beans, squash, black eye peas, , mac and cheese, red beans, green beans, pull pork, stew, (about 15 different dishes) are on the table. No picking from the menu. Everyone gets the same thing. The fried chicken is to die for! If you don't mind sharing the table with strangers, you will love this. And - everyone clears his own table and bring his dishes to the dishwasher. Must experience when in Savannah.
(5)
Yuna P.
My boyfriend and I went to extreme measures to taste the true Southern cooking. First of all, we stayed an extra day in Savannah, just to eat at Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room, which is opened only on Monday through Friday. Not only that, we woke up at 8 AM (on a vacation!) to line up in front of Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room by 10 AM. I can't disagree with the other reviews here. The wait was totally worth this unique dining experience. Fried Chicken wasn't all Fancy Schmancy (spiced up, or whatever restaurants do nowadays); in fact, it was a real, authentic fried chicken. I also thoroughly enjoyed the macaroni and cheese, mashed potato, beef stew, and the banana pudding! The combination of mashed bananas and wafers.. it truly is a flavor party! I wish they served the banana pudding as one of the side items on the tables, so I can eat bowls of it! For future goers, I will pass on the wisdom I've obtained upon eating at Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room: 1. Be prepared to line up staring 10 AM. This will guarantee your entrance to the restaurant as soon as it opens. 2. Make sure to touch up on some table manners before you go as you will be sharing the table with strangers! 3. save room for dessert - go for the banana pudding. It is to die for! 4. Most importantly, take cash or check! You have to pay for this graceful food somehow.
(5)
Leslie M.
The best fried chicken ever! I was tipped off to this place by an extremely nice local after I told her about the encounter I had with a very rude hostess standing outside of The Lady and Sons (I'm writing Paula Dean a letter.) The advice I got was to line up at 10am, even though the place doesn't open till 11. My sister and Abel wanted to take a walk so technically I was the first one in line and armed with my camera, US Weekly, and my cell phone I had more than enough distractions to keep myself entertained as I patiently waited and fantasized about gooey mac n cheese. But I wasn't alone for long cause within 10 minutes people were showing up asking if this was the place. It's kinda tricky cause it really just looks like a townhouse. Before I knew it, the time was 10:55, Kim and Abel had returned, and the front door had just opened. (yay!) When you walk in, you immediately notice the four tables in the room already set with like 20 serving bowls of food. I took a seat that was the closest to the fried chicken. ( I had been smelling it for an hour!) Once everyone was seated this man comes to the middle of the room and rings a bell which signifies that it's time to "dig in." The concept of this place is "family style" where you pick up a dish, serve yourself a helping, and then pass it on to the person sitting beside you. And let me tell you, there is sooo much food to choose from! Collard greens, corn, okra, scalloped potatoes and gravy, cornbread, sweet potatoes, mac n cheese...it just goes on and on. Everything is absolutely AMAZING and probably a 100% better than anything served at that over-hyped establishment I mentioned earlier. (I really am writing Paula Dean a letter.) But seriously, get there early cause as we were leaving I noticed that the line had quadrupled down the sidewalk and they have limited hours (11am-2pm mon-fri) and limited seating--first come first serve.
(5)
Lisa B.
This was by far hands down the BEST authentic southern food I ever had. The staff were very nice and made you feel at home. The overall experience was I felt like I was sitting down for dinner at Grandma's. Be patient it's worth the wait .
(5)
Sarah C.
Make this place a PRIORITY while visiting Savannah, people! And good luck on getting in!! First time ever waiting in an roller coaster line to eat lunch. The line of drooling people literally wrapped around the corner of the street. (Pictures to prove it) They are only open M-F from 11am-2pm. We got there at 11:20am and it took us about an hour and 15 to get in. You are only able to get into the house in "waves". They have a certain amount of tables, and once they are filled, that's it! You're stuck waiting outside and then seeing the FULL FOOD COMA patrons come out satisfied & letting us know "its worth the wait!" And it TRULY TRULY was. BEST MEAL EVER. Felt like you were a guest in someones home (which you practically are), sitting around the table with the people you acquainted yourself with during that hour wait (we met the kindest couple), and sharing a large meal w/ over 20 diff. dishes, I KID YOU NOT. It was our last day and last meal in Savannah~ GREAT, EPIC ending to the trip. =) Again, cash only!
(5)
Courtney E.
Trust the other reviews...this place is money! I went here for lunch after just moving to Savannah. It was a great place to go to alone since you sit with other people anyway. I counted 22 different bowls of food on our table. Everything was good but I especially liked the bbq pork, squash casserole, and banana pudding. It's only open for lunch Mon-Fri so I suggest planning your vacation around making a stop here.
(5)
Johnny C.
This was the first restaurant we visited in Savannah and it turned out to be the best. We didn't know beforehand that food was served family style on a table for ten people. It felt a little strange eating with strangers at first but conversation flow easy with great food. In no time we were chatting up with everyone at our table and it was quite enjoyable. We counted 23 dishes that were served. Every dish was well made and a couple of dishes were simply amazing. My wife considers herself to be a fried chicken connoisseur and she thinks they have the best fried chicken she's ever tasted. My personal favorite was their BBQ beef and candied yams. Considering the affordable price, enjoyable atmosphere, excellent varieties of dishes, and some of the best food we ever tasted. This place rank in the top three on our all time favorite restaurant list. This is a must visit if you are near Savannah.
(5)
Gen L.
Very tasty southern food. Come hungry! You are served family style at a table of 8. More food than you can imagine.
(4)
Alexa S.
I LOVE THIS PLACE! Went there this morning. Wait was about an hour (arrived around 10 minutes after 10). The food is excellent. There's so much of it that I forgot a majority of it. You will not be disappointed. So yes this is the must go grub spot if you're visiting like I am. It's best if you walk around afterwards.
(5)
Leslie T.
Great fried chicken, mac n cheese, and banana pudding. Worth the wait!
(5)
Louise B.
If I could give Mrs. Wilkes a 4.5 I would. I'd seen this place on Food Network several years ago (back when Mrs Wilkes was still with us) & have been wanting to try it. I FINALLY made it! This wasn't my first trip to Savannah but as other reviewers (and the website) have noted, they are only open during the week from 11am-2pm. Well, this trip was planned with the SOLE purpose being to visit Mrs Wilkes Boarding House. I have to say, I think the stars were aligned for me this day. We pulled up to the restaurant 15 minutes to 11, plenty of parking & only about 40-50 people already in line (yes, I said "only"). My friend & I waited about 20 minutes & we were in. Seating is very quick because there are about 8 tables in the 2 dining areas & they each seat 10-12 people. When we walked in the table was already setup with all of our sides. I can't remember them all but it was much more than the sides they listed on the website for that day (Thursday). The Mac & Cheese was Cheesy Goodness, Fried Chicken nicely seasoned, not at all greasy, Oh So GOOD! and to my surprise my favorite thing of all was the Cabbage! Now normally, you couldn't pay me all the money in the world to eat cabbage, seriously... wouldn't touch it with a 10 foot pole. I had that cabbage parked right in front of me so I could keep going back for more without having to ask for it to be passed back. Two things made me knock off half a star, towards the end of the meal we were all having a great time chatting with the others at our table & they brought around desert. We had to pick either banana pudding, or peach cobbler. Well, Savannah is not exactly in my backyard so if I'm gonna drive almost 4 hours I want to at least be able to try both, it's not like they were huge servings... probably about a small serving spoon of each one on a tiny little plate. Well, the first person that got the desert tray at our table took both so we all followed suit. When the waitress came back for the ones that should have been left over she just laughed at the empty tray we handed back to her. Now, once you're done you better pack it up! No dilly dallying, they don't want you sitting around at the table talking because there are hungry people lined up outside waiting to come in. So... we bid good day to our fellow diners & were on our way. I will definitely go back, but next time I'll take my cousin who eats super slow so we can take our times & not be rushed. I've figured out that's they key to being able to stay a little longer... as long as someone at the table is still eating they won't push you out.
(4)
Kristina W.
How fun was it to eat at Mrs Wilkes. I think most people probably wait in line longer than it takes to eat their lunch but I got lucky and there was no line (I went off season on a rainy day). Once it is your groups turn to be seated, they take you to your table which is fully laid out with fried chicken, BBQ chicken, black eyed peas, biscuits, beans, cheesy mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes and a whole lot more. Everything was good but personally, I thought the fried chicken stood out. It was so moist. I also loved their beef stew. If you come to Savannah, you have to try this establishment.
(4)
Justin K.
Most people visiting Savannah will make the pilgrimmage to Paula Deen's restaurant, but it can't hold a candle to this Southern classic. Thanks to other Yelpers' reviews (thanks guys), we knew Mrs. Wilke's would be popular, but we had not idea how much Southerners love this food. (And well they should.) The restaurant serves only one meal a day (lunch) and they're only open on weekdays. The restaurant opens its doors promptly at 11:00, but diners start lining up well before. We arrived at 10:40, and barely made the first seating. Note: if you don't make the first seating, you have to wait until a whole group has finished its entire dinner, which can be around 45 minutes. When we left, the line extended down the block and almost around the corner. For the uninitiated, allow me to explain. Mrs. Wilkes' serves on common tables, meaning you'll be dining with around 8 other people, often strangers. When you enter the dining room, the table is already laden with around 15 side dishes, chicken, and pot roast/stew. You choose a seat, introduce yourself to your new friends, and then you start passing the side dishes. Oh, and what side dishes! Collard greens, creamed corn, okra -- whatever southern dish you could crave -- it's here. The chicken was the best I've had in a long time. It mirrored the chicken my Texan great grandmother used to make. Sigh. Practical information: Eat a small breakfast, since it's all you can eat, and you'll want to indulge. Get there by 10:45 at the latest. Cost is $16 per person. In a nice homey touch, servers ask diners to bus their own dinner dish at the end of the meal.
(5)
Jamie E.
Get there before 10:30 or expect a 90 minute wait. The fried chicken, Mac and cheese and Lima beans were excellent. Some of the side dishes were on the salty side. Unless you really like sweet tea, make sure you ask for unsweetened.
(4)
Ryan S.
We got there early to get in line and still only got the second seating. The food is very good and there is a large variety and a lot of it. We felt like we rushed. Try a small amount of everything first, then get seconds on what you like. Some things were outstanding, some were average. I'd recommend anybody visiting Savannah to try it once.
(4)
G H.
It is worth the wait. Luckily there is a cute shop with air conditioning to browse next door while a good natured boyfriend waits in line. Make friends with the people in line with you. I enjoyed the family style seating. The food is great and there is tons of it. I put just a little taste of each thing on my plate and it was heaping full. Then they brought out the biscuits, then the dessert. Wow. Go on an empty stomach. I am not from the south, so there were several dishes I had never tried before. I liked it all.
(5)
Robert C.
This place was really good, but I don't know if it was good enough to wait 2 hrs for! If you get there before 11am and the line is already "around the corner", you're in for a 1.5hr+ wait. When other reviewers say "don't worry about looking for the sign, you'll see the line of people", man were they right!
(4)
jessica d.
Sometimes touristy places are good. Like, how Mama's in SF is still good, but overrun by tourists. This place is good, so don't be afraid. You have to sit at a communal table and talk to people from parts of the country that are villified by the coastal free thinkers, but then you find out that they are real people too! And you are united by the most American of pastimes - stuffing yourself with the most wonderful fried chicken and like 20 other sides. Seriously - 20(!), I didn't even get to try all the sides! I wish I was hungrier. I would say that the sides were only ok, and it was more quantity over quality, but that fried chicken... Oh man! It was like Proust's imagined perfect madeline - real fried chicken never measures up to what is in my head, but this did. Can I go again tomorrow? So. If you visit Savannah, come here. We got lucky and rolled up at 11 am on a Tuesday in winter. There was a long line, but we got in for the first seating. Don't be like us, you probably won't be as lucky. Get a coffee somewhere, bring a book, and arrive by 10 am at the latest. Be hungry!
(4)
Amanda D.
"All you can eat" should be modified to "all you can eat in 25 minutes". That's about how long we were in Mrs Wilkies before our table began being cleared because our group's time was "up". You have quite an impressive selection of dishes to try at Mrs Wilkies and some of them are really excellent (BBQ, mashes potatoes, yams, butter beans, fried chicken) but you spend about 10 minutes passing dishes back and forth between others at your table. This doesn't leave too much time to eat before being rushed over to pay and leave. We suspect this place was incredible at one time and just got too big for itself. Now the line out the door translates to a factory feel. Hate to say it, but this is definitely a tourist trap. Nevertheless, it was an experience worth having. Just go prepared.
(3)
Steve S.
What a lunch feast. Even though it was almost 2:00 closing time, they seated everyone in line. Table for 10 already had the more than 20 dishes ready to serve. Fried chicken very tender & juicy. So many sides to try (20), we tried a spoon of each before going back to our favorites.
(4)
Annie M.
150% worth the wait. We got there at 11 to wait in line and were lucky enough to be first in line. We got nervous at first that the hype was all overrated as no one else came in line... but after about 20 minutes the line went out the door. Every item on the table was simply presented and smelled great. The chicken was truly the best friend chicken I think I have ever had. I am so happy we came here instead of Paula Deen's. I was surprised by how many people had never heard of it, yet the place was full by the time we left. Family style and clear your own plates added to the atmosphere and we had a great time! Glad we heard about it and took a chance:)
(5)
Bradley L.
So we arrived at eleven, when it opened, and the line was already to the end of the block and you could smell the fried chicken. We got in line and quickly made friends with these two fun ladies from Kansas City who were in town for a sewing convention. This is why I love this place, the line kinda forces you to get to know the people you will be eating with (i guess unless you are in a group of ten) and you may have nothing in common with them. Well about ten minutes in with were just ke-keing with them and laughing about who knows what. Thirty minutes later, you got some table friends and you are HUNGRY. They seat you and bring a ridiculous amount of good southern food out. The fried chicken was good, the gravy was on point, and the cucumbers in vinegar reminded me of my Mamaw. I was in love. All the cooks are old southern black ladies, which totally validates the place for me, bc everyone knows if you want some good southern cooking the best place to turn (besides my Mom's kitchen) is some church going black ladies. Skip Lady and Son's and head here... oh and take your plate to the kitchen when you are done.
(4)
Johnny B.
Awesome homestyle family food. Down home country southern cookin! YUMMMM!!! The wait (20 mins) was def worth it. They only take cash or check, no credit cards! Def get the banana pudding for dessert!
(5)
Gary C.
Overrated! Thank god I can say I went there ONCE and only once. One star sounds too harsh for the place but, it certainly qualifies for "don't bother".
(2)
Liz S.
Oh. My. God. Why does this place not have to full five stars? This really is food heaven. Just had to say it again. I love this place. It's a good thing I don't live here or I would be eating here way too often. I love you Mrs. Wilkes!
(5)
Ciara L.
Fabulous. If you go to Savannah and have the time, wait in the line, and eat here. The experience is awesome and the food is beyond amazing and true southern cooking at it's best! :)
(5)
Lem C.
SOUTHERN COMFORT FOOD--10 dishes family-style--shared with friendly strangers from all over. Fried chicken--excellent. Sweet corn grits--simple but good. Sweet iced tea--refreshes you after sitting on Forrest Gump's bench in summer heat & humidity. An enjoyable memory that layers your Savannah experience.
(4)
Don D.
for home cooked southern food, you cannot beat Mis Wilkes. I have been going there for years.
(5)
Clay J.
My wife and I arrived here at 10:30 and got in about 11:15. The food was delicious. There were far too many to review all of them, but every one of them is good.
(5)
Bill B.
Yes, we waited through about 2 cycles of the 60 capacity. There is shade though and it's not too bad. It was worth it. Delicious southern cooking and more than you can possibly eat. Just keeps coming. Was very pleasureable experience dining with strangers and passing dishes. The biscuits...YUM.
(5)
john j.
It's a Savannah landmark and you should therefore try it. The food is good and you get a ton of it so skip breakfast, forget about your diet, and come hungry. If your table can eat half of all they put in front of you as a group then you did better than we all did. I hope they give the left overs to second harvest, a soup kitchen, or at least take it home. That would be a lot of wasted food if not. All of it is good. This is traditional soul food.. Here's just a partial list of what you'll get: fried chicken, biscuits, black eyed peas, pulled pork, rice, mashed potatoes, dressing, chili rice and sausage, lima beans, white rice, squash, sweet potatoes, and a few more I can't remember. As it gets passed around to you your plate will quickly fill up. In terms of the not so good....we had to stand in line for an hour and a half for this. It's also $16 a shot so it ain't cheap. One thing that really turned me off was that I was required (everyone was) to take their dirty plate through the entire restaraunt to the dishwasher. Really? I wait in line for an hour and a half and pay $16 so I can bus my own table? Really? Bottom line: The food is good to be sure but I'm not sure it's really worth 1.5 hours of my life out on a sidewalk and $16. Good but didn't knock my socks off. Go to say you went but I'm not sure I'd go back unless the wait was less and they knocked off a few bucks. Kind of the same thing as Paula Dean's place.
(3)
Bruce M.
The name says it all! Dine here as a guest in a friends home. Share a table of about 10 with other guests. The table is loaded with food like a thanksgiving dinner. Everything was down home southern cooking and it was amazing!!! The wait was about 45mins to an hour but so worth it! This place is not for everyone, it is DOWN HOME SOUTHERN cooking!!!
(5)
Lori H.
Went here in mid March. Got on the line at 1pm with quite a few people in front of us. We were afraid we might not make it in before their closing time of 2 pm. But after a 90 minute wait we got in. We sat with the people we were chatty with in front of us. The food was delicious as everyone on Yelp has been saying. I was a bit surprised that the chicken didn't keep coming. After the first plate, it took quite a bit of waiting and another guest requesting it again before we saw our second plate. By the time it did come, most people had filled up on the side dishes. There was only one dessert offered when we were there... a banana pudding type dish. I passed on it thinking there would be other choices coming along but it never came. We were not offered coffee or tea after the meal either. The prices have gone up to $18 per person. The food was good. The new friends we made while waiting and eating was a nice experience. But I feel like we could have gotten more chicken and more desserts. If I'm ever in town again and hungry, I'd go a little earlier. I suspect they ran out of food by the time we got there. I felt a bit rushed out by the end.
(4)
Troy B.
This may well be the best southern style food in the country. I know its the best I have had at least. The fried chicken is incredible, the biscuits perfect, and the vegetables are plentiful and delicious. The boarding house seating, with maybe 10 to a table, is fun and good for conversation during your meal. Despite the rather high price for lunch, it is all you care to eat and worth the cost. Get there early to avoid the line. I would highly recommend Mrs Wilkes to anyone visiting Savannah.
(5)
Dan R.
I had heard about Mrs. Wilkes but was not going to go. 2 hours in line? Is any food worth that? YES! This place is. We drove by around a quarter to 2 which was near closing. The line was short, so what the heck. Street parking was right there. We waited for about a half hour and were the last ones in. I could go on about the food, but these reviews have already done that. They talk about feeling like family. Because we were at the end of the day, Marcia Thompson sat at our table to have her lunch. She is Mrs. Wilkes' granddaughter. We had a chance to chat and I learned about the history of the place, about the excitement of Barack Obamba's visit the month before, and Caroline Kennedy's visit the week before. I wanted to talk for hours and I think she would have let me, but they were closing up and I did not want to outstay my welcome. I want to go back. Before we left, she asked If I had tasted the biscuits. I had not, and when I went to reach for one on the table she called for someone to get me hot ones. OMG How could a lowly biscuit taste so good. Especially with the syrup. Thank you Marcia Thompson for one of the most memorable dining experiences.
(5)
BklynMama K.
The wait is incredible. Is the food incredible enough for the wait? It's certainly an experience. Chatty neighbors on line, friendly folk sharing your table. The food is abundant and plenty of it was tasty, too. Like a giant Southern Thanksgiving.
(3)
Maryanne S.
I prefer Mrs. Wilkes' to The Lady and Sons because the wait, though long, is on a lovely shaded street and, once inside, the food comes to you, you don't have to go to a buffet. (I hate buffets! I have witnessed too many people sneeze over them or stick fingers into food--yuck!) but honestly, if it weren't for the guests-from-out-of-town factor, I don't see why anyone would wait two hours for Southern food. it's just not good for you and it's so overcooked. ok it's tasty, but really, so is a raw carrot.
(4)
Brad E.
We ate here on Feb 3. We were in town for one day and wanted to sample true southern cuisine. We were going to try Paula Deens place but after reading reviews we decided to try Mrs Wilkes instead. We were not disappointed!! We showed up at 10:50 and we were able to get right in. You sit at tables of 10 and eat family style. It was a great way to meet people and gather suggestions on what to do while visiting Savanah. We sat with locals and a family visiting from Jacksonville. All were fun and entertaining...we were only called yankees once!! They werent to brutal to us....Now the food. Everything was in bowls on the table when we sat down. There were 3 meats, all amazing...meatloaf,bbq pork and the best fried chicken I have ever eaten. Truly awesome!!!! Also available were ruttabagas, mashed potatos, sweet potatos,bisquits,savanah rice with sausage,green beans, black eye peas,okra and tomatos,cole slaw,collards,beefstew, and more!!! Enjoyed everything, a great way to sample a little of the southern classics!! Oh yeah the locals we sat with also said to avoid Paula Deens place and come here...Just sayin....
(5)
Miki M.
Yes, the wait is long. Yes, its only open on the weekdays. Yes, its cash only. Yes, if you are not in line by 12pm you probably won't get it. And YES its WORTH IT!! 25 amazing dishes that I know was made fresh and with love. The best fried chicken I ever ate and all for $16!
(5)
Eric L.
Now this is eating. Soul food, comfort cooking at it's simple best. There is nothing extra done to the food, no pizaz, nothing fancy. Just generous amounts of fat for frying, salt, and that's about it. I made it a point to try everything on the table, which was no simple feet. We counted 20 different bowls of sides on the table. The fried chicken is the real thing, better than you will get anywhere. Among the sides standouts were the salty collard greens, sweet as sugar yams, and some wonderful mac and cheese. Honestly nothing was bad or even average. I might be setting a bar so high that what you now have in your mind will never match the food, but I doubt it. Be aware that the meal is served family style and you will be seated with people not in your party whom you will have to ask to pass you things. If this is a deal breaker for you I'm sorry. You are missing out on a great meal. At $16 for all you can eat, well, it does not get any better than this.
(5)
Harriet R.
Not worth the 1.5 hour wait in the hot sun. Chicken was the best part of the lunch.
(2)
Diana L.
OH MY GOD!!! The best fried chicken in the South! Maybe ever! On vacation and we had this place on our list as a must do! And it is! We were in line about 10:30 (in the rain) and was seated at our table within 15 minutes of opening. This is family style and once seated we counted 18 dishes - yes 18 - different side dishes on the table - green beans, collards, mac & cheese, etc.... Start passing to the right! The food is southern and amazing! Brought back many WONDERFUL memories of my grandma's cooking! If you go - and you will - go hungry and try to savor each side dish - they are truly yummy! The staff are really friendly and will go the extra mile for their guests. I asked for 1 piece of dark meat fried chicken and she brought the table another full plate. I jokingly say I had fried chicken for dessert. This is one of Savannah's most treasured eating places and I wish them continued success. Look forward to more chicken!!!
(5)
Marilyn H.
This fried chicken is truly the standard by which all other should be judged. Coming from the West coast we wanted to find authentic and local food and this was definitely it. It has truly been the best meal of the whole trip to Georgia and South Carolina. Don't miss the oppoutunity to eat here. It was a treat.
(5)
Dan K.
very fun place - southern cookin' ,, sort of tight quarters but always tasty
(4)
Den G.
Very long line in the hot sun for a meal that's a bit above average, but not great. A lot of the reviews mention meatloaf, pulled pork and fried chicken was served with their meal but on my visit the only meat was the fried chicken and a small bowl of stew that we all shared. True, there are many bowls of food on the table, but almost all are vegetables (which were very good) and the accompanying biscuits were only average with the dessert being small and sub par with only 2 choices. Also,family style is ok but it was a bit bothersome passing all of the bowls of vegetables around while trying to eat.They do seem to try move you out as fast as possible which made me uncomfortable and rushed.
(3)
Joe B.
So, what's the deal here? I was told by multitudes of people how great this place was. Well, I headed over there the other morning to wait on the line for what's supposed to be a glorious home cooked lunch. I waited about 2 hours on the line (the average, I was told, OK). Then finally let in by a rather gruff young man saying "two?, straight ahead to the table in the back." Then was met by a cranky elderly woman who said, "Hey, you 2 sit here!" So, down we sat at a table covered with medium sized bowls of dull looking, lukewarm side dishes of Mashed sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, turnips, green beans, butter beans, collard greens, stuffing, pork barbecue, creamed corn, sweet potato salad, noodles and peas, macaroni salad, beef stew and cornbread with biscuits. Then out came the fried chicken. The fried chicken was very good, crispy and well seasoned with moist and tender meat. But, the sides were a hit or miss sort of mess. Most were, like I said, not really even warm, and many tasted canned and institutional. What was great was the fun crowd sitting around the table with me criticizing the dull food and agreeing that it was just OK for Sixteen bucks. But, not worth that wait. There are better places in this town, really!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(2)
Lauren S.
A true southern gem, and well worth any wait! Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room has family style seating, so they seat an entire table at a time. Less than $20 a person, and TWENTY SIX courses later (yes we counted, and took pictures) including fresh-brewed sweet tea and an ending of banana bread pudding, we left feeling incredibly happy... and incredibly full. It was great to meet and mingle with the other travelers at your table and hear their stories while passing around dish after dish of absolutely delicious southern cooking. I have to confess I even bought the Mrs. Wilkes cookbook on the way out... Eat here, come hungry, and leave happy.... you will not be disappointed!
(5)
Lance C.
This place is definitely a must. You will have to wait to get in, but the 24 different dishes that were placed on our table were all fantastic. Sweet tea, pulled pork ... spiced pickled beets .. stuffing ... all served family style ..... all were great ... be prepared to leave over fed
(4)
Phuong N.
Excellent family style unlimited lunch for $16 including sweet iced tea! There's about 20+ dishes on the table. The fried chicken was good without all the grease dripping! Dessert was great as well! We went on a wednesday and made the line at 10:45am with about 30 people ahead of us. We made the first seating without any problems. Would highly recommend trying it!
(5)
Daniel E.
best comfort food available. sit down to some high quality southern cooking...
(5)
Beau D.
If you could only eat one meal in the South before you die, this is the place. Buy the recipe book you will love it Nuff said.
(5)
Kelley H.
What's not to love, except the wait, which can be up to an hour, standing on the street. (Advise: They start seating about 10:55 a.m. Go around 10:15-10:30 on a beautiful morning. Trade off waiting in line with a friend while you walk around Jones Street which is quintessential Savannah.) Make friends with those you are in line with, for they will be your dining companions as the seating is family syle. All the food will be on the table when you are seated. You just sit down and go for it. They try and move you through in about 30-45 minutes, which is enough. NOTE: If you are from the south and a good southern cook, this is like Thanksgiving dinner- it is wonderful, but not unlike anything you have ever had- with the possible exception of the unusual biscuits- possible the best Ive ever had. So good, I bought the cookbook. Also, it is cash or check only.
(4)
Ellie S.
Ate here November 2008. The food was wonderful! Kind of like the best Thanksgiving or Holiday dinner you ever had in your life. Every dish was wonderful although I actually liked the honey pecan fried chicken better at the pirate house but, everything here was great and so many things to try! I do wish it was not so rushed but, I understand so many people want to eat here they have to accomodate as many as they can. It was nice to sit family style and meet other people and the Wilkes family does their best to make you feel like your at home during the rush by personally visiting the table. The staff is amazing. Their are usually several people assigned to your table to take care of your needs. The only negative I could give it is if you have real picky eaters there is no kids menu food i.e. (french fries and the like) . My one child only ate biscuits and some chicken with water and my other child only ate bbq, biscuits and water but, my kids are the pickiest of eaters and I knew enough to give them some waffles from breakfast while we waited in line. It worked like a charm. Also, we got there about 11:45am and there were about 20-30 people ahead of us but, I don't think we waited more than 20 minutes. We let our boys play off to the side of the line and the wait did not bother us at all.
(5)
Mark T.
The wait made this a hard 5 stars. Yes, the food is everything people say it is, but we got there at 10:45 and it took until 12:15 to sit. People who got there at noon must have waited at least 2 hours. Food 5+ stars, but wow what a wait.
(4)
Crystal F.
Fun experience. Loved seeing the sea of yummy southern dishes all over the table. Enough food to feed an army. For southern food in savannah, this place is a must. Thinking about their fried chicken makes my mouth water. Come very hungry. Much better that lady & sons!
(5)
Marie R.
Okay- seriously- Ive lived in Savannah for 18 years and have heard about this gem since the day I arrived. If you are looking for REAL southern good in a REAL southern setting....go to Mrs. Wilkes. You will be at a large table with other people and you all pass around the food.....like an old southern traditional family. The fried chicken and barbecue rock! When you take your plate and glass to the kitchen, sneak a look into the back and see who is making the southern magic happen.....AND its all FRESH. Take it from me.
(5)
Matthew W.
I'm sorry Mrs. Wilkes - I really wanted to give you a 5 star, but I'm going to have to give you 3 stars. My actual rating is probably around 3.5 stars, but I'm going to round down. This is why I can't give 5 stars: (1) Looooooong wait in the hot sun, with no workers telling us how long it will be, and not enough tables to make the line go faster (2) Forced to eat family style, and since I went to the restaurant by myself, it felt awkward having to politely ask (in the proper Southern fashion) people to pass me certain dishes. One lady yelled at me in the beginning for passing the food the wrong way around the table. A lazy susan would be an awesome idea. Furthermore, everyone else finished before me, which was kind of awkward, because I was still eating, and felt like I had to rush to finish. It was probably awkward for them because they probably felt bad for leaving before I was done. (3) The food was good, but not every dish was excellent. For example, the noodles with peas was bland. The dressing (similar to stuffing) was good but not great, and same for the sausage. The sweet potatoes were really really good though - good use of spices. (4) Weird hours. Only open between 11-2 M-F. Extra coolness points for Obama having eaten there, though. Not sure if it's worth the hype. If you go, get there really early. I got there at 10:45 AM on a Friday and had to wait about 1 1/2 hours. You should probably get there at 10 AM and you might be the first wave in, maybe the second wave.
(3)
Pamela M.
oh man, if you're in Savannah M-F for lunch, skip Paula Dean's place and come straight to the line-up at Mrs. Wilkes'!!! And yes, there will be a line, and standing in it for an hour is well worth your time once you get inside and taste all that good Southern cooking laid out in front of you. There was two of us together on this outing and we wound up sitting at a large table with the ladies that we had stood in line with outside, what fun we wound up having sitting down to a family meal with lots of new people! There was so much food on the table, it was hard to pass up anything that was passed around to you, and easy to go back for second (or even third) helpings of your favorites. The fried chicken was some of the best I've had and there were too many side dishes to keep track of. And the sassiest waitresses in Savannah, even kept the one guy at our table in check! Come and experience this homey atmosphere and you will leave with your buckle undone a couple of notches and only for $16, don't miss it!
(5)
Timothy G.
When we sat down with six total strangers, the table was already set with 16 dishes of piping hot food. Every dish looked like Grandma's cooking - just a lot more choices. We got to know our table-mates as we figured out how to pass the plates clockwise. As we talked and ate, the waitresses kept bring more and more plates of piping hot southern foods. In all, we counted 24 dishes. I'm sure we all consumed a pound of butter, but without any regrets. Every dish was a joy, and we all entertained ourselves watching the young (thin) lady across from us consume just as any in our group (The three of us all tip 250 lbs.). I rarely eat desert, so that was the only thing I passed on. But everyone else practically licked the bowel of banana pudding clean. My favorite was the Cheesy Mashed Potatoes and the BBQ pulled Pork. We couldn't figure out what a few of the dishes were - but we enjoyed them just the same. It was worth the 40 minute wait.
(5)
Liana P.
One of the most memorable places in Savannah. If you are visting or even if you are a local and have been putting off going here, GO! This was so fun, we got there around 10:30 am, and the line was already starting to form. They started seating promptly at 11 am. You are seated at a 10 top table, with other strangers. It totally added to the experience and I wouldn't like it any other way. You get seated and some of the food is already on the table, which is piping hot and fresh, next more and more dishes come out. Everything from bbq pork, fried chicken, to fried okra, sweet potatoes, green beans. biscuits, corn bread, etc.It's basically like going home to mom's for thanksgiving dinner, except the food is BETTER, and that's saying alot b/c my mom has thanksgiving dinner down to a science, and instead of turkey you get fried chicken. They serve sweet or unsweetened tea, and vanilla bread pudding for dessert. Some tips: bring a slow eater because you are going to want the extra time to eat, and they have a lot of people to get in so they want you to get in/out, but they aren't rude about it. And this is not a place for veggies, sorry veggie friends :( If I'm ever in Savannah again i will definitely go back to this place.
(5)
Toby V.
Yes, yes, yes! We (a group of 8) got there a half-hour before opening on a Wed in mid-June and were seated immediately upon opening at 11am.
(5)
Marti C.
I have to add my whi-hoos, yippees and yumms to all the reviews about Mrs. Wilkes. We were just there last week, for the first time, and it rocked. We got there at 11:30 a.m. and only waited 10 minutes. We were seated with a father and his two sons from Connecticut and a local that pops in for lunch every so often. You know its good if the locals show up. It was great that you don't have to think about what to order, you get to try everything and the refills are free flowing. Every dish was delicious. It was southern homemade food through and through - fried chicken, biscuits, cornbread, creamed corn, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, black-eyed peas and about 10 other dishes. They leave no traditional southern food off the menu or your table. So, if you leave hungry its your own fault. I would definitely go back next time time I'm in town.
(5)
Amanda M.
If you don't like to share, don't go. We had the best time, passing food around the table and sharing with the people we had just met. GREAT down home country food, and literally an endless array and amount to choose from. Everything was delicious, my only complaint is that it felt a little rushed, due to the long lines they are trying to fit in for the lunch shift. Overall, I loved the food and it was worth the wait, just wish I had more time to savor the food.
(4)
Sean M.
Mrs Wilkes is closed until the end of January 31st, 2011.. bummer.
(4)
Edward R.
tourist trap. if you like southern greasy and overwrought give it a try. i view the place as a nuisance as their line causes pedestrian traffic to overflow into the street at least once a week. not to mention it somehow overshadows the restaurants in this town with actual culinary skill.
(1)
CJ C.
Another super recommendation from yelpers. Waited in line for 45 minutes, but it was worth it. We were worried because there was a sign outside the restaurant that said only the first 35 in line would be served due to a large group reservation and that they would resume letting people in at 11:35. We decided to stay put and chat with the nice people waiting in line with us, even though the humidity and heat were rising. LOTS of food served family style. The outstanding items--succulent fried chicken, sweet potatoes and okra were our favorites (and I don't even like okra--but it was so good, took seconds on it). Everything else was good, just not exceptional--hence the 4 stars. (Really, it should be 4.5, but there are no halves here!) But if you want a real down home experience and the feel of being in someone's home, this is a great place to come. I think it's a must if you come to Savannah! My dining companion, who had never experienced real southern cooking, but is a true foodie, gave it 4.5 stars.
(4)
Christine K.
This was an awesome and delicious experience. We waited in line for almost two hours in the scorching heat, but it was totally worth it. Being seated with a table of strangers was really unique and I would definitely do it again, but more than that- the FOOD was just SO GOOD. There were more than 20 dishes on the table and every single one of them was scrumptious. The combination of the dining experience and the quality of the food makes it worth every minute waiting and every penny spent ($16- a BARGAIN). 10 million times better than Lady and Sons FOR SURE.
(5)
Robert B.
Sorry, but the fried chicken was not worth the 1+ hr wait. If your goal is tons of adequately prepared food, this is the place. Otherwise, Savannah has much better to offer at half the wait.
(2)
Angie M.
Mrs. Wilkes' was the highlight of the wonderful Southern food we ate during our trip to Charleston and Savannah. It's definitely worth the wait. The fried chicken and the sweet potatoes were unbelievably good. The biscuits, banana pudding, and cobbler were excellent as well. If you want to experience real southern cooking, go to Mrs. Wilkes'.
(5)
sara c.
Outstanding! We got there around 12:45pm and the line was down to the corner of the block! It was about 1 and 1/2 hour wait, but worth it. We made friends in line which moved things along. The line moves quickly because you are seated in groups of about 9 or 10 at a large table. Once you are in line, you get to eat (as long as you're in line by 2pm-which is when they close)-they don't send you away at 2 if you have been waiting in line (they'll let you know if they run out of food though). They are closed for the whole month of January. Make sure you come with cash-it is $16 per person...worth it!!!! The food was great, come with your appetite.
(5)
Joshua T.
Mrs. Wilkes, with the exception of Paula Deen's monstrosity of a restaurant (aka. The Disney world of southern cuisine) is one of Savannah's, most well known venues for artery clogging indulgent southern plates of greatness.With such well known, and almost cliche southern favorites, you just have to immerse yourself in the decadency of it all. Southern fried chicken, cornbread, buttered peas, mashed potatoes, and iced tea sweet enough to pour on pancakes are just a few of the favorite dishes at this Savannah landmark.This restaurant succeeds where so many other local restaurateurs fail, in providing something good enough that the crowd is a healthy mix of both locals, and tourists.Be sure to arrive early though as its a first come/first served, family style lunch and the line tends to stretch down the block even in the off season.Also remember that they only serve lunch, and only for limited hours.
(5)
Jeffery H.
Ok...we were in Savannah over the 4th of July holiday (Savannah in July?? We must have been nuts!)...anyway, after waiting in line for an hour and a half, the line finally puts us up to the front door. We get escorted to our table of 10 or so seats and everyone just stares, gape mouthed at the spread on the table. I thought I had died and gone to soul-food heaven! Absolutely insane. I can't name all of the sides because, frankly there were just too many to name. What I can say is that this place provided the BEST meal that we had in Savannah. I am a person who NEVER stands in line for anything....(DMV notwithstanding!) and wasn't sure that I was going to make it...or, even whether or not the long wait was worth it. Well folks, I'm here to tell you....IT'S WORTH IT! If you happen to be in Savannah, DO STOP BY THIS PLACE AND EAT!! The staff could not have been nicer....southern hospitality to the nth degree. I felt like I was at one of my relatives house during Thanksgiving or some other holiday. The people you meet in line while waiting will be your dining mates most likely. At first, I thought I'd have a problem with that...but, the people in line were extremely nice and friendly. We chatted up about different things (mostly the food!) for the entire wait in line. Everyone at our table ate to their hearts content. My only "con" was that they had run out of peach cobbler and banana pudding was all the dessert that was left. Well, if you think I'm going to take away a "star" for something like that, you're mistaken! Please do yourself a favor and DO GO TO MRS. WILKES!
(5)
Mary Ann Keogh K.
This is an eating experience. The fried chicken is crunchy outside and juicy inside. The barbquue pork was delicious my favorite was the sweet potto cassette the cole slaw and cornbread as well as creamed corn were all equally delicious. This is well worth the visit but plan it as your only meal of the day. And lastly talk bout perfect sweet tea
(5)
Vanessa C.
I just visited Savannah for the first time this weekend with my 16 year old son as we were visiting SCAD University. I had done a lot of research on restaurants before we got there and Mrs. Wilkes was one of my picks to try. We didn't think it would fit in our plans as they are only open from 11am - 2pm. Luckily we finished our meetings early and found our way over to Mrs. Wilkes. It was about a half a block line but we had time so we waited. And waited. And waited. About an hour and a half before we made our way to the front door. Luckily the people in line were nice so we were able to talk to some of the locals who also visit this place. (Not just for tourists). Once inside, it's family style and all the food is already on the table. I believe there's 10 to a table. So you get to meet new people and share a meal. The food was abundant. If anything was empty, they brought you more. The fried chicken was awesome. Best I've had. Not greasy at all. Mashed potatoes were delicious. Alot of southern staples such as collards, mac and cheese, red beans and rice, okra, etc; All in all, a great experience and I'm glad we didn't miss it.
(4)
Angi C.
if you go to only one place to eat in savannah, this would be my recommedation (although be prepared to be rolled out the door if you have weak will, like me)! we went for lunch on a thursday and once we got through the pretty-ridiculous line (about an hour wait), we were seated at one of ten big communal tables. the table itself was already full with pitchers of sweet tea and so many bowls of side dishes: mac n cheese, collard greens, cheese grits, black-eyed peas, okra, yams, rice, gravy, macaroni salad, apple salad, biscuits, cornbread, sausages, bbq chicken, chicken and dumplings, etc. once everyone sat down, plates of freshly fried chicken, still hot and crispy from the fryer, were passed around. empty bowls/plates of anything were quickly replenished and little bowls of banana pudding or strawberry pie were given out at the end. mrs. wilkes is no longer alive, but the whole place is still run by her family.
(5)
Taylor K.
This definitely deserves to be #1 in Savannah! Make sure you show up early (like 1030am) and bring a BIG appetite (do not eat breakfast). For only $18, you get to try 20+ bowls of different fresh southern country foods, drinks, and dessert. We loved the family/boarding house vibe and the quaint street. This place is a must stop if you are in Savannah; you wont be disappointed! They are only open until 2pm and the line starts forming at around 1030am!
(5)
Sarah S.
If you can only manage ONE meal in Savannah, you have to make the trek to Mrs. Wilkes! The line can and will seem daunting - they're only open from 11-2 pm Monday through Friday, no reservations allowed - but I promise, the experience is more than worth it. Mrs. Wilkes is an authentic Southern soul food restaurant, homed in a converted former boarding house and named after its former chef and owner, Selma, who cooked until she passed away at 95. Her family continues to run the place, and has upheld her standards of homestyle, no-frills eating. After a long wait (just accept it), you're brought into the restaurant in groups of ten and seated at a normal dinner table. The food is served family style, and is made up of all the Southern goodness you could hope for: fried chicken, pulled pork, sweet potatoes, fluffy biscuits, stewed okra, macaroni & cheese and grits and everything in between. Y'all, this is the REAL DEAL. The fried chicken was the best I've ever had, the pork melted in my mouth, and I never even thought I LIKED creamed corn until I tasted it here. Sure, some of the dishes are over-salted (pretty across the board at most places in the South, for me) but that's the only complaint I could muster up. After a truly decadent meal, they manage to fill the cracks with dishes of homemade peach cobbler and banana pudding, which left me wishing to high Heaven for a second stomach. On the way out, you pay $20 (cash only!) at the counter and are left with a "Y'all come back and see us!"; hard-pressed to remember you ever waited in line in the first place. Mrs. Wilkes is far from from your typical "tourist trap;" it's as authentic as you could get. I'll be back...just as soon as my arteries recover.
(5)
A S.
It's an institution... There is a LONG queue... There is a LOT of food... It costs $20 pp, cash ONLY... There is a LOT of fried chicken... There is a LONG queue... There is a still a LOT of fried chicken left... It's open from 1100am until 2pm Monday to Fridays only... There are a variety of other southern food delicacies up for grabs at your table where you will sit with up to 10 people. The really good thing about this place is that while you are queuing with all the other folk who decided to eat at this institution in Savannah, you will make a lot of friends, some of whom you get to sit with for lunch. So once you get in, kick back, make it social and enjoy the chicken. TIP take full wet gear, trainers, poncho, umbrella the lot, in case it rains because you will be standing outside for a long time and will get very very wet if it rains.
(3)
Thysis R.
This was one of the best meals that I had while visiting Savannah. I'm only giving 4 stars because of the wait time and weather that we were forced to deal with. We stayed at a Bed and Breakfast that was literally 3 buildings down so the walk wasn't bad. They open at 11am but people were lined up around 10am if not earlier. We got in line at about 10:45 and were seated at 12:30. It was hot, muggy and rainy so if you don't have an umbrella you're going to get wet. They do however offer complimentary water while you wait in line but still it was hot! It's probably much more bearable in the fall. Let me tell you, the wait is worth it!!! I'm so glad we stuck it out. The place itself has a ton of history. There are about 10 tables that seat at least 10 people to a table. This is true family style southern cooking. Some of the previous reviews stated that they weren't happy with the people they were seated with but our table was definitely the fun table. None of us knew each other but we made the best of it. We all passed the various dishes when requested and no one was impatient. Hands down this was the best fried chicken I've ever had! It really makes you want to slap ya mama! Lol! Oh and the sides were outstanding. The ones that stood out the most for me were the sweet potatoes, Mac n cheese, potato salad, collard greens, biscuits and oh my word, the creamed corn! We were given 2 dessert options of banana pudding and peach cobbler. I chose the banana pudding which was very good. It was truly worth the $20 per person. Make sure you wear stretchy pants cause you will need them. I look forward to my next visit very soon. Make sure you pick up a copy of their cookbook. I can't wait to recreate the dishes.
(4)
Pamela D.
Well I finally did it: I woke up early, drove to Savannah and waited an hour and forty five minutes for Mrs. Wilkes dining experience. As someone who doesn't mind lines, I had a great time waiting except for the ridiculous Georgia heat. We met some other great people in line which we ended up sitting with so it was nice to socialize a bit before our feast. Everyone who works there seems to love working there; they are all super friendly, wonderful people. Our main waitress has been there for 17 years! Now down to the food: Delicious. I normally don't eat fried anything but had to make an exception for the chicken and it was damn good: Crispy crispy outside and juicy goodness inside as it should be. My favorite dishes were definitely the turnips, creamed corn, okra and the black eyed peas. Some at our table felt the food was salty, which it was but not to the point where it made it inedible. You can taste the salt, but that is a Southern thing I believe and if you're not used to it you'll be caught by surprise. The biscuits and cornbread were sooo dry, which was disappointing but I was so full from the rest of the meal it didn't matter haha. Dessert: PEACH CRISP all the way. So tasty and just the perfect way to cleanse your palate and finish up a meal. I'm happy I finally enjoyed this experience. I definitely recommend anyone who appreciates Southern cuisine to plan for this place once in their lifetime. It is homestyle comfort food worth waiting for an excellent price ($20 flat, then extra for tip) Come early and bring cash!!
(4)
Kseniya Z.
The best first stop idea we could've had! When we saw the line outside we knew it was a good thing. Originally a boarding house, Mrs Wilkes has a ton of history, and opened because soldiers encouraged mrs Wilkes to cook for everyone not just them. The family style seating makes you feel like you're at Thanksgiving dinner and I personally loved that. The food is as real as it can get in the South. The sweet tea is served in pitchers. You don't get a menu, just sit down and ask your neighbor to pass the fried chicken or collard greens, etc. Close it off with a peach cobbler or banana pudding and you're practically in a food coma for the rest of the day. Amazing food and ambiance. Will always remember my experience there.
(5)
Melinda H.
How to explain how amazing this place is... really no words could describe how delicious everything is there. The wait is long but everything about this place is perfect. It's family style so you may or may not get seated with other people that you don't know. It's awesome though because you end up meeting people and it's pretty unique. I've been there a few times and each time was just as amazing as the last. They are consistent with their food and experience. The only problem is how limited they are in operating hours. It's hard to coordinate.
(5)
D. K.
Oh how we loved our lunch at Mrs. Wilkes! Be prepared to wait a long time (for context, we arrived at 10:30 am on a Friday and weren't seated until 11:45 am). You sit with strangers, but it was fun and the food was DELICIOUS. The fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and macaroni and cheese (oh and banana pudding!) were out of this world. Totally worth it!
(5)
Maurice C.
*Show Up Early* *Cash Only* What can I say.. I love this place! Writing this review after my third time eating here over a 3 year period. If I lived in Savannah I'd probably eat here for lunch every day during the week when they're open. I've grown up on southern food and Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room met and surpassed all of my expectations for southern comfort food and ambiance. The communal tables create an experience to remember. The "boarding house" style seating makes it so no one around you is a stranger for long. On my second trip to Mrs. Wilkes I sat next to someone from my hometown which is a thousand miles from Savannah...small world. That probably wouldn't have happened with normal seating. The food has never had any flaws. I wish I knew how they got their fried chicken that so crunchy and juicy. Like they told us the colonel (KFC) would be a general if he could cook chicken like Mrs. Wilkes. The sides were all seasoned perfectly and exemplify real down home cooking. The banana pudding and peach cobbler were extraordinary as well. So good! Mrs. Wilkes embodies the southern dining experience. A trip to Mrs. Wilkes will leave you more than satisfied!
(5)
James W.
5/5 This is a fairly unusual restaurant in that there is no menu, they're only open for lunch, and not open on the weekends. At this point you're probably scratching your head as to how such a proposition could possibly work much less thrive for decades. You need only look to the lines that form every day in anticipation of opening to tell it must be working. We arrived around 10am to get in line at the suggestion of our concierge. As it turned out we were about 40 or so back from the front. This meant a bit of a wait after they opened but it wasn't too bad. They only have about 6 or 7 large tables total that seat 8-10 people each. You're seated in groups with other people like an old country inn. At that point the table is covered in food. It's almost a southern Thanksgiving type vibe. Fried chicken, meatloaf, beef stew, mashed potatoes, cornbread, biscuits, etc, etc, etc. The fried chicken was good and I really enjoyed the meatloaf as well. Eat as much as you like, if you run low the staff will gladly bring out a fresh replacement helping for the table. Once everyone finishes the staff brings along desserts, the peach cobbler was very good, and then you bring your dishes to the cleaning area. Then you simply pay on your way out. As of April 2015 that was $20. They could almost certainly charge twice that and still have a line around the block. Also remember to bring cash. Highly recommended if you're in Savannah.
(5)
DJ V.
Line was very long upon arriving. They have odd hours seems like they are only open during lunchtime M-F. We arrived around 120pm. After about an hour and a half wait we were seated. The food was really good. It was true southern cuisine like grandma used to make. Seating was cruise ship style sitting at a big table with a bunch of strangers. Everything tasted authentic and a plus was i didn't have anything that tasted overly sweet as you do in some soul food restaurants. Oh yeah, bring some cash. Cash Only. It's definitely worth the wait. I have a few tips. If you go with small kids Bring a stroller and/or entertainment for the long wait in line. Water is provided at the entrance in an "igloo" with paper cups. Bottled water is available for sale at the store on the corner as well.(one fish two fish). Street parking was available at 25 cents per 30 min with 2 hour max.
(5)
Julie R.
Delicious Southern family style dining! They are only open Monday thru Friday and from 11 am to 2 pm, and if you want to be one of the first ones in get there by 10 am to wait in line. Otherwise you will still be waiting in line, but it will more than likely just be a longer wait if you're not early. If you go on a cold day like we did, it feels amazing once you get to the inside part and get to sit on the church style benches they have before you get seated and get nice and warm, or if it's hot then you can feel the nice a/c ;-). Either way, once you're there you start to see the food at the tables people are already seated at and it gets you all excited to have a plate of your own. They have two separate dining rooms, the main one is bigger than the other, but in total I would say they have like 10-12 tables and each one seats 10 (I believe). So whether you know the people you went into the place with or not you will be sitting together like a family, whether you like it or not (just like a family...sometimes you like each other and sometimes you don't, lol ;-). Once you are seated all the side dishes are already at the table, as well as iced tea. They bring out the star of the show, the fried chicken after, I guess so that it's as fresh as can be. They also ask once you are all seated whether you would like some water instead of the iced tea or as well as (yes, those are your only options for drinks). The side options were so many, let's see if I can remember them all: white rice, green beans, creamed sweet corn, collard greens, baked beans, mashed potatoes, cucumbers, squash, mac & cheese, mashed candied sweet potatoes (yams), black eyed peas, cabbage, rice and red beans, beef stew, bbq pork and meatloaf. Yes, the last three I named are technically part of the meat portions, but to me they are considered sides, and once you see and try the fried chicken you will know why. Their fried chicken comes out fresh, so it's nice and hot and juicy on the inside, but perfectly crisp on the outside!! It had just the right amount of salt and slightly peppery. And you can't stop at just having one piece, you will have at least two, if not more. And why not? It's not like you get to eat at Mrs Wilkes everyday so go ahead and indulge yourself! Then as if you hadn't already stuffed your face and belly enough they bring out the dessert, banana pudding and peach cobbler. The banana pudding has vanilla wafers in it and you may even get a little chunk of banana that didn't get fully mashed/ground up, it's delicious! I did give the peach cobbler a try, but since I'm not a fan of peaches I didn't like it. My husband said it was ok for him though (but also not his fav). Once you're all done you get up and take your plates to the kitchen (like if you were at home). And then you pay at the register at the entrance/exit. And remember it is cash ONLY, so don't forget to pull cash out before going. If you're visiting Savannah, make sure to stop here. And if you live in Savannah, or neighboring areas, and haven't been here shame on you! This is a def must do!!
(5)
Ryan M.
I agree that this is a one-time, must-visit for anyone looking for a new experience. But not something I would recommend for great food or to go to more than once. Though, I absolutely loved the concept of southern comfort food being served family style inside one of the beautiful Savannah homes, the food was quantity over quality. They had all the different varieties of southern food, but as someone who grew on on southern cooking, nothing tasted as good as I expected. Nonetheless, it was an interesting experience. I would recommend going as early as possible and eating here for brunch to avoid the long line.
(3)
Julio H.
**CASH ONLY**CASH ONLY***CASH ONLY***CASH ONLY*** I tell you this. A two hour wait to experience a Thansgiving Day meal with fried chicken, instead of turkey, may seem insane to some, but perfectly acceptable to others. I still don't know what to make of it. I tell you this though. The food was really good, almost extraordinarily really good. Everything that we tasted was very well made, no flaws whatsoever, no complains. The fried chicken was soft and moist, fresh, cooked perfectly, as well as the sides, which accounted for roughly twenty dishes. My favorite side dishes were the mac and cheese, the black rice with sausage, the sweet potato mash (candied yams), the okra and tomatoes, the pigeon peas, the pasta salad, etc. You get the idea... But even with that preamble, the big question remains. Is it worth it? I don't know how to answer this. The fee to sit down is twenty dollars in cash, the food is unlimited (the will replace all empty dishes or you could ask for more), so that should make frugal and hungry people happy. As far as quality, it was all really good, but I am no longer able to tell if this is the best fried chicken ever. For sure, it is really good, although I have been lucky to find similar chicken at other places. So, is it worth it? I don't know... One thing is for sure. If you want to know what fried chicken should taste like, come here. This is what soul food is all about. Comfort and good taste. As far as ambiance, it is a laid back meal. You sit in a ten person table with perfect strangers and share a meal, accompanied with iced tea, while everything around you screams "You're in the South". At times things may seem a little rushed, but with the hundred plus people waiting outside, that is how the cookie crumbles. Lots of reviewers have spoken about making the line and talking to people, making friends and how this is part of the Mrs. Wilkes experience. Here is my take: I myself was in utter rage for being in a long line which led to something that was "hopefully" a great dinner, without even knowing that it was a two hour wait. The whole time I made the line, I wanted to know two things: how long and how good. So, while I made the line, I asked a few people how long had they been waiting in line. Everyone was optimistic and said over an hour, but nobody wanted to admit two hours (because it's crazy). Even the early birds had been waiting over an hour. So, if you make it out here, think of waiting close to two hours for sure. Also, I wanted to know if it was worth the wait, and many nodded and told me not to leave. But then again, I only met one couple who were repeat customers, so this is mostly a tourist thing to do. For example, my table had a group from Boston and another from St. Louis, and I'm not a local. Without a regular in sight, I was almost ready to walk out. But in hindsight, I am glad I stayed. The food was really good, and unlimited, and all for a measly twenty dollars. In other words, show me to the waiting queue. If you don't mind waiting for two hours, come and eat here. You will talk to tourists instead of talking to locals. You will eat way too much, but it will all be good. And you will not break the bank. But if you don't want to wait and want a similar experience minus the 'Mrs. Wilkes" factor, something you can brag about later and blow out of proportion, go elsewhere. By the way, on my visit, I waited exactly two hours in line, and it took me exactly thirty minutes to finish my meal. So, allocate your time wisely. One more thing before I go... the biscuits were the bomb. It was like eating a warm stick of butter. So good.
(4)
Gina P.
Mrs wilkes is southern food at its finest! The thing about this popular lunchtime spot is that lines start forming at a tender hour to walk in. We arrived a little before 10 (the place opens at 11) and we were about 10th in line. Within 15 minutes the line easily tripled and soon enough it was down the block and around the corner. So pack your patience. We were within the first seating at 11. The tables are large dining room types that seat about 10 people so you are with other families. The food is placed on the table already in family style bowls and since we were the first seating they did a quick prayer before we dug in. The sides are endless my favorites were the sweet potato, bbq pork, mac and cheese and yummy biscuits. You have to ask people to pass things down as you would at a family meal. The men we were with were getting frustrated as men do with this process. The main food showcased here is the fried chicken. It's amazing. I don't even really like fried chicken but this is out of this world good. Light crispy and would turn any vegetarian back. For dessert they give u a mini serving of either banana pudding or peach cobbler. And then after eating your asked to bring you tray, plate silverware and cup to the dishwasher to clean up. Paying is as u walk out at the register and it's cash only. They have a tip basket near the register too. You basically leave rolling out but it's located on such a beautiful street it's a great way to walk off lunch!
(5)
Victor H.
It just doesn't get more southern thank this delicious gem!! The 1.5 hour wait is well worth the effort, as every single side dish compliments the delicious fried chicken. Bring your appetite and be ready for Fried Chicken Heaven!!
(5)
Kristian D.
This is the best Southern meal anywhere! You will stand in line outside for a long time, but they are masters of turnover and will get you in and stuffed very efficiently. They have the standard items - fried chicken, biscuits, mashed potatoes, etc - but each one is done to perfection and will leave a lifelong impression. I still do not know how their fluffy biscuits stay together - some sort of Savannah magic. The restaurant is very cute with dining tables tucked into several rooms in the house. Each table is set for a small group, so you will probably share a table with strangers which is part of the experience. Pass the food around and enjoy! Words cannot accurately describe the deliciousness of the food. The chicken is the best. The biscuits are the best. The vegetables are the best. You get the picture. It is cash only, but an excellent value. Service is warm and efficient. Have a good conversation with your fellow diners, and have a great day!
(5)
D N.
good food -and lots of it. Actually so much food I didn't have room to try everything. I think people love the QUANTITY of food; the quaintness of sitting in a comfortable dining room with others, and being served family style. The food was very tasty --I personally loved the cornbread dressing, the carrot soufle, and the gravy. The fried chicken was okay --but not the best. I think $20 was a lot to pay for this meal....but it was a once in a life time event..i can't imagine standing in line for this again. Good --not great.
Our first "food" stop in Savannah was recommended to us by a great fellow Yelper. When we arrived in Savannah, Ga. and checked into The Gastonian Bed and Breakfast, so many people we spoke with there also recommended Mrs. Wilkes, as it is a big landmark original Southern Dining experience. We did not know what to expect. No one told us anything other than the lines begin at 8 am until they close at 2 pm, they don't take reservations and to wait in that line, it goes fast and is worth every minute waiting to try this experience. Everyone was right, nothing in the South could possibly be like this. We walked about 6 blocks around the corner from our bed and breakfast and as we were told, just look to your left on Jones Street off Whitaker Street and we would see the line. That we did and there was probably 50 people in front of us. Like everything else in Savannah, it was in a historic old house on one of the many other beautifully preserved historic landmarks. I thought: how could we possibly get in and get served before 2 pm with all these people. We got in line and waited with the other 50 or so people and met some great visitors in line with us from everywhere. We met a great couple from Canada, and some people from New York. Everyone was so friendly and as newcomers to Savannah, we got some great recommendations right in line there about what to do in this lovely, historic town. The line was moving though and moving quicker than I anticipated. We finally approached the door to get in and I thought I was in a time machine, somewhere in the movie, Gone With the Wind. As I looked in all I saw was large tables with a lot of people at one table and as we approached our table with so many others we were in line with, I saw approximately 25 plates of food sitting there waiting for our table of 10 people and each sitting had a glass of sweet tea as part of the setting. Never did I expect this incredible community dining experience was going to take place, with the opportunity to meet so many different people at our table. Nor did I expect the amount of food served family style, as much as we can take to be passed around by everyone at the table, on and on and on. Southern Style at its best: Fried chicken, Collard Greens, BBQ Pork, Macaroni and Cheese, Beets, Green Beans, rice, brown rice, southern style mixed vegetables, chicken and dumplings, more Fried Chicken, cream corn, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, baked beans, cucumber salad, dirty rice, beef stew and on and on. The food kept being passed around, we actually had to find time to eat because old Southern hospitality says you must keep passing the dish around as you get it to the left ( I picked up on that). Well, we have all heard or had Black Eyed Peas, but not me, a Yankee from Chicago. There they were. Actual Black Eyed Peas, not the music group but REAL Black Eyed Peas. Everything was so delicious and cooked as original Southern cuisine as you can get. The hard working friendly servers kept bringing food to the table. As we ate, we met several people and had great conversation. We were STUFFED, but then: Southern Style home made banana pudding was the last hurrah. That first bite was like banana pudding I never had, as they used fresh bananas in it. To add to this experience, like it was always done, we had to take our own dirty dishes back to the kitchen!!! It was time to go, as we all got up, said our good byes and as we were walking out, we paid our $20.00 in cash per person, no tax, threw in a nice tip in the jar an left. No ticket to be had, not signing, just the good old Southern honor system of paying your $20.00 for a great family style meal and Southern Experience. Just like the way Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room started back in 1943 as a boarding house and dining room for hard working Southern Laborers and middle class workers, the tradition of Sema Wilkes southern hospitality lives on. Go there and experience the best Southern Food and best Fried Chicken in Savannah, Ga.
(5)
Bernie D.
Well to wait in line for food is very insane and to realize that the leftovers don't go to the needy is tragic. With that being said, rating this on the meal is why it gets 4 stars. Each dish is seasoned perfectly with my favorite being the sweet potatoes, black eyed peas and limas!
(4)
Sarah C.
Before I get down to why I think this place should be shut down as a menace to our society, I'll say this: The food was good. Otherwise, this place and concept is obscene. We were a group of 7 women and two other women were sat with us (family style). The sheer volume of food coming out to each table (none of which is ordered, just served) was absolutely unbelievable. Thanksgiving on steroids. So for me there's just a gross-out factor. Each person might, MIGHT have a spoonful of everything on the table. Most girls at the table didn't realize half the items were even there because it was lost in the sea of bowls. When we asked what happens to all the leftover food (just think, this much food coming out of the kitchen ALL DAY LONG, and not getting eaten), the woman in her sweet southern accent goes "Can you even imagine wrapping all this up?" as though that were ridiculous and that no one would want it. I would say they should provide their overwhelming excess to those in need, but then that would make the obesity, hypertension and diabetic epidemics insurmountable. This place made me sick. Not in the food poisoning way, but in the moral dilemma way. Oh and not to mention, you sit down to this salt lick after standing in the hot sun and humidity for an hour or more. And you have to ask for water, because all that's out is a pitcher of sweet tea. I know this place sounds fun for a one-time, must-do savannah staple, but it's a very sad place.
(1)
G.I. J.
You stand in the line waiting for few hours with other two to three hundred of people from all over the world. And enjoy a little socializing before the meal. $20 per person and unforgettable food. Love the whole experience. Except, too much food left on the table. I felt guilty for wasting food so I ask wait staff if I can pack some of the leftover. I get rejected. What can I do. Still feel bad about leaving so much food behind.
(5)
Michelle D.
I'm going with the minority here and say it's okay to give Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room a pass. My three girlfriends and I stayed in a suite next door for a four-day weekend in July, and if you've been to the south in July, you'll understand about standing in line in the sun for three hours just to have lunch. Who queues up at 9am for lunch? We must have been out of our minds. The place has been around since the 40s, and like the rest of Savannah, there's a lot of history here. I guess it's viewed as quaint that they're only open on weekdays 11 - 2, that it's cash only, that it's $20 per person and you walk in to find large tables already filled with bowls of side dishes. The community tables, where you're seated with other people, well I guess it can be nice, but it largely depends on who you get stuck with -- the people we were with didn't offer to pass along the bowls of food nearest them, plus they had a kid with them, so, ya know. I suppose it's quaint that you bring your dirty dishes back to the kitchen yourself when you're done. Maybe it's because I'm a jaded northern city mouse, but what exactly are we passing off as "quaint" here? You wait outside for so long because they do "seatings." They open the door when they can fill all the mis-matched chairs at the large dining tables, and they're probably in there watching us swelter while they set out individual side dish bowls on every table. Wouldn't it be more convenient to them, and us, to open for longer lunch hours and simply make it a regular buffet? Could it be that Mrs. Wilkes is a marketing genius who is playing the supply & demand card like a shark? Open for three hours a day, we'll become known for long lines and long waits and the tourists will pay to see what the hype is all about? The food is good. Many tantalizing side dishes, a person couldn't possibly try it all. Really good fried chicken. But I was with my best friend, who lives in Gulf Shores area of Alabama, and we'd spent a few days together prior to driving to Savannah -- we'd just had fried chicken and sides as good as, if not better than this, for less money, and we got to sit by ourselves while we ate it. And we didn't have to wake up early and queue up for three hours. As for taking care of your after-meal clean-up yourself...call it quaint, but isn't that just the same as at, say, McDonald's? All told, I guess I'm glad to have experienced Mrs. Wilkes' once, seeing as how it's a Savannah institution. But I question the wisdom of being on vacation for a scant four days and wasting three hours of it standing in line for what amounts to a decent fried chicken dinner.
(2)
Thracius L.
Not much to be said about this place that hasn't already been mentioned. Food was delicious. We had a party or 10, so we got our own table, which was nice. Otherwise you have to sit with strangers, which means forced and awkward conversations for those of us who don't like people. You also have to clear your own dishes, which is fine, if a little unfamiliar to most people. You just pick up your plate and your cup and walk them back to the kitchen where someone is waiting to take them off your hands. Probably the best food I've ever eaten in Savannah, a place I've been to many times and where I've eaten some damn good meals.
(5)
Mark G.
Get here early!! This is not a huge place by any means and they will fill up fast. We waited in line for hours since this is the go to place. Patience was necessary because the line does move so slow. Once we got in I was impressed with how organized they were. Great service and very friendly faces. Once you get in, they seat you at a community table. You most likely will sit with strangers and eat family style meaning you pass dishes to your neighbor. It was fun to talk to other people while we ate. It really is something different you really don't come across, nice community builder. The food is southern deliciousness. They have for sides Cabbage, Snap Peas, Macaroni & Cheese, Butter Beans, Black-eyed Peas, Rutabega, Squash, Rice & Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, Candied Yams, Pickled Beets, Red Rice, Collard Greens, Okra & Tomatoes, Brown Rice, Potato Salad, Apple Salad, Macaroni Salad, English Peas & Noodles, Baked Beans, Cole Slaw. For the meat there are Fried Chicken, Sausage, Beef Stew, Meat Loaf. All of the items are worth a few healthy helpings, you will be full after you try a little bit of everything. They do a fine job here and if you have time this place is worth the wait.
(5)
Donna S.
Southern cooking at its best! 3 meats, 20 salads, veggies, and breads-plus banana pudding or peach cobbler. Rutabagas were divine!! A VERY long wait to get in then you eat at a table with 10-12 people and the attentive staff just keeps bringing out bowls of hot, delicious food. Must pay $20 in cash. To ensure the wait staff gets a tip- put it in their hands!!
(5)
Elizabeth H.
My husband and I visited Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room on 4/9/15 while visiting Savannah, GA. I wasn't upset when we arrived at 10:00 AM and saw the line (we got a seat at a table at 11:30 AM). I had been told numerous times to expect and plan for a wait. It wasn't that bad of a wait. The weather was comfortable; and, the people we were sandwiched in between were very polite. The meal at Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room is served family style and you are seated at a large table with strangers (and most likely a couple of people you were waiting in line with). I am a vegetarian and there was more than enough sides for me to try. The best part of this experience frankly was the price to gorge yourself. It is $20 a person. I am sure Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room could get away with charging more considering by the time we left the restaurant at and/or 12:15 PM the line was around the block. I appreciate their willingness to keep the meal and experience affordable. I enjoyed visiting Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room. However Savannah, GA has a lot of great food options and if I visit again I will most likely elect to skip Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room. I was happy to say I had tried it but the time to wait in line and the food coma you feel afterwards prevents you from exploring some of the other great things Savannah, GA has to offer.
(3)
Stuart B.
4.5 stars This is definitely an experience one should try at least once. If you've been to Penn Dutch, this is definitely the southern version. You start out by waiting in line going down the block. My Soup Nazi days completely prepared me for this! The line for us was about 1.5 hours, however it was a gorgeous day (around 65) so this part was fine. You snake around an alley and they seat you (our party of 4 got to cut in front of a party of 8) Once inside it's a relatively small dining area with many separate rooms. We were in the main room off to the side. There was another family of 3 and us leaving 5 chairs empty. This surprised me. I figured they would fill each table first. The food is waiting for you as you sit. For me it was fried chicken and a bunch of veggies. There were a few additional meat dishes (bbq and stew) The only item that really stood out for me was the chicken. Everything else seemed to blend in as the same. I'm not saying that the other items weren't good, but they didn't compare to the chicken. (Collards, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, stuffing / dressing, etc.) Dessert was an afterthought. (Bannana pudding) The service was great. The atmosphere was great. As I said at the beginning, you should check this place out at least once.
(4)
Brian R.
My girlfriend and I arrived an hour before the restaurant opens. There were about 30-40 people ahead of us, so arrive earlier if possible, they open at 11. While in line we chatted with others which made the wait go quicker. Once inside we were brought to a table fitting ten people. The food was already on the table for us to eat. The food was amazing! The fried chicken and biscuits were my favorite. The staff was extremely friendly and they didn't rush you. The restaurant has about seven to eight tables that sit around ten each. Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room is definitely worth a visit to anyone living or visiting in the area. ***cash only establishment ($20 per person)
(5)
Heather W.
MUST EAT HERE- Fun one of a kind dining experience. Arrive an hour early if you want to be able enjoy a great meal. A variety of over 26 different types of Southern food including desert served by some of the most genuinely sweetest servers in Savannah. More food than anyone can possibly eat including some very flavorful fried chicken. Ran by the grand daughter of Mrs Wilkes, this is an amazing dining experience. Sitting at a table with 8 strangers and enjoying a good meal and good conversation & leaving with new friends is not typical in today's society, so we appreciate all this dining experience has to offer. Cash only! Yummy food - see pic
(5)
Tierra H.
A Most Visit ! Don't be discouraged by the wait times or the heat , it's worth it every drop of sweat and time . Have been here 3 times and this last visit was the best ! Get there as soon as they open if you can to help with your wait time . Longest time we have waited was 2 hours and that was the 1st time we visited . CASH ONLY!!!!! Reasonable priced for all the food you get .
(5)
Mai V.
Mrs. Wilkes is a true Savannah experience. After hearing/reading about and spending three hours in line to get a taste of the hype, I was expecting the best of Southern country charm and flavor. Fortunately, the staff delivered. There was a massive quantity of food, more than enough to feed the 10 people started at the table (and probably enough to feed 30 people). I didn't get a chance to try everything--see previous sentence about sheer amount of food--but most of what I ate was delicious. The main attraction, according to Yelpers, is the fried chicken. I was not a huge fan; it was a little too dry and tasted like it had been under the warmers for a little too long. The sides, though. Wow! My favorites (of the dishes I tried) were the dressing, collard greens, macaroni salad, cucumber salad, and jambalaya. The biscuits were also amazing! The staff were very friendly to us, but they appeared to be having some work-related issues. With the small space, it was kind not to notice when they talked amongst themselves. Also, while we were waiting in line, several chefs came out to the front on their cigarette breaks. I thought that was a little ride, but no one else seemed bothered by it.
(4)
Liza N.
Damn good fried chicken ya'll! Family style, share, pass the collard greens please? And more sweet tea please? Very long wait but worth the experience. And when you're finished eating, pick up your plate and take it to the the kitchen (staff will take it from you)... Just like home.
(4)
Ana R.
Hands down the best fried chicken I've ever had! My husband and I arrived at 11:30a.m. and the wait was about one hour. The waiting time doesn't feel that long if you strike up a conversation with some of the people that are waiting in line with you. Once inside each table sits 10 people and the food is at the table for you to dig in. The food is served family style and you can always ask for seconds of whatever you want. My husband and I will definitely be coming back to Mrs. Wilkes the next time that we are in Savannah.
(5)
Jenn S.
This place really doesn't need another review. But in short it was good and I am glad we went but I am not sure I would stand in line for another 2.5 hours to go again. It was fun to sit at a table with people I didn't know and make awkward conversation about where everyone was from. Since they don't open until 11am I would go at like 8am. There will already be a line but that is how early you need to get there. And btw don't eat breakfast or the night before.
(4)
TheHungryDad Jeff C.
Amazing. That is all there is to say. First, let me say that it is not cheap but it is all you can eat (and you will eat a TON) and totally worth it. .. but you can't use Credit Cards or debit cards here. so have cash OR they will let you write a check. You need to know. Also they are only open for lunch 11-am - 2p and there will be a wait. And not like at most restaurants where they give you a pager or call you name from a list. You wait in line. Yes, You will have to get there early and yes even if you do, you will still stand in line for hours. It may be raining or cold, but do not think about it.... just do it. The wait time just allows you to get good and hungry for the food. (and do not eat a big breakfast! You want to save room!) The other great part of the wait time is that you can get to know the people around you that are also waiting in line. Most of them are visiting Savannah like you probably are so it is fun to find out where they are from and who they are. And while that may seem silly to get to know strangers in line at a restaurant, but there is a great reason I suggest it, and that is because this restaurant serves you at big tables, family style. So you will probably be sitting for a meal, passing plates and sharing baskets of cornbread with the folks around you. You may not get to know them in line but for sure, do not make them dislike you, since you will likely share their table. ;) The food is crazy good. True southern fare with family style flair. The large dining room tables filled with several meats like fried chicken, country fried steak, sausages, roast beef... and tons of veggies like collards, grits, corn, green beans, broccoli casserole, potatoes, and more. Cornbread, biscuits, and rolls. THEN desserts roll in. Pudding, pie, and more. so so so so good, but you can get good southern food lots of places. It is the experience at Mrs. Wilkes' that is so special and unique. Do not miss it.
(5)
Philly P.
Be prepared to wait at least for an hour before you get to experience this place which is 107th number mentioned in the "1000 places to visit before you die". So as everyone does, we too waited in a long queue in the sultry hot Savannah. Finally we got our turn n we were seated on a big table filled with at least 20 -25 small bowls of side dishes that they serve with the fresh fried chicken n of course not to forget the sweetened ice tea. They do offer unsweetened tea along with water. Since this is a family style you share the table with other food enthus from around US n the world. It's a great experience that you get to share with strangers n talk about your travel experiences. For us it was the side dishes that won us over instead of the fried chicken which was good but nothing to rave about. If in Savannah one must go to this place for the southern experience of family style dining. Try out every single of the side dishes they serve n don't even think of skipping the dessert. We had the banana pudding, but this keeps changing very often. Just one concern though, since there is so much food (fried chicken as much as you can devour) most of the side dishes are hardly finished n that's a lot of food to be wasted, so hope they think of some way the leftovers are used as it would be criminal to waste all that food. Don't pass this place as it's truly an experience but be prepared to be overwhelmed when you are at the table
(4)
Erica C.
After much research and a recommendation from Tyler at The Westin, my boyfriend and I decided to check out Mrs.Wilkes for lunch. We arrived at 11:00am and there was already a long line reaching the corner. We waited approximately an hour before being seated in the back dining room. The food and sweet tea was served "family style" and awaiting our arrival. It was definitely more than enough for the 6 people seated at our table. The food was definitely AMAZING!! I felt like I was attending a southern Thanksgiving dinner. The Mac and Cheese was great and the cheesy mashed potatoes with onions were an absolute hit at our table. The fried chicken was moist and crispy and the bbq was better than expected. There was an abundance of side items (collards, black eyed peas, buttered beans, sweet potatoes, potato salad, macaroni salad, corn bread.... The list goes on). After indulging ourselves into a food coma, they brought out the dessert. Banana pudding and peach cobbler. Both were equally delicious. I must say that I truly enjoyed my meal and it was definitely worth the hour wait. The cost is $20 per person (cash only). I will most likely return to Mrs.Wilkes on my next trip to Savannah.
(4)
Julie Z.
This place already has pages of stellar reviews, but I found it worth the hype. Even on a chilly February Thursday morning we waited about 30 minutes to get inside the restaurant.It is family style dining and each table sits 10 people. For me the stars of the meal were the fried chicken, bbq pork, sweet tea, collard greens, and cream corn. The servers are prompt in bringing out refills or fresh food that seemed to be endless. The dishes also included Mac n cheese, meatloaf, squash, yams, biscuits, green beans, mashed potatoes, beef stew, and so much more. I've never been to a restaurant like this so a big part of it is truly the experience. Our "breakfast" ended up being like thanksgiving dinner. $20 and totally stuffed. A true Savannah experience, do yourself a favor and check it out.
(5)
Amy W.
The 2 hour wait was definitely worth it! Food was very good and service was great. Definitely coming back again next time!
(5)
Christi S.
Very worth the wait in the long line. (If you go later in the day the line is shorter.) The moment you sit down you can begin pigging out on the huge array of food sitting before you. My personal favorites were the fried chicken, Mac n cheese, sweet potatoes, creamed corn, and greens. Everyone working there was super sweet and welcoming. It felt like sitting down for a thanksgiving dinner at a family member's house. There's such a big selection of food, everyone will find something they like. I tried almost everything and did not eat one thing I didn't love. I can't believe how reasonable the price is too. Overall a definite must visit for anyone in Savannah.
(5)
rebecca l.
Got there at 9:30am and were the first ones in line. We were super glad later when we got out around 11:45am and the line stretched all the way down the block, past the corner and beyond! Food was delicious - of particular note was the sweet tea (perfect ratio of tea to sugar) and the rutabagas. Fried chicken was good and not too greasy. Banana pudding was obviously made fresh. They say they also have peach cobbler, but on the day we went they only had the banana pudding... A good reminder is it IS family-style so best to be nice while waiting in the line or that is going to be one awkward table! We had an excellent group at ours and enjoyed the experience and the food immensely. Easy to see why it is a "must-do" for Savannah... The experience of waiting in line is as much a part of it as the food itself!
(5)
T W.
This place only took cash when I visited a couple months ago, so be prepared. This is a family style restaurant so you may sit beside some people you do not know. However, do not be afraid to talk and pass the serving dishes to your neighbor, we met some great people. It is completely worth sitting with a few strangers for an hour to get a helping on this delicious food. This should be on everyones to do list in Savannah.
(4)
Nicolas L.
Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room lives up to the hype and is the best place I have been to for Southern food. You will likely have to wait at least two hours to be seated. The dining room opens at 11am but the line starts forming around 9:30am. I got in line around 10:10am and wasn't seated until noon. Once inside you are seated at a dining table with nine other people. The table is already set with a variety of food and sweet tea. It is like a Thanksgiving dinner on steroids. All of the food was delicious. My favorites were the Fried Chicken which was very juicy and perfectly crispy (some of the best I have ever tried), the Creamed Corn which was sweet, creamy, and flavorful, and the Mashed Sweet Potatoes which were nicely creamy and sweet. Overall this was one of the best dining experiences I have ever had. Hands down a must visit.
(5)
Jessica K.
Great restaurant, amazing experience! We were here on a rainy, cold February morning and there was still a line. We got in line around 11:15 and were in eating by noon. It didn't seem like that long though. Everyone was friendly, chatty, and excited. We were waiting with two small kids and it wasn't bad. Don't let the wait stop you from going. Once in, the meal was incredible. Truly everything on the table was great. Even the sides you wouldn't expect to wow you like the green beans. All the recipes here have been perfected overtime. Everyone in our party, including the little ones, ate quietly with a smile on our faces. We sat with a lovely couple from Canada. The sitting with strangers thing is awesome. Again, everyone is so happy to be here that the conversations were light and upbeat. Dessert was a little disappointing but by the time it arrives you have no room anyways. Service was great, everyone was so friendly. I've eaten at fancy restaurants but this was probably the best restaurant experience of my life.
(5)
Nicole G.
Some of the best Southern food I have ever eaten. The fried chicken was so good it almost didn't seem real. All the sides (that i could manage to try) were delicious. There are 17 different sides so it's sort of impossible to try them all. The stand outs included the mac and cheese, the collard greens, the stuffing, the bbq pork rib, the green beans, and the biscuits. The atmosphere is welcoming; you are in what looks like your grandmothers' dining room and you share a table with people you don't know. The dining is family style (there are no menus, you eat what is put on the table). It's like having Thanksgiving dinner with strangers. I loved the experience. You will wait in line for at least 1.5 hours. It is absolutely worth it. I would wait longer for that food. It's cash only and they're only open M-F from 11am to 2pm. Get there early. We arrived at 11:15 and we were seated around 12:45. Don't that that discourage you. Get a cup of coffee and hang out in line. The whole experience is fun.
(5)
Sylvain A.
Southern comfort food at it's finest delivered to you by some of Georgia's finest too. It's an experience and for those with groups of 8 or less, expect to share your table with strangers whom by the end of the meal you'll either love or hate haha You sit down, pick between water or sweat tea... Followed by about 12 endless dishes which are passed around the table just like you would on thanksgiving. Oh and don't forget the deep fried chicken! Once everyone is done, you take your dishes to the kitchen and pay a set price for the entire meal. Not an experience to miss out on!
(5)
Josh S.
Mrs. Wilkes' is one of THE spots in Savannah. This is how it works. The dining room is open from 11am to 2pm Monday through Friday; it is closed for the month of January. A line starts forming around 10am. Make friends; you're probably going to be hanging out for a while. The restaurant has three tables with 10 chairs apiece. The first 30 people go in and sit, and each time a table finishes, everybody leaves, pays $20, and the next 10 people go in. Serving is family style. When you sit, you'll find in front of you a plate, silverware and a trays and bowls of food. When we went, the meat was fried chicken (pretty good), meatloaf (the same) and barbecued pork (outstanding), and the sides were too plentiful to name, but I'll give it a shot: green beans, mac-n-cheese, cornbread biscuits, okra and tomatoes, squash, red rice with sausage, white rice with gravy, mashed potatoes, black-eyed peas, cabbage, stuffing and a whole bunch of other stuff. Dessert was banana pudding or peach cobbler (we both tried the cobbler, which was a little sweet, but peaches were out of season). Pitchers of sweet and unsweet tea sit on the table, and the waitstaff will gladly bring out water and are constantly making sure that all the dishes are still full. We're new to town, but we do live in Savannah. We were seated with a large party of other locals, so it's good to know that despite the 90-minute wait -- we got there at about 10:55 and were seated about 12:30 -- locals do eat there, and do return. If you're in a hurry, skip it. If you're deciding between here and Paula Deen's restaurant The Lady & Sons, go to Mrs. Wilkes'. Plan to be a little slow-moving when you get out of there, but thankfully it's a beautiful downtown to walk around.
(4)
Chris O.
Don't forget the rules: 1. COME EARLY. If you can't get in line by about 10:15am, I probably wouldn't bother. 10am would be even better. Be prepared to stand around for a long time until the 11am opening. If you're sociable, strike up conversations with the people around you because there's a good chance you'll be sitting with them at the family-style tables. 2. COME WITH CASH. $20 per person plus tip. No credit cards. 3. DON'T COME ON THE WEEKENDS, AND DON'T COME FOR DINNER. They're only open Monday-Friday and only for lunch. 4. COME HUNGRY. There's an absurd amount of food. You don't order the food; they just bring out plates and bowls and more plates and more bowls until there's no more room on the table. From memory, they served us sweet tea, fried chicken, beef stew, roast pork with a not-quite bbq sauce, meatloaf, potatos with cheese, white rice, rice with sausage, stuffing with gravy, mac cheese, corn muffins, biscuits, baked beans, black-eyed peas, mashed yellow squash, green beans, okra succotash, collard greens, and banana pudding. And I'm sure I'm forgetting a few. Everything was at least good -- and most much better than good! -- except for the banana pudding, which I didn't like at all (but, too be fair, I'm not a banana fan). I know that sounds like an emphasis on quantity over quality, but the quality was exceptionally high, easily the best meal I had in Savannah. If you forget any of the above rules, you're likely to have poor experience. Finally, I'll add one more suggestion. It's not a rule because you can have a perfectly satisfying meal even if you forget. The suggestion is to periodically look around the table to see what dishes you haven't tried yet. The table is pretty big, so you'll probably notice several that never made it around to your side of the table. In my case, I know there was a corn dish that never made it around to me, and probably a few more.
(4)
Mike G.
Amazing. Cash only $20 per person, expect a 2-2:45 hour wait. Absolutely worth it. Bring water for hot days and sun screen. Plan ahead for the cash part. No ATM's within a block. This is definitely a destination to hit while in Savannah. You end up making friends with people in line, and it turns into a crucible to endure with a reward of southern comfort food that is out of this world. You get about 3 meats and an absolute amazing selection of vegetables side dishes. Ocra and collard greens are to die for! My advice, get there about 9:30 or 10 am to get out by noon and enjoy walking off the food coma in the historic district of Savannah.
(5)
Aja R.
Delicious....enough said. Left here full and satisfied above expectations. The only thing needing improvement was dessert. They offered peach cobbler or banana pudding. The cobbler would've been better served warm with vanilla ice cream. The food was so great that I didn't discount the stars because of the dessert.
(5)
Christine H.
Mrs. Wilkes' is outstanding. Well worth the wait in line and very reasonably priced. I have visited twice and both times I was impressed. A big thank you to the hard working staff that puts all that food out on the tables and does it with a smile.
(5)
Larry G.
I took Monday off of work specifically so I can spend some time at Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room. After walking around and hitting up some of Savannah's finest establishments over the weekend, I couldn't shake off the thought that I was missing out on the quintessential Savannah dining experience. I needed to get down to this sick beat. It was a high-risk high-reward gamble that paid off. You won't exactly become besties with the random people at your table, but asking someone to pass the potatoes and them doing it without a snarky look is better than the body language I receive at the in-laws house. Plus we keep the conversation light, touchy topics that show up on family holidays that center around having kids, healthcare, global warming and Obama ruining this country are replaced with lighter and less controversial fare as we are all feeling each other out. You have read about the quantity of dishes (the fried and bbq chicken were the standouts to me) but the quality was off the charts for everything I tasted. The food wasn't salted as much as I typically see from other restaurants while still exhibiting an attractive flavor profile, it tasted homemade. My suggestion is to get here about 45 minutes ahead of the open and you should easily make the first wave of customers entering the dining room. One last thing to note is that it costs $18 and they only take cash or check so please come prepared. $18 per person may sound expensive for breakfast/brunch, but keep in mind that clocks out to approximately $0.50 per dish for all you math or penny pinching nerds like myself out there. Not to be missed.
(5)
Matthew W.
Wow. This was one of the best places I've ever eaten at. There is a line out front, but it is well worth the wait. Once you get inside you are seated at a 9-12 person table and then the staff begin to bring out food. It is an all-you-can-eat, family style restaurant. The waiters bring in about 18 different southerns style dishes. All of them are excellent. After the meal you get to choose one of a couple desserts (for us it was Peach Pie or another dessert). After the meal you make your way to the front and pay. It is a little pricey for a lunch, but again well worth it. :) I'd definitely go here again when I'm back in the south.
(5)
Anita O.
Things to keep in mind: CASH ONLY!!! And there's a long wait so you need to get there early. There was already a line 30 minutes before the restaurant opened! Once you get inside, you're seated family style with other people (unless you have a larger party). The fried chicken is wonderful, and the other food is delicious comfort food. So many options! It's located on a quaint street. If you love soul food, this is the place to stop by while in Savannah!
(4)
Sara M.
Dude. DUDE. DUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUDE. If you are looking for great Southern experience, then this is the place to try. It's like dining at the home of the Southern grandmother you never had. You'll wait in line, sit with strangers, and buss your own dishes...but it is all worth it. Here is a giant list of the food that somehow all managed to fit on the table: Mac & cheese Succotash Cabbage White rice Rice and sausage Creamed corn Lima beans Green beans Baked beans Barbecue pork Mashed potatoes with cheese Beef stew Collard greens Black-eyed peas Squash Chicken and dumplings Cornbread Biscuits Meatloaf Gravy Fried chicken The vast majority of these dishes were outstanding. The black-eyed peas were a little too salty, and the barbecue sauce was a little tangy for me. Even the non-outstanding dishes were still pretty good. Dessert options were banana pudding or peach cobbler, and these did come to the table in individual portions. So you walk in after waiting for an hour in the hot, muggy September afternoon and find yourself at a table of ten. Dishes and silverware are already set, with a cup of cold sweet tea on the right. Every dish but the fried chicken, which comes out a little later, is in the middle of the table. And then the communal dining experience begins. Everyone begins to bond over the food...strangers become friends, families grows closer, enemies become lovers...wait, I'm getting carried away (but I could totally see that happening here). At the end of the meal, you are asked to clear your own dishes and bring them to the kitchen, where an older lady will take them from you, thank you, and call you "sweetheart." IMPORTANT NOTES: - $18 CASH or PERSONAL CHECK (with ID) only. We didn't know the latter was an option until we found ourselves next in line with nothing but credit cards and a couple of checkbooks. Good thing we asked before getting out of line to find an ATM! The price includes tax but not tip. - Restrooms are located in two different places. There is one in the front lobby in the back left corner (if you are standing in the doorway facing in) and another in the passageway between the front dining room and the back one. - The wait is worth it! One of my dining companions had a time constraint and was starting to get antsy. But after multiple people walked out rubbing their distended bellies and singing the restaurant's praises, we decided to wait it out. TL;DR: Totally worth it.
(5)
Mercedes Y.
Best decision you could ever make. Cash only. Get there early. Worth the wait. Absolutely amazing food!
(5)
M O.
Okay this by far is the best place ever. The fried chicken is the best I have ever had. Ever. Seriously. It was perfectly crunchy and moist and delicious. The 15 sides that went with the chicken were fantastic too. It's fun sitting with other families. But you don't talk too much because you are just eating as much as you can of the delicious food. The staff was courteous and nice. I waited about an hour and 20 mins in line. Worth every second. This is a must try in Savannah.
(5)
Allison B.
What a wonderful experience we had eating here. It truly was special. First of all, we arrived at 10:30am which was *still* not early enough to be in the first rush of diners. We made it into the restaurant in the second wave of diners, just around 11:30. The wait was certainly worth it. The food was all absolutely divine. The fried chicken was as good as everyone said. The baked beans were ridiculous. The green beans were insane. The red rice was wonderful. The biscuits and corn bread were great. The yams and pulled pork and cucumber salad and macaroni and cheese and cheesy grits and collards and black eyed peas and EVERYTHING were just mind-blowing. Seriously. At one point, we counted at least 20 dishes on the table, and more kept coming. I don't love the aspect of dining with strangers, but I totally get that it's the way things are done there, and they make it work very nicely! They even helped us figure out a good system for passing the dishes so that everyone got some of everything. I was anticipating absolute chaos at the idea of 10 hungry strangers dining at a table together, but the staff at Mrs. Wilkes have it down to a finely-tuned science! They kept the food coming and did not let any plates remain empty for long. I loved the sweet tea, and everyone was so friendly. Can I please go back right now?
(5)
Ta B.
The best fried chicken I've ever had in my life!!!! This is the best southern food you will have in Georgia! I've never had veggies so good in my life. 20 + dishes of the most amazing southern food you've ever had!!!! Hannds down!!!!! The line is about 1-2 hours long but its def worth thr wait! Trust me! This is a cash only restaurant. Come with and empty stomach and $20 and leave ridiculously full and satisfied. I guarantee you this will be one of the best if not THE BEST meal you will ever have!!! Obama sat at the head of the first table behind the register when he ate here. A must go to if you're in the Savannah area.
(5)
Nick H.
Great southern style family dining house, tons of amazing food for the price! They have over 20 side dishes on the table and the fried chicken is exceptional. It's got a great light batter to it, so it's not overly greasy and incredibly moist! Get to know your neighbors, it may be a surprise. Three-fourths of our table was from the same place as we were. Thousands of miles from home and the world is still small! Save a little room for dessert and try it all, additionally they typically have 1 or 2 unique sides for that day. Ours was chicken dumplings and they were perfect. Only open from 11am-2pm so if you go late just make sure your in line before 2 and they'll still seat you. Early or late is the local recommendation. Worked well for us! Enjoy!
(5)
Mauricio H.
An absolute must when in Savannah. I have to warn you, you will wait online anywhere between 45 minutes to one hour and a half before getting to come in and sit down. When you walk in, you're seated at a table, family-style, with another group of strangers. The food is already served, and you just pass it around and share. The fried chicken is the most delicious chicken I have ever had in my life.
(5)
Nicole M.
A family style table with the food already on the table. Great food and a great experience! I've been to Savannah twice and I made sure to make a stop at Mrs. Wilkes each time. Here's a couple of pointers: 1- check their hours of operation before going. They are only open for lunch. 2- you will be waiting in a very long line so be prepared if you are really hungry. The wait is worth it, I promise. 3- get to know the people you are waiting in line with. They probably will be sitting with you at your table. 4- they only accept cash for payment. 5- try everything on the table!! If a bowl runs out before it gets to you, don't worry! They will refill it for you in a heartbeat.
(5)
Scott F.
I got there at 1045 and there was a very long line, so I bailed out. The people with me waited for 2 hours in the stifling heat for their meal, which I hear was pretty good. They were a little irritated that a group of girl scouts got to cut in line in front of them, prolonging their torturous wait. Since it is a unique experience, i would recommend going in the winter time when it would be a little more pleasant to wait two hours outside for basically a similar meal you could get at a Luby's, - the US Food's truck in back should give you a clue where the food comes from!!!
(3)
Jamie D.
An excellent spot for lunch! Easily besting Paula Deens buffet! Recommend heading there early to not wait in line for so long. The staff was completely accommodating and nice and match their high quality of food.
(5)
Kenneth W.
There are hundreds of reviews on Yelp about the dining experience here so I won't go too in depth except to say that the wait was well worth it simply because the food was exceptional. The fried chicken is unquestionably the star of the show and it was light and not too greasy yet full of flavor and the sides were just as good, especially the collard greens and mashed potatoes. We visited a lot of places during our stay in Savannah and while many were excellent, Mrs Wilkes stood above the rest. Look forward to going back.
(5)
Lynsey W.
Definitely worth the hour-long wait! So much delicious Southern food (yes to seconds on the sweet potato casserole!), and a fun opportunity to chat with others at a community table. They also provided lots of cold water while we were waiting outside beforehand, which was much appreciated. When you're done eating, check out all the photos of famous folks who have frequented the place. All in all, a fun a day unique dining experience!
(5)
Kim L.
If I died and went to heaven (or maybe just the South and wound up in Savannah), this is what kind of food I would find there. Wow! I cannot even begin to say how amazing my experience was here. We got on line around 10:30am and got in by 11:15ish. And the food came pouring in. It's amazing, they keep bringing out more as you try to stuff yourself and pass around wonderful, delicious classics. We had people from California to Florida to NJ at our table enjoying the meal that waited in the rain just like us! It was totally worth the wait and $20/person is a STEAL! Make sure you stop by!
(5)
Jordan S.
Get in line between 10-11 am or you may not get in! I didn't believe my friend, but we barely made it in and we got in line around 12. And don't let the wait deter you! Mrs. Wilkes' is absolutely worth the wait. When you walk in and sit down, an array of 20+ side dishes await you, refreshing freshly brewed southern sweet tea is already poured, and the best fried chicken of your life is only moments away. Examples of side dishes we had: Corn, mashed potatoes, cole slaw, baked beans, green beans, corn bread, biscuits, creamed corn, Jambalaya, rice, fried okra, and so much more. Depending on the day you go, there will be at least 20 side dishes, and on the weekends there may even be 24.
(5)
Kent G.
Worldstar best place to eat. Mad they throw all that food away though. I ate everything there. Service was average. Well worth the expensive price. Recommended. ...
(5)
Rachel B.
We had a nice experience here and really enjoyed the hospitality. The food was good, but because we are vegetarian, we were limited with dishes that appeared to be veg friendly, but were not (greens, beans, etc). We met some cool people while in line but didn't connect too much with those at our table (obviously to no fault of the restaurant). We liked the idea of communal style dining. One concern I do have is the amount of food that goes uneaten. It's family style dining so when everyone is done, what happens to the food? Our table had enough food left to feed another 15 people. I hope the restaurant donates the food. Either that or I think they should consider putting less food on the table and just refilling bowls as needed. Or giving people boxes to take home food.
(4)
Dan M.
Southern food at its best. I'm not a local and this was my first time in Savannah. My girlfriend, who is originally from here, said we had to eat at Mrs Wilkes. The food is served family style and you will be seated in a table of ten with random strangers. The atmosphere will make you talk to strangers as you past the food around the table. "Fried Chicken? Yes. Please" The food was simple home cooking. You will not leave hungry. The number of sides seems endless. The entree today was fried chicken which was simple and full of flavor. All this great food for $18! And don't forget to take your own plate to the kitchen! This is Mrs Wilkes Kitchen and she wouldn't have it any other way.
(5)
Chad E.
While it took me two (three?) trips to Savannah to get to Mrs. Wilkes', that is a mistake I won't be making again. It's a bit off the beaten path, but that just makes it a bit more interesting - take the time to find it and get out of the river district and all. As everyone else is lining up over at that other place, head yourself to Mrs. Wilkes' and get in line. Yes, in line. There will very likely be one, at just about any time. The first issue you may find is that the hours are limited. Lunch only, weekdays only. That means that everyone trying to get in is going to cram themselves inside this tiny space in a small window of opportunity. The next problem is that you won't find traditional seating - instead, it's family style. Eight or so people per table, as tables clear. So one table opens up, and the next group sits down to eat. The good news is there are no menus, so it moves fast. As soon as everyone sits down, the food starts coming, twenty-plus items, as much as you can stuff in your face. Really. I think it was twenty-three, but I could be mistaken. We tried to get a picture, but we couldn't fit it all in the frame. Quality on the food ranged from solid to un-freaking-believable. Definitely worthwhile. Once you're done eating, stand up and head to the counter - everyone's bill will be the same: $18 each. Cash only!
(4)
Karen D.
The food was tasty. Chicken was excellent. Just like my grandma and Mother makes but better. There are at least 20 Sides and sweet tea set on the table as you walk in. It is a preset meal at a preset price set and ready to eat as you walk in the door. Kind of nice due to the long hot stand in line as you wait your turn to get in the door to get In The door, you are ready to eat. All tables are set for 10 so you get to meet fellow Savannah tourists and share site seeing stories if you are not in a group of ten. Just a side note, there is a Pub called Crystal just 2 blocks away that you can walk to to buy soft drinks, beer, etc for your party in line. You can walk the streets with alcohol in your hand so it's all good and you can stay refreshed while waiting in line.
(4)
Christy M.
It was hard to imagine that Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room could come close to living up to its Yelp reviews, but it was beyond anything I had imagined. We first tried to eat at Mrs. Wilkes' on Monday, arriving around 12:30 to see a crazy line snaking out of the building, down the street, and around the corner. I knew there would be a line, but we were just too hungry to wait that day. On Tuesday, we came back at 10:30. There was already a short line, about 40 people or so. We waited patiently for opening time at 11. There are some benches and steps on the sidewalk there for folks who really need to sit down. The line began moving right at 11, and people seemed to get seated pretty efficiently. We weren't sure we were going to get in for the first seating, having to wait just outside the door for table space until the wonderful host came out and ushered us inside. Inside, you'll find a couple of cozy rooms with large group tables that seat about 10 adults. When you sit down, the table is already covered in dishes of food and there is sweet tea at every place setting (although they come around pretty quickly and offer unsweetened tea or water). Service is family-style, and there were literally 26 dishes of food on our table - I counted. What I can remember: Fried chicken Beef stew Barbecued meat (pork?) Rice Mashed potatoes with onion and cheese Mashed sweet potatoes Mac n cheese Boiled potatoes Gravy Bread (biscuits and cornbread) Succotash Green beans Collard greens Cucumber salad Coleslaw Stewed cabbage Black eyed peas Lima beans Squash casserole Creamed corn Rutabaga I know I'm leaving off some of the vegetables, which is a shame because they were all so delicious. Seriously - everything on the table was just stellar. The fried chicken was some of the best I've had, not too much breading but lots of nice crunchy pieces on the edges. The stewed cabbage was a surprise hit for the table - I can only imagine how much butter went into making cabbage craveable. After your table has consumed all it can comfortably manage, a server comes around with small dishes of dessert. For us, it was a choice between banana pudding and peach cobbler. I had the banana puddling (stellar) and I heard the peach cobbler was also delicious. At $18 (cash or check only), it's not a cheap lunch, but it's a great value for the quality and quantity. I dropped $2 in the tip bucket by the register, and, to me, $20 for a great meal, beverage, dessert, and tip is very reasonable. Totally worth the wait - just don't come too late. 10:30 is about the latest you should arrive and expect to eat in the first seating as the place only has about 5 ten-top tables. And don't eat breakfast!
(5)
Rachel H.
This place is wonderful! If you want to go to s touristy destination that serves good southern cooking this is the place to be! You're served family style and could be with other people that are not in your group but that's the fun of it. I recommend trying out the sweet tea because it's absolutely delicious! Get there early because there is NO RESERVATIONS and it's CASH/CHECK ONLY. But even if you're waiting in line it goes by a lot quicker than you think!
(5)
Melanie R.
We came across Mrs. Wilkes 4 years ago on a day trip to Savannah while we were on summer vacation in Hilton Head Island. It's a charming little place, with dining room in the basement. The lines are long, so arrive 15 minutes before they open. You're seated with strangers at a round table and servers bring dozens of dishes of food. There are probably a dozen "core" dishes: Fried chicken, mashed potatoes with gravy, creamed corn, collard greens, macaroni and cheese, sweet potatoes, succotash, biscuits, and many items I would consider "comfort food". In our five visits to Mrs. Wilkes' there have been additional entrees and side dishes, like pickled beets, boiled cabbage, roast beef, and summer squash. The servers are attentive and replenish items as needed. After the abundant feast, there is a dessert, usually a fruit cobbler and banana pudding, if you have room. We always leave happy with full stomachs. Tip: Eat a very light breakfast and bring cash or a check--they don't take credit cards.
(5)
Annie T.
Can the Wilkes family adopt me? Food: Southern ya'll Quantity: Family style with non-family members. Buffet-like Pice: One price. Cash only Noise: Thanksgiving dinner Attire: Respectable Service: Friendly coz you're the service. Bus your own table Parking: Street Ordered: wait...they order for you? Plan #1: Just eat the chicken, skip the sides (fillers) Plan #2: Eat the chicken and the sides (Best) Plan #3: Eat the chicken and sides and sweet tea Plan #4: Skip the sweet tea (the sugars) - I planned for #1, actually did #2. I really wanted #3, but did #4 Side Note: No matter what you do, don't eat the substance in the bowl that looks like mashed potatoes...in the bathroom Best experience of Southern food I've had. They had all the typical southern sides like greens, mac n' cheese, sweet potato..etc. The chicken was juicy and not too oily. They also had some kind of beef stew and pulled pork. Tip: You can always ask for a plateful of a particular part of the chicken that you want i.e. wings, drumsticks, breasts. Also, get in line 30 minutes before closing. Line is much shorter. Downfall: Like most buffets, you can't take the leftovers. Overall: 4.5-5.0 stars
(4)
Mario K.
I've been here every time I visit Savannah. It's not fancy and there is always a line, so you'll be assured a wait, but as far as Southern comfort food goes, I have yet to find better. Be prepared to wait 30-90 minutes and then you'll be seated with strangers (that become friends over a wonderful meal) at tables that typically accommodate 12. Food is waiting, piping hot and delicious, and I have yet to have room or want for anything after I leave (but perhaps for pockets deep enough to carry some of the delicious food home - they don't do take out at Mrs. Wilkes'). Their fried chicken is probably the most noteworthy, but everything is delicious. It's family-run and has pleased generations of Savannah locals and visitors and it's as good today as it was nearly 20 years ago when I first tried it. For $20 (cash) per person, this is a must-visit Savannah tradition.
(5)
Marc C.
Just finished up a business trip to Savannah and before we left we had to get our Mrs. Wilkes fix. Got there about 1:15 and had about an hour plus wait. Stood in line with some newbies from Florida, Alabama, and Canada. Kept assuring them that it was worth the wait. Once we were seated the plates started flowing with some delicious southern food. I was craving the fried chicken and was not disappointed (never am there). The Pot Roast was tender, the sides - there were so many that I am not even sure I got them all. Needless to say - Mrs. Wilkes is a definite must eat when in Savannah. Better and more enjoyable than some of the more famous places. Meal ran about $20 per person before tip (and please do tip because the servers are busting their humps while remaining nice as can be). They only take cash so make sure to hit the ATM. You will not regret it. We were lucky enough to strike up a conversation with Mrs Wilkes granddaughter and her husband which just added to the experience. This is a permanent place on our Savannah eating list so be sure to add it to yours.
(5)
Diana C.
This place was EVERYTHING. Everything about it was phenomenal. You WILL have to wait - we did for almost 2 hours but let me say it was WELL worth it! We met some great folks while waiting in line as we played a game of "Heads Up!" Honestly, I don't even eat MAC and cheese OR drink sweet tea but both were great!!! I will definitely be back on a future trip - if anything JUST to come back here!
(5)
Dale M.
I rarely wait in line for food, mostly because I'm just impatient. We waited for two hours (having arrived 45 minutes before opening) to dine at Mrs. Wilkes', and I'm glad we did. There was an amazing amount of food- it was almost hard to try everything. In addition to the perfect crispy fried chicken, my favorites were the vinegary cucumbers and jambalaya. Great food and TONS of it.
(4)
Pratik S.
After several attempts of getting in line and then leaving to go elsewhere, we finally got in line early enough and had the patience to wait. It was completely worth it and everything lived up to the hype. I'd really recommend getting in line as early as you can. They open at 11 and the line starts forming around 10. We go there at 10:30 and it was already around the corner. I think we finally sat down around 11:45. All the tables seat around 8 to 12 people so unless you go with a large group you will be seated with whoever in around you in line. It's kind of fun meeting strangers and having a family style meal with them, unless you are seated with a lady who keeps talking about how she can make all the food better. Once you are seated everything they are serving that day is dropped off to your table and you share it. Definitely come very hungry because everything is delicious. I really liked the fried chicken, pulled pork, cabbage, squash casserole, mac & cheese, creamed corn, stuffing, and collard greens. The sweet tea is really good too. I can't remember what we had for dessert but I was too full at that point. There is gift shop you can look through once you are done eating. I was given Mrs. Wilkes cookbook as a present and it has some really good recipes in there. Like all old cookbooks the directions aren't super specific but I don't mind that. It is cash only and you pay a cashier as you exit. Don't let the line hold you back...it is definitely worth the wait. If you get there around 10 you should be guaranteed to be seated right at 11.
(5)
Michael U.
Items experienced: Fried Chicken, Meat Loaf, Barbecue Pork, Beef Stew Banana Pudding Blackberry Cobbler Beans, Green Beans, Creamed Corn, Pickled Beets, Stuffing, Mac n' Cheese, Lima Beans, Boiled Okra,Mixed Vegetables, Beans/Sausage/Rice, Cornbread, Biscuits, Au Gratin Potatoes, Squash, Sweet Potato Puree, Vinegar Cucumbers, Giblet Gravy Tea, Sweet Tea, Iced Water Open 11:00am until 2:00pm five days a week with a line starting as early as 9:00am whether rain, shine, or humidity and ninety-five degree temperatures making patrons feel as though they'd been rained on Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room is truly an institution, the historic boardinghouse feeding locals and tourists for nearly eighty years...and on the day of my visit feeding The Real Housewives of Atlanta who were allowed to skip the line while myself and a hundred others waited ninety minutes in the August sun, much to the dismay of the locals in front of me who still waited, despite having been to Mrs. Wilkes' greater than two dozen times - as great a testament as I needed to stay in line for the $18 family style meal with more than a dozen sides, four main proteins, and two desserts of exemplary quality and an experience I won't soon forget.
(4)
Michelle B.
After hearing and reading so many reviews about this restaurant, I began to wonder if it was worth all of the hassle of waiting in line for 2 hours and sitting with random strangers who you are standing in line with. It was. I lucked out in traveling to Savannah the week before Christmas, where the number of tourists was low and the weather was perfect, about 60 each day. Despite all of the reviews about the line (and I'm sure the line is worse during busier times), I only waited about 10 minutes and then we were seated at a large table filled with so many dishes of delicious smelling food. After a few initial introductions at the table, everyone got down to the business of digging into the food. There were so many delicious sides and smaller dishes including mashed potatoes, cucumber salad, macaroni and cheese, creamed corn, sweet potatoes, BBQ pork, etc. but for me the star was the fried chicken. The skin was perfectly crispy and the meat was juicy that while I tried many of the sides, I saved most of my room for the fried chicken. The staff was also super friendly and the cashier seemed genuinely interested in talking to all of the guests as we left the restaurant and understanding where we were from and whether we enjoyed the food. Overall delicious Southern food and definitely worth trying on an empty stomach.
(5)
Rene T.
This is a must visit if you're in Savannah. My husband and I arrived at 11:45 on a Friday (12/19) and only waited in line for 30 minutes. I counted 23 separate dishes on the table when we sat down. Following other yelp reviewers' advice, we skipped breakfast and were glad we had! This remains my favorite meal from our trip. I'm still craving the chicken and biscuits. Some (if not all) of our dishes: -Collard Greens, Baked beans, black eyed peas, lima beans, green beans, potato salad, pasta salad, rice, mashed potatoes, gravy, sweet potatoes/yams, mac and cheese, cheesy potatoes, butternut squash, pickled cucumbers, biscuits, corn bread, okra/tomato/corn salad, Rutabaga, creamed corn, stuffing, fried chicken, bbq pork, and beef stew. Phew. Tea and water also on table. Dessert: banana pudding or peach cobbler. To top off a fabulous meal, one of Mrs. Wilkes' daughters (in law?) stopped by our table to see how it was. The cashier (presumably family, as well) was insanely nice and genuinely happy that we stopped by to dine with them. There was also an adorable 70/80 year old guy plopped down in his walker seat by the entrance eating out of a bowl of potatoes just for him. You can buy a cook book if you want to, my husband's still sad I didn't get one after he fell in love with the biscuits.
(5)
Mr M.
So I'm sure my review on this will be lost in the masses and they all say the same thing..but if you find this review just go. If today isn't Saturday or Sunday stop reading reviews, get dressed, get in your car and just go. .....you're welcome
(5)
Alex K.
I have to write this right away if I'm gonna do this right. Worth every painful minute of waiting in line. I got there after 11, and the line was already down the street and around the corner from the restaurant. It moved slowly in the beginning and then kind of picked up near the end. I'm not sure if it was the excitement or anticipation of having some of the best Southern cuisine in Savannah (better than Paula Deen's Lady and Sons, by several accounts). When you got seated and inside, everything is chaotic with people running around, noise from conversations and staff trying to talk to guests at the tables. Honestly, who the hell cares. The food was comforting and delicious!! Fried chicken can be screwed up in so many ways. Namely, breast pieces always tend to be dry in the middle, because of the amount of meat that the oil has to penetrate through to cook. I cut mine in half just to check the moistness. Juicy and fully cooked all the way through. The breading is light and crispy. Not my favorite when it comes to the seasoning, but skillfully done and I went back for another piece. The pulled pork was very flavorful but a little dry on the ends. Not the best I've had, but given the amount of food, and that you aren't really there for BBQ, it's better than a lot of other places I've been that have it on the menu. The vegetables were plentiful and crazy. Boiled cabbage, yams, rutabagas, black eye peas, collard greens...there were a lot and they kept on coming. The collards (could have been turnip greens, according to one of the guests sitting next to me) were porky. Pulled pork inside, and I did find a pork bone in my second helping. I'm still a distracted happy camper. The boiled okra veggie medley was delicious as well. The sweet tea was awesome. If I hadn't drank so much of the stuff, I probably would have stuffed my face even more. Dessert was ok. Peach cobbler was good and very flavorful and sweet, but the crust underneath was dense and heavy, perhaps from shortening or the flour. I can't wait to come back. Get there early.
(5)
Kevin K.
You know what you're getting into with Mrs. Wilkes, so stay away if: - You aren't a fan of standing in line for 45 minutes - You aren't a fan of sitting at a table and sharing food with strangers - You aren't a fan of bussing your own dishes I'm not really a fan of any of these things, BUT I knew what I was getting into. It's part of the experience, and it was fun. So let's get down to two core things: The service, and The food. The service is exceptional as far as it goes. Everyone was friendly, everyone was smiling, and our hostess came around to check in on each table (sadly, the original Mrs. Wilkes is no longer with us). The food is an almost obscene bounty. I think there were more than 25 different dishes on the table. Yes, it's Southern comfort food, but it's often the best of it's type. The cheesey mashed potatoes, the Savannah red rice and sausage, the stuffing, the cucumber salad, the turnips, the mac and cheese, and the sweet potatoes were among the best. There was SO much though, it became kind of a joke to pass it around to everyone. About 1/3 of the dishes could have been eliminated because they were unexceptional and brought it down to a manageable amount - white rice, lima beans (one of five bean offerings!), cole slaw, meatloaf and a few others. Finally, the fried chicken was good, but far from the best I've had. Considering the focus they put on it, I expected more. This is great home-style food though, and definitely a top-five Savannah experience!
(4)
Frances S.
Mrs. Wilkes is worth the wait. All the food was delicious. I especially liked the fried chicken, cucumbers, and cole slaw. If you don't want to wait as long I suggest getting there very early- around 10am. We arrived in line at 11am and didn't eat until 1pm. We loved it.
(5)
Fabiana F.
Get there are 10am! We got there at 10:20am and waited till the second wave of diners. The atmosphere is very homey! You sit at a table of 10 and are served upwards of 20 plates, family style. (there's no menu, and apparently what's on the table changes frequently). The fried chicken was fantastic and all the sides were as southern as it gets and were all pretty great! You sit down to sweet tea at your seat and can ask for water once you're seated. The experience is one you won't find elsewhere and it is very interesting to seat 10 strangers at a time so it's a place you don't want to skip if you're visiting savannah. However, to start, we weren't even offered water until halfway through and we had to ask for it. Also, while the food is some great authentic southern home cooking, you're definitely waiting an entire hour or so in line for the experience and atmosphere over the food. If you hate lines, this probably isn't the place for you.
(4)
Debra L.
Absolutely worth waiting in line for one hour! The fried chicken was crisp on the outside moist on the inside and not at all greasy. The side dishes were abundant fresh and delicious! A trip to Savannah is not complete unless you lunch at Mrs. Wilkes.
(5)
Branham P.
Best Soul food I have had outside of my home. Have cash and be ready to wait.. well worth it. family style.. just keep your head down and eat.. GO ASAP..
(5)
Matthieu K.
Solid Southern cuisine ... better than most in town. If, by the time you hit this place, you have not tired of fried chikkenz, do try it. The wait was rather long, close to an hour ... The price was absolutely right, under $20/person. Check it out if you are in town.
(4)
Krista M.
Oh man. Could this be any more perfect? Our silence around the table said it all. Yes, the two-and-a-half hour wait wasn't ideal, but we made some friends in line. It just added to the whole experience. This was easily one of the highlights of our Savannah trip.
(5)
Rizzo S.
Hands down the BEST Soul Food I've eaten. Mrs Wilkes opens from 11am - 2 pm which is why there's a line. So get down there by 10:30 to stand in line. We got there by 11:15 and the first group of people had already gone in. We prob waited for 30-35 mins. There's a water cooler by the door because I understand it gets pretty warm here in Savannah. The best part about this place (aside from the food) is you don't have to order the food. You walk in, sit down and start eating. The food is already on the table. Its like you're at your Mom's for dinner. You are seated at a table of ten so you will be eating together with people you don't know. If you're not a talker, it's fine. The food is so delicious you won't wanna talk but you will help pass the dishes around:) I tried to get a lil bit of everything on my plate but i just couldn't wait to taste. I LOVED the fried chicken, collard greens, yams (usually not a fan but Mrs Wilkes yams is to die for), sweet corn (wow) and etc. Man my tummy is growling and mouth watery jus thinking about it. Definitely a place you want to try for Southern home cooking. Don't forget to wear some stretchy pants:)
(5)
Janet L.
A must do in Savannah. Skip breakfast and get in line at 1:45 when you're totally starving. They stop letting folks in at 2pm, but if you're in line, you should be okay. Mind-boggling array of Southern fare. Can't possibly list all of the dishes that magically appear on your table, but the highlights were: killer fried chicken, BBQ pulled pork, corn bread, sweet potatoes with raisins, rutabagas. okra. etc etc. every dish had a unique and terrific flavor. Well worth $20 per person.
(4)
Jay J.
AWESOME!!! Love the atmosphere and the family style dining!
(4)
Joey P.
This place definitely lives up to the hype! Located on the most beautiful street in America, Mrs Wilkes serves a smorgasbord of food to you family style at tables for about 10 people. We were offered fried chicken, barbecue pork, mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, multiple types of veggies, delicious sweet tea, peach cobbler, and everything that's good and southern. It was almost like having thanksgiving dinner with a bunch of strangers. In fact it's probably less awkward than thanksgiving with your weird relatives because everyone's in a good mood and we met some cool interesting people. I'd recommend getting there early; our group arrived shortly after 11 and there was a 30 to 45 minute wait. The only negative was that I went into and food coma after eating here and nothing else has tasted as good ever since. A must do for visitors to Savannah!
(5)
Vicky P.
Outstanding! My entire family was happy with the food and the service. I don't think it's possible to even try everything they put on the table. It's a great opportunity to try all the southern favorites. It's a great concept, I loved sitting at a table with another group from different parts of the country. It's worth the wait and worth the money. We got there at 9:50 and were seated right at 11am when they opened.
(4)
Joe B.
A Savannah institution for many years now. Should definitely be placed on your to do list when in the area. VERY limited seating inside. You are in the basement of a home. You will be sitting at a table with other people basically eating family style. When you enter, you will be shown to your table where you will find it all set up with food, drinks, and sides. There is no menu, you get what they make and what they make is damn good! On this day, we had fried chicken, meatloaf, barbecued pork, mac and cheese, collard greens, black eyed peas, too many more to remember!! Now remember, they are only open from 11am - 2 pm. You're hungry?? You want to eat?? Then you will get there around 9:30am We got there at 10am and there were already about 60 people on line waiting. We just missed the first seating. Did I mention that you have 30 minutes to eat?? They don't throw you out, but you will get the hint. The price is more than right for the food you get. It's $18 a head. Every single thing we tasted was very good. This is southern cooking at it's finest. Forget about the Paula Deen tourist trap and make your way here. If you don't get here early enough, don't say I didn't warn you!!
(5)
Tyler L.
As one of the consistantly mentioned must experience restaurants in Savannah, we knew we had to give it a try. The doors open at 11, but you will want to line up earlier or you'll have a long wait. The house is an old boarding house where Mrs. Wilkes began serving quality southern comfort food to the boarders and the tradition continues today with tourists. The interior is surprisingly big with a bunch of tables. Seating is done by the table, and the 12 person takes are always seated full, so you'll be drinking with strangers. This makes fur a fun family style experience as you'll have to ask your table mates to pass the sides. There are something like 12 different southern sides like okra, corn bread, rice, greens, yams, and beans. The main dish is the fried chicken which is delicious and crispy but I loved the bbq and sausage too. Service noisily leaves you alone, but it's charming in a boarding house way. Must do in Savannah.
(5)
John P.
Even though I had to wait in line for at least 40 minutes it was worth it. If you come to Savannah and enjoy food, don't miss this place. You'll be amazed at how good this home cooking was. Served family around a big table with more vegetables than I can remember.
(5)
Sharon S.
No menu just a table full of southern favorites. My personal recommendations would be the B-B-Q beef, beets & mac & cheese. But it's not just the food, it's a chance to sit & visit with locals & other visitors to Savannah and if you are as lucky as we were, meet the gracious owners. The down side would be their limited hours & having to remember to bring cash.
(5)
Brandon H.
You can't NOT eat here. Everything is ridiculously perfectly cooked and probably the best bargain you can find for all you can eat at $20. We waited an hour at 1130 on a Thursday which in my mind translates to about a 30 minute wait anywhere else, considering the food is waiting at the table as soon as you sit down.
(5)
Randi H.
Deeelish! The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because I would rather not sit with strangers.
(4)
Craig B.
You know how people say things like "I wouldn't write home about it.". You'd write home about this place. A friend suggested this. I especially wanted to get real Southern food. It's totally worth it. Three tips though: - I'd make this your sole meal of the day. Just skip breakfast and dinner - It's $18 -- cash only - Plan on about 2-3 hours when it's all said and done. When I showed up around 12:30 pm, the line was out the door, down the street, and and was starting to go around the corner. It then moves very slowly. A few of the staff come out now and then to say "hello" and joke with you. But you do start to wonder if you'll ever get in. You might even want to line up before they open. Then, finally, you're in, and seated at one of many long tables with strangers - they were strangers anyway. Either you met them in line or you're going to meet them now. Not strangers anymore. Actually a lot of fun. The table is covered with 20+ bowls of different dishes. Now you'll need to start being strategic about how you go through this because you probably want to eat every last bowl after waiting in line for 1 to 1.5 hours, and I doubt that you'll even be able to try a little bit of everything -- there is just too much food. I can't even list it all: fried chicken, collard greens, sweet potatoes, squash, creamed corn, pulled pork, picked beets, black eyed peas, cucumbers, macaroni and cheese, sweet tea. I can't remember much more than that because I think that I passed out. Afterwards Mrs Walkes came over to chat with our table. She's the granddaughter of the original Mrs Wilkes. I was impressed just with the way that she answered all of our questions and just seemed happy to talk with us. President Obama and his entourage ate here. There is a photo by the register. I asked the cashier if the president had to wait in line, too, and he quickly answered that "those secret service thugs got him right in here."
(5)
Rachel S.
Good Food! Word of advice: even though the place opens at 11:00AM, please be sure to stand in line before that!!
(5)
Lissie C.
During my trip to savannah this was the spot everyone told me not to miss. The line is very long and you will likely have to wait between 45-1 hour to be seated. However, it's totally worth it. This is the best soul food I've ever had. The fried chicken is divine and everything I ate was just delicious. This is an authentic soul food spot at its best!
(5)
Flo H.
Worth waiting in line! Absolutly excellent!!! Best introduction to Southern food. We've eaten at other places (more expensive!) and they do not compare to Mrs Wilkes' Dining Room. Very simple approach, everything is on the table (all you can eat!), which you share with other people (sits about 10 people). You're asked to bring your plate to the kitchen. Everybody raves about the fried chicken, it is indeed delicious. There are a lot of vegeterian dishes, which balances out the "heavy" meat ones. Lovely, friendly staff.
(5)
Rachel R.
Good God, this place is good. My mother is Southern and is obsessed with this place, and we always stop by on our way to the beach in the summer. You really need to fast starting the night before--you WILL overeat here, and it's worth clearing out some stomach space if you don't want to feel sick later. Come at least an hour before--they seat in waves and if you're there at 10:00 there's a good chance you'll be in the first seating. Make weird small talk with fellow diners (many of whom are tourists, but there are lots of locals during the times I've been there--I think the predominantly tourist population is because Mrs. Wilkes' is only open during the week and it's an investment for a workday lunch for most people). A bunch of Savannah city councilors showed up once when I was there, and everyone got very excited. Pass around plates of super-light cornbread and biscuits and heaping bowls of butter beans, squash casserole, green beans, collards, mashed potatoes, and mac and cheese. I'm not super-enthused about the mac and cheese (not a huge fan of Southern-style mac and cheese to begin with, honestly), but the mashed potatoes, squash, and green beans are fab--the mashed potatoes are creamy and flecked with bits of onion and cheese, the green beans redolent of bacon, the squash tender and creamy. A word to those reviewers who complain that the vegetables are "mushy:" in Southern cuisine, vegetables are deliberately cooked for a long time, usually with some bacon, under they're very tender. One man's authenticity is another man's mushy, I suppose. The chicken is delicious--though I like Willie Mae's in New Orleans better if we're judging fried chicken in the South--but it's the side dishes and the awesome baking powder biscuits that really shine here. Trust me--if it's good enough for my nothing-tastes-like-my-grandmother's finicky-about-collars mother, it's good enough for anyone looking for a taste of rural Southern cuisine in Savannah.
(5)
Maria M.
Ate so much...felt guilty eating the rest of the week! Just soooo good. Fried Chicken and mac and cheese, and, and, and ...... everything good!
(5)
Emily Y.
Go there. Best meal I've ever eaten. Get there at ten am, wait in line, bring cash and come hungry. An absolute must for savannah.
(5)
Leah L.
I cant say anything about this place that has not already been said. This food is the absolute best in Savannah. The business has a fantastic history and should be so proud of everything it is. Word of advice... get there at 10am!! Do yourself a favor and eat here!
(5)
Lady Di D.
The line to get your grub on is sooooooo worth it........ Fried chicken, Mac and cheese, black eyed peas and peach cobbler were the belles of the ball........didn't mind the family table set up in that we were able to meet interesting folks from around the USA.
(5)
Jason D.
Awesome and delicious. Kind people and great family event to add to any visit to Savannah.
(5)
Joan L.
Waited 2 hours & 45 minutes to get seated. Canned corn, green beans but good fried chicken . Will NOT return
(1)
Lindsley A.
The line is WORTH the wait! As long as you have good company, waiting won't be as bad as you think. This place is CASH ONLY! For the price you pay, you definitely got your money's worth. The aroma of food while waiting outside the restaurant will strike your hunger to another level like no other. Once you walk in and are seated the food is all laid out for you and you get served sweet tea along with it. My eyes were overwhelmed with the amount of food that was on the table, it looked like it would never end. FRIED CHICKEN is the TRUTH! Oh my gosh, the best fried chicken I've ever had. The sides were just as good, my favorites were: -Mac-n-cheese -Mashed Potato & gravy (oh but the gravy..mmm) -Mashed cream of corn -Collard greens -Stuffing -Cornbread Jalapeno -Cucumber (very refreshing) -Sweet Potatoes (to die for.. ahh) Also don't forget dessert which is included, the banana pudding = perfect ending to the entire food! There were other sides as well, trust me, a little bit of something for everyone. My goodness my goodness, the food was overall amazing, the experience, and the staff were super friendly. Once you're done, you have to pick up after yourselves, but don't worry it's just your plate. Alright, enough of this reading. just go and enjoy it! Trust me, I will come back!
(5)
Magan T.
AMAZING! Just go! I don't know how we missed a line to get in, but there was no wait for our group of 5. It was a rainy mid-weekday and we walked right inside and only waited 5 minutes before we were seated at a large, family-style table with another small group. As soon as the drink order was taken the food started coming! Every southern food you can imagine, and it was all some of the best southern food I have ever had. After a few helpings of my favorites, our plates were cleared and we decided on a dessert. I'm originally from Savannah, and while living there I never visited Mrs. Wilkes'. Now, I will not visit without making time for lunch here. The entire experience was so wonderful.
(5)
Vin C.
Disclaimer: I don't know what home cooked southern food tastes like, so as to the authenticity of this place, I can't say. It sure as hell tasted home cooked though, and eating here felt more like sitting at grandmas table than any restaurant I've ever been too. That alone made the experience worth the wait. Reviewers who likened the chicken to KFC and called the sides flavorless...shame on you. The majority of the dishes were excellent, some were admittedly a little bland but this is the closest thing a New Yorker like me will get to sitting at aunties table and sipping sweet tea. I'm glad yelp pointed me in their direction...worth the wait if you only plan on visiting savannah once.
(4)
Jean M.
One of the best meals you will ever eat. The absolute best part of the south is having experiences like this. A table full of deliciousness. Nothing like this exists at home in California, unfortunately. A girl can dream...
(5)
Megan S.
Show up with a snack in your purse at 11AM and be prepared to wait in line until 1PM! My best friend and I stood in the sun and questioned our sanity a few times but finally making it into the boarding style dining room to a table filled with every southern comfort dish you could imagine! Sweet tea and place settings were out, we took a seat said grace with a group of strangers and immediately asked to pass the mac n cheese, fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and more all around the table. You name it, they had it! And then they had the nerve to bring out dessert... Peach cobbler and banana pudding! We all looked around the table, smiled and parted ways a very happy group. Absolutely worth the wait! PS It's CASH ONLY!
(5)
Tom D.
There really isn't anything to say that hasn't been said about Mrs Wilkes. The wait is the only negative, but suck it up and get in there, you will not regret it! If you think you like fried chicken, your gonna love this.
(5)
Jennifer D.
One of the best meals we had, define tally a must go. Loved the family seating and the people we met. The food was great, every dish.
(5)
Tracy E.
Love it! Expect to wait approximately 1 hour, but it's completely worth it. They serve you family style at the table and you sit with a crowd of strangers and friends alike. Best authentic Southern cooking in Savannah. Perfect for visiting family, or if you are touring Savannah and want an authentic experience. Locals and tourists both frequent this place.
(5)
Lucas R.
Tourist Trap! Do not buy the hype! We got there at 1100 and stood at the back of the 1.5 hour wait line, as expected. My uncle and I took turns drifting through the crowd chatting w/ folks and we found only ONE person who had been there before! That's the big warning folks; when you have 125 people in line and less than 10% are repeat customers.... buyer beware. Service was great, food was about average southern food. 1.5 hour wait and $20 price tag make this meal a 1 or 2 star meal. The best thing I can say about the food is that it is superfluous. There were about 20+ bowls of sides at the table, most of which was unimpressive. The only thing I thought was better than your average southern food was they called "filling". But the main staples- yams, collard greens, biscuits, fried chicken, green beans, corn, etc. were MEH.
(2)
Joanna Y.
My only comment is 24 dishes on the table, each one tasting like it came from a loving grandma's kitchen,, I don't know how they do it. as for long waits.. we visited in December... arrived about 1 pm. and there was no line, and about 10 minutes wait for a table of 8 to fill. even at that time everything was piping hot, fresh, and appetizing and DELICIOUS!!!!! Mrs Wilkes granddaughter was our very gracious host, and she appeared to be loving what she was doing. This is an experience you should not miss, even if you have to wait.
(5)
Anthony R.
This place was awesome! There was so much to choose from. Every item was cooked to perfection. The fried chicken is some of the best the best I've ever eaten!
(5)
Bianca D.
Where's the 6th star? This place definitely deserves it. Started off my trip in Savannah before making the drive over to Atlanta the next day. Had a few hours to roam around downtown by myself and I knew those few hours would be solely dedicated to Mrs. Wilkes and eating incredibly too much before our drive. Showed up at 10 to beat the masses and there was already about 15 people forming a line in front of the tiny hidden building. Glad I came early... (make sure you also bring change for the meters) I thought it would be a little awkward waiting in a huge line for an hour around groups of people when I was by myself but it wasn't at all. Everyone was very nice and interested in hearing about the mystery land of California. Southern hospitality definitely shined. The clock struck 11 and the first of us were let in. Bowls of food already waiting on the large round tables that fit 9 people each. We sat down and started passing the food around. There was about 20 or so bowls of different food... Fried chicken, bbq pork, beef stew, rice, gravy, black eyed peas, greens, candied yams, mac n cheese, creamed corn, cabbage, rutabaga, lima beans, dressing, pasta with peas, corn bread, biscuits, baked beans, potato salad, can't think of what else, and then banana pudding to finish it off. Here's for the highlights. The fried chicken...best fried chicken I've EVER had. Ever. Great crunch on the outside with amazing juicy meat. BBQ pork was one of my favorite things on the table. Great flavor with the tangy flavor and savoriness that I like. Candied yams were nice and sweet without tasting more like a sweet potato pie than a dinner side. Raisins were a nice touch too. Greens reminded me of my mom's...made with love, ham hocks or bacon without being too salty or vinegary. Banana pudding was amazing and the PERFECT way to end a meal and start my trip in Georgia. Glad I got to visit this great place, sad that I will most likely never get to eat there again.
(5)
Mo H.
This was my husband's pick, as I had never heard of it. He stayed in line while I took the Trolley around with our 1.5 year old son. I was a bit nervous about taking him there, but as I walked in a bit late (after our table was seated and sides were passed) there was a highchair waiting. I plopped him in it and let him start on some mac n cheese. I started piling my plate up and tried just about every side. I ate 4, count that FOUR pieces of the most delicious fried chicken that has ever met my lips. I generally don't eat that much, but I had skipped breakfast in anticipation. I think my favorite sides were the okra and stewed tomatoes, the mac and cheese and the fava beans. It's hard to pick though, everything was delicious and my husband said definitely worth the wait!
(4)
Stephanie S.
OMG. At 10:30 am (place doesn't open until 11) there was approximately 70 people in line. Hot, humid day & no one was getting out of line. It was WORTH the wait. Once you are in the restaurant you are seated at a table of 10 & with strangers that become friends over a meal. There are approximately 15-20 side dishes plus your fried chicken & two other meats. What can I say other than this was the best fried chicken I have ever had. This was echoed from each person around the table & I wish I could have taken a doggie bag home. The side dishes depending on what you like - there is something for everyone. Desserts you have two choices & they are small servings but you don't need much because you are so full from the lunch. The place is clean, folks are real nice & the price is perfect!
(5)
Natasha U.
Where do I begin??! The wait: TOTALLY WORTH IT! Now, they are are only open for 3 hours according to their website and what's posted on the sign (11am-2pm) but if you stand in line before 2pm or close to it, you will get seated, so don't fret! They will not turn you away. We got there around 12:30 and got seated around 2:10. That's enough time to wait and garner up an appetite. You will need to come here extremely hungry. BE PREPARED! As soon as you walk in, the food is already on the table and ready to be eaten! Service: Very friendly and down home. Just like I expected. Everything was on point and super cool. As soon as a bowl was empty, they came back and asked if wanted more food. Unbelievable. Price: $16..what? Okay, based on the amount of dishes we had plus sweet tea, that comes out to less than a dollar per item...that's right, less than a dollar per item for all you can eat of some of the most amazing soul food ever! There were over 22 items on the table. Now that is a steal. I didn't even have enough room to try each of them! THE FOOD: In the famous words of Usher...OMG!!! Talk about a belly busting meal. The fried chicken was fried to golden perfection with just the right amount of seasonings, the collard greens, the sweet potatoes, the mac and cheese, cornbread, black-eyed peas...it just goes on and on and on and you don't stop. Wow! Just about the best damn soul food you will ever have. If you ever find yourself in Savannah, GA..this is a MUST SEE, MUST EAT, MUST GORGE YOURSELF place to eat. Skip Paula Deen's Lady and Sons..seriously there is no competition here.
(5)
Fabian W.
The wait is horrible but the food is magnificent. The family style serving added to the overall experience. But that damn wait, almost 2 hours outside was rough..... Oh, cash or check. Yup, I said check. No credit cards at this spot. But I'll be back on my next trip to Savannah.
(5)
Shiyana V.
Mrs. Wilkes' = never-ending delicious home-cooked southern food, served up to your communal table of 10 for just $18 per person (no credit cards accepted). We left Mrs Wilkes' Dining Room completely satiated. It was totally worth the hour-plus line in somewhat chilly weather, and all the calories that I definitely put on at the dining table (especially after that 3rd piece of fried chicken!). About 23 dishes were served up to our table. Proteins included fried chicken (just perfectly crispy, not overly breaded, tender,...), beef stew, bbq pulled pork. Plus there were plenty of veggies - corn bread stuffing (amazing flavor), black-eyed peas, collard greens, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, creamed corn, rutabaga, dirty rice, I could keep going - but I lost track. I wouldn't bother saving room for dessert, have another piece of fried chicken instead. They offered us banana pudding or blueberry cobbler - definitely not the stars of the meal, perhaps a distant third cousin. Hence my four star rating rather than five. Get there early as the doors open at 11am and the line seems to start forming just before 10am. Apparently if you know them, you get to sneak in the back door, which means that the line might look a bit deceptive - although I can't believe that too many do that regularly. For two non-southerners - this was a great opportunity to taste real down-home cooking - without any of the modernizing that happens in so many other places. Wish I could have Thanksgiving with the Wilkes family someday!
(4)
Lisa L.
Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room was one of the restaurants recommended by our hotel during our stay in Savannah last month. There were about twenty people ahead of us in line as we waited approximately 45 minutes outside on a hot, muggy day in July. They seat eight to ten people per table. You enter as a group and you leave as a group. We were seated with three other couples and everyone seemed to enjoy their meal. It reminded me of Sunday dinners at my grandparents home when I was a child. The first ten minutes were spent passing all the food around. The food was lightly seasoned, not overly salty or too buttery. It appeared the mashed potatoes won the "best dish" award at our table. The cabbage was my favorite. Although I did not partake of the fried chicken, those that did commented it was good. You have a choice of two desserts, and it was at this time that our table began lightening up and engaging more in conversation. One couple was from Atlanta, near my hometown, and the other two couples were from my son's alma mater, the University of Louisville. Small world. All in all, it was a nice meal and we enjoyed the fellowship around the table. If you've got the time, Mrs. Wilkes' definitely has the food!
(4)
Zayla D.
Best ever. Totally worth the wait in line. Literally the best soul food experience that we've ever had. Family style dinner, meet new people, eat great food. EAT HERE!
(5)
Michelle J.
We were lucky to be near the front of the line when we came, so our wait wasn't too late. The experience overall was good. I enjoyed the family style dining. The meal was delicious. The amount of side dishes was astounding, and all of them were good. The biscuits and dessert were my favorite. If you're looking for good home-cooked southern food, this is the place. However, for the price tag I would probably prefer to eat my grandma's cooking. It tastes just as good.
(4)
Jim F.
We arrived in Savannah late afternoon and made our way to Mrs. Wilkes' first thing. We waited only 1/2 hour to be seated with several other smaller groups. I have to say we were slightly disappointed. We had tried a similar place in Nashville the year before and it was fantastic, so perhaps our expectations were too high. Some of the sides were not very hot, and the mains, although tasty, were not near the "best ever" category. And we thought the service was a bit detached. I probably would not go back, but it is certainly a "must do" your first time in Savannah.
(3)
Colleen M.
So you and your sweetheart came to Savannah on vacation, making reservations at Lady and Sons for an authentic low country meal. Well, bless your heart. Now, call and cancel those reservations. Then make your way to Jones Street around 11:00 for lunch at Mrs Wilkes. On my first trip to Savannah, my now husband picked me up from the airport and - no joke - drove me straight to Mrs Wilkes. There is no better introduction to Savannah. Our family insists on a trip to Mrs Wilkes on every trip. The food is hot, delicious and made by human hands. There is always almost always just a little too much of it and you never manage to restrain yourself. Be prepared to stand in line to wait. It's just how Mrs Wilkes is. Food is family style and tables hold ten or twelve people. You will end up sitting with strangers and the smaller your group, the sooner you will eat. There is no lingering and Savannah locals hint that the dessert is mediocre to encourage you to move on out and let the next dozen in. It's cash only, so come prepared. There aren't any ATMs nearby. But don't worry -- the food's already been blessed.
(5)
Tanya G.
Advertised as one of the "Thousand places to visit before I die", I did not want to miss out and have this regret over my head on my deathbed. There is so much history in Savannah and Mrs. Wilke's is definitely an important chapter in the book. A former boarding school, you can just imagine what it would feel like to be a student in the school. We were seated at a large table with other travelers, forced to greet and meet but the awkward forced conversation did not last long. On comes the parade of F-O-O-D!!! It was a blur of awesome fried chicken, side dishes and sweet tea. Mmmmmm mmmmmm mmmmmmm Now conversation was easy flowing as you ask your neighbors to pass the green beans or tell them to try the candied yams. Food is always a better conversation piece than "where are you from", "how long are you in town for". I don't really care to know. I do care that you share your food with me, yes please don't hog the mac and cheese!!! What?!? I said please :-) All you can stuff your face, Mrs. Wilke's make sure you are happily full and satisfied. Yes ma'am!! As a souvenir, I bought her cookbook. . . We won't get into how my food turned out using her instructions. . . :-P I am happy with no regrets, can't really ask for more.
(5)
Jessie C.
Being a tourist, I was told the best Southern food was at Mrs. Wilkes'. So off I went on a 6 block trek to this place. To my dismay, there was already a long line up by 11:15am. Waited over one hour for what I hoped to be worth the wait, and got to jump the line as a 1-person party. I was then informed to follow a group of people walking in, so confused, off I went. At the next room, there was just one big table available. Well, this was awkward, I didn't see any tables for a single person but was promptly told to sit down in their lilting southern accents. Who was I to argue? There was food on the table. Alright, table for 10 and about 4 different parties of people. The food was already laid out family style, so introductions were quick and off we started rotating the endless bowls of food. I wasn't sure what some of the stuff was, but my table was super friendly and loved introducing me to "their" food. Black eyed peas, some other beans, collard greens, mashed potatoes, biscuits, cornbread, fried chicken, and tons more dishes. The peas were perfectly firm and tasty, the fried chicken was to die for. Not too oily yet crispy and oh just so tender and moist. The collard greens were very delicious and the mashed potatoes were like clouds of buttery, savory creaminess. The cornbread was not the sweet type and the macaroni salad was tangy, creamy and the noodles were firm. By the time we had all had our fill and had started to slow down, one of the guys picked up what looked to me like maple syrup (I am, afterall, Canadian!!). But they mentioned it was something else, like treacle or sorghum. I dripped it on my biscuit like they suggested, with the warning that not everyone could "take to it" on their first time. Oh.My.God. I swear there were fireworks going off in my head. My tastebuds were rejoicing for this amazing, delicious goodness. The fluffy, butter biscuit became merely a vehicle for this sticky goodness that I had just discovered. After I recovered from that amazing meal, we were told to bring our dishes to the kitchen. Well then, this truly was family style dining and I had just adopted a few Floridians, a couple Nova Scotians and a pair of Kentucky-ites (?). On my way to pay I discovered the Mrs. Wilkes' cook book. Snapped that up real quick and on my way out, I felt so satiated that I felt like telling everyone still in the lineup (which had greatly elongated since the beginning of my journey) that the wait was SO WORTH IT!!! Keeping my big mouth in check, I walked quietly by with a big smile on my face. Upon my return to Canada, I told all my friends about this amazing experience, and sure enough, as quickly as I snatched up that cook book, it left my hands even quicker to make their rounds through my dear dear friends. I will definitely think about this place often and wonder when my next travel to the southern state will be.
(5)
Jerry W.
As a true Savannah local, (my family came to Savannah in 1788) I can tell you that this is one of the most incredible, consistent, delicious and authentic dining experiences I have ever had anywhere in the world. I am a confessed foodie and have travelled worldwide. This place is the real thing. The line is there for a reason: fantastic food and service at a great price. If you come to Savannah and do not eat here, you missed out! I eat here once every 2 weeks just to get my fix!
(5)
Nekiba M.
It is worth the wait, my mother and I went back the following day. Some people complain about being rushed but I didn't feel like that at all. The key is to get there early. I was warned by the tour guy, the place opens at 11am but get there no later than 10:15. We got there at 10:30 and the line was already down the block. Took the guys advice the following day arriving at 9:47 and was the first in line. Now back to the food, did I saw how really good the food is. The restaurant is family style southern food seating at a table with complete strangers. When you walk in the food is already set up, all that was left was say our blessing and dig in. The main course was fried chicken, pot roast, and barbeque pork. The barbeque pork was okay but the fried chicken and pot roast was the best. The sides didn't disappoint either. The standouts were the beets, collard greens, and rutabeggas. You this is the place to go when locals are willing to stay in the long line with tourist. The second best part was talking with the people at the table. Great food and great company is a good combination which Mrs. WILKES has.
(5)
Robyn M.
So my husband ate here on our recent visit to Savannah. I had read the great reviews and the locals could not stop telling us how yummy everything was here. Well....we waited in line here for lunch for 1 and 1/2 hours with nothing to drink and no place to sit. When you finally reach the door you are sat at a table with complete strangers. The food is already there on the table and it is passed like you would at a "family" dinner around the table (I think I mentioned you eat with strangers). The staff didn't offer any explanation for the food on the table, so I had some fun explaining it to the other folks being a southern gal and all (you can take the girl out of the south, but not the southern out of the gal). We sat with one family from up state New York, a newly wed couple from up state New York, and a couple from Arizona. I really enjoyed explaining to everyone that the stewed okra was not jalapenos. LOL! Now the food. The chicken was not good. The cabbage had sugar in it - who does that! The lima beans and creamed corn were okay. The biscuits were sad. The black eye peas were cooked to death and in their own rue. The greens, although cooked to the correct consistency, had enough salt to kill anyone with one bite. There were many dishes my husband and I didn't try, just because they didn't look right. We will never go back and recommend everyone considering this place to go to Lady and Sons. Southern cooking can be bad for your health, and this place defines just how bad. Don't get me wrong, I am not saying Lady and Sons is healthily food, but it is yummy. Southern cooking doesn't have to be bad for you. The deserts were peach cobbler (which was a high point for me) YUMMY! and nasty banana puddin' (my favorite on a regular day). After clearing my own plate, we got to pay cash for this lovely meal ("no plastic accepted"). Please don't waste you time with this place.
(1)
Dillon C.
Amazing food, plenty to eat, great service. Be prepared for the long wait but it is definitely worth it. Keep in mind that it is a communal table with bowls full of food set at the table as soon as you are seated. They bring refills of food and drinks if needed and a choice of 3 small desert plates are offered after the meal. Be sure to try a little of everything because it is all great. Way better food than Lady and Sons, the fried chicken was on another level. REMEMBER that it is cash only, and be sure to arrive early to ensure that you get through the long line.
(5)
Doug H.
Great food and service when you get inside - but you need a better system for waiting in line. It is in-human to make people stand 2-3 hours in a line to eat. The original Mrs. Wilkes ran the boarding house and restaurant for decades and worked there until her death in the 90's at age 95, but now that the management has passed through the family the customer service is less. I think the great-grandson runs it now, and they have all of the customers they can handle, but you should consider your customers and have a call-ahead system or something that acknowledges the concern that the founder had for her customers. Why not return to earlier opening and later closing since they don't open on weekends. Staying open until 3:00 pm will prevent people from feeling they have to be there at 11:00 am just to get served. I know that a different waiting system is in place for locals and tour groups, but at least provide some relief for those who must stand for 2-3 hours.
(4)
Jeff C.
The food here is good, some of it very good. But for me, it didn't live up to the hype that everyone seems to give it! The major problem being that you don't really enjoy your dining experience. After waiting on the long line out front, you're seated with other folks and inundated with the food, then after you finally get done passing all the plates and filling yours, you get a VERY definite rushed feeling! Not everyone at our table was done eating, when they started clearing all the tables and serving dessert, then informed everyone of the policy to bus your own plates. Another very big hint to finish up!!! So, although the food was good, the overall experience was a disappointment!
(3)
Girl B.
I'm not a fan of Southern cooking. I tried it, I disliked it. Hell, I'd go so far as to say I HATE SOUTHERN COOKING. Fried tomatoes, collared greens, wtf? Mrs Wilkes did NOT change my mind but I have to say, it was an awesome experience because for $20 per person, you sit at a table for 10 and are introduced to more than 20 traditional, home-cooked southern dishes. There is nothing to order. Perfect introduction to southern food. So altho I hate Southern food, I can still appreciate an establishment's efforts and inventiveness. I couldn't just give every southern restaurant a bad review because their style doesn't gel with mine. It's like hating Chinese food and then going to China and giving every chinese restaurant over there one star only. Huh?? Anyway, worth a visit.
(4)
Tramaine W.
Definitely lived up to the hype, it was everything I was expecting. For $18(cash or check) you get a drink and a table full of at least 15 food options. Not all the items are great but when you have that many options you'll leave satisfied. My favorites were the BBQ pork, sweet potato casserole, fried chicken, and mashed potatoes. My least favorite was the collard greens, it tasted like old frying grease. I also didn't care much for the cabbage, dumplings and cornbread. All in all I would go back in a heartbeat and it's a must when visiting savannah.
(4)
Demetria M.
This place is all that the other reviews say it is, I'm just adding my 2 cents. The food is already on the table when you're seated except for the fried chicken and biscuits, which both come out nice and hot within minutes of being seated. If you get there early enough, there is meter parking on both sides of the street so I went ahead and stood in line but didn't put any money in the meter until about 10 minutes before the restaurant was opening. I was about the 10th person in line and they let about 60 people in at the opening of 11am. Don't put alot of time on the meter because they start cleaning your table off after about 30-35 minutes but don't worry, you will be good and full by that time. I got there around 9:50 and there were already 2 people in line. Everything was delish, but I didn't care for the stew beef, it wasn't seasoned right or something. Definitely worth the wait!
(5)
Mike W.
Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room had been highly recommended by several folks upon our arrival during our recent visit to Savannah. So, we ate at the Dining Room on our second night. Our wait in line outside the Dining Room was slightly over an hour, which was OK since the weather was nice. Once inside we were seated with the people that had been in line near us, at a table with the numerous bowls of food already present. Serve yourself family style. The staff didn't offer any explanation for the food on the table unless asked. A lot of food! The chicken, black eyed peas, sweet potatos, and pork were all good. Collard greens, cabbage, and other dishes were generally OK. The biscuits and corn bread weren't so great. Overall, the food was good but not exceptional. However, Mrs. Wilkes' is an Interesting and fun dining experience if you are open to talking to and dining with strangers in a "boarding house" atmosphere. Avoid if you aren't open to this.
(4)
Alex H.
I waited in line for 45 minutes on a muggy Monday, and every 10 minutes or so I wondered to myself whether or not this was really worth the hassle. Maybe it's a tourist trap. Maybe it's all nostalgia hype. Then we made it inside. I'm so glad I trusted in my fellow Yelpers. This place deserves a special spot in my heart as my 100th review. You get seated at a table that holds 10 and it's loaded up with a handful of meat dishes, a plate full of biscuits and muffins, and somewhere around twenty or more sides. If you hit the bottom of anything, they bring you more. The fried chicken is as good as advertised. Be advised, this establishment is CASH ONLY, so if you want a t-shirt or a cook book, make sure you take extra.
(5)
Eilleen B.
Came to Savannah with best friend's family. Was really looking for authentic southern food and boy was this it!!! I really love fried chicken and I have to say this was the best fried chicken I've ever had. Get in line early by 10:30am. There is some shopping around. Only same is some of the food was thrown out. But a definite must do in Savannah! Can't wait to go back!
(5)
Michelle P.
Worth the very long, very hot, wait. Good ole southern food served family style. We loved meeting other tourists & some a couple of locals while we shared a table and wonderful meal!
(4)
Marcela H.
If food is anywhere near as good as this in heaven, may I be struck down this very second! I was on a cross country road trip with a friend and we initially had plans on going to Paula Deen's restaurant but thanks to fellow Yelpers, we were steered straight into Mrs. Wilke's Dining Room. When we arrived we were greeted with a line out the door. Being an avid Yelper, I have conditioned myself to expect and appreciate long lines for that means that what awaits inside is well worth the effort. But never have I stood in line with a crowd full of like minded determined individuals that even your heaviest most unexpected rain didn't change our plans. Sure some of the elders sought refuge under nearby awnings but only if they had someone in their party willing to brunt the rain. Once inside I was pleasantly surprised to see that it was family style type dining. I guess the name should have tipped me off - Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room - but the LA native in me had already written off the name as a marketing ploy. Twelve of us were seated together in a massive dining room table. There was a total of 4 tables in the front room and probably another 3 or 4 in the back room. There were no menus and no waitresses. Once we arrived at our seat cold and soaked from the heavens, we were greeted with a spread of food that made you want to say grace even if you've never been religious a day in your life. There was a platter of fried chicken surrounded by bowls full of mashed potatoes, gravy, greens, cream of corn, mac & cheese, black beans, yams.. MY GOD the yams and a whole lot more that I need to stop naming because I am tempted to drive to Savannah tonight. In short, this place is definitely worth the effort. And if food isn't THIS good in heaven, may I at least get a 7 hour warning so that I may hop on a plane and end this the right way. Peace, love and good ol' fashioned southern home cookin'!
(5)
Derek L.
My girlfriend and I decided to try this place because it was listed as one of the best places to eat in Savannah. I was very impressed. Savannah as many of you may know its an older town so they keep their tradition. This place is a house with 4 tables in it. We went on a Thursday and we had to wait outside at 9:30am even though this place was opened at 11am. Trust me its worth the wait. This place has a great environment. You don't just sit with you and your date. Its a round table and you are seated with other customers. The food was amazing, they had beans ( I hate beans) but these beans were great. The beef stew was WONDERFUL. The beef was cooked just right. It was very tender and melt in your mouth. The corn bread is so delicious it makes you want to slap somebody. Now the mash potatoes great cook correctly and has a perfect blend of potato and milk used. On top of that, the people you meet are very nice and easy going. We ran into this couple we sat with about 4 times during our walk at riverboat street. One of the nicest couples ever! You never know who you are going to meet. AGAIN GREAT FOOD GREAT PEOPLE AND GREAT ENVIRONMENT a MUST GO PLACE IN SAVANNAH!
(5)
Tiffany M.
We were not planning on eating at Mrs. Wilkes' but everyone we encountered told us "y'all got to eat there before leaving Savannah." I really didn't think it would be worth the wait and I really am not one to go for quantity, but instead prefer quality. And really, who wants to wait outside in line for an hour for a meal? I do now and am now a full blown Mrs. Wilke's convert. All the dishes were very good, the collards which I had thirds, were awesome. We were served so many dishes, that I wish that they would have identified them as they brought them to the table because some guests sitting at our table kept asking the rest of us what they were - one of the disadvantages of dining family style. The desserts were okay, but not great. I originally ordered the peach cobbler, but it was so bad I asked for the banana pudding instead. I bought the cookbook as a souvenir but after perusing the recipes, many of them included Cambell's soup and were from the original printing from the 70's which I'm sure are not the recipes they currently use. So save yourself the $18 and look online for the recipes.
(4)
Gibson J.
Great food. Great service
(5)
Richard B.
I don't know of a better place to taste the wonderful tradition of Southern Soul Food. While the platter of chicken is tempting, I actually love what they do with the sides. Veggies have never been made so noble--I had six or seven kinds my last visit. BTW: the sweet "oss" tea is a tad too sweet, so stick with the plain Jane version. The long lines here speak volumes; a landmark.
(5)
Miriam P.
Whenever my family and I visit Savannah we make sure we have time to eat lunch at Mrs. Wilkes. We have eaten there at least 3-4 times and each time was well worth it. Don't eat breakfast before going because you will be stuffed. We typically arrive around 11 am and get in by about noon. You will get your money's worth! Excellent family style southern food. Just like my Nana used to make.
(5)
Michele S.
Outstanding. We were here maybe 7 years ago and kept dreaming of going back. We finally went today and were not disappointed. Still the sweetest service and real Southern food cooked right. Best of all, there's a little of everything (really, a LOT of everything!)... try it all! If you haven't had rutabagas... or succotash (okra included)... or limas... or black-eyed peas... or the many other side dishes, now's your chance. Everything is delicious. We also enjoy sitting with others at the communal table and meeting new friends. The whole experience is worth the wait. We got there at 10:40am... doors opened at 11... we were seated around 11:45am. While we waited, we brought some cards and played a few rounds of poker. I also walked around the lovely gift shop on the corner (One Fish, Two Fish) while my family waited in line. Bring cash (it's cash only) and quarters (for the meters), get in line... you'll waddle out happy!
(5)
Nicole S.
Prior to going to Savannah I hopped on yelp for some ideas about places to go. This had one of the highest ratings so I knew I had to go. Now before I start I should say that this place is CASH ONLY. Yes, I read other reviews stating they dont accept CC's but that fact completly left my mind the moment when it mattered. Considering this place is only open for lunch M-F that resulted in the boyfriend and I going on our last day in Savannah. What a way to end a weekend revolving around food!!!! We waited in line for about a 30min. The line went fairly quickly because they seat you at at table with other people. Upon reaching the door I see the 'cash only' sign. I just about die since we have been waiting and are really hungry. I pop my head in and ask the guy at the register where the closest ATM is so I can run there. Well, the extremely nice guy told me that we could worry about money later since we were next. We were seated with a group on nice people (and one very annoying man). The table is set and there are glasses of sweet tea at every seating. As you as you are seated food starts to come out and cover the entire table. Seriously, there are no room left!! They take orders for unsweetened tea at that point (I proclaimed my love for sweet tea the moment I sat down and everyone started to pass what they did not want to me.. pure heaven) Well, the food here is amazing. In all there were 23 items on the table. Yes, someone counted. It is better than all of your big eatting holidays combined... Easter, the 4th of July, Thanksgiving, and Christmas have nothing on this place! The fried chicken was pretty good (I thought the Lady and Sons was better). What really made the meal was all the sides you passed around to your fellow diners. Well here is a sampling of the items we had: mac and cheese, corn muffins, biscuits, okra, collards, black eyed peas, red beans and rice, mash potatos, cucumber salad, beef stew, snap peas, butter beans, carrot/raisin/pineapple/coconut salad, sweet potatos, and canied yams. After stuffing our selves to eternity the very friendly waitresses brought out banana pudding. Once we were done we waddled our way out to kitchen to drop off our dirty dishes. It was at that time a waddled my way over to an ATM which really was like 3 blocks away. One of the best meals I ever had!
(5)
Jeffrey C.
On a whim my fiance and I stopped into Mrs Wilkes, literally hitting a sitting time dead on. As we walked in we immediately knew this was a great choice from the smells alone. The spread of food you're presented with is no less amazing and as you take a bite of each new dish you'll find yourself saying time and again how this is in fact the best food you have ever had. There is little more to say here that could accurately portray the experience of this place, so I will stop here and let the food do the rest.
(5)
Joe C.
The fried chicken was good and the overall value of what you get for the 18.00 is a good deal. I give the food 3 1/2 stars but the 90 min wait and the inconvenience of having to constantly pass around bowls to 10 people at the table would frankly keep me from doing it again. It was not worth the hype.
(3)
Bobby M.
I'd stand in line for THREE hours to eat here again and I absolutely can't stomach standing in line for even five minutes at my local drug store to purchase necessities! I've never quite had a lunch as filling and delicious as this. Doubt I ever will again. I absolutely love to give bad Yelp reviews and I especially enjoy tearing apart tourist traps and destroying long standing, overrated culinary institutions. While standing in line at Mrs. Wilkes' for 45 minutes, I was even thinking about how much I was going to enjoy placing Mrs. Wilkes' to the top of my 'Most Overrated' list. (I know, I'm a huge bastard and will be burning in hell one day) But, Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room is quite possibly the best meal I've ever had. I'm racking my brain to try and compare and I'm finding great difficulty in doing so. I keep hearing Coach Dennis Green's post game rant when he yells, "They are who we thought they were!" The hype is all real here...trust me! This truly is an unreal and amazing dining experience that Kings and Queens should have their armies fight wars over! (How's that for hype?)
I'm sorry but I just don't get it. It was good but not wait in line for an hour good. We waited from 11-12:15 and it was really cold so we couldn't wait to get inside. The atmosphere was cute and comfortable and we sat down with a bunch of pleasant strangers. I enjoyed the rutabaga, mac and cheese, banana pudding and sweet tea the most. The fried chicken wasn't better than what you get at publix and nothing blew me away. Salty and fatty in the way that you don't want it, not the kind that's soothing to the soul. I didn't get seconds of anything. I'm glad I had the experience since this place seems to be considered an institution in Savannah. I know my opinion is in the minority but some of the other companions at the table seemed to share my feelings.
(3)
Jenn M.
Delicious!! I'm from the south and this is THE BEST southern food! Go closer to closing (my boyfriend and I showed up at 1:45) and were seated within 10 minutes. Worth the wait if there is one... And Mrs. Wilkes is right there looking over everything.
(5)
Donna A.
get there early and get in line! One of the best experiences in all of savannah!
(5)
Dawn K.
After a punch in the face from Paula Deen the previous day, we decided we redeem ourselves by visiting Mrs. Wilkes. There's already enough reviews to draw from, so I'll keep it short. Things you need to know: - there will be a line - get chummy with the ones in the line, because that's who you're eating with - sample every dish- you'll be surprised at what you like! - cash only - wear your stretchy pants overall, a super unique experience and totally worth the money + time
(5)
chrisina b.
The food was delicious, no complaints there. Our waitstaff was friendly. BUT. At the end of the meal the waitress said "normally ya'll walk the dishes the kitchen, but it's OK, I'll do it for you." We said "no, we'll help" (we didn't know that's how it was done, since no one told us otherwise we were just sitting chatting.) She said "No, I'll do, no problem." So we passed the plates she could carry and resumed chatting. About five minutes later a woman, who seemed to be the Head B*tch In Charge, stormed into the dining room and said ''We are CLOSED, the staff wants to go home, ya'll have to bring those dishes (the ones that were left) into the kitchen." So much for Southern Hospitality! Her attitude was completely uncalled for, and soured the whole experience. If anyone from Mrs. Wilkes is reading this, maybe take into consideration that you should TELL people they have to bus their own dishes, and that closed at 2pm doesn't mean they stop serving at 2pm, it means you're literally supposed to be out by 2pm. And if people are still sitting at the table, they're not doing it to be obnoxious, it's just that they weren't told. So loose the crap attitude.
(3)
Olivia W.
Mrs. Wilkes is always a pleasure. Even though we waited in line for an hour plus, the food was nothing short of amazing. I left full and satisfied. My picky eater guests were not disappointed either. I would eat there every day, so I went ahead and bought the cookbook sold inside. The setting is a large dining table which will sit approx 10 guests, so be prepared to sit with other parties. Also, you may have to drive around to find a good spot to park since it is off the street parking. Bring your cash, as Mrs. Wilkes is cash only. The first time I went I had to walk to the Hilton to use the ATM. Also, make sure you arrive early since the line starts forming up prior to opening. We go there around 12:00 and didn't eat until 1:30.
(5)
Stella P.
Be ready to wait on line but it is well worth it. We did not know what to expect, and we were wowed!! Tables of ten and tons of food! They keep bringing the food out and you keep eating. Fried chicken, biscuits, mashed sweet potatoes, Mac n cheese, beans, rice and so much more!!!! All for a whopping $18!!! Amazing experience and yummy soul food!!! Get on line by 10:15!!
(5)
Jaclyn S.
Don't get me wrong, the food at Mrs. Wilkes was good. Certainly worth eating. But worth standing in an hour long line and paying $16 for? I don't know about that. I insisted on going to Mrs. Wilkes after reading all of the rave Yelp reviews and I forced my boyfriend to stand in the hour long line with me while we waited for this promised land. By the time we got to the front of the line we were the last group let into the restaurant. The ladies working in the room were clearly done with their day and were not thrilled to have two more tables to serve. Glasses of (amazing) sweet tea were already waiting at each seat. The waitress came to the table and asked if anyone wanted unsweet tea. My boyfriend did, and she asked him if he had touched the glass of sweet tea at his plate. He had, because he hadn't known it was sweet tea, and when he said yes, she scoffed and jerked the cup away. Awkward. Of course, this place is family style, which I didn't realize meant that we'd be sitting at a round table with eight other people. For some reason I was imagining more of a cafeteria-like setting. Ever the hater of small-talk, my boyfriend was not thrilled to be seated with a group of people we didn't know, but I can hold my own in friendly conversation, so I chatted people up for the both of us. The fried chicken was good, but it didn't blow me away. The biscuits were excellent. The sides were all good, but again, nothing to brag about. I guess the draw here is that this food is literally home-cooking and tastes like it came from your grandmother's kitchen, but for me, the absence of my grandmother's love in the dishes just made the whole meal underwhelming. It's not restaurant-quality food and while I'm okay with small-talk, it IS kind of weird to ask total strangers to pass the mashed potatoes. I hate to interrupt people who are eating. I think that without the long line revving up the anticipation and with friendlier service, we would have been happier with this meal. It was so clear that the serving staff wanted us to hurry up and finish so they could close up that I felt a little uncomfortable. I also got so full because of the richness of the food that I felt like I was trudging through molasses for the rest of the day. It seems odd that they're not open for dinner when people are ready for heavier meals. I don't know, I guess I'm missing the supposed magic of this place. Maybe I don't appreciate it because I'm not a true Southerner (I'm a Floridian) but while the food was all good (no doubt about that) and the sweet tea was the best I had on the whole trip, we wouldn't return for a second go.
(3)
Deb S.
Oh My Land... if you don't go anywhere else in Savannah, you must visit Mrs. Wilkes'. The line is long (1-1/2 hours for us) but worth every minute that you wait. Some people even had folding chairs with them for the long wait. Upon your entrance, you will be seated at a table for ten, all of them brand new friends for you. There are about 20 dishes on the table and the passing begins. We sat with a few ladies from Florida who were adorable former Girl Scouts. Oh the veggies, and grits, and fried chicken, and gravy, and rice, and sweet potatoes and on and on. So much delicious-ness I could cry. The desert we were served was a blueberry cobbler or banana pudding. I loved the cobbler. When you're done you'll bus your own table and pay as you exit. Bring CASH!! And meet some new friends in line too. It's a blast, and we will be back.
(5)
Tina K.
Mrs Wilkes is definitely worth the wait! Best fried chicken I've ever had. If you go away hungry, that's your fault.
(5)
Jamie L.
We were told by our hotel concierge that "Lady and Sons is where the Tourists go, the Locals go to Mrs. Wilkes!" With an intro like that, how could we not head over and join the line at the door? It's always an interesting experience. The line forms down the cobblestone sidewalk before Mrs. Wilkes doors open at 11am. You'll find yourself chatting with locals and tourists, sharing stories and tips, and then sitting with those same people at the Family Style round tables once you (finally) get inside. And, OHHHHHH.... what's inside. Iced glasses of sweet tea, steaming bowls of southern goodness waiting for you at the table, with more to come. Sit down, put your napkin on your lap, and prepare to EAT. No, really. You don't know the definition of the word "Eat" until you've done so at Mrs. Wilkes. The table is jam-packed with Southern staples. Boiled, buttered Green Cabbage (heaven). Black eyed peas, studded with smoky ham. Spicy Red rice. Creamy Potato Salad. Mac 'N Cheese. Corn Bread. Sweet squash. Cole Slaw. Rutabaga (ew.) Sugar-Snap Peas. Biscuits. Sauteed Okra and Tomatoes (omg.) Potatoes, both Mashed and Sweet (yams. glazed. yum.) Mahogany gravy. Peas and Egg Noodles. Collard Greens (divine.) And the meats? Mrs. Wilkes is famous for her Fried Chicken, which is passed fresh from the kitchen throughout your meal. My favorite were actually the sliced sausages, savory, sweet, and spicy all at once. You'll also find Beef Stew and Meat Loaf, depending on which day you visit. For dessert, it's Banana Pudding, and it's perfect. You finish your meal by bringing your plates to the kitchen, in the Old Tradition of Southern Boarding Houses. You pay the gentleman at the cash register in the store, where you can also buy cookbooks featuring Mrs Wilkes' recipes, olde-style post cards, tee shirts, and other knicknacks. The cost currently is $16, half price for children. It's well worth it. You're experiencing Southern History, in one of the South's most historic cities, and eating true Southern Cuisine. Mrs. Wilkes' has kept us coming back. Every time we're in Georgia on 1-95, we'll detour to Savannah just for lunch there.
(5)
Lindsey D.
I live one street away from Mrs. Wilkes and honestly, I have never left there feeling like I am physically capable of doing anything, because there was no possible way I could stop myself from eating all of the delicious food laid out in front of me. My roommates and I prepare for this epic meal (which happens whenever someone comes to visit us) in advance. Home cooked food waiting on your table as you are seated, so many dishes it's hard to try everything. And only $16 for everything including tea and dessert? Win. The only thing I can complain about is that you feel a bit rushed. They really try to keep the huge line outside moving by getting in and out which I can understand, but god forbid everyone else at your table is done, you better be too! A must-visit if you are in Savannah, IF you are up for a 30min-1 hour wait outside, (which is usually beautiful) definitely worth the time.
(4)
Jenny T.
Yes, the line is really long (we waited over an hour). But the funny thing is that it doesn't matter. Once you step foot inside, the food is so abundant and mouth-wateringly delicious that you will forget how long you stood outside. I came with my friend K, my aunt, and my two little cousins. For some reason, they didn't have any smaller groups to seat us with so we got the ENTIRE TABLE to ourselves. A table meant for 10 given to 3 adults and 2 kids. And I swear, I only ate like half the food. OMG I'm kidding. There is no way anyone could eat that much food. The way it works is that they seat you family-style with other groups and they start bringing out an endless supply of deliciousness. They actually bring you like every type of southern food you might possibly want. And they're all really really good. Since each person is the same price ($16), it might be a little pricey if you want to bring kids... although, my 7 year old cousin did eat 4 pieces of fried chicken. (She also said it was the best fried chicken she's ever had.) Long story short: Long wait. COMPLETELY worth it. Bring me with you next time you go. :)
(5)
Brian M.
My wife and I visited Savannah (from Chicago) for three days this week and Mrs. Wilkes came highly recommended. We decided to go on Friday. After reading so many great reviews and tips, we knew we had to leave early to have a chance to get in. We arrived an hour before doors opened and were #75 & 76 in line (yes - many people counted throughout the wait). There are only eight tables that seat eight to ten people, so we knew we were in for a wait. After two hours, we finally made it in...and we were not disappointed! We were joined by another couple from Orlando, FL and four locals who raved about the food. As we sat down, there were 26 dishes waiting for us. I was in food heaven! My favorites were the fried chicken, cabbage, collard greens and sweet potatoes...but everything was great. I also LOVED that you eat family style and talk to new people, and that after finishing you take your dishes up to a washer. Could not rate this any higher...an incredible experience!
(5)
Byron K.
I love this place. This is by far the best soul food that I've had while in Savannah. I stress that I've had because there may be other places around that are just as good, but this place is awesome. It reminds me of my grandmother's food on Sundays before our trip back home to Atlanta. There is almost always a long line so its best to get there before they open. They are only open for like 3-4 hours a day if I am not mistaken. Double check the website to make sure and whatever time they open, you should get there at least 20 minutes prior. The dining is family style so you are sitting with your family/friends and asking the people next to you to pass this or that. Not to worry though, because depending on how long you were in line, you have probably already made friends with them anyway. It's the closest thing to Thanksgiving you will have outside of November. Chicken, beef, dressing, fried corn, collard greens, macaroni & cheese, string beans, etc. etc. etc. etc. I plan to go in June when I return to pick up my son for graduation. My only gripe would be the dessert, which is a bit small, but after stuffing myself with all that food and sweet tea, its hard to complain about only getting a little dessert that I don't need anyway. No disrespect to Paula Dean, but I think this is much better than her restaurant. REMEMBER THAT IT'S CASH ONLY.........
(5)
Todd M.
It seems that "famous" restaurants often disappoint, and Mrs. Wilkes has been a legendary Savannah institution for many decades. I was, therefore, a bit guarded as I entered Mrs. Wilkes' humble basement door. However, I can honestly report that Mrs. Wilkes' reputation is deserved. Sitting down at a table laden with fried chicken, beef stew, BBQ pork loin, mac and cheese, cornbread stuffing, green beans, lima beans, blackeyed peas, rice (red and plain), stewed squash, succotash, scalloped potatoes, rutabagas, cucumber salad, brown gravy, cornbread and biscuits, my eyes widened like a child on Christmas morning! The fried chicken, lightly seasoned, reminded me of my mother's and grandmother's fried chicken - perfectly cooked with crispy skin, and non-greasy. The BBQ pork loin, with a flavorful but non-spicy tomato-based sauce, was a "stand-out" as well. Unfortunately, the hearty beef stew had been oversalted, but was still very tender with a rich, beefy flavor. Of the side dishes, the mac and cheese, succotash, and red rice were true stars; the mac and cheese was creamy without being greasy or heavy, while the succotash was delicately cooked and seasoned to perfection (a bit sweet with minimal herbs). The red rice, cooked with peppers, onions, and a bit of sausage, exploded flavors in my mouth and brought a smile to my face. Despite the fact that the offerings were heavy, "country" foods, I didn't feel uncomfortable after my meal, as I did after the meal at Paula Deen's restaurant. The only criticism I can muster of Mrs. Wilkes' Boarding House is the somewhat frenzied atmosphere. From the time you sit down, servers are whizzing by you, carrying refills and pushing carts for setting up other tables (don't sit next to the aisle, as I did); in addition, the serving bowls were entirely too small for "popular" dishes to make it around the table on the first round. The servers tended to be somewhat curt as well; they seemed overwhelmed, and will bark at customers! You don't get to linger over your meal: the moment you slow down, along comes the dessert tray with the server bellowing, "ONE per customer...When you are through, take your plate, dessert bowl, and tea glass to the kitchen, thank you!!" You really come to understand that you are expected to get in, eat, and get out - not the best Southern hospitality, I'd say. Despite these weaknesses, the quality and taste of Mrs. Wilkes' food makes up for the lack of atmosphere. It is certainly worth the wait in line!
(4)
Stephanie C.
We were shopping in downtown Savannah when a very helpful store associate named LuLu led us to Ms. Wilkes for lunch calling it "Savannah's best kept secret". We walked a few blocks, enjoying the scenery, and finally found ourselves outside of Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room. I'm not quite sure how much of a "secret" Mrs. Wilkes is, as there was a line wrapping around the corner of the street, but it was most definitely worth the wait! According to the locals it is only open for lunch 11-2, so it would be a good idea to get into the line as early as possible! Also, the restaurant is cash only, $16 per person for all you can eat. While standing in line, someone told me that the restaurant was so good that it would make me want to "slap my momma when I get home because she can't cook as well as Ms. Wilkes". I'm not one for violence, and if I ever tried to slap my momma I'd might as well dig my own grave, but it was probably one of the most fantastic meals I have eaten and I plan on visiting Savannah several more times just to experience Ms. Wilkes again. There were 23 dishes total, including fried chicken, BBQ, beef stew, and just about every side dish one can imagine. Everything tasted just like Grandma made it herself, I was shocked that not a single item needed additional seasoning. It was also nice to spend a meal meeting new people, forming a little family of tourists and locals alike! The setting reminds you of a family thanksgiving with photos on the walls and modest serving dishes. Another thing to note is that the sweet tea was phenomenal, and the service exemplary. All in all, Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room is an invaluable treasure in Savannah! If you go, it's a must!
(5)
Pete G.
Best place to eat in Savannah! If your from the north like my wife and I there is no better example of true southern cooking. This place was well worth the hour wait in line. The fried chicken and Mac & cheese was amazing! You must go!
(5)
Shirley F.
Wow. Worth the hour wait, being seated with strangers, being served a pre set menu, and having to bus your own plates and glasses. Mrs. Wilkes is about Southern Comfort Food. You will be served large amounts of fried chicken, mashed sweet potatoes, black eyed peas, collard greens, sweet ice tea, biscuits, pot roast, banana pudding, cornbread, all the classic Southern dishes. The fried chicken sets the standard for all other fried chicken. Usually I would avoid touristy venues, but Mrs. Wilkes is a great place to chat with strangers while in line or eating together family style. Friendly people, awesome food.
(5)
JENNIFER W.
A must do! How to do it: Show up. Stand in line. Wait (35 minutes on a Thursday at 12:30). Enter and get seated with 8 others. EAT!!!!! The table is already set and filled with fried chicken, sweet tea, biscuits/cornbread, and 15-20 side dishes all served family style when you arrive. This really negates the line outside because you don't have to order or wait for your food. EAT MORE! Then eat dessert! (About 40 minutes of solid eating) Take your dishes to the kitchen. Pay. $18 per person (plus a tip)=$20 per person. CASH ONLY! Leave. NAP! The food was all awesome! I tried many sides that I would have never ordered in a normal restaurant. I understand that they will keep bringing food.....but our table didn't finish anything at the table.
(5)
Todd P.
I'm conflicted on how to rate Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room...this is one of the times I wish Yelp allowed for half-star ratings. The reason is that I loved the food, but hated the "set up" which besides the inconvenience of waiting also impacted my meal. Rating the food is easy, as it was all very good. The fried chicken of course was excellent, though we ran out of certain pieces rather quickly and were never offered a fresh dish. Other highlights include the mac and cheese, beef stew, chicken and dumplings, and cucumber salad. The biscuit I had was a little tough, the baked beans were nothing to write home about, and there were some dishes that were virtually untouched by the table such as the okra and tomatoes. All in all though, people counted between twenty and twenty-five different dishes to choose from. Dessert was kind of an after thought, with small portions of banana pudding or blueberry cobbler, but not enough to try both. The inefficiency of the set up though makes it necessary to take a couple of stars off, so much so that I would give 3.5 stars if I could. Everyone knows about the wait, which for us was little over an hour and yet we were only inside for thirty to forty minutes. But the wait negatively affected the meal itself as you are starving by the time you get inside and start gorging yourself, trying to cram everything onto one plate, so you don't really get the chance to savor or actually enjoy what you're eating. You also feel rushed because you know there are other people waiting in the same line you just braved, so you eat too quickly, going from starving to stuffed (if not uncomfortable) in minutes. There is little "instruction" from the staff, in fact we were only asked if anyone wanted unsweetened tea or water. No one asked if we wanted refills of any dishes, explained anything about tipping or when you pay (you pay on your way out and tip at a basket near the register) and we didn't know when/how dessert would come and if we should bus our dishes before while we were waiting for dessert or after. The serving method also was very wasteful. Everything I would have wanted refills on ran out quickly while there were other dishes that were barely touched by our table and I can only assume were thrown out. For instance, our table barely touched the okra and tomatoes, but tore through the mac and cheese and fried chicken, so by the end of the meal some plates/dishes were completely empty while others were pretty much still full. So in the end, while I really enjoyed the food, the "set up" really detracted from it. I can appreciate not wanting to expand too much or to loose your "roots", but there has to be a better way to manage the wait, to "orientate" patrons to how things are run, and manage the food so that people can have plenty of what they want while minimizing the waste of dishes only some people will want. If I could break it out like a Zagat's review into food and service, I would give the food five stars, service three stars. I'd probably go back if I hit it right and there was a minimal wait, but I doubt I would ever wait over an hour again to be rushed through my meal.
(4)
John S.
So good. I hated turnip greens until ate them here. There are so many vegetables to choose from, its amazing. It would be 5 stars if you didn't have to share a table with other people. I also wish they had more to drink other than water or sweet tea.
(4)
John P.
So far one of the best southern restaurants I've been to. When I got there, there was a line extending two blocks. I was concerned that we won't make it in before they close in the afternoon. However, they were accommodating, and made sure everyone waiting in line was served. The setting is a basement with two large dining rooms each with three large tables. You are expected to eat family style. The price is the same for everyone, and you pay when you leave $16 per person. The Mac and cheese, collards, and wonderful yam. It was fun interacting ith others at the table, since I never been to this kind of dining place where I am from (Seattle). Overall it was a fun dining experience and excellent food.
(5)
Rachel M.
Overall one of the best dining experience of my life. It was like Thanksgiving dinner in the south. Everything was so good. We ate with a table full of strangers which is kind of terrifying but everyone was extremely friendly and had wonderful stories to tell. Favorites were the fried chicken, pickled beets, black eyed peas and okra and tomatoes. Go early, about 45-60 minutes before it opens or later past the rush. This is a definite restaurant to hit in Savannah.
(5)
Chris T.
I very much enjoyed this place. I agree with previous reviews that if you have had or have access to southern food, this may not yield a rave review, but it definitely was delicious and took me back to my childhood and "Grandma's cookin'." I was not expecting this either, but you bring CASH and CASH only. $16 per head, and you pay on the way out. You wait in line, (GET THERE EARLY and bring an umbrella in case it's sunny) When you get inside, the table is all ready, the food is already there, no ordering, you just pass around the bowls and take what you want. The chicken, blackeyed peas, and biscuits were my favorite. When you have had all you want, you take your plate to the back room and head to the door to pay. The place was worth the wait, especially for those who aren't accustomed to having a good southern meal.
(4)
Cecilia A.
Today the wait was 2 hours, and I still think is worth it. We passed the time talking to the other people on line and then finally we get a table... THE FOOD!!! Amazing as always, next time I am in Savana will stand in line again.
(5)
Markus S.
Good and generous southern food and reasonably priced!! Two things I like about Mrs. Wilkes Boarding house. Not a fan of waiting for an hour and their limited time to serve. Best time to go there and fall in line is after peak lunch hours when they are about to close to avoid long lines. But that is the way it is, boarding house style!!
(4)
Shannon T.
Best Southern Food Ever! Pros: Delicious Southern Food, with a variety of everything to try. Fried Chicken and Sweet Tea were delicious. Huge Family Style Table, so you will be seated with strangers (unless you have a large party of 12 or so). Cons: They are only open on weekdays Monday thru Friday for lunch only 11am to 2pm. This means very long lines to get in, so line up early. The food is well worth it!!
(5)
Lindsay L.
Holy. Effing. Cow. We decided not to do Paula Dean and chose Mrs. Wilkes' instead. Definitely the way to go. We got in line around 11am and sat down to eat around 12:30. It's pretty easy to make conversation with the people around you. It's also fun to watch people come out the door looking so stuffed! You do have to wait until the host comes out if you are the front of the line. You can't just walk in and wait. The front door is even locked to prevent this. I can't think of anything I wanted to eat that they didn't have. Fried chicken, mashed potatoes, collard greens, okra, biscuits, mac and cheese, banana pudding, corn muffins...the list goes on. My personal favorites were the mac and cheese (with a perfect texture), stuffing (with hard boiled eggs!), carrot slaw (with huge pineapple chunks and juicy raisins), and the corn muffins (with lots of butter). The sweet tea was also perfect - not overly sweet but not bitter. The service is very friendly, everyone was smiling and thanking us for being there. It just puts you in a good mood and you don't feel like you're in a restaurant. My hints? Don't eat breakfast beforehand. Don't drink a big cup of coffee either. And, be friendly to those around you. This is The South. If you didn't want to wait so long, go eat at Outback. No one wants to listen to you gripe and then pass you the biscuits and gravy!
(5)
Ellen E.
Since moving to Savannah two years ago, this is the restaurant I've been wanting to go to the most. It's been difficult because it's only open Monday - Friday from 11 - 2, but the stars finally aligned and we went this week. Since it's the off-season here for tourists, the line wasn't nearly as bad as you normally hear about, so that was a plus. And yes, the food is as good as everyone says. The fried chicken is A-mazing! It will make you forget KFC's extra crispy forever. The barbeque tasted like it had been slowed cooked for hours and was incredibly tender. The mashed sweet potatoes demanded seconds. Just a great Southern meal all around. Plus eating with five people we didn't know before made it fun (there were four of us in our group). The only down sides were the meatloaf (my sister said it was dry), and dessert servings were very small. The offerings the day we were there were cherries jubilee and bananna pudding. I saved room for dessert and would have enjoyed a little bigger serving. One last thing - they don't accept credit cards, only cash or checks. I didn't know this until we just about ready to go in. I went in and asked the gentleman at the cash register where the nearest ATM was (Ameris Bank - 300 Bull Street). He asked if we were getting ready to come in, and when I said yes, he told me I could get the money after we finished eating. When's the last time you heard someone say that?! So, put on your fat pants, go stand in line, and enjoy one the best meals you'll ever have!
(4)
Colin A.
This is one of the most unique lunches I've enjoyed since those long ago days on My grandmothers porch. The food is high quality, it's served hot, flavorful, with a southern smile. If you want to sit down with the world and eat the best fried chicken ever, go to Mrs. Wilkes. Every thing about it is honest and true.
(4)
Lou N.
Best food I've ever had. Felt like I was at an old friends house for dinner. Service top notch. Five star!!!
(5)
Jennifer O.
After living in Savannah for five years, I can now say that I have been to Mrs. Wilkes. My parents, husband and I got there 20 minutes before opening. As usual the line had already formed and was almost to Whitaker st. Those closest to the front of the line had been there since 10am. We were in line for 1h 15m which wasn't bad because like everyone else the food was wonderful! My father stated that "nothing surprises me and when going to a place like this, normally there are a few things really good, a couple of things so so, and several things that are not so hot. Everything I ate was beyond my expectations!" I needed to pace myself with really really small samples of most items. I personally really enjoyed the collard greens, cabbage, fresh cucumbers, beef stew, mac and cheese, and of course after reading several reviews about the banana pudding, I had banana pudding. WOW! The rest of the family was going on about the red rice, corn bread and another item I can not recall. The service was wonderful, and everything was done just like Mom would have you do at home! My only complaint. I wish my stomach would allow me to eat $16 worth of food!
(5)
Rena B.
Don't eat breakfast before you go!!! Believe the hype!!! and CASH ONLY We arrived at 10:05 and were the fifth group to get seat at 11:00. There are 8 tables seating 10 people. When you get seated at your table, the side dishes and two of the meats are already on the table. The fried chicken usually comes out within 5 minutes. The chicken was hot and tasty. It is best to take a spoon of each bowl as it comes around, they can always pass it back for seconds. Our menu for the day: Meats: Chicken, Beef Stew and BBQ Pork. Side dishes: Rice and Gravy, Cabbage, Turnip Greens, Macaroni and cheese, Lima Beans, Creamed Corn, Corn on the Cob, Rutabagas, Pickled Cucumbers, Red Rice with Sausage, Potato Salad, Warm Potato Salad, Squash, Stuffing, Pole Bean, Corn Bread and Biscuits. Dessert: Peach Cobbler and Banana Pudding
(5)
Gina C.
Watch out Paula Deen, you have some competition! Def worth the wait and a fun experience! We arrived around 11:30 and got seated at 12:30. They do not take reservations so it's first come, first serve. When we finally entered the restaurant it was fast paced and organized. Your party sits family style with other people at a table. The food is already all set on the table. We didn't know where to begin. There was so much food! They had 3 entrees of fried chicken, beef stew, and sausage with rice. I only tried the fried chicken and it didn't disappoint! Not the best, bc my friend's nana makes the best, but close to it. Then came all the southern veggies. Seriously, every veggie you can think of - mashed potatoes, cabbage, cream corn, mac and cheese, lima beans, green beans, okra and tomatoes, cucumbers, rice and gravy, collards and several others. The waitresses were refilling the dishes, so you can eat as much as you want. Also included with your meal is tea and for dessert a choice of banana pudding or cooked cherries. Luckily, we didn't eat anything for breakfast and this was our first meal. Come hungry! Mrs. Wilkes only takes cash. It is $16 per person. Only opened on Mon-Fri from 11-2. Everyone that works there is so friendly! I heard it through the grapevine that this place is no comparison to Paula Deen's restaurant. If you are in Savannah and want some good southern food, def try Mrs. Wilkes!
(5)
Jim M.
If you can appreciate home cooking as an artform that can hold its own with the food that gets whipped up by CIA graduates you'll love this place. It's definitely Southern in the particulars but if your Mom loved to cook you'll feel right at home here wherever you are from. Like everyone else has said the food is delicious and abundant. I skipped breakfast just to leave room for this lunchtime experience intending to do some damage but there just was too much deliciousness to make a dent in the meal they lay out for you. You definitely have to rearrange your schedule to eat here (weekdays from 11:00AM to 2:00 PM only) but I'll repeat the line that my tourguide used when I asked him whether it was worth eating here -" It's like a solar eclipse, you have to take advantage of it while its there. And if you do you'll be glad you did." He was right. Make the time to check this place out. PS It's cash only ($16 per person and worth every penny.)
(5)
Bianca M.
A must when in Savannah! It was a ridiculous amount of food, but all of it was fantastic. I considered trying to smuggle biscuits out in my purse, but instead I just purchased the cookbook. I arrived around 1:00 and waited for about 10 minutes. I'm not sure that showing up when they open is the best idea.
(5)
Mike G.
Great experience and great food. Go with a few people of you can, you'll be waiting for quite a while before you get inside to sit.
(5)
Natalie B.
I've been wanting to dine at Mrs. Wilkes for around seven years. However, all my trips to Savannah took place over weekends. Mrs. Wilkes is only open for lunch, Monday to Friday. However, I set my mind on having lunch there on the day after Thanksgiving. Success! Mrs. Wilkes was exactly what I pictured. From the long line (bearable if you have a friend to take turns in line while you run into the cute surrounding stores) to the family style dining to the most delicious Southern food I've ever had. I had studied Mrs. Wilkes' website so I knew what would be served. Imagine my surprise when we not only got the Fried Chicken and Beef Stew listed for Friday's meal, but also a bowl of BBQ pork AND the Meatloaf. That plus the 15-18 bowls of side dishes made for an amazing experience. My favorites included the Fried Chicken, Meatloaf, Pork, Stuffing, Greens, Mac and Cheese, Biscuits, and Squash. Service is friendly! They will bring you more of anything you want! For our table, that included the macaroni and cheese and biscuits! Helpful tips: - Bring cash - Lunch is $16, which includes your drink (sweet tea, but they will bring you unsweet tea), dessert and tax. Grats are left in a communal bowl when you pay out. - Be prepared to make quick friends with your tablemates, as they may be passing you the black eyed peas! - Be prepared to bring your plate to the kitchen - Lunch starts at 11am. We got in line around 10:30. We got sat around 11:40. Just be prepared! All hints aside, it is completely worth it!!!
They don't make southern food in San Francisco: I cry. I had thirds of fried chicken. I ate things I've only read about in books. I stood in line for 20 minutes because I wasn't stoopid and didn't try to get there right at lunch time (hint, hint). The people sitting across from my peeps and I were hilarious, so try to swing that sort of seating, if you can (it's boarding-house style). You don't order, they just bring you a never-ending train of delicious. I don't care that it was full of tourists, some things are worth it, and this is one of those things.
(5)
I. F.
I have been a Savannahian my whole life, and today was the first time I have gone to Mrs. Wilkes. Best decision ever made. Let's just start off by saying, the fried chicken was the best I've ever had. I usually only have dark chicken, but I just said, I'll try the white. The white meat was so juicy, and tasty. It just melts in your mouth. As much Mac and Cheese they brought out for the table, I probably ate the equivalent of 2-3 bowls-it was that good. There are probably at least 20 dishes on the table at once. The mashed potatoes were amazing. Though I don't eat pork, the red rice looked really good. Sweet potatoes probably the second best side dish--so good! The beef stew was absolutely superb, with carrots. Also, from what people said at my table, the barbecue pork ribs, maybe something like that were phenomenal. I can not wait to come back here, though waiting in line is very long. One recommendation for visitors, and first timers: Come here early.
(5)
Shari v.
Mmmmmmm cant talk .... eating! Making homer simpson noises! Fabulous food every single thing I put in my mouth was phenominal! The staff was fun and friendly. I only wish I could have eaten MORE! If you don't like vegetables try Mrs. Wilkes, you will love em and wonder why "yo momma" can't make em like these! We stood in line long enough to feed the meter twice & we parked 2 blocks down. I would have parked a mile and fed the meter 5 times! We met fun people and had wonderful conversations in line until the big payoff ALL THE FOOD inside! Its Thanksgiving everyday here. I will be back again & again - travelin several hours! Thanks to the Wilkes for the wonderful traditions carried thru today.
(5)
Andrea R.
Really fun place - the BBQ pork and cheesy mashed potatoes were to die for. The cherry cobbler and banana pudding reminded me exactly of cafeteria lunches at primary school, so not my fave, but by the time the dessert came out I was so full it didn't matter. Definitely recommend this place for lunch:-)
(5)
Brianna M.
Best food I've ever had. This is not hyperbole. I was only in Savannah for about 24 hrs. Worth the long line. I was skeptical about spending $16/person just for lunch. Worth the money. Btw, when they ask which dessert you want, get the banana pudding.
(5)
Christopher T.
Think this is still a really good staple and go to place while in Savannah. 16 dollars though, ouf. i am just not sure of the price on all that. They're definitely pulling out a profit. This time I would say that the chicken tasted much better to me. the pulled bbq pork is still killer!
(4)
Joanna L.
I joined the long line of people paying homage to the lovely Mrs Wilkes and boy, was that line long. Down the street at around 1pm we waited 40 minutes to an hour. We entered and we were seated awkwardly with about 4 other groups of people at a large table. I love the idea of communal dining, but when you're seated with people who don't know how to start a conversation, it can be quite uncomfortable. Luckily, as soon as we started passing the food around, everyone started to get a bit chatty. SO. MUCH. FOOD. That's really all I can say. I can't even describe what 22 dishes is like when you're trying to make decisions on what to eat first. Fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes, candied yams, creamed corn, beef stew, lentils, biscuits, green beans, dirty rice, collard greens... oh god, just thinking about it is making me drool a little bit. I love southern food and this is the best of the best. Well, unless you have a southern grandma (oh god, I want one). Worth the wait, but I'd try to go at a "random time" to avoid crazIER waits.
If you only have time for one meal, this is a must. Sure there is a line, maybe 35 to 50 min, but it is definitely worth the wait for the experience and the food! The fun part about standing in line is getting to meet all the different people, local and tourist. Once you get inside, you are seated at a table of 8 or 10. All the sides are already set on the table and the waitresses bring the main course. There were so many sides that we really didn't need the main course of fired chicken and meatloaf. Loved loved all the sides. And if you want more which you won't , just ask. When done, bring your plate and cup to the kitchen. Pay as you exit..$18.00 a person for lunch... If you're not doing it everyday, it's definitely worth the experience!
(4)
Tessa M.
This place is a must! I traveled with a group of HARD to please travelers but this Mrs. Wilkes was loved by all. This is real southern cooking and no one else can even hold a candle to it. The bad news is the bathrooms are the grossest nastiest thing I have ever seen in my life. Ok have you been to a trucker's stop that may be nicer. Suggestion: Have a very light breakfast head over to Mrs. Wilkes before 11am. You stand in line and eat and leave. It's that easy. They only take cash or check. But the wait and the have to have cash is well worth it.
(5)
Jane K.
OH MY GOD BEST FOOD EVER -- if you like thanksgiving dinner with your family you will love mrs.wilkes. you just sit down with complete strangers and pass the gravy, mashed potatoes, collarded greens, fried chicken, beef stew etc. all arond and top it off with some sweet tea. Oh man sooo goooddd
(5)
Velina L.
Listed as one of the "1000 Places to See Before You Die", Mrs. Wilkes actually gets 4.5 stars. I was in Savannah for the long weekend and had to eat here...even if I had to wait in line for an hour. Which is what I did. They're only open weekdays from 11am to 2pm but if you're in line before 2pm, they'll still let you in for lunch. Was it really one of the 1000 places to see before you die? Maybe. Was it worth the wait? Definitely! You sit at communal tables with people who stood in line with you so hopefully by now, after an hour of waiting together, you've already struck up a conversation and are no longer strangers. As soon as you walk up to the table, you're greeted by cold glasses of southern sweet tea and a smorgasbord of side dishes: mashed potatoes, blackeyed peas, green beans, collard greens, sweet potatoes, mac and cheese, cabbage, rice and beans...I could go on. You also get a plate of tender bbq pork and beef stew., and a large plate of probably the best fried chicken I've ever eaten- piping hot, crispy on the outside, and moist and succulent on the inside. Perfection! For dessert, you get a very small bowl of their famous banana pudding. "Good," you think, "I'm already too full". Then you take a spoonful of the stuff and you change your mind- you want more! Who cares how full you are when you get to have the perfect combination of creamy vanilla pudding delicately laced with slices of banana and chunks of soft vanilla wafers, all singing in harmony on your tongue? So simple, yet so amazingly delicious. This is definitely a place to go to if you're ever in Savannah. Hearty, homey comfort food, just what you'd expect in the South.
(4)
Jacy R.
We waited 2 hours to eat here on a Monday. Yes we were warned but I will say that by the time we got in to eat we were not in the mood for convo's with the strangers at the table or the multiple photo ops they wanted to take of the table. We were hungry and grumpy, Ill be honest. The food is very, very good and something I would recommend that you experience if you have never been here. However, I will say that we all agreed that while it was delicious we would likely not wait 2 hours to eat here again. It's a lot of food and you have to go hungry so the 2 hour wait can become a bit exhausting especially if weather is not ideal. We were also very curious to know what they do with all the leftover food. There are approx 23 bowls/plates of food that they bring to each table and did not see anyone leave with doggy bags. They told us that they save it and let the employees take it home. We have NO reason to believe that they "recycle" the barely touched bowl of squash for example at our table but wonder how they seperate all this "leftover" food from fresh food in the kitchen with such little space.....just sayin.
(4)
Art T.
Two thumb ups for this place. I guess the touring season is gone. My friend and I went there at 10:30 am. We were seated by 11 am. The food was just like any home-made cooking. The collard greens and fried chicken were out of the world. There were over 20 side dishes. Everything was just perfectly made. The staff was attentive. I definitely would go back and recommend anyone to try it.
(5)
Andres M.
The most interesting eating experience I've had. I went by myself and I ended up sharing a big table with lots of strangers, passing the food around was fun. The food was delicious and very filling. Lots of dishes. To add to the experience, you have bring your own plate to the kitchen to get it washed. There was a line but I didn't have to wait that long. Since this is an "all you can eat" place, do not eat anything before and go for a walk afterwards (nice neighborhood to do it)
(5)
Ju L.
If you're in Savannah, this is a definite must-eat place -- especially if you love Southern cuisine or want to sample well-prepared Southern cuisine (even if you're not a big fan of Southern food). It's well worth the wait. I went in summer and waited well over an hour in the burning hot sun but thoroughly enjoyed my dining experience. It's communal dining and all-you-can-eat. Everything they served was delicious, and I can't wait to go back to eat there again.
(5)
Amy Z.
A must-see in Savannah. It's worth the wait (which wasn't so bad), the cash (which really wasn't bad at all) and the hype. My sister and I went on a Monday, we arrived at 11:30 and we were seated in the first seating. Everything was excellent, particularly the fried chicken, beef stew, pulled pork, candied yams, and about 10000000 different kinds of cooked veggies. I'm a California girl, so I'm not used to all of this down home cooking, but seriously, it was amazing. A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. It's so much food, so go hungry and ready to make friends.
(5)
Eddie R.
Our friend recommended that we come eat here. The first thing you will notice is the line that sometimes wraps around the corner. On this day, we got here and were half way up the block. Not bad. We met people on line that's eventually wool end up seated with you. It is a family style dining. Tables seat about10 people. As you get closer to the door you hear the comments of how good and how much food and how full they are. You hear this over and over again. Everyone also says "it was worth the wait". We finally were chosen to enter the house and sat down to a table full of food. Too many to mention here but chicken, meat loaf, veggies were just some of the foods awaiting our attack. Let the feeding frenzy commence. Within 20 mins, I was so full, I could not move. Potatoes, black eye peas, bread, jambalaya, and OMG on and on. Just when you think it's over and you can't eat one more thing, they bring out dessert. If you are ever in the area of Savannah, you must try this place. There is something for everybody. You won't be sorry you came, just sorry if you didn't. Must do. Highly recommend.
(5)
Davina D.
Sigh. Georgia is on my mind. Goddamn, Mrs. Wilkes. What a legacy you left behind! A southern charm, family style, escorted by shifts into dining tables of 8, food all laid out ilke a gangsta thankgiving feast! a table of 12, you are forced to at least try to get along with your new best friends for the next 30minutes to an hour as you share one thang, FEAST AND BEAST on this goddsend. MMMMMMMM.... After an hour and a half wait, we were finally seated still sweaty under the summer sun.....without introduction to the other folks at the table, we began to pass the plates of DELICIOUS FRIED CHICKEN around followed bythe biscuits then the never ending bowls of side dishes. Orgasmic masterpiece finally laid out on your personal plate. What will be your FIRST bite? Hell yeah, the fried chicken. AWESOMEEEEEEEE! Lightly fried, non oily crispy skin, juicy tender meat. Still droooling... Biscuits were awesome, lightly buttery, flaky and airy. Mmm. Nothing makes it more worth it than finally biting into a biscuit cuz that's ALL YOU'RE GON SMELL WHILE ON LINE....Also offer cornbread, mmm BISCUITS! The sweet corn was AMAZINGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG...what is in this heaven? THIS PORK DISH- WHOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAa BLACK BEANS-PERFECT MASH POTATOES-PERFECT COLLARD GREENS-PERFECT MAC AND CHEESE- CHEESY POTATO SALAD WOW DESSERT- BANANA PUDDING---ON THE FLOOR LICKING THE BOWL DRY Ahhhh PURE HAPPINESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS But once you getting, we start the introductions amongst our tables and suddenly we're laughing and talking and inevitably leaning on one another for SUPPORT as you begin to fallllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll into overconsumption BUT nobody wants to STOP. Mrs. Wilkes is a true true badass and DO BELIEVE THE HYPE, it's that GOOD and worth it. Savannah is so gorgeous but Mrs. Wilke's dining hall is STUNNING! Think about your lover as Mrs. Wilke's Dining Room. MMMMMMMM right? RIGHT ON! My homegirl I was with is a vegetarian btw, and she BALLED OUT HERE so NO WORRIES. ALL FOR $18 SMACKAROOS. COME ON NOW. Anyways for the NYC Ballers and Hard core foodies.........WINK WINK A one day trip is POSSSSSSSSSIBLE if you flyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy.
(5)
Blair C.
Oh joy was this good. A little different process, standing on line for about 30 minutes, family style with 4 other couples but a great and satisfying experience. The food was out of this world. Fried chicken, fried green tomatoes, corn bread, fresh rolls, greens, mac and cheese, and lots of other stuff I am forgetting about. This is a must go place!
(5)
Michele W.
Be prepared to set a new bar for fried chicken Get there early, the line moves fast but there is always a line Note, i had so much food even the table next to us commented on it (I out ate the table, thank you little person genes) but I came prepared. Strategy: worked out in the morning, showered, waited in line (all on an empty stomach). Once we got seated (they seat 10 at a time) the food was waiting for us and I was ready. Fried chicken (I had 3 pieces), Mac and cheese (I finished most of the bowl, they brought out more) buttermilk biscuits and cornbread (I had about 3 pieces) sweet potatoes (tons for moi), mashed potatoes (with cheese too, nom nom nom) potato salad (was ok) Tomato and okra (probably the pallet cleanser) spiced vinegary cucumbers (helped degrease the body) baked beans (these were ok) buttered lima bean (meh) green beans with bacon (not a personal favorite) black eyed peas (didn't bother) collard greens (when in the south) rutabaga (filler) pulled pork (I've had better) pot roast (see "pulled pork") succotash (gotta get veg somewhere) jambalaya (the sausage makes it look better than it is) peach cobbler and banana pudding (both were good) and wash it all down with sweet tea.....mmmmmmm! Truly an EPIC MEAL TIME Be prepared to go to the bathroom after, walk some of it off, and for your future self to hate you for 24 hours after (worth it)
(4)
Christina H.
We arrived at 1:45 pm to see a line that went all the way to the corner of the block. Despite the cold cold weather we were experiencing in savannah, we stuck out the wait with beer and conversations with our new hungry friends. Once we arrived inside the restaurant, we felt a great sense of accomplishment and were very pleased with our reward. With more than 25 different dishes on the table, we went ahead and tried a little bit of everything. For our favorite plates, we went back for seconds, thirds, etc... I don't eat meat and I was pleased to find the majority of the dishes to be vegetarian. I am sure some of them were cooked in chicken or beef broth, but that doesn't bother me. Personally, I loved the creamed corn and sweet potatoes, and the banana pudding for dessert. Paying $18 for unlimited delicious food was a great deal and I would definitely do it again. What a great memorable experience!
(5)
Jon M.
Great Southern Food! You will feel like u are eating at someone's grandmothers house. The service is great and the food even better. Usually a very long line to get in so plan on getting there early!
(4)
Linda K.
What a terrific meal. The wait was worth the it. What a reasonable well organized pleasant experience. Saw about it on TV , read raving reviews and they were accurate. Not every restaurant has your meal on the table waiting for you to sit down. I love the family style service atmosphere and great hospitality. If you're going to visit or are visiting dont miss this opportunity to dine at Mrs Wilkes
(5)
Katie R.
Three words: WORTH THE WAIT. Everyone knows Mrs. Wilkes' is among the best of the best in Savannah, and always will be. This place is so different than every other "Southern Cooking" spot you've ever been to. Everything tastes the way it should, and the fried chicken speaks for itself. Every single dish and the chicken absolutely make it worth the wait, and prepare yourself for the food coma. I wouldn't schedule anything too major after eating here!
(5)
Atif I.
"1000 Places to See Before You Die" I don't believe in bucket lists, but when it comes to Southern Fried Chicken, I don't like to tempt fate. As it happens, before flying into Savannah I had completed my physical and was waiting for the results. Checking in to the Andaz, I listened to my doctor's voicemail as he went through the test results for Glucose, Triglycerides, Cholesterol... No soon had I heard the Cholesterol reading, I switched from the voicemail to the yelp app to look up Fried Chicken!! True Story. But, not one that my doctor appreciated when I recounted it later to him.... :) Located in the Historic District of Savannah, Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room is a family style restaurant that has two rooms with 4 tables each that can seat 10 people. The restaurant is only open from 11 am to 2 pm on weekdays. That means that there is likely a line one hundred deep before 11 am. But, this was the rare occasion when I didn't mind the wait, for I was able to strike up a lively conversation about New York with the couple ahead of me who had been at the restaurant many times before. It helps to be social while you're waiting in line for you're probably going to share the meal with the people around you. The restaurant recreates an experience from a bygone era as strangers sit down together to enjoy a feast. The risk while dining at Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room is not that you may not have an excellent meal - but that you may not have saved your stomach space for the best of the two dozen things you can eat. The restaurant features a set menu as servers line up efficiently to place one dish after another from the food trolley. You know you're here for the Fried Chicken, but you can also get meat loaf, beef stew and sausage in addition to Cabbage, Okra, Mac n cheese, Potato salad, Butter Beans, Black-eyed peas, Collard greens, Red rice, Baked beans, Cole slaw, Mashed Potatoes... seriously, there are 20 sides. Obviously not everything is exceptional, which is where I was ably guided by the couple I had befriended. But, seriously: BEST FRIED CHICKEN I'VE EVER HAD.... I don't make that assertion lightly having tried many exceptional versions of fried chicken in the South (and, surprisingly, in Portland, Oregon) but can confidently shout this from the rooftops! Also, Best Mac and Cheese I've ever had! You know the cheese could well be Velveeta, but the dish is absolutely fantastic! Best Candied Yams I've ever had. Best black eyed peas... I could go on, but these would easily be the pick of the bunch. I would advise skipping dessert, probably the weakest link on the menu. You're probably too full for it anyway, should you have had the minimum 4 helpings of Fried Chicken that you should have (along with all the 'sides'). Amazingly, the fabulous meal will only set you back by $18 (excluding tip). I can honestly say that it's the best value meal I've ever had in my life. In fact, I confidently recommended the restaurant to my doctor...I'm pretty sure he will be tempted to make up my cholesterol reading the next time around. I can only hope he is ethically conflicted in doing so by the Hippocratic oath.
(5)
Smiley B.
Southern Cooking at it's finest! We were told about Mrs. Wilkes' Boarding House by the tour guides but we had also heard Paula Deen say that she has gotten some of her recipes that she uses from Mrs. Wilkes. We read some of the reviews and most everyone talked about the long wait in line to get in the door. We arrived about 11:30 AM and we were seated by 12:10 PM so we felt like that was pretty fast based on what we had read. We were seated at a table for 10 with others who showed up in line around us. We met some really nice people! The food was on the table already and we started eating...Boiled Cabbage, Black-Eyed Peas and Rice, Red Rice, Fried Chicken, Sweet Potatoes, Corn Bread, Mashed Potatoes, Okra, BBQ Pork, Cucumber Salad, and Sweet Tea. This isn't everything we had, I just can't remember all of the tasty items that we were served. And for dessert we had the choice of Banana Pudding or Peach Cobbler. I highly recommend Mrs. Wilkes' Boarding House to anyone visiting Savannah. It is well known and a local favorite. Also, bring cash, no credit cards taken!
(5)
Cherise J.
Wow! The concept of this restaurant was a pleasant surprise. It's amazing how a table of food can bring strangers together. If this sounds off the wall to you, it means you need to experience Mrs. Wilkes. I literally have never seen anything like this before. There was so much food, I couldn't eat it all. For a flat $18, you can't beat this family style dining. The only thing I would suggest is that they add a grill meat like chicken or salmon, as there are guests who do not eat fried foods, pork or beef. Get there at 10am so you can be in the first seating. There's always a line. I highly suggest this place. Service is spectacular. Oh, don't forget to bring cash or a check. They don't take charge cards.
(4)
Teresa H.
Fantastic. We arrived just before 10 and were seated shortly after 11. The table was packed with countless dishes of homemade delights. The fried chicken was brought out moments after us taking our seats. It was tasty, crunchy, and perfectly fried. By far the best I've ever had. I've never had homemade creamed corn, only the canned stuff. Always a fan, I dove into the sweet, creamy veggie candy. Wow!! Pretty much a magical experience. The green beans were perfectly cooked. Our dessert options were banana pudding or peach cobbler. The banana pudding was most excellent. The staff was very friendly and happy to answer any questions we had.
(5)
Jordan K.
We had a great experience at Mrs. Wilkes today in Savannah. The wait wqs only 45 minutes or so. We arrived at 10:30 and were seated by 11:15 and finished and out the door shortly after noon. The family style dining is different but in a good way. We had a good time with the group we were seated with. There was so much food, all of which was delicious. Our favorites were the creamed corn, mac n cheese, fried chicken, bbq pork, sweet potatoes and slaw but everything was very good. The waitresses were great as well. We left very full and very happy. The walk home was helpful.
(5)
Sarah K.
Went for lunch today. Arrived at 11:15 to a moderate sized line. Was slightly dismayed but the line moved fairly quickly. By the time we were let in the line had doubled so arriving early truly seems to be key. We were seated with 3 other groups, with one person from each celebrating a birthday. The food was all laid out on the table with sweetened ice tea to wash down all the deliciousness. Our favorites were: - the fried chicken which had a perfectly crispy outside and moist, tender & flavorful inside, not too greasy or heavy - the creamed corn which was sweet and creamy - the sweet potatoes which instantly brought me back to my favorite thanksgiving dish but with a cinnamon flavor - the macaroni salad was my bf's favorite because of the hint of spice - the cabbage was tender & sweet - the biscuit was buttery & flaky Along with all that the Mac & cheese, green beans, squash, Lima beans, meatloaf & pulled pork and banana pudding were quite tasty. The dishes that were slightly disappointing were the jambalaya & cornbread which lacked uniqueness. My favorite part of the meal was sharing the experience with strangers and getting to hear their stories over the most incredible comfort meal. There's not tons of time to leisurely dine as eating is the main event here but it's the perfect amount of time to get your grub on. I only wish I hadn't stayed uncomfortably full for 9 hours afterwards but that's my own fault for eating enough to feed a family of 5!
(5)
Josh S.
My girlfriend and I are visiting savannah for our first time. Saw that this place is a must to do while down here. If you see a line going down the block that's normal and goes by fast. The line is worth the wait for great hospitality, food, and overall good atmosphere. You will get a real taste of southern home cooking food. I highly recommend going here!! No regrets.
(5)
Daniel J.
This was incredible. Must go. It is worth the wait. Those working were very nice, polite and hospitable. It was like eating at the Lord's Supper. The great wedding banquet in Heaven with Master Jesus. It was so good I asked the Lord to take me a plate to Heaven and place into the heavenly fridge so I can have a plate reserved for when I get to heaven.
(5)
Cyndi S.
We had to wait an hour and 1/2 on a Friday afternoon to get in but it was worth it. The food was amazing - good home cooked food and LOTS of it. The seating is family style with people you don't know but do afterwards! There were some 24 plates/bowls of food on the table waiting to be dug into and boy did we! The fried chicken was fabulous, mac and cheese, potatoes, every vegetable imaginable, ribs, potato salad, - you name it, we had it. After eating you bus your dishes to the kitchen. It was fun and I am so glad we waited. We sure didn't need anymore food that day or even the next morning! Just resign yourself to waiting in line to get in. You'll be glad you did.
(5)
Abel K.
The wait is so so so so worth it! The breakfast is the best southern cooking i have had in a long time! The Fried chicken is heavenly!
(5)
Janene H.
Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room is one of those places everyone will tell you you MUST try while visiting Savannah. I'm glad we did, but I don't think I'd come back. We arrived outside of the restaurant 40 minutes before they opened on a Monday morning. The only reason we got in on the first seating was because the large group ahead of us couldn't all be sat together. Luckily we squeaked in! When we entered the dining room the food was already laid out on the table, including delicious sweat tea. The food was obviously fresh as it was piping hot. The dining room was jammed packed and quickly felt hot and, thanks to the low ceiling, felt smothering. Still, the array of food immediately caught my attention and surprised me. I surveyed the selection and at first thought that the food had been doubled for each half of the table. Nope, each bowl was a different dish. My favorites? The fried chicken (of course) which had a wonderful flavor but wasn't as crispy as I would have hoped. The sweet potatoes were also very good with the right amount of creaminess and lumpiness. I put a little helping of everything on my plate and was amazed at the mountain of food! I couldn't help but wonder how much of this stuff gets wasted everyday. It made me a little sad looking over the table after we'd all stuffed ourselves. Still, I couldn't eat another bite. We rolled out of there, rubbing our bellies and guiltily walked past the looong line still waiting outside. We ate at 11am and did not even feel like looking at food for the rest of the day! Seriously, I don't think I ate again until 8pm! The food was good but wasn't five star amazing. The teeny tiny desserts were sad. I had the blueberry cobbler but wished I'd had the banana pudding. Mine tasted canned. This is a place where people who value quantity over all else will LOVE. It is homey, and is quite the experience. It reminds me of other family style dining I've had like the Daniel Boone Inn in North Carolina.
(3)
Erika P.
Anyone who says this is a tourist trap does not know what they are talking about. Every person I know in Savannah and every local I met on my trip told me this was a MUST go. And almost EVERYONE at my table was a local. This place is a great way to sample many types of southern food without worrying if you won't like it. They have everything from stewed okra to fried chicken which is phenomenal. Do not pass up the veggies: the greens, cabbage and creamed corn are to die for. It is CASH ONLY which is my only qualm. The line was long but moved fast and they had ice water for us. Overall great place and worth the wait.
(5)
Hilary D.
Get there early and well worth the wait. Only open for lunch. Do not eat breakfast and maybe won't eat dinner. About 20 side dishes. Best way to experience southern food. Highly recommend.
(5)
Connie G.
I love Mrs Wilkes Dining room. We got there before it was time for it to open and the lwait really wasn't that bad. We enjoyed talking to the other folks in line and yes it beats Paula Deens by a mile. We enjoyed the fried chicken even though one of the other folks we didn't know pawed through the fried chicken with their fingers (ewww) but fortunately I had already gotten mine. Bring cash - they don't take credit cards. You bus your own table. Lots of good southern food. Have some change ready for the parking meter - we didn't and had to park in a parking garage and walk a ways so we could use larger bills.
(5)
Nadine R.
We went to Mrs Wilkes because of the great reviews we read. We now have an expression for food that is overrated and not great - "Is it a Mrs Wilkes' meal?" All of the food is lacking in seasoning and VERY average to down right disappointing. We arrived at 10:30. Everyone was lovely in line. We got in at 11:45. There were only two of us so we joined a party of 8. Lots of dishes were on the table so we all took a spoonful or two of the different vegetables, mac and cheese, etc. It all reminded me of food at Assisted Living places or Hospitals. Almost every bowl had underseasoned and mushy food items. Most were cold or room temperature. There were no mash potatoes (if this was truly Southern cooking where were they?) but there was a gravy item on the table and a boring stuffing. The Mac and Cheese had no great flavor. The salted cucumbers, however, were cucumbers covered in a box of salt. Don't eat them. The other family had older teenagers and adults and no one thought any of the food on the table was great. We would ask each other what do you think of the rutabaga dish or collard greens and the answer was always not very good (and mushy) and no one even bothered to try it afterwards as it wasn't worth it. So let's discuss the Fried Chicken; I was anticipating all of the yelp reviews to be on target but all I can say is save your $18.00/person and go somewhere else if you want to taste better than very average fried chicken. Yes, it was fried, there was NO seasoning in the batter, it is a little greasy but not too bad, my drum stick dark meat was a bit dry, the wings were fine, the chicken breast dry and overall there was NOTHING special about this chicken or worthy of all of these great reviews. Dessert and how they get rid of you in 45 minutes: No matter how much anyone has on his or her plate, even if you had just asked for more of an item, the desserts in tiny bowls will arrive served on a steel tray and you get to pick peach cobble or banana pudding. The banana pudding was excellent and I gather so was the peach cobbler. However, the waitress then tells you that we are suppose to take our dishes to a window and basically time for us to leave. I have no idea how one can linger longer after this gentle "times up" is given to you, especially if half your table or more gets up and follows directions. There is no coffee offered. (The unsweetened ice tea, and I love ice tea, is horrible). The servers are lovely and probably laughing at all of the white people standing in line for hours who come in to eat this bland and overpriced meal. I think this place in a self-perpetuating myth and no one wants to admit that a family of four threw $80.00 away. Seriously, there is a reason ONLY tourists go here and no one from Savannah bothers with this place.
(2)
Matthew L.
Went on a WEDNESDAY during MARCH. Showed up at 10:15a and the line was about 20 deep. If you get in line by 10:30 it seems like you'll be seated by 11:30. The quintessential Southern experience! From the setting to the staff and finally the food, everything was awesome. If you want a taste of what Southern hospitality is all about, don't miss this jewel of Savannah.
(5)
Brandon B.
If you're in Savannah and looking for great southern soul food, this is your spot. I preface most of my reviews by saying that I'm not a foodie (I eat to live, not live to eat), so that I can emphasize that if I like the food, that's saying a lot. I love this food. Everything I tried was seasoned so perfectly. It was rich, filling, and for the fixed $18 we got more food and more selection than anyone at our table could possibly want (in the best way possible). We kept hearing the description of it being like at grandma's house, and that's definitely it, especially if your grandma is from the south. It is family style with 10 people at a table and about 7 tables total. They let in 50 people initially and filter more people in as entire tables finish. When you get in, the table is covered in medium-sized bowls of the main meal. Squash, peas, rice&beans, fried chicken, greens, pickled beets, beef tips, and about a dozen other dishes to pass around. Sweet tea and water are included. A small cobbler dessert was served as well. What was just as good as the food was the company. Waiting in line we met a group of older local women (mom and 2 daughters), an older couple from the mid-west in town for a conference, and a middle-aged couple from up north. We're a younger couple from South Carolina. The 4 groups may never have met and interacted outside of this dining experience, but for our time in line and while we were seated together, we exchanged stories and laughs like good friends. It was wonderful. We only found out about this restaurant because we happened to be on vacation staying in the rental home that sits just above it. So after seeing the lines form and dissipate for 3 days, we had to try it. Good call. Here are my tips: 1) Arrive early. The place is only open weekdays from 11a-2p. If you want to be first in line, arrive at 9am. By 10am, the line is already 50 people long. 2) Don't worry about the long lines. It moves relatively quickly. But don't show up super hungry, because there will be waiting involved. 3) Bring cash or check! No cards accepted. 4) Make friends in line and at the tables. Would you rather have a fun family dinner experience, or an awkward first date dining experience? Choice is up to you :) 5) There's a tip jar at the checkout register. Speaking with a number of servers and kitchen staff during my time staying above the restaurant, there's word that the management does not split those tips fairly with staff. If you want to make sure your server gets the tip, leave it on the table or hand it to them directly. Or, for that added local experience, walk around to the back of the restaurant through the alley and hand it to them directly. You'll get to see them cutting up greens and other food prep in the kitchen where the magic is made!
(5)
G W.
The food was excellent! ! We got to the restaurant around 10:30 and was able get with the first group of dinners. The fried chicken crisp and moist, the greens peas, meatloaf, potatoes, Candid yams, everything, everything delicious. The serving staff was very accommodating.
(5)
Ej F.
OMG! This place is so good! What place is only open 3 hours a day and has a line down the sidewalk even when its 40 degrees outside? Mrs Wilkes..and its worth the wait. You walk in and 10 people sit a a large table with the most amazing southern cooking waiting to be consumed. Great conversation takes place from people from all over the planet. Everything about this place made me smile and I would highly recommend the experience to anyone in Savanna for the day.
(5)
Liz P.
Food was excellent, the experience itself was worth it but not the whole thing I was expecting. Got in line around 11:35am on a Friday and was let in at around 1:15pm. My faves were the sweet mashed potatoes, the sweet sweet SWEET tea (made a convert out of me, I normally hate sweet tea!), and of course the chicken, even though it was actually TOO fresh (too hot) to eat at first. Restaurants normally make money off me at buffets and this was no exception ($18 and cash only) since I don't eat as much as I used to, but the food was worth it. It was kind of fun to sit with people we didn't know, too. Check out the photos on the walls - there's one of a Mrs. Wilkes server with Obama, and another of a very young Dennis Quaid who dined there! Very cool. I would go back to Mrs Wilkes with people who have never been, not sure if I would go with the same people again now that we've experienced it.
(4)
Ian B.
Wow. What a great restaurant. Waited about 1.5 hours but it was well worth it. The food was excellent an service is great. You sit down at a table with 10 people. We were unsure at first about the communal style but it ended up being great. I can eat a lot and couldn't even try every dish. Will definitely go back when I return to savannah!
(5)
Kristin C.
Make sure you get there early!! We arrived by 9:50am and when it opened at 11 we were lucky enough to get seated with the first group. When you enter the tables are already set up and food is there to be served family style. The food is endless!! Sooo many sides and you have to try a little of everything! My favorites were the fried chicken, sweet potato, Mac and cheese, collards, and BBQ pork. I've never had okra and the okra soup was very tasty. The cornbread was a little dried out but I had plenty of other foods to munch on. The best thing there though is the dessert... homemade banana pudding! It is so fresh and delicious I couldn't get enough. Make sure you save room!
(4)
E. M.
Simply the best southern food I've ever had. Worth the 1.5 hr line wait. Also just incase you didn't know, if your still waiting in line at 2, they will still serve you.
(5)
Tom O.
Worth the wait. Great food served in a casual relaxed way. Priced right for what you get. Nice people!
(5)
Shannon A.
Not much to add, it is just the most amazing place to get true southern cuisine. We went on a Thursday near 2pm (closing time) and only waited about 15 minutes. They will take you as long as you are in line by 2pm. When you sit down all of the sides are already on the table, piping hot. Every seat has a sweet tea waiting. The staff is attentive and there is a very comfortable feel. The only word of warning I have is that they only take cash. This place will be a must for all future trips!
(5)
John H.
Cash only Fun times as you eat family style and meet new people Locals eat here as well Everything was delicious except the collard greens Bring your appetite, it is worth the wait
(4)
Dominick T.
You get the food on their terms. This is Mrs Wilkes place. You wait in line for a long time, You clean up your places and sit here, one price fits all. Yes you are going to sit with other guests, and if you know whats good for you, you are going to like it. At any other place I would be put off. Not here. No. They have mind blowing fried chicken. It is an experience you won't believe was once walking around on two legs pecking anything. There has never been a chicken that died so good. If there is better, you better prove it or I will find satisfaction on the dueling fields by the graveyard, sir. Every side was well done, with the flavor God put into that food, and little subtle overtones that makes southern cooking and this place great. The greens had the slightly tangy bitterness, then a creamy smoothness, a sweetness, and a hotness. The meatloaf was the lunch item for our day, and it was better than my meatloaf. (I feel so inadequate!) Rutabagas, macaroni, corn, everything is worth trying and eating. Even better, they will bring more food. Then more food. They are happy to make you a lot fatter than you went in. The people are nice, but loaded with tourists, some who get the concept and some who don't. Not a place for those with food finickiness, eat what she put on the table, or no dessert. 'Nilla Pudding, yes, cobbler, yes. I was so dizzy with my entrees, dessert was just like going to heaven, having a nice place to enjoy the view, and then St. Peter brings you a pony. Every local will tell you this is the MUST go place in Savannah. The more famous place here can't touch Mrs. Wilkes, she can kick the Lady's butt, and then both her Sons, and have enough left over to kick your butt at lunchtime.
(5)
Url R.
The sides are what gives this place five stars. The chicken is decent, but I have had better. Yes, the line is long but bring some friends or, if alone, an iphone with headphones and it goes by fast. There are a few benches nearer the house for those with kids and elderly. If you have a larger group, like more than 4, plan on splitting up so that you can get a seat faster. I saw a large family waiting inside forever so that they could all sit together. That was dumb. Anyway, all of the sides were outstanding especially the gravy and cornbread stuffing. Get a roll and make sure to dip it in the molasses. Sweet potatoes were unforgettable. I recommend buying the cookbook.
(5)
Chad S.
blows paula deens restaurant out of the water. best southern food you can find.
(5)
PG B.
Been coming here for 37 years, and lived across the street at one point. Consistently good ole fashion southern food, 20 sides, family style and get there early, long lines...
(5)
Steve V.
We got here today 45 minutes early and the line was already 30 minutes long after the doors opened. Was it worth the wait? That's the big question. It's really good food, down home grandma's style and all the southern dishes are served. The biscuit at the end was the surprise for me; dipped in syrup, it was mouth watering good... even after I sampled the other 15 some odd dishes. So I feel if you're visiting Savannah, yeah its worth the wait... just to try all the Southern dishes. Get there early though, I felt bad for the older crowd waiting in the heat.
(4)
Diane Z.
Loved the experience! We arrived around 12:30pm and waited about 30 minutes to get seated. We kind of lucked out because the way it works is they will seat an entire table then when everyone is finished the whole table is cleared and then the second seating gets their turn. Once we got in, we were seated at a table of 10 and all the food was already on the table. They brought out the hot and fresh fried chicken, and then we just stuffed ourselves for about 20 minutes. It's really quick since you don't have to wait for any food to come out. However, if you need refills or a specific cut of chicken, just ask and they will gladly bring it out for you! Everything definitely tasted like homestyle cooking. My favorites were the creamed corn, beef stew, wild rice, and mac and cheese. But if you just try a little bit of each thing, you will definitely get full. For the meats, we had fried chicken, barbequed chicken, meatloaf, and a beef stew.You will definitely get full and probably won't have to eat for another 7-8 hours. I also loved the banana pudding for dessert! Save room! Oh yea, and you get sweet tea! All for $18 (gratuity not included, dig deep for those nice folks!).
(4)
Nick O.
Food was amazing and the service was just as good. Everyone was so friendly. Had a great time sitting with everyone at the table.
(5)
Robert Q.
So many good things have been said, far from me to add much to the praise, except yep they're right it's excellent. There was 12 of us, table to ourselves, bowl after bowl of delicious home cooked food. Love the no rush policy, one of us was going for fourths and the staff was apologizing and asking if we wanted more. Very pleasant people, looking out the window at the line and shaking their heads at all the crazies. We waited two hours forty minutes and ended up sending the kids for pizza. The wait is way too long, get there at 10, no joke, and bring a book! We met some nice folks on line, but it was a little chilly, can't even imagine the heat of August. You should go, great experience but know what you're getting into. Wear comfortable shoes and loose pants you're going to need them.
(5)
Cathy M.
This is probably the best soul food I have ever had! First of all, this place seats family style and it is ALL YOU CAN EAT! This place has the best fried chicken I have ever tasted! The cream corn is to die for! And the mash potato is whipped and tastes so light that it just melts in your mouth. I could probably eat the whole bowl of mash potato myself! I waited 2 hours to go in and believe that it is worth the wait. All this food for $20 a person, so go in hungry!
(5)
Tommy G.
Mrs Wilkes deserves a 5 star rating, because its a fresh take on dining atmosphere. The food is delicious on the first time, however, like buffet style food, one should expect to acquire that 'cafeteria food' taste after the second round. I know I did. Definitely worth a visit, the staff is friendly, and the food is amazing.
(5)
Lynsy M.
There is always a line down the Spanish moss-draped street of this former boarding house in historic downtown Savannah. Arriving at 9:30am on a Monday morning, we trickled in place behind the other curious hopefuls, mostly fellow distant travelers sharing the same wonderment of Mrs. Wilkes' legacy on southern communal dining. The alluring quality of Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room is the experience. Anachronistic customs carry you to a distinctive, earlier time period; good ole' southern homestyle traditions and family-style dining in a communal setting give Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room character and charm. Guests bustle in the low-ceiling establishment in groups of 8 and are seated at the same table. That's right; make friends with those around you while waiting in line. They will no longer be strangers by dessert. As you enter, an array of various southern comfort foods in ceramic dishes are already situated on the table. Collard greens, mac n' cheese, dirty rice/jambalaya, BBQ pork, succotash, creamed corn, pickled beets, boiled okra, mixed vegetables, sweet potato puree, green beans, lima beans, beef stew, and cornbread -- just to name a few. Born and raised in the South and immersed in the corresponding traditions, I appreciate the reverence for southern cuisine and its homestyle dining experience that Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room has instilled in many out-of-towners. However, I was left mostly underwhelmed after tasting several of the side dishes. I was also left disappointed and saddened after seeing the copious amounts of food wasted after each meal. The highlight of our experience, though, was the fried chicken; the skin was perfectly seasoned and crispy while the meat was succulent and juicy. At the end of your meal, bring your polished plate to the kitchen. Say good-bye to your new friends and head to the front counter. Hopefully, you stopped by the ATM on the way, because they only accept cash.
(3)
Emily L.
Mrs. Wilkes' is the place to try while in Savannah. They are only open from 11-2, and lines form super early. We were there at 10:20 and were about the 20th in line. They stagger seating tables, which is the perfect way to keep things flowing from both a dining perspective and a serving/cooking perspective. Great southern food, family style. It's fun to find out things about your table mates while enjoying amazing food. The best fried chicken around-not greasy at all and perfectly crispy. The peach cobbler is awesome. For newcomers, bring cash ($20 per person) as they don't accept credit cards, come early (or be patient).
(5)
Andrew P.
We got in line about 10 AM on a chilly morning and my girlfriend thought I was nuts waiting that long to get lunch. But this place delivered, and we were in the first group to get in thankfully. By the time 11AM rolled around, the line was the whole way down around the block. This was one of the best meals I've ever ate. There was so much food on the table and everything I tried was great, even stuff I usually don't like such as creamed corn. The chicken is the star on TV, and it was everything I expected it to be. So tender and juicy and delicious, easily top 3 I've had in my life. I forget what all I had while I was here, but the cream corn was great, as was the rice. I'm pretty sure they had some good mac and cheese there too. Mashed potatoes and lima beans were also quite good. I will be back for certain next time I'm in Savannah.
(5)
Phillip L.
A must visit if your in town. Visited on the last day before it closes for the month of January and got there around 10:30. Waited 3 hours and was seated at 1:30 doubting if anything could possibly be worth a 3 hour wait. The moment I walked in I was completely mind blown by the amount of food at the table already. Met a really cool family who happened to be an alum at the current school I attended. After some chatting and introductions, dove right into the amazing fried chicken, sweet potatoes with raisins, pickled cucumbers, mashed potatoes, Mexican rice with sausage, buttered white rice, biscuits and cornbread, squash, collared greens, green beans, cabbage, beets, Lima beans, baked brown beans, cole slaw, smoked BBQ pork, rutabaga, okra, and corn. This was followed by a desert of peach and banana pudding. Long story short: all the sides were so good. The fried chicken was definitely better than average; however, it was a tiny bit dry. Also the both the service and sweet tea provided were top-notch as well. For only $18, you won't get better food, atmosphere, or service elsewhere. The only con was that I felt like my stomach was about to explode afterwards. Warning: don't eat breakfast!!!
(5)
Tami W.
Oh My Gosh! I have never been so full. They put so much great food on the table you can't eat it all. Dont miss the fried chicken, the corn, the cornbread stuffing...and the list goes on! It's all amazing. We waited 1 1/2 hours beginning around 1:30pm, but it was totally worth it. The people behind us in line had driven from Charleston just to come here. Good choice.
(5)
Andy D.
Absolutely delicious. Make friends with the people you're in line with, because you will be sitting family-style with them when you get in. Everything is laid out for you when you finally get inside, and it is delicious- you can see from the photos and other reviews what they offer, I'm just validating that! It is worth the wait in line! It moves pretty fast, as they get people in in out surprisingly quickly, but don't forget to arrive early.
(5)
Michael D.
Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room is an iconic Savannah eatery located in a charming neighborhood. It serves fare modeled after the type of food provided by boarding houses of the past. It is open for lunch on weekdays with a set menu that changes daily for the bargain price of $18 per person and only cash is accepted. The restaurant consists of a large dinning room with exposed brick walls that is quaintly decorated and furnished with large communal tables that seat ten. This restaurant is meant to provide hungry folks with an abundance of food at a very low cost. It is always crowded and long waiting lines form well before the opening time of 11:00 a.m. The operation is well organized and once all the tables are filled, big platters of food are served in waves and a sufficient amount of time is given the guests to eat. Afterward, all of the tables are cleared and the entire restaurant is vacated and then refilled with new guests. On the day my wife and I lunched there, we were astounded by the large selection and high quality of the food. It was served family style and all-you-can-eat that included but was not limited to: fried chicken, beef stew, BBQ pork, collard greens, black eyed peas, mac and cheese, squash, rice and gravy, pickled beets, okra and tomatoes, mashed potatoes, and candied yams. In addition, several desserts were offered, including a peach cobbler and a bread pudding, along with sweet and unsweetened tea as well as water. Everything was fresh, well prepared, and delicious. However, we thought that the fried chicken was a standout. It was crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and very tasty. We also really liked the okra gumbo, the black-eyed peas, and collard greens. Eating at the communal table was very entertaining. What with food constantly being served and dishes and bowls being passed around nonstop along with the lively conversations amongst our fellow diners, our lunch became a kind of frenetic adventure. If you want to sample a large assortment of very good authentic Southern cooking along with highly courteous and efficient service and have a great deal of fun doing so, don't miss Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room. As a word of caution, when you leave you will be stuffed to the gills so don't plan on having dinner that night.
(5)
S H.
Even in July, when tourism in the area is quiet, the line for Mrs. Wilkes was down the block. We get there around 10:30 and waited for a little over an hour but it was well worth it!! Family style tables were set and filled with dishes of fried chicken, sweet mashed potatoes, pulled pork, and a ton of other dishes. We didn't eat for HOURS afterward that day because we were so full. And it's all for only $18!! This place is a must! Get there early so you don't miss out before they close at 2 pm - or so you don't wait in the hot afternoon sun (when it peeked through the trees we were sweating but they do have a nice cooler of iced water outside for you).
(4)
Clifford C.
This is as good as it gets. You dine with others around a big round table with an amazing 24 (that's twenty-four) dishes on the table. This is history, good food and you can say you were there. Highly recommend. I think this is the place where the Amish learned how to serve the public - but it's a lot more intimate. Can't go wrong here.
(5)
Mark J.
OK, I am clearly in the minority here - and I am definitely not an expert on Southern cuisine, but from my perspective it was OK but not phenomenal. You sit down at a table of about 10-12 and they bring out a whole array of foods, sort of as if you were eating at home with family on Thanksgiving. The main meats are fried chicken and meatloaf, I only tried the chicken which was OK but probably not any better than Popeyes or KFC. Other items were cabbage, mac & cheese, beans, black-eyed peas, squash,mashed potatoes, yams, fried okra, rice and stuffing or dressing as they call it in the South. The only dish that I though was very good was the dressing the rest was OK but really nothing special. I would go for the experience but don't expect gee wiz amazing food.
(3)
Miguel S.
Wow. My trip to savannah felt incomplete until I dragged my wife to wait in a line in the rain with me for about an hour without any food in our bellies. She wasn't too amused about it but I told her it was worth it. While we were waiting in line we found out that the restaurant is cash only. We don't really carry any cash around so I had to walk in the rain and make it to the Hilton hotel where I found an ATM. This is about 2 or 3 blocks from the restaurant. After an hour or so, we were sat in a big dining room table with a bunch of strangers; in case you didn't know this is the way it works here. No menus, no drinks or cocktails; no complaints allowed. You either get the choice of water, sweet tea or unsweetened tea. And the food is already waiting for you on the table. They have over 20 different choices portioned in white bowls in the center of the table. The whole dynamic around it is that you actually have to talk to these strangers to pass food around. If you are socially awkward or have issues dealing with strangers, you will go home hungry. Some of the highlights of the dinner were: Fried chicken, meatloaf, pulled pork, Mac and cheese, collard greens and dirty rice. At the end you get to pick between the peach cobbler or the banana pudding for dessert and then when you're really done, you literally have to pick up after yourself; take your plate, silverware and cup to the dishroom. Then say goodbye to the strangers at your table and go to the cashier and pay for your meal. Anyways; yes; it is worth it. Just suck it up in line and you will be rewarded. Thank you Mrs. Wilkes
(5)
Nichole S.
Yes you have to wait in line, and yes you may end up sitting with strangers due to the tables being sat as groups of ten. If you do not want that, don't go and eat here. The restaurant opens at 11am and it seems that if you get there by 10:15 or so you only end up waiting about an hour. Once you get in, everything is very straightforward. The food is already laid out on the table, 3 meats and countless sides (the website will tell you what will be on the menu for each day). We were a group of 4, and ended up sitting with 2 other groups of 2. We were all considerate and made sure to pass the items around the table, and pass individual items when they were requested. That being said, the food was great. It tasted like someone's grandmother and aunts had been up since 5am cooking. You eat until you are full, and they even bring refills of items if you want them. Then once you think you cannot eat anymore they bring out dessert. When you are finished, you pick up your plate, cup and utensils and deposit them in the assigned area. Since there are so many people in the place daily, I would assume this helps with efficiencies in getting the table cleared and set up for the next batch of guests. It's was a great experience, one that anyone visiting Savannah should try.
(5)
Shannon S.
Always have a great time here the lines get insane but if you are there early it's not too bad and it's well worth the wait. The staff is very pleasant and the food is fantastic love their sweet tea! Cash only so make sure you have enough. They have some very famous patrons such as Obama and the house wives of Atlanta, Paula Deen started here career here as we'll.
(5)
Myrus C.
We loved it! We went there the day after Christmas and got there at 10:30 and got seated around noon. We were overwhelmed by the amount of yummy food and enjoyed the family style lunch. A Savannah must! As other people say it's definitely worth the wait!
(5)
Joanna V.
This is an absolute must when in Savannah. Know going in you will have to wait about 2 hours. This seems insane, but it is worth it believe me. My husband and I lined up at 10:30AM on a Wednesday and the line was already down the block. There is one store next to the line so you can take turns and pop into there to kill some time. My husband and I also brought books to read which helped pass the time. The seating and serving is family style. You will sit at a table with 10 other people and numerous bowls of delicious southern food will be placed in front of you. I am a vegetarian and I was a bit worried there would not anything for me, but I did not need to worry. I have MANY choice and definitely got my moneys worth. Everything was delicious. Not a bad dish was served to us. The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful. The place opens at 11AM and closes at 3PM. I highly recommend getting there early to wait in line. They also only take cash or check. It is a $20 flat fee. Go here!
(5)
Tara P.
The food is amazing. Just like a home cooked southern meal. Went there around 10:00 and we were in the first seating at 11:00. When we left the restaurant the line was wrapped around the block so definitely try to get there early. Make sure to bring cash, they don't accept credit cards!
(5)
Anita C.
Went here at recommendation of a local. Its an interesting place with a unique communal style of dining. There was a short line at 12:30 and we were seated in about 15 mins. You are whisked to a 12 person table with other newfound friends to share a meal like you are at your parents house for Thanksgiving. On the table are about 24 different sides and entrees served family style. Not a great assortment of main dishes but perfectly good for what this is. Fried chicken, pork bbq, jambalaya, beef stew, mashed potatoes, mac n cheese, collared greens, b-e peas, sweet potatoes, gravy, pasta salad, baked beans, and rutabaga and a few other things i never tried. Sweet and unsweetened tea are served with lunch. Desert tray comes out last and both the peach one and banana dish were very good. Not a fancy place at all, and you get to wait your own dishes to the washroom when you are done. You pay $20 pp when leaving. Make sure to pay when you are absolutely leaving because there is no bill nor anyway for them to track if you already paid if you wander back in to review all the knickknacks they have on display. Pay and leave! Wait staff is pleasant and helpful and will offer coffee at end of meal. For what it is, this place does a very good job at what they are doing and providing - good ole all you can eat southern comfort food baby!!
(5)
Mark W.
Place lives up to the hype! The "King of Southern Comfort food" or should I say Queen! You really can't go to Savannah and not do Mrs. Wilkes..... The sides are all good but those cheesy mashed potatoes with onions are incredible! The whole line thing is a bit of a cunnundrum.... Early, late, 11:15 or 11:30 what should I do????? My advice get there at 11:10ish.... You won't be first in line... The "old Timers got the front of the line on lockdown! I think they are getting there around 10:45.... Way too early, but they don't seem to mind. You'll be about the 20th or 30th in line but don't fret.... You'll be in the first seating. The tourists will be snapping pictures of the line from every angle and you may be stuck next to a "Space Invader" from Minnesota but you'll be in by 11:10 and out by 12:00 and ready for the trolley tour!
(5)
Tim P.
Family style. Y'all better bring your appetite. I was impressed with the spread! So - in case you didn't know, even if your party is two people, you sit at one of the big family sized tables and they bring out around 9-12 bowls of different food. It's all pretty amazing. I though the collard greens and the fried chicken were the best. We didn't have to wait too long. I was very impressed with the food! SO GOOD. CASH ONLY.
(5)
Steve B.
Holy moly was this place definitely worth the wait. We were told that if we're visiting Savannah, we MUST GO to Mrs. Wilkes and to expect a very long wait but to be rewarded with fantastic southern cookin'. They're only open 11am-2pm M-F, and I now understand why...They don't need to operate any more than 3 hours per day, 5 days a week because of their fantastic food and surplus of patrons. We waited about one hour outside in the grueling heat and humidity and I began to doubt whether or not it WOULD be worth it - oh it was. When we finally entered I immediately realized that this was not a typical restaurant. We sat down at a large oval table that sat about 8 people - and the table was already chock full of food. Probably about 15-20 bowls of different foods from fried chicken, pulled pork, mac 'n cheese, baked beans, corn bread, beef, creamed corn, and on and on and on. What, all you can eat you say? Oh boy. We sat there with 6 total strangers and overwhelmed our feed for about 45 minutes - needless to say we were a bit uncomfortable on our way out, but for only $18/pp? Wow. Do not miss this diamond in the rough if you're ever in Savannah.
(5)
Tony S.
A recent trip to Savannah,GA for a conference gave me little time to break away, but fortunately there was a decent enough break in my schedule to make a run to this place. We asked one of the wait staff at the Hyatt downtown where she would eat locally if she was from out of town, and without batting an eye this was the first place she named. It is within walking distance of anywhere downtown, and given the parking meters that don't give you much time for the money you put in the meters, walking may be the best option if weather permits. Three very important things to know: 1) It is ONLY open Monday through Friday from 11:00 AM until 2:00 PM. 2) Cash only...currently $18 a person, but it is a steal for the experience. 3) Chances are you will be seated with people not part of your party, but that makes it even more special! My suggestion is to arrive no later than 9:30 AM and get in line. No matter what you do, you WILL wait about two hours. I would rather wait on a full stomach and be hungry by the time I am seated fairly close to a "normal" lunchtime, than to wait past the point when I am ravenous. You are let in in groups to make up a party of ten; this means that the five in our group were seated with five strangers, but by the time we were done with our meal we felt like family, which is the whole point! You are directed to a large table already set with large bowls of the food...there is every kind of southern comfort food imaginable on this table, and the simplicity of it is stunning. You each take a seat, and begin passing the bowls around. There is simply not enough room on the plate to sample everything, and you have to pace yourself to not get full before you get some of everything you want to try. But take your time; you're allowed to be seated as long as you want. The fried chicken is some of the best I've ever had. The beef stew was awesome. But some of the best were the summer squash, the black eyed peas, the lima beans, and so on....everything was well seasoned and piping hot. And as soon as a bowl or plate emptied, more came pouring out of the kitchen. Accompanying rolls, cornbread, and tea or water also kept coming out. It was literally a horn of plenty. I would definitely go back again. I think this place is equal or better than some other establishments in town ( you know who I am referring to!) but to me this is the real cradle of Savannah hospitality!
(5)
Keri F.
I agree with all the positive reviews. It's just fun to sit down with 8 other people and pass about 25 plates of food around! No one in our group was overly talkative, it was pleasant conversation. The wait was about 2 hours no matter when you get there, only the people arriving closer to opening time (11am) might actually wait and NOT get seated. We arrived at 9:30 on a Friday and were 2nd in line. We sat promptly at 11am, but only the front room got seated (3 tables x 10 ppl each) - they filled the other room around 12. We sat down with all the sides on the table (about 25), and right away we were brought the fresh fried chicken, BBQ pork, and then bread. I could go on and on about each of these dishes but really why? What I like might be different for you. I think it's a given that everyone loves the fried chicken - it's always fresh, crispy, and moist. And it's refillable! The other meats seems to rotate - and it's above your average restaurant taste. The side dishes: there are 25! You are bound to love at least 3-4, which, let's face it, is really all you need on a good dinner plate! There are 2 desserts to choose from - go with a friend who will let you sample the one you don't get. Highlights for us: (and I know I just said it was pointless) Fried Chicken - Awesome. good salt level, good garlic, medium breading, perfect crisp, all pieces moist, and hot of course (take a bite and let it cool). BBQ pork - more a sweet flavor but still nice Green beans - no meat in it, but it was still pretty good (Momma does it better.) Black eyed peas - very good, pop in your mouth, smokey, medium salt Corn bread - oh yes, best in town, moist and peels apart (not flakey), more like a biscuit, you can taste the corn! Rutabaga - never had this one before, but it was very good, like a squash but not as squishy. Cabbage - very good, cooked tender. Spanish rice - surprisingly light and tomatoey Mac n cheese - I did not try (d/t lactose issues) but my friend stated it was the best she tried in Savannah, the cheese was good and (while not Velveeta) still gooey. Sweet tea - just enough sugar to overpower the tea leaf, but not too heavy (like some places) The negatives: okra and collard greens - were undercooked and rough, which with okra, can really be gross. Overall, fun and yummy. Give it exactly 4 stars. (Mom still gets the 5 stars)
(4)
Lisa H.
Mrs. Wilkes was not only one of the best meals I have ever had but a wonderful experience as well. The fried chicken was moist and delicious but the vegetable sides were truly amazing. Many reminded me of my grandmother's and mother's home cooked Southern meals. I miss them so much. But to get back to the experience, you may have to stand in line and wait to eat, but you get to make friends. Then you enjoy that great meal with them and that is the wonderful experience if the place! Simply terrific!
(5)
Shkinia M.
Wonderful. Everything I ate was good. I went into it like being invited to eat at someone's house and you don't know the other guests. Food was good and plentiful. The people we were seated with held great conversations. Highly recommended.
(5)
Princess S.
I'd never heard of this place until I arrived in Savannah, but it of course came highly recommended. I stopped by around 12:30 one day and witnessed the line, so I decided to try again the next day. I got in line at 10:05am, and there were already 5 people there. Time passed by easily with conversation and reading, and finally at 10:55 the doors opened. It was like walking into someone spacious dining room, exactly as it's called. I was alone, but everyone was seated as if they were a big happy family. The food was delicious and for $18, it was all you could eat (within ~40 mins) southern home cookin. My favorites included the jambalaya, sweet potatoes, and beans. Sad to say, the fried chicken had too little salt, the collards had too much salt and there was no coffee. It's a great experience for people who don't have regular access to Southern home cooking, but since I do, I'm just happy to have met the people at my table!
(3)
Rachel m.
There's a reason people wait in a line for forty plus minutes for this place. True Southern Soul food, served family style. It's almost like a Southern Thanksgiving. Sitting at a large table with people you don't know, it's a great way to make new friends and enjoy the true meaning of a sit down, "family" dinner. You walk in, are directed where to sit, and your meal is already at the table waiting for you. 18 bucks a person for food, drinks, and dessert, but it's pretty much all you can eat because they keep bringing food, even thought there's still plenty already on the table. My boyfriend loved the fried chicken, which is a favorite, but I loved the pulled pork and Mac and Cheese, but really, EVERYTHING was great. On the occasion you might spot a celeb, today we spotted Alec Baldwin! Definitely a local favorite. You won't be disappointed, definitely worth the wait. But make sure you're in line before 1:30. They close at 2!
(5)
Andrew G.
Besides the hour long wait, this place was the best restaurant on our trip to Savannah. Amazing food all around. The fried chicken, the Spanish rice, the bbq pork, the okra, the mac and cheese. And the cucumbers! All plus so much more. Great for lunch! I also really enjoyed the communal seating idea. You get to meet other people while enjoying great food. A must in Savannah!
(5)
Scott C.
I have been in Hilton Head, SC for almost a week and eaten at many places. This is in the top category. Haven't had better fried chicken since my mom's when I was a kid and that was a long time ago. It is a small place that our family of 10 took about 45 minutes to get into. It was well worth it. 20 items on the table with anything from the aforementioned fried chicken to other southern specialties such as collard greens, creamed corn, okrah, bbq pulled pork, corn bread and the list goes on. If you are in Savannah and you are hungry try it out. You will be rewarded with good food and a very southern hospitality wait staff.
(4)
Sincere R.
Family style seating. You sit at a table with 8 other people. As soon as you sit down, the table is set with fried chicken, chicken and dumplings, beef stew, meatloaf, BBQ pork, and all the fixings. Most everything had gold flavors you can definitely tell nothing is store-bought. However, A few of the sides were overly salty. Staff were extremely friendly and polite. The family style was authenticated by the fact that you had to personally walk your plate to the kitchen. Great bang for the buck. If I'm ever in town again, I'd go back in a heartbeat. Just remember to get there early. Banana pudding was a major let down. I kinda expected more.
(4)
Thomas P.
The food was great, and it was a very cool experience. I will always remember sitting with 20 strangers and meeting new friends over very good southern food. I know the wait sucks, however, be patient you will not be disappointed!
(5)
Jason L.
Very good. Had to stand outside in the rain to eat here, but was still good.
(5)
David S.
A haiku. The line moves quite fast. Her fried chicken, best in class. That meal, not the last.
(5)
Ray B.
We ate there in June. Had to wait and sweat for at least or more than an hour. By the time you got seated, you were so thirsty.... so you re-hydrate yourself and therefore not as hungry. lol.. They need a bigger place for sure. Food was like eating at home but better. Great food. I will eat there again, for sure...
(5)
Henry B.
This was a much awaited dining experience. We new it would be a long wait (90 minutes standing in a line outside). For the most part, I am glad. The place is TINY and the kitchen even smaller. This is great comfort food - imagine Thanksgiving dinner at your grandma's home. Too much food, some OK, some great. The barbecue was amazing, as good as any I have had in Kansas City or in the Carolinas. The fried chicken and the okra/tomato/corn/lima bean concoction were very good. The potatoes, beans, etc.were just OK. Dessert was not very good (bananas, graham crackers and pudding). All you could possibly eat for only $20 (cash only). A good experience to endure. Once.
(3)
Michaela L.
Definitely an exercise in quantity- arrived at 10:45am on a Weds and were seated at 12:00. If you have a few people in line, you can send someone over 1 block and up two blocks to the Gryphon which has to-go coffee if you order from the "bar", also a nice bathroom. Food at Mrs Wilkes was as-mentioned in previous reviews. Fried chicken was probably the best item, some of the sides seemed re-heated. Mac and cheese good, all food very rich and extremely salty. Sweet potatoes were like eating straight maple syrup. Glad we went for the experience of it but I would not recommend it on food quality alone.
(3)
Patricia C.
A must for your Savannah visit. Was skeptical when I heard it was cash only and it was only open for 3 hours a day during the week but it was worth waiting in line for. The fried chicken was flavorful, yet light and the MANY sides left me stuffed.
(5)
Leighton S.
This is probably my one of my top 3 favorite restaurants in the country. We came to downtown Savannah from Knoxville for a weekend getaway, and this is one of the 3 restaurants we ate at. What a perfect experience. After a 2 hour wait, we finally sat down to the best Southern meal I've ever eaten. Everything was delicious! They give you about 20 different bowls of vegetables or meat to put on your plate and pass, family style. Mrs Wilke's is the #1 restaurant I recommend to friends going to Savannah. Sorry Paula Deen, Mrs Wilke's is the best!
(5)
Lindsey F.
Went on a Monday thinking the line would be short. It wasn't. Got in line at about 10:15, was seated a little after 11. It was worth it, though. Is it a "tourist trap"? No more so than anything else in downtown Savannah. And the food is wonderful. I don't think I've ever had fried chicken that good. Just skip breakfast, get in line early, and come prepared to enjoy sitting with and conversing with strangers. Also, if at all possible, come as a small group. I got to go in ahead of two or three larger groups because I was on my own. Score!
(5)
Jillian C.
This place was highly recommended so I was excited when I walked in to make a reservation but the older gentleman at the hostess stand was SO rude! He asked if I wanted a table and I asked if I could see a menu (I'm a vegetarian so I wanted so see if there were any options that would work) and he snapped at me and said, "Look, either grab a seat at the table or leave." I was stunned! A man standing next to me, waiting for his seat even widened his eyes in shock. I sort of laughed and said, "Well, I guess I'll leave..." Seriously awful customer service.
(1)
Greg B.
Great food, great price, long wait. Suggest getting there no later than 9:45am to be in the first seating. The wait goes by pretty quick chatting up with everyone in line. There are a ton of sides brought to your table even more than what is there when you first sit down so pace yourself to try everything because it's all delicious. Absolutely loved the fried chicken!! Creamed corn and pulled pork were fantastic too. Just try a little of everything.
(5)
Lynne J.
If you did not grow up in the South, this is a place to try. Traditional southern food served family style. The corn, fried chicken, and banana pudding were great. The numerous other sides were just "okay," compared to my mom and grandmother's home cooking. Be prepared to wait in line. Our concierge recommended being in line by 1:00. We waited 45 minutes but we were not rushed through our meal.
(4)
Meredith M.
Wait in a long long line for food I grew up with. True, it's better than some of the other southern food places around town, but my grandma's was still better.
(3)
Frank R.
Incredible 15.00 cash only
(5)
Allan S.
Very good all-you-can-eat southern food delivered family style. Two choices: get their early or wait in line. Either way you will probably wait 30 minutes to an hour.
(5)
Ana R.
I was here a couple of years back. I do not recall details, just that it was a wonderful experience. I remember things like sweet tea and fried chicken. What else matters... The history of Mrs. Wilkes was great and seeing the locals come here for lunch was a plus.
(5)
Phil A.
Worth the wait, and yes, the fried chicken is the best. Ample food that is guaranteed to stick to your ribs. There isn't much more to say other than you won't be sorry if you like good ol' homecooked southern cuisine. I tried just about everything on the table, and while some things were definitely better than others, nothing was disappointing. Everyone should give this place a go at least once in a lifetime.
(5)
Rosie P.
Ok... ok... ok... this place is AMAZING! $18 per person and it's totally worth it. You might get a little frustrated by standing in line... but fight the frustration because you won't experience another place like this. 5 for sure!
(5)
Melissa G.
The food was amazing. If you are going to have one Southern home meal in Savannah eat here. The fried chicken was good, but the sides were great- beef stew, bbq, mac and cheese, fresh cornbread. We got the first table and sat with two people who knew Mrs. Wilkes and had stories about Obama visiting (all good). Were the first in line at 9:30, the line was around the block by 10:30. Tips- cash only. Before serving food there is a prayer mentioning Jesus. Just a heads up if that makes you uncomfortable.
(5)
Jedigyrl J.
Anyone wanting to sample southern food should stop here. Some of the best non home fried chicken I've had. It may seem odd to sit with strangers but it's all about the food and a new common interest u have: passing fantastic food to each other. Highly recommend and I tell everyone to go.
(5)
Traci K.
Been dining here almost 20 years, still the best food in Savannah! Come early, bring cash and an empty stomach.
(5)
Pamela F.
This place is absolutely awesome!! Food is excellent southern cooking servers are nice and experience is memorable. Wish we had one in our neck of the woods(Houston)....lol. You won't be disappointed. Enjoy!
(5)
Jo M.
This place was worth the 45 minute wait. So much good food for the low price of $18! That fried chicken was just heavenly. I have dreams about it. All the sides were very yummy too. So much food!! Only complaint was that there was no hot sauce to be found in the entire restaurant. Service was friendly but rushed. CASH ONLY. *note: my friend and I couldn't move after lunch here, we sat in the car for about 30mins. Pace yourself when eating here lol.
(5)
Hudson C.
If you're standing in line waiting in front of Mrs. Wilkes for a table reading this review, STAY PUT!! It's worth the wait and you are in for a treat. You'll be hard pressed to find better food and a better atmosphere with friendlier staff anywhere. It's a great place for families or big groups, or if you're in a small party you'll get seated next to some new friends who are just as excited about the food as you are! I know you're hungry, but don't have a meltdown - very good things are coming your way.
(5)
S Z.
You just have to suck it up and do this! Yup our wait was 2 hours. Chat with the people around you. You will probably wind up sitting with them. Every single one of the 25 dishes was amazing. I left my manners behind and drank the gravy. Fried chicken was the best ever. They can make strange veggies taste like dessert. I mean, the president ate here. The family is still working and super nice. And you bring your own dishes to get cleaned!
(5)
Ho L.
When you mention Savannah, everything always thinks of Paula Deen's place. But honestly, that place is garbage compared to Mrs Wilkes. The wait can be excruciatingly long if you come during peak lunch hours, but it's well worth it. All you can eat southern cuisine, friendly service, and the chance to sit, eat, and chat with other people from across the world. The food is soooo good, better than the heat lamp food found at Lady & Sons.
(5)
Emily D.
After reading the reviews, we based what time we left Florida for our trip to Savannah on the restaurants hours. Believe me, it was absolutely worth waking up at 430 am! My boyfriend and I both said numerous times "I didn't think I liked (insert lima beans black eyed peas and collards here) but it turns out, it's so good!" We loved Mrs. Wilkes dining room because it was so unlike anything we had ever tried. We had lunch with a lovely couple from Minnesota and another from Texas. My favorite thing served was the squash casserole, my boyfriends was the okra soup. I can't say enough about this place. It's amazing in every way.
(5)
Steve R.
This place is an absolute must if you're in or near the Savannah area. I set next to a young couple from London England who were over on business and even the word has made it to London and a couple on my right were from New York and little old me from Houston Texas were seated at the family style table. I am sorry Paula Deen but The food here including the chicken put yours is far superior. I tried everything and enjoyed everything my only complaint is indeed larger plates and I need a larger stomach
(5)
Miss M.
i got lucky, others did the wait in line forever routine and I just walked in and joined them. I got unlucky, sitting with strangers reaching all over for stuff and asking me personal questions is a step above assault. I didn't order, I lasted 8 minutes and realized there was a real disdain for vegetarians or anyone who just wants a healthy meal. and that the jersey shore couple next to me wasn't getting the hints that I was there to see friends, not make new ones.
(1)
Alison D.
Best Southern food in Savannah!
(5)
Eve P.
We knew what we were getting into when we decided to eat here. Get in line early (by 10:30 am). Check. Wait in the heat. Check. Prepare to eat with complete strangers. Check. Bring cash. Check. Know that you're going to eat pretty fast. Check. With all that information, all we had to do was sit down where they told us to sit and eat. And eat we did. I can't say one bad thing about the food. And all the people working there were lovely. If I lived in Savannah, I would eat there as often as my waistline would allow. Which I'm guessing wouldn't be that often.
(5)
Owen S.
Wow, it was like Thanksgiving for Breakfast. Thank you to the random guy in Chipewa Square we had the good fortune to speak with for his advice, which I will now give to the internet: skip breakfast, get here by 10:30 am (doors open at 11), and bring cash (no credit cards accepted). You won't be disappointed.
(5)
Todd M.
great soul food. excellent fried chicken. tons of veggie choices. everything was very well prepared. almost too many damned choices. for 18.00 i don't know how you could ever beat it.
(5)
Phil C.
You'll only have to eat once for the day. But, this place is worth it. Not only for the food, but the family style lets you meet a lot of other interesting people so your great food comes with good conversation.
(5)
Maggie D.
CASH ONLY! And be ready to get there VERY early and wait OUTSIDE! But this is a must do if you're in Savannah!! We got there around 10:30am and were seated at 11:30. You sit at a table with around 12 people and the food is all set out before you are seated, so there's no waiting inside! The food is amazing and there's sooo much of it! Go hungry and be prepared to eat more than you should! Not only is the food delicious it's also a fun experience sitting at a table with other people and getting to know them.
(5)
X V.
Believe the hype. This place is well worth it. Bring cash or a check - they don't accept credit or debit cards! I didn't get to try everything so I am going back tomorrow. Go there hungry!!! You won't be disappointed. Everything was very good, hot, and fresh! Plus the added fun of sitting with fellow diners at a large round table. Loved it and will be going back!!
(4)
Lisa Z.
This was a very amazing experience for me! I didn't care for waiting in line for 2 hours in the hot and humid Savannah climate, but it was worth it. I would have to compare it to either going back in time or playing a role in a movie (neither of which I've ever done! You will never have more authentic Southern food! At the end of this family style lunch you clear the table and bring your dirty dishes to the kitchen... it was awesome. I believe it is also on the top 100 places to go before you die (or something like that). Put this restaurant on your Bucket List but bring a battery operated fan with you if you go in the summer time!
(5)
Elissa O.
Food = very good and authentic southern. This is definitely an experience you should have if you visit Savannah. The best thing, yes seriously, is the wait. And there will be one. I really enjoyed talking to other people in line. We got there at 10:10 and we got in about 11:15 and were out before noon. Overall, you will leave smiling and satisfied. Just remember - cash only!
(4)
Andrew M.
The best food we ate while in Savannah. This is a must stop when you are in town. Only drawback is the wait. We got in line at 12pm and did not get seated until 2:30. Only serves lunch Monday through Friday 11am to 2pm, so we were glad we still got in. Once in no complaints about any of the food. Not a good place to take little children due to the amount of wait to get seated.
We arrived before 10:30 and made it into the first seating. The line seemed to really fill up after 10:30. There were 21 dishes so we got to sample a huge variety of Southern food. It was a great experience.
(4)
Kalani M.
Wish I had the appetite to eat here more often. It's one of my absolute favorite restaurants in the world. The dishes are unique and there's something for everyone. There are a lot of tourists and chatty Kathy's here so expect a lot of mindless chit chat that's likely to distract from the plethora of food.
(5)
Ryan C.
Absolutely a must when in Savannah! I was here on business for the afternoon and this was my only stop. Like other posts say, family style. They even have you take your dirty dishes to the kitchen at the end of your meal! Awesome!
(5)
Jumi Y.
If you're ever visiting Savannah (or live there), you have to try this place. I originally thought I would give this place 4 stars since there's nothing super fancy or innovative. But really, this place deserves a 5 because everything (all kajillion) dishes were solid and delicious. This is a place that delivers real Southern food without any shi shi additions. We got there around 1030 a. They open at 11. By the time we got there, the line was already wrapping around the corner. They can seat only 80 at a time, so we waited 2 hours. There was a couple in front of us, who we eventually sat down with, that had been going to this place for 20 years! When we finally sat down, we were greeted by a table full of food and waitstaff who explained the "rules." We eat however much we want, and then we clear our own plates. What I can remember of what was on our table: Fried chicken Green beans Collards Beef stew Rice Gravy Mashed potatoes Potato salad Jambalaya Lima beans Black eyed peas Cabbage Barbeque pork Yams Squash Creamed corn, corn on the cob, corn bread, (corn shrimp.. jk. just thinking about Forrest Gump) Cucumber salad Biscuits Mac and cheese All finished with banana pudding! not too sweet, crunchy nilla wafers, and large chunks of banana. mmm.. Wait, I ate all this?! And all of it was delicious. By far my favorite was the chicken. Simply flavored, crispy, hot. I had a breast piece, and it was juicy. Collards were not too far behind. The beef stew was soft and well-flavored. Great food, great service. I'll go here again the next time I go to Savannah.
(5)
Leo C.
Overall: Food was good and worth the ~1 hour wait if it's your 1st time. A must if you visit only once. However, I won't be back if I visit Savannah again - not worth it. Summary: Long line & wait. Big round table with strangers. Buffet style. Food was good, chicken was a bit salty - felt rushed. ~ 8 Tables ~ 12 People Per Table Price: $20/person (CASH ONLY) Pros: - Unique dining experience (family style) - 24 good southern sides & 2 meat dishes (BBQ Pork & Fried Chicken) - BBQ pork - Buffet Style Cons: - Long line/wait (1-1.5 hours) - Awkward if you don't like to eat with strangers - Fried Chicken was a little salty - They rush you out to keep the long line moving - Cash Only - NO Credit Cards
(3)
Neen J.
So we'd heard about this place, seen it on TV and had locals tell us we MUST do it. We arrived at 10.30 am as instructed (it is only open from 11 am- 2 pm) and we only waited 45 minutes and had fun listening to everyone in line share their experiences of it and we were intrigued how far people had come to eat here again! Once inside you are seated at large tables of 10+ people and the top of the table is literally covered in bowls of deliciousness! There is a crazy amount of food offerings which change daily. Even though I am GF I had to try the fried chicken O.M.G - best I have ever had! The secret it seems is that it is dipped in evaporated milk before frying. Amazing! I loved the sausage and rice, the beef stew and potatoes was incredible and the sweet corn mush was yum! I didn't try everything on the table because there was just too much. A tip - sample only - don't eat all you put on your plate or you will roll out of there! Try the blueberry cobbler for dessert, it is a tiny portion and divine. It is a tourist thing to do and yet it is fun too - great service, sweet ladies, fun to share stories family style at the dining table - be warned, wear loose pants!
(4)
Sunil G.
Yes, it's worth the wait and hype. To give you an idea about the wait I was in line at 10.50 sound the corner and say down at 1pm. I don't think any individual own was the world's best but as a spread it's definitely the best.
(5)
Rachel D.
I've been here twice - once in 2011 and again 2 days ago. Maybe my tastes have changed, but this time around most of the sides were either way too sugary sweet or too salty. The fried chicken was delicious. Not sure I'd wait 2+ hours to eat here again in the future. May be time to find another hole in the wall soul food restaurant in Savannah.
(3)
Alana P.
The long wait at Mrs. Wilkes' Boarding House is absolutely worth the food. There were so many delicious dishes set on the table that I'm certain I didn't even sample them all. The fried chicken was the best I've ever had, the biscuits were light and buttery, and the creamed corn (my personal favorite) was filled with so many delicious flavors, as we're all of the other unmentioned dishes. And the peach cobbler was to die for!
(5)
J.K. F.
So good, though do try to pace yourself. Our whole table was in sprint mode for the first 10 minutes and by 20 minutes in, everyone was stuffed. I think there were 2 dishes I didn't even try (at a certain point you have to prioritize and use the last of your appetite for seconds and thirds of your favorite dishes). The table next to us seemed to be stretching out their meal a bit more, they probably looked at us and scoffed, "rookies." Favorites: sweet potatoes, BBQ pork, collards, creamed corn, cabbage, dirty rice (might not be the accurate name). Thought the line might be shorter/start later on a Monday, but sure enough when we arrived just after 10am, there were 15-20 people already in line. The line stretched to the corner by the time they opened.
(5)
Caprice L.
This place was good. The fried chicken is amazing. But all the other dishes weren't something I could really say were memorable. For the price and the amount of time you have to wait in line I don't really think it's worth it. The fried chicken is great stuff tho.
(3)
Christie Y.
2.5 2 stars for the food. .5 stars for the concept. definitely the hype is what killed it for me...i was waiting for the most epic meal of my life and was super excited since obama was seen leaving the place a while ago. the wait was a lot faster than i've had expected i got there at 10:45 and was in the door by 12. not bad! . Yes I loved the idea, the service, the people, the fellow eaters, and most of the homecooked sides but the fried chicken was a bit dry. the sides were lukewarm and i really think the food being placed on the table before you sat down allowed the food to cool a bit. I tried every single side and they were delicious just not hot enough. I had two pieces of fried chicken to make sure that my critique wouldn't be biased based on just one piece of chicken. but nope.. still dry. the mac and cheese was not that great.. but the biscuits, the collard greens, squash, stuffing, pork was pretty good. The banana bread pudding was amazing though. the meal lasted probably only 20 min since everyone else also wolfed down the food and left in food coma. the sweet tea was also spectacular.
(2)
Rose F.
Arrive at 10am & don't eat breakfast before u get here! We arrived at 10:35 & waited till noon to be seated but it was totally worth it! We met some really nice people while waiting and while eating. The food is fantastic! This place is served family style and u sit at a big table with 10 strangers who all share everything but it was interesting that way. Every bite was yummy! It's also cash only $18/person so come prepared. This place is an institution in Savannah... don't miss it!
(4)
Paul G.
Hate to pick on this place, but the food is flavorless, canned and overcooked. The chicken was only slightly better than KFC. They can't even get banana pudding right! The facility was cramped and noisy. Feel sorry for all the tourists who don't know that this is not "Good Southern Cooking". Skip the hype and the line. This may have been a good place when Miss. W. was here, but she is gone and you should be gone also.
(1)
Melissa H.
If you go, be prepared to wait a LONG time. We arrived at 10:00 (the restaurant opens at 11:00) and still had to wait over an hour. I was ready to kill my husband by the time we were seated. It was a disgustingly hot and humid day in the middle of July, and I was covered in sunburn and mosquito bites. Imagine my surprise when the food turned out to be worth the wait. Everything was simply but perfectly prepared and I had a really enjoyable meal. The place really does live up to it's legend. Come prepared, be patient, and I promise you will be rewarded.
(4)
R K.
This is the best Southern food I've tasted. It was recommended by a neighbor before heading to Savannah. It was well worth waiting in line. It's set up family style, and you sit at a large table with other guests. There are plenty of side dishes, sweet tea, and the best fried chicken you've ever tasted. One price for all you can eat. After you've finished eating you pick up your plate and bring it to the kitchen. It's only open for lunch until 2 p.m. (they'll take you if you're still in line at 2p). If you're ever in Savannah, this restaurant is a must!
(5)
Clara C.
DELICIOUS. Definitely a must-try for tourists and visitors of Savannah. This place has a lot of historic significance as it has been around since 1943. It's briefly mentioned in the book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. My roommates and I arrived at 10:30 AM and waited about an hour to get in. You definitely need to get there early! Right when you enter, the table is already set and the spread of food is already waiting for your consumption. There was every type of southern food you could imagine. My favorites were the mac & cheese, fried chicken, brown rice with sausage, mashed potatoes, and chicken & dumplings. It was nice eating family style and our fellow diners were very nice. It was interesting hearing where everyone was from. Two of the diners had come all the way from Washington (the state). I was a little disappointed that our table had gotten skimped of the biscuits & cornbread. I didn't realize til I was far too stuffed to ingest anything, but they looked amazing. Dinner comes with sweet tea and the bowls of food are replaced constantly. Service was quick and attentive. Desserts were a little too sweet for my taste. If I could do it all over again, I'd probably fast the night before so I could eat even more. Wear loose fitting clothes because you WILL be stuffed beyond belief.
(5)
G Z.
The hype is real. Believe it. Stand in line and pace yourself because there is desert after the main meal. Sweet tea is only a tad sweet, which is how I like it. The fried chicken was really very good, salty and tender meat. Who really has a problem with spending $16 for a meal that will keep you so full and happy you don't need dinner? I have been to a similar family style southern restaurant in Nashville and this one was way better.
(5)
Matt R.
After a long wait, this was some of the most amazing Southern food I've ever had. My strategy: a small scoop of everything in order to taste it all without over-doing it. You won't be disappointed!
(5)
Vicky A.
Food is average but doesn't live up to the hype in my opinion. Make sure you have cash as it's cash only. We felt very rushed to eat and get out so I recommend going to the final seating if possible so you won't feel as rushed. There's other good southern cooking restaurants outside of the historic district but if you have no car then this one is the best.
(3)
F. P.
The ultimate in Southern dining experience. Couldn't have asked for a better time, everything was near perfect. For starters, we were staying nearby and so we strolled down beautiful Jones St. right after some morning showers that may have kept some people away and made the city look beautiful. When we got there around a little before noon, there was no line and we just had to wait for about five minutes while they set up the next table. When we got to the table (which seats about 10 or so), it was an amazing first sight to behold. First of all, we were the only two to be seated at the table at first (four people joined later on) so we got to see the full effect. A plate of fried chicken with no less than fifteen sides! It was like Thanksgiving, part II. The chicken tasted great but I only a few pieces because I was too busy going to town on the sides. The standouts were the okra & tomatoes, the creamed corn and the bbq pork and rice with sausage. But there was also black eyed peas, mac 'n cheese, beef stew, cucumbers, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, collard greens, etc. I did my best but I don't even think I got around to trying everything. The sweet tea was refreshing and both desserts (banana creme pie and peach cobbler) were excellent. After you're done, you bus your plate and glass and then pay in cash ($16 per person) Amazing how a place that's only open on weekdays for lunch btw 11-2 w/o reservations can be so popular. But now I know. This is probably one of the most memorable meals I have ever had.
(5)
Brady B.
If you should ever find yourself in Savannah on a Mon-Fri, GO EAT HERE! I found this restaurant on Yelp when I was doing some research on the best Southern cuisine available in Savannah for my pending trip with my Momma. Needless to say, thank you Yelpers once again for pointing me in the right direction. As others have mentioned, the restaurant is open for lunch only Mon-Fri. We got in line around 10:15 and were lucky enough to get an 11:00 seating. What we saw in front of us was nothing short of Southern decadence. Bowls and platters of what seemed to be every Southern staple. "Take what's in front of you, take a helping and pass it on to the left" was what we were told. We were seated at a large table with several other hungry hopefuls which was really a great experience socially....we just ooohed and ahhed together at Mrs. Wilkes' decadent offerings. Everything was delicious! And we're talking a huge spread folks. But as others have mentioned, be prepared to eat probably the tastiest fried chicken you will ever have in your life. The rule of thumb seems to be eat and out in 30, seeing as there will be a huge line of other hungry hopefuls dying to share the experience. What my Mom and I could not believe was that this amazing lunch experience, paired with an ambiance you can only get in Savannah was only $16 a person!!! If you should ever be in Savannah and decide to skip this, it will leave you with a bad conscience and an unfulfilled palate.
(5)
Jason L.
I liked the atmosphere and the build-up (the line outside actually starts at 10am EVERYDAY)...but the food was very average. $18 per person isn't terrible, but I've had much better for that price. You're paying for the ambiance and experience (which was fine by me).
(3)
Sam P.
Obama picked the right restaurant to visit in Savannah. I grew up here and am surrounded by Southern cooks, but I still think Mrs. Wilkes' is worth a visit every now and then. Meals are still served boarding house style: you share a table with strangers and pass the communal dishes around the table. Don't forget to take your dishes to the kitchen on your way out. Fried chicken, biscuits, Brunswick stew, vegetables (preferably with meat in them), etc. I've never been disappointed by an item there. Well worth standing in line. Well worth $16/person, especially if you can fast the day before. Delicious, authentic, and worth the wait. In other words, the polar opposite of the Lady and Sons.
(5)
Roger B.
It had been more than two decades since I had eaten there, so when I was back in town, I wanted to try it again. The food is good enough for the price ($16 flat - no tax), but not if you had to wait two hours as we did. Several people at our table voiced the same. As for the food, the sweet tea was too sweet. the fried chicken was pretty good and very hot. The turnip greens rank as among the best. The biscuits were pretty good. Most everything else was just average.
(3)
Ali Y.
What an experience... wait two hours to sit with people you don't know and eat like it's your last meal! Yes Please! It was great! Food was phenominal and who doesn't like to get to know the 8 others at the table over some delishous southern cooking!! Best collard greens and real down home mac 'n cheese for sure! It was like the best Thanksgiving you could ever ask for! It is a must if you are in savannah!
(4)
Matt O.
There are few restaurants that I will wait in line to experience. No, I won't even put my name on the list and take a pager. It's even less likely that I would wait outside in the sun, admittedly sweating from places I didn't know I could. Mrs Wilkes' was one exception, and I would do it all again. This is probably a dream come true for indecisive people - no menus and no ordering necessary. You walk in and your table is already set with dozens of southern classics. Just sit down and pass it around. Without a doubt the best southern meal I have ever experienced. The food speaks for itself and you quickly learn that they have been doing this for a long time at Mrs Wilkes'. They only take cash, really, so be prepared.
(5)
Miriam D.
Waited in line for and hour and a half to eat here and it was worth every second. Southern food at its finest, best and most delicious. You will be served food family style and mostly likely have another group at your table, no issue. Once food comes you will be too busy eating and stuffing your face to care about who is next to you. Service is very personable and friendly. I came out of hear feeling as if I had just had thanksgiving dinner, only I ate more than I did on thanksgiving and this was way better. I have no regrets.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : No Accepts Credit Cards : No Good For : Lunch Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Nicole S.
Prior to going to Savannah I hopped on yelp for some ideas about places to go. This had one of the highest ratings so I knew I had to go. Now before I start I should say that this place is CASH ONLY. Yes, I read other reviews stating they dont accept CC's but that fact completly left my mind the moment when it mattered. Considering this place is only open for lunch M-F that resulted in the boyfriend and I going on our last day in Savannah. What a way to end a weekend revolving around food!!!! We waited in line for about a 30min. The line went fairly quickly because they seat you at at table with other people. Upon reaching the door I see the 'cash only' sign. I just about die since we have been waiting and are really hungry. I pop my head in and ask the guy at the register where the closest ATM is so I can run there. Well, the extremely nice guy told me that we could worry about money later since we were next. We were seated with a group on nice people (and one very annoying man). The table is set and there are glasses of sweet tea at every seating. As you as you are seated food starts to come out and cover the entire table. Seriously, there are no room left!! They take orders for unsweetened tea at that point (I proclaimed my love for sweet tea the moment I sat down and everyone started to pass what they did not want to me.. pure heaven) Well, the food here is amazing. In all there were 23 items on the table. Yes, someone counted. It is better than all of your big eatting holidays combined... Easter, the 4th of July, Thanksgiving, and Christmas have nothing on this place! The fried chicken was pretty good (I thought the Lady and Sons was better). What really made the meal was all the sides you passed around to your fellow diners. Well here is a sampling of the items we had: mac and cheese, corn muffins, biscuits, okra, collards, black eyed peas, red beans and rice, mash potatos, cucumber salad, beef stew, snap peas, butter beans, carrot/raisin/pineapple/coconut salad, sweet potatos, and canied yams. After stuffing our selves to eternity the very friendly waitresses brought out banana pudding. Once we were done we waddled our way out to kitchen to drop off our dirty dishes. It was at that time a waddled my way over to an ATM which really was like 3 blocks away. One of the best meals I ever had!
(5)Jeffrey C.
On a whim my fiance and I stopped into Mrs Wilkes, literally hitting a sitting time dead on. As we walked in we immediately knew this was a great choice from the smells alone. The spread of food you're presented with is no less amazing and as you take a bite of each new dish you'll find yourself saying time and again how this is in fact the best food you have ever had. There is little more to say here that could accurately portray the experience of this place, so I will stop here and let the food do the rest.
(5)Joe C.
The fried chicken was good and the overall value of what you get for the 18.00 is a good deal. I give the food 3 1/2 stars but the 90 min wait and the inconvenience of having to constantly pass around bowls to 10 people at the table would frankly keep me from doing it again. It was not worth the hype.
(3)Bobby M.
I'd stand in line for THREE hours to eat here again and I absolutely can't stomach standing in line for even five minutes at my local drug store to purchase necessities! I've never quite had a lunch as filling and delicious as this. Doubt I ever will again. I absolutely love to give bad Yelp reviews and I especially enjoy tearing apart tourist traps and destroying long standing, overrated culinary institutions. While standing in line at Mrs. Wilkes' for 45 minutes, I was even thinking about how much I was going to enjoy placing Mrs. Wilkes' to the top of my 'Most Overrated' list. (I know, I'm a huge bastard and will be burning in hell one day) But, Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room is quite possibly the best meal I've ever had. I'm racking my brain to try and compare and I'm finding great difficulty in doing so. I keep hearing Coach Dennis Green's post game rant when he yells, "They are who we thought they were!" The hype is all real here...trust me! This truly is an unreal and amazing dining experience that Kings and Queens should have their armies fight wars over! (How's that for hype?)
(5)Zoé T.
I'm sorry but I just don't get it. It was good but not wait in line for an hour good. We waited from 11-12:15 and it was really cold so we couldn't wait to get inside. The atmosphere was cute and comfortable and we sat down with a bunch of pleasant strangers. I enjoyed the rutabaga, mac and cheese, banana pudding and sweet tea the most. The fried chicken wasn't better than what you get at publix and nothing blew me away. Salty and fatty in the way that you don't want it, not the kind that's soothing to the soul. I didn't get seconds of anything. I'm glad I had the experience since this place seems to be considered an institution in Savannah. I know my opinion is in the minority but some of the other companions at the table seemed to share my feelings.
(3)Jenn M.
Delicious!! I'm from the south and this is THE BEST southern food! Go closer to closing (my boyfriend and I showed up at 1:45) and were seated within 10 minutes. Worth the wait if there is one... And Mrs. Wilkes is right there looking over everything.
(5)Donna A.
get there early and get in line! One of the best experiences in all of savannah!
(5)Colin A.
This is one of the most unique lunches I've enjoyed since those long ago days on My grandmothers porch. The food is high quality, it's served hot, flavorful, with a southern smile. If you want to sit down with the world and eat the best fried chicken ever, go to Mrs. Wilkes. Every thing about it is honest and true.
(4)Lou N.
Best food I've ever had. Felt like I was at an old friends house for dinner. Service top notch. Five star!!!
(5)chrisina b.
The food was delicious, no complaints there. Our waitstaff was friendly. BUT. At the end of the meal the waitress said "normally ya'll walk the dishes the kitchen, but it's OK, I'll do it for you." We said "no, we'll help" (we didn't know that's how it was done, since no one told us otherwise we were just sitting chatting.) She said "No, I'll do, no problem." So we passed the plates she could carry and resumed chatting. About five minutes later a woman, who seemed to be the Head B*tch In Charge, stormed into the dining room and said ''We are CLOSED, the staff wants to go home, ya'll have to bring those dishes (the ones that were left) into the kitchen." So much for Southern Hospitality! Her attitude was completely uncalled for, and soured the whole experience. If anyone from Mrs. Wilkes is reading this, maybe take into consideration that you should TELL people they have to bus their own dishes, and that closed at 2pm doesn't mean they stop serving at 2pm, it means you're literally supposed to be out by 2pm. And if people are still sitting at the table, they're not doing it to be obnoxious, it's just that they weren't told. So loose the crap attitude.
(3)Olivia W.
Mrs. Wilkes is always a pleasure. Even though we waited in line for an hour plus, the food was nothing short of amazing. I left full and satisfied. My picky eater guests were not disappointed either. I would eat there every day, so I went ahead and bought the cookbook sold inside. The setting is a large dining table which will sit approx 10 guests, so be prepared to sit with other parties. Also, you may have to drive around to find a good spot to park since it is off the street parking. Bring your cash, as Mrs. Wilkes is cash only. The first time I went I had to walk to the Hilton to use the ATM. Also, make sure you arrive early since the line starts forming up prior to opening. We go there around 12:00 and didn't eat until 1:30.
(5)Stella P.
Be ready to wait on line but it is well worth it. We did not know what to expect, and we were wowed!! Tables of ten and tons of food! They keep bringing the food out and you keep eating. Fried chicken, biscuits, mashed sweet potatoes, Mac n cheese, beans, rice and so much more!!!! All for a whopping $18!!! Amazing experience and yummy soul food!!! Get on line by 10:15!!
(5)Dawn K.
After a punch in the face from Paula Deen the previous day, we decided we redeem ourselves by visiting Mrs. Wilkes. There's already enough reviews to draw from, so I'll keep it short. Things you need to know: - there will be a line - get chummy with the ones in the line, because that's who you're eating with - sample every dish- you'll be surprised at what you like! - cash only - wear your stretchy pants overall, a super unique experience and totally worth the money + time
(5)Jaclyn S.
Don't get me wrong, the food at Mrs. Wilkes was good. Certainly worth eating. But worth standing in an hour long line and paying $16 for? I don't know about that. I insisted on going to Mrs. Wilkes after reading all of the rave Yelp reviews and I forced my boyfriend to stand in the hour long line with me while we waited for this promised land. By the time we got to the front of the line we were the last group let into the restaurant. The ladies working in the room were clearly done with their day and were not thrilled to have two more tables to serve. Glasses of (amazing) sweet tea were already waiting at each seat. The waitress came to the table and asked if anyone wanted unsweet tea. My boyfriend did, and she asked him if he had touched the glass of sweet tea at his plate. He had, because he hadn't known it was sweet tea, and when he said yes, she scoffed and jerked the cup away. Awkward. Of course, this place is family style, which I didn't realize meant that we'd be sitting at a round table with eight other people. For some reason I was imagining more of a cafeteria-like setting. Ever the hater of small-talk, my boyfriend was not thrilled to be seated with a group of people we didn't know, but I can hold my own in friendly conversation, so I chatted people up for the both of us. The fried chicken was good, but it didn't blow me away. The biscuits were excellent. The sides were all good, but again, nothing to brag about. I guess the draw here is that this food is literally home-cooking and tastes like it came from your grandmother's kitchen, but for me, the absence of my grandmother's love in the dishes just made the whole meal underwhelming. It's not restaurant-quality food and while I'm okay with small-talk, it IS kind of weird to ask total strangers to pass the mashed potatoes. I hate to interrupt people who are eating. I think that without the long line revving up the anticipation and with friendlier service, we would have been happier with this meal. It was so clear that the serving staff wanted us to hurry up and finish so they could close up that I felt a little uncomfortable. I also got so full because of the richness of the food that I felt like I was trudging through molasses for the rest of the day. It seems odd that they're not open for dinner when people are ready for heavier meals. I don't know, I guess I'm missing the supposed magic of this place. Maybe I don't appreciate it because I'm not a true Southerner (I'm a Floridian) but while the food was all good (no doubt about that) and the sweet tea was the best I had on the whole trip, we wouldn't return for a second go.
(3)Deb S.
Oh My Land... if you don't go anywhere else in Savannah, you must visit Mrs. Wilkes'. The line is long (1-1/2 hours for us) but worth every minute that you wait. Some people even had folding chairs with them for the long wait. Upon your entrance, you will be seated at a table for ten, all of them brand new friends for you. There are about 20 dishes on the table and the passing begins. We sat with a few ladies from Florida who were adorable former Girl Scouts. Oh the veggies, and grits, and fried chicken, and gravy, and rice, and sweet potatoes and on and on. So much delicious-ness I could cry. The desert we were served was a blueberry cobbler or banana pudding. I loved the cobbler. When you're done you'll bus your own table and pay as you exit. Bring CASH!! And meet some new friends in line too. It's a blast, and we will be back.
(5)Tina K.
Mrs Wilkes is definitely worth the wait! Best fried chicken I've ever had. If you go away hungry, that's your fault.
(5)Jamie L.
We were told by our hotel concierge that "Lady and Sons is where the Tourists go, the Locals go to Mrs. Wilkes!" With an intro like that, how could we not head over and join the line at the door? It's always an interesting experience. The line forms down the cobblestone sidewalk before Mrs. Wilkes doors open at 11am. You'll find yourself chatting with locals and tourists, sharing stories and tips, and then sitting with those same people at the Family Style round tables once you (finally) get inside. And, OHHHHHH.... what's inside. Iced glasses of sweet tea, steaming bowls of southern goodness waiting for you at the table, with more to come. Sit down, put your napkin on your lap, and prepare to EAT. No, really. You don't know the definition of the word "Eat" until you've done so at Mrs. Wilkes. The table is jam-packed with Southern staples. Boiled, buttered Green Cabbage (heaven). Black eyed peas, studded with smoky ham. Spicy Red rice. Creamy Potato Salad. Mac 'N Cheese. Corn Bread. Sweet squash. Cole Slaw. Rutabaga (ew.) Sugar-Snap Peas. Biscuits. Sauteed Okra and Tomatoes (omg.) Potatoes, both Mashed and Sweet (yams. glazed. yum.) Mahogany gravy. Peas and Egg Noodles. Collard Greens (divine.) And the meats? Mrs. Wilkes is famous for her Fried Chicken, which is passed fresh from the kitchen throughout your meal. My favorite were actually the sliced sausages, savory, sweet, and spicy all at once. You'll also find Beef Stew and Meat Loaf, depending on which day you visit. For dessert, it's Banana Pudding, and it's perfect. You finish your meal by bringing your plates to the kitchen, in the Old Tradition of Southern Boarding Houses. You pay the gentleman at the cash register in the store, where you can also buy cookbooks featuring Mrs Wilkes' recipes, olde-style post cards, tee shirts, and other knicknacks. The cost currently is $16, half price for children. It's well worth it. You're experiencing Southern History, in one of the South's most historic cities, and eating true Southern Cuisine. Mrs. Wilkes' has kept us coming back. Every time we're in Georgia on 1-95, we'll detour to Savannah just for lunch there.
(5)Lindsey D.
I live one street away from Mrs. Wilkes and honestly, I have never left there feeling like I am physically capable of doing anything, because there was no possible way I could stop myself from eating all of the delicious food laid out in front of me. My roommates and I prepare for this epic meal (which happens whenever someone comes to visit us) in advance. Home cooked food waiting on your table as you are seated, so many dishes it's hard to try everything. And only $16 for everything including tea and dessert? Win. The only thing I can complain about is that you feel a bit rushed. They really try to keep the huge line outside moving by getting in and out which I can understand, but god forbid everyone else at your table is done, you better be too! A must-visit if you are in Savannah, IF you are up for a 30min-1 hour wait outside, (which is usually beautiful) definitely worth the time.
(4)Jenny T.
Yes, the line is really long (we waited over an hour). But the funny thing is that it doesn't matter. Once you step foot inside, the food is so abundant and mouth-wateringly delicious that you will forget how long you stood outside. I came with my friend K, my aunt, and my two little cousins. For some reason, they didn't have any smaller groups to seat us with so we got the ENTIRE TABLE to ourselves. A table meant for 10 given to 3 adults and 2 kids. And I swear, I only ate like half the food. OMG I'm kidding. There is no way anyone could eat that much food. The way it works is that they seat you family-style with other groups and they start bringing out an endless supply of deliciousness. They actually bring you like every type of southern food you might possibly want. And they're all really really good. Since each person is the same price ($16), it might be a little pricey if you want to bring kids... although, my 7 year old cousin did eat 4 pieces of fried chicken. (She also said it was the best fried chicken she's ever had.) Long story short: Long wait. COMPLETELY worth it. Bring me with you next time you go. :)
(5)Brian M.
My wife and I visited Savannah (from Chicago) for three days this week and Mrs. Wilkes came highly recommended. We decided to go on Friday. After reading so many great reviews and tips, we knew we had to leave early to have a chance to get in. We arrived an hour before doors opened and were #75 & 76 in line (yes - many people counted throughout the wait). There are only eight tables that seat eight to ten people, so we knew we were in for a wait. After two hours, we finally made it in...and we were not disappointed! We were joined by another couple from Orlando, FL and four locals who raved about the food. As we sat down, there were 26 dishes waiting for us. I was in food heaven! My favorites were the fried chicken, cabbage, collard greens and sweet potatoes...but everything was great. I also LOVED that you eat family style and talk to new people, and that after finishing you take your dishes up to a washer. Could not rate this any higher...an incredible experience!
(5)Byron K.
I love this place. This is by far the best soul food that I've had while in Savannah. I stress that I've had because there may be other places around that are just as good, but this place is awesome. It reminds me of my grandmother's food on Sundays before our trip back home to Atlanta. There is almost always a long line so its best to get there before they open. They are only open for like 3-4 hours a day if I am not mistaken. Double check the website to make sure and whatever time they open, you should get there at least 20 minutes prior. The dining is family style so you are sitting with your family/friends and asking the people next to you to pass this or that. Not to worry though, because depending on how long you were in line, you have probably already made friends with them anyway. It's the closest thing to Thanksgiving you will have outside of November. Chicken, beef, dressing, fried corn, collard greens, macaroni & cheese, string beans, etc. etc. etc. etc. I plan to go in June when I return to pick up my son for graduation. My only gripe would be the dessert, which is a bit small, but after stuffing myself with all that food and sweet tea, its hard to complain about only getting a little dessert that I don't need anyway. No disrespect to Paula Dean, but I think this is much better than her restaurant. REMEMBER THAT IT'S CASH ONLY.........
(5)Todd M.
It seems that "famous" restaurants often disappoint, and Mrs. Wilkes has been a legendary Savannah institution for many decades. I was, therefore, a bit guarded as I entered Mrs. Wilkes' humble basement door. However, I can honestly report that Mrs. Wilkes' reputation is deserved. Sitting down at a table laden with fried chicken, beef stew, BBQ pork loin, mac and cheese, cornbread stuffing, green beans, lima beans, blackeyed peas, rice (red and plain), stewed squash, succotash, scalloped potatoes, rutabagas, cucumber salad, brown gravy, cornbread and biscuits, my eyes widened like a child on Christmas morning! The fried chicken, lightly seasoned, reminded me of my mother's and grandmother's fried chicken - perfectly cooked with crispy skin, and non-greasy. The BBQ pork loin, with a flavorful but non-spicy tomato-based sauce, was a "stand-out" as well. Unfortunately, the hearty beef stew had been oversalted, but was still very tender with a rich, beefy flavor. Of the side dishes, the mac and cheese, succotash, and red rice were true stars; the mac and cheese was creamy without being greasy or heavy, while the succotash was delicately cooked and seasoned to perfection (a bit sweet with minimal herbs). The red rice, cooked with peppers, onions, and a bit of sausage, exploded flavors in my mouth and brought a smile to my face. Despite the fact that the offerings were heavy, "country" foods, I didn't feel uncomfortable after my meal, as I did after the meal at Paula Deen's restaurant. The only criticism I can muster of Mrs. Wilkes' Boarding House is the somewhat frenzied atmosphere. From the time you sit down, servers are whizzing by you, carrying refills and pushing carts for setting up other tables (don't sit next to the aisle, as I did); in addition, the serving bowls were entirely too small for "popular" dishes to make it around the table on the first round. The servers tended to be somewhat curt as well; they seemed overwhelmed, and will bark at customers! You don't get to linger over your meal: the moment you slow down, along comes the dessert tray with the server bellowing, "ONE per customer...When you are through, take your plate, dessert bowl, and tea glass to the kitchen, thank you!!" You really come to understand that you are expected to get in, eat, and get out - not the best Southern hospitality, I'd say. Despite these weaknesses, the quality and taste of Mrs. Wilkes' food makes up for the lack of atmosphere. It is certainly worth the wait in line!
(4)Stephanie C.
We were shopping in downtown Savannah when a very helpful store associate named LuLu led us to Ms. Wilkes for lunch calling it "Savannah's best kept secret". We walked a few blocks, enjoying the scenery, and finally found ourselves outside of Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room. I'm not quite sure how much of a "secret" Mrs. Wilkes is, as there was a line wrapping around the corner of the street, but it was most definitely worth the wait! According to the locals it is only open for lunch 11-2, so it would be a good idea to get into the line as early as possible! Also, the restaurant is cash only, $16 per person for all you can eat. While standing in line, someone told me that the restaurant was so good that it would make me want to "slap my momma when I get home because she can't cook as well as Ms. Wilkes". I'm not one for violence, and if I ever tried to slap my momma I'd might as well dig my own grave, but it was probably one of the most fantastic meals I have eaten and I plan on visiting Savannah several more times just to experience Ms. Wilkes again. There were 23 dishes total, including fried chicken, BBQ, beef stew, and just about every side dish one can imagine. Everything tasted just like Grandma made it herself, I was shocked that not a single item needed additional seasoning. It was also nice to spend a meal meeting new people, forming a little family of tourists and locals alike! The setting reminds you of a family thanksgiving with photos on the walls and modest serving dishes. Another thing to note is that the sweet tea was phenomenal, and the service exemplary. All in all, Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room is an invaluable treasure in Savannah! If you go, it's a must!
(5)Pete G.
Best place to eat in Savannah! If your from the north like my wife and I there is no better example of true southern cooking. This place was well worth the hour wait in line. The fried chicken and Mac & cheese was amazing! You must go!
(5)Shirley F.
Wow. Worth the hour wait, being seated with strangers, being served a pre set menu, and having to bus your own plates and glasses. Mrs. Wilkes is about Southern Comfort Food. You will be served large amounts of fried chicken, mashed sweet potatoes, black eyed peas, collard greens, sweet ice tea, biscuits, pot roast, banana pudding, cornbread, all the classic Southern dishes. The fried chicken sets the standard for all other fried chicken. Usually I would avoid touristy venues, but Mrs. Wilkes is a great place to chat with strangers while in line or eating together family style. Friendly people, awesome food.
(5)JENNIFER W.
A must do! How to do it: Show up. Stand in line. Wait (35 minutes on a Thursday at 12:30). Enter and get seated with 8 others. EAT!!!!! The table is already set and filled with fried chicken, sweet tea, biscuits/cornbread, and 15-20 side dishes all served family style when you arrive. This really negates the line outside because you don't have to order or wait for your food. EAT MORE! Then eat dessert! (About 40 minutes of solid eating) Take your dishes to the kitchen. Pay. $18 per person (plus a tip)=$20 per person. CASH ONLY! Leave. NAP! The food was all awesome! I tried many sides that I would have never ordered in a normal restaurant. I understand that they will keep bringing food.....but our table didn't finish anything at the table.
(5)Todd P.
I'm conflicted on how to rate Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room...this is one of the times I wish Yelp allowed for half-star ratings. The reason is that I loved the food, but hated the "set up" which besides the inconvenience of waiting also impacted my meal. Rating the food is easy, as it was all very good. The fried chicken of course was excellent, though we ran out of certain pieces rather quickly and were never offered a fresh dish. Other highlights include the mac and cheese, beef stew, chicken and dumplings, and cucumber salad. The biscuit I had was a little tough, the baked beans were nothing to write home about, and there were some dishes that were virtually untouched by the table such as the okra and tomatoes. All in all though, people counted between twenty and twenty-five different dishes to choose from. Dessert was kind of an after thought, with small portions of banana pudding or blueberry cobbler, but not enough to try both. The inefficiency of the set up though makes it necessary to take a couple of stars off, so much so that I would give 3.5 stars if I could. Everyone knows about the wait, which for us was little over an hour and yet we were only inside for thirty to forty minutes. But the wait negatively affected the meal itself as you are starving by the time you get inside and start gorging yourself, trying to cram everything onto one plate, so you don't really get the chance to savor or actually enjoy what you're eating. You also feel rushed because you know there are other people waiting in the same line you just braved, so you eat too quickly, going from starving to stuffed (if not uncomfortable) in minutes. There is little "instruction" from the staff, in fact we were only asked if anyone wanted unsweetened tea or water. No one asked if we wanted refills of any dishes, explained anything about tipping or when you pay (you pay on your way out and tip at a basket near the register) and we didn't know when/how dessert would come and if we should bus our dishes before while we were waiting for dessert or after. The serving method also was very wasteful. Everything I would have wanted refills on ran out quickly while there were other dishes that were barely touched by our table and I can only assume were thrown out. For instance, our table barely touched the okra and tomatoes, but tore through the mac and cheese and fried chicken, so by the end of the meal some plates/dishes were completely empty while others were pretty much still full. So in the end, while I really enjoyed the food, the "set up" really detracted from it. I can appreciate not wanting to expand too much or to loose your "roots", but there has to be a better way to manage the wait, to "orientate" patrons to how things are run, and manage the food so that people can have plenty of what they want while minimizing the waste of dishes only some people will want. If I could break it out like a Zagat's review into food and service, I would give the food five stars, service three stars. I'd probably go back if I hit it right and there was a minimal wait, but I doubt I would ever wait over an hour again to be rushed through my meal.
(4)John S.
So good. I hated turnip greens until ate them here. There are so many vegetables to choose from, its amazing. It would be 5 stars if you didn't have to share a table with other people. I also wish they had more to drink other than water or sweet tea.
(4)John P.
So far one of the best southern restaurants I've been to. When I got there, there was a line extending two blocks. I was concerned that we won't make it in before they close in the afternoon. However, they were accommodating, and made sure everyone waiting in line was served. The setting is a basement with two large dining rooms each with three large tables. You are expected to eat family style. The price is the same for everyone, and you pay when you leave $16 per person. The Mac and cheese, collards, and wonderful yam. It was fun interacting ith others at the table, since I never been to this kind of dining place where I am from (Seattle). Overall it was a fun dining experience and excellent food.
(5)Rachel M.
Overall one of the best dining experience of my life. It was like Thanksgiving dinner in the south. Everything was so good. We ate with a table full of strangers which is kind of terrifying but everyone was extremely friendly and had wonderful stories to tell. Favorites were the fried chicken, pickled beets, black eyed peas and okra and tomatoes. Go early, about 45-60 minutes before it opens or later past the rush. This is a definite restaurant to hit in Savannah.
(5)Chris T.
I very much enjoyed this place. I agree with previous reviews that if you have had or have access to southern food, this may not yield a rave review, but it definitely was delicious and took me back to my childhood and "Grandma's cookin'." I was not expecting this either, but you bring CASH and CASH only. $16 per head, and you pay on the way out. You wait in line, (GET THERE EARLY and bring an umbrella in case it's sunny) When you get inside, the table is all ready, the food is already there, no ordering, you just pass around the bowls and take what you want. The chicken, blackeyed peas, and biscuits were my favorite. When you have had all you want, you take your plate to the back room and head to the door to pay. The place was worth the wait, especially for those who aren't accustomed to having a good southern meal.
(4)Cecilia A.
Today the wait was 2 hours, and I still think is worth it. We passed the time talking to the other people on line and then finally we get a table... THE FOOD!!! Amazing as always, next time I am in Savana will stand in line again.
(5)Markus S.
Good and generous southern food and reasonably priced!! Two things I like about Mrs. Wilkes Boarding house. Not a fan of waiting for an hour and their limited time to serve. Best time to go there and fall in line is after peak lunch hours when they are about to close to avoid long lines. But that is the way it is, boarding house style!!
(4)Shannon T.
Best Southern Food Ever! Pros: Delicious Southern Food, with a variety of everything to try. Fried Chicken and Sweet Tea were delicious. Huge Family Style Table, so you will be seated with strangers (unless you have a large party of 12 or so). Cons: They are only open on weekdays Monday thru Friday for lunch only 11am to 2pm. This means very long lines to get in, so line up early. The food is well worth it!!
(5)Lindsay L.
Holy. Effing. Cow. We decided not to do Paula Dean and chose Mrs. Wilkes' instead. Definitely the way to go. We got in line around 11am and sat down to eat around 12:30. It's pretty easy to make conversation with the people around you. It's also fun to watch people come out the door looking so stuffed! You do have to wait until the host comes out if you are the front of the line. You can't just walk in and wait. The front door is even locked to prevent this. I can't think of anything I wanted to eat that they didn't have. Fried chicken, mashed potatoes, collard greens, okra, biscuits, mac and cheese, banana pudding, corn muffins...the list goes on. My personal favorites were the mac and cheese (with a perfect texture), stuffing (with hard boiled eggs!), carrot slaw (with huge pineapple chunks and juicy raisins), and the corn muffins (with lots of butter). The sweet tea was also perfect - not overly sweet but not bitter. The service is very friendly, everyone was smiling and thanking us for being there. It just puts you in a good mood and you don't feel like you're in a restaurant. My hints? Don't eat breakfast beforehand. Don't drink a big cup of coffee either. And, be friendly to those around you. This is The South. If you didn't want to wait so long, go eat at Outback. No one wants to listen to you gripe and then pass you the biscuits and gravy!
(5)Ellen E.
Since moving to Savannah two years ago, this is the restaurant I've been wanting to go to the most. It's been difficult because it's only open Monday - Friday from 11 - 2, but the stars finally aligned and we went this week. Since it's the off-season here for tourists, the line wasn't nearly as bad as you normally hear about, so that was a plus. And yes, the food is as good as everyone says. The fried chicken is A-mazing! It will make you forget KFC's extra crispy forever. The barbeque tasted like it had been slowed cooked for hours and was incredibly tender. The mashed sweet potatoes demanded seconds. Just a great Southern meal all around. Plus eating with five people we didn't know before made it fun (there were four of us in our group). The only down sides were the meatloaf (my sister said it was dry), and dessert servings were very small. The offerings the day we were there were cherries jubilee and bananna pudding. I saved room for dessert and would have enjoyed a little bigger serving. One last thing - they don't accept credit cards, only cash or checks. I didn't know this until we just about ready to go in. I went in and asked the gentleman at the cash register where the nearest ATM was (Ameris Bank - 300 Bull Street). He asked if we were getting ready to come in, and when I said yes, he told me I could get the money after we finished eating. When's the last time you heard someone say that?! So, put on your fat pants, go stand in line, and enjoy one the best meals you'll ever have!
(4)Jennifer O.
After living in Savannah for five years, I can now say that I have been to Mrs. Wilkes. My parents, husband and I got there 20 minutes before opening. As usual the line had already formed and was almost to Whitaker st. Those closest to the front of the line had been there since 10am. We were in line for 1h 15m which wasn't bad because like everyone else the food was wonderful! My father stated that "nothing surprises me and when going to a place like this, normally there are a few things really good, a couple of things so so, and several things that are not so hot. Everything I ate was beyond my expectations!" I needed to pace myself with really really small samples of most items. I personally really enjoyed the collard greens, cabbage, fresh cucumbers, beef stew, mac and cheese, and of course after reading several reviews about the banana pudding, I had banana pudding. WOW! The rest of the family was going on about the red rice, corn bread and another item I can not recall. The service was wonderful, and everything was done just like Mom would have you do at home! My only complaint. I wish my stomach would allow me to eat $16 worth of food!
(5)Rena B.
Don't eat breakfast before you go!!! Believe the hype!!! and CASH ONLY We arrived at 10:05 and were the fifth group to get seat at 11:00. There are 8 tables seating 10 people. When you get seated at your table, the side dishes and two of the meats are already on the table. The fried chicken usually comes out within 5 minutes. The chicken was hot and tasty. It is best to take a spoon of each bowl as it comes around, they can always pass it back for seconds. Our menu for the day: Meats: Chicken, Beef Stew and BBQ Pork. Side dishes: Rice and Gravy, Cabbage, Turnip Greens, Macaroni and cheese, Lima Beans, Creamed Corn, Corn on the Cob, Rutabagas, Pickled Cucumbers, Red Rice with Sausage, Potato Salad, Warm Potato Salad, Squash, Stuffing, Pole Bean, Corn Bread and Biscuits. Dessert: Peach Cobbler and Banana Pudding
(5)Gina C.
Watch out Paula Deen, you have some competition! Def worth the wait and a fun experience! We arrived around 11:30 and got seated at 12:30. They do not take reservations so it's first come, first serve. When we finally entered the restaurant it was fast paced and organized. Your party sits family style with other people at a table. The food is already all set on the table. We didn't know where to begin. There was so much food! They had 3 entrees of fried chicken, beef stew, and sausage with rice. I only tried the fried chicken and it didn't disappoint! Not the best, bc my friend's nana makes the best, but close to it. Then came all the southern veggies. Seriously, every veggie you can think of - mashed potatoes, cabbage, cream corn, mac and cheese, lima beans, green beans, okra and tomatoes, cucumbers, rice and gravy, collards and several others. The waitresses were refilling the dishes, so you can eat as much as you want. Also included with your meal is tea and for dessert a choice of banana pudding or cooked cherries. Luckily, we didn't eat anything for breakfast and this was our first meal. Come hungry! Mrs. Wilkes only takes cash. It is $16 per person. Only opened on Mon-Fri from 11-2. Everyone that works there is so friendly! I heard it through the grapevine that this place is no comparison to Paula Deen's restaurant. If you are in Savannah and want some good southern food, def try Mrs. Wilkes!
(5)Jim M.
If you can appreciate home cooking as an artform that can hold its own with the food that gets whipped up by CIA graduates you'll love this place. It's definitely Southern in the particulars but if your Mom loved to cook you'll feel right at home here wherever you are from. Like everyone else has said the food is delicious and abundant. I skipped breakfast just to leave room for this lunchtime experience intending to do some damage but there just was too much deliciousness to make a dent in the meal they lay out for you. You definitely have to rearrange your schedule to eat here (weekdays from 11:00AM to 2:00 PM only) but I'll repeat the line that my tourguide used when I asked him whether it was worth eating here -" It's like a solar eclipse, you have to take advantage of it while its there. And if you do you'll be glad you did." He was right. Make the time to check this place out. PS It's cash only ($16 per person and worth every penny.)
(5)Bianca M.
A must when in Savannah! It was a ridiculous amount of food, but all of it was fantastic. I considered trying to smuggle biscuits out in my purse, but instead I just purchased the cookbook. I arrived around 1:00 and waited for about 10 minutes. I'm not sure that showing up when they open is the best idea.
(5)Mike G.
Great experience and great food. Go with a few people of you can, you'll be waiting for quite a while before you get inside to sit.
(5)Natalie B.
I've been wanting to dine at Mrs. Wilkes for around seven years. However, all my trips to Savannah took place over weekends. Mrs. Wilkes is only open for lunch, Monday to Friday. However, I set my mind on having lunch there on the day after Thanksgiving. Success! Mrs. Wilkes was exactly what I pictured. From the long line (bearable if you have a friend to take turns in line while you run into the cute surrounding stores) to the family style dining to the most delicious Southern food I've ever had. I had studied Mrs. Wilkes' website so I knew what would be served. Imagine my surprise when we not only got the Fried Chicken and Beef Stew listed for Friday's meal, but also a bowl of BBQ pork AND the Meatloaf. That plus the 15-18 bowls of side dishes made for an amazing experience. My favorites included the Fried Chicken, Meatloaf, Pork, Stuffing, Greens, Mac and Cheese, Biscuits, and Squash. Service is friendly! They will bring you more of anything you want! For our table, that included the macaroni and cheese and biscuits! Helpful tips: - Bring cash - Lunch is $16, which includes your drink (sweet tea, but they will bring you unsweet tea), dessert and tax. Grats are left in a communal bowl when you pay out. - Be prepared to make quick friends with your tablemates, as they may be passing you the black eyed peas! - Be prepared to bring your plate to the kitchen - Lunch starts at 11am. We got in line around 10:30. We got sat around 11:40. Just be prepared! All hints aside, it is completely worth it!!!
(5)Austin V.
Come to Mrs. Wilkes for not just the hospitality but the opportunity to sit down to a meal with 6-8 like minded people you've never met before and enjoy some quality southern cooking. My fiancé and I came by here on a Wednesday, and there was barely a line, however, we weren't hungry; waiting till Friday at 12, we were greeted with an hour long wait for lunch. I'm on the fence if this is worth it, I never like to wait in lines but when you do, the meal is that much more worth it and enjoyed. While we were in line we met tourists from Australia (nurses actually and got into an interesting healthcare discussion), some folks from Chicago and some locals. Being a 2 we skipped ahead of all the 3+ groups ahead of us, so one key is to either split up your party or go in pairs for faster service when there's a line. When we walked it, we were just instructed to follow the rest of the group to the back room, and seated at a 10 person oval table, preset with sweet tea and 20+ bowls of goodness. The group we were with were excited and skipped the introductions until well into the newly fried chicken and baked biscuits. However, I sat next to a woman, that used to live in Savannah 40 years ago, and her mother would take her here as a child, before the hype and when the neighborhood was very seedy. Her review is that the food is just as good now as it was then, but like my 4 star review, tough to get past the long wait for it. From my memory the BEST of the meal were the biscuits, chicken, BBQ, and sweet potatoes. Also served were: whipped potatoes & gravy, green beans, black eyed peas, creamed corn, okra and tomatoes, baked beans, collard greens (loved the added bacon and ham in this), cornbread, beef stew, white rice, eggplant dish, mac and cheese, squash dish, cabbage, carrot dish... and I might be missing one or two... Dessert was an after thought with banana pudding and blueberry cobbler but I didn't mind after this feast. At $16 a head, it's an excellent buffet of southern food, still cooked well in honor of Mrs. Wilkes. Recommended.
(4)Caitlin C.
They don't make southern food in San Francisco: I cry. I had thirds of fried chicken. I ate things I've only read about in books. I stood in line for 20 minutes because I wasn't stoopid and didn't try to get there right at lunch time (hint, hint). The people sitting across from my peeps and I were hilarious, so try to swing that sort of seating, if you can (it's boarding-house style). You don't order, they just bring you a never-ending train of delicious. I don't care that it was full of tourists, some things are worth it, and this is one of those things.
(5)I. F.
I have been a Savannahian my whole life, and today was the first time I have gone to Mrs. Wilkes. Best decision ever made. Let's just start off by saying, the fried chicken was the best I've ever had. I usually only have dark chicken, but I just said, I'll try the white. The white meat was so juicy, and tasty. It just melts in your mouth. As much Mac and Cheese they brought out for the table, I probably ate the equivalent of 2-3 bowls-it was that good. There are probably at least 20 dishes on the table at once. The mashed potatoes were amazing. Though I don't eat pork, the red rice looked really good. Sweet potatoes probably the second best side dish--so good! The beef stew was absolutely superb, with carrots. Also, from what people said at my table, the barbecue pork ribs, maybe something like that were phenomenal. I can not wait to come back here, though waiting in line is very long. One recommendation for visitors, and first timers: Come here early.
(5)Shari v.
Mmmmmmm cant talk .... eating! Making homer simpson noises! Fabulous food every single thing I put in my mouth was phenominal! The staff was fun and friendly. I only wish I could have eaten MORE! If you don't like vegetables try Mrs. Wilkes, you will love em and wonder why "yo momma" can't make em like these! We stood in line long enough to feed the meter twice & we parked 2 blocks down. I would have parked a mile and fed the meter 5 times! We met fun people and had wonderful conversations in line until the big payoff ALL THE FOOD inside! Its Thanksgiving everyday here. I will be back again & again - travelin several hours! Thanks to the Wilkes for the wonderful traditions carried thru today.
(5)Andrea R.
Really fun place - the BBQ pork and cheesy mashed potatoes were to die for. The cherry cobbler and banana pudding reminded me exactly of cafeteria lunches at primary school, so not my fave, but by the time the dessert came out I was so full it didn't matter. Definitely recommend this place for lunch:-)
(5)Brianna M.
Best food I've ever had. This is not hyperbole. I was only in Savannah for about 24 hrs. Worth the long line. I was skeptical about spending $16/person just for lunch. Worth the money. Btw, when they ask which dessert you want, get the banana pudding.
(5)Christopher T.
Think this is still a really good staple and go to place while in Savannah. 16 dollars though, ouf. i am just not sure of the price on all that. They're definitely pulling out a profit. This time I would say that the chicken tasted much better to me. the pulled bbq pork is still killer!
(4)Joanna L.
I joined the long line of people paying homage to the lovely Mrs Wilkes and boy, was that line long. Down the street at around 1pm we waited 40 minutes to an hour. We entered and we were seated awkwardly with about 4 other groups of people at a large table. I love the idea of communal dining, but when you're seated with people who don't know how to start a conversation, it can be quite uncomfortable. Luckily, as soon as we started passing the food around, everyone started to get a bit chatty. SO. MUCH. FOOD. That's really all I can say. I can't even describe what 22 dishes is like when you're trying to make decisions on what to eat first. Fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes, candied yams, creamed corn, beef stew, lentils, biscuits, green beans, dirty rice, collard greens... oh god, just thinking about it is making me drool a little bit. I love southern food and this is the best of the best. Well, unless you have a southern grandma (oh god, I want one). Worth the wait, but I'd try to go at a "random time" to avoid crazIER waits.
(5)Jim D.
Mrs. Wilkes' is one helluva experience. The rumors aren't fiction. Every local and most tourists already know of this famous eating house. With that being said, you'd be wise to show up way before their doors open at 11am sharp. We arrived around 10:10am and there was already a very hungry line formed. They line does seem to move quickly at first but it comes to a dead stop once the place is filled. Expect at least an hour to an hour and half hour wait. And bring cash or check - no credit cards. Boo! The inside seemed small, but they managed somehow to squeeze a ton of people in there. The décor appropriately resembles someone's grandma's house - comfy, old-fashioned, and full of chotchkies. Lunch is served family style and at communal tables. You'll more than likely sit with total strangers which is part of the charm. The food reminds me of a Southern Thanksgiving smorgasbord. There were so many dishes it's rather hard to keep track - probably around 14 or so. Some dishes just didn't do anything for me, others were good. The most memorable items for me were the very tasty fried chicken and savory dirty rice with sausage. Mmm! I think I must have eaten 4 servings of each in addition to just about every thing on the table. Good sweet tea too. Some folks seemed to like the desserts (which consisted of peach cobbler and/or banana pudding), but I found them to be so so. Not great, but certainly not bad. I'd recommend coming to Mrs. Wilkes if you find yourself in Savannah and wandering around ravenously hungry on a completely empty stomach. You can forget breakfast and probably even dinner as well. After a meal of this magnitude, all you'd want to do is unbutton your pants and veg out in front of a TV, satiated and lethargic. Nap anyone?
(3)Jay S.
If you only have time for one meal, this is a must. Sure there is a line, maybe 35 to 50 min, but it is definitely worth the wait for the experience and the food! The fun part about standing in line is getting to meet all the different people, local and tourist. Once you get inside, you are seated at a table of 8 or 10. All the sides are already set on the table and the waitresses bring the main course. There were so many sides that we really didn't need the main course of fired chicken and meatloaf. Loved loved all the sides. And if you want more which you won't , just ask. When done, bring your plate and cup to the kitchen. Pay as you exit..$18.00 a person for lunch... If you're not doing it everyday, it's definitely worth the experience!
(4)Tessa M.
This place is a must! I traveled with a group of HARD to please travelers but this Mrs. Wilkes was loved by all. This is real southern cooking and no one else can even hold a candle to it. The bad news is the bathrooms are the grossest nastiest thing I have ever seen in my life. Ok have you been to a trucker's stop that may be nicer. Suggestion: Have a very light breakfast head over to Mrs. Wilkes before 11am. You stand in line and eat and leave. It's that easy. They only take cash or check. But the wait and the have to have cash is well worth it.
(5)Jane K.
OH MY GOD BEST FOOD EVER -- if you like thanksgiving dinner with your family you will love mrs.wilkes. you just sit down with complete strangers and pass the gravy, mashed potatoes, collarded greens, fried chicken, beef stew etc. all arond and top it off with some sweet tea. Oh man sooo goooddd
(5)Velina L.
Listed as one of the "1000 Places to See Before You Die", Mrs. Wilkes actually gets 4.5 stars. I was in Savannah for the long weekend and had to eat here...even if I had to wait in line for an hour. Which is what I did. They're only open weekdays from 11am to 2pm but if you're in line before 2pm, they'll still let you in for lunch. Was it really one of the 1000 places to see before you die? Maybe. Was it worth the wait? Definitely! You sit at communal tables with people who stood in line with you so hopefully by now, after an hour of waiting together, you've already struck up a conversation and are no longer strangers. As soon as you walk up to the table, you're greeted by cold glasses of southern sweet tea and a smorgasbord of side dishes: mashed potatoes, blackeyed peas, green beans, collard greens, sweet potatoes, mac and cheese, cabbage, rice and beans...I could go on. You also get a plate of tender bbq pork and beef stew., and a large plate of probably the best fried chicken I've ever eaten- piping hot, crispy on the outside, and moist and succulent on the inside. Perfection! For dessert, you get a very small bowl of their famous banana pudding. "Good," you think, "I'm already too full". Then you take a spoonful of the stuff and you change your mind- you want more! Who cares how full you are when you get to have the perfect combination of creamy vanilla pudding delicately laced with slices of banana and chunks of soft vanilla wafers, all singing in harmony on your tongue? So simple, yet so amazingly delicious. This is definitely a place to go to if you're ever in Savannah. Hearty, homey comfort food, just what you'd expect in the South.
(4)Jacy R.
We waited 2 hours to eat here on a Monday. Yes we were warned but I will say that by the time we got in to eat we were not in the mood for convo's with the strangers at the table or the multiple photo ops they wanted to take of the table. We were hungry and grumpy, Ill be honest. The food is very, very good and something I would recommend that you experience if you have never been here. However, I will say that we all agreed that while it was delicious we would likely not wait 2 hours to eat here again. It's a lot of food and you have to go hungry so the 2 hour wait can become a bit exhausting especially if weather is not ideal. We were also very curious to know what they do with all the leftover food. There are approx 23 bowls/plates of food that they bring to each table and did not see anyone leave with doggy bags. They told us that they save it and let the employees take it home. We have NO reason to believe that they "recycle" the barely touched bowl of squash for example at our table but wonder how they seperate all this "leftover" food from fresh food in the kitchen with such little space.....just sayin.
(4)R K.
This is the best Southern food I've tasted. It was recommended by a neighbor before heading to Savannah. It was well worth waiting in line. It's set up family style, and you sit at a large table with other guests. There are plenty of side dishes, sweet tea, and the best fried chicken you've ever tasted. One price for all you can eat. After you've finished eating you pick up your plate and bring it to the kitchen. It's only open for lunch until 2 p.m. (they'll take you if you're still in line at 2p). If you're ever in Savannah, this restaurant is a must!
(5)Clara C.
DELICIOUS. Definitely a must-try for tourists and visitors of Savannah. This place has a lot of historic significance as it has been around since 1943. It's briefly mentioned in the book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. My roommates and I arrived at 10:30 AM and waited about an hour to get in. You definitely need to get there early! Right when you enter, the table is already set and the spread of food is already waiting for your consumption. There was every type of southern food you could imagine. My favorites were the mac & cheese, fried chicken, brown rice with sausage, mashed potatoes, and chicken & dumplings. It was nice eating family style and our fellow diners were very nice. It was interesting hearing where everyone was from. Two of the diners had come all the way from Washington (the state). I was a little disappointed that our table had gotten skimped of the biscuits & cornbread. I didn't realize til I was far too stuffed to ingest anything, but they looked amazing. Dinner comes with sweet tea and the bowls of food are replaced constantly. Service was quick and attentive. Desserts were a little too sweet for my taste. If I could do it all over again, I'd probably fast the night before so I could eat even more. Wear loose fitting clothes because you WILL be stuffed beyond belief.
(5)G Z.
The hype is real. Believe it. Stand in line and pace yourself because there is desert after the main meal. Sweet tea is only a tad sweet, which is how I like it. The fried chicken was really very good, salty and tender meat. Who really has a problem with spending $16 for a meal that will keep you so full and happy you don't need dinner? I have been to a similar family style southern restaurant in Nashville and this one was way better.
(5)Matt R.
After a long wait, this was some of the most amazing Southern food I've ever had. My strategy: a small scoop of everything in order to taste it all without over-doing it. You won't be disappointed!
(5)Vicky A.
Food is average but doesn't live up to the hype in my opinion. Make sure you have cash as it's cash only. We felt very rushed to eat and get out so I recommend going to the final seating if possible so you won't feel as rushed. There's other good southern cooking restaurants outside of the historic district but if you have no car then this one is the best.
(3)F. P.
The ultimate in Southern dining experience. Couldn't have asked for a better time, everything was near perfect. For starters, we were staying nearby and so we strolled down beautiful Jones St. right after some morning showers that may have kept some people away and made the city look beautiful. When we got there around a little before noon, there was no line and we just had to wait for about five minutes while they set up the next table. When we got to the table (which seats about 10 or so), it was an amazing first sight to behold. First of all, we were the only two to be seated at the table at first (four people joined later on) so we got to see the full effect. A plate of fried chicken with no less than fifteen sides! It was like Thanksgiving, part II. The chicken tasted great but I only a few pieces because I was too busy going to town on the sides. The standouts were the okra & tomatoes, the creamed corn and the bbq pork and rice with sausage. But there was also black eyed peas, mac 'n cheese, beef stew, cucumbers, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, collard greens, etc. I did my best but I don't even think I got around to trying everything. The sweet tea was refreshing and both desserts (banana creme pie and peach cobbler) were excellent. After you're done, you bus your plate and glass and then pay in cash ($16 per person) Amazing how a place that's only open on weekdays for lunch btw 11-2 w/o reservations can be so popular. But now I know. This is probably one of the most memorable meals I have ever had.
(5)Brady B.
If you should ever find yourself in Savannah on a Mon-Fri, GO EAT HERE! I found this restaurant on Yelp when I was doing some research on the best Southern cuisine available in Savannah for my pending trip with my Momma. Needless to say, thank you Yelpers once again for pointing me in the right direction. As others have mentioned, the restaurant is open for lunch only Mon-Fri. We got in line around 10:15 and were lucky enough to get an 11:00 seating. What we saw in front of us was nothing short of Southern decadence. Bowls and platters of what seemed to be every Southern staple. "Take what's in front of you, take a helping and pass it on to the left" was what we were told. We were seated at a large table with several other hungry hopefuls which was really a great experience socially....we just ooohed and ahhed together at Mrs. Wilkes' decadent offerings. Everything was delicious! And we're talking a huge spread folks. But as others have mentioned, be prepared to eat probably the tastiest fried chicken you will ever have in your life. The rule of thumb seems to be eat and out in 30, seeing as there will be a huge line of other hungry hopefuls dying to share the experience. What my Mom and I could not believe was that this amazing lunch experience, paired with an ambiance you can only get in Savannah was only $16 a person!!! If you should ever be in Savannah and decide to skip this, it will leave you with a bad conscience and an unfulfilled palate.
(5)Jason L.
I liked the atmosphere and the build-up (the line outside actually starts at 10am EVERYDAY)...but the food was very average. $18 per person isn't terrible, but I've had much better for that price. You're paying for the ambiance and experience (which was fine by me).
(3)Sam P.
Obama picked the right restaurant to visit in Savannah. I grew up here and am surrounded by Southern cooks, but I still think Mrs. Wilkes' is worth a visit every now and then. Meals are still served boarding house style: you share a table with strangers and pass the communal dishes around the table. Don't forget to take your dishes to the kitchen on your way out. Fried chicken, biscuits, Brunswick stew, vegetables (preferably with meat in them), etc. I've never been disappointed by an item there. Well worth standing in line. Well worth $16/person, especially if you can fast the day before. Delicious, authentic, and worth the wait. In other words, the polar opposite of the Lady and Sons.
(5)Roger B.
It had been more than two decades since I had eaten there, so when I was back in town, I wanted to try it again. The food is good enough for the price ($16 flat - no tax), but not if you had to wait two hours as we did. Several people at our table voiced the same. As for the food, the sweet tea was too sweet. the fried chicken was pretty good and very hot. The turnip greens rank as among the best. The biscuits were pretty good. Most everything else was just average.
(3)Ali Y.
What an experience... wait two hours to sit with people you don't know and eat like it's your last meal! Yes Please! It was great! Food was phenominal and who doesn't like to get to know the 8 others at the table over some delishous southern cooking!! Best collard greens and real down home mac 'n cheese for sure! It was like the best Thanksgiving you could ever ask for! It is a must if you are in savannah!
(4)Matt O.
There are few restaurants that I will wait in line to experience. No, I won't even put my name on the list and take a pager. It's even less likely that I would wait outside in the sun, admittedly sweating from places I didn't know I could. Mrs Wilkes' was one exception, and I would do it all again. This is probably a dream come true for indecisive people - no menus and no ordering necessary. You walk in and your table is already set with dozens of southern classics. Just sit down and pass it around. Without a doubt the best southern meal I have ever experienced. The food speaks for itself and you quickly learn that they have been doing this for a long time at Mrs Wilkes'. They only take cash, really, so be prepared.
(5)Miriam D.
Waited in line for and hour and a half to eat here and it was worth every second. Southern food at its finest, best and most delicious. You will be served food family style and mostly likely have another group at your table, no issue. Once food comes you will be too busy eating and stuffing your face to care about who is next to you. Service is very personable and friendly. I came out of hear feeling as if I had just had thanksgiving dinner, only I ate more than I did on thanksgiving and this was way better. I have no regrets.
(5)Janet L.
A must do in Savannah. Skip breakfast and get in line at 1:45 when you're totally starving. They stop letting folks in at 2pm, but if you're in line, you should be okay. Mind-boggling array of Southern fare. Can't possibly list all of the dishes that magically appear on your table, but the highlights were: killer fried chicken, BBQ pulled pork, corn bread, sweet potatoes with raisins, rutabagas. okra. etc etc. every dish had a unique and terrific flavor. Well worth $20 per person.
(4)Jay J.
AWESOME!!! Love the atmosphere and the family style dining!
(4)Krista M.
Oh man. Could this be any more perfect? Our silence around the table said it all. Yes, the two-and-a-half hour wait wasn't ideal, but we made some friends in line. It just added to the whole experience. This was easily one of the highlights of our Savannah trip.
(5)Rizzo S.
Hands down the BEST Soul Food I've eaten. Mrs Wilkes opens from 11am - 2 pm which is why there's a line. So get down there by 10:30 to stand in line. We got there by 11:15 and the first group of people had already gone in. We prob waited for 30-35 mins. There's a water cooler by the door because I understand it gets pretty warm here in Savannah. The best part about this place (aside from the food) is you don't have to order the food. You walk in, sit down and start eating. The food is already on the table. Its like you're at your Mom's for dinner. You are seated at a table of ten so you will be eating together with people you don't know. If you're not a talker, it's fine. The food is so delicious you won't wanna talk but you will help pass the dishes around:) I tried to get a lil bit of everything on my plate but i just couldn't wait to taste. I LOVED the fried chicken, collard greens, yams (usually not a fan but Mrs Wilkes yams is to die for), sweet corn (wow) and etc. Man my tummy is growling and mouth watery jus thinking about it. Definitely a place you want to try for Southern home cooking. Don't forget to wear some stretchy pants:)
(5)Joey P.
This place definitely lives up to the hype! Located on the most beautiful street in America, Mrs Wilkes serves a smorgasbord of food to you family style at tables for about 10 people. We were offered fried chicken, barbecue pork, mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, multiple types of veggies, delicious sweet tea, peach cobbler, and everything that's good and southern. It was almost like having thanksgiving dinner with a bunch of strangers. In fact it's probably less awkward than thanksgiving with your weird relatives because everyone's in a good mood and we met some cool interesting people. I'd recommend getting there early; our group arrived shortly after 11 and there was a 30 to 45 minute wait. The only negative was that I went into and food coma after eating here and nothing else has tasted as good ever since. A must do for visitors to Savannah!
(5)Joe B.
A Savannah institution for many years now. Should definitely be placed on your to do list when in the area. VERY limited seating inside. You are in the basement of a home. You will be sitting at a table with other people basically eating family style. When you enter, you will be shown to your table where you will find it all set up with food, drinks, and sides. There is no menu, you get what they make and what they make is damn good! On this day, we had fried chicken, meatloaf, barbecued pork, mac and cheese, collard greens, black eyed peas, too many more to remember!! Now remember, they are only open from 11am - 2 pm. You're hungry?? You want to eat?? Then you will get there around 9:30am We got there at 10am and there were already about 60 people on line waiting. We just missed the first seating. Did I mention that you have 30 minutes to eat?? They don't throw you out, but you will get the hint. The price is more than right for the food you get. It's $18 a head. Every single thing we tasted was very good. This is southern cooking at it's finest. Forget about the Paula Deen tourist trap and make your way here. If you don't get here early enough, don't say I didn't warn you!!
(5)Tyler L.
As one of the consistantly mentioned must experience restaurants in Savannah, we knew we had to give it a try. The doors open at 11, but you will want to line up earlier or you'll have a long wait. The house is an old boarding house where Mrs. Wilkes began serving quality southern comfort food to the boarders and the tradition continues today with tourists. The interior is surprisingly big with a bunch of tables. Seating is done by the table, and the 12 person takes are always seated full, so you'll be drinking with strangers. This makes fur a fun family style experience as you'll have to ask your table mates to pass the sides. There are something like 12 different southern sides like okra, corn bread, rice, greens, yams, and beans. The main dish is the fried chicken which is delicious and crispy but I loved the bbq and sausage too. Service noisily leaves you alone, but it's charming in a boarding house way. Must do in Savannah.
(5)John P.
Even though I had to wait in line for at least 40 minutes it was worth it. If you come to Savannah and enjoy food, don't miss this place. You'll be amazed at how good this home cooking was. Served family around a big table with more vegetables than I can remember.
(5)Craig B.
You know how people say things like "I wouldn't write home about it.". You'd write home about this place. A friend suggested this. I especially wanted to get real Southern food. It's totally worth it. Three tips though: - I'd make this your sole meal of the day. Just skip breakfast and dinner - It's $18 -- cash only - Plan on about 2-3 hours when it's all said and done. When I showed up around 12:30 pm, the line was out the door, down the street, and and was starting to go around the corner. It then moves very slowly. A few of the staff come out now and then to say "hello" and joke with you. But you do start to wonder if you'll ever get in. You might even want to line up before they open. Then, finally, you're in, and seated at one of many long tables with strangers - they were strangers anyway. Either you met them in line or you're going to meet them now. Not strangers anymore. Actually a lot of fun. The table is covered with 20+ bowls of different dishes. Now you'll need to start being strategic about how you go through this because you probably want to eat every last bowl after waiting in line for 1 to 1.5 hours, and I doubt that you'll even be able to try a little bit of everything -- there is just too much food. I can't even list it all: fried chicken, collard greens, sweet potatoes, squash, creamed corn, pulled pork, picked beets, black eyed peas, cucumbers, macaroni and cheese, sweet tea. I can't remember much more than that because I think that I passed out. Afterwards Mrs Walkes came over to chat with our table. She's the granddaughter of the original Mrs Wilkes. I was impressed just with the way that she answered all of our questions and just seemed happy to talk with us. President Obama and his entourage ate here. There is a photo by the register. I asked the cashier if the president had to wait in line, too, and he quickly answered that "those secret service thugs got him right in here."
(5)Rachel S.
Good Food! Word of advice: even though the place opens at 11:00AM, please be sure to stand in line before that!!
(5)Vicky P.
Outstanding! My entire family was happy with the food and the service. I don't think it's possible to even try everything they put on the table. It's a great opportunity to try all the southern favorites. It's a great concept, I loved sitting at a table with another group from different parts of the country. It's worth the wait and worth the money. We got there at 9:50 and were seated right at 11am when they opened.
(4)Jo M.
This place was worth the 45 minute wait. So much good food for the low price of $18! That fried chicken was just heavenly. I have dreams about it. All the sides were very yummy too. So much food!! Only complaint was that there was no hot sauce to be found in the entire restaurant. Service was friendly but rushed. CASH ONLY. *note: my friend and I couldn't move after lunch here, we sat in the car for about 30mins. Pace yourself when eating here lol.
(5)Greg B.
Great food, great price, long wait. Suggest getting there no later than 9:45am to be in the first seating. The wait goes by pretty quick chatting up with everyone in line. There are a ton of sides brought to your table even more than what is there when you first sit down so pace yourself to try everything because it's all delicious. Absolutely loved the fried chicken!! Creamed corn and pulled pork were fantastic too. Just try a little of everything.
(5)Rachel R.
Good God, this place is good. My mother is Southern and is obsessed with this place, and we always stop by on our way to the beach in the summer. You really need to fast starting the night before--you WILL overeat here, and it's worth clearing out some stomach space if you don't want to feel sick later. Come at least an hour before--they seat in waves and if you're there at 10:00 there's a good chance you'll be in the first seating. Make weird small talk with fellow diners (many of whom are tourists, but there are lots of locals during the times I've been there--I think the predominantly tourist population is because Mrs. Wilkes' is only open during the week and it's an investment for a workday lunch for most people). A bunch of Savannah city councilors showed up once when I was there, and everyone got very excited. Pass around plates of super-light cornbread and biscuits and heaping bowls of butter beans, squash casserole, green beans, collards, mashed potatoes, and mac and cheese. I'm not super-enthused about the mac and cheese (not a huge fan of Southern-style mac and cheese to begin with, honestly), but the mashed potatoes, squash, and green beans are fab--the mashed potatoes are creamy and flecked with bits of onion and cheese, the green beans redolent of bacon, the squash tender and creamy. A word to those reviewers who complain that the vegetables are "mushy:" in Southern cuisine, vegetables are deliberately cooked for a long time, usually with some bacon, under they're very tender. One man's authenticity is another man's mushy, I suppose. The chicken is delicious--though I like Willie Mae's in New Orleans better if we're judging fried chicken in the South--but it's the side dishes and the awesome baking powder biscuits that really shine here. Trust me--if it's good enough for my nothing-tastes-like-my-grandmother's finicky-about-collars mother, it's good enough for anyone looking for a taste of rural Southern cuisine in Savannah.
(5)Maria M.
Ate so much...felt guilty eating the rest of the week! Just soooo good. Fried Chicken and mac and cheese, and, and, and ...... everything good!
(5)Emily Y.
Go there. Best meal I've ever eaten. Get there at ten am, wait in line, bring cash and come hungry. An absolute must for savannah.
(5)Leah L.
I cant say anything about this place that has not already been said. This food is the absolute best in Savannah. The business has a fantastic history and should be so proud of everything it is. Word of advice... get there at 10am!! Do yourself a favor and eat here!
(5)Lady Di D.
The line to get your grub on is sooooooo worth it........ Fried chicken, Mac and cheese, black eyed peas and peach cobbler were the belles of the ball........didn't mind the family table set up in that we were able to meet interesting folks from around the USA.
(5)Jason D.
Awesome and delicious. Kind people and great family event to add to any visit to Savannah.
(5)Joan L.
Waited 2 hours & 45 minutes to get seated. Canned corn, green beans but good fried chicken . Will NOT return
(1)Lindsley A.
The line is WORTH the wait! As long as you have good company, waiting won't be as bad as you think. This place is CASH ONLY! For the price you pay, you definitely got your money's worth. The aroma of food while waiting outside the restaurant will strike your hunger to another level like no other. Once you walk in and are seated the food is all laid out for you and you get served sweet tea along with it. My eyes were overwhelmed with the amount of food that was on the table, it looked like it would never end. FRIED CHICKEN is the TRUTH! Oh my gosh, the best fried chicken I've ever had. The sides were just as good, my favorites were: -Mac-n-cheese -Mashed Potato & gravy (oh but the gravy..mmm) -Mashed cream of corn -Collard greens -Stuffing -Cornbread Jalapeno -Cucumber (very refreshing) -Sweet Potatoes (to die for.. ahh) Also don't forget dessert which is included, the banana pudding = perfect ending to the entire food! There were other sides as well, trust me, a little bit of something for everyone. My goodness my goodness, the food was overall amazing, the experience, and the staff were super friendly. Once you're done, you have to pick up after yourselves, but don't worry it's just your plate. Alright, enough of this reading. just go and enjoy it! Trust me, I will come back!
(5)Magan T.
AMAZING! Just go! I don't know how we missed a line to get in, but there was no wait for our group of 5. It was a rainy mid-weekday and we walked right inside and only waited 5 minutes before we were seated at a large, family-style table with another small group. As soon as the drink order was taken the food started coming! Every southern food you can imagine, and it was all some of the best southern food I have ever had. After a few helpings of my favorites, our plates were cleared and we decided on a dessert. I'm originally from Savannah, and while living there I never visited Mrs. Wilkes'. Now, I will not visit without making time for lunch here. The entire experience was so wonderful.
(5)Vin C.
Disclaimer: I don't know what home cooked southern food tastes like, so as to the authenticity of this place, I can't say. It sure as hell tasted home cooked though, and eating here felt more like sitting at grandmas table than any restaurant I've ever been too. That alone made the experience worth the wait. Reviewers who likened the chicken to KFC and called the sides flavorless...shame on you. The majority of the dishes were excellent, some were admittedly a little bland but this is the closest thing a New Yorker like me will get to sitting at aunties table and sipping sweet tea. I'm glad yelp pointed me in their direction...worth the wait if you only plan on visiting savannah once.
(4)Jean M.
One of the best meals you will ever eat. The absolute best part of the south is having experiences like this. A table full of deliciousness. Nothing like this exists at home in California, unfortunately. A girl can dream...
(5)Megan S.
Show up with a snack in your purse at 11AM and be prepared to wait in line until 1PM! My best friend and I stood in the sun and questioned our sanity a few times but finally making it into the boarding style dining room to a table filled with every southern comfort dish you could imagine! Sweet tea and place settings were out, we took a seat said grace with a group of strangers and immediately asked to pass the mac n cheese, fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and more all around the table. You name it, they had it! And then they had the nerve to bring out dessert... Peach cobbler and banana pudding! We all looked around the table, smiled and parted ways a very happy group. Absolutely worth the wait! PS It's CASH ONLY!
(5)Tom D.
There really isn't anything to say that hasn't been said about Mrs Wilkes. The wait is the only negative, but suck it up and get in there, you will not regret it! If you think you like fried chicken, your gonna love this.
(5)Jennifer D.
One of the best meals we had, define tally a must go. Loved the family seating and the people we met. The food was great, every dish.
(5)Tracy E.
Love it! Expect to wait approximately 1 hour, but it's completely worth it. They serve you family style at the table and you sit with a crowd of strangers and friends alike. Best authentic Southern cooking in Savannah. Perfect for visiting family, or if you are touring Savannah and want an authentic experience. Locals and tourists both frequent this place.
(5)Lucas R.
Tourist Trap! Do not buy the hype! We got there at 1100 and stood at the back of the 1.5 hour wait line, as expected. My uncle and I took turns drifting through the crowd chatting w/ folks and we found only ONE person who had been there before! That's the big warning folks; when you have 125 people in line and less than 10% are repeat customers.... buyer beware. Service was great, food was about average southern food. 1.5 hour wait and $20 price tag make this meal a 1 or 2 star meal. The best thing I can say about the food is that it is superfluous. There were about 20+ bowls of sides at the table, most of which was unimpressive. The only thing I thought was better than your average southern food was they called "filling". But the main staples- yams, collard greens, biscuits, fried chicken, green beans, corn, etc. were MEH.
(2)Joanna Y.
My only comment is 24 dishes on the table, each one tasting like it came from a loving grandma's kitchen,, I don't know how they do it. as for long waits.. we visited in December... arrived about 1 pm. and there was no line, and about 10 minutes wait for a table of 8 to fill. even at that time everything was piping hot, fresh, and appetizing and DELICIOUS!!!!! Mrs Wilkes granddaughter was our very gracious host, and she appeared to be loving what she was doing. This is an experience you should not miss, even if you have to wait.
(5)Anthony R.
This place was awesome! There was so much to choose from. Every item was cooked to perfection. The fried chicken is some of the best the best I've ever eaten!
(5)Eddie R.
Our friend recommended that we come eat here. The first thing you will notice is the line that sometimes wraps around the corner. On this day, we got here and were half way up the block. Not bad. We met people on line that's eventually wool end up seated with you. It is a family style dining. Tables seat about10 people. As you get closer to the door you hear the comments of how good and how much food and how full they are. You hear this over and over again. Everyone also says "it was worth the wait". We finally were chosen to enter the house and sat down to a table full of food. Too many to mention here but chicken, meat loaf, veggies were just some of the foods awaiting our attack. Let the feeding frenzy commence. Within 20 mins, I was so full, I could not move. Potatoes, black eye peas, bread, jambalaya, and OMG on and on. Just when you think it's over and you can't eat one more thing, they bring out dessert. If you are ever in the area of Savannah, you must try this place. There is something for everybody. You won't be sorry you came, just sorry if you didn't. Must do. Highly recommend.
(5)Davina D.
Sigh. Georgia is on my mind. Goddamn, Mrs. Wilkes. What a legacy you left behind! A southern charm, family style, escorted by shifts into dining tables of 8, food all laid out ilke a gangsta thankgiving feast! a table of 12, you are forced to at least try to get along with your new best friends for the next 30minutes to an hour as you share one thang, FEAST AND BEAST on this goddsend. MMMMMMMM.... After an hour and a half wait, we were finally seated still sweaty under the summer sun.....without introduction to the other folks at the table, we began to pass the plates of DELICIOUS FRIED CHICKEN around followed bythe biscuits then the never ending bowls of side dishes. Orgasmic masterpiece finally laid out on your personal plate. What will be your FIRST bite? Hell yeah, the fried chicken. AWESOMEEEEEEEE! Lightly fried, non oily crispy skin, juicy tender meat. Still droooling... Biscuits were awesome, lightly buttery, flaky and airy. Mmm. Nothing makes it more worth it than finally biting into a biscuit cuz that's ALL YOU'RE GON SMELL WHILE ON LINE....Also offer cornbread, mmm BISCUITS! The sweet corn was AMAZINGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG...what is in this heaven? THIS PORK DISH- WHOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAa BLACK BEANS-PERFECT MASH POTATOES-PERFECT COLLARD GREENS-PERFECT MAC AND CHEESE- CHEESY POTATO SALAD WOW DESSERT- BANANA PUDDING---ON THE FLOOR LICKING THE BOWL DRY Ahhhh PURE HAPPINESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS But once you getting, we start the introductions amongst our tables and suddenly we're laughing and talking and inevitably leaning on one another for SUPPORT as you begin to fallllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll into overconsumption BUT nobody wants to STOP. Mrs. Wilkes is a true true badass and DO BELIEVE THE HYPE, it's that GOOD and worth it. Savannah is so gorgeous but Mrs. Wilke's dining hall is STUNNING! Think about your lover as Mrs. Wilke's Dining Room. MMMMMMMM right? RIGHT ON! My homegirl I was with is a vegetarian btw, and she BALLED OUT HERE so NO WORRIES. ALL FOR $18 SMACKAROOS. COME ON NOW. Anyways for the NYC Ballers and Hard core foodies.........WINK WINK A one day trip is POSSSSSSSSSIBLE if you flyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy.
(5)Blair C.
Oh joy was this good. A little different process, standing on line for about 30 minutes, family style with 4 other couples but a great and satisfying experience. The food was out of this world. Fried chicken, fried green tomatoes, corn bread, fresh rolls, greens, mac and cheese, and lots of other stuff I am forgetting about. This is a must go place!
(5)Lynne J.
If you did not grow up in the South, this is a place to try. Traditional southern food served family style. The corn, fried chicken, and banana pudding were great. The numerous other sides were just "okay," compared to my mom and grandmother's home cooking. Be prepared to wait in line. Our concierge recommended being in line by 1:00. We waited 45 minutes but we were not rushed through our meal.
(4)Sharon S.
No menu just a table full of southern favorites. My personal recommendations would be the B-B-Q beef, beets & mac & cheese. But it's not just the food, it's a chance to sit & visit with locals & other visitors to Savannah and if you are as lucky as we were, meet the gracious owners. The down side would be their limited hours & having to remember to bring cash.
(5)Brandon H.
You can't NOT eat here. Everything is ridiculously perfectly cooked and probably the best bargain you can find for all you can eat at $20. We waited an hour at 1130 on a Thursday which in my mind translates to about a 30 minute wait anywhere else, considering the food is waiting at the table as soon as you sit down.
(5)Randi H.
Deeelish! The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because I would rather not sit with strangers.
(4)Hudson C.
If you're standing in line waiting in front of Mrs. Wilkes for a table reading this review, STAY PUT!! It's worth the wait and you are in for a treat. You'll be hard pressed to find better food and a better atmosphere with friendlier staff anywhere. It's a great place for families or big groups, or if you're in a small party you'll get seated next to some new friends who are just as excited about the food as you are! I know you're hungry, but don't have a meltdown - very good things are coming your way.
(5)S Z.
You just have to suck it up and do this! Yup our wait was 2 hours. Chat with the people around you. You will probably wind up sitting with them. Every single one of the 25 dishes was amazing. I left my manners behind and drank the gravy. Fried chicken was the best ever. They can make strange veggies taste like dessert. I mean, the president ate here. The family is still working and super nice. And you bring your own dishes to get cleaned!
(5)Phil A.
Worth the wait, and yes, the fried chicken is the best. Ample food that is guaranteed to stick to your ribs. There isn't much more to say other than you won't be sorry if you like good ol' homecooked southern cuisine. I tried just about everything on the table, and while some things were definitely better than others, nothing was disappointing. Everyone should give this place a go at least once in a lifetime.
(5)Rosie P.
Ok... ok... ok... this place is AMAZING! $18 per person and it's totally worth it. You might get a little frustrated by standing in line... but fight the frustration because you won't experience another place like this. 5 for sure!
(5)Tara P.
The food is amazing. Just like a home cooked southern meal. Went there around 10:00 and we were in the first seating at 11:00. When we left the restaurant the line was wrapped around the block so definitely try to get there early. Make sure to bring cash, they don't accept credit cards!
(5)Anita C.
Went here at recommendation of a local. Its an interesting place with a unique communal style of dining. There was a short line at 12:30 and we were seated in about 15 mins. You are whisked to a 12 person table with other newfound friends to share a meal like you are at your parents house for Thanksgiving. On the table are about 24 different sides and entrees served family style. Not a great assortment of main dishes but perfectly good for what this is. Fried chicken, pork bbq, jambalaya, beef stew, mashed potatoes, mac n cheese, collared greens, b-e peas, sweet potatoes, gravy, pasta salad, baked beans, and rutabaga and a few other things i never tried. Sweet and unsweetened tea are served with lunch. Desert tray comes out last and both the peach one and banana dish were very good. Not a fancy place at all, and you get to wait your own dishes to the washroom when you are done. You pay $20 pp when leaving. Make sure to pay when you are absolutely leaving because there is no bill nor anyway for them to track if you already paid if you wander back in to review all the knickknacks they have on display. Pay and leave! Wait staff is pleasant and helpful and will offer coffee at end of meal. For what it is, this place does a very good job at what they are doing and providing - good ole all you can eat southern comfort food baby!!
(5)Mark W.
Place lives up to the hype! The "King of Southern Comfort food" or should I say Queen! You really can't go to Savannah and not do Mrs. Wilkes..... The sides are all good but those cheesy mashed potatoes with onions are incredible! The whole line thing is a bit of a cunnundrum.... Early, late, 11:15 or 11:30 what should I do????? My advice get there at 11:10ish.... You won't be first in line... The "old Timers got the front of the line on lockdown! I think they are getting there around 10:45.... Way too early, but they don't seem to mind. You'll be about the 20th or 30th in line but don't fret.... You'll be in the first seating. The tourists will be snapping pictures of the line from every angle and you may be stuck next to a "Space Invader" from Minnesota but you'll be in by 11:10 and out by 12:00 and ready for the trolley tour!
(5)Tim P.
Family style. Y'all better bring your appetite. I was impressed with the spread! So - in case you didn't know, even if your party is two people, you sit at one of the big family sized tables and they bring out around 9-12 bowls of different food. It's all pretty amazing. I though the collard greens and the fried chicken were the best. We didn't have to wait too long. I was very impressed with the food! SO GOOD. CASH ONLY.
(5)Steve B.
Holy moly was this place definitely worth the wait. We were told that if we're visiting Savannah, we MUST GO to Mrs. Wilkes and to expect a very long wait but to be rewarded with fantastic southern cookin'. They're only open 11am-2pm M-F, and I now understand why...They don't need to operate any more than 3 hours per day, 5 days a week because of their fantastic food and surplus of patrons. We waited about one hour outside in the grueling heat and humidity and I began to doubt whether or not it WOULD be worth it - oh it was. When we finally entered I immediately realized that this was not a typical restaurant. We sat down at a large oval table that sat about 8 people - and the table was already chock full of food. Probably about 15-20 bowls of different foods from fried chicken, pulled pork, mac 'n cheese, baked beans, corn bread, beef, creamed corn, and on and on and on. What, all you can eat you say? Oh boy. We sat there with 6 total strangers and overwhelmed our feed for about 45 minutes - needless to say we were a bit uncomfortable on our way out, but for only $18/pp? Wow. Do not miss this diamond in the rough if you're ever in Savannah.
(5)Tony S.
A recent trip to Savannah,GA for a conference gave me little time to break away, but fortunately there was a decent enough break in my schedule to make a run to this place. We asked one of the wait staff at the Hyatt downtown where she would eat locally if she was from out of town, and without batting an eye this was the first place she named. It is within walking distance of anywhere downtown, and given the parking meters that don't give you much time for the money you put in the meters, walking may be the best option if weather permits. Three very important things to know: 1) It is ONLY open Monday through Friday from 11:00 AM until 2:00 PM. 2) Cash only...currently $18 a person, but it is a steal for the experience. 3) Chances are you will be seated with people not part of your party, but that makes it even more special! My suggestion is to arrive no later than 9:30 AM and get in line. No matter what you do, you WILL wait about two hours. I would rather wait on a full stomach and be hungry by the time I am seated fairly close to a "normal" lunchtime, than to wait past the point when I am ravenous. You are let in in groups to make up a party of ten; this means that the five in our group were seated with five strangers, but by the time we were done with our meal we felt like family, which is the whole point! You are directed to a large table already set with large bowls of the food...there is every kind of southern comfort food imaginable on this table, and the simplicity of it is stunning. You each take a seat, and begin passing the bowls around. There is simply not enough room on the plate to sample everything, and you have to pace yourself to not get full before you get some of everything you want to try. But take your time; you're allowed to be seated as long as you want. The fried chicken is some of the best I've ever had. The beef stew was awesome. But some of the best were the summer squash, the black eyed peas, the lima beans, and so on....everything was well seasoned and piping hot. And as soon as a bowl or plate emptied, more came pouring out of the kitchen. Accompanying rolls, cornbread, and tea or water also kept coming out. It was literally a horn of plenty. I would definitely go back again. I think this place is equal or better than some other establishments in town ( you know who I am referring to!) but to me this is the real cradle of Savannah hospitality!
(5)Keri F.
I agree with all the positive reviews. It's just fun to sit down with 8 other people and pass about 25 plates of food around! No one in our group was overly talkative, it was pleasant conversation. The wait was about 2 hours no matter when you get there, only the people arriving closer to opening time (11am) might actually wait and NOT get seated. We arrived at 9:30 on a Friday and were 2nd in line. We sat promptly at 11am, but only the front room got seated (3 tables x 10 ppl each) - they filled the other room around 12. We sat down with all the sides on the table (about 25), and right away we were brought the fresh fried chicken, BBQ pork, and then bread. I could go on and on about each of these dishes but really why? What I like might be different for you. I think it's a given that everyone loves the fried chicken - it's always fresh, crispy, and moist. And it's refillable! The other meats seems to rotate - and it's above your average restaurant taste. The side dishes: there are 25! You are bound to love at least 3-4, which, let's face it, is really all you need on a good dinner plate! There are 2 desserts to choose from - go with a friend who will let you sample the one you don't get. Highlights for us: (and I know I just said it was pointless) Fried Chicken - Awesome. good salt level, good garlic, medium breading, perfect crisp, all pieces moist, and hot of course (take a bite and let it cool). BBQ pork - more a sweet flavor but still nice Green beans - no meat in it, but it was still pretty good (Momma does it better.) Black eyed peas - very good, pop in your mouth, smokey, medium salt Corn bread - oh yes, best in town, moist and peels apart (not flakey), more like a biscuit, you can taste the corn! Rutabaga - never had this one before, but it was very good, like a squash but not as squishy. Cabbage - very good, cooked tender. Spanish rice - surprisingly light and tomatoey Mac n cheese - I did not try (d/t lactose issues) but my friend stated it was the best she tried in Savannah, the cheese was good and (while not Velveeta) still gooey. Sweet tea - just enough sugar to overpower the tea leaf, but not too heavy (like some places) The negatives: okra and collard greens - were undercooked and rough, which with okra, can really be gross. Overall, fun and yummy. Give it exactly 4 stars. (Mom still gets the 5 stars)
(4)Lisa H.
Mrs. Wilkes was not only one of the best meals I have ever had but a wonderful experience as well. The fried chicken was moist and delicious but the vegetable sides were truly amazing. Many reminded me of my grandmother's and mother's home cooked Southern meals. I miss them so much. But to get back to the experience, you may have to stand in line and wait to eat, but you get to make friends. Then you enjoy that great meal with them and that is the wonderful experience if the place! Simply terrific!
(5)Shkinia M.
Wonderful. Everything I ate was good. I went into it like being invited to eat at someone's house and you don't know the other guests. Food was good and plentiful. The people we were seated with held great conversations. Highly recommended.
(5)Princess S.
I'd never heard of this place until I arrived in Savannah, but it of course came highly recommended. I stopped by around 12:30 one day and witnessed the line, so I decided to try again the next day. I got in line at 10:05am, and there were already 5 people there. Time passed by easily with conversation and reading, and finally at 10:55 the doors opened. It was like walking into someone spacious dining room, exactly as it's called. I was alone, but everyone was seated as if they were a big happy family. The food was delicious and for $18, it was all you could eat (within ~40 mins) southern home cookin. My favorites included the jambalaya, sweet potatoes, and beans. Sad to say, the fried chicken had too little salt, the collards had too much salt and there was no coffee. It's a great experience for people who don't have regular access to Southern home cooking, but since I do, I'm just happy to have met the people at my table!
(3)Rachel m.
There's a reason people wait in a line for forty plus minutes for this place. True Southern Soul food, served family style. It's almost like a Southern Thanksgiving. Sitting at a large table with people you don't know, it's a great way to make new friends and enjoy the true meaning of a sit down, "family" dinner. You walk in, are directed where to sit, and your meal is already at the table waiting for you. 18 bucks a person for food, drinks, and dessert, but it's pretty much all you can eat because they keep bringing food, even thought there's still plenty already on the table. My boyfriend loved the fried chicken, which is a favorite, but I loved the pulled pork and Mac and Cheese, but really, EVERYTHING was great. On the occasion you might spot a celeb, today we spotted Alec Baldwin! Definitely a local favorite. You won't be disappointed, definitely worth the wait. But make sure you're in line before 1:30. They close at 2!
(5)Bianca D.
Where's the 6th star? This place definitely deserves it. Started off my trip in Savannah before making the drive over to Atlanta the next day. Had a few hours to roam around downtown by myself and I knew those few hours would be solely dedicated to Mrs. Wilkes and eating incredibly too much before our drive. Showed up at 10 to beat the masses and there was already about 15 people forming a line in front of the tiny hidden building. Glad I came early... (make sure you also bring change for the meters) I thought it would be a little awkward waiting in a huge line for an hour around groups of people when I was by myself but it wasn't at all. Everyone was very nice and interested in hearing about the mystery land of California. Southern hospitality definitely shined. The clock struck 11 and the first of us were let in. Bowls of food already waiting on the large round tables that fit 9 people each. We sat down and started passing the food around. There was about 20 or so bowls of different food... Fried chicken, bbq pork, beef stew, rice, gravy, black eyed peas, greens, candied yams, mac n cheese, creamed corn, cabbage, rutabaga, lima beans, dressing, pasta with peas, corn bread, biscuits, baked beans, potato salad, can't think of what else, and then banana pudding to finish it off. Here's for the highlights. The fried chicken...best fried chicken I've EVER had. Ever. Great crunch on the outside with amazing juicy meat. BBQ pork was one of my favorite things on the table. Great flavor with the tangy flavor and savoriness that I like. Candied yams were nice and sweet without tasting more like a sweet potato pie than a dinner side. Raisins were a nice touch too. Greens reminded me of my mom's...made with love, ham hocks or bacon without being too salty or vinegary. Banana pudding was amazing and the PERFECT way to end a meal and start my trip in Georgia. Glad I got to visit this great place, sad that I will most likely never get to eat there again.
(5)Mo H.
This was my husband's pick, as I had never heard of it. He stayed in line while I took the Trolley around with our 1.5 year old son. I was a bit nervous about taking him there, but as I walked in a bit late (after our table was seated and sides were passed) there was a highchair waiting. I plopped him in it and let him start on some mac n cheese. I started piling my plate up and tried just about every side. I ate 4, count that FOUR pieces of the most delicious fried chicken that has ever met my lips. I generally don't eat that much, but I had skipped breakfast in anticipation. I think my favorite sides were the okra and stewed tomatoes, the mac and cheese and the fava beans. It's hard to pick though, everything was delicious and my husband said definitely worth the wait!
(4)Stephanie S.
OMG. At 10:30 am (place doesn't open until 11) there was approximately 70 people in line. Hot, humid day & no one was getting out of line. It was WORTH the wait. Once you are in the restaurant you are seated at a table of 10 & with strangers that become friends over a meal. There are approximately 15-20 side dishes plus your fried chicken & two other meats. What can I say other than this was the best fried chicken I have ever had. This was echoed from each person around the table & I wish I could have taken a doggie bag home. The side dishes depending on what you like - there is something for everyone. Desserts you have two choices & they are small servings but you don't need much because you are so full from the lunch. The place is clean, folks are real nice & the price is perfect!
(5)Natasha U.
Where do I begin??! The wait: TOTALLY WORTH IT! Now, they are are only open for 3 hours according to their website and what's posted on the sign (11am-2pm) but if you stand in line before 2pm or close to it, you will get seated, so don't fret! They will not turn you away. We got there around 12:30 and got seated around 2:10. That's enough time to wait and garner up an appetite. You will need to come here extremely hungry. BE PREPARED! As soon as you walk in, the food is already on the table and ready to be eaten! Service: Very friendly and down home. Just like I expected. Everything was on point and super cool. As soon as a bowl was empty, they came back and asked if wanted more food. Unbelievable. Price: $16..what? Okay, based on the amount of dishes we had plus sweet tea, that comes out to less than a dollar per item...that's right, less than a dollar per item for all you can eat of some of the most amazing soul food ever! There were over 22 items on the table. Now that is a steal. I didn't even have enough room to try each of them! THE FOOD: In the famous words of Usher...OMG!!! Talk about a belly busting meal. The fried chicken was fried to golden perfection with just the right amount of seasonings, the collard greens, the sweet potatoes, the mac and cheese, cornbread, black-eyed peas...it just goes on and on and on and you don't stop. Wow! Just about the best damn soul food you will ever have. If you ever find yourself in Savannah, GA..this is a MUST SEE, MUST EAT, MUST GORGE YOURSELF place to eat. Skip Paula Deen's Lady and Sons..seriously there is no competition here.
(5)Fabian W.
The wait is horrible but the food is magnificent. The family style serving added to the overall experience. But that damn wait, almost 2 hours outside was rough..... Oh, cash or check. Yup, I said check. No credit cards at this spot. But I'll be back on my next trip to Savannah.
(5)Shiyana V.
Mrs. Wilkes' = never-ending delicious home-cooked southern food, served up to your communal table of 10 for just $18 per person (no credit cards accepted). We left Mrs Wilkes' Dining Room completely satiated. It was totally worth the hour-plus line in somewhat chilly weather, and all the calories that I definitely put on at the dining table (especially after that 3rd piece of fried chicken!). About 23 dishes were served up to our table. Proteins included fried chicken (just perfectly crispy, not overly breaded, tender,...), beef stew, bbq pulled pork. Plus there were plenty of veggies - corn bread stuffing (amazing flavor), black-eyed peas, collard greens, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, creamed corn, rutabaga, dirty rice, I could keep going - but I lost track. I wouldn't bother saving room for dessert, have another piece of fried chicken instead. They offered us banana pudding or blueberry cobbler - definitely not the stars of the meal, perhaps a distant third cousin. Hence my four star rating rather than five. Get there early as the doors open at 11am and the line seems to start forming just before 10am. Apparently if you know them, you get to sneak in the back door, which means that the line might look a bit deceptive - although I can't believe that too many do that regularly. For two non-southerners - this was a great opportunity to taste real down-home cooking - without any of the modernizing that happens in so many other places. Wish I could have Thanksgiving with the Wilkes family someday!
(4)Lisa L.
Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room was one of the restaurants recommended by our hotel during our stay in Savannah last month. There were about twenty people ahead of us in line as we waited approximately 45 minutes outside on a hot, muggy day in July. They seat eight to ten people per table. You enter as a group and you leave as a group. We were seated with three other couples and everyone seemed to enjoy their meal. It reminded me of Sunday dinners at my grandparents home when I was a child. The first ten minutes were spent passing all the food around. The food was lightly seasoned, not overly salty or too buttery. It appeared the mashed potatoes won the "best dish" award at our table. The cabbage was my favorite. Although I did not partake of the fried chicken, those that did commented it was good. You have a choice of two desserts, and it was at this time that our table began lightening up and engaging more in conversation. One couple was from Atlanta, near my hometown, and the other two couples were from my son's alma mater, the University of Louisville. Small world. All in all, it was a nice meal and we enjoyed the fellowship around the table. If you've got the time, Mrs. Wilkes' definitely has the food!
(4)Zayla D.
Best ever. Totally worth the wait in line. Literally the best soul food experience that we've ever had. Family style dinner, meet new people, eat great food. EAT HERE!
(5)Michelle J.
We were lucky to be near the front of the line when we came, so our wait wasn't too late. The experience overall was good. I enjoyed the family style dining. The meal was delicious. The amount of side dishes was astounding, and all of them were good. The biscuits and dessert were my favorite. If you're looking for good home-cooked southern food, this is the place. However, for the price tag I would probably prefer to eat my grandma's cooking. It tastes just as good.
(4)Jim F.
We arrived in Savannah late afternoon and made our way to Mrs. Wilkes' first thing. We waited only 1/2 hour to be seated with several other smaller groups. I have to say we were slightly disappointed. We had tried a similar place in Nashville the year before and it was fantastic, so perhaps our expectations were too high. Some of the sides were not very hot, and the mains, although tasty, were not near the "best ever" category. And we thought the service was a bit detached. I probably would not go back, but it is certainly a "must do" your first time in Savannah.
(3)Cathy M.
This is probably the best soul food I have ever had! First of all, this place seats family style and it is ALL YOU CAN EAT! This place has the best fried chicken I have ever tasted! The cream corn is to die for! And the mash potato is whipped and tastes so light that it just melts in your mouth. I could probably eat the whole bowl of mash potato myself! I waited 2 hours to go in and believe that it is worth the wait. All this food for $20 a person, so go in hungry!
(5)Colleen M.
So you and your sweetheart came to Savannah on vacation, making reservations at Lady and Sons for an authentic low country meal. Well, bless your heart. Now, call and cancel those reservations. Then make your way to Jones Street around 11:00 for lunch at Mrs Wilkes. On my first trip to Savannah, my now husband picked me up from the airport and - no joke - drove me straight to Mrs Wilkes. There is no better introduction to Savannah. Our family insists on a trip to Mrs Wilkes on every trip. The food is hot, delicious and made by human hands. There is always almost always just a little too much of it and you never manage to restrain yourself. Be prepared to stand in line to wait. It's just how Mrs Wilkes is. Food is family style and tables hold ten or twelve people. You will end up sitting with strangers and the smaller your group, the sooner you will eat. There is no lingering and Savannah locals hint that the dessert is mediocre to encourage you to move on out and let the next dozen in. It's cash only, so come prepared. There aren't any ATMs nearby. But don't worry -- the food's already been blessed.
(5)Tanya G.
Advertised as one of the "Thousand places to visit before I die", I did not want to miss out and have this regret over my head on my deathbed. There is so much history in Savannah and Mrs. Wilke's is definitely an important chapter in the book. A former boarding school, you can just imagine what it would feel like to be a student in the school. We were seated at a large table with other travelers, forced to greet and meet but the awkward forced conversation did not last long. On comes the parade of F-O-O-D!!! It was a blur of awesome fried chicken, side dishes and sweet tea. Mmmmmm mmmmmm mmmmmmm Now conversation was easy flowing as you ask your neighbors to pass the green beans or tell them to try the candied yams. Food is always a better conversation piece than "where are you from", "how long are you in town for". I don't really care to know. I do care that you share your food with me, yes please don't hog the mac and cheese!!! What?!? I said please :-) All you can stuff your face, Mrs. Wilke's make sure you are happily full and satisfied. Yes ma'am!! As a souvenir, I bought her cookbook. . . We won't get into how my food turned out using her instructions. . . :-P I am happy with no regrets, can't really ask for more.
(5)Jessie C.
Being a tourist, I was told the best Southern food was at Mrs. Wilkes'. So off I went on a 6 block trek to this place. To my dismay, there was already a long line up by 11:15am. Waited over one hour for what I hoped to be worth the wait, and got to jump the line as a 1-person party. I was then informed to follow a group of people walking in, so confused, off I went. At the next room, there was just one big table available. Well, this was awkward, I didn't see any tables for a single person but was promptly told to sit down in their lilting southern accents. Who was I to argue? There was food on the table. Alright, table for 10 and about 4 different parties of people. The food was already laid out family style, so introductions were quick and off we started rotating the endless bowls of food. I wasn't sure what some of the stuff was, but my table was super friendly and loved introducing me to "their" food. Black eyed peas, some other beans, collard greens, mashed potatoes, biscuits, cornbread, fried chicken, and tons more dishes. The peas were perfectly firm and tasty, the fried chicken was to die for. Not too oily yet crispy and oh just so tender and moist. The collard greens were very delicious and the mashed potatoes were like clouds of buttery, savory creaminess. The cornbread was not the sweet type and the macaroni salad was tangy, creamy and the noodles were firm. By the time we had all had our fill and had started to slow down, one of the guys picked up what looked to me like maple syrup (I am, afterall, Canadian!!). But they mentioned it was something else, like treacle or sorghum. I dripped it on my biscuit like they suggested, with the warning that not everyone could "take to it" on their first time. Oh.My.God. I swear there were fireworks going off in my head. My tastebuds were rejoicing for this amazing, delicious goodness. The fluffy, butter biscuit became merely a vehicle for this sticky goodness that I had just discovered. After I recovered from that amazing meal, we were told to bring our dishes to the kitchen. Well then, this truly was family style dining and I had just adopted a few Floridians, a couple Nova Scotians and a pair of Kentucky-ites (?). On my way to pay I discovered the Mrs. Wilkes' cook book. Snapped that up real quick and on my way out, I felt so satiated that I felt like telling everyone still in the lineup (which had greatly elongated since the beginning of my journey) that the wait was SO WORTH IT!!! Keeping my big mouth in check, I walked quietly by with a big smile on my face. Upon my return to Canada, I told all my friends about this amazing experience, and sure enough, as quickly as I snatched up that cook book, it left my hands even quicker to make their rounds through my dear dear friends. I will definitely think about this place often and wonder when my next travel to the southern state will be.
(5)Jerry W.
As a true Savannah local, (my family came to Savannah in 1788) I can tell you that this is one of the most incredible, consistent, delicious and authentic dining experiences I have ever had anywhere in the world. I am a confessed foodie and have travelled worldwide. This place is the real thing. The line is there for a reason: fantastic food and service at a great price. If you come to Savannah and do not eat here, you missed out! I eat here once every 2 weeks just to get my fix!
(5)Nekiba M.
It is worth the wait, my mother and I went back the following day. Some people complain about being rushed but I didn't feel like that at all. The key is to get there early. I was warned by the tour guy, the place opens at 11am but get there no later than 10:15. We got there at 10:30 and the line was already down the block. Took the guys advice the following day arriving at 9:47 and was the first in line. Now back to the food, did I saw how really good the food is. The restaurant is family style southern food seating at a table with complete strangers. When you walk in the food is already set up, all that was left was say our blessing and dig in. The main course was fried chicken, pot roast, and barbeque pork. The barbeque pork was okay but the fried chicken and pot roast was the best. The sides didn't disappoint either. The standouts were the beets, collard greens, and rutabeggas. You this is the place to go when locals are willing to stay in the long line with tourist. The second best part was talking with the people at the table. Great food and great company is a good combination which Mrs. WILKES has.
(5)Robyn M.
So my husband ate here on our recent visit to Savannah. I had read the great reviews and the locals could not stop telling us how yummy everything was here. Well....we waited in line here for lunch for 1 and 1/2 hours with nothing to drink and no place to sit. When you finally reach the door you are sat at a table with complete strangers. The food is already there on the table and it is passed like you would at a "family" dinner around the table (I think I mentioned you eat with strangers). The staff didn't offer any explanation for the food on the table, so I had some fun explaining it to the other folks being a southern gal and all (you can take the girl out of the south, but not the southern out of the gal). We sat with one family from up state New York, a newly wed couple from up state New York, and a couple from Arizona. I really enjoyed explaining to everyone that the stewed okra was not jalapenos. LOL! Now the food. The chicken was not good. The cabbage had sugar in it - who does that! The lima beans and creamed corn were okay. The biscuits were sad. The black eye peas were cooked to death and in their own rue. The greens, although cooked to the correct consistency, had enough salt to kill anyone with one bite. There were many dishes my husband and I didn't try, just because they didn't look right. We will never go back and recommend everyone considering this place to go to Lady and Sons. Southern cooking can be bad for your health, and this place defines just how bad. Don't get me wrong, I am not saying Lady and Sons is healthily food, but it is yummy. Southern cooking doesn't have to be bad for you. The deserts were peach cobbler (which was a high point for me) YUMMY! and nasty banana puddin' (my favorite on a regular day). After clearing my own plate, we got to pay cash for this lovely meal ("no plastic accepted"). Please don't waste you time with this place.
(1)Dillon C.
Amazing food, plenty to eat, great service. Be prepared for the long wait but it is definitely worth it. Keep in mind that it is a communal table with bowls full of food set at the table as soon as you are seated. They bring refills of food and drinks if needed and a choice of 3 small desert plates are offered after the meal. Be sure to try a little of everything because it is all great. Way better food than Lady and Sons, the fried chicken was on another level. REMEMBER that it is cash only, and be sure to arrive early to ensure that you get through the long line.
(5)Doug H.
Great food and service when you get inside - but you need a better system for waiting in line. It is in-human to make people stand 2-3 hours in a line to eat. The original Mrs. Wilkes ran the boarding house and restaurant for decades and worked there until her death in the 90's at age 95, but now that the management has passed through the family the customer service is less. I think the great-grandson runs it now, and they have all of the customers they can handle, but you should consider your customers and have a call-ahead system or something that acknowledges the concern that the founder had for her customers. Why not return to earlier opening and later closing since they don't open on weekends. Staying open until 3:00 pm will prevent people from feeling they have to be there at 11:00 am just to get served. I know that a different waiting system is in place for locals and tour groups, but at least provide some relief for those who must stand for 2-3 hours.
(4)Jeff C.
The food here is good, some of it very good. But for me, it didn't live up to the hype that everyone seems to give it! The major problem being that you don't really enjoy your dining experience. After waiting on the long line out front, you're seated with other folks and inundated with the food, then after you finally get done passing all the plates and filling yours, you get a VERY definite rushed feeling! Not everyone at our table was done eating, when they started clearing all the tables and serving dessert, then informed everyone of the policy to bus your own plates. Another very big hint to finish up!!! So, although the food was good, the overall experience was a disappointment!
(3)Girl B.
I'm not a fan of Southern cooking. I tried it, I disliked it. Hell, I'd go so far as to say I HATE SOUTHERN COOKING. Fried tomatoes, collared greens, wtf? Mrs Wilkes did NOT change my mind but I have to say, it was an awesome experience because for $20 per person, you sit at a table for 10 and are introduced to more than 20 traditional, home-cooked southern dishes. There is nothing to order. Perfect introduction to southern food. So altho I hate Southern food, I can still appreciate an establishment's efforts and inventiveness. I couldn't just give every southern restaurant a bad review because their style doesn't gel with mine. It's like hating Chinese food and then going to China and giving every chinese restaurant over there one star only. Huh?? Anyway, worth a visit.
(4)Tramaine W.
Definitely lived up to the hype, it was everything I was expecting. For $18(cash or check) you get a drink and a table full of at least 15 food options. Not all the items are great but when you have that many options you'll leave satisfied. My favorites were the BBQ pork, sweet potato casserole, fried chicken, and mashed potatoes. My least favorite was the collard greens, it tasted like old frying grease. I also didn't care much for the cabbage, dumplings and cornbread. All in all I would go back in a heartbeat and it's a must when visiting savannah.
(4)Demetria M.
This place is all that the other reviews say it is, I'm just adding my 2 cents. The food is already on the table when you're seated except for the fried chicken and biscuits, which both come out nice and hot within minutes of being seated. If you get there early enough, there is meter parking on both sides of the street so I went ahead and stood in line but didn't put any money in the meter until about 10 minutes before the restaurant was opening. I was about the 10th person in line and they let about 60 people in at the opening of 11am. Don't put alot of time on the meter because they start cleaning your table off after about 30-35 minutes but don't worry, you will be good and full by that time. I got there around 9:50 and there were already 2 people in line. Everything was delish, but I didn't care for the stew beef, it wasn't seasoned right or something. Definitely worth the wait!
(5)Mike W.
Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room had been highly recommended by several folks upon our arrival during our recent visit to Savannah. So, we ate at the Dining Room on our second night. Our wait in line outside the Dining Room was slightly over an hour, which was OK since the weather was nice. Once inside we were seated with the people that had been in line near us, at a table with the numerous bowls of food already present. Serve yourself family style. The staff didn't offer any explanation for the food on the table unless asked. A lot of food! The chicken, black eyed peas, sweet potatos, and pork were all good. Collard greens, cabbage, and other dishes were generally OK. The biscuits and corn bread weren't so great. Overall, the food was good but not exceptional. However, Mrs. Wilkes' is an Interesting and fun dining experience if you are open to talking to and dining with strangers in a "boarding house" atmosphere. Avoid if you aren't open to this.
(4)Alex H.
I waited in line for 45 minutes on a muggy Monday, and every 10 minutes or so I wondered to myself whether or not this was really worth the hassle. Maybe it's a tourist trap. Maybe it's all nostalgia hype. Then we made it inside. I'm so glad I trusted in my fellow Yelpers. This place deserves a special spot in my heart as my 100th review. You get seated at a table that holds 10 and it's loaded up with a handful of meat dishes, a plate full of biscuits and muffins, and somewhere around twenty or more sides. If you hit the bottom of anything, they bring you more. The fried chicken is as good as advertised. Be advised, this establishment is CASH ONLY, so if you want a t-shirt or a cook book, make sure you take extra.
(5)Eilleen B.
Came to Savannah with best friend's family. Was really looking for authentic southern food and boy was this it!!! I really love fried chicken and I have to say this was the best fried chicken I've ever had. Get in line early by 10:30am. There is some shopping around. Only same is some of the food was thrown out. But a definite must do in Savannah! Can't wait to go back!
(5)Michelle P.
Worth the very long, very hot, wait. Good ole southern food served family style. We loved meeting other tourists & some a couple of locals while we shared a table and wonderful meal!
(4)Marcela H.
If food is anywhere near as good as this in heaven, may I be struck down this very second! I was on a cross country road trip with a friend and we initially had plans on going to Paula Deen's restaurant but thanks to fellow Yelpers, we were steered straight into Mrs. Wilke's Dining Room. When we arrived we were greeted with a line out the door. Being an avid Yelper, I have conditioned myself to expect and appreciate long lines for that means that what awaits inside is well worth the effort. But never have I stood in line with a crowd full of like minded determined individuals that even your heaviest most unexpected rain didn't change our plans. Sure some of the elders sought refuge under nearby awnings but only if they had someone in their party willing to brunt the rain. Once inside I was pleasantly surprised to see that it was family style type dining. I guess the name should have tipped me off - Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room - but the LA native in me had already written off the name as a marketing ploy. Twelve of us were seated together in a massive dining room table. There was a total of 4 tables in the front room and probably another 3 or 4 in the back room. There were no menus and no waitresses. Once we arrived at our seat cold and soaked from the heavens, we were greeted with a spread of food that made you want to say grace even if you've never been religious a day in your life. There was a platter of fried chicken surrounded by bowls full of mashed potatoes, gravy, greens, cream of corn, mac & cheese, black beans, yams.. MY GOD the yams and a whole lot more that I need to stop naming because I am tempted to drive to Savannah tonight. In short, this place is definitely worth the effort. And if food isn't THIS good in heaven, may I at least get a 7 hour warning so that I may hop on a plane and end this the right way. Peace, love and good ol' fashioned southern home cookin'!
(5)Derek L.
My girlfriend and I decided to try this place because it was listed as one of the best places to eat in Savannah. I was very impressed. Savannah as many of you may know its an older town so they keep their tradition. This place is a house with 4 tables in it. We went on a Thursday and we had to wait outside at 9:30am even though this place was opened at 11am. Trust me its worth the wait. This place has a great environment. You don't just sit with you and your date. Its a round table and you are seated with other customers. The food was amazing, they had beans ( I hate beans) but these beans were great. The beef stew was WONDERFUL. The beef was cooked just right. It was very tender and melt in your mouth. The corn bread is so delicious it makes you want to slap somebody. Now the mash potatoes great cook correctly and has a perfect blend of potato and milk used. On top of that, the people you meet are very nice and easy going. We ran into this couple we sat with about 4 times during our walk at riverboat street. One of the nicest couples ever! You never know who you are going to meet. AGAIN GREAT FOOD GREAT PEOPLE AND GREAT ENVIRONMENT a MUST GO PLACE IN SAVANNAH!
(5)Tiffany M.
We were not planning on eating at Mrs. Wilkes' but everyone we encountered told us "y'all got to eat there before leaving Savannah." I really didn't think it would be worth the wait and I really am not one to go for quantity, but instead prefer quality. And really, who wants to wait outside in line for an hour for a meal? I do now and am now a full blown Mrs. Wilke's convert. All the dishes were very good, the collards which I had thirds, were awesome. We were served so many dishes, that I wish that they would have identified them as they brought them to the table because some guests sitting at our table kept asking the rest of us what they were - one of the disadvantages of dining family style. The desserts were okay, but not great. I originally ordered the peach cobbler, but it was so bad I asked for the banana pudding instead. I bought the cookbook as a souvenir but after perusing the recipes, many of them included Cambell's soup and were from the original printing from the 70's which I'm sure are not the recipes they currently use. So save yourself the $18 and look online for the recipes.
(4)Gibson J.
Great food. Great service
(5)Richard B.
I don't know of a better place to taste the wonderful tradition of Southern Soul Food. While the platter of chicken is tempting, I actually love what they do with the sides. Veggies have never been made so noble--I had six or seven kinds my last visit. BTW: the sweet "oss" tea is a tad too sweet, so stick with the plain Jane version. The long lines here speak volumes; a landmark.
(5)Miriam P.
Whenever my family and I visit Savannah we make sure we have time to eat lunch at Mrs. Wilkes. We have eaten there at least 3-4 times and each time was well worth it. Don't eat breakfast before going because you will be stuffed. We typically arrive around 11 am and get in by about noon. You will get your money's worth! Excellent family style southern food. Just like my Nana used to make.
(5)Michele S.
Outstanding. We were here maybe 7 years ago and kept dreaming of going back. We finally went today and were not disappointed. Still the sweetest service and real Southern food cooked right. Best of all, there's a little of everything (really, a LOT of everything!)... try it all! If you haven't had rutabagas... or succotash (okra included)... or limas... or black-eyed peas... or the many other side dishes, now's your chance. Everything is delicious. We also enjoy sitting with others at the communal table and meeting new friends. The whole experience is worth the wait. We got there at 10:40am... doors opened at 11... we were seated around 11:45am. While we waited, we brought some cards and played a few rounds of poker. I also walked around the lovely gift shop on the corner (One Fish, Two Fish) while my family waited in line. Bring cash (it's cash only) and quarters (for the meters), get in line... you'll waddle out happy!
(5)Ronnie W.
Absolute best southern food I've had. I came expecting great food, and was still amazed. Arrived at 10:15 and was among the first to eat. Show up at 11:00 and you'll be waiting awhile. Worth the wait for the food and the experience. I grew up having both sets of my grandparents and my Dad and Mom cook family style meals as a catering business, and this food was right on. I will definitely be bringing my mother here once I get a chance.
(5)Jessica G.
I loved this whole experience. The food is worth the wait and the family style dining makes the experience that much more memorable. Remember to PACE yourself though. Just a taste of everything because there is just too much to try. Loved every bite.
(5)Todd A.
The food and atmosphere were both so good I almost cried.
(5)Jillian C.
This place was highly recommended so I was excited when I walked in to make a reservation but the older gentleman at the hostess stand was SO rude! He asked if I wanted a table and I asked if I could see a menu (I'm a vegetarian so I wanted so see if there were any options that would work) and he snapped at me and said, "Look, either grab a seat at the table or leave." I was stunned! A man standing next to me, waiting for his seat even widened his eyes in shock. I sort of laughed and said, "Well, I guess I'll leave..." Seriously awful customer service.
(1)Shan W.
Couldn't have asked for a better meal... everything I ate i would say to the hubby "I want this recipe!" It was a Thursday morning and we got there at 1030 - we were part of the first group to get in. I hear on Fridays it's a lot more crowded. By the time 1100 rolled around the line was pretty far down the street (not a two hour wait for them though) You know its a good place when they offer a cookbook with all their food! Confident that letting their secret out won't hurt the business. So glad I listened to my friend who listened to the locals who said skip lady and sons and go to the place where Mrs. Wilkes was named Julia Child of country cooking. I wanna go back...
(5)Megan R.
Mrs. Wilkes' is one of the best places for authentic Southern food in Savannah, other than my grandma's house! The wait is REALLY long, but very worth it.
(4)Melissa G.
The food was amazing. If you are going to have one Southern home meal in Savannah eat here. The fried chicken was good, but the sides were great- beef stew, bbq, mac and cheese, fresh cornbread. We got the first table and sat with two people who knew Mrs. Wilkes and had stories about Obama visiting (all good). Were the first in line at 9:30, the line was around the block by 10:30. Tips- cash only. Before serving food there is a prayer mentioning Jesus. Just a heads up if that makes you uncomfortable.
(5)Thomas v.
Food: multiple side veggies, some good, some ok, black eye pea is salty. Corn bread does not have enough corn taste. Biscuits are dry. Jamba rice was burn. Fried chicken does not wow factor, which is my disappointed. Banana pudding is just ok. Service: good and friendly service. Lady owner come around 3 times to check on us to make sure everything ok. Cash only. Make sure you have $18 each adult. We don't have kid, so i don't know how price for a child. Parking: on street. There are tons of parking around. Location: right in the middle of historic area. There are many beautiful park, fountain, historic building around. You can walk around for taking picture and sight seeing. There are many horse carriage pass by. Waiting: we wait on line for 3:10 hours to get in. It is Friday morning 12/27/2013. I don't know if regular weekdays people have to wait that long? However, it is once a life time experience. I myself do not think it is worth for it. Since we miss our tour just for few so so fried chicken!!! It kind a ruin the whole morning. Luckily the weather is too beautiful. And we bring a dog to play in the park near by. So it is not too bad for me. But i saw people walk out with a long face, too. Maybe most of us do not want to admit how dumb we are of wasting hours and paying so expensive for just ok food. We are tourist. Sometimes we make mistake. Please be brave and speak up and share experience to each other. Thanks.
(2)Megan Kristen M.
I read another review indicating plentiful vegan options and was doubtful, so I called. They have tons of vegan options. I have seriously never eaten this much food in my life and it was spectacular. My husband says if you like chicken, go. I say it doesn't matter what you like, it will still be delicious. If you are picky like me, ask and they are helpful about what is in their dishes. So yum.
(5)Lissete D.
I can only concur with all the great reviews. Everything that I tried was great. Food was refilled quickly and there was more than plenty. Pricing is reasonable. This is a much better option than The Lady and her huge gift shop/ waiting room. I was a bit apprehensive about the dining with strangers thing. But after our hour wait in line, we had already been conversing with most of our dining companions. We will definitely be back!
(5)Joelle A.
Long line, but so good!
(5)Paul G.
Hate to pick on this place, but the food is flavorless, canned and overcooked. The chicken was only slightly better than KFC. They can't even get banana pudding right! The facility was cramped and noisy. Feel sorry for all the tourists who don't know that this is not "Good Southern Cooking". Skip the hype and the line. This may have been a good place when Miss. W. was here, but she is gone and you should be gone also.
(1)Phil C.
You'll only have to eat once for the day. But, this place is worth it. Not only for the food, but the family style lets you meet a lot of other interesting people so your great food comes with good conversation.
(5)Ana M.
I'm probably gonna get a lot of flak for this review, but it has to be done. This is the perfect exemplification of how when people have to work hard for something, they will do anything to justify its worth. It's why fraternities haze new recruits and it's why this place has 4.5 stars on Yelp. Of course, as all reviews have said, there's the wait. It's open for a very small window and the line starts filling up fast from 9:30-10 even though it opens at 11. The wait was pleasant enough since you're chatting with people and whatnot. We were lucky enough to be the first table let in. Though when we got in, we realized there was already a table sat. We assumed they knew the people or were otherwise VIP. The table was beautiful and already set and full of food. The server explained the process and we said grace- something that they didn't do with any of the other tables, and despite the fact that I'm not religious, I thought it was really traditional and cute. Before long, we dug in. On the table were a wide variety of vegetables, meat and starches that refilled itself throughout the meal. They also had pitchers of delicious sweetened iced tea, which was simply perfect. Now, the food. I got a fried chicken breast, since it's one of their most touted items. It was okay. I can't say it's the best chicken I've ever had. It was kinda fatty and my friend even said Publix chicken tastes better. The mac and cheese was very good, and I'm kind of a mac and cheese snob, but to be honest, it wasn't as good as Paula Deen's (yeah, I said it). The mashed potatoes, the biscuits, yams, cornbread etc. were all good, but by no means the kind of knock-me-out-of-my-seat southern meal everyone likes to say it is. My favorite meat was the BBQ pork, which was super soft and delicious. The worst offender was the beef. It was sooo fatty that I actually had to spit it out, which is an awful thing to do at a table with strangers, but I couldn't help it. It was really that bad. When we were stuffed, they started coming around with dessert. They brought large pans of banana pudding, which was spectacular. One of the servers also told us they had blueberry cobbler, but alas, that wasn't the case. At the end of the meal, you walk your plates and cups over to the kitchen. Overall, it was a good meal, but not mind blowing. The experience is better than the actual food. While it's probably worth the cost, because it's all you can eat, I've had better. If we hadn't been the first group in and we had waited longer, I definitely would have been exponentially more disappointed. So get there early, cozy up to your neighbors and enjoy, but come with more realistic expectations.
(3)Jessie M.
My favorite meal on our trip. The wait was excruciating in the heat, but it ended up being worth it. Yes the fried chicken is awesome, but virtually every other dish we tried was just as good. I loved the bbq pork, the sweet potatoes, the creamed corn, biscuits, mashed potatoes, gravy, the list goes on. Awesome concept and execution.
(5)Sarah Y.
Wake up early, snag an Irish Coffee togo from McDonoughs and enjoy the wait. It is definitely worth it. Not much to add that hasn't been said. Food is great. Definitely like herding cattle to get in and out. Sit back, make some new friends, and eat as much as you possibly can.
(5)Robin P.
I've waited SO long to eat here and during our recent trip to Hilton Head we made the short drive to Savannah. Mrs. Wilkes' fried chicken is the BEST I've EVER put in my mouth! It was crispy, tender, juicy and chock full of flavor! All the side dishes were wonderful - turnip greens, mac & cheese, stuffing (which is really a Yankee side dish; in the south we eat cornbread dressing), sweet potatoes, green beans, rutabagas. There were so many side dishes I can't remember them all. The banana pudding was so good it made me want to slap myself! The sweet tea was perfectly sweet, although I could have used an extra glass of ice. The wait in line was WELL worth it! We sat with some Yankees & Californians and they were very quiet because they were enjoying the food too much to gab!! A must visit for anyone visiting Savannah. Get in line early (by 10:00 am) or you may miss out!
(5)John K.
If you were lucky enough to have family Sunday lunches that comprised of dishes of a little of everything that covered every inch of counter in the kitchen... then you'll already know why this place is so awesome. This is a family style, all you can put down place with all the southern fixings you'd expect your grandmother to make. Greens, scalloped potatoes, okra, black eyed peas, mac & cheese, baked beans, biscuits, cornbread, pot roast, pulled pork, fired chicken... I mean I guess I could keep going, but I'm sure you get it. Everything is excellent, nothing fancy about it, plain good-old-fashioned food. Just so you know, they open at 11AM, but if you have any intentions of eating around then, I'd recommend getting in line at least by 10:30. We got to our table around 11:15 and when we left at 12:00 or so, the line was 80+ people deep still. And they're only open for lunch, so don't pass it up for later. It's $18 a head flat fee, and entirely worth the early morning wait and the lunch price for the experience.
(5)Laura I.
Authentic southern cooking served family style at tables of 10. I would highly recommend fitting this into your trip to Savannah. We ended up waiting a little less than an hour and it was worth it!
(5)Brian M.
Read the the other reviews. You HAVE to try the fried chicken. There's no doubt about it. This is southern home cooking at its finest. But make a decision if you're not a local and visiting that you'll give up a few hours of your life to wait in line to eat at a table with plenty of people you've never met before. That's the downside. And I'm not sure it outweighs the simply excellent food. Clearly a 5 on food alone.
(4)Katie G.
Wow! Well worth the wait. We got in line at about 145 and waited until 215 (we were the last group). Great food!! We especially loved the sweet potatoes, corn, beans, coleslaw, chicken, meatloaf- everything! Oh...and the Mac and cheese was the best I've ever had! A must do if you're visiting savannah!! Not a negative but just FYI- they only serve tea and water. We had our toddler (2) and would have brought some milk along had we known (but water was just fine.). Highly recommend!
(5)Aaron H.
Awesome food, you can never say that you left here with an empty stomach. More food then you could ever eat
(5)Jedigyrl J.
Anyone wanting to sample southern food should stop here. Some of the best non home fried chicken I've had. It may seem odd to sit with strangers but it's all about the food and a new common interest u have: passing fantastic food to each other. Highly recommend and I tell everyone to go.
(5)Elizabeth S.
Went there during our trip to Florida/Georgia during the last week of May. We walked there from our hotel and we arrived around 10:45am and the line was already down the street. My husband gave me this "are you kidding me?!" look but I assured him that the food will be very good since it has a lot of good reviews. (Deep down I told myself "Please don't fail me Mrs. Wilkes because I had no idea how the food was going to be.)There was an older lady behind us saying to the other patrons that the food is true southern comfort food and that she has been going there for years which put my husband (and myself) at ease. After waiting for 1.5 hours, we finally got seated to a table full of food. I had a little of everything during my first round and then stuck to my favorites for the 2nd (and 3rd) round. The fried chicken was good but the BBQ pork was good and tender. The black eyes were delish as well as the yams. I was not that impress with the mac and cheese but there were so many options that if you didn't like one thing you had 10 other to choose from. Everything was so good and my husband did say at the end that it was worth the wait.
(5)jessica g.
The food was excellent! We arrived around 10:00 am on a Thursday and were part of the first table seated. I think the experience is worth the wait. I loved everything that I had there. It was the best fried chicken I have ever had. All the sides were amazing! I loved the okra, cabbage and black eyed peas the most. My suggestion is to get there early, just skip breakfast that day. It's an overwhelming amount of food and if you are like me, sampling everything is a must! Plus, there's dessert that can't be skipped (cobbler and banana pudding0! All in all, go there. We have skipped it on multiple trips to Savannah because we thought it was too touristy. Not at all! We sat with people that live in the city.
(4)Vanessa D.
I'm a buzz kill. I know. I wanted to love this place, especially after waiting as long as we did. But, I didn't. First, the wait. Holy crap, the wait. Thank god people were nice. It made it tolerable. We finally got in and sat at a table with about 8 others. Everyone was sweet as can be and I do love how we everyone is on their best behavior. It's cute. The food kept coming. The chicken is delicious but not the best I've ever had. Oddly, I loved the rice and gravy and had about three helpings. It just made me happy. The sweet tea was good. Not something to but you in a diabetic coma but sweet enough to be really refreshing. I'm glad we went so we could say we did, But i won't be back. At $18 a smack, it didn't seem worth it unless you haven't eaten for three days. I have a list of other places I loved more...
(3)Pedro P.
Visited this while in Savannah a couple weeks ago. It was truly memorable. Our table must have had 30 different dishes waiting for us, including the absolute best fried chicken I have ever tasted. Even dishes that I normally do not like, such as okra, collard greens, and black eyed peas, were delicious. The friendly service and charming interior were part of the great experience. Wow!
(5)Morgan E.
I don't think I can say enough good things about this restaurant. The staff was friendly and accommodating. I love the entire set up of this restaurant. You wait outside until it's time to be sat at the a table and you're seated with other people in line (family, friends, and strangers alike). The food is already on the table when you sit down and you're ready to dig in. The menu changes from day-to-day, but it's all good home-cookin' and it's all amazing. You won't leave hungry, that's for sure because the staff keeps everything on your table full and you're able to eat as much as you like. If you're going to Savannah, skip the Lady and Sons restaurant and RUN to Mrs. Wilkes - the taste and quality of food is much better there.
(5)Stephanie B.
We have been coming here for years. Food great! Desserts- not so great. This time we felt rushed to hurry up and leave even though there was no wait and we were the first seating. One of the wait staff yelled at someone at our table when she took 2 desserts. We have met Mrs Wilkes and this would never happen on her watch. Too bad!!
(3)Kathea S.
Yes, yes, yes, yes. Eat here. You will stand in line. Suck it up. Bring a fan and bottled water. The line starts early. Worth every single second. I've eaten here since I was a child. My dad even said the blessing for the restaurant once when I was kid. Lady and Sons doesn't even hold a candle. Everything you eat will be amazing. It's family style. You and 10 of your closest strangers at a table. Pass the plate. You will have to be rolled out of the place and want to take a nap. Go hungry to really get your money's worth.
(5)Jordan A.
Worth the wait. Pretty much everything I tried was amazing, and reminded me of Grandma's cooking. The stand outs were the sweet potatoes (I already looked up the recipe to attempt to recreate them for thanksgiving), the Mac and Cheese, and the fried chicken. The family style dining was fine with us...we were pretty focused on the eating, anyway! It's a definite must for a trip to Savannah.
(5)Mike K.
I would say it was worth the hour wait to get in. Everything I had was fantastic. Fried chicken, beef stew, ham all done well. About 12 vegetables and they were all great. Service was very good also. To me it was the best food I have had dining out since I don't remember when. I would certainly do it again!
(5)Richard R.
Savannah Georgia is a great city full of history. We love to walk the quaint "Squares" in the downtown historic district. If you are a movie buff then you have already viewed one of the squares (Chippewa) in the movie Forrest Gump. The bench where Forrest did most of his story telling was located here as well as the church where the feather first falls during it's opening flight in the movie. Then there is River Street, with great shops, restaurants and those OH SO HEAVENLY smelling candy shops. Walking the cobblestone streets behind some of the River Street buildings will lead you to curious looking structures that seem to be old fashion garages, but are said to have been actual holding cells for slaves that were delivered right to the Port of Savannah and auctioned. As a black American, I don't pass these structures without taking time to give my respects to the history of my ancestry that may have passed through here. And although Savannah is probably best known for it's architecture and hospitality, we come here mainly for one reason... Mrs. Wilkes!!!! We discovered this place on our first trip to Savannah while standing in line @ 8 am waiting to place our name on the guest list for Paula Deen's famous restaurant Lady and Sons. They don't start taking reservations til 9:30am so that left plenty of time to get to know the other eager souls standing in line along with us. One made the suggestion of trying Mrs. Wilkes the next time we were in town, but being a food lover, I decided to go for lunch that day. Side note: Never eat @ Paula Deen's & Mrs. Wilkes in the same day!!!! You will need a wheel chair to help you back to your hotel. Since that faithful day, we try to visit Mrs. Wilkes every chance we get. You also have to wait in line here and it best to get there 45 minutes early to be part of first seating. However, unlike Paula Deen's, you will be eating immediately after entering verses placing your name on a reservation list for later in the day. Mrs. Wilkes offers just about every southern style side dish you can think of. Don't walk in with the traditional "Buffet" in your brain. This is family style dining, based on the old soup kitchens. You are seated @ a large table (often times with other families) and all of the sides are already awaiting you at your table. Drink orders are taken and soon after come the meats of the day. Always included in those meats is the MOST GLORIOUSLY DELICIOUS FRIED CHICKEN you will likely ever eat. I often times think most Buffets are a waste of time and usually wind up overeating because I want to get my moneys worth (not because it's so good). But Mrs. Wilkes chicken makes me eat well past the point I need to stop because I just can't stop. But stop you must and you are also required to take your plate to the kitchen before leaving. Honestly, they should have a 6 star rating!!!! I've never had anyone whom I recommended this place to tell me anything less than it was the best food experience ever. Tons of celebrities have eaten here and even the President (as evident from the large plaque near the front door). Mrs. Wilkes delivers the goods, so make Savannah Georgia a destination. Just remember they only accept cash, and are only open weekdays between 11am - 2pm.
(5)Shannan M.
I'm a Southern girl through and through, so Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room was like heaven for me. A large table full of honest to goodness, down home Southern staples right down to the corn bread and sweet tea...perfection! We arrived around 11:10 and there was already a line out front. Apparently, people arrive up to 30 minutes early to be the first seated for all the deliciousness. We were in the "second seating" and got in around 12:15 or so. The restaurant is only open from 11-2, so timing is of the essence. The one hour wait was absolutely worth it! There were too many delicious dishes to name, but here goes a few: Fried chicken, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, okra and tomatoes, macaroni and cheese, green beans, black eye peas, cabbage, creamed corn, ribs, beef stew, corn bread, and for dessert: berry cobbler or banana pudding. I'm sure I missed at least 5 other dishes! It's served family style...about 10 people per table. Everyone helps themselves to as much as they want and passes the bowls around. It was nice talking to tourists and locals about the beautiful city of Savannah while enjoying such a fabulous meal! Things to remember: Cash only!!! I also heard they take checks. Don't expect to lounge around here for two hours. The hours of service are very limited and they try to accommodate as many guests as possible. You probably get an hour tops which is more than enough time because the food is already on the table waiting for you when you arrive! You absolutely MUST visit here when in Savannah...until I go back, I'll be dreaming about Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room:)
(5)Amanda H.
Fried Chicken, Collard Greens, Mashed Potatoes, BBQ pork!! All in one meal! Great great place to eat!!! The wait is pretty lengthy but we'll worth it! You make friends in line and most likely sit with them, great place!
(5)Jala C.
On our first trip to Savannah we went to Lady and Sons. It was good, but after talking to locals, were told to go to Mrs. Wilkes next time. We eloped in Savannah this month and made sure to go to Mrs. Wilkes for lunch. Great place! Love the family style dining and made some friends while waiting in line. The food is great. Service great. Love the southern hospitality of being called, "Baby girl" when I needed some help and got extra desert. A must anytime you're in Savannah.
(5)Cor B.
I would take any out of town visitor here- its more than fried chicken- it's an experience. And the food is good, and you will have more than you could possibly want.
(5)Bronc M.
Not much to say that hasn't been mentioned... it's good. REALLY good. Note: THEY ONLY TAKE CASH. I wish they had a sign that stated that before I saw it posted on the door (after an 1.5 hr wait) and had to make a frantic dash to the ATM. But man -- this is good. Think: Thanksgiving at Lunch. Like 20 bowls of food all waiting for you on a family style table (maybe like 10 to a table or so). So you may as well be friendly with those that you're waiting in line with -- it will make the meal more enjoyable. Did I mention how good the food is??? Oh I did? Good. Was worth saying twice!
(5)Jon N.
First, let me say that I had a great time at Mrs. Wilkes Boarding House and, in spite of my low rating, I would encourage anyone visiting Savannah to go there for lunch. Get there early and expect to wait in line for a spot at a communal table. We waited just over an hour for a table. We were a group of 8 and when we were seated, we had a table to ourselves, but we had a great time talking to people in line. THAT's the real charm of a visit to Mrs. Wilkes, the EXPERIENCE. The food is plentiful (I think it was 22 items!) and would be really good if they would back off of the salt. Seriously, everyone in our party commented or complained to one another about how much was in just about every dish. It's kind of like a diabetics training ground. Winners on the table were the fried chicken, mac and cheese, dirty rice and beets. They have a glass of very sweet, sweet tea for everyone and a pitcher on the table for you to refill. They will also bring you water and unsweetened tea if you ask. Don't make the mistake of calling it regular tea if you want unsweetened, as they feel there is "Nothing regular about that!" It's a great value at $18 per person including tax. And, TIP: Bring CASH or check, because they do not take credit cards. As for going on a business meeting (especially for a larger group - up to 10 can sit at one table), unless you are pressed for time, it's a GREAT option as you can really interact with the "family-style" service. Only open M-F from 11-2. Definitely worth the visit. You will have a great experience and with regard to the food, as they say, everything in moderation.
(3)Dances W.
This is a MUST VISIT for anyone local or out of town. We are locals but my mother in law absolutely MUST go here everytime she visits. It is a fantastic atmosphere and superb service. Nothing like a real home cooked meal and you are always full when you leave. Fantastic!
(5)K C.
Going to Mrs Wilke's is just one of those things you HAVE to do in Savannah. The wait will be long. (We waited well over an hour) but it is heaven once you are seated. The food is all on the table so there is no further wait. I believe there are 22-24 dishes on each table. It is served family style and each dish is excellent. It doesn't get any better than this. It is $18 CASH per person. Add a couple for the tip. Well worth the experience. I believe it is a block west of Bull Street. Just look for the line! Only downer was that I believe there were only two bathrooms.
(5)Art G.
This was our second visit after first having lunch here a year ago. The mid week, 30 minute wait (10:30 to 11:00), was well worth it. The amazing fried chicken, pulled pork and meatloaf accompanied by a 10 person table covered in side dishes is a great value for $18. Way worth it. Tip - don't eat breakfast that day and don't miss the biscuits!
(5)Linda N.
We went to Mrs Wilke's at the suggestion of Fodor's review. The history and concept of the restaurant is interesting. We met two other couples while waiting over 1+ hours to be seated and, luckily ate together which made it more enjoyable. The amount of food served is plentiful but, watch out if you don't like salty food! The collard greens, creamed corn, and squash were SO salty making them inedible. The rest of the sides were seasoned normally and were fine. It was Monday so the beef stew, pulled pork, and sausage dishes were delicious. The fried chicken is THE best! Mrs. Wilke's definitely has a great reputation in Savannah and I would recommend a visit. Be mindful, bring an umbrella in case you get caught in a Savannah rain!
(4)Tom L.
This one is worth the hype! I am writing this review a few years after my attenance, as Yelp wasn't in my vocabulary then. But, I can tell you my memory is vivid! I was able to go to Mrs. Wilkes because of a business trip and found it one of the most delightful places I have ever visited. From the historic images of guests on the wall to the family style seating and the one-size-fits-all menu, it was an experience. And, the food added to that! I know I enjoyed everything. It was truly food for the soul. From deep fried okra to chicken, greens and the rest, it was wondful souther cooking. The biscuits and, well, everything were wonderful! I was fortunate enough to be with a private party and came to Mrs. Wilkes for dinner. If you're in Savannah, one of our last walking cities, trot on over to Mrs. Wilkes, stand in line, and get your fill. Its an experience you will not soon forget!
(4)J W.
Finally tried this place after hearing about it for so long and I was not disappointed! First, you have to find it...tucked away on Jones st. Second, plan on getting in line early. We arrived about an hour prior to opening and the line was starting to grow. We met some lovely people in line and chatted for a while. We were lead into the dining room and found heaping piles of food on the table (you sit with about 9 other people, family-style). Everything I tried was delicious from the mac and cheese to the cornbread and biscuits. You even get dessert with the meal, although I was so stuffed I could only eat a bite. While I was not sure how I was going to feel about eating with strangers, it turned out to be very nice. Definitely make time for Mrs. Wilkes!! Make sure you bring cash and a healthy appetite!!
(5)Terry B.
This is one of the finest eating places we know of anywhere in America. I won't stand in line for anything, but I gladly wait half an hour or worse to sit at these tables with a dozen strangers and start dishing as dozens of plates and bowls arrive filled with heavenly southern cooking. It's all good, but the fried chicken is some of the best I've had anywhere. Green beans, grits, macaroni & cheese - this is the very Mecca of comfort food. We could not dream of visiting Savannah without a stop here.
(5)Taylor H.
The line to get in didn't look that long, but it ended up being an hour and a half wait. Once you get in, though, it is totally worth the wait. The southern food at this restaurant is absolutely perfect. The atmosphere is friendly and I loved everything that I ate on my plate, especially the biscuit and the sweet potatoes with raisins. My only complaint was that, the fried chicken was so good that it was gone within a minute. It took a while for us to get more, but I understand it's a busy restaurant. This was my second time at Mrs. Wilkes (my first was a year ago) and I feel like this time was even better than last year. I enjoyed the food so much, it was better than I remembered. Believe me when I say that there is no way that you can leave that place feeling hungry.
(4)Ron N.
Served homestyle with over 20 dishes. This place is amazing. Best fried chicken I ever had in a restaurant. Don't come unless you are hungry. I think they only take cash so be prepared.
(5)Titi T.
First time trying Southern comfort food, and it did not disappoint. We got in line at 1:30 thinking it'll go faster toward the end of the day. Not so! We waited for nearly 2 hours before seated. Luckily they're still taking in people past the closing time of 2 pm. Two hours went by quickly chatting with strangers and getting to know people. Occasionally a staff member came out to talk with us and answer our questions. There are 20+ dishes, and each was flavorful and worth the 2-hour wait. Some people who stood in line have been coming each year for 10+ years. Yes - you do sit with strangers, but that's part of the charm. Normally I balked at waiting for more than 2 hours for a meal, but it was a worthwhile experience and something not to be missed when in Savannah. Banana pudding at the end was just blah. With the amount of food we get, who needs dessert.
(5)Jeremy G.
Get there early. Prepare to wait (its more than worth it). Don't eat dinner the night before. Wear stretchy pants. Enjoy the smell and company. When its your turn, enter heaven. The side dishes alone. Barbeque was probably one of the best I've ever had. Fried chicken was exceptional. I would eat, bathe, brush my teeth, etc with the greens. One of the top 5 things I've ever eaten. Ever. And I've eaten a lot of things. Wakka Wakka.
(5)Sue D.
We recently dined here at the recommendations of yelp and other websites. The place was homey likes grandmas for a Sunday dinner. It was a nice experienced. But we were amazed at the quality of the food that was served. It was like eating cafeteria or buffet food. Everything tasted like canned food or instant like the mashed potatoes and rice. Nothing tasted homemade, maybe the fried chicken. Even the bisqits tasted like a package mix. Everything was so salty, not home cooking as we expected. They give you a lot of food but after one taste you don't want more. I don't understand why this restaurant gets so many good reviews. I wouldn't recommend this to my friends visiting the area, as there are plenty of others authentic home cooking restaurants!
(2)Dee Y.
We got there around 11:30AM, there were already about 2 tables of people in front of us... The line moved pretty fast... We waited probably about 20 minutes. When we arrived, The food was already on the table... Huge amount of food... and they just kept coming and coming... I can see the appeal of southern comfort food for the patrons... Especially if you come with a bunch of friends... Good food, good company... A lot of the food is not something I normally look for, but they're quite tasty.... I was a bit torn between three stars and four stars because I thought they were a bit over hyped... But the customer service was excellent, and I would probably come here again... So, four stars for now...
(4)Melissa R.
The upsides to this restaurant: It is an absolute staple to Savannah's history and dining. It has a very interesting story -- Google it. It's on Jones Street, which is the most beautiful resident street in SAV. Being forced to sit and mingle with strangers is surprisingly refreshing. The sweet tea and desserts are amazing. Very kid and picky-eater friendly as the majority of the food is vegetables. The downsides to my experience: Went in the middle of August -- please go during a cooler month if you! Wait staff forgot the fried chicken for our entire room. The serving bowls are plastic and get extremely hot, making them difficult to pass around. You'll have to stand outside in line for an hour if you want to get seated first, that's just how it works. But if you love Southern food, it is definitely worth the wait.
(4)Sean W.
Real Southern Cooking. The only thing I had that was even close to this was small roadside joint in the middle of nowhere in South Carolina. Mrs. Wilkes' is a MUST in Savannah. Bring a paper for the wait, eat your heart out, and take a nap in the park in the afternoon.
(5)Stephanie B.
One of the best places I've ever had the pleasure of eating. The fried chicken was divine, and eating with a group of strangers around a vast spread of tasty sides was a real experience. The service was very generous, in fact they refilled our fried chicken plate 4 times, and the line itself moved swiftly. My favorite item, which in fact wasn't featured on the online menus, was the BBQ beef brisket. Rich, sweet, and spicy all at the same time. It's great value here too, at only $16 each, and even the cookbooks are pretty reasonably priced for what you get. Mrs. Wilkes, your restaurant is a triumph! A must do in Savannah. If you are eating anywhere else while you are in Savannah, you are missing out.
(5)Fran T.
This is one of the MAIN reasons I love Savannah...okay I love the city in general, but Mrs. Wilkes is the only place that can cook like my Mom and my Nana used to. Most people don't even know what rutabaga is...but this place does, and they do it right! The fried chicken may even beat Mom's...(ohhh, who said that? :-) Just go, you won't be disappointed. Be prepared to WAIT outside, rain or shine or heat, but it's great to talk with others in line and warm up to them before you sit at that big family style table for your meal. :-) FYI, no reservations and no charge cards.
(5)Dylan P.
don't tell the staff but we got there around 3 (an hour after they supposedly close) and waited in the line for only about 20mins before they let us in (we were the last ones to be let in!). they brought us in to our table and the food was already laid out for us on the table hot and ready, so that made up for the wait in line. they seat you in a party of about 10 with other families, so hope u like company! this place defines southern hospitality. the food is amazing from the fried chicken to the banana bread pudding. definitely worth the time and money
(5)Katharine K.
Ok, so this place doesn't need any more reviews - but I enjoyed it enough to write one. My husband and I were on a road trip through the south and read about Mrs. Wilkes and thought it sounded like our type of place - seeing as though we love southern food! We arrived just before noon on a Tuesday expecting to wait in line - and we did (about 1 hour 15 mins). I was skeptical as to whether or not the food would be worth standing outside for, since I thought Mrs. Wilkes may be more of an "experience" destination than a spot for great food. I was pleasantly surprised and am SO glad we waited. I can't speak for the meat items (fried chicken, beef stew, pork were the dishes that day), since I didn't have those - but my husband enjoyed them a lot. I loved the mac & cheese, beans, creamed corn, sweet potato casserole, mashed potatoes, corn muffins, and especially the biscuits. AMAZING. I think I had three and wanted to put a few more in my purse to take home. I assumed doggie bags weren't appropriate at a family style place though... I would recommend Mrs. Wilkes to anyone visiting Savannah on a weekday - it was one of the highlights of our trip!
(5)Tighe R.
I typically would not give anything 5 stars, but Mrs. Wilkes is very deserving. No explanation needed. The fact that the line wraps around the block every single day speaks to itself. Luckily, I was first in line for my visit, and my fiancee and I left Mrs. Wilkes' the two happiest people in Savannah. Lived up to all expecations, we cannot wait to make out way back.
(5)Rosetta M.
I don't know if this will help at all because it seems that everything I wanted to say has already been said. Even before we got into town many of our friends who'd been here said to make sure we went to this restaurant. I am so very glad that we did. This has got to be the best restaurant I've ever eaten at. The atmosphere is great. All of the servers were friendly and very pleasant. The food was unbelievable! My mother is from the south and she is the best cook but this restaurant comes in at a very close second. Like everyone else has said, take cash and be prepared to wait. We went on a Wednesday afternoon and we waited in line about an hour. However, we enjoyed talking and getting to know the people around us. You will definitely not be disappointed.
(5)steve b.
Ok, you've read the other reviews so you know what kinds of dishes they have there so I don't need to itemize that. Let's start with the experience...it's open from 11:00am to 2:00pm so we were told to get there about 12:30. We did and there was a line of about 60 people in front of us. We waited about 45 minutes and were let in and seated at a long bench to wait for our table to be set. The dining room is small with about 7-8 large tables that can seat 8-10 people. We sat at the bench for 3 minutes and a lady said, OK to the 10 of us seated on the bench, "please be seated at this table" pointing to a table next to the restroom. We all quickly seated ourselves at the table loaded with bowls and platters of the many dishes and began filling our plates and passing the items around the table. Now here's the thing...if you are not familiar with southern cooking then you might be surprised that most everything is cooked WELL DONE! The cooked vegitables reminded me of the food in the army...well done. I like southern food and I thought this was OK, but not super. The chicken was very good, but the platter had mostly wings and legs and it was never replenished. After 20 minutes or so (I guess when they thought we had finsihed) they brought around a tray of banana cream pie in small dishes and we passed that around for our table participants to eat. Within a few minutes the head lady started looking at us as if to say, "I'ts time to go!" I saw others at other tables bussing their dishes so I asked the head lady if we were supposed to buss the dishes. She said, "Ya'll would be so nice to do that". We did and then walked to the cash register and paid the $18 per head for the meal (no credit cards) and out the door...wham, bam thank you maam. Don't get me wrong, it was an experience and I enjoyed it and the food was 7 on a 10 scale but I wouldn't do it again not with the wait and the pressure feeling I had to eat and get the hell out as quickly as possible.
(2)Luyi H.
This is amazing! :) We got there around 10:30 am, so we were part of the first batch of people to go in. B/c we were tourists, we also tested Paula Deen's Lady and Sons, and this definitely beat that experience. The food was good. There was so much of it. The banana pudding at the end was fantastic. You get sweet tea, collard greens, black eyed peas, friend chicken, brisket?, corn bread, etc. etc. We sat next to a group of locals who also loved the place. We learned that Mrs. Wilkes was a real person, who owned a boarding house that cooked amazing food. And, eventually it opened up to the public. For liberal atheistic yankees, note, the meal starts off with a quick saying of grace. Nothing too offensive, so don't be scared away. I recommend, getting to Paula Deen's really early, getting a late dinner reservation, and then going to Wilkes' to wait in line. I recommend NOT eating breakfast, or else your day of southern food will be a day of sadly staring at southern food you're too full to eat. I also recommend walking around Savannah. And, if you don't have cash, there's a BOA about a 15 minute walk away from Wilkes', which is... a bit of a hassle to find and get to. So, bring your cash, or make sure your friend has cash. :) All in all, this is one of my favorite experiences in Savannah.
(5)Dan B.
Southern food at its best. That's all I have to say about Mrs. Wilkes. See ya'll soon.
(5)Dennis K.
My wife and I were in Savannah for the day and looked to yelp to decide where to eat...Yelp came through yet again. We showed up early, around 10:30 and there was already a line formed in front of the building, but the line moved quickly and we were seated by 11:30. The family style was fun, most people were from different states and all were friendly. THE FOOD: This was the best fried chicken I have ever tasted in my life, I wish I ate more...dont be shy, they will bring more if you finish the first round...All the fixins are incredible and you won't be sorry if you choose to eat here.
(5)Taylor H.
This place definitely lives up to all of the hype in all of the other posts. Get there by at least 10:45 to get in by 12:15. You have been warned- You will wait in line- it will be hot and humid, you will not have access to a bathroom or water or chairs- you have been warned, no more complaining! The sides are all amazing; the family dining concept really makes you feel like you're doing something different; and the fried chicken is way better than "The Lady and Sons." Make sure to bring cash. Perhaps most memorable for me was the roasted squash side dish- it was perfectly cooked with just a bit of charring in a light butter sauce. Absolutely divine. Make sure your bring some good company to stand in line with- or just make friends with other people in line. I've been to both here and Lady & Sons- This is hands down the winner! A must visit for any tourist to Savannah.
(5)Mike A.
Believe the reviews - this place is AWESOME! We eat here at least twice during each visit to Savannah. You'll have to wait in line, so be prepared. Use the time to get acquainted with the people standing in line around you! You may very well end up enjoying lunch with them, too. The Fried Chicken is amazing - the best I've ever had. The BBQ pork is great, as well. There are more side dishes than you'll find on many large buffet lines, and they vary slightly throughout the week. While I'm not a big fan of the mac & cheese or the dumplings (just my opinion), the rest of the sides are absolutely delicious. They serve sweet ice tea unless you request water or unsweetened tea. Do yourself a favor - go with the sweet tea. It's some of the best in Savannah. Oh, and don't forget to bring your plate and glass to the kitchen when you're through eating! That's just good manners. :-)
(5)Teri S.
Yelpers - you have done it again!! You filled me in on a place that is a MUST when visiting Savannah!! After I was inside I realized that I had seen the place on Food Network - but it was because of Yelp that I wanted to try Mrs. Wilkes. My husband & I went on our last day in Savannah - what a great way to end the trip. We got in line around 10am. We had a great spot & watched the line grown as time went on. I can't begin to describe the food & experience. Just that you MUST have Mrs. Wilkes & you must not eat breakfast before. There is SO much delicious goodness. Fellow yelpers provided me with great information that I was prepared for the wonderful experience. We were craving Mrs. Wilkes all the way to Charleston & back home in California!!
(5)Scott B.
I really enjoyed this place and was glad my son suggested it! This is a true Southern dining experience to be enjoyed. Lot's of food and good company. The sweet potatos were fantastic along with the carrot salad. The line can get long so get there early. We did not feel rushed at all, it was a home cookin' dining experience which is rare these days.
(5)Amy J.
aw Mrs. Wilkes...I have heard about you but, I had no idea. My boyfriend and I waited about an hour and a half. We made friends in line and enjoyed our conversations. Once we got in we enjoyed the community seating and of course the dishes. The fried chicken was great and the BBQ pork was amazing. With so much to try if you didn't like something you just moved on. Something I would do again.
(4)Maggie D.
CASH ONLY! And be ready to get there VERY early and wait OUTSIDE! But this is a must do if you're in Savannah!! We got there around 10:30am and were seated at 11:30. You sit at a table with around 12 people and the food is all set out before you are seated, so there's no waiting inside! The food is amazing and there's sooo much of it! Go hungry and be prepared to eat more than you should! Not only is the food delicious it's also a fun experience sitting at a table with other people and getting to know them.
(5)Scott C.
I have been in Hilton Head, SC for almost a week and eaten at many places. This is in the top category. Haven't had better fried chicken since my mom's when I was a kid and that was a long time ago. It is a small place that our family of 10 took about 45 minutes to get into. It was well worth it. 20 items on the table with anything from the aforementioned fried chicken to other southern specialties such as collard greens, creamed corn, okrah, bbq pulled pork, corn bread and the list goes on. If you are in Savannah and you are hungry try it out. You will be rewarded with good food and a very southern hospitality wait staff.
(4)Marc M.
Mrs. Wilkes is on one of the squares in Savannah and does not have a neon sign, a billboard, none of the usual restaurant promotional stuff. It is just there and you find it. And finding it is easy. You sit at big tables with strangers who quickly become your friends. We sat with a big group of ladies from Colorado who were happily vacationing without their husbands (And, to quote Maxwell Smart: "and loving it"). It was festive and the fried chicken was sensational as were the vegetables, especially the yams and corn. The iced tea is superb and the pies are to die for. And so many types of salad. You can't go wrong at Mrs. Wilkes. Sadly, Mrs. Wilkes has passed on but the tradition continues.
(5)Bob S.
Yes you have to stand in line in the hot sun (they do bring out water.) Yes you have to bring your plate to the kitchen. Yes they serve in roughly 30 minute sittings and you can't really enjoy a languid lunch. Just go. It's great. You won't regret it.
(5)Michael C.
When we arrived in Savannah, our hosts took us here for lunch straight from the airport. I was shocked to see the line out front. I knew that it was going to be a good lunch! The four of us sat at a table with four others and started passing around the food that was already on the table. Every imaginable southern dish was there - all cooked to perfection. It was magical. The only drawback was that we all seemed to be in some sort of contest to finish quickly. I wanted to sit there and savor but the food was passed around so quickly and everyone ate so fast that we were out of there in less than an hour. I could have easily stayed for twice that long. At the end of the meal, the servers brought around banana pudding and cherry cobbler. We then took our plates to the kitchen and rolled out the door. It was a great introduction to Savannah hospitality and I'm glad we went. And all-you-can-eat for under $20? What a bargain!
(4)Thien D.
Holy moly! I've hit the gold mine on this one. We went here for lunch one day and the line was just a monster!!!! I almost not wanted to stay but she talked me into it. The wait was long and it was a big tease. You can smell the food from the outside and from time to time, a cook will come out and just start talking to the people. We meet a few people in front and behind us and we talked to them and got to know them. We seem to be the only natives there, but that was ok because it still made us unique in a crowd of tourist. We waited for what it seemed to be forever (1.5-2 hours) and I was finally the person standing at the front door waiting to get in. When I saw the guy that work there coming to fetch me and the next group, my heart started pounding like the first time I'd seen a girl in a thong at the beach. As we went in, the guy instructed us to our tables but somehow I ran to the wrong one and it was even dirty. I didn't care at that point. I was Hongry! So when I finally sat at my right table, we sat with the people that we met in line. They sit you there ten to a table. Most of them are strangers unless you came with a party of ten. When you sit, the table is already set with food and sweet tea. There were 20+ different food item on the table that was served family style. After all that talking outside and food in front of me, it was eating time and I didn't talk to anyone from that point on. I looked like a slob piling my plate up with everything and being the first one to clear it as well and continued to go for seconds, thirds, fourths, and so ons. I was forwarned to save room for dessert but I did not. When the desserts came out....a banana pudding and blueberry cobbler, I only managed to take a small bite of each. The banana pudding when swallowed was touching my uvula I swear. The food was awesome!!!! But by the time I was stuffed to the rim, it looked disgusting lol. We both enjoyed it and I can say that it is most worth it to wait in line again just for lunch like that.
(5)Thomas P.
The food was great, and it was a very cool experience. I will always remember sitting with 20 strangers and meeting new friends over very good southern food. I know the wait sucks, however, be patient you will not be disappointed!
(5)Jason L.
Very good. Had to stand outside in the rain to eat here, but was still good.
(5)David S.
A haiku. The line moves quite fast. Her fried chicken, best in class. That meal, not the last.
(5)Joe T.
We were on a fairly tight schedule because we had to drive to the airport in Jacksonville and I wanted to be on the road by 12:30. Since Mrs. Wilkes' opens at 11AM I didn't think this would be a problem, especially since we got there at 10:30AM. I was surprised that there was already quite a line when we got there. This was a Monday morning so I assumed it would not be quite as busy. We had to wait about 45 minutes to get inside but everyone in line seemed to enjoy themselves, talking to each other and wondering in a good natured way how long it would be before we got in. Once inside we were seated with a large group of people until our table was filled. Then they started bring out bowl after bowl of Southern cooking. There were so many dishes that I can't remember them all nor did I get to sample all of them. There simply was too much food for me to try them all. I do remember: English peas, black eyed peas, summer squash, cream corn, okra, fried chicken, barbeque, gravy, biscuits and cornbread, banana pudding, cherry cobbler, and many more dishes. The food was very good and there was lots of it served family style. I believe the cost was $16 per person and well worth it. The restaurant is only open from 11AM to 2 PM so I hope all those in line after us got in. Even with the wait to get in, we finished our meal, walked back to get our car, and were on the road at exactly 12:30! I highly recommend Mrs. Wilkes'! Don't let the lines intimidate you. The food is well worth the wait and you will probably enjoy the conversation with the others in line with you.
(5)J S.
Like this place needs a bigger line after another 5 star rating. I will keep it simple. The first time I have ever gone out and felt like I was eating in (in a good way). I am the son of a preacher man from down south. This means I have a LOT of pot lucks under my belt. For the southern religious crowd on Yelp you will know what I mean when I say this: you know how every church pot luck has that one or maybe 2 dishes that everyone loves that is made by that one little old lady and then there is a lot of jello mold and only so so food. Well picture a restaurant that went around the entire state and poached ever churches one little old lady to come work for them an only make that one thing. Then picture 27 of them back there. This is basically what eating here is like. I wish I could take every Yankee and every foreigner in America and seat them here. You wana taste the south? You want the teroir of the Southern spirit on your tongue? Take a seat in Mrs Wilkes Dining Room.
(5)Jim S.
I have been reading review after review and was completely enticed to travel an hour to get here for that great food. It was closed. : ( I checked the website (2 weeks before & now a week after) and there is nothing stating they were closed for remodeling or for the winter season. My family of 4 & our 2 friends were pretty disappointed. We talked to some locals & a postman that assured us they were indeed closed. So my review is a warning to all to verify they are open now before you make the trip. We ended up at Clary's (check for my review).
(3)John J.
Long wait. Good food. Not worth the wait though.
(3)Adam S.
Upon arriving in Savannah, the first stop was the visitor center to find out where the best local grub was. The nice old lady directed me to Lady and Sons, which I had heard good things about from other visitors.. As i was leaving, the security guard pulled me aside and explained that i was on my way to tourist central, and if i really wanted to eat like a local, Mrs Wilkes was the spot. So we made our way over and got in line. Shortly after we were told that we would be the last group for lunch. I didn't pay much attention to the folks in line, but i should have, as those would turn out to be my dining companions. Everyone eats together at one of three tables in the dining room, and each table is covered in fixings and sweet tea upon arrival. Shortly after sitting, you are swarmed with meats ranging from fried chicken to sausage. Accompanied by mac and cheese, collard greens, black eyed peas, cracklin cornbread and any other southern delights you can think of, this is truly a down home meal. But what really made the experience for me, was sitting with a table full of strangers, and everyone being in the best mood possible due to the amazing food in front of us. We conversed and even wound up taking pictures with our fellow diners, as they were as much a part of the experience as the food. Bus your own place settings and make sure to pay the man at the door on your way out. This is a MUST if you are ever in Savannah.
(5)Guillermo K.
Oh man, this place was dope. And always fun to have a little convo with friendly strangers from all over (mainly folks from other parts of the southeast and the occasional elderly couple on an epic RV trip).
(5)Tony D.
Very cool place in Savannah. It is definitely worth the wait. Odds are if you go in the summer time you will spend 30-60 minutes in line waiting for a seat. Every table is a communal table so you might as well make conversation with the people around you in line. There is a good chance you will be eating together. When you walk in there are large tables all over the small place and you sit down to a table literally covered in plates and bowls of homemade cooking. Sit down, start eating and pass the bread. Being from LA, it's a definite change to our eating style, but the restaurant has a Southern, down home kind of feel. It is a must eat when you visit Savannah.
(5)jaimie k.
I'm going to be totally honest, I feel happier having eaten here than when I was actually getting to eat there, if that makes sense. It's certainly something to do, and simply for the chow down with strangers table arrangements -- you're ushered in after a typically hour (plus) wait to a table for twelve where you eat family style. The food itself is pretty damn good. The mac and cheese was Yu-umMY, but not as good as at Lady & Sons, though this is the only place where I got to eat some fantastic creamy squash dish that left me wanting seconds...and going for thirds. And, while the desserts left something to be desired -- your choice of a tiny cup-let of blueberry cobbler of banana pudding when I was there -- the biscuits were faboooooooooooo.
(3)heej c.
here are some important food tips: FRIED CHICKEN!!! so tasty with perfect balance of salt and pepper with crispy skin ::drool:: i gotta say, it was the best fried chicken i've yet to taste :d RED RICE!!! it looked like jambalaya, but the online menu says it's red rice. this also might have been the best jambalayaish red rice i've had! they gave generous amount of sausage chunks. as a first timer, the dilemma is that you enter the room where your table is and you're greeted with FIFTEEN to TWENTY-TWO DISHES (and friendly servers). it's like a thanksgiving dinner table: but with strangers who are just as hungry and thankful for the AC as you are. if i had known what to eat.. i probably would have dug straight into the fried chicken and the red rice :D there were other good dishes such as collard green, cucumber w/ dressing, corn, mash potato with gravy, bbq pork, mac and cheese, cabbage, some radish dish, okra and tomatoes, beans, yams, and more. but if i were to go again, i'd skip some of those and eat more fried chicken and red rice :D they also serve sweet and unsweet tea - go for the sweet one ;) once the servers think that you're done, they bring out dessert (when you already feel like you're ready to pop). ours that day was fresh tasting banana pudding for each person at the table. i only say fresh because the nilla cookies were still crunchy, which i loved. my boyfriend and i went there on monday and thought that they served the same dishes everyday, but it turns out, according to their website, their menu varies slightly each day. tip here: go on monday, taste that red rice! ( mrswilkes.com/menu.html ) and here are some non-food tips: when we got there, the first thing we saw was this looooong line before we even got to locate the entrance. we parked and lined up. tip here: the parking meter rate is much cheaper than the city of atlanta rate, but do bring quarters enough for 2 hours. it was a hot spring day and we ended up waiting for an hour. tip here: if you can, get some cold water or drinks with you so that you can hydrate yourself if you happen to visit this place in the hot weather. don't bring anything that'll melt.. bring a straw hat, a sunbrella, shades, COLD WATER, COLD WATER and COLD WATER. i suppose you can bring something to entertain yourself with, but talking to those in front of and behind you is also a good idea because you're most likely to be seated with them inside. once we were in, the cold AC and the smell of the food greeted us. on our way to our table, we saw a framed picture of president obama dining at mrs. wilkes. we were seated with some strangers: these people were a few people ahead of us in the line outside (yes, we got to skip some people and got seated a little faster for being a party of two). we enjoyed the experience of chatting with strangers, sharing where we all were from, commenting and agreeing on the taste of the food. all of us at the table walked out slowly and stuffed. oh yeah, when you're done, you bring your own dishes and bring it to the dish washing area - that's the tradition. then you pay at the exit and there goes your experience of mrs. wilkes! P.S. worth the wait, worth sweating in the heat, and worth the money. go!
(5)Dallas K.
Well worth the wait. Amazing chicken, all you can eat sides (the menu online only lists a small portion of what you end up getting), great sweet tea. Plus, you get to meet travelers from all over at the family style tables. Definitely try!
(5)JR D.
BOTTOM LINE AT THE TOP: While Savannah has it's fair share of iconic eateries, and classic low-country establishments for the common folk, Mrs. Wilkes, with its hollowed history and reasonably priced authentic cuisine might be the only place in town that is both at the same time. This age-old establishment needs no billboard or grand entryway to attract its clientele. The legendary food does that all on its own. And if you can't find it on most of the tour maps and trolly stops in the city, just look for the two hour line of people standing outside an old brown-brick building on Jones St. and you will have found Ms. Wilkes. What used to be a boarding house for travelers, Ms. Wilkes Dinning Room is set in two small rooms on the bottom floor with large tables set comfortably into its corners. Patrons are brought in a table at a time and seated together, next to strangers and other groups and served family style. On any given day the serve up 20 or so dishes per table including: there legendary fried chicken (the best I've had), beef stew, pork BBQ, Mac n' Cheese, cream corn, black-eyed peas, stuffing, fresh corn bread... and all the other classic southern dishes you care to think of. And each one is amazing on it's own, and absolutely fabulous in concert with the other dishes. This is all served with a glass of sweet tea and a choice of desert and all for around $15.00 a person. Waiting times vary from season to season, where there is usually a short or no wait in the winter to as long as three hours in the tourist happy summer. They are only open for lunch and there is not liquor sold on the premises.
(5)Thomas T.
You will not be disappointed! Incredible real southern cooking! Often a long wait but you usually meet people in line and start talking and it doesn't seem so long after all. Family style so if your group isn't large enough to fill up a table then you'll be sitting with the people you just met in line:), and don't forget to take your plate to the kitchen when you're done!
(5)Chris D.
We visited Savannah just last week and was told by our tour guide we had to eat here. we got there a little after 11 and was seated by 1230. it was everything we were told it was. GREAT!!! it was like sitting down at my Grandmas house and having dinner. the food was great, and we met some intresting folks. would recommend to everyone. thanks for the great experience, the next time we are in town we will visit again.
(5)Michaela L.
Definitely an exercise in quantity- arrived at 10:45am on a Weds and were seated at 12:00. If you have a few people in line, you can send someone over 1 block and up two blocks to the Gryphon which has to-go coffee if you order from the "bar", also a nice bathroom. Food at Mrs Wilkes was as-mentioned in previous reviews. Fried chicken was probably the best item, some of the sides seemed re-heated. Mac and cheese good, all food very rich and extremely salty. Sweet potatoes were like eating straight maple syrup. Glad we went for the experience of it but I would not recommend it on food quality alone.
(3)Nick Z.
It's a no-brainer that anyone visiting Savannah simply must experience Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room. I've found that to be an understatement. This was easily the best lunch experience of my life. Perhaps best meal I've ever had served to me from a commercial establishment. I began the whole thing in a long queue on a sunny day in Savannah. My fiancee and I had spent the morning apartment hunting so we'd worked up an agreeable appetite. We even ate light at our hotel's continental breakfast in order to spare room for the calories we knew we'd ingest at lunch. I happened to be wearing my Yelp shirt I'd recently got at an Elite Event in Detroit and lo and behold, we stepped in line right behind Dee, Liz, and Ashley M. of Chicago. Liz took note of my shirt and showed me her own and we all just started chatting about anything and everything while we killed time in line. The line moved as fast as it could and I really can't fault people for not being in any rush to vacate their tables. To put it into perspective, it was like waiting in line for a popular attraction at an amusement park. The line was shorter (but moved slower) and blissfully shaded by large trees. Every time people left the restaurant, they did so exclaiming that it was worth the wait, hands resting happily over their full bellies. Those utterances of satisfaction emboldened everyone to stay the course no matter how far away the goal may have seemed. When we finally were ushered into the restaurant, we were thrilled to find we'd all be seated together to enjoy our own miniature Elite Event. No sooner had I sampled the (perfectly made) sweet tea than the bowls began to arrive one after another until they numbered 23. I was amazed and thrilled and overwhelmed and very, very hungry. We began the game of passing the bowls and eventually tore in and every bite was a thrilling discovery. Everything was delicious. It's a testament to the abilities of this restaurant that most every dish served is a shining example of what the dish ought to be. The fried chicken, greens, sweet potatoes, beef stew, squash and succatash were all the best I'd ever eaten. To be served six dishes that earn a "best ever" badge is unheard of. The meat loaf, while delicious, is only bested by my mother's and the cabbage is tied with the stuff that comes out of my grandmother's kitchen. Incredible. The only thing that beat the food was the company. I had a great time with these folks and have to thank Mrs. Wilkes' setup for fostering this kind of eating environment. Family style dining is a glorious thing because of the conversation and kinship it promotes. Dee managed to grab our portion of the check before I was able and I'd only be too happy to make that up to them the next time they're in town and looking for a good meal.
(5)Scott L.
I ate here a long time ago. And at that time they had breakfast. I guess they got rid of that. But this was by far one of the most interesting dining experiences I ever had. It was like the definitive meal at grandmas house. Mrs. Wilkes was there serving family style dishes that had the rich flavor of generations. I never forgot that meal. I highly recommend this place for a real southern experience in the heart of Savannah.
(4)Jen H.
thought I was going to die from the long wait but it was worth every second. Hands down the best meal I've ever had in my life.
(5)Michelle G.
What's not to like or even love about this place! Well, Mrs. Wilkes is definitely one unforgettable dining experience during my trip to Georgia. Why? Because I've never been to restaurant where they serve Southern Thanksgiving like dinner all year round. With that being said, as a Filipina we were not familiarize with the way Thanksgiving family dinners work. Which is, sharing a huge table with a different family member to share variety of dishes and sides already served on our table. I personally have been to a family like dinner but our traditional family members did not know that you have to pass the dishes around after you get some for yourselves. Hehe. Which made our experience together as a family so much fun, because we got to know the other family members we shared our food with on our table. Yes, there will be a huge line filled with hungry people even before they open. Well, we actually got there right on time since there were only 5 families in front of us. As soon as you walk in their basement like restaurant, you'll get the feeling that you just walked in someone's grandma's house. It just very old fashioned, very comfy, very antique and very homey with their decor. Once you get to your table, you'll see that the dishes are already served family style at the table. I believe there were about 20 dishes to share. There's no need for a menu, Coz everything is right on the table. Drinks wise, they will ask you as soon as your sat into the table. Their sweet tea was so delicious, the reason why I bought some from their mini store. My favorite was their tender, juicy, flavorful, crispy fried chicken. Mmmmm! It sure was very "country southern food." After your meal, they will serve you with choices of desserts to choose from. And like a family dinner, you bring your plate to the kitchen to be washed. Luckily, we did not have anything for breakfast which made it our first meal of the day. So, we really ate as if it was dinner time and not brunch. Lol. The staff was very friendly, always smiling, very courteous, and polite which really made it into a very Southern experience you won't get any where else in a restaurant. Not only that but my cousin had mentioned to the staff that I was just visiting from CA, and that I would love to have just a little bit of our leftover to take home. The staff did not think other wise and gave us a little something to go. I really loved it here period and if ever I do go back to Georgia, I will definitely come back here at Mrs. Wilkes. Thank you for such an great hospitality.
(5)Steve K.
This was definitely a worthwhile unique dining experience. I loved eating family style in an old historic boarding house! You'll need to plan your day around this lunch because of the very limited hours and long lines. (open Mon-Fri 11am-2pm). I waited about 40 mins which wasn't too bad. The price is now $18, which isn't a bad deal considering how wonderful and plentiful the food is! My advice is to only take a little of each item if you want to have enough room to try everything. The drinks are iced tea or water, and the meal ends with a small dessert (banana pudding or peach cobbler). The lunch does feel a little rushed- they start clearing plates, giving you dessert and telling you to buss your own plates even when some people are still eating. Don't expect to linger around and have a conversation after your meal. I understand that they need to turn tables quick for the long lines outside, during the short business hours. I have no idea why such a popular restaurant is only open for a few hours and closed on the weekends. Still worth the visit if you can fit it in your schedule!
(4)Becky T.
The best restaurant ever. We got in line at 10:30, so easily made the first seating at 11am. We walked in their small dining room to our table, and our jaws just dropped at the sight of it. On the table were over 20 dishes of food including from what I can remember: lima beans,creamed corn, cheesy mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, greens, cabbage, beef stew, chicken dumplings, yellow squash, BBQ pork slices, black eye peas, white rice, dirty rice with sausage, succotash, rutabaga, corn bread, rolls, mac and cheese, tomato pasta salad, and a platter of the best fried chicken ever. Then for dessert you get a choice of blueberry compote or banana pudding. All for $16 even. I loved that it was served family style and that you get to eat with strangers. We were lucky because the people we were with were all visiting foodies, and they have hit all the best spots in Savannah already and we enjoyed hearing all these retired people who's main amusement in life is to now travel the country in search for good food. Its something to look forward to in life. The only disappointing thing was that the people weren't big eaters, though that turned out to be a good thing because I ended up finishing up the platter of chicken. I'm sure they thought I was a pig considering I had like 5 pieces of chicken while everyone else had 2. Must not go to waste! Seriously, Paula Dean's is not even in the same league as this. Everyone needs to take a pilgrimage here. I love, love this place.
(5)Mary V.
Would have loved to have had lunch here, but there was a two hour wait to just get in the door. We did talk with folks who were committed to waiting in line and they sounded very excited about their lunch adventures at Mrs Wilkes Dining Room.
(4)Mary O.
This is the place to go for lunch in Savannah. There's always a line and depending on how big your party is, you may sit with strangers. It's like going to a dinner party. The people I sat with were from New Jersey and South Carolina. The food is all set in the middle and southern comfort type of food. I discovered a love for lima beans and the fried chicken is delicious. The only thin g that sucked was that you had to bus your own dishes and cash only.
(4)X V.
Believe the hype. This place is well worth it. Bring cash or a check - they don't accept credit or debit cards! I didn't get to try everything so I am going back tomorrow. Go there hungry!!! You won't be disappointed. Everything was very good, hot, and fresh! Plus the added fun of sitting with fellow diners at a large round table. Loved it and will be going back!!
(4)Lisa Z.
This was a very amazing experience for me! I didn't care for waiting in line for 2 hours in the hot and humid Savannah climate, but it was worth it. I would have to compare it to either going back in time or playing a role in a movie (neither of which I've ever done! You will never have more authentic Southern food! At the end of this family style lunch you clear the table and bring your dirty dishes to the kitchen... it was awesome. I believe it is also on the top 100 places to go before you die (or something like that). Put this restaurant on your Bucket List but bring a battery operated fan with you if you go in the summer time!
(5)Enoch C.
long line, worth the wait. the gf and i went on a day trip to savannah planing to go to the lady and sons, but after reading poor reviews and rave reviews for mrs. wilkes, we decided to come here instead. i don't know if i missed anything at the lady and sons, but i'm very satisfied with our decision to go to mrs. wilkes instead. we arrived around 1:00 with the line winding to the end of the intersection. here's a tip, if you're going to get there around 1 on a monday, you might as well just take your time and get there right at 2. you'll be about 10 people back, but you won't have to wait nearly as long. it was hot outside, so bring a cool drink if you're going to brave the heat. now, on to the food. you sit in tables of 10 with whoever you were in line with, food already on the table. we didn't know what to do since my table was all out-of-towners. we just sat there marveling at the food not knowing if we were allowed to start eating or not. finally we asked one of the servers and she gave us a look like, "i can't believe you fools aren't eating this bountiful feast we made for you." so we dove in. it reminded me of what a thanksgiving meal would be like. everyone passing bowls and plates. i think someone counted 22 different dishes on the table at one point. here are some highlights: the fried chicken - delicious!! one of the best i've had. i usually eat white meat for the test. it was so tender and juicy... i'm salivating right now as i remember each bite i had. dirty rice/jumbalaya - huge chunks of sausage (andouille i think). flavored really well. biscuits - really moist and soft. the cornbread was a little too dry and hard for me. bbq pork - was ok. but you're not there for this. you're there for the fried chicken. the mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, red potatoes, collards, squash, and cabbage were all good. nothing i had there was bad. the thing is, besides the chicken, nothing's GREAT! but everything is darn good. southern home cooking at its finest. for dessert, we had banana pudding which was good. it's my favorite dessert, so i inhaled it. it was good. i can't say i've had exceptional banana pudding though. what i liked most about the meal is the experience. it was fun chatting it up with out-of-towners. wouldn't have had that experience at paula deen's restaurant.
(4)Terry E.
We went to the place for the experience; the price of $16.00 per person is alright if you have a big appetite for fried chicken and all the helpings. You really have to get in line early, they open at 11am and line starts at 9am. Once you're in they have the table set up with all the food on bowls and you could eat as much as you want; bottomless iced tea. If you want desserts, they have it in very,very small bowls, so tell the server right away if you like more than one. I love the servers, they're so wonderful and very attentive. You won't be able to finish the food, they keep on filling it up; I don't know what they do with the leftovers, but it's sad to have all those food go into waste. No take-outs for leftovers and before I forget it's Cash only 'If it's your first time in Savannah, just go and try it...
(2)Jen P.
A dining experience to be had. Family style portions served thanksgiving style. Never will you have homecooking like this in a restaurant anywhere other than here.. (that i know of atleast) It was my favorite place in Savannah.Everything served is delicious. The sweet tea is really good too. Yes, the line is long but so worth it. And yes, I feel guilty for liking this "thanksgiving" meal a tad bit more than my own Mothers. Ooops.
(5)Chad B.
This place was amazing. Being a foody and pretty particular about food, every dish was excellent. No need for salt and pepper on any dish, which is always a shocker. Only downsides to the experience were: 1. You sit with strangers, which was great, but there was this tourist schmuck at our table breaking the cardinal principle of talking politics in front of strangers. 2. Everyone at really fast - I am tall and have a high metabolism, so I will eat more than most, not to mention I like to take my time. Therefore, I felt like everyone was kind of waiting on the wife and I to finish up because they felt embarrassed leaving the table before we were done. In the end, though, the food is great, which is what you came for, not to mention that this place has been doing the same since the 40's.
(5)Keith L.
My wife knows I love good buffets and all you can eat places but I also like good food. I know this is in congruent, but I found my nirvana, Mrs Wilkes' Mrs Wilkes' is the place to go when you are in Savannah if you like family style southern cuisine and don't mind waiting for over 1 hours to get in and paying $16/person (cash only). I agree with the previous reviewer that the Fried Chicken was the bomb (does anyone say that anymore besides me?) It was seasoned perfectly without dripping in grease. I think I had about 4 pieces. I also agree that creamy squash dish, which looked like something you would get at an Indian place but was delicious and I too had 2nd, 3rds. The other best dish I had was the chicken and noodles. I think I had 5ths of that. Surprisingly I did not roll out of the place but was full. Hey, after waiting in line for over 1 hour in the heat and humidity you have to get your fill, right? Serving staff was very nice and we sat at the same table with a guy who married into this family. He said that the original Mrs' Wilkes granddaughter is running the place now and she was out there serving us biscuits. Did anyone mention you need to bus your dishes when you are done...kinda homey in a good way. I'm going back if every I'm back in Savannah
(5)Kate C.
This place came highly recommended, as in "You have to go to Mrs. Wilkes". We obliged, but it wasn't all that. We waited for about an hour and we were basically rushed in and out. We sat for a half hour tops. And although it may be part of the charm, I'm not really into clearing my own dishes after you have rushed me through lunch. That being said, a few of the sides were excellent: the stuffing, the turnips, the yams, they were all great. the fried chicken was okay (in my opinion, my boyfriend loved it - probably because it's fried). The biscuits were embarrassingly bad. Yeah, I guess you "gotta go" but don't expect to be able to relax and enjoy your meal.
(3)Antoinette T.
If you're coming to Savannah you just can't pass up a landmark. I couldn't. My sister and I came here and we were SO stoked. We were the first people in line and got seated at a large table with some nice enough people. As soon as the food started pouring out of the kitchen my mouth was watering... I was mentally rushing the people at my table to pass the fooooooood! but i have to say, as much hype as this place has built up.. i just thought it was average. It wasn't bad... but it wasn't great. Not great enough to make a second trip and wait in line and sit with people I don't know and wait for them to pass the food!
(3)Tony S.
The fact I won't stand in line to get into anything - cinema, nightclub, Apple store (especially Apple store) but was happy to stand in line for an hour to get friend chicken says a little too much about me. Mrs. Wilkes was the quintessential southern dining experience for me. Even the wait was well mannered. Family style service normally feels odd but here it was right. Arriving to a table laid out with all kinds of delicious foods was so cool, and everyone at our table was so nice. It was like dining on the home of a great southern cook. And the food? The fried chicken wasn't the best I've ever had, but it was darn close and really crispy and moist. The sides were so varied and yum you'll want to try a little of everything. I couldn't believe I had a second helping of green beans! The BBQ pork was also a highlight. There was tons of food left over and one of the staff told us that leftovers are offered to local charities, which is good to know. All in all a real Savannah experience worth having. Just be prepared for the wait in line and don't let that frame your experience.
(4)andrea r.
For true southern food, you must go here, Family style and the food keeps coming !! You must go here--
(5)Kate F.
Totally overrated! We were so excited to try this spot with all of the great reviews - and we were so disappointed. The only thing we both liked was the fried chicken, which was pretty good (but we have had better). The experience of waiting in a loooooong line built up our anticipation - but the fact that it was a line of tourists with tour bus stickers and fanny packs should have been the first hint we were in the wrong place. Once we were herded inside, we were sent to a large table that seated probably a dozen people. The table was filled with bowls of side dishes, and each spot had a glass of iced sweet tea. No one came to tell us what any of the dishes were - we were left guessing. We had to flag down the surly waitress in order to get water and unsweetened tea, and she made it seem as though we had asked for something totally unreasonable. The dishes were varied, but all were lukewarm. The macaroni and cheese seemed to not have real cheese on it, there were some dishes with turnips in them. The biscuits were not lofty, but oily and flat. The collard greens were so salty (and I love salt), we could barely eat them. The pulled pork was pretty good, but again - we've had better. There was something that I would describe as corn pudding, but I have no clue if it was creamed corn, grits... or what? It was so gelatinous, it was disgusting. Everything seemed to have salt, sweeteners, chemicals, etc. It actually lacked a true homemade taste. We had a couple of vegetarians at our table who were not clued in to the set menu, they clearly were miffed as well. So, for $16 a head you get to wait in line for mediocre cold food that you have no idea what it is, get treated badly by the 'waitstaff', have to beg for water, and then - you get to clear your own dishes! Amazingly enough - as soon as the meal was coming to an end, the previously surly and rude waitress who had walked around the dining room talking on her iPhone (!) during lunch - became sunny as she told us we could leave the tips on the table if we wanted HER to have them, instead of in the common tip basket as you check out. We would never go back, nor would we recommend this tourist trap. Beware of all those positive reviews!
(2)Terese G.
I could say "see Dawn K.'s review," but I guess that'd be lazy. We waited in line for over two hours on our last day in Savannah, and we'll do it all again the next time we're in town. The food and experience were wonderful. We loved the communal dinner table, the incredible array of Southern sides, and the heaping plate of fried chicken. There's no lingering at the table, but that's probably for the best so you can avoid a dreaded food coma.
(5)Tracy P.
This is the best place to eat EVER! Words can't describe this place if you love Southern Food.... Now there are a ton of things to choose from and YES my Grandmother can make some of the dishes BETTER! But for the money and the Delicious EATING nothing can compare! Not EVEN Paula Dean's I would not even think about standing in her line to eat! I might cause a riot inside if it didn't compare or if it wasn't better than Ms. Wilkes so I stay away....Paula looks like she could handle me LOL! I wish you could take leftovers but you can't and it's probably a good thing. I can't imagine the fighting at the table over who would get to leave with the goodies! Wear your loose fitting clothes and forget about your DIET! Awesome Eating!
(5)Art T.
Two thumb ups for this place. I guess the touring season is gone. My friend and I went there at 10:30 am. We were seated by 11 am. The food was just like any home-made cooking. The collard greens and fried chicken were out of the world. There were over 20 side dishes. Everything was just perfectly made. The staff was attentive. I definitely would go back and recommend anyone to try it.
(5)Patricia C.
A must for your Savannah visit. Was skeptical when I heard it was cash only and it was only open for 3 hours a day during the week but it was worth waiting in line for. The fried chicken was flavorful, yet light and the MANY sides left me stuffed.
(5)Holly S.
Southern food at its BEST! This is one tourist trap in Savannah that is truly worth going to! If you drive by Jones St on a weekday between 11-2, you are sure to see a long line leading into what looks to be a house. Be sure to get there at about 10:50 if you don't like to wait.. but it is a shady wait if you choose to get there later. You must go with a HUGE appetite. As you wait in line, the people leaving Mrs. Wilkes will always say "It's worth the wait!". How annoying because after an hour of hearing.. "It's worth the wait," you just want everyone who already ate to hush.. haha. That sounds bitter, but you will see. Upon entering, you feel like you are at granny's house. Our table consisted of about 12 people. Try to not let the people at your table ruin your experience. We had a guy from New Jersey and other person at the table asked if he was from New York... Oh..That made Mr. New Jersey VERYY angry It made for an awkward lunch experience, but my beau and I found it rather comical. Beyond that, the food was delicious. I love bringing family and friends here, as well. This place is 100 times better than Lady and Sons!
(5)Josh C.
Don't tell her I said this, but Mrs. Wilkes is better than my southern Grandmother's cooking. We arrived at 10:45 and were seated less than 30 minutes later my wife and I loved the family atmosphere. I was a little worried about sitting with strangers, but we had a great time. I've seen some reviewers complaining about running out of food...you must have been sitting with some greedy people! We all ate tons (everyone had seconds and thirds) and it seems like we barely made a dent in what we were served. I would advise you to try everything on the table. I generally don't like barbecue or stuffing, but I loved both at Mrs. Wilkes. You might find a new favorite as well.
(5)Sarah H.
Mrs Wilkes is a must for anyone visiting or living in Savannah- the food is excellent and there is just no way to try everything they put on the table. The best fried chicken. Definitely a must.
(5)Skip H.
Just like grandmas house! If your here, just go, it's a must do for lunch. Something for everyone on the table of delicious southern dishes. Loved the experience.
(5)Ross W.
Forewarned, we got there at 10:30a, but there were already 30+ people in line. However, we made first seating. You sit with a bunch of strangers. The table is already filled with sweet tea and side dishes, from cabbage, collard greens, mac & cheese, black-eyed peas, okra & tomatoes to squash and candied yams. There must have been a dozen of them. Just having a little of everything could fill you up. Beef Stew was good. The highlight was definitely the Fried Chicken, which was amazing. Be sure to save room for Banana Pudding and Peach Cobbler. It is cash only and opens from 11a -2p. If we're back in Savannah, we'll definitely eat here again.
(5)Jaime S.
Such good food!! True southern cooking.I felt like I was eating a meal at my mommom's...very home like atmosphere. We will eat here every time we visit Savannah.
(5)Ray B.
We ate there in June. Had to wait and sweat for at least or more than an hour. By the time you got seated, you were so thirsty.... so you re-hydrate yourself and therefore not as hungry. lol.. They need a bigger place for sure. Food was like eating at home but better. Great food. I will eat there again, for sure...
(5)Gen L.
Very tasty southern food. Come hungry! You are served family style at a table of 8. More food than you can imagine.
(4)Alexa S.
I LOVE THIS PLACE! Went there this morning. Wait was about an hour (arrived around 10 minutes after 10). The food is excellent. There's so much of it that I forgot a majority of it. You will not be disappointed. So yes this is the must go grub spot if you're visiting like I am. It's best if you walk around afterwards.
(5)Leslie T.
Great fried chicken, mac n cheese, and banana pudding. Worth the wait!
(5)DN P.
Trying to keep it short but will probably fail... - location: historic Savannah on a beautiful street - price: it was a bargain ($16 for about 80 lbs of food) - clientele: touristy, but fun (keep in mind all tables are family style - we sat with folks from all over and had a great time) - waitstaff: humorously officious (and everyone was very friendly) - food: delicious, hearty southern food without being too heavy/greasy We counted 23 different family-style served dishes on the table. The succotash was my favorite and the fried chicken a close second. The chicken was probably the best I've had outside of my grandmother's. Grandma still has the edge, but even coming close is tough in my opinion. Also, the sweet tea was perfect and that might have been the best Banana Puddin' I've ever had. The only negative: the wait. We waited for 1.5 hours to get in. But honestly it only made us hungrier and the food taste even better. Worth the wait if you're looking to eat well-prepared southern food with strangers in an environment with history and character. A must-eat in Savannah for me. Just get there early (11:00 or so) or carve out three hours in the middle of the day so you can build your hunger in line outside.
(5)James S.
After one hour in line to finish our meal in 35 minutes, I can say it was not worth all the hype! You'll leave full and with that feeling that you just ate at your grandmothers thanksgiving dinner. But to be honest, it was just a bunch of vegi's and a few meat options but nothing special about any of it! There is a place off I-75 at x201 called Buckner's that is just like this place but actually does have good chicken and you sit 10 to a table like Mrs Wilkes. If you're traveling on your trip skip this place and try Buckner's with very little wait and a better experience! P.S. Mrs Wilkes does not take credit cards and the meal is $16 a person. And they are only open M-F 11-2!
(3)Scott A.
Worth the hour wait. 22 bowls of southern comfort at the dinner table to enjoy with awesome fried chicken & pulled pork. Skip Lady & Sons and plan on going here instead.
(5)Rich J.
Everything you could hope it to be. They have about 7 tables, about 10 to a table. Got there at 10:30, waited 2 hours... totally worth it. Definitely get there before noon. Go crazy with the greens, cabbage, and okra salad; you won't find better anywhere. I haven't ate like this since my grandma passed.
(5)Foodie S.
Best southern cooking I've ever had!!! It only opens from 11 - 2 for lunch. I arrived at 1:30 and there was a line out the door. Lunch is served family style with collard green, chicken and dumplings, cream corn, mash red potato, lima beans, squash, black eye peas, , mac and cheese, red beans, green beans, pull pork, stew, (about 15 different dishes) are on the table. No picking from the menu. Everyone gets the same thing. The fried chicken is to die for! If you don't mind sharing the table with strangers, you will love this. And - everyone clears his own table and bring his dishes to the dishwasher. Must experience when in Savannah.
(5)Yuna P.
My boyfriend and I went to extreme measures to taste the true Southern cooking. First of all, we stayed an extra day in Savannah, just to eat at Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room, which is opened only on Monday through Friday. Not only that, we woke up at 8 AM (on a vacation!) to line up in front of Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room by 10 AM. I can't disagree with the other reviews here. The wait was totally worth this unique dining experience. Fried Chicken wasn't all Fancy Schmancy (spiced up, or whatever restaurants do nowadays); in fact, it was a real, authentic fried chicken. I also thoroughly enjoyed the macaroni and cheese, mashed potato, beef stew, and the banana pudding! The combination of mashed bananas and wafers.. it truly is a flavor party! I wish they served the banana pudding as one of the side items on the tables, so I can eat bowls of it! For future goers, I will pass on the wisdom I've obtained upon eating at Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room: 1. Be prepared to line up staring 10 AM. This will guarantee your entrance to the restaurant as soon as it opens. 2. Make sure to touch up on some table manners before you go as you will be sharing the table with strangers! 3. save room for dessert - go for the banana pudding. It is to die for! 4. Most importantly, take cash or check! You have to pay for this graceful food somehow.
(5)Leslie M.
The best fried chicken ever! I was tipped off to this place by an extremely nice local after I told her about the encounter I had with a very rude hostess standing outside of The Lady and Sons (I'm writing Paula Dean a letter.) The advice I got was to line up at 10am, even though the place doesn't open till 11. My sister and Abel wanted to take a walk so technically I was the first one in line and armed with my camera, US Weekly, and my cell phone I had more than enough distractions to keep myself entertained as I patiently waited and fantasized about gooey mac n cheese. But I wasn't alone for long cause within 10 minutes people were showing up asking if this was the place. It's kinda tricky cause it really just looks like a townhouse. Before I knew it, the time was 10:55, Kim and Abel had returned, and the front door had just opened. (yay!) When you walk in, you immediately notice the four tables in the room already set with like 20 serving bowls of food. I took a seat that was the closest to the fried chicken. ( I had been smelling it for an hour!) Once everyone was seated this man comes to the middle of the room and rings a bell which signifies that it's time to "dig in." The concept of this place is "family style" where you pick up a dish, serve yourself a helping, and then pass it on to the person sitting beside you. And let me tell you, there is sooo much food to choose from! Collard greens, corn, okra, scalloped potatoes and gravy, cornbread, sweet potatoes, mac n cheese...it just goes on and on. Everything is absolutely AMAZING and probably a 100% better than anything served at that over-hyped establishment I mentioned earlier. (I really am writing Paula Dean a letter.) But seriously, get there early cause as we were leaving I noticed that the line had quadrupled down the sidewalk and they have limited hours (11am-2pm mon-fri) and limited seating--first come first serve.
(5)Lisa B.
This was by far hands down the BEST authentic southern food I ever had. The staff were very nice and made you feel at home. The overall experience was I felt like I was sitting down for dinner at Grandma's. Be patient it's worth the wait .
(5)Sarah C.
Make this place a PRIORITY while visiting Savannah, people! And good luck on getting in!! First time ever waiting in an roller coaster line to eat lunch. The line of drooling people literally wrapped around the corner of the street. (Pictures to prove it) They are only open M-F from 11am-2pm. We got there at 11:20am and it took us about an hour and 15 to get in. You are only able to get into the house in "waves". They have a certain amount of tables, and once they are filled, that's it! You're stuck waiting outside and then seeing the FULL FOOD COMA patrons come out satisfied & letting us know "its worth the wait!" And it TRULY TRULY was. BEST MEAL EVER. Felt like you were a guest in someones home (which you practically are), sitting around the table with the people you acquainted yourself with during that hour wait (we met the kindest couple), and sharing a large meal w/ over 20 diff. dishes, I KID YOU NOT. It was our last day and last meal in Savannah~ GREAT, EPIC ending to the trip. =) Again, cash only!
(5)Courtney E.
Trust the other reviews...this place is money! I went here for lunch after just moving to Savannah. It was a great place to go to alone since you sit with other people anyway. I counted 22 different bowls of food on our table. Everything was good but I especially liked the bbq pork, squash casserole, and banana pudding. It's only open for lunch Mon-Fri so I suggest planning your vacation around making a stop here.
(5)Johnny C.
This was the first restaurant we visited in Savannah and it turned out to be the best. We didn't know beforehand that food was served family style on a table for ten people. It felt a little strange eating with strangers at first but conversation flow easy with great food. In no time we were chatting up with everyone at our table and it was quite enjoyable. We counted 23 dishes that were served. Every dish was well made and a couple of dishes were simply amazing. My wife considers herself to be a fried chicken connoisseur and she thinks they have the best fried chicken she's ever tasted. My personal favorite was their BBQ beef and candied yams. Considering the affordable price, enjoyable atmosphere, excellent varieties of dishes, and some of the best food we ever tasted. This place rank in the top three on our all time favorite restaurant list. This is a must visit if you are near Savannah.
(5)Elissa O.
Food = very good and authentic southern. This is definitely an experience you should have if you visit Savannah. The best thing, yes seriously, is the wait. And there will be one. I really enjoyed talking to other people in line. We got there at 10:10 and we got in about 11:15 and were out before noon. Overall, you will leave smiling and satisfied. Just remember - cash only!
(4)Andrew M.
The best food we ate while in Savannah. This is a must stop when you are in town. Only drawback is the wait. We got in line at 12pm and did not get seated until 2:30. Only serves lunch Monday through Friday 11am to 2pm, so we were glad we still got in. Once in no complaints about any of the food. Not a good place to take little children due to the amount of wait to get seated.
(5)Louise B.
If I could give Mrs. Wilkes a 4.5 I would. I'd seen this place on Food Network several years ago (back when Mrs Wilkes was still with us) & have been wanting to try it. I FINALLY made it! This wasn't my first trip to Savannah but as other reviewers (and the website) have noted, they are only open during the week from 11am-2pm. Well, this trip was planned with the SOLE purpose being to visit Mrs Wilkes Boarding House. I have to say, I think the stars were aligned for me this day. We pulled up to the restaurant 15 minutes to 11, plenty of parking & only about 40-50 people already in line (yes, I said "only"). My friend & I waited about 20 minutes & we were in. Seating is very quick because there are about 8 tables in the 2 dining areas & they each seat 10-12 people. When we walked in the table was already setup with all of our sides. I can't remember them all but it was much more than the sides they listed on the website for that day (Thursday). The Mac & Cheese was Cheesy Goodness, Fried Chicken nicely seasoned, not at all greasy, Oh So GOOD! and to my surprise my favorite thing of all was the Cabbage! Now normally, you couldn't pay me all the money in the world to eat cabbage, seriously... wouldn't touch it with a 10 foot pole. I had that cabbage parked right in front of me so I could keep going back for more without having to ask for it to be passed back. Two things made me knock off half a star, towards the end of the meal we were all having a great time chatting with the others at our table & they brought around desert. We had to pick either banana pudding, or peach cobbler. Well, Savannah is not exactly in my backyard so if I'm gonna drive almost 4 hours I want to at least be able to try both, it's not like they were huge servings... probably about a small serving spoon of each one on a tiny little plate. Well, the first person that got the desert tray at our table took both so we all followed suit. When the waitress came back for the ones that should have been left over she just laughed at the empty tray we handed back to her. Now, once you're done you better pack it up! No dilly dallying, they don't want you sitting around at the table talking because there are hungry people lined up outside waiting to come in. So... we bid good day to our fellow diners & were on our way. I will definitely go back, but next time I'll take my cousin who eats super slow so we can take our times & not be rushed. I've figured out that's they key to being able to stay a little longer... as long as someone at the table is still eating they won't push you out.
(4)Kristina W.
How fun was it to eat at Mrs Wilkes. I think most people probably wait in line longer than it takes to eat their lunch but I got lucky and there was no line (I went off season on a rainy day). Once it is your groups turn to be seated, they take you to your table which is fully laid out with fried chicken, BBQ chicken, black eyed peas, biscuits, beans, cheesy mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes and a whole lot more. Everything was good but personally, I thought the fried chicken stood out. It was so moist. I also loved their beef stew. If you come to Savannah, you have to try this establishment.
(4)Justin K.
Most people visiting Savannah will make the pilgrimmage to Paula Deen's restaurant, but it can't hold a candle to this Southern classic. Thanks to other Yelpers' reviews (thanks guys), we knew Mrs. Wilke's would be popular, but we had not idea how much Southerners love this food. (And well they should.) The restaurant serves only one meal a day (lunch) and they're only open on weekdays. The restaurant opens its doors promptly at 11:00, but diners start lining up well before. We arrived at 10:40, and barely made the first seating. Note: if you don't make the first seating, you have to wait until a whole group has finished its entire dinner, which can be around 45 minutes. When we left, the line extended down the block and almost around the corner. For the uninitiated, allow me to explain. Mrs. Wilkes' serves on common tables, meaning you'll be dining with around 8 other people, often strangers. When you enter the dining room, the table is already laden with around 15 side dishes, chicken, and pot roast/stew. You choose a seat, introduce yourself to your new friends, and then you start passing the side dishes. Oh, and what side dishes! Collard greens, creamed corn, okra -- whatever southern dish you could crave -- it's here. The chicken was the best I've had in a long time. It mirrored the chicken my Texan great grandmother used to make. Sigh. Practical information: Eat a small breakfast, since it's all you can eat, and you'll want to indulge. Get there by 10:45 at the latest. Cost is $16 per person. In a nice homey touch, servers ask diners to bus their own dinner dish at the end of the meal.
(5)Jamie E.
Get there before 10:30 or expect a 90 minute wait. The fried chicken, Mac and cheese and Lima beans were excellent. Some of the side dishes were on the salty side. Unless you really like sweet tea, make sure you ask for unsweetened.
(4)Ryan S.
We got there early to get in line and still only got the second seating. The food is very good and there is a large variety and a lot of it. We felt like we rushed. Try a small amount of everything first, then get seconds on what you like. Some things were outstanding, some were average. I'd recommend anybody visiting Savannah to try it once.
(4)G H.
It is worth the wait. Luckily there is a cute shop with air conditioning to browse next door while a good natured boyfriend waits in line. Make friends with the people in line with you. I enjoyed the family style seating. The food is great and there is tons of it. I put just a little taste of each thing on my plate and it was heaping full. Then they brought out the biscuits, then the dessert. Wow. Go on an empty stomach. I am not from the south, so there were several dishes I had never tried before. I liked it all.
(5)Robert C.
This place was really good, but I don't know if it was good enough to wait 2 hrs for! If you get there before 11am and the line is already "around the corner", you're in for a 1.5hr+ wait. When other reviewers say "don't worry about looking for the sign, you'll see the line of people", man were they right!
(4)jessica d.
Sometimes touristy places are good. Like, how Mama's in SF is still good, but overrun by tourists. This place is good, so don't be afraid. You have to sit at a communal table and talk to people from parts of the country that are villified by the coastal free thinkers, but then you find out that they are real people too! And you are united by the most American of pastimes - stuffing yourself with the most wonderful fried chicken and like 20 other sides. Seriously - 20(!), I didn't even get to try all the sides! I wish I was hungrier. I would say that the sides were only ok, and it was more quantity over quality, but that fried chicken... Oh man! It was like Proust's imagined perfect madeline - real fried chicken never measures up to what is in my head, but this did. Can I go again tomorrow? So. If you visit Savannah, come here. We got lucky and rolled up at 11 am on a Tuesday in winter. There was a long line, but we got in for the first seating. Don't be like us, you probably won't be as lucky. Get a coffee somewhere, bring a book, and arrive by 10 am at the latest. Be hungry!
(4)Amanda D.
"All you can eat" should be modified to "all you can eat in 25 minutes". That's about how long we were in Mrs Wilkies before our table began being cleared because our group's time was "up". You have quite an impressive selection of dishes to try at Mrs Wilkies and some of them are really excellent (BBQ, mashes potatoes, yams, butter beans, fried chicken) but you spend about 10 minutes passing dishes back and forth between others at your table. This doesn't leave too much time to eat before being rushed over to pay and leave. We suspect this place was incredible at one time and just got too big for itself. Now the line out the door translates to a factory feel. Hate to say it, but this is definitely a tourist trap. Nevertheless, it was an experience worth having. Just go prepared.
(3)Steve S.
What a lunch feast. Even though it was almost 2:00 closing time, they seated everyone in line. Table for 10 already had the more than 20 dishes ready to serve. Fried chicken very tender & juicy. So many sides to try (20), we tried a spoon of each before going back to our favorites.
(4)Annie M.
150% worth the wait. We got there at 11 to wait in line and were lucky enough to be first in line. We got nervous at first that the hype was all overrated as no one else came in line... but after about 20 minutes the line went out the door. Every item on the table was simply presented and smelled great. The chicken was truly the best friend chicken I think I have ever had. I am so happy we came here instead of Paula Deen's. I was surprised by how many people had never heard of it, yet the place was full by the time we left. Family style and clear your own plates added to the atmosphere and we had a great time! Glad we heard about it and took a chance:)
(5)Bradley L.
So we arrived at eleven, when it opened, and the line was already to the end of the block and you could smell the fried chicken. We got in line and quickly made friends with these two fun ladies from Kansas City who were in town for a sewing convention. This is why I love this place, the line kinda forces you to get to know the people you will be eating with (i guess unless you are in a group of ten) and you may have nothing in common with them. Well about ten minutes in with were just ke-keing with them and laughing about who knows what. Thirty minutes later, you got some table friends and you are HUNGRY. They seat you and bring a ridiculous amount of good southern food out. The fried chicken was good, the gravy was on point, and the cucumbers in vinegar reminded me of my Mamaw. I was in love. All the cooks are old southern black ladies, which totally validates the place for me, bc everyone knows if you want some good southern cooking the best place to turn (besides my Mom's kitchen) is some church going black ladies. Skip Lady and Son's and head here... oh and take your plate to the kitchen when you are done.
(4)Johnny B.
Awesome homestyle family food. Down home country southern cookin! YUMMMM!!! The wait (20 mins) was def worth it. They only take cash or check, no credit cards! Def get the banana pudding for dessert!
(5)Gary C.
Overrated! Thank god I can say I went there ONCE and only once. One star sounds too harsh for the place but, it certainly qualifies for "don't bother".
(2)Liz S.
Oh. My. God. Why does this place not have to full five stars? This really is food heaven. Just had to say it again. I love this place. It's a good thing I don't live here or I would be eating here way too often. I love you Mrs. Wilkes!
(5)Ciara L.
Fabulous. If you go to Savannah and have the time, wait in the line, and eat here. The experience is awesome and the food is beyond amazing and true southern cooking at it's best! :)
(5)Lem C.
SOUTHERN COMFORT FOOD--10 dishes family-style--shared with friendly strangers from all over. Fried chicken--excellent. Sweet corn grits--simple but good. Sweet iced tea--refreshes you after sitting on Forrest Gump's bench in summer heat & humidity. An enjoyable memory that layers your Savannah experience.
(4)Andres M.
The most interesting eating experience I've had. I went by myself and I ended up sharing a big table with lots of strangers, passing the food around was fun. The food was delicious and very filling. Lots of dishes. To add to the experience, you have bring your own plate to the kitchen to get it washed. There was a line but I didn't have to wait that long. Since this is an "all you can eat" place, do not eat anything before and go for a walk afterwards (nice neighborhood to do it)
(5)john j.
It's a Savannah landmark and you should therefore try it. The food is good and you get a ton of it so skip breakfast, forget about your diet, and come hungry. If your table can eat half of all they put in front of you as a group then you did better than we all did. I hope they give the left overs to second harvest, a soup kitchen, or at least take it home. That would be a lot of wasted food if not. All of it is good. This is traditional soul food.. Here's just a partial list of what you'll get: fried chicken, biscuits, black eyed peas, pulled pork, rice, mashed potatoes, dressing, chili rice and sausage, lima beans, white rice, squash, sweet potatoes, and a few more I can't remember. As it gets passed around to you your plate will quickly fill up. In terms of the not so good....we had to stand in line for an hour and a half for this. It's also $16 a shot so it ain't cheap. One thing that really turned me off was that I was required (everyone was) to take their dirty plate through the entire restaraunt to the dishwasher. Really? I wait in line for an hour and a half and pay $16 so I can bus my own table? Really? Bottom line: The food is good to be sure but I'm not sure it's really worth 1.5 hours of my life out on a sidewalk and $16. Good but didn't knock my socks off. Go to say you went but I'm not sure I'd go back unless the wait was less and they knocked off a few bucks. Kind of the same thing as Paula Dean's place.
(3)Bruce M.
The name says it all! Dine here as a guest in a friends home. Share a table of about 10 with other guests. The table is loaded with food like a thanksgiving dinner. Everything was down home southern cooking and it was amazing!!! The wait was about 45mins to an hour but so worth it! This place is not for everyone, it is DOWN HOME SOUTHERN cooking!!!
(5)Lori H.
Went here in mid March. Got on the line at 1pm with quite a few people in front of us. We were afraid we might not make it in before their closing time of 2 pm. But after a 90 minute wait we got in. We sat with the people we were chatty with in front of us. The food was delicious as everyone on Yelp has been saying. I was a bit surprised that the chicken didn't keep coming. After the first plate, it took quite a bit of waiting and another guest requesting it again before we saw our second plate. By the time it did come, most people had filled up on the side dishes. There was only one dessert offered when we were there... a banana pudding type dish. I passed on it thinking there would be other choices coming along but it never came. We were not offered coffee or tea after the meal either. The prices have gone up to $18 per person. The food was good. The new friends we made while waiting and eating was a nice experience. But I feel like we could have gotten more chicken and more desserts. If I'm ever in town again and hungry, I'd go a little earlier. I suspect they ran out of food by the time we got there. I felt a bit rushed out by the end.
(4)Troy B.
This may well be the best southern style food in the country. I know its the best I have had at least. The fried chicken is incredible, the biscuits perfect, and the vegetables are plentiful and delicious. The boarding house seating, with maybe 10 to a table, is fun and good for conversation during your meal. Despite the rather high price for lunch, it is all you care to eat and worth the cost. Get there early to avoid the line. I would highly recommend Mrs Wilkes to anyone visiting Savannah.
(5)Dan R.
I had heard about Mrs. Wilkes but was not going to go. 2 hours in line? Is any food worth that? YES! This place is. We drove by around a quarter to 2 which was near closing. The line was short, so what the heck. Street parking was right there. We waited for about a half hour and were the last ones in. I could go on about the food, but these reviews have already done that. They talk about feeling like family. Because we were at the end of the day, Marcia Thompson sat at our table to have her lunch. She is Mrs. Wilkes' granddaughter. We had a chance to chat and I learned about the history of the place, about the excitement of Barack Obamba's visit the month before, and Caroline Kennedy's visit the week before. I wanted to talk for hours and I think she would have let me, but they were closing up and I did not want to outstay my welcome. I want to go back. Before we left, she asked If I had tasted the biscuits. I had not, and when I went to reach for one on the table she called for someone to get me hot ones. OMG How could a lowly biscuit taste so good. Especially with the syrup. Thank you Marcia Thompson for one of the most memorable dining experiences.
(5)BklynMama K.
The wait is incredible. Is the food incredible enough for the wait? It's certainly an experience. Chatty neighbors on line, friendly folk sharing your table. The food is abundant and plenty of it was tasty, too. Like a giant Southern Thanksgiving.
(3)Maryanne S.
I prefer Mrs. Wilkes' to The Lady and Sons because the wait, though long, is on a lovely shaded street and, once inside, the food comes to you, you don't have to go to a buffet. (I hate buffets! I have witnessed too many people sneeze over them or stick fingers into food--yuck!) but honestly, if it weren't for the guests-from-out-of-town factor, I don't see why anyone would wait two hours for Southern food. it's just not good for you and it's so overcooked. ok it's tasty, but really, so is a raw carrot.
(4)Brad E.
We ate here on Feb 3. We were in town for one day and wanted to sample true southern cuisine. We were going to try Paula Deens place but after reading reviews we decided to try Mrs Wilkes instead. We were not disappointed!! We showed up at 10:50 and we were able to get right in. You sit at tables of 10 and eat family style. It was a great way to meet people and gather suggestions on what to do while visiting Savanah. We sat with locals and a family visiting from Jacksonville. All were fun and entertaining...we were only called yankees once!! They werent to brutal to us....Now the food. Everything was in bowls on the table when we sat down. There were 3 meats, all amazing...meatloaf,bbq pork and the best fried chicken I have ever eaten. Truly awesome!!!! Also available were ruttabagas, mashed potatos, sweet potatos,bisquits,savanah rice with sausage,green beans, black eye peas,okra and tomatos,cole slaw,collards,beefstew, and more!!! Enjoyed everything, a great way to sample a little of the southern classics!! Oh yeah the locals we sat with also said to avoid Paula Deens place and come here...Just sayin....
(5)Miki M.
Yes, the wait is long. Yes, its only open on the weekdays. Yes, its cash only. Yes, if you are not in line by 12pm you probably won't get it. And YES its WORTH IT!! 25 amazing dishes that I know was made fresh and with love. The best fried chicken I ever ate and all for $16!
(5)Eric L.
Now this is eating. Soul food, comfort cooking at it's simple best. There is nothing extra done to the food, no pizaz, nothing fancy. Just generous amounts of fat for frying, salt, and that's about it. I made it a point to try everything on the table, which was no simple feet. We counted 20 different bowls of sides on the table. The fried chicken is the real thing, better than you will get anywhere. Among the sides standouts were the salty collard greens, sweet as sugar yams, and some wonderful mac and cheese. Honestly nothing was bad or even average. I might be setting a bar so high that what you now have in your mind will never match the food, but I doubt it. Be aware that the meal is served family style and you will be seated with people not in your party whom you will have to ask to pass you things. If this is a deal breaker for you I'm sorry. You are missing out on a great meal. At $16 for all you can eat, well, it does not get any better than this.
(5)Harriet R.
Not worth the 1.5 hour wait in the hot sun. Chicken was the best part of the lunch.
(2)Diana L.
OH MY GOD!!! The best fried chicken in the South! Maybe ever! On vacation and we had this place on our list as a must do! And it is! We were in line about 10:30 (in the rain) and was seated at our table within 15 minutes of opening. This is family style and once seated we counted 18 dishes - yes 18 - different side dishes on the table - green beans, collards, mac & cheese, etc.... Start passing to the right! The food is southern and amazing! Brought back many WONDERFUL memories of my grandma's cooking! If you go - and you will - go hungry and try to savor each side dish - they are truly yummy! The staff are really friendly and will go the extra mile for their guests. I asked for 1 piece of dark meat fried chicken and she brought the table another full plate. I jokingly say I had fried chicken for dessert. This is one of Savannah's most treasured eating places and I wish them continued success. Look forward to more chicken!!!
(5)Marilyn H.
This fried chicken is truly the standard by which all other should be judged. Coming from the West coast we wanted to find authentic and local food and this was definitely it. It has truly been the best meal of the whole trip to Georgia and South Carolina. Don't miss the oppoutunity to eat here. It was a treat.
(5)Dan K.
very fun place - southern cookin' ,, sort of tight quarters but always tasty
(4)Den G.
Very long line in the hot sun for a meal that's a bit above average, but not great. A lot of the reviews mention meatloaf, pulled pork and fried chicken was served with their meal but on my visit the only meat was the fried chicken and a small bowl of stew that we all shared. True, there are many bowls of food on the table, but almost all are vegetables (which were very good) and the accompanying biscuits were only average with the dessert being small and sub par with only 2 choices. Also,family style is ok but it was a bit bothersome passing all of the bowls of vegetables around while trying to eat.They do seem to try move you out as fast as possible which made me uncomfortable and rushed.
(3)Ju L.
If you're in Savannah, this is a definite must-eat place -- especially if you love Southern cuisine or want to sample well-prepared Southern cuisine (even if you're not a big fan of Southern food). It's well worth the wait. I went in summer and waited well over an hour in the burning hot sun but thoroughly enjoyed my dining experience. It's communal dining and all-you-can-eat. Everything they served was delicious, and I can't wait to go back to eat there again.
(5)Joe B.
So, what's the deal here? I was told by multitudes of people how great this place was. Well, I headed over there the other morning to wait on the line for what's supposed to be a glorious home cooked lunch. I waited about 2 hours on the line (the average, I was told, OK). Then finally let in by a rather gruff young man saying "two?, straight ahead to the table in the back." Then was met by a cranky elderly woman who said, "Hey, you 2 sit here!" So, down we sat at a table covered with medium sized bowls of dull looking, lukewarm side dishes of Mashed sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, turnips, green beans, butter beans, collard greens, stuffing, pork barbecue, creamed corn, sweet potato salad, noodles and peas, macaroni salad, beef stew and cornbread with biscuits. Then out came the fried chicken. The fried chicken was very good, crispy and well seasoned with moist and tender meat. But, the sides were a hit or miss sort of mess. Most were, like I said, not really even warm, and many tasted canned and institutional. What was great was the fun crowd sitting around the table with me criticizing the dull food and agreeing that it was just OK for Sixteen bucks. But, not worth that wait. There are better places in this town, really!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(2)Lauren S.
A true southern gem, and well worth any wait! Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room has family style seating, so they seat an entire table at a time. Less than $20 a person, and TWENTY SIX courses later (yes we counted, and took pictures) including fresh-brewed sweet tea and an ending of banana bread pudding, we left feeling incredibly happy... and incredibly full. It was great to meet and mingle with the other travelers at your table and hear their stories while passing around dish after dish of absolutely delicious southern cooking. I have to confess I even bought the Mrs. Wilkes cookbook on the way out... Eat here, come hungry, and leave happy.... you will not be disappointed!
(5)Lance C.
This place is definitely a must. You will have to wait to get in, but the 24 different dishes that were placed on our table were all fantastic. Sweet tea, pulled pork ... spiced pickled beets .. stuffing ... all served family style ..... all were great ... be prepared to leave over fed
(4)Phuong N.
Excellent family style unlimited lunch for $16 including sweet iced tea! There's about 20+ dishes on the table. The fried chicken was good without all the grease dripping! Dessert was great as well! We went on a wednesday and made the line at 10:45am with about 30 people ahead of us. We made the first seating without any problems. Would highly recommend trying it!
(5)Daniel E.
best comfort food available. sit down to some high quality southern cooking...
(5)Beau D.
If you could only eat one meal in the South before you die, this is the place. Buy the recipe book you will love it Nuff said.
(5)Andrew G.
Besides the hour long wait, this place was the best restaurant on our trip to Savannah. Amazing food all around. The fried chicken, the Spanish rice, the bbq pork, the okra, the mac and cheese. And the cucumbers! All plus so much more. Great for lunch! I also really enjoyed the communal seating idea. You get to meet other people while enjoying great food. A must in Savannah!
(5)Kelley H.
What's not to love, except the wait, which can be up to an hour, standing on the street. (Advise: They start seating about 10:55 a.m. Go around 10:15-10:30 on a beautiful morning. Trade off waiting in line with a friend while you walk around Jones Street which is quintessential Savannah.) Make friends with those you are in line with, for they will be your dining companions as the seating is family syle. All the food will be on the table when you are seated. You just sit down and go for it. They try and move you through in about 30-45 minutes, which is enough. NOTE: If you are from the south and a good southern cook, this is like Thanksgiving dinner- it is wonderful, but not unlike anything you have ever had- with the possible exception of the unusual biscuits- possible the best Ive ever had. So good, I bought the cookbook. Also, it is cash or check only.
(4)Ellie S.
Ate here November 2008. The food was wonderful! Kind of like the best Thanksgiving or Holiday dinner you ever had in your life. Every dish was wonderful although I actually liked the honey pecan fried chicken better at the pirate house but, everything here was great and so many things to try! I do wish it was not so rushed but, I understand so many people want to eat here they have to accomodate as many as they can. It was nice to sit family style and meet other people and the Wilkes family does their best to make you feel like your at home during the rush by personally visiting the table. The staff is amazing. Their are usually several people assigned to your table to take care of your needs. The only negative I could give it is if you have real picky eaters there is no kids menu food i.e. (french fries and the like) . My one child only ate biscuits and some chicken with water and my other child only ate bbq, biscuits and water but, my kids are the pickiest of eaters and I knew enough to give them some waffles from breakfast while we waited in line. It worked like a charm. Also, we got there about 11:45am and there were about 20-30 people ahead of us but, I don't think we waited more than 20 minutes. We let our boys play off to the side of the line and the wait did not bother us at all.
(5)Mark T.
The wait made this a hard 5 stars. Yes, the food is everything people say it is, but we got there at 10:45 and it took until 12:15 to sit. People who got there at noon must have waited at least 2 hours. Food 5+ stars, but wow what a wait.
(4)Crystal F.
Fun experience. Loved seeing the sea of yummy southern dishes all over the table. Enough food to feed an army. For southern food in savannah, this place is a must. Thinking about their fried chicken makes my mouth water. Come very hungry. Much better that lady & sons!
(5)Marie R.
Okay- seriously- Ive lived in Savannah for 18 years and have heard about this gem since the day I arrived. If you are looking for REAL southern good in a REAL southern setting....go to Mrs. Wilkes. You will be at a large table with other people and you all pass around the food.....like an old southern traditional family. The fried chicken and barbecue rock! When you take your plate and glass to the kitchen, sneak a look into the back and see who is making the southern magic happen.....AND its all FRESH. Take it from me.
(5)Don D.
for home cooked southern food, you cannot beat Mis Wilkes. I have been going there for years.
(5)Matthew W.
I'm sorry Mrs. Wilkes - I really wanted to give you a 5 star, but I'm going to have to give you 3 stars. My actual rating is probably around 3.5 stars, but I'm going to round down. This is why I can't give 5 stars: (1) Looooooong wait in the hot sun, with no workers telling us how long it will be, and not enough tables to make the line go faster (2) Forced to eat family style, and since I went to the restaurant by myself, it felt awkward having to politely ask (in the proper Southern fashion) people to pass me certain dishes. One lady yelled at me in the beginning for passing the food the wrong way around the table. A lazy susan would be an awesome idea. Furthermore, everyone else finished before me, which was kind of awkward, because I was still eating, and felt like I had to rush to finish. It was probably awkward for them because they probably felt bad for leaving before I was done. (3) The food was good, but not every dish was excellent. For example, the noodles with peas was bland. The dressing (similar to stuffing) was good but not great, and same for the sausage. The sweet potatoes were really really good though - good use of spices. (4) Weird hours. Only open between 11-2 M-F. Extra coolness points for Obama having eaten there, though. Not sure if it's worth the hype. If you go, get there really early. I got there at 10:45 AM on a Friday and had to wait about 1 1/2 hours. You should probably get there at 10 AM and you might be the first wave in, maybe the second wave.
(3)Pamela M.
oh man, if you're in Savannah M-F for lunch, skip Paula Dean's place and come straight to the line-up at Mrs. Wilkes'!!! And yes, there will be a line, and standing in it for an hour is well worth your time once you get inside and taste all that good Southern cooking laid out in front of you. There was two of us together on this outing and we wound up sitting at a large table with the ladies that we had stood in line with outside, what fun we wound up having sitting down to a family meal with lots of new people! There was so much food on the table, it was hard to pass up anything that was passed around to you, and easy to go back for second (or even third) helpings of your favorites. The fried chicken was some of the best I've had and there were too many side dishes to keep track of. And the sassiest waitresses in Savannah, even kept the one guy at our table in check! Come and experience this homey atmosphere and you will leave with your buckle undone a couple of notches and only for $16, don't miss it!
(5)Timothy G.
When we sat down with six total strangers, the table was already set with 16 dishes of piping hot food. Every dish looked like Grandma's cooking - just a lot more choices. We got to know our table-mates as we figured out how to pass the plates clockwise. As we talked and ate, the waitresses kept bring more and more plates of piping hot southern foods. In all, we counted 24 dishes. I'm sure we all consumed a pound of butter, but without any regrets. Every dish was a joy, and we all entertained ourselves watching the young (thin) lady across from us consume just as any in our group (The three of us all tip 250 lbs.). I rarely eat desert, so that was the only thing I passed on. But everyone else practically licked the bowel of banana pudding clean. My favorite was the Cheesy Mashed Potatoes and the BBQ pulled Pork. We couldn't figure out what a few of the dishes were - but we enjoyed them just the same. It was worth the 40 minute wait.
(5)Clay J.
My wife and I arrived here at 10:30 and got in about 11:15. The food was delicious. There were far too many to review all of them, but every one of them is good.
(5)Bill B.
Yes, we waited through about 2 cycles of the 60 capacity. There is shade though and it's not too bad. It was worth it. Delicious southern cooking and more than you can possibly eat. Just keeps coming. Was very pleasureable experience dining with strangers and passing dishes. The biscuits...YUM.
(5)Amy Z.
A must-see in Savannah. It's worth the wait (which wasn't so bad), the cash (which really wasn't bad at all) and the hype. My sister and I went on a Monday, we arrived at 11:30 and we were seated in the first seating. Everything was excellent, particularly the fried chicken, beef stew, pulled pork, candied yams, and about 10000000 different kinds of cooked veggies. I'm a California girl, so I'm not used to all of this down home cooking, but seriously, it was amazing. A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. It's so much food, so go hungry and ready to make friends.
(5)Liana P.
One of the most memorable places in Savannah. If you are visting or even if you are a local and have been putting off going here, GO! This was so fun, we got there around 10:30 am, and the line was already starting to form. They started seating promptly at 11 am. You are seated at a 10 top table, with other strangers. It totally added to the experience and I wouldn't like it any other way. You get seated and some of the food is already on the table, which is piping hot and fresh, next more and more dishes come out. Everything from bbq pork, fried chicken, to fried okra, sweet potatoes, green beans. biscuits, corn bread, etc.It's basically like going home to mom's for thanksgiving dinner, except the food is BETTER, and that's saying alot b/c my mom has thanksgiving dinner down to a science, and instead of turkey you get fried chicken. They serve sweet or unsweetened tea, and vanilla bread pudding for dessert. Some tips: bring a slow eater because you are going to want the extra time to eat, and they have a lot of people to get in so they want you to get in/out, but they aren't rude about it. And this is not a place for veggies, sorry veggie friends :( If I'm ever in Savannah again i will definitely go back to this place.
(5)Toby V.
Yes, yes, yes! We (a group of 8) got there a half-hour before opening on a Wed in mid-June and were seated immediately upon opening at 11am.
(5)Marti C.
I have to add my whi-hoos, yippees and yumms to all the reviews about Mrs. Wilkes. We were just there last week, for the first time, and it rocked. We got there at 11:30 a.m. and only waited 10 minutes. We were seated with a father and his two sons from Connecticut and a local that pops in for lunch every so often. You know its good if the locals show up. It was great that you don't have to think about what to order, you get to try everything and the refills are free flowing. Every dish was delicious. It was southern homemade food through and through - fried chicken, biscuits, cornbread, creamed corn, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, black-eyed peas and about 10 other dishes. They leave no traditional southern food off the menu or your table. So, if you leave hungry its your own fault. I would definitely go back next time time I'm in town.
(5)Amanda M.
If you don't like to share, don't go. We had the best time, passing food around the table and sharing with the people we had just met. GREAT down home country food, and literally an endless array and amount to choose from. Everything was delicious, my only complaint is that it felt a little rushed, due to the long lines they are trying to fit in for the lunch shift. Overall, I loved the food and it was worth the wait, just wish I had more time to savor the food.
(4)Sean M.
Mrs Wilkes is closed until the end of January 31st, 2011.. bummer.
(4)Edward R.
tourist trap. if you like southern greasy and overwrought give it a try. i view the place as a nuisance as their line causes pedestrian traffic to overflow into the street at least once a week. not to mention it somehow overshadows the restaurants in this town with actual culinary skill.
(1)CJ C.
Another super recommendation from yelpers. Waited in line for 45 minutes, but it was worth it. We were worried because there was a sign outside the restaurant that said only the first 35 in line would be served due to a large group reservation and that they would resume letting people in at 11:35. We decided to stay put and chat with the nice people waiting in line with us, even though the humidity and heat were rising. LOTS of food served family style. The outstanding items--succulent fried chicken, sweet potatoes and okra were our favorites (and I don't even like okra--but it was so good, took seconds on it). Everything else was good, just not exceptional--hence the 4 stars. (Really, it should be 4.5, but there are no halves here!) But if you want a real down home experience and the feel of being in someone's home, this is a great place to come. I think it's a must if you come to Savannah! My dining companion, who had never experienced real southern cooking, but is a true foodie, gave it 4.5 stars.
(4)Christine K.
This was an awesome and delicious experience. We waited in line for almost two hours in the scorching heat, but it was totally worth it. Being seated with a table of strangers was really unique and I would definitely do it again, but more than that- the FOOD was just SO GOOD. There were more than 20 dishes on the table and every single one of them was scrumptious. The combination of the dining experience and the quality of the food makes it worth every minute waiting and every penny spent ($16- a BARGAIN). 10 million times better than Lady and Sons FOR SURE.
(5)Robert B.
Sorry, but the fried chicken was not worth the 1+ hr wait. If your goal is tons of adequately prepared food, this is the place. Otherwise, Savannah has much better to offer at half the wait.
(2)Angie M.
Mrs. Wilkes' was the highlight of the wonderful Southern food we ate during our trip to Charleston and Savannah. It's definitely worth the wait. The fried chicken and the sweet potatoes were unbelievably good. The biscuits, banana pudding, and cobbler were excellent as well. If you want to experience real southern cooking, go to Mrs. Wilkes'.
(5)sara c.
Outstanding! We got there around 12:45pm and the line was down to the corner of the block! It was about 1 and 1/2 hour wait, but worth it. We made friends in line which moved things along. The line moves quickly because you are seated in groups of about 9 or 10 at a large table. Once you are in line, you get to eat (as long as you're in line by 2pm-which is when they close)-they don't send you away at 2 if you have been waiting in line (they'll let you know if they run out of food though). They are closed for the whole month of January. Make sure you come with cash-it is $16 per person...worth it!!!! The food was great, come with your appetite.
(5)Joshua T.
Mrs. Wilkes, with the exception of Paula Deen's monstrosity of a restaurant (aka. The Disney world of southern cuisine) is one of Savannah's, most well known venues for artery clogging indulgent southern plates of greatness.With such well known, and almost cliche southern favorites, you just have to immerse yourself in the decadency of it all. Southern fried chicken, cornbread, buttered peas, mashed potatoes, and iced tea sweet enough to pour on pancakes are just a few of the favorite dishes at this Savannah landmark.This restaurant succeeds where so many other local restaurateurs fail, in providing something good enough that the crowd is a healthy mix of both locals, and tourists.Be sure to arrive early though as its a first come/first served, family style lunch and the line tends to stretch down the block even in the off season.Also remember that they only serve lunch, and only for limited hours.
(5)Jeffery H.
Ok...we were in Savannah over the 4th of July holiday (Savannah in July?? We must have been nuts!)...anyway, after waiting in line for an hour and a half, the line finally puts us up to the front door. We get escorted to our table of 10 or so seats and everyone just stares, gape mouthed at the spread on the table. I thought I had died and gone to soul-food heaven! Absolutely insane. I can't name all of the sides because, frankly there were just too many to name. What I can say is that this place provided the BEST meal that we had in Savannah. I am a person who NEVER stands in line for anything....(DMV notwithstanding!) and wasn't sure that I was going to make it...or, even whether or not the long wait was worth it. Well folks, I'm here to tell you....IT'S WORTH IT! If you happen to be in Savannah, DO STOP BY THIS PLACE AND EAT!! The staff could not have been nicer....southern hospitality to the nth degree. I felt like I was at one of my relatives house during Thanksgiving or some other holiday. The people you meet in line while waiting will be your dining mates most likely. At first, I thought I'd have a problem with that...but, the people in line were extremely nice and friendly. We chatted up about different things (mostly the food!) for the entire wait in line. Everyone at our table ate to their hearts content. My only "con" was that they had run out of peach cobbler and banana pudding was all the dessert that was left. Well, if you think I'm going to take away a "star" for something like that, you're mistaken! Please do yourself a favor and DO GO TO MRS. WILKES!
(5)Vanessa C.
I just visited Savannah for the first time this weekend with my 16 year old son as we were visiting SCAD University. I had done a lot of research on restaurants before we got there and Mrs. Wilkes was one of my picks to try. We didn't think it would fit in our plans as they are only open from 11am - 2pm. Luckily we finished our meetings early and found our way over to Mrs. Wilkes. It was about a half a block line but we had time so we waited. And waited. And waited. About an hour and a half before we made our way to the front door. Luckily the people in line were nice so we were able to talk to some of the locals who also visit this place. (Not just for tourists). Once inside, it's family style and all the food is already on the table. I believe there's 10 to a table. So you get to meet new people and share a meal. The food was abundant. If anything was empty, they brought you more. The fried chicken was awesome. Best I've had. Not greasy at all. Mashed potatoes were delicious. Alot of southern staples such as collards, mac and cheese, red beans and rice, okra, etc; All in all, a great experience and I'm glad we didn't miss it.
(4)Traci K.
Been dining here almost 20 years, still the best food in Savannah! Come early, bring cash and an empty stomach.
(5)Pamela F.
This place is absolutely awesome!! Food is excellent southern cooking servers are nice and experience is memorable. Wish we had one in our neck of the woods(Houston)....lol. You won't be disappointed. Enjoy!
(5)Angi C.
if you go to only one place to eat in savannah, this would be my recommedation (although be prepared to be rolled out the door if you have weak will, like me)! we went for lunch on a thursday and once we got through the pretty-ridiculous line (about an hour wait), we were seated at one of ten big communal tables. the table itself was already full with pitchers of sweet tea and so many bowls of side dishes: mac n cheese, collard greens, cheese grits, black-eyed peas, okra, yams, rice, gravy, macaroni salad, apple salad, biscuits, cornbread, sausages, bbq chicken, chicken and dumplings, etc. once everyone sat down, plates of freshly fried chicken, still hot and crispy from the fryer, were passed around. empty bowls/plates of anything were quickly replenished and little bowls of banana pudding or strawberry pie were given out at the end. mrs. wilkes is no longer alive, but the whole place is still run by her family.
(5)Sarah S.
If you can only manage ONE meal in Savannah, you have to make the trek to Mrs. Wilkes! The line can and will seem daunting - they're only open from 11-2 pm Monday through Friday, no reservations allowed - but I promise, the experience is more than worth it. Mrs. Wilkes is an authentic Southern soul food restaurant, homed in a converted former boarding house and named after its former chef and owner, Selma, who cooked until she passed away at 95. Her family continues to run the place, and has upheld her standards of homestyle, no-frills eating. After a long wait (just accept it), you're brought into the restaurant in groups of ten and seated at a normal dinner table. The food is served family style, and is made up of all the Southern goodness you could hope for: fried chicken, pulled pork, sweet potatoes, fluffy biscuits, stewed okra, macaroni & cheese and grits and everything in between. Y'all, this is the REAL DEAL. The fried chicken was the best I've ever had, the pork melted in my mouth, and I never even thought I LIKED creamed corn until I tasted it here. Sure, some of the dishes are over-salted (pretty across the board at most places in the South, for me) but that's the only complaint I could muster up. After a truly decadent meal, they manage to fill the cracks with dishes of homemade peach cobbler and banana pudding, which left me wishing to high Heaven for a second stomach. On the way out, you pay $20 (cash only!) at the counter and are left with a "Y'all come back and see us!"; hard-pressed to remember you ever waited in line in the first place. Mrs. Wilkes is far from from your typical "tourist trap;" it's as authentic as you could get. I'll be back...just as soon as my arteries recover.
(5)A S.
It's an institution... There is a LONG queue... There is a LOT of food... It costs $20 pp, cash ONLY... There is a LOT of fried chicken... There is a LONG queue... There is a still a LOT of fried chicken left... It's open from 1100am until 2pm Monday to Fridays only... There are a variety of other southern food delicacies up for grabs at your table where you will sit with up to 10 people. The really good thing about this place is that while you are queuing with all the other folk who decided to eat at this institution in Savannah, you will make a lot of friends, some of whom you get to sit with for lunch. So once you get in, kick back, make it social and enjoy the chicken. TIP take full wet gear, trainers, poncho, umbrella the lot, in case it rains because you will be standing outside for a long time and will get very very wet if it rains.
(3)Thysis R.
This was one of the best meals that I had while visiting Savannah. I'm only giving 4 stars because of the wait time and weather that we were forced to deal with. We stayed at a Bed and Breakfast that was literally 3 buildings down so the walk wasn't bad. They open at 11am but people were lined up around 10am if not earlier. We got in line at about 10:45 and were seated at 12:30. It was hot, muggy and rainy so if you don't have an umbrella you're going to get wet. They do however offer complimentary water while you wait in line but still it was hot! It's probably much more bearable in the fall. Let me tell you, the wait is worth it!!! I'm so glad we stuck it out. The place itself has a ton of history. There are about 10 tables that seat at least 10 people to a table. This is true family style southern cooking. Some of the previous reviews stated that they weren't happy with the people they were seated with but our table was definitely the fun table. None of us knew each other but we made the best of it. We all passed the various dishes when requested and no one was impatient. Hands down this was the best fried chicken I've ever had! It really makes you want to slap ya mama! Lol! Oh and the sides were outstanding. The ones that stood out the most for me were the sweet potatoes, Mac n cheese, potato salad, collard greens, biscuits and oh my word, the creamed corn! We were given 2 dessert options of banana pudding and peach cobbler. I chose the banana pudding which was very good. It was truly worth the $20 per person. Make sure you wear stretchy pants cause you will need them. I look forward to my next visit very soon. Make sure you pick up a copy of their cookbook. I can't wait to recreate the dishes.
(4)Pamela D.
Well I finally did it: I woke up early, drove to Savannah and waited an hour and forty five minutes for Mrs. Wilkes dining experience. As someone who doesn't mind lines, I had a great time waiting except for the ridiculous Georgia heat. We met some other great people in line which we ended up sitting with so it was nice to socialize a bit before our feast. Everyone who works there seems to love working there; they are all super friendly, wonderful people. Our main waitress has been there for 17 years! Now down to the food: Delicious. I normally don't eat fried anything but had to make an exception for the chicken and it was damn good: Crispy crispy outside and juicy goodness inside as it should be. My favorite dishes were definitely the turnips, creamed corn, okra and the black eyed peas. Some at our table felt the food was salty, which it was but not to the point where it made it inedible. You can taste the salt, but that is a Southern thing I believe and if you're not used to it you'll be caught by surprise. The biscuits and cornbread were sooo dry, which was disappointing but I was so full from the rest of the meal it didn't matter haha. Dessert: PEACH CRISP all the way. So tasty and just the perfect way to cleanse your palate and finish up a meal. I'm happy I finally enjoyed this experience. I definitely recommend anyone who appreciates Southern cuisine to plan for this place once in their lifetime. It is homestyle comfort food worth waiting for an excellent price ($20 flat, then extra for tip) Come early and bring cash!!
(4)Kseniya Z.
The best first stop idea we could've had! When we saw the line outside we knew it was a good thing. Originally a boarding house, Mrs Wilkes has a ton of history, and opened because soldiers encouraged mrs Wilkes to cook for everyone not just them. The family style seating makes you feel like you're at Thanksgiving dinner and I personally loved that. The food is as real as it can get in the South. The sweet tea is served in pitchers. You don't get a menu, just sit down and ask your neighbor to pass the fried chicken or collard greens, etc. Close it off with a peach cobbler or banana pudding and you're practically in a food coma for the rest of the day. Amazing food and ambiance. Will always remember my experience there.
(5)Melinda H.
How to explain how amazing this place is... really no words could describe how delicious everything is there. The wait is long but everything about this place is perfect. It's family style so you may or may not get seated with other people that you don't know. It's awesome though because you end up meeting people and it's pretty unique. I've been there a few times and each time was just as amazing as the last. They are consistent with their food and experience. The only problem is how limited they are in operating hours. It's hard to coordinate.
(5)D. K.
Oh how we loved our lunch at Mrs. Wilkes! Be prepared to wait a long time (for context, we arrived at 10:30 am on a Friday and weren't seated until 11:45 am). You sit with strangers, but it was fun and the food was DELICIOUS. The fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and macaroni and cheese (oh and banana pudding!) were out of this world. Totally worth it!
(5)Maurice C.
*Show Up Early* *Cash Only* What can I say.. I love this place! Writing this review after my third time eating here over a 3 year period. If I lived in Savannah I'd probably eat here for lunch every day during the week when they're open. I've grown up on southern food and Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room met and surpassed all of my expectations for southern comfort food and ambiance. The communal tables create an experience to remember. The "boarding house" style seating makes it so no one around you is a stranger for long. On my second trip to Mrs. Wilkes I sat next to someone from my hometown which is a thousand miles from Savannah...small world. That probably wouldn't have happened with normal seating. The food has never had any flaws. I wish I knew how they got their fried chicken that so crunchy and juicy. Like they told us the colonel (KFC) would be a general if he could cook chicken like Mrs. Wilkes. The sides were all seasoned perfectly and exemplify real down home cooking. The banana pudding and peach cobbler were extraordinary as well. So good! Mrs. Wilkes embodies the southern dining experience. A trip to Mrs. Wilkes will leave you more than satisfied!
(5)James W.
5/5 This is a fairly unusual restaurant in that there is no menu, they're only open for lunch, and not open on the weekends. At this point you're probably scratching your head as to how such a proposition could possibly work much less thrive for decades. You need only look to the lines that form every day in anticipation of opening to tell it must be working. We arrived around 10am to get in line at the suggestion of our concierge. As it turned out we were about 40 or so back from the front. This meant a bit of a wait after they opened but it wasn't too bad. They only have about 6 or 7 large tables total that seat 8-10 people each. You're seated in groups with other people like an old country inn. At that point the table is covered in food. It's almost a southern Thanksgiving type vibe. Fried chicken, meatloaf, beef stew, mashed potatoes, cornbread, biscuits, etc, etc, etc. The fried chicken was good and I really enjoyed the meatloaf as well. Eat as much as you like, if you run low the staff will gladly bring out a fresh replacement helping for the table. Once everyone finishes the staff brings along desserts, the peach cobbler was very good, and then you bring your dishes to the cleaning area. Then you simply pay on your way out. As of April 2015 that was $20. They could almost certainly charge twice that and still have a line around the block. Also remember to bring cash. Highly recommended if you're in Savannah.
(5)Ryan M.
I agree that this is a one-time, must-visit for anyone looking for a new experience. But not something I would recommend for great food or to go to more than once. Though, I absolutely loved the concept of southern comfort food being served family style inside one of the beautiful Savannah homes, the food was quantity over quality. They had all the different varieties of southern food, but as someone who grew on on southern cooking, nothing tasted as good as I expected. Nonetheless, it was an interesting experience. I would recommend going as early as possible and eating here for brunch to avoid the long line.
(3)DJ V.
Line was very long upon arriving. They have odd hours seems like they are only open during lunchtime M-F. We arrived around 120pm. After about an hour and a half wait we were seated. The food was really good. It was true southern cuisine like grandma used to make. Seating was cruise ship style sitting at a big table with a bunch of strangers. Everything tasted authentic and a plus was i didn't have anything that tasted overly sweet as you do in some soul food restaurants. Oh yeah, bring some cash. Cash Only. It's definitely worth the wait. I have a few tips. If you go with small kids Bring a stroller and/or entertainment for the long wait in line. Water is provided at the entrance in an "igloo" with paper cups. Bottled water is available for sale at the store on the corner as well.(one fish two fish). Street parking was available at 25 cents per 30 min with 2 hour max.
(5)Julie R.
Delicious Southern family style dining! They are only open Monday thru Friday and from 11 am to 2 pm, and if you want to be one of the first ones in get there by 10 am to wait in line. Otherwise you will still be waiting in line, but it will more than likely just be a longer wait if you're not early. If you go on a cold day like we did, it feels amazing once you get to the inside part and get to sit on the church style benches they have before you get seated and get nice and warm, or if it's hot then you can feel the nice a/c ;-). Either way, once you're there you start to see the food at the tables people are already seated at and it gets you all excited to have a plate of your own. They have two separate dining rooms, the main one is bigger than the other, but in total I would say they have like 10-12 tables and each one seats 10 (I believe). So whether you know the people you went into the place with or not you will be sitting together like a family, whether you like it or not (just like a family...sometimes you like each other and sometimes you don't, lol ;-). Once you are seated all the side dishes are already at the table, as well as iced tea. They bring out the star of the show, the fried chicken after, I guess so that it's as fresh as can be. They also ask once you are all seated whether you would like some water instead of the iced tea or as well as (yes, those are your only options for drinks). The side options were so many, let's see if I can remember them all: white rice, green beans, creamed sweet corn, collard greens, baked beans, mashed potatoes, cucumbers, squash, mac & cheese, mashed candied sweet potatoes (yams), black eyed peas, cabbage, rice and red beans, beef stew, bbq pork and meatloaf. Yes, the last three I named are technically part of the meat portions, but to me they are considered sides, and once you see and try the fried chicken you will know why. Their fried chicken comes out fresh, so it's nice and hot and juicy on the inside, but perfectly crisp on the outside!! It had just the right amount of salt and slightly peppery. And you can't stop at just having one piece, you will have at least two, if not more. And why not? It's not like you get to eat at Mrs Wilkes everyday so go ahead and indulge yourself! Then as if you hadn't already stuffed your face and belly enough they bring out the dessert, banana pudding and peach cobbler. The banana pudding has vanilla wafers in it and you may even get a little chunk of banana that didn't get fully mashed/ground up, it's delicious! I did give the peach cobbler a try, but since I'm not a fan of peaches I didn't like it. My husband said it was ok for him though (but also not his fav). Once you're all done you get up and take your plates to the kitchen (like if you were at home). And then you pay at the register at the entrance/exit. And remember it is cash ONLY, so don't forget to pull cash out before going. If you're visiting Savannah, make sure to stop here. And if you live in Savannah, or neighboring areas, and haven't been here shame on you! This is a def must do!!
(5)D N.
good food -and lots of it. Actually so much food I didn't have room to try everything. I think people love the QUANTITY of food; the quaintness of sitting in a comfortable dining room with others, and being served family style. The food was very tasty --I personally loved the cornbread dressing, the carrot soufle, and the gravy. The fried chicken was okay --but not the best. I think $20 was a lot to pay for this meal....but it was a once in a life time event..i can't imagine standing in line for this again. Good --not great.
(3)Julio H.
**CASH ONLY**CASH ONLY***CASH ONLY***CASH ONLY*** I tell you this. A two hour wait to experience a Thansgiving Day meal with fried chicken, instead of turkey, may seem insane to some, but perfectly acceptable to others. I still don't know what to make of it. I tell you this though. The food was really good, almost extraordinarily really good. Everything that we tasted was very well made, no flaws whatsoever, no complains. The fried chicken was soft and moist, fresh, cooked perfectly, as well as the sides, which accounted for roughly twenty dishes. My favorite side dishes were the mac and cheese, the black rice with sausage, the sweet potato mash (candied yams), the okra and tomatoes, the pigeon peas, the pasta salad, etc. You get the idea... But even with that preamble, the big question remains. Is it worth it? I don't know how to answer this. The fee to sit down is twenty dollars in cash, the food is unlimited (the will replace all empty dishes or you could ask for more), so that should make frugal and hungry people happy. As far as quality, it was all really good, but I am no longer able to tell if this is the best fried chicken ever. For sure, it is really good, although I have been lucky to find similar chicken at other places. So, is it worth it? I don't know... One thing is for sure. If you want to know what fried chicken should taste like, come here. This is what soul food is all about. Comfort and good taste. As far as ambiance, it is a laid back meal. You sit in a ten person table with perfect strangers and share a meal, accompanied with iced tea, while everything around you screams "You're in the South". At times things may seem a little rushed, but with the hundred plus people waiting outside, that is how the cookie crumbles. Lots of reviewers have spoken about making the line and talking to people, making friends and how this is part of the Mrs. Wilkes experience. Here is my take: I myself was in utter rage for being in a long line which led to something that was "hopefully" a great dinner, without even knowing that it was a two hour wait. The whole time I made the line, I wanted to know two things: how long and how good. So, while I made the line, I asked a few people how long had they been waiting in line. Everyone was optimistic and said over an hour, but nobody wanted to admit two hours (because it's crazy). Even the early birds had been waiting over an hour. So, if you make it out here, think of waiting close to two hours for sure. Also, I wanted to know if it was worth the wait, and many nodded and told me not to leave. But then again, I only met one couple who were repeat customers, so this is mostly a tourist thing to do. For example, my table had a group from Boston and another from St. Louis, and I'm not a local. Without a regular in sight, I was almost ready to walk out. But in hindsight, I am glad I stayed. The food was really good, and unlimited, and all for a measly twenty dollars. In other words, show me to the waiting queue. If you don't mind waiting for two hours, come and eat here. You will talk to tourists instead of talking to locals. You will eat way too much, but it will all be good. And you will not break the bank. But if you don't want to wait and want a similar experience minus the 'Mrs. Wilkes" factor, something you can brag about later and blow out of proportion, go elsewhere. By the way, on my visit, I waited exactly two hours in line, and it took me exactly thirty minutes to finish my meal. So, allocate your time wisely. One more thing before I go... the biscuits were the bomb. It was like eating a warm stick of butter. So good.
(4)Gina P.
Mrs wilkes is southern food at its finest! The thing about this popular lunchtime spot is that lines start forming at a tender hour to walk in. We arrived a little before 10 (the place opens at 11) and we were about 10th in line. Within 15 minutes the line easily tripled and soon enough it was down the block and around the corner. So pack your patience. We were within the first seating at 11. The tables are large dining room types that seat about 10 people so you are with other families. The food is placed on the table already in family style bowls and since we were the first seating they did a quick prayer before we dug in. The sides are endless my favorites were the sweet potato, bbq pork, mac and cheese and yummy biscuits. You have to ask people to pass things down as you would at a family meal. The men we were with were getting frustrated as men do with this process. The main food showcased here is the fried chicken. It's amazing. I don't even really like fried chicken but this is out of this world good. Light crispy and would turn any vegetarian back. For dessert they give u a mini serving of either banana pudding or peach cobbler. And then after eating your asked to bring you tray, plate silverware and cup to the dishwasher to clean up. Paying is as u walk out at the register and it's cash only. They have a tip basket near the register too. You basically leave rolling out but it's located on such a beautiful street it's a great way to walk off lunch!
(5)Victor H.
It just doesn't get more southern thank this delicious gem!! The 1.5 hour wait is well worth the effort, as every single side dish compliments the delicious fried chicken. Bring your appetite and be ready for Fried Chicken Heaven!!
(5)Kristian D.
This is the best Southern meal anywhere! You will stand in line outside for a long time, but they are masters of turnover and will get you in and stuffed very efficiently. They have the standard items - fried chicken, biscuits, mashed potatoes, etc - but each one is done to perfection and will leave a lifelong impression. I still do not know how their fluffy biscuits stay together - some sort of Savannah magic. The restaurant is very cute with dining tables tucked into several rooms in the house. Each table is set for a small group, so you will probably share a table with strangers which is part of the experience. Pass the food around and enjoy! Words cannot accurately describe the deliciousness of the food. The chicken is the best. The biscuits are the best. The vegetables are the best. You get the picture. It is cash only, but an excellent value. Service is warm and efficient. Have a good conversation with your fellow diners, and have a great day!
(5)D B.
This place is fantastic. Fried chicken is the best I have ever had. Batter was light and crispy, but flavorful. Southern style cuisine. Comfort food galore! Lots of everything. Every item was Supurb. The service was extraordinary. You can tell when busy people enjoy what they do. We had the pleasure of dining with Mrs Wilkes grand daughter. What pleasant experience! Then came dessert. I had peach cobbler. This was excellent Great flavor, not over sweet. Light crust. My spouse had banana jubilee. She loved it. The food was classic southern. The cooks would likely have grown up with the entrées. The made each one exceptional well. Not too much butter or seasoning. This is the spot experience every item associated with the south. From okra to fried chicken. Carolina red rice. Cornbread, and smiles. Don't forget sweet tea! Worth going out of your way to experience. We did go 160 miles to eat there. Lines are long, but well worth the experience. You wll wait. An hour. Be ready. They have water available in line. Served family style. The menu changes daily, and bring every item then keep it coming. 10 per table. Family style. Fun. We loved it!
(5)Michael C.
Our first "food" stop in Savannah was recommended to us by a great fellow Yelper. When we arrived in Savannah, Ga. and checked into The Gastonian Bed and Breakfast, so many people we spoke with there also recommended Mrs. Wilkes, as it is a big landmark original Southern Dining experience. We did not know what to expect. No one told us anything other than the lines begin at 8 am until they close at 2 pm, they don't take reservations and to wait in that line, it goes fast and is worth every minute waiting to try this experience. Everyone was right, nothing in the South could possibly be like this. We walked about 6 blocks around the corner from our bed and breakfast and as we were told, just look to your left on Jones Street off Whitaker Street and we would see the line. That we did and there was probably 50 people in front of us. Like everything else in Savannah, it was in a historic old house on one of the many other beautifully preserved historic landmarks. I thought: how could we possibly get in and get served before 2 pm with all these people. We got in line and waited with the other 50 or so people and met some great visitors in line with us from everywhere. We met a great couple from Canada, and some people from New York. Everyone was so friendly and as newcomers to Savannah, we got some great recommendations right in line there about what to do in this lovely, historic town. The line was moving though and moving quicker than I anticipated. We finally approached the door to get in and I thought I was in a time machine, somewhere in the movie, Gone With the Wind. As I looked in all I saw was large tables with a lot of people at one table and as we approached our table with so many others we were in line with, I saw approximately 25 plates of food sitting there waiting for our table of 10 people and each sitting had a glass of sweet tea as part of the setting. Never did I expect this incredible community dining experience was going to take place, with the opportunity to meet so many different people at our table. Nor did I expect the amount of food served family style, as much as we can take to be passed around by everyone at the table, on and on and on. Southern Style at its best: Fried chicken, Collard Greens, BBQ Pork, Macaroni and Cheese, Beets, Green Beans, rice, brown rice, southern style mixed vegetables, chicken and dumplings, more Fried Chicken, cream corn, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, baked beans, cucumber salad, dirty rice, beef stew and on and on. The food kept being passed around, we actually had to find time to eat because old Southern hospitality says you must keep passing the dish around as you get it to the left ( I picked up on that). Well, we have all heard or had Black Eyed Peas, but not me, a Yankee from Chicago. There they were. Actual Black Eyed Peas, not the music group but REAL Black Eyed Peas. Everything was so delicious and cooked as original Southern cuisine as you can get. The hard working friendly servers kept bringing food to the table. As we ate, we met several people and had great conversation. We were STUFFED, but then: Southern Style home made banana pudding was the last hurrah. That first bite was like banana pudding I never had, as they used fresh bananas in it. To add to this experience, like it was always done, we had to take our own dirty dishes back to the kitchen!!! It was time to go, as we all got up, said our good byes and as we were walking out, we paid our $20.00 in cash per person, no tax, threw in a nice tip in the jar an left. No ticket to be had, not signing, just the good old Southern honor system of paying your $20.00 for a great family style meal and Southern Experience. Just like the way Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room started back in 1943 as a boarding house and dining room for hard working Southern Laborers and middle class workers, the tradition of Sema Wilkes southern hospitality lives on. Go there and experience the best Southern Food and best Fried Chicken in Savannah, Ga.
(5)Bernie D.
Well to wait in line for food is very insane and to realize that the leftovers don't go to the needy is tragic. With that being said, rating this on the meal is why it gets 4 stars. Each dish is seasoned perfectly with my favorite being the sweet potatoes, black eyed peas and limas!
(4)Sarah C.
Before I get down to why I think this place should be shut down as a menace to our society, I'll say this: The food was good. Otherwise, this place and concept is obscene. We were a group of 7 women and two other women were sat with us (family style). The sheer volume of food coming out to each table (none of which is ordered, just served) was absolutely unbelievable. Thanksgiving on steroids. So for me there's just a gross-out factor. Each person might, MIGHT have a spoonful of everything on the table. Most girls at the table didn't realize half the items were even there because it was lost in the sea of bowls. When we asked what happens to all the leftover food (just think, this much food coming out of the kitchen ALL DAY LONG, and not getting eaten), the woman in her sweet southern accent goes "Can you even imagine wrapping all this up?" as though that were ridiculous and that no one would want it. I would say they should provide their overwhelming excess to those in need, but then that would make the obesity, hypertension and diabetic epidemics insurmountable. This place made me sick. Not in the food poisoning way, but in the moral dilemma way. Oh and not to mention, you sit down to this salt lick after standing in the hot sun and humidity for an hour or more. And you have to ask for water, because all that's out is a pitcher of sweet tea. I know this place sounds fun for a one-time, must-do savannah staple, but it's a very sad place.
(1)G.I. J.
You stand in the line waiting for few hours with other two to three hundred of people from all over the world. And enjoy a little socializing before the meal. $20 per person and unforgettable food. Love the whole experience. Except, too much food left on the table. I felt guilty for wasting food so I ask wait staff if I can pack some of the leftover. I get rejected. What can I do. Still feel bad about leaving so much food behind.
(5)Michelle D.
I'm going with the minority here and say it's okay to give Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room a pass. My three girlfriends and I stayed in a suite next door for a four-day weekend in July, and if you've been to the south in July, you'll understand about standing in line in the sun for three hours just to have lunch. Who queues up at 9am for lunch? We must have been out of our minds. The place has been around since the 40s, and like the rest of Savannah, there's a lot of history here. I guess it's viewed as quaint that they're only open on weekdays 11 - 2, that it's cash only, that it's $20 per person and you walk in to find large tables already filled with bowls of side dishes. The community tables, where you're seated with other people, well I guess it can be nice, but it largely depends on who you get stuck with -- the people we were with didn't offer to pass along the bowls of food nearest them, plus they had a kid with them, so, ya know. I suppose it's quaint that you bring your dirty dishes back to the kitchen yourself when you're done. Maybe it's because I'm a jaded northern city mouse, but what exactly are we passing off as "quaint" here? You wait outside for so long because they do "seatings." They open the door when they can fill all the mis-matched chairs at the large dining tables, and they're probably in there watching us swelter while they set out individual side dish bowls on every table. Wouldn't it be more convenient to them, and us, to open for longer lunch hours and simply make it a regular buffet? Could it be that Mrs. Wilkes is a marketing genius who is playing the supply & demand card like a shark? Open for three hours a day, we'll become known for long lines and long waits and the tourists will pay to see what the hype is all about? The food is good. Many tantalizing side dishes, a person couldn't possibly try it all. Really good fried chicken. But I was with my best friend, who lives in Gulf Shores area of Alabama, and we'd spent a few days together prior to driving to Savannah -- we'd just had fried chicken and sides as good as, if not better than this, for less money, and we got to sit by ourselves while we ate it. And we didn't have to wake up early and queue up for three hours. As for taking care of your after-meal clean-up yourself...call it quaint, but isn't that just the same as at, say, McDonald's? All told, I guess I'm glad to have experienced Mrs. Wilkes' once, seeing as how it's a Savannah institution. But I question the wisdom of being on vacation for a scant four days and wasting three hours of it standing in line for what amounts to a decent fried chicken dinner.
(2)Thracius L.
Not much to be said about this place that hasn't already been mentioned. Food was delicious. We had a party or 10, so we got our own table, which was nice. Otherwise you have to sit with strangers, which means forced and awkward conversations for those of us who don't like people. You also have to clear your own dishes, which is fine, if a little unfamiliar to most people. You just pick up your plate and your cup and walk them back to the kitchen where someone is waiting to take them off your hands. Probably the best food I've ever eaten in Savannah, a place I've been to many times and where I've eaten some damn good meals.
(5)Mark G.
Get here early!! This is not a huge place by any means and they will fill up fast. We waited in line for hours since this is the go to place. Patience was necessary because the line does move so slow. Once we got in I was impressed with how organized they were. Great service and very friendly faces. Once you get in, they seat you at a community table. You most likely will sit with strangers and eat family style meaning you pass dishes to your neighbor. It was fun to talk to other people while we ate. It really is something different you really don't come across, nice community builder. The food is southern deliciousness. They have for sides Cabbage, Snap Peas, Macaroni & Cheese, Butter Beans, Black-eyed Peas, Rutabega, Squash, Rice & Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, Candied Yams, Pickled Beets, Red Rice, Collard Greens, Okra & Tomatoes, Brown Rice, Potato Salad, Apple Salad, Macaroni Salad, English Peas & Noodles, Baked Beans, Cole Slaw. For the meat there are Fried Chicken, Sausage, Beef Stew, Meat Loaf. All of the items are worth a few healthy helpings, you will be full after you try a little bit of everything. They do a fine job here and if you have time this place is worth the wait.
(5)Donna S.
Southern cooking at its best! 3 meats, 20 salads, veggies, and breads-plus banana pudding or peach cobbler. Rutabagas were divine!! A VERY long wait to get in then you eat at a table with 10-12 people and the attentive staff just keeps bringing out bowls of hot, delicious food. Must pay $20 in cash. To ensure the wait staff gets a tip- put it in their hands!!
(5)Elizabeth H.
My husband and I visited Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room on 4/9/15 while visiting Savannah, GA. I wasn't upset when we arrived at 10:00 AM and saw the line (we got a seat at a table at 11:30 AM). I had been told numerous times to expect and plan for a wait. It wasn't that bad of a wait. The weather was comfortable; and, the people we were sandwiched in between were very polite. The meal at Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room is served family style and you are seated at a large table with strangers (and most likely a couple of people you were waiting in line with). I am a vegetarian and there was more than enough sides for me to try. The best part of this experience frankly was the price to gorge yourself. It is $20 a person. I am sure Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room could get away with charging more considering by the time we left the restaurant at and/or 12:15 PM the line was around the block. I appreciate their willingness to keep the meal and experience affordable. I enjoyed visiting Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room. However Savannah, GA has a lot of great food options and if I visit again I will most likely elect to skip Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room. I was happy to say I had tried it but the time to wait in line and the food coma you feel afterwards prevents you from exploring some of the other great things Savannah, GA has to offer.
(3)Stuart B.
4.5 stars This is definitely an experience one should try at least once. If you've been to Penn Dutch, this is definitely the southern version. You start out by waiting in line going down the block. My Soup Nazi days completely prepared me for this! The line for us was about 1.5 hours, however it was a gorgeous day (around 65) so this part was fine. You snake around an alley and they seat you (our party of 4 got to cut in front of a party of 8) Once inside it's a relatively small dining area with many separate rooms. We were in the main room off to the side. There was another family of 3 and us leaving 5 chairs empty. This surprised me. I figured they would fill each table first. The food is waiting for you as you sit. For me it was fried chicken and a bunch of veggies. There were a few additional meat dishes (bbq and stew) The only item that really stood out for me was the chicken. Everything else seemed to blend in as the same. I'm not saying that the other items weren't good, but they didn't compare to the chicken. (Collards, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, stuffing / dressing, etc.) Dessert was an afterthought. (Bannana pudding) The service was great. The atmosphere was great. As I said at the beginning, you should check this place out at least once.
(4)Brian R.
My girlfriend and I arrived an hour before the restaurant opens. There were about 30-40 people ahead of us, so arrive earlier if possible, they open at 11. While in line we chatted with others which made the wait go quicker. Once inside we were brought to a table fitting ten people. The food was already on the table for us to eat. The food was amazing! The fried chicken and biscuits were my favorite. The staff was extremely friendly and they didn't rush you. The restaurant has about seven to eight tables that sit around ten each. Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room is definitely worth a visit to anyone living or visiting in the area. ***cash only establishment ($20 per person)
(5)Heather W.
MUST EAT HERE- Fun one of a kind dining experience. Arrive an hour early if you want to be able enjoy a great meal. A variety of over 26 different types of Southern food including desert served by some of the most genuinely sweetest servers in Savannah. More food than anyone can possibly eat including some very flavorful fried chicken. Ran by the grand daughter of Mrs Wilkes, this is an amazing dining experience. Sitting at a table with 8 strangers and enjoying a good meal and good conversation & leaving with new friends is not typical in today's society, so we appreciate all this dining experience has to offer. Cash only! Yummy food - see pic
(5)Tierra H.
A Most Visit ! Don't be discouraged by the wait times or the heat , it's worth it every drop of sweat and time . Have been here 3 times and this last visit was the best ! Get there as soon as they open if you can to help with your wait time . Longest time we have waited was 2 hours and that was the 1st time we visited . CASH ONLY!!!!! Reasonable priced for all the food you get .
(5)Mai V.
Mrs. Wilkes is a true Savannah experience. After hearing/reading about and spending three hours in line to get a taste of the hype, I was expecting the best of Southern country charm and flavor. Fortunately, the staff delivered. There was a massive quantity of food, more than enough to feed the 10 people started at the table (and probably enough to feed 30 people). I didn't get a chance to try everything--see previous sentence about sheer amount of food--but most of what I ate was delicious. The main attraction, according to Yelpers, is the fried chicken. I was not a huge fan; it was a little too dry and tasted like it had been under the warmers for a little too long. The sides, though. Wow! My favorites (of the dishes I tried) were the dressing, collard greens, macaroni salad, cucumber salad, and jambalaya. The biscuits were also amazing! The staff were very friendly to us, but they appeared to be having some work-related issues. With the small space, it was kind not to notice when they talked amongst themselves. Also, while we were waiting in line, several chefs came out to the front on their cigarette breaks. I thought that was a little ride, but no one else seemed bothered by it.
(4)Liza N.
Damn good fried chicken ya'll! Family style, share, pass the collard greens please? And more sweet tea please? Very long wait but worth the experience. And when you're finished eating, pick up your plate and take it to the the kitchen (staff will take it from you)... Just like home.
(4)Ana R.
Hands down the best fried chicken I've ever had! My husband and I arrived at 11:30a.m. and the wait was about one hour. The waiting time doesn't feel that long if you strike up a conversation with some of the people that are waiting in line with you. Once inside each table sits 10 people and the food is at the table for you to dig in. The food is served family style and you can always ask for seconds of whatever you want. My husband and I will definitely be coming back to Mrs. Wilkes the next time that we are in Savannah.
(5)Jenn S.
This place really doesn't need another review. But in short it was good and I am glad we went but I am not sure I would stand in line for another 2.5 hours to go again. It was fun to sit at a table with people I didn't know and make awkward conversation about where everyone was from. Since they don't open until 11am I would go at like 8am. There will already be a line but that is how early you need to get there. And btw don't eat breakfast or the night before.
(4)TheHungryDad Jeff C.
Amazing. That is all there is to say. First, let me say that it is not cheap but it is all you can eat (and you will eat a TON) and totally worth it. .. but you can't use Credit Cards or debit cards here. so have cash OR they will let you write a check. You need to know. Also they are only open for lunch 11-am - 2p and there will be a wait. And not like at most restaurants where they give you a pager or call you name from a list. You wait in line. Yes, You will have to get there early and yes even if you do, you will still stand in line for hours. It may be raining or cold, but do not think about it.... just do it. The wait time just allows you to get good and hungry for the food. (and do not eat a big breakfast! You want to save room!) The other great part of the wait time is that you can get to know the people around you that are also waiting in line. Most of them are visiting Savannah like you probably are so it is fun to find out where they are from and who they are. And while that may seem silly to get to know strangers in line at a restaurant, but there is a great reason I suggest it, and that is because this restaurant serves you at big tables, family style. So you will probably be sitting for a meal, passing plates and sharing baskets of cornbread with the folks around you. You may not get to know them in line but for sure, do not make them dislike you, since you will likely share their table. ;) The food is crazy good. True southern fare with family style flair. The large dining room tables filled with several meats like fried chicken, country fried steak, sausages, roast beef... and tons of veggies like collards, grits, corn, green beans, broccoli casserole, potatoes, and more. Cornbread, biscuits, and rolls. THEN desserts roll in. Pudding, pie, and more. so so so so good, but you can get good southern food lots of places. It is the experience at Mrs. Wilkes' that is so special and unique. Do not miss it.
(5)Philly P.
Be prepared to wait at least for an hour before you get to experience this place which is 107th number mentioned in the "1000 places to visit before you die". So as everyone does, we too waited in a long queue in the sultry hot Savannah. Finally we got our turn n we were seated on a big table filled with at least 20 -25 small bowls of side dishes that they serve with the fresh fried chicken n of course not to forget the sweetened ice tea. They do offer unsweetened tea along with water. Since this is a family style you share the table with other food enthus from around US n the world. It's a great experience that you get to share with strangers n talk about your travel experiences. For us it was the side dishes that won us over instead of the fried chicken which was good but nothing to rave about. If in Savannah one must go to this place for the southern experience of family style dining. Try out every single of the side dishes they serve n don't even think of skipping the dessert. We had the banana pudding, but this keeps changing very often. Just one concern though, since there is so much food (fried chicken as much as you can devour) most of the side dishes are hardly finished n that's a lot of food to be wasted, so hope they think of some way the leftovers are used as it would be criminal to waste all that food. Don't pass this place as it's truly an experience but be prepared to be overwhelmed when you are at the table
(4)Erica C.
After much research and a recommendation from Tyler at The Westin, my boyfriend and I decided to check out Mrs.Wilkes for lunch. We arrived at 11:00am and there was already a long line reaching the corner. We waited approximately an hour before being seated in the back dining room. The food and sweet tea was served "family style" and awaiting our arrival. It was definitely more than enough for the 6 people seated at our table. The food was definitely AMAZING!! I felt like I was attending a southern Thanksgiving dinner. The Mac and Cheese was great and the cheesy mashed potatoes with onions were an absolute hit at our table. The fried chicken was moist and crispy and the bbq was better than expected. There was an abundance of side items (collards, black eyed peas, buttered beans, sweet potatoes, potato salad, macaroni salad, corn bread.... The list goes on). After indulging ourselves into a food coma, they brought out the dessert. Banana pudding and peach cobbler. Both were equally delicious. I must say that I truly enjoyed my meal and it was definitely worth the hour wait. The cost is $20 per person (cash only). I will most likely return to Mrs.Wilkes on my next trip to Savannah.
(4)Julie Z.
This place already has pages of stellar reviews, but I found it worth the hype. Even on a chilly February Thursday morning we waited about 30 minutes to get inside the restaurant.It is family style dining and each table sits 10 people. For me the stars of the meal were the fried chicken, bbq pork, sweet tea, collard greens, and cream corn. The servers are prompt in bringing out refills or fresh food that seemed to be endless. The dishes also included Mac n cheese, meatloaf, squash, yams, biscuits, green beans, mashed potatoes, beef stew, and so much more. I've never been to a restaurant like this so a big part of it is truly the experience. Our "breakfast" ended up being like thanksgiving dinner. $20 and totally stuffed. A true Savannah experience, do yourself a favor and check it out.
(5)Amy W.
The 2 hour wait was definitely worth it! Food was very good and service was great. Definitely coming back again next time!
(5)Christi S.
Very worth the wait in the long line. (If you go later in the day the line is shorter.) The moment you sit down you can begin pigging out on the huge array of food sitting before you. My personal favorites were the fried chicken, Mac n cheese, sweet potatoes, creamed corn, and greens. Everyone working there was super sweet and welcoming. It felt like sitting down for a thanksgiving dinner at a family member's house. There's such a big selection of food, everyone will find something they like. I tried almost everything and did not eat one thing I didn't love. I can't believe how reasonable the price is too. Overall a definite must visit for anyone in Savannah.
(5)rebecca l.
Got there at 9:30am and were the first ones in line. We were super glad later when we got out around 11:45am and the line stretched all the way down the block, past the corner and beyond! Food was delicious - of particular note was the sweet tea (perfect ratio of tea to sugar) and the rutabagas. Fried chicken was good and not too greasy. Banana pudding was obviously made fresh. They say they also have peach cobbler, but on the day we went they only had the banana pudding... A good reminder is it IS family-style so best to be nice while waiting in the line or that is going to be one awkward table! We had an excellent group at ours and enjoyed the experience and the food immensely. Easy to see why it is a "must-do" for Savannah... The experience of waiting in line is as much a part of it as the food itself!
(5)T W.
This place only took cash when I visited a couple months ago, so be prepared. This is a family style restaurant so you may sit beside some people you do not know. However, do not be afraid to talk and pass the serving dishes to your neighbor, we met some great people. It is completely worth sitting with a few strangers for an hour to get a helping on this delicious food. This should be on everyones to do list in Savannah.
(4)Nicolas L.
Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room lives up to the hype and is the best place I have been to for Southern food. You will likely have to wait at least two hours to be seated. The dining room opens at 11am but the line starts forming around 9:30am. I got in line around 10:10am and wasn't seated until noon. Once inside you are seated at a dining table with nine other people. The table is already set with a variety of food and sweet tea. It is like a Thanksgiving dinner on steroids. All of the food was delicious. My favorites were the Fried Chicken which was very juicy and perfectly crispy (some of the best I have ever tried), the Creamed Corn which was sweet, creamy, and flavorful, and the Mashed Sweet Potatoes which were nicely creamy and sweet. Overall this was one of the best dining experiences I have ever had. Hands down a must visit.
(5)Jessica K.
Great restaurant, amazing experience! We were here on a rainy, cold February morning and there was still a line. We got in line around 11:15 and were in eating by noon. It didn't seem like that long though. Everyone was friendly, chatty, and excited. We were waiting with two small kids and it wasn't bad. Don't let the wait stop you from going. Once in, the meal was incredible. Truly everything on the table was great. Even the sides you wouldn't expect to wow you like the green beans. All the recipes here have been perfected overtime. Everyone in our party, including the little ones, ate quietly with a smile on our faces. We sat with a lovely couple from Canada. The sitting with strangers thing is awesome. Again, everyone is so happy to be here that the conversations were light and upbeat. Dessert was a little disappointing but by the time it arrives you have no room anyways. Service was great, everyone was so friendly. I've eaten at fancy restaurants but this was probably the best restaurant experience of my life.
(5)Nicole G.
Some of the best Southern food I have ever eaten. The fried chicken was so good it almost didn't seem real. All the sides (that i could manage to try) were delicious. There are 17 different sides so it's sort of impossible to try them all. The stand outs included the mac and cheese, the collard greens, the stuffing, the bbq pork rib, the green beans, and the biscuits. The atmosphere is welcoming; you are in what looks like your grandmothers' dining room and you share a table with people you don't know. The dining is family style (there are no menus, you eat what is put on the table). It's like having Thanksgiving dinner with strangers. I loved the experience. You will wait in line for at least 1.5 hours. It is absolutely worth it. I would wait longer for that food. It's cash only and they're only open M-F from 11am to 2pm. Get there early. We arrived at 11:15 and we were seated around 12:45. Don't that that discourage you. Get a cup of coffee and hang out in line. The whole experience is fun.
(5)Sylvain A.
Southern comfort food at it's finest delivered to you by some of Georgia's finest too. It's an experience and for those with groups of 8 or less, expect to share your table with strangers whom by the end of the meal you'll either love or hate haha You sit down, pick between water or sweat tea... Followed by about 12 endless dishes which are passed around the table just like you would on thanksgiving. Oh and don't forget the deep fried chicken! Once everyone is done, you take your dishes to the kitchen and pay a set price for the entire meal. Not an experience to miss out on!
(5)Josh S.
Mrs. Wilkes' is one of THE spots in Savannah. This is how it works. The dining room is open from 11am to 2pm Monday through Friday; it is closed for the month of January. A line starts forming around 10am. Make friends; you're probably going to be hanging out for a while. The restaurant has three tables with 10 chairs apiece. The first 30 people go in and sit, and each time a table finishes, everybody leaves, pays $20, and the next 10 people go in. Serving is family style. When you sit, you'll find in front of you a plate, silverware and a trays and bowls of food. When we went, the meat was fried chicken (pretty good), meatloaf (the same) and barbecued pork (outstanding), and the sides were too plentiful to name, but I'll give it a shot: green beans, mac-n-cheese, cornbread biscuits, okra and tomatoes, squash, red rice with sausage, white rice with gravy, mashed potatoes, black-eyed peas, cabbage, stuffing and a whole bunch of other stuff. Dessert was banana pudding or peach cobbler (we both tried the cobbler, which was a little sweet, but peaches were out of season). Pitchers of sweet and unsweet tea sit on the table, and the waitstaff will gladly bring out water and are constantly making sure that all the dishes are still full. We're new to town, but we do live in Savannah. We were seated with a large party of other locals, so it's good to know that despite the 90-minute wait -- we got there at about 10:55 and were seated about 12:30 -- locals do eat there, and do return. If you're in a hurry, skip it. If you're deciding between here and Paula Deen's restaurant The Lady & Sons, go to Mrs. Wilkes'. Plan to be a little slow-moving when you get out of there, but thankfully it's a beautiful downtown to walk around.
(4)Chris O.
Don't forget the rules: 1. COME EARLY. If you can't get in line by about 10:15am, I probably wouldn't bother. 10am would be even better. Be prepared to stand around for a long time until the 11am opening. If you're sociable, strike up conversations with the people around you because there's a good chance you'll be sitting with them at the family-style tables. 2. COME WITH CASH. $20 per person plus tip. No credit cards. 3. DON'T COME ON THE WEEKENDS, AND DON'T COME FOR DINNER. They're only open Monday-Friday and only for lunch. 4. COME HUNGRY. There's an absurd amount of food. You don't order the food; they just bring out plates and bowls and more plates and more bowls until there's no more room on the table. From memory, they served us sweet tea, fried chicken, beef stew, roast pork with a not-quite bbq sauce, meatloaf, potatos with cheese, white rice, rice with sausage, stuffing with gravy, mac cheese, corn muffins, biscuits, baked beans, black-eyed peas, mashed yellow squash, green beans, okra succotash, collard greens, and banana pudding. And I'm sure I'm forgetting a few. Everything was at least good -- and most much better than good! -- except for the banana pudding, which I didn't like at all (but, too be fair, I'm not a banana fan). I know that sounds like an emphasis on quantity over quality, but the quality was exceptionally high, easily the best meal I had in Savannah. If you forget any of the above rules, you're likely to have poor experience. Finally, I'll add one more suggestion. It's not a rule because you can have a perfectly satisfying meal even if you forget. The suggestion is to periodically look around the table to see what dishes you haven't tried yet. The table is pretty big, so you'll probably notice several that never made it around to your side of the table. In my case, I know there was a corn dish that never made it around to me, and probably a few more.
(4)Mike G.
Amazing. Cash only $20 per person, expect a 2-2:45 hour wait. Absolutely worth it. Bring water for hot days and sun screen. Plan ahead for the cash part. No ATM's within a block. This is definitely a destination to hit while in Savannah. You end up making friends with people in line, and it turns into a crucible to endure with a reward of southern comfort food that is out of this world. You get about 3 meats and an absolute amazing selection of vegetables side dishes. Ocra and collard greens are to die for! My advice, get there about 9:30 or 10 am to get out by noon and enjoy walking off the food coma in the historic district of Savannah.
(5)Aja R.
Delicious....enough said. Left here full and satisfied above expectations. The only thing needing improvement was dessert. They offered peach cobbler or banana pudding. The cobbler would've been better served warm with vanilla ice cream. The food was so great that I didn't discount the stars because of the dessert.
(5)Christine H.
Mrs. Wilkes' is outstanding. Well worth the wait in line and very reasonably priced. I have visited twice and both times I was impressed. A big thank you to the hard working staff that puts all that food out on the tables and does it with a smile.
(5)Larry G.
I took Monday off of work specifically so I can spend some time at Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room. After walking around and hitting up some of Savannah's finest establishments over the weekend, I couldn't shake off the thought that I was missing out on the quintessential Savannah dining experience. I needed to get down to this sick beat. It was a high-risk high-reward gamble that paid off. You won't exactly become besties with the random people at your table, but asking someone to pass the potatoes and them doing it without a snarky look is better than the body language I receive at the in-laws house. Plus we keep the conversation light, touchy topics that show up on family holidays that center around having kids, healthcare, global warming and Obama ruining this country are replaced with lighter and less controversial fare as we are all feeling each other out. You have read about the quantity of dishes (the fried and bbq chicken were the standouts to me) but the quality was off the charts for everything I tasted. The food wasn't salted as much as I typically see from other restaurants while still exhibiting an attractive flavor profile, it tasted homemade. My suggestion is to get here about 45 minutes ahead of the open and you should easily make the first wave of customers entering the dining room. One last thing to note is that it costs $18 and they only take cash or check so please come prepared. $18 per person may sound expensive for breakfast/brunch, but keep in mind that clocks out to approximately $0.50 per dish for all you math or penny pinching nerds like myself out there. Not to be missed.
(5)Matthew W.
Wow. This was one of the best places I've ever eaten at. There is a line out front, but it is well worth the wait. Once you get inside you are seated at a 9-12 person table and then the staff begin to bring out food. It is an all-you-can-eat, family style restaurant. The waiters bring in about 18 different southerns style dishes. All of them are excellent. After the meal you get to choose one of a couple desserts (for us it was Peach Pie or another dessert). After the meal you make your way to the front and pay. It is a little pricey for a lunch, but again well worth it. :) I'd definitely go here again when I'm back in the south.
(5)Anita O.
Things to keep in mind: CASH ONLY!!! And there's a long wait so you need to get there early. There was already a line 30 minutes before the restaurant opened! Once you get inside, you're seated family style with other people (unless you have a larger party). The fried chicken is wonderful, and the other food is delicious comfort food. So many options! It's located on a quaint street. If you love soul food, this is the place to stop by while in Savannah!
(4)Mary Ann Keogh K.
This is an eating experience. The fried chicken is crunchy outside and juicy inside. The barbquue pork was delicious my favorite was the sweet potto cassette the cole slaw and cornbread as well as creamed corn were all equally delicious. This is well worth the visit but plan it as your only meal of the day. And lastly talk bout perfect sweet tea
(5)Sara M.
Dude. DUDE. DUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUDE. If you are looking for great Southern experience, then this is the place to try. It's like dining at the home of the Southern grandmother you never had. You'll wait in line, sit with strangers, and buss your own dishes...but it is all worth it. Here is a giant list of the food that somehow all managed to fit on the table: Mac & cheese Succotash Cabbage White rice Rice and sausage Creamed corn Lima beans Green beans Baked beans Barbecue pork Mashed potatoes with cheese Beef stew Collard greens Black-eyed peas Squash Chicken and dumplings Cornbread Biscuits Meatloaf Gravy Fried chicken The vast majority of these dishes were outstanding. The black-eyed peas were a little too salty, and the barbecue sauce was a little tangy for me. Even the non-outstanding dishes were still pretty good. Dessert options were banana pudding or peach cobbler, and these did come to the table in individual portions. So you walk in after waiting for an hour in the hot, muggy September afternoon and find yourself at a table of ten. Dishes and silverware are already set, with a cup of cold sweet tea on the right. Every dish but the fried chicken, which comes out a little later, is in the middle of the table. And then the communal dining experience begins. Everyone begins to bond over the food...strangers become friends, families grows closer, enemies become lovers...wait, I'm getting carried away (but I could totally see that happening here). At the end of the meal, you are asked to clear your own dishes and bring them to the kitchen, where an older lady will take them from you, thank you, and call you "sweetheart." IMPORTANT NOTES: - $18 CASH or PERSONAL CHECK (with ID) only. We didn't know the latter was an option until we found ourselves next in line with nothing but credit cards and a couple of checkbooks. Good thing we asked before getting out of line to find an ATM! The price includes tax but not tip. - Restrooms are located in two different places. There is one in the front lobby in the back left corner (if you are standing in the doorway facing in) and another in the passageway between the front dining room and the back one. - The wait is worth it! One of my dining companions had a time constraint and was starting to get antsy. But after multiple people walked out rubbing their distended bellies and singing the restaurant's praises, we decided to wait it out. TL;DR: Totally worth it.
(5)Mercedes Y.
Best decision you could ever make. Cash only. Get there early. Worth the wait. Absolutely amazing food!
(5)M O.
Okay this by far is the best place ever. The fried chicken is the best I have ever had. Ever. Seriously. It was perfectly crunchy and moist and delicious. The 15 sides that went with the chicken were fantastic too. It's fun sitting with other families. But you don't talk too much because you are just eating as much as you can of the delicious food. The staff was courteous and nice. I waited about an hour and 20 mins in line. Worth every second. This is a must try in Savannah.
(5)Allison B.
What a wonderful experience we had eating here. It truly was special. First of all, we arrived at 10:30am which was *still* not early enough to be in the first rush of diners. We made it into the restaurant in the second wave of diners, just around 11:30. The wait was certainly worth it. The food was all absolutely divine. The fried chicken was as good as everyone said. The baked beans were ridiculous. The green beans were insane. The red rice was wonderful. The biscuits and corn bread were great. The yams and pulled pork and cucumber salad and macaroni and cheese and cheesy grits and collards and black eyed peas and EVERYTHING were just mind-blowing. Seriously. At one point, we counted at least 20 dishes on the table, and more kept coming. I don't love the aspect of dining with strangers, but I totally get that it's the way things are done there, and they make it work very nicely! They even helped us figure out a good system for passing the dishes so that everyone got some of everything. I was anticipating absolute chaos at the idea of 10 hungry strangers dining at a table together, but the staff at Mrs. Wilkes have it down to a finely-tuned science! They kept the food coming and did not let any plates remain empty for long. I loved the sweet tea, and everyone was so friendly. Can I please go back right now?
(5)Ta B.
The best fried chicken I've ever had in my life!!!! This is the best southern food you will have in Georgia! I've never had veggies so good in my life. 20 + dishes of the most amazing southern food you've ever had!!!! Hannds down!!!!! The line is about 1-2 hours long but its def worth thr wait! Trust me! This is a cash only restaurant. Come with and empty stomach and $20 and leave ridiculously full and satisfied. I guarantee you this will be one of the best if not THE BEST meal you will ever have!!! Obama sat at the head of the first table behind the register when he ate here. A must go to if you're in the Savannah area.
(5)Nick H.
Great southern style family dining house, tons of amazing food for the price! They have over 20 side dishes on the table and the fried chicken is exceptional. It's got a great light batter to it, so it's not overly greasy and incredibly moist! Get to know your neighbors, it may be a surprise. Three-fourths of our table was from the same place as we were. Thousands of miles from home and the world is still small! Save a little room for dessert and try it all, additionally they typically have 1 or 2 unique sides for that day. Ours was chicken dumplings and they were perfect. Only open from 11am-2pm so if you go late just make sure your in line before 2 and they'll still seat you. Early or late is the local recommendation. Worked well for us! Enjoy!
(5)Mauricio H.
An absolute must when in Savannah. I have to warn you, you will wait online anywhere between 45 minutes to one hour and a half before getting to come in and sit down. When you walk in, you're seated at a table, family-style, with another group of strangers. The food is already served, and you just pass it around and share. The fried chicken is the most delicious chicken I have ever had in my life.
(5)Nicole M.
A family style table with the food already on the table. Great food and a great experience! I've been to Savannah twice and I made sure to make a stop at Mrs. Wilkes each time. Here's a couple of pointers: 1- check their hours of operation before going. They are only open for lunch. 2- you will be waiting in a very long line so be prepared if you are really hungry. The wait is worth it, I promise. 3- get to know the people you are waiting in line with. They probably will be sitting with you at your table. 4- they only accept cash for payment. 5- try everything on the table!! If a bowl runs out before it gets to you, don't worry! They will refill it for you in a heartbeat.
(5)Scott F.
I got there at 1045 and there was a very long line, so I bailed out. The people with me waited for 2 hours in the stifling heat for their meal, which I hear was pretty good. They were a little irritated that a group of girl scouts got to cut in line in front of them, prolonging their torturous wait. Since it is a unique experience, i would recommend going in the winter time when it would be a little more pleasant to wait two hours outside for basically a similar meal you could get at a Luby's, - the US Food's truck in back should give you a clue where the food comes from!!!
(3)Jamie D.
An excellent spot for lunch! Easily besting Paula Deens buffet! Recommend heading there early to not wait in line for so long. The staff was completely accommodating and nice and match their high quality of food.
(5)Kenneth W.
There are hundreds of reviews on Yelp about the dining experience here so I won't go too in depth except to say that the wait was well worth it simply because the food was exceptional. The fried chicken is unquestionably the star of the show and it was light and not too greasy yet full of flavor and the sides were just as good, especially the collard greens and mashed potatoes. We visited a lot of places during our stay in Savannah and while many were excellent, Mrs Wilkes stood above the rest. Look forward to going back.
(5)Lynsey W.
Definitely worth the hour-long wait! So much delicious Southern food (yes to seconds on the sweet potato casserole!), and a fun opportunity to chat with others at a community table. They also provided lots of cold water while we were waiting outside beforehand, which was much appreciated. When you're done eating, check out all the photos of famous folks who have frequented the place. All in all, a fun a day unique dining experience!
(5)Kim L.
If I died and went to heaven (or maybe just the South and wound up in Savannah), this is what kind of food I would find there. Wow! I cannot even begin to say how amazing my experience was here. We got on line around 10:30am and got in by 11:15ish. And the food came pouring in. It's amazing, they keep bringing out more as you try to stuff yourself and pass around wonderful, delicious classics. We had people from California to Florida to NJ at our table enjoying the meal that waited in the rain just like us! It was totally worth the wait and $20/person is a STEAL! Make sure you stop by!
(5)Jordan S.
Get in line between 10-11 am or you may not get in! I didn't believe my friend, but we barely made it in and we got in line around 12. And don't let the wait deter you! Mrs. Wilkes' is absolutely worth the wait. When you walk in and sit down, an array of 20+ side dishes await you, refreshing freshly brewed southern sweet tea is already poured, and the best fried chicken of your life is only moments away. Examples of side dishes we had: Corn, mashed potatoes, cole slaw, baked beans, green beans, corn bread, biscuits, creamed corn, Jambalaya, rice, fried okra, and so much more. Depending on the day you go, there will be at least 20 side dishes, and on the weekends there may even be 24.
(5)Kent G.
Worldstar best place to eat. Mad they throw all that food away though. I ate everything there. Service was average. Well worth the expensive price. Recommended. ...
(5)Rachel B.
We had a nice experience here and really enjoyed the hospitality. The food was good, but because we are vegetarian, we were limited with dishes that appeared to be veg friendly, but were not (greens, beans, etc). We met some cool people while in line but didn't connect too much with those at our table (obviously to no fault of the restaurant). We liked the idea of communal style dining. One concern I do have is the amount of food that goes uneaten. It's family style dining so when everyone is done, what happens to the food? Our table had enough food left to feed another 15 people. I hope the restaurant donates the food. Either that or I think they should consider putting less food on the table and just refilling bowls as needed. Or giving people boxes to take home food.
(4)Dan M.
Southern food at its best. I'm not a local and this was my first time in Savannah. My girlfriend, who is originally from here, said we had to eat at Mrs Wilkes. The food is served family style and you will be seated in a table of ten with random strangers. The atmosphere will make you talk to strangers as you past the food around the table. "Fried Chicken? Yes. Please" The food was simple home cooking. You will not leave hungry. The number of sides seems endless. The entree today was fried chicken which was simple and full of flavor. All this great food for $18! And don't forget to take your own plate to the kitchen! This is Mrs Wilkes Kitchen and she wouldn't have it any other way.
(5)Sincere R.
Family style seating. You sit at a table with 8 other people. As soon as you sit down, the table is set with fried chicken, chicken and dumplings, beef stew, meatloaf, BBQ pork, and all the fixings. Most everything had gold flavors you can definitely tell nothing is store-bought. However, A few of the sides were overly salty. Staff were extremely friendly and polite. The family style was authenticated by the fact that you had to personally walk your plate to the kitchen. Great bang for the buck. If I'm ever in town again, I'd go back in a heartbeat. Just remember to get there early. Banana pudding was a major let down. I kinda expected more.
(4)Chad E.
While it took me two (three?) trips to Savannah to get to Mrs. Wilkes', that is a mistake I won't be making again. It's a bit off the beaten path, but that just makes it a bit more interesting - take the time to find it and get out of the river district and all. As everyone else is lining up over at that other place, head yourself to Mrs. Wilkes' and get in line. Yes, in line. There will very likely be one, at just about any time. The first issue you may find is that the hours are limited. Lunch only, weekdays only. That means that everyone trying to get in is going to cram themselves inside this tiny space in a small window of opportunity. The next problem is that you won't find traditional seating - instead, it's family style. Eight or so people per table, as tables clear. So one table opens up, and the next group sits down to eat. The good news is there are no menus, so it moves fast. As soon as everyone sits down, the food starts coming, twenty-plus items, as much as you can stuff in your face. Really. I think it was twenty-three, but I could be mistaken. We tried to get a picture, but we couldn't fit it all in the frame. Quality on the food ranged from solid to un-freaking-believable. Definitely worthwhile. Once you're done eating, stand up and head to the counter - everyone's bill will be the same: $18 each. Cash only!
(4)Karen D.
The food was tasty. Chicken was excellent. Just like my grandma and Mother makes but better. There are at least 20 Sides and sweet tea set on the table as you walk in. It is a preset meal at a preset price set and ready to eat as you walk in the door. Kind of nice due to the long hot stand in line as you wait your turn to get in the door to get In The door, you are ready to eat. All tables are set for 10 so you get to meet fellow Savannah tourists and share site seeing stories if you are not in a group of ten. Just a side note, there is a Pub called Crystal just 2 blocks away that you can walk to to buy soft drinks, beer, etc for your party in line. You can walk the streets with alcohol in your hand so it's all good and you can stay refreshed while waiting in line.
(4)Christy M.
It was hard to imagine that Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room could come close to living up to its Yelp reviews, but it was beyond anything I had imagined. We first tried to eat at Mrs. Wilkes' on Monday, arriving around 12:30 to see a crazy line snaking out of the building, down the street, and around the corner. I knew there would be a line, but we were just too hungry to wait that day. On Tuesday, we came back at 10:30. There was already a short line, about 40 people or so. We waited patiently for opening time at 11. There are some benches and steps on the sidewalk there for folks who really need to sit down. The line began moving right at 11, and people seemed to get seated pretty efficiently. We weren't sure we were going to get in for the first seating, having to wait just outside the door for table space until the wonderful host came out and ushered us inside. Inside, you'll find a couple of cozy rooms with large group tables that seat about 10 adults. When you sit down, the table is already covered in dishes of food and there is sweet tea at every place setting (although they come around pretty quickly and offer unsweetened tea or water). Service is family-style, and there were literally 26 dishes of food on our table - I counted. What I can remember: Fried chicken Beef stew Barbecued meat (pork?) Rice Mashed potatoes with onion and cheese Mashed sweet potatoes Mac n cheese Boiled potatoes Gravy Bread (biscuits and cornbread) Succotash Green beans Collard greens Cucumber salad Coleslaw Stewed cabbage Black eyed peas Lima beans Squash casserole Creamed corn Rutabaga I know I'm leaving off some of the vegetables, which is a shame because they were all so delicious. Seriously - everything on the table was just stellar. The fried chicken was some of the best I've had, not too much breading but lots of nice crunchy pieces on the edges. The stewed cabbage was a surprise hit for the table - I can only imagine how much butter went into making cabbage craveable. After your table has consumed all it can comfortably manage, a server comes around with small dishes of dessert. For us, it was a choice between banana pudding and peach cobbler. I had the banana puddling (stellar) and I heard the peach cobbler was also delicious. At $18 (cash or check only), it's not a cheap lunch, but it's a great value for the quality and quantity. I dropped $2 in the tip bucket by the register, and, to me, $20 for a great meal, beverage, dessert, and tip is very reasonable. Totally worth the wait - just don't come too late. 10:30 is about the latest you should arrive and expect to eat in the first seating as the place only has about 5 ten-top tables. And don't eat breakfast!
(5)Rachel H.
This place is wonderful! If you want to go to s touristy destination that serves good southern cooking this is the place to be! You're served family style and could be with other people that are not in your group but that's the fun of it. I recommend trying out the sweet tea because it's absolutely delicious! Get there early because there is NO RESERVATIONS and it's CASH/CHECK ONLY. But even if you're waiting in line it goes by a lot quicker than you think!
(5)Melanie R.
We came across Mrs. Wilkes 4 years ago on a day trip to Savannah while we were on summer vacation in Hilton Head Island. It's a charming little place, with dining room in the basement. The lines are long, so arrive 15 minutes before they open. You're seated with strangers at a round table and servers bring dozens of dishes of food. There are probably a dozen "core" dishes: Fried chicken, mashed potatoes with gravy, creamed corn, collard greens, macaroni and cheese, sweet potatoes, succotash, biscuits, and many items I would consider "comfort food". In our five visits to Mrs. Wilkes' there have been additional entrees and side dishes, like pickled beets, boiled cabbage, roast beef, and summer squash. The servers are attentive and replenish items as needed. After the abundant feast, there is a dessert, usually a fruit cobbler and banana pudding, if you have room. We always leave happy with full stomachs. Tip: Eat a very light breakfast and bring cash or a check--they don't take credit cards.
(5)Annie T.
Can the Wilkes family adopt me? Food: Southern ya'll Quantity: Family style with non-family members. Buffet-like Pice: One price. Cash only Noise: Thanksgiving dinner Attire: Respectable Service: Friendly coz you're the service. Bus your own table Parking: Street Ordered: wait...they order for you? Plan #1: Just eat the chicken, skip the sides (fillers) Plan #2: Eat the chicken and the sides (Best) Plan #3: Eat the chicken and sides and sweet tea Plan #4: Skip the sweet tea (the sugars) - I planned for #1, actually did #2. I really wanted #3, but did #4 Side Note: No matter what you do, don't eat the substance in the bowl that looks like mashed potatoes...in the bathroom Best experience of Southern food I've had. They had all the typical southern sides like greens, mac n' cheese, sweet potato..etc. The chicken was juicy and not too oily. They also had some kind of beef stew and pulled pork. Tip: You can always ask for a plateful of a particular part of the chicken that you want i.e. wings, drumsticks, breasts. Also, get in line 30 minutes before closing. Line is much shorter. Downfall: Like most buffets, you can't take the leftovers. Overall: 4.5-5.0 stars
(4)Mario K.
I've been here every time I visit Savannah. It's not fancy and there is always a line, so you'll be assured a wait, but as far as Southern comfort food goes, I have yet to find better. Be prepared to wait 30-90 minutes and then you'll be seated with strangers (that become friends over a wonderful meal) at tables that typically accommodate 12. Food is waiting, piping hot and delicious, and I have yet to have room or want for anything after I leave (but perhaps for pockets deep enough to carry some of the delicious food home - they don't do take out at Mrs. Wilkes'). Their fried chicken is probably the most noteworthy, but everything is delicious. It's family-run and has pleased generations of Savannah locals and visitors and it's as good today as it was nearly 20 years ago when I first tried it. For $20 (cash) per person, this is a must-visit Savannah tradition.
(5)Marc C.
Just finished up a business trip to Savannah and before we left we had to get our Mrs. Wilkes fix. Got there about 1:15 and had about an hour plus wait. Stood in line with some newbies from Florida, Alabama, and Canada. Kept assuring them that it was worth the wait. Once we were seated the plates started flowing with some delicious southern food. I was craving the fried chicken and was not disappointed (never am there). The Pot Roast was tender, the sides - there were so many that I am not even sure I got them all. Needless to say - Mrs. Wilkes is a definite must eat when in Savannah. Better and more enjoyable than some of the more famous places. Meal ran about $20 per person before tip (and please do tip because the servers are busting their humps while remaining nice as can be). They only take cash so make sure to hit the ATM. You will not regret it. We were lucky enough to strike up a conversation with Mrs Wilkes granddaughter and her husband which just added to the experience. This is a permanent place on our Savannah eating list so be sure to add it to yours.
(5)Diana C.
This place was EVERYTHING. Everything about it was phenomenal. You WILL have to wait - we did for almost 2 hours but let me say it was WELL worth it! We met some great folks while waiting in line as we played a game of "Heads Up!" Honestly, I don't even eat MAC and cheese OR drink sweet tea but both were great!!! I will definitely be back on a future trip - if anything JUST to come back here!
(5)Dale M.
I rarely wait in line for food, mostly because I'm just impatient. We waited for two hours (having arrived 45 minutes before opening) to dine at Mrs. Wilkes', and I'm glad we did. There was an amazing amount of food- it was almost hard to try everything. In addition to the perfect crispy fried chicken, my favorites were the vinegary cucumbers and jambalaya. Great food and TONS of it.
(4)Pratik S.
After several attempts of getting in line and then leaving to go elsewhere, we finally got in line early enough and had the patience to wait. It was completely worth it and everything lived up to the hype. I'd really recommend getting in line as early as you can. They open at 11 and the line starts forming around 10. We go there at 10:30 and it was already around the corner. I think we finally sat down around 11:45. All the tables seat around 8 to 12 people so unless you go with a large group you will be seated with whoever in around you in line. It's kind of fun meeting strangers and having a family style meal with them, unless you are seated with a lady who keeps talking about how she can make all the food better. Once you are seated everything they are serving that day is dropped off to your table and you share it. Definitely come very hungry because everything is delicious. I really liked the fried chicken, pulled pork, cabbage, squash casserole, mac & cheese, creamed corn, stuffing, and collard greens. The sweet tea is really good too. I can't remember what we had for dessert but I was too full at that point. There is gift shop you can look through once you are done eating. I was given Mrs. Wilkes cookbook as a present and it has some really good recipes in there. Like all old cookbooks the directions aren't super specific but I don't mind that. It is cash only and you pay a cashier as you exit. Don't let the line hold you back...it is definitely worth the wait. If you get there around 10 you should be guaranteed to be seated right at 11.
(5)Michael U.
Items experienced: Fried Chicken, Meat Loaf, Barbecue Pork, Beef Stew Banana Pudding Blackberry Cobbler Beans, Green Beans, Creamed Corn, Pickled Beets, Stuffing, Mac n' Cheese, Lima Beans, Boiled Okra,Mixed Vegetables, Beans/Sausage/Rice, Cornbread, Biscuits, Au Gratin Potatoes, Squash, Sweet Potato Puree, Vinegar Cucumbers, Giblet Gravy Tea, Sweet Tea, Iced Water Open 11:00am until 2:00pm five days a week with a line starting as early as 9:00am whether rain, shine, or humidity and ninety-five degree temperatures making patrons feel as though they'd been rained on Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room is truly an institution, the historic boardinghouse feeding locals and tourists for nearly eighty years...and on the day of my visit feeding The Real Housewives of Atlanta who were allowed to skip the line while myself and a hundred others waited ninety minutes in the August sun, much to the dismay of the locals in front of me who still waited, despite having been to Mrs. Wilkes' greater than two dozen times - as great a testament as I needed to stay in line for the $18 family style meal with more than a dozen sides, four main proteins, and two desserts of exemplary quality and an experience I won't soon forget.
(4)Michelle B.
After hearing and reading so many reviews about this restaurant, I began to wonder if it was worth all of the hassle of waiting in line for 2 hours and sitting with random strangers who you are standing in line with. It was. I lucked out in traveling to Savannah the week before Christmas, where the number of tourists was low and the weather was perfect, about 60 each day. Despite all of the reviews about the line (and I'm sure the line is worse during busier times), I only waited about 10 minutes and then we were seated at a large table filled with so many dishes of delicious smelling food. After a few initial introductions at the table, everyone got down to the business of digging into the food. There were so many delicious sides and smaller dishes including mashed potatoes, cucumber salad, macaroni and cheese, creamed corn, sweet potatoes, BBQ pork, etc. but for me the star was the fried chicken. The skin was perfectly crispy and the meat was juicy that while I tried many of the sides, I saved most of my room for the fried chicken. The staff was also super friendly and the cashier seemed genuinely interested in talking to all of the guests as we left the restaurant and understanding where we were from and whether we enjoyed the food. Overall delicious Southern food and definitely worth trying on an empty stomach.
(5)Debra L.
Absolutely worth waiting in line for one hour! The fried chicken was crisp on the outside moist on the inside and not at all greasy. The side dishes were abundant fresh and delicious! A trip to Savannah is not complete unless you lunch at Mrs. Wilkes.
(5)Melissa H.
If you go, be prepared to wait a LONG time. We arrived at 10:00 (the restaurant opens at 11:00) and still had to wait over an hour. I was ready to kill my husband by the time we were seated. It was a disgustingly hot and humid day in the middle of July, and I was covered in sunburn and mosquito bites. Imagine my surprise when the food turned out to be worth the wait. Everything was simply but perfectly prepared and I had a really enjoyable meal. The place really does live up to it's legend. Come prepared, be patient, and I promise you will be rewarded.
(4)Rene T.
This is a must visit if you're in Savannah. My husband and I arrived at 11:45 on a Friday (12/19) and only waited in line for 30 minutes. I counted 23 separate dishes on the table when we sat down. Following other yelp reviewers' advice, we skipped breakfast and were glad we had! This remains my favorite meal from our trip. I'm still craving the chicken and biscuits. Some (if not all) of our dishes: -Collard Greens, Baked beans, black eyed peas, lima beans, green beans, potato salad, pasta salad, rice, mashed potatoes, gravy, sweet potatoes/yams, mac and cheese, cheesy potatoes, butternut squash, pickled cucumbers, biscuits, corn bread, okra/tomato/corn salad, Rutabaga, creamed corn, stuffing, fried chicken, bbq pork, and beef stew. Phew. Tea and water also on table. Dessert: banana pudding or peach cobbler. To top off a fabulous meal, one of Mrs. Wilkes' daughters (in law?) stopped by our table to see how it was. The cashier (presumably family, as well) was insanely nice and genuinely happy that we stopped by to dine with them. There was also an adorable 70/80 year old guy plopped down in his walker seat by the entrance eating out of a bowl of potatoes just for him. You can buy a cook book if you want to, my husband's still sad I didn't get one after he fell in love with the biscuits.
(5)Mr M.
So I'm sure my review on this will be lost in the masses and they all say the same thing..but if you find this review just go. If today isn't Saturday or Sunday stop reading reviews, get dressed, get in your car and just go. .....you're welcome
(5)Alex K.
I have to write this right away if I'm gonna do this right. Worth every painful minute of waiting in line. I got there after 11, and the line was already down the street and around the corner from the restaurant. It moved slowly in the beginning and then kind of picked up near the end. I'm not sure if it was the excitement or anticipation of having some of the best Southern cuisine in Savannah (better than Paula Deen's Lady and Sons, by several accounts). When you got seated and inside, everything is chaotic with people running around, noise from conversations and staff trying to talk to guests at the tables. Honestly, who the hell cares. The food was comforting and delicious!! Fried chicken can be screwed up in so many ways. Namely, breast pieces always tend to be dry in the middle, because of the amount of meat that the oil has to penetrate through to cook. I cut mine in half just to check the moistness. Juicy and fully cooked all the way through. The breading is light and crispy. Not my favorite when it comes to the seasoning, but skillfully done and I went back for another piece. The pulled pork was very flavorful but a little dry on the ends. Not the best I've had, but given the amount of food, and that you aren't really there for BBQ, it's better than a lot of other places I've been that have it on the menu. The vegetables were plentiful and crazy. Boiled cabbage, yams, rutabagas, black eye peas, collard greens...there were a lot and they kept on coming. The collards (could have been turnip greens, according to one of the guests sitting next to me) were porky. Pulled pork inside, and I did find a pork bone in my second helping. I'm still a distracted happy camper. The boiled okra veggie medley was delicious as well. The sweet tea was awesome. If I hadn't drank so much of the stuff, I probably would have stuffed my face even more. Dessert was ok. Peach cobbler was good and very flavorful and sweet, but the crust underneath was dense and heavy, perhaps from shortening or the flour. I can't wait to come back. Get there early.
(5)Kevin K.
You know what you're getting into with Mrs. Wilkes, so stay away if: - You aren't a fan of standing in line for 45 minutes - You aren't a fan of sitting at a table and sharing food with strangers - You aren't a fan of bussing your own dishes I'm not really a fan of any of these things, BUT I knew what I was getting into. It's part of the experience, and it was fun. So let's get down to two core things: The service, and The food. The service is exceptional as far as it goes. Everyone was friendly, everyone was smiling, and our hostess came around to check in on each table (sadly, the original Mrs. Wilkes is no longer with us). The food is an almost obscene bounty. I think there were more than 25 different dishes on the table. Yes, it's Southern comfort food, but it's often the best of it's type. The cheesey mashed potatoes, the Savannah red rice and sausage, the stuffing, the cucumber salad, the turnips, the mac and cheese, and the sweet potatoes were among the best. There was SO much though, it became kind of a joke to pass it around to everyone. About 1/3 of the dishes could have been eliminated because they were unexceptional and brought it down to a manageable amount - white rice, lima beans (one of five bean offerings!), cole slaw, meatloaf and a few others. Finally, the fried chicken was good, but far from the best I've had. Considering the focus they put on it, I expected more. This is great home-style food though, and definitely a top-five Savannah experience!
(4)Frances S.
Mrs. Wilkes is worth the wait. All the food was delicious. I especially liked the fried chicken, cucumbers, and cole slaw. If you don't want to wait as long I suggest getting there very early- around 10am. We arrived in line at 11am and didn't eat until 1pm. We loved it.
(5)Fabiana F.
Get there are 10am! We got there at 10:20am and waited till the second wave of diners. The atmosphere is very homey! You sit at a table of 10 and are served upwards of 20 plates, family style. (there's no menu, and apparently what's on the table changes frequently). The fried chicken was fantastic and all the sides were as southern as it gets and were all pretty great! You sit down to sweet tea at your seat and can ask for water once you're seated. The experience is one you won't find elsewhere and it is very interesting to seat 10 strangers at a time so it's a place you don't want to skip if you're visiting savannah. However, to start, we weren't even offered water until halfway through and we had to ask for it. Also, while the food is some great authentic southern home cooking, you're definitely waiting an entire hour or so in line for the experience and atmosphere over the food. If you hate lines, this probably isn't the place for you.
(4)Diane Z.
Loved the experience! We arrived around 12:30pm and waited about 30 minutes to get seated. We kind of lucked out because the way it works is they will seat an entire table then when everyone is finished the whole table is cleared and then the second seating gets their turn. Once we got in, we were seated at a table of 10 and all the food was already on the table. They brought out the hot and fresh fried chicken, and then we just stuffed ourselves for about 20 minutes. It's really quick since you don't have to wait for any food to come out. However, if you need refills or a specific cut of chicken, just ask and they will gladly bring it out for you! Everything definitely tasted like homestyle cooking. My favorites were the creamed corn, beef stew, wild rice, and mac and cheese. But if you just try a little bit of each thing, you will definitely get full. For the meats, we had fried chicken, barbequed chicken, meatloaf, and a beef stew.You will definitely get full and probably won't have to eat for another 7-8 hours. I also loved the banana pudding for dessert! Save room! Oh yea, and you get sweet tea! All for $18 (gratuity not included, dig deep for those nice folks!).
(4)Nick O.
Food was amazing and the service was just as good. Everyone was so friendly. Had a great time sitting with everyone at the table.
(5)Robert Q.
So many good things have been said, far from me to add much to the praise, except yep they're right it's excellent. There was 12 of us, table to ourselves, bowl after bowl of delicious home cooked food. Love the no rush policy, one of us was going for fourths and the staff was apologizing and asking if we wanted more. Very pleasant people, looking out the window at the line and shaking their heads at all the crazies. We waited two hours forty minutes and ended up sending the kids for pizza. The wait is way too long, get there at 10, no joke, and bring a book! We met some nice folks on line, but it was a little chilly, can't even imagine the heat of August. You should go, great experience but know what you're getting into. Wear comfortable shoes and loose pants you're going to need them.
(5)Meredith M.
Wait in a long long line for food I grew up with. True, it's better than some of the other southern food places around town, but my grandma's was still better.
(3)Frank R.
Incredible 15.00 cash only
(5)Allan S.
Very good all-you-can-eat southern food delivered family style. Two choices: get their early or wait in line. Either way you will probably wait 30 minutes to an hour.
(5)Lissie C.
During my trip to savannah this was the spot everyone told me not to miss. The line is very long and you will likely have to wait between 45-1 hour to be seated. However, it's totally worth it. This is the best soul food I've ever had. The fried chicken is divine and everything I ate was just delicious. This is an authentic soul food spot at its best!
(5)Ana R.
I was here a couple of years back. I do not recall details, just that it was a wonderful experience. I remember things like sweet tea and fried chicken. What else matters... The history of Mrs. Wilkes was great and seeing the locals come here for lunch was a plus.
(5)Michele W.
Be prepared to set a new bar for fried chicken Get there early, the line moves fast but there is always a line Note, i had so much food even the table next to us commented on it (I out ate the table, thank you little person genes) but I came prepared. Strategy: worked out in the morning, showered, waited in line (all on an empty stomach). Once we got seated (they seat 10 at a time) the food was waiting for us and I was ready. Fried chicken (I had 3 pieces), Mac and cheese (I finished most of the bowl, they brought out more) buttermilk biscuits and cornbread (I had about 3 pieces) sweet potatoes (tons for moi), mashed potatoes (with cheese too, nom nom nom) potato salad (was ok) Tomato and okra (probably the pallet cleanser) spiced vinegary cucumbers (helped degrease the body) baked beans (these were ok) buttered lima bean (meh) green beans with bacon (not a personal favorite) black eyed peas (didn't bother) collard greens (when in the south) rutabaga (filler) pulled pork (I've had better) pot roast (see "pulled pork") succotash (gotta get veg somewhere) jambalaya (the sausage makes it look better than it is) peach cobbler and banana pudding (both were good) and wash it all down with sweet tea.....mmmmmmm! Truly an EPIC MEAL TIME Be prepared to go to the bathroom after, walk some of it off, and for your future self to hate you for 24 hours after (worth it)
(4)Lynsy M.
There is always a line down the Spanish moss-draped street of this former boarding house in historic downtown Savannah. Arriving at 9:30am on a Monday morning, we trickled in place behind the other curious hopefuls, mostly fellow distant travelers sharing the same wonderment of Mrs. Wilkes' legacy on southern communal dining. The alluring quality of Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room is the experience. Anachronistic customs carry you to a distinctive, earlier time period; good ole' southern homestyle traditions and family-style dining in a communal setting give Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room character and charm. Guests bustle in the low-ceiling establishment in groups of 8 and are seated at the same table. That's right; make friends with those around you while waiting in line. They will no longer be strangers by dessert. As you enter, an array of various southern comfort foods in ceramic dishes are already situated on the table. Collard greens, mac n' cheese, dirty rice/jambalaya, BBQ pork, succotash, creamed corn, pickled beets, boiled okra, mixed vegetables, sweet potato puree, green beans, lima beans, beef stew, and cornbread -- just to name a few. Born and raised in the South and immersed in the corresponding traditions, I appreciate the reverence for southern cuisine and its homestyle dining experience that Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room has instilled in many out-of-towners. However, I was left mostly underwhelmed after tasting several of the side dishes. I was also left disappointed and saddened after seeing the copious amounts of food wasted after each meal. The highlight of our experience, though, was the fried chicken; the skin was perfectly seasoned and crispy while the meat was succulent and juicy. At the end of your meal, bring your polished plate to the kitchen. Say good-bye to your new friends and head to the front counter. Hopefully, you stopped by the ATM on the way, because they only accept cash.
(3)Christina H.
We arrived at 1:45 pm to see a line that went all the way to the corner of the block. Despite the cold cold weather we were experiencing in savannah, we stuck out the wait with beer and conversations with our new hungry friends. Once we arrived inside the restaurant, we felt a great sense of accomplishment and were very pleased with our reward. With more than 25 different dishes on the table, we went ahead and tried a little bit of everything. For our favorite plates, we went back for seconds, thirds, etc... I don't eat meat and I was pleased to find the majority of the dishes to be vegetarian. I am sure some of them were cooked in chicken or beef broth, but that doesn't bother me. Personally, I loved the creamed corn and sweet potatoes, and the banana pudding for dessert. Paying $18 for unlimited delicious food was a great deal and I would definitely do it again. What a great memorable experience!
(5)Emily L.
Mrs. Wilkes' is the place to try while in Savannah. They are only open from 11-2, and lines form super early. We were there at 10:20 and were about the 20th in line. They stagger seating tables, which is the perfect way to keep things flowing from both a dining perspective and a serving/cooking perspective. Great southern food, family style. It's fun to find out things about your table mates while enjoying amazing food. The best fried chicken around-not greasy at all and perfectly crispy. The peach cobbler is awesome. For newcomers, bring cash ($20 per person) as they don't accept credit cards, come early (or be patient).
(5)Flo H.
Worth waiting in line! Absolutly excellent!!! Best introduction to Southern food. We've eaten at other places (more expensive!) and they do not compare to Mrs Wilkes' Dining Room. Very simple approach, everything is on the table (all you can eat!), which you share with other people (sits about 10 people). You're asked to bring your plate to the kitchen. Everybody raves about the fried chicken, it is indeed delicious. There are a lot of vegeterian dishes, which balances out the "heavy" meat ones. Lovely, friendly staff.
(5)Andrew P.
We got in line about 10 AM on a chilly morning and my girlfriend thought I was nuts waiting that long to get lunch. But this place delivered, and we were in the first group to get in thankfully. By the time 11AM rolled around, the line was the whole way down around the block. This was one of the best meals I've ever ate. There was so much food on the table and everything I tried was great, even stuff I usually don't like such as creamed corn. The chicken is the star on TV, and it was everything I expected it to be. So tender and juicy and delicious, easily top 3 I've had in my life. I forget what all I had while I was here, but the cream corn was great, as was the rice. I'm pretty sure they had some good mac and cheese there too. Mashed potatoes and lima beans were also quite good. I will be back for certain next time I'm in Savannah.
(5)Atif I.
"1000 Places to See Before You Die" I don't believe in bucket lists, but when it comes to Southern Fried Chicken, I don't like to tempt fate. As it happens, before flying into Savannah I had completed my physical and was waiting for the results. Checking in to the Andaz, I listened to my doctor's voicemail as he went through the test results for Glucose, Triglycerides, Cholesterol... No soon had I heard the Cholesterol reading, I switched from the voicemail to the yelp app to look up Fried Chicken!! True Story. But, not one that my doctor appreciated when I recounted it later to him.... :) Located in the Historic District of Savannah, Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room is a family style restaurant that has two rooms with 4 tables each that can seat 10 people. The restaurant is only open from 11 am to 2 pm on weekdays. That means that there is likely a line one hundred deep before 11 am. But, this was the rare occasion when I didn't mind the wait, for I was able to strike up a lively conversation about New York with the couple ahead of me who had been at the restaurant many times before. It helps to be social while you're waiting in line for you're probably going to share the meal with the people around you. The restaurant recreates an experience from a bygone era as strangers sit down together to enjoy a feast. The risk while dining at Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room is not that you may not have an excellent meal - but that you may not have saved your stomach space for the best of the two dozen things you can eat. The restaurant features a set menu as servers line up efficiently to place one dish after another from the food trolley. You know you're here for the Fried Chicken, but you can also get meat loaf, beef stew and sausage in addition to Cabbage, Okra, Mac n cheese, Potato salad, Butter Beans, Black-eyed peas, Collard greens, Red rice, Baked beans, Cole slaw, Mashed Potatoes... seriously, there are 20 sides. Obviously not everything is exceptional, which is where I was ably guided by the couple I had befriended. But, seriously: BEST FRIED CHICKEN I'VE EVER HAD.... I don't make that assertion lightly having tried many exceptional versions of fried chicken in the South (and, surprisingly, in Portland, Oregon) but can confidently shout this from the rooftops! Also, Best Mac and Cheese I've ever had! You know the cheese could well be Velveeta, but the dish is absolutely fantastic! Best Candied Yams I've ever had. Best black eyed peas... I could go on, but these would easily be the pick of the bunch. I would advise skipping dessert, probably the weakest link on the menu. You're probably too full for it anyway, should you have had the minimum 4 helpings of Fried Chicken that you should have (along with all the 'sides'). Amazingly, the fabulous meal will only set you back by $18 (excluding tip). I can honestly say that it's the best value meal I've ever had in my life. In fact, I confidently recommended the restaurant to my doctor...I'm pretty sure he will be tempted to make up my cholesterol reading the next time around. I can only hope he is ethically conflicted in doing so by the Hippocratic oath.
(5)Phillip L.
A must visit if your in town. Visited on the last day before it closes for the month of January and got there around 10:30. Waited 3 hours and was seated at 1:30 doubting if anything could possibly be worth a 3 hour wait. The moment I walked in I was completely mind blown by the amount of food at the table already. Met a really cool family who happened to be an alum at the current school I attended. After some chatting and introductions, dove right into the amazing fried chicken, sweet potatoes with raisins, pickled cucumbers, mashed potatoes, Mexican rice with sausage, buttered white rice, biscuits and cornbread, squash, collared greens, green beans, cabbage, beets, Lima beans, baked brown beans, cole slaw, smoked BBQ pork, rutabaga, okra, and corn. This was followed by a desert of peach and banana pudding. Long story short: all the sides were so good. The fried chicken was definitely better than average; however, it was a tiny bit dry. Also the both the service and sweet tea provided were top-notch as well. For only $18, you won't get better food, atmosphere, or service elsewhere. The only con was that I felt like my stomach was about to explode afterwards. Warning: don't eat breakfast!!!
(5)Smiley B.
Southern Cooking at it's finest! We were told about Mrs. Wilkes' Boarding House by the tour guides but we had also heard Paula Deen say that she has gotten some of her recipes that she uses from Mrs. Wilkes. We read some of the reviews and most everyone talked about the long wait in line to get in the door. We arrived about 11:30 AM and we were seated by 12:10 PM so we felt like that was pretty fast based on what we had read. We were seated at a table for 10 with others who showed up in line around us. We met some really nice people! The food was on the table already and we started eating...Boiled Cabbage, Black-Eyed Peas and Rice, Red Rice, Fried Chicken, Sweet Potatoes, Corn Bread, Mashed Potatoes, Okra, BBQ Pork, Cucumber Salad, and Sweet Tea. This isn't everything we had, I just can't remember all of the tasty items that we were served. And for dessert we had the choice of Banana Pudding or Peach Cobbler. I highly recommend Mrs. Wilkes' Boarding House to anyone visiting Savannah. It is well known and a local favorite. Also, bring cash, no credit cards taken!
(5)Tami W.
Oh My Gosh! I have never been so full. They put so much great food on the table you can't eat it all. Dont miss the fried chicken, the corn, the cornbread stuffing...and the list goes on! It's all amazing. We waited 1 1/2 hours beginning around 1:30pm, but it was totally worth it. The people behind us in line had driven from Charleston just to come here. Good choice.
(5)Cherise J.
Wow! The concept of this restaurant was a pleasant surprise. It's amazing how a table of food can bring strangers together. If this sounds off the wall to you, it means you need to experience Mrs. Wilkes. I literally have never seen anything like this before. There was so much food, I couldn't eat it all. For a flat $18, you can't beat this family style dining. The only thing I would suggest is that they add a grill meat like chicken or salmon, as there are guests who do not eat fried foods, pork or beef. Get there at 10am so you can be in the first seating. There's always a line. I highly suggest this place. Service is spectacular. Oh, don't forget to bring cash or a check. They don't take charge cards.
(4)Andy D.
Absolutely delicious. Make friends with the people you're in line with, because you will be sitting family-style with them when you get in. Everything is laid out for you when you finally get inside, and it is delicious- you can see from the photos and other reviews what they offer, I'm just validating that! It is worth the wait in line! It moves pretty fast, as they get people in in out surprisingly quickly, but don't forget to arrive early.
(5)Teresa H.
Fantastic. We arrived just before 10 and were seated shortly after 11. The table was packed with countless dishes of homemade delights. The fried chicken was brought out moments after us taking our seats. It was tasty, crunchy, and perfectly fried. By far the best I've ever had. I've never had homemade creamed corn, only the canned stuff. Always a fan, I dove into the sweet, creamy veggie candy. Wow!! Pretty much a magical experience. The green beans were perfectly cooked. Our dessert options were banana pudding or peach cobbler. The banana pudding was most excellent. The staff was very friendly and happy to answer any questions we had.
(5)Taylor K.
This definitely deserves to be #1 in Savannah! Make sure you show up early (like 1030am) and bring a BIG appetite (do not eat breakfast). For only $18, you get to try 20+ bowls of different fresh southern country foods, drinks, and dessert. We loved the family/boarding house vibe and the quaint street. This place is a must stop if you are in Savannah; you wont be disappointed! They are only open until 2pm and the line starts forming at around 1030am!
(5)Jordan K.
We had a great experience at Mrs. Wilkes today in Savannah. The wait wqs only 45 minutes or so. We arrived at 10:30 and were seated by 11:15 and finished and out the door shortly after noon. The family style dining is different but in a good way. We had a good time with the group we were seated with. There was so much food, all of which was delicious. Our favorites were the creamed corn, mac n cheese, fried chicken, bbq pork, sweet potatoes and slaw but everything was very good. The waitresses were great as well. We left very full and very happy. The walk home was helpful.
(5)Tommy G.
Mrs Wilkes deserves a 5 star rating, because its a fresh take on dining atmosphere. The food is delicious on the first time, however, like buffet style food, one should expect to acquire that 'cafeteria food' taste after the second round. I know I did. Definitely worth a visit, the staff is friendly, and the food is amazing.
(5)Michael D.
Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room is an iconic Savannah eatery located in a charming neighborhood. It serves fare modeled after the type of food provided by boarding houses of the past. It is open for lunch on weekdays with a set menu that changes daily for the bargain price of $18 per person and only cash is accepted. The restaurant consists of a large dinning room with exposed brick walls that is quaintly decorated and furnished with large communal tables that seat ten. This restaurant is meant to provide hungry folks with an abundance of food at a very low cost. It is always crowded and long waiting lines form well before the opening time of 11:00 a.m. The operation is well organized and once all the tables are filled, big platters of food are served in waves and a sufficient amount of time is given the guests to eat. Afterward, all of the tables are cleared and the entire restaurant is vacated and then refilled with new guests. On the day my wife and I lunched there, we were astounded by the large selection and high quality of the food. It was served family style and all-you-can-eat that included but was not limited to: fried chicken, beef stew, BBQ pork, collard greens, black eyed peas, mac and cheese, squash, rice and gravy, pickled beets, okra and tomatoes, mashed potatoes, and candied yams. In addition, several desserts were offered, including a peach cobbler and a bread pudding, along with sweet and unsweetened tea as well as water. Everything was fresh, well prepared, and delicious. However, we thought that the fried chicken was a standout. It was crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and very tasty. We also really liked the okra gumbo, the black-eyed peas, and collard greens. Eating at the communal table was very entertaining. What with food constantly being served and dishes and bowls being passed around nonstop along with the lively conversations amongst our fellow diners, our lunch became a kind of frenetic adventure. If you want to sample a large assortment of very good authentic Southern cooking along with highly courteous and efficient service and have a great deal of fun doing so, don't miss Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room. As a word of caution, when you leave you will be stuffed to the gills so don't plan on having dinner that night.
(5)Sarah K.
Went for lunch today. Arrived at 11:15 to a moderate sized line. Was slightly dismayed but the line moved fairly quickly. By the time we were let in the line had doubled so arriving early truly seems to be key. We were seated with 3 other groups, with one person from each celebrating a birthday. The food was all laid out on the table with sweetened ice tea to wash down all the deliciousness. Our favorites were: - the fried chicken which had a perfectly crispy outside and moist, tender & flavorful inside, not too greasy or heavy - the creamed corn which was sweet and creamy - the sweet potatoes which instantly brought me back to my favorite thanksgiving dish but with a cinnamon flavor - the macaroni salad was my bf's favorite because of the hint of spice - the cabbage was tender & sweet - the biscuit was buttery & flaky Along with all that the Mac & cheese, green beans, squash, Lima beans, meatloaf & pulled pork and banana pudding were quite tasty. The dishes that were slightly disappointing were the jambalaya & cornbread which lacked uniqueness. My favorite part of the meal was sharing the experience with strangers and getting to hear their stories over the most incredible comfort meal. There's not tons of time to leisurely dine as eating is the main event here but it's the perfect amount of time to get your grub on. I only wish I hadn't stayed uncomfortably full for 9 hours afterwards but that's my own fault for eating enough to feed a family of 5!
(5)S H.
Even in July, when tourism in the area is quiet, the line for Mrs. Wilkes was down the block. We get there around 10:30 and waited for a little over an hour but it was well worth it!! Family style tables were set and filled with dishes of fried chicken, sweet mashed potatoes, pulled pork, and a ton of other dishes. We didn't eat for HOURS afterward that day because we were so full. And it's all for only $18!! This place is a must! Get there early so you don't miss out before they close at 2 pm - or so you don't wait in the hot afternoon sun (when it peeked through the trees we were sweating but they do have a nice cooler of iced water outside for you).
(4)Josh S.
My girlfriend and I are visiting savannah for our first time. Saw that this place is a must to do while down here. If you see a line going down the block that's normal and goes by fast. The line is worth the wait for great hospitality, food, and overall good atmosphere. You will get a real taste of southern home cooking food. I highly recommend going here!! No regrets.
(5)Clifford C.
This is as good as it gets. You dine with others around a big round table with an amazing 24 (that's twenty-four) dishes on the table. This is history, good food and you can say you were there. Highly recommend. I think this is the place where the Amish learned how to serve the public - but it's a lot more intimate. Can't go wrong here.
(5)Daniel J.
This was incredible. Must go. It is worth the wait. Those working were very nice, polite and hospitable. It was like eating at the Lord's Supper. The great wedding banquet in Heaven with Master Jesus. It was so good I asked the Lord to take me a plate to Heaven and place into the heavenly fridge so I can have a plate reserved for when I get to heaven.
(5)Cyndi S.
We had to wait an hour and 1/2 on a Friday afternoon to get in but it was worth it. The food was amazing - good home cooked food and LOTS of it. The seating is family style with people you don't know but do afterwards! There were some 24 plates/bowls of food on the table waiting to be dug into and boy did we! The fried chicken was fabulous, mac and cheese, potatoes, every vegetable imaginable, ribs, potato salad, - you name it, we had it. After eating you bus your dishes to the kitchen. It was fun and I am so glad we waited. We sure didn't need anymore food that day or even the next morning! Just resign yourself to waiting in line to get in. You'll be glad you did.
(5)Mark J.
OK, I am clearly in the minority here - and I am definitely not an expert on Southern cuisine, but from my perspective it was OK but not phenomenal. You sit down at a table of about 10-12 and they bring out a whole array of foods, sort of as if you were eating at home with family on Thanksgiving. The main meats are fried chicken and meatloaf, I only tried the chicken which was OK but probably not any better than Popeyes or KFC. Other items were cabbage, mac & cheese, beans, black-eyed peas, squash,mashed potatoes, yams, fried okra, rice and stuffing or dressing as they call it in the South. The only dish that I though was very good was the dressing the rest was OK but really nothing special. I would go for the experience but don't expect gee wiz amazing food.
(3)Abel K.
The wait is so so so so worth it! The breakfast is the best southern cooking i have had in a long time! The Fried chicken is heavenly!
(5)Miguel S.
Wow. My trip to savannah felt incomplete until I dragged my wife to wait in a line in the rain with me for about an hour without any food in our bellies. She wasn't too amused about it but I told her it was worth it. While we were waiting in line we found out that the restaurant is cash only. We don't really carry any cash around so I had to walk in the rain and make it to the Hilton hotel where I found an ATM. This is about 2 or 3 blocks from the restaurant. After an hour or so, we were sat in a big dining room table with a bunch of strangers; in case you didn't know this is the way it works here. No menus, no drinks or cocktails; no complaints allowed. You either get the choice of water, sweet tea or unsweetened tea. And the food is already waiting for you on the table. They have over 20 different choices portioned in white bowls in the center of the table. The whole dynamic around it is that you actually have to talk to these strangers to pass food around. If you are socially awkward or have issues dealing with strangers, you will go home hungry. Some of the highlights of the dinner were: Fried chicken, meatloaf, pulled pork, Mac and cheese, collard greens and dirty rice. At the end you get to pick between the peach cobbler or the banana pudding for dessert and then when you're really done, you literally have to pick up after yourself; take your plate, silverware and cup to the dishroom. Then say goodbye to the strangers at your table and go to the cashier and pay for your meal. Anyways; yes; it is worth it. Just suck it up in line and you will be rewarded. Thank you Mrs. Wilkes
(5)Janene H.
Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room is one of those places everyone will tell you you MUST try while visiting Savannah. I'm glad we did, but I don't think I'd come back. We arrived outside of the restaurant 40 minutes before they opened on a Monday morning. The only reason we got in on the first seating was because the large group ahead of us couldn't all be sat together. Luckily we squeaked in! When we entered the dining room the food was already laid out on the table, including delicious sweat tea. The food was obviously fresh as it was piping hot. The dining room was jammed packed and quickly felt hot and, thanks to the low ceiling, felt smothering. Still, the array of food immediately caught my attention and surprised me. I surveyed the selection and at first thought that the food had been doubled for each half of the table. Nope, each bowl was a different dish. My favorites? The fried chicken (of course) which had a wonderful flavor but wasn't as crispy as I would have hoped. The sweet potatoes were also very good with the right amount of creaminess and lumpiness. I put a little helping of everything on my plate and was amazed at the mountain of food! I couldn't help but wonder how much of this stuff gets wasted everyday. It made me a little sad looking over the table after we'd all stuffed ourselves. Still, I couldn't eat another bite. We rolled out of there, rubbing our bellies and guiltily walked past the looong line still waiting outside. We ate at 11am and did not even feel like looking at food for the rest of the day! Seriously, I don't think I ate again until 8pm! The food was good but wasn't five star amazing. The teeny tiny desserts were sad. I had the blueberry cobbler but wished I'd had the banana pudding. Mine tasted canned. This is a place where people who value quantity over all else will LOVE. It is homey, and is quite the experience. It reminds me of other family style dining I've had like the Daniel Boone Inn in North Carolina.
(3)Ho L.
When you mention Savannah, everything always thinks of Paula Deen's place. But honestly, that place is garbage compared to Mrs Wilkes. The wait can be excruciatingly long if you come during peak lunch hours, but it's well worth it. All you can eat southern cuisine, friendly service, and the chance to sit, eat, and chat with other people from across the world. The food is soooo good, better than the heat lamp food found at Lady & Sons.
(5)Nichole S.
Yes you have to wait in line, and yes you may end up sitting with strangers due to the tables being sat as groups of ten. If you do not want that, don't go and eat here. The restaurant opens at 11am and it seems that if you get there by 10:15 or so you only end up waiting about an hour. Once you get in, everything is very straightforward. The food is already laid out on the table, 3 meats and countless sides (the website will tell you what will be on the menu for each day). We were a group of 4, and ended up sitting with 2 other groups of 2. We were all considerate and made sure to pass the items around the table, and pass individual items when they were requested. That being said, the food was great. It tasted like someone's grandmother and aunts had been up since 5am cooking. You eat until you are full, and they even bring refills of items if you want them. Then once you think you cannot eat anymore they bring out dessert. When you are finished, you pick up your plate, cup and utensils and deposit them in the assigned area. Since there are so many people in the place daily, I would assume this helps with efficiencies in getting the table cleared and set up for the next batch of guests. It's was a great experience, one that anyone visiting Savannah should try.
(5)Emily D.
After reading the reviews, we based what time we left Florida for our trip to Savannah on the restaurants hours. Believe me, it was absolutely worth waking up at 430 am! My boyfriend and I both said numerous times "I didn't think I liked (insert lima beans black eyed peas and collards here) but it turns out, it's so good!" We loved Mrs. Wilkes dining room because it was so unlike anything we had ever tried. We had lunch with a lovely couple from Minnesota and another from Texas. My favorite thing served was the squash casserole, my boyfriends was the okra soup. I can't say enough about this place. It's amazing in every way.
(5)Shannon S.
Always have a great time here the lines get insane but if you are there early it's not too bad and it's well worth the wait. The staff is very pleasant and the food is fantastic love their sweet tea! Cash only so make sure you have enough. They have some very famous patrons such as Obama and the house wives of Atlanta, Paula Deen started here career here as we'll.
(5)Branham P.
Best Soul food I have had outside of my home. Have cash and be ready to wait.. well worth it. family style.. just keep your head down and eat.. GO ASAP..
(5)Myrus C.
We loved it! We went there the day after Christmas and got there at 10:30 and got seated around noon. We were overwhelmed by the amount of yummy food and enjoyed the family style lunch. A Savannah must! As other people say it's definitely worth the wait!
(5)Nadine R.
We went to Mrs Wilkes because of the great reviews we read. We now have an expression for food that is overrated and not great - "Is it a Mrs Wilkes' meal?" All of the food is lacking in seasoning and VERY average to down right disappointing. We arrived at 10:30. Everyone was lovely in line. We got in at 11:45. There were only two of us so we joined a party of 8. Lots of dishes were on the table so we all took a spoonful or two of the different vegetables, mac and cheese, etc. It all reminded me of food at Assisted Living places or Hospitals. Almost every bowl had underseasoned and mushy food items. Most were cold or room temperature. There were no mash potatoes (if this was truly Southern cooking where were they?) but there was a gravy item on the table and a boring stuffing. The Mac and Cheese had no great flavor. The salted cucumbers, however, were cucumbers covered in a box of salt. Don't eat them. The other family had older teenagers and adults and no one thought any of the food on the table was great. We would ask each other what do you think of the rutabaga dish or collard greens and the answer was always not very good (and mushy) and no one even bothered to try it afterwards as it wasn't worth it. So let's discuss the Fried Chicken; I was anticipating all of the yelp reviews to be on target but all I can say is save your $18.00/person and go somewhere else if you want to taste better than very average fried chicken. Yes, it was fried, there was NO seasoning in the batter, it is a little greasy but not too bad, my drum stick dark meat was a bit dry, the wings were fine, the chicken breast dry and overall there was NOTHING special about this chicken or worthy of all of these great reviews. Dessert and how they get rid of you in 45 minutes: No matter how much anyone has on his or her plate, even if you had just asked for more of an item, the desserts in tiny bowls will arrive served on a steel tray and you get to pick peach cobble or banana pudding. The banana pudding was excellent and I gather so was the peach cobbler. However, the waitress then tells you that we are suppose to take our dishes to a window and basically time for us to leave. I have no idea how one can linger longer after this gentle "times up" is given to you, especially if half your table or more gets up and follows directions. There is no coffee offered. (The unsweetened ice tea, and I love ice tea, is horrible). The servers are lovely and probably laughing at all of the white people standing in line for hours who come in to eat this bland and overpriced meal. I think this place in a self-perpetuating myth and no one wants to admit that a family of four threw $80.00 away. Seriously, there is a reason ONLY tourists go here and no one from Savannah bothers with this place.
(2)Joanna V.
This is an absolute must when in Savannah. Know going in you will have to wait about 2 hours. This seems insane, but it is worth it believe me. My husband and I lined up at 10:30AM on a Wednesday and the line was already down the block. There is one store next to the line so you can take turns and pop into there to kill some time. My husband and I also brought books to read which helped pass the time. The seating and serving is family style. You will sit at a table with 10 other people and numerous bowls of delicious southern food will be placed in front of you. I am a vegetarian and I was a bit worried there would not anything for me, but I did not need to worry. I have MANY choice and definitely got my moneys worth. Everything was delicious. Not a bad dish was served to us. The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful. The place opens at 11AM and closes at 3PM. I highly recommend getting there early to wait in line. They also only take cash or check. It is a $20 flat fee. Go here!
(5)Matthew L.
Went on a WEDNESDAY during MARCH. Showed up at 10:15a and the line was about 20 deep. If you get in line by 10:30 it seems like you'll be seated by 11:30. The quintessential Southern experience! From the setting to the staff and finally the food, everything was awesome. If you want a taste of what Southern hospitality is all about, don't miss this jewel of Savannah.
(5)Brandon B.
If you're in Savannah and looking for great southern soul food, this is your spot. I preface most of my reviews by saying that I'm not a foodie (I eat to live, not live to eat), so that I can emphasize that if I like the food, that's saying a lot. I love this food. Everything I tried was seasoned so perfectly. It was rich, filling, and for the fixed $18 we got more food and more selection than anyone at our table could possibly want (in the best way possible). We kept hearing the description of it being like at grandma's house, and that's definitely it, especially if your grandma is from the south. It is family style with 10 people at a table and about 7 tables total. They let in 50 people initially and filter more people in as entire tables finish. When you get in, the table is covered in medium-sized bowls of the main meal. Squash, peas, rice&beans, fried chicken, greens, pickled beets, beef tips, and about a dozen other dishes to pass around. Sweet tea and water are included. A small cobbler dessert was served as well. What was just as good as the food was the company. Waiting in line we met a group of older local women (mom and 2 daughters), an older couple from the mid-west in town for a conference, and a middle-aged couple from up north. We're a younger couple from South Carolina. The 4 groups may never have met and interacted outside of this dining experience, but for our time in line and while we were seated together, we exchanged stories and laughs like good friends. It was wonderful. We only found out about this restaurant because we happened to be on vacation staying in the rental home that sits just above it. So after seeing the lines form and dissipate for 3 days, we had to try it. Good call. Here are my tips: 1) Arrive early. The place is only open weekdays from 11a-2p. If you want to be first in line, arrive at 9am. By 10am, the line is already 50 people long. 2) Don't worry about the long lines. It moves relatively quickly. But don't show up super hungry, because there will be waiting involved. 3) Bring cash or check! No cards accepted. 4) Make friends in line and at the tables. Would you rather have a fun family dinner experience, or an awkward first date dining experience? Choice is up to you :) 5) There's a tip jar at the checkout register. Speaking with a number of servers and kitchen staff during my time staying above the restaurant, there's word that the management does not split those tips fairly with staff. If you want to make sure your server gets the tip, leave it on the table or hand it to them directly. Or, for that added local experience, walk around to the back of the restaurant through the alley and hand it to them directly. You'll get to see them cutting up greens and other food prep in the kitchen where the magic is made!
(5)G W.
The food was excellent! ! We got to the restaurant around 10:30 and was able get with the first group of dinners. The fried chicken crisp and moist, the greens peas, meatloaf, potatoes, Candid yams, everything, everything delicious. The serving staff was very accommodating.
(5)Ej F.
OMG! This place is so good! What place is only open 3 hours a day and has a line down the sidewalk even when its 40 degrees outside? Mrs Wilkes..and its worth the wait. You walk in and 10 people sit a a large table with the most amazing southern cooking waiting to be consumed. Great conversation takes place from people from all over the planet. Everything about this place made me smile and I would highly recommend the experience to anyone in Savanna for the day.
(5)Matthieu K.
Solid Southern cuisine ... better than most in town. If, by the time you hit this place, you have not tired of fried chikkenz, do try it. The wait was rather long, close to an hour ... The price was absolutely right, under $20/person. Check it out if you are in town.
(4)Liz P.
Food was excellent, the experience itself was worth it but not the whole thing I was expecting. Got in line around 11:35am on a Friday and was let in at around 1:15pm. My faves were the sweet mashed potatoes, the sweet sweet SWEET tea (made a convert out of me, I normally hate sweet tea!), and of course the chicken, even though it was actually TOO fresh (too hot) to eat at first. Restaurants normally make money off me at buffets and this was no exception ($18 and cash only) since I don't eat as much as I used to, but the food was worth it. It was kind of fun to sit with people we didn't know, too. Check out the photos on the walls - there's one of a Mrs. Wilkes server with Obama, and another of a very young Dennis Quaid who dined there! Very cool. I would go back to Mrs Wilkes with people who have never been, not sure if I would go with the same people again now that we've experienced it.
(4)Ian B.
Wow. What a great restaurant. Waited about 1.5 hours but it was well worth it. The food was excellent an service is great. You sit down at a table with 10 people. We were unsure at first about the communal style but it ended up being great. I can eat a lot and couldn't even try every dish. Will definitely go back when I return to savannah!
(5)Kristin C.
Make sure you get there early!! We arrived by 9:50am and when it opened at 11 we were lucky enough to get seated with the first group. When you enter the tables are already set up and food is there to be served family style. The food is endless!! Sooo many sides and you have to try a little of everything! My favorites were the fried chicken, sweet potato, Mac and cheese, collards, and BBQ pork. I've never had okra and the okra soup was very tasty. The cornbread was a little dried out but I had plenty of other foods to munch on. The best thing there though is the dessert... homemade banana pudding! It is so fresh and delicious I couldn't get enough. Make sure you save room!
(4)E. M.
Simply the best southern food I've ever had. Worth the 1.5 hr line wait. Also just incase you didn't know, if your still waiting in line at 2, they will still serve you.
(5)Tom O.
Worth the wait. Great food served in a casual relaxed way. Priced right for what you get. Nice people!
(5)Shannon A.
Not much to add, it is just the most amazing place to get true southern cuisine. We went on a Thursday near 2pm (closing time) and only waited about 15 minutes. They will take you as long as you are in line by 2pm. When you sit down all of the sides are already on the table, piping hot. Every seat has a sweet tea waiting. The staff is attentive and there is a very comfortable feel. The only word of warning I have is that they only take cash. This place will be a must for all future trips!
(5)Dominick T.
You get the food on their terms. This is Mrs Wilkes place. You wait in line for a long time, You clean up your places and sit here, one price fits all. Yes you are going to sit with other guests, and if you know whats good for you, you are going to like it. At any other place I would be put off. Not here. No. They have mind blowing fried chicken. It is an experience you won't believe was once walking around on two legs pecking anything. There has never been a chicken that died so good. If there is better, you better prove it or I will find satisfaction on the dueling fields by the graveyard, sir. Every side was well done, with the flavor God put into that food, and little subtle overtones that makes southern cooking and this place great. The greens had the slightly tangy bitterness, then a creamy smoothness, a sweetness, and a hotness. The meatloaf was the lunch item for our day, and it was better than my meatloaf. (I feel so inadequate!) Rutabagas, macaroni, corn, everything is worth trying and eating. Even better, they will bring more food. Then more food. They are happy to make you a lot fatter than you went in. The people are nice, but loaded with tourists, some who get the concept and some who don't. Not a place for those with food finickiness, eat what she put on the table, or no dessert. 'Nilla Pudding, yes, cobbler, yes. I was so dizzy with my entrees, dessert was just like going to heaven, having a nice place to enjoy the view, and then St. Peter brings you a pony. Every local will tell you this is the MUST go place in Savannah. The more famous place here can't touch Mrs. Wilkes, she can kick the Lady's butt, and then both her Sons, and have enough left over to kick your butt at lunchtime.
(5)Url R.
The sides are what gives this place five stars. The chicken is decent, but I have had better. Yes, the line is long but bring some friends or, if alone, an iphone with headphones and it goes by fast. There are a few benches nearer the house for those with kids and elderly. If you have a larger group, like more than 4, plan on splitting up so that you can get a seat faster. I saw a large family waiting inside forever so that they could all sit together. That was dumb. Anyway, all of the sides were outstanding especially the gravy and cornbread stuffing. Get a roll and make sure to dip it in the molasses. Sweet potatoes were unforgettable. I recommend buying the cookbook.
(5)Chad S.
blows paula deens restaurant out of the water. best southern food you can find.
(5)PG B.
Been coming here for 37 years, and lived across the street at one point. Consistently good ole fashion southern food, 20 sides, family style and get there early, long lines...
(5)John H.
Cash only Fun times as you eat family style and meet new people Locals eat here as well Everything was delicious except the collard greens Bring your appetite, it is worth the wait
(4)Jon M.
Great Southern Food! You will feel like u are eating at someone's grandmothers house. The service is great and the food even better. Usually a very long line to get in so plan on getting there early!
(4)Kaitlin S.
We got in line at 10:30 am on Monday morning and we got in just after 12 pm. The food was really good-- the standouts for me were the barbecue and the mac and cheese. The collard greens were delicious, and that's the first time I've ever liked eating collards. The other dishes I had were okra, creamed corn, black eyed peas, fried chicken, mashed potatoes, sweet potato purée, green beans, cabbage, a corn muffin, banana pudding for dessert and sweet tea to wash it down. Everything was delicious but nothing was mind blowing. I think it's worth the experience, but 4 stars because I'd prefer not to wait an hour and a half every time. I think 80 people is full capacity-- there are at least 8 tables for 10 people each. Even though there are a lot of people going in and out, the hospitality was great and the owner and waitresses checked to make sure we had everything we needed.
(4)Karen T.
We arrived before 10:30 and made it into the first seating. The line seemed to really fill up after 10:30. There were 21 dishes so we got to sample a huge variety of Southern food. It was a great experience.
(4)Kalani M.
Wish I had the appetite to eat here more often. It's one of my absolute favorite restaurants in the world. The dishes are unique and there's something for everyone. There are a lot of tourists and chatty Kathy's here so expect a lot of mindless chit chat that's likely to distract from the plethora of food.
(5)Ryan C.
Absolutely a must when in Savannah! I was here on business for the afternoon and this was my only stop. Like other posts say, family style. They even have you take your dirty dishes to the kitchen at the end of your meal! Awesome!
(5)Jumi Y.
If you're ever visiting Savannah (or live there), you have to try this place. I originally thought I would give this place 4 stars since there's nothing super fancy or innovative. But really, this place deserves a 5 because everything (all kajillion) dishes were solid and delicious. This is a place that delivers real Southern food without any shi shi additions. We got there around 1030 a. They open at 11. By the time we got there, the line was already wrapping around the corner. They can seat only 80 at a time, so we waited 2 hours. There was a couple in front of us, who we eventually sat down with, that had been going to this place for 20 years! When we finally sat down, we were greeted by a table full of food and waitstaff who explained the "rules." We eat however much we want, and then we clear our own plates. What I can remember of what was on our table: Fried chicken Green beans Collards Beef stew Rice Gravy Mashed potatoes Potato salad Jambalaya Lima beans Black eyed peas Cabbage Barbeque pork Yams Squash Creamed corn, corn on the cob, corn bread, (corn shrimp.. jk. just thinking about Forrest Gump) Cucumber salad Biscuits Mac and cheese All finished with banana pudding! not too sweet, crunchy nilla wafers, and large chunks of banana. mmm.. Wait, I ate all this?! And all of it was delicious. By far my favorite was the chicken. Simply flavored, crispy, hot. I had a breast piece, and it was juicy. Collards were not too far behind. The beef stew was soft and well-flavored. Great food, great service. I'll go here again the next time I go to Savannah.
(5)Linda K.
What a terrific meal. The wait was worth the it. What a reasonable well organized pleasant experience. Saw about it on TV , read raving reviews and they were accurate. Not every restaurant has your meal on the table waiting for you to sit down. I love the family style service atmosphere and great hospitality. If you're going to visit or are visiting dont miss this opportunity to dine at Mrs Wilkes
(5)Katie R.
Three words: WORTH THE WAIT. Everyone knows Mrs. Wilkes' is among the best of the best in Savannah, and always will be. This place is so different than every other "Southern Cooking" spot you've ever been to. Everything tastes the way it should, and the fried chicken speaks for itself. Every single dish and the chicken absolutely make it worth the wait, and prepare yourself for the food coma. I wouldn't schedule anything too major after eating here!
(5)Steve R.
This place is an absolute must if you're in or near the Savannah area. I set next to a young couple from London England who were over on business and even the word has made it to London and a couple on my right were from New York and little old me from Houston Texas were seated at the family style table. I am sorry Paula Deen but The food here including the chicken put yours is far superior. I tried everything and enjoyed everything my only complaint is indeed larger plates and I need a larger stomach
(5)Miss M.
i got lucky, others did the wait in line forever routine and I just walked in and joined them. I got unlucky, sitting with strangers reaching all over for stuff and asking me personal questions is a step above assault. I didn't order, I lasted 8 minutes and realized there was a real disdain for vegetarians or anyone who just wants a healthy meal. and that the jersey shore couple next to me wasn't getting the hints that I was there to see friends, not make new ones.
(1)Alison D.
Best Southern food in Savannah!
(5)Henry B.
This was a much awaited dining experience. We new it would be a long wait (90 minutes standing in a line outside). For the most part, I am glad. The place is TINY and the kitchen even smaller. This is great comfort food - imagine Thanksgiving dinner at your grandma's home. Too much food, some OK, some great. The barbecue was amazing, as good as any I have had in Kansas City or in the Carolinas. The fried chicken and the okra/tomato/corn/lima bean concoction were very good. The potatoes, beans, etc.were just OK. Dessert was not very good (bananas, graham crackers and pudding). All you could possibly eat for only $20 (cash only). A good experience to endure. Once.
(3)Leo C.
Overall: Food was good and worth the ~1 hour wait if it's your 1st time. A must if you visit only once. However, I won't be back if I visit Savannah again - not worth it. Summary: Long line & wait. Big round table with strangers. Buffet style. Food was good, chicken was a bit salty - felt rushed. ~ 8 Tables ~ 12 People Per Table Price: $20/person (CASH ONLY) Pros: - Unique dining experience (family style) - 24 good southern sides & 2 meat dishes (BBQ Pork & Fried Chicken) - BBQ pork - Buffet Style Cons: - Long line/wait (1-1.5 hours) - Awkward if you don't like to eat with strangers - Fried Chicken was a little salty - They rush you out to keep the long line moving - Cash Only - NO Credit Cards
(3)Neen J.
So we'd heard about this place, seen it on TV and had locals tell us we MUST do it. We arrived at 10.30 am as instructed (it is only open from 11 am- 2 pm) and we only waited 45 minutes and had fun listening to everyone in line share their experiences of it and we were intrigued how far people had come to eat here again! Once inside you are seated at large tables of 10+ people and the top of the table is literally covered in bowls of deliciousness! There is a crazy amount of food offerings which change daily. Even though I am GF I had to try the fried chicken O.M.G - best I have ever had! The secret it seems is that it is dipped in evaporated milk before frying. Amazing! I loved the sausage and rice, the beef stew and potatoes was incredible and the sweet corn mush was yum! I didn't try everything on the table because there was just too much. A tip - sample only - don't eat all you put on your plate or you will roll out of there! Try the blueberry cobbler for dessert, it is a tiny portion and divine. It is a tourist thing to do and yet it is fun too - great service, sweet ladies, fun to share stories family style at the dining table - be warned, wear loose pants!
(4)Sunil G.
Yes, it's worth the wait and hype. To give you an idea about the wait I was in line at 10.50 sound the corner and say down at 1pm. I don't think any individual own was the world's best but as a spread it's definitely the best.
(5)Rachel D.
I've been here twice - once in 2011 and again 2 days ago. Maybe my tastes have changed, but this time around most of the sides were either way too sugary sweet or too salty. The fried chicken was delicious. Not sure I'd wait 2+ hours to eat here again in the future. May be time to find another hole in the wall soul food restaurant in Savannah.
(3)Alana P.
The long wait at Mrs. Wilkes' Boarding House is absolutely worth the food. There were so many delicious dishes set on the table that I'm certain I didn't even sample them all. The fried chicken was the best I've ever had, the biscuits were light and buttery, and the creamed corn (my personal favorite) was filled with so many delicious flavors, as we're all of the other unmentioned dishes. And the peach cobbler was to die for!
(5)Erika P.
Anyone who says this is a tourist trap does not know what they are talking about. Every person I know in Savannah and every local I met on my trip told me this was a MUST go. And almost EVERYONE at my table was a local. This place is a great way to sample many types of southern food without worrying if you won't like it. They have everything from stewed okra to fried chicken which is phenomenal. Do not pass up the veggies: the greens, cabbage and creamed corn are to die for. It is CASH ONLY which is my only qualm. The line was long but moved fast and they had ice water for us. Overall great place and worth the wait.
(5)Hilary D.
Get there early and well worth the wait. Only open for lunch. Do not eat breakfast and maybe won't eat dinner. About 20 side dishes. Best way to experience southern food. Highly recommend.
(5)Connie G.
I love Mrs Wilkes Dining room. We got there before it was time for it to open and the lwait really wasn't that bad. We enjoyed talking to the other folks in line and yes it beats Paula Deens by a mile. We enjoyed the fried chicken even though one of the other folks we didn't know pawed through the fried chicken with their fingers (ewww) but fortunately I had already gotten mine. Bring cash - they don't take credit cards. You bus your own table. Lots of good southern food. Have some change ready for the parking meter - we didn't and had to park in a parking garage and walk a ways so we could use larger bills.
(5)Eve P.
We knew what we were getting into when we decided to eat here. Get in line early (by 10:30 am). Check. Wait in the heat. Check. Prepare to eat with complete strangers. Check. Bring cash. Check. Know that you're going to eat pretty fast. Check. With all that information, all we had to do was sit down where they told us to sit and eat. And eat we did. I can't say one bad thing about the food. And all the people working there were lovely. If I lived in Savannah, I would eat there as often as my waistline would allow. Which I'm guessing wouldn't be that often.
(5)Owen S.
Wow, it was like Thanksgiving for Breakfast. Thank you to the random guy in Chipewa Square we had the good fortune to speak with for his advice, which I will now give to the internet: skip breakfast, get here by 10:30 am (doors open at 11), and bring cash (no credit cards accepted). You won't be disappointed.
(5)Leighton S.
This is probably my one of my top 3 favorite restaurants in the country. We came to downtown Savannah from Knoxville for a weekend getaway, and this is one of the 3 restaurants we ate at. What a perfect experience. After a 2 hour wait, we finally sat down to the best Southern meal I've ever eaten. Everything was delicious! They give you about 20 different bowls of vegetables or meat to put on your plate and pass, family style. Mrs Wilke's is the #1 restaurant I recommend to friends going to Savannah. Sorry Paula Deen, Mrs Wilke's is the best!
(5)J.K. F.
So good, though do try to pace yourself. Our whole table was in sprint mode for the first 10 minutes and by 20 minutes in, everyone was stuffed. I think there were 2 dishes I didn't even try (at a certain point you have to prioritize and use the last of your appetite for seconds and thirds of your favorite dishes). The table next to us seemed to be stretching out their meal a bit more, they probably looked at us and scoffed, "rookies." Favorites: sweet potatoes, BBQ pork, collards, creamed corn, cabbage, dirty rice (might not be the accurate name). Thought the line might be shorter/start later on a Monday, but sure enough when we arrived just after 10am, there were 15-20 people already in line. The line stretched to the corner by the time they opened.
(5)Caprice L.
This place was good. The fried chicken is amazing. But all the other dishes weren't something I could really say were memorable. For the price and the amount of time you have to wait in line I don't really think it's worth it. The fried chicken is great stuff tho.
(3)Christie Y.
2.5 2 stars for the food. .5 stars for the concept. definitely the hype is what killed it for me...i was waiting for the most epic meal of my life and was super excited since obama was seen leaving the place a while ago. the wait was a lot faster than i've had expected i got there at 10:45 and was in the door by 12. not bad! . Yes I loved the idea, the service, the people, the fellow eaters, and most of the homecooked sides but the fried chicken was a bit dry. the sides were lukewarm and i really think the food being placed on the table before you sat down allowed the food to cool a bit. I tried every single side and they were delicious just not hot enough. I had two pieces of fried chicken to make sure that my critique wouldn't be biased based on just one piece of chicken. but nope.. still dry. the mac and cheese was not that great.. but the biscuits, the collard greens, squash, stuffing, pork was pretty good. The banana bread pudding was amazing though. the meal lasted probably only 20 min since everyone else also wolfed down the food and left in food coma. the sweet tea was also spectacular.
(2)Rose F.
Arrive at 10am & don't eat breakfast before u get here! We arrived at 10:35 & waited till noon to be seated but it was totally worth it! We met some really nice people while waiting and while eating. The food is fantastic! This place is served family style and u sit at a big table with 10 strangers who all share everything but it was interesting that way. Every bite was yummy! It's also cash only $18/person so come prepared. This place is an institution in Savannah... don't miss it!
(4)Lindsey F.
Went on a Monday thinking the line would be short. It wasn't. Got in line at about 10:15, was seated a little after 11. It was worth it, though. Is it a "tourist trap"? No more so than anything else in downtown Savannah. And the food is wonderful. I don't think I've ever had fried chicken that good. Just skip breakfast, get in line early, and come prepared to enjoy sitting with and conversing with strangers. Also, if at all possible, come as a small group. I got to go in ahead of two or three larger groups because I was on my own. Score!
(5)Sarah E.
On our walking tour of Savannah, our tour guide pointed this place out and said that we would need to get there at 10 in order to even get seated. Good advice. We did wait in line for a while before we ate, but I think the wait was worth it. When you walk in, there are tables set for 10 people, already laid out with the food for the day (check the website to see what's being made for the day). It's just bowls and plates and platters of food set out before you. And it's crazy to look at. They serve either water or sweet tea - not much else. All the food is served family style, so you will sit with people you don't know if your party is smaller than 10. Better hope you get to sit with people that understand what family style is, otherwise you'll probably miss out on half the dishes because they won't understand the concept of passing the food around. but seriously, you'll eat so much that you will be ready to pop. All the food is amazing - fried chicken, collard greens, all sorts of potatoes, cucumber salad - I could go on and on and on. The dessert was the only thing that was lacking. Compared to the lunch that we had, it was just so lackluster. Tasted like it came out of a can. For the price, you can't get a better meal - i think it's $18 a person. Amazing place - totally need to stop by!
(4)Katie P.
Heard about this restaurant through the door man at our hotel and decided that we would try it out. He told us to get in line early and wait. They open at 11am and we were there right at 11 and had to wait in a line that was about an hour long. Waiting in line is definately worth it. You walk in and it is family style dining, approximately 10 people per table. We were in the first dining room when you walk in, I think there was another one next to us. When you walk in you are sat at a table with 20 sides already on the table along with your sweet tea. When the table is sat the fried chicken is brought out to you. All of the food was amazing!!! You sit down though and feel like you need to eat fast (because you know how many other people are outside waiting to eat). You soon realize that it hurts to breathe because you are soooo full. One thing I really enjoyed was that when you are done eating you have to bring your plate up to the kitchen window yourself and they take the plate from you there. It was a neat concept that I haven't experienced at a restaurant before. Then dessert is brought out and it looks so good you have to at least try it. The service is friendly, tough loving mother like. I loved it, made you feel right at home. Come to check out it was a flat rate (can't remember right off the bat but I think it was $18) and they only accept cash. Very memorable experience and if I ever go back I will def. wait the hour + in line.
(5)Andrea S.
What a great meal! I'm vegan, and there was plenty to eat for me! Well worth the 45 minute wait :) It's a boarding house style shared lunch, and there is a lot of food for everybody. Their dishes are about the same ever day, but they do have some variations. I ate with three other groups, all really nice people, you can't help but chat throughout the meal. One old couple was local, and they specifically came on Tuesday, once a month for the cornbread dressing, which I can totally vouch for. The wife was vegetarian, so we pretty much ate the same thing. For your meat eaters out there, people rave about the fried chicken and there are other stews and stuff too. There is corn bread and buttermilk buscuit to go with the meal. If you have room left, they offer one small dessert. Chill atmosphere, no rushing. I felt stuffed and very happy.
(5)Erika W.
We got extremely lucky while visiting Mrs. Wilkes. We went on a Thursday after the lunch rush, and walked right in and got a table. They have a tight system here. I'd be interested how many people they serve a day! We were seated at a round table with lots of strangers and about 20 bowls and plates filled with every kind of side you could think of. Every kind of potato, bean, veggie that you would find at a down home feast fit for a king. Everything is delicious... obviously. The people that work here are SO nice. They definitely fit the bill for welcoming. I wanted a hug before I left! At the end of the meal, we left with some new friends and a smile... very Savannah... Also, this place is cash only ,and the nearest ATM is more than a few blocks away (we found one at the Hilton). When we were walking out and forgot cash, the guy at the door said, "Okay just bring it back when you get time today." Umm, WHAT? Being from D.C. I asked, "Do you want me to leave an ID or credit card (first born etc)? " Nope! Just come back and pay whenever. (NOTE: We did come right back. Hopefully everyone else would do the same.)
(4)Andrew S.
We got here an hour early, and it was the right thing to do. Everything was so tasty, well worth it for 18 dollars. Spotless clean bathroom. Love it.
(5)Andrew L.
Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room has been a Savannah institution since 1943. Mrs. Wilkes is open for lunch daily from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Seating is family style on a first-come basis. The line forms early every day outside Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room. In order to be at an early seating, you need to in line along West Jones Street by 10:00 a.m.! We were there by 10 and a number of people were ahead of us. We were seated about 11:10 at a table with a group of ladies from Atlanta. They told us they come to Savannah to dine at Mrs. Wilkes frequently. The waiters then brought platters of food to the table for guests to pass around. Platters are replenished when empty and the servers will ask if anything else is needed! Lunch selections vary each day, but always represent traditional Southern cooking. (Check the web site for weekly menus.) My lunch selections included Fried Chicken, Snap Beans, Beef Stew, Rice and Sausage, Macaroni and Cheese, and Candied Yams. Dessert was Peach Cobbler. Everything was very good! Lunch is a fixed price of $18. Mrs. Wilkes does not accept credit cards. Be sure to bring cash! Outstanding. A must-try in Savannah!
(5)Jesse V.
You will wait in line for at least an hour before you are seated. Which isn't really that big of a deal, people wait in 2 or 3 hour lines all the time to ride a 45 second roller coaster. This is way better than a roller coaster ride - and I love roller coasters. Great atmosphere. Its fun sitting at a big table and passing all the dishes around. There is more than enough to eat, you will leave beyond stuffed. If a dish runs out it is quickly refilled, as are your drinks by the cheerful staff. The food is solid, although few dishes were outstanding. I could name a better place to get this or that all over town. The advantage here is you get it all in one place. You are sampling over twenty southern dishes here with unlimited sweet tea for $18, that is a pretty amazing deal! Excuse me now, I'm going to go collapse into a food coma...
(4)Happiness L.
***Gratuity basket is next to the register*** Everyone there works so hard. What you give to the cashier is only for your meal....not the tip. I was astonished how many people left nothing or $1-2. If you need change I am sure they have it. 15% is normal. I generally give 20%. Yet to see people leave nothing for a kind, attentive staff was very unpleasant. The food....come hungry. Amazing amount of food! There is a lot of variety and the flavor is pretty good. It is all served family style and you meet so many people at your table. You can eat at a good pace yet the slow eaters might be leaving before they are ready. Why is there only one person who can make cobbler? We didn't get any at all at the first seating because the person who makes it was late. Disappointing. The banana pudding was yummy yet a small portion. Cute place. No need to return. I feel that food flavor overall is better elsewhere. Great experience though. Oh..and before I forget....yes you will probably wait about an hour to get in. Perhaps longer. Since the wait is so long feel free to bring a fold up chair to use. And...they will let you in to use the restroom if you need to. The one between the dining rooms is nicer than the one in the front...and both are clean and supplied. Thanks to the staff for being so kind, helpful, and hard working.
(3)R P.
Plenty of choices for those who eschew meat: mashed potatoes, two kinds of rice, succotash, green beans, Lima beans, yams, beets, macaroni and cheese, cornbread stuffing, biscuits. Now, I can't claim that none of those are cooked in animal fat or stock, but I'm not a big stickler. Worth the wait and a great way to meet a nice mix of locals and tourists.
(5)Sandy K.
We got in line at 10:30 am, the line was already pretty long. I had Mrs Wilkes bookmarked for months and didn't realize our current President dined here in March. Mrs Wilkes is closed on weekends and excepts only cash. The seating arrangement is simple with seven to eight people per table. When your escorted to your table you'll be welcomed by 23 dishes of southern style perfectly prepared entrees. Meats included fried chicken, beef stew, boneless BBQ ribs, and sausage. Vegetables of the day were collard greens, snap beans, butter beans, black eyed beans, squash, okra and tomatoes, rice and gravy, English peas & noodles, baked beans, mac & cheese, potato salad, candied yams, pickle beets, corn muffins, biscuits and cole slaw. The sweet tea is also very good BC it's not overly sweet and perfectly flavored. I won't be repetitive about how great the food is but Mrs Wilkes is a must try when visiting Savannah and it's not commercialized like some other southern places in town. Check out the history of Mrs Wilkes: mrswilkes.com/history.ht… Don't miss this historical place - it's magical and I'm so glad I was able to experience Mrs Wilkes dinning room.
(5)Allen C.
If you go away hungry, it's your own fault. Best meal in a long time. Fried chicken was some of the best ever. All the dishes (and there were plenty of them) were great! This will be a stop every time we are in the area.
(5)Steve V.
We got here today 45 minutes early and the line was already 30 minutes long after the doors opened. Was it worth the wait? That's the big question. It's really good food, down home grandma's style and all the southern dishes are served. The biscuit at the end was the surprise for me; dipped in syrup, it was mouth watering good... even after I sampled the other 15 some odd dishes. So I feel if you're visiting Savannah, yeah its worth the wait... just to try all the Southern dishes. Get there early though, I felt bad for the older crowd waiting in the heat.
(4)Todd M.
great soul food. excellent fried chicken. tons of veggie choices. everything was very well prepared. almost too many damned choices. for 18.00 i don't know how you could ever beat it.
(5)Cheryl M.
No matter what, be prepared to wait in line for two hours to eat. Whether you are first in line at 9 AM, you will wait until the restaurant opens at 11am. We arrived at 10:30 and were seated at 12:30. We used our time checking emails and making friends with our fellow adventurers, all asking the same question, "does the food really warrant this insane line?" Occasionally the aroma of fried chicken would waft by and we would recommit to keep waiting, no matter how long we had to wait. Finally, my husband and I, along with 10 others, were escorted to an empty dining table set with dozens of dishes, including fried chicken beef stew, over a dozen side dishes (I counted 14), biscuit, cornbread and sweet tea. We ate as much as we wanted of whatever we wanted. When we could eat no more, they served us Dessert of peach cobbler, banana pudding, or both. Everything was served family style so you made new friends while asking for dishes be passed. While we could not try every dish, almost everything we did try was very good. I especially enjoyed the sweet potatoes with pineapple and coconut! We bussed our own dishes and paid at the end. Well worth the $18!
(4)Andrew C.
Home style southern cooking. Biscuits were awesome. Truthfully, almost every dish i tried was the best of the respective southern dish i've ever had. 20 Bucks a head and its anywhere from a 45-1.5 hr wait in line. Don't be deterred, this is one instance where patience pays off.
(5)Angela H.
So maybe it's a tourist trap. Maybe the line is too long. Maybe your mom makes better okra. But maybe it's the best southern food you've ever had. Personally, I thought it was delicious. I recommend setting your alarm, putting on your thanksgiving pants and getting in line no later than 10 a.m. As long as you're within the first 80 people in line, you won't wait much more than an hour and the most delicious, home-cooked southern food will be waiting for you on the table when you get in, along with 8 equally gluttonous strangers. Dive into a bevy of more than 18 tasty dishes, don't skip the sweet potatoes, cream corn, potato salad, mac 'n' cheese or the collards. (skip the biscuits and corn bread) And save room for for the best fried chicken that ever graced your lips. You'll roll home $18 lighter, 10 pounds heavier, and 100% happier.
(5)Sarah E.
On our walking tour of Savannah, our tour guide pointed this place out and said that we would need to get there at 10 in order to even get seated. Good advice. We did wait in line for a while before we ate, but I think the wait was worth it. When you walk in, there are tables set for 10 people, already laid out with the food for the day (check the website to see what's being made for the day). It's just bowls and plates and platters of food set out before you. And it's crazy to look at. They serve either water or sweet tea - not much else. All the food is served family style, so you will sit with people you don't know if your party is smaller than 10. Better hope you get to sit with people that understand what family style is, otherwise you'll probably miss out on half the dishes because they won't understand the concept of passing the food around. but seriously, you'll eat so much that you will be ready to pop. All the food is amazing - fried chicken, collard greens, all sorts of potatoes, cucumber salad - I could go on and on and on. The dessert was the only thing that was lacking. Compared to the lunch that we had, it was just so lackluster. Tasted like it came out of a can. For the price, you can't get a better meal - i think it's $18 a person. Amazing place - totally need to stop by!
(4)Katie P.
Heard about this restaurant through the door man at our hotel and decided that we would try it out. He told us to get in line early and wait. They open at 11am and we were there right at 11 and had to wait in a line that was about an hour long. Waiting in line is definately worth it. You walk in and it is family style dining, approximately 10 people per table. We were in the first dining room when you walk in, I think there was another one next to us. When you walk in you are sat at a table with 20 sides already on the table along with your sweet tea. When the table is sat the fried chicken is brought out to you. All of the food was amazing!!! You sit down though and feel like you need to eat fast (because you know how many other people are outside waiting to eat). You soon realize that it hurts to breathe because you are soooo full. One thing I really enjoyed was that when you are done eating you have to bring your plate up to the kitchen window yourself and they take the plate from you there. It was a neat concept that I haven't experienced at a restaurant before. Then dessert is brought out and it looks so good you have to at least try it. The service is friendly, tough loving mother like. I loved it, made you feel right at home. Come to check out it was a flat rate (can't remember right off the bat but I think it was $18) and they only accept cash. Very memorable experience and if I ever go back I will def. wait the hour + in line.
(5)Andrea S.
What a great meal! I'm vegan, and there was plenty to eat for me! Well worth the 45 minute wait :) It's a boarding house style shared lunch, and there is a lot of food for everybody. Their dishes are about the same ever day, but they do have some variations. I ate with three other groups, all really nice people, you can't help but chat throughout the meal. One old couple was local, and they specifically came on Tuesday, once a month for the cornbread dressing, which I can totally vouch for. The wife was vegetarian, so we pretty much ate the same thing. For your meat eaters out there, people rave about the fried chicken and there are other stews and stuff too. There is corn bread and buttermilk buscuit to go with the meal. If you have room left, they offer one small dessert. Chill atmosphere, no rushing. I felt stuffed and very happy.
(5)Erika W.
We got extremely lucky while visiting Mrs. Wilkes. We went on a Thursday after the lunch rush, and walked right in and got a table. They have a tight system here. I'd be interested how many people they serve a day! We were seated at a round table with lots of strangers and about 20 bowls and plates filled with every kind of side you could think of. Every kind of potato, bean, veggie that you would find at a down home feast fit for a king. Everything is delicious... obviously. The people that work here are SO nice. They definitely fit the bill for welcoming. I wanted a hug before I left! At the end of the meal, we left with some new friends and a smile... very Savannah... Also, this place is cash only ,and the nearest ATM is more than a few blocks away (we found one at the Hilton). When we were walking out and forgot cash, the guy at the door said, "Okay just bring it back when you get time today." Umm, WHAT? Being from D.C. I asked, "Do you want me to leave an ID or credit card (first born etc)? " Nope! Just come back and pay whenever. (NOTE: We did come right back. Hopefully everyone else would do the same.)
(4)Andrew S.
We got here an hour early, and it was the right thing to do. Everything was so tasty, well worth it for 18 dollars. Spotless clean bathroom. Love it.
(5)Andrew L.
Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room has been a Savannah institution since 1943. Mrs. Wilkes is open for lunch daily from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Seating is family style on a first-come basis. The line forms early every day outside Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room. In order to be at an early seating, you need to in line along West Jones Street by 10:00 a.m.! We were there by 10 and a number of people were ahead of us. We were seated about 11:10 at a table with a group of ladies from Atlanta. They told us they come to Savannah to dine at Mrs. Wilkes frequently. The waiters then brought platters of food to the table for guests to pass around. Platters are replenished when empty and the servers will ask if anything else is needed! Lunch selections vary each day, but always represent traditional Southern cooking. (Check the web site for weekly menus.) My lunch selections included Fried Chicken, Snap Beans, Beef Stew, Rice and Sausage, Macaroni and Cheese, and Candied Yams. Dessert was Peach Cobbler. Everything was very good! Lunch is a fixed price of $18. Mrs. Wilkes does not accept credit cards. Be sure to bring cash! Outstanding. A must-try in Savannah!
(5)Jesse V.
You will wait in line for at least an hour before you are seated. Which isn't really that big of a deal, people wait in 2 or 3 hour lines all the time to ride a 45 second roller coaster. This is way better than a roller coaster ride - and I love roller coasters. Great atmosphere. Its fun sitting at a big table and passing all the dishes around. There is more than enough to eat, you will leave beyond stuffed. If a dish runs out it is quickly refilled, as are your drinks by the cheerful staff. The food is solid, although few dishes were outstanding. I could name a better place to get this or that all over town. The advantage here is you get it all in one place. You are sampling over twenty southern dishes here with unlimited sweet tea for $18, that is a pretty amazing deal! Excuse me now, I'm going to go collapse into a food coma...
(4)Happiness L.
***Gratuity basket is next to the register*** Everyone there works so hard. What you give to the cashier is only for your meal....not the tip. I was astonished how many people left nothing or $1-2. If you need change I am sure they have it. 15% is normal. I generally give 20%. Yet to see people leave nothing for a kind, attentive staff was very unpleasant. The food....come hungry. Amazing amount of food! There is a lot of variety and the flavor is pretty good. It is all served family style and you meet so many people at your table. You can eat at a good pace yet the slow eaters might be leaving before they are ready. Why is there only one person who can make cobbler? We didn't get any at all at the first seating because the person who makes it was late. Disappointing. The banana pudding was yummy yet a small portion. Cute place. No need to return. I feel that food flavor overall is better elsewhere. Great experience though. Oh..and before I forget....yes you will probably wait about an hour to get in. Perhaps longer. Since the wait is so long feel free to bring a fold up chair to use. And...they will let you in to use the restroom if you need to. The one between the dining rooms is nicer than the one in the front...and both are clean and supplied. Thanks to the staff for being so kind, helpful, and hard working.
(3)R P.
Plenty of choices for those who eschew meat: mashed potatoes, two kinds of rice, succotash, green beans, Lima beans, yams, beets, macaroni and cheese, cornbread stuffing, biscuits. Now, I can't claim that none of those are cooked in animal fat or stock, but I'm not a big stickler. Worth the wait and a great way to meet a nice mix of locals and tourists.
(5)Sandy K.
We got in line at 10:30 am, the line was already pretty long. I had Mrs Wilkes bookmarked for months and didn't realize our current President dined here in March. Mrs Wilkes is closed on weekends and excepts only cash. The seating arrangement is simple with seven to eight people per table. When your escorted to your table you'll be welcomed by 23 dishes of southern style perfectly prepared entrees. Meats included fried chicken, beef stew, boneless BBQ ribs, and sausage. Vegetables of the day were collard greens, snap beans, butter beans, black eyed beans, squash, okra and tomatoes, rice and gravy, English peas & noodles, baked beans, mac & cheese, potato salad, candied yams, pickle beets, corn muffins, biscuits and cole slaw. The sweet tea is also very good BC it's not overly sweet and perfectly flavored. I won't be repetitive about how great the food is but Mrs Wilkes is a must try when visiting Savannah and it's not commercialized like some other southern places in town. Check out the history of Mrs Wilkes: mrswilkes.com/history.ht… Don't miss this historical place - it's magical and I'm so glad I was able to experience Mrs Wilkes dinning room.
(5)Allen C.
If you go away hungry, it's your own fault. Best meal in a long time. Fried chicken was some of the best ever. All the dishes (and there were plenty of them) were great! This will be a stop every time we are in the area.
(5)Cheryl M.
No matter what, be prepared to wait in line for two hours to eat. Whether you are first in line at 9 AM, you will wait until the restaurant opens at 11am. We arrived at 10:30 and were seated at 12:30. We used our time checking emails and making friends with our fellow adventurers, all asking the same question, "does the food really warrant this insane line?" Occasionally the aroma of fried chicken would waft by and we would recommit to keep waiting, no matter how long we had to wait. Finally, my husband and I, along with 10 others, were escorted to an empty dining table set with dozens of dishes, including fried chicken beef stew, over a dozen side dishes (I counted 14), biscuit, cornbread and sweet tea. We ate as much as we wanted of whatever we wanted. When we could eat no more, they served us Dessert of peach cobbler, banana pudding, or both. Everything was served family style so you made new friends while asking for dishes be passed. While we could not try every dish, almost everything we did try was very good. I especially enjoyed the sweet potatoes with pineapple and coconut! We bussed our own dishes and paid at the end. Well worth the $18!
(4)Andrew C.
Home style southern cooking. Biscuits were awesome. Truthfully, almost every dish i tried was the best of the respective southern dish i've ever had. 20 Bucks a head and its anywhere from a 45-1.5 hr wait in line. Don't be deterred, this is one instance where patience pays off.
(5)Angela H.
So maybe it's a tourist trap. Maybe the line is too long. Maybe your mom makes better okra. But maybe it's the best southern food you've ever had. Personally, I thought it was delicious. I recommend setting your alarm, putting on your thanksgiving pants and getting in line no later than 10 a.m. As long as you're within the first 80 people in line, you won't wait much more than an hour and the most delicious, home-cooked southern food will be waiting for you on the table when you get in, along with 8 equally gluttonous strangers. Dive into a bevy of more than 18 tasty dishes, don't skip the sweet potatoes, cream corn, potato salad, mac 'n' cheese or the collards. (skip the biscuits and corn bread) And save room for for the best fried chicken that ever graced your lips. You'll roll home $18 lighter, 10 pounds heavier, and 100% happier.
(5)Ronnie W.
Absolute best southern food I've had. I came expecting great food, and was still amazed. Arrived at 10:15 and was among the first to eat. Show up at 11:00 and you'll be waiting awhile. Worth the wait for the food and the experience. I grew up having both sets of my grandparents and my Dad and Mom cook family style meals as a catering business, and this food was right on. I will definitely be bringing my mother here once I get a chance.
(5)Jessica G.
I loved this whole experience. The food is worth the wait and the family style dining makes the experience that much more memorable. Remember to PACE yourself though. Just a taste of everything because there is just too much to try. Loved every bite.
(5)Todd A.
The food and atmosphere were both so good I almost cried.
(5)Shan W.
Couldn't have asked for a better meal... everything I ate i would say to the hubby "I want this recipe!" It was a Thursday morning and we got there at 1030 - we were part of the first group to get in. I hear on Fridays it's a lot more crowded. By the time 1100 rolled around the line was pretty far down the street (not a two hour wait for them though) You know its a good place when they offer a cookbook with all their food! Confident that letting their secret out won't hurt the business. So glad I listened to my friend who listened to the locals who said skip lady and sons and go to the place where Mrs. Wilkes was named Julia Child of country cooking. I wanna go back...
(5)Megan R.
Mrs. Wilkes' is one of the best places for authentic Southern food in Savannah, other than my grandma's house! The wait is REALLY long, but very worth it.
(4)Thomas v.
Food: multiple side veggies, some good, some ok, black eye pea is salty. Corn bread does not have enough corn taste. Biscuits are dry. Jamba rice was burn. Fried chicken does not wow factor, which is my disappointed. Banana pudding is just ok. Service: good and friendly service. Lady owner come around 3 times to check on us to make sure everything ok. Cash only. Make sure you have $18 each adult. We don't have kid, so i don't know how price for a child. Parking: on street. There are tons of parking around. Location: right in the middle of historic area. There are many beautiful park, fountain, historic building around. You can walk around for taking picture and sight seeing. There are many horse carriage pass by. Waiting: we wait on line for 3:10 hours to get in. It is Friday morning 12/27/2013. I don't know if regular weekdays people have to wait that long? However, it is once a life time experience. I myself do not think it is worth for it. Since we miss our tour just for few so so fried chicken!!! It kind a ruin the whole morning. Luckily the weather is too beautiful. And we bring a dog to play in the park near by. So it is not too bad for me. But i saw people walk out with a long face, too. Maybe most of us do not want to admit how dumb we are of wasting hours and paying so expensive for just ok food. We are tourist. Sometimes we make mistake. Please be brave and speak up and share experience to each other. Thanks.
(2)Megan Kristen M.
I read another review indicating plentiful vegan options and was doubtful, so I called. They have tons of vegan options. I have seriously never eaten this much food in my life and it was spectacular. My husband says if you like chicken, go. I say it doesn't matter what you like, it will still be delicious. If you are picky like me, ask and they are helpful about what is in their dishes. So yum.
(5)Lissete D.
I can only concur with all the great reviews. Everything that I tried was great. Food was refilled quickly and there was more than plenty. Pricing is reasonable. This is a much better option than The Lady and her huge gift shop/ waiting room. I was a bit apprehensive about the dining with strangers thing. But after our hour wait in line, we had already been conversing with most of our dining companions. We will definitely be back!
(5)Joelle A.
Long line, but so good!
(5)Ana M.
I'm probably gonna get a lot of flak for this review, but it has to be done. This is the perfect exemplification of how when people have to work hard for something, they will do anything to justify its worth. It's why fraternities haze new recruits and it's why this place has 4.5 stars on Yelp. Of course, as all reviews have said, there's the wait. It's open for a very small window and the line starts filling up fast from 9:30-10 even though it opens at 11. The wait was pleasant enough since you're chatting with people and whatnot. We were lucky enough to be the first table let in. Though when we got in, we realized there was already a table sat. We assumed they knew the people or were otherwise VIP. The table was beautiful and already set and full of food. The server explained the process and we said grace- something that they didn't do with any of the other tables, and despite the fact that I'm not religious, I thought it was really traditional and cute. Before long, we dug in. On the table were a wide variety of vegetables, meat and starches that refilled itself throughout the meal. They also had pitchers of delicious sweetened iced tea, which was simply perfect. Now, the food. I got a fried chicken breast, since it's one of their most touted items. It was okay. I can't say it's the best chicken I've ever had. It was kinda fatty and my friend even said Publix chicken tastes better. The mac and cheese was very good, and I'm kind of a mac and cheese snob, but to be honest, it wasn't as good as Paula Deen's (yeah, I said it). The mashed potatoes, the biscuits, yams, cornbread etc. were all good, but by no means the kind of knock-me-out-of-my-seat southern meal everyone likes to say it is. My favorite meat was the BBQ pork, which was super soft and delicious. The worst offender was the beef. It was sooo fatty that I actually had to spit it out, which is an awful thing to do at a table with strangers, but I couldn't help it. It was really that bad. When we were stuffed, they started coming around with dessert. They brought large pans of banana pudding, which was spectacular. One of the servers also told us they had blueberry cobbler, but alas, that wasn't the case. At the end of the meal, you walk your plates and cups over to the kitchen. Overall, it was a good meal, but not mind blowing. The experience is better than the actual food. While it's probably worth the cost, because it's all you can eat, I've had better. If we hadn't been the first group in and we had waited longer, I definitely would have been exponentially more disappointed. So get there early, cozy up to your neighbors and enjoy, but come with more realistic expectations.
(3)Jessie M.
My favorite meal on our trip. The wait was excruciating in the heat, but it ended up being worth it. Yes the fried chicken is awesome, but virtually every other dish we tried was just as good. I loved the bbq pork, the sweet potatoes, the creamed corn, biscuits, mashed potatoes, gravy, the list goes on. Awesome concept and execution.
(5)Sarah Y.
Wake up early, snag an Irish Coffee togo from McDonoughs and enjoy the wait. It is definitely worth it. Not much to add that hasn't been said. Food is great. Definitely like herding cattle to get in and out. Sit back, make some new friends, and eat as much as you possibly can.
(5)Robin P.
I've waited SO long to eat here and during our recent trip to Hilton Head we made the short drive to Savannah. Mrs. Wilkes' fried chicken is the BEST I've EVER put in my mouth! It was crispy, tender, juicy and chock full of flavor! All the side dishes were wonderful - turnip greens, mac & cheese, stuffing (which is really a Yankee side dish; in the south we eat cornbread dressing), sweet potatoes, green beans, rutabagas. There were so many side dishes I can't remember them all. The banana pudding was so good it made me want to slap myself! The sweet tea was perfectly sweet, although I could have used an extra glass of ice. The wait in line was WELL worth it! We sat with some Yankees & Californians and they were very quiet because they were enjoying the food too much to gab!! A must visit for anyone visiting Savannah. Get in line early (by 10:00 am) or you may miss out!
(5)John K.
If you were lucky enough to have family Sunday lunches that comprised of dishes of a little of everything that covered every inch of counter in the kitchen... then you'll already know why this place is so awesome. This is a family style, all you can put down place with all the southern fixings you'd expect your grandmother to make. Greens, scalloped potatoes, okra, black eyed peas, mac & cheese, baked beans, biscuits, cornbread, pot roast, pulled pork, fired chicken... I mean I guess I could keep going, but I'm sure you get it. Everything is excellent, nothing fancy about it, plain good-old-fashioned food. Just so you know, they open at 11AM, but if you have any intentions of eating around then, I'd recommend getting in line at least by 10:30. We got to our table around 11:15 and when we left at 12:00 or so, the line was 80+ people deep still. And they're only open for lunch, so don't pass it up for later. It's $18 a head flat fee, and entirely worth the early morning wait and the lunch price for the experience.
(5)Laura I.
Authentic southern cooking served family style at tables of 10. I would highly recommend fitting this into your trip to Savannah. We ended up waiting a little less than an hour and it was worth it!
(5)Brian M.
Read the the other reviews. You HAVE to try the fried chicken. There's no doubt about it. This is southern home cooking at its finest. But make a decision if you're not a local and visiting that you'll give up a few hours of your life to wait in line to eat at a table with plenty of people you've never met before. That's the downside. And I'm not sure it outweighs the simply excellent food. Clearly a 5 on food alone.
(4)Katie G.
Wow! Well worth the wait. We got in line at about 145 and waited until 215 (we were the last group). Great food!! We especially loved the sweet potatoes, corn, beans, coleslaw, chicken, meatloaf- everything! Oh...and the Mac and cheese was the best I've ever had! A must do if you're visiting savannah!! Not a negative but just FYI- they only serve tea and water. We had our toddler (2) and would have brought some milk along had we known (but water was just fine.). Highly recommend!
(5)Aaron H.
Awesome food, you can never say that you left here with an empty stomach. More food then you could ever eat
(5)Elizabeth S.
Went there during our trip to Florida/Georgia during the last week of May. We walked there from our hotel and we arrived around 10:45am and the line was already down the street. My husband gave me this "are you kidding me?!" look but I assured him that the food will be very good since it has a lot of good reviews. (Deep down I told myself "Please don't fail me Mrs. Wilkes because I had no idea how the food was going to be.)There was an older lady behind us saying to the other patrons that the food is true southern comfort food and that she has been going there for years which put my husband (and myself) at ease. After waiting for 1.5 hours, we finally got seated to a table full of food. I had a little of everything during my first round and then stuck to my favorites for the 2nd (and 3rd) round. The fried chicken was good but the BBQ pork was good and tender. The black eyes were delish as well as the yams. I was not that impress with the mac and cheese but there were so many options that if you didn't like one thing you had 10 other to choose from. Everything was so good and my husband did say at the end that it was worth the wait.
(5)jessica g.
The food was excellent! We arrived around 10:00 am on a Thursday and were part of the first table seated. I think the experience is worth the wait. I loved everything that I had there. It was the best fried chicken I have ever had. All the sides were amazing! I loved the okra, cabbage and black eyed peas the most. My suggestion is to get there early, just skip breakfast that day. It's an overwhelming amount of food and if you are like me, sampling everything is a must! Plus, there's dessert that can't be skipped (cobbler and banana pudding0! All in all, go there. We have skipped it on multiple trips to Savannah because we thought it was too touristy. Not at all! We sat with people that live in the city.
(4)Vanessa D.
I'm a buzz kill. I know. I wanted to love this place, especially after waiting as long as we did. But, I didn't. First, the wait. Holy crap, the wait. Thank god people were nice. It made it tolerable. We finally got in and sat at a table with about 8 others. Everyone was sweet as can be and I do love how we everyone is on their best behavior. It's cute. The food kept coming. The chicken is delicious but not the best I've ever had. Oddly, I loved the rice and gravy and had about three helpings. It just made me happy. The sweet tea was good. Not something to but you in a diabetic coma but sweet enough to be really refreshing. I'm glad we went so we could say we did, But i won't be back. At $18 a smack, it didn't seem worth it unless you haven't eaten for three days. I have a list of other places I loved more...
(3)Pedro P.
Visited this while in Savannah a couple weeks ago. It was truly memorable. Our table must have had 30 different dishes waiting for us, including the absolute best fried chicken I have ever tasted. Even dishes that I normally do not like, such as okra, collard greens, and black eyed peas, were delicious. The friendly service and charming interior were part of the great experience. Wow!
(5)Morgan E.
I don't think I can say enough good things about this restaurant. The staff was friendly and accommodating. I love the entire set up of this restaurant. You wait outside until it's time to be sat at the a table and you're seated with other people in line (family, friends, and strangers alike). The food is already on the table when you sit down and you're ready to dig in. The menu changes from day-to-day, but it's all good home-cookin' and it's all amazing. You won't leave hungry, that's for sure because the staff keeps everything on your table full and you're able to eat as much as you like. If you're going to Savannah, skip the Lady and Sons restaurant and RUN to Mrs. Wilkes - the taste and quality of food is much better there.
(5)Stephanie B.
We have been coming here for years. Food great! Desserts- not so great. This time we felt rushed to hurry up and leave even though there was no wait and we were the first seating. One of the wait staff yelled at someone at our table when she took 2 desserts. We have met Mrs Wilkes and this would never happen on her watch. Too bad!!
(3)Kathea S.
Yes, yes, yes, yes. Eat here. You will stand in line. Suck it up. Bring a fan and bottled water. The line starts early. Worth every single second. I've eaten here since I was a child. My dad even said the blessing for the restaurant once when I was kid. Lady and Sons doesn't even hold a candle. Everything you eat will be amazing. It's family style. You and 10 of your closest strangers at a table. Pass the plate. You will have to be rolled out of the place and want to take a nap. Go hungry to really get your money's worth.
(5)Jordan A.
Worth the wait. Pretty much everything I tried was amazing, and reminded me of Grandma's cooking. The stand outs were the sweet potatoes (I already looked up the recipe to attempt to recreate them for thanksgiving), the Mac and Cheese, and the fried chicken. The family style dining was fine with us...we were pretty focused on the eating, anyway! It's a definite must for a trip to Savannah.
(5)Bronc M.
Not much to say that hasn't been mentioned... it's good. REALLY good. Note: THEY ONLY TAKE CASH. I wish they had a sign that stated that before I saw it posted on the door (after an 1.5 hr wait) and had to make a frantic dash to the ATM. But man -- this is good. Think: Thanksgiving at Lunch. Like 20 bowls of food all waiting for you on a family style table (maybe like 10 to a table or so). So you may as well be friendly with those that you're waiting in line with -- it will make the meal more enjoyable. Did I mention how good the food is??? Oh I did? Good. Was worth saying twice!
(5)Mike K.
I would say it was worth the hour wait to get in. Everything I had was fantastic. Fried chicken, beef stew, ham all done well. About 12 vegetables and they were all great. Service was very good also. To me it was the best food I have had dining out since I don't remember when. I would certainly do it again!
(5)Richard R.
Savannah Georgia is a great city full of history. We love to walk the quaint "Squares" in the downtown historic district. If you are a movie buff then you have already viewed one of the squares (Chippewa) in the movie Forrest Gump. The bench where Forrest did most of his story telling was located here as well as the church where the feather first falls during it's opening flight in the movie. Then there is River Street, with great shops, restaurants and those OH SO HEAVENLY smelling candy shops. Walking the cobblestone streets behind some of the River Street buildings will lead you to curious looking structures that seem to be old fashion garages, but are said to have been actual holding cells for slaves that were delivered right to the Port of Savannah and auctioned. As a black American, I don't pass these structures without taking time to give my respects to the history of my ancestry that may have passed through here. And although Savannah is probably best known for it's architecture and hospitality, we come here mainly for one reason... Mrs. Wilkes!!!! We discovered this place on our first trip to Savannah while standing in line @ 8 am waiting to place our name on the guest list for Paula Deen's famous restaurant Lady and Sons. They don't start taking reservations til 9:30am so that left plenty of time to get to know the other eager souls standing in line along with us. One made the suggestion of trying Mrs. Wilkes the next time we were in town, but being a food lover, I decided to go for lunch that day. Side note: Never eat @ Paula Deen's & Mrs. Wilkes in the same day!!!! You will need a wheel chair to help you back to your hotel. Since that faithful day, we try to visit Mrs. Wilkes every chance we get. You also have to wait in line here and it best to get there 45 minutes early to be part of first seating. However, unlike Paula Deen's, you will be eating immediately after entering verses placing your name on a reservation list for later in the day. Mrs. Wilkes offers just about every southern style side dish you can think of. Don't walk in with the traditional "Buffet" in your brain. This is family style dining, based on the old soup kitchens. You are seated @ a large table (often times with other families) and all of the sides are already awaiting you at your table. Drink orders are taken and soon after come the meats of the day. Always included in those meats is the MOST GLORIOUSLY DELICIOUS FRIED CHICKEN you will likely ever eat. I often times think most Buffets are a waste of time and usually wind up overeating because I want to get my moneys worth (not because it's so good). But Mrs. Wilkes chicken makes me eat well past the point I need to stop because I just can't stop. But stop you must and you are also required to take your plate to the kitchen before leaving. Honestly, they should have a 6 star rating!!!! I've never had anyone whom I recommended this place to tell me anything less than it was the best food experience ever. Tons of celebrities have eaten here and even the President (as evident from the large plaque near the front door). Mrs. Wilkes delivers the goods, so make Savannah Georgia a destination. Just remember they only accept cash, and are only open weekdays between 11am - 2pm.
(5)Shannan M.
I'm a Southern girl through and through, so Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room was like heaven for me. A large table full of honest to goodness, down home Southern staples right down to the corn bread and sweet tea...perfection! We arrived around 11:10 and there was already a line out front. Apparently, people arrive up to 30 minutes early to be the first seated for all the deliciousness. We were in the "second seating" and got in around 12:15 or so. The restaurant is only open from 11-2, so timing is of the essence. The one hour wait was absolutely worth it! There were too many delicious dishes to name, but here goes a few: Fried chicken, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, okra and tomatoes, macaroni and cheese, green beans, black eye peas, cabbage, creamed corn, ribs, beef stew, corn bread, and for dessert: berry cobbler or banana pudding. I'm sure I missed at least 5 other dishes! It's served family style...about 10 people per table. Everyone helps themselves to as much as they want and passes the bowls around. It was nice talking to tourists and locals about the beautiful city of Savannah while enjoying such a fabulous meal! Things to remember: Cash only!!! I also heard they take checks. Don't expect to lounge around here for two hours. The hours of service are very limited and they try to accommodate as many guests as possible. You probably get an hour tops which is more than enough time because the food is already on the table waiting for you when you arrive! You absolutely MUST visit here when in Savannah...until I go back, I'll be dreaming about Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room:)
(5)Amanda H.
Fried Chicken, Collard Greens, Mashed Potatoes, BBQ pork!! All in one meal! Great great place to eat!!! The wait is pretty lengthy but we'll worth it! You make friends in line and most likely sit with them, great place!
(5)Jala C.
On our first trip to Savannah we went to Lady and Sons. It was good, but after talking to locals, were told to go to Mrs. Wilkes next time. We eloped in Savannah this month and made sure to go to Mrs. Wilkes for lunch. Great place! Love the family style dining and made some friends while waiting in line. The food is great. Service great. Love the southern hospitality of being called, "Baby girl" when I needed some help and got extra desert. A must anytime you're in Savannah.
(5)Cor B.
I would take any out of town visitor here- its more than fried chicken- it's an experience. And the food is good, and you will have more than you could possibly want.
(5)Dylan P.
don't tell the staff but we got there around 3 (an hour after they supposedly close) and waited in the line for only about 20mins before they let us in (we were the last ones to be let in!). they brought us in to our table and the food was already laid out for us on the table hot and ready, so that made up for the wait in line. they seat you in a party of about 10 with other families, so hope u like company! this place defines southern hospitality. the food is amazing from the fried chicken to the banana bread pudding. definitely worth the time and money
(5)Jon N.
First, let me say that I had a great time at Mrs. Wilkes Boarding House and, in spite of my low rating, I would encourage anyone visiting Savannah to go there for lunch. Get there early and expect to wait in line for a spot at a communal table. We waited just over an hour for a table. We were a group of 8 and when we were seated, we had a table to ourselves, but we had a great time talking to people in line. THAT's the real charm of a visit to Mrs. Wilkes, the EXPERIENCE. The food is plentiful (I think it was 22 items!) and would be really good if they would back off of the salt. Seriously, everyone in our party commented or complained to one another about how much was in just about every dish. It's kind of like a diabetics training ground. Winners on the table were the fried chicken, mac and cheese, dirty rice and beets. They have a glass of very sweet, sweet tea for everyone and a pitcher on the table for you to refill. They will also bring you water and unsweetened tea if you ask. Don't make the mistake of calling it regular tea if you want unsweetened, as they feel there is "Nothing regular about that!" It's a great value at $18 per person including tax. And, TIP: Bring CASH or check, because they do not take credit cards. As for going on a business meeting (especially for a larger group - up to 10 can sit at one table), unless you are pressed for time, it's a GREAT option as you can really interact with the "family-style" service. Only open M-F from 11-2. Definitely worth the visit. You will have a great experience and with regard to the food, as they say, everything in moderation.
(3)Dances W.
This is a MUST VISIT for anyone local or out of town. We are locals but my mother in law absolutely MUST go here everytime she visits. It is a fantastic atmosphere and superb service. Nothing like a real home cooked meal and you are always full when you leave. Fantastic!
(5)K C.
Going to Mrs Wilke's is just one of those things you HAVE to do in Savannah. The wait will be long. (We waited well over an hour) but it is heaven once you are seated. The food is all on the table so there is no further wait. I believe there are 22-24 dishes on each table. It is served family style and each dish is excellent. It doesn't get any better than this. It is $18 CASH per person. Add a couple for the tip. Well worth the experience. I believe it is a block west of Bull Street. Just look for the line! Only downer was that I believe there were only two bathrooms.
(5)Art G.
This was our second visit after first having lunch here a year ago. The mid week, 30 minute wait (10:30 to 11:00), was well worth it. The amazing fried chicken, pulled pork and meatloaf accompanied by a 10 person table covered in side dishes is a great value for $18. Way worth it. Tip - don't eat breakfast that day and don't miss the biscuits!
(5)Linda N.
We went to Mrs Wilke's at the suggestion of Fodor's review. The history and concept of the restaurant is interesting. We met two other couples while waiting over 1+ hours to be seated and, luckily ate together which made it more enjoyable. The amount of food served is plentiful but, watch out if you don't like salty food! The collard greens, creamed corn, and squash were SO salty making them inedible. The rest of the sides were seasoned normally and were fine. It was Monday so the beef stew, pulled pork, and sausage dishes were delicious. The fried chicken is THE best! Mrs. Wilke's definitely has a great reputation in Savannah and I would recommend a visit. Be mindful, bring an umbrella in case you get caught in a Savannah rain!
(4)Tom L.
This one is worth the hype! I am writing this review a few years after my attenance, as Yelp wasn't in my vocabulary then. But, I can tell you my memory is vivid! I was able to go to Mrs. Wilkes because of a business trip and found it one of the most delightful places I have ever visited. From the historic images of guests on the wall to the family style seating and the one-size-fits-all menu, it was an experience. And, the food added to that! I know I enjoyed everything. It was truly food for the soul. From deep fried okra to chicken, greens and the rest, it was wondful souther cooking. The biscuits and, well, everything were wonderful! I was fortunate enough to be with a private party and came to Mrs. Wilkes for dinner. If you're in Savannah, one of our last walking cities, trot on over to Mrs. Wilkes, stand in line, and get your fill. Its an experience you will not soon forget!
(4)J W.
Finally tried this place after hearing about it for so long and I was not disappointed! First, you have to find it...tucked away on Jones st. Second, plan on getting in line early. We arrived about an hour prior to opening and the line was starting to grow. We met some lovely people in line and chatted for a while. We were lead into the dining room and found heaping piles of food on the table (you sit with about 9 other people, family-style). Everything I tried was delicious from the mac and cheese to the cornbread and biscuits. You even get dessert with the meal, although I was so stuffed I could only eat a bite. While I was not sure how I was going to feel about eating with strangers, it turned out to be very nice. Definitely make time for Mrs. Wilkes!! Make sure you bring cash and a healthy appetite!!
(5)Terry B.
This is one of the finest eating places we know of anywhere in America. I won't stand in line for anything, but I gladly wait half an hour or worse to sit at these tables with a dozen strangers and start dishing as dozens of plates and bowls arrive filled with heavenly southern cooking. It's all good, but the fried chicken is some of the best I've had anywhere. Green beans, grits, macaroni & cheese - this is the very Mecca of comfort food. We could not dream of visiting Savannah without a stop here.
(5)Taylor H.
The line to get in didn't look that long, but it ended up being an hour and a half wait. Once you get in, though, it is totally worth the wait. The southern food at this restaurant is absolutely perfect. The atmosphere is friendly and I loved everything that I ate on my plate, especially the biscuit and the sweet potatoes with raisins. My only complaint was that, the fried chicken was so good that it was gone within a minute. It took a while for us to get more, but I understand it's a busy restaurant. This was my second time at Mrs. Wilkes (my first was a year ago) and I feel like this time was even better than last year. I enjoyed the food so much, it was better than I remembered. Believe me when I say that there is no way that you can leave that place feeling hungry.
(4)Ron N.
Served homestyle with over 20 dishes. This place is amazing. Best fried chicken I ever had in a restaurant. Don't come unless you are hungry. I think they only take cash so be prepared.
(5)Titi T.
First time trying Southern comfort food, and it did not disappoint. We got in line at 1:30 thinking it'll go faster toward the end of the day. Not so! We waited for nearly 2 hours before seated. Luckily they're still taking in people past the closing time of 2 pm. Two hours went by quickly chatting with strangers and getting to know people. Occasionally a staff member came out to talk with us and answer our questions. There are 20+ dishes, and each was flavorful and worth the 2-hour wait. Some people who stood in line have been coming each year for 10+ years. Yes - you do sit with strangers, but that's part of the charm. Normally I balked at waiting for more than 2 hours for a meal, but it was a worthwhile experience and something not to be missed when in Savannah. Banana pudding at the end was just blah. With the amount of food we get, who needs dessert.
(5)Jeremy G.
Get there early. Prepare to wait (its more than worth it). Don't eat dinner the night before. Wear stretchy pants. Enjoy the smell and company. When its your turn, enter heaven. The side dishes alone. Barbeque was probably one of the best I've ever had. Fried chicken was exceptional. I would eat, bathe, brush my teeth, etc with the greens. One of the top 5 things I've ever eaten. Ever. And I've eaten a lot of things. Wakka Wakka.
(5)Sue D.
We recently dined here at the recommendations of yelp and other websites. The place was homey likes grandmas for a Sunday dinner. It was a nice experienced. But we were amazed at the quality of the food that was served. It was like eating cafeteria or buffet food. Everything tasted like canned food or instant like the mashed potatoes and rice. Nothing tasted homemade, maybe the fried chicken. Even the bisqits tasted like a package mix. Everything was so salty, not home cooking as we expected. They give you a lot of food but after one taste you don't want more. I don't understand why this restaurant gets so many good reviews. I wouldn't recommend this to my friends visiting the area, as there are plenty of others authentic home cooking restaurants!
(2)Dee Y.
We got there around 11:30AM, there were already about 2 tables of people in front of us... The line moved pretty fast... We waited probably about 20 minutes. When we arrived, The food was already on the table... Huge amount of food... and they just kept coming and coming... I can see the appeal of southern comfort food for the patrons... Especially if you come with a bunch of friends... Good food, good company... A lot of the food is not something I normally look for, but they're quite tasty.... I was a bit torn between three stars and four stars because I thought they were a bit over hyped... But the customer service was excellent, and I would probably come here again... So, four stars for now...
(4)Melissa R.
The upsides to this restaurant: It is an absolute staple to Savannah's history and dining. It has a very interesting story -- Google it. It's on Jones Street, which is the most beautiful resident street in SAV. Being forced to sit and mingle with strangers is surprisingly refreshing. The sweet tea and desserts are amazing. Very kid and picky-eater friendly as the majority of the food is vegetables. The downsides to my experience: Went in the middle of August -- please go during a cooler month if you! Wait staff forgot the fried chicken for our entire room. The serving bowls are plastic and get extremely hot, making them difficult to pass around. You'll have to stand outside in line for an hour if you want to get seated first, that's just how it works. But if you love Southern food, it is definitely worth the wait.
(4)Sean W.
Real Southern Cooking. The only thing I had that was even close to this was small roadside joint in the middle of nowhere in South Carolina. Mrs. Wilkes' is a MUST in Savannah. Bring a paper for the wait, eat your heart out, and take a nap in the park in the afternoon.
(5)Stephanie B.
One of the best places I've ever had the pleasure of eating. The fried chicken was divine, and eating with a group of strangers around a vast spread of tasty sides was a real experience. The service was very generous, in fact they refilled our fried chicken plate 4 times, and the line itself moved swiftly. My favorite item, which in fact wasn't featured on the online menus, was the BBQ beef brisket. Rich, sweet, and spicy all at the same time. It's great value here too, at only $16 each, and even the cookbooks are pretty reasonably priced for what you get. Mrs. Wilkes, your restaurant is a triumph! A must do in Savannah. If you are eating anywhere else while you are in Savannah, you are missing out.
(5)Fran T.
This is one of the MAIN reasons I love Savannah...okay I love the city in general, but Mrs. Wilkes is the only place that can cook like my Mom and my Nana used to. Most people don't even know what rutabaga is...but this place does, and they do it right! The fried chicken may even beat Mom's...(ohhh, who said that? :-) Just go, you won't be disappointed. Be prepared to WAIT outside, rain or shine or heat, but it's great to talk with others in line and warm up to them before you sit at that big family style table for your meal. :-) FYI, no reservations and no charge cards.
(5)Katharine K.
Ok, so this place doesn't need any more reviews - but I enjoyed it enough to write one. My husband and I were on a road trip through the south and read about Mrs. Wilkes and thought it sounded like our type of place - seeing as though we love southern food! We arrived just before noon on a Tuesday expecting to wait in line - and we did (about 1 hour 15 mins). I was skeptical as to whether or not the food would be worth standing outside for, since I thought Mrs. Wilkes may be more of an "experience" destination than a spot for great food. I was pleasantly surprised and am SO glad we waited. I can't speak for the meat items (fried chicken, beef stew, pork were the dishes that day), since I didn't have those - but my husband enjoyed them a lot. I loved the mac & cheese, beans, creamed corn, sweet potato casserole, mashed potatoes, corn muffins, and especially the biscuits. AMAZING. I think I had three and wanted to put a few more in my purse to take home. I assumed doggie bags weren't appropriate at a family style place though... I would recommend Mrs. Wilkes to anyone visiting Savannah on a weekday - it was one of the highlights of our trip!
(5)Tighe R.
I typically would not give anything 5 stars, but Mrs. Wilkes is very deserving. No explanation needed. The fact that the line wraps around the block every single day speaks to itself. Luckily, I was first in line for my visit, and my fiancee and I left Mrs. Wilkes' the two happiest people in Savannah. Lived up to all expecations, we cannot wait to make out way back.
(5)Rosetta M.
I don't know if this will help at all because it seems that everything I wanted to say has already been said. Even before we got into town many of our friends who'd been here said to make sure we went to this restaurant. I am so very glad that we did. This has got to be the best restaurant I've ever eaten at. The atmosphere is great. All of the servers were friendly and very pleasant. The food was unbelievable! My mother is from the south and she is the best cook but this restaurant comes in at a very close second. Like everyone else has said, take cash and be prepared to wait. We went on a Wednesday afternoon and we waited in line about an hour. However, we enjoyed talking and getting to know the people around us. You will definitely not be disappointed.
(5)Dennis K.
My wife and I were in Savannah for the day and looked to yelp to decide where to eat...Yelp came through yet again. We showed up early, around 10:30 and there was already a line formed in front of the building, but the line moved quickly and we were seated by 11:30. The family style was fun, most people were from different states and all were friendly. THE FOOD: This was the best fried chicken I have ever tasted in my life, I wish I ate more...dont be shy, they will bring more if you finish the first round...All the fixins are incredible and you won't be sorry if you choose to eat here.
(5)steve b.
Ok, you've read the other reviews so you know what kinds of dishes they have there so I don't need to itemize that. Let's start with the experience...it's open from 11:00am to 2:00pm so we were told to get there about 12:30. We did and there was a line of about 60 people in front of us. We waited about 45 minutes and were let in and seated at a long bench to wait for our table to be set. The dining room is small with about 7-8 large tables that can seat 8-10 people. We sat at the bench for 3 minutes and a lady said, OK to the 10 of us seated on the bench, "please be seated at this table" pointing to a table next to the restroom. We all quickly seated ourselves at the table loaded with bowls and platters of the many dishes and began filling our plates and passing the items around the table. Now here's the thing...if you are not familiar with southern cooking then you might be surprised that most everything is cooked WELL DONE! The cooked vegitables reminded me of the food in the army...well done. I like southern food and I thought this was OK, but not super. The chicken was very good, but the platter had mostly wings and legs and it was never replenished. After 20 minutes or so (I guess when they thought we had finsihed) they brought around a tray of banana cream pie in small dishes and we passed that around for our table participants to eat. Within a few minutes the head lady started looking at us as if to say, "I'ts time to go!" I saw others at other tables bussing their dishes so I asked the head lady if we were supposed to buss the dishes. She said, "Ya'll would be so nice to do that". We did and then walked to the cash register and paid the $18 per head for the meal (no credit cards) and out the door...wham, bam thank you maam. Don't get me wrong, it was an experience and I enjoyed it and the food was 7 on a 10 scale but I wouldn't do it again not with the wait and the pressure feeling I had to eat and get the hell out as quickly as possible.
(2)Luyi H.
This is amazing! :) We got there around 10:30 am, so we were part of the first batch of people to go in. B/c we were tourists, we also tested Paula Deen's Lady and Sons, and this definitely beat that experience. The food was good. There was so much of it. The banana pudding at the end was fantastic. You get sweet tea, collard greens, black eyed peas, friend chicken, brisket?, corn bread, etc. etc. We sat next to a group of locals who also loved the place. We learned that Mrs. Wilkes was a real person, who owned a boarding house that cooked amazing food. And, eventually it opened up to the public. For liberal atheistic yankees, note, the meal starts off with a quick saying of grace. Nothing too offensive, so don't be scared away. I recommend, getting to Paula Deen's really early, getting a late dinner reservation, and then going to Wilkes' to wait in line. I recommend NOT eating breakfast, or else your day of southern food will be a day of sadly staring at southern food you're too full to eat. I also recommend walking around Savannah. And, if you don't have cash, there's a BOA about a 15 minute walk away from Wilkes', which is... a bit of a hassle to find and get to. So, bring your cash, or make sure your friend has cash. :) All in all, this is one of my favorite experiences in Savannah.
(5)Dan B.
Southern food at its best. That's all I have to say about Mrs. Wilkes. See ya'll soon.
(5)Taylor H.
This place definitely lives up to all of the hype in all of the other posts. Get there by at least 10:45 to get in by 12:15. You have been warned- You will wait in line- it will be hot and humid, you will not have access to a bathroom or water or chairs- you have been warned, no more complaining! The sides are all amazing; the family dining concept really makes you feel like you're doing something different; and the fried chicken is way better than "The Lady and Sons." Make sure to bring cash. Perhaps most memorable for me was the roasted squash side dish- it was perfectly cooked with just a bit of charring in a light butter sauce. Absolutely divine. Make sure your bring some good company to stand in line with- or just make friends with other people in line. I've been to both here and Lady & Sons- This is hands down the winner! A must visit for any tourist to Savannah.
(5)Mike A.
Believe the reviews - this place is AWESOME! We eat here at least twice during each visit to Savannah. You'll have to wait in line, so be prepared. Use the time to get acquainted with the people standing in line around you! You may very well end up enjoying lunch with them, too. The Fried Chicken is amazing - the best I've ever had. The BBQ pork is great, as well. There are more side dishes than you'll find on many large buffet lines, and they vary slightly throughout the week. While I'm not a big fan of the mac & cheese or the dumplings (just my opinion), the rest of the sides are absolutely delicious. They serve sweet ice tea unless you request water or unsweetened tea. Do yourself a favor - go with the sweet tea. It's some of the best in Savannah. Oh, and don't forget to bring your plate and glass to the kitchen when you're through eating! That's just good manners. :-)
(5)Teri S.
Yelpers - you have done it again!! You filled me in on a place that is a MUST when visiting Savannah!! After I was inside I realized that I had seen the place on Food Network - but it was because of Yelp that I wanted to try Mrs. Wilkes. My husband & I went on our last day in Savannah - what a great way to end the trip. We got in line around 10am. We had a great spot & watched the line grown as time went on. I can't begin to describe the food & experience. Just that you MUST have Mrs. Wilkes & you must not eat breakfast before. There is SO much delicious goodness. Fellow yelpers provided me with great information that I was prepared for the wonderful experience. We were craving Mrs. Wilkes all the way to Charleston & back home in California!!
(5)Scott B.
I really enjoyed this place and was glad my son suggested it! This is a true Southern dining experience to be enjoyed. Lot's of food and good company. The sweet potatos were fantastic along with the carrot salad. The line can get long so get there early. We did not feel rushed at all, it was a home cookin' dining experience which is rare these days.
(5)Amy J.
aw Mrs. Wilkes...I have heard about you but, I had no idea. My boyfriend and I waited about an hour and a half. We made friends in line and enjoyed our conversations. Once we got in we enjoyed the community seating and of course the dishes. The fried chicken was great and the BBQ pork was amazing. With so much to try if you didn't like something you just moved on. Something I would do again.
(4)Marc M.
Mrs. Wilkes is on one of the squares in Savannah and does not have a neon sign, a billboard, none of the usual restaurant promotional stuff. It is just there and you find it. And finding it is easy. You sit at big tables with strangers who quickly become your friends. We sat with a big group of ladies from Colorado who were happily vacationing without their husbands (And, to quote Maxwell Smart: "and loving it"). It was festive and the fried chicken was sensational as were the vegetables, especially the yams and corn. The iced tea is superb and the pies are to die for. And so many types of salad. You can't go wrong at Mrs. Wilkes. Sadly, Mrs. Wilkes has passed on but the tradition continues.
(5)Bob S.
Yes you have to stand in line in the hot sun (they do bring out water.) Yes you have to bring your plate to the kitchen. Yes they serve in roughly 30 minute sittings and you can't really enjoy a languid lunch. Just go. It's great. You won't regret it.
(5)Michael C.
When we arrived in Savannah, our hosts took us here for lunch straight from the airport. I was shocked to see the line out front. I knew that it was going to be a good lunch! The four of us sat at a table with four others and started passing around the food that was already on the table. Every imaginable southern dish was there - all cooked to perfection. It was magical. The only drawback was that we all seemed to be in some sort of contest to finish quickly. I wanted to sit there and savor but the food was passed around so quickly and everyone ate so fast that we were out of there in less than an hour. I could have easily stayed for twice that long. At the end of the meal, the servers brought around banana pudding and cherry cobbler. We then took our plates to the kitchen and rolled out the door. It was a great introduction to Savannah hospitality and I'm glad we went. And all-you-can-eat for under $20? What a bargain!
(4)Guillermo K.
Oh man, this place was dope. And always fun to have a little convo with friendly strangers from all over (mainly folks from other parts of the southeast and the occasional elderly couple on an epic RV trip).
(5)Tony D.
Very cool place in Savannah. It is definitely worth the wait. Odds are if you go in the summer time you will spend 30-60 minutes in line waiting for a seat. Every table is a communal table so you might as well make conversation with the people around you in line. There is a good chance you will be eating together. When you walk in there are large tables all over the small place and you sit down to a table literally covered in plates and bowls of homemade cooking. Sit down, start eating and pass the bread. Being from LA, it's a definite change to our eating style, but the restaurant has a Southern, down home kind of feel. It is a must eat when you visit Savannah.
(5)Thien D.
Holy moly! I've hit the gold mine on this one. We went here for lunch one day and the line was just a monster!!!! I almost not wanted to stay but she talked me into it. The wait was long and it was a big tease. You can smell the food from the outside and from time to time, a cook will come out and just start talking to the people. We meet a few people in front and behind us and we talked to them and got to know them. We seem to be the only natives there, but that was ok because it still made us unique in a crowd of tourist. We waited for what it seemed to be forever (1.5-2 hours) and I was finally the person standing at the front door waiting to get in. When I saw the guy that work there coming to fetch me and the next group, my heart started pounding like the first time I'd seen a girl in a thong at the beach. As we went in, the guy instructed us to our tables but somehow I ran to the wrong one and it was even dirty. I didn't care at that point. I was Hongry! So when I finally sat at my right table, we sat with the people that we met in line. They sit you there ten to a table. Most of them are strangers unless you came with a party of ten. When you sit, the table is already set with food and sweet tea. There were 20+ different food item on the table that was served family style. After all that talking outside and food in front of me, it was eating time and I didn't talk to anyone from that point on. I looked like a slob piling my plate up with everything and being the first one to clear it as well and continued to go for seconds, thirds, fourths, and so ons. I was forwarned to save room for dessert but I did not. When the desserts came out....a banana pudding and blueberry cobbler, I only managed to take a small bite of each. The banana pudding when swallowed was touching my uvula I swear. The food was awesome!!!! But by the time I was stuffed to the rim, it looked disgusting lol. We both enjoyed it and I can say that it is most worth it to wait in line again just for lunch like that.
(5)Joe T.
We were on a fairly tight schedule because we had to drive to the airport in Jacksonville and I wanted to be on the road by 12:30. Since Mrs. Wilkes' opens at 11AM I didn't think this would be a problem, especially since we got there at 10:30AM. I was surprised that there was already quite a line when we got there. This was a Monday morning so I assumed it would not be quite as busy. We had to wait about 45 minutes to get inside but everyone in line seemed to enjoy themselves, talking to each other and wondering in a good natured way how long it would be before we got in. Once inside we were seated with a large group of people until our table was filled. Then they started bring out bowl after bowl of Southern cooking. There were so many dishes that I can't remember them all nor did I get to sample all of them. There simply was too much food for me to try them all. I do remember: English peas, black eyed peas, summer squash, cream corn, okra, fried chicken, barbeque, gravy, biscuits and cornbread, banana pudding, cherry cobbler, and many more dishes. The food was very good and there was lots of it served family style. I believe the cost was $16 per person and well worth it. The restaurant is only open from 11AM to 2 PM so I hope all those in line after us got in. Even with the wait to get in, we finished our meal, walked back to get our car, and were on the road at exactly 12:30! I highly recommend Mrs. Wilkes'! Don't let the lines intimidate you. The food is well worth the wait and you will probably enjoy the conversation with the others in line with you.
(5)J S.
Like this place needs a bigger line after another 5 star rating. I will keep it simple. The first time I have ever gone out and felt like I was eating in (in a good way). I am the son of a preacher man from down south. This means I have a LOT of pot lucks under my belt. For the southern religious crowd on Yelp you will know what I mean when I say this: you know how every church pot luck has that one or maybe 2 dishes that everyone loves that is made by that one little old lady and then there is a lot of jello mold and only so so food. Well picture a restaurant that went around the entire state and poached ever churches one little old lady to come work for them an only make that one thing. Then picture 27 of them back there. This is basically what eating here is like. I wish I could take every Yankee and every foreigner in America and seat them here. You wana taste the south? You want the teroir of the Southern spirit on your tongue? Take a seat in Mrs Wilkes Dining Room.
(5)Jim S.
I have been reading review after review and was completely enticed to travel an hour to get here for that great food. It was closed. : ( I checked the website (2 weeks before & now a week after) and there is nothing stating they were closed for remodeling or for the winter season. My family of 4 & our 2 friends were pretty disappointed. We talked to some locals & a postman that assured us they were indeed closed. So my review is a warning to all to verify they are open now before you make the trip. We ended up at Clary's (check for my review).
(3)John J.
Long wait. Good food. Not worth the wait though.
(3)Adam S.
Upon arriving in Savannah, the first stop was the visitor center to find out where the best local grub was. The nice old lady directed me to Lady and Sons, which I had heard good things about from other visitors.. As i was leaving, the security guard pulled me aside and explained that i was on my way to tourist central, and if i really wanted to eat like a local, Mrs Wilkes was the spot. So we made our way over and got in line. Shortly after we were told that we would be the last group for lunch. I didn't pay much attention to the folks in line, but i should have, as those would turn out to be my dining companions. Everyone eats together at one of three tables in the dining room, and each table is covered in fixings and sweet tea upon arrival. Shortly after sitting, you are swarmed with meats ranging from fried chicken to sausage. Accompanied by mac and cheese, collard greens, black eyed peas, cracklin cornbread and any other southern delights you can think of, this is truly a down home meal. But what really made the experience for me, was sitting with a table full of strangers, and everyone being in the best mood possible due to the amazing food in front of us. We conversed and even wound up taking pictures with our fellow diners, as they were as much a part of the experience as the food. Bus your own place settings and make sure to pay the man at the door on your way out. This is a MUST if you are ever in Savannah.
(5)heej c.
here are some important food tips: FRIED CHICKEN!!! so tasty with perfect balance of salt and pepper with crispy skin ::drool:: i gotta say, it was the best fried chicken i've yet to taste :d RED RICE!!! it looked like jambalaya, but the online menu says it's red rice. this also might have been the best jambalayaish red rice i've had! they gave generous amount of sausage chunks. as a first timer, the dilemma is that you enter the room where your table is and you're greeted with FIFTEEN to TWENTY-TWO DISHES (and friendly servers). it's like a thanksgiving dinner table: but with strangers who are just as hungry and thankful for the AC as you are. if i had known what to eat.. i probably would have dug straight into the fried chicken and the red rice :D there were other good dishes such as collard green, cucumber w/ dressing, corn, mash potato with gravy, bbq pork, mac and cheese, cabbage, some radish dish, okra and tomatoes, beans, yams, and more. but if i were to go again, i'd skip some of those and eat more fried chicken and red rice :D they also serve sweet and unsweet tea - go for the sweet one ;) once the servers think that you're done, they bring out dessert (when you already feel like you're ready to pop). ours that day was fresh tasting banana pudding for each person at the table. i only say fresh because the nilla cookies were still crunchy, which i loved. my boyfriend and i went there on monday and thought that they served the same dishes everyday, but it turns out, according to their website, their menu varies slightly each day. tip here: go on monday, taste that red rice! ( mrswilkes.com/menu.html ) and here are some non-food tips: when we got there, the first thing we saw was this looooong line before we even got to locate the entrance. we parked and lined up. tip here: the parking meter rate is much cheaper than the city of atlanta rate, but do bring quarters enough for 2 hours. it was a hot spring day and we ended up waiting for an hour. tip here: if you can, get some cold water or drinks with you so that you can hydrate yourself if you happen to visit this place in the hot weather. don't bring anything that'll melt.. bring a straw hat, a sunbrella, shades, COLD WATER, COLD WATER and COLD WATER. i suppose you can bring something to entertain yourself with, but talking to those in front of and behind you is also a good idea because you're most likely to be seated with them inside. once we were in, the cold AC and the smell of the food greeted us. on our way to our table, we saw a framed picture of president obama dining at mrs. wilkes. we were seated with some strangers: these people were a few people ahead of us in the line outside (yes, we got to skip some people and got seated a little faster for being a party of two). we enjoyed the experience of chatting with strangers, sharing where we all were from, commenting and agreeing on the taste of the food. all of us at the table walked out slowly and stuffed. oh yeah, when you're done, you bring your own dishes and bring it to the dish washing area - that's the tradition. then you pay at the exit and there goes your experience of mrs. wilkes! P.S. worth the wait, worth sweating in the heat, and worth the money. go!
(5)Dallas K.
Well worth the wait. Amazing chicken, all you can eat sides (the menu online only lists a small portion of what you end up getting), great sweet tea. Plus, you get to meet travelers from all over at the family style tables. Definitely try!
(5)jaimie k.
I'm going to be totally honest, I feel happier having eaten here than when I was actually getting to eat there, if that makes sense. It's certainly something to do, and simply for the chow down with strangers table arrangements -- you're ushered in after a typically hour (plus) wait to a table for twelve where you eat family style. The food itself is pretty damn good. The mac and cheese was Yu-umMY, but not as good as at Lady & Sons, though this is the only place where I got to eat some fantastic creamy squash dish that left me wanting seconds...and going for thirds. And, while the desserts left something to be desired -- your choice of a tiny cup-let of blueberry cobbler of banana pudding when I was there -- the biscuits were faboooooooooooo.
(3)JR D.
BOTTOM LINE AT THE TOP: While Savannah has it's fair share of iconic eateries, and classic low-country establishments for the common folk, Mrs. Wilkes, with its hollowed history and reasonably priced authentic cuisine might be the only place in town that is both at the same time. This age-old establishment needs no billboard or grand entryway to attract its clientele. The legendary food does that all on its own. And if you can't find it on most of the tour maps and trolly stops in the city, just look for the two hour line of people standing outside an old brown-brick building on Jones St. and you will have found Ms. Wilkes. What used to be a boarding house for travelers, Ms. Wilkes Dinning Room is set in two small rooms on the bottom floor with large tables set comfortably into its corners. Patrons are brought in a table at a time and seated together, next to strangers and other groups and served family style. On any given day the serve up 20 or so dishes per table including: there legendary fried chicken (the best I've had), beef stew, pork BBQ, Mac n' Cheese, cream corn, black-eyed peas, stuffing, fresh corn bread... and all the other classic southern dishes you care to think of. And each one is amazing on it's own, and absolutely fabulous in concert with the other dishes. This is all served with a glass of sweet tea and a choice of desert and all for around $15.00 a person. Waiting times vary from season to season, where there is usually a short or no wait in the winter to as long as three hours in the tourist happy summer. They are only open for lunch and there is not liquor sold on the premises.
(5)Thomas T.
You will not be disappointed! Incredible real southern cooking! Often a long wait but you usually meet people in line and start talking and it doesn't seem so long after all. Family style so if your group isn't large enough to fill up a table then you'll be sitting with the people you just met in line:), and don't forget to take your plate to the kitchen when you're done!
(5)Chris D.
We visited Savannah just last week and was told by our tour guide we had to eat here. we got there a little after 11 and was seated by 1230. it was everything we were told it was. GREAT!!! it was like sitting down at my Grandmas house and having dinner. the food was great, and we met some intresting folks. would recommend to everyone. thanks for the great experience, the next time we are in town we will visit again.
(5)Nick Z.
It's a no-brainer that anyone visiting Savannah simply must experience Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room. I've found that to be an understatement. This was easily the best lunch experience of my life. Perhaps best meal I've ever had served to me from a commercial establishment. I began the whole thing in a long queue on a sunny day in Savannah. My fiancee and I had spent the morning apartment hunting so we'd worked up an agreeable appetite. We even ate light at our hotel's continental breakfast in order to spare room for the calories we knew we'd ingest at lunch. I happened to be wearing my Yelp shirt I'd recently got at an Elite Event in Detroit and lo and behold, we stepped in line right behind Dee, Liz, and Ashley M. of Chicago. Liz took note of my shirt and showed me her own and we all just started chatting about anything and everything while we killed time in line. The line moved as fast as it could and I really can't fault people for not being in any rush to vacate their tables. To put it into perspective, it was like waiting in line for a popular attraction at an amusement park. The line was shorter (but moved slower) and blissfully shaded by large trees. Every time people left the restaurant, they did so exclaiming that it was worth the wait, hands resting happily over their full bellies. Those utterances of satisfaction emboldened everyone to stay the course no matter how far away the goal may have seemed. When we finally were ushered into the restaurant, we were thrilled to find we'd all be seated together to enjoy our own miniature Elite Event. No sooner had I sampled the (perfectly made) sweet tea than the bowls began to arrive one after another until they numbered 23. I was amazed and thrilled and overwhelmed and very, very hungry. We began the game of passing the bowls and eventually tore in and every bite was a thrilling discovery. Everything was delicious. It's a testament to the abilities of this restaurant that most every dish served is a shining example of what the dish ought to be. The fried chicken, greens, sweet potatoes, beef stew, squash and succatash were all the best I'd ever eaten. To be served six dishes that earn a "best ever" badge is unheard of. The meat loaf, while delicious, is only bested by my mother's and the cabbage is tied with the stuff that comes out of my grandmother's kitchen. Incredible. The only thing that beat the food was the company. I had a great time with these folks and have to thank Mrs. Wilkes' setup for fostering this kind of eating environment. Family style dining is a glorious thing because of the conversation and kinship it promotes. Dee managed to grab our portion of the check before I was able and I'd only be too happy to make that up to them the next time they're in town and looking for a good meal.
(5)Scott L.
I ate here a long time ago. And at that time they had breakfast. I guess they got rid of that. But this was by far one of the most interesting dining experiences I ever had. It was like the definitive meal at grandmas house. Mrs. Wilkes was there serving family style dishes that had the rich flavor of generations. I never forgot that meal. I highly recommend this place for a real southern experience in the heart of Savannah.
(4)Jen H.
thought I was going to die from the long wait but it was worth every second. Hands down the best meal I've ever had in my life.
(5)Michelle G.
What's not to like or even love about this place! Well, Mrs. Wilkes is definitely one unforgettable dining experience during my trip to Georgia. Why? Because I've never been to restaurant where they serve Southern Thanksgiving like dinner all year round. With that being said, as a Filipina we were not familiarize with the way Thanksgiving family dinners work. Which is, sharing a huge table with a different family member to share variety of dishes and sides already served on our table. I personally have been to a family like dinner but our traditional family members did not know that you have to pass the dishes around after you get some for yourselves. Hehe. Which made our experience together as a family so much fun, because we got to know the other family members we shared our food with on our table. Yes, there will be a huge line filled with hungry people even before they open. Well, we actually got there right on time since there were only 5 families in front of us. As soon as you walk in their basement like restaurant, you'll get the feeling that you just walked in someone's grandma's house. It just very old fashioned, very comfy, very antique and very homey with their decor. Once you get to your table, you'll see that the dishes are already served family style at the table. I believe there were about 20 dishes to share. There's no need for a menu, Coz everything is right on the table. Drinks wise, they will ask you as soon as your sat into the table. Their sweet tea was so delicious, the reason why I bought some from their mini store. My favorite was their tender, juicy, flavorful, crispy fried chicken. Mmmmm! It sure was very "country southern food." After your meal, they will serve you with choices of desserts to choose from. And like a family dinner, you bring your plate to the kitchen to be washed. Luckily, we did not have anything for breakfast which made it our first meal of the day. So, we really ate as if it was dinner time and not brunch. Lol. The staff was very friendly, always smiling, very courteous, and polite which really made it into a very Southern experience you won't get any where else in a restaurant. Not only that but my cousin had mentioned to the staff that I was just visiting from CA, and that I would love to have just a little bit of our leftover to take home. The staff did not think other wise and gave us a little something to go. I really loved it here period and if ever I do go back to Georgia, I will definitely come back here at Mrs. Wilkes. Thank you for such an great hospitality.
(5)Steve K.
This was definitely a worthwhile unique dining experience. I loved eating family style in an old historic boarding house! You'll need to plan your day around this lunch because of the very limited hours and long lines. (open Mon-Fri 11am-2pm). I waited about 40 mins which wasn't too bad. The price is now $18, which isn't a bad deal considering how wonderful and plentiful the food is! My advice is to only take a little of each item if you want to have enough room to try everything. The drinks are iced tea or water, and the meal ends with a small dessert (banana pudding or peach cobbler). The lunch does feel a little rushed- they start clearing plates, giving you dessert and telling you to buss your own plates even when some people are still eating. Don't expect to linger around and have a conversation after your meal. I understand that they need to turn tables quick for the long lines outside, during the short business hours. I have no idea why such a popular restaurant is only open for a few hours and closed on the weekends. Still worth the visit if you can fit it in your schedule!
(4)Becky T.
The best restaurant ever. We got in line at 10:30, so easily made the first seating at 11am. We walked in their small dining room to our table, and our jaws just dropped at the sight of it. On the table were over 20 dishes of food including from what I can remember: lima beans,creamed corn, cheesy mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, greens, cabbage, beef stew, chicken dumplings, yellow squash, BBQ pork slices, black eye peas, white rice, dirty rice with sausage, succotash, rutabaga, corn bread, rolls, mac and cheese, tomato pasta salad, and a platter of the best fried chicken ever. Then for dessert you get a choice of blueberry compote or banana pudding. All for $16 even. I loved that it was served family style and that you get to eat with strangers. We were lucky because the people we were with were all visiting foodies, and they have hit all the best spots in Savannah already and we enjoyed hearing all these retired people who's main amusement in life is to now travel the country in search for good food. Its something to look forward to in life. The only disappointing thing was that the people weren't big eaters, though that turned out to be a good thing because I ended up finishing up the platter of chicken. I'm sure they thought I was a pig considering I had like 5 pieces of chicken while everyone else had 2. Must not go to waste! Seriously, Paula Dean's is not even in the same league as this. Everyone needs to take a pilgrimage here. I love, love this place.
(5)Mary V.
Would have loved to have had lunch here, but there was a two hour wait to just get in the door. We did talk with folks who were committed to waiting in line and they sounded very excited about their lunch adventures at Mrs Wilkes Dining Room.
(4)Mary O.
This is the place to go for lunch in Savannah. There's always a line and depending on how big your party is, you may sit with strangers. It's like going to a dinner party. The people I sat with were from New Jersey and South Carolina. The food is all set in the middle and southern comfort type of food. I discovered a love for lima beans and the fried chicken is delicious. The only thin g that sucked was that you had to bus your own dishes and cash only.
(4)Terese G.
I could say "see Dawn K.'s review," but I guess that'd be lazy. We waited in line for over two hours on our last day in Savannah, and we'll do it all again the next time we're in town. The food and experience were wonderful. We loved the communal dinner table, the incredible array of Southern sides, and the heaping plate of fried chicken. There's no lingering at the table, but that's probably for the best so you can avoid a dreaded food coma.
(5)Tracy P.
This is the best place to eat EVER! Words can't describe this place if you love Southern Food.... Now there are a ton of things to choose from and YES my Grandmother can make some of the dishes BETTER! But for the money and the Delicious EATING nothing can compare! Not EVEN Paula Dean's I would not even think about standing in her line to eat! I might cause a riot inside if it didn't compare or if it wasn't better than Ms. Wilkes so I stay away....Paula looks like she could handle me LOL! I wish you could take leftovers but you can't and it's probably a good thing. I can't imagine the fighting at the table over who would get to leave with the goodies! Wear your loose fitting clothes and forget about your DIET! Awesome Eating!
(5)Enoch C.
long line, worth the wait. the gf and i went on a day trip to savannah planing to go to the lady and sons, but after reading poor reviews and rave reviews for mrs. wilkes, we decided to come here instead. i don't know if i missed anything at the lady and sons, but i'm very satisfied with our decision to go to mrs. wilkes instead. we arrived around 1:00 with the line winding to the end of the intersection. here's a tip, if you're going to get there around 1 on a monday, you might as well just take your time and get there right at 2. you'll be about 10 people back, but you won't have to wait nearly as long. it was hot outside, so bring a cool drink if you're going to brave the heat. now, on to the food. you sit in tables of 10 with whoever you were in line with, food already on the table. we didn't know what to do since my table was all out-of-towners. we just sat there marveling at the food not knowing if we were allowed to start eating or not. finally we asked one of the servers and she gave us a look like, "i can't believe you fools aren't eating this bountiful feast we made for you." so we dove in. it reminded me of what a thanksgiving meal would be like. everyone passing bowls and plates. i think someone counted 22 different dishes on the table at one point. here are some highlights: the fried chicken - delicious!! one of the best i've had. i usually eat white meat for the test. it was so tender and juicy... i'm salivating right now as i remember each bite i had. dirty rice/jumbalaya - huge chunks of sausage (andouille i think). flavored really well. biscuits - really moist and soft. the cornbread was a little too dry and hard for me. bbq pork - was ok. but you're not there for this. you're there for the fried chicken. the mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, red potatoes, collards, squash, and cabbage were all good. nothing i had there was bad. the thing is, besides the chicken, nothing's GREAT! but everything is darn good. southern home cooking at its finest. for dessert, we had banana pudding which was good. it's my favorite dessert, so i inhaled it. it was good. i can't say i've had exceptional banana pudding though. what i liked most about the meal is the experience. it was fun chatting it up with out-of-towners. wouldn't have had that experience at paula deen's restaurant.
(4)Terry E.
We went to the place for the experience; the price of $16.00 per person is alright if you have a big appetite for fried chicken and all the helpings. You really have to get in line early, they open at 11am and line starts at 9am. Once you're in they have the table set up with all the food on bowls and you could eat as much as you want; bottomless iced tea. If you want desserts, they have it in very,very small bowls, so tell the server right away if you like more than one. I love the servers, they're so wonderful and very attentive. You won't be able to finish the food, they keep on filling it up; I don't know what they do with the leftovers, but it's sad to have all those food go into waste. No take-outs for leftovers and before I forget it's Cash only 'If it's your first time in Savannah, just go and try it...
(2)Jen P.
A dining experience to be had. Family style portions served thanksgiving style. Never will you have homecooking like this in a restaurant anywhere other than here.. (that i know of atleast) It was my favorite place in Savannah.Everything served is delicious. The sweet tea is really good too. Yes, the line is long but so worth it. And yes, I feel guilty for liking this "thanksgiving" meal a tad bit more than my own Mothers. Ooops.
(5)Chad B.
This place was amazing. Being a foody and pretty particular about food, every dish was excellent. No need for salt and pepper on any dish, which is always a shocker. Only downsides to the experience were: 1. You sit with strangers, which was great, but there was this tourist schmuck at our table breaking the cardinal principle of talking politics in front of strangers. 2. Everyone at really fast - I am tall and have a high metabolism, so I will eat more than most, not to mention I like to take my time. Therefore, I felt like everyone was kind of waiting on the wife and I to finish up because they felt embarrassed leaving the table before we were done. In the end, though, the food is great, which is what you came for, not to mention that this place has been doing the same since the 40's.
(5)Keith L.
My wife knows I love good buffets and all you can eat places but I also like good food. I know this is in congruent, but I found my nirvana, Mrs Wilkes' Mrs Wilkes' is the place to go when you are in Savannah if you like family style southern cuisine and don't mind waiting for over 1 hours to get in and paying $16/person (cash only). I agree with the previous reviewer that the Fried Chicken was the bomb (does anyone say that anymore besides me?) It was seasoned perfectly without dripping in grease. I think I had about 4 pieces. I also agree that creamy squash dish, which looked like something you would get at an Indian place but was delicious and I too had 2nd, 3rds. The other best dish I had was the chicken and noodles. I think I had 5ths of that. Surprisingly I did not roll out of the place but was full. Hey, after waiting in line for over 1 hour in the heat and humidity you have to get your fill, right? Serving staff was very nice and we sat at the same table with a guy who married into this family. He said that the original Mrs' Wilkes granddaughter is running the place now and she was out there serving us biscuits. Did anyone mention you need to bus your dishes when you are done...kinda homey in a good way. I'm going back if every I'm back in Savannah
(5)Kate C.
This place came highly recommended, as in "You have to go to Mrs. Wilkes". We obliged, but it wasn't all that. We waited for about an hour and we were basically rushed in and out. We sat for a half hour tops. And although it may be part of the charm, I'm not really into clearing my own dishes after you have rushed me through lunch. That being said, a few of the sides were excellent: the stuffing, the turnips, the yams, they were all great. the fried chicken was okay (in my opinion, my boyfriend loved it - probably because it's fried). The biscuits were embarrassingly bad. Yeah, I guess you "gotta go" but don't expect to be able to relax and enjoy your meal.
(3)Antoinette T.
If you're coming to Savannah you just can't pass up a landmark. I couldn't. My sister and I came here and we were SO stoked. We were the first people in line and got seated at a large table with some nice enough people. As soon as the food started pouring out of the kitchen my mouth was watering... I was mentally rushing the people at my table to pass the fooooooood! but i have to say, as much hype as this place has built up.. i just thought it was average. It wasn't bad... but it wasn't great. Not great enough to make a second trip and wait in line and sit with people I don't know and wait for them to pass the food!
(3)Tony S.
The fact I won't stand in line to get into anything - cinema, nightclub, Apple store (especially Apple store) but was happy to stand in line for an hour to get friend chicken says a little too much about me. Mrs. Wilkes was the quintessential southern dining experience for me. Even the wait was well mannered. Family style service normally feels odd but here it was right. Arriving to a table laid out with all kinds of delicious foods was so cool, and everyone at our table was so nice. It was like dining on the home of a great southern cook. And the food? The fried chicken wasn't the best I've ever had, but it was darn close and really crispy and moist. The sides were so varied and yum you'll want to try a little of everything. I couldn't believe I had a second helping of green beans! The BBQ pork was also a highlight. There was tons of food left over and one of the staff told us that leftovers are offered to local charities, which is good to know. All in all a real Savannah experience worth having. Just be prepared for the wait in line and don't let that frame your experience.
(4)andrea r.
For true southern food, you must go here, Family style and the food keeps coming !! You must go here--
(5)Kate F.
Totally overrated! We were so excited to try this spot with all of the great reviews - and we were so disappointed. The only thing we both liked was the fried chicken, which was pretty good (but we have had better). The experience of waiting in a loooooong line built up our anticipation - but the fact that it was a line of tourists with tour bus stickers and fanny packs should have been the first hint we were in the wrong place. Once we were herded inside, we were sent to a large table that seated probably a dozen people. The table was filled with bowls of side dishes, and each spot had a glass of iced sweet tea. No one came to tell us what any of the dishes were - we were left guessing. We had to flag down the surly waitress in order to get water and unsweetened tea, and she made it seem as though we had asked for something totally unreasonable. The dishes were varied, but all were lukewarm. The macaroni and cheese seemed to not have real cheese on it, there were some dishes with turnips in them. The biscuits were not lofty, but oily and flat. The collard greens were so salty (and I love salt), we could barely eat them. The pulled pork was pretty good, but again - we've had better. There was something that I would describe as corn pudding, but I have no clue if it was creamed corn, grits... or what? It was so gelatinous, it was disgusting. Everything seemed to have salt, sweeteners, chemicals, etc. It actually lacked a true homemade taste. We had a couple of vegetarians at our table who were not clued in to the set menu, they clearly were miffed as well. So, for $16 a head you get to wait in line for mediocre cold food that you have no idea what it is, get treated badly by the 'waitstaff', have to beg for water, and then - you get to clear your own dishes! Amazingly enough - as soon as the meal was coming to an end, the previously surly and rude waitress who had walked around the dining room talking on her iPhone (!) during lunch - became sunny as she told us we could leave the tips on the table if we wanted HER to have them, instead of in the common tip basket as you check out. We would never go back, nor would we recommend this tourist trap. Beware of all those positive reviews!
(2)Holly S.
Southern food at its BEST! This is one tourist trap in Savannah that is truly worth going to! If you drive by Jones St on a weekday between 11-2, you are sure to see a long line leading into what looks to be a house. Be sure to get there at about 10:50 if you don't like to wait.. but it is a shady wait if you choose to get there later. You must go with a HUGE appetite. As you wait in line, the people leaving Mrs. Wilkes will always say "It's worth the wait!". How annoying because after an hour of hearing.. "It's worth the wait," you just want everyone who already ate to hush.. haha. That sounds bitter, but you will see. Upon entering, you feel like you are at granny's house. Our table consisted of about 12 people. Try to not let the people at your table ruin your experience. We had a guy from New Jersey and other person at the table asked if he was from New York... Oh..That made Mr. New Jersey VERYY angry It made for an awkward lunch experience, but my beau and I found it rather comical. Beyond that, the food was delicious. I love bringing family and friends here, as well. This place is 100 times better than Lady and Sons!
(5)Josh C.
Don't tell her I said this, but Mrs. Wilkes is better than my southern Grandmother's cooking. We arrived at 10:45 and were seated less than 30 minutes later my wife and I loved the family atmosphere. I was a little worried about sitting with strangers, but we had a great time. I've seen some reviewers complaining about running out of food...you must have been sitting with some greedy people! We all ate tons (everyone had seconds and thirds) and it seems like we barely made a dent in what we were served. I would advise you to try everything on the table. I generally don't like barbecue or stuffing, but I loved both at Mrs. Wilkes. You might find a new favorite as well.
(5)Sarah H.
Mrs Wilkes is a must for anyone visiting or living in Savannah- the food is excellent and there is just no way to try everything they put on the table. The best fried chicken. Definitely a must.
(5)Skip H.
Just like grandmas house! If your here, just go, it's a must do for lunch. Something for everyone on the table of delicious southern dishes. Loved the experience.
(5)Ross W.
Forewarned, we got there at 10:30a, but there were already 30+ people in line. However, we made first seating. You sit with a bunch of strangers. The table is already filled with sweet tea and side dishes, from cabbage, collard greens, mac & cheese, black-eyed peas, okra & tomatoes to squash and candied yams. There must have been a dozen of them. Just having a little of everything could fill you up. Beef Stew was good. The highlight was definitely the Fried Chicken, which was amazing. Be sure to save room for Banana Pudding and Peach Cobbler. It is cash only and opens from 11a -2p. If we're back in Savannah, we'll definitely eat here again.
(5)Jaime S.
Such good food!! True southern cooking.I felt like I was eating a meal at my mommom's...very home like atmosphere. We will eat here every time we visit Savannah.
(5)DN P.
Trying to keep it short but will probably fail... - location: historic Savannah on a beautiful street - price: it was a bargain ($16 for about 80 lbs of food) - clientele: touristy, but fun (keep in mind all tables are family style - we sat with folks from all over and had a great time) - waitstaff: humorously officious (and everyone was very friendly) - food: delicious, hearty southern food without being too heavy/greasy We counted 23 different family-style served dishes on the table. The succotash was my favorite and the fried chicken a close second. The chicken was probably the best I've had outside of my grandmother's. Grandma still has the edge, but even coming close is tough in my opinion. Also, the sweet tea was perfect and that might have been the best Banana Puddin' I've ever had. The only negative: the wait. We waited for 1.5 hours to get in. But honestly it only made us hungrier and the food taste even better. Worth the wait if you're looking to eat well-prepared southern food with strangers in an environment with history and character. A must-eat in Savannah for me. Just get there early (11:00 or so) or carve out three hours in the middle of the day so you can build your hunger in line outside.
(5)James S.
After one hour in line to finish our meal in 35 minutes, I can say it was not worth all the hype! You'll leave full and with that feeling that you just ate at your grandmothers thanksgiving dinner. But to be honest, it was just a bunch of vegi's and a few meat options but nothing special about any of it! There is a place off I-75 at x201 called Buckner's that is just like this place but actually does have good chicken and you sit 10 to a table like Mrs Wilkes. If you're traveling on your trip skip this place and try Buckner's with very little wait and a better experience! P.S. Mrs Wilkes does not take credit cards and the meal is $16 a person. And they are only open M-F 11-2!
(3)Scott A.
Worth the hour wait. 22 bowls of southern comfort at the dinner table to enjoy with awesome fried chicken & pulled pork. Skip Lady & Sons and plan on going here instead.
(5)Rich J.
Everything you could hope it to be. They have about 7 tables, about 10 to a table. Got there at 10:30, waited 2 hours... totally worth it. Definitely get there before noon. Go crazy with the greens, cabbage, and okra salad; you won't find better anywhere. I haven't ate like this since my grandma passed.
(5)Foodie S.
Best southern cooking I've ever had!!! It only opens from 11 - 2 for lunch. I arrived at 1:30 and there was a line out the door. Lunch is served family style with collard green, chicken and dumplings, cream corn, mash red potato, lima beans, squash, black eye peas, , mac and cheese, red beans, green beans, pull pork, stew, (about 15 different dishes) are on the table. No picking from the menu. Everyone gets the same thing. The fried chicken is to die for! If you don't mind sharing the table with strangers, you will love this. And - everyone clears his own table and bring his dishes to the dishwasher. Must experience when in Savannah.
(5)Yuna P.
My boyfriend and I went to extreme measures to taste the true Southern cooking. First of all, we stayed an extra day in Savannah, just to eat at Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room, which is opened only on Monday through Friday. Not only that, we woke up at 8 AM (on a vacation!) to line up in front of Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room by 10 AM. I can't disagree with the other reviews here. The wait was totally worth this unique dining experience. Fried Chicken wasn't all Fancy Schmancy (spiced up, or whatever restaurants do nowadays); in fact, it was a real, authentic fried chicken. I also thoroughly enjoyed the macaroni and cheese, mashed potato, beef stew, and the banana pudding! The combination of mashed bananas and wafers.. it truly is a flavor party! I wish they served the banana pudding as one of the side items on the tables, so I can eat bowls of it! For future goers, I will pass on the wisdom I've obtained upon eating at Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room: 1. Be prepared to line up staring 10 AM. This will guarantee your entrance to the restaurant as soon as it opens. 2. Make sure to touch up on some table manners before you go as you will be sharing the table with strangers! 3. save room for dessert - go for the banana pudding. It is to die for! 4. Most importantly, take cash or check! You have to pay for this graceful food somehow.
(5)Leslie M.
The best fried chicken ever! I was tipped off to this place by an extremely nice local after I told her about the encounter I had with a very rude hostess standing outside of The Lady and Sons (I'm writing Paula Dean a letter.) The advice I got was to line up at 10am, even though the place doesn't open till 11. My sister and Abel wanted to take a walk so technically I was the first one in line and armed with my camera, US Weekly, and my cell phone I had more than enough distractions to keep myself entertained as I patiently waited and fantasized about gooey mac n cheese. But I wasn't alone for long cause within 10 minutes people were showing up asking if this was the place. It's kinda tricky cause it really just looks like a townhouse. Before I knew it, the time was 10:55, Kim and Abel had returned, and the front door had just opened. (yay!) When you walk in, you immediately notice the four tables in the room already set with like 20 serving bowls of food. I took a seat that was the closest to the fried chicken. ( I had been smelling it for an hour!) Once everyone was seated this man comes to the middle of the room and rings a bell which signifies that it's time to "dig in." The concept of this place is "family style" where you pick up a dish, serve yourself a helping, and then pass it on to the person sitting beside you. And let me tell you, there is sooo much food to choose from! Collard greens, corn, okra, scalloped potatoes and gravy, cornbread, sweet potatoes, mac n cheese...it just goes on and on. Everything is absolutely AMAZING and probably a 100% better than anything served at that over-hyped establishment I mentioned earlier. (I really am writing Paula Dean a letter.) But seriously, get there early cause as we were leaving I noticed that the line had quadrupled down the sidewalk and they have limited hours (11am-2pm mon-fri) and limited seating--first come first serve.
(5)Lisa B.
This was by far hands down the BEST authentic southern food I ever had. The staff were very nice and made you feel at home. The overall experience was I felt like I was sitting down for dinner at Grandma's. Be patient it's worth the wait .
(5)Sarah C.
Make this place a PRIORITY while visiting Savannah, people! And good luck on getting in!! First time ever waiting in an roller coaster line to eat lunch. The line of drooling people literally wrapped around the corner of the street. (Pictures to prove it) They are only open M-F from 11am-2pm. We got there at 11:20am and it took us about an hour and 15 to get in. You are only able to get into the house in "waves". They have a certain amount of tables, and once they are filled, that's it! You're stuck waiting outside and then seeing the FULL FOOD COMA patrons come out satisfied & letting us know "its worth the wait!" And it TRULY TRULY was. BEST MEAL EVER. Felt like you were a guest in someones home (which you practically are), sitting around the table with the people you acquainted yourself with during that hour wait (we met the kindest couple), and sharing a large meal w/ over 20 diff. dishes, I KID YOU NOT. It was our last day and last meal in Savannah~ GREAT, EPIC ending to the trip. =) Again, cash only!
(5)Courtney E.
Trust the other reviews...this place is money! I went here for lunch after just moving to Savannah. It was a great place to go to alone since you sit with other people anyway. I counted 22 different bowls of food on our table. Everything was good but I especially liked the bbq pork, squash casserole, and banana pudding. It's only open for lunch Mon-Fri so I suggest planning your vacation around making a stop here.
(5)Johnny C.
This was the first restaurant we visited in Savannah and it turned out to be the best. We didn't know beforehand that food was served family style on a table for ten people. It felt a little strange eating with strangers at first but conversation flow easy with great food. In no time we were chatting up with everyone at our table and it was quite enjoyable. We counted 23 dishes that were served. Every dish was well made and a couple of dishes were simply amazing. My wife considers herself to be a fried chicken connoisseur and she thinks they have the best fried chicken she's ever tasted. My personal favorite was their BBQ beef and candied yams. Considering the affordable price, enjoyable atmosphere, excellent varieties of dishes, and some of the best food we ever tasted. This place rank in the top three on our all time favorite restaurant list. This is a must visit if you are near Savannah.
(5)Gen L.
Very tasty southern food. Come hungry! You are served family style at a table of 8. More food than you can imagine.
(4)Alexa S.
I LOVE THIS PLACE! Went there this morning. Wait was about an hour (arrived around 10 minutes after 10). The food is excellent. There's so much of it that I forgot a majority of it. You will not be disappointed. So yes this is the must go grub spot if you're visiting like I am. It's best if you walk around afterwards.
(5)Leslie T.
Great fried chicken, mac n cheese, and banana pudding. Worth the wait!
(5)Louise B.
If I could give Mrs. Wilkes a 4.5 I would. I'd seen this place on Food Network several years ago (back when Mrs Wilkes was still with us) & have been wanting to try it. I FINALLY made it! This wasn't my first trip to Savannah but as other reviewers (and the website) have noted, they are only open during the week from 11am-2pm. Well, this trip was planned with the SOLE purpose being to visit Mrs Wilkes Boarding House. I have to say, I think the stars were aligned for me this day. We pulled up to the restaurant 15 minutes to 11, plenty of parking & only about 40-50 people already in line (yes, I said "only"). My friend & I waited about 20 minutes & we were in. Seating is very quick because there are about 8 tables in the 2 dining areas & they each seat 10-12 people. When we walked in the table was already setup with all of our sides. I can't remember them all but it was much more than the sides they listed on the website for that day (Thursday). The Mac & Cheese was Cheesy Goodness, Fried Chicken nicely seasoned, not at all greasy, Oh So GOOD! and to my surprise my favorite thing of all was the Cabbage! Now normally, you couldn't pay me all the money in the world to eat cabbage, seriously... wouldn't touch it with a 10 foot pole. I had that cabbage parked right in front of me so I could keep going back for more without having to ask for it to be passed back. Two things made me knock off half a star, towards the end of the meal we were all having a great time chatting with the others at our table & they brought around desert. We had to pick either banana pudding, or peach cobbler. Well, Savannah is not exactly in my backyard so if I'm gonna drive almost 4 hours I want to at least be able to try both, it's not like they were huge servings... probably about a small serving spoon of each one on a tiny little plate. Well, the first person that got the desert tray at our table took both so we all followed suit. When the waitress came back for the ones that should have been left over she just laughed at the empty tray we handed back to her. Now, once you're done you better pack it up! No dilly dallying, they don't want you sitting around at the table talking because there are hungry people lined up outside waiting to come in. So... we bid good day to our fellow diners & were on our way. I will definitely go back, but next time I'll take my cousin who eats super slow so we can take our times & not be rushed. I've figured out that's they key to being able to stay a little longer... as long as someone at the table is still eating they won't push you out.
(4)Kristina W.
How fun was it to eat at Mrs Wilkes. I think most people probably wait in line longer than it takes to eat their lunch but I got lucky and there was no line (I went off season on a rainy day). Once it is your groups turn to be seated, they take you to your table which is fully laid out with fried chicken, BBQ chicken, black eyed peas, biscuits, beans, cheesy mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes and a whole lot more. Everything was good but personally, I thought the fried chicken stood out. It was so moist. I also loved their beef stew. If you come to Savannah, you have to try this establishment.
(4)Justin K.
Most people visiting Savannah will make the pilgrimmage to Paula Deen's restaurant, but it can't hold a candle to this Southern classic. Thanks to other Yelpers' reviews (thanks guys), we knew Mrs. Wilke's would be popular, but we had not idea how much Southerners love this food. (And well they should.) The restaurant serves only one meal a day (lunch) and they're only open on weekdays. The restaurant opens its doors promptly at 11:00, but diners start lining up well before. We arrived at 10:40, and barely made the first seating. Note: if you don't make the first seating, you have to wait until a whole group has finished its entire dinner, which can be around 45 minutes. When we left, the line extended down the block and almost around the corner. For the uninitiated, allow me to explain. Mrs. Wilkes' serves on common tables, meaning you'll be dining with around 8 other people, often strangers. When you enter the dining room, the table is already laden with around 15 side dishes, chicken, and pot roast/stew. You choose a seat, introduce yourself to your new friends, and then you start passing the side dishes. Oh, and what side dishes! Collard greens, creamed corn, okra -- whatever southern dish you could crave -- it's here. The chicken was the best I've had in a long time. It mirrored the chicken my Texan great grandmother used to make. Sigh. Practical information: Eat a small breakfast, since it's all you can eat, and you'll want to indulge. Get there by 10:45 at the latest. Cost is $16 per person. In a nice homey touch, servers ask diners to bus their own dinner dish at the end of the meal.
(5)Jamie E.
Get there before 10:30 or expect a 90 minute wait. The fried chicken, Mac and cheese and Lima beans were excellent. Some of the side dishes were on the salty side. Unless you really like sweet tea, make sure you ask for unsweetened.
(4)Ryan S.
We got there early to get in line and still only got the second seating. The food is very good and there is a large variety and a lot of it. We felt like we rushed. Try a small amount of everything first, then get seconds on what you like. Some things were outstanding, some were average. I'd recommend anybody visiting Savannah to try it once.
(4)G H.
It is worth the wait. Luckily there is a cute shop with air conditioning to browse next door while a good natured boyfriend waits in line. Make friends with the people in line with you. I enjoyed the family style seating. The food is great and there is tons of it. I put just a little taste of each thing on my plate and it was heaping full. Then they brought out the biscuits, then the dessert. Wow. Go on an empty stomach. I am not from the south, so there were several dishes I had never tried before. I liked it all.
(5)Robert C.
This place was really good, but I don't know if it was good enough to wait 2 hrs for! If you get there before 11am and the line is already "around the corner", you're in for a 1.5hr+ wait. When other reviewers say "don't worry about looking for the sign, you'll see the line of people", man were they right!
(4)jessica d.
Sometimes touristy places are good. Like, how Mama's in SF is still good, but overrun by tourists. This place is good, so don't be afraid. You have to sit at a communal table and talk to people from parts of the country that are villified by the coastal free thinkers, but then you find out that they are real people too! And you are united by the most American of pastimes - stuffing yourself with the most wonderful fried chicken and like 20 other sides. Seriously - 20(!), I didn't even get to try all the sides! I wish I was hungrier. I would say that the sides were only ok, and it was more quantity over quality, but that fried chicken... Oh man! It was like Proust's imagined perfect madeline - real fried chicken never measures up to what is in my head, but this did. Can I go again tomorrow? So. If you visit Savannah, come here. We got lucky and rolled up at 11 am on a Tuesday in winter. There was a long line, but we got in for the first seating. Don't be like us, you probably won't be as lucky. Get a coffee somewhere, bring a book, and arrive by 10 am at the latest. Be hungry!
(4)Amanda D.
"All you can eat" should be modified to "all you can eat in 25 minutes". That's about how long we were in Mrs Wilkies before our table began being cleared because our group's time was "up". You have quite an impressive selection of dishes to try at Mrs Wilkies and some of them are really excellent (BBQ, mashes potatoes, yams, butter beans, fried chicken) but you spend about 10 minutes passing dishes back and forth between others at your table. This doesn't leave too much time to eat before being rushed over to pay and leave. We suspect this place was incredible at one time and just got too big for itself. Now the line out the door translates to a factory feel. Hate to say it, but this is definitely a tourist trap. Nevertheless, it was an experience worth having. Just go prepared.
(3)Steve S.
What a lunch feast. Even though it was almost 2:00 closing time, they seated everyone in line. Table for 10 already had the more than 20 dishes ready to serve. Fried chicken very tender & juicy. So many sides to try (20), we tried a spoon of each before going back to our favorites.
(4)Annie M.
150% worth the wait. We got there at 11 to wait in line and were lucky enough to be first in line. We got nervous at first that the hype was all overrated as no one else came in line... but after about 20 minutes the line went out the door. Every item on the table was simply presented and smelled great. The chicken was truly the best friend chicken I think I have ever had. I am so happy we came here instead of Paula Deen's. I was surprised by how many people had never heard of it, yet the place was full by the time we left. Family style and clear your own plates added to the atmosphere and we had a great time! Glad we heard about it and took a chance:)
(5)Bradley L.
So we arrived at eleven, when it opened, and the line was already to the end of the block and you could smell the fried chicken. We got in line and quickly made friends with these two fun ladies from Kansas City who were in town for a sewing convention. This is why I love this place, the line kinda forces you to get to know the people you will be eating with (i guess unless you are in a group of ten) and you may have nothing in common with them. Well about ten minutes in with were just ke-keing with them and laughing about who knows what. Thirty minutes later, you got some table friends and you are HUNGRY. They seat you and bring a ridiculous amount of good southern food out. The fried chicken was good, the gravy was on point, and the cucumbers in vinegar reminded me of my Mamaw. I was in love. All the cooks are old southern black ladies, which totally validates the place for me, bc everyone knows if you want some good southern cooking the best place to turn (besides my Mom's kitchen) is some church going black ladies. Skip Lady and Son's and head here... oh and take your plate to the kitchen when you are done.
(4)Johnny B.
Awesome homestyle family food. Down home country southern cookin! YUMMMM!!! The wait (20 mins) was def worth it. They only take cash or check, no credit cards! Def get the banana pudding for dessert!
(5)Gary C.
Overrated! Thank god I can say I went there ONCE and only once. One star sounds too harsh for the place but, it certainly qualifies for "don't bother".
(2)Liz S.
Oh. My. God. Why does this place not have to full five stars? This really is food heaven. Just had to say it again. I love this place. It's a good thing I don't live here or I would be eating here way too often. I love you Mrs. Wilkes!
(5)Ciara L.
Fabulous. If you go to Savannah and have the time, wait in the line, and eat here. The experience is awesome and the food is beyond amazing and true southern cooking at it's best! :)
(5)Lem C.
SOUTHERN COMFORT FOOD--10 dishes family-style--shared with friendly strangers from all over. Fried chicken--excellent. Sweet corn grits--simple but good. Sweet iced tea--refreshes you after sitting on Forrest Gump's bench in summer heat & humidity. An enjoyable memory that layers your Savannah experience.
(4)Don D.
for home cooked southern food, you cannot beat Mis Wilkes. I have been going there for years.
(5)Clay J.
My wife and I arrived here at 10:30 and got in about 11:15. The food was delicious. There were far too many to review all of them, but every one of them is good.
(5)Bill B.
Yes, we waited through about 2 cycles of the 60 capacity. There is shade though and it's not too bad. It was worth it. Delicious southern cooking and more than you can possibly eat. Just keeps coming. Was very pleasureable experience dining with strangers and passing dishes. The biscuits...YUM.
(5)john j.
It's a Savannah landmark and you should therefore try it. The food is good and you get a ton of it so skip breakfast, forget about your diet, and come hungry. If your table can eat half of all they put in front of you as a group then you did better than we all did. I hope they give the left overs to second harvest, a soup kitchen, or at least take it home. That would be a lot of wasted food if not. All of it is good. This is traditional soul food.. Here's just a partial list of what you'll get: fried chicken, biscuits, black eyed peas, pulled pork, rice, mashed potatoes, dressing, chili rice and sausage, lima beans, white rice, squash, sweet potatoes, and a few more I can't remember. As it gets passed around to you your plate will quickly fill up. In terms of the not so good....we had to stand in line for an hour and a half for this. It's also $16 a shot so it ain't cheap. One thing that really turned me off was that I was required (everyone was) to take their dirty plate through the entire restaraunt to the dishwasher. Really? I wait in line for an hour and a half and pay $16 so I can bus my own table? Really? Bottom line: The food is good to be sure but I'm not sure it's really worth 1.5 hours of my life out on a sidewalk and $16. Good but didn't knock my socks off. Go to say you went but I'm not sure I'd go back unless the wait was less and they knocked off a few bucks. Kind of the same thing as Paula Dean's place.
(3)Bruce M.
The name says it all! Dine here as a guest in a friends home. Share a table of about 10 with other guests. The table is loaded with food like a thanksgiving dinner. Everything was down home southern cooking and it was amazing!!! The wait was about 45mins to an hour but so worth it! This place is not for everyone, it is DOWN HOME SOUTHERN cooking!!!
(5)Lori H.
Went here in mid March. Got on the line at 1pm with quite a few people in front of us. We were afraid we might not make it in before their closing time of 2 pm. But after a 90 minute wait we got in. We sat with the people we were chatty with in front of us. The food was delicious as everyone on Yelp has been saying. I was a bit surprised that the chicken didn't keep coming. After the first plate, it took quite a bit of waiting and another guest requesting it again before we saw our second plate. By the time it did come, most people had filled up on the side dishes. There was only one dessert offered when we were there... a banana pudding type dish. I passed on it thinking there would be other choices coming along but it never came. We were not offered coffee or tea after the meal either. The prices have gone up to $18 per person. The food was good. The new friends we made while waiting and eating was a nice experience. But I feel like we could have gotten more chicken and more desserts. If I'm ever in town again and hungry, I'd go a little earlier. I suspect they ran out of food by the time we got there. I felt a bit rushed out by the end.
(4)Troy B.
This may well be the best southern style food in the country. I know its the best I have had at least. The fried chicken is incredible, the biscuits perfect, and the vegetables are plentiful and delicious. The boarding house seating, with maybe 10 to a table, is fun and good for conversation during your meal. Despite the rather high price for lunch, it is all you care to eat and worth the cost. Get there early to avoid the line. I would highly recommend Mrs Wilkes to anyone visiting Savannah.
(5)Dan R.
I had heard about Mrs. Wilkes but was not going to go. 2 hours in line? Is any food worth that? YES! This place is. We drove by around a quarter to 2 which was near closing. The line was short, so what the heck. Street parking was right there. We waited for about a half hour and were the last ones in. I could go on about the food, but these reviews have already done that. They talk about feeling like family. Because we were at the end of the day, Marcia Thompson sat at our table to have her lunch. She is Mrs. Wilkes' granddaughter. We had a chance to chat and I learned about the history of the place, about the excitement of Barack Obamba's visit the month before, and Caroline Kennedy's visit the week before. I wanted to talk for hours and I think she would have let me, but they were closing up and I did not want to outstay my welcome. I want to go back. Before we left, she asked If I had tasted the biscuits. I had not, and when I went to reach for one on the table she called for someone to get me hot ones. OMG How could a lowly biscuit taste so good. Especially with the syrup. Thank you Marcia Thompson for one of the most memorable dining experiences.
(5)BklynMama K.
The wait is incredible. Is the food incredible enough for the wait? It's certainly an experience. Chatty neighbors on line, friendly folk sharing your table. The food is abundant and plenty of it was tasty, too. Like a giant Southern Thanksgiving.
(3)Maryanne S.
I prefer Mrs. Wilkes' to The Lady and Sons because the wait, though long, is on a lovely shaded street and, once inside, the food comes to you, you don't have to go to a buffet. (I hate buffets! I have witnessed too many people sneeze over them or stick fingers into food--yuck!) but honestly, if it weren't for the guests-from-out-of-town factor, I don't see why anyone would wait two hours for Southern food. it's just not good for you and it's so overcooked. ok it's tasty, but really, so is a raw carrot.
(4)Brad E.
We ate here on Feb 3. We were in town for one day and wanted to sample true southern cuisine. We were going to try Paula Deens place but after reading reviews we decided to try Mrs Wilkes instead. We were not disappointed!! We showed up at 10:50 and we were able to get right in. You sit at tables of 10 and eat family style. It was a great way to meet people and gather suggestions on what to do while visiting Savanah. We sat with locals and a family visiting from Jacksonville. All were fun and entertaining...we were only called yankees once!! They werent to brutal to us....Now the food. Everything was in bowls on the table when we sat down. There were 3 meats, all amazing...meatloaf,bbq pork and the best fried chicken I have ever eaten. Truly awesome!!!! Also available were ruttabagas, mashed potatos, sweet potatos,bisquits,savanah rice with sausage,green beans, black eye peas,okra and tomatos,cole slaw,collards,beefstew, and more!!! Enjoyed everything, a great way to sample a little of the southern classics!! Oh yeah the locals we sat with also said to avoid Paula Deens place and come here...Just sayin....
(5)Miki M.
Yes, the wait is long. Yes, its only open on the weekdays. Yes, its cash only. Yes, if you are not in line by 12pm you probably won't get it. And YES its WORTH IT!! 25 amazing dishes that I know was made fresh and with love. The best fried chicken I ever ate and all for $16!
(5)Eric L.
Now this is eating. Soul food, comfort cooking at it's simple best. There is nothing extra done to the food, no pizaz, nothing fancy. Just generous amounts of fat for frying, salt, and that's about it. I made it a point to try everything on the table, which was no simple feet. We counted 20 different bowls of sides on the table. The fried chicken is the real thing, better than you will get anywhere. Among the sides standouts were the salty collard greens, sweet as sugar yams, and some wonderful mac and cheese. Honestly nothing was bad or even average. I might be setting a bar so high that what you now have in your mind will never match the food, but I doubt it. Be aware that the meal is served family style and you will be seated with people not in your party whom you will have to ask to pass you things. If this is a deal breaker for you I'm sorry. You are missing out on a great meal. At $16 for all you can eat, well, it does not get any better than this.
(5)Harriet R.
Not worth the 1.5 hour wait in the hot sun. Chicken was the best part of the lunch.
(2)Diana L.
OH MY GOD!!! The best fried chicken in the South! Maybe ever! On vacation and we had this place on our list as a must do! And it is! We were in line about 10:30 (in the rain) and was seated at our table within 15 minutes of opening. This is family style and once seated we counted 18 dishes - yes 18 - different side dishes on the table - green beans, collards, mac & cheese, etc.... Start passing to the right! The food is southern and amazing! Brought back many WONDERFUL memories of my grandma's cooking! If you go - and you will - go hungry and try to savor each side dish - they are truly yummy! The staff are really friendly and will go the extra mile for their guests. I asked for 1 piece of dark meat fried chicken and she brought the table another full plate. I jokingly say I had fried chicken for dessert. This is one of Savannah's most treasured eating places and I wish them continued success. Look forward to more chicken!!!
(5)Marilyn H.
This fried chicken is truly the standard by which all other should be judged. Coming from the West coast we wanted to find authentic and local food and this was definitely it. It has truly been the best meal of the whole trip to Georgia and South Carolina. Don't miss the oppoutunity to eat here. It was a treat.
(5)Dan K.
very fun place - southern cookin' ,, sort of tight quarters but always tasty
(4)Den G.
Very long line in the hot sun for a meal that's a bit above average, but not great. A lot of the reviews mention meatloaf, pulled pork and fried chicken was served with their meal but on my visit the only meat was the fried chicken and a small bowl of stew that we all shared. True, there are many bowls of food on the table, but almost all are vegetables (which were very good) and the accompanying biscuits were only average with the dessert being small and sub par with only 2 choices. Also,family style is ok but it was a bit bothersome passing all of the bowls of vegetables around while trying to eat.They do seem to try move you out as fast as possible which made me uncomfortable and rushed.
(3)Joe B.
So, what's the deal here? I was told by multitudes of people how great this place was. Well, I headed over there the other morning to wait on the line for what's supposed to be a glorious home cooked lunch. I waited about 2 hours on the line (the average, I was told, OK). Then finally let in by a rather gruff young man saying "two?, straight ahead to the table in the back." Then was met by a cranky elderly woman who said, "Hey, you 2 sit here!" So, down we sat at a table covered with medium sized bowls of dull looking, lukewarm side dishes of Mashed sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, turnips, green beans, butter beans, collard greens, stuffing, pork barbecue, creamed corn, sweet potato salad, noodles and peas, macaroni salad, beef stew and cornbread with biscuits. Then out came the fried chicken. The fried chicken was very good, crispy and well seasoned with moist and tender meat. But, the sides were a hit or miss sort of mess. Most were, like I said, not really even warm, and many tasted canned and institutional. What was great was the fun crowd sitting around the table with me criticizing the dull food and agreeing that it was just OK for Sixteen bucks. But, not worth that wait. There are better places in this town, really!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(2)Lauren S.
A true southern gem, and well worth any wait! Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room has family style seating, so they seat an entire table at a time. Less than $20 a person, and TWENTY SIX courses later (yes we counted, and took pictures) including fresh-brewed sweet tea and an ending of banana bread pudding, we left feeling incredibly happy... and incredibly full. It was great to meet and mingle with the other travelers at your table and hear their stories while passing around dish after dish of absolutely delicious southern cooking. I have to confess I even bought the Mrs. Wilkes cookbook on the way out... Eat here, come hungry, and leave happy.... you will not be disappointed!
(5)Lance C.
This place is definitely a must. You will have to wait to get in, but the 24 different dishes that were placed on our table were all fantastic. Sweet tea, pulled pork ... spiced pickled beets .. stuffing ... all served family style ..... all were great ... be prepared to leave over fed
(4)Phuong N.
Excellent family style unlimited lunch for $16 including sweet iced tea! There's about 20+ dishes on the table. The fried chicken was good without all the grease dripping! Dessert was great as well! We went on a wednesday and made the line at 10:45am with about 30 people ahead of us. We made the first seating without any problems. Would highly recommend trying it!
(5)Daniel E.
best comfort food available. sit down to some high quality southern cooking...
(5)Beau D.
If you could only eat one meal in the South before you die, this is the place. Buy the recipe book you will love it Nuff said.
(5)Kelley H.
What's not to love, except the wait, which can be up to an hour, standing on the street. (Advise: They start seating about 10:55 a.m. Go around 10:15-10:30 on a beautiful morning. Trade off waiting in line with a friend while you walk around Jones Street which is quintessential Savannah.) Make friends with those you are in line with, for they will be your dining companions as the seating is family syle. All the food will be on the table when you are seated. You just sit down and go for it. They try and move you through in about 30-45 minutes, which is enough. NOTE: If you are from the south and a good southern cook, this is like Thanksgiving dinner- it is wonderful, but not unlike anything you have ever had- with the possible exception of the unusual biscuits- possible the best Ive ever had. So good, I bought the cookbook. Also, it is cash or check only.
(4)Ellie S.
Ate here November 2008. The food was wonderful! Kind of like the best Thanksgiving or Holiday dinner you ever had in your life. Every dish was wonderful although I actually liked the honey pecan fried chicken better at the pirate house but, everything here was great and so many things to try! I do wish it was not so rushed but, I understand so many people want to eat here they have to accomodate as many as they can. It was nice to sit family style and meet other people and the Wilkes family does their best to make you feel like your at home during the rush by personally visiting the table. The staff is amazing. Their are usually several people assigned to your table to take care of your needs. The only negative I could give it is if you have real picky eaters there is no kids menu food i.e. (french fries and the like) . My one child only ate biscuits and some chicken with water and my other child only ate bbq, biscuits and water but, my kids are the pickiest of eaters and I knew enough to give them some waffles from breakfast while we waited in line. It worked like a charm. Also, we got there about 11:45am and there were about 20-30 people ahead of us but, I don't think we waited more than 20 minutes. We let our boys play off to the side of the line and the wait did not bother us at all.
(5)Mark T.
The wait made this a hard 5 stars. Yes, the food is everything people say it is, but we got there at 10:45 and it took until 12:15 to sit. People who got there at noon must have waited at least 2 hours. Food 5+ stars, but wow what a wait.
(4)Crystal F.
Fun experience. Loved seeing the sea of yummy southern dishes all over the table. Enough food to feed an army. For southern food in savannah, this place is a must. Thinking about their fried chicken makes my mouth water. Come very hungry. Much better that lady & sons!
(5)Marie R.
Okay- seriously- Ive lived in Savannah for 18 years and have heard about this gem since the day I arrived. If you are looking for REAL southern good in a REAL southern setting....go to Mrs. Wilkes. You will be at a large table with other people and you all pass around the food.....like an old southern traditional family. The fried chicken and barbecue rock! When you take your plate and glass to the kitchen, sneak a look into the back and see who is making the southern magic happen.....AND its all FRESH. Take it from me.
(5)Matthew W.
I'm sorry Mrs. Wilkes - I really wanted to give you a 5 star, but I'm going to have to give you 3 stars. My actual rating is probably around 3.5 stars, but I'm going to round down. This is why I can't give 5 stars: (1) Looooooong wait in the hot sun, with no workers telling us how long it will be, and not enough tables to make the line go faster (2) Forced to eat family style, and since I went to the restaurant by myself, it felt awkward having to politely ask (in the proper Southern fashion) people to pass me certain dishes. One lady yelled at me in the beginning for passing the food the wrong way around the table. A lazy susan would be an awesome idea. Furthermore, everyone else finished before me, which was kind of awkward, because I was still eating, and felt like I had to rush to finish. It was probably awkward for them because they probably felt bad for leaving before I was done. (3) The food was good, but not every dish was excellent. For example, the noodles with peas was bland. The dressing (similar to stuffing) was good but not great, and same for the sausage. The sweet potatoes were really really good though - good use of spices. (4) Weird hours. Only open between 11-2 M-F. Extra coolness points for Obama having eaten there, though. Not sure if it's worth the hype. If you go, get there really early. I got there at 10:45 AM on a Friday and had to wait about 1 1/2 hours. You should probably get there at 10 AM and you might be the first wave in, maybe the second wave.
(3)Pamela M.
oh man, if you're in Savannah M-F for lunch, skip Paula Dean's place and come straight to the line-up at Mrs. Wilkes'!!! And yes, there will be a line, and standing in it for an hour is well worth your time once you get inside and taste all that good Southern cooking laid out in front of you. There was two of us together on this outing and we wound up sitting at a large table with the ladies that we had stood in line with outside, what fun we wound up having sitting down to a family meal with lots of new people! There was so much food on the table, it was hard to pass up anything that was passed around to you, and easy to go back for second (or even third) helpings of your favorites. The fried chicken was some of the best I've had and there were too many side dishes to keep track of. And the sassiest waitresses in Savannah, even kept the one guy at our table in check! Come and experience this homey atmosphere and you will leave with your buckle undone a couple of notches and only for $16, don't miss it!
(5)Timothy G.
When we sat down with six total strangers, the table was already set with 16 dishes of piping hot food. Every dish looked like Grandma's cooking - just a lot more choices. We got to know our table-mates as we figured out how to pass the plates clockwise. As we talked and ate, the waitresses kept bring more and more plates of piping hot southern foods. In all, we counted 24 dishes. I'm sure we all consumed a pound of butter, but without any regrets. Every dish was a joy, and we all entertained ourselves watching the young (thin) lady across from us consume just as any in our group (The three of us all tip 250 lbs.). I rarely eat desert, so that was the only thing I passed on. But everyone else practically licked the bowel of banana pudding clean. My favorite was the Cheesy Mashed Potatoes and the BBQ pulled Pork. We couldn't figure out what a few of the dishes were - but we enjoyed them just the same. It was worth the 40 minute wait.
(5)Liana P.
One of the most memorable places in Savannah. If you are visting or even if you are a local and have been putting off going here, GO! This was so fun, we got there around 10:30 am, and the line was already starting to form. They started seating promptly at 11 am. You are seated at a 10 top table, with other strangers. It totally added to the experience and I wouldn't like it any other way. You get seated and some of the food is already on the table, which is piping hot and fresh, next more and more dishes come out. Everything from bbq pork, fried chicken, to fried okra, sweet potatoes, green beans. biscuits, corn bread, etc.It's basically like going home to mom's for thanksgiving dinner, except the food is BETTER, and that's saying alot b/c my mom has thanksgiving dinner down to a science, and instead of turkey you get fried chicken. They serve sweet or unsweetened tea, and vanilla bread pudding for dessert. Some tips: bring a slow eater because you are going to want the extra time to eat, and they have a lot of people to get in so they want you to get in/out, but they aren't rude about it. And this is not a place for veggies, sorry veggie friends :( If I'm ever in Savannah again i will definitely go back to this place.
(5)Toby V.
Yes, yes, yes! We (a group of 8) got there a half-hour before opening on a Wed in mid-June and were seated immediately upon opening at 11am.
(5)Marti C.
I have to add my whi-hoos, yippees and yumms to all the reviews about Mrs. Wilkes. We were just there last week, for the first time, and it rocked. We got there at 11:30 a.m. and only waited 10 minutes. We were seated with a father and his two sons from Connecticut and a local that pops in for lunch every so often. You know its good if the locals show up. It was great that you don't have to think about what to order, you get to try everything and the refills are free flowing. Every dish was delicious. It was southern homemade food through and through - fried chicken, biscuits, cornbread, creamed corn, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, black-eyed peas and about 10 other dishes. They leave no traditional southern food off the menu or your table. So, if you leave hungry its your own fault. I would definitely go back next time time I'm in town.
(5)Amanda M.
If you don't like to share, don't go. We had the best time, passing food around the table and sharing with the people we had just met. GREAT down home country food, and literally an endless array and amount to choose from. Everything was delicious, my only complaint is that it felt a little rushed, due to the long lines they are trying to fit in for the lunch shift. Overall, I loved the food and it was worth the wait, just wish I had more time to savor the food.
(4)Sean M.
Mrs Wilkes is closed until the end of January 31st, 2011.. bummer.
(4)Edward R.
tourist trap. if you like southern greasy and overwrought give it a try. i view the place as a nuisance as their line causes pedestrian traffic to overflow into the street at least once a week. not to mention it somehow overshadows the restaurants in this town with actual culinary skill.
(1)CJ C.
Another super recommendation from yelpers. Waited in line for 45 minutes, but it was worth it. We were worried because there was a sign outside the restaurant that said only the first 35 in line would be served due to a large group reservation and that they would resume letting people in at 11:35. We decided to stay put and chat with the nice people waiting in line with us, even though the humidity and heat were rising. LOTS of food served family style. The outstanding items--succulent fried chicken, sweet potatoes and okra were our favorites (and I don't even like okra--but it was so good, took seconds on it). Everything else was good, just not exceptional--hence the 4 stars. (Really, it should be 4.5, but there are no halves here!) But if you want a real down home experience and the feel of being in someone's home, this is a great place to come. I think it's a must if you come to Savannah! My dining companion, who had never experienced real southern cooking, but is a true foodie, gave it 4.5 stars.
(4)Christine K.
This was an awesome and delicious experience. We waited in line for almost two hours in the scorching heat, but it was totally worth it. Being seated with a table of strangers was really unique and I would definitely do it again, but more than that- the FOOD was just SO GOOD. There were more than 20 dishes on the table and every single one of them was scrumptious. The combination of the dining experience and the quality of the food makes it worth every minute waiting and every penny spent ($16- a BARGAIN). 10 million times better than Lady and Sons FOR SURE.
(5)Robert B.
Sorry, but the fried chicken was not worth the 1+ hr wait. If your goal is tons of adequately prepared food, this is the place. Otherwise, Savannah has much better to offer at half the wait.
(2)Angie M.
Mrs. Wilkes' was the highlight of the wonderful Southern food we ate during our trip to Charleston and Savannah. It's definitely worth the wait. The fried chicken and the sweet potatoes were unbelievably good. The biscuits, banana pudding, and cobbler were excellent as well. If you want to experience real southern cooking, go to Mrs. Wilkes'.
(5)sara c.
Outstanding! We got there around 12:45pm and the line was down to the corner of the block! It was about 1 and 1/2 hour wait, but worth it. We made friends in line which moved things along. The line moves quickly because you are seated in groups of about 9 or 10 at a large table. Once you are in line, you get to eat (as long as you're in line by 2pm-which is when they close)-they don't send you away at 2 if you have been waiting in line (they'll let you know if they run out of food though). They are closed for the whole month of January. Make sure you come with cash-it is $16 per person...worth it!!!! The food was great, come with your appetite.
(5)Joshua T.
Mrs. Wilkes, with the exception of Paula Deen's monstrosity of a restaurant (aka. The Disney world of southern cuisine) is one of Savannah's, most well known venues for artery clogging indulgent southern plates of greatness.With such well known, and almost cliche southern favorites, you just have to immerse yourself in the decadency of it all. Southern fried chicken, cornbread, buttered peas, mashed potatoes, and iced tea sweet enough to pour on pancakes are just a few of the favorite dishes at this Savannah landmark.This restaurant succeeds where so many other local restaurateurs fail, in providing something good enough that the crowd is a healthy mix of both locals, and tourists.Be sure to arrive early though as its a first come/first served, family style lunch and the line tends to stretch down the block even in the off season.Also remember that they only serve lunch, and only for limited hours.
(5)Jeffery H.
Ok...we were in Savannah over the 4th of July holiday (Savannah in July?? We must have been nuts!)...anyway, after waiting in line for an hour and a half, the line finally puts us up to the front door. We get escorted to our table of 10 or so seats and everyone just stares, gape mouthed at the spread on the table. I thought I had died and gone to soul-food heaven! Absolutely insane. I can't name all of the sides because, frankly there were just too many to name. What I can say is that this place provided the BEST meal that we had in Savannah. I am a person who NEVER stands in line for anything....(DMV notwithstanding!) and wasn't sure that I was going to make it...or, even whether or not the long wait was worth it. Well folks, I'm here to tell you....IT'S WORTH IT! If you happen to be in Savannah, DO STOP BY THIS PLACE AND EAT!! The staff could not have been nicer....southern hospitality to the nth degree. I felt like I was at one of my relatives house during Thanksgiving or some other holiday. The people you meet in line while waiting will be your dining mates most likely. At first, I thought I'd have a problem with that...but, the people in line were extremely nice and friendly. We chatted up about different things (mostly the food!) for the entire wait in line. Everyone at our table ate to their hearts content. My only "con" was that they had run out of peach cobbler and banana pudding was all the dessert that was left. Well, if you think I'm going to take away a "star" for something like that, you're mistaken! Please do yourself a favor and DO GO TO MRS. WILKES!
(5)Mary Ann Keogh K.
This is an eating experience. The fried chicken is crunchy outside and juicy inside. The barbquue pork was delicious my favorite was the sweet potto cassette the cole slaw and cornbread as well as creamed corn were all equally delicious. This is well worth the visit but plan it as your only meal of the day. And lastly talk bout perfect sweet tea
(5)Vanessa C.
I just visited Savannah for the first time this weekend with my 16 year old son as we were visiting SCAD University. I had done a lot of research on restaurants before we got there and Mrs. Wilkes was one of my picks to try. We didn't think it would fit in our plans as they are only open from 11am - 2pm. Luckily we finished our meetings early and found our way over to Mrs. Wilkes. It was about a half a block line but we had time so we waited. And waited. And waited. About an hour and a half before we made our way to the front door. Luckily the people in line were nice so we were able to talk to some of the locals who also visit this place. (Not just for tourists). Once inside, it's family style and all the food is already on the table. I believe there's 10 to a table. So you get to meet new people and share a meal. The food was abundant. If anything was empty, they brought you more. The fried chicken was awesome. Best I've had. Not greasy at all. Mashed potatoes were delicious. Alot of southern staples such as collards, mac and cheese, red beans and rice, okra, etc; All in all, a great experience and I'm glad we didn't miss it.
(4)Angi C.
if you go to only one place to eat in savannah, this would be my recommedation (although be prepared to be rolled out the door if you have weak will, like me)! we went for lunch on a thursday and once we got through the pretty-ridiculous line (about an hour wait), we were seated at one of ten big communal tables. the table itself was already full with pitchers of sweet tea and so many bowls of side dishes: mac n cheese, collard greens, cheese grits, black-eyed peas, okra, yams, rice, gravy, macaroni salad, apple salad, biscuits, cornbread, sausages, bbq chicken, chicken and dumplings, etc. once everyone sat down, plates of freshly fried chicken, still hot and crispy from the fryer, were passed around. empty bowls/plates of anything were quickly replenished and little bowls of banana pudding or strawberry pie were given out at the end. mrs. wilkes is no longer alive, but the whole place is still run by her family.
(5)Taylor K.
This definitely deserves to be #1 in Savannah! Make sure you show up early (like 1030am) and bring a BIG appetite (do not eat breakfast). For only $18, you get to try 20+ bowls of different fresh southern country foods, drinks, and dessert. We loved the family/boarding house vibe and the quaint street. This place is a must stop if you are in Savannah; you wont be disappointed! They are only open until 2pm and the line starts forming at around 1030am!
(5)Sarah S.
If you can only manage ONE meal in Savannah, you have to make the trek to Mrs. Wilkes! The line can and will seem daunting - they're only open from 11-2 pm Monday through Friday, no reservations allowed - but I promise, the experience is more than worth it. Mrs. Wilkes is an authentic Southern soul food restaurant, homed in a converted former boarding house and named after its former chef and owner, Selma, who cooked until she passed away at 95. Her family continues to run the place, and has upheld her standards of homestyle, no-frills eating. After a long wait (just accept it), you're brought into the restaurant in groups of ten and seated at a normal dinner table. The food is served family style, and is made up of all the Southern goodness you could hope for: fried chicken, pulled pork, sweet potatoes, fluffy biscuits, stewed okra, macaroni & cheese and grits and everything in between. Y'all, this is the REAL DEAL. The fried chicken was the best I've ever had, the pork melted in my mouth, and I never even thought I LIKED creamed corn until I tasted it here. Sure, some of the dishes are over-salted (pretty across the board at most places in the South, for me) but that's the only complaint I could muster up. After a truly decadent meal, they manage to fill the cracks with dishes of homemade peach cobbler and banana pudding, which left me wishing to high Heaven for a second stomach. On the way out, you pay $20 (cash only!) at the counter and are left with a "Y'all come back and see us!"; hard-pressed to remember you ever waited in line in the first place. Mrs. Wilkes is far from from your typical "tourist trap;" it's as authentic as you could get. I'll be back...just as soon as my arteries recover.
(5)A S.
It's an institution... There is a LONG queue... There is a LOT of food... It costs $20 pp, cash ONLY... There is a LOT of fried chicken... There is a LONG queue... There is a still a LOT of fried chicken left... It's open from 1100am until 2pm Monday to Fridays only... There are a variety of other southern food delicacies up for grabs at your table where you will sit with up to 10 people. The really good thing about this place is that while you are queuing with all the other folk who decided to eat at this institution in Savannah, you will make a lot of friends, some of whom you get to sit with for lunch. So once you get in, kick back, make it social and enjoy the chicken. TIP take full wet gear, trainers, poncho, umbrella the lot, in case it rains because you will be standing outside for a long time and will get very very wet if it rains.
(3)Thysis R.
This was one of the best meals that I had while visiting Savannah. I'm only giving 4 stars because of the wait time and weather that we were forced to deal with. We stayed at a Bed and Breakfast that was literally 3 buildings down so the walk wasn't bad. They open at 11am but people were lined up around 10am if not earlier. We got in line at about 10:45 and were seated at 12:30. It was hot, muggy and rainy so if you don't have an umbrella you're going to get wet. They do however offer complimentary water while you wait in line but still it was hot! It's probably much more bearable in the fall. Let me tell you, the wait is worth it!!! I'm so glad we stuck it out. The place itself has a ton of history. There are about 10 tables that seat at least 10 people to a table. This is true family style southern cooking. Some of the previous reviews stated that they weren't happy with the people they were seated with but our table was definitely the fun table. None of us knew each other but we made the best of it. We all passed the various dishes when requested and no one was impatient. Hands down this was the best fried chicken I've ever had! It really makes you want to slap ya mama! Lol! Oh and the sides were outstanding. The ones that stood out the most for me were the sweet potatoes, Mac n cheese, potato salad, collard greens, biscuits and oh my word, the creamed corn! We were given 2 dessert options of banana pudding and peach cobbler. I chose the banana pudding which was very good. It was truly worth the $20 per person. Make sure you wear stretchy pants cause you will need them. I look forward to my next visit very soon. Make sure you pick up a copy of their cookbook. I can't wait to recreate the dishes.
(4)Pamela D.
Well I finally did it: I woke up early, drove to Savannah and waited an hour and forty five minutes for Mrs. Wilkes dining experience. As someone who doesn't mind lines, I had a great time waiting except for the ridiculous Georgia heat. We met some other great people in line which we ended up sitting with so it was nice to socialize a bit before our feast. Everyone who works there seems to love working there; they are all super friendly, wonderful people. Our main waitress has been there for 17 years! Now down to the food: Delicious. I normally don't eat fried anything but had to make an exception for the chicken and it was damn good: Crispy crispy outside and juicy goodness inside as it should be. My favorite dishes were definitely the turnips, creamed corn, okra and the black eyed peas. Some at our table felt the food was salty, which it was but not to the point where it made it inedible. You can taste the salt, but that is a Southern thing I believe and if you're not used to it you'll be caught by surprise. The biscuits and cornbread were sooo dry, which was disappointing but I was so full from the rest of the meal it didn't matter haha. Dessert: PEACH CRISP all the way. So tasty and just the perfect way to cleanse your palate and finish up a meal. I'm happy I finally enjoyed this experience. I definitely recommend anyone who appreciates Southern cuisine to plan for this place once in their lifetime. It is homestyle comfort food worth waiting for an excellent price ($20 flat, then extra for tip) Come early and bring cash!!
(4)Kseniya Z.
The best first stop idea we could've had! When we saw the line outside we knew it was a good thing. Originally a boarding house, Mrs Wilkes has a ton of history, and opened because soldiers encouraged mrs Wilkes to cook for everyone not just them. The family style seating makes you feel like you're at Thanksgiving dinner and I personally loved that. The food is as real as it can get in the South. The sweet tea is served in pitchers. You don't get a menu, just sit down and ask your neighbor to pass the fried chicken or collard greens, etc. Close it off with a peach cobbler or banana pudding and you're practically in a food coma for the rest of the day. Amazing food and ambiance. Will always remember my experience there.
(5)Melinda H.
How to explain how amazing this place is... really no words could describe how delicious everything is there. The wait is long but everything about this place is perfect. It's family style so you may or may not get seated with other people that you don't know. It's awesome though because you end up meeting people and it's pretty unique. I've been there a few times and each time was just as amazing as the last. They are consistent with their food and experience. The only problem is how limited they are in operating hours. It's hard to coordinate.
(5)D. K.
Oh how we loved our lunch at Mrs. Wilkes! Be prepared to wait a long time (for context, we arrived at 10:30 am on a Friday and weren't seated until 11:45 am). You sit with strangers, but it was fun and the food was DELICIOUS. The fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and macaroni and cheese (oh and banana pudding!) were out of this world. Totally worth it!
(5)Maurice C.
*Show Up Early* *Cash Only* What can I say.. I love this place! Writing this review after my third time eating here over a 3 year period. If I lived in Savannah I'd probably eat here for lunch every day during the week when they're open. I've grown up on southern food and Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room met and surpassed all of my expectations for southern comfort food and ambiance. The communal tables create an experience to remember. The "boarding house" style seating makes it so no one around you is a stranger for long. On my second trip to Mrs. Wilkes I sat next to someone from my hometown which is a thousand miles from Savannah...small world. That probably wouldn't have happened with normal seating. The food has never had any flaws. I wish I knew how they got their fried chicken that so crunchy and juicy. Like they told us the colonel (KFC) would be a general if he could cook chicken like Mrs. Wilkes. The sides were all seasoned perfectly and exemplify real down home cooking. The banana pudding and peach cobbler were extraordinary as well. So good! Mrs. Wilkes embodies the southern dining experience. A trip to Mrs. Wilkes will leave you more than satisfied!
(5)James W.
5/5 This is a fairly unusual restaurant in that there is no menu, they're only open for lunch, and not open on the weekends. At this point you're probably scratching your head as to how such a proposition could possibly work much less thrive for decades. You need only look to the lines that form every day in anticipation of opening to tell it must be working. We arrived around 10am to get in line at the suggestion of our concierge. As it turned out we were about 40 or so back from the front. This meant a bit of a wait after they opened but it wasn't too bad. They only have about 6 or 7 large tables total that seat 8-10 people each. You're seated in groups with other people like an old country inn. At that point the table is covered in food. It's almost a southern Thanksgiving type vibe. Fried chicken, meatloaf, beef stew, mashed potatoes, cornbread, biscuits, etc, etc, etc. The fried chicken was good and I really enjoyed the meatloaf as well. Eat as much as you like, if you run low the staff will gladly bring out a fresh replacement helping for the table. Once everyone finishes the staff brings along desserts, the peach cobbler was very good, and then you bring your dishes to the cleaning area. Then you simply pay on your way out. As of April 2015 that was $20. They could almost certainly charge twice that and still have a line around the block. Also remember to bring cash. Highly recommended if you're in Savannah.
(5)DJ V.
Line was very long upon arriving. They have odd hours seems like they are only open during lunchtime M-F. We arrived around 120pm. After about an hour and a half wait we were seated. The food was really good. It was true southern cuisine like grandma used to make. Seating was cruise ship style sitting at a big table with a bunch of strangers. Everything tasted authentic and a plus was i didn't have anything that tasted overly sweet as you do in some soul food restaurants. Oh yeah, bring some cash. Cash Only. It's definitely worth the wait. I have a few tips. If you go with small kids Bring a stroller and/or entertainment for the long wait in line. Water is provided at the entrance in an "igloo" with paper cups. Bottled water is available for sale at the store on the corner as well.(one fish two fish). Street parking was available at 25 cents per 30 min with 2 hour max.
(5)Julie R.
Delicious Southern family style dining! They are only open Monday thru Friday and from 11 am to 2 pm, and if you want to be one of the first ones in get there by 10 am to wait in line. Otherwise you will still be waiting in line, but it will more than likely just be a longer wait if you're not early. If you go on a cold day like we did, it feels amazing once you get to the inside part and get to sit on the church style benches they have before you get seated and get nice and warm, or if it's hot then you can feel the nice a/c ;-). Either way, once you're there you start to see the food at the tables people are already seated at and it gets you all excited to have a plate of your own. They have two separate dining rooms, the main one is bigger than the other, but in total I would say they have like 10-12 tables and each one seats 10 (I believe). So whether you know the people you went into the place with or not you will be sitting together like a family, whether you like it or not (just like a family...sometimes you like each other and sometimes you don't, lol ;-). Once you are seated all the side dishes are already at the table, as well as iced tea. They bring out the star of the show, the fried chicken after, I guess so that it's as fresh as can be. They also ask once you are all seated whether you would like some water instead of the iced tea or as well as (yes, those are your only options for drinks). The side options were so many, let's see if I can remember them all: white rice, green beans, creamed sweet corn, collard greens, baked beans, mashed potatoes, cucumbers, squash, mac & cheese, mashed candied sweet potatoes (yams), black eyed peas, cabbage, rice and red beans, beef stew, bbq pork and meatloaf. Yes, the last three I named are technically part of the meat portions, but to me they are considered sides, and once you see and try the fried chicken you will know why. Their fried chicken comes out fresh, so it's nice and hot and juicy on the inside, but perfectly crisp on the outside!! It had just the right amount of salt and slightly peppery. And you can't stop at just having one piece, you will have at least two, if not more. And why not? It's not like you get to eat at Mrs Wilkes everyday so go ahead and indulge yourself! Then as if you hadn't already stuffed your face and belly enough they bring out the dessert, banana pudding and peach cobbler. The banana pudding has vanilla wafers in it and you may even get a little chunk of banana that didn't get fully mashed/ground up, it's delicious! I did give the peach cobbler a try, but since I'm not a fan of peaches I didn't like it. My husband said it was ok for him though (but also not his fav). Once you're all done you get up and take your plates to the kitchen (like if you were at home). And then you pay at the register at the entrance/exit. And remember it is cash ONLY, so don't forget to pull cash out before going. If you're visiting Savannah, make sure to stop here. And if you live in Savannah, or neighboring areas, and haven't been here shame on you! This is a def must do!!
(5)Ryan M.
I agree that this is a one-time, must-visit for anyone looking for a new experience. But not something I would recommend for great food or to go to more than once. Though, I absolutely loved the concept of southern comfort food being served family style inside one of the beautiful Savannah homes, the food was quantity over quality. They had all the different varieties of southern food, but as someone who grew on on southern cooking, nothing tasted as good as I expected. Nonetheless, it was an interesting experience. I would recommend going as early as possible and eating here for brunch to avoid the long line.
(3)Julio H.
**CASH ONLY**CASH ONLY***CASH ONLY***CASH ONLY*** I tell you this. A two hour wait to experience a Thansgiving Day meal with fried chicken, instead of turkey, may seem insane to some, but perfectly acceptable to others. I still don't know what to make of it. I tell you this though. The food was really good, almost extraordinarily really good. Everything that we tasted was very well made, no flaws whatsoever, no complains. The fried chicken was soft and moist, fresh, cooked perfectly, as well as the sides, which accounted for roughly twenty dishes. My favorite side dishes were the mac and cheese, the black rice with sausage, the sweet potato mash (candied yams), the okra and tomatoes, the pigeon peas, the pasta salad, etc. You get the idea... But even with that preamble, the big question remains. Is it worth it? I don't know how to answer this. The fee to sit down is twenty dollars in cash, the food is unlimited (the will replace all empty dishes or you could ask for more), so that should make frugal and hungry people happy. As far as quality, it was all really good, but I am no longer able to tell if this is the best fried chicken ever. For sure, it is really good, although I have been lucky to find similar chicken at other places. So, is it worth it? I don't know... One thing is for sure. If you want to know what fried chicken should taste like, come here. This is what soul food is all about. Comfort and good taste. As far as ambiance, it is a laid back meal. You sit in a ten person table with perfect strangers and share a meal, accompanied with iced tea, while everything around you screams "You're in the South". At times things may seem a little rushed, but with the hundred plus people waiting outside, that is how the cookie crumbles. Lots of reviewers have spoken about making the line and talking to people, making friends and how this is part of the Mrs. Wilkes experience. Here is my take: I myself was in utter rage for being in a long line which led to something that was "hopefully" a great dinner, without even knowing that it was a two hour wait. The whole time I made the line, I wanted to know two things: how long and how good. So, while I made the line, I asked a few people how long had they been waiting in line. Everyone was optimistic and said over an hour, but nobody wanted to admit two hours (because it's crazy). Even the early birds had been waiting over an hour. So, if you make it out here, think of waiting close to two hours for sure. Also, I wanted to know if it was worth the wait, and many nodded and told me not to leave. But then again, I only met one couple who were repeat customers, so this is mostly a tourist thing to do. For example, my table had a group from Boston and another from St. Louis, and I'm not a local. Without a regular in sight, I was almost ready to walk out. But in hindsight, I am glad I stayed. The food was really good, and unlimited, and all for a measly twenty dollars. In other words, show me to the waiting queue. If you don't mind waiting for two hours, come and eat here. You will talk to tourists instead of talking to locals. You will eat way too much, but it will all be good. And you will not break the bank. But if you don't want to wait and want a similar experience minus the 'Mrs. Wilkes" factor, something you can brag about later and blow out of proportion, go elsewhere. By the way, on my visit, I waited exactly two hours in line, and it took me exactly thirty minutes to finish my meal. So, allocate your time wisely. One more thing before I go... the biscuits were the bomb. It was like eating a warm stick of butter. So good.
(4)Gina P.
Mrs wilkes is southern food at its finest! The thing about this popular lunchtime spot is that lines start forming at a tender hour to walk in. We arrived a little before 10 (the place opens at 11) and we were about 10th in line. Within 15 minutes the line easily tripled and soon enough it was down the block and around the corner. So pack your patience. We were within the first seating at 11. The tables are large dining room types that seat about 10 people so you are with other families. The food is placed on the table already in family style bowls and since we were the first seating they did a quick prayer before we dug in. The sides are endless my favorites were the sweet potato, bbq pork, mac and cheese and yummy biscuits. You have to ask people to pass things down as you would at a family meal. The men we were with were getting frustrated as men do with this process. The main food showcased here is the fried chicken. It's amazing. I don't even really like fried chicken but this is out of this world good. Light crispy and would turn any vegetarian back. For dessert they give u a mini serving of either banana pudding or peach cobbler. And then after eating your asked to bring you tray, plate silverware and cup to the dishwasher to clean up. Paying is as u walk out at the register and it's cash only. They have a tip basket near the register too. You basically leave rolling out but it's located on such a beautiful street it's a great way to walk off lunch!
(5)Victor H.
It just doesn't get more southern thank this delicious gem!! The 1.5 hour wait is well worth the effort, as every single side dish compliments the delicious fried chicken. Bring your appetite and be ready for Fried Chicken Heaven!!
(5)Kristian D.
This is the best Southern meal anywhere! You will stand in line outside for a long time, but they are masters of turnover and will get you in and stuffed very efficiently. They have the standard items - fried chicken, biscuits, mashed potatoes, etc - but each one is done to perfection and will leave a lifelong impression. I still do not know how their fluffy biscuits stay together - some sort of Savannah magic. The restaurant is very cute with dining tables tucked into several rooms in the house. Each table is set for a small group, so you will probably share a table with strangers which is part of the experience. Pass the food around and enjoy! Words cannot accurately describe the deliciousness of the food. The chicken is the best. The biscuits are the best. The vegetables are the best. You get the picture. It is cash only, but an excellent value. Service is warm and efficient. Have a good conversation with your fellow diners, and have a great day!
(5)D N.
good food -and lots of it. Actually so much food I didn't have room to try everything. I think people love the QUANTITY of food; the quaintness of sitting in a comfortable dining room with others, and being served family style. The food was very tasty --I personally loved the cornbread dressing, the carrot soufle, and the gravy. The fried chicken was okay --but not the best. I think $20 was a lot to pay for this meal....but it was a once in a life time event..i can't imagine standing in line for this again. Good --not great.
(3)D B.
This place is fantastic. Fried chicken is the best I have ever had. Batter was light and crispy, but flavorful. Southern style cuisine. Comfort food galore! Lots of everything. Every item was Supurb. The service was extraordinary. You can tell when busy people enjoy what they do. We had the pleasure of dining with Mrs Wilkes grand daughter. What pleasant experience! Then came dessert. I had peach cobbler. This was excellent Great flavor, not over sweet. Light crust. My spouse had banana jubilee. She loved it. The food was classic southern. The cooks would likely have grown up with the entrées. The made each one exceptional well. Not too much butter or seasoning. This is the spot experience every item associated with the south. From okra to fried chicken. Carolina red rice. Cornbread, and smiles. Don't forget sweet tea! Worth going out of your way to experience. We did go 160 miles to eat there. Lines are long, but well worth the experience. You wll wait. An hour. Be ready. They have water available in line. Served family style. The menu changes daily, and bring every item then keep it coming. 10 per table. Family style. Fun. We loved it!
(5)Michael C.
Our first "food" stop in Savannah was recommended to us by a great fellow Yelper. When we arrived in Savannah, Ga. and checked into The Gastonian Bed and Breakfast, so many people we spoke with there also recommended Mrs. Wilkes, as it is a big landmark original Southern Dining experience. We did not know what to expect. No one told us anything other than the lines begin at 8 am until they close at 2 pm, they don't take reservations and to wait in that line, it goes fast and is worth every minute waiting to try this experience. Everyone was right, nothing in the South could possibly be like this. We walked about 6 blocks around the corner from our bed and breakfast and as we were told, just look to your left on Jones Street off Whitaker Street and we would see the line. That we did and there was probably 50 people in front of us. Like everything else in Savannah, it was in a historic old house on one of the many other beautifully preserved historic landmarks. I thought: how could we possibly get in and get served before 2 pm with all these people. We got in line and waited with the other 50 or so people and met some great visitors in line with us from everywhere. We met a great couple from Canada, and some people from New York. Everyone was so friendly and as newcomers to Savannah, we got some great recommendations right in line there about what to do in this lovely, historic town. The line was moving though and moving quicker than I anticipated. We finally approached the door to get in and I thought I was in a time machine, somewhere in the movie, Gone With the Wind. As I looked in all I saw was large tables with a lot of people at one table and as we approached our table with so many others we were in line with, I saw approximately 25 plates of food sitting there waiting for our table of 10 people and each sitting had a glass of sweet tea as part of the setting. Never did I expect this incredible community dining experience was going to take place, with the opportunity to meet so many different people at our table. Nor did I expect the amount of food served family style, as much as we can take to be passed around by everyone at the table, on and on and on. Southern Style at its best: Fried chicken, Collard Greens, BBQ Pork, Macaroni and Cheese, Beets, Green Beans, rice, brown rice, southern style mixed vegetables, chicken and dumplings, more Fried Chicken, cream corn, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, baked beans, cucumber salad, dirty rice, beef stew and on and on. The food kept being passed around, we actually had to find time to eat because old Southern hospitality says you must keep passing the dish around as you get it to the left ( I picked up on that). Well, we have all heard or had Black Eyed Peas, but not me, a Yankee from Chicago. There they were. Actual Black Eyed Peas, not the music group but REAL Black Eyed Peas. Everything was so delicious and cooked as original Southern cuisine as you can get. The hard working friendly servers kept bringing food to the table. As we ate, we met several people and had great conversation. We were STUFFED, but then: Southern Style home made banana pudding was the last hurrah. That first bite was like banana pudding I never had, as they used fresh bananas in it. To add to this experience, like it was always done, we had to take our own dirty dishes back to the kitchen!!! It was time to go, as we all got up, said our good byes and as we were walking out, we paid our $20.00 in cash per person, no tax, threw in a nice tip in the jar an left. No ticket to be had, not signing, just the good old Southern honor system of paying your $20.00 for a great family style meal and Southern Experience. Just like the way Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room started back in 1943 as a boarding house and dining room for hard working Southern Laborers and middle class workers, the tradition of Sema Wilkes southern hospitality lives on. Go there and experience the best Southern Food and best Fried Chicken in Savannah, Ga.
(5)Bernie D.
Well to wait in line for food is very insane and to realize that the leftovers don't go to the needy is tragic. With that being said, rating this on the meal is why it gets 4 stars. Each dish is seasoned perfectly with my favorite being the sweet potatoes, black eyed peas and limas!
(4)Sarah C.
Before I get down to why I think this place should be shut down as a menace to our society, I'll say this: The food was good. Otherwise, this place and concept is obscene. We were a group of 7 women and two other women were sat with us (family style). The sheer volume of food coming out to each table (none of which is ordered, just served) was absolutely unbelievable. Thanksgiving on steroids. So for me there's just a gross-out factor. Each person might, MIGHT have a spoonful of everything on the table. Most girls at the table didn't realize half the items were even there because it was lost in the sea of bowls. When we asked what happens to all the leftover food (just think, this much food coming out of the kitchen ALL DAY LONG, and not getting eaten), the woman in her sweet southern accent goes "Can you even imagine wrapping all this up?" as though that were ridiculous and that no one would want it. I would say they should provide their overwhelming excess to those in need, but then that would make the obesity, hypertension and diabetic epidemics insurmountable. This place made me sick. Not in the food poisoning way, but in the moral dilemma way. Oh and not to mention, you sit down to this salt lick after standing in the hot sun and humidity for an hour or more. And you have to ask for water, because all that's out is a pitcher of sweet tea. I know this place sounds fun for a one-time, must-do savannah staple, but it's a very sad place.
(1)G.I. J.
You stand in the line waiting for few hours with other two to three hundred of people from all over the world. And enjoy a little socializing before the meal. $20 per person and unforgettable food. Love the whole experience. Except, too much food left on the table. I felt guilty for wasting food so I ask wait staff if I can pack some of the leftover. I get rejected. What can I do. Still feel bad about leaving so much food behind.
(5)Michelle D.
I'm going with the minority here and say it's okay to give Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room a pass. My three girlfriends and I stayed in a suite next door for a four-day weekend in July, and if you've been to the south in July, you'll understand about standing in line in the sun for three hours just to have lunch. Who queues up at 9am for lunch? We must have been out of our minds. The place has been around since the 40s, and like the rest of Savannah, there's a lot of history here. I guess it's viewed as quaint that they're only open on weekdays 11 - 2, that it's cash only, that it's $20 per person and you walk in to find large tables already filled with bowls of side dishes. The community tables, where you're seated with other people, well I guess it can be nice, but it largely depends on who you get stuck with -- the people we were with didn't offer to pass along the bowls of food nearest them, plus they had a kid with them, so, ya know. I suppose it's quaint that you bring your dirty dishes back to the kitchen yourself when you're done. Maybe it's because I'm a jaded northern city mouse, but what exactly are we passing off as "quaint" here? You wait outside for so long because they do "seatings." They open the door when they can fill all the mis-matched chairs at the large dining tables, and they're probably in there watching us swelter while they set out individual side dish bowls on every table. Wouldn't it be more convenient to them, and us, to open for longer lunch hours and simply make it a regular buffet? Could it be that Mrs. Wilkes is a marketing genius who is playing the supply & demand card like a shark? Open for three hours a day, we'll become known for long lines and long waits and the tourists will pay to see what the hype is all about? The food is good. Many tantalizing side dishes, a person couldn't possibly try it all. Really good fried chicken. But I was with my best friend, who lives in Gulf Shores area of Alabama, and we'd spent a few days together prior to driving to Savannah -- we'd just had fried chicken and sides as good as, if not better than this, for less money, and we got to sit by ourselves while we ate it. And we didn't have to wake up early and queue up for three hours. As for taking care of your after-meal clean-up yourself...call it quaint, but isn't that just the same as at, say, McDonald's? All told, I guess I'm glad to have experienced Mrs. Wilkes' once, seeing as how it's a Savannah institution. But I question the wisdom of being on vacation for a scant four days and wasting three hours of it standing in line for what amounts to a decent fried chicken dinner.
(2)Thracius L.
Not much to be said about this place that hasn't already been mentioned. Food was delicious. We had a party or 10, so we got our own table, which was nice. Otherwise you have to sit with strangers, which means forced and awkward conversations for those of us who don't like people. You also have to clear your own dishes, which is fine, if a little unfamiliar to most people. You just pick up your plate and your cup and walk them back to the kitchen where someone is waiting to take them off your hands. Probably the best food I've ever eaten in Savannah, a place I've been to many times and where I've eaten some damn good meals.
(5)Mark G.
Get here early!! This is not a huge place by any means and they will fill up fast. We waited in line for hours since this is the go to place. Patience was necessary because the line does move so slow. Once we got in I was impressed with how organized they were. Great service and very friendly faces. Once you get in, they seat you at a community table. You most likely will sit with strangers and eat family style meaning you pass dishes to your neighbor. It was fun to talk to other people while we ate. It really is something different you really don't come across, nice community builder. The food is southern deliciousness. They have for sides Cabbage, Snap Peas, Macaroni & Cheese, Butter Beans, Black-eyed Peas, Rutabega, Squash, Rice & Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, Candied Yams, Pickled Beets, Red Rice, Collard Greens, Okra & Tomatoes, Brown Rice, Potato Salad, Apple Salad, Macaroni Salad, English Peas & Noodles, Baked Beans, Cole Slaw. For the meat there are Fried Chicken, Sausage, Beef Stew, Meat Loaf. All of the items are worth a few healthy helpings, you will be full after you try a little bit of everything. They do a fine job here and if you have time this place is worth the wait.
(5)Donna S.
Southern cooking at its best! 3 meats, 20 salads, veggies, and breads-plus banana pudding or peach cobbler. Rutabagas were divine!! A VERY long wait to get in then you eat at a table with 10-12 people and the attentive staff just keeps bringing out bowls of hot, delicious food. Must pay $20 in cash. To ensure the wait staff gets a tip- put it in their hands!!
(5)Elizabeth H.
My husband and I visited Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room on 4/9/15 while visiting Savannah, GA. I wasn't upset when we arrived at 10:00 AM and saw the line (we got a seat at a table at 11:30 AM). I had been told numerous times to expect and plan for a wait. It wasn't that bad of a wait. The weather was comfortable; and, the people we were sandwiched in between were very polite. The meal at Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room is served family style and you are seated at a large table with strangers (and most likely a couple of people you were waiting in line with). I am a vegetarian and there was more than enough sides for me to try. The best part of this experience frankly was the price to gorge yourself. It is $20 a person. I am sure Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room could get away with charging more considering by the time we left the restaurant at and/or 12:15 PM the line was around the block. I appreciate their willingness to keep the meal and experience affordable. I enjoyed visiting Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room. However Savannah, GA has a lot of great food options and if I visit again I will most likely elect to skip Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room. I was happy to say I had tried it but the time to wait in line and the food coma you feel afterwards prevents you from exploring some of the other great things Savannah, GA has to offer.
(3)Stuart B.
4.5 stars This is definitely an experience one should try at least once. If you've been to Penn Dutch, this is definitely the southern version. You start out by waiting in line going down the block. My Soup Nazi days completely prepared me for this! The line for us was about 1.5 hours, however it was a gorgeous day (around 65) so this part was fine. You snake around an alley and they seat you (our party of 4 got to cut in front of a party of 8) Once inside it's a relatively small dining area with many separate rooms. We were in the main room off to the side. There was another family of 3 and us leaving 5 chairs empty. This surprised me. I figured they would fill each table first. The food is waiting for you as you sit. For me it was fried chicken and a bunch of veggies. There were a few additional meat dishes (bbq and stew) The only item that really stood out for me was the chicken. Everything else seemed to blend in as the same. I'm not saying that the other items weren't good, but they didn't compare to the chicken. (Collards, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, stuffing / dressing, etc.) Dessert was an afterthought. (Bannana pudding) The service was great. The atmosphere was great. As I said at the beginning, you should check this place out at least once.
(4)Brian R.
My girlfriend and I arrived an hour before the restaurant opens. There were about 30-40 people ahead of us, so arrive earlier if possible, they open at 11. While in line we chatted with others which made the wait go quicker. Once inside we were brought to a table fitting ten people. The food was already on the table for us to eat. The food was amazing! The fried chicken and biscuits were my favorite. The staff was extremely friendly and they didn't rush you. The restaurant has about seven to eight tables that sit around ten each. Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room is definitely worth a visit to anyone living or visiting in the area. ***cash only establishment ($20 per person)
(5)Heather W.
MUST EAT HERE- Fun one of a kind dining experience. Arrive an hour early if you want to be able enjoy a great meal. A variety of over 26 different types of Southern food including desert served by some of the most genuinely sweetest servers in Savannah. More food than anyone can possibly eat including some very flavorful fried chicken. Ran by the grand daughter of Mrs Wilkes, this is an amazing dining experience. Sitting at a table with 8 strangers and enjoying a good meal and good conversation & leaving with new friends is not typical in today's society, so we appreciate all this dining experience has to offer. Cash only! Yummy food - see pic
(5)Tierra H.
A Most Visit ! Don't be discouraged by the wait times or the heat , it's worth it every drop of sweat and time . Have been here 3 times and this last visit was the best ! Get there as soon as they open if you can to help with your wait time . Longest time we have waited was 2 hours and that was the 1st time we visited . CASH ONLY!!!!! Reasonable priced for all the food you get .
(5)Mai V.
Mrs. Wilkes is a true Savannah experience. After hearing/reading about and spending three hours in line to get a taste of the hype, I was expecting the best of Southern country charm and flavor. Fortunately, the staff delivered. There was a massive quantity of food, more than enough to feed the 10 people started at the table (and probably enough to feed 30 people). I didn't get a chance to try everything--see previous sentence about sheer amount of food--but most of what I ate was delicious. The main attraction, according to Yelpers, is the fried chicken. I was not a huge fan; it was a little too dry and tasted like it had been under the warmers for a little too long. The sides, though. Wow! My favorites (of the dishes I tried) were the dressing, collard greens, macaroni salad, cucumber salad, and jambalaya. The biscuits were also amazing! The staff were very friendly to us, but they appeared to be having some work-related issues. With the small space, it was kind not to notice when they talked amongst themselves. Also, while we were waiting in line, several chefs came out to the front on their cigarette breaks. I thought that was a little ride, but no one else seemed bothered by it.
(4)Liza N.
Damn good fried chicken ya'll! Family style, share, pass the collard greens please? And more sweet tea please? Very long wait but worth the experience. And when you're finished eating, pick up your plate and take it to the the kitchen (staff will take it from you)... Just like home.
(4)Ana R.
Hands down the best fried chicken I've ever had! My husband and I arrived at 11:30a.m. and the wait was about one hour. The waiting time doesn't feel that long if you strike up a conversation with some of the people that are waiting in line with you. Once inside each table sits 10 people and the food is at the table for you to dig in. The food is served family style and you can always ask for seconds of whatever you want. My husband and I will definitely be coming back to Mrs. Wilkes the next time that we are in Savannah.
(5)Jenn S.
This place really doesn't need another review. But in short it was good and I am glad we went but I am not sure I would stand in line for another 2.5 hours to go again. It was fun to sit at a table with people I didn't know and make awkward conversation about where everyone was from. Since they don't open until 11am I would go at like 8am. There will already be a line but that is how early you need to get there. And btw don't eat breakfast or the night before.
(4)TheHungryDad Jeff C.
Amazing. That is all there is to say. First, let me say that it is not cheap but it is all you can eat (and you will eat a TON) and totally worth it. .. but you can't use Credit Cards or debit cards here. so have cash OR they will let you write a check. You need to know. Also they are only open for lunch 11-am - 2p and there will be a wait. And not like at most restaurants where they give you a pager or call you name from a list. You wait in line. Yes, You will have to get there early and yes even if you do, you will still stand in line for hours. It may be raining or cold, but do not think about it.... just do it. The wait time just allows you to get good and hungry for the food. (and do not eat a big breakfast! You want to save room!) The other great part of the wait time is that you can get to know the people around you that are also waiting in line. Most of them are visiting Savannah like you probably are so it is fun to find out where they are from and who they are. And while that may seem silly to get to know strangers in line at a restaurant, but there is a great reason I suggest it, and that is because this restaurant serves you at big tables, family style. So you will probably be sitting for a meal, passing plates and sharing baskets of cornbread with the folks around you. You may not get to know them in line but for sure, do not make them dislike you, since you will likely share their table. ;) The food is crazy good. True southern fare with family style flair. The large dining room tables filled with several meats like fried chicken, country fried steak, sausages, roast beef... and tons of veggies like collards, grits, corn, green beans, broccoli casserole, potatoes, and more. Cornbread, biscuits, and rolls. THEN desserts roll in. Pudding, pie, and more. so so so so good, but you can get good southern food lots of places. It is the experience at Mrs. Wilkes' that is so special and unique. Do not miss it.
(5)Philly P.
Be prepared to wait at least for an hour before you get to experience this place which is 107th number mentioned in the "1000 places to visit before you die". So as everyone does, we too waited in a long queue in the sultry hot Savannah. Finally we got our turn n we were seated on a big table filled with at least 20 -25 small bowls of side dishes that they serve with the fresh fried chicken n of course not to forget the sweetened ice tea. They do offer unsweetened tea along with water. Since this is a family style you share the table with other food enthus from around US n the world. It's a great experience that you get to share with strangers n talk about your travel experiences. For us it was the side dishes that won us over instead of the fried chicken which was good but nothing to rave about. If in Savannah one must go to this place for the southern experience of family style dining. Try out every single of the side dishes they serve n don't even think of skipping the dessert. We had the banana pudding, but this keeps changing very often. Just one concern though, since there is so much food (fried chicken as much as you can devour) most of the side dishes are hardly finished n that's a lot of food to be wasted, so hope they think of some way the leftovers are used as it would be criminal to waste all that food. Don't pass this place as it's truly an experience but be prepared to be overwhelmed when you are at the table
(4)Erica C.
After much research and a recommendation from Tyler at The Westin, my boyfriend and I decided to check out Mrs.Wilkes for lunch. We arrived at 11:00am and there was already a long line reaching the corner. We waited approximately an hour before being seated in the back dining room. The food and sweet tea was served "family style" and awaiting our arrival. It was definitely more than enough for the 6 people seated at our table. The food was definitely AMAZING!! I felt like I was attending a southern Thanksgiving dinner. The Mac and Cheese was great and the cheesy mashed potatoes with onions were an absolute hit at our table. The fried chicken was moist and crispy and the bbq was better than expected. There was an abundance of side items (collards, black eyed peas, buttered beans, sweet potatoes, potato salad, macaroni salad, corn bread.... The list goes on). After indulging ourselves into a food coma, they brought out the dessert. Banana pudding and peach cobbler. Both were equally delicious. I must say that I truly enjoyed my meal and it was definitely worth the hour wait. The cost is $20 per person (cash only). I will most likely return to Mrs.Wilkes on my next trip to Savannah.
(4)Julie Z.
This place already has pages of stellar reviews, but I found it worth the hype. Even on a chilly February Thursday morning we waited about 30 minutes to get inside the restaurant.It is family style dining and each table sits 10 people. For me the stars of the meal were the fried chicken, bbq pork, sweet tea, collard greens, and cream corn. The servers are prompt in bringing out refills or fresh food that seemed to be endless. The dishes also included Mac n cheese, meatloaf, squash, yams, biscuits, green beans, mashed potatoes, beef stew, and so much more. I've never been to a restaurant like this so a big part of it is truly the experience. Our "breakfast" ended up being like thanksgiving dinner. $20 and totally stuffed. A true Savannah experience, do yourself a favor and check it out.
(5)Amy W.
The 2 hour wait was definitely worth it! Food was very good and service was great. Definitely coming back again next time!
(5)Christi S.
Very worth the wait in the long line. (If you go later in the day the line is shorter.) The moment you sit down you can begin pigging out on the huge array of food sitting before you. My personal favorites were the fried chicken, Mac n cheese, sweet potatoes, creamed corn, and greens. Everyone working there was super sweet and welcoming. It felt like sitting down for a thanksgiving dinner at a family member's house. There's such a big selection of food, everyone will find something they like. I tried almost everything and did not eat one thing I didn't love. I can't believe how reasonable the price is too. Overall a definite must visit for anyone in Savannah.
(5)rebecca l.
Got there at 9:30am and were the first ones in line. We were super glad later when we got out around 11:45am and the line stretched all the way down the block, past the corner and beyond! Food was delicious - of particular note was the sweet tea (perfect ratio of tea to sugar) and the rutabagas. Fried chicken was good and not too greasy. Banana pudding was obviously made fresh. They say they also have peach cobbler, but on the day we went they only had the banana pudding... A good reminder is it IS family-style so best to be nice while waiting in the line or that is going to be one awkward table! We had an excellent group at ours and enjoyed the experience and the food immensely. Easy to see why it is a "must-do" for Savannah... The experience of waiting in line is as much a part of it as the food itself!
(5)T W.
This place only took cash when I visited a couple months ago, so be prepared. This is a family style restaurant so you may sit beside some people you do not know. However, do not be afraid to talk and pass the serving dishes to your neighbor, we met some great people. It is completely worth sitting with a few strangers for an hour to get a helping on this delicious food. This should be on everyones to do list in Savannah.
(4)Nicolas L.
Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room lives up to the hype and is the best place I have been to for Southern food. You will likely have to wait at least two hours to be seated. The dining room opens at 11am but the line starts forming around 9:30am. I got in line around 10:10am and wasn't seated until noon. Once inside you are seated at a dining table with nine other people. The table is already set with a variety of food and sweet tea. It is like a Thanksgiving dinner on steroids. All of the food was delicious. My favorites were the Fried Chicken which was very juicy and perfectly crispy (some of the best I have ever tried), the Creamed Corn which was sweet, creamy, and flavorful, and the Mashed Sweet Potatoes which were nicely creamy and sweet. Overall this was one of the best dining experiences I have ever had. Hands down a must visit.
(5)Jessica K.
Great restaurant, amazing experience! We were here on a rainy, cold February morning and there was still a line. We got in line around 11:15 and were in eating by noon. It didn't seem like that long though. Everyone was friendly, chatty, and excited. We were waiting with two small kids and it wasn't bad. Don't let the wait stop you from going. Once in, the meal was incredible. Truly everything on the table was great. Even the sides you wouldn't expect to wow you like the green beans. All the recipes here have been perfected overtime. Everyone in our party, including the little ones, ate quietly with a smile on our faces. We sat with a lovely couple from Canada. The sitting with strangers thing is awesome. Again, everyone is so happy to be here that the conversations were light and upbeat. Dessert was a little disappointing but by the time it arrives you have no room anyways. Service was great, everyone was so friendly. I've eaten at fancy restaurants but this was probably the best restaurant experience of my life.
(5)Nicole G.
Some of the best Southern food I have ever eaten. The fried chicken was so good it almost didn't seem real. All the sides (that i could manage to try) were delicious. There are 17 different sides so it's sort of impossible to try them all. The stand outs included the mac and cheese, the collard greens, the stuffing, the bbq pork rib, the green beans, and the biscuits. The atmosphere is welcoming; you are in what looks like your grandmothers' dining room and you share a table with people you don't know. The dining is family style (there are no menus, you eat what is put on the table). It's like having Thanksgiving dinner with strangers. I loved the experience. You will wait in line for at least 1.5 hours. It is absolutely worth it. I would wait longer for that food. It's cash only and they're only open M-F from 11am to 2pm. Get there early. We arrived at 11:15 and we were seated around 12:45. Don't that that discourage you. Get a cup of coffee and hang out in line. The whole experience is fun.
(5)Sylvain A.
Southern comfort food at it's finest delivered to you by some of Georgia's finest too. It's an experience and for those with groups of 8 or less, expect to share your table with strangers whom by the end of the meal you'll either love or hate haha You sit down, pick between water or sweat tea... Followed by about 12 endless dishes which are passed around the table just like you would on thanksgiving. Oh and don't forget the deep fried chicken! Once everyone is done, you take your dishes to the kitchen and pay a set price for the entire meal. Not an experience to miss out on!
(5)Josh S.
Mrs. Wilkes' is one of THE spots in Savannah. This is how it works. The dining room is open from 11am to 2pm Monday through Friday; it is closed for the month of January. A line starts forming around 10am. Make friends; you're probably going to be hanging out for a while. The restaurant has three tables with 10 chairs apiece. The first 30 people go in and sit, and each time a table finishes, everybody leaves, pays $20, and the next 10 people go in. Serving is family style. When you sit, you'll find in front of you a plate, silverware and a trays and bowls of food. When we went, the meat was fried chicken (pretty good), meatloaf (the same) and barbecued pork (outstanding), and the sides were too plentiful to name, but I'll give it a shot: green beans, mac-n-cheese, cornbread biscuits, okra and tomatoes, squash, red rice with sausage, white rice with gravy, mashed potatoes, black-eyed peas, cabbage, stuffing and a whole bunch of other stuff. Dessert was banana pudding or peach cobbler (we both tried the cobbler, which was a little sweet, but peaches were out of season). Pitchers of sweet and unsweet tea sit on the table, and the waitstaff will gladly bring out water and are constantly making sure that all the dishes are still full. We're new to town, but we do live in Savannah. We were seated with a large party of other locals, so it's good to know that despite the 90-minute wait -- we got there at about 10:55 and were seated about 12:30 -- locals do eat there, and do return. If you're in a hurry, skip it. If you're deciding between here and Paula Deen's restaurant The Lady & Sons, go to Mrs. Wilkes'. Plan to be a little slow-moving when you get out of there, but thankfully it's a beautiful downtown to walk around.
(4)Chris O.
Don't forget the rules: 1. COME EARLY. If you can't get in line by about 10:15am, I probably wouldn't bother. 10am would be even better. Be prepared to stand around for a long time until the 11am opening. If you're sociable, strike up conversations with the people around you because there's a good chance you'll be sitting with them at the family-style tables. 2. COME WITH CASH. $20 per person plus tip. No credit cards. 3. DON'T COME ON THE WEEKENDS, AND DON'T COME FOR DINNER. They're only open Monday-Friday and only for lunch. 4. COME HUNGRY. There's an absurd amount of food. You don't order the food; they just bring out plates and bowls and more plates and more bowls until there's no more room on the table. From memory, they served us sweet tea, fried chicken, beef stew, roast pork with a not-quite bbq sauce, meatloaf, potatos with cheese, white rice, rice with sausage, stuffing with gravy, mac cheese, corn muffins, biscuits, baked beans, black-eyed peas, mashed yellow squash, green beans, okra succotash, collard greens, and banana pudding. And I'm sure I'm forgetting a few. Everything was at least good -- and most much better than good! -- except for the banana pudding, which I didn't like at all (but, too be fair, I'm not a banana fan). I know that sounds like an emphasis on quantity over quality, but the quality was exceptionally high, easily the best meal I had in Savannah. If you forget any of the above rules, you're likely to have poor experience. Finally, I'll add one more suggestion. It's not a rule because you can have a perfectly satisfying meal even if you forget. The suggestion is to periodically look around the table to see what dishes you haven't tried yet. The table is pretty big, so you'll probably notice several that never made it around to your side of the table. In my case, I know there was a corn dish that never made it around to me, and probably a few more.
(4)Mike G.
Amazing. Cash only $20 per person, expect a 2-2:45 hour wait. Absolutely worth it. Bring water for hot days and sun screen. Plan ahead for the cash part. No ATM's within a block. This is definitely a destination to hit while in Savannah. You end up making friends with people in line, and it turns into a crucible to endure with a reward of southern comfort food that is out of this world. You get about 3 meats and an absolute amazing selection of vegetables side dishes. Ocra and collard greens are to die for! My advice, get there about 9:30 or 10 am to get out by noon and enjoy walking off the food coma in the historic district of Savannah.
(5)Aja R.
Delicious....enough said. Left here full and satisfied above expectations. The only thing needing improvement was dessert. They offered peach cobbler or banana pudding. The cobbler would've been better served warm with vanilla ice cream. The food was so great that I didn't discount the stars because of the dessert.
(5)Christine H.
Mrs. Wilkes' is outstanding. Well worth the wait in line and very reasonably priced. I have visited twice and both times I was impressed. A big thank you to the hard working staff that puts all that food out on the tables and does it with a smile.
(5)Larry G.
I took Monday off of work specifically so I can spend some time at Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room. After walking around and hitting up some of Savannah's finest establishments over the weekend, I couldn't shake off the thought that I was missing out on the quintessential Savannah dining experience. I needed to get down to this sick beat. It was a high-risk high-reward gamble that paid off. You won't exactly become besties with the random people at your table, but asking someone to pass the potatoes and them doing it without a snarky look is better than the body language I receive at the in-laws house. Plus we keep the conversation light, touchy topics that show up on family holidays that center around having kids, healthcare, global warming and Obama ruining this country are replaced with lighter and less controversial fare as we are all feeling each other out. You have read about the quantity of dishes (the fried and bbq chicken were the standouts to me) but the quality was off the charts for everything I tasted. The food wasn't salted as much as I typically see from other restaurants while still exhibiting an attractive flavor profile, it tasted homemade. My suggestion is to get here about 45 minutes ahead of the open and you should easily make the first wave of customers entering the dining room. One last thing to note is that it costs $18 and they only take cash or check so please come prepared. $18 per person may sound expensive for breakfast/brunch, but keep in mind that clocks out to approximately $0.50 per dish for all you math or penny pinching nerds like myself out there. Not to be missed.
(5)Matthew W.
Wow. This was one of the best places I've ever eaten at. There is a line out front, but it is well worth the wait. Once you get inside you are seated at a 9-12 person table and then the staff begin to bring out food. It is an all-you-can-eat, family style restaurant. The waiters bring in about 18 different southerns style dishes. All of them are excellent. After the meal you get to choose one of a couple desserts (for us it was Peach Pie or another dessert). After the meal you make your way to the front and pay. It is a little pricey for a lunch, but again well worth it. :) I'd definitely go here again when I'm back in the south.
(5)Anita O.
Things to keep in mind: CASH ONLY!!! And there's a long wait so you need to get there early. There was already a line 30 minutes before the restaurant opened! Once you get inside, you're seated family style with other people (unless you have a larger party). The fried chicken is wonderful, and the other food is delicious comfort food. So many options! It's located on a quaint street. If you love soul food, this is the place to stop by while in Savannah!
(4)Sara M.
Dude. DUDE. DUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUDE. If you are looking for great Southern experience, then this is the place to try. It's like dining at the home of the Southern grandmother you never had. You'll wait in line, sit with strangers, and buss your own dishes...but it is all worth it. Here is a giant list of the food that somehow all managed to fit on the table: Mac & cheese Succotash Cabbage White rice Rice and sausage Creamed corn Lima beans Green beans Baked beans Barbecue pork Mashed potatoes with cheese Beef stew Collard greens Black-eyed peas Squash Chicken and dumplings Cornbread Biscuits Meatloaf Gravy Fried chicken The vast majority of these dishes were outstanding. The black-eyed peas were a little too salty, and the barbecue sauce was a little tangy for me. Even the non-outstanding dishes were still pretty good. Dessert options were banana pudding or peach cobbler, and these did come to the table in individual portions. So you walk in after waiting for an hour in the hot, muggy September afternoon and find yourself at a table of ten. Dishes and silverware are already set, with a cup of cold sweet tea on the right. Every dish but the fried chicken, which comes out a little later, is in the middle of the table. And then the communal dining experience begins. Everyone begins to bond over the food...strangers become friends, families grows closer, enemies become lovers...wait, I'm getting carried away (but I could totally see that happening here). At the end of the meal, you are asked to clear your own dishes and bring them to the kitchen, where an older lady will take them from you, thank you, and call you "sweetheart." IMPORTANT NOTES: - $18 CASH or PERSONAL CHECK (with ID) only. We didn't know the latter was an option until we found ourselves next in line with nothing but credit cards and a couple of checkbooks. Good thing we asked before getting out of line to find an ATM! The price includes tax but not tip. - Restrooms are located in two different places. There is one in the front lobby in the back left corner (if you are standing in the doorway facing in) and another in the passageway between the front dining room and the back one. - The wait is worth it! One of my dining companions had a time constraint and was starting to get antsy. But after multiple people walked out rubbing their distended bellies and singing the restaurant's praises, we decided to wait it out. TL;DR: Totally worth it.
(5)Mercedes Y.
Best decision you could ever make. Cash only. Get there early. Worth the wait. Absolutely amazing food!
(5)M O.
Okay this by far is the best place ever. The fried chicken is the best I have ever had. Ever. Seriously. It was perfectly crunchy and moist and delicious. The 15 sides that went with the chicken were fantastic too. It's fun sitting with other families. But you don't talk too much because you are just eating as much as you can of the delicious food. The staff was courteous and nice. I waited about an hour and 20 mins in line. Worth every second. This is a must try in Savannah.
(5)Allison B.
What a wonderful experience we had eating here. It truly was special. First of all, we arrived at 10:30am which was *still* not early enough to be in the first rush of diners. We made it into the restaurant in the second wave of diners, just around 11:30. The wait was certainly worth it. The food was all absolutely divine. The fried chicken was as good as everyone said. The baked beans were ridiculous. The green beans were insane. The red rice was wonderful. The biscuits and corn bread were great. The yams and pulled pork and cucumber salad and macaroni and cheese and cheesy grits and collards and black eyed peas and EVERYTHING were just mind-blowing. Seriously. At one point, we counted at least 20 dishes on the table, and more kept coming. I don't love the aspect of dining with strangers, but I totally get that it's the way things are done there, and they make it work very nicely! They even helped us figure out a good system for passing the dishes so that everyone got some of everything. I was anticipating absolute chaos at the idea of 10 hungry strangers dining at a table together, but the staff at Mrs. Wilkes have it down to a finely-tuned science! They kept the food coming and did not let any plates remain empty for long. I loved the sweet tea, and everyone was so friendly. Can I please go back right now?
(5)Ta B.
The best fried chicken I've ever had in my life!!!! This is the best southern food you will have in Georgia! I've never had veggies so good in my life. 20 + dishes of the most amazing southern food you've ever had!!!! Hannds down!!!!! The line is about 1-2 hours long but its def worth thr wait! Trust me! This is a cash only restaurant. Come with and empty stomach and $20 and leave ridiculously full and satisfied. I guarantee you this will be one of the best if not THE BEST meal you will ever have!!! Obama sat at the head of the first table behind the register when he ate here. A must go to if you're in the Savannah area.
(5)Nick H.
Great southern style family dining house, tons of amazing food for the price! They have over 20 side dishes on the table and the fried chicken is exceptional. It's got a great light batter to it, so it's not overly greasy and incredibly moist! Get to know your neighbors, it may be a surprise. Three-fourths of our table was from the same place as we were. Thousands of miles from home and the world is still small! Save a little room for dessert and try it all, additionally they typically have 1 or 2 unique sides for that day. Ours was chicken dumplings and they were perfect. Only open from 11am-2pm so if you go late just make sure your in line before 2 and they'll still seat you. Early or late is the local recommendation. Worked well for us! Enjoy!
(5)Mauricio H.
An absolute must when in Savannah. I have to warn you, you will wait online anywhere between 45 minutes to one hour and a half before getting to come in and sit down. When you walk in, you're seated at a table, family-style, with another group of strangers. The food is already served, and you just pass it around and share. The fried chicken is the most delicious chicken I have ever had in my life.
(5)Nicole M.
A family style table with the food already on the table. Great food and a great experience! I've been to Savannah twice and I made sure to make a stop at Mrs. Wilkes each time. Here's a couple of pointers: 1- check their hours of operation before going. They are only open for lunch. 2- you will be waiting in a very long line so be prepared if you are really hungry. The wait is worth it, I promise. 3- get to know the people you are waiting in line with. They probably will be sitting with you at your table. 4- they only accept cash for payment. 5- try everything on the table!! If a bowl runs out before it gets to you, don't worry! They will refill it for you in a heartbeat.
(5)Scott F.
I got there at 1045 and there was a very long line, so I bailed out. The people with me waited for 2 hours in the stifling heat for their meal, which I hear was pretty good. They were a little irritated that a group of girl scouts got to cut in line in front of them, prolonging their torturous wait. Since it is a unique experience, i would recommend going in the winter time when it would be a little more pleasant to wait two hours outside for basically a similar meal you could get at a Luby's, - the US Food's truck in back should give you a clue where the food comes from!!!
(3)Jamie D.
An excellent spot for lunch! Easily besting Paula Deens buffet! Recommend heading there early to not wait in line for so long. The staff was completely accommodating and nice and match their high quality of food.
(5)Kenneth W.
There are hundreds of reviews on Yelp about the dining experience here so I won't go too in depth except to say that the wait was well worth it simply because the food was exceptional. The fried chicken is unquestionably the star of the show and it was light and not too greasy yet full of flavor and the sides were just as good, especially the collard greens and mashed potatoes. We visited a lot of places during our stay in Savannah and while many were excellent, Mrs Wilkes stood above the rest. Look forward to going back.
(5)Lynsey W.
Definitely worth the hour-long wait! So much delicious Southern food (yes to seconds on the sweet potato casserole!), and a fun opportunity to chat with others at a community table. They also provided lots of cold water while we were waiting outside beforehand, which was much appreciated. When you're done eating, check out all the photos of famous folks who have frequented the place. All in all, a fun a day unique dining experience!
(5)Kim L.
If I died and went to heaven (or maybe just the South and wound up in Savannah), this is what kind of food I would find there. Wow! I cannot even begin to say how amazing my experience was here. We got on line around 10:30am and got in by 11:15ish. And the food came pouring in. It's amazing, they keep bringing out more as you try to stuff yourself and pass around wonderful, delicious classics. We had people from California to Florida to NJ at our table enjoying the meal that waited in the rain just like us! It was totally worth the wait and $20/person is a STEAL! Make sure you stop by!
(5)Jordan S.
Get in line between 10-11 am or you may not get in! I didn't believe my friend, but we barely made it in and we got in line around 12. And don't let the wait deter you! Mrs. Wilkes' is absolutely worth the wait. When you walk in and sit down, an array of 20+ side dishes await you, refreshing freshly brewed southern sweet tea is already poured, and the best fried chicken of your life is only moments away. Examples of side dishes we had: Corn, mashed potatoes, cole slaw, baked beans, green beans, corn bread, biscuits, creamed corn, Jambalaya, rice, fried okra, and so much more. Depending on the day you go, there will be at least 20 side dishes, and on the weekends there may even be 24.
(5)Kent G.
Worldstar best place to eat. Mad they throw all that food away though. I ate everything there. Service was average. Well worth the expensive price. Recommended. ...
(5)Rachel B.
We had a nice experience here and really enjoyed the hospitality. The food was good, but because we are vegetarian, we were limited with dishes that appeared to be veg friendly, but were not (greens, beans, etc). We met some cool people while in line but didn't connect too much with those at our table (obviously to no fault of the restaurant). We liked the idea of communal style dining. One concern I do have is the amount of food that goes uneaten. It's family style dining so when everyone is done, what happens to the food? Our table had enough food left to feed another 15 people. I hope the restaurant donates the food. Either that or I think they should consider putting less food on the table and just refilling bowls as needed. Or giving people boxes to take home food.
(4)Dan M.
Southern food at its best. I'm not a local and this was my first time in Savannah. My girlfriend, who is originally from here, said we had to eat at Mrs Wilkes. The food is served family style and you will be seated in a table of ten with random strangers. The atmosphere will make you talk to strangers as you past the food around the table. "Fried Chicken? Yes. Please" The food was simple home cooking. You will not leave hungry. The number of sides seems endless. The entree today was fried chicken which was simple and full of flavor. All this great food for $18! And don't forget to take your own plate to the kitchen! This is Mrs Wilkes Kitchen and she wouldn't have it any other way.
(5)Chad E.
While it took me two (three?) trips to Savannah to get to Mrs. Wilkes', that is a mistake I won't be making again. It's a bit off the beaten path, but that just makes it a bit more interesting - take the time to find it and get out of the river district and all. As everyone else is lining up over at that other place, head yourself to Mrs. Wilkes' and get in line. Yes, in line. There will very likely be one, at just about any time. The first issue you may find is that the hours are limited. Lunch only, weekdays only. That means that everyone trying to get in is going to cram themselves inside this tiny space in a small window of opportunity. The next problem is that you won't find traditional seating - instead, it's family style. Eight or so people per table, as tables clear. So one table opens up, and the next group sits down to eat. The good news is there are no menus, so it moves fast. As soon as everyone sits down, the food starts coming, twenty-plus items, as much as you can stuff in your face. Really. I think it was twenty-three, but I could be mistaken. We tried to get a picture, but we couldn't fit it all in the frame. Quality on the food ranged from solid to un-freaking-believable. Definitely worthwhile. Once you're done eating, stand up and head to the counter - everyone's bill will be the same: $18 each. Cash only!
(4)Karen D.
The food was tasty. Chicken was excellent. Just like my grandma and Mother makes but better. There are at least 20 Sides and sweet tea set on the table as you walk in. It is a preset meal at a preset price set and ready to eat as you walk in the door. Kind of nice due to the long hot stand in line as you wait your turn to get in the door to get In The door, you are ready to eat. All tables are set for 10 so you get to meet fellow Savannah tourists and share site seeing stories if you are not in a group of ten. Just a side note, there is a Pub called Crystal just 2 blocks away that you can walk to to buy soft drinks, beer, etc for your party in line. You can walk the streets with alcohol in your hand so it's all good and you can stay refreshed while waiting in line.
(4)Christy M.
It was hard to imagine that Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room could come close to living up to its Yelp reviews, but it was beyond anything I had imagined. We first tried to eat at Mrs. Wilkes' on Monday, arriving around 12:30 to see a crazy line snaking out of the building, down the street, and around the corner. I knew there would be a line, but we were just too hungry to wait that day. On Tuesday, we came back at 10:30. There was already a short line, about 40 people or so. We waited patiently for opening time at 11. There are some benches and steps on the sidewalk there for folks who really need to sit down. The line began moving right at 11, and people seemed to get seated pretty efficiently. We weren't sure we were going to get in for the first seating, having to wait just outside the door for table space until the wonderful host came out and ushered us inside. Inside, you'll find a couple of cozy rooms with large group tables that seat about 10 adults. When you sit down, the table is already covered in dishes of food and there is sweet tea at every place setting (although they come around pretty quickly and offer unsweetened tea or water). Service is family-style, and there were literally 26 dishes of food on our table - I counted. What I can remember: Fried chicken Beef stew Barbecued meat (pork?) Rice Mashed potatoes with onion and cheese Mashed sweet potatoes Mac n cheese Boiled potatoes Gravy Bread (biscuits and cornbread) Succotash Green beans Collard greens Cucumber salad Coleslaw Stewed cabbage Black eyed peas Lima beans Squash casserole Creamed corn Rutabaga I know I'm leaving off some of the vegetables, which is a shame because they were all so delicious. Seriously - everything on the table was just stellar. The fried chicken was some of the best I've had, not too much breading but lots of nice crunchy pieces on the edges. The stewed cabbage was a surprise hit for the table - I can only imagine how much butter went into making cabbage craveable. After your table has consumed all it can comfortably manage, a server comes around with small dishes of dessert. For us, it was a choice between banana pudding and peach cobbler. I had the banana puddling (stellar) and I heard the peach cobbler was also delicious. At $18 (cash or check only), it's not a cheap lunch, but it's a great value for the quality and quantity. I dropped $2 in the tip bucket by the register, and, to me, $20 for a great meal, beverage, dessert, and tip is very reasonable. Totally worth the wait - just don't come too late. 10:30 is about the latest you should arrive and expect to eat in the first seating as the place only has about 5 ten-top tables. And don't eat breakfast!
(5)Rachel H.
This place is wonderful! If you want to go to s touristy destination that serves good southern cooking this is the place to be! You're served family style and could be with other people that are not in your group but that's the fun of it. I recommend trying out the sweet tea because it's absolutely delicious! Get there early because there is NO RESERVATIONS and it's CASH/CHECK ONLY. But even if you're waiting in line it goes by a lot quicker than you think!
(5)Melanie R.
We came across Mrs. Wilkes 4 years ago on a day trip to Savannah while we were on summer vacation in Hilton Head Island. It's a charming little place, with dining room in the basement. The lines are long, so arrive 15 minutes before they open. You're seated with strangers at a round table and servers bring dozens of dishes of food. There are probably a dozen "core" dishes: Fried chicken, mashed potatoes with gravy, creamed corn, collard greens, macaroni and cheese, sweet potatoes, succotash, biscuits, and many items I would consider "comfort food". In our five visits to Mrs. Wilkes' there have been additional entrees and side dishes, like pickled beets, boiled cabbage, roast beef, and summer squash. The servers are attentive and replenish items as needed. After the abundant feast, there is a dessert, usually a fruit cobbler and banana pudding, if you have room. We always leave happy with full stomachs. Tip: Eat a very light breakfast and bring cash or a check--they don't take credit cards.
(5)Annie T.
Can the Wilkes family adopt me? Food: Southern ya'll Quantity: Family style with non-family members. Buffet-like Pice: One price. Cash only Noise: Thanksgiving dinner Attire: Respectable Service: Friendly coz you're the service. Bus your own table Parking: Street Ordered: wait...they order for you? Plan #1: Just eat the chicken, skip the sides (fillers) Plan #2: Eat the chicken and the sides (Best) Plan #3: Eat the chicken and sides and sweet tea Plan #4: Skip the sweet tea (the sugars) - I planned for #1, actually did #2. I really wanted #3, but did #4 Side Note: No matter what you do, don't eat the substance in the bowl that looks like mashed potatoes...in the bathroom Best experience of Southern food I've had. They had all the typical southern sides like greens, mac n' cheese, sweet potato..etc. The chicken was juicy and not too oily. They also had some kind of beef stew and pulled pork. Tip: You can always ask for a plateful of a particular part of the chicken that you want i.e. wings, drumsticks, breasts. Also, get in line 30 minutes before closing. Line is much shorter. Downfall: Like most buffets, you can't take the leftovers. Overall: 4.5-5.0 stars
(4)Mario K.
I've been here every time I visit Savannah. It's not fancy and there is always a line, so you'll be assured a wait, but as far as Southern comfort food goes, I have yet to find better. Be prepared to wait 30-90 minutes and then you'll be seated with strangers (that become friends over a wonderful meal) at tables that typically accommodate 12. Food is waiting, piping hot and delicious, and I have yet to have room or want for anything after I leave (but perhaps for pockets deep enough to carry some of the delicious food home - they don't do take out at Mrs. Wilkes'). Their fried chicken is probably the most noteworthy, but everything is delicious. It's family-run and has pleased generations of Savannah locals and visitors and it's as good today as it was nearly 20 years ago when I first tried it. For $20 (cash) per person, this is a must-visit Savannah tradition.
(5)Marc C.
Just finished up a business trip to Savannah and before we left we had to get our Mrs. Wilkes fix. Got there about 1:15 and had about an hour plus wait. Stood in line with some newbies from Florida, Alabama, and Canada. Kept assuring them that it was worth the wait. Once we were seated the plates started flowing with some delicious southern food. I was craving the fried chicken and was not disappointed (never am there). The Pot Roast was tender, the sides - there were so many that I am not even sure I got them all. Needless to say - Mrs. Wilkes is a definite must eat when in Savannah. Better and more enjoyable than some of the more famous places. Meal ran about $20 per person before tip (and please do tip because the servers are busting their humps while remaining nice as can be). They only take cash so make sure to hit the ATM. You will not regret it. We were lucky enough to strike up a conversation with Mrs Wilkes granddaughter and her husband which just added to the experience. This is a permanent place on our Savannah eating list so be sure to add it to yours.
(5)Diana C.
This place was EVERYTHING. Everything about it was phenomenal. You WILL have to wait - we did for almost 2 hours but let me say it was WELL worth it! We met some great folks while waiting in line as we played a game of "Heads Up!" Honestly, I don't even eat MAC and cheese OR drink sweet tea but both were great!!! I will definitely be back on a future trip - if anything JUST to come back here!
(5)Dale M.
I rarely wait in line for food, mostly because I'm just impatient. We waited for two hours (having arrived 45 minutes before opening) to dine at Mrs. Wilkes', and I'm glad we did. There was an amazing amount of food- it was almost hard to try everything. In addition to the perfect crispy fried chicken, my favorites were the vinegary cucumbers and jambalaya. Great food and TONS of it.
(4)Pratik S.
After several attempts of getting in line and then leaving to go elsewhere, we finally got in line early enough and had the patience to wait. It was completely worth it and everything lived up to the hype. I'd really recommend getting in line as early as you can. They open at 11 and the line starts forming around 10. We go there at 10:30 and it was already around the corner. I think we finally sat down around 11:45. All the tables seat around 8 to 12 people so unless you go with a large group you will be seated with whoever in around you in line. It's kind of fun meeting strangers and having a family style meal with them, unless you are seated with a lady who keeps talking about how she can make all the food better. Once you are seated everything they are serving that day is dropped off to your table and you share it. Definitely come very hungry because everything is delicious. I really liked the fried chicken, pulled pork, cabbage, squash casserole, mac & cheese, creamed corn, stuffing, and collard greens. The sweet tea is really good too. I can't remember what we had for dessert but I was too full at that point. There is gift shop you can look through once you are done eating. I was given Mrs. Wilkes cookbook as a present and it has some really good recipes in there. Like all old cookbooks the directions aren't super specific but I don't mind that. It is cash only and you pay a cashier as you exit. Don't let the line hold you back...it is definitely worth the wait. If you get there around 10 you should be guaranteed to be seated right at 11.
(5)Michael U.
Items experienced: Fried Chicken, Meat Loaf, Barbecue Pork, Beef Stew Banana Pudding Blackberry Cobbler Beans, Green Beans, Creamed Corn, Pickled Beets, Stuffing, Mac n' Cheese, Lima Beans, Boiled Okra,Mixed Vegetables, Beans/Sausage/Rice, Cornbread, Biscuits, Au Gratin Potatoes, Squash, Sweet Potato Puree, Vinegar Cucumbers, Giblet Gravy Tea, Sweet Tea, Iced Water Open 11:00am until 2:00pm five days a week with a line starting as early as 9:00am whether rain, shine, or humidity and ninety-five degree temperatures making patrons feel as though they'd been rained on Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room is truly an institution, the historic boardinghouse feeding locals and tourists for nearly eighty years...and on the day of my visit feeding The Real Housewives of Atlanta who were allowed to skip the line while myself and a hundred others waited ninety minutes in the August sun, much to the dismay of the locals in front of me who still waited, despite having been to Mrs. Wilkes' greater than two dozen times - as great a testament as I needed to stay in line for the $18 family style meal with more than a dozen sides, four main proteins, and two desserts of exemplary quality and an experience I won't soon forget.
(4)Michelle B.
After hearing and reading so many reviews about this restaurant, I began to wonder if it was worth all of the hassle of waiting in line for 2 hours and sitting with random strangers who you are standing in line with. It was. I lucked out in traveling to Savannah the week before Christmas, where the number of tourists was low and the weather was perfect, about 60 each day. Despite all of the reviews about the line (and I'm sure the line is worse during busier times), I only waited about 10 minutes and then we were seated at a large table filled with so many dishes of delicious smelling food. After a few initial introductions at the table, everyone got down to the business of digging into the food. There were so many delicious sides and smaller dishes including mashed potatoes, cucumber salad, macaroni and cheese, creamed corn, sweet potatoes, BBQ pork, etc. but for me the star was the fried chicken. The skin was perfectly crispy and the meat was juicy that while I tried many of the sides, I saved most of my room for the fried chicken. The staff was also super friendly and the cashier seemed genuinely interested in talking to all of the guests as we left the restaurant and understanding where we were from and whether we enjoyed the food. Overall delicious Southern food and definitely worth trying on an empty stomach.
(5)Rene T.
This is a must visit if you're in Savannah. My husband and I arrived at 11:45 on a Friday (12/19) and only waited in line for 30 minutes. I counted 23 separate dishes on the table when we sat down. Following other yelp reviewers' advice, we skipped breakfast and were glad we had! This remains my favorite meal from our trip. I'm still craving the chicken and biscuits. Some (if not all) of our dishes: -Collard Greens, Baked beans, black eyed peas, lima beans, green beans, potato salad, pasta salad, rice, mashed potatoes, gravy, sweet potatoes/yams, mac and cheese, cheesy potatoes, butternut squash, pickled cucumbers, biscuits, corn bread, okra/tomato/corn salad, Rutabaga, creamed corn, stuffing, fried chicken, bbq pork, and beef stew. Phew. Tea and water also on table. Dessert: banana pudding or peach cobbler. To top off a fabulous meal, one of Mrs. Wilkes' daughters (in law?) stopped by our table to see how it was. The cashier (presumably family, as well) was insanely nice and genuinely happy that we stopped by to dine with them. There was also an adorable 70/80 year old guy plopped down in his walker seat by the entrance eating out of a bowl of potatoes just for him. You can buy a cook book if you want to, my husband's still sad I didn't get one after he fell in love with the biscuits.
(5)Mr M.
So I'm sure my review on this will be lost in the masses and they all say the same thing..but if you find this review just go. If today isn't Saturday or Sunday stop reading reviews, get dressed, get in your car and just go. .....you're welcome
(5)Alex K.
I have to write this right away if I'm gonna do this right. Worth every painful minute of waiting in line. I got there after 11, and the line was already down the street and around the corner from the restaurant. It moved slowly in the beginning and then kind of picked up near the end. I'm not sure if it was the excitement or anticipation of having some of the best Southern cuisine in Savannah (better than Paula Deen's Lady and Sons, by several accounts). When you got seated and inside, everything is chaotic with people running around, noise from conversations and staff trying to talk to guests at the tables. Honestly, who the hell cares. The food was comforting and delicious!! Fried chicken can be screwed up in so many ways. Namely, breast pieces always tend to be dry in the middle, because of the amount of meat that the oil has to penetrate through to cook. I cut mine in half just to check the moistness. Juicy and fully cooked all the way through. The breading is light and crispy. Not my favorite when it comes to the seasoning, but skillfully done and I went back for another piece. The pulled pork was very flavorful but a little dry on the ends. Not the best I've had, but given the amount of food, and that you aren't really there for BBQ, it's better than a lot of other places I've been that have it on the menu. The vegetables were plentiful and crazy. Boiled cabbage, yams, rutabagas, black eye peas, collard greens...there were a lot and they kept on coming. The collards (could have been turnip greens, according to one of the guests sitting next to me) were porky. Pulled pork inside, and I did find a pork bone in my second helping. I'm still a distracted happy camper. The boiled okra veggie medley was delicious as well. The sweet tea was awesome. If I hadn't drank so much of the stuff, I probably would have stuffed my face even more. Dessert was ok. Peach cobbler was good and very flavorful and sweet, but the crust underneath was dense and heavy, perhaps from shortening or the flour. I can't wait to come back. Get there early.
(5)Kevin K.
You know what you're getting into with Mrs. Wilkes, so stay away if: - You aren't a fan of standing in line for 45 minutes - You aren't a fan of sitting at a table and sharing food with strangers - You aren't a fan of bussing your own dishes I'm not really a fan of any of these things, BUT I knew what I was getting into. It's part of the experience, and it was fun. So let's get down to two core things: The service, and The food. The service is exceptional as far as it goes. Everyone was friendly, everyone was smiling, and our hostess came around to check in on each table (sadly, the original Mrs. Wilkes is no longer with us). The food is an almost obscene bounty. I think there were more than 25 different dishes on the table. Yes, it's Southern comfort food, but it's often the best of it's type. The cheesey mashed potatoes, the Savannah red rice and sausage, the stuffing, the cucumber salad, the turnips, the mac and cheese, and the sweet potatoes were among the best. There was SO much though, it became kind of a joke to pass it around to everyone. About 1/3 of the dishes could have been eliminated because they were unexceptional and brought it down to a manageable amount - white rice, lima beans (one of five bean offerings!), cole slaw, meatloaf and a few others. Finally, the fried chicken was good, but far from the best I've had. Considering the focus they put on it, I expected more. This is great home-style food though, and definitely a top-five Savannah experience!
(4)Frances S.
Mrs. Wilkes is worth the wait. All the food was delicious. I especially liked the fried chicken, cucumbers, and cole slaw. If you don't want to wait as long I suggest getting there very early- around 10am. We arrived in line at 11am and didn't eat until 1pm. We loved it.
(5)Fabiana F.
Get there are 10am! We got there at 10:20am and waited till the second wave of diners. The atmosphere is very homey! You sit at a table of 10 and are served upwards of 20 plates, family style. (there's no menu, and apparently what's on the table changes frequently). The fried chicken was fantastic and all the sides were as southern as it gets and were all pretty great! You sit down to sweet tea at your seat and can ask for water once you're seated. The experience is one you won't find elsewhere and it is very interesting to seat 10 strangers at a time so it's a place you don't want to skip if you're visiting savannah. However, to start, we weren't even offered water until halfway through and we had to ask for it. Also, while the food is some great authentic southern home cooking, you're definitely waiting an entire hour or so in line for the experience and atmosphere over the food. If you hate lines, this probably isn't the place for you.
(4)Debra L.
Absolutely worth waiting in line for one hour! The fried chicken was crisp on the outside moist on the inside and not at all greasy. The side dishes were abundant fresh and delicious! A trip to Savannah is not complete unless you lunch at Mrs. Wilkes.
(5)Branham P.
Best Soul food I have had outside of my home. Have cash and be ready to wait.. well worth it. family style.. just keep your head down and eat.. GO ASAP..
(5)Matthieu K.
Solid Southern cuisine ... better than most in town. If, by the time you hit this place, you have not tired of fried chikkenz, do try it. The wait was rather long, close to an hour ... The price was absolutely right, under $20/person. Check it out if you are in town.
(4)Krista M.
Oh man. Could this be any more perfect? Our silence around the table said it all. Yes, the two-and-a-half hour wait wasn't ideal, but we made some friends in line. It just added to the whole experience. This was easily one of the highlights of our Savannah trip.
(5)Rizzo S.
Hands down the BEST Soul Food I've eaten. Mrs Wilkes opens from 11am - 2 pm which is why there's a line. So get down there by 10:30 to stand in line. We got there by 11:15 and the first group of people had already gone in. We prob waited for 30-35 mins. There's a water cooler by the door because I understand it gets pretty warm here in Savannah. The best part about this place (aside from the food) is you don't have to order the food. You walk in, sit down and start eating. The food is already on the table. Its like you're at your Mom's for dinner. You are seated at a table of ten so you will be eating together with people you don't know. If you're not a talker, it's fine. The food is so delicious you won't wanna talk but you will help pass the dishes around:) I tried to get a lil bit of everything on my plate but i just couldn't wait to taste. I LOVED the fried chicken, collard greens, yams (usually not a fan but Mrs Wilkes yams is to die for), sweet corn (wow) and etc. Man my tummy is growling and mouth watery jus thinking about it. Definitely a place you want to try for Southern home cooking. Don't forget to wear some stretchy pants:)
(5)Janet L.
A must do in Savannah. Skip breakfast and get in line at 1:45 when you're totally starving. They stop letting folks in at 2pm, but if you're in line, you should be okay. Mind-boggling array of Southern fare. Can't possibly list all of the dishes that magically appear on your table, but the highlights were: killer fried chicken, BBQ pulled pork, corn bread, sweet potatoes with raisins, rutabagas. okra. etc etc. every dish had a unique and terrific flavor. Well worth $20 per person.
(4)Jay J.
AWESOME!!! Love the atmosphere and the family style dining!
(4)Joey P.
This place definitely lives up to the hype! Located on the most beautiful street in America, Mrs Wilkes serves a smorgasbord of food to you family style at tables for about 10 people. We were offered fried chicken, barbecue pork, mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, multiple types of veggies, delicious sweet tea, peach cobbler, and everything that's good and southern. It was almost like having thanksgiving dinner with a bunch of strangers. In fact it's probably less awkward than thanksgiving with your weird relatives because everyone's in a good mood and we met some cool interesting people. I'd recommend getting there early; our group arrived shortly after 11 and there was a 30 to 45 minute wait. The only negative was that I went into and food coma after eating here and nothing else has tasted as good ever since. A must do for visitors to Savannah!
(5)Vicky P.
Outstanding! My entire family was happy with the food and the service. I don't think it's possible to even try everything they put on the table. It's a great opportunity to try all the southern favorites. It's a great concept, I loved sitting at a table with another group from different parts of the country. It's worth the wait and worth the money. We got there at 9:50 and were seated right at 11am when they opened.
(4)Joe B.
A Savannah institution for many years now. Should definitely be placed on your to do list when in the area. VERY limited seating inside. You are in the basement of a home. You will be sitting at a table with other people basically eating family style. When you enter, you will be shown to your table where you will find it all set up with food, drinks, and sides. There is no menu, you get what they make and what they make is damn good! On this day, we had fried chicken, meatloaf, barbecued pork, mac and cheese, collard greens, black eyed peas, too many more to remember!! Now remember, they are only open from 11am - 2 pm. You're hungry?? You want to eat?? Then you will get there around 9:30am We got there at 10am and there were already about 60 people on line waiting. We just missed the first seating. Did I mention that you have 30 minutes to eat?? They don't throw you out, but you will get the hint. The price is more than right for the food you get. It's $18 a head. Every single thing we tasted was very good. This is southern cooking at it's finest. Forget about the Paula Deen tourist trap and make your way here. If you don't get here early enough, don't say I didn't warn you!!
(5)Tyler L.
As one of the consistantly mentioned must experience restaurants in Savannah, we knew we had to give it a try. The doors open at 11, but you will want to line up earlier or you'll have a long wait. The house is an old boarding house where Mrs. Wilkes began serving quality southern comfort food to the boarders and the tradition continues today with tourists. The interior is surprisingly big with a bunch of tables. Seating is done by the table, and the 12 person takes are always seated full, so you'll be drinking with strangers. This makes fur a fun family style experience as you'll have to ask your table mates to pass the sides. There are something like 12 different southern sides like okra, corn bread, rice, greens, yams, and beans. The main dish is the fried chicken which is delicious and crispy but I loved the bbq and sausage too. Service noisily leaves you alone, but it's charming in a boarding house way. Must do in Savannah.
(5)John P.
Even though I had to wait in line for at least 40 minutes it was worth it. If you come to Savannah and enjoy food, don't miss this place. You'll be amazed at how good this home cooking was. Served family around a big table with more vegetables than I can remember.
(5)Sharon S.
No menu just a table full of southern favorites. My personal recommendations would be the B-B-Q beef, beets & mac & cheese. But it's not just the food, it's a chance to sit & visit with locals & other visitors to Savannah and if you are as lucky as we were, meet the gracious owners. The down side would be their limited hours & having to remember to bring cash.
(5)Brandon H.
You can't NOT eat here. Everything is ridiculously perfectly cooked and probably the best bargain you can find for all you can eat at $20. We waited an hour at 1130 on a Thursday which in my mind translates to about a 30 minute wait anywhere else, considering the food is waiting at the table as soon as you sit down.
(5)Randi H.
Deeelish! The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because I would rather not sit with strangers.
(4)Craig B.
You know how people say things like "I wouldn't write home about it.". You'd write home about this place. A friend suggested this. I especially wanted to get real Southern food. It's totally worth it. Three tips though: - I'd make this your sole meal of the day. Just skip breakfast and dinner - It's $18 -- cash only - Plan on about 2-3 hours when it's all said and done. When I showed up around 12:30 pm, the line was out the door, down the street, and and was starting to go around the corner. It then moves very slowly. A few of the staff come out now and then to say "hello" and joke with you. But you do start to wonder if you'll ever get in. You might even want to line up before they open. Then, finally, you're in, and seated at one of many long tables with strangers - they were strangers anyway. Either you met them in line or you're going to meet them now. Not strangers anymore. Actually a lot of fun. The table is covered with 20+ bowls of different dishes. Now you'll need to start being strategic about how you go through this because you probably want to eat every last bowl after waiting in line for 1 to 1.5 hours, and I doubt that you'll even be able to try a little bit of everything -- there is just too much food. I can't even list it all: fried chicken, collard greens, sweet potatoes, squash, creamed corn, pulled pork, picked beets, black eyed peas, cucumbers, macaroni and cheese, sweet tea. I can't remember much more than that because I think that I passed out. Afterwards Mrs Walkes came over to chat with our table. She's the granddaughter of the original Mrs Wilkes. I was impressed just with the way that she answered all of our questions and just seemed happy to talk with us. President Obama and his entourage ate here. There is a photo by the register. I asked the cashier if the president had to wait in line, too, and he quickly answered that "those secret service thugs got him right in here."
(5)Rachel S.
Good Food! Word of advice: even though the place opens at 11:00AM, please be sure to stand in line before that!!
(5)Lissie C.
During my trip to savannah this was the spot everyone told me not to miss. The line is very long and you will likely have to wait between 45-1 hour to be seated. However, it's totally worth it. This is the best soul food I've ever had. The fried chicken is divine and everything I ate was just delicious. This is an authentic soul food spot at its best!
(5)Flo H.
Worth waiting in line! Absolutly excellent!!! Best introduction to Southern food. We've eaten at other places (more expensive!) and they do not compare to Mrs Wilkes' Dining Room. Very simple approach, everything is on the table (all you can eat!), which you share with other people (sits about 10 people). You're asked to bring your plate to the kitchen. Everybody raves about the fried chicken, it is indeed delicious. There are a lot of vegeterian dishes, which balances out the "heavy" meat ones. Lovely, friendly staff.
(5)Rachel R.
Good God, this place is good. My mother is Southern and is obsessed with this place, and we always stop by on our way to the beach in the summer. You really need to fast starting the night before--you WILL overeat here, and it's worth clearing out some stomach space if you don't want to feel sick later. Come at least an hour before--they seat in waves and if you're there at 10:00 there's a good chance you'll be in the first seating. Make weird small talk with fellow diners (many of whom are tourists, but there are lots of locals during the times I've been there--I think the predominantly tourist population is because Mrs. Wilkes' is only open during the week and it's an investment for a workday lunch for most people). A bunch of Savannah city councilors showed up once when I was there, and everyone got very excited. Pass around plates of super-light cornbread and biscuits and heaping bowls of butter beans, squash casserole, green beans, collards, mashed potatoes, and mac and cheese. I'm not super-enthused about the mac and cheese (not a huge fan of Southern-style mac and cheese to begin with, honestly), but the mashed potatoes, squash, and green beans are fab--the mashed potatoes are creamy and flecked with bits of onion and cheese, the green beans redolent of bacon, the squash tender and creamy. A word to those reviewers who complain that the vegetables are "mushy:" in Southern cuisine, vegetables are deliberately cooked for a long time, usually with some bacon, under they're very tender. One man's authenticity is another man's mushy, I suppose. The chicken is delicious--though I like Willie Mae's in New Orleans better if we're judging fried chicken in the South--but it's the side dishes and the awesome baking powder biscuits that really shine here. Trust me--if it's good enough for my nothing-tastes-like-my-grandmother's finicky-about-collars mother, it's good enough for anyone looking for a taste of rural Southern cuisine in Savannah.
(5)Maria M.
Ate so much...felt guilty eating the rest of the week! Just soooo good. Fried Chicken and mac and cheese, and, and, and ...... everything good!
(5)Emily Y.
Go there. Best meal I've ever eaten. Get there at ten am, wait in line, bring cash and come hungry. An absolute must for savannah.
(5)Leah L.
I cant say anything about this place that has not already been said. This food is the absolute best in Savannah. The business has a fantastic history and should be so proud of everything it is. Word of advice... get there at 10am!! Do yourself a favor and eat here!
(5)Lady Di D.
The line to get your grub on is sooooooo worth it........ Fried chicken, Mac and cheese, black eyed peas and peach cobbler were the belles of the ball........didn't mind the family table set up in that we were able to meet interesting folks from around the USA.
(5)Jason D.
Awesome and delicious. Kind people and great family event to add to any visit to Savannah.
(5)Joan L.
Waited 2 hours & 45 minutes to get seated. Canned corn, green beans but good fried chicken . Will NOT return
(1)Lindsley A.
The line is WORTH the wait! As long as you have good company, waiting won't be as bad as you think. This place is CASH ONLY! For the price you pay, you definitely got your money's worth. The aroma of food while waiting outside the restaurant will strike your hunger to another level like no other. Once you walk in and are seated the food is all laid out for you and you get served sweet tea along with it. My eyes were overwhelmed with the amount of food that was on the table, it looked like it would never end. FRIED CHICKEN is the TRUTH! Oh my gosh, the best fried chicken I've ever had. The sides were just as good, my favorites were: -Mac-n-cheese -Mashed Potato & gravy (oh but the gravy..mmm) -Mashed cream of corn -Collard greens -Stuffing -Cornbread Jalapeno -Cucumber (very refreshing) -Sweet Potatoes (to die for.. ahh) Also don't forget dessert which is included, the banana pudding = perfect ending to the entire food! There were other sides as well, trust me, a little bit of something for everyone. My goodness my goodness, the food was overall amazing, the experience, and the staff were super friendly. Once you're done, you have to pick up after yourselves, but don't worry it's just your plate. Alright, enough of this reading. just go and enjoy it! Trust me, I will come back!
(5)Magan T.
AMAZING! Just go! I don't know how we missed a line to get in, but there was no wait for our group of 5. It was a rainy mid-weekday and we walked right inside and only waited 5 minutes before we were seated at a large, family-style table with another small group. As soon as the drink order was taken the food started coming! Every southern food you can imagine, and it was all some of the best southern food I have ever had. After a few helpings of my favorites, our plates were cleared and we decided on a dessert. I'm originally from Savannah, and while living there I never visited Mrs. Wilkes'. Now, I will not visit without making time for lunch here. The entire experience was so wonderful.
(5)Vin C.
Disclaimer: I don't know what home cooked southern food tastes like, so as to the authenticity of this place, I can't say. It sure as hell tasted home cooked though, and eating here felt more like sitting at grandmas table than any restaurant I've ever been too. That alone made the experience worth the wait. Reviewers who likened the chicken to KFC and called the sides flavorless...shame on you. The majority of the dishes were excellent, some were admittedly a little bland but this is the closest thing a New Yorker like me will get to sitting at aunties table and sipping sweet tea. I'm glad yelp pointed me in their direction...worth the wait if you only plan on visiting savannah once.
(4)Jean M.
One of the best meals you will ever eat. The absolute best part of the south is having experiences like this. A table full of deliciousness. Nothing like this exists at home in California, unfortunately. A girl can dream...
(5)Megan S.
Show up with a snack in your purse at 11AM and be prepared to wait in line until 1PM! My best friend and I stood in the sun and questioned our sanity a few times but finally making it into the boarding style dining room to a table filled with every southern comfort dish you could imagine! Sweet tea and place settings were out, we took a seat said grace with a group of strangers and immediately asked to pass the mac n cheese, fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and more all around the table. You name it, they had it! And then they had the nerve to bring out dessert... Peach cobbler and banana pudding! We all looked around the table, smiled and parted ways a very happy group. Absolutely worth the wait! PS It's CASH ONLY!
(5)Tom D.
There really isn't anything to say that hasn't been said about Mrs Wilkes. The wait is the only negative, but suck it up and get in there, you will not regret it! If you think you like fried chicken, your gonna love this.
(5)Jennifer D.
One of the best meals we had, define tally a must go. Loved the family seating and the people we met. The food was great, every dish.
(5)Tracy E.
Love it! Expect to wait approximately 1 hour, but it's completely worth it. They serve you family style at the table and you sit with a crowd of strangers and friends alike. Best authentic Southern cooking in Savannah. Perfect for visiting family, or if you are touring Savannah and want an authentic experience. Locals and tourists both frequent this place.
(5)Lucas R.
Tourist Trap! Do not buy the hype! We got there at 1100 and stood at the back of the 1.5 hour wait line, as expected. My uncle and I took turns drifting through the crowd chatting w/ folks and we found only ONE person who had been there before! That's the big warning folks; when you have 125 people in line and less than 10% are repeat customers.... buyer beware. Service was great, food was about average southern food. 1.5 hour wait and $20 price tag make this meal a 1 or 2 star meal. The best thing I can say about the food is that it is superfluous. There were about 20+ bowls of sides at the table, most of which was unimpressive. The only thing I thought was better than your average southern food was they called "filling". But the main staples- yams, collard greens, biscuits, fried chicken, green beans, corn, etc. were MEH.
(2)Joanna Y.
My only comment is 24 dishes on the table, each one tasting like it came from a loving grandma's kitchen,, I don't know how they do it. as for long waits.. we visited in December... arrived about 1 pm. and there was no line, and about 10 minutes wait for a table of 8 to fill. even at that time everything was piping hot, fresh, and appetizing and DELICIOUS!!!!! Mrs Wilkes granddaughter was our very gracious host, and she appeared to be loving what she was doing. This is an experience you should not miss, even if you have to wait.
(5)Anthony R.
This place was awesome! There was so much to choose from. Every item was cooked to perfection. The fried chicken is some of the best the best I've ever eaten!
(5)Bianca D.
Where's the 6th star? This place definitely deserves it. Started off my trip in Savannah before making the drive over to Atlanta the next day. Had a few hours to roam around downtown by myself and I knew those few hours would be solely dedicated to Mrs. Wilkes and eating incredibly too much before our drive. Showed up at 10 to beat the masses and there was already about 15 people forming a line in front of the tiny hidden building. Glad I came early... (make sure you also bring change for the meters) I thought it would be a little awkward waiting in a huge line for an hour around groups of people when I was by myself but it wasn't at all. Everyone was very nice and interested in hearing about the mystery land of California. Southern hospitality definitely shined. The clock struck 11 and the first of us were let in. Bowls of food already waiting on the large round tables that fit 9 people each. We sat down and started passing the food around. There was about 20 or so bowls of different food... Fried chicken, bbq pork, beef stew, rice, gravy, black eyed peas, greens, candied yams, mac n cheese, creamed corn, cabbage, rutabaga, lima beans, dressing, pasta with peas, corn bread, biscuits, baked beans, potato salad, can't think of what else, and then banana pudding to finish it off. Here's for the highlights. The fried chicken...best fried chicken I've EVER had. Ever. Great crunch on the outside with amazing juicy meat. BBQ pork was one of my favorite things on the table. Great flavor with the tangy flavor and savoriness that I like. Candied yams were nice and sweet without tasting more like a sweet potato pie than a dinner side. Raisins were a nice touch too. Greens reminded me of my mom's...made with love, ham hocks or bacon without being too salty or vinegary. Banana pudding was amazing and the PERFECT way to end a meal and start my trip in Georgia. Glad I got to visit this great place, sad that I will most likely never get to eat there again.
(5)Mo H.
This was my husband's pick, as I had never heard of it. He stayed in line while I took the Trolley around with our 1.5 year old son. I was a bit nervous about taking him there, but as I walked in a bit late (after our table was seated and sides were passed) there was a highchair waiting. I plopped him in it and let him start on some mac n cheese. I started piling my plate up and tried just about every side. I ate 4, count that FOUR pieces of the most delicious fried chicken that has ever met my lips. I generally don't eat that much, but I had skipped breakfast in anticipation. I think my favorite sides were the okra and stewed tomatoes, the mac and cheese and the fava beans. It's hard to pick though, everything was delicious and my husband said definitely worth the wait!
(4)Stephanie S.
OMG. At 10:30 am (place doesn't open until 11) there was approximately 70 people in line. Hot, humid day & no one was getting out of line. It was WORTH the wait. Once you are in the restaurant you are seated at a table of 10 & with strangers that become friends over a meal. There are approximately 15-20 side dishes plus your fried chicken & two other meats. What can I say other than this was the best fried chicken I have ever had. This was echoed from each person around the table & I wish I could have taken a doggie bag home. The side dishes depending on what you like - there is something for everyone. Desserts you have two choices & they are small servings but you don't need much because you are so full from the lunch. The place is clean, folks are real nice & the price is perfect!
(5)Natasha U.
Where do I begin??! The wait: TOTALLY WORTH IT! Now, they are are only open for 3 hours according to their website and what's posted on the sign (11am-2pm) but if you stand in line before 2pm or close to it, you will get seated, so don't fret! They will not turn you away. We got there around 12:30 and got seated around 2:10. That's enough time to wait and garner up an appetite. You will need to come here extremely hungry. BE PREPARED! As soon as you walk in, the food is already on the table and ready to be eaten! Service: Very friendly and down home. Just like I expected. Everything was on point and super cool. As soon as a bowl was empty, they came back and asked if wanted more food. Unbelievable. Price: $16..what? Okay, based on the amount of dishes we had plus sweet tea, that comes out to less than a dollar per item...that's right, less than a dollar per item for all you can eat of some of the most amazing soul food ever! There were over 22 items on the table. Now that is a steal. I didn't even have enough room to try each of them! THE FOOD: In the famous words of Usher...OMG!!! Talk about a belly busting meal. The fried chicken was fried to golden perfection with just the right amount of seasonings, the collard greens, the sweet potatoes, the mac and cheese, cornbread, black-eyed peas...it just goes on and on and on and you don't stop. Wow! Just about the best damn soul food you will ever have. If you ever find yourself in Savannah, GA..this is a MUST SEE, MUST EAT, MUST GORGE YOURSELF place to eat. Skip Paula Deen's Lady and Sons..seriously there is no competition here.
(5)Fabian W.
The wait is horrible but the food is magnificent. The family style serving added to the overall experience. But that damn wait, almost 2 hours outside was rough..... Oh, cash or check. Yup, I said check. No credit cards at this spot. But I'll be back on my next trip to Savannah.
(5)Shiyana V.
Mrs. Wilkes' = never-ending delicious home-cooked southern food, served up to your communal table of 10 for just $18 per person (no credit cards accepted). We left Mrs Wilkes' Dining Room completely satiated. It was totally worth the hour-plus line in somewhat chilly weather, and all the calories that I definitely put on at the dining table (especially after that 3rd piece of fried chicken!). About 23 dishes were served up to our table. Proteins included fried chicken (just perfectly crispy, not overly breaded, tender,...), beef stew, bbq pulled pork. Plus there were plenty of veggies - corn bread stuffing (amazing flavor), black-eyed peas, collard greens, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, creamed corn, rutabaga, dirty rice, I could keep going - but I lost track. I wouldn't bother saving room for dessert, have another piece of fried chicken instead. They offered us banana pudding or blueberry cobbler - definitely not the stars of the meal, perhaps a distant third cousin. Hence my four star rating rather than five. Get there early as the doors open at 11am and the line seems to start forming just before 10am. Apparently if you know them, you get to sneak in the back door, which means that the line might look a bit deceptive - although I can't believe that too many do that regularly. For two non-southerners - this was a great opportunity to taste real down-home cooking - without any of the modernizing that happens in so many other places. Wish I could have Thanksgiving with the Wilkes family someday!
(4)Lisa L.
Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room was one of the restaurants recommended by our hotel during our stay in Savannah last month. There were about twenty people ahead of us in line as we waited approximately 45 minutes outside on a hot, muggy day in July. They seat eight to ten people per table. You enter as a group and you leave as a group. We were seated with three other couples and everyone seemed to enjoy their meal. It reminded me of Sunday dinners at my grandparents home when I was a child. The first ten minutes were spent passing all the food around. The food was lightly seasoned, not overly salty or too buttery. It appeared the mashed potatoes won the "best dish" award at our table. The cabbage was my favorite. Although I did not partake of the fried chicken, those that did commented it was good. You have a choice of two desserts, and it was at this time that our table began lightening up and engaging more in conversation. One couple was from Atlanta, near my hometown, and the other two couples were from my son's alma mater, the University of Louisville. Small world. All in all, it was a nice meal and we enjoyed the fellowship around the table. If you've got the time, Mrs. Wilkes' definitely has the food!
(4)Zayla D.
Best ever. Totally worth the wait in line. Literally the best soul food experience that we've ever had. Family style dinner, meet new people, eat great food. EAT HERE!
(5)Michelle J.
We were lucky to be near the front of the line when we came, so our wait wasn't too late. The experience overall was good. I enjoyed the family style dining. The meal was delicious. The amount of side dishes was astounding, and all of them were good. The biscuits and dessert were my favorite. If you're looking for good home-cooked southern food, this is the place. However, for the price tag I would probably prefer to eat my grandma's cooking. It tastes just as good.
(4)Jim F.
We arrived in Savannah late afternoon and made our way to Mrs. Wilkes' first thing. We waited only 1/2 hour to be seated with several other smaller groups. I have to say we were slightly disappointed. We had tried a similar place in Nashville the year before and it was fantastic, so perhaps our expectations were too high. Some of the sides were not very hot, and the mains, although tasty, were not near the "best ever" category. And we thought the service was a bit detached. I probably would not go back, but it is certainly a "must do" your first time in Savannah.
(3)Colleen M.
So you and your sweetheart came to Savannah on vacation, making reservations at Lady and Sons for an authentic low country meal. Well, bless your heart. Now, call and cancel those reservations. Then make your way to Jones Street around 11:00 for lunch at Mrs Wilkes. On my first trip to Savannah, my now husband picked me up from the airport and - no joke - drove me straight to Mrs Wilkes. There is no better introduction to Savannah. Our family insists on a trip to Mrs Wilkes on every trip. The food is hot, delicious and made by human hands. There is always almost always just a little too much of it and you never manage to restrain yourself. Be prepared to stand in line to wait. It's just how Mrs Wilkes is. Food is family style and tables hold ten or twelve people. You will end up sitting with strangers and the smaller your group, the sooner you will eat. There is no lingering and Savannah locals hint that the dessert is mediocre to encourage you to move on out and let the next dozen in. It's cash only, so come prepared. There aren't any ATMs nearby. But don't worry -- the food's already been blessed.
(5)Tanya G.
Advertised as one of the "Thousand places to visit before I die", I did not want to miss out and have this regret over my head on my deathbed. There is so much history in Savannah and Mrs. Wilke's is definitely an important chapter in the book. A former boarding school, you can just imagine what it would feel like to be a student in the school. We were seated at a large table with other travelers, forced to greet and meet but the awkward forced conversation did not last long. On comes the parade of F-O-O-D!!! It was a blur of awesome fried chicken, side dishes and sweet tea. Mmmmmm mmmmmm mmmmmmm Now conversation was easy flowing as you ask your neighbors to pass the green beans or tell them to try the candied yams. Food is always a better conversation piece than "where are you from", "how long are you in town for". I don't really care to know. I do care that you share your food with me, yes please don't hog the mac and cheese!!! What?!? I said please :-) All you can stuff your face, Mrs. Wilke's make sure you are happily full and satisfied. Yes ma'am!! As a souvenir, I bought her cookbook. . . We won't get into how my food turned out using her instructions. . . :-P I am happy with no regrets, can't really ask for more.
(5)Jessie C.
Being a tourist, I was told the best Southern food was at Mrs. Wilkes'. So off I went on a 6 block trek to this place. To my dismay, there was already a long line up by 11:15am. Waited over one hour for what I hoped to be worth the wait, and got to jump the line as a 1-person party. I was then informed to follow a group of people walking in, so confused, off I went. At the next room, there was just one big table available. Well, this was awkward, I didn't see any tables for a single person but was promptly told to sit down in their lilting southern accents. Who was I to argue? There was food on the table. Alright, table for 10 and about 4 different parties of people. The food was already laid out family style, so introductions were quick and off we started rotating the endless bowls of food. I wasn't sure what some of the stuff was, but my table was super friendly and loved introducing me to "their" food. Black eyed peas, some other beans, collard greens, mashed potatoes, biscuits, cornbread, fried chicken, and tons more dishes. The peas were perfectly firm and tasty, the fried chicken was to die for. Not too oily yet crispy and oh just so tender and moist. The collard greens were very delicious and the mashed potatoes were like clouds of buttery, savory creaminess. The cornbread was not the sweet type and the macaroni salad was tangy, creamy and the noodles were firm. By the time we had all had our fill and had started to slow down, one of the guys picked up what looked to me like maple syrup (I am, afterall, Canadian!!). But they mentioned it was something else, like treacle or sorghum. I dripped it on my biscuit like they suggested, with the warning that not everyone could "take to it" on their first time. Oh.My.God. I swear there were fireworks going off in my head. My tastebuds were rejoicing for this amazing, delicious goodness. The fluffy, butter biscuit became merely a vehicle for this sticky goodness that I had just discovered. After I recovered from that amazing meal, we were told to bring our dishes to the kitchen. Well then, this truly was family style dining and I had just adopted a few Floridians, a couple Nova Scotians and a pair of Kentucky-ites (?). On my way to pay I discovered the Mrs. Wilkes' cook book. Snapped that up real quick and on my way out, I felt so satiated that I felt like telling everyone still in the lineup (which had greatly elongated since the beginning of my journey) that the wait was SO WORTH IT!!! Keeping my big mouth in check, I walked quietly by with a big smile on my face. Upon my return to Canada, I told all my friends about this amazing experience, and sure enough, as quickly as I snatched up that cook book, it left my hands even quicker to make their rounds through my dear dear friends. I will definitely think about this place often and wonder when my next travel to the southern state will be.
(5)Jerry W.
As a true Savannah local, (my family came to Savannah in 1788) I can tell you that this is one of the most incredible, consistent, delicious and authentic dining experiences I have ever had anywhere in the world. I am a confessed foodie and have travelled worldwide. This place is the real thing. The line is there for a reason: fantastic food and service at a great price. If you come to Savannah and do not eat here, you missed out! I eat here once every 2 weeks just to get my fix!
(5)Nekiba M.
It is worth the wait, my mother and I went back the following day. Some people complain about being rushed but I didn't feel like that at all. The key is to get there early. I was warned by the tour guy, the place opens at 11am but get there no later than 10:15. We got there at 10:30 and the line was already down the block. Took the guys advice the following day arriving at 9:47 and was the first in line. Now back to the food, did I saw how really good the food is. The restaurant is family style southern food seating at a table with complete strangers. When you walk in the food is already set up, all that was left was say our blessing and dig in. The main course was fried chicken, pot roast, and barbeque pork. The barbeque pork was okay but the fried chicken and pot roast was the best. The sides didn't disappoint either. The standouts were the beets, collard greens, and rutabeggas. You this is the place to go when locals are willing to stay in the long line with tourist. The second best part was talking with the people at the table. Great food and great company is a good combination which Mrs. WILKES has.
(5)Robyn M.
So my husband ate here on our recent visit to Savannah. I had read the great reviews and the locals could not stop telling us how yummy everything was here. Well....we waited in line here for lunch for 1 and 1/2 hours with nothing to drink and no place to sit. When you finally reach the door you are sat at a table with complete strangers. The food is already there on the table and it is passed like you would at a "family" dinner around the table (I think I mentioned you eat with strangers). The staff didn't offer any explanation for the food on the table, so I had some fun explaining it to the other folks being a southern gal and all (you can take the girl out of the south, but not the southern out of the gal). We sat with one family from up state New York, a newly wed couple from up state New York, and a couple from Arizona. I really enjoyed explaining to everyone that the stewed okra was not jalapenos. LOL! Now the food. The chicken was not good. The cabbage had sugar in it - who does that! The lima beans and creamed corn were okay. The biscuits were sad. The black eye peas were cooked to death and in their own rue. The greens, although cooked to the correct consistency, had enough salt to kill anyone with one bite. There were many dishes my husband and I didn't try, just because they didn't look right. We will never go back and recommend everyone considering this place to go to Lady and Sons. Southern cooking can be bad for your health, and this place defines just how bad. Don't get me wrong, I am not saying Lady and Sons is healthily food, but it is yummy. Southern cooking doesn't have to be bad for you. The deserts were peach cobbler (which was a high point for me) YUMMY! and nasty banana puddin' (my favorite on a regular day). After clearing my own plate, we got to pay cash for this lovely meal ("no plastic accepted"). Please don't waste you time with this place.
(1)Dillon C.
Amazing food, plenty to eat, great service. Be prepared for the long wait but it is definitely worth it. Keep in mind that it is a communal table with bowls full of food set at the table as soon as you are seated. They bring refills of food and drinks if needed and a choice of 3 small desert plates are offered after the meal. Be sure to try a little of everything because it is all great. Way better food than Lady and Sons, the fried chicken was on another level. REMEMBER that it is cash only, and be sure to arrive early to ensure that you get through the long line.
(5)Doug H.
Great food and service when you get inside - but you need a better system for waiting in line. It is in-human to make people stand 2-3 hours in a line to eat. The original Mrs. Wilkes ran the boarding house and restaurant for decades and worked there until her death in the 90's at age 95, but now that the management has passed through the family the customer service is less. I think the great-grandson runs it now, and they have all of the customers they can handle, but you should consider your customers and have a call-ahead system or something that acknowledges the concern that the founder had for her customers. Why not return to earlier opening and later closing since they don't open on weekends. Staying open until 3:00 pm will prevent people from feeling they have to be there at 11:00 am just to get served. I know that a different waiting system is in place for locals and tour groups, but at least provide some relief for those who must stand for 2-3 hours.
(4)Jeff C.
The food here is good, some of it very good. But for me, it didn't live up to the hype that everyone seems to give it! The major problem being that you don't really enjoy your dining experience. After waiting on the long line out front, you're seated with other folks and inundated with the food, then after you finally get done passing all the plates and filling yours, you get a VERY definite rushed feeling! Not everyone at our table was done eating, when they started clearing all the tables and serving dessert, then informed everyone of the policy to bus your own plates. Another very big hint to finish up!!! So, although the food was good, the overall experience was a disappointment!
(3)Girl B.
I'm not a fan of Southern cooking. I tried it, I disliked it. Hell, I'd go so far as to say I HATE SOUTHERN COOKING. Fried tomatoes, collared greens, wtf? Mrs Wilkes did NOT change my mind but I have to say, it was an awesome experience because for $20 per person, you sit at a table for 10 and are introduced to more than 20 traditional, home-cooked southern dishes. There is nothing to order. Perfect introduction to southern food. So altho I hate Southern food, I can still appreciate an establishment's efforts and inventiveness. I couldn't just give every southern restaurant a bad review because their style doesn't gel with mine. It's like hating Chinese food and then going to China and giving every chinese restaurant over there one star only. Huh?? Anyway, worth a visit.
(4)Tramaine W.
Definitely lived up to the hype, it was everything I was expecting. For $18(cash or check) you get a drink and a table full of at least 15 food options. Not all the items are great but when you have that many options you'll leave satisfied. My favorites were the BBQ pork, sweet potato casserole, fried chicken, and mashed potatoes. My least favorite was the collard greens, it tasted like old frying grease. I also didn't care much for the cabbage, dumplings and cornbread. All in all I would go back in a heartbeat and it's a must when visiting savannah.
(4)Demetria M.
This place is all that the other reviews say it is, I'm just adding my 2 cents. The food is already on the table when you're seated except for the fried chicken and biscuits, which both come out nice and hot within minutes of being seated. If you get there early enough, there is meter parking on both sides of the street so I went ahead and stood in line but didn't put any money in the meter until about 10 minutes before the restaurant was opening. I was about the 10th person in line and they let about 60 people in at the opening of 11am. Don't put alot of time on the meter because they start cleaning your table off after about 30-35 minutes but don't worry, you will be good and full by that time. I got there around 9:50 and there were already 2 people in line. Everything was delish, but I didn't care for the stew beef, it wasn't seasoned right or something. Definitely worth the wait!
(5)Mike W.
Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room had been highly recommended by several folks upon our arrival during our recent visit to Savannah. So, we ate at the Dining Room on our second night. Our wait in line outside the Dining Room was slightly over an hour, which was OK since the weather was nice. Once inside we were seated with the people that had been in line near us, at a table with the numerous bowls of food already present. Serve yourself family style. The staff didn't offer any explanation for the food on the table unless asked. A lot of food! The chicken, black eyed peas, sweet potatos, and pork were all good. Collard greens, cabbage, and other dishes were generally OK. The biscuits and corn bread weren't so great. Overall, the food was good but not exceptional. However, Mrs. Wilkes' is an Interesting and fun dining experience if you are open to talking to and dining with strangers in a "boarding house" atmosphere. Avoid if you aren't open to this.
(4)Alex H.
I waited in line for 45 minutes on a muggy Monday, and every 10 minutes or so I wondered to myself whether or not this was really worth the hassle. Maybe it's a tourist trap. Maybe it's all nostalgia hype. Then we made it inside. I'm so glad I trusted in my fellow Yelpers. This place deserves a special spot in my heart as my 100th review. You get seated at a table that holds 10 and it's loaded up with a handful of meat dishes, a plate full of biscuits and muffins, and somewhere around twenty or more sides. If you hit the bottom of anything, they bring you more. The fried chicken is as good as advertised. Be advised, this establishment is CASH ONLY, so if you want a t-shirt or a cook book, make sure you take extra.
(5)Eilleen B.
Came to Savannah with best friend's family. Was really looking for authentic southern food and boy was this it!!! I really love fried chicken and I have to say this was the best fried chicken I've ever had. Get in line early by 10:30am. There is some shopping around. Only same is some of the food was thrown out. But a definite must do in Savannah! Can't wait to go back!
(5)Michelle P.
Worth the very long, very hot, wait. Good ole southern food served family style. We loved meeting other tourists & some a couple of locals while we shared a table and wonderful meal!
(4)Marcela H.
If food is anywhere near as good as this in heaven, may I be struck down this very second! I was on a cross country road trip with a friend and we initially had plans on going to Paula Deen's restaurant but thanks to fellow Yelpers, we were steered straight into Mrs. Wilke's Dining Room. When we arrived we were greeted with a line out the door. Being an avid Yelper, I have conditioned myself to expect and appreciate long lines for that means that what awaits inside is well worth the effort. But never have I stood in line with a crowd full of like minded determined individuals that even your heaviest most unexpected rain didn't change our plans. Sure some of the elders sought refuge under nearby awnings but only if they had someone in their party willing to brunt the rain. Once inside I was pleasantly surprised to see that it was family style type dining. I guess the name should have tipped me off - Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room - but the LA native in me had already written off the name as a marketing ploy. Twelve of us were seated together in a massive dining room table. There was a total of 4 tables in the front room and probably another 3 or 4 in the back room. There were no menus and no waitresses. Once we arrived at our seat cold and soaked from the heavens, we were greeted with a spread of food that made you want to say grace even if you've never been religious a day in your life. There was a platter of fried chicken surrounded by bowls full of mashed potatoes, gravy, greens, cream of corn, mac & cheese, black beans, yams.. MY GOD the yams and a whole lot more that I need to stop naming because I am tempted to drive to Savannah tonight. In short, this place is definitely worth the effort. And if food isn't THIS good in heaven, may I at least get a 7 hour warning so that I may hop on a plane and end this the right way. Peace, love and good ol' fashioned southern home cookin'!
(5)Derek L.
My girlfriend and I decided to try this place because it was listed as one of the best places to eat in Savannah. I was very impressed. Savannah as many of you may know its an older town so they keep their tradition. This place is a house with 4 tables in it. We went on a Thursday and we had to wait outside at 9:30am even though this place was opened at 11am. Trust me its worth the wait. This place has a great environment. You don't just sit with you and your date. Its a round table and you are seated with other customers. The food was amazing, they had beans ( I hate beans) but these beans were great. The beef stew was WONDERFUL. The beef was cooked just right. It was very tender and melt in your mouth. The corn bread is so delicious it makes you want to slap somebody. Now the mash potatoes great cook correctly and has a perfect blend of potato and milk used. On top of that, the people you meet are very nice and easy going. We ran into this couple we sat with about 4 times during our walk at riverboat street. One of the nicest couples ever! You never know who you are going to meet. AGAIN GREAT FOOD GREAT PEOPLE AND GREAT ENVIRONMENT a MUST GO PLACE IN SAVANNAH!
(5)Tiffany M.
We were not planning on eating at Mrs. Wilkes' but everyone we encountered told us "y'all got to eat there before leaving Savannah." I really didn't think it would be worth the wait and I really am not one to go for quantity, but instead prefer quality. And really, who wants to wait outside in line for an hour for a meal? I do now and am now a full blown Mrs. Wilke's convert. All the dishes were very good, the collards which I had thirds, were awesome. We were served so many dishes, that I wish that they would have identified them as they brought them to the table because some guests sitting at our table kept asking the rest of us what they were - one of the disadvantages of dining family style. The desserts were okay, but not great. I originally ordered the peach cobbler, but it was so bad I asked for the banana pudding instead. I bought the cookbook as a souvenir but after perusing the recipes, many of them included Cambell's soup and were from the original printing from the 70's which I'm sure are not the recipes they currently use. So save yourself the $18 and look online for the recipes.
(4)Gibson J.
Great food. Great service
(5)Richard B.
I don't know of a better place to taste the wonderful tradition of Southern Soul Food. While the platter of chicken is tempting, I actually love what they do with the sides. Veggies have never been made so noble--I had six or seven kinds my last visit. BTW: the sweet "oss" tea is a tad too sweet, so stick with the plain Jane version. The long lines here speak volumes; a landmark.
(5)Miriam P.
Whenever my family and I visit Savannah we make sure we have time to eat lunch at Mrs. Wilkes. We have eaten there at least 3-4 times and each time was well worth it. Don't eat breakfast before going because you will be stuffed. We typically arrive around 11 am and get in by about noon. You will get your money's worth! Excellent family style southern food. Just like my Nana used to make.
(5)Michele S.
Outstanding. We were here maybe 7 years ago and kept dreaming of going back. We finally went today and were not disappointed. Still the sweetest service and real Southern food cooked right. Best of all, there's a little of everything (really, a LOT of everything!)... try it all! If you haven't had rutabagas... or succotash (okra included)... or limas... or black-eyed peas... or the many other side dishes, now's your chance. Everything is delicious. We also enjoy sitting with others at the communal table and meeting new friends. The whole experience is worth the wait. We got there at 10:40am... doors opened at 11... we were seated around 11:45am. While we waited, we brought some cards and played a few rounds of poker. I also walked around the lovely gift shop on the corner (One Fish, Two Fish) while my family waited in line. Bring cash (it's cash only) and quarters (for the meters), get in line... you'll waddle out happy!
(5)Nicole S.
Prior to going to Savannah I hopped on yelp for some ideas about places to go. This had one of the highest ratings so I knew I had to go. Now before I start I should say that this place is CASH ONLY. Yes, I read other reviews stating they dont accept CC's but that fact completly left my mind the moment when it mattered. Considering this place is only open for lunch M-F that resulted in the boyfriend and I going on our last day in Savannah. What a way to end a weekend revolving around food!!!! We waited in line for about a 30min. The line went fairly quickly because they seat you at at table with other people. Upon reaching the door I see the 'cash only' sign. I just about die since we have been waiting and are really hungry. I pop my head in and ask the guy at the register where the closest ATM is so I can run there. Well, the extremely nice guy told me that we could worry about money later since we were next. We were seated with a group on nice people (and one very annoying man). The table is set and there are glasses of sweet tea at every seating. As you as you are seated food starts to come out and cover the entire table. Seriously, there are no room left!! They take orders for unsweetened tea at that point (I proclaimed my love for sweet tea the moment I sat down and everyone started to pass what they did not want to me.. pure heaven) Well, the food here is amazing. In all there were 23 items on the table. Yes, someone counted. It is better than all of your big eatting holidays combined... Easter, the 4th of July, Thanksgiving, and Christmas have nothing on this place! The fried chicken was pretty good (I thought the Lady and Sons was better). What really made the meal was all the sides you passed around to your fellow diners. Well here is a sampling of the items we had: mac and cheese, corn muffins, biscuits, okra, collards, black eyed peas, red beans and rice, mash potatos, cucumber salad, beef stew, snap peas, butter beans, carrot/raisin/pineapple/coconut salad, sweet potatos, and canied yams. After stuffing our selves to eternity the very friendly waitresses brought out banana pudding. Once we were done we waddled our way out to kitchen to drop off our dirty dishes. It was at that time a waddled my way over to an ATM which really was like 3 blocks away. One of the best meals I ever had!
(5)Jeffrey C.
On a whim my fiance and I stopped into Mrs Wilkes, literally hitting a sitting time dead on. As we walked in we immediately knew this was a great choice from the smells alone. The spread of food you're presented with is no less amazing and as you take a bite of each new dish you'll find yourself saying time and again how this is in fact the best food you have ever had. There is little more to say here that could accurately portray the experience of this place, so I will stop here and let the food do the rest.
(5)Joe C.
The fried chicken was good and the overall value of what you get for the 18.00 is a good deal. I give the food 3 1/2 stars but the 90 min wait and the inconvenience of having to constantly pass around bowls to 10 people at the table would frankly keep me from doing it again. It was not worth the hype.
(3)Bobby M.
I'd stand in line for THREE hours to eat here again and I absolutely can't stomach standing in line for even five minutes at my local drug store to purchase necessities! I've never quite had a lunch as filling and delicious as this. Doubt I ever will again. I absolutely love to give bad Yelp reviews and I especially enjoy tearing apart tourist traps and destroying long standing, overrated culinary institutions. While standing in line at Mrs. Wilkes' for 45 minutes, I was even thinking about how much I was going to enjoy placing Mrs. Wilkes' to the top of my 'Most Overrated' list. (I know, I'm a huge bastard and will be burning in hell one day) But, Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room is quite possibly the best meal I've ever had. I'm racking my brain to try and compare and I'm finding great difficulty in doing so. I keep hearing Coach Dennis Green's post game rant when he yells, "They are who we thought they were!" The hype is all real here...trust me! This truly is an unreal and amazing dining experience that Kings and Queens should have their armies fight wars over! (How's that for hype?)
(5)Zoé T.
I'm sorry but I just don't get it. It was good but not wait in line for an hour good. We waited from 11-12:15 and it was really cold so we couldn't wait to get inside. The atmosphere was cute and comfortable and we sat down with a bunch of pleasant strangers. I enjoyed the rutabaga, mac and cheese, banana pudding and sweet tea the most. The fried chicken wasn't better than what you get at publix and nothing blew me away. Salty and fatty in the way that you don't want it, not the kind that's soothing to the soul. I didn't get seconds of anything. I'm glad I had the experience since this place seems to be considered an institution in Savannah. I know my opinion is in the minority but some of the other companions at the table seemed to share my feelings.
(3)Jenn M.
Delicious!! I'm from the south and this is THE BEST southern food! Go closer to closing (my boyfriend and I showed up at 1:45) and were seated within 10 minutes. Worth the wait if there is one... And Mrs. Wilkes is right there looking over everything.
(5)Donna A.
get there early and get in line! One of the best experiences in all of savannah!
(5)Dawn K.
After a punch in the face from Paula Deen the previous day, we decided we redeem ourselves by visiting Mrs. Wilkes. There's already enough reviews to draw from, so I'll keep it short. Things you need to know: - there will be a line - get chummy with the ones in the line, because that's who you're eating with - sample every dish- you'll be surprised at what you like! - cash only - wear your stretchy pants overall, a super unique experience and totally worth the money + time
(5)chrisina b.
The food was delicious, no complaints there. Our waitstaff was friendly. BUT. At the end of the meal the waitress said "normally ya'll walk the dishes the kitchen, but it's OK, I'll do it for you." We said "no, we'll help" (we didn't know that's how it was done, since no one told us otherwise we were just sitting chatting.) She said "No, I'll do, no problem." So we passed the plates she could carry and resumed chatting. About five minutes later a woman, who seemed to be the Head B*tch In Charge, stormed into the dining room and said ''We are CLOSED, the staff wants to go home, ya'll have to bring those dishes (the ones that were left) into the kitchen." So much for Southern Hospitality! Her attitude was completely uncalled for, and soured the whole experience. If anyone from Mrs. Wilkes is reading this, maybe take into consideration that you should TELL people they have to bus their own dishes, and that closed at 2pm doesn't mean they stop serving at 2pm, it means you're literally supposed to be out by 2pm. And if people are still sitting at the table, they're not doing it to be obnoxious, it's just that they weren't told. So loose the crap attitude.
(3)Olivia W.
Mrs. Wilkes is always a pleasure. Even though we waited in line for an hour plus, the food was nothing short of amazing. I left full and satisfied. My picky eater guests were not disappointed either. I would eat there every day, so I went ahead and bought the cookbook sold inside. The setting is a large dining table which will sit approx 10 guests, so be prepared to sit with other parties. Also, you may have to drive around to find a good spot to park since it is off the street parking. Bring your cash, as Mrs. Wilkes is cash only. The first time I went I had to walk to the Hilton to use the ATM. Also, make sure you arrive early since the line starts forming up prior to opening. We go there around 12:00 and didn't eat until 1:30.
(5)Stella P.
Be ready to wait on line but it is well worth it. We did not know what to expect, and we were wowed!! Tables of ten and tons of food! They keep bringing the food out and you keep eating. Fried chicken, biscuits, mashed sweet potatoes, Mac n cheese, beans, rice and so much more!!!! All for a whopping $18!!! Amazing experience and yummy soul food!!! Get on line by 10:15!!
(5)Jaclyn S.
Don't get me wrong, the food at Mrs. Wilkes was good. Certainly worth eating. But worth standing in an hour long line and paying $16 for? I don't know about that. I insisted on going to Mrs. Wilkes after reading all of the rave Yelp reviews and I forced my boyfriend to stand in the hour long line with me while we waited for this promised land. By the time we got to the front of the line we were the last group let into the restaurant. The ladies working in the room were clearly done with their day and were not thrilled to have two more tables to serve. Glasses of (amazing) sweet tea were already waiting at each seat. The waitress came to the table and asked if anyone wanted unsweet tea. My boyfriend did, and she asked him if he had touched the glass of sweet tea at his plate. He had, because he hadn't known it was sweet tea, and when he said yes, she scoffed and jerked the cup away. Awkward. Of course, this place is family style, which I didn't realize meant that we'd be sitting at a round table with eight other people. For some reason I was imagining more of a cafeteria-like setting. Ever the hater of small-talk, my boyfriend was not thrilled to be seated with a group of people we didn't know, but I can hold my own in friendly conversation, so I chatted people up for the both of us. The fried chicken was good, but it didn't blow me away. The biscuits were excellent. The sides were all good, but again, nothing to brag about. I guess the draw here is that this food is literally home-cooking and tastes like it came from your grandmother's kitchen, but for me, the absence of my grandmother's love in the dishes just made the whole meal underwhelming. It's not restaurant-quality food and while I'm okay with small-talk, it IS kind of weird to ask total strangers to pass the mashed potatoes. I hate to interrupt people who are eating. I think that without the long line revving up the anticipation and with friendlier service, we would have been happier with this meal. It was so clear that the serving staff wanted us to hurry up and finish so they could close up that I felt a little uncomfortable. I also got so full because of the richness of the food that I felt like I was trudging through molasses for the rest of the day. It seems odd that they're not open for dinner when people are ready for heavier meals. I don't know, I guess I'm missing the supposed magic of this place. Maybe I don't appreciate it because I'm not a true Southerner (I'm a Floridian) but while the food was all good (no doubt about that) and the sweet tea was the best I had on the whole trip, we wouldn't return for a second go.
(3)Deb S.
Oh My Land... if you don't go anywhere else in Savannah, you must visit Mrs. Wilkes'. The line is long (1-1/2 hours for us) but worth every minute that you wait. Some people even had folding chairs with them for the long wait. Upon your entrance, you will be seated at a table for ten, all of them brand new friends for you. There are about 20 dishes on the table and the passing begins. We sat with a few ladies from Florida who were adorable former Girl Scouts. Oh the veggies, and grits, and fried chicken, and gravy, and rice, and sweet potatoes and on and on. So much delicious-ness I could cry. The desert we were served was a blueberry cobbler or banana pudding. I loved the cobbler. When you're done you'll bus your own table and pay as you exit. Bring CASH!! And meet some new friends in line too. It's a blast, and we will be back.
(5)Tina K.
Mrs Wilkes is definitely worth the wait! Best fried chicken I've ever had. If you go away hungry, that's your fault.
(5)Jamie L.
We were told by our hotel concierge that "Lady and Sons is where the Tourists go, the Locals go to Mrs. Wilkes!" With an intro like that, how could we not head over and join the line at the door? It's always an interesting experience. The line forms down the cobblestone sidewalk before Mrs. Wilkes doors open at 11am. You'll find yourself chatting with locals and tourists, sharing stories and tips, and then sitting with those same people at the Family Style round tables once you (finally) get inside. And, OHHHHHH.... what's inside. Iced glasses of sweet tea, steaming bowls of southern goodness waiting for you at the table, with more to come. Sit down, put your napkin on your lap, and prepare to EAT. No, really. You don't know the definition of the word "Eat" until you've done so at Mrs. Wilkes. The table is jam-packed with Southern staples. Boiled, buttered Green Cabbage (heaven). Black eyed peas, studded with smoky ham. Spicy Red rice. Creamy Potato Salad. Mac 'N Cheese. Corn Bread. Sweet squash. Cole Slaw. Rutabaga (ew.) Sugar-Snap Peas. Biscuits. Sauteed Okra and Tomatoes (omg.) Potatoes, both Mashed and Sweet (yams. glazed. yum.) Mahogany gravy. Peas and Egg Noodles. Collard Greens (divine.) And the meats? Mrs. Wilkes is famous for her Fried Chicken, which is passed fresh from the kitchen throughout your meal. My favorite were actually the sliced sausages, savory, sweet, and spicy all at once. You'll also find Beef Stew and Meat Loaf, depending on which day you visit. For dessert, it's Banana Pudding, and it's perfect. You finish your meal by bringing your plates to the kitchen, in the Old Tradition of Southern Boarding Houses. You pay the gentleman at the cash register in the store, where you can also buy cookbooks featuring Mrs Wilkes' recipes, olde-style post cards, tee shirts, and other knicknacks. The cost currently is $16, half price for children. It's well worth it. You're experiencing Southern History, in one of the South's most historic cities, and eating true Southern Cuisine. Mrs. Wilkes' has kept us coming back. Every time we're in Georgia on 1-95, we'll detour to Savannah just for lunch there.
(5)Lindsey D.
I live one street away from Mrs. Wilkes and honestly, I have never left there feeling like I am physically capable of doing anything, because there was no possible way I could stop myself from eating all of the delicious food laid out in front of me. My roommates and I prepare for this epic meal (which happens whenever someone comes to visit us) in advance. Home cooked food waiting on your table as you are seated, so many dishes it's hard to try everything. And only $16 for everything including tea and dessert? Win. The only thing I can complain about is that you feel a bit rushed. They really try to keep the huge line outside moving by getting in and out which I can understand, but god forbid everyone else at your table is done, you better be too! A must-visit if you are in Savannah, IF you are up for a 30min-1 hour wait outside, (which is usually beautiful) definitely worth the time.
(4)Jenny T.
Yes, the line is really long (we waited over an hour). But the funny thing is that it doesn't matter. Once you step foot inside, the food is so abundant and mouth-wateringly delicious that you will forget how long you stood outside. I came with my friend K, my aunt, and my two little cousins. For some reason, they didn't have any smaller groups to seat us with so we got the ENTIRE TABLE to ourselves. A table meant for 10 given to 3 adults and 2 kids. And I swear, I only ate like half the food. OMG I'm kidding. There is no way anyone could eat that much food. The way it works is that they seat you family-style with other groups and they start bringing out an endless supply of deliciousness. They actually bring you like every type of southern food you might possibly want. And they're all really really good. Since each person is the same price ($16), it might be a little pricey if you want to bring kids... although, my 7 year old cousin did eat 4 pieces of fried chicken. (She also said it was the best fried chicken she's ever had.) Long story short: Long wait. COMPLETELY worth it. Bring me with you next time you go. :)
(5)Brian M.
My wife and I visited Savannah (from Chicago) for three days this week and Mrs. Wilkes came highly recommended. We decided to go on Friday. After reading so many great reviews and tips, we knew we had to leave early to have a chance to get in. We arrived an hour before doors opened and were #75 & 76 in line (yes - many people counted throughout the wait). There are only eight tables that seat eight to ten people, so we knew we were in for a wait. After two hours, we finally made it in...and we were not disappointed! We were joined by another couple from Orlando, FL and four locals who raved about the food. As we sat down, there were 26 dishes waiting for us. I was in food heaven! My favorites were the fried chicken, cabbage, collard greens and sweet potatoes...but everything was great. I also LOVED that you eat family style and talk to new people, and that after finishing you take your dishes up to a washer. Could not rate this any higher...an incredible experience!
(5)Byron K.
I love this place. This is by far the best soul food that I've had while in Savannah. I stress that I've had because there may be other places around that are just as good, but this place is awesome. It reminds me of my grandmother's food on Sundays before our trip back home to Atlanta. There is almost always a long line so its best to get there before they open. They are only open for like 3-4 hours a day if I am not mistaken. Double check the website to make sure and whatever time they open, you should get there at least 20 minutes prior. The dining is family style so you are sitting with your family/friends and asking the people next to you to pass this or that. Not to worry though, because depending on how long you were in line, you have probably already made friends with them anyway. It's the closest thing to Thanksgiving you will have outside of November. Chicken, beef, dressing, fried corn, collard greens, macaroni & cheese, string beans, etc. etc. etc. etc. I plan to go in June when I return to pick up my son for graduation. My only gripe would be the dessert, which is a bit small, but after stuffing myself with all that food and sweet tea, its hard to complain about only getting a little dessert that I don't need anyway. No disrespect to Paula Dean, but I think this is much better than her restaurant. REMEMBER THAT IT'S CASH ONLY.........
(5)Todd M.
It seems that "famous" restaurants often disappoint, and Mrs. Wilkes has been a legendary Savannah institution for many decades. I was, therefore, a bit guarded as I entered Mrs. Wilkes' humble basement door. However, I can honestly report that Mrs. Wilkes' reputation is deserved. Sitting down at a table laden with fried chicken, beef stew, BBQ pork loin, mac and cheese, cornbread stuffing, green beans, lima beans, blackeyed peas, rice (red and plain), stewed squash, succotash, scalloped potatoes, rutabagas, cucumber salad, brown gravy, cornbread and biscuits, my eyes widened like a child on Christmas morning! The fried chicken, lightly seasoned, reminded me of my mother's and grandmother's fried chicken - perfectly cooked with crispy skin, and non-greasy. The BBQ pork loin, with a flavorful but non-spicy tomato-based sauce, was a "stand-out" as well. Unfortunately, the hearty beef stew had been oversalted, but was still very tender with a rich, beefy flavor. Of the side dishes, the mac and cheese, succotash, and red rice were true stars; the mac and cheese was creamy without being greasy or heavy, while the succotash was delicately cooked and seasoned to perfection (a bit sweet with minimal herbs). The red rice, cooked with peppers, onions, and a bit of sausage, exploded flavors in my mouth and brought a smile to my face. Despite the fact that the offerings were heavy, "country" foods, I didn't feel uncomfortable after my meal, as I did after the meal at Paula Deen's restaurant. The only criticism I can muster of Mrs. Wilkes' Boarding House is the somewhat frenzied atmosphere. From the time you sit down, servers are whizzing by you, carrying refills and pushing carts for setting up other tables (don't sit next to the aisle, as I did); in addition, the serving bowls were entirely too small for "popular" dishes to make it around the table on the first round. The servers tended to be somewhat curt as well; they seemed overwhelmed, and will bark at customers! You don't get to linger over your meal: the moment you slow down, along comes the dessert tray with the server bellowing, "ONE per customer...When you are through, take your plate, dessert bowl, and tea glass to the kitchen, thank you!!" You really come to understand that you are expected to get in, eat, and get out - not the best Southern hospitality, I'd say. Despite these weaknesses, the quality and taste of Mrs. Wilkes' food makes up for the lack of atmosphere. It is certainly worth the wait in line!
(4)Stephanie C.
We were shopping in downtown Savannah when a very helpful store associate named LuLu led us to Ms. Wilkes for lunch calling it "Savannah's best kept secret". We walked a few blocks, enjoying the scenery, and finally found ourselves outside of Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room. I'm not quite sure how much of a "secret" Mrs. Wilkes is, as there was a line wrapping around the corner of the street, but it was most definitely worth the wait! According to the locals it is only open for lunch 11-2, so it would be a good idea to get into the line as early as possible! Also, the restaurant is cash only, $16 per person for all you can eat. While standing in line, someone told me that the restaurant was so good that it would make me want to "slap my momma when I get home because she can't cook as well as Ms. Wilkes". I'm not one for violence, and if I ever tried to slap my momma I'd might as well dig my own grave, but it was probably one of the most fantastic meals I have eaten and I plan on visiting Savannah several more times just to experience Ms. Wilkes again. There were 23 dishes total, including fried chicken, BBQ, beef stew, and just about every side dish one can imagine. Everything tasted just like Grandma made it herself, I was shocked that not a single item needed additional seasoning. It was also nice to spend a meal meeting new people, forming a little family of tourists and locals alike! The setting reminds you of a family thanksgiving with photos on the walls and modest serving dishes. Another thing to note is that the sweet tea was phenomenal, and the service exemplary. All in all, Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room is an invaluable treasure in Savannah! If you go, it's a must!
(5)Pete G.
Best place to eat in Savannah! If your from the north like my wife and I there is no better example of true southern cooking. This place was well worth the hour wait in line. The fried chicken and Mac & cheese was amazing! You must go!
(5)Shirley F.
Wow. Worth the hour wait, being seated with strangers, being served a pre set menu, and having to bus your own plates and glasses. Mrs. Wilkes is about Southern Comfort Food. You will be served large amounts of fried chicken, mashed sweet potatoes, black eyed peas, collard greens, sweet ice tea, biscuits, pot roast, banana pudding, cornbread, all the classic Southern dishes. The fried chicken sets the standard for all other fried chicken. Usually I would avoid touristy venues, but Mrs. Wilkes is a great place to chat with strangers while in line or eating together family style. Friendly people, awesome food.
(5)JENNIFER W.
A must do! How to do it: Show up. Stand in line. Wait (35 minutes on a Thursday at 12:30). Enter and get seated with 8 others. EAT!!!!! The table is already set and filled with fried chicken, sweet tea, biscuits/cornbread, and 15-20 side dishes all served family style when you arrive. This really negates the line outside because you don't have to order or wait for your food. EAT MORE! Then eat dessert! (About 40 minutes of solid eating) Take your dishes to the kitchen. Pay. $18 per person (plus a tip)=$20 per person. CASH ONLY! Leave. NAP! The food was all awesome! I tried many sides that I would have never ordered in a normal restaurant. I understand that they will keep bringing food.....but our table didn't finish anything at the table.
(5)Todd P.
I'm conflicted on how to rate Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room...this is one of the times I wish Yelp allowed for half-star ratings. The reason is that I loved the food, but hated the "set up" which besides the inconvenience of waiting also impacted my meal. Rating the food is easy, as it was all very good. The fried chicken of course was excellent, though we ran out of certain pieces rather quickly and were never offered a fresh dish. Other highlights include the mac and cheese, beef stew, chicken and dumplings, and cucumber salad. The biscuit I had was a little tough, the baked beans were nothing to write home about, and there were some dishes that were virtually untouched by the table such as the okra and tomatoes. All in all though, people counted between twenty and twenty-five different dishes to choose from. Dessert was kind of an after thought, with small portions of banana pudding or blueberry cobbler, but not enough to try both. The inefficiency of the set up though makes it necessary to take a couple of stars off, so much so that I would give 3.5 stars if I could. Everyone knows about the wait, which for us was little over an hour and yet we were only inside for thirty to forty minutes. But the wait negatively affected the meal itself as you are starving by the time you get inside and start gorging yourself, trying to cram everything onto one plate, so you don't really get the chance to savor or actually enjoy what you're eating. You also feel rushed because you know there are other people waiting in the same line you just braved, so you eat too quickly, going from starving to stuffed (if not uncomfortable) in minutes. There is little "instruction" from the staff, in fact we were only asked if anyone wanted unsweetened tea or water. No one asked if we wanted refills of any dishes, explained anything about tipping or when you pay (you pay on your way out and tip at a basket near the register) and we didn't know when/how dessert would come and if we should bus our dishes before while we were waiting for dessert or after. The serving method also was very wasteful. Everything I would have wanted refills on ran out quickly while there were other dishes that were barely touched by our table and I can only assume were thrown out. For instance, our table barely touched the okra and tomatoes, but tore through the mac and cheese and fried chicken, so by the end of the meal some plates/dishes were completely empty while others were pretty much still full. So in the end, while I really enjoyed the food, the "set up" really detracted from it. I can appreciate not wanting to expand too much or to loose your "roots", but there has to be a better way to manage the wait, to "orientate" patrons to how things are run, and manage the food so that people can have plenty of what they want while minimizing the waste of dishes only some people will want. If I could break it out like a Zagat's review into food and service, I would give the food five stars, service three stars. I'd probably go back if I hit it right and there was a minimal wait, but I doubt I would ever wait over an hour again to be rushed through my meal.
(4)John S.
So good. I hated turnip greens until ate them here. There are so many vegetables to choose from, its amazing. It would be 5 stars if you didn't have to share a table with other people. I also wish they had more to drink other than water or sweet tea.
(4)John P.
So far one of the best southern restaurants I've been to. When I got there, there was a line extending two blocks. I was concerned that we won't make it in before they close in the afternoon. However, they were accommodating, and made sure everyone waiting in line was served. The setting is a basement with two large dining rooms each with three large tables. You are expected to eat family style. The price is the same for everyone, and you pay when you leave $16 per person. The Mac and cheese, collards, and wonderful yam. It was fun interacting ith others at the table, since I never been to this kind of dining place where I am from (Seattle). Overall it was a fun dining experience and excellent food.
(5)Rachel M.
Overall one of the best dining experience of my life. It was like Thanksgiving dinner in the south. Everything was so good. We ate with a table full of strangers which is kind of terrifying but everyone was extremely friendly and had wonderful stories to tell. Favorites were the fried chicken, pickled beets, black eyed peas and okra and tomatoes. Go early, about 45-60 minutes before it opens or later past the rush. This is a definite restaurant to hit in Savannah.
(5)Chris T.
I very much enjoyed this place. I agree with previous reviews that if you have had or have access to southern food, this may not yield a rave review, but it definitely was delicious and took me back to my childhood and "Grandma's cookin'." I was not expecting this either, but you bring CASH and CASH only. $16 per head, and you pay on the way out. You wait in line, (GET THERE EARLY and bring an umbrella in case it's sunny) When you get inside, the table is all ready, the food is already there, no ordering, you just pass around the bowls and take what you want. The chicken, blackeyed peas, and biscuits were my favorite. When you have had all you want, you take your plate to the back room and head to the door to pay. The place was worth the wait, especially for those who aren't accustomed to having a good southern meal.
(4)Cecilia A.
Today the wait was 2 hours, and I still think is worth it. We passed the time talking to the other people on line and then finally we get a table... THE FOOD!!! Amazing as always, next time I am in Savana will stand in line again.
(5)Markus S.
Good and generous southern food and reasonably priced!! Two things I like about Mrs. Wilkes Boarding house. Not a fan of waiting for an hour and their limited time to serve. Best time to go there and fall in line is after peak lunch hours when they are about to close to avoid long lines. But that is the way it is, boarding house style!!
(4)Shannon T.
Best Southern Food Ever! Pros: Delicious Southern Food, with a variety of everything to try. Fried Chicken and Sweet Tea were delicious. Huge Family Style Table, so you will be seated with strangers (unless you have a large party of 12 or so). Cons: They are only open on weekdays Monday thru Friday for lunch only 11am to 2pm. This means very long lines to get in, so line up early. The food is well worth it!!
(5)Lindsay L.
Holy. Effing. Cow. We decided not to do Paula Dean and chose Mrs. Wilkes' instead. Definitely the way to go. We got in line around 11am and sat down to eat around 12:30. It's pretty easy to make conversation with the people around you. It's also fun to watch people come out the door looking so stuffed! You do have to wait until the host comes out if you are the front of the line. You can't just walk in and wait. The front door is even locked to prevent this. I can't think of anything I wanted to eat that they didn't have. Fried chicken, mashed potatoes, collard greens, okra, biscuits, mac and cheese, banana pudding, corn muffins...the list goes on. My personal favorites were the mac and cheese (with a perfect texture), stuffing (with hard boiled eggs!), carrot slaw (with huge pineapple chunks and juicy raisins), and the corn muffins (with lots of butter). The sweet tea was also perfect - not overly sweet but not bitter. The service is very friendly, everyone was smiling and thanking us for being there. It just puts you in a good mood and you don't feel like you're in a restaurant. My hints? Don't eat breakfast beforehand. Don't drink a big cup of coffee either. And, be friendly to those around you. This is The South. If you didn't want to wait so long, go eat at Outback. No one wants to listen to you gripe and then pass you the biscuits and gravy!
(5)Ellen E.
Since moving to Savannah two years ago, this is the restaurant I've been wanting to go to the most. It's been difficult because it's only open Monday - Friday from 11 - 2, but the stars finally aligned and we went this week. Since it's the off-season here for tourists, the line wasn't nearly as bad as you normally hear about, so that was a plus. And yes, the food is as good as everyone says. The fried chicken is A-mazing! It will make you forget KFC's extra crispy forever. The barbeque tasted like it had been slowed cooked for hours and was incredibly tender. The mashed sweet potatoes demanded seconds. Just a great Southern meal all around. Plus eating with five people we didn't know before made it fun (there were four of us in our group). The only down sides were the meatloaf (my sister said it was dry), and dessert servings were very small. The offerings the day we were there were cherries jubilee and bananna pudding. I saved room for dessert and would have enjoyed a little bigger serving. One last thing - they don't accept credit cards, only cash or checks. I didn't know this until we just about ready to go in. I went in and asked the gentleman at the cash register where the nearest ATM was (Ameris Bank - 300 Bull Street). He asked if we were getting ready to come in, and when I said yes, he told me I could get the money after we finished eating. When's the last time you heard someone say that?! So, put on your fat pants, go stand in line, and enjoy one the best meals you'll ever have!
(4)Colin A.
This is one of the most unique lunches I've enjoyed since those long ago days on My grandmothers porch. The food is high quality, it's served hot, flavorful, with a southern smile. If you want to sit down with the world and eat the best fried chicken ever, go to Mrs. Wilkes. Every thing about it is honest and true.
(4)Lou N.
Best food I've ever had. Felt like I was at an old friends house for dinner. Service top notch. Five star!!!
(5)Jennifer O.
After living in Savannah for five years, I can now say that I have been to Mrs. Wilkes. My parents, husband and I got there 20 minutes before opening. As usual the line had already formed and was almost to Whitaker st. Those closest to the front of the line had been there since 10am. We were in line for 1h 15m which wasn't bad because like everyone else the food was wonderful! My father stated that "nothing surprises me and when going to a place like this, normally there are a few things really good, a couple of things so so, and several things that are not so hot. Everything I ate was beyond my expectations!" I needed to pace myself with really really small samples of most items. I personally really enjoyed the collard greens, cabbage, fresh cucumbers, beef stew, mac and cheese, and of course after reading several reviews about the banana pudding, I had banana pudding. WOW! The rest of the family was going on about the red rice, corn bread and another item I can not recall. The service was wonderful, and everything was done just like Mom would have you do at home! My only complaint. I wish my stomach would allow me to eat $16 worth of food!
(5)Rena B.
Don't eat breakfast before you go!!! Believe the hype!!! and CASH ONLY We arrived at 10:05 and were the fifth group to get seat at 11:00. There are 8 tables seating 10 people. When you get seated at your table, the side dishes and two of the meats are already on the table. The fried chicken usually comes out within 5 minutes. The chicken was hot and tasty. It is best to take a spoon of each bowl as it comes around, they can always pass it back for seconds. Our menu for the day: Meats: Chicken, Beef Stew and BBQ Pork. Side dishes: Rice and Gravy, Cabbage, Turnip Greens, Macaroni and cheese, Lima Beans, Creamed Corn, Corn on the Cob, Rutabagas, Pickled Cucumbers, Red Rice with Sausage, Potato Salad, Warm Potato Salad, Squash, Stuffing, Pole Bean, Corn Bread and Biscuits. Dessert: Peach Cobbler and Banana Pudding
(5)Gina C.
Watch out Paula Deen, you have some competition! Def worth the wait and a fun experience! We arrived around 11:30 and got seated at 12:30. They do not take reservations so it's first come, first serve. When we finally entered the restaurant it was fast paced and organized. Your party sits family style with other people at a table. The food is already all set on the table. We didn't know where to begin. There was so much food! They had 3 entrees of fried chicken, beef stew, and sausage with rice. I only tried the fried chicken and it didn't disappoint! Not the best, bc my friend's nana makes the best, but close to it. Then came all the southern veggies. Seriously, every veggie you can think of - mashed potatoes, cabbage, cream corn, mac and cheese, lima beans, green beans, okra and tomatoes, cucumbers, rice and gravy, collards and several others. The waitresses were refilling the dishes, so you can eat as much as you want. Also included with your meal is tea and for dessert a choice of banana pudding or cooked cherries. Luckily, we didn't eat anything for breakfast and this was our first meal. Come hungry! Mrs. Wilkes only takes cash. It is $16 per person. Only opened on Mon-Fri from 11-2. Everyone that works there is so friendly! I heard it through the grapevine that this place is no comparison to Paula Deen's restaurant. If you are in Savannah and want some good southern food, def try Mrs. Wilkes!
(5)Jim M.
If you can appreciate home cooking as an artform that can hold its own with the food that gets whipped up by CIA graduates you'll love this place. It's definitely Southern in the particulars but if your Mom loved to cook you'll feel right at home here wherever you are from. Like everyone else has said the food is delicious and abundant. I skipped breakfast just to leave room for this lunchtime experience intending to do some damage but there just was too much deliciousness to make a dent in the meal they lay out for you. You definitely have to rearrange your schedule to eat here (weekdays from 11:00AM to 2:00 PM only) but I'll repeat the line that my tourguide used when I asked him whether it was worth eating here -" It's like a solar eclipse, you have to take advantage of it while its there. And if you do you'll be glad you did." He was right. Make the time to check this place out. PS It's cash only ($16 per person and worth every penny.)
(5)Bianca M.
A must when in Savannah! It was a ridiculous amount of food, but all of it was fantastic. I considered trying to smuggle biscuits out in my purse, but instead I just purchased the cookbook. I arrived around 1:00 and waited for about 10 minutes. I'm not sure that showing up when they open is the best idea.
(5)Mike G.
Great experience and great food. Go with a few people of you can, you'll be waiting for quite a while before you get inside to sit.
(5)Natalie B.
I've been wanting to dine at Mrs. Wilkes for around seven years. However, all my trips to Savannah took place over weekends. Mrs. Wilkes is only open for lunch, Monday to Friday. However, I set my mind on having lunch there on the day after Thanksgiving. Success! Mrs. Wilkes was exactly what I pictured. From the long line (bearable if you have a friend to take turns in line while you run into the cute surrounding stores) to the family style dining to the most delicious Southern food I've ever had. I had studied Mrs. Wilkes' website so I knew what would be served. Imagine my surprise when we not only got the Fried Chicken and Beef Stew listed for Friday's meal, but also a bowl of BBQ pork AND the Meatloaf. That plus the 15-18 bowls of side dishes made for an amazing experience. My favorites included the Fried Chicken, Meatloaf, Pork, Stuffing, Greens, Mac and Cheese, Biscuits, and Squash. Service is friendly! They will bring you more of anything you want! For our table, that included the macaroni and cheese and biscuits! Helpful tips: - Bring cash - Lunch is $16, which includes your drink (sweet tea, but they will bring you unsweet tea), dessert and tax. Grats are left in a communal bowl when you pay out. - Be prepared to make quick friends with your tablemates, as they may be passing you the black eyed peas! - Be prepared to bring your plate to the kitchen - Lunch starts at 11am. We got in line around 10:30. We got sat around 11:40. Just be prepared! All hints aside, it is completely worth it!!!
(5)Austin V.
Come to Mrs. Wilkes for not just the hospitality but the opportunity to sit down to a meal with 6-8 like minded people you've never met before and enjoy some quality southern cooking. My fiancé and I came by here on a Wednesday, and there was barely a line, however, we weren't hungry; waiting till Friday at 12, we were greeted with an hour long wait for lunch. I'm on the fence if this is worth it, I never like to wait in lines but when you do, the meal is that much more worth it and enjoyed. While we were in line we met tourists from Australia (nurses actually and got into an interesting healthcare discussion), some folks from Chicago and some locals. Being a 2 we skipped ahead of all the 3+ groups ahead of us, so one key is to either split up your party or go in pairs for faster service when there's a line. When we walked it, we were just instructed to follow the rest of the group to the back room, and seated at a 10 person oval table, preset with sweet tea and 20+ bowls of goodness. The group we were with were excited and skipped the introductions until well into the newly fried chicken and baked biscuits. However, I sat next to a woman, that used to live in Savannah 40 years ago, and her mother would take her here as a child, before the hype and when the neighborhood was very seedy. Her review is that the food is just as good now as it was then, but like my 4 star review, tough to get past the long wait for it. From my memory the BEST of the meal were the biscuits, chicken, BBQ, and sweet potatoes. Also served were: whipped potatoes & gravy, green beans, black eyed peas, creamed corn, okra and tomatoes, baked beans, collard greens (loved the added bacon and ham in this), cornbread, beef stew, white rice, eggplant dish, mac and cheese, squash dish, cabbage, carrot dish... and I might be missing one or two... Dessert was an after thought with banana pudding and blueberry cobbler but I didn't mind after this feast. At $16 a head, it's an excellent buffet of southern food, still cooked well in honor of Mrs. Wilkes. Recommended.
(4)Caitlin C.
They don't make southern food in San Francisco: I cry. I had thirds of fried chicken. I ate things I've only read about in books. I stood in line for 20 minutes because I wasn't stoopid and didn't try to get there right at lunch time (hint, hint). The people sitting across from my peeps and I were hilarious, so try to swing that sort of seating, if you can (it's boarding-house style). You don't order, they just bring you a never-ending train of delicious. I don't care that it was full of tourists, some things are worth it, and this is one of those things.
(5)I. F.
I have been a Savannahian my whole life, and today was the first time I have gone to Mrs. Wilkes. Best decision ever made. Let's just start off by saying, the fried chicken was the best I've ever had. I usually only have dark chicken, but I just said, I'll try the white. The white meat was so juicy, and tasty. It just melts in your mouth. As much Mac and Cheese they brought out for the table, I probably ate the equivalent of 2-3 bowls-it was that good. There are probably at least 20 dishes on the table at once. The mashed potatoes were amazing. Though I don't eat pork, the red rice looked really good. Sweet potatoes probably the second best side dish--so good! The beef stew was absolutely superb, with carrots. Also, from what people said at my table, the barbecue pork ribs, maybe something like that were phenomenal. I can not wait to come back here, though waiting in line is very long. One recommendation for visitors, and first timers: Come here early.
(5)Shari v.
Mmmmmmm cant talk .... eating! Making homer simpson noises! Fabulous food every single thing I put in my mouth was phenominal! The staff was fun and friendly. I only wish I could have eaten MORE! If you don't like vegetables try Mrs. Wilkes, you will love em and wonder why "yo momma" can't make em like these! We stood in line long enough to feed the meter twice & we parked 2 blocks down. I would have parked a mile and fed the meter 5 times! We met fun people and had wonderful conversations in line until the big payoff ALL THE FOOD inside! Its Thanksgiving everyday here. I will be back again & again - travelin several hours! Thanks to the Wilkes for the wonderful traditions carried thru today.
(5)Andrea R.
Really fun place - the BBQ pork and cheesy mashed potatoes were to die for. The cherry cobbler and banana pudding reminded me exactly of cafeteria lunches at primary school, so not my fave, but by the time the dessert came out I was so full it didn't matter. Definitely recommend this place for lunch:-)
(5)Brianna M.
Best food I've ever had. This is not hyperbole. I was only in Savannah for about 24 hrs. Worth the long line. I was skeptical about spending $16/person just for lunch. Worth the money. Btw, when they ask which dessert you want, get the banana pudding.
(5)Christopher T.
Think this is still a really good staple and go to place while in Savannah. 16 dollars though, ouf. i am just not sure of the price on all that. They're definitely pulling out a profit. This time I would say that the chicken tasted much better to me. the pulled bbq pork is still killer!
(4)Joanna L.
I joined the long line of people paying homage to the lovely Mrs Wilkes and boy, was that line long. Down the street at around 1pm we waited 40 minutes to an hour. We entered and we were seated awkwardly with about 4 other groups of people at a large table. I love the idea of communal dining, but when you're seated with people who don't know how to start a conversation, it can be quite uncomfortable. Luckily, as soon as we started passing the food around, everyone started to get a bit chatty. SO. MUCH. FOOD. That's really all I can say. I can't even describe what 22 dishes is like when you're trying to make decisions on what to eat first. Fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes, candied yams, creamed corn, beef stew, lentils, biscuits, green beans, dirty rice, collard greens... oh god, just thinking about it is making me drool a little bit. I love southern food and this is the best of the best. Well, unless you have a southern grandma (oh god, I want one). Worth the wait, but I'd try to go at a "random time" to avoid crazIER waits.
(5)Jim D.
Mrs. Wilkes' is one helluva experience. The rumors aren't fiction. Every local and most tourists already know of this famous eating house. With that being said, you'd be wise to show up way before their doors open at 11am sharp. We arrived around 10:10am and there was already a very hungry line formed. They line does seem to move quickly at first but it comes to a dead stop once the place is filled. Expect at least an hour to an hour and half hour wait. And bring cash or check - no credit cards. Boo! The inside seemed small, but they managed somehow to squeeze a ton of people in there. The décor appropriately resembles someone's grandma's house - comfy, old-fashioned, and full of chotchkies. Lunch is served family style and at communal tables. You'll more than likely sit with total strangers which is part of the charm. The food reminds me of a Southern Thanksgiving smorgasbord. There were so many dishes it's rather hard to keep track - probably around 14 or so. Some dishes just didn't do anything for me, others were good. The most memorable items for me were the very tasty fried chicken and savory dirty rice with sausage. Mmm! I think I must have eaten 4 servings of each in addition to just about every thing on the table. Good sweet tea too. Some folks seemed to like the desserts (which consisted of peach cobbler and/or banana pudding), but I found them to be so so. Not great, but certainly not bad. I'd recommend coming to Mrs. Wilkes if you find yourself in Savannah and wandering around ravenously hungry on a completely empty stomach. You can forget breakfast and probably even dinner as well. After a meal of this magnitude, all you'd want to do is unbutton your pants and veg out in front of a TV, satiated and lethargic. Nap anyone?
(3)Jay S.
If you only have time for one meal, this is a must. Sure there is a line, maybe 35 to 50 min, but it is definitely worth the wait for the experience and the food! The fun part about standing in line is getting to meet all the different people, local and tourist. Once you get inside, you are seated at a table of 8 or 10. All the sides are already set on the table and the waitresses bring the main course. There were so many sides that we really didn't need the main course of fired chicken and meatloaf. Loved loved all the sides. And if you want more which you won't , just ask. When done, bring your plate and cup to the kitchen. Pay as you exit..$18.00 a person for lunch... If you're not doing it everyday, it's definitely worth the experience!
(4)Tessa M.
This place is a must! I traveled with a group of HARD to please travelers but this Mrs. Wilkes was loved by all. This is real southern cooking and no one else can even hold a candle to it. The bad news is the bathrooms are the grossest nastiest thing I have ever seen in my life. Ok have you been to a trucker's stop that may be nicer. Suggestion: Have a very light breakfast head over to Mrs. Wilkes before 11am. You stand in line and eat and leave. It's that easy. They only take cash or check. But the wait and the have to have cash is well worth it.
(5)Jane K.
OH MY GOD BEST FOOD EVER -- if you like thanksgiving dinner with your family you will love mrs.wilkes. you just sit down with complete strangers and pass the gravy, mashed potatoes, collarded greens, fried chicken, beef stew etc. all arond and top it off with some sweet tea. Oh man sooo goooddd
(5)Velina L.
Listed as one of the "1000 Places to See Before You Die", Mrs. Wilkes actually gets 4.5 stars. I was in Savannah for the long weekend and had to eat here...even if I had to wait in line for an hour. Which is what I did. They're only open weekdays from 11am to 2pm but if you're in line before 2pm, they'll still let you in for lunch. Was it really one of the 1000 places to see before you die? Maybe. Was it worth the wait? Definitely! You sit at communal tables with people who stood in line with you so hopefully by now, after an hour of waiting together, you've already struck up a conversation and are no longer strangers. As soon as you walk up to the table, you're greeted by cold glasses of southern sweet tea and a smorgasbord of side dishes: mashed potatoes, blackeyed peas, green beans, collard greens, sweet potatoes, mac and cheese, cabbage, rice and beans...I could go on. You also get a plate of tender bbq pork and beef stew., and a large plate of probably the best fried chicken I've ever eaten- piping hot, crispy on the outside, and moist and succulent on the inside. Perfection! For dessert, you get a very small bowl of their famous banana pudding. "Good," you think, "I'm already too full". Then you take a spoonful of the stuff and you change your mind- you want more! Who cares how full you are when you get to have the perfect combination of creamy vanilla pudding delicately laced with slices of banana and chunks of soft vanilla wafers, all singing in harmony on your tongue? So simple, yet so amazingly delicious. This is definitely a place to go to if you're ever in Savannah. Hearty, homey comfort food, just what you'd expect in the South.
(4)Jacy R.
We waited 2 hours to eat here on a Monday. Yes we were warned but I will say that by the time we got in to eat we were not in the mood for convo's with the strangers at the table or the multiple photo ops they wanted to take of the table. We were hungry and grumpy, Ill be honest. The food is very, very good and something I would recommend that you experience if you have never been here. However, I will say that we all agreed that while it was delicious we would likely not wait 2 hours to eat here again. It's a lot of food and you have to go hungry so the 2 hour wait can become a bit exhausting especially if weather is not ideal. We were also very curious to know what they do with all the leftover food. There are approx 23 bowls/plates of food that they bring to each table and did not see anyone leave with doggy bags. They told us that they save it and let the employees take it home. We have NO reason to believe that they "recycle" the barely touched bowl of squash for example at our table but wonder how they seperate all this "leftover" food from fresh food in the kitchen with such little space.....just sayin.
(4)Art T.
Two thumb ups for this place. I guess the touring season is gone. My friend and I went there at 10:30 am. We were seated by 11 am. The food was just like any home-made cooking. The collard greens and fried chicken were out of the world. There were over 20 side dishes. Everything was just perfectly made. The staff was attentive. I definitely would go back and recommend anyone to try it.
(5)Andres M.
The most interesting eating experience I've had. I went by myself and I ended up sharing a big table with lots of strangers, passing the food around was fun. The food was delicious and very filling. Lots of dishes. To add to the experience, you have bring your own plate to the kitchen to get it washed. There was a line but I didn't have to wait that long. Since this is an "all you can eat" place, do not eat anything before and go for a walk afterwards (nice neighborhood to do it)
(5)Ju L.
If you're in Savannah, this is a definite must-eat place -- especially if you love Southern cuisine or want to sample well-prepared Southern cuisine (even if you're not a big fan of Southern food). It's well worth the wait. I went in summer and waited well over an hour in the burning hot sun but thoroughly enjoyed my dining experience. It's communal dining and all-you-can-eat. Everything they served was delicious, and I can't wait to go back to eat there again.
(5)Amy Z.
A must-see in Savannah. It's worth the wait (which wasn't so bad), the cash (which really wasn't bad at all) and the hype. My sister and I went on a Monday, we arrived at 11:30 and we were seated in the first seating. Everything was excellent, particularly the fried chicken, beef stew, pulled pork, candied yams, and about 10000000 different kinds of cooked veggies. I'm a California girl, so I'm not used to all of this down home cooking, but seriously, it was amazing. A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. It's so much food, so go hungry and ready to make friends.
(5)Eddie R.
Our friend recommended that we come eat here. The first thing you will notice is the line that sometimes wraps around the corner. On this day, we got here and were half way up the block. Not bad. We met people on line that's eventually wool end up seated with you. It is a family style dining. Tables seat about10 people. As you get closer to the door you hear the comments of how good and how much food and how full they are. You hear this over and over again. Everyone also says "it was worth the wait". We finally were chosen to enter the house and sat down to a table full of food. Too many to mention here but chicken, meat loaf, veggies were just some of the foods awaiting our attack. Let the feeding frenzy commence. Within 20 mins, I was so full, I could not move. Potatoes, black eye peas, bread, jambalaya, and OMG on and on. Just when you think it's over and you can't eat one more thing, they bring out dessert. If you are ever in the area of Savannah, you must try this place. There is something for everybody. You won't be sorry you came, just sorry if you didn't. Must do. Highly recommend.
(5)Davina D.
Sigh. Georgia is on my mind. Goddamn, Mrs. Wilkes. What a legacy you left behind! A southern charm, family style, escorted by shifts into dining tables of 8, food all laid out ilke a gangsta thankgiving feast! a table of 12, you are forced to at least try to get along with your new best friends for the next 30minutes to an hour as you share one thang, FEAST AND BEAST on this goddsend. MMMMMMMM.... After an hour and a half wait, we were finally seated still sweaty under the summer sun.....without introduction to the other folks at the table, we began to pass the plates of DELICIOUS FRIED CHICKEN around followed bythe biscuits then the never ending bowls of side dishes. Orgasmic masterpiece finally laid out on your personal plate. What will be your FIRST bite? Hell yeah, the fried chicken. AWESOMEEEEEEEE! Lightly fried, non oily crispy skin, juicy tender meat. Still droooling... Biscuits were awesome, lightly buttery, flaky and airy. Mmm. Nothing makes it more worth it than finally biting into a biscuit cuz that's ALL YOU'RE GON SMELL WHILE ON LINE....Also offer cornbread, mmm BISCUITS! The sweet corn was AMAZINGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG...what is in this heaven? THIS PORK DISH- WHOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAa BLACK BEANS-PERFECT MASH POTATOES-PERFECT COLLARD GREENS-PERFECT MAC AND CHEESE- CHEESY POTATO SALAD WOW DESSERT- BANANA PUDDING---ON THE FLOOR LICKING THE BOWL DRY Ahhhh PURE HAPPINESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS But once you getting, we start the introductions amongst our tables and suddenly we're laughing and talking and inevitably leaning on one another for SUPPORT as you begin to fallllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll into overconsumption BUT nobody wants to STOP. Mrs. Wilkes is a true true badass and DO BELIEVE THE HYPE, it's that GOOD and worth it. Savannah is so gorgeous but Mrs. Wilke's dining hall is STUNNING! Think about your lover as Mrs. Wilke's Dining Room. MMMMMMMM right? RIGHT ON! My homegirl I was with is a vegetarian btw, and she BALLED OUT HERE so NO WORRIES. ALL FOR $18 SMACKAROOS. COME ON NOW. Anyways for the NYC Ballers and Hard core foodies.........WINK WINK A one day trip is POSSSSSSSSSIBLE if you flyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy.
(5)Blair C.
Oh joy was this good. A little different process, standing on line for about 30 minutes, family style with 4 other couples but a great and satisfying experience. The food was out of this world. Fried chicken, fried green tomatoes, corn bread, fresh rolls, greens, mac and cheese, and lots of other stuff I am forgetting about. This is a must go place!
(5)Michele W.
Be prepared to set a new bar for fried chicken Get there early, the line moves fast but there is always a line Note, i had so much food even the table next to us commented on it (I out ate the table, thank you little person genes) but I came prepared. Strategy: worked out in the morning, showered, waited in line (all on an empty stomach). Once we got seated (they seat 10 at a time) the food was waiting for us and I was ready. Fried chicken (I had 3 pieces), Mac and cheese (I finished most of the bowl, they brought out more) buttermilk biscuits and cornbread (I had about 3 pieces) sweet potatoes (tons for moi), mashed potatoes (with cheese too, nom nom nom) potato salad (was ok) Tomato and okra (probably the pallet cleanser) spiced vinegary cucumbers (helped degrease the body) baked beans (these were ok) buttered lima bean (meh) green beans with bacon (not a personal favorite) black eyed peas (didn't bother) collard greens (when in the south) rutabaga (filler) pulled pork (I've had better) pot roast (see "pulled pork") succotash (gotta get veg somewhere) jambalaya (the sausage makes it look better than it is) peach cobbler and banana pudding (both were good) and wash it all down with sweet tea.....mmmmmmm! Truly an EPIC MEAL TIME Be prepared to go to the bathroom after, walk some of it off, and for your future self to hate you for 24 hours after (worth it)
(4)Christina H.
We arrived at 1:45 pm to see a line that went all the way to the corner of the block. Despite the cold cold weather we were experiencing in savannah, we stuck out the wait with beer and conversations with our new hungry friends. Once we arrived inside the restaurant, we felt a great sense of accomplishment and were very pleased with our reward. With more than 25 different dishes on the table, we went ahead and tried a little bit of everything. For our favorite plates, we went back for seconds, thirds, etc... I don't eat meat and I was pleased to find the majority of the dishes to be vegetarian. I am sure some of them were cooked in chicken or beef broth, but that doesn't bother me. Personally, I loved the creamed corn and sweet potatoes, and the banana pudding for dessert. Paying $18 for unlimited delicious food was a great deal and I would definitely do it again. What a great memorable experience!
(5)Jon M.
Great Southern Food! You will feel like u are eating at someone's grandmothers house. The service is great and the food even better. Usually a very long line to get in so plan on getting there early!
(4)Linda K.
What a terrific meal. The wait was worth the it. What a reasonable well organized pleasant experience. Saw about it on TV , read raving reviews and they were accurate. Not every restaurant has your meal on the table waiting for you to sit down. I love the family style service atmosphere and great hospitality. If you're going to visit or are visiting dont miss this opportunity to dine at Mrs Wilkes
(5)Katie R.
Three words: WORTH THE WAIT. Everyone knows Mrs. Wilkes' is among the best of the best in Savannah, and always will be. This place is so different than every other "Southern Cooking" spot you've ever been to. Everything tastes the way it should, and the fried chicken speaks for itself. Every single dish and the chicken absolutely make it worth the wait, and prepare yourself for the food coma. I wouldn't schedule anything too major after eating here!
(5)Atif I.
"1000 Places to See Before You Die" I don't believe in bucket lists, but when it comes to Southern Fried Chicken, I don't like to tempt fate. As it happens, before flying into Savannah I had completed my physical and was waiting for the results. Checking in to the Andaz, I listened to my doctor's voicemail as he went through the test results for Glucose, Triglycerides, Cholesterol... No soon had I heard the Cholesterol reading, I switched from the voicemail to the yelp app to look up Fried Chicken!! True Story. But, not one that my doctor appreciated when I recounted it later to him.... :) Located in the Historic District of Savannah, Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room is a family style restaurant that has two rooms with 4 tables each that can seat 10 people. The restaurant is only open from 11 am to 2 pm on weekdays. That means that there is likely a line one hundred deep before 11 am. But, this was the rare occasion when I didn't mind the wait, for I was able to strike up a lively conversation about New York with the couple ahead of me who had been at the restaurant many times before. It helps to be social while you're waiting in line for you're probably going to share the meal with the people around you. The restaurant recreates an experience from a bygone era as strangers sit down together to enjoy a feast. The risk while dining at Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room is not that you may not have an excellent meal - but that you may not have saved your stomach space for the best of the two dozen things you can eat. The restaurant features a set menu as servers line up efficiently to place one dish after another from the food trolley. You know you're here for the Fried Chicken, but you can also get meat loaf, beef stew and sausage in addition to Cabbage, Okra, Mac n cheese, Potato salad, Butter Beans, Black-eyed peas, Collard greens, Red rice, Baked beans, Cole slaw, Mashed Potatoes... seriously, there are 20 sides. Obviously not everything is exceptional, which is where I was ably guided by the couple I had befriended. But, seriously: BEST FRIED CHICKEN I'VE EVER HAD.... I don't make that assertion lightly having tried many exceptional versions of fried chicken in the South (and, surprisingly, in Portland, Oregon) but can confidently shout this from the rooftops! Also, Best Mac and Cheese I've ever had! You know the cheese could well be Velveeta, but the dish is absolutely fantastic! Best Candied Yams I've ever had. Best black eyed peas... I could go on, but these would easily be the pick of the bunch. I would advise skipping dessert, probably the weakest link on the menu. You're probably too full for it anyway, should you have had the minimum 4 helpings of Fried Chicken that you should have (along with all the 'sides'). Amazingly, the fabulous meal will only set you back by $18 (excluding tip). I can honestly say that it's the best value meal I've ever had in my life. In fact, I confidently recommended the restaurant to my doctor...I'm pretty sure he will be tempted to make up my cholesterol reading the next time around. I can only hope he is ethically conflicted in doing so by the Hippocratic oath.
(5)Smiley B.
Southern Cooking at it's finest! We were told about Mrs. Wilkes' Boarding House by the tour guides but we had also heard Paula Deen say that she has gotten some of her recipes that she uses from Mrs. Wilkes. We read some of the reviews and most everyone talked about the long wait in line to get in the door. We arrived about 11:30 AM and we were seated by 12:10 PM so we felt like that was pretty fast based on what we had read. We were seated at a table for 10 with others who showed up in line around us. We met some really nice people! The food was on the table already and we started eating...Boiled Cabbage, Black-Eyed Peas and Rice, Red Rice, Fried Chicken, Sweet Potatoes, Corn Bread, Mashed Potatoes, Okra, BBQ Pork, Cucumber Salad, and Sweet Tea. This isn't everything we had, I just can't remember all of the tasty items that we were served. And for dessert we had the choice of Banana Pudding or Peach Cobbler. I highly recommend Mrs. Wilkes' Boarding House to anyone visiting Savannah. It is well known and a local favorite. Also, bring cash, no credit cards taken!
(5)Cherise J.
Wow! The concept of this restaurant was a pleasant surprise. It's amazing how a table of food can bring strangers together. If this sounds off the wall to you, it means you need to experience Mrs. Wilkes. I literally have never seen anything like this before. There was so much food, I couldn't eat it all. For a flat $18, you can't beat this family style dining. The only thing I would suggest is that they add a grill meat like chicken or salmon, as there are guests who do not eat fried foods, pork or beef. Get there at 10am so you can be in the first seating. There's always a line. I highly suggest this place. Service is spectacular. Oh, don't forget to bring cash or a check. They don't take charge cards.
(4)Teresa H.
Fantastic. We arrived just before 10 and were seated shortly after 11. The table was packed with countless dishes of homemade delights. The fried chicken was brought out moments after us taking our seats. It was tasty, crunchy, and perfectly fried. By far the best I've ever had. I've never had homemade creamed corn, only the canned stuff. Always a fan, I dove into the sweet, creamy veggie candy. Wow!! Pretty much a magical experience. The green beans were perfectly cooked. Our dessert options were banana pudding or peach cobbler. The banana pudding was most excellent. The staff was very friendly and happy to answer any questions we had.
(5)Jordan K.
We had a great experience at Mrs. Wilkes today in Savannah. The wait wqs only 45 minutes or so. We arrived at 10:30 and were seated by 11:15 and finished and out the door shortly after noon. The family style dining is different but in a good way. We had a good time with the group we were seated with. There was so much food, all of which was delicious. Our favorites were the creamed corn, mac n cheese, fried chicken, bbq pork, sweet potatoes and slaw but everything was very good. The waitresses were great as well. We left very full and very happy. The walk home was helpful.
(5)Sarah K.
Went for lunch today. Arrived at 11:15 to a moderate sized line. Was slightly dismayed but the line moved fairly quickly. By the time we were let in the line had doubled so arriving early truly seems to be key. We were seated with 3 other groups, with one person from each celebrating a birthday. The food was all laid out on the table with sweetened ice tea to wash down all the deliciousness. Our favorites were: - the fried chicken which had a perfectly crispy outside and moist, tender & flavorful inside, not too greasy or heavy - the creamed corn which was sweet and creamy - the sweet potatoes which instantly brought me back to my favorite thanksgiving dish but with a cinnamon flavor - the macaroni salad was my bf's favorite because of the hint of spice - the cabbage was tender & sweet - the biscuit was buttery & flaky Along with all that the Mac & cheese, green beans, squash, Lima beans, meatloaf & pulled pork and banana pudding were quite tasty. The dishes that were slightly disappointing were the jambalaya & cornbread which lacked uniqueness. My favorite part of the meal was sharing the experience with strangers and getting to hear their stories over the most incredible comfort meal. There's not tons of time to leisurely dine as eating is the main event here but it's the perfect amount of time to get your grub on. I only wish I hadn't stayed uncomfortably full for 9 hours afterwards but that's my own fault for eating enough to feed a family of 5!
(5)Josh S.
My girlfriend and I are visiting savannah for our first time. Saw that this place is a must to do while down here. If you see a line going down the block that's normal and goes by fast. The line is worth the wait for great hospitality, food, and overall good atmosphere. You will get a real taste of southern home cooking food. I highly recommend going here!! No regrets.
(5)Daniel J.
This was incredible. Must go. It is worth the wait. Those working were very nice, polite and hospitable. It was like eating at the Lord's Supper. The great wedding banquet in Heaven with Master Jesus. It was so good I asked the Lord to take me a plate to Heaven and place into the heavenly fridge so I can have a plate reserved for when I get to heaven.
(5)Cyndi S.
We had to wait an hour and 1/2 on a Friday afternoon to get in but it was worth it. The food was amazing - good home cooked food and LOTS of it. The seating is family style with people you don't know but do afterwards! There were some 24 plates/bowls of food on the table waiting to be dug into and boy did we! The fried chicken was fabulous, mac and cheese, potatoes, every vegetable imaginable, ribs, potato salad, - you name it, we had it. After eating you bus your dishes to the kitchen. It was fun and I am so glad we waited. We sure didn't need anymore food that day or even the next morning! Just resign yourself to waiting in line to get in. You'll be glad you did.
(5)Abel K.
The wait is so so so so worth it! The breakfast is the best southern cooking i have had in a long time! The Fried chicken is heavenly!
(5)Janene H.
Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room is one of those places everyone will tell you you MUST try while visiting Savannah. I'm glad we did, but I don't think I'd come back. We arrived outside of the restaurant 40 minutes before they opened on a Monday morning. The only reason we got in on the first seating was because the large group ahead of us couldn't all be sat together. Luckily we squeaked in! When we entered the dining room the food was already laid out on the table, including delicious sweat tea. The food was obviously fresh as it was piping hot. The dining room was jammed packed and quickly felt hot and, thanks to the low ceiling, felt smothering. Still, the array of food immediately caught my attention and surprised me. I surveyed the selection and at first thought that the food had been doubled for each half of the table. Nope, each bowl was a different dish. My favorites? The fried chicken (of course) which had a wonderful flavor but wasn't as crispy as I would have hoped. The sweet potatoes were also very good with the right amount of creaminess and lumpiness. I put a little helping of everything on my plate and was amazed at the mountain of food! I couldn't help but wonder how much of this stuff gets wasted everyday. It made me a little sad looking over the table after we'd all stuffed ourselves. Still, I couldn't eat another bite. We rolled out of there, rubbing our bellies and guiltily walked past the looong line still waiting outside. We ate at 11am and did not even feel like looking at food for the rest of the day! Seriously, I don't think I ate again until 8pm! The food was good but wasn't five star amazing. The teeny tiny desserts were sad. I had the blueberry cobbler but wished I'd had the banana pudding. Mine tasted canned. This is a place where people who value quantity over all else will LOVE. It is homey, and is quite the experience. It reminds me of other family style dining I've had like the Daniel Boone Inn in North Carolina.
(3)Erika P.
Anyone who says this is a tourist trap does not know what they are talking about. Every person I know in Savannah and every local I met on my trip told me this was a MUST go. And almost EVERYONE at my table was a local. This place is a great way to sample many types of southern food without worrying if you won't like it. They have everything from stewed okra to fried chicken which is phenomenal. Do not pass up the veggies: the greens, cabbage and creamed corn are to die for. It is CASH ONLY which is my only qualm. The line was long but moved fast and they had ice water for us. Overall great place and worth the wait.
(5)Hilary D.
Get there early and well worth the wait. Only open for lunch. Do not eat breakfast and maybe won't eat dinner. About 20 side dishes. Best way to experience southern food. Highly recommend.
(5)Connie G.
I love Mrs Wilkes Dining room. We got there before it was time for it to open and the lwait really wasn't that bad. We enjoyed talking to the other folks in line and yes it beats Paula Deens by a mile. We enjoyed the fried chicken even though one of the other folks we didn't know pawed through the fried chicken with their fingers (ewww) but fortunately I had already gotten mine. Bring cash - they don't take credit cards. You bus your own table. Lots of good southern food. Have some change ready for the parking meter - we didn't and had to park in a parking garage and walk a ways so we could use larger bills.
(5)Nadine R.
We went to Mrs Wilkes because of the great reviews we read. We now have an expression for food that is overrated and not great - "Is it a Mrs Wilkes' meal?" All of the food is lacking in seasoning and VERY average to down right disappointing. We arrived at 10:30. Everyone was lovely in line. We got in at 11:45. There were only two of us so we joined a party of 8. Lots of dishes were on the table so we all took a spoonful or two of the different vegetables, mac and cheese, etc. It all reminded me of food at Assisted Living places or Hospitals. Almost every bowl had underseasoned and mushy food items. Most were cold or room temperature. There were no mash potatoes (if this was truly Southern cooking where were they?) but there was a gravy item on the table and a boring stuffing. The Mac and Cheese had no great flavor. The salted cucumbers, however, were cucumbers covered in a box of salt. Don't eat them. The other family had older teenagers and adults and no one thought any of the food on the table was great. We would ask each other what do you think of the rutabaga dish or collard greens and the answer was always not very good (and mushy) and no one even bothered to try it afterwards as it wasn't worth it. So let's discuss the Fried Chicken; I was anticipating all of the yelp reviews to be on target but all I can say is save your $18.00/person and go somewhere else if you want to taste better than very average fried chicken. Yes, it was fried, there was NO seasoning in the batter, it is a little greasy but not too bad, my drum stick dark meat was a bit dry, the wings were fine, the chicken breast dry and overall there was NOTHING special about this chicken or worthy of all of these great reviews. Dessert and how they get rid of you in 45 minutes: No matter how much anyone has on his or her plate, even if you had just asked for more of an item, the desserts in tiny bowls will arrive served on a steel tray and you get to pick peach cobble or banana pudding. The banana pudding was excellent and I gather so was the peach cobbler. However, the waitress then tells you that we are suppose to take our dishes to a window and basically time for us to leave. I have no idea how one can linger longer after this gentle "times up" is given to you, especially if half your table or more gets up and follows directions. There is no coffee offered. (The unsweetened ice tea, and I love ice tea, is horrible). The servers are lovely and probably laughing at all of the white people standing in line for hours who come in to eat this bland and overpriced meal. I think this place in a self-perpetuating myth and no one wants to admit that a family of four threw $80.00 away. Seriously, there is a reason ONLY tourists go here and no one from Savannah bothers with this place.
(2)Matthew L.
Went on a WEDNESDAY during MARCH. Showed up at 10:15a and the line was about 20 deep. If you get in line by 10:30 it seems like you'll be seated by 11:30. The quintessential Southern experience! From the setting to the staff and finally the food, everything was awesome. If you want a taste of what Southern hospitality is all about, don't miss this jewel of Savannah.
(5)Brandon B.
If you're in Savannah and looking for great southern soul food, this is your spot. I preface most of my reviews by saying that I'm not a foodie (I eat to live, not live to eat), so that I can emphasize that if I like the food, that's saying a lot. I love this food. Everything I tried was seasoned so perfectly. It was rich, filling, and for the fixed $18 we got more food and more selection than anyone at our table could possibly want (in the best way possible). We kept hearing the description of it being like at grandma's house, and that's definitely it, especially if your grandma is from the south. It is family style with 10 people at a table and about 7 tables total. They let in 50 people initially and filter more people in as entire tables finish. When you get in, the table is covered in medium-sized bowls of the main meal. Squash, peas, rice&beans, fried chicken, greens, pickled beets, beef tips, and about a dozen other dishes to pass around. Sweet tea and water are included. A small cobbler dessert was served as well. What was just as good as the food was the company. Waiting in line we met a group of older local women (mom and 2 daughters), an older couple from the mid-west in town for a conference, and a middle-aged couple from up north. We're a younger couple from South Carolina. The 4 groups may never have met and interacted outside of this dining experience, but for our time in line and while we were seated together, we exchanged stories and laughs like good friends. It was wonderful. We only found out about this restaurant because we happened to be on vacation staying in the rental home that sits just above it. So after seeing the lines form and dissipate for 3 days, we had to try it. Good call. Here are my tips: 1) Arrive early. The place is only open weekdays from 11a-2p. If you want to be first in line, arrive at 9am. By 10am, the line is already 50 people long. 2) Don't worry about the long lines. It moves relatively quickly. But don't show up super hungry, because there will be waiting involved. 3) Bring cash or check! No cards accepted. 4) Make friends in line and at the tables. Would you rather have a fun family dinner experience, or an awkward first date dining experience? Choice is up to you :) 5) There's a tip jar at the checkout register. Speaking with a number of servers and kitchen staff during my time staying above the restaurant, there's word that the management does not split those tips fairly with staff. If you want to make sure your server gets the tip, leave it on the table or hand it to them directly. Or, for that added local experience, walk around to the back of the restaurant through the alley and hand it to them directly. You'll get to see them cutting up greens and other food prep in the kitchen where the magic is made!
(5)G W.
The food was excellent! ! We got to the restaurant around 10:30 and was able get with the first group of dinners. The fried chicken crisp and moist, the greens peas, meatloaf, potatoes, Candid yams, everything, everything delicious. The serving staff was very accommodating.
(5)Ej F.
OMG! This place is so good! What place is only open 3 hours a day and has a line down the sidewalk even when its 40 degrees outside? Mrs Wilkes..and its worth the wait. You walk in and 10 people sit a a large table with the most amazing southern cooking waiting to be consumed. Great conversation takes place from people from all over the planet. Everything about this place made me smile and I would highly recommend the experience to anyone in Savanna for the day.
(5)Liz P.
Food was excellent, the experience itself was worth it but not the whole thing I was expecting. Got in line around 11:35am on a Friday and was let in at around 1:15pm. My faves were the sweet mashed potatoes, the sweet sweet SWEET tea (made a convert out of me, I normally hate sweet tea!), and of course the chicken, even though it was actually TOO fresh (too hot) to eat at first. Restaurants normally make money off me at buffets and this was no exception ($18 and cash only) since I don't eat as much as I used to, but the food was worth it. It was kind of fun to sit with people we didn't know, too. Check out the photos on the walls - there's one of a Mrs. Wilkes server with Obama, and another of a very young Dennis Quaid who dined there! Very cool. I would go back to Mrs Wilkes with people who have never been, not sure if I would go with the same people again now that we've experienced it.
(4)Ian B.
Wow. What a great restaurant. Waited about 1.5 hours but it was well worth it. The food was excellent an service is great. You sit down at a table with 10 people. We were unsure at first about the communal style but it ended up being great. I can eat a lot and couldn't even try every dish. Will definitely go back when I return to savannah!
(5)Kristin C.
Make sure you get there early!! We arrived by 9:50am and when it opened at 11 we were lucky enough to get seated with the first group. When you enter the tables are already set up and food is there to be served family style. The food is endless!! Sooo many sides and you have to try a little of everything! My favorites were the fried chicken, sweet potato, Mac and cheese, collards, and BBQ pork. I've never had okra and the okra soup was very tasty. The cornbread was a little dried out but I had plenty of other foods to munch on. The best thing there though is the dessert... homemade banana pudding! It is so fresh and delicious I couldn't get enough. Make sure you save room!
(4)E. M.
Simply the best southern food I've ever had. Worth the 1.5 hr line wait. Also just incase you didn't know, if your still waiting in line at 2, they will still serve you.
(5)Tom O.
Worth the wait. Great food served in a casual relaxed way. Priced right for what you get. Nice people!
(5)Shannon A.
Not much to add, it is just the most amazing place to get true southern cuisine. We went on a Thursday near 2pm (closing time) and only waited about 15 minutes. They will take you as long as you are in line by 2pm. When you sit down all of the sides are already on the table, piping hot. Every seat has a sweet tea waiting. The staff is attentive and there is a very comfortable feel. The only word of warning I have is that they only take cash. This place will be a must for all future trips!
(5)John H.
Cash only Fun times as you eat family style and meet new people Locals eat here as well Everything was delicious except the collard greens Bring your appetite, it is worth the wait
(4)Dominick T.
You get the food on their terms. This is Mrs Wilkes place. You wait in line for a long time, You clean up your places and sit here, one price fits all. Yes you are going to sit with other guests, and if you know whats good for you, you are going to like it. At any other place I would be put off. Not here. No. They have mind blowing fried chicken. It is an experience you won't believe was once walking around on two legs pecking anything. There has never been a chicken that died so good. If there is better, you better prove it or I will find satisfaction on the dueling fields by the graveyard, sir. Every side was well done, with the flavor God put into that food, and little subtle overtones that makes southern cooking and this place great. The greens had the slightly tangy bitterness, then a creamy smoothness, a sweetness, and a hotness. The meatloaf was the lunch item for our day, and it was better than my meatloaf. (I feel so inadequate!) Rutabagas, macaroni, corn, everything is worth trying and eating. Even better, they will bring more food. Then more food. They are happy to make you a lot fatter than you went in. The people are nice, but loaded with tourists, some who get the concept and some who don't. Not a place for those with food finickiness, eat what she put on the table, or no dessert. 'Nilla Pudding, yes, cobbler, yes. I was so dizzy with my entrees, dessert was just like going to heaven, having a nice place to enjoy the view, and then St. Peter brings you a pony. Every local will tell you this is the MUST go place in Savannah. The more famous place here can't touch Mrs. Wilkes, she can kick the Lady's butt, and then both her Sons, and have enough left over to kick your butt at lunchtime.
(5)Url R.
The sides are what gives this place five stars. The chicken is decent, but I have had better. Yes, the line is long but bring some friends or, if alone, an iphone with headphones and it goes by fast. There are a few benches nearer the house for those with kids and elderly. If you have a larger group, like more than 4, plan on splitting up so that you can get a seat faster. I saw a large family waiting inside forever so that they could all sit together. That was dumb. Anyway, all of the sides were outstanding especially the gravy and cornbread stuffing. Get a roll and make sure to dip it in the molasses. Sweet potatoes were unforgettable. I recommend buying the cookbook.
(5)Chad S.
blows paula deens restaurant out of the water. best southern food you can find.
(5)PG B.
Been coming here for 37 years, and lived across the street at one point. Consistently good ole fashion southern food, 20 sides, family style and get there early, long lines...
(5)Steve V.
We got here today 45 minutes early and the line was already 30 minutes long after the doors opened. Was it worth the wait? That's the big question. It's really good food, down home grandma's style and all the southern dishes are served. The biscuit at the end was the surprise for me; dipped in syrup, it was mouth watering good... even after I sampled the other 15 some odd dishes. So I feel if you're visiting Savannah, yeah its worth the wait... just to try all the Southern dishes. Get there early though, I felt bad for the older crowd waiting in the heat.
(4)Diane Z.
Loved the experience! We arrived around 12:30pm and waited about 30 minutes to get seated. We kind of lucked out because the way it works is they will seat an entire table then when everyone is finished the whole table is cleared and then the second seating gets their turn. Once we got in, we were seated at a table of 10 and all the food was already on the table. They brought out the hot and fresh fried chicken, and then we just stuffed ourselves for about 20 minutes. It's really quick since you don't have to wait for any food to come out. However, if you need refills or a specific cut of chicken, just ask and they will gladly bring it out for you! Everything definitely tasted like homestyle cooking. My favorites were the creamed corn, beef stew, wild rice, and mac and cheese. But if you just try a little bit of each thing, you will definitely get full. For the meats, we had fried chicken, barbequed chicken, meatloaf, and a beef stew.You will definitely get full and probably won't have to eat for another 7-8 hours. I also loved the banana pudding for dessert! Save room! Oh yea, and you get sweet tea! All for $18 (gratuity not included, dig deep for those nice folks!).
(4)Nick O.
Food was amazing and the service was just as good. Everyone was so friendly. Had a great time sitting with everyone at the table.
(5)Robert Q.
So many good things have been said, far from me to add much to the praise, except yep they're right it's excellent. There was 12 of us, table to ourselves, bowl after bowl of delicious home cooked food. Love the no rush policy, one of us was going for fourths and the staff was apologizing and asking if we wanted more. Very pleasant people, looking out the window at the line and shaking their heads at all the crazies. We waited two hours forty minutes and ended up sending the kids for pizza. The wait is way too long, get there at 10, no joke, and bring a book! We met some nice folks on line, but it was a little chilly, can't even imagine the heat of August. You should go, great experience but know what you're getting into. Wear comfortable shoes and loose pants you're going to need them.
(5)Cathy M.
This is probably the best soul food I have ever had! First of all, this place seats family style and it is ALL YOU CAN EAT! This place has the best fried chicken I have ever tasted! The cream corn is to die for! And the mash potato is whipped and tastes so light that it just melts in your mouth. I could probably eat the whole bowl of mash potato myself! I waited 2 hours to go in and believe that it is worth the wait. All this food for $20 a person, so go in hungry!
(5)Tommy G.
Mrs Wilkes deserves a 5 star rating, because its a fresh take on dining atmosphere. The food is delicious on the first time, however, like buffet style food, one should expect to acquire that 'cafeteria food' taste after the second round. I know I did. Definitely worth a visit, the staff is friendly, and the food is amazing.
(5)Lynsy M.
There is always a line down the Spanish moss-draped street of this former boarding house in historic downtown Savannah. Arriving at 9:30am on a Monday morning, we trickled in place behind the other curious hopefuls, mostly fellow distant travelers sharing the same wonderment of Mrs. Wilkes' legacy on southern communal dining. The alluring quality of Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room is the experience. Anachronistic customs carry you to a distinctive, earlier time period; good ole' southern homestyle traditions and family-style dining in a communal setting give Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room character and charm. Guests bustle in the low-ceiling establishment in groups of 8 and are seated at the same table. That's right; make friends with those around you while waiting in line. They will no longer be strangers by dessert. As you enter, an array of various southern comfort foods in ceramic dishes are already situated on the table. Collard greens, mac n' cheese, dirty rice/jambalaya, BBQ pork, succotash, creamed corn, pickled beets, boiled okra, mixed vegetables, sweet potato puree, green beans, lima beans, beef stew, and cornbread -- just to name a few. Born and raised in the South and immersed in the corresponding traditions, I appreciate the reverence for southern cuisine and its homestyle dining experience that Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room has instilled in many out-of-towners. However, I was left mostly underwhelmed after tasting several of the side dishes. I was also left disappointed and saddened after seeing the copious amounts of food wasted after each meal. The highlight of our experience, though, was the fried chicken; the skin was perfectly seasoned and crispy while the meat was succulent and juicy. At the end of your meal, bring your polished plate to the kitchen. Say good-bye to your new friends and head to the front counter. Hopefully, you stopped by the ATM on the way, because they only accept cash.
(3)Emily L.
Mrs. Wilkes' is the place to try while in Savannah. They are only open from 11-2, and lines form super early. We were there at 10:20 and were about the 20th in line. They stagger seating tables, which is the perfect way to keep things flowing from both a dining perspective and a serving/cooking perspective. Great southern food, family style. It's fun to find out things about your table mates while enjoying amazing food. The best fried chicken around-not greasy at all and perfectly crispy. The peach cobbler is awesome. For newcomers, bring cash ($20 per person) as they don't accept credit cards, come early (or be patient).
(5)Andrew P.
We got in line about 10 AM on a chilly morning and my girlfriend thought I was nuts waiting that long to get lunch. But this place delivered, and we were in the first group to get in thankfully. By the time 11AM rolled around, the line was the whole way down around the block. This was one of the best meals I've ever ate. There was so much food on the table and everything I tried was great, even stuff I usually don't like such as creamed corn. The chicken is the star on TV, and it was everything I expected it to be. So tender and juicy and delicious, easily top 3 I've had in my life. I forget what all I had while I was here, but the cream corn was great, as was the rice. I'm pretty sure they had some good mac and cheese there too. Mashed potatoes and lima beans were also quite good. I will be back for certain next time I'm in Savannah.
(5)Phillip L.
A must visit if your in town. Visited on the last day before it closes for the month of January and got there around 10:30. Waited 3 hours and was seated at 1:30 doubting if anything could possibly be worth a 3 hour wait. The moment I walked in I was completely mind blown by the amount of food at the table already. Met a really cool family who happened to be an alum at the current school I attended. After some chatting and introductions, dove right into the amazing fried chicken, sweet potatoes with raisins, pickled cucumbers, mashed potatoes, Mexican rice with sausage, buttered white rice, biscuits and cornbread, squash, collared greens, green beans, cabbage, beets, Lima beans, baked brown beans, cole slaw, smoked BBQ pork, rutabaga, okra, and corn. This was followed by a desert of peach and banana pudding. Long story short: all the sides were so good. The fried chicken was definitely better than average; however, it was a tiny bit dry. Also the both the service and sweet tea provided were top-notch as well. For only $18, you won't get better food, atmosphere, or service elsewhere. The only con was that I felt like my stomach was about to explode afterwards. Warning: don't eat breakfast!!!
(5)Tami W.
Oh My Gosh! I have never been so full. They put so much great food on the table you can't eat it all. Dont miss the fried chicken, the corn, the cornbread stuffing...and the list goes on! It's all amazing. We waited 1 1/2 hours beginning around 1:30pm, but it was totally worth it. The people behind us in line had driven from Charleston just to come here. Good choice.
(5)Andy D.
Absolutely delicious. Make friends with the people you're in line with, because you will be sitting family-style with them when you get in. Everything is laid out for you when you finally get inside, and it is delicious- you can see from the photos and other reviews what they offer, I'm just validating that! It is worth the wait in line! It moves pretty fast, as they get people in in out surprisingly quickly, but don't forget to arrive early.
(5)Michael D.
Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room is an iconic Savannah eatery located in a charming neighborhood. It serves fare modeled after the type of food provided by boarding houses of the past. It is open for lunch on weekdays with a set menu that changes daily for the bargain price of $18 per person and only cash is accepted. The restaurant consists of a large dinning room with exposed brick walls that is quaintly decorated and furnished with large communal tables that seat ten. This restaurant is meant to provide hungry folks with an abundance of food at a very low cost. It is always crowded and long waiting lines form well before the opening time of 11:00 a.m. The operation is well organized and once all the tables are filled, big platters of food are served in waves and a sufficient amount of time is given the guests to eat. Afterward, all of the tables are cleared and the entire restaurant is vacated and then refilled with new guests. On the day my wife and I lunched there, we were astounded by the large selection and high quality of the food. It was served family style and all-you-can-eat that included but was not limited to: fried chicken, beef stew, BBQ pork, collard greens, black eyed peas, mac and cheese, squash, rice and gravy, pickled beets, okra and tomatoes, mashed potatoes, and candied yams. In addition, several desserts were offered, including a peach cobbler and a bread pudding, along with sweet and unsweetened tea as well as water. Everything was fresh, well prepared, and delicious. However, we thought that the fried chicken was a standout. It was crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and very tasty. We also really liked the okra gumbo, the black-eyed peas, and collard greens. Eating at the communal table was very entertaining. What with food constantly being served and dishes and bowls being passed around nonstop along with the lively conversations amongst our fellow diners, our lunch became a kind of frenetic adventure. If you want to sample a large assortment of very good authentic Southern cooking along with highly courteous and efficient service and have a great deal of fun doing so, don't miss Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room. As a word of caution, when you leave you will be stuffed to the gills so don't plan on having dinner that night.
(5)S H.
Even in July, when tourism in the area is quiet, the line for Mrs. Wilkes was down the block. We get there around 10:30 and waited for a little over an hour but it was well worth it!! Family style tables were set and filled with dishes of fried chicken, sweet mashed potatoes, pulled pork, and a ton of other dishes. We didn't eat for HOURS afterward that day because we were so full. And it's all for only $18!! This place is a must! Get there early so you don't miss out before they close at 2 pm - or so you don't wait in the hot afternoon sun (when it peeked through the trees we were sweating but they do have a nice cooler of iced water outside for you).
(4)Clifford C.
This is as good as it gets. You dine with others around a big round table with an amazing 24 (that's twenty-four) dishes on the table. This is history, good food and you can say you were there. Highly recommend. I think this is the place where the Amish learned how to serve the public - but it's a lot more intimate. Can't go wrong here.
(5)Mark J.
OK, I am clearly in the minority here - and I am definitely not an expert on Southern cuisine, but from my perspective it was OK but not phenomenal. You sit down at a table of about 10-12 and they bring out a whole array of foods, sort of as if you were eating at home with family on Thanksgiving. The main meats are fried chicken and meatloaf, I only tried the chicken which was OK but probably not any better than Popeyes or KFC. Other items were cabbage, mac & cheese, beans, black-eyed peas, squash,mashed potatoes, yams, fried okra, rice and stuffing or dressing as they call it in the South. The only dish that I though was very good was the dressing the rest was OK but really nothing special. I would go for the experience but don't expect gee wiz amazing food.
(3)Miguel S.
Wow. My trip to savannah felt incomplete until I dragged my wife to wait in a line in the rain with me for about an hour without any food in our bellies. She wasn't too amused about it but I told her it was worth it. While we were waiting in line we found out that the restaurant is cash only. We don't really carry any cash around so I had to walk in the rain and make it to the Hilton hotel where I found an ATM. This is about 2 or 3 blocks from the restaurant. After an hour or so, we were sat in a big dining room table with a bunch of strangers; in case you didn't know this is the way it works here. No menus, no drinks or cocktails; no complaints allowed. You either get the choice of water, sweet tea or unsweetened tea. And the food is already waiting for you on the table. They have over 20 different choices portioned in white bowls in the center of the table. The whole dynamic around it is that you actually have to talk to these strangers to pass food around. If you are socially awkward or have issues dealing with strangers, you will go home hungry. Some of the highlights of the dinner were: Fried chicken, meatloaf, pulled pork, Mac and cheese, collard greens and dirty rice. At the end you get to pick between the peach cobbler or the banana pudding for dessert and then when you're really done, you literally have to pick up after yourself; take your plate, silverware and cup to the dishroom. Then say goodbye to the strangers at your table and go to the cashier and pay for your meal. Anyways; yes; it is worth it. Just suck it up in line and you will be rewarded. Thank you Mrs. Wilkes
(5)Nichole S.
Yes you have to wait in line, and yes you may end up sitting with strangers due to the tables being sat as groups of ten. If you do not want that, don't go and eat here. The restaurant opens at 11am and it seems that if you get there by 10:15 or so you only end up waiting about an hour. Once you get in, everything is very straightforward. The food is already laid out on the table, 3 meats and countless sides (the website will tell you what will be on the menu for each day). We were a group of 4, and ended up sitting with 2 other groups of 2. We were all considerate and made sure to pass the items around the table, and pass individual items when they were requested. That being said, the food was great. It tasted like someone's grandmother and aunts had been up since 5am cooking. You eat until you are full, and they even bring refills of items if you want them. Then once you think you cannot eat anymore they bring out dessert. When you are finished, you pick up your plate, cup and utensils and deposit them in the assigned area. Since there are so many people in the place daily, I would assume this helps with efficiencies in getting the table cleared and set up for the next batch of guests. It's was a great experience, one that anyone visiting Savannah should try.
(5)Shannon S.
Always have a great time here the lines get insane but if you are there early it's not too bad and it's well worth the wait. The staff is very pleasant and the food is fantastic love their sweet tea! Cash only so make sure you have enough. They have some very famous patrons such as Obama and the house wives of Atlanta, Paula Deen started here career here as we'll.
(5)Myrus C.
We loved it! We went there the day after Christmas and got there at 10:30 and got seated around noon. We were overwhelmed by the amount of yummy food and enjoyed the family style lunch. A Savannah must! As other people say it's definitely worth the wait!
(5)Joanna V.
This is an absolute must when in Savannah. Know going in you will have to wait about 2 hours. This seems insane, but it is worth it believe me. My husband and I lined up at 10:30AM on a Wednesday and the line was already down the block. There is one store next to the line so you can take turns and pop into there to kill some time. My husband and I also brought books to read which helped pass the time. The seating and serving is family style. You will sit at a table with 10 other people and numerous bowls of delicious southern food will be placed in front of you. I am a vegetarian and I was a bit worried there would not anything for me, but I did not need to worry. I have MANY choice and definitely got my moneys worth. Everything was delicious. Not a bad dish was served to us. The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful. The place opens at 11AM and closes at 3PM. I highly recommend getting there early to wait in line. They also only take cash or check. It is a $20 flat fee. Go here!
(5)Tara P.
The food is amazing. Just like a home cooked southern meal. Went there around 10:00 and we were in the first seating at 11:00. When we left the restaurant the line was wrapped around the block so definitely try to get there early. Make sure to bring cash, they don't accept credit cards!
(5)Anita C.
Went here at recommendation of a local. Its an interesting place with a unique communal style of dining. There was a short line at 12:30 and we were seated in about 15 mins. You are whisked to a 12 person table with other newfound friends to share a meal like you are at your parents house for Thanksgiving. On the table are about 24 different sides and entrees served family style. Not a great assortment of main dishes but perfectly good for what this is. Fried chicken, pork bbq, jambalaya, beef stew, mashed potatoes, mac n cheese, collared greens, b-e peas, sweet potatoes, gravy, pasta salad, baked beans, and rutabaga and a few other things i never tried. Sweet and unsweetened tea are served with lunch. Desert tray comes out last and both the peach one and banana dish were very good. Not a fancy place at all, and you get to wait your own dishes to the washroom when you are done. You pay $20 pp when leaving. Make sure to pay when you are absolutely leaving because there is no bill nor anyway for them to track if you already paid if you wander back in to review all the knickknacks they have on display. Pay and leave! Wait staff is pleasant and helpful and will offer coffee at end of meal. For what it is, this place does a very good job at what they are doing and providing - good ole all you can eat southern comfort food baby!!
(5)Mark W.
Place lives up to the hype! The "King of Southern Comfort food" or should I say Queen! You really can't go to Savannah and not do Mrs. Wilkes..... The sides are all good but those cheesy mashed potatoes with onions are incredible! The whole line thing is a bit of a cunnundrum.... Early, late, 11:15 or 11:30 what should I do????? My advice get there at 11:10ish.... You won't be first in line... The "old Timers got the front of the line on lockdown! I think they are getting there around 10:45.... Way too early, but they don't seem to mind. You'll be about the 20th or 30th in line but don't fret.... You'll be in the first seating. The tourists will be snapping pictures of the line from every angle and you may be stuck next to a "Space Invader" from Minnesota but you'll be in by 11:10 and out by 12:00 and ready for the trolley tour!
(5)Tim P.
Family style. Y'all better bring your appetite. I was impressed with the spread! So - in case you didn't know, even if your party is two people, you sit at one of the big family sized tables and they bring out around 9-12 bowls of different food. It's all pretty amazing. I though the collard greens and the fried chicken were the best. We didn't have to wait too long. I was very impressed with the food! SO GOOD. CASH ONLY.
(5)Steve B.
Holy moly was this place definitely worth the wait. We were told that if we're visiting Savannah, we MUST GO to Mrs. Wilkes and to expect a very long wait but to be rewarded with fantastic southern cookin'. They're only open 11am-2pm M-F, and I now understand why...They don't need to operate any more than 3 hours per day, 5 days a week because of their fantastic food and surplus of patrons. We waited about one hour outside in the grueling heat and humidity and I began to doubt whether or not it WOULD be worth it - oh it was. When we finally entered I immediately realized that this was not a typical restaurant. We sat down at a large oval table that sat about 8 people - and the table was already chock full of food. Probably about 15-20 bowls of different foods from fried chicken, pulled pork, mac 'n cheese, baked beans, corn bread, beef, creamed corn, and on and on and on. What, all you can eat you say? Oh boy. We sat there with 6 total strangers and overwhelmed our feed for about 45 minutes - needless to say we were a bit uncomfortable on our way out, but for only $18/pp? Wow. Do not miss this diamond in the rough if you're ever in Savannah.
(5)Tony S.
A recent trip to Savannah,GA for a conference gave me little time to break away, but fortunately there was a decent enough break in my schedule to make a run to this place. We asked one of the wait staff at the Hyatt downtown where she would eat locally if she was from out of town, and without batting an eye this was the first place she named. It is within walking distance of anywhere downtown, and given the parking meters that don't give you much time for the money you put in the meters, walking may be the best option if weather permits. Three very important things to know: 1) It is ONLY open Monday through Friday from 11:00 AM until 2:00 PM. 2) Cash only...currently $18 a person, but it is a steal for the experience. 3) Chances are you will be seated with people not part of your party, but that makes it even more special! My suggestion is to arrive no later than 9:30 AM and get in line. No matter what you do, you WILL wait about two hours. I would rather wait on a full stomach and be hungry by the time I am seated fairly close to a "normal" lunchtime, than to wait past the point when I am ravenous. You are let in in groups to make up a party of ten; this means that the five in our group were seated with five strangers, but by the time we were done with our meal we felt like family, which is the whole point! You are directed to a large table already set with large bowls of the food...there is every kind of southern comfort food imaginable on this table, and the simplicity of it is stunning. You each take a seat, and begin passing the bowls around. There is simply not enough room on the plate to sample everything, and you have to pace yourself to not get full before you get some of everything you want to try. But take your time; you're allowed to be seated as long as you want. The fried chicken is some of the best I've ever had. The beef stew was awesome. But some of the best were the summer squash, the black eyed peas, the lima beans, and so on....everything was well seasoned and piping hot. And as soon as a bowl or plate emptied, more came pouring out of the kitchen. Accompanying rolls, cornbread, and tea or water also kept coming out. It was literally a horn of plenty. I would definitely go back again. I think this place is equal or better than some other establishments in town ( you know who I am referring to!) but to me this is the real cradle of Savannah hospitality!
(5)Keri F.
I agree with all the positive reviews. It's just fun to sit down with 8 other people and pass about 25 plates of food around! No one in our group was overly talkative, it was pleasant conversation. The wait was about 2 hours no matter when you get there, only the people arriving closer to opening time (11am) might actually wait and NOT get seated. We arrived at 9:30 on a Friday and were 2nd in line. We sat promptly at 11am, but only the front room got seated (3 tables x 10 ppl each) - they filled the other room around 12. We sat down with all the sides on the table (about 25), and right away we were brought the fresh fried chicken, BBQ pork, and then bread. I could go on and on about each of these dishes but really why? What I like might be different for you. I think it's a given that everyone loves the fried chicken - it's always fresh, crispy, and moist. And it's refillable! The other meats seems to rotate - and it's above your average restaurant taste. The side dishes: there are 25! You are bound to love at least 3-4, which, let's face it, is really all you need on a good dinner plate! There are 2 desserts to choose from - go with a friend who will let you sample the one you don't get. Highlights for us: (and I know I just said it was pointless) Fried Chicken - Awesome. good salt level, good garlic, medium breading, perfect crisp, all pieces moist, and hot of course (take a bite and let it cool). BBQ pork - more a sweet flavor but still nice Green beans - no meat in it, but it was still pretty good (Momma does it better.) Black eyed peas - very good, pop in your mouth, smokey, medium salt Corn bread - oh yes, best in town, moist and peels apart (not flakey), more like a biscuit, you can taste the corn! Rutabaga - never had this one before, but it was very good, like a squash but not as squishy. Cabbage - very good, cooked tender. Spanish rice - surprisingly light and tomatoey Mac n cheese - I did not try (d/t lactose issues) but my friend stated it was the best she tried in Savannah, the cheese was good and (while not Velveeta) still gooey. Sweet tea - just enough sugar to overpower the tea leaf, but not too heavy (like some places) The negatives: okra and collard greens - were undercooked and rough, which with okra, can really be gross. Overall, fun and yummy. Give it exactly 4 stars. (Mom still gets the 5 stars)
(4)Lisa H.
Mrs. Wilkes was not only one of the best meals I have ever had but a wonderful experience as well. The fried chicken was moist and delicious but the vegetable sides were truly amazing. Many reminded me of my grandmother's and mother's home cooked Southern meals. I miss them so much. But to get back to the experience, you may have to stand in line and wait to eat, but you get to make friends. Then you enjoy that great meal with them and that is the wonderful experience if the place! Simply terrific!
(5)Shkinia M.
Wonderful. Everything I ate was good. I went into it like being invited to eat at someone's house and you don't know the other guests. Food was good and plentiful. The people we were seated with held great conversations. Highly recommended.
(5)Princess S.
I'd never heard of this place until I arrived in Savannah, but it of course came highly recommended. I stopped by around 12:30 one day and witnessed the line, so I decided to try again the next day. I got in line at 10:05am, and there were already 5 people there. Time passed by easily with conversation and reading, and finally at 10:55 the doors opened. It was like walking into someone spacious dining room, exactly as it's called. I was alone, but everyone was seated as if they were a big happy family. The food was delicious and for $18, it was all you could eat (within ~40 mins) southern home cookin. My favorites included the jambalaya, sweet potatoes, and beans. Sad to say, the fried chicken had too little salt, the collards had too much salt and there was no coffee. It's a great experience for people who don't have regular access to Southern home cooking, but since I do, I'm just happy to have met the people at my table!
(3)Rachel m.
There's a reason people wait in a line for forty plus minutes for this place. True Southern Soul food, served family style. It's almost like a Southern Thanksgiving. Sitting at a large table with people you don't know, it's a great way to make new friends and enjoy the true meaning of a sit down, "family" dinner. You walk in, are directed where to sit, and your meal is already at the table waiting for you. 18 bucks a person for food, drinks, and dessert, but it's pretty much all you can eat because they keep bringing food, even thought there's still plenty already on the table. My boyfriend loved the fried chicken, which is a favorite, but I loved the pulled pork and Mac and Cheese, but really, EVERYTHING was great. On the occasion you might spot a celeb, today we spotted Alec Baldwin! Definitely a local favorite. You won't be disappointed, definitely worth the wait. But make sure you're in line before 1:30. They close at 2!
(5)Andrew G.
Besides the hour long wait, this place was the best restaurant on our trip to Savannah. Amazing food all around. The fried chicken, the Spanish rice, the bbq pork, the okra, the mac and cheese. And the cucumbers! All plus so much more. Great for lunch! I also really enjoyed the communal seating idea. You get to meet other people while enjoying great food. A must in Savannah!
(5)Scott C.
I have been in Hilton Head, SC for almost a week and eaten at many places. This is in the top category. Haven't had better fried chicken since my mom's when I was a kid and that was a long time ago. It is a small place that our family of 10 took about 45 minutes to get into. It was well worth it. 20 items on the table with anything from the aforementioned fried chicken to other southern specialties such as collard greens, creamed corn, okrah, bbq pulled pork, corn bread and the list goes on. If you are in Savannah and you are hungry try it out. You will be rewarded with good food and a very southern hospitality wait staff.
(4)Sincere R.
Family style seating. You sit at a table with 8 other people. As soon as you sit down, the table is set with fried chicken, chicken and dumplings, beef stew, meatloaf, BBQ pork, and all the fixings. Most everything had gold flavors you can definitely tell nothing is store-bought. However, A few of the sides were overly salty. Staff were extremely friendly and polite. The family style was authenticated by the fact that you had to personally walk your plate to the kitchen. Great bang for the buck. If I'm ever in town again, I'd go back in a heartbeat. Just remember to get there early. Banana pudding was a major let down. I kinda expected more.
(4)Thomas P.
The food was great, and it was a very cool experience. I will always remember sitting with 20 strangers and meeting new friends over very good southern food. I know the wait sucks, however, be patient you will not be disappointed!
(5)Jason L.
Very good. Had to stand outside in the rain to eat here, but was still good.
(5)David S.
A haiku. The line moves quite fast. Her fried chicken, best in class. That meal, not the last.
(5)Ray B.
We ate there in June. Had to wait and sweat for at least or more than an hour. By the time you got seated, you were so thirsty.... so you re-hydrate yourself and therefore not as hungry. lol.. They need a bigger place for sure. Food was like eating at home but better. Great food. I will eat there again, for sure...
(5)Henry B.
This was a much awaited dining experience. We new it would be a long wait (90 minutes standing in a line outside). For the most part, I am glad. The place is TINY and the kitchen even smaller. This is great comfort food - imagine Thanksgiving dinner at your grandma's home. Too much food, some OK, some great. The barbecue was amazing, as good as any I have had in Kansas City or in the Carolinas. The fried chicken and the okra/tomato/corn/lima bean concoction were very good. The potatoes, beans, etc.were just OK. Dessert was not very good (bananas, graham crackers and pudding). All you could possibly eat for only $20 (cash only). A good experience to endure. Once.
(3)Michaela L.
Definitely an exercise in quantity- arrived at 10:45am on a Weds and were seated at 12:00. If you have a few people in line, you can send someone over 1 block and up two blocks to the Gryphon which has to-go coffee if you order from the "bar", also a nice bathroom. Food at Mrs Wilkes was as-mentioned in previous reviews. Fried chicken was probably the best item, some of the sides seemed re-heated. Mac and cheese good, all food very rich and extremely salty. Sweet potatoes were like eating straight maple syrup. Glad we went for the experience of it but I would not recommend it on food quality alone.
(3)Patricia C.
A must for your Savannah visit. Was skeptical when I heard it was cash only and it was only open for 3 hours a day during the week but it was worth waiting in line for. The fried chicken was flavorful, yet light and the MANY sides left me stuffed.
(5)Leighton S.
This is probably my one of my top 3 favorite restaurants in the country. We came to downtown Savannah from Knoxville for a weekend getaway, and this is one of the 3 restaurants we ate at. What a perfect experience. After a 2 hour wait, we finally sat down to the best Southern meal I've ever eaten. Everything was delicious! They give you about 20 different bowls of vegetables or meat to put on your plate and pass, family style. Mrs Wilke's is the #1 restaurant I recommend to friends going to Savannah. Sorry Paula Deen, Mrs Wilke's is the best!
(5)Lindsey F.
Went on a Monday thinking the line would be short. It wasn't. Got in line at about 10:15, was seated a little after 11. It was worth it, though. Is it a "tourist trap"? No more so than anything else in downtown Savannah. And the food is wonderful. I don't think I've ever had fried chicken that good. Just skip breakfast, get in line early, and come prepared to enjoy sitting with and conversing with strangers. Also, if at all possible, come as a small group. I got to go in ahead of two or three larger groups because I was on my own. Score!
(5)Jillian C.
This place was highly recommended so I was excited when I walked in to make a reservation but the older gentleman at the hostess stand was SO rude! He asked if I wanted a table and I asked if I could see a menu (I'm a vegetarian so I wanted so see if there were any options that would work) and he snapped at me and said, "Look, either grab a seat at the table or leave." I was stunned! A man standing next to me, waiting for his seat even widened his eyes in shock. I sort of laughed and said, "Well, I guess I'll leave..." Seriously awful customer service.
(1)Greg B.
Great food, great price, long wait. Suggest getting there no later than 9:45am to be in the first seating. The wait goes by pretty quick chatting up with everyone in line. There are a ton of sides brought to your table even more than what is there when you first sit down so pace yourself to try everything because it's all delicious. Absolutely loved the fried chicken!! Creamed corn and pulled pork were fantastic too. Just try a little of everything.
(5)Lynne J.
If you did not grow up in the South, this is a place to try. Traditional southern food served family style. The corn, fried chicken, and banana pudding were great. The numerous other sides were just "okay," compared to my mom and grandmother's home cooking. Be prepared to wait in line. Our concierge recommended being in line by 1:00. We waited 45 minutes but we were not rushed through our meal.
(4)Meredith M.
Wait in a long long line for food I grew up with. True, it's better than some of the other southern food places around town, but my grandma's was still better.
(3)Frank R.
Incredible 15.00 cash only
(5)Allan S.
Very good all-you-can-eat southern food delivered family style. Two choices: get their early or wait in line. Either way you will probably wait 30 minutes to an hour.
(5)Ana R.
I was here a couple of years back. I do not recall details, just that it was a wonderful experience. I remember things like sweet tea and fried chicken. What else matters... The history of Mrs. Wilkes was great and seeing the locals come here for lunch was a plus.
(5)Phil A.
Worth the wait, and yes, the fried chicken is the best. Ample food that is guaranteed to stick to your ribs. There isn't much more to say other than you won't be sorry if you like good ol' homecooked southern cuisine. I tried just about everything on the table, and while some things were definitely better than others, nothing was disappointing. Everyone should give this place a go at least once in a lifetime.
(5)Rosie P.
Ok... ok... ok... this place is AMAZING! $18 per person and it's totally worth it. You might get a little frustrated by standing in line... but fight the frustration because you won't experience another place like this. 5 for sure!
(5)Melissa G.
The food was amazing. If you are going to have one Southern home meal in Savannah eat here. The fried chicken was good, but the sides were great- beef stew, bbq, mac and cheese, fresh cornbread. We got the first table and sat with two people who knew Mrs. Wilkes and had stories about Obama visiting (all good). Were the first in line at 9:30, the line was around the block by 10:30. Tips- cash only. Before serving food there is a prayer mentioning Jesus. Just a heads up if that makes you uncomfortable.
(5)Jedigyrl J.
Anyone wanting to sample southern food should stop here. Some of the best non home fried chicken I've had. It may seem odd to sit with strangers but it's all about the food and a new common interest u have: passing fantastic food to each other. Highly recommend and I tell everyone to go.
(5)Traci K.
Been dining here almost 20 years, still the best food in Savannah! Come early, bring cash and an empty stomach.
(5)Pamela F.
This place is absolutely awesome!! Food is excellent southern cooking servers are nice and experience is memorable. Wish we had one in our neck of the woods(Houston)....lol. You won't be disappointed. Enjoy!
(5)Jo M.
This place was worth the 45 minute wait. So much good food for the low price of $18! That fried chicken was just heavenly. I have dreams about it. All the sides were very yummy too. So much food!! Only complaint was that there was no hot sauce to be found in the entire restaurant. Service was friendly but rushed. CASH ONLY. *note: my friend and I couldn't move after lunch here, we sat in the car for about 30mins. Pace yourself when eating here lol.
(5)Hudson C.
If you're standing in line waiting in front of Mrs. Wilkes for a table reading this review, STAY PUT!! It's worth the wait and you are in for a treat. You'll be hard pressed to find better food and a better atmosphere with friendlier staff anywhere. It's a great place for families or big groups, or if you're in a small party you'll get seated next to some new friends who are just as excited about the food as you are! I know you're hungry, but don't have a meltdown - very good things are coming your way.
(5)S Z.
You just have to suck it up and do this! Yup our wait was 2 hours. Chat with the people around you. You will probably wind up sitting with them. Every single one of the 25 dishes was amazing. I left my manners behind and drank the gravy. Fried chicken was the best ever. They can make strange veggies taste like dessert. I mean, the president ate here. The family is still working and super nice. And you bring your own dishes to get cleaned!
(5)Ho L.
When you mention Savannah, everything always thinks of Paula Deen's place. But honestly, that place is garbage compared to Mrs Wilkes. The wait can be excruciatingly long if you come during peak lunch hours, but it's well worth it. All you can eat southern cuisine, friendly service, and the chance to sit, eat, and chat with other people from across the world. The food is soooo good, better than the heat lamp food found at Lady & Sons.
(5)Emily D.
After reading the reviews, we based what time we left Florida for our trip to Savannah on the restaurants hours. Believe me, it was absolutely worth waking up at 430 am! My boyfriend and I both said numerous times "I didn't think I liked (insert lima beans black eyed peas and collards here) but it turns out, it's so good!" We loved Mrs. Wilkes dining room because it was so unlike anything we had ever tried. We had lunch with a lovely couple from Minnesota and another from Texas. My favorite thing served was the squash casserole, my boyfriends was the okra soup. I can't say enough about this place. It's amazing in every way.
(5)Steve R.
This place is an absolute must if you're in or near the Savannah area. I set next to a young couple from London England who were over on business and even the word has made it to London and a couple on my right were from New York and little old me from Houston Texas were seated at the family style table. I am sorry Paula Deen but The food here including the chicken put yours is far superior. I tried everything and enjoyed everything my only complaint is indeed larger plates and I need a larger stomach
(5)Miss M.
i got lucky, others did the wait in line forever routine and I just walked in and joined them. I got unlucky, sitting with strangers reaching all over for stuff and asking me personal questions is a step above assault. I didn't order, I lasted 8 minutes and realized there was a real disdain for vegetarians or anyone who just wants a healthy meal. and that the jersey shore couple next to me wasn't getting the hints that I was there to see friends, not make new ones.
(1)Alison D.
Best Southern food in Savannah!
(5)Eve P.
We knew what we were getting into when we decided to eat here. Get in line early (by 10:30 am). Check. Wait in the heat. Check. Prepare to eat with complete strangers. Check. Bring cash. Check. Know that you're going to eat pretty fast. Check. With all that information, all we had to do was sit down where they told us to sit and eat. And eat we did. I can't say one bad thing about the food. And all the people working there were lovely. If I lived in Savannah, I would eat there as often as my waistline would allow. Which I'm guessing wouldn't be that often.
(5)Owen S.
Wow, it was like Thanksgiving for Breakfast. Thank you to the random guy in Chipewa Square we had the good fortune to speak with for his advice, which I will now give to the internet: skip breakfast, get here by 10:30 am (doors open at 11), and bring cash (no credit cards accepted). You won't be disappointed.
(5)Todd M.
great soul food. excellent fried chicken. tons of veggie choices. everything was very well prepared. almost too many damned choices. for 18.00 i don't know how you could ever beat it.
(5)Phil C.
You'll only have to eat once for the day. But, this place is worth it. Not only for the food, but the family style lets you meet a lot of other interesting people so your great food comes with good conversation.
(5)Maggie D.
CASH ONLY! And be ready to get there VERY early and wait OUTSIDE! But this is a must do if you're in Savannah!! We got there around 10:30am and were seated at 11:30. You sit at a table with around 12 people and the food is all set out before you are seated, so there's no waiting inside! The food is amazing and there's sooo much of it! Go hungry and be prepared to eat more than you should! Not only is the food delicious it's also a fun experience sitting at a table with other people and getting to know them.
(5)X V.
Believe the hype. This place is well worth it. Bring cash or a check - they don't accept credit or debit cards! I didn't get to try everything so I am going back tomorrow. Go there hungry!!! You won't be disappointed. Everything was very good, hot, and fresh! Plus the added fun of sitting with fellow diners at a large round table. Loved it and will be going back!!
(4)Lisa Z.
This was a very amazing experience for me! I didn't care for waiting in line for 2 hours in the hot and humid Savannah climate, but it was worth it. I would have to compare it to either going back in time or playing a role in a movie (neither of which I've ever done! You will never have more authentic Southern food! At the end of this family style lunch you clear the table and bring your dirty dishes to the kitchen... it was awesome. I believe it is also on the top 100 places to go before you die (or something like that). Put this restaurant on your Bucket List but bring a battery operated fan with you if you go in the summer time!
(5)Elissa O.
Food = very good and authentic southern. This is definitely an experience you should have if you visit Savannah. The best thing, yes seriously, is the wait. And there will be one. I really enjoyed talking to other people in line. We got there at 10:10 and we got in about 11:15 and were out before noon. Overall, you will leave smiling and satisfied. Just remember - cash only!
(4)Andrew M.
The best food we ate while in Savannah. This is a must stop when you are in town. Only drawback is the wait. We got in line at 12pm and did not get seated until 2:30. Only serves lunch Monday through Friday 11am to 2pm, so we were glad we still got in. Once in no complaints about any of the food. Not a good place to take little children due to the amount of wait to get seated.
(5)Kaitlin S.
We got in line at 10:30 am on Monday morning and we got in just after 12 pm. The food was really good-- the standouts for me were the barbecue and the mac and cheese. The collard greens were delicious, and that's the first time I've ever liked eating collards. The other dishes I had were okra, creamed corn, black eyed peas, fried chicken, mashed potatoes, sweet potato purée, green beans, cabbage, a corn muffin, banana pudding for dessert and sweet tea to wash it down. Everything was delicious but nothing was mind blowing. I think it's worth the experience, but 4 stars because I'd prefer not to wait an hour and a half every time. I think 80 people is full capacity-- there are at least 8 tables for 10 people each. Even though there are a lot of people going in and out, the hospitality was great and the owner and waitresses checked to make sure we had everything we needed.
(4)Karen T.
We arrived before 10:30 and made it into the first seating. The line seemed to really fill up after 10:30. There were 21 dishes so we got to sample a huge variety of Southern food. It was a great experience.
(4)Kalani M.
Wish I had the appetite to eat here more often. It's one of my absolute favorite restaurants in the world. The dishes are unique and there's something for everyone. There are a lot of tourists and chatty Kathy's here so expect a lot of mindless chit chat that's likely to distract from the plethora of food.
(5)Ryan C.
Absolutely a must when in Savannah! I was here on business for the afternoon and this was my only stop. Like other posts say, family style. They even have you take your dirty dishes to the kitchen at the end of your meal! Awesome!
(5)Jumi Y.
If you're ever visiting Savannah (or live there), you have to try this place. I originally thought I would give this place 4 stars since there's nothing super fancy or innovative. But really, this place deserves a 5 because everything (all kajillion) dishes were solid and delicious. This is a place that delivers real Southern food without any shi shi additions. We got there around 1030 a. They open at 11. By the time we got there, the line was already wrapping around the corner. They can seat only 80 at a time, so we waited 2 hours. There was a couple in front of us, who we eventually sat down with, that had been going to this place for 20 years! When we finally sat down, we were greeted by a table full of food and waitstaff who explained the "rules." We eat however much we want, and then we clear our own plates. What I can remember of what was on our table: Fried chicken Green beans Collards Beef stew Rice Gravy Mashed potatoes Potato salad Jambalaya Lima beans Black eyed peas Cabbage Barbeque pork Yams Squash Creamed corn, corn on the cob, corn bread, (corn shrimp.. jk. just thinking about Forrest Gump) Cucumber salad Biscuits Mac and cheese All finished with banana pudding! not too sweet, crunchy nilla wafers, and large chunks of banana. mmm.. Wait, I ate all this?! And all of it was delicious. By far my favorite was the chicken. Simply flavored, crispy, hot. I had a breast piece, and it was juicy. Collards were not too far behind. The beef stew was soft and well-flavored. Great food, great service. I'll go here again the next time I go to Savannah.
(5)Leo C.
Overall: Food was good and worth the ~1 hour wait if it's your 1st time. A must if you visit only once. However, I won't be back if I visit Savannah again - not worth it. Summary: Long line & wait. Big round table with strangers. Buffet style. Food was good, chicken was a bit salty - felt rushed. ~ 8 Tables ~ 12 People Per Table Price: $20/person (CASH ONLY) Pros: - Unique dining experience (family style) - 24 good southern sides & 2 meat dishes (BBQ Pork & Fried Chicken) - BBQ pork - Buffet Style Cons: - Long line/wait (1-1.5 hours) - Awkward if you don't like to eat with strangers - Fried Chicken was a little salty - They rush you out to keep the long line moving - Cash Only - NO Credit Cards
(3)Neen J.
So we'd heard about this place, seen it on TV and had locals tell us we MUST do it. We arrived at 10.30 am as instructed (it is only open from 11 am- 2 pm) and we only waited 45 minutes and had fun listening to everyone in line share their experiences of it and we were intrigued how far people had come to eat here again! Once inside you are seated at large tables of 10+ people and the top of the table is literally covered in bowls of deliciousness! There is a crazy amount of food offerings which change daily. Even though I am GF I had to try the fried chicken O.M.G - best I have ever had! The secret it seems is that it is dipped in evaporated milk before frying. Amazing! I loved the sausage and rice, the beef stew and potatoes was incredible and the sweet corn mush was yum! I didn't try everything on the table because there was just too much. A tip - sample only - don't eat all you put on your plate or you will roll out of there! Try the blueberry cobbler for dessert, it is a tiny portion and divine. It is a tourist thing to do and yet it is fun too - great service, sweet ladies, fun to share stories family style at the dining table - be warned, wear loose pants!
(4)Sunil G.
Yes, it's worth the wait and hype. To give you an idea about the wait I was in line at 10.50 sound the corner and say down at 1pm. I don't think any individual own was the world's best but as a spread it's definitely the best.
(5)Rachel D.
I've been here twice - once in 2011 and again 2 days ago. Maybe my tastes have changed, but this time around most of the sides were either way too sugary sweet or too salty. The fried chicken was delicious. Not sure I'd wait 2+ hours to eat here again in the future. May be time to find another hole in the wall soul food restaurant in Savannah.
(3)Alana P.
The long wait at Mrs. Wilkes' Boarding House is absolutely worth the food. There were so many delicious dishes set on the table that I'm certain I didn't even sample them all. The fried chicken was the best I've ever had, the biscuits were light and buttery, and the creamed corn (my personal favorite) was filled with so many delicious flavors, as we're all of the other unmentioned dishes. And the peach cobbler was to die for!
(5)J.K. F.
So good, though do try to pace yourself. Our whole table was in sprint mode for the first 10 minutes and by 20 minutes in, everyone was stuffed. I think there were 2 dishes I didn't even try (at a certain point you have to prioritize and use the last of your appetite for seconds and thirds of your favorite dishes). The table next to us seemed to be stretching out their meal a bit more, they probably looked at us and scoffed, "rookies." Favorites: sweet potatoes, BBQ pork, collards, creamed corn, cabbage, dirty rice (might not be the accurate name). Thought the line might be shorter/start later on a Monday, but sure enough when we arrived just after 10am, there were 15-20 people already in line. The line stretched to the corner by the time they opened.
(5)Caprice L.
This place was good. The fried chicken is amazing. But all the other dishes weren't something I could really say were memorable. For the price and the amount of time you have to wait in line I don't really think it's worth it. The fried chicken is great stuff tho.
(3)Christie Y.
2.5 2 stars for the food. .5 stars for the concept. definitely the hype is what killed it for me...i was waiting for the most epic meal of my life and was super excited since obama was seen leaving the place a while ago. the wait was a lot faster than i've had expected i got there at 10:45 and was in the door by 12. not bad! . Yes I loved the idea, the service, the people, the fellow eaters, and most of the homecooked sides but the fried chicken was a bit dry. the sides were lukewarm and i really think the food being placed on the table before you sat down allowed the food to cool a bit. I tried every single side and they were delicious just not hot enough. I had two pieces of fried chicken to make sure that my critique wouldn't be biased based on just one piece of chicken. but nope.. still dry. the mac and cheese was not that great.. but the biscuits, the collard greens, squash, stuffing, pork was pretty good. The banana bread pudding was amazing though. the meal lasted probably only 20 min since everyone else also wolfed down the food and left in food coma. the sweet tea was also spectacular.
(2)Rose F.
Arrive at 10am & don't eat breakfast before u get here! We arrived at 10:35 & waited till noon to be seated but it was totally worth it! We met some really nice people while waiting and while eating. The food is fantastic! This place is served family style and u sit at a big table with 10 strangers who all share everything but it was interesting that way. Every bite was yummy! It's also cash only $18/person so come prepared. This place is an institution in Savannah... don't miss it!
(4)Paul G.
Hate to pick on this place, but the food is flavorless, canned and overcooked. The chicken was only slightly better than KFC. They can't even get banana pudding right! The facility was cramped and noisy. Feel sorry for all the tourists who don't know that this is not "Good Southern Cooking". Skip the hype and the line. This may have been a good place when Miss. W. was here, but she is gone and you should be gone also.
(1)Melissa H.
If you go, be prepared to wait a LONG time. We arrived at 10:00 (the restaurant opens at 11:00) and still had to wait over an hour. I was ready to kill my husband by the time we were seated. It was a disgustingly hot and humid day in the middle of July, and I was covered in sunburn and mosquito bites. Imagine my surprise when the food turned out to be worth the wait. Everything was simply but perfectly prepared and I had a really enjoyable meal. The place really does live up to it's legend. Come prepared, be patient, and I promise you will be rewarded.
(4)R K.
This is the best Southern food I've tasted. It was recommended by a neighbor before heading to Savannah. It was well worth waiting in line. It's set up family style, and you sit at a large table with other guests. There are plenty of side dishes, sweet tea, and the best fried chicken you've ever tasted. One price for all you can eat. After you've finished eating you pick up your plate and bring it to the kitchen. It's only open for lunch until 2 p.m. (they'll take you if you're still in line at 2p). If you're ever in Savannah, this restaurant is a must!
(5)Clara C.
DELICIOUS. Definitely a must-try for tourists and visitors of Savannah. This place has a lot of historic significance as it has been around since 1943. It's briefly mentioned in the book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. My roommates and I arrived at 10:30 AM and waited about an hour to get in. You definitely need to get there early! Right when you enter, the table is already set and the spread of food is already waiting for your consumption. There was every type of southern food you could imagine. My favorites were the mac & cheese, fried chicken, brown rice with sausage, mashed potatoes, and chicken & dumplings. It was nice eating family style and our fellow diners were very nice. It was interesting hearing where everyone was from. Two of the diners had come all the way from Washington (the state). I was a little disappointed that our table had gotten skimped of the biscuits & cornbread. I didn't realize til I was far too stuffed to ingest anything, but they looked amazing. Dinner comes with sweet tea and the bowls of food are replaced constantly. Service was quick and attentive. Desserts were a little too sweet for my taste. If I could do it all over again, I'd probably fast the night before so I could eat even more. Wear loose fitting clothes because you WILL be stuffed beyond belief.
(5)G Z.
The hype is real. Believe it. Stand in line and pace yourself because there is desert after the main meal. Sweet tea is only a tad sweet, which is how I like it. The fried chicken was really very good, salty and tender meat. Who really has a problem with spending $16 for a meal that will keep you so full and happy you don't need dinner? I have been to a similar family style southern restaurant in Nashville and this one was way better.
(5)Matt R.
After a long wait, this was some of the most amazing Southern food I've ever had. My strategy: a small scoop of everything in order to taste it all without over-doing it. You won't be disappointed!
(5)Vicky A.
Food is average but doesn't live up to the hype in my opinion. Make sure you have cash as it's cash only. We felt very rushed to eat and get out so I recommend going to the final seating if possible so you won't feel as rushed. There's other good southern cooking restaurants outside of the historic district but if you have no car then this one is the best.
(3)F. P.
The ultimate in Southern dining experience. Couldn't have asked for a better time, everything was near perfect. For starters, we were staying nearby and so we strolled down beautiful Jones St. right after some morning showers that may have kept some people away and made the city look beautiful. When we got there around a little before noon, there was no line and we just had to wait for about five minutes while they set up the next table. When we got to the table (which seats about 10 or so), it was an amazing first sight to behold. First of all, we were the only two to be seated at the table at first (four people joined later on) so we got to see the full effect. A plate of fried chicken with no less than fifteen sides! It was like Thanksgiving, part II. The chicken tasted great but I only a few pieces because I was too busy going to town on the sides. The standouts were the okra & tomatoes, the creamed corn and the bbq pork and rice with sausage. But there was also black eyed peas, mac 'n cheese, beef stew, cucumbers, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, collard greens, etc. I did my best but I don't even think I got around to trying everything. The sweet tea was refreshing and both desserts (banana creme pie and peach cobbler) were excellent. After you're done, you bus your plate and glass and then pay in cash ($16 per person) Amazing how a place that's only open on weekdays for lunch btw 11-2 w/o reservations can be so popular. But now I know. This is probably one of the most memorable meals I have ever had.
(5)Brady B.
If you should ever find yourself in Savannah on a Mon-Fri, GO EAT HERE! I found this restaurant on Yelp when I was doing some research on the best Southern cuisine available in Savannah for my pending trip with my Momma. Needless to say, thank you Yelpers once again for pointing me in the right direction. As others have mentioned, the restaurant is open for lunch only Mon-Fri. We got in line around 10:15 and were lucky enough to get an 11:00 seating. What we saw in front of us was nothing short of Southern decadence. Bowls and platters of what seemed to be every Southern staple. "Take what's in front of you, take a helping and pass it on to the left" was what we were told. We were seated at a large table with several other hungry hopefuls which was really a great experience socially....we just ooohed and ahhed together at Mrs. Wilkes' decadent offerings. Everything was delicious! And we're talking a huge spread folks. But as others have mentioned, be prepared to eat probably the tastiest fried chicken you will ever have in your life. The rule of thumb seems to be eat and out in 30, seeing as there will be a huge line of other hungry hopefuls dying to share the experience. What my Mom and I could not believe was that this amazing lunch experience, paired with an ambiance you can only get in Savannah was only $16 a person!!! If you should ever be in Savannah and decide to skip this, it will leave you with a bad conscience and an unfulfilled palate.
(5)Jason L.
I liked the atmosphere and the build-up (the line outside actually starts at 10am EVERYDAY)...but the food was very average. $18 per person isn't terrible, but I've had much better for that price. You're paying for the ambiance and experience (which was fine by me).
(3)Sam P.
Obama picked the right restaurant to visit in Savannah. I grew up here and am surrounded by Southern cooks, but I still think Mrs. Wilkes' is worth a visit every now and then. Meals are still served boarding house style: you share a table with strangers and pass the communal dishes around the table. Don't forget to take your dishes to the kitchen on your way out. Fried chicken, biscuits, Brunswick stew, vegetables (preferably with meat in them), etc. I've never been disappointed by an item there. Well worth standing in line. Well worth $16/person, especially if you can fast the day before. Delicious, authentic, and worth the wait. In other words, the polar opposite of the Lady and Sons.
(5)Roger B.
It had been more than two decades since I had eaten there, so when I was back in town, I wanted to try it again. The food is good enough for the price ($16 flat - no tax), but not if you had to wait two hours as we did. Several people at our table voiced the same. As for the food, the sweet tea was too sweet. the fried chicken was pretty good and very hot. The turnip greens rank as among the best. The biscuits were pretty good. Most everything else was just average.
(3)Ali Y.
What an experience... wait two hours to sit with people you don't know and eat like it's your last meal! Yes Please! It was great! Food was phenominal and who doesn't like to get to know the 8 others at the table over some delishous southern cooking!! Best collard greens and real down home mac 'n cheese for sure! It was like the best Thanksgiving you could ever ask for! It is a must if you are in savannah!
(4)Matt O.
There are few restaurants that I will wait in line to experience. No, I won't even put my name on the list and take a pager. It's even less likely that I would wait outside in the sun, admittedly sweating from places I didn't know I could. Mrs Wilkes' was one exception, and I would do it all again. This is probably a dream come true for indecisive people - no menus and no ordering necessary. You walk in and your table is already set with dozens of southern classics. Just sit down and pass it around. Without a doubt the best southern meal I have ever experienced. The food speaks for itself and you quickly learn that they have been doing this for a long time at Mrs Wilkes'. They only take cash, really, so be prepared.
(5)Miriam D.
Waited in line for and hour and a half to eat here and it was worth every second. Southern food at its finest, best and most delicious. You will be served food family style and mostly likely have another group at your table, no issue. Once food comes you will be too busy eating and stuffing your face to care about who is next to you. Service is very personable and friendly. I came out of hear feeling as if I had just had thanksgiving dinner, only I ate more than I did on thanksgiving and this was way better. I have no regrets.
(5)