When it comes to Southern cuisine, few places capture the heart and soul of the South like Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room in Savannah, Georgia. Nestled in the historic downtown area, this iconic establishment has been serving up family-style Southern fare since 1943, offering both locals and tourists a taste of true hospitality and home-cooked goodness.
Legacy
Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room is more than just a restaurant; it’s a piece of Savannah’s history. The late Mrs. Sema Wilkes, who founded the restaurant, was a beloved figure in the community, known for her generous spirit and dedication to good, honest cooking. Today, the restaurant is run by her family, who have lovingly preserved the traditions and recipes that made Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room a Savannah institution.
Eating here feels like stepping back in time to a simpler era, where the pace of life was slower, and meals were a time to come together and share not just food, but stories and laughter.
The Experience
From the moment you step through the door of the unassuming building on Jones Street, you’re enveloped in a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The charm of Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room lies not just in the food but in the entire dining experience. Here, you won’t find traditional restaurant seating. Instead, guests gather around large communal tables, ready to share not just a meal but a conversation with fellow diners.
Arriving early is key. The line often snakes down the street well before opening, a testament to the restaurant’s popularity. But the wait is part of the experience, giving you time to soak in the historic surroundings and chat with others anticipating the same culinary journey. By the time you’re seated, the anticipation has built to a fever pitch, making the moment the first dish arrives all the more rewarding.
The Feast
As soon as you sit down, your table becomes a veritable feast. Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room doesn’t do small portions—here, it’s all about abundance. The table is laden with classic Southern dishes: fried chicken that’s golden and crispy, collard greens cooked to perfection, mac and cheese so creamy it practically melts in your mouth, and cornbread that’s just sweet enough. And that’s just the beginning.
The meal is served family-style, with platters passed around the table, encouraging you to take a little (or a lot) of everything. The sense of community is palpable as you share the food with strangers who quickly become friends, bonded by the simple joy of good food.
The fried chicken is the star of the show, as tender and flavorful as any I’ve ever had. The crust is perfectly seasoned, providing a satisfying crunch with every bite, while the meat inside remains juicy and flavorful. But to focus on the chicken alone would be to miss the magic of the experience—each dish on the table holds its own, from the slow-cooked black-eyed peas to the rich, savory gravy poured over mashed potatoes.
Featured Recipe: Homemade Mrs. Wilkes’ Famous Fried Chicken
Southern Fried Chicken Delight
Get ready to savor the ultimate Southern comfort food with this Crispy Southern Fried Chicken recipe! Perfectly seasoned and fried to golden perfection, this dish promises a juicy, tender bite every time. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or craving a hearty meal, this recipe will transport you straight to the heart of Savannah. Dive into the flavors that have made Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room a culinary legend!
4
servings20
minutes25
minutes450
kcal4
hours4
hours45
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
- Chicken and Marinade
1 whole chicken, cut into 8 pieces
2 cups cultured buttermilk
- Seasoned Flour
2 cups plain flour
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic granules
1/2 teaspoon optional cayenne pepper for heat
- For Frying
Vegetable oil for deep frying
- Alternative Ingredients:
Buttermilk substitute: Mix 2 cups of milk with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice or vinegar.
Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour.
Low-sodium option: Reduce the salt to 1/2 tablespoon.
Directions
- Marinate the Chicken – Begin by immersing the chicken pieces in buttermilk in a large bowl or ziplock bag. This step is essential for tenderizing the meat and infusing it with flavor. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
- Prepare Seasoned Flour – In a separate bowl, combine the plain flour with kosher salt, ground black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic granules, and optional cayenne pepper. This mixture will create the flavorful crust.
- Coat the Chicken – Remove the marinated chicken from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture. For an extra-crispy coating, dip the chicken back into the buttermilk and dredge it again in the flour.
- Heat the Oil – In a large cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan, heat about an inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to ensure accurate temperature.
- Fry the Chicken – Carefully place the chicken pieces in the hot oil, skin-side down first. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook each side for approximately 10-12 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Drain and Serve – Once fried, transfer the chicken to a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve hot with classic Southern sides like collard greens, mashed potatoes, and cornbread.
Equipment
- Chef’s Knife
- Cutting Board
- cast iron skillet
- Mixing Bowls
- measuring cups and spoons
- wire rack
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 450kcal
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Potassium: 400mg
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Vitamin A: 500IU
- Vitamin C: 2mg
- Calcium: 100mg
- Iron: 3mg
Why Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room is a Must-Try
In a city brimming with culinary delights, Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room stands out as a must-visit for several compelling reasons. First and foremost, the restaurant offers an authentic taste of Southern cuisine that’s increasingly hard to find in today’s fast-paced, modern world. The recipes, many of which have been passed down through generations, are prepared with the kind of love and care that you can taste in every bite. From the perfectly crispy fried chicken to the soul-soothing sides like okra and tomatoes, every dish is a celebration of Southern culinary traditions.
But it’s not just about the food; it’s about the experience. In an era where dining often feels rushed and impersonal, Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room offers a refreshing change of pace. The communal dining setup encourages conversation and connection, turning a meal into an opportunity to share stories and make new friends. It’s a throwback to a time when meals were communal, and food was a bridge between people.
The restaurant’s deep roots in Savannah’s history add another layer to its appeal. Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room is a living piece of the city’s cultural heritage, a place where the past is preserved and honored through food. Dining here is not just about satisfying your hunger; it’s about experiencing a slice of Southern history and tradition.
For travelers looking to truly understand Savannah, a visit to Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room is essential. It’s a place where you can savor the flavors of the South, experience genuine hospitality, and leave with a deeper appreciation for the rich cultural tapestry that makes this region so unique. Whether you’re a foodie, a history buff, or simply someone who loves a good meal, Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room is a dining experience you won’t want to miss.
