The Fried Chicken Plate in Georgia Visitors Remember Long After the Trip

Travelers who visit Savannah, Georgia often discover that the city’s charm extends far beyond its cobblestone streets and Spanish moss-draped squares.

At 107 West Jones Street, Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room has been serving Southern comfort food family-style since 1943, creating memories that linger long after guests return home.

The fried chicken plate here isn’t just a meal but an experience that captures the essence of Southern hospitality, where strangers become friends around communal tables loaded with homemade dishes.

Visitors from around the world line up before the doors open, eager to taste the legendary recipes that have made this modest dining room a culinary destination worth planning an entire trip around.

Golden Fried Chicken That Defines Southern Cooking

The star of every table at Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room arrives in large serving platters, with pieces of chicken fried to absolute perfection.

Each bite reveals a crunchy exterior that gives way to tender, juicy meat seasoned with a blend of spices that the Wilkes family has perfected over decades.

The chicken isn’t greasy or heavy, despite its rich flavor and satisfying crunch.

What makes this fried chicken unforgettable is the attention to detail in every step of preparation.

The pieces are uniform in size, ensuring even cooking, and the seasoning penetrates deep into the meat rather than sitting only on the surface.

Visitors often comment that the chicken tastes like what their grandmother used to make, even if their grandmother never cooked Southern food.

There’s something universally comforting about the way the flavors come together.

The recipe hasn’t changed since the restaurant opened, maintaining consistency that keeps people coming back year after year.

Many travelers plan their Savannah itinerary specifically around lunch hours at Mrs. Wilkes’, knowing that this chicken is worth adjusting their schedule.

The communal dining experience means you’ll likely hear fellow diners exclaiming over their first bite, creating a shared moment of culinary appreciation.

Some guests have been known to close their eyes while eating, savoring the combination of textures and flavors.

The chicken represents more than just good cooking; it embodies a tradition of hospitality that has defined Southern culture for generations.

Long after leaving Savannah, visitors find themselves craving that particular combination of crispy coating and perfectly seasoned meat.

Family-Style Service That Brings Strangers Together

Walking into Mrs. Wilkes’ means surrendering the typical restaurant experience for something far more memorable and personal.

Guests are seated at large communal tables, often with complete strangers who quickly become dining companions.

The tables are already laden with food when you sit down, with bowls and platters covering nearly every inch of the vintage tablecloths.

This setup encourages conversation and connection in ways that individual tables never could.

You might find yourself seated next to a couple from Australia, a family from Ohio, and locals who have been coming here for decades.

The act of passing dishes back and forth creates natural opportunities for interaction.

Someone asks about the collard greens, another person recommends trying the candied yams, and before long, the table is sharing travel stories and photography tips.

This dining format reflects the way Southern families have gathered for generations, where meals are communal events rather than individual experiences.

The restaurant staff moves efficiently through the room, refilling platters and checking on tables without interrupting the flow of conversation.

Many visitors report that the people they met at Mrs. Wilkes’ became highlights of their Savannah trip.

Some have even stayed in touch with their tablemates, exchanging holiday cards or planning return visits together.

The family-style service also means you can sample a bit of everything without having to order multiple dishes.

Everything is included in one price, allowing you to try foods you might not have ordered otherwise.

This generous approach to dining makes the experience feel less like a transaction and more like being welcomed into someone’s home.

Historic Setting in Downtown Savannah’s Heart

The restaurant occupies a charming building on West Jones Street, right in the heart of Savannah’s historic district where every corner tells a story.

The structure itself dates back to the 1800s, with architectural details that transport visitors to another era.

Original hardwood floors creak pleasantly underfoot, and the walls hold decades of memories within their plaster.

Walking to Mrs. Wilkes’ from nearby hotels or attractions gives visitors a perfect excuse to explore Savannah’s beautiful streets.

The route typically takes you past historic squares, beneath canopies of live oak trees, and alongside elegant townhouses.

The restaurant’s location makes it easy to combine lunch with a morning of sightseeing or an afternoon of shopping in the surrounding neighborhoods.

Jones Street itself is considered one of Savannah’s most picturesque streets, often photographed for its quintessential Southern charm.

The building’s modest exterior doesn’t prepare first-time visitors for the warmth and energy inside.

There’s no flashy signage or modern renovations that would detract from the authentic atmosphere.

Instead, the restaurant has maintained its character through careful preservation and respect for its history.

The dining rooms feel intimate despite accommodating numerous guests, with just enough space between tables to allow for both privacy and community.

Natural light filters through the windows, illuminating the simple but elegant decor that hasn’t changed much over the years.

Being in this space feels like stepping into a time capsule where the pace of life slows down just enough to savor good food and conversation.

The historic setting enhances the meal, reminding diners that they’re participating in a tradition that has nourished both locals and visitors for generations.

The Legendary Line That Forms Before Opening

Arriving early has become part of the Mrs. Wilkes’ experience, as guests begin gathering outside well before the 11 AM opening time.

The line stretches down the sidewalk, filled with people who have heard about this place from friends, read about it in guidebooks, or stumbled upon it while researching Savannah dining.

What could be a frustrating wait becomes an enjoyable part of the adventure.

Standing in line gives you time to chat with fellow food enthusiasts, all anticipating the same delicious meal.

People share recommendations for other Savannah attractions, compare notes on where they’re from, and build excitement for what’s coming.

The wait also allows you to observe the neighborhood, watching residents walk their dogs and locals going about their daily routines.

Some visitors bring coffee from nearby cafes, sipping while they wait and enjoying the pleasant Savannah weather.

The line moves relatively quickly once the doors open, as the staff has perfected the seating process over many years.

Guests are ushered to tables in an organized fashion, with no reservations taken and everyone treated equally regardless of who they are.

This democratic approach to seating feels refreshingly fair and adds to the restaurant’s unpretentious character.

The anticipation built during the wait makes that first sight of the food-laden table even more satisfying.

Many visitors report that the line itself became a memorable part of their trip, a story they tell friends back home.

The willingness of so many people to wait demonstrates the restaurant’s reputation and the quality of food that awaits inside.

Some regular visitors have strategies for timing their arrival to minimize wait times, though most agree the line is worth it regardless.

Southern Sides That Complete the Experience

While the fried chicken rightfully receives top billing, the supporting cast of side dishes deserves equal recognition for creating a complete Southern feast.

Each table receives an impressive array of vegetables, starches, and other accompaniments that showcase traditional Southern cooking at its finest.

The collard greens arrive tender and flavorful, cooked low and slow until they reach that perfect balance between texture and taste.

Macaroni and cheese appears in a form that reminds you why this dish became a comfort food staple, with real cheese creating a creamy sauce that coats every noodle.

Candied yams offer sweetness that complements the savory dishes, their natural flavor enhanced rather than overwhelmed by sugar.

Black-eyed peas, okra gumbo, and butter beans provide variety and nutrition while maintaining the home-cooked quality that defines every dish.

The cornbread arrives warm and slightly sweet, perfect for soaking up pot liquor or enjoying with a pat of butter.

Rice and gravy provide a simple but satisfying element that ties the meal together.

What makes these sides special is their authenticity and the clear care taken in their preparation.

Nothing tastes like it came from a can or a frozen package.

Instead, each dish reflects recipes passed down through generations and prepared fresh daily.

The variety means that even vegetarian guests can enjoy a satisfying meal, sampling multiple dishes that showcase Southern cooking beyond meat.

Visitors often discover vegetables they thought they didn’t like, prepared in ways that change their minds completely.

The generous portions and constant refills mean you can try a little of everything without feeling pressured to finish any particular dish.

Preservation of Traditional Recipes Since 1943

Mrs. Sema Wilkes opened her boarding house dining room more than eight decades ago, creating a legacy that her descendants continue with remarkable dedication.

The recipes used today are the same ones that Mrs. Wilkes developed and perfected during those early years.

This commitment to preservation means that guests today taste the same flavors that delighted diners in the 1940s, 50s, and 60s.

Many restaurants claim to serve traditional food while gradually modernizing their recipes to suit changing tastes.

Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room has resisted this temptation, maintaining authenticity even when it might be easier to take shortcuts.

The family understands that people come here specifically for food that tastes like it did in the past.

Changing the recipes would betray the trust of loyal customers and diminish what makes this place special.

The kitchen staff includes people who have worked here for many years, learning techniques directly from family members who learned from Mrs. Wilkes herself.

This direct transmission of knowledge ensures that subtle details don’t get lost over time.

The seasoning ratios, cooking times, and preparation methods remain consistent across decades.

Visitors who ate here as children and return as adults with their own families often express amazement that everything tastes exactly as they remember.

This consistency creates a sense of stability in a rapidly changing world.

The restaurant serves as a living museum of Southern culinary traditions, preserving techniques that might otherwise fade away.

Food historians and culinary students visit to experience authentic examples of traditional Southern cooking that hasn’t been adapted or modernized for contemporary palates.

Limited Hours That Make Every Meal Special

Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room operates on a schedule that seems almost defiant in today’s world of all-day dining and late-night service.

The restaurant opens only for lunch, and only on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 11 AM to 2 PM.

This limited availability might seem inconvenient, but it actually enhances the experience by creating a sense of occasion and exclusivity.

Knowing you can only eat here during specific windows makes securing a spot feel like an achievement.

The restricted hours also ensure that the kitchen can maintain the quality and freshness that define every dish.

Preparing food for just one meal service allows the staff to focus their energy on doing things right rather than rushing to serve multiple shifts.

Everything is made fresh that morning, with nothing carried over from previous days or prepared too far in advance.

The limited schedule also means the restaurant doesn’t suffer from the exhaustion that can affect establishments open long hours every day.

Staff members can give their full attention and energy to each lunch service.

For travelers, the restricted hours require planning but also provide structure to a Savannah visit.

You know exactly when you need to be in the historic district, which helps organize the rest of your day around other attractions.

The lunch-only format fits perfectly with a typical tourist schedule, allowing mornings for sightseeing and afternoons for digesting while exploring more of the city.

Some visitors intentionally time their Savannah trips to fall on operating days, demonstrating the restaurant’s influence on travel planning.

The scarcity creates value, making each meal feel more precious than if the restaurant were always available.

Affordability That Welcomes Everyone

In an era when dining out can strain vacation budgets, Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room offers remarkable value that makes the experience accessible to a wide range of visitors.

The fixed-price meal includes unlimited servings of everything on the table, allowing guests to eat until satisfied without worrying about costs adding up.

Families with children appreciate knowing exactly what they’ll pay before sitting down, without surprise charges or pressure to order expensive entrees.

The moderate pricing reflects the restaurant’s philosophy that good food should be available to everyone, not just those who can afford high-end dining.

This democratic approach aligns with Southern hospitality traditions where feeding people well is considered a fundamental responsibility.

The value becomes even more apparent when you consider the quantity and quality of food provided.

A comparable meal at other restaurants might cost significantly more and offer less variety or smaller portions.

Budget-conscious travelers often cite Mrs. Wilkes’ as one of the best values of their entire trip, delivering an unforgettable experience without requiring a splurge.

The affordability also means you can visit multiple times during a Savannah stay without breaking your budget.

Some regular visitors make it a tradition to eat here every time they pass through the city.

The reasonable prices contribute to the welcoming atmosphere, as guests from all economic backgrounds share tables and meals together.

You might sit next to someone on a shoestring budget and someone staying at Savannah’s most expensive hotel, both enjoying the same excellent food.

This mixing of different types of travelers creates a more authentic and interesting dining environment than exclusive restaurants where everyone comes from similar circumstances.

Address: 107 West Jones Street, Savannah, Georgia