This Iconic Georgia Restaurant Is Home To The State’s Best Fried Chicken
You know it the moment you taste it. That perfect crunch, the juicy tenderness, the symphony of seasoning that makes your eyes roll back in your head.
Fried chicken isn’t just a meal in the South; it’s a religion, a culinary art form passed down through generations. And in the heart of historic Savannah, there’s a legendary institution that has mastered this art beyond compare.
Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room is an experience, a pilgrimage for anyone seeking the true, unadulterated taste of Southern comfort. Forget everything you thought you knew about fried chicken, because what you’ll find here sets the gold standard.
1. Golden-Crisp Perfection In Every Bite
The moment that first piece of Mrs. Wilkes’ fried chicken hits your plate, you know you’re in for something special. Each piece boasts a perfectly golden crust that shatters with a satisfying crunch, revealing juicy, tender meat underneath.
The secret lies in cast-iron skillets that have been seasoning meals for generations, creating that distinctive flavor that can’t be replicated. The chicken isn’t overpowered by excessive spices – just the right blend of seasonings that enhance rather than mask the natural flavors.
Many patrons claim they’ve traveled across states just for one more taste of this iconic dish.
2. Strangers Become Friends Around Communal Tables
What makes dining at Mrs. Wilkes’ truly special isn’t just the food – it’s sharing it with others. Guests are seated at large communal tables where platters of fried chicken and bowls of sides are passed from person to person, encouraging conversation between strangers.
This family-style approach transforms an ordinary meal into a social event. You might sit down next to a local Savannah resident, a tourist from Japan, or a family celebrating a special occasion.
The buzz of conversation fills the room as everyone connects through their shared appreciation of good Southern cooking.
3. Side Dishes That Steal The Spotlight
“I came for the chicken but stayed for the sides,” my grandmother used to say whenever we visited Mrs. Wilkes’. The array of Southern sides creates a colorful patchwork across the table – bright collard greens, golden cornbread, creamy mac and cheese, and savory black-eyed peas.
Each side dish is prepared from scratch daily using recipes passed down through generations. The butter beans alone have a fan club, with their perfect balance of creaminess and subtle seasoning.
These sides aren’t afterthoughts – they’re co-stars in a performance that celebrates the full spectrum of Southern flavors.
4. A Time Capsule Of 1940s Savannah
Stepping through the door of Mrs. Wilkes’ feels like traveling back in time. The modest dining room with its simple decor hasn’t changed much since Sema Wilkes began serving boarders in the 1940s.
Vintage photographs line the walls, telling stories of Savannah’s past and the restaurant’s humble beginnings. The wooden chairs and tables show the patina of decades of use, each scratch and mark adding to the authentic character.
Unlike modern restaurants that constantly reinvent themselves, Mrs. Wilkes’ understands that sometimes, the most comforting thing is a place that stays exactly the same.
5. A Family Legacy That Spans Generations
When I brought my daughter to Mrs. Wilkes’ for the first time, the woman at the next table leaned over and said, “My grandmother brought me here when I was your daughter’s age.” That’s the kind of multigenerational loyalty this restaurant inspires.
Since 1943, the Wilkes family has preserved their matriarch’s vision of hospitality. Current owner Marcia Thompson, Mrs. Wilkes’ granddaughter-in-law, ensures the recipes and traditions continue unchanged.
Staff members often stay for decades, creating an extended family that welcomes regulars by name and treats first-timers like they’ve been coming for years.
6. Consistency You Can Count On
In a world of ever-changing food trends, Mrs. Wilkes’ stands as a monument to consistency. The fried chicken served today tastes exactly like it did decades ago – no modernization, no fusion influences, just authentic Southern cooking.
The kitchen staff arrives before dawn each day to prepare everything from scratch. Nothing comes from packages or freezers.
This dedication to quality control means your experience in 2023 matches what diners enjoyed in 1953. For visitors returning after years away, that first bite of chicken brings a flood of memories and the comforting realization that some wonderful things never change.
7. Celebrity-Approved But Humble At Heart
President Obama once waited in line just like everyone else when he visited Mrs. Wilkes’. The restaurant has been featured in countless food shows, magazines, and travel guides as an essential American dining experience.
Despite this fame, there’s not a hint of pretension. No reservations are accepted – everyone from celebrities to local mail carriers stands in the same line and pays the same price.
I remember chatting with a Food Network host in line who told me, “I’ve eaten at restaurants all over the world, but there’s something special about this place that can’t be replicated.” The walls may be adorned with press clippings, but the heart of Mrs. Wilkes’ remains refreshingly humble.
8. Southern Abundance At A Fair Price
For around $25 per person, Mrs. Wilkes’ offers an all-you-can-eat feast that defies modern restaurant economics. Platters of fried chicken arrive alongside more than twenty side dishes, creating a spread that could feed an army.
This value-conscious approach reflects Southern hospitality’s core principle: nobody leaves hungry. Many first-time visitors stare wide-eyed when they see the abundance that awaits them.
The restaurant maintains reasonable prices despite its popularity, honoring Mrs. Wilkes’ original vision that good food should be accessible to everyone. In an era of inflated restaurant prices, this commitment to affordability feels almost revolutionary.