Situated in the heart of Savannah’s historic district is Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room, a legendary institution when it comes to Southern regional cooking. When you dine at this iconic restaurant specializing in family-style dishes, you will receive a side of Southern hospitality and authentic home cooking. Established in 1943 by Sema Wilkes, visitors come from near and far to get a chance here.
A Storied Legacy
Sema Wilkes, a strong-willed woman from North Carolina, opened the dining room during World War II. Her mantra was serving people with wholesome foods. Soon, her modest eatery took off to bulk status. Sema’s recipes and commitment to Southern traditions live on today, for all generations – keeping her memory in everything she crafted. When she passed in 2002, her family continued the local restaurant with love and consideration.
The Experience
The first thing you notice when approaching Mrs. Wilkes’ is the lengthy line wrapping around the back. Queuing has been woven into the fabric of visiting and provides an opportunity for guests to bond while waiting in line. There are no individual tables once inside the restaurant. Larger parties do not get their table, rather they are seated at communal tables for a cozy and convivial dining experience. It feels a little more like dining in someone’s house than an actual restaurant.
Family-Style Dining
Everything is served “family-style” at Mrs. Wilkes’ and they bring the huge platters of food out to share amongst your table. Dishes are passed from guest to guest as people help themselves giving this service a sense of community. This traditional Southern dining method was right up Sema Wilkes’ alley. This restaurant is only open at lunch and they can seat their guests for each of the visits so it’s very laid-back.
Southern cuisine at its best
Mrs. Wilkes features a menu of authentic Southern fare, offering everything from fried chicken to okra and snaps that rotate daily. Consider this the recipe you can return to again, one week after another: Food like fricasseed chicken and collard greens and black-peered toward peas; as it were, pantry staples. The fried chicken is another highlight and it is nailed — crunchy on the outside, juicy inside. Okra, mac, and cheese okra Sweet Potato Soufflé Cornbread Other Southern favs Dishes are whipped up from scratch but with traditional recipes filtered down through generations.
A Hearty Spread
It is after all a Southern joint so the portions at Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room are plentiful. Thanksgiving guests at The Mansion will enjoy a variety of side dishes, reflecting Southern hospitality where no one goes hungry. There is a nice spread to choose from, with up to 20 different dishes available on any given day. No menu is given to the diners, who trust that a great feast will emerge from the kitchen. Sweet, homey options like banana pudding and peach cobbler are available for dessert to conclude the meal.
Preserving Tradition
Despite its increasing mainstream popularity, Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room has remained committed to preserving Southern culinary traditions since its establishment during segregation. The Wilkes family has continually operated the business, ensuring its ongoing success over the years. They work to keep the recipes and family-style service as Sema Wilkes intended. The proprietors have chosen to keep this restaurant authentic, allowing it to maintain its special character for over 20 years, instead of making it hip.
Local and National Recognition
Mrs. Wilkes’s Dining Room is another long-time favorite of many in Savannah. Travel magazines, food television programs, and national newspapers have also featured it in their write-ups. Its humble way of mitigating egos keeps up the séance despite the city’s big swirl. The restaurant has become a shrine for foodies searching for the real Southern deal. Even locals are returning, knowing that the food is still as good.
A Legacy in Culinary Form
Sema Wilkes left a legacy, more than just her restaurant. Her culinary legacy was undeniable and remains with all who visit. The two unite in a unique place that offers hospitality and southern food, attracting loving individuals from all ends of the spectrum. Since then, her family has embraced that legacy, creating a perfect storm of tradition and delicious Southern food. This is more than a place to have a meal…it’s like feeling Southern hospitality!
