The lunch at Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room got rave reviews in every online food forum covering Savannah, Ga. I spent a good hour online researching places to eat during our two-night stay in the Southern town, and that's the one place that people recommended again and again. "Mrs. Wilkes should not be missed," I read on Chowhound.
And so on the day before Thanksgiving we found ourselves standing in a long line gathered outside 107 Jones Street. The brick house dating back to 1870 houses the restaurant in the basement, and apparently there's almost always a line--but don't be scared off. It moves fast. And while you're waiting outside, you can admire what is considered to be the most beautiful street in America--Jones Street. (It's what inspired the phrase, "Keeping up with the Joneses.")
Inside Mrs. Wilkes, diners eat family-style gathered around long tables in two cozy dining rooms. Table cloths cover the tables; ruffled curtains the windows. It's like eating at grandma's house.
Waitstaff bring out bowls brimming with sweet potato souffle, okra gumbo, black-eyed peas, cornbread stuffing, and fried chicken that's perfectly crisp on the outside and sweet and moist on the inside. Everything is flavorful and fresh. This isn't a greasy spoon.
At our table we sat next to Mrs. Wilkes' granddaughter, Emily, and great-granddaughter, Julianne, (pictured) who often drop in for lunch. We learned that Mrs. Sema Wilkes passed away in 2002 at age 95, and she worked in the restaurant up until two weeks before her death. "Grandma was amazing," Emily said. "She was always in the restaurant."
Emily's parents now run the place with the help of family members. Emily's mom later came out and grabbed one of my hands. "Where y'all come from?" she asked. "Your children are so pretty. It's so nice to see your children in the restaurant."
No doubt, Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room is family-friendly.
And my kids loved the meal. They noshed on the fried chicken, piled their plates up with mashed potatoes and lima beans, and gulped down glasses of sweet tea. But most of all, they loved the bicuits and corn muffins. I even caught my daughter sneaking one in her jacket pocket. Now that's the sign of a good restaurant.
The meal costs $16 per person and children are half-off. The restaurant is only open for lunch, Monday to Friday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. www.mrswilkes.com.
6 comments:
I have always wanted to go to Savannah after reading that book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, but i can't imagine any evil going on at Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room, it sounds wonderful!
This sounds like a great place for the family. Thanks for sharing!
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