In days gone by, many Southern towns had boarding houses, places where you could find a simple quiet room and enjoy, usually, two meals a day in a communal dining room.
The Wilkes House, built in 1870, began operation as a boardinghouse in 1943, run by Sema Wilkes.
History
Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room is a lunch only restaurant in Savannah, Georgia located in what was originally the dining hall of the boardinghouse begun by Sema Wilkes in the historic Wilkes House. She owned and managed the restaurant for 59 years, and today her family continues the tradition.
Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room is only open for lunch Monday through Friday, from 11:00 am until 2:00 pm. It is closed on weekends and holidays. It offers popular Southern US home cooking. There is no menu; instead, there are specific offerings each day. These usually include their famous southern fried chicken, along with a variety of vegetables such as black-eyed peas or okra gumbo, plus bowls of fluffy mashed potatoes and the absolutely delicious Wilkes’ macaroni and cheese* dish, along with corn muffins and biscuits. Other days you might find meatloaf or stew as the main dishes.
Seating is family-style at large tables for ten shared by whoever you were in line with when the doors open. The popularity of this restaurant is such that long lines begin to form long before the 11:00 a.m. opening. In its homestyle tradition, guests are escorted in shifts of ten into the dining room where tables are already set with steaming bowls and platters of yummy Southern food. Guests sit together and pass the food around like family.
Location
Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room is located at 107 West Jones Street in Savannah, Georgia, which is close to Chatham Square, one of the 22 famous squares of Savannah. Jones Street is a cobblestone street in the Historic District that's lined with trees and near the Design District's shops.
*Favorite Food
My favorites served at Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room the day I took my mom was the delicious fried chicken and the outstanding macaroni & cheese. I am not much of a cheese fan, and my idea of mac & cheese is with butter and milk (without cheese). So ordering macaroni and cheese in a restaurant is not something I would normally do. The exception is the dish served at Mrs. Wilkes. It has cheese (cheddar), but the cheese takes second place (taste-wise) to the milk & butter ingredients, along with the 4 eggs.
There are literally hundreds, if not thousands, of macaroni and cheese recipes out there, but the best by far (in my opinion) is the version served at Mrs. Wilkes.
After a trip south a few years ago, Laurie of Northern Minnesota, posted on her Cookin’ Up North recipe blog her adapted version of the Macaroni and Cheese recipe from Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room she got from the cookbook she bought at the restaurant.
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Mrs. Wilkes Boarding House Cookbook
In addition to running Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room for many years (from 1943 until her death at the age of 95) Sema Wilkes wrote several cookbooks filled with the traditional Southern recipes she served at her restaurant.
Along with the recipes, the cookbooks delightfully include remembrances of Mrs. Wilkes, her family and friends, and include some fascinating tales of her most unusual regular customers over the years. The cookbooks are extremely entertaining and read rather like a memoir. This Boarding House Cookbook is one you will enjoy.
Summary
In a brochure about Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room, this line is found:
Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room
107 West Jones StreetSavannah, Georgia
912-232-5997
http://www.mrswilkes.com/
No Reservations
Dine In Service Only
They Do Not Offer Takeout
Hours: Monday - Friday, 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
No Holidays! - Lunch Only!
View a Sample Menu of daily specials here.
Related Reviews:
- For More Restaurant Reviews, Check out ReviewThisReviews - Restaurant Reviews: US
*Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room Restaurant Review was written by Wednesday Elf
+Images courtesy of:
What a delightful way to experience a "norm" from the past that was long ago lost to the current day hotel & apartment experience. I am curious to know what they are doing with the rest of the house. Are the rooms shut-up, is someone living there, do they rent rooms B&B style? It looks like a beautiful place! I'm glad her family is continuing her style and tradition.
ReplyDeleteMouse, the Wilkes House offers a Pied-a-terre apartment for rent (like a B&B, only of an historic variety). :) Located in the same building as the original Wilkes House, the Wilkes Pied-a-terre is the perfect spot to truly feel like a local. Historic details are evident throughout the home. From the high ceilings to the exquisite molding details, this apartment excudes Southern Charm. Check out the pictures here: https://mrswilkes.com/lodging/pied-a-terre/. Looks like a gorgeous place to stay! :)
DeleteOh this does sound like a fun place to dine in Savannah. Thanks for a delightful review
ReplyDeleteI know you would enjoy it, Mary Beth.
DeleteI love that the Wilkes family is carrying on Mrs. Wilkes’ legacy and serving delicious, traditional fare to visitors. The perennial long lines are a testament to the quality of the food and service. Thanks so much for sharing!
ReplyDelete