This is definitely a must eat when you are in Savannah. Make sure you set aside at least three hours for the experience. I arrived at 10.45am on a Tuesday. By the time I reached Misty to place my orders it was noon sharp. By the time I got the phone call to come back and pick up the food it was 1.15pm. The wait was long but it was totally worth it. I'm so satisfied with the quality and quantity of the fried chicken and the sides. They give you A LOT of food. Way more than what you ordered. Loved it! The best thing is that the owner is on hand keeping the folks in line informed about what's happening and how long it may take to get their food. Once they get your order they let you know a lot to do nearby including shops and great place to grab a drink and wait for your call.

Trust me, the wait is worth it! If only there wasn’t a wait time every time, I would definitely go back. It was interesting to know that everyone must make the line, even celebrities. If i go back to Savannah with someone who’s never been, I would make the line. The food is already set on the table as soon as you walk in and you’re welcomed to dig in. So, that compensates for the wait time you make. I went on a Friday and was in line for an hour and a half. Make sure to have cash on you, no cards are accepted. If needed, there is an ATM on site. Everyone was really friendly and it was nice to meet Mrs. Wilkes granddaughter. She came up to our table and introduced herself and was available if we needed anything. Our top picks were the fried chicken, fried okra, coleslaw, candied yams, mac and cheese, and the banana pudding at the end! The fried chicken was juicy, tender, and perfect crispy outside. It’s definitely one of the top fried chicken I’ve had. It was an interesting experience to sit family style with another family and interact with them.

The most charming, delightful, best southern home-cooking experience that we have and probably will ever have. It was everything that everyone said it would be. First, get in line early and by early at a minimum 10-10:30 am. They are open at 11 am promptly but the line forms around 10 and will wrap around the building by 11. First come first serve, no reservations, cash only (or check) at $30 a person. This was not a problem at all, because the experience is phenomenal. They will bring out cornbread and play trivia which we thoroughly enjoyed before even stepping foot into the dining room. This is a communal type of setting - it’s like sitting at grandmas for thanksgiving. You are served iced tea and just about the best fried chicken - crispy, juicy, finger-lickin’ good!! We also relished on the mashed potatoes, okra, sweet potato, cornbread, mac and cheese, pulled pork, beef stew, green beans, and it goes on and on! This was a phenomenal experience well worth waiting for! The best part- Mrs Wilkes granddaughter coming around and saying hello and thanking us for stopping by - it doesn’t get more personal and friendly than that!

Don’t let the wait in line put you off. The experience of the family-style meal is well worth the time spent outside. From the overwhelming variety of delicious side dishes, the great service, and the people that you’ll meet at your large table, it all is part of the experience. As I write this review, I’m still thinking of the fresh hot fried chicken. Can’t wait to visit Savannah again to enjoy another meal!

We stood outside waiting for an hour, under the blazing sun in the suffocating heat. The staff handed out water and cornbread and entertained us with games and stories. Once a table opened for our party of 7, we were seated and served immediately, before we even sat down. The food was PHENOMENAL. The service was incredible, they practically waited at your side. They treated you like dear family. There was something like 22 plates of food they served you. Dessert was delicious too, Peach Cobbler and Banana Pudding. The owner regularly came to check on everyone, it was a WONDERFUL experience. WELL WORTH THE WAIT!!!!!

BEST MEAL IN SAVANNAH BY A MILE. Loved most of our expensive and fancy meals but the entire experience of Mrs. Wilkes is the one I will remember forever. We bonded with folks around us while waiting in line which turned out to be great because you sit with those around you when you get in. On top of this the food was INCREDIBLE and you get to try it all. I did not have anything I did not greatly enjoy. Make sure you put the pepper hot sauce on your fried chicken and don’t be afraid to say yes when the friendly staff asks if you’d like more of something. A unmissable experience.

Our meal was delicious. It fed all of us in the family and we thought that we were going to have to supplement with other food. Nope it was plenty. Our little one loved the chicken along with everyone who proclaimed it to be "the best fried chicken they had ever had" Everything was so good. Well worth the wait in line. We will be back

I just have to give this place 5 stars. The most charming meal I’ve had. This might be an odd description but it’s like going to the best church potluck. The table is strewn with over 20 sides plus the fried chicken. It is hard to get a better taste of home cooking. Highly recommend.

Wow! This isn't just having a meal. This is an experience. Southern hospitality at its finest. You feel like you've been invited to have a Thanksgiving dinner with new friends. Instead of turkey, it's chicken with 25 amazing side dishes. You'll get to meet family along the way like Ms. Erin, that welcomes you and gives you history on the house, the family, and the neighborhood. We even played trivia for a slice of delicious homemade cornbread. You meet Mr. Ryan, the chef, and you'll have the privilege of tasting his grandmother's recipes and tasting the love that goes into making a meal. And Ms. Marsha, as she visits every table to make sure you're not wanting for anything and to make sure you're having a great experience. Nothing is rushed. Nothing is forced. It's just as it should be when you go to visit grandma and you're eating a meal made with love and there are conversations and happy noise in the air. The staff could not have been any more gracious. It was a lovely experience that I will cherish forever. Thank you!

We loved everything about this experience. The food was fabulous, there were 2-3 different meat options and I think I counted 16 (yes 16!!) veggie options. I thought the fried chicken was better than The Pink House (yes, I was there the day before Mrs Wilkes - I'm on a diet now) and my dining partner couldn't get enough of the beef stew. Everything was fresh, hot and plentiful - you will not go home hungry. We met some friendly folks in line which made the perfunctory 60 minute wait seem like 5 minutes. Grandson Ryon's doing a great job keeping up the traditions at Mrs Wilkes - I really felt like I was going back in time with the family style service, a table of ten strangers and all the memorabilia on the walls. Yes, it's worth the wait,

Southern hospitality at it's best!! Delicious food!! Sit with total strangers and get to know one another while eating fried chicken, collard greens, fried Okra, and other delicious food. Dessert was yummy too. Peach cobbler or banana pudding was our choice, yum. Does not take card, cash only. Be prepared to stand on line 20-30 minutes, but it's worth the wait.

It is worth the wait. They are not open long but man is it so worth it. Not to mention it is family style, sit-down. I mean how often do we do that nowadays? It was nice to meet other people. We met people from Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Florida, Ohio. It was so cool. For an hour, politics don't matter, religious views are not important. Albeit, they let me pray over the table which was awesome. The food is amazing. But you already knew that.

June 20, 2022 -CASH ONLY! -Park on the side of the road. Yes, that’s line. It is long at the end of the street. No reservations, you just have to wait. Sometimes you can get lucky if there’s only 2 of you or by yourself to fill in the big table. You share the same table with someone else. - the food is served and blessed before you eat. - all the people and servers are super friendly. -food is good, so much to choose from and laid out in front of you. Pass the food around the table like a big family eating together. You can ask for more. Dessert was also great banana pudding and peach cobbler so don’t leave til’ you have your dessert. -make sure to bring your dirty plates/cups only on your way out.

This landmark is a must when visiting Savannah! Be there early and prepare to wait in a shaded line on stunning W Jones St. Make friends with people around you in line because you’ll most likely be seated with them for this traditional family style low-country feast. There are typically three meats, lots of veggies/sides, plenty of sweet tea, biscuits/cornbread, and cobbler/banana pudding for dessert. It is a process that moves quickly once seated, so be prepared to eat and tip the wonderful staff.

Classic southern cooking in a family style setting. In May 2023 it was $30 a head - cash only. All dishes appeared to be "home-made" and were delicious. I went with two co-workers and we were not disappointed. Plan to wait in line if you're not there by 10:45am. We showed up at noon on a Tuesday and waited about 25 minutes to be seated. The highlights for me were the biscuits, black eyed peas, sweet potatoes, and of course the fried chicken.

Got there at 1045. Waited for 30 min on a Wed. Food was delicious, staff was super friendly. Dessert was amazing. When they call you in, the table is waiting for you, decorated with dishes full of your favorite southern treats and sweet tea.

$30/person, but you are paying for an experience, not just a meal. This is definitely a place for those who like community-style tables! Miss Marsha, the owner, is incredibly friendly! Her niece stands outside to tell stories to those waiting in line to eat. Go after 1pm for a shorter wait time! COME ON AN EMPTY STOMACH! A Thanksgiving-style Southern meal WITH 22 sides total is served in large tables of 8-10 people. Sweet tea and dessert are included.

Authentic southern food served with love and a history lesson. The typical line around the corner is worth it. Get a latte from across the street while you wait, then enjoy the sampling of southern staples while meeting new friends around the world. This place is a must while visiting Savannah. Don’t forget to clean up after yourself.

Food was good and there was plenty. The experience was neat and the service top notch. We did have to wait in a line outside for 2 hours (we got there 45 minutes before they opened) before we got in to eat, and I’m glad I did…however I wouldn’t do it again. It’s hard to find that true home cooked southern taste in a restaurant and they did that well, but I did expect a little more with that James beard award. Overall I had a good experience and I would recommend trying it once, but it’s not a place you are likely to go twice with that wait.

I was there on a business trip so I didn’t have a lot of time to go many places. This place is perfect for trying out many of the local dishes. I was there on a rainy day so the line wasn’t too bad. They seat people 10 at a time because they fill up one table at a time. The atmosphere is very cozy and homey. When you sit down all of the dishes are already on the table so you just dig in and start passing dishes around. Everything I tired (nearly everything) was very good. I really liked the fried chicken; it was very moist, flavorful and crispy. Near the end of our meal Mrs Wilkes granddaughter came around to check on us and sat down for a little chat. She was very sweet and has great stories to share. You really can’t go wrong with this place. Definitely worth a try.

Absolutely great experience! The wait to get in is long, about an hour. Every patron coming out tells the line that it is worth the wait and it is! Be social, the people you are standing around you will soon be dining with, family style. Every single dish was the best I have ever tasted, of it's kind, including fried okra, fried chicken, stuffing(real dressing), sweet tea, Cole slaw, BBQ pork, potatoes done 5+ different ways. This was my second favorite dining experience I have ever had, after Binkley's in Phoenix and only $30, plus a very generous tip. IMO, Not for folks with dietary restrictions.

Most folks haven't experienced anything like it. There will be a line. I recommend showing up around 10:30. You'll most likely get sat at 11:45. The menu is sweet tea, 25 sides and fried chicken, and dessert. My highlights: THE CHICKEN. Cornbread dressing Biscuits Yams Pickles Green beans Pace yourself!!! You'll get in after waiting, all the food will be on the table and instincts will be to dive in. I recommend seeing what you like. Feel free to ask for replacements, but if it's still on the table, staff will just ask for you to pass it down. Staff is kind and attentive. I love going here. Cash only. Be ready to eat. No take-home options. Closed Saturday/Sunday.

This place is really cool! I went as a solo traveler and waited in line with all of the people who sat at my table, so you got to know them before the meal! Definitely plan to arrive early! I got there at 10am and there was already a bit of a line. By 10:30 I could even see the back of the line. The staff is very friendly, and the food was great! I definitely recommend this place to experience southern hospitality in a unique way!

Must do. Don't let the line outside discourage you, the wait was about 40 minutes. Fabulous food at communal tables. Intimate service. Great history. Very worthwhile, just noting that it is extremely filling. There are probably 15 dishes from which to choose, all included and ready when you sit down. $30 per person (2023). You tip by putting money in the jar by the door when you pay and leave, apparently. Fabulous charming experience.

Mrs. Wilkes was a great experience! The barbecue was my favorite of all the awesome food served. Ken was our gracious host at table 1 and the rest of the staff were just great. Also, the fried chicken was the best I ever had. We met some new people at our table and the conversation added to the great atmosphere inside. Be prepared to get there early as the can get long quickly. I would say that this is a must go to place while visiting Savannah!