Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room

Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room does not offer a self-service buffet; instead, it serves a shared Southern meal. Diners sit together and receive platters of fried chicken, cornbread, sides and dishes that change each day. The tradition began in 1943, when Sema Wilkes took over a downtown boardinghouse and cooked for neighbours and workers. The format makes lunch part of the visit: guests share a table with strangers and try a range of dishes without ordering each one separately.

The restaurant lists US$35 per person aged 13 and over, including tax; children 12 and under pay US$17.50. Comments often celebrate the chicken, variety and communal table, but waiting is part of the experience: reservations are not accepted and the line can form before opening. The listing checked showed 4.8/5 from 3,406 opinions. The generous meal may feel like a family feast, but it should not be described as an all-you-can-eat buffet: it is family-style service, with platters shared at the table.

The address is 107 W Jones Street, Savannah, GA 31401; it opens Monday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and closes at weekends. It takes cash or cheques only, with an ATM on site; there is no takeaway or reservation service. The entrance is at street level and accessible. Arrive early and allow time for the queue; the fixed price may also be less suitable for light eaters or anyone seeking a quick lunch.