Best Strategy for Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room

Question

Hi,

We will be in Savannah on April 16 and 17 (Wednesday and Thursday) and would like to go to Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room.

Since we will only have 2 full days in Savannah, I'd like to minimize the wait time, if at all possible, for the restaurant. I know it's open from 11am to 2pm.

Is it a better plan to get in line around 10 or 10:30, or wait until later, say 1:30? Do they let you in after 2pm if you are already in line, or you're just out of luck if you don't enter before 2pm?

Thank you!

Answer

Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room is one of Savannah's most iconic spots, but it is also very popular, so getting the timing right can make a big difference in your wait time. Here’s the best strategy to minimize that wait:

1. Arrive Early (Around 10:00-10:30 AM): The best way to minimize your wait time is to arrive early. Most people start lining up around 10:30 to 11:00 AM for the 11:00 AM opening, and the line can quickly grow, especially on busy days. If you arrive closer to 10:00 AM, you'll be closer to the front of the line and be one of the first to get in. The line tends to move pretty quickly once the restaurant opens, but being early is your best bet.

2. Late Arrival (1:30 PM or After): If you're hoping to skip the early morning line, arriving later (around 1:30 PM) is an option. The restaurant typically stops seating new customers around 1:45 to 2:00 PM, and the wait is usually shorter at this time. However, you may not get a seat immediately, and it can be a bit of a gamble depending on how busy it is that day. If the restaurant is packed, you may still end up waiting a while.

After 2:00 PM: Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room stops seating new customers at 2:00 PM, and they generally do not let anyone in after that time. If you're in line before 2:00 PM, they will usually still seat you, but if you arrive too late, you're out of luck.

3. General Tips:

Consider weekdays: Wednesdays and Thursdays tend to be less crowded than weekends, but they can still have long lines depending on the time of year, so early arrival is key.
Be prepared for a communal dining experience. The seating is family-style, so you’ll likely be sharing a table with others, which is part of the charm!
Bring something to do while you wait (book, phone, etc.), especially if you’re arriving early in the morning.

Overall, arriving around 10:00 to 10:30 AM is your best strategy to avoid a long wait and ensure you’re one of the first to be seated. If you prefer a more relaxed approach, arriving around 1:30 PM is a good backup plan, just be aware that you may not get in depending on the day’s crowd. Either way, Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room is worth the wait for its homey Southern cooking!