News Summary
Georgia has made its mark on the national fried chicken scene with two restaurants recognized in Yelp’s ‘Elite Squad’ ranking. Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room in Savannah ranks fifth, celebrated for its classic Southern meals, while Home Grown in Atlanta holds the 48th spot for its comfort food. Both restaurants showcase the culinary richness of Georgia and the importance of fried chicken in Southern culture.
Georgia Restaurants Shine as Top Fried Chicken Spots
Georgia has secured a spot on the national fried chicken map, with two restaurants featured in Yelp’s “Elite Squad” ranking of the top 50 fried chicken establishments in the United States. Among these, Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room in Savannah has been recognized as the fifth best, boasting an impressive overall Yelp rating of 4.6. Home Grown in Atlanta also made the list, coming in at number 48 with a rating of 4.4.
Highlights of the Rankings
The Elite Squad, known for its expertise in curating local dining experiences, acknowledged Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room as a bastion of classic Southern home cooking. This restaurant is celebrated for its family-style meals, where guests are treated to a warm ambiance and friendly service. Diners consistently rave about the restaurant’s flavorful fried chicken and generous, hearty sides that embody genuine Southern hospitality.
On the other hand, Home Grown distinguishes itself with its cozy, retro vibe and a menu that focuses on down-to-earth Southern comfort food. This dining spot is particularly noted for popular dishes, including fried chicken, biscuits and gravy, and hearty breakfasts, all made with locally-sourced ingredients that highlight the culinary richness of the region.
Location and Operating Hours
Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room operates solely for lunch, welcoming customers from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. Located at 107 West Jones St, Savannah, it has become a beloved institution for both locals and visitors seeking an authentic Southern dining experience. In contrast, Home Grown serves breakfast and lunch, open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, and can be found at 968 Memorial Drive SE, Atlanta.
Influence of Fried Chicken in Southern Cuisine
Fried chicken is a cherished staple in Southern cuisine, which is particularly embraced in Georgia where fast-food giants like Chick-fil-A and Zaxby’s boast over 500 locations throughout the state. This cultural staple is often associated with gatherings, family meals, and celebrations, further emphasizing the significance of these two establishments as representatives of Georgia’s food culture.
The Yelp ranking gives credence to the dedication and hard work of local restaurateurs and chefs who strive to maintain the rich culinary traditions of the South. With considerable competition industry-wide, the inclusion of Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room and Home Grown among the top rankings demonstrates the high standards and quality that diners can expect from Georgia’s dining scene.
Conclusion
The recognition of Georgia’s fried chicken spots by Yelp’s Elite Squad not only underscores the state’s culinary excellence but also highlights the deep-rooted love for Southern food that is prevalent among residents and visitors alike. As the list of top fried chicken restaurants circulates, food enthusiasts are encouraged to experience the warmth, flavor, and dedication found in these acclaimed establishments.
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Additional Resources
- Savannah Now
- Wikipedia: Fried Chicken
- Ledger Enquirer
- Google Search: Fried Chicken Georgia
- The Infatuation
- Google Scholar: Southern Cuisine
- The Travel
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fried Chicken
- 13WMAZ
- Google News: Top Fried Chicken Restaurants
Author: STAFF HERE SAVANNAH WRITER
SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER The SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESavannah.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Savannah, Chatham County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Savannah Music Festival, St. Patrick's Day Parade, and Savannah Jazz Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Coastal Empire, plus leading businesses in aerospace, education, and logistics that power the local economy such as Gulfstream Aerospace, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Colonial Group. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HEREAugusta.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
