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The Hostess City Invites Guests to Dine in Some of Its Most Notable Historic Homes: Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room, The Olde Pink House & Elizabeth on 37th.
The South is full of rich history and beautiful architecture. We explored some of Savannah’s most historic buildings that are now home to some of the city’s greatest restaurants. Whether you’re looking for a classic Southern meal or something a bit more modern, there is something for everyone to enjoy in some of the most beautiful houses of the Hostess City.
The Olde Pink House23 Abercorn Street, Savannah, GA 31401, 912.232.4286,
The Olde Pink House, located right off of Savannah’s historic Reynolds Square, was built in 1771 and boasts one of Savannah’s oldest and most uniquely pink homes. Originally owned and constructed by the Habersham family, The Olde Pink House is just as full of history as it is of delicious food and breathtaking architecture. At first, it was much smaller with fewer rooms, but that changed when the building was converted into a bank in 1812. It wasn’t until 1992, when the DeLoaches, a prominent family from Charleston, South Carolina, purchased the property that it became The Olde Pink House that we know and love today. Known for its unique dishes– such as the Blackened Oysters with Watermelon Relish, Pear and Apricot Chutney with Green Tomato Chow Chow–The Olde Pink House continues to keep visitors guessing about what they will come up with next.
The Olde Pink House editor’s picks;
Appetizer: l Lump Crab Hush Puppies with Spicy Peach Remoulade
Entree: l Braised Pork Shank with Pineapple Glaze, Macaroni and Cheese and Collards
Dessert: l Praline Basket with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room and Boarding House
107 W Jones Street, Savannah, GA 31401, 912.232.5997
In 1943 when the young Mrs. Sema Wilkes took over the management of the boarding house that is now fondly known as Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room and Boarding House. Fast forward to November 24, 1965, when the house at 107 West Jones Street was purchased by L.H. and Sema Wilkes. The couple decided to make the purchase during a time when the area wasn’t too popular. Jones Street was considered the slums, and the Wilkes family took a huge risk buying in that area. But, much to their delight (and ours!), the area picked up, as did traffic in Mrs. Wilkes’.
Eventually, word got out that this unique boarding house offered solace as well as delicious Southern meals. With everything from fried chicken to candied yams, Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room is the place to go for a good old-fashioned Southern meal. You’ll feel right at home in the cozy family-style setting, and you certainly won’t leave hungry.
Mrs. Wilkes’editor’s picks
Appetizer: l Okra and Tomatoes A Southern Classic!
Entre: l Fried Chicken Town’s Most Famous
Dessert: l Changes daily, so there’s something to look forward to during your meal!
Elizabeth on 37th105 E 37th Street, Savannah, GA 31401, 912.236.5547
Right in the heart of Savannah’s Victorian District, Elizabeth on 37th is, hands down, one of the greatest restaurants in Georgia. The food, service, atmosphere and location are all impeccable.
Originally opened in 1981, the restaurant has long since become a staple to the restaurant scene in Savannah. It was also nominated for a James Beard Award in 1995 for best chef in the Southeast. The elegance of Elizabeth on 37th is simple, yet refined; it offers guests a unique atmosphere as well as a world-class cuisine. While you peruse the menu of fresh local seafood, organic meats and fresh local produce, try a Mint Julep; the restaurant has mastered the art of making them. Kelly Yambor, the executive chef at Elizabeth on 37th, pairs fresh local ingredients to make mouthwatering delectable dishes that put an innovative twist on classic dishes. No matter the occasion, this is the place to indulge.
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