Brian_in_Charlotte

Aliska, that's the place. We stopped by one morning before a Vandy game, saw the line and ate a decent breakfast across the street with a great view of all the folks freezing their butts off waiting in line. We finished our breakfast before the end of the line (when we arrived) reached the door. I especially felt sorry for the bored and cold kids.

elsiemoo

Brian, I think the Daniel Boone Inn in Boone is a joke! That food is NOT that good, just okay, and real Southern country foodies know it with the first bite. I would never go back, and was sorry I waited in line for the experience.

tower

Beth:

For a little finer dining in Savannah, try the Olde Pink House on Aberorn in the Historic District. My oldest grandson worked as a waiter there a few years back...was just driving thru Savannah, stayed for a year.

For a kick, have lunch at Clary's (Abercorn Street) which was featured in the film "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil". Root beer floats are nostalgically delicious!

http://www.claryscafesavannah.com/

We also liked Mrs. Wilke's, and I agree 100% with NeoPats's assessement. It's a fun experience all around. We've been there twice and never waited longer than 15 minutes/ Lady and Sons is always worth a try, but an hour? Never.

BethL3

You all are great for posting so many recommendations! Thank you!

cd

Let me understand about the boarding house restaurant. You mean you sit down and they just deliver whatever is on the menu for the day to your table? What do they do with what is not eaten? Take it to another table?

Orlando_Vic

That is exactly what happens.

When the entire table is seated, the servers bring platters of food. Take what you like, but be sure to eat what you take. When you are finished, you go to the cashier and tell them how many people were in your party. Your "bill" would be that number times $13 each. That's how it worked when I was there last.

cd

Wow Orlando, how different, guess we will have to try that in December when we are there. Thanks

starrsville

cd, go about 15 - 20 minutes before they open and wait in line on the sidewalk outside. When they open the doors, you will be seated quickly - even though there was a line outside. There is no sign - well, okay, a little bitty sign and they have never done any advertising. It used to be a boarding house and they are one of the few restaurants that can still serve family style that way. Only open for lunch on weekdays and no longer for breakfast. I LOVED their breakfast!

cd

Thanks Starrsville, I downloaded the address from their website. Looking forward to a different experience and some real southern cooking. Love those greens!

starrsville

I ate at SoHo today for the first time in years. Really enjoyed it. But, for the nice dinner, I'd definitely do the Pink House.

tcreath

I'm topping this because I'm headed to Savannah on Friday for a two night stay and found this information quite useful!

I moved from St. Louis to Charlotte last year and haven't had too many true southern meals yet, so I'm looking forward to trying it. I don't eat seafood though, so that may pose a challenge.

I was thinking about the Lady and Sons but after reading the reviews I think I will pass. Is Mrs. Wilkie's open over the weekend? I got on the website but I only found menus based on a Monday-Friday week. I have eaten at family-style restaurants, as I grew up in a tiny farming town in Southern Illinois and there were several family-style restaurants around, and I love the atmosphere. I am also thinking about trying The Pirates House because the idea of honey pecan chicken is making my stomach rumble!

Happy Thanksgiving to my fellow American fodorites!

Tracy

starrsville

Mrs. Wilkes' is not open on weekends.
I would pass on the Pirate House. I know there have been recommendations on this board, but it really has a bad reputation with locals.
I like Lady and Sons but the wait can be long.
Try the Pink House if you can. If it is too pricey, then at least have a drink in the tavern downstairs - and maybe order an appetizer. Delicious!
A favorite with locals is the SoHo cafe. I ate there again a couple of weeks ago and it was wonderful. Check out their menu -
http://www.sohosouthcafe.com/menu.html

starrsville

Also consider the Gryphon Tea Room. Excellent tea and other menu options.
http://travel.yahoo.com/p-reviews-28..._and_reviews-i

It's run by SCAD and there is a great SCAD store across the street - with unique, handmade items by SCAD students and faculty.