Two of nation’s best fried chicken spots are in Georgia, Yelp says. Here’s where
On a sandwich, peppered with hot sauce or served with a side of mac and cheese, fried chicken remains a menu favorite no matter how you enjoy it.
Georgia is home to two restaurants where Yelp Elites say they’re eager to grab the comfort food staple, according to the business review website.
Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room in Savannah and Home Grown in Atlanta were named among the top 50 fried chicken spots in the U.S., according to Yelp. The eateries ranked 5th and 48th in the nation, respectively.
“From iconic hot chicken to creative Asian-inspired twists, this list will satisfy every craving and introduce you to new favorites,” Yelp editors wrote.
The report, published July 14, is an “all-time list” of the best fried chicken restaurants in the U.S and Canada as ranked by Yelp Elites — or Yelp users who often leave well-written, high quality reviews, according to its website.
For the list, Yelp identified restaurants in the fried chicken category then ranked them based on ratings and reviews by Elite users. All the restaurants were open for business and had a passing health score as of June 2, Yelp said.
Here’s what they had to say about their favorite spots in the Peach State:
Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room
Foodies can dine family-style on fried chicken and other Southern plates at Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room, nestled in historic downtown Savannah.
Once a boarding house, the restaurant serves everything from fried chicken platters and beef stew to black-eyed peas and collard greens, according to its website. The dining room opens at 11 a.m. daily, inviting guests to dine with strangers at large tables set for 10.
Pricing starts at $35 per person, or $17.50 for youths under 12, the restaurant’s website says.
“Yelpers rave about the flavorful fried chicken, hearty sides, and genuine hospitality that make every meal feel like a gathering at grandma’s table,” according to the review website.
It cracked the top five on Yelp’s list of the best fried chicken spots with an overall 4.6-star rating and more than 1,700 reviews, according to its Yelp page.
Southern Living readers also named Ms. Wilkes Dining Room one of the top 15 “bucket list” eateries to visit in the South and highlighted its rotating menu of Southern favorites.
“You never know what the day’s entrées or sides are going to be — and that’s all part of the fun,” the magazine reported.
Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room has grown its communal-style dinners but maintains its old-school charm — including a cash-only policy.
Home Grown
Known for its local Southern fare, fried chicken lovers can look no further than Home Grown.
The restaurant, located in the Reynoldstown neighborhood in East Atlanta, bills itself as a “retro country-diner,” according to its website.
Customers can stop in for breakfast and lunch from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.
“Popular with locals and visitors alike, Home grown serves up classics like their famous fried chicken, biscuits and gravy, and hearty breakfasts made with locally-sourced ingredients,” Yelp said.
“The welcoming atmosphere and quirky decor make it a must-visit for anyone seeking authentic Southern flavors and homestyle hospitality.”
Yelpers gave it a 4.4-star rating and raved about the “eclectic” atmosphere.
“The food is amazing. Best cheese grits I’ve had,” one customer wrote. “Kevin, our server was great! Very entertaining and attentive. Home Grown is a must visit when in Atlanta!”
Another mentioned the hearty portions, writing: “I usually get the Comfy Chicken, which is fried chicken on a biscuit covered in gravy. And then I go home and take a nap.”
Other popular plates include the pork chop, breakfast enchiladas and French toast, according to the restaurant’s Yelp page.
Want to dine al fresco? Home Grown also offers seating on its outdoor patio, its website says.