Three Georgia Eats Make It Onto Top 'Bucket List' Restaurants in the South, Poll Reveals

Three eateries in Georgia have caught the attention of Southern Living readers, who are looking forward to trying them out.

The Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room in Savannah and Mary Mac’s Tea Room in Atlanta were included among the top 15 establishments listed. “bucket list” restaurants To explore in the Southern region, as suggested by the lifestyle magazine.

Southern Soul Barbecue, described as a "coastal Georgia smokehouse" located on St. Simons Island, has been recognized as one of the top dining spots in the Peach State. It earned this distinction when it made an appearance on a list released on March 4th.

“Our regional cuisine, from soul food to barbecue, is famous around the world,” Southern Living editors wrote. “And while many try to replicate our food, nothing comes close to comparing to the excellent dishes you can try at legendary restaurants across the South.”

Southern Living sought input from their readers regarding eateries they were eager to check out through a Facebook poll held on February 28. This information was shared via email by a representative of the publication with McClatchy News.

The editors selected the top restaurants from reader feedback and online reviews.

Here’s their statement:

Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room

Foodies who don’t mind dining among strangers can pull up a seat at Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room.

Located in the heart of historic downtown Savannah, this dining establishment offers an array of traditional Southern cuisine such as fried chicken platters, cornbread stuffing, and okra gumbo, as stated on their official site.

The dining room becomes available from 11 a.m. every day, with seats arranged for groups of ten at each table.

Southern Living noted that the whole dining area experiences a rotating selection of traditional Southern homestyle cuisine, presented in a communal fashion. 'The unpredictability of each day’s main dishes or accompaniments adds an element of excitement,' they added.

The popular eatery was once a boardinghouse Seized by young restaurateur Sema Wilkes in 1943, according to the restaurant’s website, visitors are welcomed to dine and socialize during family-style meals in the lower-level eating area.

Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room has expanded over time but retains its classic appeal, including a cash-only payment system.

Mary Mac’s Tea Room

Renowned for its "from-scratch" Southern cuisine, Mary Mac’s was established in 1945 and has firmly established itself as “Atlanta’s dining room,” based on the information provided on the restaurant’s website.

The eatery, featuring six dining areas and a comprehensive bar service, spans several storefronts close to the center of Midtown Atlanta.

According to Southern Living, Mary Mac’s stands as the final survivor among the 16 initial tea rooms scattered throughout the city during the 1940s. The Southern-style food served at this establishment includes classics like chicken and dumplings along with cube steak smothered in brown onion gravy.

They don't hold back when it comes to desserts, either. Patrons can choose from an array of sugary delights such as banana pudding. Georgia peach cobbler And a piping-hot brownie sundae. Newcomers receive a complimentary bowl of potlikker — a soup created from simmering collard greens — along with some cornbread muffins.

"Mary Mac’s traditions form the very foundation of Atlanta; a spot where everyone is greeted with open arms and every visitor feels right at home whenever they come back," states the restaurant's website.

Southern Soul Barbeque

People looking for great barbecue can discover it along Georgia’s coastline.

When it comes to awards for its smoked meats, Southern Soul Barbecue needs no introduction. “soul side dishes,” Including potato salad, coleslaw, hush puppies, and BBQ beans. The restaurant on St. Simons Island received top votes the South’s best barbecue as mentioned on the restaurant's website in both 2017 and 2018 by Southern Living.

Known for their oak-fired, slowly smoked meats ranging from pulled pork to beef brisket to chicken, Southern Living suggested that the ideal approach is to gather a group and prepare a shareable spread with an assortment of these meats along with various side dishes.

Southern Soul Barbecue launched in 2006 and had to be reconstructed following a severe fire in 2010.

"Our mission to create the most incredible barbecue you've ever tasted transformed that day and expanded into something far greater," as stated on its website.

Other well-liked meals feature the Southern Soul sandwich, ribs, and burnt ends, as stated by its website. Yelp page .

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