The Lady and Sons. Is it worth it? (Savannah, Tybee Island: homes, to buy)

[Kysmom]

Hey y'all I was planning on stopping in Savannah for the day and dining at The Lady and Sons. I absolutely adore Paula Deen and would love to see her restaraunt. Do I really have to put in my reservation at 9:30 in the morning for lunch? I would be coming on a Thursday. Is the food worth the money? I am sure that is a retorical question as I know Paula would never serve anything that is not top of the line. Any info would be appreciated.

[Padgett2]

The chances of seeing Paula are slim. The food is the usual southern home style cooking and may not be as good as that which is found in smaller places. However, if you want to be able to say you ate there, it's worth it.

[sillynilly]

I agree with the above poster

[Dixie Dawg]

Yes, you do have to make reservations at 9:30 a.m. and then you're in for a wait. That's why we chose not to dine at Paula's the last time we were in Savannah. In addition, I've talked to people who have eaten there and they were not impressed. I was sorry to hear that because I like Paula Deen as well.

You may want to try The Shrimp Factory on River Street. They truly have great food and a wonderful salad that goes with your entree. We have dined there twice and will gladly go back again.

On Tybee Island, (and you have to look for the signs) we enjoyed the Crab Shack - a very casual seafood place. Great shrimp!

[momof2dfw]

Are you just going to be there for 1 day? If you will be there for more than a day I recommend going on the Paula Deen Tour. We did the tour this past summer and had a great time and since we were on the tour we could call a number as VIP's to make our reservations for anytime we wanted. No standing in line just to make a reservation. The tour also included lunch at her brothers restaurant that she helps out w/, Uncle Bubba's Oyster House. The chargrilled oysters were a huge hit w/ my dh. He also wants me to get ahold of the recipe for the chicken casserole dish they served us. The shrimp and grits were pretty darn good too.

We scheduled our lunch at The Lady & Sons while riding on the tour bus for the next day. Yes, it was VERY GOOD! Tastes just like the stuff we make at home in our kitchens if we go by good ol' Southern recipes. You can order off the menu or do the buffett. We all did the buffett and I did not pile my plate up and had no room left in my stomach to go back for more. If your not used to the rich food and cooking it may not agree with you. Everything we saw be it on the buffett or someone ordered off the menu looked really good. They bring out hoecakes and cheese biscuits to your table and come around seeing if you need more.

Now as far as getting into the place to eat............ it is not as hard as it used to be since the new place seats over 300. You still have to go stand in line to put in for a reservation. Then you show up & check in and wait across the street on the sidewalk (this was for the first seating time at 11:00am when they first open). The lady that started working for Paula Deen back at the Holiday Inn still works for her. She comes out w/ a triangle dinner bell and asks, "ARE YA HUNGRY?" and you better say "YES"! Then they start calling out names in groups of 3-4 and take you inside to seat you. We ended up upstairs which was fine and we were about the ohh....... 15th family called I guess. They serve pretty quick and if people do the buffett even quicker so they can get people in and out. Remember she wants people to want to come eat there and not be put off by super long waits. Just get in line early for your reservations and after that it is pretty easy. They still only had the teeny tiny lil souviner shop inside the restaurant when we were there but putting in a whole store right next door for you to buy stuff. I want the t-shirt that says, "Body by Lady & Sons"

Yes, I will go back to eat there on our next trip to Savannah. Other places we like are Huey's on River Street and Uncle Bubba's was good too and do recommend it.

[NeedANewBeginning07]

It is southern cooking...however, the banana pudding is really good.

[stacylee926]

We were in Savannah for 1 night in late Aug - Thursday before Labor Day.
Arrived downtown around 7:15 pm. Hubby wanted to eat there, I laughed OUT LOUD. Told him I would go into the gift shop for a few minutes. He came and found me and said we had a table.

He walked right up and got a table. However, the hostess did say that it had been an unusually slow week with school back in session. The food was very good and just being there was the highlight of our 9 day trip down the east coast. I never dreamed of being able to actually eat there so I was still in shock when we left.

The waiter says Paula only comes in about 1 time a month, but when she does she goes to every table.

[Spree]

I hope you are able to get in, but if you don't, try Mrs Wilkes Boarding house, another very good southern style, homestyle cooking. I believe it's only open for lunch now. The place has been there for years. Also, Vinnie Van Go Go's has great pizza and a good spot for people watching.

[sj73]

I lived in Savannah for four years. Reservations are a must! The last time I went to The Lady and Sons was in 2000. The food was very good. I ordered off the menu and several friends tried the buffet. They ALL said the buffet was delicious. The item I ordered off the menu was very good too. My husband said his scallops melted in his mouth (that's a compliment!) .

True southerners usually enjoy the food. I've heard iffy comments from people that aren't use to the rich taste of southern foods.

[Kysmom]

Thanks y'all for all your input. I have decided to wait to go to The Lady and Sons until I can spend some real time in Savannah. I love southern food as I grew up on it. It is my favorite way to cook. I appreciate all the comments and I am looking forward to experiencing Savannah and all it has to offer.