Mouthwatering Soul Food in Chicago

Chicago's Home of Chicken & Waffles II

★★★★☆ 3.5 (659) • $$

"my workout and eating very light for breakfast I decided to try this famous place a try from what I heard on an old TV show on PBS or channel 11 called check please. Everybody was ranting about this place so I had to give this a try. I didn't know there are three locations one in Chicago and one in oak Park and I went to the park one they also have one in Nashville Tennessee surprisingly. I was impressed by the services they delivered the chicken and waffles less than 5 minutes after I wash my hands and this number one my food just appeared on the table I ordered Tanya's choice or Tanya's delight. Although I did ask my server how big the pieces were because I was that hungry since I ate a very light breakfast of avocado and no meat. Ambience made me feel like it was bougie if not hip in oak Park. Other than that I would most likely come back here if I'm still here in Chicago and try the other dishes on the menu. I don't know if the one in Martin Luther King drive has the same ambience versus the one that oak Park but I always looked at oak Park Illinois bougie in some ways.otherwise give this place a try. Specially the dessert which was the banana pudding that taste like strawberry shortcake and Miss Diane strawberry banana pudding is the name of that dish. 4 out of 5 stars because I would have thought on the choices of chicken I could have gotten a thigh and a breast versus a thigh and a wing"

Soul Veg City

★★★★☆ 4 (491) • $$

"It has been almost 20 years since I last been to this location. It was great to see the recently totally revamped restaurant has not lost is ablitz it served great food.You can order off the hot bar. you pay by the weight. So you can get as much or as little of items on the bar as you wish. You can also order items to be prepared of the menu.Carrot cake: 3.5/5 moist and fresh but the icing was too sweet for meMacaroni and cheese: 5/5 no explanation neededCabbage: 4.5/5 crispy seasonedUnchicken patties: 4.5/Blackeyed peas: 3/5 no seasonings and kind of wateryOverall 4.5/5.0 Check them out"

Pearl's Place

★★★★☆ 3.5 (591) • $$

Ssyal

★★★★☆ 4.3 (319) • $$

"5 stars all across the board! Didn't even matter that service was kind of slow because the food was as authentic as authentic Korean gets !Being a last minute decision driving by, we saw a couple people walking out and decided to try it since I had heard all good things. It was wonderful!The best rice cakes we have found in a while. Their bimbop hot stone pot was delicious with extra crunchy rice at the bottom. Flavors were on 10 and enjoyed every single delicious bite !"

Oooh Wee It Is

★★★☆☆ 3.4 (309) • $$

"Went to the 83rd street location on a Saturday at 1pm with a party of 6. We were sat immediately. We ordered dessert for an appetizer, which I recommend. If we hadn't, we would have been too full to try it, and it was worth it. The peach cobbler was hot, and the caramel cake was cold. Both were delicious. I had the pot roast with green beans and creole corn. The pot roast and corn were delicious. The green beans were the best I've ever had. I was surprised by how much I liked them. The meal came with corn bread which tasted a bit like cake. So so good. The portions were plenty, so come hungry. I tasted the Mac and cheese. Hands down the best Mac and cheese I have had at any restaurant. I also tried the Obama sweet tea. It tasted more like fruit punch, and I will order that for myself next time. The service was great. The atmosphere was very nice and comfortable. The bathrooms were clean and private. Will definitely be back. *no pictures of the desserts because we ate them too quickly."

Dirty Tiff's Cafe

★★★★☆ 4.4 (105)

"Let's talk about this Bronzeville gem!A husband-and-wife Black owned business that combines Jamaican and Southern cuisines, this place serves up the food from your childhood. What it lacks in decor and seating (maybe enough room for 10-12 people), it makes up for in Tiffany's genuine demeanor and delicious menu offerings, including turkey chops! As soneone who doesn't eat pork, this alternative is hard to find, and Dirty Tiff's does it perfectly: cooked without being too dry, covered in gravy, and great portions."

Bettie Lou's

★★★★☆ 4.4 (67)

"When a friend had told me that this restaurant was recommended on her high school page on Facebook, I was game for trying it out. We met on a Saturday afternoon and I understand the recommendation.We had salmon croquettes with scrambled eggs and brown rice. The salmon croquettes put me in mind of Southern breakfasts. The brown rice had been seasoned such that it didn't need gravy.The turkey chops beat any pork chops I've had. Add to that the sides of cabbage and cheese grits and this was all a hit.We finished with perch, collard greens, yams, and johnny cake. The perch was fried in a seasoned flour batter. The greens were the first vegan greens I've tasted that actually had flavor. Lived the yams.My friend and I tasted the peach cobbler. She hot it for takeaway. The only thing missing was a scoop of ice cream. The cobbler was outstanding.Everything is cooked to order so food coming to the table was slow. That didn't matter because food prepared to order means it's not warmed up or microwaved. You get the good stuff. For there to be a focus on vegetarian and vegan options, I appreciate the food having taste to it. And you can't beat the service. I'm a fan."

Chef Daddy's

★★★★☆ 3.6 (100) • $

"The family and I love the friendly loving faces of chef daddy's always warm & welcoming environment The Food is excellent!!!! We have tried everything on the menu!l definitely give it a 10 out of 10 would recommend!!"

Bronzeville Soul

★★★★☆ 4.2 (59)

"This place has been on my radar for a few months and when I saw Jay-Z showed up a couple weeks ago, I thought let me hurry up and get there before the wait times extend! Me and my mom dropped in recently mid week around 3:30 in the afternoon and there wasn't a crowd thankfully. A line started to form once it got closer to 5pm FYI. They have maybe 10-12 tables for dining in, but they accommodate pickup orders in case you dont wanna wait. The now famous owner, Mario Coleman was at the counter taking orders which was cool. I had to go with th newly christened Jigga short ribs with sides of mac & cheese and green beans. Everything was very good especially the short ribs, but just a warning, the food carries a hint of spice FYI, but still good. Pound cake along with peach tea was very awesome!Mario and staff go out of there way to make you feel welcome in their establishment which is very cool! I really like this place and plan on coming back often as he told us the menu changes daily."

Soul & Smoke

★★★★☆ 3.8 (56) • $$

"Great atmosphere and lovely setting and seating. Food is a bit salty and pricey but the Mac and cheese, cornbread, and collards were tasty. Staff were nice. You can sit in a quiet space over looking the water and marina and then also get a beer at the next door brewery or Metropolitan Taproom. Or you can go to the distillery called Judson & Moore next door. Dogs are allowed on leashes here and there a lot of space. Also free parking both for the stores area and in the street. Enjoy!"

Medley Grill & BBQ

★★★★☆ 3.8 (45)

"I tried it and it was tasty. I'm impressed the owner put together a special for his loyal customers. I was able to taste various entries for a good price. I was able to purchase a value meal to introduce my colleague to Medleys. They were impressed too. They will want to introduce their friends to the flavorful meal."

Jerk & Soul Food

★★★★☆ 3.9 (39)

"This place just opened and in the time of COVID, that is a wonderful thing. Their menu is not huge but what they do is done very well. The jerk sauce has a great flavor and a nice heat - if you're tastebuds are Midwest accustomed, it'll be hot; if you're from Albuquerque, it'll only be a bit piquant. The Mac and cheese is quite good, though a little saucier would be better for me. The staff is super nice. Prices are reasonable - two specials, 3 extra sides and both breads was $26. Larger mains run $12-14 or so. I'm super happy this place has opened here. We need it! I'll be back for sure."

Josephine's Cooking

★★★☆☆ 2.8 (59) • $$

Kathryn's Soul

★★★★☆ 4.4 (23)

"Was in immediate West Loop and on the hunt for something good to eat. Kathryn's Soul in the French Market was nearby, so that was my landing spot.Stuffed salmon that had spinach and an alfredo sauce. Delicious. Had sides of broccoli and sweet corn. If broccoli had been seasoned for me as a child the way it was seasoned at Kathryn's, I would have gladly eaten it in my youth. The sweet corn reminded me if canned corn. Not bad, but you can tell texture from corn off the cob. I also had shrimp scampi that had a fair share of plump shrimp in it. I crumbled my honey cornbread in the remaining scampi sauce.Seating in the French Market is at a premium. Be aware of that in case finding a table to sit seems taxing. The price point may be more than most might expect at a food court. Nevertheless, the food was worth it."

Chicago Food on the Run

★★★☆☆ 3.3 (39)

"I recently came up with a "I Can't Stop Talking About How Good They Are" list. Food On The Run is now on the list. In my usual fashion, I arrived at the restaurant just as they were opening. Ordered lemon pepper salmon with sides of collards, candied yams, and macaroni and cheese.I have gone to enough Northern soul food restaurants to not have high expectations. Food On the Run blew my mind. The salmon was tasty and juicy without being undercooked. The collards actually had flavor; Lord knows that a lot of restaurants get that wrong. The macaroni and cheese was of the variety that you bring to family dinner with bragging rights. And the candied yams only needed crust. For takeaway, I had a slice of sweet potato pie that was real deal goody-goody.Because I got to the restaurant as early as I did, the dining area wasn't quite ready to receive seatings. However, they made a quick adjustment and I was able to enjoy everything right from the kitchen.I don't know what magic ball they have. They kept telling me I'll be back. They weren't lying."

Skidoe's Cafe and Grill

★★★★☆ 3.5 (33)

"Batter done right - fried okra was amazing! My friend devoured his wings as well. My vegetarian burrito was delicious and filling. She was able to swap out a few things for me as well. So friendly! I ended up ordering a steak to go. Everything from sauces to side dishes are done with care.Prices are great and the service was exceptional. I see lots of people ordering take out since they are on uber eats and a few more delivery apps. Can't wait to come back and try their breakfast offerings!"

Brown's & Family BBQ & Soul

★★★★☆ 3.7 (18)

"Driving through the area, stopped by for lunch. I ordered a small catfish with fries. Catfish was simply delicious! It was 2 catfish filets cooked to perfection. Perfect combination of flaky & crunch. My fries just as ordered, salt & pepper with mild sauce. Excellent. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Service was friendly & prompt. The steady flow of customers shows Browns Family BBQ & Soul is on the right track!"

Morrison's Soul Food By Sheila Morrison

★★★☆☆ 2.7 (32)

"Food is great. Portions are huge for the sides. Service is slower due to training. Drinks and Cakes made in house with exotic flavors. Peach Cobbler was a smaller portion. Actually, all the desserts are not huge like the sides. See pictures for receipt, interior, design, and food ordered/received."

Simply Shae Soul Cafe

★★★★☆ 3.7 (13)

"During the pandemic, a friend sent me a list of restaurants to try. Simply Shae was on the list. Because I lived north of downtown Chicago, I rarely got to Hyde Park, let alone to the South Suburbs. Now that I live in the South Suburbs, I had no excuse. Simply Shae is a small walkup, so having a sit-down meal is not an option. Food is cooked to order, not reheated, which means there will be a wait. And if there is a long line before you get there, the wait is that longer. My experience with the cashier was one of quality service. She kept repeating my order -- I ordered three meals -- to make sure she had exactly what I ordered. The stuffed catfish with dressing and yams were outstanding. The shrimp alfredo for the stuffing was just right, not overboard. The yams were Grandma perfect. And the dressing had a hint of sage, not an abundance of it. The fried catfish with spaghetti and greens took me back to Mississippi. The spaghetti was more savory than sweet, which scores high points. The greens were flavored nicely without being too much. The stuffed salmon with garlic mashed potatoes and greens were what I had for lunch later in the week. Talk about some good eating. The portions are large. Some restaurants skimp on side dishes. Not at Simply Shae. Another thing I liked was that the side cornbread is more savory than sweet. They will get my dollars, for true. But they'll get my business before the crowd starts coming."

D.A.'s Corned Beef Stand

★★★☆☆ 3.2 (17)

"Today was my first visit to D.A.'s. I had heard it was good and have been wanting to try it. I ordered the Corned Beef & Cabbage Dinner with Green Beans. Everything was DELICIOUS! All of it was seasoned perfectly and incredibly tender. Service was quick through the drive through. It was a bit pricey, although everything is pricey today. I will definitely be back again!"

Soul Vibez

★★★★☆ 3.9 (11)

"Highly recommend this spot! The food was amazing and vibes were everything!! As a visitor from Cali, I'm definitely coming back. Shout out to Raven! She was welcoming from the start! Loved her vibe! The owner even came around and checked to ensure we were satisfied. Absolutely!! In the conversation with Raven we mentioned traveling to celebrate birthdays, and before leaving we were acknowledged. Genuinely great customer service! Don't leave without having a Lavender Lemon Drop!"

The Budlong - Urbanspace

★★★☆☆ 3 (14)

"Still one of my favorite chicken sandwiches everywhere - the crunch, spice level, pickles and slaw work so well together on that monster of a sandwich. So good. Also the mac and cheese and the biscuit with pepper butter are amazing."

3Kings Jerk And Soul

★★★★★ 4.5 (4)

"I was really impressed, how friendly everybody is here... And the food smelled really good walking in the door... I've had jerk chicken before, but the way they're doing the seasonings here is a little bit different, and I like it!"

Zoe’s Soul Food

★★★★☆ 3.6 (5)

"Everything we have had has been delicious! The fish tacos are a must, the blackened salmon is bomb, the blackened catfish was good, the macaroni, and the garlic mashed potatoes were all good. I recommend these items."

Truffle Chicago

★★☆☆☆ 2 (6)

"I love Black-owned businessesMy sister and I just finished church and were looking for a place to get something to eat. This new restaurant called Truffle was suggested, and it just so happened to be in the area I used to live in, so I was excited to try it out. The location is a nice size, almost Café style. The interior is sleek black with tables for two, but it can easily be put together if you have a larger group. They have a small bar, and the restroom is clean. They had one staff who was very accommodating and knowledgeable about the menu. The prices were decent, not too expensive.My sister got the salmon sliders, which she enjoyed. I got the chicken and French toast with a side of breakfast potatoes and eggs, which were good. The waiter asked me if I wanted strawberries on my French toast, which I was happy to accept; I would note that it was strawberry jam and not strawberries. Another interesting note was that they did not have ketchup or coffee, but they did have orange juice, hot sauce, and ranch. If ever in the future, I would suggest they add coffee to their menu. It is a trendy item, as is ketchup. All the food was seasoned very well, and I even met the chef. It was a very nice first experience. I would try out Truffle again, and I genuinely hope this business does well. Try Truffle if you're in the area and would like something different in Pilsen.On the first experience, solid 3 1/2 out of 5"