Ina Mae Tavern & Packaged Goods

Really confused why Ina Mae isn't 4+ stars on Yelp! It's always solid, delicious food and a great atmosphere. I've been for brunch, which is good, but I'm personally just such a po boy fan so I'll always prefer dinner here. And with dinner you can try more of the delicious cocktails ;)Last trip our server on the patio was Jordan (sp?) and she was so attentive and had a great attitude. She was getting along like friends with everyone on the patio. Food came out soooo fast too, and the Cajun fries were FRESH out the fryer.

Let the beads fly! There's a new NOLA king in the Windy City! From their to-die-for biscuits to their delectable po' boys the food is top notch and instantly transports you to the big easy.Now, if you want the true experience, start the evening off with a hurricane or two and then stumble your way through the small but mighty menu. Chargrilled oysters explode with flavor; the corn maque choux is syrupy and fresh; the crab Mac is crazy crazy good. Lastly, a special shoutout to the deviled eggs. Lucifer himself couldn't make a creamier, tastier little bite (there's even a pickle chip on top which is such a nice and subtle addition).

i'm stunned that ina mae's tavern doesn't have a higher rating. as a customer, i enjoyed every dish and was impressed by the top-notch service. my wife and i went for mother's day brunch. we found plenty of street parking and arrived 30 minutes early for our noon reservation. the host was immediately accommodating and we asked if we could sit at the bar.as a chef and hospitality industry lifer, i critically observe restaurants i visit. just out of habit. i was incredibly impressed with every aspect of the service, management (front and back of the house), menu and amenities. there was obviously some staff that were training (like every post-covid restaurant on earth), but they didn't seem short-staffed. the more experienced servers, bartenders, managers and even the bussers were very attentive and on their game.it's a cool space and the menu seems to contain nearly every one of my own culinary specialties. the chef reportedly learned from his grandmother and great grandmother, for whom the restaurant is named. my life story...live music from a front porch stage was a great addition to a really cool concept. it's an old school chicago neighborhood corner tavern (boron tap), but the interior has deep south (louisiana/mississippi) influence.we stopped looking when we saw catfish & grits (as good as mine) and greens (that were better than my own). the hot honey boneless chicken thighs came with a ridiculously light buttermilk drop biscuit and were better than any fried chicken i've had in my 50+ years living in chicago. the beignets were perfect.it's been a long time since i've been as excited to recommend a new (to me) restaurant in chicago. my compliments to the chef and the entire staff, front & back. the kitchen and dining room managers were both present & helpful and went out of their way to provide excellent service. this is serious food from a serious chef and i'll send as many people as i can to check them out. five stars, plus. we'll ask to sit in the patio next time. we really want to try the grilled oysters.

We had a large group gathering here (celebrating three birthdays at once) on unfortunately one of the hottest most humid days this summer. Devastated to learn that there was no AC and all the windows were open. Maybe that's part of the New Orleans vibe and charm. Outside of that, food was pretty good and came out quickly. There was a band playing at the top which was pretty cool to see. And at the end the restaurant gave us birthday beignets to split which was really nice! The GM was super nice and accommodating with our group size. Had a good time overall but just wish it was cooler inside.

This is an overdue review. I met my friend for a Sunday lunch some months ago. My friend had mixed chicken while I had a shrimp po'boy. Both were very good (we sample each other's food when we dine). Nice ambience. Plenty of parking in the area too.

A taste of New Orleans in Chicago, albeit more bourbon street than a local joint.Sat at the bar and the bartenders were attentive and the drinks were strong but a bit too sweet as most bourbon st drinks tend to be. Still worth checking out for a taste of the Big Easy up in Chicago.

Have been wanting to go to this place for a very long time, and it did not disappoint. We sat outside and had a nice dinner. Service and food were great. The biscuits were my favorite part of my dinner. Definitely want to come back and try their other food and drink options!

My love and I dined at Ina Mae Tavern on a Saturday evening prior to seeing a comedy show in the area. We made reservations, and we needed them as they were pretty busy. Its location is semi-tucked away on a corner just a shade past bustling Milwaukee Avenue in Wicker Park. It's a fun atmosphere there, as if you are dining in New Orleans.I ordered the fried chicken, which consisted of three pieces of crunchy fried chicken and a delicious buttermilk biscuit. While the fried chicken was good, what this plate really needed was a teeny side of cole slaw to round out the meal. I had to take the chicken breast home as I could not finish the entire serving. My love ordered the fried shrimp po-boy, which came with fries. I'd say she was somewhat disappointed in the overall flavor, as she does not do hot sauce and perhaps the sandwich depended on hot sauce for that special kick.Service was a bit slow, as it was very busy so we get that. We kind of made our own way to the water dispenser when we wanted a water refill. The bathrooms are downstairs, and you will need to pay attention not only for the stairs but the constant parade of workers coming in and out of the kitchen. I'm generously rounding up from 3.5 stars to give Ina Mae Tavern 4 stars.

I could have sworn I had posted a review of this restaurant in 2022 when I went. Seems that I didn't. I popped in one Saturday afternoon and had a seat inside away from the crowd that had taken up the front patio. Ordered a mimosa and a crab fondue with Cajun chips for a starter. That was a good combination, the mimosa not tasting too heavy-handed and the crab fondue being full of flavor without going overboard. I finished with a cup of gumbo and a plate of small plate collard greens. I am always happy when a restaurant does not mess up gumbo. The same applies to collard greens. They both came out appetizing here. I had a cranberry mimosa to go along with the main dish.I have a feeling that during warmer months, the place may pack out later in the afternoon. I went shortly after they had opened for lunch. Hence, the patio was full already. The inside was empty right up until I was almost done with my entrée. At some point, I will return. That's for sure.

My best friend and I made a trip to Ina Mae Tavern for their snowballs. My best friend is pregnant and always has a craving for a snowball or slushee. I recommended Ina Mae Tavern because they have the best flavors for snowballs. My favorite flavor is sour grape. We were mildly hungry so we ordered the hush puppies, macaroni and cheese, and fries. All were a great bite to eat. Definitely shareable. The Mac and cheese was really good. My friend and I noted that the mac and cheese must've contained pimento which I thought was a nice touch. I ordered a Hurricane cocktail. It was very yummy and gave me just the right buzz. Although we came on a Friday, Ina Mae wasn't as busy as I would've thought, especially on a nice summer day as it was. Which is to my benefit I believe. The service was good. I wish I had came on a day when they have live music. Maybe another time.