Soul Food Restaurants in Chicago, IL

“Everything about our experience was incredible. The food was DIVINE…honestly some of the best fried chicken and greens I’ve ever had. And the creamed corn was amazing!

The service was exceptional and our server was very friendly. The food was served quickly, and the atmosphere and vibes were upscale but in a welcoming way.

We will definitely be eating here again, because everything on the menu looked delicious!“

“Food is amazing! Atmosphere is so chill, and everyone is so friendly!“

“OMG!!! This place is the bomb, the inside of the restaurant is gorgeous, the customer service is phenomenal and the food is fantastic. I highly recommend this place if you are looking for some delicious soul food. I love the dressing, baked chicken, sweet potatoes and muffins. The portions are good, I had enough left over to take some home for a late night snack. Our hostess Ms. Lyn has outstanding service she made sure that my glass was full at all times and that I had everything that I needed. Her smile can light up a room, keep doing a great job and we will see you again very soon. If you have not been here RUUUUUUN‼️“

“Amazing 🤩!!!! The food is delicious 🤤!!!“

“Phenomenal food, that’s arguably the best in the north shore.“

“Good food, good variety. R&B classics playing in the background. What more could you ask?“

“Good food, great music #MsPhilly, good company“

“The Unitarian Universalist Multiracial Unity Action Council (UUMUAC) condemns the racial defacement on January 5,,2023, against the Cook it Mama Café’ in the Bridgeport neighborhood of Chicago. We strongly support well-integrated neighborhoods, both for residents and businesses, communities which practice the Multiracial Unity of Martin Luther King, Jr. (the solidarity of the rank and file of all racial and ethnic groups). We encourage area residents to keep on eye out to protect this valued business, to dine there, to assist the investigation of this attack when they can, and to show public support for multiracial unity.“

“My mom and I stopped in from Indy. My mom ordered smothered chops white rice gravy and corn. I was immediately impressed when she said let me drop your pork chops. I ordered oxtails and cornbread. (they were sold out of the oxtails soup impressive as well) Cornbread was off in my opinion. All I can say is food was fresh, smoking hot,tender very tasty.We will visit again. Service was excellent“

“DELICIOUS FOOD! Tasty and enjoyable. Friendly and knowledgeable staff of the items they are serving. Staff was patient with customers while deciding on what they desired to order.“

“Layover at O'Hare was long enough to get a quick bite for lunch before a 4 1/2 flight to LAX. I ordered an Italian Beef sandwich. My expectations were not high, but I was happily surprised by the sandwich. The meat was tender, the bun was soft, peppers and onions were properly sauteed and the hot pickled vegetables had a nice kick. Service was as expected at an airport fast food place, but the food was good and fairly priced. Definitely worth a try. The included spicy BBQ chips were very good too!“

“Phenomenal food, that’s arguably the best in the north shore.“

“Enjoy the total experience“

“Good food, good variety. R&B classics playing in the background. What more could you ask?“

“amazing food and great tea! I will definitely be back“

“1st time at this restaurant. It was everything I needed and more! Jada was our bartender, she was fantastic. She recommended the lamb chops and it did not disappoint. I had yams and greens for the sides. It reminded me of my momma’s cooking. Loved that I supported a black owned business. I will be back.“

“I was here for my Sister's birthday... The Hyde Park location.. The service was HORRIBLE!!! It was so bad my Sister started to cry. This is so sad..“

“Great Food! Also, a very friendly staff.“

“Food was phenomenal I can’t wait to eat here again!“

“It was a great first time experience!!!“

“I catered from them and my residents loved the food! We served over 150 plus people and they enjoyed everything. Baked and fried chicken, yams, greens, macaroni, and peach cobbler; our food was also delivered earlier than expected. We will be back! Thank you all!“

“The food and service is fantastic“

“THIS IS THE BEST SOULFOOD AND CUSTOMER SERVICE IN THE REGION. THE GREENS ARE SUPURB. MAC-N-CHEESE AND SWEET POTATOES ARE DEEEEEELICIOUS. CHICKEN, FISH AND JOHNNY CAKES ARE O.M.G AWESOME! NOT EEEEEEVER GOING BACK TO….......WHAT’S THE NAME OF THAT PLACE WHERE YOU’RE CHARGED HIGH PRICES AND RECEIVE TERRIBLE ATTITUDE FROM THE YOUNG LADIES AT THE FRONT COUNTER. THEN, YOU STAND IN LINE UNTIL 3PM OUTSIDE IN THE COLD TO PICK UP YOUR CHRISTMAS CATERING ORDER THAT WAS SUPPOSE TO BE READY AT 12:30PM……..STARTS WITH A P.“

“I had high hopes since this company was referred by a trusted caterer that I used many times, but my experience with Outside the Box was horrible. We hired this company for a repass immediately following the funeral. They finally showed an hour and an half late to the funeral home. Which means my grieving family didn't eat and waited for over 40mins after final viewing. I received no heads up and if we hadn't reached out to see what was going on, they never would have let me know that my order would not be arriving on time. I missed portions of the service worried about if we would receive our delivery for the repass. When we contacted the drivers to see why they hadn't arrived they were supposed to be 15mins away which turned into approx 40mins after the funeral services had ended. I asked to speak with the owner and was connected right away. She apologized for the inconvenience, said she would refund the delivery fee, and continued to ensure me this situation was not my fault. This response confused me on how my order not being delivered could be my fault in the first place. Also, I am still not sure exactly what the real issue was as I received conflicting stories from the owner and the delivery guys. The food was luke warm by the time it arrived,was set up, and ready to serve to the family. Some of my family did not even get to eat since the food had not arrived. The food was just ok. I will say that when the delivery guys showed up they were apologetic, set up right away, and were polite. 5 days after the funeral I still had not received a follow up phone call or communication to confirm my refund or just to express a sincere apology/thank you. I called today to follow up, speak with the owner and reiterate our experience. I was again told this was not my fault and she apologized again. When I asked next steps and time frame for refund, she said I would receive an email once she processed the refund. She was driving at that moment and couldn't give any specific information. Unfortunately, I do not recommend Outside The Box Catering and Events. I hope this helps even one family not go through the horrible experience.“

“So grateful I had the opportunity to try this amazing and blessed business! Service and food was OUTSTANDING! I’ll be back and bringing others! 💚“

“My first experience eating from Ma Dears Kitchen and the service and food was of great quality. I definitely will be returning!

Dietary restrictions: Grits and offer turkey bacon.

Parking: Free street parking“

“I have been eating from Roy’s since I was in 4th grade I’m now 20yr old college student still eating Roy’s the food is amazing taste like food from home your favorite uncle made I love them please keep it up so my kids can eat from here one day !!!“

“I love the food here so much that sometimes I take the lingerie drive just to pick up food. The quiche is outstanding. Everything is just amazing. Wish they would open another restaurant on the north side, Evanston, Skokie, Niles-these area need this this amazing food ! How about it? #Veganuary“

“One of the superb vegan restaurants in this city of Chicago…“

“My mom Shelly went here today with my auntie and sister they brought the food back home it was so delicious.I’m heading there soon“

“Now even though this place has changed from back then the heart and good food is still there. I really feel like people take the new ownership for granted. We could've had someone new and try to change the whole establishment with new food and staff. But they still tried and cater to all of us. The prices are way too cheap it's almost criminal. The food is wonderful for the amount you're paying. If people don't like change then stop coming. But appreciate for what it is and what it's tryna stay to be for what we had back then.“

“I love this restaurant!! Perfect place to go to sample many Polish favorites, or to have a group meal (shower, birthday party, family gathering etc.) in the semi-private back room. All the food is really fresh and well prepared, just like Grandma used to make at home. It Is a buffet, so there are many choices to please every taste level. Desserts are in small portions, which I find very thoughtful, so you can sample more than one item without over doing it. You can also prepare a to-go box of favorites to take home, for an additional 'per pound' charge. The wait staff is welcoming, kind and efficient as well. Adult beverages of cocktails, wine and beer are available, in addition to coffee, tea, milk, and sodas. I enjoy 6-7 visits per year, and am never disappointed.“

“OMG, when I say coming here was well worth the drive! Their chitterlings are freaking 🔥🔥🔥🔥! Hot sauce was not needed at all either. Their rib tips and sides were delicious as well. Great customer service too! I will gladly be back!“

“The food here really taste like it’s made with love. The dirty rice and bourbon chicken were amazing. I highly recommend this place. Especially if you want something delicious and healthy.“

“I would like to rate this restaurant with 2 stars. The customer service was great. I traveled from Holland, Michigan in search of a good soul food restaurant. I won't go into detail, but I will mention some areas for improvement. The catfish was delicious. The sweet potato had a nice flavor. The Mac N Cheese was tasty. However, the potato salad could use some improvement. The greens tasted like they came from a can and had a lot of stems.“

“kishas food is always on point all imma say is go early so u can get sum it go so fast“

“I ordered cake for my wife's 50th birthday party. We received so many compliments. The cake was delicious and a work of art. I also had some other desserts from there and they were amazing, too. The staff was also very nice. We highly recommend Delightful Pastries.“

“Service was great. Food is well seasoned. My favorite is the catfish dinner. This was my 2nd visit and I must say everything was on point both occasions. I definitely recommend and will be back.“

“One of the all time best in Chicago and knowing the owner is big on my list“

“The food was amazing. I really enjoyed every bite. Love the service and the concept. Their whole family is in there getting it. I love it.“

“The food was sooo good. It's like you cooking in your own personal kitchen. It's not restaurant food. It's definitely soul food. I would recommend to everyone i know before I would recommend any other soul food. Please the customer service is great. Thank you again Ms April.?❤️❤️“

“Ordered from here through doordash. I had never heard of this place but had a taste for some soul food. I had been let down by some many restaurants in my area but this food was delicious. Chicken was fresh & seasoned well & macaroni was sooo good!“

“I love this place my co workers and I often have lunch here … the chicken Philly is awesome the loaded potatoes are ????? The soul food is is delicious …“

“Food is really good if you love eating southern style food.“

“These guys are the bomb! Highly recommend and their food is great! They are reasonably priced and you won't be let down 😎“

“Great place to invest in your health & a great tasting meal. I’m a regular now.“