Soul Food Restaurants in Chicago, IL

“When we came through the doors , we felt a vibe that truly said “Welcome Home”!! We didn’t have a reservation but the hostess greeted us and saw that we were weary tourist and celebrating life. So we were seated immediately and loved on to our perfect table amidst a warm atmosphere with a vibe of culture and class!!
Katie S. our server catered to our every need after Fatima, the manager introduced us to the best of the menu! The sides tasted like Big Mama’s with traditional entrees that have been leveled up for a new generation! I will be tellin my peeps to put this restaurant on the Chicago visit itinerary especially after visiting the Obama Center and a a Riverwalk cruise!!“

“Very tasty sundubu, delicious sides, and good service.“

“Hands down the best food hot,fresh, vibe is soulful, The owner is beautiful blessings to the community go support affordable. The staff is impeccable polite, I thought I was literally in my grannies kitchen the food was amazing. I gonna stress again go support our very on. The book The recipe to life tells her story about her and recipes are definitely gotta try them . Book signature she signed each book. I will definitely be back all the time every event. THANKS AGAIN 10/10 may God continue to bless your establishment cover and keep her business Lord from danger see and unseen amen 🙏 🙌“

“⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️❤️ Amazing Experience at The Soul Food Lounge! Best Soul Food Spot! TopTier Dining Bliss! Decadent & Delightful! Unforgettable thank you Southside location: Hale Ave! Phenomenal Food & Service“

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

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

“My family and I had such a wonderful experience here! From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere felt warm, inviting, and comfortable—exactly the kind of place you want to unwind after a long day. Our bartender was absolutely fantastic: friendly, attentive, and incredibly knowledgeable. She made great drink and food recommendations and mixed everything perfectly. It really added to the whole experience. The food was just as impressive. Every dish was savory, flavorful, and clearly made with care. You can tell the kitchen takes pride in what they serve—everything came out fresh, delicious, and the portions were just right! Overall, this place checks every box: great service, amazing food, and a welcoming vibe. We’ll definitely be back and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a great meal!“

“Family friendly restaurant. I had the half chicken dressing, greens. Chicken was not hot, and it was in a warmer, greens was okay, dressing was good, and everybody knows, cranberry sauce goes with dressing, the cup, was so small (1/2 teaspoon) extra one is quarter (they don't tell you when ask for it). pet peeve with restaurants stingy with condiments, food not being hot.Try it for yourself.“

“Food was very delicious and well prepared!! Also the owner was very polite to me and my wife💯💯“

“I love my black own business, doing such a great job, taking care of their customers. And catering service is great five ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ restaurant loved and recommended anyone from Chicago and out of towners to come.“

“Ma Dear's Kitchen is definitely Well named. The food sure taste like food out of your granny's kitchen! The ambiance is there and the behind the counter the personalities are like family. I will be back!!“

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

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

“The food and service is fantastic“

“I love the food! My favorite are the wraps! And me and my guy swear by the detox tea! It's healthy and delicious! I highly recommend it! ❤️“

“Definitely a must try ...well a add to rotation of places to frequent. Went on a Friday night and the owner came out to tell us about a few items/ samples. Not only was the turkey tips tender and flavorful, the sides were definitely a costar. Greens and Mac were 10/10. Oh and let's not forget about the cornbread, chef's kiss. Next trip I make that way , the pizza selection will be a next try and I'm pretty sure I won't be disappointed.“

“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‼️“

“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.“

“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.“

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

“Truffle has and very clean and aesthetic environment, service was a decent time and food is hot and fresh , the server torey is very nice and attentive, makes sure you’re good and your meal is as well ,overall good experience would recommend!“

“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.“

“Our server Malik was amazing and such a vibe!! The food was sooooo good and it was brunch time so I can only imagine what dinner tastes like!!! Don’t second guess it please go and get the experience we got!!! Also thanks for the peach cobbler it was delicious!!!“

“Great food for a reasonable price👌🏽 Barilla tacos 🌮 are highly Recommended.“

“Great food and great service 💯“

“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.“

“We're visiting from Maryland and stumbled upon this gem. The service was friendly and fantastic and the food was out of this world. We had 2 short rib meals with Mac n cheese, cabbage and sweet potatoes as well as 1 baked chicken meal. Everything was delicious like it was prepared by your favorite church mother and the prices are great. This will be a goto when we're in town from now on.“

“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.“

“This is the place to get the best tasting fried catfish!!! O goodness, I got home and took a small piece for taste, I wanted to eat right away, but bought it for dinner. I promise you it took everything within me not to eat for lunch. Soo delicious. Also, I bout the last strawberry banana pudding knowing I have to share with my adult daughter😇. She and I loved it the last time I bought it. Anyway, the food is worth every dollar.“

“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!“

“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! 💚“

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

“They have great customer service. Those chittlings are the best around. Will be back again.“

“Kisha's Kitchen is absolutely amazing!!! ❤️ Not only is her food BEYOND delicious, her catering service is dependable, professional and top notch! My guests were pleased. Don't hesitate to book her services, you won't be disappointed.“

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

“They catered my entire Thanksgiving dinner and desserts and everything was delicious. I want to try what else is on the menu.“

“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.“

“Fatso's Last Stand, always rated among the top 10 hot dogs stands in Chicago by various food critics, has its flagship restaurant at 2258 West Chicago Avenue in Ukrainian Village and a newer location, which is much more convenient to me, at 1982 North Clybourn, at Armitage, in Clybourn Commons, in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. Open from 11 to 8 daily for pickup or delivery, it is a neighborhood snack bar that advertises Chicago's best char-grilled hot dogs and other delicious comfort food items that keeps customers coming back for more and more, like chili dogs, char grilled or griddled smashed Fatso burgers, Cleo's home-made chili with onions, sour cream and cheddar cheese, Maxwell Street style Polish sausage with mustard and grilled onions, Fatso's jumbo fried shrimp, mac and cheese and milk shakes with such flavors as chocolate, banana, Oreo, strawberry, vanilla, mint chip and Reese's peanut butter. But have you tried theSuper Ooey Gooey, Fatso's latest two-fisted creation? It is two smash beef patties stuffed with applewood smoked bacon, Merkt's cheddar cheese and giardiniera topped with Fatso sauce, tomato, lettuce and onion. Of course, you can't pass up Fatso's signature item, the char dog, served Chicago-style with mustard, relish, onion, tomato, sport peppers and celery salt. And the char-grilled Fatso burger served on a toasted bun with Fatso sauce, lettuce, tomato, onion and applewood smoked bacon. With home-made fresh cut fries. Wash it all down with a chocolate milk shake. Or two of them.“

“Great food. Servings was nice amount. Great great cooks and the owner is amazingly talented and very smart n loving. She treats her customers with respect and kindness and she cooks her food with LOVE“

“Enjoy the total experience“

“Love the jerk chicken Taco and egg rolls“

“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 …“

“The best! 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰😍“