18 Best Southern Restaurants in Chicago

Virtue Restaurant Southern • $$$
1462 E 53rd St, Chicago

Customers` Favorites

Fried Green Tomatoes with Shrimp Remoulade
Collard Greens \u0026 Smoked Turkey
Biscuits \u0026 Pimento Cheese
Collard Greens & Smoked Turkey
Cornbread \u0026 Honey Butter
Biscuits & Pimento Cheese
Cornbread & Honey Butter
Macaroni and Cheese
Biscuits and Gravy
RW Millies Pudding

“Joe was a great waiter. Informative and service oriented. I had a great dining experience. Fresh Pea Salad; with a sparkling Rose; chicken and banana pudding were my guilty pleasures. And it was all well worth it.“

4.6 Superb515 Reviews
2

Roux

Roux Southern • $$
1055 E 55th St, Chicago

Customers` Favorites

Shrimp and Grits with Scrambled Eggs and Cheese
Fried Green Tomato Tartine
Spicy Chicken and Waffles
Hot Chicken and Waffle
Chicken Fried Steak
Fully Loaded Grits
Biscuits and Gravy
Crystal Hot Sauce
Catfish and Fries
Three Egg Omelet

“Food was delicious“

4.5 Superb254 Reviews
Big Jones Southern • $$
5347 N Clark St, Chicago

Customers` Favorites

Roasted Mushrooms and Grits with a Sunny Duck Egg
Award-Winning Fried Chicken
A Simple Southern Breakfast
House-Cured & Smoked Bacon
Fried Chicken Dark Meat
Duck & Oyster Etouffee
Bourbon Bread Pudding
Tres Leches Pancakes
Buttermilk Biscuits
Fried Green Tomatoes

“Stopped in for lunch. The salads were excellent, gumbo delicious, and the corn bread is out-if-this-world amazing!“

4.4 Superb260 Reviews
Ina Mae Southern • $$
1415 N Wood St, Chicago

Customers` Favorites

Chargrilled Oysters Creole Butter 6 pcs
Hushpuppies and Pimento Honey Butter
New Orleans Hot Sausage PO' Boys
Fried Shrimp PO Boy with Fries
Nola Hot Sausage Sliders
Powdered Sugar Beignets
Fried Catfish PO' Boy
Hurricane Punch Bowl
Blackened Cauliflower
Chicken Tenders 4 PC

“This spot is PHENOMENAL! Customer service and the food was TOP TIER! Traveled from Memphis, Tn just for this restaurant. And also because I also have the same name. It’s a must to stop here and enjoy the atmosphere. The prices for the food wasn’t bad at all.“

4 Good286 Reviews
Yardbird Table & Bar Southern • $$$
530 N Wabash Ave, Chicago

Customers` Favorites

Louisiana Jumbo Shrimp & Grits Brunch
Sweet Tea Braised Short Rib
Classic Buttermilk Biscuits
Fried Green Tomato blt
Yardbird Chicken Wings
Yardbird Cinnamon Roll
Yardbird Hash Browns
Lobster Mac & Cheese
Mac and Cheese Side
Macaroni and Cheese

“Had food and drinks while at a conference and wonderful experience. Our bartender Ryan was excellent, very friendly and welcoming. Thanks for a good time.“

4 Good770 Reviews
Cleo's Southern Cuisine Southern • $$
4248 S Cottage Grove Ave, Chicago

Customers` Favorites

Green Beans and Smoked Turkey Salty Corn Muffins Fried Catfish Sauteed Crab and Remoulade Sauce
Southern Gent Six Fried Chicken Wings Served with One Belgium Waffle and a One Signature Side
6 Fried Wings Green Beans Pineapple Sweet Potatoes
Float and Fly Friend Catfish and Chicken
Pineapple Candied Sweet Potatoes
Classic Baked Mac & Cheese
24 Karat Gold Corn Muffin
Honey Butter Corn Muffins
Southern Fried Chicken
Garlic and Herb Salmon

“Divinely Delicious! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. 😋 👍🏾 👌🏻 💯 👏 👏 👏 👏“

4.2 Good231 Reviews
Reclaimed Bar & Restaurant Southern • $$
Recommended
3655 N Western Ave, Chicago

Customers` Favorites

New Orleans Style BBQ Shrimp Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and a Reuben
Applewood Smoked Wings
Pulled Pork Sandwich
Glasses of Wine
Chicken Wings
Deviled Eggs
Cajun Burger
Lamb Burger

“The bartender Rob made a lovely old fashioned for my first drink and then I switched to beer. The local selection was on point! Ordered the smoked wings, will come back for just those alone. Live music by summer of George was awesome as well. Had a great 90’s alternative sing along vibe. Strongly recommend checking this place out especially if you live in the neighborhood.“

4.7 Superb65 Reviews
Dove's Luncheonette Diner • $$
1545 N Damen Ave, Chicago

Customers` Favorites

Burnt Ends Hash \u0026 Chicken Fried Chicken
Burnt Ends Hash & Chicken Fried Chicken
Smoked Brisket Taco Norteno
Buttermilk Fried Chicken
Biscuits and Gravy
Buttermilk Pancake
Al Pastor Fries
Broccoli Salad
Smoked Brisket
Dove's Deluxe

“Great service and delicious food;)“

4.7 Superb163 Reviews
Doll's Kitchen And Catering Southern • $
1014 S Western Ave, Chicago

Customers` Favorites

Garlic Parm Dipped Wings DK Mild Sauce Wings Salmon Philly and Philly Cheesesteak on Texas Toast
Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls
Nann's Strawberry Pudding
Nae Nae's Chicken Philly
Baked Macaroni & Cheese
Fried Chicken Dinner
Philly Cheesesteak W
Cajun Chicken Pasta
Banana Pudding
Catfish Dinner

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

4.6 Superb83 Reviews
Roost Chicken & Biscuits Southern • $
2011 W Roscoe St, Chicago

Customers` Favorites

Sunrise Sandwich with Peach Cobbler and Mac \u0026 Cheese
Buttermilk Biscuit Fried Chicken Sandwich
Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding
House Style Sandwich Meal
Chips and Mac and Cheese
Original Chicken Sandwich
Sunrise Chicken Sandwich
Hand Cut French Fries
Macaroni and Cheese
Creamy Mac & Cheese

“First time visit and they're already a fav! I had the sunrise biscuit sandwich and it was phenomenal! The biscuit was moist and the spicy chicken was a perfect heat level! Sebastian was a delight! He helped us pick the flavors and ended up stirrups is with an order of the Dirty Bird to share..Mac, fries, chicken, pepper and sauce HEAVEN! The Strawberry Palmer tea needs to be in stores! We even took food home!“

4.1 Good152 Reviews
Dawn A.M. Eatery American • $$
1642 E 56th St, Chicago

Customers` Favorites

Vegan Blueberry Waffle and Fried Chick'n
Corn Bread French Toast & Fried Chicken
Chicken and Cornbread French Toast
Deviled Eggs with Smoked Salmon
Salmon Deviled Eggs with Capers
Pot Roast with Jalapeño Grits
Pot Roast with Jalapeno Grits
Smoked Salmon Deviled Eggs
Fried Chicken and Waffles
French Toast Corn Bread

“Stopped in for a salad and the Cajun Cobb Salad. Deliciousness😋😋“

4.3 Superb627 Reviews
Boxcar Betty's Southern • $
500 W Madison St, Chicago

Customers` Favorites

Boxcar with Sweet Potato Fries
Buffalo Sandwich
Chicken Sandwich
Waffle Sandwich
Boxcar Sandwich
Chicken Tenders
Hand-Cut Fries
Buffalo Chicken
Fried Chicken
The Betty

“Great food and affordable. Guilty pleasure when riding the Metra.“

4.5 Superb46 Reviews
Sweet Maple Cafe American • $
1339 W Taylor St, Chicago

Customers` Favorites

Sweet Maple Special Dine in: Yes Outdoor seating: Yes Takeout: Yes Delivery: No Curbside pickup: Yes
Holiday French Toast and Blueberry Pancakes
Hot American Cheese Grits
Chicken Livers and Onions
Chocolate Chip Pancakes
Cinnamon Roll Pancakes
Apple Spice Pancakes
Creamy Hot Chocolate
Hot Cheddar Grits
Biscuits and Gravy

“I had the pleasure of dining at Sweet Maple Cafe in the 9th District, and I couldn't be more thrilled to share my experience! The food was absolutely incredible—each bite was a delightful treat. A special shoutout to Twilla, the manager, and her wonderful staff, who made us feel right at home with their warm hospitality. Supporting our local businesses is so important, and Sweet Maple Cafe is a shining example of the quality and care we have in our community. I highly recommend stopping by for a meal—you won’t be disappointed!“

4.5 Superb166 Reviews
Chef Daddy's Soul Food • $
5944 W Lake St, Chicago

Customers` Favorites

Chiterling Dinner with Greens \u0026 Potato Salad
Chiterling Dinner with Greens & Potato Salad
Smothered Pork Chops
Baked Chicken Dinner
Banana Pudding Cake
Beef Short Ribs
Peach Cobbler
Mac N Cheese
Caramel Cake
String Beans

“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!“

3.9 Good180 Reviews
Roost Chicken & Biscuits Southern • $
457 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago

Customers` Favorites

Fried Chicken Sandwiches - Family Style
Nashville Hot Chicken Breast Sandwich
Original Fried Chicken Sandwich
Chicken Sandwich on a Biscuit
Creamy Mac and Cheese
Carolina Style Meal
Macaroni and Cheese
Buttermilk Biscuit
Cucumber Coleslaw
Tenders with Fries

“Good food for anytime of day!!!“

3.7 Good162 Reviews
Chef Art Smith’s Reunion American • $$
Navy Pier, 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago

Customers` Favorites

Fried Chicken with Hot Sauce by Chef Art Smith
Cheddar Hush Puppies with Red Pepper Jelly
Goat Cheese Buttermilk Drop Biscuits
Chef Art's Famous Fried Chicken
Chef Art's Chicken Wings
Braised Southern Greens
Fried Chicken Sandwich
Shrimp & Grits Entree
Pimento Cheese Grits
Fried Green Tomatoes

“January 25, 2024. Dinner with Moxie. Incredible fried chicken & mashed potatoes. Moxie had the kid’s cheeseburger & mashed potatoes. Friendly staff!! 💞“

3.9 Good649 Reviews
Wishbone Southern • $$
161 N Jefferson St, Chicago

Customers` Favorites

Fried Catfish with Mashed Potatoes Greens and a Corn Muffin
Wishbone Pancakes Brunch
Cajun Shrimp & Grits
Crunchy French Toast
Shrimp \u0026 Grits
Smoked Brisket Hash
Louisiana Breakfast
Blackened Catfish
Chicken & Waffles
Chicken Sandwich

““What do you recommend about Wishbone Restaurant?” Absolutely everything. My first visit (from Baltimore) in 2022 was perfect. Everything from the food to the service to the drinks. My second visit in 2025 managed to top the previous trip. Such a fantastic experience and great conversation. The *N.C. Style crab cake* was impressive ~ this coming from a Marylander 🤓 Keep up the great food & atmosphere!“

4.6 Superb197 Reviews
St Rest #2 Country Kitchen Soul Food • $$
727 E 87th St, Chicago

Customers` Favorites

Turkey Wings Yams Greens Corn Muffin Strawberry Lemonade Pineapple Cake Slice
Fried Chicken Wings Yams Macaroni and Cheese and Corn Bread
Black Eyed Peas Roast Beef and Mash Potatoes
Slick Mustard Greens w Smoked Turkey
Nashville Hot Chicken Wings Dinner
Neck Bones Yams and Macaroni Cheese
Short Ribs Yams Dressing Muffins
Fried Chicken Wings 4 pcs
Smothered Pork Chops
Turkey Wings Greens

“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.“

4.5 Superb173 Reviews