24 Best Southern Restaurants in Chicago

Kitchen + Kocktails By Kevin Kelley - Chicago Southern
339 N Dearborn St, Chicago

Customers` Favorites

Fried Chicken Macaroni and Cheese and Black Eyed Peas
Candied Yams Lobster Mash Potatoes
Lamb Chops and Fried Lobster Tail
Patron Silver Strawberry Margarita
To-Go Don Julio Frozen Margarita
Fried Catfish and Mac and Chesse
Dream Eggs with Blackened Shrimp
Deviled Eggs with Cajun Shrimp
Collard Greens w Smoked Turkey
Shrimp Grits w Lobster Tail

“Anniversary Dinner Done Right!

Celebrated our anniversary at Kitchen Kocktails, and it did not disappoint! The vibes were amazing, but the food completely stole the show.
The Chicken with the sauce was done in perfection and incredibly juicy very flavorful. Now the Mac and Cheese was ultra-rich, cheesy, and baked just right. The Collard Greens was deeply savory and perfectly seasoned. What made it feel like home was
Combining all three on one forkful and that was unmatched. They surprised us with a desert that was so delicious to end the meal. Overall Great drinks, lively energy, and the perfect spot to celebrate. We’ll definitely be back! 🥂🍗
#KitchenAndKocktails #Anniversary #Foodie #DateNight“

4.4 Superb3577 Reviews
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
Blackened Catfish with Rice
Biscuits & Pimento Cheese
Cornbread & Honey Butter
Macaroni and Cheese
Biscuits and Gravy

“The food was amazing! The gumbo, short ribs, greens with smoked turkey, Mac & cheese and cornbread were delicious!“

4.5 Superb580 Reviews
Big Jones Southern • $$
5347 N Clark St, Chicago

Customers` Favorites

Roasted Mushrooms and Grits with a Sunny Duck Egg
Catfish and Sweet Potato Biscuits
Roasted Mushrooms \u0026 Grits
Award-Winning Fried Chicken
A Simple Southern Breakfast
House-Cured & Smoked Bacon
House-Cured Bacon Omelet
Fried Chicken Dark Meat
Duck & Oyster Etouffee
Bourbon Bread Pudding

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

4.3 Superb299 Reviews
4

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
Catfish and Fries
Crystal Hot Sauce
Three Egg Omelet

“Food was delicious“

4.5 Superb249 Reviews
Luella's Southern Kitchen Southern • $$
4114 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago

Customers` Favorites

Buttermilk Biscuits with Homemade Jam 5
Skillet Cornbread with Honey Butter 5
Nashville Hot Chicken and Waffles
Buttermilk Biscuits with Jam
Crab Stuffed Shrimp and Grits
Buttermilk Fried Chicken 16
Nashville Chicken & Waffles
Chicken and Sausage Gumbo
Braised Collard Greens
Biscuits and Gravy 9

“I've been wanting pancakes for the past month and finally went for some this morning. The pancakes were PHENOMENAL! My pancake jonesing was fulfilled by a more delicious pancake than I imagined was possible. They were huge and I could only eat one 🤤 The other reheated perfectly in the microwave - the texture was interior, but the taste was still fantastic. I've been before, but got other things. At this point, I can confidently recommend the breakfast sandwich, beignets, and pancakes. Oh, and get yourself an orange pop for breakfast... Be bad, treat yourself!“

4.3 Superb282 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
Half Fried Chicken with 2 Sides
Fried Shrimp PO Boy with Fries
Nola Hot Sausage Sliders
Powdered Sugar Beignets
Fried Catfish PO' Boy
Blackened Cauliflower
Hurricane Punch Bowl

“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 Good315 Reviews
Cleo's - Bronzeville 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
Honey Butter Corn Muffins
24 Karat Gold Corn Muffin
Peach Cobbler Cheesecake
Garlic and Herb Salmon

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

4.2 Good285 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 Good809 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
Nann's Banana Pudding
Fried Chicken Dinner
Cajun Chicken Pasta
Philly Cheesesteak W
Stuffed Salmon

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

4.6 Superb95 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 Superb207 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

“I’m going to be so honest and say I’ve never been there but we can’t wait to. The owners and their family saved Thanksgiving when they donated food, resources and a kitchen to prepare food for 400-500 people (free of charge) at the 28th annual Thanksgiving Dinner at St. Benedict’s when the church’s kitchen became unusable. We met Halsted personally while volunteering and we were just take aback at how generous, kind and lovely these folks were to take on this challenge and on a holiday. I hope our community will continue to remember this and support these fantastic folks for a long, long time.“

4.7 Superb70 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

“Hopefully they expand more but they’re in a crowded market. While I haven’t tried every chicken place - I recently tried the abysmal Raising Canes - this stuff is top tier. Really good chicken. They definitely lean more on their sandwiches and biscuits - but I think it’s noteworthy that their chicken is so much better than most of their direct competitors.“

4 Good160 Reviews
DixiePura Kitchen Southern •
325 E Pershing Rd, Chicago

Customers` Favorites

Pancakes with Fried Chicken Wings
Creamy Mac and Cheese

“Wow what a hidden little gem in the middle of bronzeville! I celebrated my birthday here Saturday night and we’re still talking about the food. Everything was cooked so well, all of the food was incredibly flavorful, and the menu is so creative. Definitely check this place out if you’re looking for something a little different but absolutely delicious!“

4.9 Superb43 Reviews
Roost Chicken & Biscuits Southern • $
494 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 Good172 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
Fried Green Tomatoes and Chicken Skins
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

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

4.3 Superb677 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

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

3.9 Good199 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 Superb191 Reviews
Wishbone Southern • $$
161 N Jefferson St, Chicago

Customers` Favorites

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

““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 Superb230 Reviews
Reunion by Chef Art Smith 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
Shrimp \u0026 Grits Entree
Chef Art's Chicken Wings
Braised Southern Greens
Mac \u0026 Cheese Baked
Fried Chicken Sandwich
Shrimp & Grits Entree

“The food was excellent! The fried green tomatoes are fantastic, as was everything else! Gabby greeted us beautifully, & Eliza was an amazing server! Thank you so much for a lovely lunch :-)“

4 Good740 Reviews
MacArthur's Restaurant Southern • $
5412 W Madison St, Chicago

Customers` Favorites

Smothered Pork Chops \u0026 Macaroni and Cheese and Dressing
Smothered Pork Chops & Macaroni and Cheese and Dressing
Meatloaf Greens Cornbread Sweet Corn
Collard Greens Macaroni and Cheese
Meatloaf \u0026 Mac and Cheese
Smothered Pork Chop Dinner
Fried Chicken Dinner
Smothered Chicken
Barbecue Chicken
Beef Short Ribs

“This Is A Absolutely Great Dinning Choice For Anybody Who Likes Home Cooked Southern Food (Soul Food) - It's Like Being In A Good Cooks Kitchen and Having Numerous Meal Choices Cooked To Perfection. Decent Prices, Grenerous Portions and Home Made Banana Pudding. Have Been There For Dine In and Carry Out 4 Times In The Past 2 Weeks and Might Stop By Tonite If I Can Arrive Before They Close (8pm) .“

3.3 Good189 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
Short Ribs Yams Dressing Muffins Black Eyed Peas
Black Eyed Peas Roast Beef and Mash Potatoes
Neck Bones Yams and Macaroni Cheese
Slick Mustard Greens w Smoked Turkey
Nashville Hot Chicken Wings Dinner
Smothered Pork Chops with Sides
Fried Chicken Wings 4 pcs
Smother Pork Chops Dinner

“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 Superb260 Reviews
The Budlong Southern Chicken American • $
4619 N Western Ave, Chicago

Customers` Favorites

The Budlong Original Chicken Sandwich
Famous Homemade Banana Pudding
It's a Damn Chicken Sandwich
Nashville Hot Chicken
Budlong Tenders Combo
Hot Chicken Sandwich
Hot Chicken Plates
Mac \u0026 Cheese
Chicken Tenders
Fried Cornbread

“Best hot chicken in Chicago“

4.4 Superb157 Reviews
The Budlong Southern Chicken American • $
1008 W Armitage Ave, Chicago

Customers` Favorites

The Budlong Original Chicken Sandwich
Xtra Hot Chicken Sandwich
Fried Chicken Sandwich
Spicy Chicken Sandwich
Nashville Hot Chicken
Hot Chicken Plates
Hot Chicken Strips
Budlong Tenders
Budlong Biscuit
Chicken Tenders

“Excellent food! Excellent service! DON’T MISS THIS PLACE WHEN YOU’RE IN CHICAGO!“

4 Good116 Reviews
Chicago's Home of Chicken & Waffles Chicken • $$
3947 S King Dr, Chicago

Customers` Favorites

Fried Catfish Collard Greens Yams Mac&Cheese and Chicken & Waffles
Grandma’S Peach Cobbler a La Mode
Nia Kay's Buffalo Catfish Strips
Ken N' Jen's Catfish N' Grits
Fried Chicken Wings Waffle
Kev's Lemon Pepper Wings
Bern's Biscuits N' Gravy
Chicken \u0026 Waffles
Chicken and Waffles
Macaroni and Cheese

“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.“

4.1 Good324 Reviews