29 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
Collard Greens & Smoked Turkey
Biscuits \u0026 Pimento Cheese
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 Superb815 Reviews
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 Superb3918 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!“

4.4 Superb540 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
Box of Beignets 25ea
Chicken Fried Steak
Biscuits and Gravy
Fully Loaded Grits
Catfish and Fries
Crystal Hot Sauce

“Food was delicious“

4.5 Superb305 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 Superb456 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 Superb354 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.“

3.9 Good481 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
24 Karat Gold Corn Muffin
Honey Butter Corn Muffins
Peach Cobbler Cheesecake
Southern Classic Wings

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

4.2 Good352 Reviews
Yardbird 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 Good838 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 Superb707 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 Superb97 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 Superb382 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 Superb413 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

“This is one of the best chicken sandwiches you can get in Chicago. The biscuits are exceptional. The service there is fantastic! I only have one issue and it's that have they never have the biscuit batter because it's always sold out. 🤷🏾‍♂. The price on the drinks are also incredibly reasonable for a Roscoe village restaurant. Definitely recommend!“

4 Good323 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
DixiePura Kitchen Southern •
325 E Pershing Rd, Chicago

Customers` Favorites

Crispy Egg Rolls with Dipping Sauce
Pancakes with Fried Chicken Wings
Creamy Mac and Cheese

“Service here was unmatched, I have gone 2 times now and both times I was greeted and treated like family. They do fill your water glasses which is nice, but the 2nd time I went I was in a larger group and would have liked more water.

Atmosphere is beautiful, the art work is amazing and the establishment is clean.

The food was great I enjoyed everything. I am not a fan of black eyed peas, but I tried them and they were ok, everyone in my party loved them, so I know it was a me thing. The first time I went I had the weekday Menu and the 2nd time I went I had the Juneteenth menu. I will be going again for the weekend menu and may have to swing in for brunch!

I do not have a picture of everything I ate and some pictures we ate before we could take a picture, but you can’t go wrong with anything.“

4.8 Superb55 Reviews
Reclaimed Bar & Restaurant - Chicago | Southern 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.“

4.6 Superb190 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!!!“

3.8 Good292 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 Superb318 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 Good326 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
Mashed Potatoes
Chicken Tenders

“Best hot chicken in Chicago“

4.4 Superb267 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
Bern's Biscuits N' Gravy
Kev's Lemon Pepper Wings
Chicken \u0026 Waffles
Red Beans \u0026 Rice
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.“

4.2 Good611 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!“

4.1 Good246 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
Black Eyed Peas

“MacArthur's has always held a special place in my heart. 😊 I used to come here often when I was growing up in Austin, and after being away for more than 10 years, I finally returned. The moment I walked through the doors, a wave of nostalgia hit me. ❤ The atmosphere felt just as welcoming as I remembered, and the food tasted amazing. 🍽 Every bite brought back great memories and made me feel right at home. It's incredible how this place has maintained its quality over the years. 👏 If you're in the area, this restaurant is absolutely worth visiting. ⭐ Highly recommended and definitely a must-try!“

3.4 Good307 Reviews
House of Blues Chicago American • $$
329 N Dearborn St, Chicago

“Cancels performances by Jewish artists like it's 1930s Germany.“

4 Good675 Reviews
King Soul Food Gallery Soul Food • $
8103 S Cottage Grove Ave, Chicago

Customers` Favorites

Strawberry and Lemon Parfaits
1 Entrée 2 Sides Rib Tips
Baked Mac \u0026 Cheese
Peanut Butter Cookies
3 Layer Cakes Slices
Baked Mac & Cheese
Strawberry Parfait
Red Velvet Cake
Mashed Potatoes
Black Eyed Peas

“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.“

3.9 Good162 Reviews
Lillie's Q Barbecue • $$
417 N Ashland Ave, Chicago

Customers` Favorites

Prime Brisket Sandwich
Pulled Pork Sandwich
Smoked Chicken Wings
Brisket Fries
Mac N Cheese
Potato Salad

“Came in almost before closing time! The location was easily findable and had a very nice atmosphere! Super good vibe and feel! Once we got to the counter a nice gentleman named Jose was the one that helped us! That guy is the MVP! You can tell he enjoys his job and does it pretty well! He recommended us some good sauces and the salsa macha! Definitely will come back just because of the good service we had! The food was insanely good! Brisket was beyond fire! The tacos were the best in my opinion! Totally unexpected it! 100/10“

3.7 Good96 Reviews
Pine Street Kitchen Southern • $
Equitable Building, 401 N Michigan Ave, Chicago

“This place has a really unique variety of food options 🍔🌮🍜 You can find everything from soups and tacos to burgers and even Asian dishes, which makes it great for groups with different tastes 😊 Some menu items feel a little expensive, but the burgers are definitely worth the price and a really good value 🍟🔥 One thing I also liked was the comfortable seating area 🪑✨ Even if you’re not ordering food, it’s still a nice spot to relax, study, work on your laptop, or meet up with friends for a chat ☕📚 Overall, it has a chill atmosphere and plenty of choices for almost everyone 👍“

4.2 Good20 Reviews
Bourbon on Division Bar • $$
2050 W Division St, Chicago

Customers` Favorites

Brisket Mac and Cheese

“Bourbon on Division is the heart of Division Street. Beyond its gruff exterior (metaphorically), it boasts some of the most eclectic variety of live music and amazing DJ's in all of Chicago. I've met some of the best people in my life there. Management all the way down to security create a fun safe environment. Also 5 stars for the bartending tonight on Emo night. Chris and Krue were great!“

3.6 Good149 Reviews