My daughters came from Milwaukee Wisconsin to celebrate at this place.They said it was beautiful and service was amazing but the food is horrible and for 88 dollars per person is outrageous especially if the food is disgusting
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 1
Service: 5
Stephanie D
Had an early dinner here today 3/22 drove from central Indiana to the Westside location and the food did not disappoint. This was my husband’s pre-birthday meal and we were both more than satisfied . Lexi our waitress was amazing. I had the Mac n cheese, glazed fried chicken w grilled pound cake along with shrimp n grits . The birthday man had the short rib catfish ettoufe and the siracha shrimp. The lemonades mango and strawberry were both good as well . I can’t wait to try the soufside menu😋
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Aneesha Powell
I visited this restaurant on 3/21/2025. We were the first guest to arrive. Our waitress was friendly and pretty knowledgeable about the menu. The ambiance was gentle. We ordered the 3 small entree selections. I will say that my experience felt rushed. I hadn’t received my drink 🍷 before my food arrived to the table. My first meal was the catfish etoufee…the catfish was warm however the etoufee was pretty lukewarm warm like it was either microwaved or premade and placed on a warming plate. My next meal was the Italian flame broiled lobster Alfredo. This one was very cold. Very disappointing. I wanted to select the Louisiana blackened salmon for my third entree, however one of the waitresses deterred me from that decision saying they could not alter the temp ay which the salmon was cooked(which let me know it was probably already precooked) So my final meal choice was the Fire maple glazed fried chicken and that was the only meal that came out hot. I will say that all the food that I experienced was well seasoned and tasted really good despite the cold temperatures. My recommendation would be to cook the food fresh so that the experience can be more enjoyable. I will also mention that parking was on the street and I was able to secure a parking spot right in front of the building but I will give the disclaimer that we were the first guest to arrive so that may have played a factor. I will revisit this establishment but I would ask that my food is freshly prepared next time.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fire Maple Glazed Fried Chicken
Antionette Patton
The food was tasty but not hot enough, The catfish was hot and sides were barely warm. It was brought out in about 10 minutes after ordering. I wrote on the online reservation and informed owner we were celebrating a birthday. After eating dinner, no cake was brought out. The check was ready. I asked waitress if there is a complimentary cake. So that spoiled the surprise for the birthday girl.The waitress asked if we wanted to eat it there or take it home. When you go out for dinner, you want the cake, candle and singing as part of the celebration.They need to give more attention to details. Music was very nice but, too loud for where we were sitting,
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 1
Jodda Wells
I was on a girls trip with family and we made reservations here to eat. The food was Fabulous. A plus. I ordered the shrimp, catfish and grits I wanted to meet the cook and shake their hand. The atmosphere was lit. The mimosas excellent. I will definitely go back when I return to Chicago in the near future.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Richard P
I want to start off and say shout out to the soul, food lounge, and my server her name was T. But definitely check this spot out if you’re craving some brunch I had an amazing meal and I can see why people come here, but I do need to come back and try their dinner menu Eating with Rich approved
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fire Maple Glazed Fried Chicken, Shrimp and Grits, Chicago Fried Salmon and Shrimp Rich Boy
Shawndra Ferrell
Words don't do it justice! I was in Oak Brook, picked up an out of town coworker, and this restaurant came up in google for soul food. A short ride and outside it looks quiet and unassuming. But when you open the door, the way the music rolls through the air in the hallway and fills the restaurant. Live musician playing Jazz, R&B, and Gospel. Despite us not having a reservation, waitstaff were pleasant and seated us right away. It's a quaint 15-table space but it all felt like family. FOOD was spectacular! I could barely decide what to get. Next time we will bring several people so we can try more things! Can't wait to bring other people and post to social media!🎉
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Grand Tasting, Creole Fried Catfish Etouffee
shanta dempsey
This was our first time visiting The Soul Food Lounge and was happy we picked them for brunch. Maria our waitress was awesome. She was courteous, sweet, respectful, and made us feel comfortable. The food and drinks was amazing and perfect portion size. The vibe in there was what we have been looking for in a restaurant. Plus nice and clean and very professional. We will be back for dinner.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Grand Tasting
Tara Robertson
If you haven't been here you are missing out. My husband and I tried a total of 6 of their entrees (generous tasting size) and 3 of their delicious pound cakes. The food is perfection. The lemonades are amazing and fresh and flavors compliment the meals so well.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Grand Tasting, Korean Short Rib, Mississippi Salmon Cakes, Grilled Pound Cake, Truffle Lobster Mac & Cheese, Marsala Braised Pot Roast, Honey Brussel Sprouts
Brittney Washington
We had a little wait, but it was sooooo worth it! I will be coming back!
Great/delicious food, great vibe, and professional service. I recommend to anyone seeking delicious soul food to drool over and a laid back contemporary vibe to exhale in.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Korean Short Rib
Alexis Waddell
This good was amazing to say the least. Try the ribeye grill cheese!!!
Manja Petrov
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The Soul Food Lounge – A Culinary Symphony Worth Every Penny ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Soul Food Lounge had been sitting on my must-visit list for ages, and when I spotted it on the Restaurant Week lineup, I knew this was my moment. And oh boy, oh boy—had I missed this, I would have kicked myself for eternity. Not only was this the pinnacle of my Restaurant Week experiences, but dare I say, it might just be my all-time favorite dining spot in all of Chicago.
Let’s get into the nitty-gritty because by the time you’re done reading, you’ll have a reservation locked in. This place operates on a reservations-only basis, and yes, it leans toward the pricier side, but let me tell you—every single penny is worth it. Their grand tasting menu (normally $69, but a steal at $60 during Restaurant Week) is a gastronomic journey. And to start things off on the right note, they serve **complimentary lemonade with unlimited refills**—and not just any lemonade. This was liquid gold. Crisp, refreshing, bursting with citrusy magic—honestly, I would’ve been happy just sipping on that all evening.
Now, onto the showstoppers—the **food.** With 12 mind-blowing options and only three picks allowed per person, making a choice felt like Mission Impossible. But we rose to the challenge and here’s what we feasted on:
🍖 **Marsala Braised Pot Roast** – A slow-braised, melt-in-your-mouth masterpiece, bathed in a rich, velvety Marsala sauce. The crispy herb vegetable medley added the perfect crunch, while the Thai honey Brussels sprouts brought an unexpected but delightful sweet-savory kick.
🦞 **Italian Flame Broiled Lobster Alfredo** – If decadence had a face, this would be it. The lobster was flame-broiled to perfection—smoky, tender, and succulent. Paired with creamy garlic purée potatoes and vibrant asparagus tips, every bite felt like a luxurious escape.
🧀 **Truffle Lobster Mac and Cheese** – Forget everything you think you know about mac and cheese. This dish was next-level. Velvety, truffle-infused parmesan met aged cheddar in the most indulgent embrace, while generous chunks of buttery lobster transformed it into a show-stopping masterpiece.
🍤 **Carolina Creamy Shrimp & Grits** – The epitome of Southern comfort. Plump, juicy shrimp nestled in a bed of the creamiest, dreamiest grits, with crispy bacon and fragrant garlic butter elevating the whole affair. This dish wrapped me in a warm, culinary hug.
🥩 **Korean Glazed Short Ribs** – A beautiful fusion of bold, smoky, and slightly sweet flavors. The ribs were fall-off-the-bone tender, lacquered in a sticky Korean glaze that balanced heat and umami. The garlic mashed potatoes and sautéed broccolini rounded out the plate with elegance.
🐟 **Smothered Catfish** – A soulful classic done right. The catfish, fried to a perfect golden crisp, was bathed in a rich, savory gravy that soaked into every flaky bite. Hearty, comforting, and brimming with love.
And just when I thought the meal couldn’t get any better—the dessert. The grilled pound cake was nothing short of spectacular. Lightly caramelized on the edges, warm and buttery on the inside, it melted in my mouth with every bite. Paired with a luscious drizzle and a scoop of velvety ice cream, it was the perfect sweet finale to an already unforgettable feast. 🍰🔥
By the time the last forkful had disappeared, I was already mentally planning my next visit. The Soul Food Lounge isn’t just a restaurant—it’s an experience. A symphony of flavors, a celebration of soul, and an unforgettable journey for the taste buds. If you haven’t been, what are you waiting for? Make. That. Reservation.🔥
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Grand Tasting
Tanika Black
Our food was very flavorsome and the lemonade was delectable! We enjoyed everything that we ordered. I would definitely return and I look forward to visiting the south side location.
My daughters came from Milwaukee Wisconsin to celebrate at this place.They said it was beautiful and service was amazing but the food is horrible and for 88 dollars per person is outrageous especially if the food is disgusting
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 1
Service: 5
Had an early dinner here today 3/22 drove from central Indiana to the Westside location and the food did not disappoint. This was my husband’s pre-birthday meal and we were both more than satisfied . Lexi our waitress was amazing. I had the Mac n cheese, glazed fried chicken w grilled pound cake along with shrimp n grits . The birthday man had the short rib catfish ettoufe and the siracha shrimp. The lemonades mango and strawberry were both good as well . I can’t wait to try the soufside menu😋
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I visited this restaurant on 3/21/2025. We were the first guest to arrive. Our waitress was friendly and pretty knowledgeable about the menu. The ambiance was gentle. We ordered the 3 small entree selections. I will say that my experience felt rushed. I hadn’t received my drink 🍷 before my food arrived to the table. My first meal was the catfish etoufee…the catfish was warm however the etoufee was pretty lukewarm warm like it was either microwaved or premade and placed on a warming plate. My next meal was the Italian flame broiled lobster Alfredo. This one was very cold. Very disappointing. I wanted to select the Louisiana blackened salmon for my third entree, however one of the waitresses deterred me from that decision saying they could not alter the temp ay which the salmon was cooked(which let me know it was probably already precooked) So my final meal choice was the Fire maple glazed fried chicken and that was the only meal that came out hot. I will say that all the food that I experienced was well seasoned and tasted really good despite the cold temperatures. My recommendation would be to cook the food fresh so that the experience can be more enjoyable. I will also mention that parking was on the street and I was able to secure a parking spot right in front of the building but I will give the disclaimer that we were the first guest to arrive so that may have played a factor. I will revisit this establishment but I would ask that my food is freshly prepared next time.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fire Maple Glazed Fried Chicken
The food was tasty but not hot enough, The catfish was hot and sides were barely warm. It was brought out in about 10 minutes after ordering. I wrote on the online reservation and informed owner we were celebrating a birthday. After eating dinner, no cake was brought out. The check was ready. I asked waitress if there is a complimentary cake. So that spoiled the surprise for the birthday girl.The waitress asked if we wanted to eat it there or take it home.
When you go out for dinner, you want the cake, candle and singing as part of the celebration.They need to give more attention to details.
Music was very nice but, too loud for where we were sitting,
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 1
I was on a girls trip with family and we made reservations here to eat. The food was Fabulous. A plus. I ordered the shrimp, catfish and grits I wanted to meet the cook and shake their hand. The atmosphere was lit. The mimosas excellent. I will definitely go back when I return to Chicago in the near future.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I want to start off and say shout out to the soul, food lounge, and my server her name was T.
But definitely check this spot out if you’re craving some brunch I had an amazing meal and I can see why people come here, but I do need to come back and try their dinner menu
Eating with Rich approved
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fire Maple Glazed Fried Chicken, Shrimp and Grits, Chicago Fried Salmon and Shrimp Rich Boy
Words don't do it justice! I was in Oak Brook, picked up an out of town coworker, and this restaurant came up in google for soul food. A short ride and outside it looks quiet and unassuming. But when you open the door, the way the music rolls through the air in the hallway and fills the restaurant. Live musician playing Jazz, R&B, and Gospel. Despite us not having a reservation, waitstaff were pleasant and seated us right away. It's a quaint 15-table space but it all felt like family. FOOD was spectacular! I could barely decide what to get. Next time we will bring several people so we can try more things! Can't wait to bring other people and post to social media!🎉
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Grand Tasting, Creole Fried Catfish Etouffee
This was our first time visiting The Soul Food Lounge and was happy we picked them for brunch. Maria our waitress was awesome. She was courteous, sweet, respectful, and made us feel comfortable. The food and drinks was amazing and perfect portion size. The vibe in there was what we have been looking for in a restaurant. Plus nice and clean and very professional. We will be back for dinner.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Grand Tasting
If you haven't been here you are missing out. My husband and I tried a total of 6 of their entrees (generous tasting size) and 3 of their delicious pound cakes. The food is perfection. The lemonades are amazing and fresh and flavors compliment the meals so well.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Grand Tasting, Korean Short Rib, Mississippi Salmon Cakes, Grilled Pound Cake, Truffle Lobster Mac & Cheese, Marsala Braised Pot Roast, Honey Brussel Sprouts
We had a little wait, but it was sooooo worth it! I will be coming back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Great/delicious food, great vibe, and professional service. I recommend to anyone seeking delicious soul food to drool over and a laid back contemporary vibe to exhale in.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Korean Short Rib
This good was amazing to say the least. Try the ribeye grill cheese!!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The Soul Food Lounge – A Culinary Symphony Worth Every Penny ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Soul Food Lounge had been sitting on my must-visit list for ages, and when I spotted it on the Restaurant Week lineup, I knew this was my moment. And oh boy, oh boy—had I missed this, I would have kicked myself for eternity. Not only was this the pinnacle of my Restaurant Week experiences, but dare I say, it might just be my all-time favorite dining spot in all of Chicago.
Let’s get into the nitty-gritty because by the time you’re done reading, you’ll have a reservation locked in. This place operates on a reservations-only basis, and yes, it leans toward the pricier side, but let me tell you—every single penny is worth it. Their grand tasting menu (normally $69, but a steal at $60 during Restaurant Week) is a gastronomic journey. And to start things off on the right note, they serve **complimentary lemonade with unlimited refills**—and not just any lemonade. This was liquid gold. Crisp, refreshing, bursting with citrusy magic—honestly, I would’ve been happy just sipping on that all evening.
Now, onto the showstoppers—the **food.** With 12 mind-blowing options and only three picks allowed per person, making a choice felt like Mission Impossible. But we rose to the challenge and here’s what we feasted on:
🍖 **Marsala Braised Pot Roast** – A slow-braised, melt-in-your-mouth masterpiece, bathed in a rich, velvety Marsala sauce. The crispy herb vegetable medley added the perfect crunch, while the Thai honey Brussels sprouts brought an unexpected but delightful sweet-savory kick.
🦞 **Italian Flame Broiled Lobster Alfredo** – If decadence had a face, this would be it. The lobster was flame-broiled to perfection—smoky, tender, and succulent. Paired with creamy garlic purée potatoes and vibrant asparagus tips, every bite felt like a luxurious escape.
🧀 **Truffle Lobster Mac and Cheese** – Forget everything you think you know about mac and cheese. This dish was next-level. Velvety, truffle-infused parmesan met aged cheddar in the most indulgent embrace, while generous chunks of buttery lobster transformed it into a show-stopping masterpiece.
🍤 **Carolina Creamy Shrimp & Grits** – The epitome of Southern comfort. Plump, juicy shrimp nestled in a bed of the creamiest, dreamiest grits, with crispy bacon and fragrant garlic butter elevating the whole affair. This dish wrapped me in a warm, culinary hug.
🥩 **Korean Glazed Short Ribs** – A beautiful fusion of bold, smoky, and slightly sweet flavors. The ribs were fall-off-the-bone tender, lacquered in a sticky Korean glaze that balanced heat and umami. The garlic mashed potatoes and sautéed broccolini rounded out the plate with elegance.
🐟 **Smothered Catfish** – A soulful classic done right. The catfish, fried to a perfect golden crisp, was bathed in a rich, savory gravy that soaked into every flaky bite. Hearty, comforting, and brimming with love.
And just when I thought the meal couldn’t get any better—the dessert. The grilled pound cake was nothing short of spectacular. Lightly caramelized on the edges, warm and buttery on the inside, it melted in my mouth with every bite. Paired with a luscious drizzle and a scoop of velvety ice cream, it was the perfect sweet finale to an already unforgettable feast. 🍰🔥
By the time the last forkful had disappeared, I was already mentally planning my next visit. The Soul Food Lounge isn’t just a restaurant—it’s an experience. A symphony of flavors, a celebration of soul, and an unforgettable journey for the taste buds. If you haven’t been, what are you waiting for? Make. That. Reservation.🔥
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Grand Tasting
Our food was very flavorsome and the lemonade was delectable! We enjoyed everything that we ordered. I would definitely return and I
look forward to visiting the south side location.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Grand Tasting, Grilled Pound Cake, Carolina Creamy Shrimp Grits
Excellent! Excellent! Excellent! I will come here every day if I could!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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