Soul Food Restaurants near Oak Park, IL

“Was my first time walking in had beef, short ribs, mac & cheese Candi yam and a set of cabbage and it was absolutely delicious. The portions were just right, and I will be back again.“

“Chicago Chicken and Waffles offers excellent cuisine, and the customer service was exemplary. Ms. Alicia, the young lady serving, demonstrated exceptional patience and kindness.“

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

“I came here for my bday in 2025 and was extremely disappointed by yhe service I received. The young lady was rude and mean. Not people friendly AT ALL. Well against my better judgment I came back for my bday in 2026 and I am SO GLAD I did. Our Server Tony made EVERYTHING so much better this go round. The food tasted better and my drinks was on point. Soule yall need to thank Tony for this review baby cause if not for him I would have NEVER made this post. Thanks Tony for helping me kick off my bday celebration.“

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

“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!“

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

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

“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!!“

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

“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.“

“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! ❤️“

“The food and service is fantastic“

“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.“

“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.“

“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.“

“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!“

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

“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.“

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

“The food at Vari’s is simply delicious! The chicken is cooked to perfection and I love the greens and sweet potatoes. I definitely recommend Vari’s for lunch or dinner.“

“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!“

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

“The best! 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰😍“

“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.“

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

“looks as tho everything is done in house. the fries are fresh cut potatoes. the patties are hand made. the chicken is I think the best fried chicken I've ever had. texture of the frying and pinch of lemon pepper balances extremely well. prices are dirt cheap. if this exact item was at a downtown gastro pub it be selling for $12.99 which people would gladly pay and it be famous like Au Cheval with a line and not the $2.99 I paid. a lot of care of actual not taking shortcuts goes into the food preparation. I even saw the guy put on a brand new pair of vinyl gloves to prepare and cook the food. they are moving locations next week glad I came across them while here on business. I'm super critical and knitpicky and rarely think a good item is something pretty amazing even their house hotsauce very vinegary and balanced. Former chef. I even criticize my own failed attempts at perfection that others think are amazing. He could probably beat Bobby Flay but that doesn't seem to be an exclusive accomplishment anymore Lol.. go try this places chicken. not expensive nothing to lose well worth it.“

“I really like this place. Good ole school cooking. Not perfect but who is? It's clean and plenty of street parking. Ms Georgia was there wearing a mask??,serving food like you were at her house. And it's a family business. Her grandson came out of the kitchen like"grandma"?? I love it! And yes; you might have to wait a bit and some things may sell out. You've got to get there early enough to get the good stuff. That's why it's gone! It's GOOD! Bring your patience and your appetite. Come support this lovely lady.“

“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 …“

“Saturday July 3, 2021 come Laff with Chevy Debbie & friends showtime 7:30pm Free admission 2 drink minimum Bar star Keshia Headliner Tiny Thick Em Host Chevy Debbie“

“I ordered the honey drizzled chicken for delivery and it was so good finger licking good and crispy. Normally, I use hot sauce when I eat fried chicken this did not need it. The mac & cheese and greens were outstanding. This is my new favorite spot.“

“When you need an good location,great food worth the cost,and down home atmosphere. You have our word that the customers come first... Be ready to check out an amazing yet simple place The five stars represent the direction the team [staff] is going in“

“Service was great. Food is well seasoned. My favorite is the catfish dinner. This was my 2nd visit and I must say everything was on point both occasions. I definitely recommend and will be back.“

“Layover at O'Hare was long enough to get a quick bite for lunch before a 4 1/2 flight to LAX. I ordered an Italian Beef sandwich. My expectations were not high, but I was happily surprised by the sandwich. The meat was tender, the bun was soft, peppers and onions were properly sauteed and the hot pickled vegetables had a nice kick. Service was as expected at an airport fast food place, but the food was good and fairly priced. Definitely worth a try. The included spicy BBQ chips were very good too!“

“My Fraternity Brother Anthony Williams and partner Byron Diggs when not bringing great joy as a part of the Our Lady of Our Lady of Africa Parish, Chicago Eucharistic Ensemble have a great Cafe in Maywood right off of I 290. It is called Meal of the Day and has some great southern cuisine in an establishment on the 4th floor of a business complex overlooking I 290. It is appointed with some great art from notable black artists . There is also a banner from Hales Franciscan Class of 1979 , not sure what that’ s all about .. lol! They also do on site catering and have fed the masses after masses at their home church . Check them out ! My fraternity brother has been telling me for years to make the drive and wifey and I finally did and it was so worth it ! .“

“Its a ok place their food is really good , it’s just when
I spent dam near almost $30 on some chicken tips it doesn’t come with a side of fries of anything

I wonder how much taxes they putting on this food and the wait time is crazy smdh

Other then that everything is ok“

“This is my second time having food catered from T&JJs

The last time I came, I ordered trays of sandwiches for an event I was hosting. Along with good from another establishment. My guest told me to cancel EVERYTHING else next time and get more sandwiches. I will make sure to keep an order here whenever I'm hosting“

“My mom Shelly went here today with my auntie and sister they brought the food back home it was so delicious.I’m heading there soon“

“Surfs Up Maywood made my day! 😊 The food was made fresh to order. I had their shrimp 🍤 and Hennessy Chicken Wings. The customer service was really good. The Hennessy sauce was absolutely amazing I'm chicken drunk lol 😂 Seriously tho such a great a pleasant and great experience. Love the heathy alternative options too. I will definitely be coming back.“