From vegetarian to soul and Creole fusions, these top soul food spots across the city of Chicago offer the best in southern cooking with the hospitality to match.
Daley’s Restaurant
Founded in 1892, and family-owned since 1918, Daley’s has been serving the Woodlawn neighborhood for over a century. Grab breakfast, lunch, or dinner from their hearty menu featuring favorites like smothered chops, fried chicken, wings, and catfish made with special seasoned cornmeal mix, fried, and served with tartar sauce.
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5 Loaves Eatery
5 Loaves Eatery is a casual spot to grab breakfast or lunch in Greater Grand Crossing. Expect to find comfort food “made with love”, and all of your soul food favorites like candied yams, garlic mash, cabbage, and fried chicken.
Soulé
According to the website, Soulé Chicago is a boutique restaurant inspired by the first line in Biggie Small’s legendary hip-hop single, “Juicy”: “It was all a dream…” and the soulful memories of Grandma Bea’s laughter and Momma’s smile. The soul food kitchen offers a mix of modernized soul and Creole cooking, featuring standout items like their shrimp and grits, and catfish po’boy topped with remoulade lettuce, jalapeño pickle, and tomatoes.
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Coco’s Famous Fried Lobster
Self-proclaimed as the best soul food spot in downtown Chicago, Coco’s Famous Fried Lobster is famous for their deep-fried lobster. You won’t leave hungry. The portions here are large and they have daily soul food specials that include smothered steaks and chops.
Soul Vegetarian East
At Original Soul Vegetarian, they seek to offer a one-of-a-kind culinary experience for vegans and health aficionados throughout the Chicago area. For the past 30 years, this local favorite has offered food that is both healthy and delicious—winning the praise and consistent patronage of vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike.