The 30 Best Southern dining in Illinois

Welcome to Harold's Chicken Shack, a beloved local gem located at 15411 Cottage Grove Avenue in Dolton, Illinois. Known for serving up mouth-watering fried chicken and delicious comfort food, our restaurant is a staple in the community. At Harold's Chicken Shack, we pride ourselves on our signature recipes and friendly service, offering a dining experience that keeps our customers coming back for more. Whether you're craving our famous crispy fried chicken, savory sides, or a hearty meal to satisfy your taste buds, we have something for everyone. Visit us today and discover why Harold's Chicken Shack is a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike. Come hungry, leave happy!

Welcome to Lexington Betty Smokehouse, where authentic Southern barbecue meets Chicago's vibrant culinary scene. Nestled in the heart of Chicago at 756 East 111th Street, our smokehouse is a haven for barbecue enthusiasts and food lovers alike. We pride ourselves on serving mouthwatering smoked meats, crafted with love and seasoned to perfection using traditional techniques and the finest ingredients. Our menu features a tantalizing array of smoked delicacies, from tender brisket and juicy ribs to flavorful pulled pork and savory chicken, all smoked to perfection over a carefully selected blend of woods. Pair your meal with our delicious homemade sides and signature sauces for a truly unforgettable dining experience.

Welcome to Uncle John's BBQ and Dat Donut, your ultimate destination for mouthwatering meals and sweet treats in the heart of Chicago! Conveniently located at 8249 South Cottage Grove Avenue, our vibrant eatery combines the best of savory and sweet to offer a unique culinary experience that delights locals and visitors alike. At Uncle John's BBQ, we pride ourselves on serving up the finest, finger-licking barbecue dishes that are slow-cooked to perfection. Our menu features a tantalizing selection of smoked meats, including ribs, brisket, and pulled pork, all expertly seasoned and grilled to bring out the rich, smoky flavors that barbecue lovers crave. Each dish is crafted with passion and served with a side of our signature sauces, ensuring a meal that satisfies every taste bud.

Welcome to Soul Delivered, your go-to destination for an unforgettable culinary journey through the rich and diverse flavors of the South Side of Chicago. Conveniently located at 630 East 79th Street, Chicago, Illinois, we specialize in bringing the best of soul food, Caribbean, and West African cuisines straight to your doorstep or event. At Soul Delivered, we pride ourselves on offering a delightful fusion of traditional and contemporary dishes that celebrate the vibrant culinary heritage of these regions. Whether you're craving the comforting tastes of classic soul food, the spicy and exotic flavors of the Caribbean, or the unique and savory dishes of West Africa, our menu is crafted to satisfy all your taste buds.

Welcome to Harold's Chicken #24, a beloved culinary gem nestled in the heart of Chicago's vibrant South Side. Located at 407 East 75th Street, our restaurant proudly serves the community with a delectable array of mouth-watering fried chicken and classic soul food dishes. Known for our unique blend of flavors and crispy, golden perfection, each meal is crafted with love and tradition, ensuring a delightful dining experience for every guest. Whether you're a local or visiting the Windy City, Harold's Chicken #24 offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere where you can enjoy quality food and genuine hospitality. Join us and savor the authentic taste of Chicago's iconic fried chicken.

Welcome to Authentic Cooking Soul Food Kitchen, a beloved culinary gem nestled in the heart of Chicago's vibrant South Side. Located at 306 East 75th Street, our restaurant is a testament to Chef Q's enduring passion for soul food and his unwavering commitment to community service. Since 1993, Chef Q has been delighting taste buds, beginning his journey by feeding family, friends, and those in need from his home kitchen. Over the years, his exceptional talent and dedication have catered to everything from intimate family gatherings to elite board meetings in downtown Chicago. Today, Chef Q, alongside his wife Patrice, proudly co-owns this establishment, continuing to serve the community with the same love and dedication that started it all. At Authentic Cooking Soul Food Kitchen, we specialize in creating meals that nourish both body and soul, with our renowned World’s BEST Turkey Burger leading the charge.

Welcome to Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, located at 8732 South Stony Island Avenue, Chicago, Illinois. Our restaurant is renowned for bringing the authentic taste of Louisiana right to your neighborhood. As a beloved local favorite, we specialize in serving up flavorful, mouth-watering dishes inspired by the rich culinary traditions of the South. At Popeyes, we take pride in our signature hand-battered, crispy fried chicken, marinated for 12 hours in our bold and spicy seasonings. Our menu also features a variety of delicious options, including tender chicken tenders, savory seafood, and our famous Cajun fries. Don’t forget to try our buttery biscuits and classic sides, which perfectly complement any meal.

Welcome to Harold’s Chicken, a beloved culinary gem nestled in the heart of Chicago at 1711 East 87th Street. Known for its rich history and mouth-watering flavors, Harold’s Chicken has been serving the community with its signature fried chicken that keeps patrons coming back for more. Our restaurant embodies a warm and welcoming atmosphere, making it the perfect spot for family gatherings, casual dinners, or a quick bite with friends. At Harold’s Chicken, we pride ourselves on using the freshest ingredients and time-tested recipes that have been passed down through generations. Our menu features a diverse selection of crispy fried chicken, succulent wings, and delectable sides that cater to all taste preferences. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor to Chicago, a trip to Harold’s Chicken promises a delightful dining experience that captures the essence of comfort food at its finest.

Welcome to Uncle Ronnie’s Food For Your Soul & Catering, where every meal is a heartwarming experience! Nestled in the vibrant community of Chicago at 8135 South Stony Island Avenue, our restaurant is a haven for those seeking authentic, soulful cuisine that comforts and delights. At Uncle Ronnie’s, we pride ourselves on serving a diverse menu filled with traditional favorites and unique dishes crafted with love and the finest ingredients. Our passion for food is reflected in every bite, offering a taste of home with a touch of innovation. Whether you’re dining in or catering for a special event, our team is dedicated to providing exceptional service and unforgettable flavors.

Welcome to Nita's Gumbo, your go-to destination for authentic and delicious Cajun cuisine in the heart of Chicago! Nestled at 8100 South Stony Island Avenue, our restaurant brings the vibrant flavors of the South to the Windy City. At Nita's Gumbo, we pride ourselves on serving up traditional, mouth-watering gumbo and a variety of other classic Southern dishes, all crafted with love and the finest ingredients. Our warm and inviting atmosphere ensures a memorable dining experience, whether you're joining us for a casual lunch, a family dinner, or a special occasion. Our menu features a delightful selection of hearty gumbos, savory jambalayas, and delectable seafood, each dish bursting with the rich and bold flavors that define Cajun cooking.

Welcome to Harold's Chicken Shack, a beloved culinary institution located at 7348 South Stony Island Avenue in the heart of Chicago, Illinois. Known for its mouth-watering fried chicken and authentic Southern flavors, Harold's Chicken Shack has been serving the community with delicious, high-quality meals for years. Our menu features a variety of classic dishes, including our signature crispy fried chicken, succulent wings, and savory sides that are sure to satisfy your cravings. Whether you're dining in or taking out, our friendly staff is dedicated to providing you with an exceptional experience. Visit us today and discover why Harold's Chicken Shack is a cherished staple in the Chicago food scene.

Welcome to CRAYVEN JERK & SOUL, your ultimate destination for a delightful culinary journey in Calumet City, Illinois. Conveniently located at 1825 Sibley Boulevard, our restaurant offers a unique fusion of Caribbean and Southern soul flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more. At CRAYVEN JERK & SOUL, we pride ourselves on serving authentic dishes crafted with love, using the freshest ingredients and time-honored recipes. Our menu features a vibrant array of jerk-seasoned meats, flavorful soul food classics, and a variety of sides that perfectly complement each dish. Whether you're in the mood for spicy jerk chicken, savory collard greens, or our famous mac and cheese, we have something to satisfy every craving.

Welcome to 79 BBQ Smoked Meats, your ultimate destination for mouthwatering smoked delicacies in Calumet City, Illinois. Nestled at 1719 River Oaks Drive, we specialize in crafting delectable BBQ dishes that capture the essence of authentic Southern flavors. At 79 BBQ Smoked Meats, we pride ourselves on using high-quality ingredients and traditional smoking techniques to ensure every bite is packed with rich, savory goodness. Our menu features a diverse selection of smoked meats, including tender brisket, juicy ribs, succulent pulled pork, and flavorful chicken, all smoked to perfection.

Welcome to Majani Soulful Vegan Cuisine, a vibrant culinary gem nestled in the heart of Chicago’s South Shore neighborhood at 7167 South Exchange Avenue. We invite you to experience the rich flavors and heartfelt hospitality of our fast-casual vegan restaurant, where chefs Tsadakeeyah and Nasya Emmanuel bring their African heritage and rural upbringing to each thoughtfully crafted dish. Specializing in plant-based southern cuisine, Majani offers a menu bursting with fresh local ingredients and tantalizing spices. Whether you're dining with us for a casual meal or celebrating a special occasion, our dedicated staff is here to ensure a memorable experience. We highly recommend making a reservation to secure your table and savor the soulful dishes that have our guests raving.

Welcome to Honey's Chicken & Seafood, your go-to destination for mouthwatering comfort food in the heart of Chicago! Conveniently located at 7116 South Yates Boulevard, our restaurant offers a delightful blend of classic Southern flavors and fresh seafood that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether you're craving crispy fried chicken, succulent seafood, or a hearty side dish, our menu is crafted to satisfy every palate. At Honey's Chicken & Seafood, we pride ourselves on using high-quality ingredients and time-honored recipes to deliver a dining experience that feels like home. Our friendly staff is dedicated to providing exceptional service in a warm and welcoming atmosphere, making every visit memorable. Whether you're dining in, taking out, or ordering for delivery, we are committed to ensuring that every meal is a delicious delight.

Welcome to DLish, your go-to destination for a delightful culinary experience in the heart of Chicago! Nestled at 8257 South Exchange Avenue, our restaurant is dedicated to serving mouthwatering dishes that celebrate the rich flavors and vibrant culture of our community. At DLish, we pride ourselves on using the freshest ingredients to craft delicious meals that satisfy every palate. Whether you're in the mood for a hearty breakfast, a savory lunch, or a sumptuous dinner, our diverse menu has something for everyone. Join us for a memorable dining experience where great food meets warm hospitality. Come taste the DLish difference today!