Chicago is well-known for its food scene, but some of the best-kept secrets reside on the South Side of the city. From ethnic centric favorites to health conscious delicacies, you’ll be able to dive into an assortment of food that will make you feel right at home.
With the help of many long-time Chicago residents, I’ve created a list of 10 restaurants you should visit in Bronzeville. I haven’t visited all of these places, but I’ve added them to my menu.
Check out this list of Bronzeville restaurants that cater to a wide variety of taste preferences and dietary needs.
If you’ve contributed to this list or want to share your favorite foods, please post in the comments below and share your must visit eateries.
#1. Chicago Home of Chicken & Waffles
Location: 3947 S. King Dr, Chicago, IL 60653
Hours: 8AM – 9PM Sunday – Saturday
About:
Chicago Home of Chicken & Waffles is the “Best Soul Food in IL,” according to the company’s website. My great aunt is 81 years old and she confirmed this statement. All she wanted for her 81st birthday was a meal from Chicken & Waffles and we delivered. Also, kids 10 and under eat free on Wednesdays!
Popular menu items: Fried Catfish Dinner, Tonya’s Choice Chicken & Waffles, and Seandale’s Spicy BBQ Wings.
#2. Peach’s Restaurant
Location: 4652 S. King Drive, Chicago, IL 60653
Hours: 8AM – 2PM Wednesday – Sunday
About:
This Bronzeville eatery welcomes you with Southern staples for breakfast & lunch. Before I transitioned to a vegan lifestyle, I enjoyed the Shrimp and Cheese Grits. Yummy!
Peach’s Favorites: Salmon Croquettes & Cheese Grits, Shrimp & Cheese Grits, and Fried Chicken & Toast.
Location: 4248 South Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60653
Hours: 12PM-8PM Friday & Saturday
12-6PM Sunday
About:
Former sports journalist and Chef Kristen Harper opened Cleo’s Southern Cuisine in 2014 to share her Creole and southern-style food in Chicago.
Popular Menu Item: Creole Crab Macaroni and Cheese.
#4. Truth Italian Restaurant
Location: 56 E. Pershing Rd, Chicago, IL 60653
Hours: 8AM until 3PM (Breakfast) Monday – Friday
12PM until 5PM (Lunch) Monday – Friday
8AM – 5PM (Breakfast) Saturday – Sunday
12PM – 5PM (Lunch) Saturday – Sunday
About:
This Bronzeville restaurant serves an Italian cuisine every day of the week in an intimate setting.
Menu Options: Berry Waffle, French Toast, and Banana Nut Waffle.
#5. Pearl’s Place Restaurant Southern Style Soul Food
Location: 3901 S. Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60653
Hours: 8AM – 7PM Monday – Sunday
About:
You’ll find delicious home-style foods with the service and attention of a fine-dining restaurant.
Menu items: Shrimp and Cheese Grits appetizer, Shrimp Po’ Boy, and Jerk Turkey Dinner.
#6. Dirty Tiff’s Cafe
Location: 225 E. 47th St, Chicago, IL 60653
Hours: (Closed Sunday – Monday)
1PM – 10PM Tuesday – Thursday
1PM – 11PM Friday – Saturday
About:
This jerk soul food restaurant celebrated its grand opening in November 2020.
Popular menu items: Jerk catfish, spaghetti, and smothered chicken.
#7. Ain’t She Sweet Cafe
Location: 526 E. 43rd St, Chicago, IL 60653
Hours: 10AM-6PM Monday – Friday
(Closed Saturday – Sunday)
About:
Ain’t She Sweet Cafe offers fresh and healthy sandwiches, soups, salads, wraps, smoothies and sweets.
Menu items: Caribbean Jerk Chicken Wrap, Vegan Jerk Chick’n Wrap, and Jerk Salmon Wrap.
#8. Two Fish Crab Shack
Location: 641 E. 47th St, Chicago, IL 60653
Hours: 2:45PM – 9:30PM Tuesday – Friday
12PM – 9:45PM Saturday
1PM – 5:30PM Sunday
About:
Two Fish Grab Shack offers seafood boils & fried fish with a beach-scene mural.
Popular menu items: Fried shrimp and Seafood boil.
#9. Yassa’s African Restaurant
Location: 3511 S. King Dr. Chicago, IL 60653
Hours: 11:15AM – 9:30PM Sunday – Friday
11:15AM -11:30PM Saturday
About:
Get a taste of Senegalese food served in a cozy, colorful setting.
Popular menu items: Yassa Fish, Fataya, and Djolof Rice
#10. Conscious Plates
Location: 820 E. 63rd St, Chicago, IL 60637
Hours: 11AM – 8PM Tuesday – Saturday:
11AM – 3PM Sunday
About:
Conscious Plates is 100% Alkaline. Inspired by Dr. Sebi, you’ll find options that are vegan, soy-free, wheat-free, and starch-free. The foods are made with spring water and care.
Popular menu items: Fajita Fries, Waffle Supreme, and Shroom Wrap.
What’s your favorite restaurant in Chicago? Let us know by leaving a comment below.
Got questions? Email us at hello@chicagosouthsider.com.
