- City guides
- Chicago
- Soul food
Best Soul Food in Chicago: 10 Black-Owned Restaurants (2026)
By Online African Shop Team · Updated September 2026
Looking for the best soul food in Chicago? These 10 Black-owned restaurants cover everything from fried chicken, catfish and smothered chops to brunch spots and modern Southern kitchens. You'll find them in Hyde Park, Austin, Greater Grand Crossing and North Lawndale. Our top picks are Virtue, MacArthur's Restaurant and Soul Veg City.
Every business here was named as Black-owned by a trusted local source (listed at the bottom). Hours and locations change, so call or check the website before you go.
← Back to the full Chicago guide
Black-owned soul food restaurants in Chicago
10 places-
Soul food
Top pick
Hyde Park
1.Virtue
Must tryFried green tomatoes with shrimp and the braised short ribChef Erick Williams' Southern restaurant is one of the most celebrated in the city. Dinner only, closed Mondays.
1462 E 53rd St, Chicago, IL
-
Soul food
Hyde Park
2.Daisy's Po' Boy and Tavern
Must tryA New Orleans-style po' boy and the seafood gumboChef Erick Williams' casual spot for po' boys, fried chicken and gumbo. Order at the counter.
5215 S Harper Ave, Chicago, IL
-
Soul food
Top pick
Austin
3.MacArthur's Restaurant
Must tryFried chicken, candied yams, mac and cheese and peach cobblerA West Side cafeteria-style institution for decades. Open daily, expect a line after church on Sundays.
5412 W Madison St, Chicago, IL
-
Soul food
Greater Grand Crossing
4.Roy's Soul Food
Must tryFried pork chops with collard greensA small breakfast and lunch spot that opens at 6 a.m. Mostly carryout, so call ahead.
403 E 71st St, Chicago, IL
-
Soul food
North Lawndale
5.Soulé
Must tryShrimp and gritsChef Bridgette Flagg's lively restaurant with a full bar, also known for fried green tomatoes and peach cobbler.
3615 W Roosevelt Rd, Chicago, IL
-
Soul food
River North
6.Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley
Must tryWeekend brunch and cocktailsUpscale Southern food and cocktails downtown. A good pick for birthdays and group dinners.
339 N Dearborn St, Chicago, IL
-
Soul food
Bronzeville
7.Cleo's Southern Cuisine
Must tryFried catfish with classic sidesOwner Kirsten Harper also has a Loop location at 190 N Wells St, a weekday lunch favorite.
4248 S Cottage Grove Ave, Chicago, IL
-
Soul food
Albany Park
8.Luella's Southern Kitchen
Must tryChicken and waffles, and the beignetsChef Darnell Reed's Southern brunch spot. Open Wednesday through Sunday mornings.
4114 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL
-
Soul food
Top pick
Chatham
9.Soul Veg City
Must trySmothered seitan steak with vegan mac and cheeseA family-run vegan soul food restaurant with a hot bar. Great if you're eating plant-based.
203 E 75th St, Chicago, IL
-
Soul food
Lincoln Park
10.Batter & Berries
Must tryThe French toast flightCraig and Dr. Tanya Richardson's brunch spot, also famous for catfish.
2748 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL
FAQ
What is the best soul food restaurant in Chicago?
Virtue in Hyde Park is the pick for a special dinner, MacArthur's on the West Side is a cafeteria-style classic, and Soul Veg City in Chatham is the go-to for vegan soul food.
Which Chicago neighborhoods have the most spots on this list?
Hyde Park, Austin, Greater Grand Crossing and North Lawndale each have places on this list.
How was this list made?
We only include businesses named as Black-owned by trusted local sources, such as city tourism boards, local news and food writers. The sources are listed below. We check the list regularly, but always confirm hours before you go.
Can I suggest a business?
Yes. Email youronlineafricanshop@gmail.com with the business name, address and a link.
Keep exploring
All Black-owned categories in Chicago Beauty & spas in Chicago
Browse the full list Shops & bakeries in Chicago
Browse the full list Tax help in Chicago
Browse the full list All city guides
Black-owned businesses in more US cities African black soap & shea butter
Skin care staples from our shop