10 Illinois Soul Food Restaurants That Deserve A Second Look
Illinois is home to a hidden treasure trove of soul food spots that often fly under the radar. From the lively neighborhoods of Chicago to the quieter corners of Springfield and beyond, these restaurants are dishing out more than just food, they’re serving comfort, history, and heart.
Over the years, I’ve made it my mission to track down the best collard greens, perfectly seasoned fried chicken, creamy mac and cheese, and all the soulful staples that define this beloved cuisine.
These ten standout spots have earned their place on my list for their mouthwatering dishes and authentic, down-home cooking that speaks to the soul.
1. Pearl’s Place, Chicago
Walking into Pearl’s Place feels like stepping into my grandmother’s kitchen on Sunday afternoon. The aroma of smoked turkey wings and candied yams hits you before you even sit down.
Their breakfast buffet has saved me from many a morning hangry episode, with buttery grits and perfectly crisp bacon that would make any Southerner proud.
The staff remembers regulars by name and order. Located in Bronzeville, this institution has been serving the community for over 30 years. Don’t miss their salmon croquettes, I’ve tried to recreate them at home five times and failed gloriously each attempt.
2. BJ’s Market & Bakery, Chicago
Mustard-fried catfish changed my life at BJ’s Market & Bakery. Owner John Meyer perfected this signature dish that keeps locals lining up around the block on weekends. The restaurant’s bright yellow awning on 79th Street has been a beacon of deliciousness since 1997. I once brought my pickiest friend here, and she ended up ordering seconds of the smothered pork chops. Beyond the incredible food, BJ’s community involvement makes every bite taste better. Their sweet potato pie has a secret ingredient I’m convinced must be magic, it’s the perfect balance of spice and sweetness that haunts my dreams.
3. Daley’s Restaurant, Chicago
Century-old Daley’s Restaurant stands as Chicago’s oldest restaurant, serving soul-warming classics since 1892. My first visit happened during a snowstorm, and their hot turkey sandwich with gravy became my personal definition of comfort food.
The vintage booths have witnessed generations of Chicagoans sharing meals and stories. Their meatloaf recipe hasn’t changed in decades because perfection needs no improvement. Recently renovated but maintaining its historic charm, Daley’s proves that quality never goes out of style.
The pancakes are bigger than the plates they’re served on, and the coffee keeps flowing as regulars debate Chicago politics at the counter.
4. Ms. T’s Southern Fried Chicken, Chicago
Chicken so crispy you can hear it from across the room! Ms. T’s modest storefront hides culinary greatness that’s worth writing home about. I stumbled upon this gem after a concert, ravenous and hopeful. The chicken arrived piping hot with a golden-brown crust that shattered perfectly with each bite.
Their secret breading recipe balances pepper, garlic, and something mysteriously delicious that no one’s been able to identify.
Family-owned for three generations, Ms. T’s cozy dining room features photos of satisfied celebrities who’ve made the pilgrimage. The mac and cheese side dish deserves its own fan club, creamy, stringy, and topped with a perfect cheese crown.
5. Lexington Betty Smoke House, Chicago
Smoke rings so perfect they could be jewelry! Chef Dominique Leach brings barbecue and soul food together in a marriage made in culinary heaven at Lexington Betty. Named after the owner’s grandmother and beloved dog, this spot elevates classics with chef-driven technique.
My first bite of their brisket nearly brought tears to my eyes – tender, smoky, and sliced thick enough to satisfy but thin enough to maintain that melt-in-your-mouth quality.
Originally a food truck success story, their brick-and-mortar location maintains that hustling spirit. The collard greens have a peppery kick that cuts through the richness of their meat offerings, creating perfect balance on every plate.
6. Mae’s Que House, Joliet
Worth the drive from anywhere in Illinois, Mae’s Que House sits unassumingly in a Joliet strip mall but serves food fit for royalty. My GPS led me here on a road trip detour that became the highlight of my journey.
Owner Jeanette Reaves named the restaurant after her mother, whose recipes form the backbone of the menu. The rib tips caramelize at the edges while maintaining juicy tenderness throughout, a technical feat that separates good barbecue from legendary.
Mae’s banana pudding arrives in a styrofoam cup that belies its complexity, layers of vanilla wafers softened to the perfect consistency by rich custard. Even on weekdays, expect a line of locals who keep this place their delicious secret.
7. Simply Soups and Salads, East St. Louis
Don’t let the name fool you! Simply Soups and Salads serves soul food that’s anything but simple. Their gumbo alone justified my two-hour drive from Chicago. Family photos line the walls, creating an atmosphere that makes every customer feel like a returning relative.
I watched in awe as owner Tina prepared her famous peach cobbler, moving with the confidence of someone who’s made it thousands of times yet still takes pride in each dish.
Tuesday’s oxtail special sells out by noon, drawing government workers from nearby offices and loyal fans from across the river in Missouri. The cornbread arrives hot enough to melt the butter on contact, a small detail that shows their commitment to serving food at its peak.
8. Tastee Rolls, Rockford
Butter rolls that haunt my dreams! Tastee Rolls began as a bakery but expanded into full soul food territory after customers begged for more. Owner Marcus Johnson learned baking from his father, who sold rolls from a pushcart in the 1960s.
The restaurant’s honey-glazed chicken pairs perfectly with those famous rolls, I’ve seen people order extra to take home by the dozen. Located in a converted Victorian house, dining here feels like being welcomed into someone’s home.
The sweet potato casserole topped with pecans and brown sugar could easily pass for dessert, but save room for their actual dessert, a chess pie that’s the perfect balance of buttery, sweet, and lemony goodness.
9. Big Mama’s Soul Food, East St. Louis
Portions that live up to the name! Big Mama’s serves plates so generous they require reinforced tabletops. My first visit left me with three days of leftovers and memories for years. Founded by Gladys Johnson (the original “Big Mama”) in 1976, the restaurant now operates under her granddaughter’s watchful eye.
Their smothered chicken falls off the bone with just a stern look, swimming in gravy that should be bottled and sold as liquid gold.
The restaurant’s walls feature newspaper clippings chronicling their decades of community service and famous visitors. Don’t miss their Thursday special, neck bones so tender they make you question every other meal you’ve ever eaten.
10. Just Like Mama’s, Springfield
Politicians and regular folks sit elbow-to-elbow at Just Like Mama’s in Springfield, where the state capital’s power brokers come for food that transcends party lines. My server told me they’ve witnessed more bipartisan agreements over their peach cobbler than on the Senate floor.
Located just blocks from the Capitol building, this cozy spot serves fried catfish with a cornmeal crust so light and crispy it defies physics. Owner Denise Williams greets everyone who walks through the door, often remembering their usual orders.
Their black-eyed peas simmered with turkey necks converted even my legume-hating brother into a believer. The restaurant’s modest exterior hides a warm, wood-paneled dining room where Abraham Lincoln quotes share wall space with family recipes.