Try Chicago’s “Southern” Side — 3 Delicious Down-Home Restaurants to Try
Sure, in any world-class city, especially one the size of Chicago, you can pretty much get any food or cuisine you desire.
Chinese? Please, give me something difficult.
Brazilian? Fogo de Chao. Next.
Ecuadorian? La Humita.
The trick is not finding a particular food in a restaurant — it’s finding a restaurant that does the food justice. One that would be right at home in the culture or country.
One where the expats and recent arrivals eat.
That’s the trick.
Being from the South, I know Southern American Cooking. Heck, I grew up on Southern Cooking.
So allow me to give you 3 places to try that I think nail it cold.
Army & Lou’s
Deep-fried catfish is always in season at Army & Lou’s — and you don’t get much more Southern than fired catfish with coleslaw and cornmeal muffins. Luckily, all three are always available and always delicious.
The fried chicken ain’t half bad either if you are in the mood. Crank it up with some sweet tators and corn bread dressing. I usually skip the bean-of-the-day — but that’s just me. I’m sure they are killer too.
Finish with my favorite desert, bread pudding.
Find Army & Lou’s exactly where it has been for 50+ years — at 422 E. 75th.
Table Fifty-Two
A bit pricier than A&L’s, this may be upscale dining — but it’s still Southern all the way.
Apparently the chef is from Florida and used to be Oprah’s personal chef (if that’s true, she has good taste!)
Because this guy totally nails the taste of Old Florida. It’s getting harder and harder to find — in Florida! Get away from the resorts — away from the shore entirely and you’ll find joints selling buttermilk fried chicken, spicy low-country-style shrimp with grits and fried green tomatoes.
Which is exactly what you will also find at Table Fifty-Two.
Skip the wines. They are not authentic and very expensive.
Visit low-country Florida in the Windy City at 52 W. Elm.
Wishbone
This is Southern comfort food at it’s best — and most reasonably priced. Golden corn cakes, cheesey grits and shrimp, juicy grilled chicken (with mango salsa — okay, it’s not ALL authentic), crab and crayfish.
Also don’t miss the pecan topped mashed sweet potatoes. Unless I am there and there is only one last helping.
Desserts include my weakness, peach cobbler, and chocolate pecan pie.
Drop in anytime to Wishbone at 6611 W. Roosevelt, Berwyn
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