Luella's Southern Kitchen

4609 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago
(773) 961-8196

Recent Reviews

Alyssa M.

This is a super cute hidden gem with a tasty selection of southern cooking. The ambiance was nice. It felt very cozy and I loved the artwork and set up of the restaurant overall. The staff was super friendly and attentive to customers The food was delicious and I only wished I'd ordered more. I went close to closing and as I got my food another table had cornbread come out and I was jealous. I'd definitely recommend the sweet potatoes and fried chicken. We all shared food and will probably do the same when coming back.

Jacobi C.

The food here is AMAZING! My family and I try to visit at least twice a month for brunch and/ or dinner! The depth of flavors you get from each dish is to die for. If you decide to go you have to try everything on the menu or make multiple visits to do so. Also, I really appreciate the creativity they use to shake things up with certain dishes. I highly recommend!

Priscilia R.

OMG this is my favorite food!!! So much that I have been known to pick up a huge to go order and driven it to the far suburbs for my father in law on special occasions!!! This is fantastic southern style food and hospitality in the heart of Chicago!! Go here people.... Go here NOW!!!

Kenyata F.

Street parking. No alcohol. For starters I was expecting this place to be larger. The ambiance felt like dinner in a small cabin chow hall for me with great music. No wonder the reviews talk about it getting or being crowded. The set up is not as expected as you go to the counter to order your food. Grab your water, silverware, and cups should you desire. The food was delicious. The macaroni creamy and tasty with large macaroni shells in a small cast iron dish...nice! The shrimp and grits were yummy. The grits were creamy and the shrimp cooked perfectly. I didn't order but got glimpses of the fried chicken and waffles and it looked very crispy,satisfying, and filling. I wanted the greens but they had pork meat in it so that killed my vegetable option. Menu is simple and I don't know if it changes but the website has pictures of various food was not available. I wouldn't mind stopping by if I was in the neighborhood because the food is good but I can't say I would plan to drive from where I live. Random thought but I must mention that they are very clean and their cleaning practices impressed me!!

Martinique B.

Food was amazing!! 9 of us walked in and the house was already full, but the staff was so kind and patient. I appreciate the simplicity of the menu- helps hone in on their craft. Lemme set this scene for you, 9 women sit down that haven't seen each other in awhile, hugging, being loud, enjoying each others company, but as soon as everyone has their plate in front of them, the table goes DEAD silent! The food was immaculate, came out pipping hot! I got the chicken with collard greens and a side of yams. Take the most important people in your life here...they'll remember this meal forever

Andres Rodriguez

Probably the best breakfast I've had in recent memory. I had the salmon croquettes, which were very well seasoned and so, along with the cheesy pasta, created a very good counterbalance to the strength of the fish flavor. We finished the meal with the beignets, which were a good combo of not-too-dense and crispy.Wheelchair accessibility: Entrance is level with the sidewalk

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Beignets

Leo S.

I've only been here once, the service was very good, every staff was polite and friendly. every dish was cooked perfectly. however, every dish also tasted blanch. I tried fried chicken, collard greens, mac and cheese. the chicken was crispy and juicy, collards tender, mac creamy but again, bland it could just be my order. can be good if you are trying to eat a low sodium diet but crave soul food. it is very well cooked.

Krissy P

This food is so good and the service is top tier! We were in town visiting from STL and our food and service was great.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Beignets, Braised Collard Greens, Salmon Cakes, Macaroni and Cheese, Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Rhonda Davis

The food was deliciously seasoned, the portion size was great, add the customer service was awesome!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Josh Armstrong

I think you’re getting a good value for the amount of chicken you’re getting. Basically a half chicken and it was fried to get a good crunch. I like the waffle/chicken ratio, most places give you more bread and less chicken. The flavor balance is good, the Nashville hot has a Smokey delayed heat that I really like.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Shrimp & Grits, Nashville Hot Chicken and Waffles, Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Lauryn J.

Came here for brunch with the ladies. We've been trying to get here for a while but it's so far north. Nevertheless, we made the drive for some food. The establishment is first come, first served. You order your food at the counter and they assign you a seat based on your party size. The restaurant isn't super big but they do have a 90 min table limit which keeps things moving so you shouldn't be waiting long if you do have to wait. Everyone was super friendly and helpful. I love how they had the vinyl record playing the music of the chef's great-grandmother's favorite hits. Such a nice touch to the soul food restaurant. We ordered the Nashville chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits, bacon, buttermilk chicken, greens, Mac and cheese, and the beignets. Mostly everything was fantastic! The Nashville chicken had the perfect amount of seasoning and flavor. It was very juicy and that's not easy to accomplish for a chicken breast. Every bite had me ready for the next. The waffle was overly sweet. Had this been served with a plain waffle, it would've been the perfect chicken and waffles. Everyone enjoyed the Mac and cheese as well as the shrimp and grits. My aunt loved the bacon. My mom said the buttermilk chicken was not seasoned, however it was very crunchy, fresh, and tender. The honey that served with the chicken gave it some flavor but overall it did not taste like it had seasoning. The greens were tender however not flavorful and the seasoning was very faint. It also should have been served with cornbread instead of having to buy an entire skillet separately. Everyone enjoyed the beignets! They were very soft, warm, and moist. Delicious!! I would definitely return for those shrimp and grits. I just wish they gave a larger serving. Overall ratings: Nashville chicken and waffles 4/5 Buttermilk chicken 3/5 Greens 3/5 Mac and cheese 5/5 Shrimp and grits 5/5 Bacon 5/5 Beignets 5/5 Service 5/5

Phoenix Houle

Some of the best food I’ve ever had oh my god

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Nashville Hot Chicken and Waffles

Melanie R.

All the food was good! Those Waffles were fire I loved the fact that all our food was hot and fresh. I didn't like that you basically service yourself by grabbing your own plates, cups large glass bottle of water and utensils to carry to your own table.

Sydney R.

Potentially the best shrimp and grits I've ever had. Also the brown sugar bacon is to die for and I don't typically go crazy for bacon. Husband very much enjoyed the biscuits and gravy, but it's loaded with fried chicken so how could you not. Counter order and really friendly service! Great neighborhood spot but worth a trip across town!

James Baltazar

My wife and I heard about this place and decided to try it. We were not disappointed. We had the shrimp and grits and the chicken and waffles. They were delicious !! Chicken was cooked perfectly. Great service and atmosphere. Enjoyed the motown vinyl playing. Definitely give this place a try. We will be back !!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Shrimp & Grits, Chicken Dinner

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