The 16 Best Food Options on the South Side of Chicago

Exploring the vibrant culinary scene of South Side Chicago is a delight for food enthusiasts looking for diverse flavors and unique dining experiences. From traditional soul food eateries to trendy fusion restaurants, there is something for every palate in this bustling neighborhood.
Whether craving spicy Cajun cuisine or a comforting soul food feast, South Side Chicago has a variety of dining options to satisfy any craving. Take a culinary journey through this rich and historical area to discover the best eats that this vibrant community has to offer.
- Wide range of food options
- Diverse culinary experiences
- Local favorites and hidden gems
- Convenient location for South Side residents
Ready to embark on a delicious culinary adventure in South Side Chicago? Explore our list of The 16 Best Food Options on the South Side of Chicago to find your next favorite dining spot.
- 1. Valois Restaurant
- 2. Daley's Restaurant
- 3. Maxwell Street Depot
- 4. L & G Family Restaurant
- 5. Roy's Soul Food
- 6. Sammy's Touch
- 7. Southtown Sub
- 8. Maxwell Street Polish
- 9. Maxwell Street Express
- 10. White Castle
- 11. Chicago Food On The Run
- 12. Josephine's Southern Cooking
- 13. Tracks End Restaurant
- 14. Union sub
- 15. Subway
- 16. Taste of Chicago Restaurant

- Monday: 6 AM–3 PM
- Tuesday: 6 AM–3 PM
- Wednesday: 6 AM–3 PM
- Thursday: 6 AM–3 PM
- Friday: 6 AM–3 PM
- Saturday: 6 AM–3 PM
- Sunday: 6 AM–3 PM
1. Valois Restaurant
Information and Reviews
- Customers rave about the delicious food and efficient service at Valois. They particularly enjoy the diverse menu options available throughout the day.
- The cafeteria-style setup adds to the unique experience of dining at Valois, where patrons can order their meals in a fast and convenient manner.
- Many visitors appreciate the historical charm of the restaurant and the opportunity to dine at Obama's Presidential Table, adding to the overall appeal of the establishment.

- Monday: 7 AM–4 PM
- Tuesday: 7 AM–4 PM
- Wednesday: 7 AM–4 PM
- Thursday: 7 AM–4 PM
- Friday: 7 AM–4 PM
- Saturday: 7 AM–4 PM
- Sunday: 7 AM–4 PM
2. Daley's Restaurant
Information and Reviews
Customers have raved about the food and service at Daley's:
- Great fried chicken wings, club sandwich, burger.
- Really good food for the soul; the chicken breast, greens, and macaroni were superb.
- Perfect food, beautiful staff, and a lovely new location.
- Classic items like salmon patties, liver and onions, and must-have biscuits.
With a 4.3 star rating, 2680 reviews, and satisfied customers praising both the food and atmosphere, Daley's Restaurant stands out as a top choice for American cuisine in Chicago.

- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
3. Maxwell Street Depot
Information and Reviews
Customer reviews rave about the delicious food and friendly service at Maxwell Street Depot. Some key points from reviews include:
- "Great place to grab a polish or a burger after a lit night before!"
- "Cash only, open 24/7, and the finest polish sausage in the city."
- "The definition of comfort food. Even at 11:00 at night, everything was fresh and absolutely delicious."
- "Food is cheap, get a meal for under 5 bucks."
Stop by Maxwell Street Depot for a taste of authentic Chicago fast food and enjoy a satisfying meal at an affordable price.

- Monday: 6 AM–3 PM
- Tuesday: 6 AM–3 PM
- Wednesday: 6 AM–3 PM
- Thursday: 6 AM–3 PM
- Friday: 6 AM–3 PM
- Saturday: 6 AM–3 PM
- Sunday: 6 AM–3 PM
4. L & G Family Restaurant
Information and Reviews
Here are some key points from customer reviews:
- A customer was disappointed with an overly sauced sandwich and lack of care in preparation, highlighting the need for improved food quality and attention to detail.
- Another visitor enjoyed a hearty meal and efficient service during a busy period, recommending the Mexican skillet and belly buster options.
- One review expressed disappointment with the lack of greeting and unsatisfactory breakfast dish, leading to a negative experience and reluctance to return.
- Customers consistently praise the restaurant for its exceptional breakfast dishes, large portions, and attentive staff, making it a go-to spot for high-quality meals.
With a rating of 4.3 stars and over 1200 reviews, L & G Family Restaurant continues to be a favorite choice for those seeking a satisfying meal in a welcoming environment.
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 6 AM–4 PM
- Wednesday: 6 AM–4 PM
- Thursday: 6 AM–4 PM
- Friday: 6 AM–4 PM
- Saturday: 6 AM–4 PM
- Sunday: Closed
5. Roy's Soul Food
Information and Reviews
- Their salmon croquette and Rice and eggs dishes are made with care and attention to detail.
- Customers rave about the friendly service at Roy's, describing it as akin to eating at a family member's home.
- Despite its modest appearance, Roy's is praised for its real soul food, making customers feel right at home.

- Monday: 6 AM–10 PM
- Tuesday: 6 AM–10 PM
- Wednesday: 6 AM–10 PM
- Thursday: 6 AM–10 PM
- Friday: 6 AM–10 PM
- Saturday: 6 AM–10 PM
- Sunday: 6 AM–2 PM
6. Sammy's Touch
Information and Reviews
Customers have shared their positive experiences, highlighting the friendly staff, quick service, and flavorful food. Here are some key points from the reviews:
- Friendly staff, quick cooking, and tasty food at reasonable prices.
- Homey atmosphere with homemade breakfast options that are a must-try.
- Good food, good prices, and excellent customer service.
With a solid 4.4 rating and positive reviews, Sammy's Touch is a great choice for a casual and delightful dining experience in Chicago.

- Monday: 10 AM–3 AM
- Tuesday: 10 AM–3 AM
- Wednesday: 10 AM–3 AM
- Thursday: 10 AM–3 AM
- Friday: 10 AM–3 AM
- Saturday: 10 AM–3 AM
- Sunday: 10 AM–3 AM
7. Southtown Sub
Information and Reviews
Customers have shared their experiences at Southtown Sub, with reviews highlighting the following key points:
- Unique and delicious offerings like the Jim shoe and Italian beef
- Friendly customer service that goes the extra mile
- Generous portions and great value for the price
Whether you're craving a classic Philly cheese steak or a hearty gyro cheeseburger, Southtown Sub has something for everyone. So next time you're in the area, be sure to check them out for a tasty meal that won't disappoint!

- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
8. Maxwell Street Polish
Information and Reviews
- One customer loved the special Tuesday Polish sausage combo and highly recommends trying it.
- Another customer was disappointed with the onions on their order and requested a refund, which shows the importance of paying attention to customer preferences.
- A satisfied customer mentioned that the cheeseburgers were great and expressed interest in trying the tacos based on a recommendation.
- Many customers highlighted the must-try items like the Maxwell Street Polish and fried pork chops, emphasizing the variety and quality of the menu.
If you're in the Windy City, don't miss out on a visit to Maxwell Street Polish for a delicious and satisfying meal.

- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
9. Maxwell Street Express
Information and Reviews
Here are some key points from customer reviews:
- Hot dogs are so tiny and smothered with grilled onions, making it almost an onion sandwich. The fries were the highlight of the meal.
- Disappointing experience with the Italian beef, fries were disgusting, and the overall meal was not recommended.
- Great beefs and polishes that keep customers coming back for more.
- While the food might not taste exactly like the original Maxwell Street locations, the exceptional customer service makes up for it.
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
10. White Castle
Information and Reviews
Customer reviews highlight both positive and negative aspects of White Castle. Some customers appreciated the tasty food, mentioning that the shrimp and fish nibblers were delightful. The efficient and quick service during the night was also appreciated. On the other hand, some customers mentioned concerns about the wait times and customer service quality, expressing a need for improvement in these areas.
- Efficient and quick service during the night
- Tasty shrimp and fish nibblers
- Concerns about wait times and customer service quality
Overall, White Castle continues to be a popular choice for those looking for a quick and satisfying meal experience in Chicago.

- Monday: 12–8 PM
- Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday: 12–8 PM
- Thursday: Closed
- Friday: 12–8 PM
- Saturday: Closed
- Sunday: 12–7 PM
11. Chicago Food On The Run
Information and Reviews
- Customers praise the reasonable prices and tasty turkey leg and sides.
- One review highlights the extraordinary customer service received from staff.
- Another customer was disappointed with their order mix-up and lack of hot yams.
Overall, Chicago Food On The Run is a place where customers can enjoy a variety of soul food dishes in a welcoming environment.

- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 9 AM–6 PM
- Wednesday: 9 AM–6 PM
- Thursday: 9 AM–6 PM
- Friday: 9 AM–6 PM
- Saturday: 9 AM–6 PM
- Sunday: 9 AM–6 PM
12. Josephine's Southern Cooking
Information and Reviews
Some key points from customer reviews include:
- This place has awesome food with a variety of options for dining, highly recommended.
- The hospitality was awesome, most of the food was good, especially the fried chicken.
- Food quality and taste have declined despite excellent service and friendly staff.
- Great experience with family dining, tasty food, beautiful ambiance, and attentive staff during special occasions like Mother's Day brunch.
With a 3.8 rating, Josephine's Southern Cooking continues to be a favorite spot for many looking to enjoy delicious soul food in a cozy and casual atmosphere. Whether you're in the mood for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this restaurant promises a memorable dining experience.

- Monday: 6 AM–7 PM
- Tuesday: 6 AM–7 PM
- Wednesday: 6 AM–7 PM
- Thursday: 6 AM–7 PM
- Friday: 6 AM–7 PM
- Saturday: 6 AM–7 PM
- Sunday: 6 AM–7 PM
13. Tracks End Restaurant
Information and Reviews
Here are some summarized customer reviews:
- Perfect food and friendly service, but experienced long wait times and missing menu items.
- Difficulty getting through by phone for orders and lack of response from staff.
- Hidden gem for railroad workers with delicious breakfast options available for takeout.
- Fast service, good portions, and affordable prices, but no longer accepting call-in orders.
- Excellent American food, especially the steak, with friendly and efficient staff in a bright and clean environment.

- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
14. Union sub
Information and Reviews
The cozy and casual atmosphere at Union Sub makes it a favorite spot for many, whether they are looking to enjoy a quick meal alone or with friends and family. Customers appreciate the restaurant's convenient parking options and children-friendly environment.
Recent reviews highlight the following key points:
- One customer expressed disappointment with their delivery experience, citing cold and stale food quality and poor customer service.
- Another customer praised Union Sub as the best fast food joint on the south side, attesting to their long-standing loyalty to the restaurant.
- A late-night visitor was delighted with their order accuracy, freshness, and delicious chicken wings, expressing a desire to return.
- A reviewer shared a mixed experience with overcooked wings and high prices, urging for improvements in portion sizes and pricing.
With a solid 4.0 rating and over 135 reviews, Union Sub continues to delight customers with its tasty offerings and welcoming ambiance. Whether you're craving a satisfying meal on-the-go or a leisurely dining experience, Union Sub is the place to be in Chicago!

- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
15. Subway
Information and Reviews
- A customer mentioned that despite the delicious food and fast service, the neighborhood can be unsafe, so visitors should be cautious.
- Another reviewer expressed frustration with the bathroom policy, stating that employees refuse access even after spending money.
- One patron appreciated the food but highlighted the need for better service and common courtesy from staff.
With a rating of 3.9, Subway continues to attract customers who appreciate their healthy options and vegetarian choices. Whether you're looking for a quick lunch or a late-night snack, Subway is a reliable choice with a variety of offerings to satisfy your cravings.

16. Taste of Chicago Restaurant
Information and Reviews
- The restaurant itself seems clean, atmosphere is okay my only issue is that the food is not very flavorful or hi quality.
- I FOUND A ROACH IN MY TACOS,
- Great restaurant, I loved the food and the service!
With a rating of 2.5, this establishment has received a range of customer feedback. Whether you're looking for a quick bite or a sit-down meal, Taste of Chicago Restaurant has something to offer for everyone.
Map of Food Options on the South Side of Chicago
Exploring the vibrant food scene of South Side Chicago is a must for any culinary enthusiast. From soul food joints and barbecue spots to trendy cafes and gourmet restaurants, this area boasts a diverse array of dining options that cater to all tastes. Use the map below to discover some of the best food establishments in South Side Chicago.

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