5 Stars ! First the vibe here is great. Good music but not too loud. Great decor and a successful crowd base. The service is impeccable. Everyone is attentive. Friendly and wanting you to enjoy your experience. The food, wow ! Big portions, cooked the right way with plenty of seasoning. No bland food here. And they know how to make Grits !!! read more

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I went as a recommendation from a friend who lives in the city. Let me start with the positives: The staff were wonderful! Everyone was polite and offered great customer service. It was quite busy and they were managing the capacity so well. We did not have a reservation but were able to be seated within 30 minutes. That was truly appreciated. The catfish was flaky and the crust was crispy. The things I did not quite like; I shared some gumbo and the French toast with my sister. The gumbo was very salty and did not have an authentic taste. I had the macaroni and cheese and it was not seasoned and looked as if the cheese wasn't baked through. The seating is very compact near the bar area, which did dampen the experience for us. Overall, I would love to come back on a less busy day to see if the food tastes differently. read more

Brulee - The Virgil Special - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Brûlée in the South Loop is an absolute gem. From the moment you walk in, the atmosphere sets the tone--stylish, welcoming, and perfect whether you're out for brunch or a relaxed meal. The service was excellent--attentive, friendly, and genuinely focused on making sure everything was just right without feeling overbearing. And the food definitely delivered. The chicken and waffles were outstanding--flavorful chicken paired perfectly with a soft, fluffy waffle. It's one of those dishes you keep thinking about after you leave. Overall, a great experience all around. Highly recommend if you're in the area and looking for great food, great service, and a great vibe. read more

Came for breakfast/brunch, we were quickly sat although we didn't have a prior reservation. They have an extensive menu with various selections. I had the chicken and waffle and fruit (not pictured). The fruit was a great portion, an entire plate and a great mix of season fruit!! The chicken was seasoned perfectly and had a great crisp, which they would've been hotter temperature wise but overall good! Waffle was great didn't need syrup at all. Service and ambiance was nice quant and welcoming, would recommend read more

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Enjoyed Brulee! Anyways!! On to the good stuff! The shrimp and grits were delicious!! Real grits not instant. The shrimp were cooked to perfection. We got the beignets those were great too! Our server was so sweet I forgot her name! Photo below I think. We did a bottle of Prosecco and she gave us a few mini cups of juice to make mimosas. So thoughtful. I will return! The music was nice and low which I also really liked! My only negative was the valet guy was a bit intimidating. I was glad he let me park my own car. The price was $15 but he told me the sign was wrong. That is should be $20. I dunno. I'm glad I had my keys is all I have to say. read more

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We visited on a weekday morning, when it was about 50% full, consisting of seemingly coworker groups and smaller groups. The restaurant is bright and decorated beautifully with flowers adorned along the wall and ceiling. I with I could say that the food was good, but all I can give it was an "ok" rating. My lavender "bru-latte" tasted like something I can easily make at home, the croissant-based beignets tasted dense with oil before flavorfully sweet, and my shrimp and grits came warm and was heavily seasoned with something that overpowered the taste of the gouda grits. Adding insult to injury was 1. they got my husband's order wrong, but quickly corrected once we pointed it out, and 2. the price for 2 entrees, and appetizer and a latte came about to be $90, not including the added gratuity (which may or may not be included - check to confirm). Pretty disappointing visit. read more

Brulee - Creole Shrimp & Grits - can't really taste the gouda in the grits due to seasoning in the sauce. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

With a reservation, we were seated right away and our server was very attentive and sweet. They have a wide array of options to choose from and an online menu. The French toast was to die for and I wish I could have tried more of their specialities. Some of their tables were a bit too close to each other and because of that it got a bit loud and hard to hear others at the same table but otherwise vibes were good. Would love to come back and try more from the menu! read more

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I'm giving this place a 4.5 due to wait time extending 45 min past reservation booking. Street parking (metered) and Valet parking is an option. Free on Sundays. Beautiful inside of the restaurant with a comfortable waiting area. They have a 90 min table policy but I don't think they hold everyone to it. It took about 10 min for water to arrive to the table once seated. Upon our food arriving we had no silverware and they found two sets but it took a little longer to get two more sets. But they were crowded and busy busy in their defense. Our waiter Noel was exceptional and kind with a beautiful smile. When asked what he would recommend he stood on the business back and said "everything is good! He likes everything on the menu and has no favorites!" Now that's what I like to hear about a restaurants menu. I ordered gumbo for a starter and it was nice. Pretty good but it was warm in temp. Full of chicken and sausage with a nice traditional flavor. It's made daily per Noel's report. I ordered the fried catfish, candied yams, and greens. (I think the name was Virgil something). This fish was meaty and seasoned to the Gods. It was 2 fillets. I'm glad the candied yams weren't overly sweetened as I prefer baked Sweet potatoes over candied yams. The greens were very good with turkey meat. The perfect amount of food for myself. My friends all ordered catfish and grits. I tasted the grits since I had my own fish they were thick and delicious. They did not get looser as they cooled. My friend also ordered the brisket grilled cheese and tomato soup. That brisket was so tender and flavorful on that buttery Texas toast. The tomato soup was also good. We ordered the Mac n cheese but it never arrived so we canceled that. My friend ordered a honey biscuit that she had to take home because it to was delayed. She said it was delicious. I'm sure that Mac was gonna be good too. The drink menu looked tasty but we all settled for juice instead. Everything was worth the cost. The gratuity was added in at 15% and a service fee also. If you don't mind waiting a little bit I believe you will enjoy. read more

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The restaurant is beautiful. They had live music, the staff is amazing. The food was just okay for me and they charge for absolutely everything. I probably won't return but I'm glad I tried it. read more

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Posting the review makes me smile. So sorry it took so long. I celebrated my birthday in December 2025!! I love the Brulee!! Elegant, classy and inviting. The staff is amazing and service outstanding. The food was delicious and the atmosphere calming I highly recommend and plan to share with family and friends!! read more

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The food was dynamic, the ambiance was perfect but small, and the staff were phenomenal. Reservations recommended and else your wait time may take awhile. The short rib brisket was amazing and the cocktail drinks were well crafted. read more

Very delicious food at Brulee. The service is also pristine! The ambiance is one of true elegance. The açaí bowl I devoured the signature açaí bowl which is one of the best I've had in a long time. I also sampled a portion of my wife's dish the catfish, yams and turnip greens. There is a 90 minute table limit. Very tasty meal and very friendly staff. Brulee is a must when in the Windy City! read more

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The third star is because I value a locally black owned business and I hope they do succeed, but our visit was a miss. It was especially tough given the restaurant wasn't too busy when we arrived. We struggled during our breakfast. Five separate requests for the black coffee we ordered which was delivered after we asked someone not our server when our food was almost finished. The avocado croast was not served on a croissant and the egg we added was charged at double the price of what the menu said. They did fix this when asked. No inquiry to get the egg cooked the way we would have preferred so it came fried hard. The parfait we ordered because we hoped to enjoy some of the namesake bruleed bananas as it said in the menu, but just plain bananas came in the bowl. Hot tea came with a lime wedge? All the food was fine, but we felt the menu and what we received weren't really aligned. The last thing was the bill. Beyond the egg double priced, they added 5% service, 15% gratuity and 3% credit card fee. And the terminal to pay asks for another tip which we declined. The receipt says mandatory 20% tip so I assume that means the 5%+15%? *Later we realized they undercharged for the parfait so someone needs to match the menu and the register. The decor and space are lovely and all the people we interacted with so nice, just seemed to be lacking experience. read more

Brulee - Parfait, no brulee bananas - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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First review of 2026 on my newly minted Black Yelp Elite status ! My girls picked this placed because its been trending and wanted to see the hype ! Disclaimer if you are a biscuit person order them first ! I waited over 30 mins. Place your order in its entirety dont wait ! They ran of of things on the menu ! My friend dilly dallied and they ran of the beef brisket sandwich! The diner next to use saw disappointed and heard our convo on the subject. She offered my friend to try ,its a huge portion! We all tried it and it was amazing ! We have a very nice waitress they handle all our requests though busy. I love the atmosphere the food was seasoned well and nice portion size ! Get the chicken and biscuit as an appetizer pls ! Heavenly will be back ! read more

Brulee - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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We stopped by Brulee for a quick brunch while we were in the South Loop near the convention center. It's kind of hidden, but once you're inside, the place is super bright with lots of modern decor. The atmosphere was really nice. Our server was really friendly and helpful, although it did feel like they were pushing certain dishes a bit too hard, which was slightly off-putting. That said, their recommendation for the croissant beignets was spot on. If you come here, you have to get these. They were perfectly made - super soft, light, and just really delicious. Easily the best thing we had. I ordered the house burger, which was pretty subpar. The burger itself was bland, and the fries were dry. The burger sauce wasn't so bad and helped a bit. I probably won't be getting this again in the future. Overall, the space is really nice, a little too nice to just be hidden away, and the croissant beignets alone are worth coming for. read more

Brulee - House burger - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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The vibe is lively and modern, and the menu has some fun, well-executed brunch favorites. We ordered the chicken and waffles along with the açaí bowl. The açaí bowl was lightly frozen (perfect texture), refreshing, and well-balanced, the berry mix was great and the granola-to-coconut-flake ratio was spot on. My waffle initially came out a bit on the cooler side, but it was a quick fix and once adjusted, the sweet-and-savory combo really hit. We also shared the French toast and the lobster tail with sweet potato waffle, which was a crowd favorite. Everything felt thoughtfully plated and flavorful. One important thing to keep in mind: there is a strict 90-minute dining limit. Brul'ee is a great spot if you're looking for a delicious, energetic brunch, but if you're hoping to linger, you'll want to plan accordingly. read more

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The chicken was crisp and flavorful. The greens in the yams were also delicious, fairly tender and perfectly seasoned. I asked for my wings to not have the sauce on them, but they brought it anyway thankfully, they were good. Our server was pretty easy-going. I was disappointed that the cold brew was served in a can. read more

Brulee - The Virgil Special - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Brulee is a classy brunch spot with a great menu. It was a happening place on a late Saturday morning. Offering a complete bar and a full menu. I got the shrimp and grits which was really delicious with excellent flavor. They also have chicken and waffles, cocktails, and pastries. Overall great place to get brunch with great and friendly service. read more

Brulee - Shrimp and grits - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Went to Brulee for Galentines Bruch. I was able to get a park very close to the restaurant. The staff were polite and attentive. Reservation was at 12:30 we were seated at about 12:40 wanted to give our party a little more time to arrive. The space is beautiful. Over all the service was good but time could use some work. We got our drinks and appetizers "quick fix" items quickly like 15-20 minutes of ordering. I ordered a strawberry lemon drop. I also ordered champagne asked for a flavor for it was told thats only used for cocktails. We had the croissant beignet, brussel sprouts, French toast and the Virgil with cat fish sides are sweet potatoes and collard greens. The brussel sprouts were perfect some of the best restaurant sprouts Ive had. The french toast was so good didn't need any syrup. The fish was fried well but I didnt like the hot honey hot sauce it was served with. The collard greens had a nice spice to them the turkey in them was tender. But I did not like the candied yams at all. They had too much nutmeg I feel like it was overkill. Overall, there is room for improvement. But I enjoyed my visit. I recommend and I would like to bring my husband next time. read more

My husband and I came in to town for a couple days and really wanted to try this restaurant. With a little mishap with Resy cancelling our reservation last minute, the owner went above and beyond to correct the matter and accommodate us. Especially when the rain delayed us 45minutes past our original reservation. Now, on to the food and service. We were greeted immediately and sat promptly. Loved that. Very clean atmosphere and the music wasn't too loud to where we couldn't have conversation. Food was not only presented well but was equally good. Fish and grits was so good I finished it all. My husband loves sweet potatoes so the sweet potatoe waffle was an excellent choice. We were given complimentary drinks for the mishap with Resy which really wasn't expected since it wasn't her fault. Nonetheless, a extremely nice gesture that was appreciated. 10/10 would recommend. read more

Brulee - Catfish & Grits - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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The food was so good! These are the best beignets outside of New Orleans. The brisket taco was delicious, well seasoned and so tender. I went two days in a row, once for brunch and once for happy hour. Noel and JP were super welcoming and gave great recommendations. Everybody, from the hostess to the servers, has great hospitality and customer service. The inside is clean, and decor is tasteful. I highly recommend and will come again! read more

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To start I absolutely recommend a reservation or you will for sure have a long wait. Seating arrangements could also be better. My friend and I were sat at this small table in the aisle between larger tables which left little space for patrons and servers to get around the restaurant. Alright, on to the positives, food 10/10!! We visited during restaurant week and got the three course for $45 deal and tried a special holiday themed drink. I would highly recommend their cocktails and food. Gumbo for the starter had crawfish, sausage, shrimp and the perfect roux and rice. My shrimp and gouda grits were savory and also really good. Then the croissant beignets to end, yum! would return for the food and drinks for sure but maybe book at a less popular time. read more

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Beautiful restaurant with good service. We visited for the restaurant week brunch special. We ordered the chicken biscuit and that biscuit was soft and delicious. The Brussels sprouts with a lemon cream and honey which was really good. The gumbo which was full of meat and the taste was good I just wish there was a little heat added to the dish. Chicken and waffle which came with a warm thick waffle and perfectly fried chicken. Fish and Grits with nice thick and creamy grits and the croissant beignets which were very good. Overall great experience. read more

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My friends and I came here on MLK day for breakfast and everything about this place was great! The ambiance, the food and the service were nothing short of spectacular. We all ordered different food items such as the açaí bowl, veggie omelette, Michigan Ave breakfast and the chicken a waffles. Everything was so good. The only thing that I would say needs for improvement was the açaí bowl. It was so delicious, but some of the açaí was so frozen that it felt like I was eating ice chips here every few bites. Other than that, it was exceptional and I would be back again! read more

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My girls and I recently visit Brûlée Chicago for brunch. Beverages: I started with one of their gin cocktails that had lemon and bergamot in it. It was not too sweet, but very refreshing. My girls RAVED over the Apple Mimosas, so I had to try one of those, too. You wouldn't normally have/ask for an apple-mosa, but it was quite tasty. Food: I enjoyed the Avocado Croast (croast because it came on a croissant) topped smoked salmon and eggs over medium, and the Smoked Gouda Grits. Kudos to the chef for preparing a perfect egg over medium - the yolk was runny, but the whites were lightly cooked with slightly browned edges. Delish! And do not even get me started on the grits! Creamy and cheesy - the perfect pairing with my meal. Other entrees on the table: * Brûlée French Toast: my girl said it doesn't need any syrup and can be eaten as is! She was also happy that she only got a half order so she could enjoy something else as well. * The Virgil Special with 3 Wings: I tasted the greens and sweet potatoes, and they both tasted like I was in a Southern kitchen with someone's Grandma - good down home/homecooked food. * 5 Cheese Mac & Cheese: Most places who do a 5-cheese mac make it ooey-gooey or super thick. That was not the case at Brûlée. Their mac and cheese was baked to perfection. It has a nice, browed crust, the noodles had a nice chew, and the 5 cheese weren't overpowering the dish. It didn't have the overly cheesy taste. Our server was friendly and even let us sit and chat with each other for a little after our time limit expired. The décor of the simple is simple yet elegant. Clean lines and modern touches contribution to the overall aesthetics of the establishment. They even have valet which is a plus in that area. There are so many more items on the menu that I want to try, so I MUST return! #ImNotAFoodie #ImJustAGirlWhoLovesFood #YelpEliteSquad read more

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Love at first bite! The moment I bit into the well seasoned grits and catfish I was hooked. Perfectly cooked. The wait staff service was great. Very Attentive and pleasant. The vibe was family friendly yet cozy for a breakfast date or brunch. I will definitely be back. Street paid parking is available. read more

Brulee - Catfish and Grits with Honey Butter Biscuit - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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10/10 for BRULEE. I loved the ambience, the music, the food, and the drinks!!!! I would definitely go back here. read more

When I saw Brulee opening I was pretty excited as I felt the south loop/near southside lacks in good, non-chain places. Came by on a recent Saturday with a friend and had a good overall experience. Staff is quite attentive and always looking to give you water, refill coffee and take care of you in any way they can. We had a server by the name of Ivory who was fantastic! She very nice and just good people! My friend ordered the very delicious Virgil Special. This dish includes 3 wings with hot honey sauce (can substitute with catfish), candied yams and braised collard greens. I thought this would be too heavy for 9:30am but she said it wasnt. We shared the very delicious Brulee french toast..best I've had in quite awhile! Vanilla bean soaked brioche, vanilla cream, caramel and honey butter made it all work...so good. The only blemish was the chicken & biscuits that came heavily recommended. Very big portion of 2 and it looked like it would be very good as I looked at other plates around the restaurant. Topped off with hot honey sauce, I was so excited to bite into this lovely meal. Once I did, it lacked flavor, like there wasn't any seasoning at all. Its a chicken breast so already pretty dry and goes down rough. I finished one and took the other home and doused in honey and habenero sauce later that evening. Decor is nice and the place has a vibe. I would definitely return as I here the shrimp and grits are very good! Check out Brulee when you get the chance. read more

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10 out of 10 RECOMMEND!!!! The catfish and grits, the lobster and waffles and turkey club...and the SERVICE!!!??? DARIUS!!!! I mean this place is PHENOMENAL!!! read more

Brulee - Sweet potato waffles and fried lobster!! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I went to brunch this weekend and was very pleased with Brulee. The ambiance, service, and food were all great. We started with the avocado toast which was so fresh with the arugula and the flavor was outstanding. I forgot to add the smoke salmon but will make sure I do next time. Next we had the catfish and grits. The catfish was fried perfectly and the crawfish cream sauce on the grits really set it off. And last but not least we had the French toast which was lovely. The bread was not too thick and it was savory without being overwhelming. The service was also great. Our server and every staff person there were very welcoming. Overall great experienced and I can't wait to come back! read more

Brulee - Catfish and grits, avocado toast, and French toast. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Such an amazing breakfast!! Service was fantastic and the setting was great!!! Hope to be back!!

I sat at the bar and was given excellent service. I ordered something that's not suppose to be on the menu but the chef made it for me fresh. I wouldn't order the mocktail again only because of the price. Everything I ate was pretty tasty, except the macaroni and yams. I think the price for the portion size of mac was small. The yams tasted better than they looked 6.5/10. The fried chicken had a hot honey sauce that was AMAZING. I would definitely go back and try more things. The menu is reasonably priced. The ambiance of the restaurant is bright and the music is just the right volume to where you can still talk to those sitting around you. I was a little skeptical because it's a new restaurant but I will be back. read more

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The food is so good!!! I've had the chicken and waffles and the shrimp and grits. The decor is so cute. The drinks are strong to me. I do like the goddess and it's cute for Instagram pics. I've had a reservation both times, there is a 90 minute limit. The actual seating space is tight. read more

Love the decor of the place. It's very spacious with a beautiful bar. Only problem I can say I really had was it was a bit cold in the building. I went on 2 separate occasions because I wanted to try so much. I went right when they opened but I recommend reservations for large groups or anytime after 10 on the weekend. I sat at the bar both times and Darrion was the bartender/waiter. He was very pleasant and made great recommendations. I had the brisket grilled cheese with gumbo but they don't do substitutions so I took the tomato soup it comes with home. The brisket was mouth watering with great flavor and the gumbo was the taste I've been looking for within Chicago! What caught me by surprised was the tomato soup which was more like a bisque. I recommend the soup. The Virgil special comes with 3 wings, collard greens, and Sweet potatoes. Let's just say I left nothing on the plate! My friend ordered their catfish and it was too salty to both of us. But overall I will be back. read more

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First time at Brûlée and it did not disappoint. The atmosphere is friendly and warm. We are from the south and these were the best grits we have ever had. The shrimp was cooked perfectly. The pancakes were light and fluffy. Noel was our waiter and was friendly, attentive and knowledgeable of the menu. Will definitely be back read more

Brulee - Shrimp and grits, pancakes and best breakfast potatoes in town - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Sitting here now as i wouldn't send my enemy here. The sheer lack of professionalism and janky management in this establishment is reason enough to never come. Squeezing tables in between tables, separating parties, asking people to get up after they've been serviced so you can squeeze another lawn chair and table in between the real seating is atrocious. Half of our party is sitting in the bathroom hallway after the manager asked part of our large party to get up so they can sit another party with a reservation after ours. No one has answers. Everyone is looking awkward read more

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My wife and I are usually very critical especially with restaurants. From the moment we walked in the atmosphere was great. The staff was very welcoming all smiles seating was fast. Our server Noel was great. Food was fabulous. After we finished eating we went to the bar. JP was a true mixologist. First time having an old fashioned (smoked) WOW! Honestly I was expecting not to like it. It was fabulous. Next he made a whiskey mule 3rd was the whiskey sour (with whipped egg whites). In all I give a 10/10. Can't wait to go back for live jazz Sunday. read more

Brulee - Whiskey sour (w/egg whites) - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I came for brunch and she did not disappoint. Brulee is soulful, upscale, clean and sheek. I love that all the servers are dressed in black and just have that old southern hospitality. We sat down and ordered the French toast, shrimp and grits, water, coffees. Our server was a bit odd--seemed a bit off with being attentive but we made the best out of it. Drinks should come before food, including coffee. Ah well. The food was great! Shrimp and grits was rich, decadent and flavorful. French toast was so rich, and very sweet but delightful. Although I think we got a half order and for sure paid for a full order to split. Please note that they charge a 15 percent gratuity on the bill. While it's nothing, servers should tell people instead of not saying anything and having customers give more thinking it's not included. We didn't have time to even look at our bill before our server shoved the pay tab at us to pay. My motto is 20 percent so it wasn't a big deal but still. I didn't like that. Also one tip is to make sure food comes hot on the table. It was just warm. I'd still come back. read more

Brûlée restaurant is a wonderful experience! The interior design is unique with a creative decor which reflects a beautiful ambiance. The owners are Chicago's own and they are inviting and very personable. The menu is concise and includes great brunch options. The shrimp and grits reflect a taste from the Big Easy and the chicken is read more

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I went to place on 5/15/2026 with a friend. We walked in at 3:01PM. A woman dressed in business attire, greeted us. She then said that we can sit at the bar. I mentioned that we were dining in. She then mentioned the bar again and I repeated that we were dining in. She says 'The kitchen is closes at 3:30PM.". A woman with braids in a uniform appears and the nwoman in busimess suit says "Can they still get food?' in which the woman in uniform says "yes, they can". No where on their website does it says 'kitchen closes at 3:30PM", but it does list their hours of operation. The woman in business attire takes us to a table with 4 chairs across from the restroom. We sit and we wait. We waited about 15 minsutes. Then, a male came over to take our order. The male had a low tampered fade and fashionable eyewear. I ordered the "fried catfish and grits". My friend ordered "the virgil special". Our food WAS FLAVORFUL, but VERY LUKEWARM. They no longer have to-go paper menus. The menu is now available via scanning the qr code at the table. I figured that our bill would not be no more than $55.00. We finished our meal and we were toldthat pur total was $72.00. I told him that our meal shold have been 55. he said that there was a gratuity tax. I asked if the gratuity was based on a certain number of people or was that a required fee regardless of the number people. He said the gratuity fee is required regardless of the number of people. A friend paid the bill and we left. As we were leacning there was a toddler asleep on a couch that aws facing the door. There were a group of about 5-6 young ladies, very well dresssed, that were utilizing the bathroom and also taking pictures/selfies. To be charged a gratuity fee without being told is not right. The place was nice and clean, but the public should not see a child sleeping on a couch in the establishment. It is a NO for me and my friend. read more