Not wanting to deal with lunch crowds on a Sunday, I stopped in after seeing that I was a nearby restaurant that didn't have a crowd per Google search. The restaurant was empty except for a couple that was neither patrons nor delivery. The server was an elderly woman with grandmother kindness. I didn't expect a swift waitress with fast action service. I ordered fried chicken, greens, macaroni and cheese, and candied sweet potatoes. The seasoning in the chicken was salt and pepper only -- no garlic seasoning, no onion seasoning, no paprika. The candied sweet potatoes were good, but only a little warmer than room temperature. The greens were bland and room temperature. The mac and cheese was lukewarm. I will admit that the house soup of chicken and noodles tasted very good. This was a total miss for me. It happens at times. It may be the perfect spot for some. I hope that others have a more enjoyable experience. read more

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Lots of mixed feelings about this place. My gurl wanted to try it out because it was featured on Restaurant Impossible. I noticed a couple reviews that alluded to horrible service.......that said, we said let's try it..... We get here and no one acknowledges us...... no one greats us......no one looks up.....please note there was no one there.....check the pics.....first a lady came and asked if we wanted to order....we didn't have menus......next guy about 5 mins later, comes, doesnt greet us, but asks what we want to order...... Now we've been here 30 mins since our order...My gurl notices two people come in from the back of the restaurant (owners maybe?) And was IMMEDIATELY served........45mins still waiting......okokok update it was 9:00am when we walked in..no one is here.....its now 955am........i asked how long before the food comes, he said the he didn't want to bring it out separately.....958am....food arrives....food is pretty good..chicken wings could have been seasoned more but the food was good......then realized we order 5 wings and they sent 4......mgr is called....my perspective he handled the issue.....my gurl says he was dismissive and didn't listen....at this point we are finished with the meal..... . Final assessment...what makes me go back to a restaurant assuming food and price is reasonable......that would be service.............dont know that I will be back here...... read more

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Friendly staff but service is somewhat distracted. Food is delicious but unless you specify, the sides are not automatic even if listed on the menu. For instance - the salmon croquettes are listed with eggs and choice of grits, rice or hash browns. I specified grits but not how I wanted eggs so plate arrived with no eggs. Gumbo was rich and obviously began with a homemade roux. Peach cobbler was tasty, generous scoop of vanilla ice cream was smooth and rich. But flaky pastry crust did not survie in the microwave. Maybe somday a small convection oven will replace that microwave?? read more

I was very excited to see the new and improved Josephine's Cooking Restaurant especially after I saw it on Restaurant Impossible. I use to go here years ago when it was called Captain Hardtimes (I believe that was the name) Anyway, let me not go back to the past and stay right here in the present. We ordered the liver and onions with a side of rice and cabbage as well as a Half of Cornish Hen with mashed potatoes, gravy and green beans. All of it was good except for my cornbread muffin at first because it was hard as a hockey puck but they brought me another one and it was really good. I had the liver and it had me dancing in my seat($13.95). It was flavored well and cooked to perfection. I wanted more of the cabbage and rice but I didn't want to pay an additional $6 bucks for the side so I just enjoyed what I had and savored the bites. My boyfriend had the Cornish Hen and it was moist and very tasty(half order ($12.95). The mashed potatoes were also very creamy and with the gravy it just took it to another level of deliciousness. The green beans were good but I don't think they were fresh I believe they came from a can but that is just my guess I'm not for sure one way or the other. I really do hope people begin to comeback to this place because it is well worth it and on top of that we would be helping out our community and an establishment that has been helping our community for years. I also wish they had more than just lemonade and sweet tea but both were very good and the sweet tea well let's just say it is the real deal and McDonald's has nothing on them. The only thing I was disappointed about was they didn't have that mac n' cheese special I saw on the show. I really wanted to try that as well as the blackened catfish dish the other Chief had made up. The staff was friendly and I will definitely be back to try other things on the menu. All in All it was a great experience and I'm glad we went. As always Yelpers Enjoy!!! read more

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This place recently underwent a major renovation as it was previously named Captain Hard Times. I had not been here in probably over 25 years. The renovation is very nice. The waitress are very attentive. I ordered the Jerk Chicken Mac n cheese since it received high reviews. It was very filing and tasty and one order can eat at least 2-3 people. I took my order for takeout so I cannot review how table service is but I will say while I was waiting for my order, the waitress offered me water and was very personable. I cannot wait to go back and sit down and eat and try out more new items on the menu. read more

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I have had three dinners at Josephine's. The last one was totally unacceptable. The restrooms were dirty and had no hand soap. The mac & cheese was removed from the serving line because it tasted of kerosene. We contracted for 100 people and there was only one table server. The line servers fixed themselves plates and at over the food line. Additionally, after asking for a partial refund, they owner's son refused to return the call. We paid over $3k for this trash and I absolutely do not recommend. read more

Garbage, this establishment opens and closes more time then a car door... not at all worth the time, the food is absolutely terrible. They where out of hash brown. I got i egg and a piece ham shank... by by hope you do not reopen read more

Can I just say nothing was good except the room. I thought I would give them a try since their premier on Restaurant Impossible. Can I just say it was a waste of time. The service and the food was horrible. We came in to a partially sparse place which was stealthy, it took the waitress 10 min to acknowledge us, mind you the place was empty. The food was horrible. They lost me as a patron. read more

Absolutely loved everything. The chicken soup just the right amount of savory with a southern kick. And the grilled trout amazing. Will he back. The wine, waffle and wings on Wednesday!! Great job. read more

food was AMAZING! I had Mama's Catfish with eggs and Grits! I finished every thing. My partner had Eye opener with a side of turkey links. Shoot out to the cooks. Service was amazing and fast. Daja was our server! She was the Bomb! Only thing I would say needs some improvement is the curb appeal. We couldnt really tell if they were open or not. Other wise we were totally satisfied! read more

I like the look of the place and will be back. The food was good but the lamb chops were too thin for my liking. My friends had turkey and dressing and fried chicken . The Mac and cheese and greens were winners as was the old school peach cobbler. No pics sorry I had to eat my greens while they were nice and warm. I think next time I will order large plate of greens corn bread and maybe liver and onions and rice. Over all I recommend calling them and coming and get your food. It will be hot and cheaper. If you are not driving they are on Uber eats but they get paid less when they use those services and the whole point for e was to help a local business and eat something not fried. Now I have a taste for salmon croquettes... maybe next week! read more

Well, my coworker was raving about how others have been raving about this restaurant. So, on our route to work, we decided to make a stop. The decor is really nice. Next... They move kinda-sorta slow. Next... He ordered the chicken gumbo. I usually go for sides... so I ordered yams. Next.... Arrived at work all giddy to taste my side (and his gumbo and greens... hehehe) Never Again!! Thee end! read more

Worth the drive - looking for soul food on a Sunday, look no further. Mother Wade had amazing Liver and Onions and the mac/cheese hit the spot. Food came out fast and hot. The food is good for the stomach and the soul. If you luck up and Mother Wade is there, you've struck gold. It feels like you stopped by to visit your grandmother after church..... love her! I'm going back to try the smothered pork chops read more

I had dined in her for Mother's Day about 10 years ago as a teenager but after seeing the RESTAURANT : IMPOSSIBLE episode on Food Network they were featured ... I decided to give them another chance. It was disappointing. The Cheeseburger was dry and cold. No gravy. Fries weren't even seasoned , nasty. I had a short ribs dinner. The spinach had a funny taste. Sour. Too many sides on one meal. Dressing was cold... read more

Dropped in in a Sunday after church services and decided to check out the buffet. Really good spread. All the soul food items with peach cobbler and fresh ice cream for dessert. Unlimited pitchers of water and ice tea for your table. The staff has been here forever land can take special orders without writing it down. Can't wait til next week. Really great prices as well and children are discounted. read more

Josephine's Cooking - Great menu. Full soul food buffet! - American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I feel bad about giving this restaurant one star but I never really got served. The best thing about this restaurant I got to say hello to Rev Jessie Jackson. I love to go to black businesses. This restaurant had history. It took them 10 to 15 minutes to get a class of water and menus. There were 3 ladies in the table next to me and they had the same problem. Finally a waitress came and took my order. I ordered salmon croquettes, grits, and scramble eggs. After about another 30 to 40 minutes the owners girlfriend came to my table and I ask her about my order. She then told me after 30 to 40 minutes I was told they were out of salmon. Wasted my time. After waiting almost an hour, I was told they were out of my dish Why couldn't they tell me earlier. I used the bathroom and walked out hungry. She offered me something else but I wanted salmon. BYE Josephine. I am glad they served the the reverend though. read more

Josephine's has been a destination restaurant for my family since we moved into the Chatham neighborhood over 35 years ago. We have celebrated special occasions, had brunch after church, met friends and business colleagues here over breakfast. Josephine's is our kitchen away from home! Real home cooking with a heavy dose of community activism and the love of God. Josephine and her family are more than dedicated restauranteurs. They are upholders, warriors and griots of our community, our culture and loving traditions of hospitality, sharing and caring that are slipping away from us. The food is delicious but I also come to feed my soul! read more

Had breakfast here and enjoyed everything. My pork chops were fantastic and the grits were spot on. The service was friendly and attentive. I will definitely be back. read more

Highly disappointed. Didn't get to taste the food. Me and my girlfriend walked into the restaurant,looks nice. We stood in the entrance for about 3 to 4 minutes. Finally was told to have a seat anywhere we please,only to get moved....ok cool. Moved to a different table,never got greeted not one time. Waitresses walked by us like we weren't even there 5 to 6 different times. We Never got a beverage,felt not welcomed if you know what I mean. Had people just sitting in the restaurant basically hanging out not placing an order,etc. We looked at the menu it was not the same menu as we saw online. We originally saw the episode of Restaurant Impossible and thought we should check it out....what drew our interest immediately was the jerk Mac and cheese and the cheeseburger Robert Irvine created on the show. In the end,me and my girlfriend left,we were there about 20 minutes all together,never was greeted,order wasn't taken,felt unwanted and horrible service. It's a shame because we had our heads set on trying some good food from Josephine's but....‍Probably won't ever come back. read more

Since Restaurant: Impossible was there it's a brand new amazing version of it's former self. I would recommend this place to anyone. I feel bad that they haven't done anything on their yelp profile to let people know that things have changed. I will be back the next time I am in town for sure. read more

The food was great! Beautiful atmosphere. I would come here again. Everyone recommended this place to me.

First, this place is a rip off! It's a soul food restaurant but they charge you extra for soul food sides like Mac and Cheese, Collard Greens, and Sweet Potatoes; $6.95 to be exact. Second, the waiter is very very slow! It took about 11 minutes before she came to our table, and it was only one other table in restaurant. Also, breakfast is served until 2, lunch is 2-5, and dinner is 5-8. Personally, this is too much for my to keep up with for one place. The place was recently remodeled so still looks good! However, that's not enough for me. I will never come back, and I will never recommend. It's other places that are better with prices and quicker with service. read more

Took an hour to get menus and waters. Food was ok, got the chicken and waffles. Chicken definitely needed more seasoning.

Very good food and with this being a staple within the community the food and history of the restaurant truly sets the bar. You can find the owner Mother Josephine Wade, on-location conversing with her patrons, and ensuring that her staff is providing an absolute positive experience. The restaurant has been remodeled and it adds a more modern appeal. Make your next experience a scrumptious one by supporting Josephine's Dining... read more

I really don't know what happen, maybe the cook call in sick. I finish all my meals, mom says you put it on your plate you eat all of it. I'm not sure what happen today, but my food tastes terrible. Throw the entire meal away. Will never eat here again. read more

Redone nicely and new items on the menu. Give the new restaurant a try. Burger and Mac n cheese were great!

Ordered breakfast to go had the chicken and waffles they were delicious. I will definitely be back

Her peach cobbler is delish.cinammon,brown sugar,small peaches and the dumplin mixed together.

I thought the food and service would have been better since Chef Irvine did a makeover but I was fooled. I sent an email directly to restaurant voicing my concerns, let's see if they respond. read more

First off it was empty at dinner time. This should have been my clue not to proceed. However I love soul food, comfort food, etc. So anyways I ordered the meatloaf with mashed potatoes & gravy and the other side Mac n cheese.The waitress was an elderly woman and due to her age I believe that's why she moved sooooo slow! While I waited for my food, the waitress & a man resembling a Sunday Preacher began a conversation about racism? ANywho my food came I left and went to the CAR to inspect. Behold Grayish looking meat (as if reheated from a freezer)! The Mac n cheese was Kraft cheese mix (I'm almost positive)! The mashed potatoes were stiff with gel like gravy? Yuk! I chopped my $12 as a loss and lost that food in an alley dumpster where it belonged! Never EVER AGAIN! SMH Shame on you Captain Hard Times! read more

Josephine's Cooking - Go at your own risk! - American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This is the spot for Sunday brunch if you are looking to seriously do some things, eat large amounts of varied (we're talking multiple meats, pastas, sides, desserts, and sweet tea!) and tasty food, and spot some important folks. It's not cheap (around 30 bucks), so save it for a special occasion and be sure to take your blood pressure medication. You'll need it. read more

Catered our film set and gave us the best meal we've had in over a month. God bless Josephine's Cooking.

This place feels like it has been here forever and that usually means something about it is really good. I had breakfast and it was standard fare but there was something about it that makes you say, 'oh, yeah. I'll be back.' If you're into inspecting your utensils when you arrive, you might get a little upset and start wondering about the place. On the other hand, if you're hungry, you will feel like you're part of something. The food is good, the people are cool even if you look like you don't belong there. It's as though you immediately become part of the club and you get it and you're glad. It's a weird intangible feel you get in a place like this and it's all good. read more

"Too many chiefs and not enough Indians", was what the waitress explained was the cause of a 50 minute wait for our fried chicken dinners. This place is such a disappointment as there were only 5 tables occupied at 7 PM on a Sunday evening and no earthly excuse for such bad service. They had run out of greens, so I ordered mac n cheese and mashed potatoes. The mashed potatoes were warmed, but not hot. The mac n cheese was nothing special. At least the chicken was piping hot. And I won't mention the eyelash I found on my plate. After watching Mama Wade's episode on Restaurant Impossible a few weeks ago, my boyfriend and I were inspired to explore our neighborhood. I wanted to see this hometown hero in action. Sadly, although given invaluable tools and a makeover, and free advertising, they have reverted to old ways. The waitstaff appeared tired and listless. There were crumbs all over the floor. Mama Wade's son did greet us upon our arrival but at the end of my meal he was nowhere to be found. The waitress brought us our check and comped my boyfriend's ice tea because of the wait, but this was inexcusable.I don't expect this restaurant to be open a year from now, not when they treat their customers so poorly. Chef Irvine would be so disappointed, he wasted his time and money. Stay away, they don't appreciate their customers! They don't respect my time. read more

Food was ok but nothing special. Service was extremely slow. Half of the water glasses were dirty. We sat at a dirty table for approximately 15 minutes because the waitress was distracted by the few customers there. Then she said she could not find a towel. One of our party arrived after we were served . He was given a menu after several minutes, but waited 25 minutes and still no waitress took his order. When he complained, a man in some management capacity verbally attacked him for complaining. Very poor customer service and rude management. I want to support neighborhood businesses and not go to the suburbs, but Josephine's does not deserve my support. I will actively tell people to avoid this restaurant. read more

Great food and excellent company. Many of the people in Chicago use it as a meeting place on the Southside. Mother Wade and Vitor work hard to ensure that the best services are provided to their customers. Sundays they have a brunch buffet that starts at 11:00 am with a variety of soul food specialties at a great price. Come for the food and enjoy the company read more

BUYERS BEWARE.....I got off work and I was in a good mood. I decided to surprise my brother and take him out for breakfast(I tired to verbally strong arm him into cooking breakfast at first.) at Capt n Hardtimes. Apparently there is another restaurant inside, unbeknownst me. We were half heartly greeted by an older woman named Gwen aka "Ms. Aim to Please" as she making a personal phone call sitting inside a booth. I order the Salmon Croquettes meal and my brother ordered the Catfish fillet meal and 2 large juices with a couple sides of bacon (We're men). After waiting what seemed like a long time, Gwen can out with the wrong juices. I pointed out the problem and she corrected and then all of a sudden our food came out in stages...juice....biscuits....and finally our meal (smh). When our meal can WE WERE TOTALLY DISAPPOINTED. We thought our portions would've been a little more but I guess we were wrong. As I ate my meal with the look of disgust on my face and brother making fun of the whole experience, the scrawny catfish was season well(saving grace). Then the bill came and for what we got did not equal out to $34.00(my brother whispered some colorful words in disbelief.) I paid it a credit card and put zero in the tip section(I like to give cash), Ms. Gwen tried to smooth it over with some words and mention their buffet and we should come back and ask for her (NOT). She noticed that the tip section had zero in it and said I guess I didn't do a good job. I politely explained all the issues we had with our order because of her I will never come back. In the end I still gave her a $5 tip because she has to make a living. Yes, I am a sucker for the down and out but I will not be coming back to that restaurant nor will I recommend this restaurant. read more

This place is an absolute joke. We ordered specific entrees and instead of telling us they were out of that dish they just served us an alternative of their choice. They had nothing to drink but water and tea. They had no sandwiches, no sodas, no lemonade, no chicken. Took 30 mins to bring the food out. All this and the place was EMPTY! They had more wait staff than customers. These people should be embarrassed. Yet, they had no problem charging me for food we never even asked for! If you're considering this joke of a restaurant I'd suggest going two doors down to Burger King. I'm required to give a star but they don't deserve that one. read more

I love their food. I usually get baked turkey with dressing, candied yams, and mac and cheese and it's delicious. It is also well priced and they are fast with take out. It's a great place to have a dinner party. My grandma loved the great service here when she would hold dinner parties here. I wish I could cook as well as they can. Maybe they'll give me lessons. read more

Went here on vacation. The food was very good and we had a pleasant experience. The wait staff was friendly and the food came out quickly. It was hot and very flavorful. I'll be back next time I go visit my son in Illinois read more