This place is small and quaint with so much charm. I absolutely loved walking in and hearing old-school music playing on a record player -- it felt like my daddy's music and instantly gave me a wave of nostalgia. The service was great. Our waiter was friendly, attentive, and more than happy to answer any questions we had about the menu. And the food? EVERYTHING we ordered was amazing. The pancakes were fluffy with just the right amount of crisp around the edges. The chicken and waffles were perfectly crunchy and packed with flavor. Such a cozy spot with great vibes and even better food. I'll definitely be back! read more

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This is a place where you order in front and sit down and wait to get your food. I felt a little rushed to make a choice due to other customers and decided on the breakfast sandwich. My brother got the shrimp and grits. I will say it felt like the service was a bit slow and we waited a bit for our food and even our drinks. Some people around us ordered the chicken and waffles which looked so good, it kind of overpowered what I was actually eating. It wasn't until I got home and ate my leftovers that I realized the breakfast sandwich was delicious. The egg was fluffy and the jam was yummy! My brother also enjoyed his food. We shared a side of Mac and cheese which I also thought was good. I would definitely return to try other things. read more

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They close at 2pm, and we came around 12:45 on a Saturday. The host said it would be a 45 minute wait, but it only ended up being about a 15 minute wait. You order at the counter with the host, pick a table, and then they bring your food to you. We ordered the Nashville hot chicken and waffles, biscuits with jam, mac and cheese, bacon, and hash brown. I loved everything. The biscuits were so soft, the hashbrown was crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, the mac and cheese was delicious, and the fried chicken was perfectly spiced and crispy. I was starting to get full but wanted to keep eating because it was so good. A minor complaint is that they forgot to give us silverware before bringing us our food. It also seemed like the servers weren't really paying attention to when the food was ready at the counter to bring to the tables, and at one point the kitchen staff even yelled at a server for not paying attention. It seemed like they were prioritizing cleaning up the restaurant before closing, even though people were still waiting on their food. read more

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Such a cute little spot! If you didnt go looking for it you might pass it up, but either way they must be popular because we arrived shortly after opening and they were already almost sold out of a few options! Upon arrival you take a look at the menu, order at the register and then seat yourself. The food came out quickly but fresh! I was blown away at the size and taste of the pancakes I would order again and again! The Mac was made to perfection, the bacon was caramelized and the hashbrowns were different, I think they were deep fried? Everything was a 10/10!! read more

Luella's Southern Kitchen - Southern Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Excited to try Luella's! About time since they've been in the neighborhood. Crab-stuffed shrimp and grits are fine, a little gritty but what do I expect lol. The collared greens have some meat on it so it's not vegetarian in case people are curious. The beignets were different than what I expected them to be: larger, more doughy, seems that there is cornmeal in it and maybe coconut? Not sure. All of them are still delicious. Compostible box packaging except for the collared greens. Prices in Yelp are outdated. read more

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So this was my first time trying Luella southern kitchen and I must say I enjoyed my experience. A friend and I decided to meet up for lunch after work and I ordered the chicken and waffles with mac & cheese and she got shrimp and grits with collard greens. I will say I wasn't the biggest fan of the waffle. I prefer a lighter waffle, and this one was a bit dense. The chicken was pretty tasty. It was very crispy which I don't mind. And well flavored. The mac & cheese was also pretty good but as a southerner (Alabama born) my standards are a little bit higher for mac & cheese. But I wasn't disappointed in the experience. My friend said her shrimp and grits were really tasty and they were very plentiful with the portion of seafood included. The grits were extremely creamy and very flavorful and it gave her a New Orleans vibe. She also really enjoyed her collard greens. Overall, the service was really good. You do have to order immediately upon entering and then finding a seat, but our staff was really pleasant and have beautiful smiles. I loved the oldies that were playing on the record player. I thought that just gave it a beautiful vibe and nice environment. I would definitely recommend having a nice Saturday or Sunday brunch here. read more

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This is my first time trying southern food and 10/10 experience!!!! This place was packed when we came so the food came out a bit slow, and I felt so bad for the workers... they kept checking in on us and apologizing for the long wait time. The wait time was so worth it! My favorite was the biscuit and gravy and I will be thinking about it for a while read more

Luella's Southern Kitchen - Hash brown, chicken and waffles, and biscuit and gravy - Southern Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Went back again today and tried different foods... so so delicious! We tried the Nashville hot chicken and waffles, cooked to perfection! Next, the hash browns, honestly the best hash browns I've had- crispy on the outside and soft on the inside full of flavor; a must try! Next the collard greens, tasty but it didn't stand out to me! Finally, the beignets made to order came out hot, it was so good, spongy and light. Josephine was one of our servers, she's the best so attentive and really took care of us! Everyone who worked there was kind and they all seemed like they liked working there! read more

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Loved the new location.......It's spacious with an outdoor patio. The arrangement of ordering and paying was the same as the previous location, but my wife noticed that a few white patrons were allowed to sit without ordering or paying. She made a note of it to me more than once. We ordered: Buttermilk pancakes, shrimp and grits, chicken and waffles, and a side of brown sugar bacon and scrambled eggs. We waited about 30 minutes for the food to start coming out. It didn't all come out at once. The chicken and waffles with the shrimp and grits came to the table first. The grits were the star. Cooked to perfection and tasted like it was flown straight from New Orleans. The chicken and waffles were solid, although my waffles were slightly burnt. Still, some of the best fried chicken I've ever had. Overall, my meal was good. With the grits being a pleasant surprise. My wife had the pancakes, and I know when they finally came out, she wouldn't like them......I waited until we had all our food before I ate, which took about another 10 - 12 minutes after we received the first part of our order. The pancakes looked like mini soufflés. Not what she was expecting, and she also mentioned the bacon was burnt. But she agreed the grits were the best thing we ordered. Going even further to say, she could've just ordered the eggs and grits. To recap: Love the new location....Spacious and ample metered street parking. There was some problem with the wait time and the entire order coming out together, or at least close together. She didn't like how some people were being prompted to order and pay before sitting, and some people were not. And she didn't like any of her food, although I enjoyed mine........Ultimately, the price, the wait, and the drive wasn't worth the food or experience........But I will acknowledge, they're a work in progress. read more

Wow this place SLAPS. The best recovery brunch of my life, the chicken and waffles (both Nashville and original flavors) are crispy, moist and delicious. Really nicely paired with the waffles. Good beignets but not my fave in the city (a lil more dense than my preference). Pretty good cream cheese grits (but I think I'm a cheddar girl). Amazing service, they made room for us so we didn't have to wait 1 hour. Perfect New Years Day brunch to kick off the year. Very cute vibes inside, diverse, what's not to like read more

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One last meal at Luella's before they move locations! You can never go wrong with their buttermilk fried chicken, which includes half a full chicken and collard greens. I always treat myself to a skillet cornbread and it is totally worth the wait! Quick and easy to order. You can find seating when it's not peak hours, but still very busy until the end. read more

Luella's Southern Kitchen - Skillet Cornbread with Honey Butter Buttermilk Fried Chicken - Southern Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Visited the new location on Kedzie today. Parking was easy and though the restaurant was a bit crowded finding seats was easy. I ordered at the front and took a seat to wait for my food. After about 30 minutes I got my chicken, French toast , mac& cheese and for dessert beignets. The chicken was fried perfectly, the French toast was thick and the gingerbread topping added a nice sweetness and crunch, my mac and cheese was good and the beignets were delightful!. It took a little time to get the food but when it arrived it was really good. read more

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Food was delicious, service was excellent and everyone was inviting, friendly and professional. read more

Luella's Southern Kitchen - Brown Sugar Bacon and Hash Brown - Southern Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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This menu is simple! The space is simple! The FOOD is unforgettable! The FOOD is outstanding! It's packed with flavor! It's fresh and more than enough! I had plenty of leftovers! We tried the shrimp & grits, that shrimp was juicy and tasty! The chicken and waffles, delicious and packed with flavor! The French Toast was raspberry and amazing, soft and fluffy with crispy edges. Service, you order up front, then go find a seat and wait for your food to be served. Owner came out and spoke with a few guest, including us, he was nice and friendly. Other staff were attentive and friendly as well. We will be back! It's small and was packed quickly after opening. read more

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I came in on a late Saturday morning by myself. The host did tell me that there was a wait for a table but I was able to snag the last open seat at the bar. What the host did not warn me about is the long wait for the food, too. Because I sat at the bar, I ordered and paid with the host. I then sat down and since I had an electronic copy of my receipt, I calculated that it was 52 minutes from the moment I paid to the moment my food arrived. Nearly an hour! And I was by myself! I might not have gone if I knew there would be such a long wait. The hash brown was crispy and flavorful but greasy. The short rib benedict was okay. read more

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The food was excellent! I hated "savory" grits, but this place made me a fan! OMG! I cannot emphasize how good they were with the added seafood (hint more than shrimp)! The fried chicken and waffles was finger licking! Thanks guys for the Tennessee sauce (hot)! The ambivalence with the oldies on records combined withe a the hospitality made this a favorite spot for us! On you travels visit people! read more

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First spot I tried when I landed in Chicago, and it didn't disappoint! The chicken and waffles were fire. The chicken was HUGE and worth every penny. The waffle, though, was a bit soft and the flavor wasn't mind-blowing. I personally prefer a crispier, more flavorful waffle. The service was friendly, and we were greeted as soon as we walked in. The ambiance has a cozy, homey feel that makes you comfortable right away. Overall, a great experience! read more

Luella's Southern Kitchen - Nashville Hot Chicken and Waffles - Southern Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Coming into this establishments please know it is small on the inside but the service is fast. I was really impressed with the food but I wouldnt mind trying it again when I am alone. I got the shrimp and grits with chicken and waffles. The chicken was too greasy. The waffle was good. My shrimp and grits had a kick to it so I couldnt enjoy it. read more

I've been wanting to come here for a very long time. I heard that they were going to shut down in the fall of 2024 but it seems like they extended their lease for the time being. The place itself is rather small and can get full pretty quickly. We were fortunate enough to have gotten the last table. They also have big communal tables as well. You order your food at the counter and they'll bring it to your table. You grab your own utensils, waters and napkins on the side. Overall I would say the service was a bit slow. Perhaps we all arrived at the same time, but it seem like we waited longer than I would have wanted to. It was definitely worth the wait though. My wife ordered their Nashville Chicken & Waffles and I ordered their shrimp and grits. Both dishe were also on the pricey side but damn were they both good. The chicken and waffles had the perfect amount of heat and sweetness. The chicken was perfectly fried and tasted delicious with the waffles. My shrimp and grits seemed small at first but they were actually pretty filling and also very delicious. The they load the dish up with plenty of bbq shrimp and the grits were cooked perfectly. Very creamy and flavorful. The bbq shrimp was also full of flavor. They online the tail on, but they're not hard to get off. Maybe just a little messy. We couldn't leave Luella's without trying their beignets. These are the most authentic beignets I have had outside of New Orleans. They were fluffy but not dense. Most places make these very thick squared donuts, but powder sugar on them and sell them as beignets. Nope. Not here you get the real thing here. Despite the expensive dishes and long wait time, they won me over with the deliciousness of their food. I hope they aren't going anywhere and will definitely be returning. read more

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Went to the new location. We were greeted by Motown music playing by the door. It was too loud because my friend and I were hardly able to hear the gentleman at the door. The place is well lit and spacious. They have a bar you can sit but not sure if they will start selling alcohol. The concept is still the same. You order and pay first and they will bring your food to you. The fried chicken is still a favorite. The chicken has great flavor and fried perfectly. The waffle was delicious and there's no need to add syrup. I had the stuffed shrimp and grits. I personally did not like it. They put their Nashville sauce on the shrimp and I am not a fan of the sauce. Something in it was too overpowering. Perhaps too much paprika I don't know, but the hashbrowns were perfect. read more

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Wow, what a gem. After reading reviews we added this place to our list of must visits in Chicago. We were a group of 11 and it worked out that the previous large group was finishing up, so the large table was ready within 15 minutes. Ordering is done at the counter and you help yourself to forks, silverware, napkins and plates. We ordered the fried chicken and greens, a side of Mac and cheese and , cornbread. The food was very good. Service was also good. Everyone was attentive. It takes 16-20 minutes to fry chicken, so if you want your chicken cooked properly, be patient. Parking is a bear in Chicago. We parked on the street around the corner in the free parking area. read more

Luella's Southern Kitchen - Outside - Southern Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I remember when the Luella's opened in their OG location on Lincoln...loved it then, love it now. My friend and I had brunch at the new location today, and WOW. We got: crab stuffed shrimp and grits, boudin breakfast sandwich, and a side of mac and cheese to share. Gentle reader, I got food-high. The shrimp and grits were just as delicious as I remember from years ago. The mac is amazing, and arrives in a little cast iron pot with a beautiful crusty top. But that boudin biscuit sandwich? Shut the front door. One of the best breakfast sandwiches I've ever eaten. The boudin sausage patty is PERFECTLY complimented by the blackberry jam. And somehow the biscuit held together, despite being beautifully soft and flaky. Witchcraft. We were seated fairly quickly - we were told the wait was about an hour, but we got seated in about 20 minutes. There was a bit of a wait for our order, but I don't mind, because it was a packed house, which I love to see in their new location. And chef-owner Darnell is a gem. Run, don't walk. You won't be sorry. read more

I see why everyone talks about Luella's because it was delicious! During my very first visit to Luella's a few years ago I made the mistake of going at the every end of their night. They were out of all the good food options, I'm allergic to shellfish so I couldn't try the shrimp and grits. Going to Luella's and not being able to try their famous fried chicken is like going to the beach and not touching the sand. During this second visit I went within the first hour of them being open to ensure they had everything. First off, they do not take reservations so it is first come first serve for seats and food. The inside isn't massive but they have a good amount of four top tables, two single person tables, and one long table. I wouldn't recommend coming with a party larger than four. It was early enough that we didn't have to wait for a table. Before you grab a seat they direct you to order at the front to get your table number if you're dining in. I ordered the famous chicken its greens and of course the mac-n-cheese. All of it was delicious! I can see why Luella's will sometimes sell out of the top items before they close. The chicken was juicy and crispy. The greens and mac-n-cheese were made well. I would definitely come back to Luella's but I would stick with coming closer to when they open because everything from the seating to food is first come first serve. read more

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Came for breakfast. 2 entrees - Chicken and Waffles - Pancakes with blueberry compote. $45 Waffle was underdone as you can tell by the stringy dough.. Chicken was eh...honestly the fried chicken at Pete's Market chain is waaay better and 8.99 for an 8 piece hah. Also the blueberry compote is just slightly cooked blueberries and you get about 7 of them. It's not compote. Experience did not match up to the reviews. Finding out now they moved locations and maybe under new management? I would recommend passing this spot. $45 for 2 plates of mediocre and undercooked food is not worth it. Also they have this pay up front first with a bold sign saying "No Refunds"...so I didn't even bother to ask. The staff were friendly. read more

If I lived near here, I would go at least twice a month. This was my second time here, and we both got the Nashville hot chicken and waffles, and boy, does it hit the spot. It's spicy and delicious. Service is fast, but it gets really packed right away, so I would get there right when they open if you want a spot to sit. The ambiance is laid-back, and you can take your time. They're opening a new location in 10 days. read more

Luella's Southern Kitchen - Chicken and Waffles - Southern Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Luella, Luella, Luella, you have a damn fine kitchen on your hands here. Southern fried and smothered in love this place is a Chicago gem. My humble favorite is the shrimp and grits with a strong glass of sweet tea chased with some greens. The bayou and the levees and the cross roads may be a long ways away, but these scrumptious bites transport you! read more

Went in on a Sunday. Was very busy . Set a reservation and the host released it before within 7 minutes - although they give 10 minute grace period. read more

Best food I've had in Chicago!!! The shrimp and grits and gumbo were my favorites but every dish is literally so good. Comforting and hearty soul food that makes me keep wanting to come back. I've been here like 4x already, but it's not enough. Service is really friendly too. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!! read more

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Everything was amazing!! I ordered the crab, stuffed shrimp and grits, the pancakes, mac & cheese, and collard greens. This is some of the best food I've ever had. read more

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After a long hiatus I took the pilgrimage to check out the new location on Kedzie. I first met Chef Darnel over 9 years ago at his original location in Lincoln Square. His unique dishes are always delicious and leave you craving more. A bonus at the new location is a great sunny patio and bar seating. I really enjoyed the biscuit and gravy with pimento cheese, andouille, chicken strips, and jalapeños. You certainly won't leave hungry. They just opened a week ago and the staff are so nice and welcoming. read more

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Excellent food and good service, but it was weird to be pressed to choose your food at the front door with a line of people behind you.

Seriously incredible. Possibly the best fried chicken you've ever had will be here with a delicious waffle and syrup to match. I also got the special, Hot Honey Shrimp Biscuit, and it also was a life changing experience. Small diner vibe could use some sprucing up, but I enjoyed its intimate feel. Everyone was kind and warm. Cannot wait to show everyone this place! read more

Luella's Southern Kitchen - Chicken and Waffles Hot Honey Shrimp Biscuit - Southern Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I just read about the reopening of this restaurant and a very disappointed. I understand the chef wanting to spend more time with his family, but to totally change the restaurant and eliminate items from your menu. I do not feel as the way to do it. You got chicken on the menu, but I have to order a waffle in order to get it. We'd love to come to your restaurant in Lincoln Square and have a fried chicken greens and cornbread for dinner. I guess now we can't even have that for lunch without a waffle. Maybe you should just hire more help so you can stay home with your family. read more

The food 7/10, the service 7/10, and ambience 6/10. The chicken is fried hard and crunchy in a good way, the flavor is on point. The the pancakes almost taste like a cornbread cake? Mines didn't come with syrup so I ask for some and it definitely elevated the dish. The birria mac and cheese was so flavorful and the mac was tender. The crab stuffed shrimp and grits comes with three crab stuffed shrimp and was very flavorful, I almost was gonna say over seasoned until I mixed it in with the grits. The collard greens were ok but not a favorite. I got $4 orange juice and it was fresh squeezed m. I recommend getting two because they are small. There are only two "waiters". Everyone orders food at the register so you tip at the register or you can leave money on the table. It takes AN HOUR for the food. I heard the host say this to someone and thought he must be overestimating. No he was serious! So bring cards or a topic of discussion. Mostly all the food is cooked to order. Which is why it's so good. Most restaurants pre prep the food but then quality becomes an issue. read more

This little gem owes me and my little family nothing. 5 stars across the board. Food top tier, staff top tier, small romantic ambiance top tier. Crab stuffed shrimp and grits and pancakes is what we ordered. Beyond amazing. I don't even know why they have 4 stars. This place deserves 5 stars and its flowers. The only small little issue is the bathroom is in the basement. I was only thinking for those who may be disabled how difficult it would be for them. Maybe not wheelchair accessible friendly. read more

Luella's Southern Kitchen - Southern Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Gonna have to come back and try more of the food. Plenty of fried options, but the salmon cakes were on point and cooked perfectly. The fried chicken looked incredible, but I didn't get a taste. The collard greens were good, and the beignets were better than some I've had in New Orleans. A lot of friend options, and I would say maybe add something baked or another meat option that's not fried. Overall it was delicious and on point. read more

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This place was amazing so happy I got to experience this restaurants food before going back to Cali. Recommend this place. Pancakes were amazing. The shrimp and grits have been some of the best I have ever had. read more

Came here for brunch with my mom and we both absolutely loved the chicken and waffles! I got the Buttermilk and my mom got the Nashville one. Both had good flavors and paired well with the waffles. Food was on the pricier side but the chicken and waffles are big so honestly if you're not too hungry it's good enough to split for two. We also got the Mac and cheese and collard greens. Loved that they used shell noodles. We did wait around 40 mins for our food to be made so if you paid for parking keep that in mind as well! Definitely suggest going early as groups of people started trickling in 5 mins after we placed our order. It's also a relatively small place so seating is first come first serve. Someone immediately asked if we were done as soon as we stood up to take our table. read more

Luella's Southern Kitchen - Chicken and Waffles, Mac and Cheese, Braised Collard Greens - Southern Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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So bummed out. This place looked so good but the organization is horrid. You can't make reservations, it's first come first serve. But that doesn't even matter. We figured there would be a wait and we were completely fine with that. We were told our wait would be 30 min, 30 min come and go with no update but plenty of open tables. I wanted to be nice, so after about 50ish min I asked what the updated wait time would be and the host couldn't give me an answer... keep in mind I counted at least 4 open tables with no one walking in to say they've received a text. The host also kept telling ppl who were walking in that the wait would be an hour... it was an hour for me after I put my name in, so these poor ppl are probably going to have to wait 2hrs before they eat. On top of that, they were sold out of a few items. So after about 1.25hrs we left. I'm just disappointed because the food looked amazing. read more

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. read more

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