Came here for an early Father's Day dinner. This was my first visit. After looking at the website I knew what I wanted. We arrived and the parking lot was full but I squeezed into a street spot. The line was too the door but they were moving pretty fast. The decor is outdated but that's not what you come for. Loved the history reflected with the photos of customers including former President Obama, current Governor Pritzker and Mayor Johnson. The photos of Jesse Jackson before and after his health deteriorated shows the legacy of this community bedrock. There's also a spot to donate books. This place has changed so have realistic expectations. It is cafeteria style (to go) but you can sit down and eat from your styrofoam container. First the online menu was wrong. We were told that they don't have fish on Sundays. Honestly if I knew that beforehand I wouldn't have gone that day. I decided to get fried chicken, greens and dressing with a side of mac and cheese. The chicken was dry, the greens were a lil salty and the dressing was dry but tasty. I wish i had gotten the gravy on the side. The macaroni and cheese was yummy. My guy got the short ribs, greens and string beans. Like the greens the short ribs were a lil salty. The ribs were cooked to perfection. The meat fell off the bone and melted in your mouth. Overall, I would say try it for yourself. If you like things on the salty side this might be ideal. The meals come with a muffin. It was sweet and so soft that it fell apart in your hands. Please note that individual sides are $3.04 with tax which isn't too bad. You also only get one muffin nit two like the website says. I plan to return on a fish day but it probably won't be soon. I'm optimistic that they will make some changes and update the website. read more

Macarthur's Restaurant - Online Sunday menu - Southern Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I went today and I have to say they are heading back in the right direction. The macaroni and cheese was now worth the 50 Cent extra charge for it. The greens were better without all that Vinegar That they usually put in them My only complaint would be 3 thin slices of catfish for about $13 is a little steep but this is just my opinion. The fish was also delicious. I hope they continue to work towards getting back to where They were before they became Mac Can. I am rooting for them and will be going by more frequently after today. read more

Came to MacArthur today to see the food the Obamas eat when they want soul food. Was very disappointed that they didn't have meatloaf so now I have to come back if I ever come back to Illinois well I would come back to go to the obama library now to the nature at hand the food or meals first off the spaghetti is wonderful get that now the fried chicken was dry in my opinion and the bbq chicken was dry also the yams ok the collard were tender but needed something to me. The fried corn was ok the blkeye peas was ok also the Mac needs help. Now the desserts were on hit the banana pudding crazy good not to sweet full of banana flavor the peach cobbler was ok not as good as the banana but good. I spent about $80 and I'm going to say it was worth it the service was also excellent and inside they play music which Deangelo came on and me and my wife sang to it that was wonderful and me and my whole family had a good time. read more

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Finally made it to MacArthur's for some Soul food on the west side and it did not disappoint. You have to level set your expectations given that the food service is cafeteria style, but we got to try a nice variety of their options and all of the fried dishes were still crispy! The dining room is old school and vibey with the boombox going. As far as the food, our pork, fish and chicken were all good, and the cabbage was surprisingly flavorful. The collards, mashed potatoes and mac&cheese also solid. The yams were too sweet and the cornbread a little dry but overall very pleased with the quantity/quality! My only wish is that they would not use Styrofoam for dine-in customers. This place is definitely an institution. read more

Macarthur's Restaurant - Southern Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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You would think it's a church full of people waiting in line for a meal after service bc ppl from church seemed to be waiting on a very long line and ppl didn't care to wait bc the food is home style. The line was long like 60 people ahead of us so clearly this place does food right. Staff were nice and so were the customers. Everyone today were dressed in their Sunday best (it is Sunday today 5/25/25). This is in The Austin neighborhood where there's a mix of rehabbed homes and old homes from the late 1800s. The inside of the place could use a little updating w lights and furniture. But they have a free parking lot and plenty of street parking. read more

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You guys use to be the bomb years ago but now nope. I ordered a Beef Short rib and Meatloaf split! So I was given two short ribs and one piece of meatloaf. My sides were (double Mac /because it use to be sooo good!) An extra side of string beans and a 7up! My total came to $24 and some change. Cool! I don't care about the cost as long as it's good! My beef short ribs were tender and seasoned well (not over salty like back in the day)! My meatloaf tasted the way it did back in the day too. That Mac and cheese was flavor less! No salt or butter! The string beans were just okay! The cornbread was just okay too! My mom got the same meal but added peach cobbler...the crust was also flavorless mush! What happened guys!? You use to be sooo good! Please get it together!! Also fix your website! The pricing is way off! Those are like 2007/2008 prices! read more

Macarthur's Restaurant - Southern Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

As usual I'm satisfied with the meal I chose. Baked chicken dark, sweet potatoes and cabbage with a peach cobbler for dessert

Food is already too damn high to be serving people mediocre cooking like they are too up and down and too known to be serving bad dinners

I ordered fried white meat chicken and waited over 40 minutes, while at least 10 people who ordered after me got their food first. For a buffet-style setup, that makes no sense. The service was slow, disorganized, and frustrating. Definitely not worth the wait. read more

Macarthur's Restaurant - Another line waiting to order with no order to it - Southern Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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We came here for a post-Easter Sunday observance. It was a very rainy Monday and we came to dine in. THere was plenty of space for dine in but it was cold in the room. The soda dispenser was broken so only canned soda or water was available to drink. I enjoyed the Smothered pork chops, they were moist and flavorful (not salty to me) as well as the sweet potatoes(or yams?). They seemed almost too sweet but they complemented the meat; the cabbage was good too. My party got beef ribs and black eyed peas. It reminded me of soul food Sundays as a kid at my aunt's house! The corn muffins are moist but not my favorite. Keep in mind they only have certain dishes on certain days. I would try the meatloaf next time. The banana pudding, OMG! A good mix of cream and crunch! The cookie part is not mushy like with Nilla Wafers. And I am not a fan of banana anything but this was awesome. I was not fond of the huge Styrofoam containers, even for dine in. Of course the portions are big, so giving us a take home container is practical. I hope they find something that is environmentally responsible but can contain huge amounts of oil and sauce without leaking. There is a $10 minimum charge with card, so we grabbed a chocolate cake as well. Very good but prob not made on site. The cafeteria style was refreshing, with friendly servers, but I'd probably do carryout next time, and only if I am in the area. read more

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Great soul food. Don't be intimidated by the line. The line moves and the food is worth the wait. I always enjoy the traditional fried chicken, dressing, mashed potatoes, and green beans. The dessert not so much but all things considered you're not going for dessert the soul food sells itself. I would rate this as my second favorite soul food. read more

Macarthur's Restaurant - Inside seating - Southern Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Drove all the way from Bloomington, Indiana to visit a friend and we were so excited to try this restaurant because we remembered it being so good. However, this food was terrible. We were told we were served fried catfish and I don't believe that's what we got. Outside of that you can tell the fish had been sitting, it wasn't hot. The macaroni was also bland as well. I went and asked the waiter what fish we had been served and she said it was catfish. I'm not sure what was going on but $20 was wasted and this food went in the trash. It also doesn't help that the staff is not welcoming at all. read more

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HORRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE!!!! The service is utterly terrible! I was a frequent visitor of this restaurant and recently visited last week... it's almost like they deliberately hire employees with the worst attitudes. No one smiles, no nice greetings, etc... and the cashier is absolutely the most rudest of them all. Always rude and nasty every time I visit. Nevertheless, I still raved about this Westside staple (for their good food and decent prices) as I visited with an out of town guest- but I was completely embarrassed. The service was so bad that they refused to eat their food. We ended up discarding the food and going to another restaurant. read more

It's not what it use to be unfortunately. The chicken dinner is cheap on Monday's and it's worth the price. Mac and cheese is always yummy. It's the meats that can be hit or miss to me. For the price they charge I expect more food and good quality meats. The servers always have an attitude and very rarely has the answers to questions about what they are offering. I keep my visits here to a minimum. read more

The last time I came here was 4 years ago, after reading other reviews, THEY ARE STILL NOT GOOD ! DISRESPECTFUL STAFF, don't know how to treat customers with respect when service, I WILL NEVER GO BACK THERE ! Spend your money elsewhere, where you will be treated with respect ! Whoever the owner is, the day will come , why you don't correct your staff to be polite to customers who is spending their money, You sure won't be getting my money ! read more

I was visiting a friend and she asked if I had Macarthur's and I said No. She just shoock her head at me and said get in the car we about to go. I am always down for Soul Food. The Decor is very outdated and a lot of the items that I looked up on their website was sold out by time we got there. So, if there is something you are really craving go early. I ordered the Fried Chicken, Fried Catfish, Mac & Cheese, Corn and String Beans. The food was very good. Everything was seasoned perfectly. Service was a little rocky as my friend ordered a peach cobbler the lady that was serving told the lady at the register that she had a peach cobbler and the lady never rang it up. When My friend asked about the peach cobbler, she said that we didn't ask for one. Overall food was good, decor could improve, and customer service could be better. I would give it a second chance read more

Not the same! Quality fair. Sorry to say! Mac and cheese not cheesy. Chicken wings like Cornish hen no authentic flavor. Will not recommend. Will not return! Soule and Turkey Tips here we come! read more

I grew up in Alabama and just moved to Chicago from Atlanta, so I'm familiar as hell with Southern Cuisine, but this establishment LAID ME OUT. Too hungover to make collards and black eyed peas New Year's Day (but obviously still here for any Money and Luck I could get), I told Husb we had to get our sorry selves up and go find some, even if we had to wait in line. Macarthur's, we were not ready. I took the best nap of my LIFE after this--so glad we got it to-go so I could crawl RIGHT in my bed when I was done... Black Eyed Peas: 100/10 Collards: slap your Mama Mac'n'Cheese: creamy and dreamy Fried chicken: juicy as hell--Husb was trying not to share Mashed Potatoes: garlic and love Corn bread: melt in your mouth Banana Pudding: probably the best I've ever had Thank y'all for doing the Lord's work. read more

Macarthur's Restaurant - Black Eyed Peas and Collard Greens - Southern Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

A Chicago Westside hood favorite! I hadn't been to Mac's (as us locals call it) in years! They'd "fell off" for lack of better words. But my friend always goes here for quick meals and I gave In 1 day... They're a soul food spot that orders a variety of items daily. You name it they have it. Smothered porkchops, fried chicken, baked chicken, BBQ chicken, turkey legs, hamhocks, meatloaf, beef shortribs, greens, yams, cabbage, Mac & cheese, spaghetti, cakes, pies, etc etc. You get in line and walk thru the maze to order as u look at them scoop your meal into trays, you then pay. Don't come here for friendly convo from the staff this is jailhouse cafeteria style! GET YOUR SHIT & GET OUT THE WAY LOL. They offer dine in or carry out. Prices are reasonable for this day & age. Food is good. Some days are a hit, some can be a miss. Goodluck when ya go. Lol read more

Located in The Austin neighborhood of Chicago, Macarthur's Restaurant is one of the best soul food restaurants in the city of Chicago. 5 out of 5 stars. read more

You won't find much better smothered chicken, yams and mac & cheese. It's packed after church on Sundays so get ready to wait!

Food real greens mixed w/ glory can greens & frozen greens . White pork chops,lumpy gravy. I have experience. all of this.

Went here on Sat. 08/10/2024 with a guest. The women taking orders need to pipe down. She's too aggressive and should learn to greet customers without an attitude since we pay your salary. The young girl preparing the food shouldn't get upset because folks check there order before paying resulting in her ignoring you when requesting a dessert. I know you don't care but, you just lost a customer. I'll never return. read more

Their food is AMAZING!!!! Every time I'm on the west side I come and get some of their food my go to is fried chicken with a side of Mac and sweet potatoes but their dressing and greens are good as well. There is usually a long line on Sunday but they do good with keeping it moving. The workers are nice as well and the atmosphere is great! I definitely recommend! read more

Macarthur's Restaurant - Fried Chicken, sweet potatoes and Mac and cheese - Southern Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Been eating here for years; I've never been disappointed. Honestly, I've pretty much ordered the exact same thing forever because why try something else when what you've already had has been so good! - fried chicken breast and smothered pork chops with greens and sweet potatoes w/ cornbread. Today, I took three guests, and we decided to eat family-style, and ordered most of the offerings! Fried chicken - 5 stars; one of the few place where a big chicken breast is always tender and juicy. I also get if smothered in the pork chop gravy which is like bacon (makes everything even better). Smothered pork chops - 5 stars BBQ ribs - 4 stars; this is a certain style of "BBQ" you often find in cafes and diners Ham hocks - 4 stars; lightly smokey, tender, juicy, sticky, slimey, gooey tendons, decadent fat, and succulent fat! Makes the perfect bite with the sweet potatoes. Greens - 5 stars; perfectly salty, hammy, and NOT overcooked! Cabbage - 5 stars; I don't like stewe or cooked cabbage; butnI really enjoyed THIS cabbage. Corn - 4 stars; it's corn Sweet potatoes- 5 stars; one of my favorites! Mac and cheese - 5 stars, can't stop eating this! Spaghetti - 2 stars (like beef-a-roni), my kids would LOVE this, but not really my style. Think high-school cafeteria spaghetti taken up a notch. Try Mac's! You won't regret it! And did I mention that the portions are huge! Sticks-to-your-ribs food. read more

Still good as ever! I came back home to visit and this was literally the first place I came to, didn't even check into my hotel lol read more

Pretty good mac could of used more cheese overall The peach cobbler always FYE I recommend this place. read more

Macarthur's Restaurant - Southern Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Good ol soul food , very well cooked portions......you'll love the hospitality here, go and check it out

Service is terrible- everyone kind, apologetic but c'mon one waitress for the ENTIRE RESTAURANT. Young staff - the supervisor apologized but REALLY - we asked for an iced tea - 30 minutes later no iced tea!! My husband had to get up to retrieve more bread and sugar. Food was mediocre at best...do not come here. It is a shame because a beautiful setting. read more

Soul food the way you like it. Been eating at Macarthur's every since they opened. Definitely one of my go to spots.

"No Soul Food For You" Ok so just a disclaimer this place isn't for the pretty little diners. Come to this place to get heavy, rich and savory helpings of everything mama used to make. 4 stars is deserved here because you come to expect a certain charismatic urban family flair. This flair adds to the character of the place. You know as well as I do family tells it like it is and so will I. Instead of my usual review I'll give you the rundown in a few tips. TIP #1 - Get Here Early (Before 6) If you come near close they may be out of the delicious dang near 44 cheese baked macaroni (-1 star). You can't be upset you showed up late and fam will tell you it just like that too. "None of mama's mac for you!" (Dead horse?) TIP #2 - Look At The Wall Staring at the wall and watching paint dry while you wait to be seated is no fun task. Thankfully, MacArthur's thought of everything. To encourage you to feel welcome and loved, a wall of political activist and civil rights leaders who have graced the down-home spot line the entrance walls. Take a look and understand you are about to partake of the same food, in the same kitchen, from the same chef who fueled the soul of equality warriors like Harold Washington and Jesse Jackson. Mmmmm the consciousness is almost as delicious as these collard greens. TIP #3 - Come Hungry for Brunch They have this crazy amazing Noah's ark breakfast deal where you get like two of everything and enough grits to drown in. Best part it's a soul food spot, so you know the breakfast is seasoned oh so well. TIP #4 - Get Enough To Share Not in the mood for breakfast? I come here for lunch a few times a month and every time I do I always buy an extra side of candied yams or baked mac to share. The scent is going to fill the office or, if you work in the sales industry, communal trough. I'm telling you people get curious about the miracle healing powers of soul food when they smell MacArthur's. Don't say I didn't warn you. SWEET BONUS TIP This place is known for their banana pudding and it runs out quickly, no matter how much they make; no really(-1 star). That being said all that "sharing is caring" stuff goes out the window. If you get your hands on this delicious puddin' keep it for yourself and stash what you don't finish in the veggie bin. Enjoy! Thanks again Chef MacArthur Alexander, you and your kitchen know how to throw down. read more

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I been to Chicago many times before but never had the opportunity to grace my presence at the legendary Macarthur's but this time I decided to go. I ordered the fried chicken, macaroni & cheese, and greens.. My family ordered smothered pork chops, greens, rice & gravy... Fish, macaroni & cheese, and greens each plate comes with cornbread. It was buffet style with many items to choose from restaurant was clean service was good the ambiance was laid back families and older people. The food didn't have flavor and not seasoned well greens very salty, I didn't get the wow factor I was expecting very disappointed. read more

Our school had a graduation planned and a huge healthcare company was going to sponsor lunch. Unfortunately instead of supporting a Black owned business we had to go elsewhere. In the future, adopt a credit card authorization form. Do not ask for a Promissory note. This is the way business is being conducted. The ladies on the phone were rude to say the least. I'd still patronize as an individual. read more

The Food Here Is Spectacular , as Well As The Owner And Staff Is Very Friendly And Warm ! read more

This place is a no go! Customer service is a joke! The food is hot garbage ! I mean there is absolutely no pride taken in the prep , cooking or serving of the food this is a disgrace to soul foodies! read more

Food was fried and seasoned just right!! It is cafeteria style... but that did not take away from the experience! We'll be back on the next trip out! read more

Good grub! We had the fried chicken and catfish. The Mac and cheese needed more love, but the green beans were off the hinges good!!!!!! read more

Macarthur's Restaurant - Fried chicken, Mac n cheese and green beans - Southern Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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FALSE ADVERTISEMENT They advertise $6.99 plus tax baked chicken dinner with 2 sides online but when you order and get to the register to pay they charge $9.99 plus tax. All items are overcharged by at least 40% more than the online advertised prices. TERRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE My order was made wrong and when I said something to the guy about it one of the lady's came to me with an attitude saying "you didn't ask me so who did you ask for that". At that point the lady I originally had asked wasn't on the line anymore. UNPROFESSIONAL Cashier was yelling at the young man working for leaving his spot in front of all the customers. He responded that he just got back from break. (Which was true because he was smoking a cigarette in front of the restaurant when I arrived.) They then began going back and forth at each other in front of all the customers. UNORGANIZED Ran out of Mac and cheese and yams in the middle of making our two meals, so my food is ready just sitting there getting cold for 10 minutes waiting for them to bring out more food. Also the lady at the meat section continued taking orders and had at least 10 orders getting cold also waiting for max and cheese or yams. ATMOSPHERE Very older restaurant, a few updates wouldn't hurt. It was clean, but all of the seating for dine in was closed. FOOD Yams were fantastic Mac and cheese was watery and had no taste Chicken was as dry as the cornbread muffins Good portion sizes read more

They was good then and still good now. All of these other soul food restaurants charging a arm and a leg and you can get the same good ol soul food here. Ain't no place like home!!! I definitely recommend!! Forget all these fancy a** soul food restaurants charging $50 for a porkchop or piece of chicken. Uh uh no not i!! I went to a few of them fancy restaurants and it was either too salty or too crowded lol Macarthurs the way to go!! read more

A close friend from Chicago said I should try this place so we went. They need to update their online menu. I spent an extra $7 because their prices at the restaurant are higher than what is being advertised online. I haven't checked the law, but it seems to me that they should honor the publicly advertised prices so that people aren't sideswiped when they get to the cash register. The food was excellent so I give it 5 stars for that. The long lines and wait time take away 1 star and the bogus pricing removes a second star. The beef short rib dinner was supposed to be $11.99 according to the menu, but there was an upcharge at the register of $1.00 as well as an added 50 cents each for the 2 sides of mac and cheese and yams. (the most ordered sides) so the price is really $13.99 for the beef rib dinner. The dessert is advertised at $3.00, but i was charged $3.50 each, so again, sideswipe. so what was supposed to be a $33.00 meal ended up being $40.88 - That is a big difference. But as far as taste, I would definitely go back. read more

Macarthur's Restaurant - Me and close friend Rich, who introduced me to this restaurant for soul chicago dining. enjoying the food at Macarthur's - Southern Near Me - Chicago, Illinois