We stopped at Maple Tree Inn for a pre-concert dinner, and I found myself asking: why did I wait so long to come back? My last visit was when they were still on Old Western Ave in Blue Island--way overdue for a return. Let's start with the food--absolutely delicious. The three of us kicked things off with the Cast Iron Cornbread, and trust me, don't skip it. Perfectly done and a great start to the meal. For mains, we went with the Pitmaster's N'awlins Gumbo, Hickory Buttered BBQ Shrimp, and Burnt Ends. Every dish was spot on--flavorful, well-executed, and clearly made with care. The restaurant itself is pristine--clean, polished, and classy without feeling stuffy. Service was just as strong. Our server, Nick, was attentive, knowledgeable, and made the whole experience smooth and enjoyable. Safe to say, it will NOT be another 30 years before my next visit. Highly recommend. read more

The original location of Maple Tree Inn was located in Blue Island. This location was unfortunately destroyed in 2018 by a fire. My coworkers and I would go to the old location from time to time. Their new location opened in 2019, but this is the first time that I got to check it out. The restaurant is gorgeous! One thing that I noticed was all staff that I encountered generally looked happy. The host was super friendly and offered vegan or gluten free menus if we needed. The person that seated us also was running food and ensuring tables were kept clean. Since it had been so long since I dined here, the menu appeared smaller. I appreciated that our server Adam explained some of his favorites. The cocktail that I got was excellent. The cornbread appetizer was huge. I went with the gumbo and it was full of meat pieces. It was really flavorful. Adam was super friendly and made us feel welcome. Parking lot is tight, but they also offer valet. I highly recommend this spot if you are looking for some Louisiana style cusine. read more

I visited this classy restaurant on a pretty mild winter evening during a business trip; however, I ended up dining alone since my Louisiana-born colleague bailed out on me. Needless to say, I sat at the bar for top notch service. This is also the kind of place where you are likely to strike up a convo with your fellow patrons sitting at the bar, in addition to the long-time bartender. They were having a restaurant week menu, and a Wednesday/Thursday special crab boil option the night I visited. I just stuck to the regular menu and ordered the red snapper with crawfish etouffee. Their menu is sort of small. The red snapper is a nice size filet...with plenty of collard greens on top. Great dish, I just wish the temperature on the etouffee was a bit warmer, as it was nearly room temperature. I had a beer on tap and a zombie cocktail on tap. Both were excellent and go well with this type of food. If you're in the Chicago area and craving Louisiana style food, this is your place. read more

We went here for lunch today, the first thing that made me side eye these folk was informing us of the hour, 45 min dine time. To tell people spending their money how long they could stay was off putting but I went with the flow. I started with crab mornay, which is a crab dip that taste like home made tuna but whatever. I got the bbq shrimp over cheese grits which was delicious and I got the banana fosters bread pudding to go. Once I got around to trying it, it wasn't bananas anything. It was regular bread pudding. Had I known that I could've chosen a different dessert. They were ok but I probably would think of other options before choosing to come back anytime soon. read more

Maple Tree Inn - Southern Near Me - Homewood, Illinois

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I stopped by Maple Tree Inn due to a recommendation. The first thing I noticed was how spacious the restaurant was. I was expecting to come to a smaller venue, but the size provided some comfort to my pseudo-claustrophobia lol. I ordered the skillet cornbread, Hickory BBQ Shrimp, and Burnt Ends. My girlfriend ordered the catfish and we shared a bowl of gumbo. Three words: Quality Louisiana Cuisine. The Hickory BBQ Shrimp was some of the best BBQ Shrimp I've ever had. The cornbread was so good and I appreciated the fact that it had actual corn bits inside. The service was great and I actually ordered the gumbo and burnt ends based on the server's recommendation. Overall, I'll be going back to Maple Tree In whenever I'm in the Homewood area again! read more

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Food, service and ambiance were great at Maple Tree Inn! We enjoyed celebrating 36th anniversary with friends. It was our first time. Looking forward to going back for dinner. read more

Came here for my anniversary and it was wonderful!! If you like New Orleans cuisine, I highly recommend trying this spot. The ambience was top notch with the nola figures around the restaurant. Our waitress was super sweet- forgot her name but overall it was a great experience! read more

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It's been a minute since I reviewed the Maple Tree Inn, so I wanted to update my review based upon a recent experience there. This restaurant continues to stand out in the south suburbs giving patrons a one-of-a-kind experience featuring yhe best Cajun food you're likely to find anywhere outside of New Orleans. There's love in every dish and you can taste it in every bite. Emily waited on us in the bar area on this visit, and she is a true artist behind the rail. Her specialty cocktails are all amazing - especially The Summer In Manhattan - and she's features seasonal ones that change almost weekly. A must for those looking to try something different an unique. The space itself is so warm and inviting, as you tap your foot to an ever-changing playlist of music that features Zydeco, Jazz, Soul and Funk. Perfectly complimenting the slightly upscale, yet comfortable vibe. All of this would be enough for the wife and I to belly-up to the bar on the regular if we lived closer. Because it's a 1/2 hour drive for us, Maple Tree Inn has become a date-night destination for us, and it NEVER disappoints. We've been ordering the Hickory Butter BBQ Shrimp for at least 30 years and there's simply no other dish like it that we've ever found. And that includes a handful of top shelf restaurants in New Orleans itself.... It's worth the trip alone, but the real good news is that everything on the menu is very good. Maple Tree Inn isn't your average meat and potatoes spot, but if you're looking for a unique dining experience in a comfy neighborhood spot than you should definitely make this a destination. Go in with an open mind and an empty belly. You will NOT be disappointed!! read more

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Loved it here! We had great service, great food, and enjoyed everything about it. I ordered the jambalaya, and it did remind me of being back in New Orleans visiting my family. Would absolutely recommend! read more

I say each to his own everybody's taste buds are different. This restaurant did nothing for my taste buds went for my mom's birthday celebration and that was the only reason so therefore I doubt if I ever go back to this place. read more

If you are look for Louisiana cooking! Always good to put reservation in the service the greeters at the door was top not the self will come to see how your food is food was very fresh and great tasting. They also have a organic menu a gluten-free menu as well. read more

Having received a post about a restaurant in Homewood that has a New Orleans menu, I decided to try Maple Tree Inn. It reminds me of Pappadeaux's. I sat at the bar since it was just me. The hostess was initially seating me immediately between someone at the end of the bar and a party of two at an otherwise empty bar. They accommodated my request to not be squeezed between two people by moving me immediately to the other side of the party of two. That's a deterrent for returning for bar seating. As to service, they score high marks. Granted I arrived early in the afternoon, or was not yet extremely busy, the bartender was not scrambled. He even made my sazerac the way I have had them in New Orleans. I ordered the fried oysters. The oysters were delicious. However, the combination of asiago cheese and garlic butter was overpowering. The crawfish etouffee was definitely the highlight of the meal. It was proper spicy and full of flavor. For an early Sunday afternoon, Maple Tree Inn seems like a great place. I can only imagine weekends and dinner. I may try them again later in the year. They won't be a landing spot for regular visits, but once or twice a year will work for me. read more

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The food, preparation time and attention to detail was very impressive. Paris suggestions and kindness were "tip worthy". Thx P!

I love the place I really do. I think it's very atmosphere. The waitress was really nice. We tipped him like $40. He was very accommodating, but the food is what we all come here to see and I'm not going to lie. It was terrible. They only gave me a spoonful of rice and I told them to take the oysters back because it was very salty. Everything was so salty read more

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Food good, service great ambiance excellent. Food is a bit pricey, the ribeye was good but not the best cut. Every bite just about came with some fat. I would go back to try out other dishes. read more

Fantastic customer service from everyone I interacted with. Cool vibe inside that fits the southern theme. Food was amazing and came out quickly. I was texting my friends about what they missed out on by not joining me. I don't think you can go wrong anywhere on the menu and any questions will get you a very informed answer. Truly exceptional experience, and a place I'd 100% return to. read more

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Very good atmosphere for our party of 8, and The food was enjoyed by all. My jambalaya was really good with lots of protein, and the right kind of heat. Of course the Maple Tree hot sauce was on the table. read more

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Nice ambiance and great service from Ryan, our server. We were there on April 16, 2026 for my partner's birthday. His choice, not mine. This restaurant has a theme that draws but does not pack the punch. He had Surf n Turf Thibodaux which featured pasta, shrimp, chicken and smoked brisket. I had Burnt Ends over grits. The Burnt Ends were supposed to be beef brisket too. The problem was neither entree had beef brisket. What should have been brisket was pot roast. It's a shame that this restaurant is passing off out roast for brisket. There is a difference. For starters we had Crawfish Fritters. The center was wet and gooey. Maybe that's the way they were supposed to be served, we had not had them before. We used to frequent MTI when they were in Blue Island, again for the theme and entertainment. I went to MTI when they were located in Chicago also. The food is bland. The cocktails are blah. I'd recommend ordering a shot straight or a coffee with whiskey. The beignets were pretty good. read more

Ambiance 5, service 5, food 2 We started with the skillet cornbread. We all took one bite, looked at each other and said ick... the cornbread tasted like iron from the iron skillet pan. I use iron skillet pans to cook all the time this pan was obviously not properly cleaned because you could taste the iron. My Southern style catfish was very good, but the coleslaw was warm and the Cajun rice flavor wasn't very good. My wife had the shrimp which was very rubbery and overcooked. The other couple had the blackened red snapper and burnt ends. both were underwhelmed. We have been here before And I've never had a bad meal. This was really disappointing. The desserts were fantastic Bread pudding, beignets and apple cobbler. read more

Wonderful evening with my friends for dinner, and this time I decided to go south rather than downtown on the recommendation of my friend and colleague who was my guest tonight along with a lifelong friend, and my wife. The company made the night, but the great service from Aziel, and outstanding food were much appreciated. This warm but vibrant restaurant is a winner. A bit expensive for its locale, but the food is good and you don't have to pay an arm and leg to park so all-in-all, you bet that "I'll be back!" Okay so to start I had the classic Oysters Rockefeller: Fresh oysters on the half shell, baked with butter and topped with spinach, fennel, bread crumbs, garlic, Worcestershire, and Herbsaint -- an anise-flavored liqueur created in New Orleans that taste a bit like slightly spicy herbal mint and licorice; delicious offering with a unique flare. For my entree I ordered the Trout Pontchartrain ($45 is excessive, but I like the New Orleans "Lake Pontchartrain" naming connection for a Cajun/Creole French Quarter style restaurant which Maple Tree Inn is). Classically prepared Rainbow Trout, lightly breaded then pan seared, served over corn maque choux and topped with mushrooms and lump crabmeat, finished with a classic flavorful French beurre blanc sauce. A very tasty dish. The Cast Iron Corn Bread - house-made jalapeño cornbread served with cinnamon honey butter - was as delicious as it sounds. We shared as a table of four. I tasted but did not order the Braised Collard Greens which were a bit too vinegary for my palate but everyone else at the table devoured their orders. My good friend ordered the Seafood Gumbo-- Creole-style gumbo in a traditional brown roux with okra and tomatoes; shrimp, crawfish, clams, mussels, fish, and calamari and their bowl was completely cleaned so I gather it was quite tasty (LOL). My wife had the Hickory Buttered BBQ Shrimp ... jumbo peeled shrimp sautéed in a garlic butter sauce with tomatoes and spices; served with a green onion relish and cheddar crisps. They both ordered fried Louisiana catfish for their entrees - catfish fillets coated in seasoned flour and deep fried to a golden brown; served with a Crystal Hot Sauce aioli and Cajun rice, and garnished with a roasted cabbage slaw and both commented that it was delicious. My colleague went for meatier dishes: Pitmaster's Gumbo ... Creole-style gumbo in a traditional brown roux with okra; andouille sausage, smoked chicken, pulled sparerib, and brisket. Again, the bowl was completely cleaned so I surmised that it's worth highly recommending--she sure enjoyed it! Her entree looked stunning: Burnt ends -- A half-pound of slow-smoked beef brisket, cubed, topped with ancho molasses bbq sauce, then braised and caramelized, served with smothered cabbage and horseradish & gouda cheese grits. (Next time this is the dish I try). She highly recommended this dish. My colleague's friend Emily who appeared to be a wait staff manager sent us an assortment of complimentary desserts: 1) New Orleans styled beignets, appropriately described as the quintessential French Quarter experience. These were traditional French-style beignets with powdered sugar; 2) Bananas Foster's Bread Pudding served over banana creme brûlée finished with a praline sauce; and, 3) An incredibly decadent dessert dish called "GINGER MOLASSES BUTTERNUT TART" - a ginger and molasses tart with spiced butternut squash filling; topped with marshmallow créme, streusel, and a French styled tuile baked wafer. OH MY GOD!!!! What a delightful experience tasting those desserts was! They all appeared to be exactly as advertised based upon what I tasted of all three desserts (we shared each by quartering them). These were deliciously luxurious dishes. I'll be back next month with another group of 6 friends and I'll try different dishes so stay tuned! read more

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Upon arrival there is plenty of free parking space in their lot. The ambiance is gorgeous, plenty of table seating and a nice bar with seating available as well. I had the crab mornay and pit masters gumbo. The gumbo was really good, would definitely recommend. Carb mornay left a lot to be desired. The dip was a bit bland in flavor and the bread for dipping just tasted like regular bread, not toasted or anything. The voodoo zombie drink was really good as well. Everything was reasonably priced and our server was very attentive. Would definitely return. read more

Maple Tree Inn - Voodoo Zombie - Southern Near Me - Homewood, Illinois

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Make reservations (our wait wasn't too long for a Saturday evening), valet parking, nice comfortable seating and the food and cocktails were delicious!!! Our server Joe, was awesome, he made recommendations that were on point. Large portions also. Our food was hot and the plating presentation was lovely. Overall friendly vibe, guests seated next to us were enjoying themselves too. They complimented the restaurant as well. We enjoyed the dining experience and our Ladies night out, all 4 of us. read more

Before writing this review, I've actually attended Maple Tree Inn three times. Each visit has the same great service, food and experience. Originally Maple Tree Inn was in Blue Island near the Cal-Sag Channel at the intersection of Old Western and Canal Street. In 2015, the hubby and I went there for a couple's date night and I recalled the Cajun-Creole style food was amazing. The restaurant had been there since 1975, but a fire erupted in 2018, forcing the restaurant to close it's doors. The Maple Tree Inn entertained guests in a temporary Blue Island location before opening it's newest location during 2020 in Homewood. I've visited the Homewood location and the dining area, music, service and food are outstanding. If I lived closer, I would definitely be a regular guest!!! read more

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Maple tree Inn was amazing. Celebrating my sister's birthday we chose the perfect spot! The establishment was such a cute and cozy spot. Very intimate atmosphere. A vibe for any occasion. Maple Tree Inn menu are Cajun/Creolé cuisines. So much flavors and a southern culture. You will not regret! We ordered the Double Roasted Beet Salad and the cornbread skillet for starters which both dishes were fresh and full of flavors. And for our entrees we ordered the "BLACKENED REDFISH ÉTOUFFÉE: Red snapper served blackened, set over white rice and topped with our famous Crawfish Étouffée; served with braised collard greens. Collard greens definitely had a spicy flavor but still blended so well entirely. Also ordered the BURNT ENDS which consisted of a half-pound of 14 hr. slow-smoked beef brisket, cubed, topped with ancho molasses BBQ sauce, then braised and caramelized; served with smothered okra and horseradish & gouda cheese grits. This was my favorite dish with all the umami flavors you couldn't resist the dish! And for drinks we had the HURRICANE & CREOLE VOODOO ZOMBIE. Both drinks were sooooo good! Made just right! Our server named was Aziel. He was phenomenal! He had a great personality, mannerisms, very attentive and if multitasking was a person! He was our bartender & server and did the job well and with such grace! He made great suggestions and made my first time and sister's birthday a wonderful experience! Take for the pic! Beignets for cake any day! This spot is a must! Check em out! read more

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I had the best meal of my life here. Started with a hurricane that was much better than Obrien's in New Orleans. Had the excellent pitmaster's gumbo as an entree. For dessert we shared the praline chocolate cake. The food was phenomenal, the service was above and beyond and I loved the atmosphere and New Orleans decor. Outstanding. A+ read more

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Top to bottom, one of the best restaurant experiences I have ever had. FINALLY, a place where the price matches the quality of the food. Every. Single. Dish was PHENOMENAL! Our waiter (Aziel) was absolutely incredible. I was torn between two dishes to choose from, so I left it in his hands, and he picked the Hickory Buttered BBQ shrimp. Granted that it was the perfect portion size, I wanted more. The drinks are outstanding. Atmosphere is a mix of cozy and lively. They even have a complimentary valet service! This place seriously lacked nothing. 10/10! If I lived closer to the area, I would absolutely make this a regular dinner spot. read more

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"Updating" my review, although my last one was in 2018 at the former location. The Homewood location is a laid back and comfortable place with plenty of room to spread out and enjoy, whether for two or a larger group. The Gulf Fish Pontchartrain was really tasty-the corn maque choux, mushrooms and rice were a perfect base for the perfectly cooked fish. Cocktails were creative and tasty, while desserts were really something-the Chocolate Pecan Pie and Glazed Doughnut Peach Cobbler were great! read more

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Went to Maple Tree Inn a couple of weeks ago. Had not visited for over a year. I don't know if they got a new chef, but my two favorites the fried greens tomatoes and the catfish were both unrecognizable and not in a good way. Sometimes, when something works, you don't need to try to change it. It will be a while before I go back read more

The establishment very nice and cozy. The service was really good, everyone was nice, welcoming and attentive. However, the food was not that great. Gumbo was ok, but a bit salty, the fried oysters and tomatoes were good. The fish was okay. The hickory bbq shrimp and grits were alright. Nothing to rave over. But the fried chicken was GOD AWFUL! Waiter said it was to die for.... Absolutely NOT! Honestly; the place has potential but there needs to be a chef revamp. It was also shared that the food is batch made, drinks included, so making substitutions on certain dishes isn't possible. I would not go again. read more

The food was okay. I ordered greens that I wouldn't order again. I loved my gin cocktail. It was a special cocktail though, and I can't remember the name. My mom said her gumbo was good though. It's really dark inside and the baker parking feels cute but unnecessary. I probably won't return. read more

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I arrived on a Friday around 6:30 PM, and the place was buzzing but not overwhelming, perfect for a group of four like ours. We started with cocktails from their signature New Orleans lineup, and the "Little Dragon" (reposado tequila, pink grapefruit liqueur, lemon, and tarragon) was a standout: bright, herbaceous, and just the right amount of tart to whet the appetite. It's no wonder they highlight craft beers on draft and wine on tap; the drink menu feels thoughtful and elevated without pretension. The real magic, though, is the food. As a Top 50 Southern Restaurant in America per OpenTable in 2018, they deliver authentic Cajun/Creole flavors with a Midwestern twist. We shared the Hickory Buttered BBQ Shrimp & Grits as an appetizer, plump shrimp in a smoky, buttery sauce over creamy grits that melted in your mouth. For mains, the Creole Jambalaya was a hearty triumph: andouille sausage, shrimp, chicken, and rice simmered in a spicy tomato broth that built heat gradually without overpowering. My partner raved about the Blackened Redfish Étouffée, tender fish in a rich, roux-based sauce with just enough bell pepper kick. Portions are generous (we took home leftovers), and prices hover around $20-$35 per entree, offering solid value for the quality. They even have dedicated vegan and gluten-free menus, which go beyond basics, think chef-crafted dishes like plant-based étouffée that hold their own against the classics. Service was another high note. Our server, a longtime staffer who made the move from their previous Blue Island location, was knowledgeable, attentive, and infused with that Southern hospitality the menu promises. No rushed vibes here; it's all about savoring the meal and the stories behind it. The only minor hiccup was a slight wait for our table despite a reservation (about 10 minutes), but free parking in their well-lit lot made arrival stress-free. If you're craving soul-warming gumbo, fried oysters, or beignets for dessert (fluffy pillows of fried dough dusted with powdered sugar--don't skip them), Maple Tree Inn transports you to NOLA without the flight. In a sea of chain steakhouses, this spot stands out as a community anchor, Black-owned, family-operated, and fiercely dedicated to tradition. I'd give it a solid 4.7/5 and can't wait to return for their holiday specials. read more

Maple Tree Inn - Southern Near Me - Homewood, Illinois

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We visited for a second time on date night and were seated immediately with our reservation. The seasonal drink was poured to perfection. It was a blueberry bourbon concoction and the name escapes me but it's pure mixology brilliance. The fried oysters and gumbo appetizers were delicious. I wonder how we had room for the main course. Hubby enjoyed the fried catfish - it was well seasoned and he demolished it without complaint and I married a picky eater so consider the full context. The server warned me about the size of the pork chop. She was right! It took me a min to figure out how to tame the beast but when I did it was smoked and grilled. Smoked and grilled! Tender and crispy! And delicious with the sweet potato bread pudding whatever it was which had me at hello. I don't even think this was on the menu last time we visited. If it was how did I miss something so beautiful? If it's seasonal I can't wait to come back and explore again! read more

Maple Tree Inn - Double cut pork chop entree - Southern Near Me - Homewood, Illinois

Our regular date night spot! Always on point and the customer service is exceptional. Ensure you make your reservation early! read more

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I found this spot on yelp. Trusted the reviews and I'm glad I did. The service - the food- and drinks were amazing. Several gluten free options with educated staff to help navigate the menu! read more

It's overpriced like Pappadeaux's. The old place was way better. Imma pass. I wish i could remember the waiters name. He was cool. read more

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Overall just meh . I had the etoufee redfish. It was okay, but fish kinda had a freezer taste to me. The person I was with had the burnt ends and grits. The burnt ends were a little dry and the grits tasted like instant grits. Very mushy, not like regular grit's consistency. I also don't like that the greens were on top of my fish, I prefer it on the side. My cocktails were pretty, but not potent. My favorite part of the meal were the bbq shrimp appetizer. read more

Maple Tree Inn - Burnt ends and redfish etouffee topped with greens. - Southern Near Me - Homewood, Illinois

0I haven't been to their newest location but the others I visited were very nice. Even my companions enjoyed their dining experience. Good food, great service and a warm atmosphere all added to the ambiance. If you enjoy New Orleans cuisine than I highly recommend this place for dinner/a meal....! BTW - the tables had white table linens but the former locations were not fancy or pretentious....! N'joy! read more

I never really go to this place for the food, mainly the ambience! I'm sure if i appreciated creole cuisine more I would LOVE it here. No complaints about the service. read more

Maple Tree Inn - Southern Near Me - Homewood, Illinois

About last night.... This was our first time coming here and at the last minute. They had quite a few reservations, but we were able to be seated quickly. The ambiance is very warm and cozy. Adam was our server. He is funny and we had a blast with him! For starters, we ordered fried green tomatoes and cast iron cornbread. Our entrees: hickory buttered BBQ shrimp, blackened crawfish étouffée, (one with crawfish étouffée and the other, without due to shellfish allergies), and blackened ribeye. Our desserts: banana foster bread pudding and beignets. Everything was delicious with the right amount of spice. We will definitely be back! read more

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Gumbo was just okay. The flavors were mild and not very exciting. It was filling but lacked a wow factor. Just an average meal. read more

Maple Tree Inn - Southern Near Me - Homewood, Illinois