I've been here a couple of times with my family, and we love it! We've gone for breakfast and lunch. They do an all you can eat buffet, but they also have a menu you can order from. Everything is made to-order, which I love! Always ensures your food is HOT. The staff are so nice and kind. Definitely feels like a friend or a family there. It's very familiar and homey. Overall, an amazing place I'll come back to over and over again! read more

Pearl's Place - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I had the worse experience at Pearl's Place I've only been to this establishment twice and I paid a total of $40 in which my bill was $47 + gratuity for soulful buffet. I did not eat because the food did not taste good however I didn't complain, but the folks who was with me felt that I shouldn't have paid however, I didn't wanna make a fuss about it . They called the manager. He came over and asked me what was the issue. I let him know that I did not eat the food and that I basically pay to be there "" he looked me right in my face and said I'm so sorry to hear that please come again and the list go on.. I will not be back. This restaurant will be at the top of my never again list. read more

Pearl's has been around for so many years. Historical landmark. I came here a few times many years ago and the food was delicious. I was in the Bronzeville area and stopped in for breakfast. I love the pictures on the wall that represents our history. As I looked at each picture on the wall it brings back so many wonderful memories of my childhood. I was seated and giving a menu. I waited for my server to come over and place my order. It took her awhile to come over to the table. She was busy standing around talking to the other servers. I finally got her attention so I could place my order. She walked over with an instant attitude. I didn't care at this point. I was angry and hungry. I had to ask for water and another set of utensils. The utensils were dull and dirty. I was highly disappointed. My food came out cold and wasn't good. It was a simple breakfast and it still failed my taste buds. Rude Hostess, the prices weren't worth it and this place is in the need of a makeover. Raggedy tables and chairs. Only thing impressive were the pictures on the wall. read more

I've been here a few times before. Sometimes I go for breakfast, which I usually enjoy. I had their dinner options at this visit. The star of the show for me was their Jerk Turkey, which is something I've never had. It was tender and packed with flavor. The Peach Cobbler was okay. I wish the crust was a cooked a little longer. read more

Pearl's Place - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Long overdue stop to this Brownsville staple a few weeks back. Really good food, but I never do buffets so I can't comment on that option. From the menu we had the New Orleans breakfast and Cheesy Shrimp & Grits. The photos on the website accurately depicted these dishes which were outstanding. I would not order the catfish nuggets, but am assured that the smothered chops are outstanding. The service was okay--good but not great. (My experience echoed my foodie buddy Rozalynn B. who said: "We went on a busy Saturday afternoon at about 330 & there was a 40 minute wait. Well we saw plenty open tables so we couldn't understand why the wait, but ok WHATEVER." Exactly what I experienced--that is poor service!) The Venu itself is in need of modernization but is inviting and comfortable. read more

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We popped in for lunch and learned they have two free parking lots (across the street and in the now closed motel lot), score! Service was warm and kind and they brought biscuits and some whipped butter out right away which we very much enjoyed. The restaurant is large with ample seating and photos of famous people who have visited previously. There's a buffet available, but we weren't starving so we ordered sandwiches and it was a ton of food! We saw many people enjoying the buffet and it looked like a great value so maybe next time. The world famous chicken salad and ham were excellent! So so very tasty. They were also kind enough to swap one of the sides for me. We weren't asked about desserts which was for the best, but we saw some in the front area to go case and they looked great. We will definitely be back! read more

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they're only open on the weekend and we had driven from indiana for lunch. they should put that on the website!!!

Meh. I've honestly never understood why Pearl's Place has garnered such a positive reputation. The food is mediocre at best. I hadn't been to Pearl's in years, but I decided to order takeout one evening and thought I'd give them another shot. I ordered the meatloaf dinner, which came with greens and mashed potatoes and gravy. The food was ready when I arrived, so I only had to wait a couple of minutes for it. The food was okay. It wasn't particularly tasty or memorable. The meatloaf and mashed potatoes 'n gravy didn't have much flavor. The greens were decent, but I've had better. The portion size was generous, though, and it was packaged well. The staff also got the order correct, which was awesome because it sucks when a takeout order isn't right. The meatloaf and two sides cost about $25. read more

Pearl's Place - Meatloaf, greens, and mashed potatoes - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

We arrived at about 12:45p for lunch and were seated immediately by the hostess. A few minutes later the manager rudely told us we had to leave by 1:30p due to the restaurant closing for a private event. My husband and I decided to stay since we took an Uber from Downtown Chicago to eat here. Our waiter was really nice and offered to provide us with to go boxes for the food we didn't finish. While going through the buffet line to get food, a black female server had major attitude while putting food on our plates and the Hispanic male server was really nice and I chose to have home put food on my plate for round two. The inside decor is very outdated and could be a little more clean. The food was good the service was terrible!!!! read more

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First time here. Was pretty busy for a Saturday afternoon, but we were able to be seated right away. The food and drinks were good as we ordered off the menu, but next time, we will try the buffet. Service was okay but seeing how busy they were and having to wait a while before even getting water or bread, they might want to have a few more servers. Would recommend it, and I would go back. read more

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Hidden gym in the south side of Chicago. My fiance recommended this place and we stopped in. For a Saturday night, it wasn't that busy. You can park on the street but there is a lot across from the restaurant. Right away, we were seated by the hostess who also was a server. They take your order for drinks, otherwise they bring out cornbread and water to start. There's no booths, only tables available for seating and they have high chairs. You can order from the menu or go straight to the all you can eat buffet. I have never been to a place like this before. You can literally eat as much food as you want! It was so good. You can "order" a box to go which is basically going up to the buffet, filling your plate and request a container. I believe that is an extra $6 or so. There are drinks and desert items by the entrance for purchase. The chocolate cake was ok, but I'm not a chocolate person. I don't know the area well but my fiance does. Be careful of your surroundings but we felt pretty safe once we got inside the restaurant. For 2 people, was around $77. read more

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The Vibe, The Vibe, THE VIBE is Welcome to what soul food is all about!!!! I never give five stars But Pearls deserves. A Standing Ovation! Hands down you must dine here. I had smoked ham hocks. They have a buffet, which is a brunch from omelettes to salads to rib tips to fried chicken to red beans and rice yams dressing you name it they have it.! Kadijah was our waitress and she provided Impeccable Service!! You can bring your own bottle. Amazing!!! I ordered the CARAMEL CAKE. IT WAS. YEPPPPPP. SOOOO DELICIOUS! we found pearls hours before leaving Chicago glad we did read more

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Just an awesome experience. Everything that we had was seasoned properly and hot and flavorful. My mom had a cup of gumbo, which was filled with jumbo shrimp, crab legs and andouille sausage. Then she had a plate of catfish with yams and greens. I went for the $26.99 buffet, and started with grits, a made to order veggie omelet and turkey sausage. Followed with jerk turkey, salmon croquettes, yams, greens, red beans and rice and cabbage. I would easily go again. The music was not loud, but every song was a hit. Definitely worth trying out if you want soul food. read more

Pearl's Place - Salmon croquette, jerk turkey, candied yams, cabbage, mustard greens, red beans and rice. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Just south of south loop area on Pershing and Michigan. The food is prepared with that southern home flavor! I make it a habit to get the buffet, so I can get a little taste of everything The place is well lit and clean. The service was great and very friendly. I will definitely be going back there again. read more

Pearl's Place - Mac n Cheese, Cornbread Dressing,Collard Greens and Jerk Turkey - Side - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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The lady at the desk was somewhat rude. The table service was slow. I had never eaten here before and we ended up spending over $120 dollars. I paid $36 for rice and beans because they were the only things I wanted out of the buffet selection. I also ordered gumbo, which was not great either. 2 out of 5 for the price you pay and the food not being great. read more

So happy to have stumbled upon this gem. They offer regular menu or breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets with different prices (check website for accurate pricing). We came on a Saturday around 12 pm and there were plenty of tables still available but it started to get packed by the time we finished. For the Saturday lunch buffet ($25.99), they served breakfast and lunch items: omelette station, bacon, waffles, pancakes, spinach, greens, smothered pork chops, smothered chicken, fried chicken, jambalaya, mac n cheese, bbq beef ends, jerk chicken, and more. We tried almost everything, and our favorites were fried chicken, smothered chicken, mac n cheese, bbq beef ends and spinach. When getting chicken from the buffet, they usually ask if you prefer dark or white meat, or which piece you want. Just make sure you specify in case they don't ask :) It's not exactly buffet style where all the food selection is out and you grab yourself. It's more cafeteria style where you walk up to the food station and the employees will serve you. My only suggestion would be if they could put labels or sign with the items for the buffet. The items are covered with lids so it's hard to tell what's underneath, and you have to ask the employees what's there. It can be hard to hear and I felt so bad having to ask multiple times especially cause there were so many options lol. Other than that, I have no complaints. The service was great! Very friendly and attentive. The restaurant has a very home-y feel. 10/10 would come back but expect a food coma for sureeee read more

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I went here for my birthday and brought 8 people and every single person loved it... a few have gone back multiple times since! Enough said. I can not hype this place up enough, from the service to the high quality flavorful food, just absolutely spectacular. I wished I lived closer & I will be here every weekend. I really appreciated our server & I believe owner, they kept checking on us and made us feel at home so thank you for that! We all ordered the buffet style breakfast/lunch and you could never go wrong. If you have never been to Pearl's Place, you are missing out & I highly recommend (even if it's out of your way). I drove about an hour to come eat here for my birthday and I had no regrets at all. Thank you for everything Pearl's Place and making my birthday much better, I'll be back soon! Personal Review: 9.4/10 read more

Pearl's Place - Buffet - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Some of the best soul food you'll try in Chicago. Worth a visit and there's so much interesting history nearby to explore throughout Bronzeville. read more

Normally I would've taken a picture of my food, but not here for the this to be a buffet it was very pricey and the buffet didn't look like a regular size buffet. The Mac & Cheese was delicious, the beef short ribs also was tasty which I taught was ox tails. The spinach was soaked in salt. like they were from a can. The greens had too many thick stems and less greens, of course they were bag glory greens. The steak and gravy salty all the food was loaded with too much salt. My first time here. The plates on the table were not clean properly and I left with a headache cause of the high sodium amongst others who also said they had one too. read more

I have been for breakfast several times, The food was okay. Service Okay. Ambiance Okay. Dinner portions are now small, however prices have increased. read more

Food was ok nothing stood out. The service was poor at best our server was not attentive she thought cleaning other tables off before taken our order it wasn't busy at all. I was confused about the buffet for 26.00 the food wasn't displayed for us to see. Went venture out for something different and man for an hour and 15 minute ride disappointed read more

Love the buffet. I find the food to be delicious and has that cooked with love taste. Went in a Monday and there were oxtails on the buffet. Food was well seasoned but not overly salty and reminds me of dinners at my grandmothers house. The fact that you can pay a little extra and take your leftovers home is unheard of and much appreciated for those like myself who can't eat much in one sitting for medical reasons. Service could use a bit of fine tuning. Restaurant had one person eating when I came in and I was still hit with "just one moment we will be with you shortly" as the person behind the counter was busy. I requested a soda and it was served to me in the can. Had to ask for a straw. I tried to manage the can with a straw but a glass of ice should just be standard if you are offering can sodas in a sit down restaurant that is advertised as "fine dining". All in all I highly recommend. This is a great place to bring the family and fellowship while enjoying some good soulful eats!! read more

It is OK. I used to eat there frequently, but within the last few years, I've notice there are people from OTHER ethnic groups cooking, serving etc. which makes me believe this is not real soul food, the kind that they use to serve. (Collards are not as tasty as they use to be.) I usually get a buffet, thus I can eat off it for two days. On the second day, the food is not as delicious, but still, OK. The staff and waiters are nice and I've never had problems with them, however, it is not the down home hospitality that you experience is some restaurants. (This is not compliant, just noticing a difference.) There was a restaurant on the westside, when you came in, the first words you heard was, "Welcome, come on in, glad to see you. Take a seat, I'll be right with you." When you left out, they would say, "Did you enjoy your meal? Come on back." The name of this restaurant was Edna's. She is deceased now, but she had a nice place. read more

Soul food starts with Love and there's no or not enough love in the food. This was extremely disappointing. The Oxtails were bearable until they got cold. The red beans and rice were dry along with the Black Eyed Peas there was no HOLY TRINITY used in the cooking. When you go to a restaurant and you take home all the food to add the love it's missing is not a good thing. The Mac n Cheese was tasteless. All the food tasted like oil was used instead of butter. Food was lukewarm when it arrived to the table. Noodles with brown sauce on top was called spaghetti. Look of spaghetti was not appetizing. Dressing was so dry it was served in slices. Our waitress Ms Paris was very attentive and provided outstanding service. The hostess and greeters acted like the restaurant was busy. We called in our reservation and our table still wasn't ready. We were told sit down and wait the table wasn't ready. I don't want to downgrade this establishment, but this location should not solicit SOUL FOOD, there was nothing Soul in the food it was SOOLD FOOD. If there was something lower than a one star, would have used it. read more

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This place charged 50 bucks for a Thanksgiving carry out which is ridiculous. The menu stated that you would get meat and sides. Well the meal was MOSTLY meat which was nasty and salty. I'm not even sure that the turkey was actually turkey. It didn't taste like it. Could have been goat or something. Oh and the ham was not included even though it was a part of the meal. The sides were scarce. Shame on this restaurant. read more

For a black owned historical restaurant, the food is horrible! cheesey grits are not cheesey at all, salmon croquettes are mostly filler no salmon. And they should upgrade their coffee and tea choices. One kind of tea and only half and half creamer for coffee. I would like to try dinner but if the breakfast was bad...idk! read more

Went to Pearls Place for brunch. Gotta say the buffet is good for the sides. I usually don't go out for soul food. The best soul food comes from my kitchen or one of my relatives. But I was lazy and didn't feel like going to Mama's house. Unfortunately the only meats that were tasty was the rib tips and the jerk turkey. But, my husband ordered the Lamb Shank. This is not on the buffet menu. BEST THING IVE TASTED SO FAR THIS YEAR!!! OMG!!! Go get it Now!!! Service was good. Ambience feels warm and comforting. It's something about being around your people that grew up on soul food. Great ole school music and gathering with the people who just left church. Made my Day!! Lamb Shanks, Lamb Shanks, Lamb Shanks!!! Did I make myself clear read more

Pearl's has always been one of my Chicagoland favorite soul food eateries. It serves up Southern hospitality, good music, and great food. Breakfast and dinner are offered all day. Once seated, you can dine at the buffet (self-service) for a set price or receive table service. Carry-out is also an option available at the counter. A bread service is offered, where you receive complimentary some of the best homemade biscuits. On this occasion, we ordered fried green tomatoes as an appetizer. They were very crispy, and the tomato was not overly mushy, but the remoulade was needed as it didn't taste like the batter had been seasoned. It is still delicious and a must-try if you enjoy fried green tomatoes. We ordered chicken & gravy biscuits and the salmon croquettes dinner for entrees. The chicken gravy had large pieces of chicken, seasoned well, and delicious over the homemade biscuits. The salmon croquettes left a little to be desired, but this is about preference; I enjoy a crust on my croquettes (a little cornmeal for me, please), but with the cornbread dressing and Collard greens, we had no problem finishing our meal. Overall great meal & I can't wait to return again. read more

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A must visit when ever I come to Chicago! The staff, food and experience are a welcomed pleasure. I've been visiting Chicago regularly since 2007. It's a great city. read more

the initial walk in is kinda off, didn't know it was more buffet style than regular restaurant. and yes i checked the website before hand. the 2 people that we interacted with were not welcoming or friendly. the waitress took a good while to come get us waters and then even longer to ask if we were ready to order. it wasnt busy when we came yet we still had slow service. the ambiance of the place is a more homey style but they lack that. food taste was eh. read more

Pearl's Place - "fried hard" - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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It's not what it was. The staff is "Iffy!" Depending on who waits on you. The food on the buffet doesn't really have an impact on your appetite. It's just not what it was and it definitely is my first choice for a bite to eat. The place could stand a good overhaul . It's not inviting to me. "Drab" read more

Great staff food was hot fresh and delicious. Atmosphere was warming felt like eating at hine with family and friends

The service was probably the best part. Food was mediocre. Most of the meat was dry/tough. Needed seasoning.

I only ordered sides: greens, green beans, Mac n cheese, and cornbread . Outstanding! I can't wait to try more. I ordered on Uber Eats and the food arrived hot, fresh, and tasty! Delicious ! read more

I've only had the breakfast food and it's quite decent and not a bad price. We had the shrimp grits and the sausage and biscuit

Upon walking in, the "maitre d" (lol) was super brash. I simply asked if we could be seated in an area that seemed to be free to be seated, it was 8 of us. He waisted no time to dismiss what I suggested by responding basically saying, they will sit us when they are ready. This is the first indication for me that this outing will be very interesting. We were seated, the waitress demeanor was very curt altering into rude behavior. It's not our fault she was the only waitress working. She basically discouraged us from ordering off the menu to do the buffet. This is becuase she was the only one serving. She didn't even ask us if we wanted something to drink. She brought out some dry "cornbread" and rolls. We had to ask for drinks. But she kept going to other tables assisting them without even assisting us. Everything you're supposed to get upon sitting at a restaurant, we had to ask her for. SMH. There was lipstick on my glass. I was so done up, I wasn't able to tell her because I'm not built to deal with rude people, so my aunt had to say something. Once she got that good tip that is when she started smiling and such but if it were up to me, we would have individually paid for our food and she probably wouldn't have gotten the tip she got. Moving on. .. The young man at the buffet was much nicer than the host and the server. They don't really look like a happy staff. No one was smiling, it SEEMED pleasant EXCEPT for the young Spanish guy behind the buffett counter. You can tell, they really aren't customer service oriented but very courteous to their regulars. On to the food..... It was good, no real complaints there. I love that it is a staple in the Southside community in Chicago however, the service is very questionable. If I ever go back to Chicago, I will probably find another spot, it was far from our airbnb anyway to only experience mediocre service. read more

Outside looks very WEEDY, needs welcoming flowerpots in front. TRASH on both side of street. What can you expect of the food. No self respect read more

A great breakfast spot. I went for my birthday and the food was excellent. They was putting out the dinner food. Didn't try it but it looked fire!!!! read more

Good location with ample free parking. Very nice entry and greeted and seated quickly. First impression is about the spacious dining area with white tablecloths. Our table was wobbly so we had to put a foot on the table leg to keep the liquids in their glass. We were there a little after 11am. There is a buffet which included breakfast and lunch items, or the option to order from the menu. We chose menu. There is a large variety to choose from. There was a breakfast meal ordered and a lunch item. There are seasoned biscuits brought out with water when the waitress arrives. She did explain there is a buffet or order from the menu option. The food did not take to long however the lunch meal arrived to the table a few minutes before the breakfast (not sure why that delay). The lunch was meatloaf with potatoes and gravy with mixed greens. Smelled good but barely warm. The only thing hot in temperature was the potatoes. The meatloaf reminded me of (in looks) a frozen dinner meatloaf however did not taste like a frozen dinner meatloaf. It was tasty, especially with the red skinned mashed potatoes. The greens were tasty with a few dashes of hot sauce. The breakfast was good, nothing really stood out however there was enough for leftovers. Pleasant environment, we will come back (so many items to try) and the prices range which makes it great. If you have a senior with you there are senior meals. Looking for Soul Food... check out Pearl's Place. read more

Pearl's Place - Meatloaf with Mashed potatoes and Turnip/Mustard Greens - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Very good first time visit and I will be back! I got the New Orleans breakfast which comes with a salmon croquet as the protein - best salmon croquet I've had aside from my mama's! Our server was Paris, she was very friendly and attentive and I noticed she treated all her tables great. The restaurant is clean, all staff wear collared shirts and everyone looked clean and put together. Looking forward to trying dinner next time I come. Bonus: Free parking lot! read more