Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    The Southern Cafe

    4.0 (447 reviews)
    Open 6:30 am - 3:00 pm

    Order The Southern Cafe Takeout or Delivery

    The Southern Cafe Photos

    THE SOUTHERN CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Outdoor seating
    Good for kids

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - The Southern Cafe

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Breakfast The Nasty Skillet plus extra meat
    Cole R.

    This breakfast was stacked! I started with the Nasty Skillet and added sliced sausage and chorizo. The box was heavy and I immediately knew my lunch plans were ruined. However, this skillet turned out to last me all day. I also got a side of their excellent sausage gravy which made it even better. Next time I come thru, I may get 4 eggs and split into a multi day breakfast prep.

    Chicken Fried Chicken
    Maggie M.

    Went at noon and we got seated right away on a Saturday. Our waiter was very friendly and came by to check on refilling our coffees. I ordered the Chicken Fried Chicken came with hashbrowns and eggs. The chicken was very delicious and wasn't overcooked or dry. Was fried and juicy. There was a good amount of gravy on top. Chicken was on top of a biscuit and it was about the same size of the chicken. Large portion and took half the dish home.

    Georgia Catfish & Jalapeno Cheddar Grits catfish filet on a bed of cheese grits with egg chunks of bacon and mushrooms.
    LaShawn S.

    First time dining here. I thought it was a family friendly restaurant with a comfortable ambiance. They offer a vast amount of dishes to suit many appetites. I had a Catfish filet on a bed of cheese grits with eggs, chunks of bacon and mushrooms. It was delicious just lacking a Cajun flavoring to make it really pop! Lisa was the host and she was kind and attentive. I am looking forward to returning and trying another great selection from the menu.

    We ordered eggs over medium with sausage. Eggs came over easy. Sausage was raw and literally cold. Sausage was sent back and re made, burnt. Our server Raquel was wonderful. Manager was rude

    Nasty biscuit!!
    Angela G.

    Love this place. The food is amazing. Get the nasty biscuit. So freaking good. Little of everything. Lisa was amazing this morning. I was a little hungover and not feeling well at all but she made my breakfast experience wonderful! We connected with our matching tattoos lol Food came out super fast and was so delicious. Reasonably priced too. Things be so expensive these days

    The B&G
    Monse T.

    Stopped here for Sunday breakfast and it was very good. Had a southern vibe to it. It was crazy busy, packed! But we were seated after a short waiting time, our waitress was hustling! The cooks were putting in work because our food came out faster than we expected. Now for the food... eggs and bacon cooked to perfection, the hashbrowns looked questionable and lacked flavor. Very sad about that since I love me some hashies. The biscuits and gravy was delicious!!! Gravy was thick and hearty. The s'mores pancakes tasted like s'mores! It had marshmallow fluff. Warning: lots of chocolate! So if you don't want your kid bouncing off the walls, don't get it. I'll be back I'm sure.

    And this is probably the other half
    Raffaela G.

    My daughter and I and her boyfriend went in there and it just seems when you find a good spot you just want to keep going back and let me tell you I probably ordered half the menu. We paid $130 just for three people.. Believe me, I'll order a lot of food. I wanted to try everything the fried green tomatoes. The country fried chicken and those little pearl waffles. They don't even need any syrup. Just delicious

    The Sugga Baby
    Karl P.

    Second time here so had to bring my introvert sister in law...she loves chicken and waffles so she for the Sugga Daddy. First picture. Loved it. Wife ordered the Southern chicken sandwich and had to being half home. Third picture, yes it is that big! I had the Southern Skillet and had to bring some home as well. I couldn't finish this delicious breakfast. Tips: -The menu is big. Decide if you want breakfast or lunch. - Be hungry for home cooking. - be prepared to bring home food Ambiance is like a noisy family gathering! Fun to watch what your neighbors are ordering and second guessing your decision . Fun place, great food. And the leftovers reheated great in an air fryer.

    Matt P.

    We stopped in for a late breakfast the other day. Everything was really good. My wife had the waffle and I had the Tex Mex Pollo Loco. Belgium waffle was pretty standard and properly crispy on the outside but tender interior. Tex Mex Pollo Loco was fantastic. Roasted jalapeno on the side was the perfect addition of heat to the fried chicken, biscuit and chorizo gravy...I drizzled a bit of maple syrup on it for a sweet and spicy flare. Also had a side of grits that were properly cooked. Service was great too. We will definitely be back again when in the area.

    Best breakfast I have had in a very long time! Pearl waffle didn't need any syrup! Highly recommend!
    Laurie E.

    Busy place but as it should be! Food was great! Portions huge!!! Priced just right! Staff was excellent! I would be back...

    Sugga Mama!!
    Scott M.

    Visiting from outta town and decided to try the Southern Cafe. What an interesting and great menu. Many twists on traditional breakfast. I had a Sugga Mama... definitely one for someone with a sweet tooth. Huge portions! I'll definitely be back if I'm passing through Joliet again.

    Southern skillet

    See all

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Phil P.
    381
    399
    1691

    10 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Food was very good , the service was also very good. I Wii definitely come back to the southern cafe!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Rodney V.
    3
    78
    222

    8 months ago

    Fast friendly service , food was good. We were there for breakfast,would go back. Plenty of parking as well

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Food is great. Excellent quality and larger portion sizes. Staff very pleasant and great service

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of M B.
    0
    48
    131

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Laurie E.
    13
    12
    27

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Sonia J.
    1
    121
    26

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of J F.
    10
    190
    308

    2 years ago

    Service was sloooow and food was very basic. I wouldn't return. Restaurant was a little in the dirty side.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    I didn't get what I ordered and the owner was very rude and refused to come to the table to talk to me

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ava W.
    153
    256
    1616

    7 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Nick A.
    14
    61
    22

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 12

    The Southern Cafe Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - The Southern Cafe

    Do they have a kids menu?

    I have not seen a kids menu. Maybe give them a call.

    How often do you add new menu items?

    4 New special items once a week (every Friday), new menu changes maybe every couple of months?

    View All 4 Questions

    You might also consider

    The Southern Cafe - Cajun Shrimp and Jalapeno Cheddar Grits

    The Southern Cafe

    3.9(515 reviews)
    30.2 mi
    $$

    Went to Southern Cafe and overall it was a mixed experience…read more I got the veggie skillet and it was sooo good--definitely the highlight, super flavorful and honestly fire. The frappe was also really good. My friend ordered the avocado toast, which she liked, but her caramel macchiato was off at first it tasted mostly like milk with a little caramel. They did fix it though, so I'll give them credit for that. Only downside was she ended up feeling like she got food poisoning afterward. The egg on her dish had a thin film on it, so we're thinking it might not have been fully cooked, which is concerning. Service itself was good and the staff was nice. Parking was also easy, which is always a plus. Good food overall, but that situation definitely threw things off a bit.

    A place like many nowadays, great atmosphere and decor. The food itself like the Nasty Biscuit and…read moreomellettes look amazing. Upon eating, THE WORST biscuit ever though it is dressed up nicely with all types of other foods with with. It's okay. The omelette was just okay, VERY plain regardless of all that was there. Oversized and big for nothing like alot of things in America. Red flag, they didn't do their own fresh orange juice, and usually great breakfast places juice their own juices. There's was again, just okay. And for the prices I can't give em an average rating at all and won't be back. I'm glad that years ago I could from the outside know these types of establishments just by look from the outside. It's the same with alot of things in this world

    Photos
    The Southern Cafe - Dining area

    Dining area

    The Southern Cafe - Chix and French Toast Stack

    Chix and French Toast Stack

    The Southern Cafe - Carolina Benny and Grits

    See all

    Carolina Benny and Grits

    Urban Kitchen Restaurant - Steak Tacos with corn in a cup

    Urban Kitchen Restaurant

    4.6(135 reviews)
    1.4 mi
    $$

    We were excited to try Urban Kitchen, and it absolutely delivered…read more Right away, the decor stood out, unique without being over the top, warm, and inviting. The waitstaff was friendly, helpful, and genuinely attentive without hovering. We started with drinks: blueberry mojitos and sangria. Both were fantastic. The flavors were perfectly balanced, refreshing, and it was clear they were made with real care and attention, not just poured and sent out. For appetizers, we ordered the chips with guacamole and salsa. We weren't expecting the chips to come out hot and clearly fresh from the fryer, but wow, perfectly crisp with just the right amount of salt. The guacamole tasted fresh and clean, and the salsa had a great balance of heat and flavor without overpowering anything. I ordered the birria tacos, and they were outstanding. The meat was incredibly well seasoned, tender, and full of flavor. You can tell when food is prepared by someone who truly cares about what they're making, those kinds of flavors can't be faked. The Cobb salad was equally impressive: fresh ingredients, a perfect portion size, moist chicken, and a dressing that tied everything together beautifully. One of the nicest surprises was learning that Urban Kitchen supports the community through Meals on Wheels. It's always great to enjoy a meal knowing the restaurant gives back. The only downside? We live six hours away. That said, we will absolutely be back the next time we're in the area. Highly recommend!

    First time here - very nice ambiance inside. X-Mas decoration up…read more Had the Cauliflower Bites for an appetizer, Market Salad and Birria Queso Tacos for main dish. All were Hot, well prepared, and Tasty!! Service was great. Will definitely be back.

    Photos
    Urban Kitchen Restaurant - Loved the decor

    Loved the decor

    Urban Kitchen Restaurant - Buffalo Chicken Sandwich with a side of ranch and French fries

    Buffalo Chicken Sandwich with a side of ranch and French fries

    Urban Kitchen Restaurant - Cheese Quesadilla with rice and beans

    See all

    Cheese Quesadilla with rice and beans

    Maple Tree Inn - Fried Oysters

    Maple Tree Inn

    4.2(780 reviews)
    23.7 mi
    $$$

    We stopped at Maple Tree Inn for a pre-concert dinner, and I found myself asking: why did I wait so…read morelong 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.

    The original location of Maple Tree Inn was located in Blue Island. This location was unfortunately…read moredestroyed 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.

    Photos
    Maple Tree Inn - Dining area view from the end of the bar

    Dining area view from the end of the bar

    Maple Tree Inn - Jambalaya

    Jambalaya

    Maple Tree Inn

    See all

    The Southern Cafe - The Sugga Baby

    The Southern Cafe

    3.6(121 reviews)
    26.6 mi
    $$

    The ambience is old fashioned country farmhouse. It's very nice and clean. Lots of seating…read more I ordered the nasty skillet, it came with sausage, ham, cheese, eggs, biscuit and gravy. It was delicious! And you get a lot! It's a huge dish you can split it with someone. The gravy and biscuit were very tasty. The whole dish was tasty. The waitress was very nice and attentive. Made sure my coffee cup was always filled.

    DP and his entire team at The Southern Cafe were so wonderful to work with, and the food is…read moreAMAZING! When the caterer for our huge event of 120 people failed to show up at 6:30am, we were at a loss. I called around and the only restaurant able to assist on such a last minute-large scale event was The Southern Cafe. Without hesitation, DP said that he would do everything he could and cook not only our breakfast meals, but our lunch and two meals for the next day's event as well! In quick turnaround, he and his entire staffed worked hard and cooked up some great food. Thick bacon, great flavor, and phenomenal service. We nearly everything on the menu, and all of our guests loved everything! I can only imagine what they could do in restaurant if the food was this good and flavorful for 120 people on such short notice. So many people asked where the food was from so they can visit the restaurant and get more! I cannot express enough gratitude for the kind hospitality and delicious food service that The Southern Cafe provided. Truly, THANK YOU!!

    Photos
    The Southern Cafe
    The Southern Cafe - "The Nasty" Biscuit

    "The Nasty" Biscuit

    The Southern Cafe

    See all

    Luella's Southern Kitchen - Nashville Hot Chicken and Waffles

    Luella's Southern Kitchen

    4.1(1.1k reviews)
    34.9 miIrving Park
    $$

    This place is small and quaint with so much charm. I absolutely loved walking in and hearing…read moreold-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!

    This is a place where you order in front and sit down and wait to get your food. I felt a little…read morerushed 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.

    Photos
    Luella's Southern Kitchen - The sign of start of something great

    The sign of start of something great

    Luella's Southern Kitchen - Salmon Cakes with Fried Grits Balls

    Salmon Cakes with Fried Grits Balls

    Luella's Southern Kitchen - Shrimp and cream cheese Grits and Honey and Fig French Toast

    See all

    Shrimp and cream cheese Grits and Honey and Fig French Toast

    Chuck's Southern Comforts Cafe

    Chuck's Southern Comforts Cafe

    3.6(669 reviews)
    15.0 mi
    $$

    Bottom Line: Very decent value for the buck…read more Haven't been here in some time. This place has gone through a number of makeovers over the years but it is decidedly a sports bar vibe where you enter the space and traditional restaurant in the back area. Overall a very casual and lively vibe. We waited about 15 minutes with a packed house and were seated in the restaurant portion in a very spacious booth. Our server was prompt, courteous, pleasant, and efficient--attentive but not overly so. The food was excellent with very ample portions at reasonable pricing with many options under $20. I will say they could skip the bread basket before your meal comes out and just put it into giving you a side with the sandwiches versus charging you $2 for each side added. That being said the food came out promptly, was warm, and very satisfying. Hopefully Chuck's keeps value for customers' hard earned buck in mind and they will continue to do well.

    Stopped in on Fat Tuesday to take advantage of their Mardi Gras specials. They offer several…read moreCajun-inspired dishes year-round, and for the holiday they expanded the lineup even more. They also feature an extensive craft beer selection. I went with the seasonal Abita Bad Mother Shucker Stout, which was a fun nod to Mardi Gras and a solid stout choice for the occasion. For my entrée, I ordered the Mardi Gras Platter ($32.99). It included: * Choice of soup (I chose the seafood chowder) * Shrimp Creole * Jambalaya * Chicken Étouffée * Crawfish & Shrimp Monica * Broccoli The restaurant was busy, which is understandable for Fat Tuesday, but our food took quite a while to arrive. The soup was delivered at the same time as the platter. In my opinion, the soup should have come out first. Ironically, the seafood chowder ended up being the highlight of the meal--rich, flavorful, and well-balanced. Unfortunately, by the time I finished the soup and moved on to the platter, most of it was only room temperature. The items were layered and grouped together in a way that made it unclear what paired with what. The chicken was noticeably overcooked and lacked depth of flavor. It tasted as though Cajun seasoning had simply been sprinkled on top rather than developed into the dish. Overall, the platter lacked the bold, authentic Cajun flavor profile I was expecting. The Crawfish & Shrimp Monica was advertised as coming in a bowl but was served in what amounted to a cup-sized portion. The menu description listed Cajun Alfredo sauce, crawfish, crab, blackened shrimp, pasta, Parmesan cheese, and broccoli. After mixing in the Parmesan, I searched for the seafood components and found none--no visible crab, crawfish, or blackened shrimp in the pasta. I mentioned this to the bartender, who said they would bring some out to add in. A few minutes later, three Cajun shrimp were delivered. There was still no crab or crawfish. While the Alfredo sauce and pasta themselves were very good, the absence of the advertised proteins significantly hurt the dish. Had I ordered the Crawfish & Shrimp Monica on its own for $24.99 and received the same portion and lack of seafood, I would have been extremely disappointed. Overall, while the concept and menu sounded promising for Mardi Gras, the execution--especially at that price point--left a lot to be desired.

    Photos
    Chuck's Southern Comforts Cafe - Variety of dining area settings.

    Variety of dining area settings.

    Chuck's Southern Comforts Cafe
    Chuck's Southern Comforts Cafe - On tap. Great pairing with the bbq.

    See all

    On tap. Great pairing with the bbq.

    The Southern Cafe - breakfast_brunch - Updated June 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...