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    Virtue Restaurant

    4.5 (1.2k reviews)
    PriceySouthern, American
    Closed Closed
    Updated over 3 months ago

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    VIRTUE RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

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    Recommended Reviews - Virtue Restaurant

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    Blackened catfish
    Kaitlyn W.

    Definitely a special restaurant. Super busy even on a week night. We had made a reservation a few weeks in advance but it still took about 20 minutes to get seated. Loved the plating of the foods. What we ordered: Blackened catfish: Carolina gold rice, barbecue carrots Mac & Cheese: as it should be Short rib: served with creamed spinach, potatoes, and caramelized onion gravy Biscuits: served with pimento cheese & honey (probably my favorite thing we had) Millie's puddin': Banana pudding, Nilla wafers, cool whip

    Catfish and grits
    Cassandra B.

    Virtue Restaurant, when I say everything was delicious. We ate all we could eat and we still have more to try. I come to Chicago twice a year. I've came twice this year but now I need a 3rd trip just to come back here. I'm hooked!!!

    Beef short ribs
    Torianna C.

    Every time I come here it's always the same, amazing food and amazing service. For it to be late, they were packed! I had a 930 reservation, and they closed at 10. Service was great as usual. They were very attentive. The ambiance is beautiful and inviting. I ordered the short rib which was amazing as always! I also got the cornbread and Mac n cheese. Loved both as usual lol. My friend ordered the ny strip, and it was delicious too! That was my first time trying it, and it was seasoned so well! I was very impressed by it because I don't hear people talk about the steak often when they go there. For dessert, I got the carrot cake which was good as well. Overall I enjoyed my experience, and I'll continue returning.

    Janea V.

    5 stars, easily! Virtue is upscale establishment offering attentive service, high quality food, and bold flavors. My friends and I visited on a Friday night and it was buzzing and lively! I highly recommend a reservation because it is THAT good so it will be packed! We were seated at the time of our reservation and greeted by the pleasant wait staff. Our server was able to offer us various highlights and recommendations! The food was ABSOLUTELY amazing! Bold in flavor, shareable portions, and filling! Checked every box, hit every spot! Everything we ate was amazing from the Biscuits, to the Short Rib, Chicken, Fish n Grits all the way to the Vanilla ice cream! No notes. I HIGHLY recommend and will certainly be back!

    Biscuits & Pimento Cheese, Gumbo
    Sarah B.

    Overall, I had a really great experience at Virtue! Our waiter was lovely and the ambiance is great. Although some of the tables are slightly too close together for my liking, but no one sat next to us for most of our meal so that was nice. My other complaint is that our appetizers came out before our drinks which I didn't love. However, the appetizers were so good I was distracted from the fact that I didn't have a drink until the drink actually showed up! For an appetizer, we had the gumbo and the biscuits with pimento cheese. Both of these options were delicious. The biscuits were buttery and the gumbo was flavorful and was served piping hot. Next, we had the short rib with the mac and cheese and the collared greens. The short rib was very good but was perhaps a tad dry. But when eaten together with the potatoes and spinach, it was perfect. The mac and cheese was slightly too salty for my taste which was a disappointment because I typically love every mac and cheese I come across. I don't think i'd get it again. The collared greens were tasty but I wish there was more turkey. The turkey was delicious.

    Alexis H.

    I can see why Virtue is a highly rated spot in Chicago. The food and service were extremely good. I didn't try a specialty cocktail but I did my go to of a side car and it was made just right. If you're thinking about going to Virtue think no further. I would try happy hour so you can try more things and get a better bang for your buck! The ambiance is also very nice. Almost like you're in a family members home.

    Katherine K.

    Yelp Top 100 nailed this one!! What a delicious meal! We were sat at the bar since the place was justifiably packed. Our bartender/server was great throughout the night. We enjoyed both of our drinks: Apple Jack and Southern Flower. Neither was too sweet and both were good enough to get again. It was hard to decide what to eat, but we settled on the Blackened Catfish and Short Rib with a side of Mac & Cheese. I honestly can't pick which main dish was the better of the two because both were just perfect and satisfying. The mac & cheese was also really good, but we wished they had a smaller side dish because it was a lot on top of everything else. It had such a nice crust to it though! This place did not disappoint at all! This is a must stop if you are in the area and I highly recommend everything I tried. You'll be happy you did!

    Kristen M.

    Holy guacamole. If you haven't been to virtue, you definitely are missing out! Top notch service. Excellent food. Ive come here twice now and each time has been great. The drinks are yummy. It is definitely a social atmosphere so dont expect intimate and quiet. I'm a tequila drinker but that Uncle Honey was IT!!

    Lemon drop with elderflower
    Ashley M.

    I have seen so many great reviews about Virtue, so I had to come check it out myself! I arrived without a reservation and it was an hour wait for the bar. I came back and was immediately greeted and given an intro about the menu, which was very helpful. I went with the fried green tomatoes and short rib. The tomatoes weren't my favorite but the shrimp and remoulade was good. The short rib was the star of the show! The meat was tender and seasoned. The potatoes, gravy, and spinach were a perfect complement! The bartenders were very kind and helpful even though it was busy!

    Etouffe
    Amber L.

    Ok the vibe, the service, the drinks, the food, all 100!!!! The catfish is soooo good. The only bummer is that they're only open for dinner! I wish they had a lunch. One of the truly good southern cuisine places in Chicago.

    Millie's Puddin'
    Leeza S.

    I went on Easter Sunday with friends. From coming in to leaving, every staff member was amazing, welcoming and a special shoutout to our server Lenny. Lenny was so knowledgeable about the menu and was able to answer any questions I had as a first time guest. The flavors reminded me of a home cooked meal in my great grandmother's kitchen in northern Louisiana, or my great aunt in South Carolina. I come from a family with deep southern roots, so I appreciated the flavors rooted in Black Americana culture. It was like I was experiencing food and history. There's so many wonderful things I could say about Virtue. I am looking forward to coming back the next time I'm in town. Thank you for bringing this gem to Hyde Park.

    Carrot cake
    Evora H.

    The food was exceptional! The short rib was everything you hope for--fork-tender, incredibly flavorful, and served atop a bed of creamy spinach and garlic mashed potatoes, all finished with a rich, savory gravy. We started with the fried green tomatoes topped with a shrimp roulade, and from that first bite, we knew we were in for a wonderful dining experience. The Tilefish was fried perfectly. The service was impeccable. I don't think I've ever had my water poured with such elegance--it felt like I was being served a fine glass of champagne. The Uncle Honey was delectable. A well balanced elixir that Leone floaty and aligned with the flow of the evening. From the hostess to the server, every member of the staff was a true professional, delivering top-tier hospitality from beginning to end. The key lime pie was the perfect ending to an outstanding meal. And the music? Absolutely flawless. The playlist flowed seamlessly from one great song to the next, creating an atmosphere that had me wanting to sing along and celebrate the entire time. This is a place you simply must visit when you're in Chicago.

    Trice T.

    This place is outstanding! First time here but won't be my last. This black owned gem is in the heart of Hyde park and it is absolutely top die for. The food was amazing we had Mac and cheese, greens, cornbread and fish. The service was impeccable and the staff was amazing.. the ambiance is lovely, great for couples and groups. I will be back. We meet Lou the manager on the way out and he was so gracious...truly a wonderful experience

    Beef Short Ribs, Collards & Smoked Turkey, and mashed potatoes

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    Thank you so much for you gracious and detailed review!

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    Virtue Restaurant Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Virtue Restaurant

    How do I make a reservation for January 20 for 6 people at 6 pm?

    Contact the restaurant directly at 5pm when they open, their staff is very helpful.

    Is the reservation fee refundable if the party shows up?

    The reservation fee is applied to the final bill.

    How far in advance do reservations open up?

    Hi Erika, We take reservations 30 days in advance.

    Do you need reservations?

    It's always best to make one. Most nights it's packed, especially around university events like graduations. But who knows, maybe you'll be lucky and someone cancels. Odds of getting something without a reservation are better on the early side of… Read more

    What is the attire? We are from out of town and will be sightseeing all day before dining, hence dressed down. Have tried calling the restaurant multiple times but haven't been able to get through...

    Whatever you are wearing for sightseeing will be fine.

    Are there gluten free options?

    Yes, but mostly if you are a carnivore! There's greens and turkey, vegetables, rice, meat, and desserts like ice cream, but check the season.

    Does Virtue still do brunch on the weekends?

    What is recommended attire? Dressy or casual?

    Dinner casual not run to the store casual.

    Is there a more up to date phone number? When I called during business hours it says phone number is no longer available

    Hi Cecilia, that number is our accurate number. You might have caught us during a busy time. You can also try 773-947-8832.… Read more

    Do they offer catering options?

    They only offer catering during the holidays.

    Have they stopped doing brunch?

    Yes that's what it looks like

    Is it reservation only or do they take walk-ins as well?

    I think reservation only

    Is the prepaid reservation fee ($10 each person) applied towards the final dinner bill?

    Yes it is

    Are there any gluten free/dairy free options for dinner?

    Great question!! Truth is I do not personally know. . You should ask by calling. I have problems with gluten. I know to stay away from certain foods. So I had no problem with anything I ate. Good Luck. Oh. I do hope you get a chance to go. It… Read more

    Do they have valet?

    Yes. It is actually at the boutique Hyatt around the corner on Harper, but there are plenty of signs to guide you.

    What are the actual dining hours? The hours displayed in the window indicate you open at 430p however the manager stated the kitchen doesn't open until 5p?

    Yes, the doors open at 4:30, kitchen is still prepping at that time. I usually go to the bar for a bit, at 5 you can either be seated in the dining area or order food from the bar area. They are still relatively, new however, just by seeing the… Read more

    What brand whiskey/bourbon does the bar carry?

    They have a plethora of Bourbons and Whiskeys. I'm sure you'll find something that fits your fancy. Try the Hyde Park Sezerac!

    Are there any desserts besides banana pudding?

    Hi Judith, In addition to the banana pudding we also have a chocolate cake with chocolate mousse,… Read more

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    Luella's Southern Kitchen

    Luella's Southern Kitchen

    4.1
    (1.1k reviews)
    12.4 mi
    $$

    Went in for Juneteenth and it was a great idea!! The chicken was perfectly cooked and the waffles…read morewere delicious. I promise myself next time I come back I HAVE TO TRY Something else on the menu the chicken & waffles is so good I just can't help myself. We went in as right when they open.. so it was quiet and our food came out quickly. But lines started forming shortly after. They were booked for the whole day with reservations- so glad we made them! The service was excellent. The owner came to our table to check in on us- it made a big difference.

    Was inspired by social media foodie Tim Shropshire to come here the next time we were in Chicago…read more The food was amazing. Comes our piping hot! The chicken was delicious and the pancakes were out of this world. Similar to some of the other comments, it would be nice to first come in, sit down, get relax then have someone take your order when dining in. However you place your order at the front door and then can sit down. The customer service lacked tremendously from the youthful stuff(late teens/very early 20's) But I will say the most underwhelming thing about this experience was the building. Inside & out it was very primitive & just flat out old. I know they just moved from another location and looking to get their foot in the door. But hopefully a renovation is in the plans. The inside is a bit of an eye soar. Needless to say, I would come back if in the area because of the food. But I wouldn't go out of my way patronize them.

    Photos
    The sign of start of something great
    The sign of start of something great
    Nashville Hot Chicken and Waffles
    Nashville Hot Chicken and Waffles
    Salmon Cakes with Fried Grits Balls

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    Salmon Cakes with Fried Grits Balls
    The SoulFood Lounge

    The SoulFood Lounge

    4.3
    (212 reviews)
    8.1 mi

    The ambiance is chill but upscale and classy. Black and gold everything and local art work invite…read moreyou into the space. The hostess was insightful and inviting, like eating at someone's house who loves you. Outside of all of that the Mediterranean lamb was phenomenal. As someone who has eaten lamb in the Middle East this was delightful, with the rice and flavorful kale it's a wonderful bite full. Large serving sizes...and that grilled pound cake lawd

    The restaurant is small and quaint with about 8-9 tables, I would highly suggest reservations. We…read morewere greeted and sat promptly, infused water was bought to the table and within 3-4 minutes the server arrived. While we waited music was being played so its hard to have a conversation. Music is pretty loud in this small space. We decided on the 3 entrees for 69.00 with a glass of wine. We chose the pepper steak, smothered chicken, orange chicken, catfish and spaghetti, and the bbq catfish. Overall the food was ok., The bbq fish was a little to fishy and the smothered chicken was heavily salted. The star of our 6 dishes was the fried piece of catfish. The food came out quickly but nothing was piping hot. The server was OK as well, he did exactly what we expect of a server nothing more nothing less. I will say next time I would take the drive to the West side location, to me the food choices are better as well as the service.

    Photos
    Interior
    Interior
    Grilled Pound Cake
    Grilled Pound Cake
    New Orleans Gumbo Yakamein - Cajun fried perch, seafood savory gravy.  Very good

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    New Orleans Gumbo Yakamein - Cajun fried perch, seafood savory gravy. Very good
    Yardbird Table & Bar

    Yardbird Table & Bar

    3.8
    (457 reviews)
    6.7 mi
    $$
    Full bar
    Gluten-free friendly

    Dropped into Yardbird in Chicago for their happy hour, and it proved to be a great choice. The…read moreatmosphere was lively, but what really elevated the night was the exceptional service. Our server, Miguel, was phenomenal. She was attentive, fast, and gave us some spot-on recommendations. Per her advice, we ordered the deviled eggs with jalapeño, hands down the highlight of the table. The deviled eggs with paired with that subtle jalapeño kick was absolutely perfect. For the mains, the chicken and waffles were good, carrying that solid comfort food flavor you expect. The waffles were a bit soft for my taste. To drink, the sidecar was mixed perfectly, well-balanced, crisp, and hit the exact right note. Giving it 4 stars only because while the mains were good, the starters and the outstanding service from Miguel were what truly stole the show. I'll definitely be back to hang out at the bar again nest time I am in town!

    Very first time visiting Yardbird's while visiting Chicago since it was on our to- try list. We…read moredidn't have a reservation but were able to be sat immediately. We were greeted by the host in which I believe to be the manager. He was pleasant and welcome. The restaurant itself is aesthetically appealing and it gives an upscale vibe. We sat and didn't have to wait too long for the waitress. She was nice and assisted up accordingly! I ordered the bottle of champagne for mimosas with pineapple and orange juice and was pleasantly surprised by the $35 price since we're used to paying twice that back home. The food came out pretty quick and was hot and ready to eat. All of our food was good well and we all enjoyed our dishes. My only takeaway would be if guests ordered bottled water and/or champagne, the waitress should poor them into the glasses for you. From my experience, this is something that I thought was a norm. Overall, great place to eat!

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    Yardbird Table & Bar
    Yardbird Table & Bar
    Yardbird Table & Bar

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    Dawn AM Eatery

    Dawn AM Eatery

    4.1
    (267 reviews)
    0.5 mi
    $$

    I've been here a few times, and they never disappoint!…read more The ambiance is so bright and inviting. I love how the place is decorated. The bar is full, and they make great drinks as well. The servers are great and attentive. The food does not disappoint! I love the pot roast and jalapeño cheddar grits. That is sooooo good you cannot go wrong ordering that. I've also had the fried catfish on top of the jalapeño cheddar grits, and it was delicious as well! The French toast is very good as well. I tried the fried chicken for the first time during my last visit, and it was impressed. Overall, this is a nice establishment with good food options. They serve breakfast all day, so you don't have to go at a certain time of day to try it. I recommend booking a reservation during the weekends because they can get pretty busy. Parking on the streets is limited, but there is a parking garage around the corner that allows visitors to park on the top floor. Go check them out for some delicious food and drinks!

    Overall, the place was nice and had a good atmosphere. When we were first seated, our table was…read moredirty, but the staff came over and cleaned it right away, which I appreciated. I ordered the chicken with two sides. Everything could have used a lot more seasoning. It had potential, but the flavors were pretty mild. Overall, it was a decent experience, but there's definitely room for improvement when it comes to the food.

    Photos
    Delicious and fun!
    Delicious and fun!
    Pot Roast & Grits
    Pot Roast & Grits
    Banana Pudding Pancakes

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    Banana Pudding Pancakes

    Virtue Restaurant - southern - Updated July 2026

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