The vibes, the food, the staff, all a wonderful experience! I'd been wanting to try Virtue for years. When I wondered on a Friday evening, it was bustling and I did have to wait 45 minutes to get seated so I recommend reservations. We got seated at the bar and this was definitely a fun vibe. The decor inside is stunning and it gave very much NYC vibes. Food: We got the Gumbo, the Mac, and the cornbread. Each good and also very well priced. The gumbo was a bit too salty for my liking though so I wouldn't get it again. The Mac was great and super heavy so I recommend sharing! read more

Virtue Restaurant - Mac & Cheese, Cornbread & Honey Butter, Gumbo - Southern Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I loved this restaurant it was such a nice dinner experience. Located in Hyde Park so it gave me Atlanta College Park vibes. There's a lot happening and it only has street parking so that's a little challenge because it's so much going on in the neighborhood. The restaurant decor was simple and pretty, it's a smaller restaurant so they take advantage of the whole space and seating is a little closer to other tables. The cool thing you can see the kitchen staff in action. Our waiter was so nice and attentive and very helpful. We looked at the menu beforehand so we already knew what we were ordering. We ordered the gumbo which was so good, the mac and cheese was our favorite, cornbread which looked amazing but it was dry, kind of wish we would have ordered the biscuits instead and lastly we got the short ribs which were very tender. Overall a lovely dining experience and would return to try their other food items. I'm still day dreaming of that gumbo and mac n cheese. (Gumbo not pictured) read more

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Haven't been here in a while. My daughter and I went for dinner before going to Court theater to see Lion in Winter. I absolutely love Virtue. The quality and care they provide is beyond excellent. From service to cocktails to dinner and finally dessert you must try Virtue. Appetizer of Chicken liver on sourdough with pomegranate is the only way I want my chicken liver it's that Good!!! Order of scallops OMG. They were cooked to perfection huge in size and flavor. I am not a fan of black eyed peas but the smoke flavor they have won me over! The BBq Pork steak it is really more like a little roast and the sauce is just enough ( no drowning flavor of juicy succulent pork). This is a seasonal dish so limited availability. Of course the Banana pudding is without doubt the best I've had. Thank you Chef Williams for continued excellence ! read more

Virtue Restaurant - Chicken liver pomegranate on sourdough - Southern Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Very tasty. Great service. Good cocktails nice ambiance. ....,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,;;;;;;, read more

Virtue Restaurant - Short ribs collards and honey butter cornbread - Southern Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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This was one of the best dining experiences we have ever had. From the check-in process to the dessert. This place is run like a well oiled machine. The food was flavorful and every dish was made to perfection. There is not one item from the menu that we didn't love! Customer service is 10/10! Food is 10/10 Ambiance is 10/10 Definitely will be back! read more

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Already planning when to come back - that's how great it was. The best way to describe it was the food felt like home. The vibe was so great & I can't say better things about how cool the staff were, especially our waiter Joseph. You could tell he was also passionate about the food & his expertise/kindness so added to the experience! PS we got the gumbo, short rib, Mac/cheese, shrimp/crawfish && cornbread. Honestly all amazing! Wish we would have saved room for desert! (& maybe added some greens hehe) read more

Virtue Restaurant - Southern Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Virtue was incredible! My favorite dishes were the gizzards, banana pudding, gumbo, and short rib. The gizzards are a must try. I had the cool as cucumber cocktail and it was so delightful I got it twice. Everything was well balanced, the service we got from Joe was top notch, and I can't wait to go back! read more

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Honestly what additional great things can I say? This place has notoriety for a reason. I booked and paid a deposit in advance and it was soooo worth it. I'm not sure if I should start with the carrots caramelized to perfect or the absolutely perfectly buttered cornbread that gives my mom a run for her money...ugh. Everything was simply delicious. Period. The place was packed and bustling for a good reason. Everyone was professional and kind. I was in and out and every to knock out for the night. Oh and yes the leftovers hit the next morning. read more

Virtue Restaurant - Southern Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Boy, what an introduction to Chicago. Virtue takes southern food and elevates it to a whole new level. This restaurant is inviting to all and is such a great experience and introduction to elevated southern food. The standout was definitely the gizzards and the cornbread. The honey butter was just sweet enough to not overwhelm your palette and the cornbread was baked to perfection. The gizzards stay crispy even while atop of rice and a reduced sauce/soup. I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking to escape the typical Asian-comfort food lifestyle. read more

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Hands-down the best dining experience I've had in years! Great ambiance, service and flavors! We thoroughly enjoyed the food, music and atmosphere. Give thanks! read more

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I have been to Virtue so many times over the last few years and it never disappoints. I try to bring new people and they always leave amazed and happy! The catfish last night was a new item I had not tried, it was delicious. The Mac and cheese, short rib, shrimp and grits, green tomatoes and biscuits are ALWAYS delicious. On top of the food being delicious, the service is top notch, the drinks are inventive and tasty and the desserts are to die for. read more

Virtue Restaurant - Mac and cheese, catfish, shrimp/crawfish and grits, short rib - Southern Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Food, service, ambiance, drinks, all around great evening. We will definitely be back when we're in the city.

I went to the restaurant after seeing they had won a culinary award. It also allowed for me to support a black business. I get there and we were pleasantly surprised that they were able to seat us while the line seemed so long. We were super appreciative. But then we sat down at a table and looked at the digital menu. We were all set to order from the happy hour menu that was just beginning when we sat down. But then we were told that we couldn't order from the HH menu because we were sitting at a table. Huh?? You let me scan this bar code and look at a HH menu during HH that I couldn't buy because I wasn't sitting at the bar, but it's the same food that you offer to people sitting at a table except it's twice as much. Like should I ask to be reseated at the bar? Can y'all just have a physical HH menu that's at the bar? Like why can I see the same drink and wings for half off for only people at the bar. Nonetheless we still ordered and the food was mediocre at best. The ambiance as cool. The waiter wasn't looking out either. We order 4 glasses of wine which costs more than buying the bottle that was 5 glasses of wine. And when we asked about it he told me my math was off. But I double checked and I was charged $5.77 more than I would have been if I would have just bought the bottle. Hope this helps. read more

virtue has virtually the best food in downtown chicago. depsite them having lots of bookings, we were able to get seated on the waitlist pretty easily. we were worried that the $20 per person price for reservations wouldn't be refunded, but it is just deducted from your final bill. upon arriving, the service was so nice and all the workers were so kind. one very recognizable aspect of the restaurant were their silverware and plates! very cozy and feels like grandma's plates, and added to the homey feeling of the food. we started out with the gumbo, and they knew that we were sharing, so the servers put the gumbo in two bowls for us! the gumbo was a bit lacking in flavor and some components were a little overcooked, but it was warm and cozy, with the perfect amount of spice. the fried green tomatoes were amazing! they were crispy and flavorful, with a great shrimp topping. the star of the show was the shrimp and grits - the grits were so cheesy and creamy, and had the perfect texture, and the shrimp and crawfish were perfectly cooked and tender, and added a wonderful seafood aroma to the dish. the dessert blew our mind!! we had the caramel chocolate tart, and it was so so good! the tart crust was tender and buttery, with a great true vanilla bean flavor, and the chocolate was rich and silky. the caramel cream was literally orgasmic - it had this great browned butter flavor, and added so much depth to the tart. it had this delicious nutty crispy topping that was a great textural interest. i will definitely be coming again, whether for the gorgeous paintings and cozy atmosphere, the friendly staff, or the amazing food. read more

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The service was very good. Our server was friendly and knowledgeable. Maybe our food expectations were too high. The gizzards were OK but sized small and too few. The cornbread was tasty but I've had better. The short ribs were tender and tasty but came with small amounts of creamed spinach and mashed potatoes. You'll have 90 minutes to eat and the parting gift of a 3.5% surcharge to cover employee health insurance benefits. If you're looking for a dinner spot in Hyde Park, you might try it. I'm glad I did after hearing so much about it but I would never return. read more

The experience was poor . I was unable to seat at one available tables. The manager Brittany was non accommodating and actually did not care that I came to this restaurant out of the way. This is poor service. I am unable to tell you about the food. read more

Virtue is one of my favorite restaurants in Hyde Park. The vibe and ambiance are great. It's great spot for dates. But, the food is incredible! I love the bread appetizer and the beets! All of the sides are amazing especially the greens. I have never had a bad bite there. There service is also always stellar. I've had the chef come out to say hello almost every time I visit. I've since moved but I come back every time I'm in Chicago. read more

Virtue's owner and chef, Erick Williams, has crafted a deliciously unique modern southern culinary journey that delights the tastebuds. Located in central Hyde Park, the restaurant feels like your grandma's dining room while you taste all her best recipes. My husband and I made a reservation for a Sunday and our whole dining experience was stellar from start to finish. For appetizers we ordered the: - Gizzards with dirty rice, chicken gravy, and celery - Green tomatoes, gulf shrimp and leroy's remoulade * BOTH were perfection, crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and honestly I probably could have had another order of each, but we had to save space for the entrees and dessert! For the entrees, we ordered: - Short rib, creamed spinach, potatoes, caramelized onion gravy - Pork chop, pearl onions, creamed spinach, gravy * We loved the short rib, it was to die for, but I think the pork chop wasn't my favorite as it wasn't as flavorful as I had hoped. That being said, it was still cooked tenderly, and well, it just wasn't my cup of tea. 100% would come back for that short rib though! As a side we also ordered the Mac & cheese which was SO scrumptious, one of the best I've ever had! For dessert we got the Millie's Banana Puddin' & Carrot Cake, both were delicious, and the portions were very big, so we definitely took more than half of each as leftovers! Service, ambiance, and the whole meal was impeccable. It was truly a treat for our special date night, and Virtue receiving its Bib Gourmand this year is truly deserved. read more

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Food: 10/10 (Dessert 6.5/10) Service: 10/10 Ambiance 10/10 Virtue is a true Hyde Park gem. First let me start off with you will need a reservation. The reservation requires a deposit per person. The deposit is deducted from your final bill so you aren't losing any funds unless someone in your party does not show up. No refunds so choose your party members carefully. I would like to say parking is easy, but it depends on the day and time. I found a metered parking spot across the street from the restaurant. There is a small paid parking lot walking distance from the location. You might find some free parking somewhere nearby because it is also located in a busy residential area. Now, about the food, you will not be disappointed. I feel like the portions we ordered were shareable and a nice amount for the price. The Fleurs de Prairie is a must try if you like rosé. Now hear me... I'm not saying the Mac and cheese is the bomb, but it isn't bad at all. I loved the collard greens with smoked turkey and the honey butter cornbread. In all, everything was flavorful and perfectly cooked. Our server was phenomenal, informative, funny, and attentive. The ambiance isn't grand and over the top... simple and elegant. If you don't like seating too close to others, just ask for a different table for your party. The dessert was not that great. When I think of peach cobbler I immediately am expecting a great crust and the burst of flavors of cinnamon, vanilla, brown sugar to pop in my mouth. It was lacking and seemed bland. Again, just my opinion. I hope you enjoy if you get the opportunity to visit this black owned establishment! read more

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I wish I could give this place ten stars. There are not many places you can go to where each dish you have becomes the next best dish you've ever tried. Honestly everything from the design of the restaurant, to the service, to the cocktails is flawless, but it's a testament to how good the food is that I barely even noticed those things. Before we left the I was already texting people I needed to come back here with. If you haven't tried Virtue yet, you need to make a reservation asap, then allow yourself a few hours afterwards to digest read more

I and my wife are in love with Virtue and their staff. The ambiance is cozy and vibrant, the music is great and not too loud, they have an amazing playlist that plays softly in the background. The service and staff are amazing and incredibly accommodating. On more than once occasion they went out of their way to assist with a special request. The food is fantastically delicious, the chefs mise en place for each plate is beautiful. I love when food looks as delectable as it tastes. You can't really go wrong with anything on their menu. I have a favorite dish but I have tried many of the options and have never been disappointed. The reservation process is simple. I highly recommend visiting Virtue, they do not disappoint. read more

Okay, don't laugh at me but, yes, I came here because I saw Damarr Brown on Top Chef. But seriously run, don't walk here! The food is amazing as is the service. We dined here with our adult children in March of 2022. It was still pretty frosty outside but the warm southern comfort inside warmed us right up! Though when we arrived we were told that our table wasn't ready for us even though we had a reservation. This is usually a hot button for me but the fire was quenched with the complimentary flutes of champagne they offered to as a consolation. Yes, I would make that trade any day! The food was fabulous! When we were there, they had a cornbread that was out of this world! I had the short rib and it was delicious. I already have reservations to go back two more times! read more

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The food and service were amazing. I always sit at the bar and it's always a good time .

Patience is a virtue, but as you can see from all the pics I haven't exercised much patience between visits. Lol. Virtue is bangin'. As good as any soul food restaurant I've tried. I have immense respect for Chef Williams. Soul Food is perhaps the most difficult type of restaurant to get right. .. primarily because everyone is accustomed to the preparation they grew up with. I should specify, I'm referring to those with deep Southern roots like that grandmother born in Laurel, Mississippi. Folks can be very particular about the flavor profile of Collard Greens, Gizzards or even Cornbread. You can visit 100 Southern grandma's and find 100 different recipes. This can be said of other cuisines, but I think it's a bit more varied with down home cookin'. Chef Williams has found a way to create a menu that while elevated pays the proper respect to our elders. It's so good that you'll find a very diverse crowd chowing down. I've enjoyed every item I've tried. ..some more than others primarily because of preference. Everything has been really good to great though. Ignore the folks complaining about $6-$8 side dishes. This isn't Dusty's or MacArthur's (no disrespect). There's a distinct difference in the quality of ingredients and the chef skills at play. Tbh. ..soul food restaurants are relatively expensive everywhere so stop being cheap or just quit complaining and support small business. Whether you're a fan of Soul Food, never tried or if you haven't enjoyed in the past, I strongly suggest giving Virtue a try. I'll let my pictures do the rest of the talking. read more

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Stunning service and scrumptious food on a popular street in Hyde Park. It's bustling with happy patrons so the noise level is high but every bite of food "Tastes So Good, Make You Wanna Slap Yo Mama!" Beef Short Ribs read more

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My husband and I are huge Top Chef fans and we came to Chicago to visit Virtue specifically. Virtue was Top Chef contestant restaurant #6 and it did not disappoint. The service and meal were flawless from start to finish. We sat in the bar side of the restaurant for our reservation and it was dim lit and very relaxing. Our waiter, Trey, was absolutely phenomenal! He did a great job at leading us to his favorites, popular restaurant items, and made sure that we had enough rations to fully enjoy our time at Virtue and leave satisfied. The food was perfectly executed from the cook, seasonings, and amazing flavor combinations. We would highly recommend the biscuits w/pimento cheese, fried green tomatoes, gumbo, and amazing oysters for small rations. The short rib was easily cut by a butter knife and blackened catfish was spiced and cooked to perfection! One of the standout parts of the large rations was the carrot puree, just straight fire!!! Chef Demarr was working the night of our visit and he was so gracious and kind! We cannot wait to return! read more

I was happy to learn of those upscale southern soul food restaurant in Hyde Park. The restaurant is beautifully decorated and the staff was very knowledgeable of the food and menus. We started with Fried Green Tomatoes. I wasn't impressed as they were to thickly cut and lacked salt. It was recommended by our waiter that my sister and I try the the short ribs. I'm glad we did. They were tender and well seasoned and the gravy was superb. We also added the cornbread, Mac and cheese as a side and banana pudding and red velvet cake for dessert. All of our choices did not disappoint us. Delish! I give 4 stars for having to pay a non refundable 20.00+tax for a reservation for 2 (was applied to the bill) and paying a 3.5% surcharge to assist with employee insurance. Because of these extra fees unfortunately I may not return read more

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Went during happy hours. Was able to get seated at the bar. Saw two ladies next to us order EACH a collard green. So we ordered that and it was ok. Shrimp and grits was good. Short rib wasn't that special. Happy hour cat fish sandwich was good, I would get again . Corn bread was nice and hot. Everything we ordered besides the cornbread was cold or luke warm. Would I come back ? Try it just to try it . read more

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Really cute - what I would call - fine dining soul food restaurant. This place is very easy to find. From Lakeshore, exit 53rd and you'll run right into it maybe 5 mins later. I parked at the Hyatt on Harper since valet parking is $7. Not a bad deal considering the snow and how close it is. Once entering, I noticed that the hostess stand separates the bar on the right to the actual restaurant which is on the left. I really liked this. We checked our coats and sat down to a very welcoming and polished restaurant. Our waiter was prepared with a few recommendations which we went along with. We ordered drinks. Sparkling rose for my friend and I had the bourbon cocktail on the menu. I can't remember the name but the bourbon was Old Forrester. We started off with the broccoli which was surprisingly very good! The chunks of cheese, sliced peppers and pecans were unexpectedly very good with it.. and that is one of my least favorite veggies! Haha. Anyway, I ordered the pork chop which comes with cabbage and red peas. I wasn't crazy abt the veggies, but the chop was really good! There were just too many onions or something in the peas. My friend ordered the salmon and it looked great. And she ate all of it so it must have been bomb. Lol We both finished with Millie's pudding (banana pudding) for dessert. It was good but just different than what I was hoping for. This place is definitely worth a return trip. The menu is small but I can honestly say everything sounded like something I wanted to try... ok well except the red beans and rice. That didn't sound exciting. Definitely a cute date place. read more

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The place is an entire vibe! The flavors popped off the plate, and I can't wait to go back! The short rib was excellent along with the shrimp and grits, fired green tomatoes, kale salad, corn bread, biscuits, greens and banana pudding. The drinks were also good, however the Uncle was a pleasant suprise! I went for my birthday dinner, along with it being the last day of Chicago Restaurant Week, so I was blessed to get a chance to taste many delicious items. Yummy! Last but not least loved the music! read more

Nice place went there for my son's birthday ,service was on point server was very helpful and gave insight about the menu food was very good ,The short ribs ,oysters and cornbread was mmm good. Would give a thumbs up to anyone who asked about the restaurant. read more

The food is always delicious! The short ribs and Mac and cheese are my favorites. The service is good and the ambiance is busy. This is one of my favorite restaurants! read more

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I love going to an establishment and not knowing much or anything at all about it and just being amazed. Virtue is a great place to get your fix for southern food. It's a very nice spot in a busy part of Hyde Park, I'd recommend a reservation as it could be busy. They've got a James Beard and it's clear to see why. The drinks well made, the food flavorful and delicious. There is a dining side and a lowly lit bar area, which was filled with conversation as it was busy and bustling with joy from every thing they have to offer. Everything we ordered was great. Don't be shy to explore the menu. read more

My friend and I made reservations for a Friday night dinner a few days in advance, and online it's a $10 cancellation fee per person. But the fee is applied to your bill. It's a 90 minute seating window per reservation. I will say the ambience is great for any occasion, as it's cozy, warm, and feels like home but upscale. There art throughout the restaurant and soft R&B playing overhead. The bar is separate from the dining area and kitchen, but the kitchen is open concept. There are no paper menus, just QR codes to scan. We started off with small rations aka appetizers. My friend ordered the cornbread with honey butter and I got the fried green tomatoes. It's so nice to see fried green tomatoes with shrimp and remoulade sauce outside of New Orleans so I had to try it. The tomatoes were thinly sliced and served piping hot. The shrimp and remoulade were fine. The cornbread and honey butter was tasty as well. Both portions were enough to share with another person. For our entrees/large rations, I ordered the lemon chicken and my friend got the short rib. She didnt like the sauce because it was vinegary, but the short rib was so tender and flavorful. My chicken portion was half a chicken, and so succulent and tender and flavorful. The lemons are so thinly sliced you can eat them if you wanted. It's also served with fennel and green beans in a perfectly seasoned gravy. We also ordered Mac and cheese and greens to share. All of the portions are large enough to share family style. The service was great, the food was delicious and so filling. The decor and ambience made me feel at home, with the attention to detail. I loved the dining plates and carafes they use. Dining at Virtue made me feel like I was eating Sunday dinner at my aunt's home. Everything on the menu looks delicious, so I cannot wait to come back again and again. read more

Virtue Restaurant - Cornbread & Honey Butter with fried Green Tomatoes & Shrimp with remoulade sauce in the background - Southern Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Chicago owes me nothing. The Virtues ambiance was very nice and culturally relevant. OMG the food was delicious, the potions were enough for sharing, so we totally over ordered and only made it through the sides and still had leftovers to take home. The service was amazing and very accommodating without hovering. Definitely make reservations as we did because they are a must if you are not local. I will definitely be going back read more

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Virtue is the best of every world: excellent food, hearty portions, wonderful service, and a lighthearted atmosphere. It was welcoming and delicious. Ask for Trey's section, he was fantastic. read more

Virtue is an absolute gem for the Hyde Park neighborhood. My wife and I did not mind driving from Oak Park to Hyde Park to try this restaurant with our friends. The ambiance was great. I loved seeing the open kitchen in the back of the restaurant. The chefs were hard at work making delicious food to all their hungry guests. The staff was friendly and professional. Our waitress, Taylor, did a great job explaining the menu to us since it was our first time visiting the restaurant. Our table decided to try the Black Kale, Green Tomatoes, Gumbo, Catfish, Shrimp, Beef Short Ribs, Salmon, Collard Greens and Mac & Cheese. Everything was delicious with great flavor combinations. We also tried the Lemon Pound Cake, but we tore into the cake before I was able to get a picture. I would highly recommend trying all of these items and whatever catches your eye. There is no wrong choices here. We will definitely be back very soon! read more

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First impression...WINNING! Excellent Hyde Park dining experience. Lovely ambiance, delicious & eclectic dishes with pleasant service. Full bar area separate from main dining room is genius. Equally warm yet having their own draw for patrons to enjoy a different vibe. Salmon, chicken, roasted broccoli, banana puddin' all highly recommended. I'll be back for a second visit asap. ~Christy read more

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As four out-of-towners, we were able to make our reservation, online, two days in advance and found on-street parking two blocks away. The neighborhood is vibrant and staff at the restaurant welcoming. Service was outstanding. Our waiter was close by, observing to identify any needs, while not at all obtrusive. Our questions were answered with clear and helpful descriptions. The restaurant was packed with happy people, enjoying each other's company. We ordered cornbread and biscuits, both delicious; split huge salads; and took home leftovers of generously portioned short-ribs. Every bite was perfect: crisp lettuce, flavorful tomatoes with just the right amount of dressing; the beef, whipped potatoes and spinach all well seasoned and scrumptious; the cornbread with honey butter was out-of-this-world. Customers included both old and young adults as well as a cross-section of races. It was a congenial crowd, appreciating the great food and pleasant setting. Virtue is a restaurant we would highly recommend and will visit again when next we return to Chicago. read more

I've wanted to try Virtue for awhile now, my Southside bookmarks lack at times, but I finally made it in. No reservation, so we were seated at the bar, which was cool for us. We ordered fried green tomatoes, chicken gizzards, beef short ribs, pork steak, Mac & cheese, & greens. Everything came out fairly quick and fresh. Everything was good except my short ribs were too well done for my liking, I nibbled on them but didn't finish half, took them home & thru the out. Thevchicken gizzards were BOMB, butba small portion. The menu isn't extensive, so I probably wouldn't go back unless it was for apps/drinks. Our bartender was great her energy was Everything! Came, Saw, Conquered. read more

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