So sad to see this Chicago southern breakfast institution coming to an end! Wishbone announced they will close their doors for good around the end of August 2026. We had to go one final time and ordered a few of our favorites including: chicken and waffles, blackened catfish, cheesy scrambled eggs, grits and biscuits! Every dish was delicious, seasoned perfectly and served hot! We were able to meet the owner and say "thank you" for your service and for the delicious food and warm atmosphere over the years! We will miss you! read more

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Wishbone is still serving up great eats and drinks! ​We stopped by for weekday brunch and had a fantastic experience. The restaurant is bright, airy, and welcoming, and the staff is just as warm. Our server was wonderful--she had a great personality and gave us awesome recommendations when we asked for advice on the menu. ​As for the food, everything arrived hot and perfectly seasoned, and the mimosas were delicious and hit the spot. ​Wishbone is definitely worth checking out! read more

Wishbone - Chicken and Waffles - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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This place is AMAZING!!! Tasty as breakfast. I've had in a very very long time. I had something very simple, but I have to say it was the best sautéed spinach I've ever had in my life and the grits were cooked to perfection.!!! I will definitely be back!! read more

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I can tell the staff is like well we closing so here goes whatever! Took forever for a waiter to come to our table after waiting 26 minutes to be seated! We place our order and wwwhheww food took almost 30 minutes and it wasnt even hot. Shrimp and grits. And my shrimp was dirty. Still had the vein in it. I forgot to take a picture. I ordered coffee. Waiter never brought any cream. Had to beg another lady to bring me some. And dont even ask for napkins or ice lol read more

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Absolutely loved brunch here. The food was excellent, it made the 20 minute freezing walk from the hotel worth it. I order the southern fried catfish with cheese grits and home fries, plus a side of Cajun white wine & cream sauce. My date ordered the crab cakes with collard greens and home fries. We also added on a buttermilk pancake to share. Everything was so good! The catfish was perfectly crispy and well seasoned. I also really enjoyed the home fries. Overall 5/5. Can't wait to return the next time I'm in town. read more

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We came here seeking a warm breakfast before we started our day exploring the city. This place is so pleasantly decorated. I believe Wishbone is the cute poodle that adorns the restaurant's shirts. Being that we came on a Thursday morning it was not crowded, which was great. We were able to take our time. Since we were on vacation, I decided to indulge in an Irish Coffee. They are delightfully heavy-handed with the whiskey in this drink. It was delicious and boozy. My partner got the green smoothie, and it has something like peanut butter in it as it was thick. We both enjoyed it. Then for food I got the small order of the shrimp and grits with bacon. Two reasons I loved this meal, you can have bacon instead of sausage, and you can get it in a smaller than normal size. It was the perfect amount for a full meal and no leftovers. Then I got the biscuit with it. Equally amazing! My partner got the standard breakfast, which came with eggs, meat, a side, and choice of bread. Our waiter was attentive and very kind. We both left warm, full, and happy. You should definitely come here if you're in the area. read more

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Best Cajun shrimp and grits I've been down to New Orleans and never had it that good all good things come to an end this is the fourth place they're closed on me I give it a 10 out of 10 Genaro's on Taylor Street was the first to close read more

This place gets pretty crowded for weekend brunch, but we were able to get a table for 5 within 15 minutes. Service was quick though the food took a little longer. I got the chicken hash, which wasn't anything special in my opinion but a big portion. The pancakes we got for the table were also standard. read more

Wishbone - Chicken Andouille Hash - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Ordered the salmon cakes which came with two sides. For sides I ordered collard greens and zucchini (special of the day). The overall meal was absolutely delicious! The salmon cakes with the lemon butter were heavenly and the sides were perfect for someone who loves vegetables since they had flavour! The service was quite fast and our server was very friendly and knowledgeable about the menu! The decor was quite unique but fun! Great conversational starters! I would highly recommend this place!! read more

Wishbone - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Delicious!!!!! Definitely didn't know they moved from their old location to this one. I thought they went out of business!!!! Great customer service!!! Nice clean restaurant and restrooms. Everything is delicious!!!! From the Shrimp and Grits, to the Salmon Cakes, breakfast items, collard greens, Mac and cheese etc. Their Kentucky Parfait which is reminiscent but better than KFC's chicken bowl . It's Fried chicken breast strips served over mashed potatoes with corn, green onions & brown gravy Fried in peanut oil. Soooo good. Their slushy alcoholic drinks are good too! I love the Georgia Freeze which is La Nevera Rosé, Peach Schnapps, Orange Liqueur, Peach Nectar, Cranberry. The Purple Rain is Bacardi Rum, Deep Eddy Vodka, Violette Flower Liqueur and Lemonade is good too. Just all around good eats and better customer service. I am so happy that you guys are still around kicking out flavor bombs! read more

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I was so surprised by this restaurant! I found it on TikTok and people were trying to keep it and I understand why. All of the food was so amazing... Like when I say it's a hit it's a hit! Our server, Nicole gave us some good recommendations and she was so sweet. The whole family enjoyed the restaurant in the ambience was a chill vibe... But very cozy. I literally will come back every time to this one. read more

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Food took too long to come out, and waiter act like he really didn't care, asked for manager they never came. I can see why they are closing. It's not the same wishbone. Food was ok. Waiter never apologized. read more

Absolutely a must visit in Chicago for Cajun flavors! We booked a reservation for a Friday breakfast. I recommend booking a reservation because although it was pretty empty when we got there it was full with a wait by the time we left. We came in & we were promptly seated. There's a counter for takeout orders and both indoor and outdoor seating. It's a wide open space where there's tables and seating along the wall. For drinks we ordered the uncles breakfast and the hurricane. Absolutely recommend the uncles breakfast it was amazing! For food we ordered the spicy shrimp & grits, chicken andouille hash, and southern fried catfish. Everything was absolutely amazing! Great flavor & portion size and came out fast. Only critique would be too much onion in chicken andouille hash. The service was great! From the host seating to our waitress to those bringing us the food everyone was friendly, fast, and efficient. The combo of tasty food, good portion size, and great staff in a time when a lot of restaurants are struggling with one of the 3 makes this place a gem. We'll definitely be back! read more

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Came in for breakfast this morning - Sunday, May 3rd. Not the best experience. My eggs came but no toast. My mother didn't receive her side pancake. The waitress said she'd be right back. That didn't happen. In her defense she was busy. Waited and waited. Eggs were ice cold. I didn't touch them. Eventually my mother received her pancakes. The plates were stacked to be taken away. The waitress asked if I wanted to pack up my eggs. I explained I didn't eat them as I never received my toast and now, roughly 25 mins later, they were ice cold. Next thing I know she brings me new eggs and toast. No thank you! My husband was finished eating and had already gone to the car. My mother had finished her breakfast. We were simply waiting for the check. I told the waitress I didn't want the eggs. She took them away and brought the check. She charged me for my breakfast. After the comedy of errors breakfast she should have only charged me for the portion of my breakfast I was able to eat - the bacon and home fries that came as part of my country breakfast. It's the principle. Instead she blamed the new Hispanic person who does not understand English. Maybe he had something to do with it but she is the server and I assume capable of getting an order of toast in a timely fashion as she was aware it was missing when the food was brought to the table. We've been coming to Wishbone since back in the 90's when they had the lunch line and the building on Morgan was owned by Annie Properties. And sweet Faye was a fixture. My how things have changed. Sent a note on Instagram. Not even a reply to acknowledge it. read more

Wishbone - Our bill - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Great food, helpful service, and a well-lit, eclectic interior. Lots of tasty options so I can't wait to return! read more

Wishbone - Interior - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

LOVE LOVE LOVE! The staff and the food went above and beyond. It was our first time here and the server was so kind and the chef/owner made the experience even better. He came up to our table and made great conversation, I really appreciate a personalized touch! The food was so delicious! We got a Cajun shrimp and grits (10/10), shrimp and grits (w/ bacon), collard greens, and homestyle fries. The Bloody Mary's were nice and spicy too! A great meal and time, definitely will be coming back soon! read more

Wishbone - Buttermilk Pie - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Came on a weekend for brunch and quickly was seated without a reservation. It's a decent sized restaurant, with a welcoming atmosphere and lots of charming southern decor. I got the half order of cajun shrimp & grits for my entree with a cornbread muffin. Man the white wine and cream sauce was delicious. It brought so much life to the dish, and the shrimp/andouille sausage were both seasoned well too. They were both seasoned and cooked nicely. The dish had a bit of spice to it - i personally have a high tolerance so it was a welcomed addition. The cornbread muffin was moist, and dense, it was great. I wish i got another one of these. The portions were fair for the price of the dishes. We had Lawnya as our waiter and they did a great job at being attentive, and accommodating to our allergies. Overall this is an affordable brunch spot for solid southern food and i would come back. read more

Wishbone - Iced Dark Matter Coffee - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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This is place beyond delicious My go to order includes catfish and seafood grits . Ambiance is great and service is even better! Go give wishbone a try! read more

I didn't get to eat much, but all my friends enjoyed their food! It was a great place to meet up and chat w friends! I only got to try their biscuit and juice which were both good :) read more

Really cute brunch place! Came here on Sunday morning after church, was pretty busy but only waited about 10 min for a table for 2 after being quoted 15-20 min. Got the chicken and waffles which were so sweet and good with a good bit of chicken. Cajun omelette which has a smallest kick of spice but is veryyyyy good! And orange juice which was freshly squeezed. Was only disappointed in the Mac and cheese side - nothing particularly wrong, just didn't match up with my taste. Will be back! read more

Wishbone - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

As a third or fourth-time customer, I can confidently recommend Wishbone as a breakfast hotspot . Typically I get the chicken and waffles but this time went for the crunchy french toast and simply put...everything is chef's kiss! The french toast is coated in corn flakes and just adds the crunch you are always looking for in this dish! It also paired perfectly with the chicken sausage links--you get four per order.. We also indulged in the champagne bucket, just to kick off a fun MDW! Think small diner ambiance when you picture Wishbone. It's cozy and welcoming. The affordability is also a major plus, especially for a restaurant in the West Loop. I often describe Wishbone as "what I wish IHOP was". Despite Wishbone's early closing time (typically around 2-3pm depending on the day), we never feel rushed. The service is consistently efficient, and our food is always prepared quickly and correctly. The staff is friendly and attentive, making each visit a pleasant and stress-free experience. Overall, Wishbone has consistently delivered delicious food and excellent service. It's an affordable gem in the West Loop, and I can't recommend it highly enough. read more

Wishbone - Crunchy french toast - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Food was TERRIBLE. For the first time in my life, I actually had to send something back. I ordered the rainbow trout--it had a very strange aftertaste (that my side dish also had for some reason) that made me feel instantly nauseous. My friend's main and side dish didn't have this strange aftertaste, and after sending my food back, all I asked for was a soda and homefries to at least eat something for the meal. I was charged for these. Service was mediocre; I was very apologetic to the server for sending the food back, but the staff glared at me and was very cold afterwards. The ambiance is nice, however--good noise levels and fitting décor. No indoor waiting area. Would only recommend to someone who had wronged me. EDIT: To the response I received: this was from half a year ago, not nearly two years ago. I was going through pictures and realized I had never submitted this review. read more

Wishbone - My receipt from the order. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Turkey Tetrazzini is one of this week's specials, this was my first time going to Wishbone and I knew immediately once I walked in that I'd be back to try some things from the normal menu. It tasted like Thanksgiving in a bowl. The red beans and rice and the corn muffin were also great. The red beans and rice might have been my favorite part of the meal, didn't expect so much flavor. The restaurant was spotless. It seems rare to find a place that doesn't have dirty plates, tables, or floors. The bartender was great, he was taking care of multiple different things when I got there, and the wait to be served was almost non-existent. The draft beers are limited, but they are ice cold. For some reason it's hard to find an ice cold draft in the city. Tried a beer from a brewery in Bloomington, Indiana, that I'd never had called Upland. read more

Wishbone - Turkey Tetrazzini, Red Beans & Rice, corn muffin, and a champagne velvet from Upland (based in Bloomington Indiana) - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I had a business lunch here and shared the shrimp and grits and a half order of the crunchy French toast. First, the service was super friendly and the prices were very reasonable. I like how they offer a variety of sides instead of just entrees so you can try a few different things. The dishes were really good. I don't think I've ever had a crunchy French toast and it was the perfect texture. Shrimp and grits were very delicious; usually I'm not a big fan of grits because they tend to be bland, but I enjoyed this a lot. Again, in addition to the delicious food, the prices and service are great. read more

I was really disappointed with my experience at Wishbone. Our waiter spoke to me with a loud and rude attitude that made me uncomfortable. If there was an issue or a question, it could have been handled politely and privately instead of in such a loud and obnoxious way. What upset me most was hearing staff continue to talk about me openly afterward, loudly enough that it was obvious.The entire experience felt unprofessional and embarrassing, and it completely ruined what should have been a nice meal. I normally don't leave negative reviews, but the way I was treated was unacceptable. read more

My family and I used to frequent Wishbone at the Morgan St. location. It's been so long since we've been that I had not even realized they'd moved to the Jefferson location! After my husband and I Saturday morning couple's massage at Massage Evolved (highly recommended) we decided to eat brunch at Wishbone and were impressed! The place was clean and we were seated right away! Our food (crawfish cakes, chicken jambalaya omelette, red beans and rice, sautéed spinach and corn muffins) was hot and full of Cajun flavors! Our server was attentive and polite! And the prices were more than reasonable! We will definitely be back! It will be worth the trek from Hyde Park! read more

Wait a minute! I didn't know Wishbone was still here in Chicago! Apparently, it's been at the 161 N. Jefferson St. location since Nov. 2018! The last time I visited was when it was near Oprah's studios on Washington St. I stumbled upon the "new" location while looking for a Sunday brunch option in the Fulton Market area. I was just happy on a Sunday morning I didn't have a hard time finding a parking spot! The restaurant still has the same great cajun soul food vibes. We dined on the fried catfish and potatoes with eggs and a biscuit; plus the cajun omelette with shrimp, andouille sausage, mushroom and peppers with house potatoes and toast. I wish I got some jelly with the biscuit. I tried to flag a waitress down, but they were all pretty busy. Next time, I'll definitely get jelly or honey! read more

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We stopped by Wishbone for a quick drink, and I was pleasantly surprised by how good the mimosas were. We visited on a Friday night, and the place was relatively quiet--only a couple of other tables were occupied. We also tried their home fries, which were more like potato wedges, but they were tasty enough. The service was decent. The atmosphere was relaxed with good music playing in the background, which added to the overall vibe. Parking was easy to find, as there's plenty of space around the restaurant. It was a casual spot for a drink, and overall, it wasn't a bad experience. read more

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I love Wishbone. It's been a friend meet up spot for over 20 years. I go here when I want a consistent meal and familiar and friendly faces. I sat outside for the first time ever and was really happy that I did. The patio was hot, but shaded. read more

Wishbone - Cajun Shrimp and Grits - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Listennn. This is my Favorite place. It's really sooo good. I get the fried catfish, Mac n cheese and red beans and rice. Cord bread muffin isn't dry. Every time I get the catfish it's seasoned well cooked well. 10/10 read more

What a wonderful brunch! The service was AMAZING! So kind and on top of everything. The food was similarly wonderful. Super flavorful crab cakes and shrimp and grits. The corn cake is a must. One of the best brunches we've had in Chicago. read more

Great food and great staff. The owner/ chef asked how everything was; so kind and was so personable! Loved the shrimp & grits, cajun shrimp & grits, collard greens, and don't forget the buttermilk pie! The buttermilk pie is something I've never tried or heard of, but we will come back to order it for dessert! read more

Food, service and ambience are great! Go to Wishbone! I've been living Wishbone for over 40 years. read more

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Always was a favorite of ours going back to the old (Washington St) location but we had not yet been to this location since the move 5 or so years ago. Seems like they maintained the lively and friendly community vibe while still killing it with their takes on soulful, Cajun-leaning brunch faves too. Loved my brisket hash with poached eggs while the lady fell in love all over again for the shrimp grits! Even the coffee was rich and satisfying. It was fairly early on a crappy December Sunday morning after a night of downtown indulgence, and we were super pumped to rediscover the place...it was JUST what the doctor ordered. That said, we are just as excited to know that the Wishbone we remember, still rocks in its unique way, just outside the loop. read more

Wishbone - Front of house - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Chicken and waffles is amazing, and prices are fair, the lemonade taste fresh and delicious

My review is for my overall experience at Wishbone. I've been here more times than I can count even when they were at the original location. All the servers are usually very nice and greet you all the time. The food I usually order is always flavorful!! From the fried chicken, fried catfish, brisket hash, andouille sausage bowl, and the Louisiana bowl. You just can't go wrong if you order these items. Just a few of my favs!!!! I just so happen to order a salmon patties today, which I never have, and I wasn't impressed. It lacked seasoning, which I was surprised. Overall a must go. read more

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The vibe was super homie and our server was super sweet! My friend and I the catfish and blackened salmon and both were super juicy and perfectly seasoned! I didn't really have high expectations for the sides but they were my favorite part of the meal! Super yummy! The French toast was a lot more simple than what i would expected it to be, but it was still super yummy! read more

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The food and service was awful. We heard about this place on Tik Tak. We were visiting for Spring Break and the food was basically inedible. We basically left all of our food on the plate. It was over priced and to make things worse the waiter was rude!!! There are so many good eateries in Chicago. Skip this one! read more

Pretty solid, the pancake was nice and fluffy. Mac and cheese was good as I expected. Bacon was v good. First time trying grits, interesting texture. Would go back again read more

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Someone wished this into existence when they pulled the wishbone, and bless their heart, mind, and soul for it. Wishbone is a phenomenal breakfast/brunch spot for all your soul healing food. Don't believe me? Just look at the lines that form. I came at 12pm on a sunday and the wait was about 30 minutes which was reasonable. But I bet you're dying to hear about the food. Blackened Catfish, this right here is a banger. Just a party in my mouth with flavors on flavors and freshness on freshness. Sure it's $19 and pricier but damn if it isn't delicious. Oh, it comes with 2 sides and a carb so yeah, enjoy some mac n cheese, cheese grits, or beans over rice along with your cornbread or biscuit. I was feeling extra spoiled today so I got a half order of crunchy french toast as well and yeah, like the name implies, it's CRUNCHY, but also just rich and delicate like a good french toast should be. So what can I say, I had a nice sweet side to offset the savory catfish I had earlier. And the service? You feel like you're right at home at grandma's. Nothing but the best and a desire to overfeed you till you can't walk. So what can I say? Wishbone is a worthwhile place for repeated brunches. read more

Wishbone - Blackened Catfish - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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