I ordered beef brisket with barbeque sauce. The barbeque sauce was a little bit spicy. It also comes with two sides. I got mash potatoes and corn. The service was quick and fast. It was good southern comfort food. Great location in the west loop. read more

Wishbone - Beef brisket with mash potatoes and corn. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I adore Wishbone and this has always been my favorite location. Wishbone on Washington is pretty much the only restaurant I can take ANYONE to. Staff is always laid back and friendly; Great food with lots of vegetarian options and good price point; LOVE the Desserts/Arnold Palmers/Mac&Cheese/Blackened Catfish/Sweet Potatoes/Brussels Sprouts...I could go on... Wishbone on Washington is a Chicago Institution at this point. It's one of the only places in the city of Chicago where ALL types of folks come together. Love 'em. read more

Absolutely delicious Cajun style food. Service was great and spot on for needing a quick lunch: we just let the server know ahead of time that we were on a time crunch. It's a kitschy place with a lot of room for parties and has plenty of outdoor seating. I love that more restaurants with Cajun food are popping up. Word of caution: Must like spicy! Every dish we ate had a kick to it. Overall: definitely a place worth trying out. read more

I ordered brown rice and food came with white rice. Jambalaya is a bit spicy !! Please listen to your customers. The menu is interesting. Please work on the older waitress with short hair. We had food and no utensils. My hubby ordered a soda and it never arrived ! read more

The old wishbone location may have closed, but I'm glad to see this one is still open. The best family restaurant I can think of! Delicious food for everyone, and the best home fries I've ever had. read more

I've been coming here for over 25 years and this place is consistently EXCELLENT! There was a brief period where I was disappointed because they had scaled back their menu selections, but that problem has been rectified and I'm back to being a happy camper. I know they are relocating (maybe already did) and I'm looking forward to visiting them in their new location. I'm a customer for life. Recommend crawfish cakes with the red sauce! read more

Love Southern food. Love brunch. It's a short wait for a table, even on a busy Sunday morning. The service can be variable, we've had good and bad. Most importantly, the food is excellent...except for the salmon cakes. read more

I heart Wishbone! I've been twice this month, and both times the food was very tasty and the service was spot on. Especially the last time, I noticed that all the servers were in a particularly good mood. The cornbread starters takes me back to my mom's kitchen. I am a fan of the salmon, sweet potatoes with nuts, and black beans. I also highly enjoyed their strawberry lemonade! For both meals, the portions were just right - I was full and my plate was empty. The food isn't anything incredibly innovative - it's just done well without most of the usual guilt of grease or fat. The decor is also fun and casual. I love people watching on a lazy summer afternoon, and Wishbone provides the goods. read more

If you like soul-food, Wishbone is the place to be. Went there Saturday night, the beef brisket with BBQ sauce was amazing. I'm big into service, and Wishbone always delivers! Brunch at wishbone is also great....gotta have the grits. Live, Love, Eat. JLR read more

This place was ok. I don't think it was as great as everyone exclaims about. They're described as soul-food or southern-food, maybe that's why my pancakes and eggs had a certain taste to them. I was thinking maybe organic. It wasn't bad, just different. Went here for mother's day, definitely reasonably priced! I'd go back just to try other things. read more

My sister and I were driving through Chicago on the way home from a trip to see our dad in Iowa. We had our three children all under the age of four. She did some research and saw that the best place to take little ones downtown was wishbone. There must be two wishbones in Chicago because this place was definitally not child friendly. In fact there was a sign at the front counter warning that kids weren't even allowed there after seven and crying would be monitored. We had already paid fifteen dollars to park so we were commited to eating there. They did have a very small childrens menu and the food was ok if you liked new Orleans type cuisine. If you have small kids and are looking for a good place to stop for lunch do not believe the Chicago kids website because this is not it. You would be much better off going to the rainforest cafe or rock and roll mcdonalds. read more

I found a great alternative to Lou! Haha, I went here on a cold morning, expecting very little and came out pretty happy with what I had. Though I do not understand the term of "Southern Reconstruction" food, I do enjoy it a lot. I had the breakfast crawfish cakes, these tiny cakes were filled with hearty chunks of crawdads were yummy, but did go on the chewy side. Probably since I came around the time of transition from breakfast to lunch. The Eggs were good, the waitress said they made them 14 different ways, I would have liked to know, but she was busy. I also had a huge biscuit which was amazing along with cheese grits. So much southern goodness I skipped lunch! Definitely coming back, and maybe check out there dinner cafeteria style, should be good for a college crowd when they hear "a la carte" read more

Went over the summer. We sat outside - beautiful day out so no problem with that. The waitress just seemed really distracted, however she was very pleasant and nice. The food was good. We went more for breakfast/brunch food. I ate GOOD. read more

As a southerner and a vegetarian, I was thrilled to visit Wishbone. I was not let down! I went with a large group on a weekday for lunch. The service was fast and friendly, and they split a large bill between multiple credit cards without a fuss. I got the vegetable platter with cheese grits, collard greens, and hoppin john. The beans were clearly fresh and maintained a bit of bite. The cheese grits had a sufficient amount of cheese but lacked spice. The collard greens tasted more like soul food collards than southern collards, but that's only problematic if you prefer the southern version. Once sufficient amounts of hot sauce were added the meal was perfect comfort food. The cornbread was the best part of the meal and I would recommend getting it to mix with the grits. Yum! read more

As a Bostonian, I used to date a Chicago girl who lived next door to Wishbone, so she introduced me to its breakfast when I first visited a couple years back. Now single and with her out of town I made a return that I have been dying to make. I ordered the Breakfast Burrito w/Cheese Grits and a Biscuit. Amazing. Presentation was good- not overly dramatic but enough to make you notice it, the flavors were very good and coupled with my coffee very well. This is no corner breakfast joint... this is much, much more. Seriously, this place is a must-do on my list any time I am in Chicago. Specifically the Cheese Grits. The server, despite a full restaurant, was attentive, helpful, timely, and knowledgeable. The table was clean, the restaurant was overall clean, and service was overall very good. The only hiccup occurred when I first arrive... I stood awkwardly at the door for 3 or 4 minutes waiting to be seated. But once I got seated it was smooth and swift service. If you havent been here, make your way over. And make sure you get the Cheese Grits read more

Typical southern American brunch, which means big portion, lots of cheese. It tastes good but also very unhealthy, so worth trying once in a while but not on a frequent bassi. read more

Wishbone - Shrimp and grits with bacon - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

I was visiting family in town and walked by wishbone. I had no idea Chicago had southern food in the area. I was lucky that I was staying close by within walking distance otherwise I'd have to pay metered parking. I ended up going in on my own during the weekday for lunch. Shrimp and grits is my favorite, so it was an easy decision on what to get. Service was quick. The dish itself was really good. Awesome flavors and plenty of shrimp. The portion was pretty big too, so I was able to enjoy a little extra later in the day. If you're close and enjoy good southern food. Go. read more

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

I love this place. I had crab cakes, beans n rice cole slaw. Super delicious! I ordered a side of green beans and carrots and they gave me the skinniest, skimpiest portion ever. My friend ordered pork chops and they were great. Fell off the bone! So delicious. read more

See all

I found wishbone on Yelp. I had a great experience. I planned a team outing for my coworkers for a celebration for black history month. I needed a restaurant that specialized in southern food in the West Loop. The staff was very friendly and food was delicious. The jambalaya was my favorite. We did family style so we tried various items on the menu. I wasn't a fan of the corn bread, but everything else is amazing. It was a group of about 15 and service was fast and efficient. read more

Way underrated! Fish dishes are delicious. Brisket is amazing. Friendly wait staff. Highly recommended for any west loop local.

Came here for Sunday brunch with a small group of people. The service was a bit slow but overall the food was good. We had a few issues with our order but I really enjoyed my French Toast. The others at my table seemed to like their omelettes as well. I think the main issue was that half the group really liked Wishbone while the other half was on the fence. read more

Great atmosphere, even better food. The customer service was above and beyond. I would highly suggest Wishbone!

We live in the neighborhood and have been going to this place since it opened, even went way back when it was on Grand. It is great and affordable. It's home cooking if your mother was from New Orleans. You can get comfort food, vegetarian, fancy stuff and things I've never seen anywhere else like bean cakes. Their Cajun dish is what I usually go for, Etouffee, Gumbo, Red Beans and Rice, Juabalaya or Hoppin' John. read more

Absolutely love this place! The cajun shrimp and grits is the BEST i have ever eaten, so delicious. Their boozy coffee too is just amazing. Everything we tried was enjoyed by all. read more

This is my favorite Cajun food restaurant in Chicago. The food is seasoned well. There is a great atmosphere. The portion sizes are very generous. I would definitely recommend this place to family and friends. And if you have out of town guest it's a nice spot because it's considered West Loop and parking isn't bad. You also have the choice of Valet parking. I've done all three times of the day, breakfast, lunch and dinner. I have never been disappointed. If you haven't been before put it on your to do list for restaurants in Chicago. read more

Wishbone is the perfect place to go for lunch on a Sunday afternoon in the city. Some of my favorite dishes are the crab cakes, the salmon cakes and the red beans and rice. The wait is never too long and you have the option to eat outside or indoors. I have never really had a problem with the service and the food usually comes out fast (and hot!) If you are looking for a nice place for brunch with a New Orleans kick to it, this is the place to go! read more

Wishbone - The crab cakes were delicious! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Yelp says two stars equals "Meh. I've experienced better." That's pretty much exactly my sentiment so I'm going with that. I got the crab cakes Benedict and it was okay. Not the most flavorful thing I've ever eaten but not the worst, either. I asked for a corn muffin on the side because I wanted to try one. The waitress informed me that would be an extra charge. Okay, that's fine. However, the muffin never came out. She did take it off the bill, though. The service was slower than I would have expected but I think that's just our expectation of everything going super quickly. Still, if you're in a hurry be aware. I tried one of their specialty juices and that was fine. The best part of the whole meal, though, was the cheese grits! YUM! My dining partner agreed. Her omelet was nothing special but the cheese grits definitely made the meal more tolerable. In summary: food = hit or miss, service = hit or miss, prices = a little high for the quality Still, I'll probably be back at least one more time. read more

Wishbone was really fun. I am never in that part of Chicago, but if I ever am again I will definitely stop back by. My friend & I were at the H2O+ warehouse sale & needed sustenance. We went to brunch & had a few drinks & a whole mess of sides. Grits! Biscuits! Succotash! Brunchy-drinks! Relatively reasonable and the food was good. Plus we were late enough there wasn't a line. Definitely want to go back for lunch read more

Good food, fast service and local diner feel. Eggs Benedict was very good and the service was good.

Great diner format. Extensive menu options. Fast and friendly service. Food is better than your normal fast food places but a few items like the beef chili seemed out of the can or prepackaged. Philly cheese steak had too much bread for amount of meat and cheese. Steak was thick but chewy. My sister's Chef salad was filled with lots of great yummy meat, cheese, and veggie options. read more

It's a dinner style place. The food is so so. Our dinner was a burger with home fries and the blackened chicken breast with spinach.

My bf and I were looking for a brunch spot we had not already tried. We were seated immediately inside without a wait. There was no salt and pepper on the table, and there was also an old pitcher of creamer on the table from the previous customer. I ordered the blackened catfish with cheese grits while he ordered the beef hash. The spices on the fish were perfect, however the grits were very bland. His hash was decent and the biscuits were good, but overall the meals were average at best and I do not anticipate going back. read more

First off this place has a special place in my heart because I was introduced to it by my best friend. #riplatonya Everything about this place is great... The service, the decor, and of course the food.. I took my niece here yesterday and recommended the shrimp and grits with bacon (they are so good). She must have said Wow about 5 times while eating those shrimp and grits. Highly recommended especially for brunch... read more

Everything I've gotten here has been great- the stuffed chicken, crawfish cakes, collard greens, sweet mashed potatoes, cornbread, bacon omelet, mmmmm. I took a star off because one waitress we had was a little too saucy for my tastes...but I added the star back because a waitress I had a few weeks later made up for it with her friendliness (chick with brown dreadlocks). Wish it wasn't a pain to park around here. read more

I have been having lunch at this Wishbone for 17 years. In the early days, I'd go there multiple times per week as there were no other options in the neighborhood back then. Great food. Great service. The Berwyn Wishbone is good too. I have never been to the northern Wishbone, but the woman complaining that it's not kid friendly probably went to that one. read more

Just had my first meal here and will definitely go back! The food was delicious, served nice and hot and the service was excellent. I had Shrimp and Grits and my husband had the Vegetable Hoe Cakes, yummy! We were there around 7:30 on Saturday night, there was plenty of seating and they have a nice outdoor area. Can't wait to try them for breakfast. read more

Something is missing at the new location. Food definitely not as good as the old Wishbone down the street. Nice atmosphere, but just "meh". Things like the mason jars are apparently gone, didn't see them anywhere in the restaurant. It's missing a lot of the charms of the old Wishbone. Cheesy grits are definitely not as good as they once were. Doesn't feel like a destination any more. Too bad, there was a lot they got right at the old location, but not so much here. The food is only a shadow of what it once was. read more

Outstanding oatmeal. A server on one of our visits told me that they use water instead of milk or cream to cook the oatmeal yet it's still creamy and delicious. Great scrambled eggs and excellent coffee as well. Service is efficient and helpful without being unctuous. As I have said in previous reviews of Chicago restaurants, tourists should get out of the Loop or River North and head to other neighborhoods, such as the West Loop, for excellent dining options. read more

I work near Wishbone and we order here for lunch pretty often and it holds up well for takeout and is always good. I've tried both types of pulled pork (repeatedly, haha) - they put the sauce and coleslaw separately, which helps. I've also tried the macaroni and cheese as a side and it was also good. Plus they have Mexican Coke! I'll be back. read more

Grits, corn bread, blacken chicken! !! Best place for southern cuisine in Chicago! This place is super busy but we did not wait long. We stopped by on a Sunday afternoon with a party of 8 and were seating within 5 minutes. Fast service and super friendly staff. I especially like the freshly squeezed watermelon lemonade. read more