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Southern Chicago
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Southern Chicago
7.8
Opened in 2025, Southern Chicago is a Southern American steakhouse in the South Loop where tomahawks, dry-aged strips, and wagyu burgers share the stage with braised collards and baked mac. The room leans polished and celebratory, pulling pre- and post-game crowds from nearby arenas and convention traffic.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tomahawk Steak 32oz, Dry Aged New York Strip, Lobster Mac & Cheese
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 6.4
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: A design-forward Southern steakhouse marrying tomahawks with classic sides.
Who should go: Steak lovers pairing arena nights with Southern comfort.
When to visit: Prime weekend dinners before or after nearby events.
What to order: Share the Tomahawk, add Dry Aged Strip and Lobster Mac.
Insider tip: Reserve near the patio doors for quicker access to the bar and buzz.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No dedicated valet; paid garage parking nearby along Roosevelt and State, with street parking limited and more difficult on event nights.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — jeans are fine with a polished top or jacket.
Noise level: Lively and energetic — conversation is comfortable at booth or wall tables, louder near the bar during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, longer during arena and convention events.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait (hours may be limited outside dinner service).
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Moderate — salads and a few sides can be built into a meal; limited dedicated vegetarian entrées.
Vegan options: Limited — a small number of sides may be adapted with modifications.
Gluten-free options: Good coverage — steaks and many proteins are naturally gluten-free; confirm sauces and fried items with staff.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the polished dining room and Southern-leaning steakhouse menu create a celebratory feel, though it can be lively on event nights. Choose a quieter booth if you want easier conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, yes — walk-ins are taken at the bar and select tables, but waits increase significantly before and after nearby games or concerts. Reservations are strongly recommended on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids and teens who enjoy steakhouse fare; the atmosphere leans adult and celebratory rather than casual family dining, especially during late evening service.
Best For
Better for: Celebratory steakhouse dinners in the South Loop with Southern-influenced sides and a polished, pre- and post-event atmosphere.
Skip if: You’re seeking a quiet, low-key dinner, strictly vegan dining, or a budget-focused casual meal.
Southern Chicago
8.2
Southern Chicago brings an upscale Southern-inspired menu and serious cocktails to the south end of the South Loop, with bar-area happy hour deals that soften the check. Guests slide in for discounted drinks, snacks, and a taste of the full dining-room menu in a dim, date-friendly space.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crispy fried chicken with house hot-honey style glaze, Shrimp and grits with rich pan sauce, Warm buttermilk biscuits at the bar
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Modern Southern cooking and cocktails with bar-focused happy hour pricing.
Who should go: Couples and small groups wanting polished drinks and snacks.
When to visit: Weekday bar happy hour before main dining-room dinner service.
What to order: Fried chicken, shrimp and grits, a house whiskey cocktail.
Insider tip: Sit at the bar rail; that’s where happy hour cocktails and snacks move fastest and staff will often walk you through menu highlights.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and metered; most guests use nearby paid garages around Michigan Ave / McCormick Place, especially evenings and weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but most guests lean polished or business-casual for the bar and dining room.
Noise level: Moderate — conversation at the bar is doable, but the room trends lively during peak happy hour.
Weekend wait: Expect a wait for bar seats during prime hours; reservations are typically required for dining-room seating.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, though the bar can fill quickly during happy hour start times.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Some options, but the menu skews protein-heavy; servers can help adapt a few sides and entrées.
Vegan options: Limited — expect only 1–2 items workable with modifications.
Gluten-free options: Several dishes can be prepared gluten-free on request, but there is no fully separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the dim bar lighting, polished cocktails, and smaller plates during happy hour make it a strong first-date setting if you don’t mind a livelier atmosphere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — bar seats are first-come and your best bet for happy hour; the dining room is easier to access early on weekdays and tougher during prime dinner windows.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially — it’s more adult-leaning with a cocktail-focused bar scene; older teens may be fine earlier in the evening, but it’s not geared toward young children.
Best For
Better for: Upscale Southern-inspired food with a stronger cocktail program and a value-minded bar happy hour compared to nearby fine-dining spots.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, budget-casual pricing across the whole menu, or a wide range of vegan and family-friendly options.