Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Illinois' best

Sweet tea spots

A glass of sweet tea that is brewed with the same care as the American meal sitting in front of you.

Based on 542 Opinions
+539
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
Big Ed's BBQ image 1
Big Ed's BBQ image 2
Big Ed's BBQ image 3
View all
Barbecue restaurant

Huge, clean space with a cafeteria-style dining area creates a spacious, casual vibe. Live jazz and a full bar add to the lively atmosphere, while comfy couches offer spots to relax. Known for top-tier barbecue and a variety of sauces, it blends great food with a fun, family-like energy.

BBQ shines with brisket and rib tips served in a hearty dinner. Baked mac and cheese pairs well with burnt ends, while cornbread muffins offer a sweet, moist center and crunchy crust.

Sweet tea tastes authentic and delicious, matching well with BBQ dishes. It has a true sweet tea flavor that stands out among typical offerings.

People are saying

"You have to try the brisket; it's some of the best American food around."

"I loved the key lime pie; it was divine and heavenly."

"I found the sweet tea here to be amazing."

Good to know

1

Arrive early to avoid missing out on menu items as they sell out quickly.

2

Free meals are offered on Thanksgiving Day, making it a popular time to visit.

3

Some menu items are only available on specific days, so check ahead.

02
Junebug Cafe Six Corners image 1

Small, cozy cafe with New Orleans vibe and tasteful decor creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. Music choice leans heavily on loud country tunes, which contrasts with the jazz theme. Spacious tables and plenty of outlets support a relaxed, productive environment.

Gumbo stands out with its rich gravy and just enough kick to keep you coming back. Crawfish Pie and Cowboy Nachos taste authentic, matching New Orleans flavors closely.

Sweet tea comes in a peach flavor option but often tastes stale or like it has been sitting for days. The sweetness level varies, with some servings not sweet at all despite the price.

People are saying

"These beignets are light, airy, and taste just like the ones in NOLA."

"The American food, especially the gumbo, is flavorful and hearty."

"The beignets are so delicious, hot, and fresh."

Good to know

1

The cafe offers unique Cajun dishes like crayfish pie and beignets.

2

Expect high prices, with empanadas costing $12 and biscuits $7.

3

Portions are generous; a rice and beans bowl can serve two.

03
Raising Cane's image 1
Fast food restaurant

Bright space with disco balls and 80s memorabilia creates a lively setting. Noise level is high with loud music, making conversation difficult. Seating options vary, attracting groups looking for a casual, energetic atmosphere.

Well-cooked American fried chicken comes with tasty sauce, crispy fries, fresh coleslaw, and soft Texas toast. The coleslaw and fries stand out as delicious sides that complement the meal well.

Sweet tea here tastes like home and pairs well with meals. It stands out as a crispy complement and is consistently very good.

People are saying

"The Texas toast is buttery, soft, and delicious."

"I found the chicken tenders to be freshly cooked, crispy, and delicious."

"The American food here has tasty chicken fingers and great coleslaw."

Good to know

1

A kids meal with 2 chicken strips, small fries, and a smaller-than-a-small drink costs $6.99.

2

Expect to pay an additional 39 cents for extra sauce when ordering.

3

The cleanliness of the restaurant was an issue with many dirty tables.

04
Brown Bag Seafood Co. image 1
Seafood restaurant

Seafood restaurant with a build-your-own system using dry erase markers and comfortable seating for waiting. Atmosphere is friendly and energetic, buzzing during lunch with a fast-moving line. Offers fresh, flavorful seafood and a casual, lively vibe.

Shrimp and grits come creamy and smooth with good seasoning. Sides like hush puppies and truffle-parm tots add solid flavor to the plates.

Sweet tea here has a rich flavor and pairs well with seafood dishes. Staff often recommend it, and it complements drinks like Gingeraid nicely.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and always filling."

"The American Food staff was so friendly and helpful."

"I am overly satisfied with the taste of the sweet tea."

Good to know

1

The happy hour runs from 3pm to 6pm daily with discounted prices.

2

Expect to pay around $18 for two pieces of fish with chips.

3

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted; cash is also welcome.

05
Luella's Southern Kitchen image 1
Southern restaurant (US)

Small, packed space with cramped seating and a sunny outdoor patio creates a cozy, welcoming vibe. Vinyl records spin soulful tunes, adding a funky, friendly atmosphere that feels like dining with family. Loud environment fills with energy as guests enjoy classic Southern soul food.

Fried chicken stands out as a highlight, paired with mac and cheese that many find exceptional. The shrimp and grits also draw attention, and greens contain pork but can be swapped for grits without extra charge.

Sweet tea here tastes wonderful and stays true to the Southern classic style. It pairs well with the overpriced biscuits served alongside.

People are saying

"The Southern American food, especially the shrimp and grits, is outstanding."

"The Chicken And Waffles here are juicy, spicy, and crunchy."

"I thought the sweet tea could have been sweeter, but it was still wonderful."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required for groups of 10 or more.

2

Brunch is served from 10 AM to 3 PM on Sundays.

3

Dinner service starts at 5 PM and runs until close.

06
Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers image 1
Fast food restaurant

Bright space with spinning disco ball and loud music creates a lively atmosphere. Staff interact warmly, even giving treats to dogs on the deck. Menu stays simple, focusing on hot, fresh chicken tenders with a distinctive special sauce.

Box Combos come with coleslaw by default, but it can be swapped for extra toast. Some visits show inconsistency with coleslaw inclusion, and opinions on the coleslaw vary.

Sweet tea here tastes like summer in a glass with a strong Southern sweetness. It pairs well with the home sauce and quenches thirst effectively.

People are saying

"It's so Kid Friendly; my kids destroyed their meals."

"I loved their Sweet Tea; it tasted like summer."

"The American Food here, especially the chicken, is hot, fresh, moist, and crunchy."

Good to know

1

Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers is open on Sundays.

2

The restaurant is very clean and well-maintained.

3

The menu primarily offers chicken tenders with limited options.

07
Cleoโ€™s - Loop image 1
American restaurant

Small space with just a few tables and stools creates an intimate setting. Music, including 90s RnB videos, adds to the chill vibes and welcoming atmosphere. The place feels like a cozy gathering spot with friendly energy.

Fried chicken stands out with its hot honey glaze and spicy, juicy texture. Cornbread and sides like mac and cheese and green beans come prepared with care and flavor.

Sweet tea comes in a large size and costs $11. It pairs well with dishes like fish and mac n cheese. The tea has a balanced sweetness and sometimes includes lemon.

People are saying

"The American Food here, especially the catfish, is the best I've ever tasted."

"I thought the Mac and Cheese was awesome and uniquely seasoned."

"I thought the sweet tea was very good."

Good to know

1

Order ahead for takeout as food is made to order and takes time.

2

Cleoโ€™s does not accept cash; credit cards only.

3

Be prepared for a wait of over an hour on busy weekends.

08
Bronzeville Soul image 1
Soul food restaurant

Soul food restaurant offers a welcoming atmosphere with live band music that creates a lively vibe. Seating is roomy and comfortable, supporting a relaxed dining experience. Music volume can be high, sometimes overpowering conversation.

Baked chicken comes with creamy mac and cheese and sweet potatoes. Cornbread dressing has a down-home soul taste and good texture. Porterhouse steak serves as a hearty option.

Raspberry and Peach Passion stand out with bold fruity flavors and a sweet, refreshing finish. Both teas offer a rich sweetness that pairs well with fried dishes.

People are saying

"The dinner spots here are like grandma's cooking, made with love."

"The American Food sides, like mac and cheese and yams, were delicious."

"The sweet tea here is so comforting and soulful."

Good to know

1

Live music occurs on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month.

2

Bring your own beverage for Wednesday night events.

3

A 15% gratuity is automatically added to dine-in bills.

09
Blackwood BBQ - Oakbrook image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Wood-themed interior with cafeteria-style ordering creates a casual, lively vibe. Outdoor patio with TVs offers a quieter alternative to the often crowded, loud indoor space. The atmosphere feels fun and comfortable with close tables and lots of natural light.

Brisket stands out with its tender texture and smoky depth. Chicken, pulled pork, and sides like mac and cheese and brussels complement the meal well.

Sweet tea stands out with its very good flavor and consistently hits the spot. It comes as a self-serve option alongside soft drinks and lemonade.

People are saying

"The American Food here has tender, moist brisket."

"The sausage here has a perfect snap."

"I thought the sweet tea was the best part."

Good to know

1

This place is cashless, so bring a credit card or mobile payment.

2

Parking gets very busy around lunchtime, so arrive early.

3

There is no changing table in the bathrooms for children.

Discover more

Illinois

Area guide
Loading Map...