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Banana pudding and fried catfish in Illinois

Fried catfish followed by a serving of banana pudding is a heavy, satisfying combination.

Based on 751 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Gourmet Butter Delights Soul Food and Bakery image 1
Gourmet Butter Delights Soul Food and Bakery image 2
Gourmet Butter Delights Soul Food and Bakery image 3
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Small space with few tables and an impeccably clean environment offers authentic soul food with a drive-thru option. Atmosphere feels like family, creating a warm and welcoming vibe. Consistent quality and standout desserts add to the overall experience.

Thick and rich flavor defines the banana pudding here, served in a generous portion. It carries a homemade quality that evokes childhood memories.

Freshly fried catfish filets come with a delicious aroma that stands out. Sides like flavorful collard greens and a cornbread muffin often accompany the dish.

People are saying

"You have to try the mac and cheese; it's unreal."

"This banana pudding is the best I ever ate."

"I'd say this is the best fried catfish I've ever tasted."

Good to know

1

The drive-thru is available for quick service.

2

Parking is limited due to other businesses in the strip.

3

Desserts include a great selection of cakes and cookies.

02
Brown's Soul Food image 1

Restaurant offers authentic soul food with dishes like fried catfish and baked chicken that stand out. Atmosphere feels homey and warm, enhanced by R&B and soul music and a family-style vibe. Open only on Sundays, it gets bustling around midday with a focus on carry-out service despite available seating.

Banana pudding is light on bananas and heavy on cookies, offering a nice balance. It tastes excellent and pairs well with other southern dishes.

Two big, meaty fillets come with a light breading that crisps up well. The seasoning stands out, making the fried catfish a solid choice alongside classic sides.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and flavorful, made with love."

"The fried catfish had a light, crispy breading and meaty fillets."

"I love how the banana pudding is light on bananas and heavy on cookies."

Good to know

1

Brown's Soul Food is only open on Sundays from 11am to 7pm.

2

Expect a 10-minute wait for the Mac n cheese.

3

They cater more to carry out, but there is seating available.

03
All That And A Touch of Soul image 1

Small dining room with only five tables creates a cozy, down-home vibe that feels like a family gathering. Music and board games add to the relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. The place stands out for its authentic soul food and friendly, intimate setting.

Traditional banana pudding tastes very delicious here. They also offer a banana pudding cake, which differs from the classic version.

Golden fried catfish comes with a flavorful sauce and two sides for $14.99. The dish stands out for its amazing taste and phenomenal quality.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, especially the oxtails and jerk chicken."

"The Jerk Honey Hennesey sauce makes the fried catfish even better."

"I kept revisiting the banana pudding for seconds after I got home."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended as the meat is freshly made and takes time.

2

The restaurant closes at 7pm, so plan your visit accordingly.

3

Expect larger portions than average, often enough for two meals.

04
Ruby's Soul Food image 1

Spacious restaurant with a banquet and event room and room for a dance floor hosts live music and dance classes. Atmosphere ranges from inviting and cozy to loud and energetic, with music that often fills the space. Crowd tends to be grown and community-oriented, with a vibe that encourages lingering and socializing.

Banana pudding stands out as a flavorful and delicious dessert. It pairs well with savory dishes like jerk salmon and smothered pork chops.

Fried catfish comes as a dinner option and pairs well with sides. It cooks to a crispy texture and is a popular choice alongside smothered pork chops and chicken tips.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, especially the down home cooking."

"I found the banana pudding to be flavorful and delicious."

"You have to try the fried catfish; it's delicious."

Good to know

1

On Fridays, karaoke starts at 5 PM, followed by a live band at 7 PM.

2

The restaurant often runs out of popular menu items like rice and sweet potatoes.

3

Reservations are not required, but arriving early is recommended for good seating.

05
Soul Vibez image 1
Soul food restaurant

Soul food restaurant with flower-themed decor and a tight dining area creates a beautiful, chill atmosphere. Loud old school R&B music fills the space, making conversation difficult but adding to the vibe. The place offers distinctive soul food dishes alongside a varied drink selection.

Banana pudding stands out with its creamy texture and rich flavor. It pairs well with pound cake and often finishes the meal on a sweet note.

Large portions of well-seasoned fried catfish come with classic Southern sides like mac and cheese, yams, and collard greens. The flavor often recalls traditional Southern cooking, delivering a home-style taste.

People are saying

"The food here is hot and delicious."

"The fried catfish here is perfection, seasoned and crispy."

"I tasted the banana pudding, and it was the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times, especially during peak hours.

2

Takeout is the preferred dining option; limited seating available.

3

Parking can be challenging; arrive early to find a spot.

06
Soul Prime image 1
Soul food restaurant

Small space with modern contemporary design and soulful R&B music creates an intimate, joyful vibe. Music plays continuously, mixing gospel and 90s throwbacks, setting a family block party atmosphere. Spacious bar and warm hospitality add to the welcoming energy.

Homemade banana pudding stands out with a fresh, authentic taste unlike typical Snack Pack versions. Desserts like sweet potato pie also complement the rich, sweet flavors.

Fried catfish comes fresh and delicious, often served alongside collard green dip or as part of the 290 Platter with wings, fries, and cornbread muffins.

People are saying

"The fried chicken and mac and cheese are soul-warming American food."

"The owner and staff here are so friendly when you get Fried Catfish."

"The Banana Pudding is comforting, nostalgic, and soul-warming."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for parties of three or more on weekends.

2

Happy Hour runs from Tuesday to Friday, 3-6 p.m., with $3-$9 food options.

3

The kitchen closes at 9:30 p.m., so arrive early for dinner.

07
Soule To Soule image 1
Soul food restaurant

Small space with green velvet decor and 1990s Harlem vibe feels more like a bar or lounge than a traditional restaurant. Cozy, intimate atmosphere pairs with top-tier R&B music and lively energy. Tables are low and tiny, emphasizing a focus on cocktails and socializing over formal dining.

Banana pudding here has a homemade feel that some find better than family recipes. It can be very good but also sometimes comes off as ordinary.

Fried catfish has a super crisp crust and stays light and fluffy inside. It pairs well with Louisiana hot sauce for a nice kick.

People are saying

"I found the food to be delicious and amazing."

"I recommend ordering the banana pudding; it was very good."

"The fried catfish has a super crisp, not oily crust."

Good to know

1

Making a reservation is recommended due to limited seating.

2

It's BYOB with a $10 fee for bringing your own bottle.

3

Expect small portion sizes relative to the price.

08
Ray's SoulFood & Turkey Legs image 1
Soul food restaurant

Old-fashioned soul food restaurant with jazz and R&B music playing and big screen TVs creating a lively vibe. Seating feels cramped and cluttered, but the atmosphere stays pleasant and family-oriented with no rush or attitude.

Banana pudding sells out fast due to its popularity. It pairs well with the Mac n Cheese and is worth saving room for.

Crunchy texture and well seasoned flavor define the fried catfish here. It pairs well with sides like candy yams and mac and cheese, making it a solid choice among the specialties offered.

People are saying

"The food here is seasoned to perfection and packed with flavor."

"The stuffed turkey leg was big and flavorful."

"The fried catfish is excellent, with good flavor and crunch."

Good to know

1

Expect a 25-30 minute wait on Sundays after church.

2

The restaurant closes at 7:30 pm on Sundays.

3

There is a one-hour wait for to-go orders.

09
Chicago's Home of Chicken & Waffles image 1

Upscale interior with beautiful decor and cool leather booths creates an inviting and lively atmosphere. Loud live music featuring gospel and Motown energizes the space, making conversation difficult. The vibe is welcoming and vibrant, attracting those who enjoy strong music and soul food.

Creamy banana pudding features brown bananas and no vanilla wafers, focusing on smooth texture. The strawberry banana pudding stands out as a sweet highlight.

Fried catfish here hits the spot with a flavor that keeps drawing you back. Eating it almost every week shows how addictive and satisfying it can be.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and perfectly seasoned."

"I usually order the fried catfish meal here."

"I tried the banana pudding; it was excellent."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times during peak hours, especially on weekends.

2

Live music occurs on Fridays, enhancing the dining experience.

3

The restaurant allows BYOB, but check for corkage fees.

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