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Gumbo and mac and cheese

Made for those who find comfort in the combination of a hearty, savory stew and the simple, creamy satisfaction of baked pasta.

Based on 690 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Spice Queen Vegan and NonVegan Soul Food image 1
Spice Queen Vegan and NonVegan Soul Food image 2
Spice Queen Vegan and NonVegan Soul Food image 3
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Small restaurant offers intimate, soulful vibe with beautiful, cozy decor that feels like an auntie's kitchen. Jazz and praise music create a comfortable, authentic atmosphere. Seating is limited, enhancing the close-knit, welcoming environment.

Green gumbo features a casserole mix of green beans, kernel corn, shrimp, sausage, and rice in a green bean soup base. Vegan gumbo includes collard greens and offers a lively eating experience.

Soulful sides include mac and cheese that stands out as exceptionally good and amazing. It pairs well with dishes like fried chicken and vegan dinners with multiple sides.

People are saying

"The soul food here is delicious and exactly what I needed."

"The mac and cheese here is amazing."

"I enjoyed dancing in my seat while eating the vegan gumbo."

Good to know

1

Parking is convenient for customers visiting the restaurant.

2

The restaurant has a self-ordering system that is easy to use.

3

The kitchen fry area appears greasy and messy.

02
Johnnie Mae's Creole Kitchen image 1

Small restaurant with few tables creates an intimate, welcoming vibe full of soulful energy. Guests enjoy freshly prepared Creole and Cajun dishes served with generous portions. Warm playlist adds to the cozy atmosphere despite limited space.

Rich and flavorful gumbo captures the true essence of Louisiana cuisine. It stands out alongside other dishes like Etouffee and Jambalaya.

Well seasoned with a rich flavor, the mac and cheese stands out. It pairs well with collard greens and offers a satisfying taste for those missing good mac and cheese.

People are saying

"I can't wait to try more of this amazing American food."

"The gumbo here is rich and delicious."

"The Mac And Cheese here is so well seasoned."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to limited seating and high demand.

2

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

3

The menu frequently runs out of popular items, so arrive early.

03
Kitchen + Kocktails By Kevin Kelley - Chicago image 1

Elegant restaurant with stunning windows and Instagram-worthy décor creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere filled with perfectly curated music. The vibe is lively and friendly, enhanced by attentive service and a beautiful city view. The space balances upscale soul food dining with a fun, electric energy.

Packed with flavor, the gumbo includes a crab leg appetizer that stands out. It offers an authentic taste and pairs well with shrimp and grits.

Mac and cheese comes as a rich, creamy side that pairs well with dishes like surf and turf or fried chicken. It stands out for its comforting texture and classic flavor that complements collard greens perfectly.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and full of flavor."

"The mac and cheese here is creamy and comforting."

"The gumbo here is packed with flavor and the roux is rich."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially for dinner service on weekends.

2

Happy hour runs until 7 pm on weekdays with discounted drinks and appetizers.

3

Valet parking is available for guests at the restaurant.

04
Homewood Brewing Company image 1

Spacious brewery with stylish decor and a laid-back charm combines a lively atmosphere and welcoming energy. Features include an open-air rooftop patio with a stunning mural, ping pong tables, and a photo booth. Serving robots add a unique touch to the modern, clean environment.

Gumbo here is rich and hearty, packed with authentic flavor. Chicken gumbo stands out alongside shrimp and grits.

Rich, creamy texture defines the mac and cheese here, making it stand out. It pairs well with the portobello sandwich and comes with tasty beans on the side.

People are saying

"I thought the food was excellent and properly cooked."

"I found the mac and cheese to be excellent and topped with cheese."

"The gumbo here is rich, hearty, and full of authentic flavor."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for dinner service, especially on weekends.

2

The kitchen closes at 8 PM, so plan your visit accordingly.

3

Parking is ample and free for all customers.

05
Brûlée image 1
Restaurant

Warm, modern space with thoughtful decor and a spacious bar and waiting area creates a welcoming atmosphere. Music ranges from R&B at moderate volume to occasionally loud, influencing the energy. Tables are closely arranged, balancing elegance with a busy, lively vibe.

Flavorful and well-made, the gumbo stands out with a rich taste that matches traditional expectations. It pairs well with catfish and grits for a satisfying meal.

Baked with a nice crust and noodles that have a good chew, the 5 Cheese Mac & Cheese balances flavors without being overly cheesy. It stands out as a well-crafted dish among other soul food options.

People are saying

"The food here is so flavorful and fresh."

"I found the gumbo to be flavorful and well-made."

"The Mac And Cheese has a nice crust and noodles with a good chew."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for large groups or after 10 PM on weekends.

2

Expect a wait for tables, especially during peak brunch hours.

3

Brûlée enforces a strict 90-minute table limit for diners.

06
Touché French Creole image 1
Creole restaurant

Louisiana-inspired Creole restaurant with New Orleans-style decor and a beautiful mural sets an elegant, classy atmosphere. The space feels cozy yet upscale, often busy with a lively crowd. Music and a full-service bar add to the chill vibe perfect for date nights or celebrations.

Gumbo here is perfectly seasoned with a balanced spice level that brings out rich, deep flavors. It pairs well with other hearty dishes like short ribs, making for a satisfying meal.

Mac and cheese comes as a side with dishes like salmon and Creole catfish. The main dishes stand out more, while the mac and cheese plays a supporting role.

People are saying

"The dinner spots here serve amazing, flavorful food that's perfectly seasoned."

"The gumbo here is delicious, especially the chicken and sausage."

"The Mac And Cheese here is outstanding, easily a 10/10."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

2

Expect a 30-minute wait for tables without a reservation.

3

Happy hour offers half-price appetizers from 4-7pm on weekdays.

07
I Smell Bacon BBQ image 1

Casual restaurant with high ceilings and several televisions creates a family-friendly yet sports bar atmosphere. The space feels clean and inviting with slot machines adding a unique touch. Energy ranges from relaxing to lively, especially during games or with groups.

Rich, savory gumbo stands out with a comforting depth. The BBQ gumbo pairs well with cornbread and baked beans for a hearty meal.

Offers quality mac and cheese with a rich taste. Priced at $13 with tax, it delivers good value for the flavor.

People are saying

"The American Food here, especially the brisket, is amazing."

"I thought the mac and cheese tasted quality."

"You have to try their gumbo; it's rich, savory, and comforting."

Good to know

1

Trivia night happens every Thursday at 8pm with a $5 entry fee.

2

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with half-price appetizers.

3

Lunch specials are available daily, offering great deals.

08
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.

Chicken and sausage gumbo stands out with rich flavors. It pairs well with sides like mac n cheese and earns praise for being really nice and enjoyable.

Baked mac and cheese features a crispy golden top with perfectly cooked shells. The roux and seasoning balance lets the cheese flavors shine clearly.

People are saying

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

"I thought their Mac And Cheese was possibly the best."

"The gumbo here is amazing and really good."

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.

09
The SoulFood Lounge 2 image 1
Soul food restaurant

Small soul food restaurant offers an intimate atmosphere with an all-black aesthetic and live music featuring jazz and saxophone. The vibe stays laid back and refreshing, suited for quiet dinners or date nights. Space is limited, creating a cozy but sometimes cramped setting.

New Orleans Gumbo Yakamein stands out with its innovative twist. The New Orleans Seafood Gumbo offers a rich, classic flavor. Both dishes showcase bold, authentic tastes.

Mac and cheese comes with surf and turf options like catfish and lobster, adding rich flavors. The Tuscany Crème Surf & Turf offers a creamy twist, and the dish pairs well with jerk shrimp or orange chicken for variety.

People are saying

"The American Food here, like the turkey leg, is off the bone and delicious."

"The gumbo here was out of this world."

"The Tuscany Mac and cheese is full of flavor."

Good to know

1

Reservations are necessary to secure a spot inside the restaurant.

2

Parking can be difficult, often requiring a walk from 1-3 blocks away.

3

The restaurant has a 'No Share Policy' for events like 'The Grand Tasting'.

10
Soul & Smoke - Avondale at Rockwell on the River image 1

Outdoor patio overlooks river with spacious seating and fire pit creating a relaxing vibe. Music blends 80's to 2000's R&B with live DJ enhancing the atmosphere. The setting combines beautiful views and a lively energy near water and wineries.

Gumbo features andouille sausage and offers a flavorful broth, though it sometimes lacks chicken and okra. Fresh batches come quickly, pairing well with sides like grits and dirty rice.

Creamy and cheesy, the mac and cheese offers a comfort food experience with a carefully crafted blend. Portions feel reasonable and the dish pairs well with sides like rib tips and corn muffins.

People are saying

"You have to try the brisket; it's outstanding."

"The patio space overlooks the river and has seating."

"I thought the gumbo was the best in Chicago."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for larger groups, especially on weekends.

2

Expect limited food options late in the day as they may run out.

3

The venue hosts events like bingo and DJ nights on specific days.

11
Soul & Smoke - West Loop image 1

Small shop tucked in a food court offers savory brisket sandwiches and loaded mac and cheese with a comfort food vibe. Atmosphere feels casual and friendly, catering well to commuters and casual diners. Pricing leans high but matches the quality of food served.

Smoked turkey tips and smoked chicken gumbo come with a nice spice from andouille sausage. The gumbo tastes like native Louisiana versions, pairing well with dirty rice.

Creamy texture and well-seasoned cheese define the Mac and cheese here. It carries a hint of smoke that pairs well with sandwiches and stands out as an exceptional side dish.

People are saying

"The brisket sandwich here is top tier American food."

"The Mac and Cheese is seasoned really well and the cheese was creamy."

"The chicken gumbo tasted like my native Louisiana."

Good to know

1

This location is inside of Time Out Market.

2

The restaurant operates on a self-serve model, where I order on a kiosk or tablet.

3

They may run out of your favorites, so it's advisable to get there early.

12
Dixie Kitchen and Bait Shop image 1

Nostalgic decor evokes an old-school New Orleans vibe with Cajun music playing softly in the background. The atmosphere blends southern old-time feel with a spacious outdoor seating area. Cocktails like Swamp Water stand out alongside classic southern dishes.

Rich, flavorful gumbo stands out with a tasty blend of seafood and spices. It pairs well with fried green tomatoes and fried okra, creating a classic Southern meal.

Baked mac and cheese features a perfect amount of cheese and a rich, creamy texture. It pairs well with dishes like catfish po' boy and fried green tomatoes, making it a delicious side option.

People are saying

"The food here is packed with flavor and tastes like home."

"The gumbo was delicious and very good."

"I thought the Mac and Cheese was just mediocre."

Good to know

1

All dine-in checks incur an automatic 18% gratuity regardless of party size.

2

A 3.2% fee applies to credit card payments, adding to the total bill.

3

The bar has been closed since Covid, limiting drink options.

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