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Illinois' best

Shrimp and Grits and Gumbo

You want a bowl of shrimp and grits served alongside a proper gumbo.

Based on 678 Opinions
+675
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Updated April 2026
01
Touché French Creole image 1
Touché French Creole image 2
Touché French Creole image 3
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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.

Shrimp and grits come out perfectly cooked with a rich, satisfying flavor. This dish stands alongside other amazing Southern classics like fried green tomatoes and crab cakes.

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.

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 Shrimp And Grits here are creamy, cheesy, and exceptionally good."

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.

02
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.

Shrimp and grits offer a Deep South vibe with a home-cooked feel. The dish is made from scratch and pairs well with tasty drinks like the jalapeno paloma.

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

People are saying

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

"The Shrimp And Grits here were spot on and flavorful."

"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.

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.

Shrimp come out tasty and well seasoned, paired with creamy grits. The dish stands out alongside other well-seasoned Southern classics like collard green dip and hot chicken.

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.

People are saying

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

"The Shrimp And Grits here were seasoned really well."

"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
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.

Shrimp and grits come out consistently perfect and flavorful. They appear regularly on the menu and stand out as a reliable choice.

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

People are saying

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

"The shrimp were huge and the grits were perfect."

"The gumbo here is rich and delicious."

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.

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.

Shrimp and grits come with pieces of chicken sausage that add a savory touch. The dish is consistently great and well-prepared.

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.

People are saying

"The food here is so flavorful and fresh."

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

"The Shrimp And Grits were great, especially the chicken sausage."

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
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.

Shrimp and grits offer a flavorful southern flair with a rich, satisfying taste. The dish pairs well with greens and corn muffins, creating a hearty meal.

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.

People are saying

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

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

"The Shrimp And Grits here are delicious and flavorful."

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.

07
Hidden Manna Cafe image 1
Creole restaurant

Old mansion setting creates a New Orleans Scotch House vibe with a cozy, warm atmosphere and live entertainment softly playing. Small dining area features close seating that adds to the intimate, inviting mood. The place blends southern flavor with a charming, character-filled aesthetic.

Shrimp and grits come with a Cajun flavor that is both spicy and flavorful. The dish tastes consistently delicious.

Gumbo features bold flavors with a spicy kick and solid seasoning. Options include a vegan version and a seafood variety, both hot and tasty.

People are saying

"The food at this Cafe is amazing and cooked with care."

"I found the Shrimp and Grits to be delicious and perfectly spiced."

"The gumbo here is amazing, hot, and tasty."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for larger groups to ensure seating.

2

The cafe opens at 11 AM on weekdays and 9 AM on weekends.

3

Parking is ample and available near the cafe.

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.

Shrimp and grits come with perfectly seasoned, creamy grits and tender, flavorful shrimp. The dish features a velvety smooth, buttery texture that stands out.

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.

People are saying

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

"The crab-stuffed shrimp and grits were outstanding."

"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
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.

Shrimp come perfectly cooked with the dish. The grits pair well, making the shrimp and grits absolutely delicious and outstanding overall.

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.

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.

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