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Red beans and rice in Chicago

Sometimes a simple, comforting plate of red beans and rice is all that matters.

Based on 555 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Soul Vibez - Chicago image 1
Soul Vibez - Chicago image 2
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Soul food restaurant

Small space with only a few booths creates an intimate setting. Stylish decor and a bumping sound system set a great vibe with amazing music. Authentic soul food pairs with exceptional cocktails, making the atmosphere lively and distinctive.

Red beans and rice come with perfect flavor and a savory taste that pairs well with vegan greens and soul egg rolls. The dish consistently delivers a delicious experience alongside other hearty sides.

Blackened catfish and fried chicken stand out with perfect seasoning and crisp frying. Cornbread and mac & cheese use real cheese and rich flavors, while sides like collard greens and creamy grits complement the meals well.

People are saying

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

"The American Food mac and cheese was a delicious hit."

"The Red Beans And Rice here are delicious and full of flavor."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4 pm to 6 pm with $10 drinks.

2

Reservations are recommended as wait times can exceed one hour.

3

Expect a 45-minute wait if arriving shortly after opening.

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.

Street-served red beans and rice offers a flavorful bowl that stands out. The dish delivers a satisfying and rich taste experience.

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.

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 Red Beans And Rice here is so flavorful and delicious."

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
BT Wings Etc image 1
Soul food restaurant

Small soul food spot offers cozy patio seating and affordable, sizable portions of classic dishes like fried chicken and catfish. The vibe is warm and inviting, with a focus on homemade-style cooking that draws a loyal crowd.

Red beans and rice come out delicious and pair well with collard greens and fried chicken. The dish holds a scrumptious Southern flavor profile.

Fried chicken and catfish stand out with strong flavors. Sides like Mac and cheese, cornbread, and collards complement the main dishes well.

People are saying

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

"The American food, especially the turkey wings and mac and cheese, is so good."

"I found the red beans and rice to be delicious."

Good to know

1

BT Wings Etc only accepts Zelle or Cash App for payments.

2

The restaurant offers meat with three sides and provides sizable portions.

3

Expect long wait times on Sunday afternoons due to high traffic.

04
Dirty Tiff's Cafe image 1

Small, family-owned restaurant with a homey atmosphere and casual dining setup. The vibe is warm and welcoming, with a mix of take-out and dine-in options. Known for authentic soul food with standout dishes like jerk chicken and collard greens.

Red beans and rice come in a hearty serving but can be dry at times. It often serves as a base for dishes like jerk catfish and pairs with sides like yams and cabbage.

Fried catfish dinner comes with greens, candied yams, cornbread, and spaghetti. Pot roast pairs with strawberry crunch and banana pudding cookie. Mac and cheese stands out as a favorite.

People are saying

"You can taste all the love Ms. Tiffany puts into her Fried Catfish."

"You can taste the love and hard work in Ms. Tiffany's American Food."

"The red beans and rice were great, and the meat was juicy."

Good to know

1

They close early on Sundays, with last orders at 6 pm.

2

The jerk chicken dinner costs about $20 with tax included.

3

The meals are reasonably priced and provide generous portions.

05
One Stop Jamaica Jerk image 1

Restaurant offers loud music and an inviting atmosphere with clean, neat decor. It serves large portions of authentic jerk chicken praised for flavor and tenderness. Seating is limited and street parking is the only option.

Sides include red beans and rice that sometimes lean heavily on rice. They come with dishes like jerk chicken and curry chicken dinners, paired with items like cabbage, plantains, and bread.

Candied yams stand out with their sweetness. Mac and cheese tastes like boxed style and could use more salt and pepper.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, especially the jerk chicken."

"The American Food here is flavorful, especially the sweet plantains."

"The chicken in the Red Beans And Rice was juicy with just the right heat."

Good to know

1

The portions are generous, providing good value for the price.

2

Street parking is the only option, which can be challenging at busy times.

3

You can order via GrubHub for quick pickup without long waits.

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.

Red beans and rice come out delicious and pair well with sides like cornbread and grits. The dish holds its own alongside other favorites like short ribs and mac and cheese.

Fried chicken stands out with perfect seasoning and crispiness. The menu also features creamy mac and cheese, braised short ribs, and flavorful sides like collard greens and corn muffins.

People are saying

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

"The lemonade here is so flavorful and perfectly balanced."

"The Red Beans And Rice took forever to arrive."

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
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.

Red beans and rice come as part of a sampler combo and also stand out alongside dishes like turkey tips and brisket mac. The dish pairs well with greens and cornbread, offering a hearty, classic side.

Smoky brisket shines in sandwiches and as a main dish, paired with creamy mac and cheese and flavorful sides like cornbread and coleslaw. Shrimp and grits also stand out with rich, satisfying flavors.

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 Red Beans And Rice here was seasoned and delicious."

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.

08
The Perfect Jerk image 1
Caribbean restaurant

Caribbean restaurant with clean, colorful decor and large menu screens sets a welcoming, friendly vibe. Background R&B music adds to the lively atmosphere. Seating includes high tables and booths extending to the back.

Red beans and rice come with gravy and serve as a hearty side alongside dishes like whole chicken and plantains. The dish pairs well with other sides such as pasta salad and mac and cheese.

Mac and cheese features a strong cheddar flavor with real cheese and a mild spice kick. Jerk chicken wings and chicken tips come with a mild sauce, paired well with tender salmon and sides like spinach, cabbage, red beans and rice, and plantains.

People are saying

"The jerk chicken dinner spots here are so tender and flavorful."

"The Red Beans And Rice here has an incredible flavor."

"The American Food here is delicious, especially the mac and cheese."

Good to know

1

Free dinner is offered on the last Monday of each month.

2

Customer Appreciation Day occurs on the last Monday of every month from 11am to 5pm.

3

Customers can try food samples before ordering.

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