Best Comfort Food Restaurants in South Side

My recent visit to this celebrated establishment was nothing short of exceptional, from the food to the service and overall ambiance. From the moment we were seated, the hospitality was evident. Our waiter was a standout—a consummate professional who exuded warmth and friendliness. He not only made us feel at home but also demonstrated an impressive knowledge of the menu, offering recommendations that turned out to be some of the best dishes of the evening. His attention to detail and genuine enthusiasm elevated our dining experience, setting a high bar for service. We began our meal with three outstanding appetizers. The biscuits with pimento cheese were a revelation—flaky, buttery, and paired perfectly with the creamy, tangy cheese spread. The salad with crispy pig ears was a bold and delightful contrast of textures, combining the crunch of the pig ears with the freshness of greens. The chicken liver pâté was rich, velvety, and perfectly complemented by its accompanying garnishes. Each dish demonstrated a balance of flavors and a deep respect for traditional Southern ingredients. For our main courses, we chose a variety of dishes to sample the breadth of Virtue’s offerings. The salmon was cooked to perfection, its flaky texture enhanced by a flavorful glaze. The short ribs were tender beyond belief, practically melting in the mouth and paired with sides that accentuated their richness. Finally, the fish and grits was a standout—a creamy, comforting dish that showcased the restaurant’s ability to elevate a Southern staple. We couldn’t resist sampling Virtue’s desserts, and we were so glad we did. The banana pudding was a nostalgic treat, executed with a refined twist that elevated this Southern staple. Meanwhile, the red velvet cake was everything you want from this classic dessert—moist, flavorful, and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. A very special shoutout to Chef Damarr of Top Chef fame who stopped by our table to chat briefly.

We chose the restaurant as it was accessible from our hotel on a really cold night and reviews seemed good. The space was nicely decorated and comfortable with a lively atmosphere. The waiter was efficient and cordial. Our drinks were excellent and we found the food to be so as well. We shared an order of the cheese curds with rémoulade to start; it was a generous portion indeed and delectable. I had an excellent prime rib done perfectly medium rare with a beautiful and tasty crust with mashed potatoes, jus and horseradish, which I was unable to finish. My companion had the rotisserie chicken which he declared to be nicely seasoned and moist. Again, it was a generous portion of half chicken, baby potatoes and baby carrots. We had no space left for dessert, but enjoyed the meal thoroughly.

First time visiting Chicago the salmon and shrimp bites was fireeee and the lamb chops only thing they need to do is make brunch everyday

Fantastically classy place with great mixology, delicious food and great professional friendly service.

Such great food. Service from jerithon was very attentive. The food really does feel like grandmas kitchen. I will be back!