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Chicago

Luella's Southern Kitchen is renowned for its authentic Southern cuisine, with standout dishes like Buttermilk Fried Chicken, Chicken and Waffles, and Shrimp and Grits. The cozy atmosphere and friendly staff enhance the dining experience. However, some patrons have noted longer wait times during peak hours.

Luella's Southern Kitchen: A Taste of Southern Comfort in Chicago's Lincoln Square District.

Nestled on North Lincoln Avenue in the vibrant Lincoln Square neighborhood, Luella's Southern Kitchen offers Chicagoans and visitors alike a flavorful journey to the heart of the American South. Known for its warm, welcoming ambiance and a menu brimming with traditional Southern classics, this restaurant has become a beloved spot for food lovers craving authentic comfort food.

Luella's menu highlights iconic Southern dishes like Buttermilk Fried Chicken, Chicken and Waffles, Shrimp and Grits, and their famously rich and creamy macaroni and cheese. Diners praise the indulgent flavors and hearty portions that make every meal a satisfying experience. The atmosphere echoes the soulful roots of the South with classic oldies music and charming decor, creating an inviting space that feels like a homecoming.

 is a particular standout, often described as "sooo cheesy" and creamy enough to satisfy even the most discerning comfort food aficionados.

What to expect when you visit Luella's Southern Kitchen

Whether you're popping in for brunch or settling down for dinner, Luella's offers a relaxed dining experience with friendly service. It’s a great spot for families too, as they provide a kids’ menu and welcome little ones warmly. Although the restaurant fills up quickly during weekends, their efficient staff keeps things moving smoothly. Note that parking is available on the street and in private lots, but it’s wise to arrive early during busy times.

, so feel free to bring along your favorite wine or craft beer to complement your meal. The restaurant also serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner with a full menu that includes desserts like beignets and refreshing homemade sweet tea with free refills.

What are the operating hours of Luella's Southern Kitchen?

 Luella's Southern Kitchen operates Wednesday through Friday from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, and on weekends (Saturday and Sunday) from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM for brunch, and 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM for dinner. The restaurant is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Is Luella's Southern Kitchen a BYOB establishment?

 Yes, Luella's Southern Kitchen is a BYOB (Bring Your Own Beverage) restaurant, allowing guests to bring their own alcoholic beverages to enjoy with their meal.

Does Luella's Southern Kitchen offer takeout or delivery services?

 Yes, Luella's Southern Kitchen offers both takeout and delivery services, providing customers with the convenience to enjoy their meals at home.

Are there gluten-free options available at Luella's Southern Kitchen?

 While the menu does not explicitly list gluten-free options, some dishes like grits are naturally gluten-free. It's advisable to consult with the staff regarding specific dietary needs.

Is there parking available at Luella's Southern Kitchen?

 Parking options include street parking and private parking. Availability may vary, so it's recommended to arrive early during peak hours.

Overall, Luella's Southern Kitchen has earned a positive reputation for delivering authentic Southern flavors with a cozy neighborhood vibe. Customers rave about the flavorful buttermilk fried chicken, chicken and waffles, and the consistently creamy mac and cheese. While some guests have experienced longer waits or occasional inconsistencies, the friendly staff and inviting atmosphere keep patrons coming back for another taste of Southern hospitality in Chicago.

Ready to savor classic Southern cuisine in the Windy City?

 Make sure to visit Luella's Southern Kitchen for a delicious, hearty meal that feels like a warm embrace from the South itself.

North America

United States

Nestled in the heart of Lincoln Square, Luella's Southern Kitchen is a culinary gem that transports diners straight to the soulful kitchens of the South. This charming eatery, located at 4609 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL, offers a vibrant atmosphere infused with Southern hospitality and a menu that celebrates traditional Southern cuisine. From the moment you step inside, the warm ambiance, adorned with eclectic art and the sounds of soulful melodies, envelops you, making it a perfect spot for food lovers and families alike.

Luella's menu is a delightful homage to Southern comfort food, featuring standout dishes that are both hearty and flavorful. The **buttermilk fried chicken** is a must-try, perfectly seasoned and fried to a golden crisp, served alongside fluffy waffles that are just the right amount of sweet. Another highlight is the rich and creamy **mac and cheese**, a dish that has garnered rave reviews for its cheesy goodness and satisfying texture. Each bite is a comforting reminder of home-cooked meals, making it a favorite among regulars.

 Luella's is celebrated for its authentic Southern cuisine, particularly its fried chicken and mac and cheese.

 The restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere, delicious food, and a taste of Southern hospitality.

 Luella's is open for lunch and dinner, with a special brunch menu on weekends.

The story behind Luella's is as rich as its dishes. Named after the owner's grandmother, the restaurant embodies the essence of family and tradition. The recipes have been passed down through generations, ensuring that every dish served is not just a meal but a heartfelt experience. The commitment to using fresh, locally sourced ingredients enhances the authenticity of the Southern flavors, making each visit a unique culinary journey.

Whether you're a local or just visiting Chicago, Luella's Southern Kitchen is a dining experience not to be missed. Indulge in the flavors of the South, enjoy the warm atmosphere, and create lasting memories with friends and family. Stop by for a meal that feels like home, and don't forget to share your experience!

Traditional Southern favorites are served in a simple storefront space with a weekend brunch menu.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURmX0xfeGxnRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJU-kDchDSD4gRDWNk-3qo3jA/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURmX0xfeGxnRRAB

Great southern style food. The food is heavy, but really tasty. Prices are a little bit high, but we left very full with some leftovers in tow. Would recommend for anyone looking for a southern classic vibe. The food, the music, and even the table ware were all very charming. Definitely grab some mac and cheese. Sooo cheesy!

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUQzeTd1aWVREAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJU-kDchDSD4gRDWNk-3qo3jA/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUQzeTd1aWVREAE

I finally got around to trying Luella’s Southern Kitchen, and unfortunately, it didn’t live up to the hype. I ordered the fried chicken with collard greens and dinner rolls (I got macaroni and cheese), but my experience left a lot to be desired.

The fried chicken was a letdown—it was greasy, poor quality, and the wing was still attached to the breast, giving it a Church’s Chicken vibe that I wasn’t expecting from a place with such a solid reputation. As for the rolls, they had a hard bottom (“shoes”) and lacked the soft, fluffy texture I was hoping for.

On the bright side, the macaroni and cheese was the star of the meal. It was rich, creamy, and absolutely delicious—a true standout. Ironically, I ended up with macaroni and cheese instead of the collard greens I had ordered, so that mix-up worked in my favor.

After waiting a while to finally try this spot, I walked away unimpressed. While I can see the potential in their mac and cheese, the other elements of my meal just didn’t measure up. I expected more consistency and quality from such a highly recommended restaurant. Would I go back? Maybe—but only for the mac and cheese.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNIc3Utem13RRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJU-kDchDSD4gRDWNk-3qo3jA/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNIc3Utem13RRAB

This is the closest thing to a southern home cooking in the Chicago area. Brown sugar bacon was very salty. My waffles were fluffy and tasty but the skin on the buttermilk fried chicken wasn’t crispy even though I don’t eat chicken skin. Mac and cheese, sweet yams and cornbread was very good. Beignets tasted like delicious fresh donuts. Homemade sweet tea gets free refills 😉

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUQ3aThIdWdRRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJU-kDchDSD4gRDWNk-3qo3jA/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUQ3aThIdWdRRRAB

I had the best chicken and waffle ever at this place after trying many places across NA! Everything about this was simply perfection in its entirety!

The portion was filling and appropriately priced! The chicken was decently cooked and seasoned! The Nashville sauce complimented and did not overpower the flavor of the batter, which was also very well layered and crispy! Along with the crispness of the waffles which I think might have some syrup in there, (meaning that it gave you some sweetness without having to wet it with syrups, hence maintaining the structure and texture of the waffles) balanced the spicy kick of the Nashville sauce very well!

Service was superb! If I can eat anything every day, it would be this.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUM3MEp1SkVREAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJU-kDchDSD4gRDWNk-3qo3jA/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUM3MEp1SkVREAE

Came here after seeing the restaurant over social media and I was NOT disappointed!

The oldies soul music, the black art throughout the walls, the southern feel… it was so comforting being here. We ordered the chicken and greens and shrimp and grits for our meals and then the Mac and cheese and biscuits for sides (drinks are complimentary with your order so I really appreciated that! The touch of them being in the glass bottles and coming straight out a cooler was nostalgic🤗)

All of the food was pretty good but I did notice the Mac was missing a little something (maybe pepper?). The biscuits were so good we had to get another order!

Their service is pretty decent too (even when they got a line while we were already served, they took their customers orders very efficiently and everyone seemed satisfied throughout the restaurant!)

Luella's Southern Kitchen: Authentic Southern Dining in Lincoln Square, Chicago

Luella's Southern Kitchen, located at 4609 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60625, was a beloved Southern cuisine restaurant known for its authentic dishes and cozy atmosphere. The restaurant closed its doors in October 2024 after nine years of operation.

Luella's Southern Kitchen: A cherished southern gem in chicago's lincoln square district.

Nestled in the vibrant Lincoln Square neighborhood at 4609 North Lincoln Avenue, Luella's Southern Kitchen stood as a beacon of authentic Southern cuisine from 2015 to 2024. This cozy establishment quickly garnered a devoted following, offering traditional Southern flavors that transported Chicagoans to the heart of the South with every bite.

A remarkable journey from opening to acclaim

Luella's Southern Kitchen opened its doors in 2015, quickly establishing itself as a standout destination for Southern comfort food lovers. Within just one year, the restaurant earned prestigious recognition from both the James Beard Foundation and the Michelin Guide, signaling its exceptional culinary quality and authentic offerings that resonated deeply with food enthusiasts.

Signature dishes and the southern experience

The menu featured beloved Southern classics like crispy fried chicken, creamy macaroni and cheese, fluffy buttermilk waffles, savory collard greens, and sweet yams. The restaurant’s charm extended beyond the kitchen, with soulful oldies music setting the perfect backdrop and nostalgic touches such as black art décor and complimentary sweet tea served in glass bottles. Guests often praised the rich, cheesy mac and cheese as a must-try dish, epitomizing the hearty, comforting flavors that defined Luella’s.

 Luella's Southern Kitchen opened in Lincoln Square, Chicago.

 Received acclaim from James Beard and Michelin within its first year, cementing its status among Chicago’s top Southern eateries.

 After nine years of serving cherished Southern flavors, Luella's Southern Kitchen closed its doors in October 2024, leaving behind fond memories and a lasting legacy.

Though the restaurant’s physical presence ended in 2024, Luella's Southern Kitchen remains fondly remembered in Chicago’s culinary scene. It brought a slice of Southern hospitality and rich, soulful dishes to the Midwest, inspiring both locals and visitors to embrace the flavors and traditions of Southern cooking. Its welcoming atmosphere and dedication to authentic cuisine made it a beloved spot for families, foodies, and anyone seeking genuine Southern comfort food.

 will always be remembered as an iconic culinary landmark that brought the warmth and richness of the South to Chicago's Lincoln Square.

Luella's Southern Kitchen offers traditional Southern favorites in a cozy storefront setting in Lincoln Square, Chicago. Known for its warm hospitality and delicious dishes like buttermilk fried chicken and shrimp and grits, it invites diners to enjoy a taste of the South.

Luella's Southern Kitchen

Authentic Southern cuisine featuring dishes like Buttermilk Fried Chicken, Chicken and Waffles, Shrimp and Grits, and more.

Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Chicken and Waffles

Nashville Chicken and Waffles

Shrimp and Grits

Crab Cake

Shrimp Andouille Mac and Cheese

Baked Mac and Cheese

Buttermilk Biscuits

Grits

Candied Yams

Beignets

Luella's Southern Kitchen Menu

Luella's Southern Kitchen menu overview in Chicago IL USA.

Nestled in the heart of Lincoln Square, Chicago, Luella's Southern Kitchen serves up authentic Southern comfort food that celebrates traditional flavors with a modern touch. This vibrant eatery offers a menu full of hearty favorites and soulful classics, perfect for foodies craving rich, home-style dishes packed with flavor.

Begin your Southern culinary journey with classic starters that bring a taste of the South’s rich heritage. The Buttermilk Biscuits are a buttery, flaky delight made with tender buttermilk and flour, offering an irresistible start to your meal. For those craving a creamy, cheesy comfort, the Grits feature smooth cornmeal blended with butter and cheese to satisfy your taste buds. Sweet lovers will enjoy the Candied Yams, where sweet potatoes are caramelized with brown sugar and rich caramel, delivering a perfect balance of sweetness and warmth.

Luella's mains showcase the heart of Southern cooking with generous portions of beloved dishes. The Buttermilk Fried Chicken features tender chicken marinated in buttermilk and paired with collard greens for a true Southern staple. Chicken and Waffles offer the perfect harmony of crispy fried chicken and fluffy waffles drizzled with syrup, while the Nashville Chicken and Waffles add a spicy kick with their signature Nashville hot sauce. Seafood lovers will relish the Shrimp and Grits, where succulent shrimp meet creamy cheese-infused grits. The Crab Cake, served atop a flavorful Andouille hash with green peas, delivers a savory coastal twist. For pasta fans, the Shrimp Andouille Mac and Cheese combines shrimp with spicy Andouille sausage and luscious macaroni and cheese, while the Baked Mac and Cheese is a rich, cheesy classic that comforts every bite.

No Southern meal is complete without a decadent dessert. Luella’s Beignets offer pillowy, deep-fried doughnuts dusted generously with powdered sugar, delivering a delicate sweetness that perfectly concludes your dining experience.

Enhance your meal with Luella’s selection of refreshing drinks, including their famous homemade sweet tea which comes with free refills — a nostalgic Southern staple served in charming glass bottles. Complement your experience with their wine and beer offerings for a perfectly paired meal.

 crafted with traditional ingredients and techniques.

 that evokes the charm of Southern hospitality.

 is the rich, creamy mac and cheese — a must-try favorite among guests.

Savor the flavors of the South at Luella's Southern Kitchen in Lincoln Square, Chicago! Indulge in delicious comfort food today!

Luella's Southern Kitchen: Taste Chicago's South!

Cook County

Available on weekends from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, featuring dishes like Chicken and Waffles and Shrimp and Grits.

Brunch

Served Wednesday through Sunday from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, offering a variety of Southern comfort foods.

Dinner

Experience Authentic Southern Flavors at Luella's Southern Kitchen in Chicago's Lincoln Square District.

Nestled in the vibrant Lincoln Square neighborhood of Chicago, Luella's Southern Kitchen offers a soulful dining experience that brings the comforting tastes of traditional Southern cuisine to the Midwest. Known for its warm atmosphere enriched with oldies soul music and eclectic black art, this spot is a haven for food lovers seeking hearty, genuine flavors and a welcoming vibe.

Weekend Brunch Delights and Classic Dinner Offerings

Luella's is famous for its weekend brunch menu available from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, featuring standout dishes like the iconic Chicken and Waffles and Shrimp and Grits. Each dish is crafted to deliver rich, satisfying flavors that showcase Southern hospitality. Dinner is served Wednesday through Sunday, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, offering a variety of Southern comfort foods designed to satisfy your craving for homestyle cooking.

From the moment you step inside, you’ll notice the charming ambiance — from classic Southern tunes to carefully chosen tableware, every detail helps create an inviting environment. The menu highlights rich and creamy mac and cheese that guests rave about, fluffy waffles with a perfect balance of sweetness, and freshly made beignets reminiscent of doughnuts. Complement your meal with the nostalgic homemade sweet tea that comes with free refills.

 available, perfect for casual meals or busy days.

Serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, coffee, dessert, beer, and wine

 to satisfy every craving throughout the day.

 make it a great spot for family outings.

Reservations accepted and paid street parking nearby

Multiple payment options including credit, debit, and NFC

 captures the essence of Southern home cooking right in the heart of Chicago. Whether you're craving cheesy, decadent mac and cheese, crispy chicken and waffles with a perfectly balanced Nashville sauce, or sweet, fluffy beignets, this local gem delivers comfort and charm with every bite.

Illinois

Experience authentic Southern dishes like fried chicken, chicken & waffles, and mac & cheese at Luella's in Lincoln Square, Chicago. Cozy atmosphere, friendly staff!

Luella's Southern Kitchen Chicago - Authentic Southern Cuisine & Cozy Vibe

Discover the best Southern comfort food in Chicago at Luella's. Enjoy flavorful dishes, weekend brunch, takeout, and friendly service in Lincoln Square!

Explore Chicago's Lincoln Square with Luella's Southern Kitchen | Delicious Southern Food

Learn about Luella's Southern Kitchen in Chicago's Lincoln Square, known for its authentic Southern dishes before closing in October 2024 after nine years of operation.

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