Ina Mae Tavern Menu Overview - A Taste of New Orleans in Chicago's West Town District.
Nestled at 1415 North Wood Street in vibrant Chicago's West Town, Ina Mae Tavern serves up an authentic New Orleans experience with a Southern and Creole-inspired menu. From soulful starters to indulgent mains, delightful desserts, and creative cocktails, this spot promises to transport your taste buds straight to the Big Easy.
Starters to Kick Off Your Feast
Begin your meal with a range of flavorful starters that showcase Southern comfort at its finest. Crispy Hushpuppies combine cornmeal, onions, and buttermilk with a zesty pimento butter. The Crab & Artichoke Dip offers a creamy blend of crab meat and artichokes paired with cajun tortilla chips, delivering a perfect balance of richness and spice. For a tangy twist, Fried Pickles coated in buttermilk and spices come with a punch of voodoo sauce.
- Gumbo Ya-Ya: A hearty starter brimming with shrimp, chicken, crawfish, andouille sausage, rice, and a traditional potato salad side.
- Deviled Eggs: Classic eggs with a creamy filling of mayonnaise, mustard, hot sauce, and scallions.
- Crispy Cauliflower: Buttermilk-battered cauliflower served with buttermilk ranch and spicy voodoo sauce for dipping.
- Jup's Hot Wings: Chicken wings tossed in a signature Jup's hot sauce for a fiery start to your meal.
- Additional favorites like Corn on the Cobb, Red Beans & Rice with andouille sausage and ham hock, and classic Mac & Cheese round out this tempting selection.
Mains Bursting with Southern Flavor
For the main course, savor standout dishes that blend Southern tradition with creative twists. The Green Goddess Salad is a vibrant mix of kale, charred broccoli, avocado, and jalapeño lime vinaigrette – a fresh option packed with bold flavors. Seafood lovers will delight in the Char-Grilled Oysters topped with creole butter and parmesan, or the Frenchman Street Oysters, enhanced with crabmeat and artichoke.
The heartier mains include a tempting variety of fried and blackened options: Mixed Fried Chicken and Fried Chicken Tenders each arrive drizzled with hot honey for a perfect balance of sweet and spicy. Maw Maw's Beef Tips feature tender sirloin simmered in beef gravy with classic trinity vegetables while Catfish Filet and Gulf Shrimp can be enjoyed fried or blackened to your liking.
Don't miss the NOLA Po' Boys – iconic French bread sandwiches loaded with choices like fried shrimp, roast beef, fried oyster, or Nashville hot chicken, dressed with lettuce, tomato, pickles, mayo, and hot sauce for that authentic New Orleans kick.
Desserts To Sweeten Your Visit
Finish your meal with classic Southern desserts that comfort the soul. Warm, flaky Biscuits made with flour, buttermilk, and butter offer simple indulgence, while airy Beignets dusted with powdered sugar deliver a light and sweet finish reminiscent of New Orleans' famous treats.
Creative Drinks and Specials
Complement your meal with Ina Mae's rotating seasonal cocktail menu that features inventive creations embracing New Orleans’ festive spirit. From the signature Ina Mae House Punch served in a quirky skull pitcher to Halloween-themed drinks like the Hurricane and Witches Brew, each cocktail is crafted to excite your palate and elevate your dining experience.
- Ina Mae House Punch: A signature punch served in a skull-shaped pitcher that sets a fun and festive tone.
- Seasonal Cocktails: Including crowd favorites like the Hurricane and Witches Brew.
Ina Mae Tavern's combination of a lively New Orleans theme, live music, and a menu packed with authentic Southern flavors makes it a must-visit destination for foodies and culture seekers in Chicago. Whether you're craving crispy fried chicken, savory po' boys, or a refreshing cocktail, this West Town gem offers a spirited dining experience that captures the heart and soul of the South.
