Cleo’s - Loop

“This is definitely my current favorite restaurant in Chicago.”

This is definitely my current favorite restaurant in Chicago! Great Wings ✔️ Great Catfish ✔️ Sweet Potatoes ✔️ 24 Karat Cornbread ✔️

Darryl Dunning II

Jan 2026

“This friend chicken is DIFFERENT.”

This friend chicken is DIFFERENT! Simply the best. Get the wings!!! And the cashier lady was so nice and welcoming ❤️

Young Sir Rha

Dec 2025

“9.5/10!!! BEST CATFISH no debate, and I’m not just talking in Chicago, I mean period! I’m born and...”

9.5/10!!! BEST CATFISH no debate, and I’m not just talking in Chicago, I mean period! I’m born and raised in North Carolina and I’ve never had catfish this good!!! Not even at the family reunion. I should’ve known this would be my favorite stop in the city this visit when I saw the yams had pineapple in them, and they didn’t disappoint. The yams were YAMMIN, with the perfect texture, sweetness, and syrup ratio. My Lord I should’ve saved some for the flight home. I had the Shanikky which came with a good portion of fish, crab, and chicken, enough to take back to the hotel. The breading of the wings had a great flavor but I don’t feel like the seasonings translated all the way through to the meat in my opinion. I also left with a bottle of the Mississippi Sunshine and it was the perfect pairing with the comfort food. Every trip to Chicago going forward has to include some Cleo yams, mandatory. If you’re looking for some southern comfort inside the The Loop please do yourself a favor and check out Cleo’s.

Jamaal Washburn

Dec 2025

“I apologize for these pictures but I was originally planning to get my order to-go, but the food...”

I apologize for these pictures but I was originally planning to get my order to-go, but the food smelled so good I had to sit down and start eating right away! This place is an absolute must-visit. I ordered the Float and Fly combo, and everything was cooked and seasoned perfectly. The chicken was crispy and flavorful, and the catfish—was fried just the way I like it: nice and crunchy. Absolutely delicious. The pineapple candied sweet potatoes might sound overly sweet, but don’t let that scare you—they were perfectly balanced and incredibly tasty. Now, let’s talk about the 24K Gold Muffin. Wow. Whatever glaze is on top should be bottled and sold! (Perhaps it is, again I was in such a rush to eat this I didn’t get a drink or look around much) Trust me, order more than one!

Parris Curren

Oct 2025

“The mural on the wall says “Taste the Hype”.”

The mural on the wall says “Taste the Hype”. I’m so glad that I did, as it definitely lived up to its reputation. I visited the location in the loop and they first impressed me with their transparency. I called in my order on a Thursday around 3:45pm and they said it would be ready at 4:30pm. I had to make sure that I heard them correctly, but this tells me that the food is fresh and the restaurant is busy. My order was ready right on time. There are 3 tables and some stools at the window if you choose to dine-in (no restroom). I ordered the “Ten” meal. 5 (maybe 6) pieces of catfish, pineapple sweet potatoes and cornbread. I also added my own side of Mac n cheese. CATFISH - Pieces were very generously sized. Fried crispy to perfection. I had to really think about this, but it was the best catfish I have ever tasted. It’s a little spicy, but fortunately I like spice. My wife ate it cold and raved about it. My mother-in-law also said that this was some of the best fish she has ever tasted. Finally, my kids had some the next afternoon and also raved about it. This fish is special. SWEET POTATOES - Also amazing although I didn’t taste the pineapple flavor. It was most likely a glaze that was mixed in with the potatoes. CORNBREAD - I loved it. It’s glazed with Cleo’s 24 karat good sauce. I’m glad that I purchased extra. MAC N CHEESE - I will give an 8 out of 10. It was definitely above average. Cleo’s was great and I will definitely return when in Chicago. Can’t wait to try more selections and get this delicious catfish again.

Antwaun Williams

Oct 2025

“Lawd have mercy boe!!, let me tell y’all somethin’ ‘bout Cleo’s.”

Lawd have mercy boe!!, let me tell y’all somethin’ ‘bout Cleo’s. I sat down with a box of them Cajun Creole fried chicken wings and that golden 24 Karat muffin, and whew baby, it felt like Sunday dinner at My Mama’s house. That chicken got that crunch you can hear ‘fore you even bite it, seasoned up just right with that kick of spice sittin’ on your tongue like a gospel choir. And that muffin? Shiny like gold, soft, sweet, and melt right in your mouth. Cleo’s done put love in this food, and you can taste every bit of it. This here ain’t just a meal—it’s a blessing. Highly Recommend!! I said Highly!!

Alonzo Davis

Oct 2025

“This is probably the best soul food I’ve had in Chicago, straight out of Mississippi.”

This is probably the best soul food I’ve had in Chicago, straight out of Mississippi. I love the fried catfish, definitely recommend coming in here for lunch- but I’d recommend ordering ahead online if you’re short on time

Claire Hess

Aug 2025

“The catfish was AMAZING.”

The catfish was AMAZING. I don’t even really eat catfish and I demolished it. It was juicy and full of flavor. I dunked everything in the 24k butter sauce. The saltiness of the fry on the fish combined with the sweet, richness of the sauce was perfection. I lived in Texas for over 10 years and this is the best catfish I’ve ever had. The staff was super friendly and one of the guys even went out of his way to open the door for me as I left with my takeout order. I read some of the negative reviews, and they’re somewhat right. The food is salty, sweet, and flavorful but that’s how southern comfort food should be! It’s the perfect combination.

Julie Malnak

Jun 2025

“From the time I walked into the restaurant until I walked out, I felt like I was at a friend’s house.”

From the time I walked into the restaurant until I walked out, I felt like I was at a friend’s house. I was greeted by a woman standing behind the register saying, “Hello beautiful, welcome!” She was such a joy. She was patient and assisted me with deciding what to eat. I shared that it was my first time in & although there was a line, I didn’t feel rushed. That alone sold me. Although it’s a smaller space, they try to make sure the guests are ok and had the tv playing music. I also witnessed a woman ask for a sample of Mac & cheese and although they don’t give out samples, the manager (I think his name is Sivie, also very pleasant), Obliged. Mentioning that up to point out great customer service overall. The food: I had Crab Mac & cheese. Chicken wings and sweet potatoes. The wings were fine. I wish the batter was a little thicker and more crunchy. The sweet potatoes were fine. No Complaints. The Crab Mac and cheese was the star of the show! I have to mention that I travel to Nola often just to eat and I’ve been to quite a few “New Orleans Style” restaurants that tasted nothing like New Orleans food In Chicago and other states, until I had that crab Mac & Cheese at Cleo’s. The crab was seasoned so well, it felt like I was at someone’s granny’s house on St Charles St. I will definitely be returning and telling friends from out of town about Cleo’s. Oh, I forgot to mention the tea is great. Not too sweet and so is the cornbread. It’s a cake consistency and has honey on it but it’s not overwhelmingly sweet. Loved it!

Senco119

Apr 2025

“My mom has been wanting to try Cleo’s since she saw it on “the Tik Tok” so I took her today for her birthday.”

My mom has been wanting to try Cleo’s since she saw it on “the Tik Tok” so I took her today for her birthday. The service was amazing from the time we walked through the door til the time we left. The food was fresh and tasted sooooo good. We watched as it got busy towards the evening but the service never changed. The team even took a second to take a pic with my mom which was very special. We had 2 fly overs with mac and cheese, green beans, yams, and the purple rain, but I don’t think I can choose a favorite item because everything was delicious. Shout out to the team: Naomi, Angel, Ariel, and Sivi! Keep up the great work and thank you again for making this birthday dinner memorable for my mom!

Tam Bam

Apr 2025

“I think I want to write a love letter to the food that I had from Cleo’s because it was just that good.”

I think I want to write a love letter to the food that I had from Cleo’s because it was just that good! The creole flair to added to the soul food goodness is just chefs kiss! First of all - PREPARE TO WAIT BECAUSE ITS COOKED TO ORDER. If you want food that’s been sitting out all day just say det!!! I tried “The Flyover” which came with three catfish fillets along with three wings, both creole fried! And the catfish fillets came with a creole buttered lump crab on top and it was REAL LUMP CRAB MEAT; not imitation! 🙌🏽 From the way the meat was seasoned, it only makes sense that it’s now a proprietary blend. The 24k gold muffin was GOOD!!! It was as shiny as my mom used to make my face with Vaseline when I was 7! 😂 But that sauce is literally like liquid gold; it’s so delicious and you can get a side of it. That purple rain drink was 🔥🔥🔥 too!!! If this spot has been on your list to visit, hurry up and make that trip and tell em that Bri from Planes and Plates sent you! Enjoy!

Sabrina Crawford

Dec 2024

“Both the wings and the fish have the perfect crispy bite yet are still juicy.”

Both the wings and the fish have the perfect crispy bite yet are still juicy. They’re very well spiced and can be eaten as is without any sauces! The biscuit was a little burnt for my taste. Be sure to order ahead if you’re taking out as all the food is made to order and takes a while to make.

Abdallah Al-Qudsi

Dec 2023