Big Jones

“The service struck a great balance, friendly and attentive without ever feeling too much.”

The service struck a great balance, friendly and attentive without ever feeling too much. The menu leans into a Creole/Southern influence, and it shows in the best way. The Cuban sandwich was spot-on, the bread especially outstanding, and the grits were rich and comforting. Definitely a place worth returning to.

Michael Kraig Beeck

Feb 2026

“Southern cooking at it's finest ..”

Southern cooking at it's finest ... This place really surprised me as I didn't expect it to be as delicious as it was. Although you'll get the classic Southern dishes it's prepared and delivered in a classy detail setting. This isn't like your mom's Southern cooking this literally is a fancy preparation and style. The fried green tomatoes were some of the best I have ever eaten. Lightly battered and season then fried to perfection. It was not over cooked and the tomatoes were just enough to cut with a fork yet melt in your mouth. The texture was amazingly delicious! I indulge off the appetizers with getting crab cakes. This was a treat and wish that for the cost of the cakes they were a little bigger. Don't get me wrong there was nothing wrong with the crab cakes instead they were so yummy that I felt it was more of a tease to my mouth because they were a bit small. Yet I feel recommend getting them to taste the zest that comes from every bite. Real crab and no fish after taste .. Yum! After having 2 bottles of there Chardonnay, eating a bowl is shrimp and grits I was satisfied that this was my dinner spot. The folks next to my table has ordered the cat fish ... Their plates looked so gorgeous with this beautiful crusted filet that I wanted to ask to take a picture to remind me to get that next time lol Can be pricey since plates are smaller than worth paying and I recommend goggling pictures of their dishes before going in and ordering. Because if your hungry I can guarantee you that you'll be adding side dishes to fill you stomach.

Marie

Jan 2026

“I will never stop coming here.”

I will never stop coming here. I truly appreciate how amazing this place is. The staff make it a 100% great experience. The food is ALWAYS on point. I've tried the chicken, cat fish and grits, cheese puffs, biscuits and gravy, chicken fried steak, sweet potato puree, the greens.. the mimosas and some of their cocktails. I've got 3 bottles of their jamacian jerk hot sauce. My only compliant is there's no carry out for brunch. Outside of that, Ill always be back lol.

Kedz

Dec 2025

“DATE OF REVIEW: 12/28/2026 TIME OF REVIEW: 07:22 PM LOCATION OF REVIEW: BIG JONES 5347 N CLARK...”

DATE OF REVIEW: 12/28/2026 TIME OF REVIEW: 07:22 PM LOCATION OF REVIEW: BIG JONES 5347 N CLARK ST, CHICAGO, IL OVERALL REVIEW: BLOWN AWAY BY THE DECOR, SOUL, AND LAYERED FLAVOR PROFILES. BIG JONES CONTINUES TO HOLD IT DOWN AS A NORTH SIDE STAPLE FOR ELEVATED LOWCOUNTRY AND SOUTHERN-ROOTED COOKING. FROM THE ROOM TO THE PLATE, THIS WAS CONFIDENT AND CULTURAL. FOOD / TASTE = A BEVERAGES: ELECTRIC CHARDONNAY – BRIGHT, CRISP, WITH A CLEAN ACID LINE THAT CUT THROUGH THE RICHNESS OF THE MEAL. GRADE: A SPICECAKE MANHATTAN – WARMING AROMATICS, WELL-BALANCED BITTERNESS, AND A LONG FINISH. HOLIDAY ENERGY IN A COUPE. GRADE: A STARTERS & SIDES: FRIED GREEN TOMATOES – GOLDEN, CRACKLING CORNMEAL CRUST WITH A TANGY, JUICY INTERIOR. CLASSIC SOUTHERN TECHNIQUE DONE WITH RESPECT, A DASH OF SALT NEEDED. GRADE: A CORNBREAD WITH QUENELLE COMPOUND BUTTER – MOIST CRUMB, SUBTLE SWEETNESS, AND A SAVORY, AROMATIC BUTTER THAT MELTED LIKE SILK WHILE SERVED IN CAST IRON. GRADE: A MAINS: GUMBO – DARK, WELL-DEVELOPED ROUX WITH DEEP SAVORY NOTES AND A SLOW-BURN HEAT. THIS FELT LIKE A LOVE LETTER TO N.O.L SERVED IN A CORAL BLUE SHELL OPEN FACED BOW. GRADE: A CRAB CAKE (NON-TRADITIONAL) – HEAVY ON REAL CRAB, BOLDLY SEASONED, NO FILLER ENERGY. ASSERTIVE BUT BALANCED. GRADE: A DUCK BOUDIN EGG ROLLS (OFF-MENU) – FORCED MEAT MIXTURE OF DUCK AND DUCK LIVER, RICH AND UNAPOLOGETIC. CRISP EXTERIOR, LUXE INTERIOR. SPECIAL-OCCASION STATUS FOR A REASON. GRADE: A DOVER SOLE SAUTÉED IN BUTTER SAUCE – LIGHT, DELICATE FLESH WITH A CLEAN, OCEAN-FRESH AROMA. ENCRUSTED BABY POTATOES ADDED TEXTURAL DEPTH, WHILE THE CHARRED ENDIVE AND CRAB CRUMBLE GARNISH BROUGHT BITTERNESS, SWEETNESS, AND UMAMI INTO PERFECT ALIGNMENT. CLASSIC EUROPEAN TECHNIQUE MEETS SOUTHERN CONFIDENCE. GRADE: A DESSERT: CHOCOLATE POT DE CRÈME – AIRY, STIRRED CHOCOLATE CUSTARD TOPPED WITH FRESHLY CHOPPED PECANS, A LIGHT LAYER OF SALTED CARAMEL, AND CLOUDY, SLIGHTLY TART HOUSEMADE WHIPPED CREAM. SMOOTH, LUXURIOUS, AND BORDERLINE DANGEROUS. HARD NOT TO LICK THE RAMEKIN CLEAN. A SOPHISTICATED DECONSTRUCTION OF A TURTLE CLUSTER. GRADE: A ATMOSPHERE = A WARM, INTENTIONAL, AND CULTURALLY ROOTED. THE DECOR SET THE MOOD BEFORE THE FIRST SIP—INVITING, POLISHED, AND FULL OF SOUL. SERVICE = A ATTENTIVE WITHOUT HOVERING. KNOWLEDGEABLE, GRACIOUS, AND LOCKED INTO THE RHYTHM OF THE ROOM. RETURNING: ABSOLUTELY. NO QUESTION. FINAL WORDS: SHOUT OUT TO THE HOST AND M.C. JARELL, THE SERVICE TEAM, AND THE CHEF—A JOB WELL DONE FROM START TO FINISH. BIG JONES CONTINUES TO PROVE WHY IT HOLDS A RESPECTED PLACE IN CHICAGO’S CULINARY CONVERSATION. THIS WASN’T JUST DINNER—THIS WAS A STATEMENT.

RILEY ANTHONY

Dec 2025

“Wow! Please come here and be so happy. And Why did i wait so long to come here!! I’m a vegetation,...”

Wow! Please come here and be so happy. And Why did i wait so long to come here!! I’m a vegetation, love that I had options of great southern food! The hush puppies and okra were the perfect and could not possibly taste better. The mushroom entree and pork entree had us in wows! And the spice cake and bread pudding to finish off were unbelievable… on top of that the service was exquisite. Our waiter was knowledgeable, helpful and friendly but not too friendly (haha). Satahand ( not sure about spelling) was our waiter, if you get the chance sit in his section. Everyone was welcoming and incredibly kind. It was the most perfect birthday dinner I could ask for. Thank you to all the staff, it takes all of you to be this good! Drinks were incredible!! Bartender knows what he is doing!

Valerie Connors

Nov 2025

“Great food and warm service.”

Great food and warm service. We went for lunch and it was wonderful. Every dish was flavorful and delicious. The fried okra was crispy with touch of Asian flavor. And the gumbo was packed with spices. Will go back whenever I’m in town again for sure.

O P

Sep 2025

“phenomenal place to eat I'll have to come here again for dinner, the chicken is always crispy and I...”

phenomenal place to eat I'll have to come here again for dinner, the chicken is always crispy and I love the side purée, sometimes it really is simple as a good piece of fried chicken

Bao Luong

Aug 2025

“Had an amazing time.”

Had an amazing time! The food is super good especially the fried chicken and the Dutch apple! The service was exceptional from the host to our server everyone is very nice and attentive. Thank you so much Sahand for being so caring and for some great recommendations. The Okratini is a must try if you enjoy dirty martinis, creative twist…loved.

Martina K

Aug 2025

“We had a delicious dinner at Big Jones tonight.”

We had a delicious dinner at Big Jones tonight. We had two of the off menu specials -- lump crab cakes and the salmon. Both were fantastic. And for dessert we had the amazing fresh peach and berry cobbler. So good! The icing on the proverbial cake was our server Tabby who was absolutely delightful. We sat out on the back patio. Our only suggestion is that they give that space a little more love. It could be charming. Right now it feels like an afterthought.

Michelle Wetzel

Aug 2025

“We haven't been to Big Jones in maybe 10 years.”

We haven't been to Big Jones in maybe 10 years. They still got it. 😏 I love the artistic influence, curated tea selections, classic and modern comfort food options and subtle flavor touches (like freshly grated horseradish in the bloody mary), that create a delectable Southern dining experience. Fried chicken is succulent. Hash browns are perfectly crisp. Seasonal scone is packed with the perfect amount of spices and fruit. My kid raved about the bacon and my partner devoured the biscuit sammy. Thanks for a great brunch!

Amy M.

Jul 2025

“My girlfriend found this place for her bday dinner because she loves Southern cooking.”

My girlfriend found this place for her bday dinner because she loves Southern cooking. The staff truly made us feel like part of their family. If you like flavor… make a reservation right now. Every pound gained was 100% worth it, thanks for such a special night Big Jones!

Justin Eiskamp

Jul 2025

“Yes!!! This place absolutely blew me away. I had the entree with mashed sweet potato, rice beans,...”

Yes!!! This place absolutely blew me away. I had the entree with mashed sweet potato, rice beans, crispy chicken, and a hot honey type of glaze and the flavor combo was unreal. Every bite was perfectly balanced and full of bold, comforting Southern flavor. We also had the cornbread skillet, and it deserves its own shoutout. It’s baked in bacon grease with shallot mixed in, and served with this good house-made butter. Top cornbreads I’ve ever had. Our server, Zach, was so kind, patient, and genuinely helpful. The whole place has a warm, welcoming atmosphere and top-tier Southern food. Honestly, it even beat some of the spots I tried in Charleston a few weeks ago I loved everything about this place and can’t wait to come back to try more dishes. A must visit if you’re in Chicago!

Louis Gonzalez

Jun 2025