Cleo's - Lakeview

“I was excited to check this place out with my mom, since she loves catfish and fried chicken.”

I was excited to check this place out with my mom, since she loves catfish and fried chicken. We went on a Saturday around 2:30 pm. When we arrived, there were only about three tables occupied, and it looked like they had already ordered their food. I placed my order at the kiosk, expecting a fairly quick turnaround given how quiet it was. Unfortunately, it took about 50 minutes to get our food. I’m not sure what happened, but several people who came in after us received their orders before we did. The staff did apologize multiple times for the delay, which I appreciated, but the wait was still frustrating. That said, the food itself was good. I ordered the Crabbie Cat and the Southern Classic Wings, and both had great flavor, but they were very salty. I found myself sipping water with almost every bite. I later mentioned this to a friend who visited the same day, and he said his food was salty as well. Despite the wait and the seasoning, my mom absolutely loved it and said it’s now her favorite restaurant, which says a lot. I’d be willing to go back again, but next time I’d definitely ask for less seasoning and hope for a smoother experience overall.

Denise

Jan 2026

“Cleos never disappoints!”

Cleos never disappoints!! The food is always fresh and delicious, I love it!

Heather

Jan 2026

“This place is so good I am legitimately scared that I live a block away.”

This place is so good I am legitimately scared that I live a block away. I did not know you could fry to this level of perfection. The first bite after 2 months of waiting patiently for this to open was an out of body experience. Crab was buttery and paired perfectly with the catfish filets it was laid upon. Chicken wings SMACKED. Haven’t even gotten into the muffin yet, my body instinctively motioned to this review after like 5 bites cause I had to let the people know this place is for real. Staff was so nice as well, beautiful place they turned this into in such a short time. I will be back again and again and again.

DeColdest ToEvaDoIt

Dec 2025

“I recently visited Cleo's with a good friend on a snowy afternoon.”

I recently visited Cleo's with a good friend on a snowy afternoon. The service was great and the food (fried chicken, fried catfish, and macaroni/cheese) was even better. The only issue I encountered was that not all of the sides were showing up in the mobile app. The staff were really helpful in assisting me placing my order. I will definitely return to Cleo's!

Timothy Jackson

Feb 2026

“Went at 5pm and they were basically sold out of everything.”

Went at 5pm and they were basically sold out of everything. Went to another location that's not taking orders because of demand 🤦🏾‍♂️. Got there and ordered and it took about 1 hour and 20 minutes to get the food and OMFG this food was well worth the wait. Can't wait to come back to the Chi cause this is stop #1 2 and 5

kevin Hanks

Feb 2026

“Listen! When they say the food is a 10! Please believe the hype! Everything was perfectly seasoned...”

Listen! When they say the food is a 10! Please believe the hype! Everything was perfectly seasoned and delicious! I got the shanikky fly over (excuse the spelling if its wrong) mac& cheese, green beans, Creole lumo crab, and candied yams. When I say EVERYTHING was good, I mean EVERYTHING! Great job y'all! Worth the 2 hour drive!

Michelle S

Feb 2026

“I tried the Sauced Six and the 24 Karat Gold Muffins, and oh my goodness, the chicken was fried to...”

I tried the Sauced Six and the 24 Karat Gold Muffins, and oh my goodness, the chicken was fried to perfection—crispy, not too salty, absolutely spot on. The muffins were moist, juicy, and downright delicious! I’ll definitely be back.

Achille Jeanty Jr

Jan 2026

“Very exciting that Cleo’s opened a location on the north side.”

Very exciting that Cleo’s opened a location on the north side. We did takeout and the food was ready at exactly the time they said it would be. We walked in, and they did a great job renovating the restaurant. Food was soooo good. The chicken and catfish was cripsy, the crab flavorful, and the Mac and cheese didn’t disappoint. Can’t wait to come back!

Sophia Paarz

Jan 2026

“EAT HERE FOR SURE!!”

EAT HERE FOR SURE!!! On 1/4/25, some friends and I visited Cleo’s Lakeview location. Tay was the first person I saw and spoke with and she was so sweet and very helpful. The place was very clean and the food was exceptional! Anytime I’m in the Chicago area, I will be sure to make this a regular drop in! Also, I didn’t get the managers name but he was amazing as well. Great staff all together cause I know the person in the back cooking was putting all the love they have in that food. although EVERYTHING was great, I have to give an honorable mention to the green beans. I never had green beans that taste THAT good in my life!!

Alisa Williams

Jan 2026

“Super legit. Have not had catfish this good north of Louisiana…wow”

Dean de la Peña

Jan 2026

“When I tell y’all you have to SPRINT to Cleo’s, I mean it.”

When I tell y’all you have to SPRINT to Cleo’s, I mean it. I got the float n fly, green beans and mac and cheese. It’s been a while since a meal actually made me feel joy, but when I tell you I was smiling as I ate I’m not joking. I can’t wait to try other menu items because everything I had was perfect. 👌🏻 We are so lucky to have this spot in our neighborhood!!

Tessa Louche

Dec 2025

“Went to Cleo’s -Lakeview on opening day and it did not disappoint.”

Went to Cleo’s -Lakeview on opening day and it did not disappoint! My order of the ‘The Float and Fly’ was delicious - the catfish was crispy and the chicken was amazing👌🏾! Can’t wait to go back!

Paige Clark

Dec 2025