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312 Eats
South Side · Soul Food

Dan's Soul Food and Cafe

3.5834 reviews ·Opens at 11AM

Dan’s Soul Food and Cafe is a neighborhood comfort-food favorite, serving hearty, homemade-style plates that keep families returning after church on Sundays—especially the tender short ribs, peach cobbler, and generous soul-food classics. Regulars praise the warm, accommodating staff and welcoming atmosphere, though experiences can vary: some report small portions, cold or under-seasoned food, occasional substitutions, and an uncomfortable lack of air conditioning.

Plan your visit
2523 W 79th St, Chicago, IL 60652
South Side
Today11AM-8PM
Sun–Tue11AM-8PM
Wed–ThuClosed
Fri–Sat11AM-8PM
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What 834 diners keep saying

verbatim, from Google
Review photo by Justice JoyceTV
Dec 2025

I didn't get to order anything. Guy behind the counter was more interested in explaining to the FedEx delivery man that he wouldn't allow his license to be scanned by anyone outside the government than assisting me. With that, I waited. FedEx man left after the delivery and for whatever reason .... * I was not greeted * I was not offered any Intel * I was not asked for my order. It was lunch time and I was the only person besides the guy behind the plexi glass and the FedEx man walked in with me. I was told where to go (like which window/side of the door for service) and nothing else. I abhor writing reviews like this as I enjoy promoting great local places. Maybe it was a true fluke but the menu has tape over all pricing. Figuring the market instability makes this so but again .. I'm speculating as I don't know.

Justice JoyceTV

Justice JoyceTV

324 reviews on Google

Review photo by Shalilya Henry
Mar 2025

Worse soul food I ever had! The first red flag was they do not take orders over the phone. I should've asked for price confirmation because they were different from online. 10 dollars more, the reason I took a picture and posted it so no one else will be smacked in the face. Everything was horrible, even the cornbread muffins they gave for free. I wouldn't give that food to a homeless person! I spent almost 70 for two, bland, dry, old tasting food! It taste like they're facing Bankruptcy for their shady practices and haven't learned. Customer experience is everything! Customers keep your business alive or it will die! When you try to cut corners with cleaning the place or food you can see, feel and taste it! It smelled like something died in the wall however I gave them the benefit of the doubt 🧐 thinking maybe it was meat they threw out. The reason he gave for not taking orders over the phone was disturbing and can destroy a business quick! You're forced to come to the store to order because others don't pick up their food. I explained that if they had to pay before ending the call why does it matter. He then went on to say they may be using someone else's card which was suspect to me. That doesn't take any money away from your business. It actually adds money but then he stated the cops come to the facility in such cases which was suspect because why would that be a reason unless? Any who, the business appears to be a cover up for something else because the food is clearly not the priority 😔! Frustrating, I should've read the reviews instead of simply asking Google. The food made me sick 🤢

Shalilya Henry

Shalilya Henry

24 reviews on Google

Nov 2025

Dan’s Soul is amazing. I appreciate the staffs and managers kindness to me even though I have autism and their food is amazing and really good. Owner Sean and GM Robert is very nice. The restaurant is in good condition. Amazing soul food. Must come back. 10/10.

Curtis Park

Curtis Park

601 reviews on Google

Oct 2025

Love the people. Food tastes like homemade deliciousness, prepared with love

April Robinson

April Robinson

34 reviews on Google

Jun 2025

Wow...... The food was amazing 💯 short ribs... after 4years I'm back to see ifbits still good 6/2025

Chase Bandzs

Chase Bandzs

20 reviews on Google

Feb 2025

It is truly a soul food comfort experience

Michael Campbell

Michael Campbell

9 reviews on Google

Nov 2024

I am giving 5 stars all across the board because I know Dolphn for over 20 yrs.So I know there has to be the best food there.

Bobby Earl

Bobby Earl

43 reviews on Google

Oct 2024

My family has never had a meal from Dan's that wasn't delicious, well presented and hearty. It's been a go-to for our family after church on Sundays for good soul food for years!

Charis Tripplet

Charis Tripplet

13 reviews on Google

Aug 2024

The food and service is excellent. The prices are very reasonable. Mr. Dan is very awesome and very polite. I would definitely come back. Also, I would recommend this restaurant.

Lois Crawl

Lois Crawl

12 reviews on Google

Sep 2025

I went here for peach cobbler (it's good).

T. Phill

T. Phill

161 reviews on Google

Feb 2025

Need air conditioning picked up carry out food order

Edward Butler

Edward Butler

15 reviews on Google

Oct 2025

The portion they give is a no for 18.00 The cabbage has no seasoning on it the dressing taste old and no seasoning on it the Mac and cheese needed more cheese and seasoning the chicken was ok. Overall 5/10 they need new cook and management. I won’t be going back.

Michelle Luellen

Michelle Luellen

10 reviews on Google

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