Josephine's Southern Cooking
Josephine’s Southern Cooking is a South Side favorite for soulful comfort food, especially its standout fried chicken, chicken and waffles, dressing and gravy, gumbo, French toast, and salmon croquettes. Regulars praise the warm hospitality, elegant-yet-comfortable setting, and spacious event accommodations, making it suitable for intimate meals, brunch, or large gatherings. Service and hours can be inconsistent, and some breakfast items may depend on the chef’s availability.
What 636 diners keep saying
verbatim, from Google
“I had the most incredible dining experience at Josephine’s restaurant! The food was absolutely delicious! every dish was perfectly prepared and beautifully presented. Our server was attentive, knowledgeable, and made excellent recommendations. The atmosphere was elegant yet comfortable. I can't wait to come back to Chicago and try more items from their menu. Definitely a new favorite spot!!!!! Ps: Wanna say thank you to Katrena Sampract, personally because I left my glasses at her establishment And remind you I Live 7 hours away from her establishment and I called and ask if I had left my glasses there and this wonderful lady told me yes. Unfortunately I stay so far away this beautiful soul said no problem and mail them to me… Thank you so much Katrena 💙!!!!”
“Josephine 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 Mother Wade is very nice. The restaurant is in good condition. Amazing chicken and waffles. Must come back. 10/10.”
“Went for repass...very nice event space was able to bring outside food n drinks has area outside in back to smoke..plenty of space”
“I hadn’t been here in years, and I’m very particular about soul food but everything was exceptional!” I even met one of the cooks, I will return soon!”
“Great People, Food & Service. That Dressing & Gravy is a hit.”
“Katrena is making waves with her new choice of menu options and they are Amazing. If you haven’t been I️ suggest you get there. I️ tried do b many things from the tomato basil soup, squash soup that was both savory and sweet, shrimp tacos on point, the salmon in the salmon and wild rice was cooked to perfection, the kale salad AHMAZINGGGG, and she will make you fall in love with Quinoa with her Quinoa salad🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼. I’m going back for the Gumbo Grits. I️ can’t wait.”
“I grew up in Chicago and this was one of my favorite restaurants in Chi-Town! It was Aretha Franklin's favorite too!”
“Last night after getting off work from working a very busy night as a server I went to experience a late night soul brunch, the French toast, gumbo, and the salmon croquettes were amazing. My server Demont was amazing and the chef was kind and sweet now I know why her food is so good.”
“Years ago I was there when they were Har d Times was really surprised it wasct h ere with a name changed, enjoyed it will definitely give bacl.”
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