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312 Eats
Roscoe Village · Soul Food · $$

Soul & Smoke - Avondale at Rockwell on the River

4.4449 reviews ·Opentil 9 tonight
It's clearly just recently opened and is planning to expand, but the food and the atmosphere is absolutely amazing
Amber LockwoodAmber Lockwood · 120 Google reviews
Read the reviews on Google →

Soul & Smoke - Avondale at Rockwell on the River — reliable soul food in Roscoe Village. Order the Brisket. Good service that doesn't feel rehearsed, and solid veggie options. "The brisket was incredible—smoky, tender" — D Blakely [$$, patio]

🌱Vegan & vegetarian friendly — real options, not one sad pasta.
☀️Patio — a Roscoe Village classic in summer.

What 449 diners keep saying

CozyOutdoor diningTakeout strong
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Reserve on OpenTable
3057 N Rockwell St, Chicago, IL 60618
Roscoe Village
Today11AM-9PM
Sun–Thu11AM-9PM
Fri–Sat11AM-9:30PM
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What 449 diners keep saying

verbatim, from Google
Review photo by Michael Nagel
Jun 2026

Pulled pork sliders were good. Add a little BBQ and the slaw stayed put for a full bite. The sweet potato came fully apart from the skin. Unnecessary to add a full side of slaw if dining solo. Counter service before sitting yourself. Help yourself to a basket with napkins, silverware, and BBQ.

Michael Nagel

Michael Nagel

681 reviews on Google

Review photo by Julianna Castro
May 2026

This hidden gem seriously needs more attention! The food was amazing, the atmosphere was calm and peaceful, and the music set the perfect vibe. I had the ribs and gumbo, plus a side of slaw that was so good. I’ll definitely be back, 10/10, highly recommend!

Julianna Castro

Julianna Castro

23 reviews on Google

Review photo by Masha Vibrant Yoga
Feb 2026

I LOVED it here! It’s very casual, you order through a QR code or up at the kiosk and they bring you the food. No waiters. It’s kind of nice actually. The decor is fantastic and the river views is peaceful. We came here in winter so didn’t get to enjoy the outside but def want to come back in the summer. The brisket was outstanding - the mix fat one. The lean one was too dry so I recommend go with the mixed fat. Such a satisfying meal! And the surrounding area is very cute for walking around and photo ops with brick background

Masha Vibrant Yoga

Masha Vibrant Yoga

182 reviews on Google

Review photo by Karen Ortiz
Jan 2026

The food is delicious and the place wonderful! With a great river view!

Karen Ortiz

Karen Ortiz

20 reviews on Google

Review photo by Cristina M
Jan 2026

hello i was craving some gumbo n bbq n searched for some n this place popped up so i tried it. i got the samplers too n i loved it! best collar greens i ever had. the cornbread was so soft and gooey it stuck to my teeth! love it! i wanna try it again n try more stuff😋

Cristina M

Cristina M

60 reviews on Google

Review photo by Dean Walker
Jan 2026

I am not lying when I say…I just had the BEST Polish with bun of my ENTIRE life! For real! And I’m born & raised in CHICAGO! I’ve had em all to! Maxwell St., etc. The other food was very good also!! The atmosphere was surprisingly nice and upscale too!!! I’m saving my BEST comment for last…our server RIO is the TRUTH! Very very friendly! Very knowledgeable of food! Very accommodating! Very professional but yet still cool as hell!! RIO is a major asset of Soul & Smoke Avondale!!! This dude did EVERYTHING with much SWAG!!! I’m not gettin paid for this review either!

Dean Walker

Dean Walker

5 reviews on Google

Review photo by Danny
Dec 2025

Go subscribe to my YouTube channel (Oboy64) I did a food review about this restaurant

Danny

Danny

3 reviews on Google

Review photo by Ben PhippsJr
Dec 2025

Very clean, professional & patient Very good experience

Ben PhippsJr

Ben PhippsJr

7 reviews on Google

Review photo by L'Mekka Edwards
Jun 2026

Stop by for dinner Great food Amazing view Great date night Great place to take pictures

L'Mekka Edwards

L'Mekka Edwards

456 reviews on Google

Review photo by Coach Mekka
Apr 2026

The food was great The view outside was amazing

Coach Mekka

Coach Mekka

104 reviews on Google

Review photo by Asha Ballard
Feb 2026

Great service, food, and atmosphere! I truly enjoyed the greens, shrimp and grits, and the corn muffin! I would definitely go back!

Asha Ballard

Asha Ballard

49 reviews on Google

Review photo by Ashley Hammac
Apr 2026

Soul food with no soul. It's like Destination Smokehouse after Mr Tendernism left. Oh and the Soup Nazi works here to top it off.

Ashley Hammac

Ashley Hammac

75 reviews on Google

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