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312 Eats
Evanston · Soul Food · $$

Soul & Smoke Evanston

4.1569 reviews ·Opens at 11AM tomorrow
Last was the cornbread muffin that was delicious and moist with a perfect amount of sweetness
RyeRye · 201 Google reviews
Read the reviews on Google →

Soul & Smoke Evanston — neighborhood soul food in Evanston. Hospitality you can feel from the door. "The herb roasted turkey dinner with all of the sides was phenomenal" — Jennifer Brennan [$$]

What 569 diners keep saying

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1601 Payne St, Evanston, IL 60201
Evanston
Today11AM-8:30PM
Sun–Thu11AM-8:30PM
Fri–Sat11AM-9PM
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What 569 diners keep saying

verbatim, from Google
Review photo by Lauren Ratajczak
Jun 2026

This week, my organization ordered catering from Soul & Smoke for a staff event, and it exceeded our expectations! Right from the beginning, Sarah, a team member at Soul & Smoke, was very communicative and responded quickly to our inquiries. She provided excellent food recommendations regarding the number of people attending the event and detailed the food items that would be safe for our staff members with dietary restrictions or allergies. One feature we particularly appreciated was the inclusion of food tent cards, which outlined the ingredients in each dish and highlighted any allergens or dietary restrictions. This thoughtful detail made it easier for everyone to choose safely, and it’s something we’ve never experienced with a catering service before! The delivery was on time, and they kept us updated with a delivery tracker, which was very helpful! The delivery driver assisted us in loading the catering onto a cart and was polite. Most importantly, the quality and freshness of the food were outstanding! A few standout items included the pulled pork, pulled chicken, mac & cheese, green beans, and their new dessert, peach cobbler! Our staff absolutely loved the food. Here are a couple of comments from them: - "I think Soul & Smoke may be my new favorite restaurant!" - "I think this lunch was great! I'm also happy we were able to support a local business." We are thrilled that we were able to support this local business!

Lauren Ratajczak

Lauren Ratajczak

5 reviews on Google

Review photo by Mo Woodz
Apr 2026

Absolutely 10 stars.. Tell me from Indianapolis.We were looking for a good soul food spot.When I say the ribs are to die for the mac and cheese is like no other and my most favorite is the big cornbread muffin , so moist,deliciously worth the price!! So EXCITED FOR THE RENOVATIONS!

Mo Woodz

Mo Woodz

2 reviews on Google

Review photo by Paris Walker
Dec 2025

She takes care of her community and Lora is where nice

Paris Walker

Paris Walker

1 reviews on Google

Review photo by Jordan Foster
Dec 2025

Awesome local spot that prioritizes giving back. We loved the opportunity to donate to the food pantry and pop a meal in the community fridge. Kana was also so helpful and even dug us up a phone charger since we left ours at home while traveling. The brisket, mac, and sausage were amazing! We can’t wait to come back when they open their new dining hall.

Jordan Foster

Jordan Foster

7 reviews on Google

Review photo by Karen
Nov 2025

Takeout thanksgiving dinner was sooo good! All the dishes- smoked turkey. Brisket, potatoes, mac n cheese, slaw, worth every penny.

Karen

Karen

2 reviews on Google

Review photo by Rozi Redz
Oct 2025

Lori Lee!!!! Wow just wow! The fact that we came 1.5 hours away just to try this gem of establishment should tell you something. We went in very nervous but she put that at ease, she explained the sauces and different cuts. She wasn’t over zealous she was just right. Thank you again for such a wonderful experience. FYI we absolutely have been traumatized with corn bread in the past but let me tell you by far the BEST ONE.

Rozi Redz

Rozi Redz

92 reviews on Google

Review photo by Jade Carpenter
Feb 2026

We ordered sides for Christmas dinner that were sold as serving 4–6 people. When we picked them up, the portions were shockingly small. Only enough for 2–4 people at best (see photos). So we ended up paying $35 for a SIDE of mac and cheese and $22 for a SIDE of mashed potatoes. The food itself is good, but the portion sizes are wildly out of proportion to the price and feel misleading. If you’re advertising holiday sides meant to feed a group, the quantity needs to match what you’re promising, especially at these prices. I want to support small local businesses, but this isn’t the first time the pricing and portions have felt out of sync. Charging premium prices requires transparency and value. Good food alone doesn’t justify overpricing and under-serving.

Jade Carpenter

Jade Carpenter

17 reviews on Google

Review photo by Jane Doe
Aug 2025

I am going to start this review by saying the my husband and were anticipating this visit for the last week and a half This was our splurge for the month . The two guy who were there that took our were so nice and inviting . They greeted us even asked if we wanted water while we wait . Absolutely no issues with service whatsoever . However when we arrive home with our food is when the issue starts. I ordered a half pound of spare rib and This is what I received 1 bone. And a burnt crispy of what ever this is . The meat was extremely salty dry and burnt . We also ordered the sampler where most of that was edible but it should or had brisket pulled pork rib tips and a sausage . We received two portions of pulled pork the rib tips which were ok and the sausage . Mac and cheese was ok My order was over 100$ and it was a complete waste . This was extremely disappointing so much so it brought me to tears.

Jane Doe

Jane Doe

2 reviews on Google

Review photo by Anja Arseven
Nov 2025

Bought Thanksgiving pulled turkey, brisket, Mac and cheese, and candied yams portion size said 2-3 people and no it’s more like one person. No heating directions for the Mac and cheese and candied yams. All the food came in plastic containers so how am I supposed to heat it? For the price and lack of customer service, it is not worth it.

Anja Arseven

Anja Arseven

54 reviews on Google

Jul 2026

Ordered on uber eats, absolute fire! Everything was made with care and absolute perfection. Loved every bit of the food from prime brisket sandwich to mashed potatoes to the mac and cheese. Keep it up! 10/10

Ralf

Ralf

28 reviews on Google

Jul 2026

DELICIOUS !!!! Stopped here after biking the North Shore Trail - was v hungry and this did not disappoint! We had a Pork Po’ Boy, corn muffin (so moist & flavorful), homemade pickles, pork Mac & cheese, and mashed potatoes. Every single thing was so insanely good, I would absolutely go back! They are moving to a bigger space next door and I think the inside ambiance will be better - we sat outside because it was a gorgeous day. The staff were very attentive and kind.

Emily Loehmer

Emily Loehmer

20 reviews on Google

Jun 2026

I had the brisket and Mac n cheese with a salad and lemme tell you that brisket was so flavorful and so tender it was a 10! The Mac n cheese was on point too! The salad was pretty good nothing too crazy. I added some of the brisket on top of the salad and it made it really good. I’ll be back for sure!

Cassandra Goldman

Cassandra Goldman

2 reviews on Google

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