The Budlong Southern Chicken
The Budlong Southern Chicken stands out for fresh, hot sandwiches—especially the honey BBQ chicken sandwich—alongside crispy tenders, shrimp po’boys, hush puppies, fried pickles, and excellent banana pudding. Regulars love the friendly staff, upbeat music, affordable prices, and relaxed vibe for takeout, quick bites, or meeting friends, though some reviews warn of long waits, inconsistent service, hot conditions, and occasional 75-cent water charges.
What 768 diners keep saying
verbatim, from Google
“Great stop for quick bite. Had the shrimp po’boy, chicken fried steak sandwich, and tenders with sides of mash potatoes and Mac n cheese. We also had an appetizer of the corn bread. Overall everything was crispy, Hot and fresh. I also had the front porch fizz (one the new limited-time drinks)! Yum! Thank you for a great experience.”

“The food and service was really attentive and amazing. I had came with a friend and was able to try a couple sides. (We loved the fried cornbread and gravy). All the food was really fresh and atmosphere was great and clean.”
“The Budlong Chicken is so good and they play good music and they have a good variety of chicken food and drinks!! also banana pudding is phenomenal!”
“Great food and staff! Carlos was especially my favorite, he was attentive and kind. Recommend coming here with friends!”
“Food and customer service is always excellent when I come, Carlos was so attentive and kind. My best friend and I love coming here”
“Food was fresh, hot, and served quickly. The service was excellent—friendly, attentive, and impressive for a fast-food restaurant. I'll definitely be back!”
“Banana pudding tasted like jello mix, Mac and cheese had no flavor at all. Fried pickles were good but was bummed they forgot a dipping sauce with my order. All that aside, still gets 5 stars cuz the chicken sandwich (honey BBQ) was one of the best I’ve ever had.”
“Sandwiches where delicious made fresh and service is 10/10 !!!!!!”
“Love this place, the service is great! And the prices are so affordable 10/10!”
“Amazing food, kind staff, and great vibes! My mom and I usually get takeout but when we come in the staff is always friendly and they are always playing the absolute best music! Skip the chain chicken restaurants and come to budlong to support a small Chicago buisness!”
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