Virtue Restaurant

“The first thing I have to bring up is our server, Freddy.”

The first thing I have to bring up is our server, Freddy. He was hands down the absolute best server we’ve ever had in our whole lives. The attentiveness, kindness, and thorough answers to all of our questions was insane. We never once had to ask for anything. I dropped my knife once and not even two seconds later, before I had the chance to even look up from the floor where I dropped it, here he was with an extra one. Just amazing. A great thing about never having to ask for anything was that we got to enjoy the delectable food completely uninterrupted. The appetizers were amazing. The biscuits were buttery soft on the inside, flaky crisp on the outside, not too dense, not too airy. Just perfect, and the pimento cheese they came with were just the right addition. The green tomatoes with shrimp was one of those bites of food were the combination of flavors works so perfectly that you can barely tell what’s what. HIGHLY RECOMMEND that one. We also got the seasonal Sunchoke salad. I thought I didn’t know what sunchoke was but as soon as it came to the table I realized that I actually had and did not like it. To my surprise, though, I had a completely different experience with sunchoke this time around. Yet another perfect blend of flavors. As for the main courses, we got the blackened catfish and the chicken. The catfish was the most well cooked soft, buttery fish I’ve had in my life. Had zero bad fishy taste. The BBQ carrots were something I’d been excited for and they delivered. The chicken was hands down the best thing we ate. It was ridiculous it was so good. I have no words truly. The mac and cheese was perfect. Just perfect. For dessert, we had peach cobbler and apple bread pudding. They were great, but not anything crazy. We’d had Kasama pastries earlier in the day so maybe we were just biased. Still a wonderful end to the night.

Sondos Hussein

Dec 2025

“Being from Milwaukee, I hadn't heard about Virtue until I was searching TikTok looking for a place...”

Being from Milwaukee, I hadn't heard about Virtue until I was searching TikTok looking for a place to go over the holidays. Let me just say, from start to finish my experience was immaculate. The flavor profiles of the food was both familiar and elevated. The service perfection. Every table received their food with well timed perfection. I took a slice of sweet potato pie home. My only sadness is I didn't taste it until I got home. I would have order multple desserts to go.

Lashona Boyd

Dec 2025

“⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Five-Star Dining Experience at Virtue Restaurant – Chicago Virtue Restaurant exceeded every...”

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Five-Star Dining Experience at Virtue Restaurant – Chicago Virtue Restaurant exceeded every expectation from start to finish. I ordered an espresso martini, and it was made perfectly—complete with the three espresso beans I require, which immediately set the tone for the level of detail and care they put into everything. For appetizers, we enjoyed the fried green tomatoes, gumbo, collard greens cornbread, and mac & cheese. Each dish was flavorful, comforting, and beautifully prepared. Every bite reflected the soul and creativity behind the menu. For the main course, I had the half chicken served with sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts, which was cooked to perfection and incredibly satisfying. The other party ordered the braised short ribs, and they were just as impressive, tender, rich, and full of flavor. The service truly deserves special recognition. Raj provided immaculate, five-star service—very attentive, warm, and professional. The entire staff was exceptional. When I accidentally dropped my napkin, it was immediately picked up and replaced without hesitation. Empty plates and glasses were cleared promptly, allowing us to fully enjoy the experience without interruption. The menu is diverse, the crowd was equally diverse, and the overall environment was welcoming and vibrant. Virtue offers not just a meal, but a top-tier dining experience. Highly recommend—this is Chicago dining at its finest. 🍸🍽️✨

Venita Nance

Dec 2025

“My very late birthday meal courtesy of my son.”

My very late birthday meal courtesy of my son. He chose a southern affair restaurant. Everything was delicious from their Southern Flower drink to the appetizers, main courses, extras and desserts. Rog was our wonderful server. She took the time to recommend the best of all the available menu options. 5 stars for her helpful service and good attitude. Thank you!

Delane Turner

Dec 2025

“Out-of-this-world southern comfort.”

Out-of-this-world southern comfort! The food at Virtue really blew me away. It has that fine dining presentation with a home cooking palate of flavors. I usually highlight a few dishes, but each and every thing we had was wonderful. Starting with the gumbo was the perfect way to defrost from the bitter cold. Our appetizer spread of greens, mac, and cornbread was like the Three Wise Men delivering heavenly gifts to our table. The cheesy balance of the mac, the smoked, juicy flavor of the greens, and the cornbread's mouthwatering honeybutter bites. The short rib was so tender and succulent, each piece gliding off the knife. And each scallop was packed with so much flavor. And the one-two combo of millie's puddin' (banana pudding) and the cinnamon apple bread pudding was the ultimate knockout. I can honestly say they were some of the best desserts I've ever had. Not a single morsel was left on our plates! I can't sing my praises high enough. Virtue was next level. They really put the soul in soul food.

Brandon Danial

Dec 2025

“Recently went here for my grandmothers birthday from the ambience, staff and food everything was...”

Recently went here for my grandmothers birthday from the ambience, staff and food everything was great our server rog made our experience wonderful she recommended great options , explain the menu thoroughly , was friendly and very attentive! We tried the peach tree fizz & southern sunflower drinks both great , for food we tried gumbo catfish short ribs steak greens & macaroni will be returning soon !

Brianna Collins

Dec 2025

“Always a joyous experience with a home-like vibe as far as lighting in the main dining area and the...”

Always a joyous experience with a home-like vibe as far as lighting in the main dining area and the cuisine that rivals your best Black southern grandmother. The cocktails are grandly paired with the food and servers and knowledgeable and consistent too! A gem of a black owned and ran space that is well managed and welcoming.

Dee Green

Nov 2025

“Virtue offers soulful, Southern-inspired dishes with a modern touch.”

Virtue offers soulful, Southern-inspired dishes with a modern touch. The flavors were rich, comforting, and very well balanced. The staff were extremely friendly and made the dining experience feel personal. The vibe is warm and home-like, making it a perfect place if you want comforting food with finesse.

V Sn

Nov 2025

“I heard good things about the location in Hyde Park on 53rd St in Chicago Virtue.”

I heard good things about the location in Hyde Park on 53rd St in Chicago Virtue! There was a party of 5 celebrating my daughter's 30th birthday and just having fun enjoying each other's company. This was my first visit and our Server Freddie was very tentative and friendly . Our dinner selection was very exquisite. I had the blackened catfish with rice and bbq carrots that just melted in my mouth. Plus the green tomatoes with shrimp for starters. I must say the atmosphere was pleasant gave off good vibes. Then the dessert banana pudding excellent 😋. I would recommend this place to family and friends 10/10 😊 for me.

Theresa Joe

Nov 2025

“We had the most incredible dining experience.”

We had the most incredible dining experience! The food was absolutely delicious—every dish was perfectly prepared and beautifully presented. Our server Rog G was attentive, knowledgeable, and made excellent recommendations.

Nancy Hernandez

Nov 2025

“First time in Chicago, this restaurant was highly rated and after our visit here - I understand why.”

First time in Chicago, this restaurant was highly rated and after our visit here - I understand why. Virtue is an authentic & elevated soul food restaurant. Everything we had was spectacular! Favorite App? The fried green tomatoes. Dishes? Short Ribs and Fish & Grits. You also HAVE to try the sides: Cornbread, Mac & Cheese, and Collard Greens. This restaurant alone will be the reason why my husband and I move to Chicago. It was THAT good!

Jamila Smith

Nov 2025

“Get your reservation early.”

Get your reservation early! I’ve been wanting to try this place for a while and glad a landed a reservation. The food was absolutely delicious. Started off with the gumbo which had an incredibly rich roux. It was a little too spicy for my liking but SO good! Ordered a steak, short rib, both very tender. We got greens, Mac, and cornbread which were all very delicious. Loved the crunchiness of the outside of the cornbread, but the inner cake-like texture, very moist and buttery. Got the banana pudding which was more pudding than banana, but was alright. Service was fantastic from the hostess to the servers. I would definitely come back!

Courtney B

Oct 2025