Big Jones: User Reviews

two visits-ain't gettin any better
By andreas from lincoln square, June 26, 2008

Overall rating:

I always give a place a second chance when they first open. The service is STILL disorganized - this time the waiter forgot one entree and I waited for my steak while everyone else ate. And the food - ok....not the spicy wholesomeness I associate with Nawlins food. Oh...the "Southern coastal" thing....please, Mary! very pretentious.

My home away from Alabama
By johntrocks from Andersonville, June 23, 2008

Overall rating:

I've eaten at Big Jones at least once a week since April, and have taken a different group of friends every time, and I have to say, this place is a treasure. Everyone I take here loves it, brunch or dinner. I only came to this site because the last friend I invited (to brunch yesterday, and he's a believer now, too) said he thought he'd wait to go because the reviews on Metromix are mixed. I talked him into going, and glad I did. I don't know what you all are talking about, but I've had at least ten great meals there in a row without problems, except we had a long wait for food one night. Everything has been superb, fresh, and delicious. My favorites are the Eggs New Orleans (no crap English Muffin here!) or anything with those AMAZING grits at brunch, crawfish boudin, ribs, gumbo and fried green tomato blt at dinner. YEEEEAAHHH! Also had awesome fried chicken last Tuesday, guess it's a weekly thing now.

As a native of Alabama, Big Jones is a source of pride for me that someone up here cares enough about Southern cooking to do it right. All y'all gripers shouldn't say anything if you can't say anything nice. When my sister came in to Chicago for the weekend from Seattle, where she's lived for nine years, she said it's the best she's eaten since she lived in Huntsville and mom and granma cooked for us every Sunday. We went to dinner Saturday, brunch Sunday, and she went back for brunch Monday before catching her plane. Now, that's a review!

Midsommer Fest - best drink!
By Alabama Slammer from Ravenswood, June 19, 2008

Overall rating:

My friends and I went into Big Jones after being told about their drinks to-go. I had the Vodka Lemonade and my friend had the margarita. I forgot that it was not only a Saturday night, but that it was a festival night. I hadn't even noticed that there was only one bartender on, but god bless her. I don't remember her name, but she worked fast and was super nice. I'll definitely go back!

I agree, Bid Don't
By ChiQueen from Buena Park, June 11, 2008

Overall rating:

I was excited to try a new place. We were seated quickly and the restaurant did have a few other people. I thought it took a little long to get a drink since they weren't that busy. The second drink later also seemed to take forever.

I had the Grit cakes with pulled pork for an app. There was a couple of drops of a good hot sauce, but I wish there had been more. The pulled pork was a little dry and had a one-dimensional spice to it. However, it was probably the best course.

When ordering, we were told of a special with a pork porterhouse and cayenne mashed potatoes which the waiter recommended over another dish. So I ordered it, then he came back to say they were out of it. You need to know when something is sold out. So instead I tried the ribs with a combo of french fries and fired onions and okra with coleslaw. The coleslaw was bland and needed some more acid. I went for the first fry and it was room temperature so I don't know how long it had been sitting. I mentioned it and they brought back a piping hot order. The fries were still a little over cooked, the onions and okra were better but only ok. The ribs were very tender and pulled from the bones. They were a little dry which didn't get any help for the ample dry rub which covered most of any worcesteshire sauce that they had made.

We tried the rhubarb crisp with strawberry ice cream. I think it was topped by whipped cream but I prefer mine with a little sweetness. The ice cream was decent. I picture rhubarb to be a little tart but it wasn't at all and the crust was a little thick.

I tried the other dishes of the people I was with and those weren't very good either.

I'd take a pass and go elsewhere.

Big Don't
By marketingmama from Avondale, June 9, 2008

Overall rating:

Without a doubt one of the worst restaurant experiences I've had in a long time. Horrible service, waiting an hour between ordering and our meals coming out (without an explanation or apology) and mediocre-at-best food makes this a place we'll never be "jonesing" to return to.

Big Jones - Andersonville
By Best Son from The New East Side, June 7, 2008

Overall rating:

"Best tasting Tallgrass Beef Burger in the City"
I can't wait to checkout the Pulled Pork, Carolina Shrimp Burger and The Baby Back Ribs.
Let's keep this a secret so we can always get a table...

Crashed and Burned
By ezgoin from Bucktown, May 17, 2008

Overall rating:

We were walked past 8 empty tables and taken to the back room with low ceiling and no atmosphere. This is with a reservation. They were out of the wine we ordered and it took a long time to find that out. The food came out 10 min after we ordered and it tasted as much. We got our wine after we ate dinner. Terrible service, small portions and bad food. We will never go back.

I want it to be good....
By Ava from North Side, May 15, 2008

Overall rating:

I really wanted Big Jones to be good. Unfortunately, it was only so-so. The service was great, but the presentation of the food was awful. I was served a plate of all yellow food, no greens or anything to spruce it up. The food was fine, but not great. Step it up, Big Jones! I love Gulf Coast food and want a source up here in Chicago!

Yum!
By ChicagoNative from Andersonville, May 11, 2008

Overall rating:

What a great treat I found yesterday! While strolling down Clark Street in Andersonville, I happened upon Big Jones! Such a nice change from the usual Italian or bar food that seems to taken over this neighborhood. Service was great! Beignets were incredible!! Tried shrimp and grits for the first time - I LOVED THEM! Can't wait to come back!