Chicago's Home of Chicken and Waffles: User Reviews

I tried this joint this afternoon and I have to say....this is as good as it gets without having to go to eat at Grandma's house in the south!
The waffles were the most delicious treat I have put in my mouth in a LONG time. The chicken was heavenly. Plus...the sides....well.... I cannot say enough about the mac and cheese and red beans and rice. The only downside is that this restaurant needs to be twice as big!

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I have tried Chicago's Home of Chicken and Waffles three times. My first visit wasn't the greatest. We had to wait in line for a hour. If it wasn't for the good looking plates of food that people were eating in front of me, I probably would have left. Once we got a table, the food was delicious. On my second visit I stopped in for breakfast, we came to the restaurant 20 minutes after the doors opened. We were seated as soon as we walked in. Within 15 minutes, I looked up and there was a line of people waiting. On my third visit, I stopped by on a Friday at 8pm and once again we were seated when we first walked in. I guess you just have to get lucky for a table. On all three occassions the food has been plentiful and the service was great. I would recommend giving them a try.

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3 of us went last night for the first time. We are all professional chefs that love to check out new places. We were so well taken care of, that I can't wait to go back, and bring some more people. The wait was not too long, maybe 20 minutes, for a table. Our waitress was friendly, and efficient. The place was very busy, and she could have easily 'lost' us. We all got fried chicken, waffles and sides. What can I say? The food all rocked. We loved the greens so much, we ordered another 'round'. The manager, a tall man with salt and pepper dreds was a real host, and when he analyzed our order, he decided we had missed a few highlights, and brought them to us to taste. He was right, it would have been sad to have missed anything we tasted. We THOUGHT we had ordered enough to take back to a friend who wasn't able to join us, but, his loss, we ate it all sitting at the restaurant..he should have missed his craig's list date to come with us, he would have had a better night. The prices are incredibly reasonable, IMO. The music in the restaurant was not the standard afterthought of the 'smooth jazz' station on Muzak; it was well chosen, appropriate and a real treat, we all commented on it (in a good way) We had no room for dessert, so another time, perhaps. When our ride no-showed, the owner even drove us up to McCormick place to catch a cab! A fun night with great food and sincere hospitality on the part of everyone we encountered; host, server, manager, cashier and owner. An unusual unanimous thumbs up all around from 3 very jaded, well traveled, restaurant savants.

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Since I'm a foodie, I love trying new places, especially those that have teased you for a while (the sign that was displayed long before they opened). Well, having read some of the reviews and listening to my sister's experience, I figured my first visit would be expressed by two words...as expected! The wait was not too long, but I totally agree that a structural change needs to happen...it's not cool to stand in line and watch people eat...it only makes you more eager. The food was very good, but the service needs improvement...in the world of dining establishments, I think the drinks should come before you've eaten half your meal...and I never did get the extra syrup I asked for at the beginning of my meal. In summary, I'll be back to try more of the menu, because despite the challenges they need to work through, the food was worth a return visit.

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With the mixture of reviews and putting more emphasis on the bad ones, I was hesitant about dining there. Good thing my overall interest in the place trumped my gut because my experience there was just fine. I thought the menu was well put together and I have no complaints when it comes to the food, because it was delicious! Space could be a whole lot bigger, but maybe the owner didn't expect business to boom as it has. My g/f and I went on a Monday afternoon and the the wait was about 35 minutes, but worth it. Due to the limited space I won't dine there on a weekend, but as of now that's the only thing keeping me away Friday-Sunday.

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I have dined at here on 3 occasions. Each experience was horrible. Every time my chicken was served cold. My sons turkey sausage were not cooked thoroughly. The wait is not worth it. This establishment will not last long here in Chicago when you can drive for another 10 min. and dine at true 5 star restaurants. Oh in addition the place is so unorganized. My waiter waited on diners that were far behind before bringing drinks to my table. How rude?!

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I went to Chicago's House of Chicken & Waffles on Saturday, April 12, 2008. Our party went at 2:00 thinking it would be after the lunch rush and before the dinner rush. We were wrong! It was a 2 hour wait for a seat. I think that people need to know that the place is not restaurant size, it is more the size of a cafe' since it seats only 80 people. It was a chore just to get to the person who had the waiting list, the entrance was so packed with people.

It did not seem like the wait moved quickly either, and it was awkward just standing and staring at the people who were eating dinner. Once we were seated, things got better. Our Waiter, Tony, was really friendly and helpful, and the food came pretty fast. The menu is made up of a lot of different platters. What I ordered included: eggs, grits, 3 chicken wings and a biscuit. A friend and I ordered waffles on the side to split, since it did not come with the platter we chose. I also ordered the Sunrise drink (Orange Juice & Lemondae mixed).

The chicken was perfectly seasoned and very tasty, the grits and eggs were okay. The waffle was nice and hot and not to thick that you couldn't eat anything else. The sunrise drink tasted like Tang, so for my refill I tried the rasberry lemondae which was much better. For our party of 5 we spent $82, they add an 18% gratuity to parties of 5 or more. I thought that it was weird that you had to go and pay the check at the cashier, as opposed to the waiter doing it for you. This just strengthens my impression that it is more of a cafe then a restaurant. Overall it was okay. It is not a place that you need to rush to, it would be better to let the crowds die down a bit and then check it out.

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My husband and I had our first experience at Chicago's Home of Chicken and Waffles last night and we absolutely loved it! I was hesitant about waiting an hour and a half but my husband (who had his first experience with chicken and waffles in L.A.) assured me (a first-timer) that it was worth the wait. The wait actually went faster than anticipated. Service was exceptional and our food came out so fast we couldn't believe it. Once a doubter of the whole "chicken and waffle" taste combination, I was immediately blown away by the most delicious chicken and waffles I've ever tasted...and the combination of the two just can't be put into words. The owner came by and introduced himself and his wife and it is very evident that they take a great deal of pride in their small establishment. My only complaint is that the restaurant isn't big enough! I'd love to see it expand. I'm already craving more chicken and waffles. We'll definitely return!!!

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Chicago' Home of Chicken and Waffles is very good.

The chicken is served hot and well-seasoned. The waffles were thin, but not crisp. They had a buttermilk flavor. Some of the best I've ever tasted. I do wonder what they would taste like with a little crispiness.

The mac and cheese and sweet potatoes tasted homemade. The gravy and rice is wonderful. The dessert waffles are great with ice cream. Once, I even saw a delicious looking dish hamburger and fries passing by. I'll be going again soon. Must try all the dishes I can.

The wait was about 15-30 as I've been on 2 Friday nights. The staff is fun. The artwork on the walls from Bronzeville's Gallery Guichard is a nice mix.

Although, they still have a few things to work out, being new, I think Chicago's Chicken and Waffles may soon need to expand.

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When it first opened, they said they would have carryout set up in a week and a half. It is now April 11, well past that time and they still dont have carry out.

The portions are too small and they run out of food. I don't see them open in business for much longer unless they get it together.

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