Soul Food on the Southeast Side: Worth the $20+ Price Tag?
If you’re in Chicago’s 60617 zip code, you know the South Side has no shortage of flavor. But with soul food plates creeping into the $20 and up range, the question becomes: is it worth it? Let’s dig into some local spots, what people are saying, and why they stand out.
Medley Grill & BBQ — 8340 S. Stony Island Ave
🔥 The Vibe: Casual but polished, this BBQ-driven soul food joint is known for smoke that hits you before you even walk in the door.
🍴 The Food: The brisket and rib tips are the stars, with mac and cheese and collard greens rounding out the plate. Reviewers call the portions “hearty but not sloppy.”
💸 The Verdict: You’ll easily pass $20 here if you go for a full meat platter with sides. But regulars swear the tenderness of the BBQ makes it money well spent.
Lil Country Soul Food — 2801 E. 83rd St
🔥 The Vibe: No frills, neighborhood comfort. It feels like stepping into a cousin’s kitchen.
🍴 The Food: Fried chicken wings and turkey legs get love in reviews, along with cabbage and dressing. Folks rave that it’s “seasoned right, not just salty.”
💸 The Verdict: Some reviews mention slower service, but the majority agree: you’ll walk out stuffed, and the $20+ feels like grandma cooked it herself.
BJ’s Market & Bakery — 1737 E. 95th St
🔥 The Vibe: A local staple with a loyal following. It’s been around long enough to be part of the community fabric.
🍴 The Food: Fried catfish, turkey meatloaf, and sweet potato pie come up again and again in reviews. The “soul food cafeteria” setup lets you mix and match.
💸 The Verdict: Prices depend on how much you pile on your tray, but many reviewers note you can’t escape $20+ once you start adding sides and dessert. Still, the value is in variety and reliability.
Harold’s Chicken Shack — 87th St Location
🔥 The Vibe: Legendary but more “late-night craving” than sit-down dinner.
🍴 The Food: Chicken wings, mild sauce, fries. Classic Harold’s. Some reviewers say this location can be inconsistent, but when it hits, it hits.
💸 The Verdict: You can keep it under $20 here if you want, but most people double up with wings + sides and end up close to that mark anyway. Not a fancy vibe, but definitely a Chicago rite of passage.
💭 Final Thoughts
Yes, soul food in 60617 will cost you more than it used to. But reviews suggest it’s not just about the plate — it’s about the experience, tradition, and flavor. Medley Grill brings smoke and polish, Lil Country gives you down-home flavor, BJ’s delivers variety and legacy, and Harold’s… well, Harold’s is Harold’s.
👉 The real takeaway? If you’re spending $20 or more, you’re not just buying food. You’re buying culture, comfort, and a taste of Chicago history.
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