My coworkers wanted to cater lunch for the holidays and decided to order here. The baked chicken lacked flavor, fried chicken was okay. Now...what really made me angry was the baked macaroni with American cheese on top...who does that? It was terrible. Also, the greens tasted like they came out of a can. People who rave about this place clearly haven't tasted real soul food. read more

Food was horrible and old.... Cashier attitude sucks... This restaurant isn't the same since they moved to this location

If your looking to catch diabetes than this is the place for you. The food is greasy, the customer service is horrible and the utensils, plates & eating areas are pretty filthy. Oh and as a friend of an employee I was told practically everything they make is from can goods. I stopped eating here years ago & will continue to not recommend this place. read more

I had not eaten at Macarthur's in a couple of years since I was disappointed in the service, line and high salt level. Sadly nothing has changed. The food was totally flavorless. The service was poor and the cashier did not thank me for my overpriced lunch. In addition, there was rodent poison placed on the floors!! Too bad there are no other options in the Austin area. This place is consistently bad. read more

#1 my behind.This is the second restaurant i recently visited based on this best of the best restaurants deception on here.Too many people on this website don't know what they're talking about when they're reviews declare mediocre restaurants like this one to be the best in it's category of food.The mashed potatoes was the worst i remember ever having in a restaurant to date.Even KFC has better mashed potatoes and gravy than this place.Their corn muffin is the driest i ever had in a restaurant to date.Their baked chicken was spicy for it's seasoning,but the meat looked like it was barely cooked at best.Their spaghetti was standardly edible.Their faux double chocolate cake slice really tasted like a fudge cake.However,i might go back one more time because other reviewers of this place are singing the praises of their fried chicken.Their fried chicken didn't look crispy enough to me though. read more

Ok. My step daughter just moved around this neighborhood and it is not where we're from. But I will come down here every weekend and get fat off this good ass food!! I am not southern, was not raised in a home that featured soul food but I do get a craving for it a couple of times a year. Most soul food places are buffet style...and they taste it. This place is buffet ( but they serve you ) but the quality is still there. Fried chicken on point. Greens a little too salty but not over cooked like most other southern places. Mac and cheese like butter on a million dollar bill. Sweet potatoes sweet. Corn bread 100x better than jiffy. The place is sparkling clean. The servers are friendly. The neighborhood is not though so eat and be gone. The best part about it is that 1 plate is enough to feed 2-3 and it is only....wait for it....wait for it... hell naw im not trying to run up the price. Come down and see for yourself read more

They have everthing you could want from tradional soul food. The staff are nice and welcoming! I think the only thing I didn't see was dressing. read more

MacArthur's is a decent soul food restaurant. I have two complaints...the mac-n-cheese with slices of American cheese on top needs to be rethought. Good, but could be better. Other complaint is the lack of cleanliness of the restrooms. Every visit, there is no toilet paper and smells of urine and Pine-Sol. If the two cleanest rooms in the home should be the kitchen and bathroom, same should go for restaurants. read more

Well worth all the fat and calories, MacArthur's is the BEST SOUL FOOD in CHICAGO... This is my favorite place for comfort food. The dishes are heavenly, generous and filling... it tastes just like my grandma's and aunt's cooking from down South. Having lunch at MacArthur's brings back the joy of being a child at my sweet grandmother's table full of fried chicken, breaded pork chops, rich gravy, greens, yams, ham, ribs and homemade pie and peach cobbler. The staff at MacArthur's are welcoming. I especially enjoy visiting on Sunday when the line extends out of the front door and men and women in their Sunday best, including colorful suits and hats wait for their family meal. MacArthur's is a Chicago landmark, so don't miss it. If you want to visit, but you're nervous about visiting a high crime neighborhood, come on Sunday and you have nothing to worry about, because beautifully dressed parishners abound. I've been there dozens of times during all different days and hours and, parking in their lot, I have never had anything but a safe-feeling and pleasant experience. read more

i came to macarthurs craving soul food. i waited in line with many other hungry folks, trying to decide which sides to pick from the seemingly endless choices. after 20 min in line i ended up with two fried chicken dinners, corn bread, mac and cheese, collard greens, candied yams and mashed potatoes with gravy. i had wanted to try the peach cobbler, but it looked soupy and unappealing so i went without. i was salivating from the smells the entire drive home....it was going to be a feast heres the run down: the crispy skin on the fried chicken was good, but way salty. there were black pepper sprinkles all over it, but the spicy greatness of pepper was no where to be found. the chicken was moist and tender just how it should have been. the mac and cheese was no frills, classic comfort. soft elbow noodles, a creamy sauce and a bit of crispy cheese on top. definitely getting that again. the collard greens were a tiny bit too bitter for my liking and after a few bites i left it behind. candied yams were super sweet, with a bit of cinnamon giving it a kick - it was also the only thing left on the plate at the end of the night. i liked the mashed potatoes with gravy, nothing to write home about.. but it just goes so well with the fried chicken. lastly the corn bread muffins.. made with coarse corn meal, a bit crumbly and dry, but not too sweet.. i was into them, alex could have left them behind as well. its not magic, there are better places which fry the chicken to order, but for 6.99 a person, ill be back for more soon enough. read more

Lived in Chicago all my life, but this is the first time at Macarthur's. Honestly was disappointed. The line moved slowly because the ckerks couldn't keep up. I had under cooked baked chicken--runny & red. Mashed potatoes stiff & entire meal was cold. Will not go back. I wanted to like it. read more

omg, soul food at its finest....made with love!!! it is absolutely delicious!!!! it is thanksgiving day--everyday in this place!!!...i love the fried chicken, greens, black eyed peas, spaghetti, sweet potatoes--the moistest chicken ever--forget you popeyes!!...the service is faaast, love that!!! check it out, you will never be disappointed!! read more

I haven't ate at mcaurthur in years but stop there today. They mixed the plates but I live on the southside and to far to take it back. The food was terrible. The muffin was all crumble up and the mashed potatoes wasn't mashed. The fried chicken was horrible. The only thing was still good was the banana pudding read more

I've been to Mcarthur's several times, but before my most recent visit I hadn't been in several years... Now I remember why... They put too much salt in their fried chicken and fried catfish. On this visit, I had a split plate including the two items previously mentioned, with greens and sweet potatoes. I enjoyed the sides, but the rest of my meal reminded me of why I don't come here often. However, on a positive note, I tried the banana pudding for the first time and it was amazingly delicious... Not too sweet and the wafers tasted like homemade cookies. Delish! read more

it you're wanting that , mouth -watering feeling,stomach -busting feeling;then your at the right place. never a disappointment.

I had to go back with a co-worker who wanted to try it and was glad to see some of the old "oomph" back! The cube steak, mac 'n cheese and corn bread dressing were excellent! The fried chicken was still not as good as it used to be but I enjoyed my meal! read more

I grew up in the south and I know good cooking and this place is spot on. They have such a large variety of food to choose from. The set-up is cafeteria style. There is typically a line, but they never disappoint. It is always fast moving...with the exception of running out of fried chicken here and there. Then there is a slight wait. While you are standing in line take an opportunity to scope out what you want before you get to the person that is taking the food requests. They are cash only so bring cash or you can use their ATM inside. By far the best soul food place in Chicago. Many people do not care for the neighborhood, but if you can look past that you'll enjoy a great southern cooked meal that is perfection. Anytime relatives come to visit from out of town, this restaurant is a must visit. read more

IF YOU WANT GOOD soul food,, cheap and great portions then the line is worth the wait..smothered pork chops, beef short ribs, peach cobbler, mac n cheese, meat loaf , fried cat fish... mmm,,, r u hungry yet..sundays are the most crowded after 2:30..they need a bigger place..estimated wait time is about 15-20 mins parking is HORRIBLE. read more

MacArthurs! WooHoo! I had been hearing about this place since being back in Chicago. This place is the best there is in Chicago. Food is like Big mama used to make. Ambiance not upscale in any form, but comfortable and clean. I will be back again and again! read more

I'm new to the Chicago area..but I love good food. I've tried 3 different soul food resturaunts in this area..and this by far is the most disgusting. I order smothered chicken breast, mac and cheese, sweet potatos, cornbread muffin, and banana pudding. Where do I start? The smothered chicken breast was somewhat dry and the gravy was tasteless, not seasoned AT ALL. The mac and cheese..oh my the mac and cheese was horrible. For one it wasn't cheesy at all and for two it had a piece of Kraft cheese on top of it as if that would make up for the lack of cheesiness. The sweet potatos werent even sweet..not even a bit. The cornbread muffin was dry and the banana pudding was more Vanilla Wafers than anything else...very little pudding..very little banana. It was the driest banana pudding I had ever tasted. I also sampled my fiance's meatloaf. And, I'm not sure what type of meat they use..but its not 100% ground beef or even a half and half mixture. This place gets great reviews..but I am unsure why. I still place Dusties (Matteson) at the top, the Pricillas 2nd and even though I havent tried 10 places...nothing can be as bad as Mac Arthurs..nothing. So, It will remain number 10 on my list. I will never eat there again. EVER! read more

The food is a ...hot mess..everytime..has let me down numerous amounts of time. I'm done eating there!....what use to be is sooo ain't!...if that even makes sense..macaroni is so instant...yams are never done & the mash is a mess ....MacArthurs food does not hold any integrity anymore...its very commercialized! read more

I was not satisfied with my undercooked food , the vegetables were canned and my meal was overpriced. I was told that prices were subject to change, that was placed NO WHERE on the online menu! I also felt that the person on the phone was rude when I asked said individual about the price. Told me about the price change like I was supposed to know about it. I'm never eating here again. read more

I love most of the food every time I visit....great taste, cooked excellent. Very fresh...not so good if u trying to keep calories down. The servers could smile more and be nicer to each other. read more

After seeing all the positive reviews, I was sorely disappointed in this place... I'll start with the bad service and then move on to the lousy food.... I cannot believe people actually stand in line to eat this mess. I got the fried catfish which was salty and didn't have a good texture or taste. The macaroni and cheese was from the box and they slapped some cheese on top to brown it. It was terrible. The collard greens are glory greens. Who does that? If I order greens I don't want them out of a can okay. The cornbread was terrible and tough. I promise this is the worst soul food I've ever ordered from any restaurant.... If Chicagoans want good soul food then definitely come to St Louis and give Sweetie Pie's a shot.... MacArthur's was terrible and I kid you not... Ughhhh, I threw it in the trashcan! read more

K Handy. On Easter Sunday I wanted a dinners from MacArthur's I wanted a home cook meal and that was the farthest thing I got. the food was tasty and I didn't receive the dinner I ordered. The dressing was dry mac & cheese had a strip of cheese in it and the greens was nasty didn't have a taste to it all. it ruined the feeling of my home cook meal ideal. When I got home my order it was wrong so, I called Macarthur's and spoke to a young lady and she said bring back the receipt so I did yesterday 4-21-14 and I got the rudest the most unprofessional assistant manager she never asked could she help me and never said who is the person that wanted to speak with me and she never introduced herself to me. she came out of the lady's room and I had to ask if that was the manager I needed to speak with and she made me wait for over 5 minutes,she spoke to me as if I was trying to get free food she told me in order to get a refund I had to bring back the item the that was wrong. I ordered bake chicken, greens, and mac & cheese and I ordered a small dressing but I got dressing with my meal and a small dressing and no greens. so the unprofessional manager.continued to tell me I had to bring back the small dressing to get my greens. so, I wondered why would I have to bring back the small dressing, were they going to reserve the dressing I brought back I had never heard of that when a restaurant get your order wrong and it was the next day and the only reason I didn't bring back the order on Easter Sunday was because I was tried and I had just driven back from St. Louis and I don't leave around the corner from MacArthur's. The owner should invest in a class in customer service for that manager so she would know how to talk and treat a customer. the manager was a light skinned lady that was rude.so, on that note, I will not be back to MacArthur's because of the service, I received and the food is not is not worth waiting for. read more

Loved that place! Great food. Gonna take my bf for our anniversary next year! Thank you guys for being so great and affordable!

Everyday is thanks giving at Mac Arthur's my first choice hands down for soul food they have a clean area they cook their food in and they have a nice setting with all the celebrity picture on the wall which doesn't make the wait in line so long. This is a nice place to go out on a date and leave satisfied with the service. read more

I have been going here off and on for about 8 years but have recently been very unsatisfied with all aspects especially the service. Mind you, I never do reviews but this one has been a long time coming. The food is salty; I had the mac and cheese once, it is overcooked and the cheese is not southern but generic with what seems to be kraft cheese slices on top. Greens are waaaay too salty, beans are unseasoned, the spaghetti sauce tastes store brought. The dressing...NO! The only item I get is the catfish and it just O.K. everything else is salty. Service is terrible: no one is smiling and there is no eye contact from anyone..very unfriendly atmosphere and the parking is VERY limited. So, I went today for catfish and this limited parking got the best of me; I had a terrible experience in which as I was almost into the lot a car came towards me and I thought they would back up and let me in since no one was behind them and the tail end of my car was in the street, well the guest who was leaving refused to reverse do that I could get out of the street- again,there was no other car behind them. The parking mediator came to my car and said I was holding up traffic; now would you as a business be concerned that the incoming customer who was in an unsafe predicament ( half way in the road with oncoming traffic) or with the outgoing customer who is in a safe spot? I was not about to back into oncoming traffic but instead of this parking attendant asking the woman to back up a little, he insisted that I maneuver around the sanding vehicle who refused to move then proceeded to try to squeeze me into a space... I left and will never go back- that was the last straw. There are random people standing around the front of the establishment including this parking person who was not wearing any identifying logo, so I didn't know who he was, I thought he was the passenger to the outgoing customer or a random person just standing outside of the restaurant until he said he was there to help. Since it was an African American restaurant I supported where I could, today was the last straw, I will not be returning nor will I tell my friends. Pearls is nice, friendly, clean, well lit, food is tasty and they have chittlins. read more

I was here on 3/14/16 with a friend of mine and had fried catfish, collard greens, spaghetti, and black-eyed peas. Everything was fresh and absolutely delicious. My friend had beef, black-eyed peas and rice. The food was hot and we were happy and full when we left and for $10.00 each, you will not find a better value for soul food in Chicago. I finished all of my food and the ladies who work there were nice enough to give my friend a take-out bag for what she didn't finish. The customer service was excellent. The employees including the servers were very friendly and helpful to us. This was our first visit to MacArthur's and I read the mixed Yelp reviews before we went and didn't know what to expect. They far exceeded my expectations. The restaurant was clean including the restrooms. We are going back soon because my friend wanted ham hock's and they only serve those on Thursday's and we were there on a Monday. Give them a chance, you will be happy you did. read more