I need to add an addendum here several years later after I stumbled upon/re-read this review and absolutely cringed at how I described the neighborhood and spoke of its people, and for that I apologize. Very tone deaf and shallow of me. You live, you learn. Meanwhile, Macarthur's is delicious (I stand by everything I said in that regard) and I can't wait to come back! read more

I frequent MacArthur's. Today I decided to bring a friend. We purchased our food. I'm Eating my food seen something black at the bottom of cornbread muffin thought it was mold looked closer and realized it was a dirty light switch stick inside my cornbread I didn't see the light switch until I consumed most of the muffin. This is a safety issue I could've swallowed the light switch. I will not return. read more

Macarthur's Restaurant - Dirty lightswitch stuck inside cornbread muffin - Southern Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I frequented Macarthur's when I was pregnant with my son from 2010-2011. I craved the macaroni and cheese and fried chicken. I visited every other Saturday up until May 2011 and had not been back until this Saturday. I attended a funeral across the street and once I realized how close I was I had to revisit for old times sake. I ordered the mac and cheese, fried chicken and greens. The mac was just as good as I remembered it. I regretted not getting a side to go. And the fried chicken was great too. I remembered very quickly why I frequented this place. I am already planning my next visit. As far as the service, I have no complaints. read more

Macarthur's Restaurant - Southern Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I know people like this place but....I'm sorry, I just don't know what....I just can't. I was born and raised in Georgia and my husband, Arkansas. In the south Soul Food is just food and we ate it every day. I'm not a food expert but this place just got a whole several centuries of grandma's & bigmomma's & Madea's just flopping about in their graves. We didn't survive the Middle Passage for this. This place is an insult to every woman who slaved on a plantation by day and over a pot of chittlin's by night. My husband has been here about 3 times over the years. This was my 1st time. It was a rare April snow day for Chicago and this place was still packed. I'm still concerned, however, because I have an issue with businesses who have been doing well for years but don't re-invest. The decor is from 30 years ago. It was clean but so old it didn't look clean, if you know what I mean. Even though the line was long, I quickly made it from the door to my turn in line. Now, I will say they stayed true to Black culinary form in that they were not BS'ing on portion sizes. Every plate was overflowing, just like at Bigmomma's house. The servers were friendly as well as efficient, bantering with each other and the customers. Nice vibe going on. They had on gloves and hair nets and were constantly cleaning and bringing out fresh food. I decide to order the catfish. Someone in front of me got the last so I was excited that my order was going to come from the fresh pan they were bringing out. I got a side of Yams. Hubby got the Beef Short Ribs. All looked AND smelled good. As soon as I take the 1st bite of fish I realize something is terribly wrong. Fish is flaky. This fish was soft and mushy. Bish whaaat? No ma'am. So I try eating from the middle of the fish. Mush. So I ate the yams. Hubby said the short ribs were greasy, fatty, & weird tasting but only after he had been eating them for a while(?). In the beginning he said they were fine so idk and he dk. I politely covered my food with a napkin then hubby eventually did too and we stood up to leave. The church auntie who had just sat behind us was like "wait, why y'all leaving all that food on them plates". Dang she nosy. It was her 1st time there so we told her that people really like it so she probably will too but it's just not what we were used to. Then we went home, hubby put some pork chops in the broiler and pulled out a bag of greens he picked and froze last month, fried up some hot water cornbread, and did what we do. read more

One of Chicago's finest soul food restaurants. I've been going here since I was a kid but this past weekend, my family visited Chicago and I took my toddler there. We didn't get him a separate plate because we figured her could eat from ours. I didn't anticipate that even he was going to love it as much as he did--he literally ate half of my food! Meatloaf, sweet potatoes, mac and cheese, green beans, cornbread muffin. He loved it all (and so did I). Definitely a Chicago staple that you want to check out in your in the city (especially on the west side of Chicago). read more

I think this will be my last time my initial server was pleasant. The young lady who serves the sides. She has a very bad attitude. The cashier was nice, but what took the cake they gave me spoiled catfish. The young lady in the middle, had the nerve to get an attitude because I want to chicken, but she only wants to give me one wing and replace of my two pieces of catfish, the green beans tasted like they were just out of the can no season no potatoes, just juice and beans. The Mac could use a little tweaking, but this is my third time and the food was not satisfactory. I spent $25 and I'm throwing away a whole plate of food never again. read more

My family has loved this place for so long so I decided to give it it a try. We let them know ahead of time that a big group of us would be coming in after a funeral service and they started to run out of food at 3:30.. okay, the line was long but didn't feel like eternity. My issue comes in with the customer service again it's not what you say but how you say it many of the older women were rude especially to the children in the group as they were trying to figure out what they wanted it was annoying because they don't have me handout menu's so I can't figure out what I want until I get closer to the front the way they talk can easily start an argument. Onto the food I didn't get much the Mac & Cheese was amazing I'm craving more of that, the meatloaf was ok, the baked chicken was good the mashed potatoes I wasn't a fan, the banana pudding was good but I've had better. The bathrooms smell like strong cleaning chemicals. I definitely wouldn't come again to wait in line especially if the customer service is so poor. I'll find another spot! read more

Macarthur's Restaurant - Southern Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

When we come to Chicago we make sure we make MacArthur's part of our experience, which is a good thing. But I have two questions, why did the dressing get taken off the menu and is that a temporary change? read more

Best SOUL food in Chicago. The up and comers are still trying to catch up to this Chicago staple. West side best side. Can't go wrong with any chicken choices, fish is always fresh, Mac and cheese with the crispy top layer, greens always cooked to perfection. Try the peach cobbler and banana pudding. I'm drooling thinking about their food right now. You will not be disappointed! Trust me! read more

On nights where we can't be bothered to spend time sweating over a hot stove cooking dinner, MacArthur's is there to sell us cheap, bountiful eats to feed our weary souls. That must be why it's called soul food, you always leave the table feeling a little warmer /maybe 20lbs heavier/ after a meal. It can be very busy around suppertime, their peak hours being 5-6 with a line trickling all around the walls of the establishment, but it's worth the wait as they're constantly restocking. Even if you're far behind you'll probably get what you came for by the time it's your turn to order. Unfortunately there was a 40 minute wait for the peach cobbler tonight so I settled for a slice of red velvet cake instead. Oh, the compromises we must make. My go-to order is generally fried chicken/smothered chops/or bbq ribs with greens and mac. I wish I could opt for a third side instead of their crumbly cornbread muffins though. There's nothing fancy or innovative about their presentation or flavoring, but for styrofoam box fare it's as good as you could hope for, if not a little better. It's definitely worth it for the price to portion ratio alone. read more

I don't care what no one says, macarthurs is a staple in the west side community. They have the best banana pudding that I've ever had. The pricing is amazing for all the things you get. Must try if you put west. read more

Been to MacArthur's several times and more than once the chicken I ordered wasn't done thoroughly. Chicken is not pink inside when done and there shouldn't be blood visible. I've put the chicken in the oven to finish cooking it. I didn't report it because the manager is a family member (daughter I think) and she can be very rude, mean and talks down to people. The sides are good and the beef dishes are okay. The restaurant is clean with plenty of seating. There's a line at times and people in line are friendly. The employees don't smile but they might be tired so I don't focus on that. I think MacArthur's prices are fair, maybe lower than other restaurants that are similar. The fried chicken can be too salty and I've tried the fried, baked, BBQ chicken and occasionally find it not completely cooked. The smothered chicken is good and it's all breast meat and it's always done inside. I've added a picture of the chicken that was raw inside. read more

Macarthur's Restaurant - I don't bite into chicken, I pull the meat off. I didn't eat any of it after seeing this. - Southern Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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This was my first visit and the attitudes were terrible very unpleasant. The portions were on table spoon and the the wasn't good. I know covid is affecting businesses but if you want people to come back give them a reason to come back. read more

You think you know, but you don't know. I thought I knew. I am a born and bred Kentuckian. I have been eating soul food all of my life. I was convinced that I could never find any of the good stuff north of the Kentucky border. I was wrong. It makes sense. A good deal of Chicago's African-American population are descendants of those who made the Great Migration. These are not pretenders to the throne. This is the real deal, Holyfield. I tore this place up! I ordered fried chicken, mac & cheese, blackeyed peas, cabbage and cobbler. So. Good. The chicken had a great skin on it. It was well seasoned and more "original recipe" than crispy - which I like. The blackeyed peas were plentiful, thick, seasoned and NOT watery. I hate watery blackeyed peas. The mac & cheese was heavenly. I am not one for frou frou mac & cheese. It doesn't make sense to me. It smacks of a terrible mix of exoticism and commercialism. Blah. This mac & cheese is how mac & cheese should taste: cheesy, creamy, filling and undeniably starchy. This is after-church mac & cheese. And, the congregation says, "Amen." The Johnny T says, "Hallelujah" after eating the peach cobbler! Oh.My! The three signs you're in a good Southern restaurant: fried chicken, mac & cheese and peach cobbler. if all of these are done well, you're in a good place. MacArthur's is a GREAT place. Holla back Austin. You've got a new visitor. read more

MacArthur's is a cafeteria-style restaurant that serves up Southern food. I was a little disappointed at first, as I thought it was an AYCE :P Some friends and I came here for a late-night grub, and we were all pretty excited in trying this place out. There was a long line, which I thought was a good indication on the food. I tried their smothered chicken, covered in gravy (the chicken was juicy, had great batter, a nice crunch, and yummy with the hot sauce), the macaroni and cheese (it was too mushy in texture and really bland), and corn (just a bowl of regular corn niblets). The corn bread that came with the platter was more on the dry side. I'd like to come back and try out their meatloaf, baked chicken, the seasonal yams, and the collard greens. +smothered chicken read more

Honey~ let me start with an overview & points: 1) This place will keep my 5star rating simply because, I LEFT my wallet behind with my license, DEBIT not credit CARDS, and everything else in it and I never noticed. IT WAS RETURNED, NOTHING MISSING NOTHING UTILIZED. 2) I went for a "date." Glad he chose the place because it's nice not to have chain-food all the time and it's always good to try Southern cooking away from the familiar. It wasn't bad. 3) I don't really recall what all I had but I know I got the smothered pork chops, 2 sides had to come with it, peach cobbler and a soda or something. Hot sauce and other condiments are all around the table. 4) Good value meaning Cost of food + portion amount served = Good Value here. It's like a Piccadilly or any staple in the South. Step up*Order*you get a tray*your plate will be handed to you and you pay at the end of the line. 5) Decor = simple (really basic) but I like the fact that they hang up pics of the celebs and local figures. Cute Now....I'll say again, I'm a Southerner and don't know the westside at all. But it wasn't bad as some Yelpers have listed. But I also know from living that I'm not crazy enough to half the things that tourist will do ....like....walk through an UNFAMILIAR neighborhood and expect to be welcomed with smiles & hugs at 1am in the morning. Trust me baby, I've lived in New Orleans Pre-Katrina long enough to see Yuppies scroll through neighborhoods drunk/loud/belligerent and shocked when they get robbed. But I went mid afternoon and I was fine. The dining crowd was cool, not loud, and everyone mind's their own business. Back to why this place gets 5 stars: The lady tried to search for me online to no avail but she found "a relative" which was my mother. Normally, I'm all over my mother about not just talking to people over the phone and giving out information (she's not crazy just Southern - child everybody does it). But she didn't want to talk to this lady but this lady "just keeps on calling." So my mom finally spoke with her and then called me. I called the lady back to learn - she had my wallet. I didn't realize it was gone. (shaking my head over here) Anyone that has ever had a lost wallet or purse knows its not always about the money but the inconvenience of replacing the Driver's License and everything else. She was willing to mail it to me and I was okay with that, but the date guy wanted to pick it up and bring it to me. Hey! I don't live in Chicago but Wisconsin. At any rate, think what you want about Chicago/the westside or this business but I've had more stolen from people in smaller places like Madison, WI and while on campus in class than anything I've experienced elsewhere. So my point: I had a redeeming event occur courtesy of MacArthur's. I'm glad they're still in business. It's a worthwhile TO-DO when going to or while in Chicago. Try anything once, but my meal including Smothered Pork Chops, greens and cobbler was nice enough and the price makes it better! Hell, much of everything is bad for you so don't let that deter you. read more

An oldie but a goodie. I haven't been here since I was in HS. Was craving some good soul food, decided to go here since it's close Vs one of the more swankery newer soul food restaurants. They mostly didn't disappoint. Soooo tasty! Friend chicken and macaroni was amazing. Yams oils have been a tad sweeter. My friend got the pork chops dressing and Mac. (Not pictured) she really liked it but the dressing was the last scoops and not fresh and not that good. Overall, the service was meh, servers could have been more attentive and friendly. But the food was yum read more

Macarthur's Restaurant - Friend chicken yams Mac and greens - Southern Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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MacArthurs is one of my top soul food places to dine in Chicago. I would dine here often especially on Sundays after church. Now that I no longer live in Chicago each time I visit I still try to take a drive to the West side and order my smothered pork chops with the Mac and cheese, yams and collard greens. The prices are super reasonable, delicious food but long lines! Be prepared to wait, but it's so worth it! read more

This was my very first time trying soul food, ever & it most definitely will not be my last. I drove from wicker park area to MacArthurs, which really wasn't too far - and it was wellllllll worth the drive. I was informed by a veteran foodie friend of mine that you're supposed to get the baked chicken at macarthur's not fried. It was seasoned so terrificly and was incredibly juicy, the best chicken I have ever had. Hands down. They offer a dinner plate that comes with your choice of protein: catfish, smothered meat loaf, fried chicken, baked chicken or ribs, 2 sides and a cornbread muffin for $8.25. A total steal. I personally had 3 sides because I simply had to try everything. I ordered the super buttery corn, Mac n cheese as well as mashed potatoes with gravy. It was all truly special. I'm already planning my trip back. read more

Macarthur's Restaurant - Southern Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I'm giving them 5 stars because I ate everything on my plate. The macaroni was delicious. The smothered pork chops were falling off the bone. read more

So good! Got the fried chicken wings and a thigh, mashed potatoes have a great seasoning. Max and cheese did not disappoint!

The lines are extra long, so be prepared to wait. Not sure I like the cafeteria style serving...but it is an interesting experience. The restaurant has a lot of seating and is pretty clean given the amount of traffic. The quality of food is comparable to a buffet...but I think it looks much better than it actually tastes. I'd choose 6978 (which is also soul food and about 10 minutes from MacArthur's) over this restaurant any day. read more

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Mac and Cheese of course rocks! But what can I say, they are not bad at all. Is it me or does the lunch time crowd take over? It says alot of MacArthurs, and I have been coming for years here and there with my friends. I am totally in awe that they can produce probably the best Mac and cheese, and their lunch platters are ridiculous in size, but that's a good thing right? Cornbread will make you slap several neighbors! read more

MacArthur's stands above all over soul food spots, and is one of my favorite restaurants of all time. I usually get the cat fish or bake chicken, which are both exceptional. Every side I've ever had from here is just delicious. Their potato salad is perfection and could be eaten with any dish. They give you so much food for so cheap, you'll think they gave you a discount. I remember I got a regular dinner plate with like 2 extra sides and it was still under $15 dollars. I can't stress enough that this is a place you should try. read more

Good price. Ok food. Greens had a weird unneeded flavor. Mac and cheeee was ok... not very cheesy nor was it real cheese... it was american cheese. Smothered chicken was good. Smothered pork chop was ok. Yams... too sweet. read more

Macarthur's Restaurant - Smothered chicken - Southern Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I came in today at 7-2-2020 to order some food I thought I would give them a try again since the last time the food was so salty I had to double my blood pressure medication but lines were extremely long rude counter ladies taken people orders in rude ghetto fashion and on top of that every time you call and ask or check on line they say they have a certain dish you get in there they don't have it at all or your waiting for them to cook it I also notice one of the workers eyelashes was so long they look like they was going to fall off I was kind of concern about it getting in the food just a all round messed up establishment I would be cooking my soul food from home or going somewhere else where customer service and hygiene is important !! read more

Very good and at very reasonable prices. Had the baked chicken, seasoned very well with to healthy portion sides. Food was delicious!

This review is for service only: I went to McAuthurs for lunch after church, the first time in 3 yrs. I arrived about 1130am and was shocked to see the food serving pans with 1/2 filled or empty. The servers were scraping the bottom of pans to fill plates. Per the server, the cook can only bring out new pans when empty. No one wants to purchase dressing that's literally the hard rims. With being said your side's were VERY SMALL portions. The flavor of the food was awesome, but the veggie portions were small and I won't be back because of this. read more

Came to MacArthur for Breakfast today with my Daughter. Nice and clean but no Direction to where to order your Food. Then a young Man just pointed no Menu was given but seen a sign of 4 different items you can order #1-4 . Well wasn't given any Menu of other choices. I ordered #3 salmon Croquettes with rice and Toast. Can choose grits or rice wheat or white bread also 2eggs. But I don't eat eggs. My Daughter order #1 2 eggs, 2 bacon or sausage then rice or grits with toast white or wheat. She ask for Chesse in her eggs got Bacon with white toast and grits. She enjoyed her food. Put my rice was Gummy and very Mushy but the Croquettes were AMAZING!!! Juice is in bottles or Tea Arizona. Very small amount of rice on the plate but after I teased it didn't mind. Will be Back for Lunch or Dinner because it looked Good also it's set up like Cafeteria style but not for Breakfast. read more

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Food Good always great service lacks at times professionalism and just basic courtesy I know what to expect love the food and will go back

Where do I even start! First of all, I will go out on the limb and say this is the best soul food spot in the city! Hands down! Great selection, although it varies on certain days. They give you nice portions and you can dine in or take out if you please. You can also call your order in and it's usually ready to go once you arrive. You get the choice of a meat, two sides, and rolls. The peach cobbler here is great as well. The Baked Chicken is great and I recommend that more than anything. The mac and cheese is fab also! This place is sort of a celeb attraction as they have pics of Shaq, P. Diddy & Oprah on the walls. The only issues with the place is never go on a Sunday afternoon, when church lets out. The line can sometimes be out the door. Parking can be funny sometimes as well. This place is usually worth the wait in line, I guarantee! read more

Let me say this! I i'm EXTREMELY picky and I'm very cautious about what restaurants I eat soul food from but baby this place is a HIT. Not only was the meat TENDER but seasoned to perfection the entire meal was fire. This restaurant for sure has my recommendation. Best referral ever read more

I heard about this place from a friend. Judging by all of the pictures of famous people visiting this place it seems they are pretty popular. I had chicken, cabbage and greens. The chicken was great, but the sides lacked seasoning. Fried chicken 1-5=5. Cabbage 1-5=2. Greens 1-5=1. Pound Cake 1-5=3. read more

Macarthur's Restaurant - Fried Chicken, Greens and Cabbage. - Southern Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I always have fantastic experiences and the food is here when I have the opportunity to make my way here. It's definitely worth the drive! I wish they would bring the dressing back! I'm glad they were able to stay open during the pandemic. read more

Still good, hit that spot Smothered Pork Chops Red Beans and Rice Greens Yellow cake chocolate frosting #Winning read more

The sausage was burned. The eggs, grits n biscuit were good. Not alot of bfast selection but it got the job done read more

Macarthur's Restaurant - Southern Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I was in line I over heard a male employee say if I see one more person not washing there hands I am out of here he was talking to girl that also work there. I started not to get my food but I was looking at the ladies that was handling my food they both had gloves on .I blame the managers they should make sure gloves and sanitize is out and being used before anyone touch anything read more

I use to frequent this place about 15 years ago (early 2000's). Being from the South Side, it was the happening thing back them. I don't know if I was inexperienced with soul food at that time or they have really fallen off. I went one afternoon last week after work, around 3pm...it was slow. I'm assuming it was remodeled because it look better from what I remember. I ordered the catfish, string beans, mac n cheese, and the peach cobbler. I took my order to go. Although I only live 2 miles away, I couldn't resist to pinch off a piece of fish when I got in the car. To my surprise, the food was cold. I know it's cafeteria style butn I've seen places where the food is still hot. That was a major turn off. Nevertheless, I just pooped my plate in the microwave when I got home. My cat fish was blah and so was the Mac n cheese, I barely even touched that. That was the biggest disappointment of my meal. What I wasn't expecting to be tasty was the string beans, they were good. The corn bread was "aight" but I know it would have been better if it were hot. Bread usually doesn't do good in microwaves. The peach cobbler was pretty good, I've had better and worse...mines is better!!! Lol The service was better than I expected but then again, it was slow. I'm sure the more ppl the mode attitude. Hey, sometimes it's hard being in customer service but you gotta roll with the punches (with a smile on your face). Overall this place is doable especially for them days I don't want to slay in the kitchen. I just know the caliber of food I'm getting. read more

Let me start by saying. I have been patronizing at Mc Arthur's for 7 + years. I'm picky and from the show me state down South. If you are looking for authentic soul food this is the spot for you. With all do respect and to each it's on. However always remember even people who can't cook themselves are writing some of these reviews based off there own taste and only who knows. With that being stated I'll just leave that there. Oh and don't get me started on there smothered chicken, yams and peach cobbler. It will make you testify. Many blessings to Mc Arthur's and family + many more years to come. read more

What happened?! My family used to own a Chinese restaurant across the street from them and I've been buying from them since they were located across the street from their current location... the food has unfortunately been a steady decline. I used to love the smothered pork chops then that got too salty. Then moved onto the bbq turkey leg (which i had to wait around for cause they don't have it all the time) love the sauce but the meat is so dry now ... same goes for the bbq pork ribs Catfish still good though Worst is i used absolutely love their mac n cheese, it was thick with rich flavors but now creamy but completely diluted of its flavor... obviously changed the cheese in either amount or quality... so sad cause it was what I looked forward to and drove all the way from south loop for. Always went out of my way for their food. Even craved it during my pregnancy. Next their banana pudding... another disappointment. It used to so good and creamy with a good 60/40 portion of banana pudding and vanilla cookies but now its like 80/20... barely get any cookie and compared to how it was packed all the way to the top in a foam container, its not even full now... nowhere near the lid... huge gap. Overall, my last 3 experiences were continuous disappointments... I really hope the owner reads this and does something because they were my favorite soul food restaurant and i was such a fan... I recommended so many of my friends there even though the neighborhood isn't that good to still travel all the way there for their food. Their food for $10 can get a huge portion that surely very little people can finish (two sides, main meat selection and a corn bread (by the way corn way too dry now)) ..... yet i would spend almost every time over or close to $40 for just my husband and I. I even loved the leftovers. Buying 2-3 dinners and extra sides plus always dessert for only 2 people... I hope when i crave it again at some point the restaurant has improved... living in south loop, there are plenty of other places for soul food but i felt loyal to this place but now second thoughts. read more