Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Virtue Restaurant

    4.5 (1.2k reviews)
    PriceySouthern, American
    Closed 4:00 pm - 9:00 PM
    Updated 1 month ago

    Virtue Restaurant Photos

    Business Info

    VIRTUE RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Trendy
    Intimate

    You might also consider

    More like Virtue Restaurant

    Recommended Reviews - Virtue Restaurant

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Millie's Puddin'
    Leeza S.

    I went on Easter Sunday with friends. From coming in to leaving, every staff member was amazing, welcoming and a special shoutout to our server Lenny. Lenny was so knowledgeable about the menu and was able to answer any questions I had as a first time guest. The flavors reminded me of a home cooked meal in my great grandmother's kitchen in northern Louisiana, or my great aunt in South Carolina. I come from a family with deep southern roots, so I appreciated the flavors rooted in Black Americana culture. It was like I was experiencing food and history. There's so many wonderful things I could say about Virtue. I am looking forward to coming back the next time I'm in town. Thank you for bringing this gem to Hyde Park.

    Kristen M.

    Holy guacamole. If you haven't been to virtue, you definitely are missing out! Top notch service. Excellent food. Ive come here twice now and each time has been great. The drinks are yummy. It is definitely a social atmosphere so dont expect intimate and quiet. I'm a tequila drinker but that Uncle Honey was IT!!

    Katherine K.

    Yelp Top 100 nailed this one!! What a delicious meal! We were sat at the bar since the place was justifiably packed. Our bartender/server was great throughout the night. We enjoyed both of our drinks: Apple Jack and Southern Flower. Neither was too sweet and both were good enough to get again. It was hard to decide what to eat, but we settled on the Blackened Catfish and Short Rib with a side of Mac & Cheese. I honestly can't pick which main dish was the better of the two because both were just perfect and satisfying. The mac & cheese was also really good, but we wished they had a smaller side dish because it was a lot on top of everything else. It had such a nice crust to it though! This place did not disappoint at all! This is a must stop if you are in the area and I highly recommend everything I tried. You'll be happy you did!

    Beef Short Ribs, Collards & Smoked Turkey, and mashed potatoes
    Martina W.

    I absolutely will be back to Virtue. The short ribs were so tender you can cut it with a fork. Literally, everything I had drinks included (Uncle Honey & Peach Tree Fizz) was good. My Mom was going nuts about how good the fried green tomatoes are. The greens tasted like my Granny made them in the back. Yes, it might be pricey..but treat yourself cause it's sooo worth it!!

    Fish, bbq carrots and rice. Side of greens + Mac& cheese
    T F.

    Good food with Hyde park as your backdrop. The food here was delicious. Staring with the biscuits or cornbread. All the sides are shareable so I recommend ordering an entry and sides to share. If you're in the mood for an elevated soul you've found your place. RSVP...or find a spot at the bar

    Cornbread & Honey Butter
    Felicia D.

    Our server Joe was great and the hostess was welcoming, great service! The short rib was outstanding. The meat was fork tender, spinach was creamy and I loved the sauce at the bottom of the plate. We also had the cornbread, which could have been larger but it was pretty deep so it's not as small as it looks. The interior is colorful and classy. I highly recommend.

    LaKisha B.

    Wow. What an experience. From the ambience + decor to the service to the food + drink, I enjoyed it all. I really hope that they open a restaurant in DC because I don't know if I can afford to fly out to Chicago every time I'm craving their food, haha. All of the food was well seasoned, cooked to perfection and had good portion sizes. I ate the gumbo, the fish + grits, the mac + cheese, collard greens w/ smokey turkey, and the cornbread w/ honey butter. Omg, omg, omggggg like my friend and I were in a food trance because it was SO good. It is rare to go to a restaurant where ALL of the food items that you try are good. I cannot recommend this restaurant enough. If you're in the area please check out Virtue. I was also told Chef/Owner Erick also has other restaurants nearby.

    Cinnamon Apple Bread Pudding
    Lauren M.

    Virtue in Chicago is the kind of restaurant that makes you want to slow down and savor every moment. From the second you walk in, the vibe is warm, inviting, and effortlessly cool--perfect for a relaxed yet elevated dining experience. The Southern cuisine absolutely delivered. We started with the honey biscuits and pimento cheese, which were nothing short of addictive--soft, buttery biscuits with just the right touch of sweetness paired with rich, flavorful pimento cheese. They set the tone for an incredible meal. The roasted half chicken was perfectly cooked, juicy, and comforting in the best way. The sunchoke salad added a fresh, earthy balance to the table, while the blackened catfish brought bold seasoning and flawless texture that showcased the kitchen's mastery of Southern flavors. To finish, the apple bread pudding was everything you want in a dessert--warm, indulgent, and deeply satisfying without being over-the-top. It was the perfect ending to an already memorable meal. Virtue lives up to its reputation in every way: outstanding food, an amazing atmosphere, and Southern cuisine done with heart and intention. A must-visit spot in Chicago, and absolutely a place I can't wait to return to.

    Decor
    January O.

    What a treat! This restaurant deserves all of the hype and then some. I felt lucky to get in on a Saturday evening because virtue is always busy. Upon entering I couldn't help but acknowledge how stunning the restaurant is. I love the attention to detail especially regarding the art. To avoid waiting my friend and I sat at the bar. Our bartender Henry was extremely kind and helpful going over the menu. We started off with drinks. I don't recall my drink but it was really good. We chose the friend green tomato's. These were delicious the shrimp was a nice touch and I'd order them again. For entrees we got the short rib, blackened fish, greens and Mac and cheese. The short rib was so tender and flavorful it's served with creamed spinach and mashed potatoes. Ugh my mouth is watering thinking about it. The greens so good I added vinegar but they didn't need them. The star was for sure the Mac and cheese my goodness super rich and creamy. My friend really enjoyed her dish she cleaned her plate. We were so full that we couldn't order dessert but I can't wait to go back and save room.

    Cornbread & Honey Butter
    Sarah A.

    I was super excited to try this place because of the segment on "Somebody Feed Phil" and man was it worth the hype. Virtue is a warm and inviting gem in Hyde Park close to campus. Service was outstanding and it feels homey inside. Everything we tried at was absolutely delicious. The mac and cheese, cornbread, and collard greens especially stood out--each dish was packed with flavor and perfectly cooked. You can really taste the care that goes into the food. Can't wait to come back and try more as the menu changes seasonally!

    Reanne Z.

    Had a dinner reservation for 5:30 pm, it was already quite busy at the time and only got busier into the evening. We got the gumbo, short rib, Mac and cheese, and collard greens. Everything came out in a timely manner, and the service was very nice. The food was all delicious - the gumbo had a kick to it and was very flavorful. The short rib was cooked very well and super tender. The Mac and cheese was so cheesy and the baked crust on top was so rich but delicious! The collared greens were good as well, but we were already so full and could only eat a bit of it. It's definitely on the pricier side overall, but I felt like the quality was great and the portions were fair. Would definitely come back!

    Short ribs, greens, macaroni and cheese
    Paula W.

    Virtue is exactly who yall said it was. Excellent food, wonderful service, and mature vibes, overall great experience. We started with the gizzards over rice and a sauce that was both sweet and savory. For our mains we went with the short rib which was so moist, the potatoes were real potatoes that were creamy and well seasoned, there was also spinach and that was also well seasoned. The chicken dish had just the right amount of heat and I enjoyed the sweet potatos that accompanied that dish. That macaroni was out of this World delicious it was just the right amount of cheese with a baked top. The greens were good as well. We ended dinner with a great tasting banana pudding. Our server was just the right amount of attentive which really led to a fantastic dinner here.

    Brielle B.

    I finally made it back to Virtue with my best friends, and it still does not disappoint. The food was incredible...everything was on point. We sat on the opposite side of the restaurant this time and had an amazing experience. Our server was funny, attentive, and checked on us often. He even helped me remember song lyrics while we were joking around, which made the night even more fun. The ambiance is dark, rich, and sultry...definitely a place to dress up for. Expect to spend around $100-$150 per person, depending on what you order and if you get drinks, but it's absolutely worth it. Virtue is that perfect spot for great food and even better vibes. I've been here for a date and now with friends, and both times were flawless. You can tell they truly care about your experience. We tried several dishes, laughed all night, and had an unforgettable time. I can't wait to go back.

    Fried Green Tomatoesgreen

    See all

    1 month ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Erick W.

    Erick W.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    29 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    48 minutes ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    24 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    29 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    29 days ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Erick W.

    Erick W.

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 3
    Love this 7
    Oh no 0

    6 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of T F.
    3
    25
    33

    10 hours ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    18 days ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Erick W.

    Erick W.

    Thank you so much for you gracious and detailed review!

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Erick W.

    Erick W.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Erick W.

    Erick W.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Erick W.

    Erick W.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Erick W.

    Erick W.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Erick W.

    Erick W.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Erick W.

    Erick W.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Erick W.

    Erick W.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Erick W.

    Erick W.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Erick W.

    Erick W.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Erick W.

    Erick W.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Erick W.

    Erick W.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Erick W.

    Erick W.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Erick W.

    Erick W.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Erick W.

    Erick W.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Erick W.

    Erick W.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Erick W.

    Erick W.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    4 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Erick W.

    Erick W.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Erick W.

    Erick W.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    4 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Erick W.

    Erick W.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Erick W.

    Erick W.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Tonya B.
    1
    48
    202

    1 month ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Erick W.

    Erick W.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Erick W.

    Erick W.

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Erick W.

    Erick W.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Erick W.

    Erick W.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of N S.
    2
    485
    1118

    5 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Erick W.

    Erick W.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 30

    Virtue Restaurant Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Virtue Restaurant

    How do I make a reservation for January 20 for 6 people at 6 pm?

    Contact the restaurant directly at 5pm when they open, their staff is very helpful.

    Is the reservation fee refundable if the party shows up?

    The reservation fee is applied to the final bill.

    How far in advance do reservations open up?

    Hi Erika, We take reservations 30 days in advance.

    Do you need reservations?

    It's always best to make one. Most nights it's packed, especially around university events like graduations. But who knows, maybe you'll be lucky and someone cancels. Odds of getting something without a reservation are better on the early side of… Read more

    What is the attire? We are from out of town and will be sightseeing all day before dining, hence dressed down. Have tried calling the restaurant multiple times but haven't been able to get through...

    Whatever you are wearing for sightseeing will be fine.

    Are there gluten free options?

    Yes, but mostly if you are a carnivore! There's greens and turkey, vegetables, rice, meat, and desserts like ice cream, but check the season.

    Does Virtue still do brunch on the weekends?

    What is recommended attire? Dressy or casual?

    Dinner casual not run to the store casual.

    Is there a more up to date phone number? When I called during business hours it says phone number is no longer available

    Hi Cecilia, that number is our accurate number. You might have caught us during a busy time. You can also try 773-947-8832.… Read more

    Do they offer catering options?

    They only offer catering during the holidays.

    Have they stopped doing brunch?

    Yes that's what it looks like

    Is it reservation only or do they take walk-ins as well?

    I think reservation only

    Is the prepaid reservation fee ($10 each person) applied towards the final dinner bill?

    Yes it is

    Are there any gluten free/dairy free options for dinner?

    Great question!! Truth is I do not personally know. . You should ask by calling. I have problems with gluten. I know to stay away from certain foods. So I had no problem with anything I ate. Good Luck. Oh. I do hope you get a chance to go. It… Read more

    Do they have valet?

    Yes. It is actually at the boutique Hyatt around the corner on Harper, but there are plenty of signs to guide you.

    What are the actual dining hours? The hours displayed in the window indicate you open at 430p however the manager stated the kitchen doesn't open until 5p?

    Yes, the doors open at 4:30, kitchen is still prepping at that time. I usually go to the bar for a bit, at 5 you can either be seated in the dining area or order food from the bar area. They are still relatively, new however, just by seeing the… Read more

    What brand whiskey/bourbon does the bar carry?

    They have a plethora of Bourbons and Whiskeys. I'm sure you'll find something that fits your fancy. Try the Hyde Park Sezerac!

    Are there any desserts besides banana pudding?

    Hi Judith, In addition to the banana pudding we also have a chocolate cake with chocolate mousse,… Read more

    View All 20 Questions

    You might also consider

    Soul Prime

    Soul Prime

    (164 reviews)

    Lincoln Park

    I want to start by saying this restaurant is SO GOOD! The service was good, and I really liked the…read morebar tender. I sat at the bar. The restaurant is decorated beautifully. It's very clean and modern. The food was amazing. I started off with a peach lemonade/tea drink that was very good. I cannot remember the name, but it was spirit free. Next, I got the collard green dip. This is a must try when you go. Its so cheesy and delicious. It was perfectly seasoned. For my entre, I got the smother pork chops. OMG I did not expect that food to be so good. IDK what they seasoned that gravy with, but it was fire. The porkchops were delicious, and I loved the seasoned rice that it came with. My only complaint was that the kitchen moved very slowly on the night that I went. It took forever for my food to come out; however, I will say the taste of the food made up for the how long it took to come out.

    I was very excited to come to this restaurant. I made a reservation for a earlier time but was…read moreunaware that they offered happy hour. Front of the house staff was very nice and kind and I was seated right away. However once we ordered the wait time was so bad that my cousin had finished her appetizer and we waited an additional 30 minutes for my collard green dip which was very good by the way. Everything was served one at a time with long wait times in between. By the time I received my entree I was full. I took a few bites of the Chicken and Fish and everything else I took home. Literally as soon as happy hour was over everyone around us started receiving their food very fast. The food was ok a little salty (batter from the chicken, fish and tomatoes). In addition your staff Karen was not so kind and very forgetful of what we asked for. I know she seemed overwhelmed for the area that she had. Our sentiments were shared with the manager but that was it. The owner came by to check in but she just breezed by. I'm not sure that told her of our complaint but as fast as she went by asking was everything ok I dont feel like she would have been open to what we had to say. Overall it was ok, A few suggestions...and yes I would return because maybe today was an off day and everyone deserves a chance to get it right, During Happy Hour everyone should get the same level of service, and if a different menu is offered it should be offered to everyone upon arrival. Nothing is perfect and we understand that and gave grace by waiting and being patient. But these are some easy fixes and I look forward to seeing that on my next visit!

    The Soul Food Lounge - Catfish Estufee(if that's how you spell it)

    The Soul Food Lounge

    (438 reviews)

    $$$

    Lawndale

    Went to Soul Food Lounge for a birthday dinner. The space is pretty small and every seat was taken,…read moreso there is really nowhere to wait if you do not have reservations. Definitely book ahead. We all ordered the Grand Tasting, which lets you try three entrees plus a beverage. It was so much food but everything was delicious. I had the short rib, fried chicken, and catfish, each with different sides. The only thing I did not really care for was the dressing. They also had live entertainment, which made the vibe even better. Customer service was just okay, but I would still recommend it. I definitely want to try their other location since I have heard the menu is different.

    Had a galentines brunch with my girls this Valentine's Day and I'm so so happy my friend…read morerecommended we eat at The Soul Food Lounge. Because it was a busy holiday we had a reservation made for 1:30 pm, and of course my friend group was running a little late but they were so friendly and accommodating. There was a 90 minute time limit to eat due to how busy the day was, but they were so kind to start the clock after everyone in our party showed up. Now for the good stuff! The food? Phenomenal! On the menu they have a special called the Grand Tasting where you can get 3 sampler entrees and a free glass of champagne or wine (red or white), all for $69. Everyone in my group decided to get this deal so we could all sample one another's food. I ordered the Tuffle Lobster Mac and Cheese, The Carolina Creamy Shrimp and Grits, and the Sicilian Sriracha Chicken Parmigiana. Everything was fantastic, so incredibly delicious. For the entrees to be samples they were a pretty decent size. The shrimp and grits and the Mac and cheese were absolutely perfect 10/10. I wish there was a location in the suburbs I would go here all the time! Huge thank you to the staff for their great hospitality. I almost forgot to mention that this place has live music, which definitely helps create an enjoyable vibe while you're dining. This place is a must try!!

    Cleo's Southern Cuisine - The Float & Fly

    Cleo's Southern Cuisine

    (230 reviews)

    $$

    Grand Boulevard

    I went there last year and I thought that the food tasted good, however they took a long time to…read moreprepare it. What shocked me was when the cashier asked me if I needed a fork with my food and I said yes. When I looked at my receipt I noticed that they charged me fifty cent for the plastic fork that he gave me. Because they charged me for a plastic fork, that should've came with the food for free, I haven't been back since, because I thought that was absolutely ridiculous! I'm 55 years old and I've been to thousands of restaurants, and I decided to support a Black Owned Business and they had the nerve to charge me for a plastic fork!

    Let me start off by thanking Cleo's for actually being open due business hours. It's very…read moredisappointing when actually traveling long distance to an establishment and they not being open. I've traveled a time or two to a couple of spots in Chicago to support; only to be welcomed to a closed sign. So, Cleo's THANK YOU for blessing me with your service and love for food. It made my birthday, day trip that much better. Now, where do I start. Well, I called to make sure that they were open. I wanted to place my order via phone, but was instructed to place it via their website. The website was easy to navigate and updated. The time given for pickup was pretty much exact. I may even say that it was ready 5-10 minutes before. Parking can be a bit of a challenge. However, depending on when you go, there's a small lot across the street where you can park. Also, you can dine inside, however, depending on how busy, you may or may not have a spot. I lucked up and was able to dine in. Which made my experience better because I was able to take my food out, examine and get comfortable. All food is made to order. That is a huge plus!!!! Food was packaged right and sealed tight. I tried the Float & Fly which consisted of 3 pcs of catfish fillets and 3 fried chicken wings. I tried the green beans, Mac n cheese and pineapple candied sweet potatoes and pineapple cheesecake for a treat. Oh, let me not forget the Purple Rain drink. The catfish & wings were well seasoned and fried to perfection. If I had to choose between the two, wings for the WIN!!! The greens beans had a bit of a kick to them. So much that I followed up with some Mac and sweet potatoes. Ha! The Mac was cheesy and kinda creamy. Great texture. The sweet potatoes were different with the pineapples. The pineapples gave a little twist, but still delivering your childhood memory of sweet potatoes that grandma used to make. Desserts are limited; cheesecake or brownie. The cheesecake was my least favorite thing. I either want peach cobbler or cheesecake; not them being married. Ha! I was happy and pleased with how clean the inside was and how organized it was as well. I like an open kitchen concept. I'll definitely be returning when in Chicago. My advice is to place your order online. Keith Lee approved and so do I!

    Wishbone - Chicken Andouille Hash

    Wishbone

    (1.1k reviews)

    $$

    West Loop, Near West Side

    Absolutely loved brunch here. The food was excellent, it made the 20 minute freezing walk from the…read morehotel worth it. I order the southern fried catfish with cheese grits and home fries, plus a side of Cajun white wine & cream sauce. My date ordered the crab cakes with collard greens and home fries. We also added on a buttermilk pancake to share. Everything was so good! The catfish was perfectly crispy and well seasoned. I also really enjoyed the home fries. Overall 5/5. Can't wait to return the next time I'm in town.

    Absolutely a must visit in Chicago for Cajun flavors!…read more We booked a reservation for a Friday breakfast. I recommend booking a reservation because although it was pretty empty when we got there it was full with a wait by the time we left. We came in & we were promptly seated. There's a counter for takeout orders and both indoor and outdoor seating. It's a wide open space where there's tables and seating along the wall. For drinks we ordered the uncles breakfast and the hurricane. Absolutely recommend the uncles breakfast it was amazing! For food we ordered the spicy shrimp & grits, chicken andouille hash, and southern fried catfish. Everything was absolutely amazing! Great flavor & portion size and came out fast. Only critique would be too much onion in chicken andouille hash. The service was great! From the host seating to our waitress to those bringing us the food everyone was friendly, fast, and efficient. The combo of tasty food, good portion size, and great staff in a time when a lot of restaurants are struggling with one of the 3 makes this place a gem. We'll definitely be back!

    Virtue Restaurant - southern - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...