My second time here and it has not disappointed. This time around I got the fried fish with rice & beans and also the Mac & cheese. We had mimosas which were good as well. I've had the Shrimp and Grits before as well and they were great. Will be back I'm sure. read more

I was visiting a friend who used to live in the neighborhood, and she took me here for brunch. She dined here at least once a week (when she lived in the area) and loved it every time. I had the crunchy french toast, which was a breakfast carb-lover's dream. To drink I had a bloody mary which had just the right amount of spice and pepper added to it. My friend had the eggs benedict which was good too. The service was fast and friendly, and they had no problem splitting checks among our group. read more

Was recommended this place by a Chicago blogger. Service was mediocre. The waitress seemed bothered why were questioned the bill since we were overcharged for coffee that we didn't order. The cocktails were good though. Food was not! My mom said her eggs Benedict was awful. She said it was dry and lacked hollandaise sauce. I ordered the wishbone omelette and it wasn't good either. Lacked filling and flavor. Definitely will not return. read more

Service was amazing and food was cooked exactly how I wanted. The restaurant was clean and very laid back. Perfect for brunch.

We eat at Wishbone every time we go to Chicago. The service and food is always outstanding. I like the omelettes, French toast, the one with the beef and eggs. Best breakfast in Chicago hands down. read more

Awful. Waited the better part of an hour for my meal and absolutely nothing came. The server did not even refill my glass of water. I had to leave. Consider yourself warned. read more

Went to Wishbone twice during my week long conference in Chicago. They make no effort to sell pretentious food, or to even suggest the place is high end - which I appreciate. Nice to hit a local "diner" with solid comfort food. Was shocked to see such an emphasis on southern and cajun cuisine - and that they did it relatively well. Service was fantastic, each time I went. I found the staff to be warm and friendly. Prices were easy on the wallet and encouraged me to come back another time. read more

Like Britney Spears' Daddy says.."Grits is an old southern tradition -- my baby's been eatin it since she's been born, loves em. I don't have no sprinkle cheese, so I'm just puttin her mama's old-timey way here, doing it with some Velveeta in it." Unlike Britney Spears' Dad Wishbone uses white wine & cream and real cheese in their grits..and I gotta tell you the grits are what keep me comin' back for more! I don't think I've ever tried grits before coming to Wishbone, but it's a yummy side if you're looking for something different than homefries to go with your eggs. The Crunchy French Toast is also really tasty from the brunch menu..but if you're feeling like eggs for breakfast definitely go w/ one of the egg dishes b/c "one egg pan cooked" is $4.95 (what the hail?!) Great spot for brunch, but also a good place for dinner too if you're looking for some good comfort food. Ooh & the best part is that they serve shrimp & grits not only for brunch but on the dinner menu too! Also it's a good place to dine if you're looking for somewhere w/ a decent price & you have a larger party..it's a pretty big space & I've never had to wait long to get seated here. read more

I've been to Wishbone a few times over the years. I haven't been especially impressed with the food that I recall so I haven't been a frequent visitor. In the past I've eaten the fish and their sandwiches. i recall being underwhelmed by the dining experience and I'd express similar sentiments after last night's visit. I was in the area with a friend and we decided to check it out. We both hadn't been to Wishbone in years. We parked easily right outside the restaurant and were seated immediately upon entry. Our waiter was prompt and efficient but wasn't exactly warm. That didn't bother us though. He was there to do a job, get his tips and go home. We ordered drinks first but they weren't that great. I got some type of fruit punch but I can't recall the exact name. It wasn't bad but it wasn't very sweet. They also put a ton of ice in the glass so it only took a few sips before it was gone. My friend ordered the ice tea something or another. She didn't like her drink at all but drank it anyway. The drinks were only $5 and as they say you get what you pay for... I ordered the blackened chicken with collard greens and red beans. It was also served with cole slaw and corn muffins. The chicken was good but it wasn't the best. I didn't even eat a third of it. It seemed to be cooked chicken that was charcoaled on the grill. There was no spicy or southern flavor to it. The collard greens didn't have much flavor. They weren't cooked with smoked turkey like I'm used to so there was something missing. I added salt and pepper but it didn't help much. The red beans and rice were the best part of the meal. I could have gone without the onions and bell peppers but I just pushed them to the side. The cole slaw was too tart for me and not creamy enough so I didn't eat it. The corn muffins were sweet and really good. My friend ordered the fried chicken with spinach and red beans. She liked her food much more then I liked mine. She said the spinach and chicken was really good. Overall, I simply wasn't that impressed. This visit was a reminder of why I've been to Wishbone less than a handful of times over the years. read more

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Great service and great food. Get the chicken and waffle, red beans and rice, or Louisiana bowl!

It was an interesting first-time experience - the southern verandah style dining on the patio, the old-fashioned fans on the ceiling, the food itself. But definitely not something I'm going to bring guests to or crave to go back to. We got the crunchy french toast - deep fried almost and so unhealthy. we also got the corn muffin, grit, and omelet. food was okay - service was actually great. read more

Wishbone has been going strong at this location for what seems like forever. The menu is huge, the portions are fair, the food is authentic and the outdoor seating is awesome. If you like Southern/Cajun food and you are in the West Loop, you need to hit up Wishbone. My personal favorite is the Shrimp & Grits with a Carrot/Beet/Apple juice. read more

Showing up early, coming in with low expectations, and enjoying the great customer service is the best way to experience Wishbone. I dropped by this morning at 8:30 AM with my wife, our one-month-old, and a family of four that included two kids under the age of three, and this time and our seating location were perfect in this massive eatery. My smoked beef brisket hash was very ordinary; a bit too much meat (you won't hear me say that often) and it was kinda dry, with eggs that were also a little dry and a corn muffin that was so-so. At this point, I was in the three-star category...but then I tried my wife's buttermilk biscuit (very tasty, moist enough, large) and ordered a great chocolate milkshake to wash it all down. Add in our incredible server and this elevated it a bit in my mind, but again, I was here early and didn't have to fight any crowds. I might try a more traditional Southern dish next time, and my wife said the black bean cakes were pretty good. Not even close to the top tier of brunch places in Chicago but a very solid performer if you've got kids and can sort through the large menu for a winner. (With a menu this large and space this massive, it would be almost impossible to be great and cater to all of the brunch audiences Wishbone is trying to cover.) Prices are also a little better (stress on little) than most West Loop restaurants, so that's a plus if you live in the neighborhood and want to save a tiny bit over some of your other choices. read more

I never went to the old location but I finally was able to get to the new location. It was rather sleepy on a Saturday morning but that was welcomed since we were in a rush and needed to eat quickly. The waitstaff was attentive and fast, which was appreciative. However, the food was just fine. I had the chicken and waffles and it was tasty, but nothing extraordinary. My wife had the Crunchy French Toast, which was the best dish at our table. Overall, I thought it was rather standard fare and even though I didn't go for their speciality Southern dishes, which they are known for, I was just not that hungry and the Chix and Waffles was the most adventurous I could be -- but although serviceable, it wasn't very memorable. It's a staple in the city so I'm willing to check out brunch again or visit for lunch/dinner. read more

We stopped into Wishbone for brunch and we were so happy we did. Food was really good and the service was awesome...thank you Nicole!!

Well after reading all the reviews We finally made the trip to Wishbone. Unimpressed! I ordered the Blackened Catfish with collard greens and house salad.. Hubby ordered the Chicken Andouille Hash. That was the saddest Fillet ever.. The greens tasted like they were canned with no flavor. The hash was not freshly made. The balsamic vinaigrette was delicious. The cocktails had little to no alcohol in it. Sadly We will not return. read more

The service at this restaurant is the worst I've had of the surrounding restaurants. They routinely understaff their servers to save cash and it shows in their piss-poor service. We waited, literally, 52 minutes for our food... for brunch???? The hypothesized food ***looks*** exotic on the menu, but then the bizarre combinations don't actually taste well together. Of course, we spoke to the manager, but the manager behaved as if they were used to complaints. Think about it: do you really want to spend your money and time with friends/family at a place that's ***used to*** common complaints? read more

A pretty sweet, southern brunch hot spot with your average brunch items and a lot of charm. The bloody mary was only so so, but I think we all agreed that our dishes were hearty and pretty decent. I think the cheesy grits was the winner at the table. Most of the other dishes didn't stand out too much, but we were thankful that the dishes weren't too greasy. A good place for large groups. read more

The service is impeccable. Our server was very friendly, nice and smiley. He deserves every penny of his tips. The way he presents himself, checks on the table makes him a spectacular server!! The outside patio is spacious and not crowded. But next time not choosing a table by the plants. The bees were around a lot. The food no doubt is still fabulous. The sides were tasty as can be. I had the black bean cakes. Will be back again!!! read more

Joel is a great guy to work for... I practically put myself thru school working for him... omgawd I ate the blackened catfish like it was going out of style with the corn muffins and greens and their omelette are delicious so are their grits .... thanks for hiring me Joel - from Gabriella read more

I have been going to Wishbone for over 20 plus years.,, since they were located on grand Avenue with a little over six tables... JOEL Has had his post on sold and cooking from the moment he opened his doors.. My grandmother... And aficionado a farm to table, holistic healing, food stylist... Approved of Joe's food... she said he cooked with love!!!! HE WOULD TAKE HER into the kitchen and make biscuits and their favorite.,, shrimp and grits!!!! My grandmother who has passed() is setting up above looking down on him with such pride.. I am sure.. GOOD EATS WHEREVER YOU ARE JOEL.. we will follow!!!! read more

My go-to spot when I'm in the mood for something with a little soul. I enjoy most of their sides, especially the corn, greens, and sweet potatoes. Main course wise, their fried catfish, shrimp n grits,and jambalaya are all great. Only thing I wasn't a fan of was their fried chicken. I'm still in the process of trying something new every time I go, but it's really hard to avoid their shrimp n grits. Corn muffin wise, I'm not sure what the hype is all about. To me, it seems a bit dry and I've pretty much stopped eating it when it arrives with my meals. Oh, I also really like their sweet tea with mini ice cubes. What do you even call this kind of ice? Doesn't matter, I like it. read more

Wishbone - Shrimp and Bacon grits. Yum! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I was introduced to this location by friends earlier for lunch. I couldn't wait to return for dinner and introduce my girlfriend to the crusted Tilapia meal. Our waiter Ricky Lewis, while handling his tables, ensured our positive return experience. I shall spread the word of this location. I also tried and enjoyed the chicken gumbo too! read more

Wishbone - Crusted Tilapia with black eye peas and brown rice. Corn muffins! Excellent! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

MMMMM....I went twice in one week! Chicago has such a variety of food choices, but it's hard to find a good soul food restaurant. I liked that they stick to a specialty and didn't have a 6 page menu but proved that they could do one thing well: COMFORT FOOD! Wishbone isn't expensive and I appreciate the two sides included on entrees. It's not grandma's Sunday dinner...but it's close! read more

Wishbone - gumbo...tillapia..whipped sweet potatoes w/ almonds...cornbread...mac and cheese! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Good food. Service folks we're friendly and very busy so service was a bit slow, but that is to be expected.

This is my new favourite place . Jacob and Bob at the bar make my visits amazing !! The drinks are always on point. So what's a good drink if the service is bad ??? Service here is on point . The food, oh the food! Mouth watering yumminess! The shrimp and Grits with chicken is my fav. I have been here with a group of work mates, solo and with my husband and this place never disappoints . It is very spacious and the patio is finally open !! Blame Chicago weather !! This place is great for breakfast , branch and dinner . Monday and Tuesday they close early but the reat of the week is open later . It's great for an after work drink... just go they won't dissapoint !!! read more

Good ole Wishbone; YUM! Over the years we have eaten several times at the 2 "old" locations to consistent delight/pleasure; though, not at the new location.....and today we did takeout there. We had the GRITS with bacon and shrimp....with a corn biscuit; which in a word was simply DEVINE. Thank you for delivering on point each time! read more

I have been going to the Wishbone restaurant at Washington and Morgan since it opened in 1992. The owner Joel, cooks real southern comfort food. Their cheesy grits are the best I have ever had. For my most recent visit I tried the shrimp and grits which was excellent. Overall the food is always consistently amazing, whether I go there for breakfast, lunch or dinner. I have tried the crab cakes, jambalaya, catfish, mac and cheese, red eggs, smoked corned beef hash, omelets, spinach, mashed sweet potatoes, ...... Within the next few weeks Wishbone will be moving to a different location, which is 6 blocks east of their current location. I'm hoping that the quality will stay the same as well as the atmosphere. When the restaurant first opened, I couldn't help but talk to Joel about the interesting art work. His mother who is a portrait artist, painted most of them. However, her paintings in Wishbone are humorous, interesting and far from formal portraits. I love them and don't want to ruin the surprise! I'm sure they'll be in the new location. When the restaurant first opened it was easy to find a parking spot because most of the buildings were either empty or businesses. However now the area is quite built up and bustling with people. So parking is a bit of a pain, but that's Chicago! They do have valet parking which solves the problem. Prior to my most recent visit, I hadn't been there for about six months. I don't live in the area and going through downtown could take me 45 minutes to an hour. I noticed the Bloody Mary's were a little different. Spicy flavor, but not as strong and the corn muffins have shrunk in size. But the biscuits are amazing! The wait staffer always attentive and amazing, for as busy as this place gets they do a great job. read more

As far as Covid-19, the staff and restaurant practiced safe distancing. My waitress Deira was fantastic!!!! The food was mediocre . I was really disappointed . I ordered the blackened catfish and fried catfish. The fried catfish wasn't tasty, lots of seasoning but no salt. I ordered the sweet corn again unsatisfactory, I sent it back. My husband ordered the Cajun shrimp and grits, terrible. We ordered drinks/cocktails and they brought his Modelo in the can, no glass or mug . The best things we had was the catfish appetizer, collard greens and Arnold Palmer drink. I had been so looking forward to coming here and it was our 17 year anniversary. I do not recommend. read more

We came wandering over here on a late Saturday morning hoping to avoid the crowds at Lou Mitchell's and Bongo Room. Because it is a little further away, we were able to secure a table for our party of 13. I had a hard time deciding what to order. I really wanted the cheesy grits with shrimp but i gave into the corncakes with real corn and green onion. I also ordered a side of sauteed spinach with it, but it was not so sauteed and it left that feeling in my mouth that i always get with spinach. the spicy bloody mary was fine. not as thick as i would like. overall, a decent experience. not sure if it stands out for me as a place i'd go to again and again. read more

Scrumptious!! Ok so I've only had one thing here and that's one thing only that I can vouch for and that's their yummy and filling Shrimp and Grits breakfast special. Oh lawdy lawdy! This $10 holla meal comes with a biscuit or corn muffin, I prefer corn muffin along with a hot bowl of shrimp and grits with mushrooms and bacon sprinkled lightly!!! Now this place is not stingy with there shrimp that's for certain, which makes you enjoy every shrimp filled bite. The creamy sauce I'm not sure what it is but makes every scoop well worth it. If your hungry and in the West Loop with only a few coins to spare I say pull up at table at Wishbone! Fast service and quick seating. It's finger licking good! A+ read more

Wishbone - Shrimp and Grits! Make you wanna Slap yo Momma lolol - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Just finished an excellent lunch at wishbone. Comfort food, made from scratch... Absolutely brilliant. Good wholesome food, good service, enough said... read more

Wishbone - Red beans 'n rice, shrimp and grits "Before" pic. Looks amazing. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Love this place - good southern food is truly A awesome and Wishbone definitely serves it up / will definitely revisit

It was weekend when I had a time to eat breakfast outside and I decided to try eating in Wishbone. I was a little late for breakfast and luckily they do not do reservations every weekends so there was a vacant seat. When I settled, the staff is immediately in front of me. He is nice and polite. I ordered some of their popular dishes such as red beans and rice, crab cakes and cajun shrimp. While waiting for my order to arrive, I observed that the place has a nice ambiance and interior. The animal paintings on their wall was very beautiful. Then my food came, and I seriously finished all of it because they were so delicious and I ended it with a strawberry lemonade that also taste really good. I feel so full after it. Dining in here is a great experience. The price is a bit expensive but the foods are worth it. From now on this will be on my first list for breakfast, highly recommended. read more

Cajun Shrimp and Grits and Fried Catfish were a hit with my group of 7 for Sunday brunch! No wait, we walked in and got a table outside without any hassle. Ordering was slightly confusing but our waiter was new so completely understandable. Highly recommend the Cajun lemonade as well. read more

Wishbone - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Last minute decision to brunch here. Very good food. Lots of good options on menu. I am sure I will be back. Love the infused teas.

Wishbone Wishbone Ooh How I Love Thee.. My affair with Wishbone goes back to my college days when a promoter would host an event entitled "The breakfast club" at Wishbone when the nightclub closed and that's when I had my first taste of the food of Wishbone which drew my antennas to revisit during normal business hours to try other menu items. Man ooh Man was I in for a treat with the menu items and the Southern charm involved with the preparation of the menu items. The staff is full of life from the servers to the bar backs to the clean up crew. Once you approach this corner gem on Washington you are greeted by valet which prices vary depending on the time you arrive. It's a little cheaper before 10am I believe about a $3 difference. There is indeed street parking but GOOD LUCK with that and Enjoy paying the people who brought the city of Chicago parking meters with a ridiculous hourly rate (still less than valet, but I'm quick to valet if there isn't an immediate space available in view). My Fav items: Shrimp n Grits (No Bacon-I don't eat pork) Salmon cakes Home Fries Blacken Catfish Ultimate Mimosa French Toast Wishbone is a MUST DO when I'm home in Chicago for brunch, believe me you don't be sorry. read more

Wishbone - My type of start to my FRIDAY (Wish I wasn't solo but I'll just talk on the phone while I eat, LoL) - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I finally went to check out this restaurant for my birthday, it was an okay experience. I didn't care for the cornbread muffins. My catfish and sauteed spinach was very good. The price on the entire menu is very inexpensive. Even though they were understaffed due to a city event, they don't offer free dessert for bdays I have never seen that. The waiter was really friendly and nice but somehow charged my mother-in-law an extra $10 on her debit card even though we gave him cash and didn't write a tip on the receipt. read more

Wishbone - Fried catfish - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Great food.i was in town visiting family and came here for brunch. Excellent service good food selection. read more

Food is pretty good! Portions aren't too generous but if you just want some good food and a light meal this is a great spot! (Went for Sunday brunch) read more