Big Jones Chicago: A Taste of the South in the Heart of Andersonville

Welcome to Big Jones Chicago, your premier destination for authentic Southern and Lowcountry cuisine right here in the vibrant Andersonville neighborhood. Step into a world where Southern charm meets Chicago sophistication, offering a dining experience that’s both comforting and elevated. Our restaurant is a true culinary gem, renowned for its commitment to heritage recipes, sustainable sourcing, and a warm, inviting atmosphere. Whether you’re craving classic fried chicken, succulent shrimp and grits, or a delightful brunch, Big Jones Chicago promises a memorable meal steeped in tradition and flavor.

Nestled at 5347 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640, Big Jones Chicago boasts an ambiance that perfectly blends rustic elegance with a cozy, welcoming feel. Think exposed brick, warm lighting, and decor that evokes a charming Southern home. com” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>bigjoneschicago.com. We look forward to welcoming you!

Menu Highlights

Prepare your taste buds for an unforgettable journey through the heart of Southern cuisine. Our menu is a carefully curated selection of classic dishes, elevated with the freshest ingredients and a touch of Big Jones’ unique flair. From comforting brunch staples to hearty dinner entrees and decadent desserts, every item tells a story of tradition and passion.

Appetizers & Starters

• Fried Green Tomatoes: Crispy cornmeal-dusted slices, tangy remoulade, a quintessential Southern starter indeed.
• Pimento Cheese Dip: Creamy cheddar and pimento spread, served warm with crusty French bread.
• Deviled Eggs Trio: Classic Southern comfort, each egg boasting a unique, savory topping creation.
• Hushpuppies: Golden, fried cornmeal fritters, light and fluffy, served with honey butter.
• Gumbo Ya-Ya: Rich, dark roux gumbo, slow-simmered with chicken, sausage, and okra.
• Crab Fritters: Succulent lump crab meat lightly fried, served with zesty aioli.
• Fried Okra: Perfectly seasoned, crispy fried okra, a delightful Southern vegetable snack.
• Sweet Potato Fritters: Spiced sweet potato, lightly fried, served with a maple glaze.

Main Courses (Dinner)

• Shrimp & Grits: Creamy Anson Mills grits, plump Gulf shrimp, rich smoky tasso ham gravy.
• Big Jones Fried Chicken: Brined, buttermilk-soaked, perfectly seasoned, crispy skin, incredibly juicy inside.
• Lowcountry Boil: Fresh shrimp, mussels, Andouille sausage, corn, potatoes, all steamed perfectly.
• Jambalaya: A hearty Louisiana classic, rice, chicken, sausage, shrimp, spicy creole flavors.
• Smoked Brisket Plate: Slow-smoked for hours, fork-tender, served with tangy Carolina BBQ sauce.
• Catfish Po’Boy: Crispy fried catfish, shredded lettuce, tomato, remoulade on crusty French bread.
• BBQ Pork Ribs: Fall-off-the-bone tender, slathered in house-made sweet and smoky sauce.
• Pecan-Crusted Salmon: Pan-seared salmon with a crunchy pecan crust, delicate lemon butter sauce.
• Chicken Fried Steak: Tenderized steak, crispy breading, smothered in creamy black pepper gravy.
• Vegetarian Plate: Seasonal selection of Southern vegetables, prepared with delicious fresh flavors.
• Smoked Duck Breast: Perfectly smoked duck, sweet potato puree, collard greens, cherry reduction.

Brunch Favorites (Saturday & Sunday)

• Biscuits & Gravy: Fluffy buttermilk biscuits smothered in savory, house-made sausage gravy, pure comfort.
• Chicken & Waffles: Crispy fried chicken atop fluffy Belgian waffles, served with maple syrup.
• Shrimp Creole Omelette: Fluffy eggs, spicy shrimp creole, cheddar cheese, fresh herbs blend.
• Praline French Toast: Thick-cut brioche, candied pecans, rich caramel sauce, pure indulgence indeed.
• Breakfast Platter: Two eggs any style, bacon or sausage, grits, and a warm biscuit.
• Huevos Rancheros (Southern Style): Fried eggs, black beans, corn salsa, spicy cilantro cream.
• Grits Bowl with Andouille: Creamy grits, spicy Andouille sausage, roasted peppers, a hearty start.
• Crab Cake Benedict: Poached eggs, crispy crab cakes, hollandaise sauce on a toasted English muffin.

Sides for the Table

• Collard Greens: Slow-simmered with smoked ham hocks, deeply flavorful, Southern classic tradition.
• Mac & Cheese: Creamy, baked macaroni and cheese, a comforting, cheesy delight for everyone.
• Creamed Corn: Sweet corn, rich cream sauce, a perfectly balanced, savory side dish.
• Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy, seasoned sweet potato fries, served with a zesty dipping sauce.
• Cornbread Skillet: Warm, buttery cornbread baked in a cast-iron skillet, pure comforting delight.
• Red Beans & Rice: Slow-cooked kidney beans, savory seasoning, served over fluffy rice.
• Fried Brussels Sprouts: Crispy sprouts, bacon lardons, and a sweet balsamic glaze combination.

Decadent Desserts

• Bananas Foster Bread Pudding: Warm, rich bread pudding, caramelized bananas, rum sauce, utterly divine.
• Key Lime Pie: Tart and tangy, graham cracker crust, topped with fresh whipped cream.
• Peach Cobbler: Warm, sweet peaches, buttery biscuit topping, served with vanilla ice cream.
• Mississippi Mud Pie: Decadent chocolate layers, coffee ice cream, chocolate fudge, whipped cream.
• Beignets: Light, airy New Orleans-style doughnuts, generously dusted with powdered sugar.
• Sweet Potato Pie: Smooth, spiced sweet potato custard in a flaky pastry crust, a Southern treat.

Signature Drinks

• House-made Sweet Tea: Perfectly brewed, lightly sweetened, Southern hospitality in every glass.
• Mint Julep: Refreshing bourbon cocktail, fresh mint, simple syrup, a Southern staple.
• Chicory Coffee: Bold, robust coffee, New Orleans tradition, often served with milk.
• Local Craft Beer Selection: Rotating taps featuring Chicago’s finest independent breweries, supporting local.
• Seasonal Lemonade: Freshly squeezed lemonade, infused with seasonal fruits or fresh herbs.
• Hand-crafted Cocktails: Expertly mixed, unique libations inspired by Southern flavors and traditions.

Experience Big Jones: Ambiance, Service & Value

Big Jones Chicago offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for any occasion. The interior blends rustic charm with modern elegance, featuring exposed brick walls, soft lighting, and comfortable seating that creates an intimate yet lively setting. Service is consistently friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable, with staff eager to guide you through the menu’s Southern delights. Pricing falls within the mid-range to upscale casual category, reflecting the quality of ingredients and the authentic culinary experience. The overall vibe is one of Southern hospitality, making everyone feel welcome and ensuring a truly enjoyable dining experience.

A Southern Gem in Chicago

Big Jones Chicago is more than just a restaurant; it’s an immersive culinary journey to the American South, nestled conveniently in Chicago’s Andersonville neighborhood. While every dish is crafted with care, the Shrimp & Grits remains an undisputed star, praised for its creamy texture and rich, smoky flavor profile. Another crowd-pleaser is the legendary Big Jones Fried Chicken, perfectly crispy on the outside and incredibly juicy within, a true testament to traditional Southern cooking.

This establishment is perfect for a wide array of diners: from foodies eager to explore authentic Lowcountry and Creole flavors, to families seeking a comforting and delicious meal, and couples looking for a charming spot for a date night. It’s also an excellent choice for anyone craving genuine Southern hospitality and a taste of home, even if home is thousands of miles away.

In summary, Big Jones Chicago offers an unparalleled dining experience. The dedication to quality ingredients, time-honored recipes, and an inviting atmosphere make it a must-visit. You’ll leave feeling satisfied, perhaps a little nostalgic, and definitely planning your next visit. It’s a soulful escape from the ordinary, right here in the Windy City.

Restaurant Planning Notes

This guide is designed to help readers compare Big Jones in Chicago with clearer visit planning, menu context, and practical ordering checks. Restaurant details can change quickly, so the final booking, menu, hours, and price details should always be confirmed through a current official source before visiting.

How to Use This Guide

Use this page as a starting point before you travel, book, or place an order. First, decide whether Big Jones fits the occasion: a quick meal, a casual catch-up, a family dinner, a date night, takeaway, or a more planned restaurant visit. Second, compare the likely menu style with what your group actually wants. Third, confirm the live details that can change: opening hours, booking rules, menu availability, prices, service fees, dietary handling, and delivery coverage.

This matters because restaurant pages become outdated quickly. A static page can still help when it explains how to think about the menu, what to verify, and how to avoid common ordering mistakes. Treat this guide as an editorial checklist, then use the restaurant’s official website, booking page, social profile, or current delivery listing for final confirmation.

Practical Menu Notes

Big Jones is best approached as a restaurant dining option. Readers should look for mains, shareable plates, drinks, desserts, and visit-specific menu choices. If the current menu is long, avoid choosing only by the first dish name you recognise. A better method is to compare the main categories, then choose one anchor item, one supporting item, and one side or drink that balances the meal.

For first-time visitors, start with the dish category the restaurant is most clearly known for, then add one balancing side. For groups, order across categories instead of choosing several similar dishes. That gives everyone a better sense of the restaurant and usually makes the meal easier to share. If you are ordering takeaway or delivery, choose items that travel well and keep sauces, toppings, or delicate sides separate where possible.

Real-World Visit Checks

• Check current hours: restaurant trading times can change by season, staffing, holidays, and private events.
• Check booking rules: popular venues may need reservations, deposits, seating limits, or cancellation notice.
• Check the latest menu: dishes, prices, lunch specials, tasting menus, and delivery options can change without warning.
• Check the location: restaurants with similar names, branches, or old listings can cause confusion in maps and delivery apps.
• Check value before ordering: compare portion size, sharing style, service fees, and delivery charges rather than looking only at headline menu prices.

Dietary and Allergy Notes

Do not rely only on a third-party guide for allergy, gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, vegan, vegetarian, halal, or other dietary guarantees. Even when a menu item sounds suitable, preparation can involve shared fryers, shared utensils, dairy-based sauces, nuts, seafood, eggs, wheat, or other ingredients that are not obvious from a short menu title.

If a dietary requirement matters, ask the restaurant directly before ordering. Useful questions include whether the dish contains the ingredient, whether it is cooked on shared equipment, whether substitutions are possible, and whether staff can record the request clearly. That direct check is more reliable than assuming based on a menu category.

Editorial Note and Author Information

Author: MyReserveTable Editorial Team. This guide is prepared as a practical restaurant planning resource. Readers should confirm live restaurant details such as current menus, prices, hours, booking rules, and dietary handling directly with the restaurant before visiting or ordering.

Verification Notes

• Menus, prices, opening hours, bookings, delivery coverage, and dietary handling can change quickly.
• Before visiting, confirm current details through the restaurant’s official website, booking page, social profile, map listing, or current delivery listing.
• If two public sources disagree, prefer the newest official restaurant source.