Erick Williams is an acclaimed chef and restaurateur, known for his modern interpretations of Southern American and Soul Food cuisine. He is the chef-owner of several restaurants in Chicago, including the James Beard...
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Excellence from beginning to end. I really noticed and appreciated the teamwork environment from the staff. Joe, our server, was knowledgeable, had great energy and conversation. I loved being able to see the chefs prepare the food. You could see they were focused, but the vibe was cool, calm and collected. Every dish I had was so delicious. The fried green tomatoes were seasoned well, the turnip green chow chow with salmon delish, the short rib was plastic fork tender, mac and cheese was creamy and balanced, cornbread delish and I loved the greens. Cocktails were solid. Bread pudding is one of my favorites and the apple cinnamon flavor was intense in the best way. That peanut butter cup pie needs to stay on the menu year round. So good. Shout out to whoever picked the music because zero skips. Yes, I'll be back.
Virtue Restaurant is nothing short of sensational. Every dish reflects a perfect balance of elevated Southern comfort and culinary artistry, creating an unforgettable dining experience from start to finish.
The seafood is among the finest you’ll find anywhere in the city—fresh, expertly prepared, and bursting with flavor. The cornbread deserves legendary status all by itself: warm, buttery, perfectly moist, and simply to die for. And the greens with smoked turkey? Absolutely phenomenal. Rich, soulful, and seasoned to perfection, they embody everything great Southern cuisine should be.
What made the evening even more memorable was the exceptional service. Our server, Lenny, was spectacular—attentive, knowledgeable, efficient, and genuinely committed to ensuring we had an outstanding dining experience.
Virtue doesn’t just serve a meal; it celebrates Southern hospitality, culture, and extraordinary food at the highest level. If you’re visiting Hyde Park or anywhere in Chicago, this restaurant belongs at the very top of your dining list.
An easy five stars. I’ll definitely be back.
5
5 star experience!! The staff was friendly and accommodating. Food was the true definition of southern comfort. Every dish we tried was delicious. I rarely see gizzards on a restaurant menu and they nailed it. Collards, mac & cheese, biscuits, short rib all were wonderful. I also loved the hibiscus mocktail.
I grew up in the south and the flavors match what I’d expect for a top notch southern style meal.
3
Something is definitely different about the food here. It doesn’t taste the way it did when they first opened.
If you’re not from Chicago, this might be some of the best food you’ve ever had. But if you are from Chicago, then you know the macaroni is not better than your grandma’s or your mom’s. I wouldn’t order it again.
The cornbread, however, was amazing, and I would definitely get that again. They are known for their short rib dish, and it was okay. My cousin also enjoyed her fish and grits.
That said, I was really disappointed by the price of the wine. We ordered the Black Girl Magic Riesling, which is about a $15 bottle at Target, but we were charged $65 for it. I understand restaurants need to make a profit, but that markup felt ridiculous. For that price, I could have bought four bottles.
Overall, some items were good, but the experience wasn’t what I remembered from when they first opened. I’m not rushing to come back.
4
Alright, this is a review with a focus on redemption. I've been here previously, specifically when they initially opened, and I was unfortunately turned away due to a misunderstanding regarding walk-ins caused by some very impolite staff members. Years have passed, and I'm genuinely pleased that my initial one-star review has been removed and replaced with this revised opinion. I enjoyed the short ribs, gumbo, mac and cheese, fried green tomatoes, and strawberry shortcake for dessert. I will be visiting in my dreams that food. Apparently the short rib is a staple, and if you don't order - you will be sad that you missed out. It's the comfort food you desire on any given day. Also, pro tip - split some plates so you get to taste everything. If you are visiting with people that do not like to share - get new friends. The food is so good that you want to sample. The gumbo alone have your taste buds taking a first class flight to New Orleans. The service, was definitely improved upon from the door to the table.
Ps. We did NOT take leftovers - every crumb was consumed on premises. 😉
