Restaurant Review – Big Jones

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Ya’ll. YA’LL. If you can’t tell, I lived in Texas for almost 10 years. And my mama is from Louisiana. Which means I have a deep rooted, almost obsessive love for Southern food. So, you can imagine my happiness when I found Big Jones. Big Jones is a Southern restaurant, tucked in a cozy nook in the busy streets of Andersonville, at 5347 N Clark St. Their website header is “Inspired by the People, Places,  and History of The American South“.  In other words, my mecca. I made a reservation for Sunday brunch at 1 pm and I’m very glad I did; the restaurant was packed when I arrived. Although the space is small, they have efficiently used it and packed lots of tables inside. My meal began with complimentary beignets. The dough was fluffy and smothered in powdered sugar. My eyes are almost always bigger than my stomach, so I ordered the Salt and Pepper Biscuits as well. These were fantastic. The consistency was perfect and they were served with honey butter and a house-made five pepper jelly, both must haves. At this point, stuffed with bread and beignets, I strove to find something lighter for my entrée (tough at a true Southern restaurant like this). I ordered the Pozole at the recommendation of my server. This is a traditional Mexican dish, a stew with red chiles, hominy, pork, onions, and cabbage. The broth was smokey and spicy, absolutely delicious. It came with two poached eggs on top, perfect to mush into the stew and have with bites of pulled pork. While I was digesting, I peeked over their dinner and bar menus as well. The bar menu is extensive, including Southern punches, bourbons, and draft beers. Their fried chicken is a lauded item, only available at lunch and dinner. I know what I’ll be getting the next time I come in!

Big Jones is open Mondays through Thursday from 11 am-9 pm, Fridays from 11 am-10 pm, Saturdays from 9 am- 10 pm, and Sundays from 9 am-9 pm. They happily accept reservations, either by phone at 773-275-5725 or here, on their website. Big Jones is participating in Chicago Restaurant Week, from now until February 9. They will also have a special Mardi Gras menu, running all day from February 10 to March 2.

RACHEL HOOVLER & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO