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The Chicago Traveler

Big Jones Brings the South to the North Side

by Matt B on June 11th, 2008

Within walking distance of my apartment, the Andersonville neighborhood is chock-full of 'contemporary' restaurants, catering to its chic residents'primarily GLBT couples and newly-30-somethings pushing strollers. Big Jones, a new restaurant in the area (just north of Anteprima), fits right in, providing a modern twist on old-fashioned coastal Southern cooking.

Patrons are greeted with lime-green walls, wrought-iron chandeliers, and dark green drapes. Locals sit at the fully-stocked bar as they wait for tables. The restaurant is usually loud lively and tightly-packed dense, only because so many people are drawn to the delicious menu.

Brunch provides specialties like smoked applewood ham with creamy cheese grits as well as eggs New Orleans'lump crab cakes on fresh popovers with poached eggs. At dinner, the barbecued shrimp is made Creole style in a tangy sauce, preparing for the oncoming entr'es full of flavor. Incomparable baby back ribs come on top of a pile of onion rings, char-grilled beef sirloin is served alongside potato cakes, and the catfish is battered and fried in brown butter, pecans, and Creole mustard. For lighter fare, stop by in the afternoon for an authentic tea service, complete with teas, coffee, light salads and desserts, and even free Wi-Fi!

Big Jones gives Chicago a culinary lesson, showing Midwesterners that the South is much more than sweet tea, chicken wings, and peach cobbler. After just one visit, you'll be “jonesing” for more.

Big Jones ($$): 5347 N Clark St; 773-275-5725
Mon ' Fri: 11:00 a.m. ' 10:00 p.m.
Sat: 9:00 a.m. ' 10:00 p.m.
Sun: 9:00 a.m. ' 9:00 p.m.
Street parking difficult
Public trans: Bus # 22
http://www.bigjoneschicago.com/

POSTED IN: Gay & Lesbian, Restaurants

2 opinions for Big Jones Brings the South to the North Side

  • Tom McCarey
    Jun 12, 2008 at 10:26 pm

    We wandered into Big Jones last week, enticed by the Coastal Southern cooking angle. While my wife and I perhaps don’t fit into the GLBT skew and I am a few years north of the young 30 set, we fit right into this ambient eatery with our two young sons. Service was awesome and the food was delicious (although those soggy peanuts will never soar high on our radar). The desserts are ridiculous. And truth be known, one of the most gratifying elements to this iced tea connoisseur was the simple syrup to make the iced tea sweet. Wow! We loved this place and will be sure to return.

  • no imageMatt B (Check me out!)
    Jun 12, 2008 at 11:04 pm

    I’m happy to hear that despite Andersonville’s typically “trendy” crowd, you felt right at home at the new Southern-cuisine eatery. I’m also glad that the tea is authentic and met your standards! Heh.

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