The good: Â Excellent wait staff.
The bad: Â It was Sunday, the after church crowd; we had to wait. Â Wait to be seated; wit longer that we should have for food ordered from the menu that was ot a special.
The Ugly:
Â
Green Tomato appetizer - Â The coating had more flavor than the tomato that was undercooked.; Â
The cup of Gumbo was more rice than gumbo with a skinny hollow crab leg shell sticking out of the cup with over cooked shrimp and sausage;
The Blackened Fish Entre was overcooked presented luke warm on top of tasty (seasoning seemed same base as gumbo) but runny red beans and rice; and the bread pudding was not good.
Regrets: Â That I went on Sunday; did not have the buffet and did not protest the lukewarm food.
Oh well, it will be better next time. Â After all things get stressed in my kitchen too.
Advice: Good eats are there; Order the Buffet  on Sunday.
The food: amazing and simple (try the FREE biscuits!!)
The service: top notch!
The decor: classic jazz memorabilia(nice touch).
I had the breakfast buffet and I just loved it! Â You order it and the friendly chef makes it right in front of you! The hash browns are deep southern soul food and worth the trouble. The coffee is hot and full of flavor. Â The FREE biscuits are so great that they could easily make you forget all about KFCs and they are FRESHLY MADE!! Fast and friendly service makes this Pearl's a must visit! Â I only wished it wasn't in such a bad neighborhood.
One of the windy city's best kept secrets!
I took 31 inner-city high school students to the DuSable Museum and to Pearl's Place for lunch, as I have done for the past few years, to celebrate Black History Month. I love Pearl's Place. Every time I've been there, with and without students, it has been great, including last Friday. Their food is wonderful, especially the fried chicken and mac'n cheese. My two colleagues had never been there before, and they thought it was the best! We had our meal served famiy style, and it just kept coming and coming. I had made all of the arrangements with the owner, and, as always, the tables and food were ready for us when we got there. Their staff is wonderful. Our server, Kathy, was absolutely incredible. I go to restaurants quite often, all over the world, and Kathy knocks all of the others out of the ballpark. She told me that she never saw such a wonderful group of teen-agers, and it gives her hope for the future! What a wonderful thing to hear. I asked  her to announce that to the students!! They loved it. All I can say is that I hope Pearl's Place will be around forever!
Review Source:The setting is friendly, well located, with quality service. Â The food is outstanding. Â It is like eating at Grandma's! Â My toddler LOVES the food. Â I never get the buffet because a regular dinner has such good portions, that it is lunch AND dinner the next day for me. Â I go for an early breakfast or an early dinner since I have a small child. Â And, it is great for us.
Review Source:Very disappointing food. Have been to many basic diners, this was one of the worst. Mediocre selection & menu --if you are trying to avoid heart attack food. Skip if you are vegetarian. Â Pancakes tasted like frozen 'cakes, OJ tasted like bad canned juice. Waitress tried but lacked class. Cheap seating & decor. (Owners: don't be so cheap. Make the room decent looking.. ) Was expecting a lot, & very underwhelmed. Will never return.
Review Source:Awesome food every item I had was incredibly good . Had buffet  . Could not eat all my food had three trips to the buffet. Will make this spot a regular. Service was awesome too. The best soul food I ever had. What made this buffet even better is that the food was served by people behind the buffet so people are not picking all the food apart .
Review Source:I had hoped for more after reading the reviews, but was fairly disappointed. The problem, I think, was the time we arrived. We got there around 11:15 am and it was an in between time so we could not order from the menu. We had the buffet and it wasn't bad, just not fantastic. The reddish sausages were great, only chicken wings were offered for fried chicken, but it was tasty also. The catfish was OK and my daughter loved the mac and cheese.
Review Source:Wow the food and service rocks!
Stopped in on Sunday breakfast. We all had the brunch but this was Eyes bigger than Stomach moment. Â The breakfast portions are so large that it was overkill to do the brunch.
You get to have eggs your way. Â Scrambled, over whatever, and huge omelettes.
The catfish is outstanding- nice cornmeal batter and really crispy with incredible flavor. Â The wings also were big and crisp. Â They had a slightly spicy smoked sausage that was a killer.
Their grits were silky and creamy. Â My wife had to have two servings. Â Their biscuits were flaky with a nice crunch outside.
The only thing I would nix is the gravy that lacked any sort of flavor. Â I guess they ran out of drippings and seasoning.
And the service was world class. Anytime I was looking for a non-diet friendly meal this would be on the top of my list.
I felt the need to update my review, I'm still somewhat regular here, I still like the food and the service. But I had to knock this place down two stars because as I've gotten to know the place from my frequent visits I've found the owner to be a bit of a moron, here's why:
The guy banned white T-shirts. You might say, "yeah I could see why, the whole thug thing", but he's banned them from everyone! Males, females, old, young, babies,etc... Â Im a 39 year old professional, my sister is 6 years younger, and we're both regulars, but she was told she had to put a different shirt on simply because her shirt was white. Meanwhile a guy with a fairly unkempt blue T shirt was chowing down.
No. 2, I called one day to ask what was on the lunch buffet, which started in about an hour. This same guy tells me, "we don't reveal whats on our buffet because it changes all the time". What type of crap is that? The guy wouldn't tell me what food they were serving. He said I was welcome to come down and take a look at what they had. How insane is that? Isn't this precisely why they invented phones?
I still like the food, and I love the service, and the servers, but this owner is straight up out of his mind. And I'm thinking of leaving this place behind.
Great food, and not just the soul food but the burger is amazing too. Â The buffet trays are small so this guarantees fresh food coming from the kitchen. Â One suggestion is for them to put labels for all the food in the buffet line. Â As they put covers on the food all the time other than when they are scooping you the food, it's impossible to tell what is there (I appreciate their strive for sanitation though). Â True the decor is not good but the ambiance comes from the people and the love you can from the food. Â We were told by the restaurant that we can park for free at the Amber Inn which was great.
Review Source:THIS PLACE IS AMAZING!
I am always so skeptical of soul food restaurants, but this one is delicious. Â The macaroni and cheese and greens are my favorite. Â The fried and smothered chicken are also delicious.
Get the buffet! It includes desert and a drink and for $19, you can't beat it.
My friends and I came here craving for some soul and Cajun food. I wasn't expecting a buffet place, and luckily we decided not to go that route. Instead, we ordered off the menu. Here's what we ordered to share family-style:
- Cornbread was complimentary, and boy were these delicious!
- Fried Green Tomatoes to start. These were okay. I still believe that the best I've had was at Big Jones in Andersonville.
- Braised Ox Tail. These were delicious. I loved them because they reminded me a little bit of my mother's lamb stew.
- BBQ rib tips. These were okay. I thought they were a little too tough.
- Seafood platter. I thought I'd like this more, but I actually didn't. The food didn't taste fresh to me, and I suspected that they may have been sitting in the buffet line for some time.
- Jambalaya. This was what we came here for, and it was delicious.
Onto the sides...
- Collard Greens. I love these!
- Macaroni and Cheese. These were okay. I've had better.
- Cole Slaw. Again, just okay.
- Green Beans. I love these too!
- Potato Salad. These were just okay.
The service was excellent. We loved our server. She was friendly and very attentive to our group of Asians (the only ones in the restaurant!).
Not much to eat if your vegan but what I did have was DELICIOUS!!!!! They told me the vegan items were basically any of the vegetable dishes so I got Collard Greens, Red Beans and Fried Green Tomatoes. My vegetarian coworker got cornbread and pasta salad. We agreed that all of the food we had was really really good. Great customer service and really cute place!
Review Source:One Saturday morning Aaron S. and I were searching around for place to have brunch. Aaron S really wanted a buffet type place and came across this place and called them and asked if they have a brunch buffet. They said they did so we headed over. We walked in and could see people waiting, we gave our names to hostess and were given a quote of twenty minutes. It was about elven. They seemed very busy. They at least had comfy waiting benches to sit.
Aaron and I perused the menu and it mentions their famous buffets but no mention of what was on it or anything. Several items sounded really good and we contemplated if we were going to really just get the buffet.
After a while our name was called and we were shown to a table. It was a very homey vibe. White table cloths, it sorta felt like being in someones home, which really isn't a bad thing. The waitress took our drink order and asked if we were in for the buffet and we said that we were, She explained the process and let us know that we were free to go up. It was surely different. You head up to the buffet area and its behind glass. Servers are there to offer food, let you know what's there and put it on a plate for you. I kind of liked it better than an open buffet because no one can cough or sneeze on the food or put things on a plate and put it back, grab things with their grubby hands. It was a nice change of pace.
Lunch items were up it seemed. Maybe we missed brunch? Maybe whomever Aaron talked to on the phone misheard him? Who knows the food looked good regardless. First was the salad area, with lots of choices and the server made my salad to my liking. When it got busy the hostess actually let you know that if you weren't getting salad you could go around. There were two sections of hot offerings. I think I went up three times.
After we got our first rounds we found on the table some warm delicious sour doughy bread things. They were so so so good. I don't really know what they were but they were so soft and kind of chewy with an awesome sour dough bite. I wondered if we could ask for more but I kept forgetting because it was really hard getting the waitresses attention for drink re fills. She was friendly enough, but I think they were over whelmed with how packed they were. It would have been nice to see her a couple more times, and for her not to run off so quickly after asking if we needed more drinks, I would have been able to ask about the bread, but before I could say :and...she'd be walking away.
The food was super good though. They had a chicken noodle soup that was simply amazing. The stock was very well developed It had that almost gelatinous mouth feel that you know only comes from using real bones. Everything was made with the same care. You could tell it was all from scratch and that the chef really put love into the food. My favorites were the corn bread stuffing which was nice and oniony and herby, the red beans and rice, the smothered pork I am not sure at all was in that gravy but it was so flavorful. and they had some of the best fried chicken I ever had, the breading was golden brown and not too thick, it was seasoned very well, and it was so juicy.
The one and only complaint I have would be the service. I know it won't keep us from going back though, the food was too good. I want to try their country fried steak and eggs next time!
I was a little disappointed after reading the reviews about Pearl's Delicious, Sunday, Brunch...my Husband and I drove there from the NW suburbs, arriving before 1p & brunch wasn't being served if there ever was one. The food was OK but not worth the drive...We recently moved here from Michigan and had been looking for some comfort food that we enjoyed in our old city of Detroit...no such luck...don't get me wrong the food will do but not as good as the reviews indicated.
Jimi
LUUUUV!!!!!! Excellent! never lets me down. everything here is good! from the meat to the sides. Â i always go on sunday and get the buffett for $20, which is well worth it. ribs, smothered chicken, regular chicken, fried chicken, turkey necks, oxtails, meatloaf, turkey chili,pork chops, smothered pork chops. im a meat eater, so the more the variety, the better! Â service is exceptional, though its always busy. Â old school decorative feel, which is very comfortable. nothing fancy, but clean and well maintained. u gotta go!!
Review Source:Three cheers for bookmarking. Â Five cheers for Sabrina M, who wrote such an enticing review for Pearl's Place. Â On that recommendation, we finally made it there, and will now be back on a regular basis.
Boring diner decor, highlighted by great jazz era photos. Â Friendly service. Â And awesome food. Â Simple awesome. Â Everything you could want for Southern cooking. Â We went for brunch on a Sunday - not crowded. Â Delicious custom-made omelette's, great grits, freshly made chicken and waffles, good ham, good coffee, and out-of-this-world biscuits. Â I mean fabulous biscuits, perfect biscuits, homemade melt-in-your-mouth-with-flavor biscuits. Â One lady makes the Sunday morning biscuits - she should be on TV, putting Paula Dean out of business. Â They even sell biscuits to take home - wonder why?
The breakfast buffet is a great deal, but not really a buffet. Â Many of the items are made for you to your request. Â So you can sample and sample for one price. Â
Note the sign on the building: Â Free parking in the hotel parking lot around back. Â That helps, since there isn't much street parking.
Thank you Sabrina.
Best fried chicken and best fried pork I've found so far in the city. I'm not a Southerner at heart, but someone who eats fried anything as my comfort food. The right crispiness combined with the right amount of seasonings with extremely tender meat (even the breast was juicy) without being overly salty equals HEAVEN. The North side can't master fried chicken. You've got options on the South side but they can't rival this. Plus, if you get the chicken dinner, you get 4 pieces with 2 sides for $13. Now about those sides....heaven! The mac and cheese has thyme or something special in it - with a nice crust of cheese on the top. Just perfect. Actually, all of their sides are amazing. Did I mention there's cornbread on the house, with corn actually in it? Nice! Make sure you take a dessert too - giant servings for about $3.50.
This place sits right between the 1 bus and the Indiana green line, but if you're driving, you can actually park in the motel parking lot - yes, free! The place isn't trendy by any means, but it's got that family feel, like you're going to Grandma's house. I mean, the food feeds the soul, but so does the atmosphere. Plus, the service is great and everyone is down to earth and ready to help you. This place is worth the trip however you get there - get ready for happiness.
I wanted to take advantage of my extra hour of sleep by doing something with my family. I got up a began my search on yelp and found Pearls place for breakfast. Im a hard person to please so reading the reviews I was excited to find something in my neighborhood that reviewed well, Decor is old school south, prompt knowledgable wait staff and food was seasoned just right! Im a fan, this will be added to the list for breakfast spots! Fresh biscuits, nice selection of food, odd set up on the buffet, but we were pretty much 1 of 3 couples in the place, so no confusion and fast service.
Review Source:I struggle with an acceptable amount of stars to rate this place. After eating at Mac Arthur's just about every Sunday after church and eating at all of the restaurants Chicago offers, my palate and preference is a little on the seasoned, foodie, expert wanna be side.
For Father's Day, we ate here due to all of the yelp ratings. The price of the meal was hiked up and it wasn't listed as such on the menu. Hmmmm. I didn't like that "make your own price" thing they had going especially because I was the one paying. The food was OK. It wasn't fantastic and it wasn't awful. The selection was good though. The location and decor were pretty sketchy. ALL OF THE STAFF IS FRIENDLY! I also liked that the food was served to you buffet style with someone else piling it on for you (less germy).
Love it I am from GA my family is from south GA so I know a little about down south cooking. Peach cobbler, smothered liver and gizzards, fried catfish filets and tails, salmon crochet and cheese grits that's just to name a few. This is the best soul food I have had so far in the Chi. I love the atmosphere, has an old school- down south feel.
Home made biscuits as soon as you sit down = Yummy
All you can eat buffet just tell em what you want = Yummy YUMMY!!!
Drinks included = SOLD!!!!
As far as service the waiter I had was a nice guy second visit the first visit I had this really light skinned or white waitress not too nice did not ask if we wanted water, did not ask about a booster seat for my son of offer a booth since he is so small, and was not helpful with things on the menu (its not a race thing just describing so you can avoid her if you go in). Also second visits saw the manager talking to her in a corner and pointing like you got one more chance home girl or you are out. I don't know what she did but her tone with another couple was similar so she maybe on thin ice. The food is so good thought she could have slapped me and I would still give it 3 stars.
Come in early cause the place fills up quick with parties an such and get ready to eat like it's your last meal on Earth.
It's the sad truth that Chicago lacks good Soul Food options.
You got 2 choices in the Windy City: Macarthur's and Pearl's. Both of 'em is damn good. End of story.
At Pearl's they treat you like family when you walk in the door. Get the buffet, it's well worth your money. Good honest, finger-licking, home cooked food done right.
Cannot believe the reviews that gave this little raggedy place 5 stars. I'm giving 2 because the Mac n cheese was really good and so was the yams but the rest of the so-called buffet was less than one star. 1st let's start off with the waitress name Liz who had a funk attitude and rushed us to finish, gave us the check before we could even take our first bite of food " cause I don't want to forget" WTF do you mean we are the first table when you come in the front door.
2nd I thought that buffet meant serve yourself from the buffet table and eat as much as you like. Not so at Pearl's Place.
3rd no price of buffet on menu. We spent  over $40 on crap......I can go on and on but why?
Now THIS is the restaurant that Big Mama built.
"Southern style" food to me means food that tastes like my Big Mama made it. Many in Chicago promise it -- few deliver.
Pearl's Place delivers. Somebody from Ms. Biscuit needs to come take notes.
By the time you get seated at Pearl's Place, there are warm johnny cakes brought out to your table. The servers, young and older, are "honey/baby/sugar" types -- they let you know that you are right at home. No attitude, no gruff. They want you to sit back, relax and know that you're in good hands.
The food -- from the Southern style buffet to the big, country breakfasts are amazing. And the old standbys can't be beat. The last time I was there, the special was fried green tomatoes. I haven't had fried green tomatoes since the real Big Mama in my life -- Pearl's Place did her proud!
And the desserts! There's an in-house baker who makes those enormous, purr-inducing cakes and pies you could get after church back-in-the-day. Exquisite!
Our food was devoured in happy silence. The price point was so reasonable, I think we tipped 30% just on GP. From the decor complete with old records and old Chicago "Black Metropolis" pictures on the wall, to the food itself, Pearl's Place is a winner. Big Mama would be proud.
I've now gone to Pearl's Place for dinner and breakfast. Â It's fine. Â The food is good. Â For dinner I had the catfish, macaroni and cheese, and cabbage. Â The mac and cheese is pretty darn tasty. Â The cabbage was good too. Â The catfish was kind of bland. Â For breakfast I decided to give the catfish another try. Â This time it was seasoned perfectly. Â I also had eggs, pancakes, and potatoes. Â The potatoes were pretty awesome. Â Eggs are pretty difficult to mess up. Â These were fine. Â The pancakes were ok. Â
Drawbacks...Price and hours. Â I'm not sure when some of these other reviewers went to Pearl's Place, but I went based upon the prices listed on here. Â They're wrong. Â The dinner buffet is $19. Â There's just nothing on there worth the price to me. Â Don't get me wrong, I can afford $19. I simply don't think soul food should cost that much. Â The dinner entrees weren't that cheap either. Â I think the catfish dinner was about $15 or so. Â I can't think of a single soul food restaurant that costs that much...anywhere. Â For half the price I can get twice as much food at MacArthur's or the same amount of food at Mama Lou's. Â In addition, they shut the dinner buffet down at 7:00 on weekdays. Â Uhm, I work so basically I'd never be able to go to the buffet anyway.
The breakfast buffet is $15, which is also too much for a breakfast buffet. Â This place somehow is under the impression that the hotel it's attached to is the Hilton and not the Amber Inn. Â
In sum, good is good, but can't really say the price is justified.
Visited there this past weekend with the hubby. He said "I hope it is as great as before....I hope it was just not my taste buds the first time (high expectations)."
I agreed...and then said a little prayer.
Pearl's Place did not disappointed. We are now lifelong fans.
This visit: We REALLY loved the yams! They have also gotten some updates since out last visit: new covering for the front and parking directly across the street (thanks for this, the parking at the motel is not also welcoming...). My suggestion would be call before you go. Ask them when they stop selling the buffet (if you want that or looking to try all they offer) AND the time they close. I mean, in best practice, they close the buffet and kitchen 1 hour before closing time. However, this makes it a rushed experience for the guest...yet great, nonetheless.
I'm getting married soon....hubby would love to have them cater the event in Indiana. I promise I have never seen the man eat like he does at Pearls Let's hope they are down with it , too ;) Another idea: Cooking classes! Hubby said he would pay for both of us to have lessons here :)
$13 Southern food weekend buffet?
Yessssssss, please!
This isn't your typical 'Old Country Buffet' type of place...where you're worried that some child is going to "accidentally" stick his hands in the food. Â No need to worry about that here! Â The buffet is all covered, so the employees actually serve you what you want. Â Great concept! Â
My friends and I started off with a salad...figured we should eat some veggies first, right? Â The non-iceberg lettuce option and potato/pasta salad options made me happy.
After we were done with the salad, we practically ran up into line again and proceeded to ask the employees to rattle off everything that they were serving up. Â You ready? Â The list went a little something like this....
*mac and cheese, collard greens, white rice, chicken gumbo, cabbage, black beans, dirty rice, mashed potatoes, spinach, sweet potatoes, jambalaya, fried chicken, short ribs, spare ribs, rip tips, roasted chicken, fish...
I'm pretty sure I left out a bunch of items because there were honestly too many to recall. Â Food was VERY good, but my top favorites were the fried chicken, collard greens and mac and cheese. Â After two plates, I was maxed out....well, until our waitress told us dessert was also included. Â Helllllllo, banana pudding...best pudding I've ever eaten in my life. Â
It is sooooo cozy in Pearl's that I felt like I was eating at one of my relative's places. Â Service was great and there was always someone asking how we were doing! Â Think my friends and I are pondering when our return trip will be....
Banana pudding and collard greens, ftw. Â Yum! Oh, and the cornbread. How could I forget about that?!
FYI - Buffet includes a trip to the salad bar, drink and dessert. Â There's also items you can order a la carte, but the buffet seems like a great way to sample all the goodies Pearl's has to offer. Â Pearl's is located in a hotel...and parking is available right in the lot. Â Adore the convenience.
I have to agree with the reviews - the pure mention of Pearl's Place and I begin to salivate.
Was introduced to this the first week I moved to Chicago, absolutely fantastic. The wait staff are so generous and kind, the ambiance is pretty chill (you will catch the church crowd on Sunday, so plan ahead). Always a place to sit, reasonable prices, the food is DELICIOUS.
I have been here for both the breakfast and dinner brunches and they are both simply amazing. Great comfort food, cornbread that you would slap your momma for.
Only gave it four stars because sometimes the wait for the food can be kinda long, but once it arrives at your table.. drool.
Pearl's is hands down one of my fave soul food restaurants in Chicago. When I was studying for the bar, I would often eat at Pearl's because of the at-home vibe and good-ole hospitality. During the day, they offer an extensive buffet for $13.95 which is a great price when a similar spread is offered after 4pm for $20.
Sometimes I cringe at the word "buffet" because I just hate the thought of people breathing on, leaning towards or otherwise absorbing the personal space of food that will soon find it's home on my plate (and in my tummy). At Pearl's, the buffet is COVERED; and the food is SERVED by the staff. I love it.
Also, while I enjoy some staples at this gem (smothered chicken, jerk porkchops), I love that they switch up a few of the dishes from day to day; with no damage to the yum-factor. I have been to Pearl's over 75 (no really) times, and have never had a bad experience.
I should also mention that the buffet includes drink and homemade desserts. If you are not a buffet type, then you can always order from the menu. Keep in mind, however, that if this is a day trip for you, you will probably shell out the same amount of $$ for a more limited option.
Lastly, don't be discouraged that Pearl's Place is located inside of the Amber Inn. 'nuff said on that...it's worth the trip.
Enjoy!
Now I lay me down to sleep,
I pray the Lord, my soul to keep;
If I die before I wake,
I pray the Lord, Pearl's food to take!
Ribs - fall off the bone good
Cornbread - I loved, but my 11 year old guest did not
Yams - Yummy carmelized goodness
Food - Good. Period.
      (I've had better in San Antonio, but for Chicago, pretty darn good)
Atmosphere - Relaxed and laid back
It's my kind of food. Â Shoot, it's my favorite type of food. Â Most of all, it's comfort food and Pearl's does it right.
Two Germans a Jew and an Indian walk into a soul food restaurant............
No not a joke, Â just an introduction.
Pearls is a great place to walk in out of the cold, Â a warm friendly vibe in a portion of the city I want so bad to be revitalized. Â The streets are wide, Â the buildings historic, Â the history vast. Â Located next to a Motel and across from a liquor store you might think the uneasy factor may kick in, Â you would be wrong. Â The outside vibe is more of a ghost town, Â plenty of street parking, Â or you can park in the lot next door at the Motel.
There are many tempting plates, Â but save room for the pie, Â I beg you.
We started with the fried green tomatoes, Â they were indicative of many versions, Â but not their best dish. Â This may be either the neck bones or the fried chicken, Â both were as good as I have had. Â The chicken was cooked to order and was absolutely perfect, Â a young chicken that tasted like buttermilk and pepper, Â just enough salt to coat your lightly greased lips. Â The neck bones were piled high and digging in meant getting quite intimate with your meat, Â meat that peeled back and had just enough texture left to stay on your fork. Â
Another winner was the country fried steak, Â tender, Â crispy, Â peppery, Â a simple dish that fails to impress at many lesser restaurants.
Sides were excellent as well, Â cornbread dressing was on the rich side but a splash of hot sauce perked it right up, Â gravy was spot on, Â red beans were meaty and rich, Â collards were good but I prefer a bit more pot liquor with mine.
All though we were pretty stuffed, Â one of our party got the sweet tater pie and it was fantastic, Â brown sugary sweet with just a hint of spice, Â the crust was flaky, Â crispy on the edges and a perfect foil to the silky sweet potato base. Â A true blue ribbon dessert.
Next time I must get the braised ox tails, Â there is no single dish in the world to help honor my fathers memory, Â it is a bit pricey and I believe he will haunt me for eternity if he found out I spent $19 on 39th street eating ox tails, Â but I think it may be worth it.
Our wonderful server (Carmelita I hope I am remembering correctly) Â informed us of the brunch buffet, Â if it is half as good as she sold us I am betting it is amazing.
Aunt took us here for some Sunday brunch soul food! Â You can either do the buffet option for $19 (catfish, fried chicken, yams, greens, mac and cheese, and so much more) or order a la carte. Â Because it's usually not worth it for me to do the buffet, I ordered the pulled pork sandwich that comes along with a cup of chicken gumbo....yum and yum!! Â I wish I had more of the chicken gumbo because it was delicious and the pulled pork was so tasty.....every little speck of pork was bursting with flavor.
I was able to try some my aunt's fried chicken, it was quite greasy but the skin was so light, crispy, and flavorful and the meat was very tender.....definitely one of the best fried chickens I've ever had. Â My brother devoured his country fried steak, so I'm guessing it was good. Â My mom was raving about the pork that came with her breakfast dish. Â The yams looked good, but I didn't try them. Â The corn bread that is served when you're seated was great as well! Â The kind waiter also brought out some sweet buns straight out of the oven for all of us.....delicious! Â Service was attentive and friendly. Â Definitely would like to come back and try more things!
I have had mixed experiences with this place. They have changed management a few times.
When I first started going, the food was good, and the service was decent, but they would sometimes close and would not tell anyone. I would be eating and asking for dessert, then the waitress would tell me the kitchen is closed for a party. Why was I not told that sooner?
The next time I went, it was with my mom and sister. It was not very busy, but the food was lukewarm, and my sister asked the waitress to heat her food up, and she told her "I'm sorry, but I don't have time". I had NEVER experience this kind of rude service in my life. As I left the waitress had the nerve to ask why I didn't tip her. I told her," I'm sorry, but I don't have the time"
My friend came in from out of town recently and he suggested we go there. I was reluctant given my past experiences, but he insisted. So I went. This time I must admit, under the new management this place has changed. The food is so much better, the service was much better, and there were no surprise parties.
I will be back until new management takes over.................
Once you've had a Parker House sausage for breakfast at Pearl's Place, you'll have a hard time switching back to bacon! They do a great job at breakfast, it's an easy place to meet during the week. and it's 3 minutes south of downtown.
Their buffet is served all morning at a great price - less than what you'd pay for breakfast at most north side restaurants. They make your eggs to order and they also make Belgian waffles and french toast to order. The french toast is a real treat and you can get a 1/2 portion, which is nice.
I'll definitely be taking friends and family over to Pearl's!
There's a sign on the place under new management and since it was my first time there I can't say anything about how it was. However, I'm breaking my general rule about writing a review after on visit.
Why? Because of the overall service and friendliness of the staff, the hostess checked in on us during the meal as well as the waitress. They both were welcoming without hovering.
The food was tasty, although my fried chicken was just slightly overdone, but not the dried out disaster that I had the other night. You get half a chicken and two sides for ten bucks, my husband had baked catfish and that was twelve. Dinners come with two sides, get the yams that is if you like 'em.
I took home peach cobbler for desert, just too full to eat it there, but you can't do southern without peach cobbler.
When we got there for an early dinner the place had only one other table filled, shortly thereafter it did fill up. I found this unfortunate, well for me at least because I wanted to go around the room and look at all the pictures of jazz greats and other items of interest regarding Bronzeville. I had to remind myself that people were having dinner, and didn't need me standing over their table to see what was hanging on the wall.
I'll be back for the food, but I'll make sure to sit at a different table each time so I can work the room.
We stopped at Pearl's (stop #4) on the Southside Swing to pick up Pearl's famous Sweet Potato Pie.
The legend is true. It is easily the best non-Key Lime Pie that I have ever had. We really should have grabbed a whole pie when we were there.
The area is a little sketchy. The Motel attached to the restaurant caters to the hourly customers as we clearly saw. The parking lot at the BBQ spot across the street had it fair share of rabble as well.
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