I was happy to learn of those upscale southern soul food restaurant in Hyde Park. The restaurant is beautifully decorated and the staff was very knowledgeable of the food and menus. We started with Fried Green Tomatoes. I wasn't impressed as they were to thickly cut and lacked salt. It was recommended by our waiter that my sister and I try the the short ribs. I'm glad we did. They were tender and well seasoned and the gravy was superb. We also added the cornbread, Mac and cheese as a side and banana pudding and red velvet cake for dessert. All of our choices did not disappoint us. Delish!I give 4 stars for having to pay a non refundable 20.00+tax for a reservation for 2 (was applied to the bill) and paying a 3.5% surcharge to assist with employee insurance. Because of these extra fees unfortunately I may not return.
Finally ventured down to Hyde Park to visit Virtue which has been on my list for years.I arrived at opening at 4 pm and was able to secure a seat at the bar. Happy Hour is only available in that area. The space quickly filled in.I started with a Hyde Park Sazerac, a catfish slider, and a cup of gumbo from the HH menu. For my main, I went with the Summer Squash and Buttered Grits.Everything I had was delicious, flavourful, and fresh. The summer squash caught my interest due to the hot-sauce pickled peppers.I wish I had the stomach space to eat more of the menu. Virtue is a beautiful space and I cannot wait to come back.
While the food is, in fact, extraordinary, special kudos to the restaurant for creating an environment that encourages friendship and respect between host and guest. This dining experience is genuinely warm and friendly, as well as nourishing. An amazingly satisfying way to break bread with anyone whose company you enjoy.
We were totally blown away by the food. It is an exciting and unusual menu, so do yourself a favour and make sure you get advice from your server about what to order! We had several courses: and everything from the green tomatoes to the short ribs, to the banana pudding was delicious! Each dish was imaginative, nicely plated and tasted sensational! Definitely worth a visit.
After reading that Chef had won a major Beard Award, we decided to try. Plus, my wife and I live Southern food. The restaurant was in touch with us several times about our seating request. As soon as we walked in there was a friendly and lively vibe. Nice drink menu. We shared gumbo (they split for us in kitchen) and fried green tomatoes (with a shrimp and Romulade sauce on each . Both dishes had plenty of gusto without being overwhelming. We also shared the short rib which was plenty big for two. Had both “special”dishes: made-to-order mac&cheese and cornbread. Too full for dessert, so took banana pudding and chocolate cake home. The pudding was outstanding; rich and creamy. The cake awaits. Prices were very reasonable and the waiter couldn’t have been more friendly, helpful or efficient. They add a small surcharge (3.5%) to cover health insurance for staff. A great idea, I think. Friendly, efficient, reasonable with outstanding food=5 stars.
Went on a Sunday afternoon and the place was booked up the entire day, but luckily it was only about a 10min wait for seats at the bar. After tasting the food, I understand completely as to why they are booked and busy.The food was absolutely delicious and seasoned to perfection as well as healthy portion sizes. The star of the show was the Strawberry Bread Pudding. I would come back to this restaurant specifically for that as I will make it a point to eat here the next times I come to Chicago.
If I could give this place 6 stars I would. Allll the food was amazing and the service was on point! Highly recommend the short ribs, fried green tomatoes, gizzards, collard greens, banana pudding, and the red velvet cake. The only negative was that we had a reservation and had to wait a half an hour. But I feel like the service and food more than made up for it. Will be going here again!!
Reservation made for a Friday night. Quickly seated. Very friendly wait staff. The green tomato and gumbo starters were excellent. Entrees tasty. Cornbread is a must do. Wanted dessert but we were too stuffed. Hope to get back to try the desserts. The only knock is it's a bit loud but food and staff are excellent.
I've lived in Chicago my entire life and have had my fair share of excellent food at restaurants like Alinia and Roiser. But I have never, EVER, had the kind of experience that Virtue offers. Entering the restaurant is like going to the home of a close friend. The hostesses greeted us with a smile, ensured us that our table would be ready on time then personally escorted us to the bar for a pre-dinner cocktail. Little touches like this previewed the amazing things to come. Our server answered every question we had about each entree in detail. She clearly knew what was in each dish, down to a shellfish base in an appetizer. And she was an exceptional person on top of it all. Kind, attentive without being obtrusive, and always with.a smile in her voice. The food? Lord above there wasn't a bad choice on our entire table. Gumbo was superior to any we've had, including in New Orleans. The fried green tomatoes are topped with a shrimp remoulade and could easily be a light meal. They were crunchy on the outside and tender-crisp on the inside. Biscuits were tender, Greens and pot likker were peppery and texturally pleasing. Don't miss the decadent cornbread and mac and cheese. Both were beyond delicious. We had the short ribs, catfish, and mushroom entree and each bite was like a party on the tongue. We ended the meal with some of the best vanilla puddin' I've ever sampled. The open kitchen allowed us to see the professionalism the chefs put into every dish. The owner ran the orders with a practised pace, never loud and demeaning but always with authority and attention to detail. He stopped by our table and after asking if we enjoyed our meal, asked "did you feel comfortable in our restaurant?" Yes, Chef. Like I was dining in the home of an old friend. Michelan should take a closer look here.
This is a tough establishment to get into, and after our dinner, it is clear why. Reservations were booked out during our entire stay except for a “too late for us” time on one evening, so we opted to roll the dice for a “Blue Haired Special” at 4:30 on a Saturday. We were seated at the bar, (only option), and at that time of day, this was fine and comfortable. The food was beyond outstanding. We opted to share small plates: Gumbo, Green tomatoes, Collard greens, and Gizzards. The portions were perfect for two, and the taste was full on Southern Love. Staff was efficient, attentive, and courteous. Make plans to visit Virtue. Chef and staff are doing amazing things.