Grub Chicago

It looks like this place has closed down at this point, and if so I am NOT surprised. My husband and I visited sometime last year and it was a horrible dining experience. I try to support black owned and operated businesses but my experience here reinforces why it’s hard to do that. I ordered the shrimp and grits. When my dish came out, I was stunned to see FOUR pieces of tiny baby shrimp in the middle of my grits. I should add this dish was $ 23. So I’m essentially paying $ 23 for a bowl of GRITS. I complained to the waitress and she said she would talk to the manager. I asked could I speak to him because an extremely loud, rowdy party of about 10 people had also walked in and they were interrupting our dining experience. She said OK but returned and said he is unable to talk. I have NEVER been in an establishment where the manager refuses to talk to a customer. However, she did return with 4 more pieces of shrimp. Was that suppose to make me happy? In summary, the food was subpar and OVERPRICED, and the service sucked. No wonder their business TANKED! If you want to support a black business, stick with Harold’s Chicken. At least the food is good.

Restuarant is closed. Telephone is disconnected, we made a reservation through Open Table and found the placed closed.

Stopped by during their stated business hours and the place was closed. First rule of a business… Be open when you say you’re open.

So I wanted to really like and support this black owned and operated business but after today I won’t support this place and will not recommend it either. I ordered the fried green tomatoes they were terrible the batter was not seasoned I told the waiter he comes back and say the cook tasted them and said that the tomatoes were fresh I told him I didn’t say it was not fresh I said it wasn’t seasoned. They did not take it off my bill even though I only took a piece of one and sent the others back. Poor customer service they will not do well with that type of attitude not to mention the cornbread was cold with this big slice of butter sitting between it. I had to send my black eye peas back because they were cold. I won’t be back POOR CUSTOMER SERVICE

I’m sorry happy Thanksgiving to people but we just had dinner at the grub they need to burn it down I am really sorry I want to support the black man to but he doesn’t even know how to cook so sorry it is the worst soul food I ever had in my life the greens may could’ve made it with a little added touch the yams were out of the box crazy the dressing could have maybe had a little touch they did not serve our dessert they charged us $ 33 a meal with only water

Slow service and expensive mediocre food. I wanted to try it as it’s black owned but there are too many great places in Chicago to visit to be back again.

Well, after reading the discrimination artilcle on this resraurant, I thought I would try to support…
Customer service is very important to any dining experience and mine started off a little rocky followed by small avalanches. When we entered, we stood at the door where no one greeted us. They walked past us 3 times before even got a hello. We then found out the lady around the small corner had already been waiting 10 minutes.
When we were finally seated, they asked us «where we wanted to sit» (which was an indication of no definate seating pattern). That’s fine if this was the VIP section to my favorite entertainer’s concert.
We ordered right away because we looked at the menu while waiting at the door. We ordered wings ($ 9) for an appetizer, I got the lemon pepper catfish with blackeyed peas ($ 15), and he chose the shrimp and grits entrée ($ 23). Needless to say, we received our appetizers before we got water. I won’t even mention the little slivers of lemons we were given, now, I appreciate a good lemon-​wedge! When we finally got our appetizers, they were served on a serving platter, we had to ask for saucers. They were luke warm with cold sauce, I’m still not sure of the taste.
When we finally got our water, instead of pouring the water out of pitcher, they bring it out pre-​poured and if you want another, you get a new glass. Wait, did she take my straw out of the paper for me?
They then enlisted volunteer hostesses/​order takers, which makes it 5 in total, plus a manager. One host asked if our order had been taken and then turned around and said it would be 10 – 15 minutes before my order was ready, huh? Every server is serving a table, but no one is getting good service.
My dish was good, nothing out of the ordinary, I had better at my Auntie house. After he peeled the shells off his shrimp, tasted the grits and realized the tomatoes were from a can… he pushed his food away and we sought out for our first refund (which I got!).
Because of the open décor of the restaurant, we were privy to the chaos between the staff. Three patrons left during their wait to order, one guy asked for his check 3xs, and the couple next to us were contemplating their exit…
Now, I would never say «don’t go there», because this is my experience, I say once you go, trust your gut!

Well Chef I must say I’m seriously disappointed in your establishment. I also heard about your plight with your business and wanted to stand with you and support with my dollar and my word. But you and your staff let us down tremendously! A lot of your fellow black supporters including myself felt betrayed. For your service to as terrible as it was I wish you would read your reviews as a report card and adjust from those criticisms. It’s been going on for months! The same complaints! As for tonight the tables around us complained about the food being cold. And it taking up to an hour to get there food. How in the hell do you wait that long for cold food? Boggles my friggin mind!!! First off we were not acknowledged when we walked up to where should be a hostess podium but wasn’t. It was just an opening next to a table. So we’re standing over people waiting… waiting…and waiting! And did I say waiting? All while at least 10 table lay unoccupied. Only to eventually get seated to wait even longer! We left!

I have gone to Grub Chicago Restaurant, located at 1230 W. Taylor St., Chicago, IL, and found it to be clean with courteous staff and the best of natural food. Nothing comes from the can in this restaurant.
The owner, Chef Emanuel Washington, is a former professional basketball player who played in France and has been a professional chet for decades. He makes his own sauces and salad dressings.
I love the atmosphere, the music, the TV’s but especially the hospitality and the warm family atmosphere at the Grub Chicago Restaurant. So, if you are looking for some healthy but tasty soul food, this is the restaurant for you.

I took my family and met a friends family at Grub today 10÷02÷15 after he read an article about discrimination versus Chef Washington and his restaurant.
My friend and his family had been in the restaurant for 15 minutes before we arrived and joked about not even having water.
We sat with our daughter and after 15 minutes a server came to the table next to us and my friend stated «We’re next we’ve been here for 30 minutes.» The server walked to the kitchen as the cashier apologized and took our order. I tried to order the Smothered Chicken and they didn’t have it I asked for the Yella rice side and was told to pick another side in case that was out also; I chose the Catfish and so did my wife.
We still hadn’t received water or a high chair for our 18 month old daughter. The table next to us said «We give up.» and got up and left. We stayed another 35 – 40 minutes when the service me out and said they were out of catfish.
Dealing with a restless 2 restless babies and 4 hungry adults we left at this time. Sorry Chef we tried to support you, but you need better help and understanding how to run a business.
If your reviews improve I would be willing to give you another shot since I do love the concept.

I like everything except the restaurant, Except the owner, Except food that means nothing. Anyone who saw the trouble I took such and the income from his mouth just told them. They suffered and left and they said nothing, and God is in the right place, and the day he will pay for their crimes. (I was like the brother I never had and I see my life seen such a man.)
Sad But True…

This place was a total disappointment! I came with a party of five and we ordered all the appetizers on the menu and didn’t get what we ordered. We asked several times to no avail. Then there was shift change and we got a new server who was nervous and confused! Food wasn’t good at ALL! The place was totally empty so you would think the service would be good! NO The customer service was horrible! We asked to speak with the manager and he refused to talk to us! It was a BAD BAD experience! I can see why the place was empty! I give 1 star for parking!

The best thing about this place is the live music.
Grub salad: I’m not sure how you mess up a salad, but that’s exactly what happened. It was poorly dressed and the chicken in it was severely overcooked.
Meatloaf: We didn’t care for the gravy or the «Salisbury steak» flavor of the meatloaf. We also thought the greens may have been from a can since they had that metal/​iron aftertaste.
Shrimp & Grits: After sending back the meatloaf, we got an order of shrimp and grits. The cheese grits were super thick and tasted more like mac and cheese than grits. The shrimp were under-​seasoned and overcooked. That seems to be a running theme.
Peach cobbler: we decided to give dessert a try since reviewers on Unilocal suggested that it was the best in town. First, I was confused as to why it was served on a plate instead of in a bowl. I ate it because I was hungry — not necessarily because it was good.
Although we informed the manager and 2 servers that we were not pleased with the food, nothing was done about the bill. No one seemed to really be concerned about our disappointing meal. Needless to say, we won’t be repeat customers.

My mom made reservations to dine here for my birthday at 11:00 today, Saturday ³⁄₂₁. To our surprise the door was locked, lights were off, tables set but not one employee in visible sight. I had been waiting to dine here since they opened, but we decided to go to a neighboring restaurant instead. When we returned to our car 2 hours later, they were still closed.
I’m not sure if they are closed for business, however I think the courtesy of updating their Opentable account would have helped OR just having correct business hours posted.
It’s very upsetting because my mother drove from North Chicago to treat me to brunch and couldn’t. I heard horror stories from people I know but this is beyond crazy to me.

Three of my friends and I went on a Friday evening before going to a function. Firstly the doors were late being opened the waiter was still in her coat and just waved that we could seat anywhere because we were the first customers of the evening. I noticed that the floor was dirty and had used napkins on the floor under the table we choose by the window. We were given the menus and we ordered, five minutes later the waiter came back and told us that she gave us the wrong menus she had given us the menus for lunch and she had to give us menus for dinner because the food cost more. The menus for dinner also had different selections and once we had ordered we had a taste for our previous sections. I myself ordered the peach cobbler and requested a lunch item for carryout after the conclusion of the meal. My Co diners were bought their meals at the same time. But because they were cold in the middle they we sent back to the kitchen. The three meals were bought back separately hot. My peach cobbler was very tasty.
Then another staff came to the table and informed me I had ordered a lunch for carry out which she stated I was unable to get because it was dinner time she explained the error on the menus. after all the confusion I said forget about it I just won’t take a meal home she apologized and went back to the kitchen. After which we heard a gentleman chastising the ladies for the areas of their errors. The verbiage made the meal unpleasant because we heard fussing in the background. The manager later came to the table told me that he would give me my order for carry out for free and he did. the food was tasty but the service was poor staff need training an atmosphere for dining should be pleasant not combative I probably won’t go back.

Really enjoyed my experience here.
Chef Emmanuel is a great guy and went out of his way to be hospitable to me and my friends
Really good food and nice staff and really good looking place. Give this place a shot!

I’ve never been treated worse in any establishment in my life. I’ve lived in Chicago throughout my youth, traveled internationally and across the United States and I’ve never had such a worse experience. Let’s start right from the start.
I walk in with my family (cousin, aunt and uncle) for a nice Sunday Brunch at a new Chicago restaurant. There are about 2 tables occupied at this time. We order waters and coffees around. We open our place settings, no spoons to stir our coffees. Okay, no we are not ready to order but, yes we already needed service.
I order the Crab Cakes, my aunt, the Egg Purgatory, my cousin, the Blackened Catfish, and my uncle the Biscuits in Gravy. We also ordered a Double Crunch Chicken & Waffle. Now let’s just go meal by meal.
We then had another round of coffees to which I said to our waitress, can we have another of ‘everything” (meaning more creamers and sugar) as well. When she came back, it was just sugars. She created more work like that for herself multiple times. Not grabbing our saucers/​small plates to clear for our entrees. Never once refilling our waters again. She was not too knowledgable of the menu either. I honestly believe this was for fault of her own but because she was not trained and no prior experience. She was absolutely in between a rock and a hard place. Now back to the food.
The Double Crunch Chicken & Wafflle come out first which was nice, since that was for the table. But how can you call something double crunch if there is no crunch to begin with? I’ve experienced better chicken at not only other establishments across the U.S. but also at family gathering and my very own kitchen. Secondly, the waffles were EGGOS! These were not and a repeat NOT homemade square deliciously buttery HOT and fluffy waffles. These were like I said, warm at best Eggo from the toaster 5 minutes ago then slabed with butter, waffles.
My Uncle and I then receive our meal. Our plates were never cleared, waters nor other beverages checked.
My meal: Crab Cakes– Two medicore seasoned, non-​flaky crab cakes with an side sauce of «Comeback Sauce» which was over mayo serving of what could have been Hollindaise sauce and a handful of side ‘mixed greens’ that had NOTHING on them. It could have been a mini side salad. But come on, I’m not just gonna eat bare foliage dude. Nothing was garnished nor given a lemon wedge.
My Uncle again ordered the Biscuits and Gravy. They were not in gravy at all. They were soaking up what looked to be Bisquick (Pillsburgy is even better) biscuits with nothing special, no butter and a brown/​black oil and ‘spice’ mixture. I’ve never seen Southern Style food not with white creamy, rich gravy. Even KFC does gravy with actually gravy. This also came on the side with 2 skinny pieces of bacon.
We waited about 15 minutes to honor us eating as a family and once the warmed Eggo waffles and mildly seasoned chicken was done, everyone agreed we should eat for the sake of our food still being room temperature.
We asked our waitress were our other food orders were and she said things were being plated and should be out soon. Did I mention my Uncle never received his side order of eggs? Aren’t eggs the first thing that can be ready in all breakfast items?
My Aunt had the Egg Purgatory which consisted of warmed sliced potatoes withy scrambled eggs on top with Sriracha on the side. It also came with 2 pieces of skinny bacon.
My cousin at this point had never received his meal and my Uncle and I had already finished eating. After asking for the second time for his food, other waiter not the chef (who presumably also was the manager) came to confess, that the Blackened Catfish was STILL FROZEN! And if he could order a tilapia instead and that could be out in 7 more minutes. Are you serious?! We had already been waiting 30 minutes and now your going to tell us that his meal still hasn’t even been prepared? Like when were you going to tell us? Our waitress could have came back right away with this new information for my cousin to order something new. They absolutely created this miscommunication and further ruined our experience.
My cousin explained to cancel his never prepared order and for us to have the check. He never ate which speaks volumes to their back of house/​front of house communication, workflow and time management. That’s a basic function of all restaurants, have the food arrive all at the same time, unless otherwise stated, such as at a tapas style place.
Finally our check came after none of our plates were cleared again, having third serving of coffee with continuing to ask our waitress to replenish our sugar and creamer. Again no additional waiter and also never asking us how our food even was. She then brings us the check with the side of eggs my Uncle had once ordered. Why would I sit here any longer to finish these eggs when I had finished my ‘meal’ 20 minutes before?
Please read part 2 for the ultimate conclusion of this hot garage stor

Loved it. Good food. Nice, clean and relaxed vibe. I’d try it again. I learned they were only three months old, but for a new establishment everything seemed to be running smoothly.
We had: double crunch chicken with Mac and cheese and yam pones, crab cakes, cheese grits and the peach cobbler. Liked everything.

Double Crunch Chicken is to die for!!! Best chicken ever! Ohhh and they have hot sauce, just ask! Lol

I happen to stop in because my foot doctor was next door so I figured since I blogged and write about many restaurants in Chicago area that I will check out the ratings of Grubs Chicago to see how good theyre food really is, it was lunch time so I ordered the double crunch which was $ 12 it was the chef s signature fried chicken with mac and cheese muffins, then I ordered a crackling corn bread for $ 2 which clearly shows on other reviews that you get two pieces of cornbread which I only receive one. now first of all the two pieces of chicken that I got seem like it was fried much much earlier than being freshly fried the moment you ordered it, well its supposed to be like that you would assumed. it was warm and cold in some parts of the chicken and the small amount of mac and cheese which was literally about 2 tablespoons full of mac and cheese, which was a very small amount of chicken and mac n cheese and im sorry, but where I came and was raised here in the south side of chicago, my family friends and great neighbors who are black will never have cooked me small amount of Soul food cooking in that huge plate Grub Chicago gave to me… if this was a real Soul food restaurant trust me you would have gotten back plate full of mac and cheese and three to four pieces of chicken the way my real black friends eat
after I tasted it you can clearly taste the the mac and cheese was microwaved and I called one of the cooks to come to my table and I asked him if the Mac n cheese was baked or microwaved, he then thought a little bit and said it came out of the oven, and i replied, dont lie to me cause i can clearly taste the microwave in this somewhat warm mac and cheese .then he said ok hold on, he went to the kitchen to speak to the other 3 chefs th as t were standing therr and came back to me and said Yes it was… and i told him i thought so. i can. smell it and taste it… why in the hell would a dead restaurant with no customers except me give me chicken that’s been cooked way before I came in and microwave mac and cheese when they have all the time in the world to cook this food fresh? It made no sense to microwave eady made food when I was the only customer in the restaurant!!! and for $ 12 to get 2 tiny pieces of chicken and a small amount of mac and cheese, to me is taking a customer for a ride and truthfully a rip off m.
then the one piece of cornbread that they gave me not 2 pieces like other. Reviewers said they got, was so dry and the waiter never brought any butter for the corn bread… another thing that Real soul food or black people will never do is have corn bread with NO butter… It’s unheard of. If I was the owner of this restaurant I would sit back look at the restaurant how nice it looks and understand that he’s selling soul food and when you sell soul food you have to understand 1.)the pricing of the sell food and 2) to the amount of money of soul food 3) and the way soul food is supposed to be cooked freshly cooked not pre cooked an hour to three hours before a customer gets there order. that’s warm or cold but never hot. think good.
First of all you’re paying for all those cooks to be there and nobody’s cooking the food you’re paying all that money for somebody is not cooking but microwaving especially when there’s no customers there for lunch time that kind of gives it away when you first walk in why there isn’t any customers in the first place now I can understand why the beautiful restaurant the owner’s awesome got a great attitude but I think he needs to stay there and cook it himself and make sure its nice and hot and fresh and get rid of those cooks the waiters and the one waitress was very nice and I could see the embarrassment in their eyes… If it wasn’t for the waiter and the waitress is in the restaurant looking so nice I wouldn’t even reach you to stars