Cleo's - Chicago, Illinois

Rowshon J.

Food took a little while to be fully ready given, they were pretty busy with how many orders they were preparing. Catfish was great and the Mac and cheese was AMAZING. Ended up having leftovers due to the big proportion and had essentially two meals. Really enjoyed the candied sweet potatoes, especially with the corn bread. Also bought some of their sauces (hot honey sauce and mango habanero sauce) which were also pretty good with the catfish.

There’s very limited seating inside.

Angela W.

If you want some soul food that’s made with love and some. Yes, this is🔥🔥🔥 Good made so very fresh and delicious 🤤 I had creole crab and macaroni and cheese. It was well worth the money I would be there faithfully if I stayed in this state and area., I am so glad my son told us about you he seen Keith Lee’s video and it was on point💯 Thanks so much for making the celebration of both of my son’s day. My eldest son’s birthday and youngest graduated Navy bootcamp.🙌🏽💪🏽🫶🏽 I would recommend it for sure to anyone who wants to fall deep in love with southern food that will turn your taste buds in love.❤️❤️❤️

Miller M.

I have been excited to try Cleo’s Southern Cuisine for a long time. Finally, me and a couple of friends decided to visit on our December outing. We usually pick a restaurant to have lunch or dinner and catch up on life. First, we didn’t know until after we all agreed on Cleo’s that the location on Cottage Grove is basically pickup for carryout. The location does hv very limited seating for first come first serve, but that area is primarily used for patrons waiting on their carryout order. Once we arrived the only booth was taken by patrons waiting for food. But they cleared out after out order was placed and they heard Dined-In. I ordered the The Float & Fly-Three creole fried catfish filets paired with three fried chicken wings, a 24k muffin, choice of two sides ( I had Mac and cheese x2) and an additional side of green beans topped off with a $10 one-quart beverage called Purple Rain. Equivalent to perfectly mixed grape kool-aid.
The person who took orders on the register — service was pleasant and friendly. The food was cooked to order with a 30-40 minute wait. The small dining area was just as cold as sitting outside. Again, it’s more of a pickup and carryout location. The food was handed to the table by staff hot and ready to serve with stem coming off each container. It was tasty, however I wasn’t blown away like I expected. The sides were great! I’m not a fan of giant wings and while crispy, the gristle was tough to break the chicken in pieces— Flats and drums. I don’t care for that. The fish was tasty but has a lot of crispy breading. A friend told the herbed rice was not good. My entire meal was $50. The equivalent of a small bag of groceries to make a family meal. For carryout that’s on the expensive side. Because the dining area was so compact; we couldn’t comfortably sit and chat as we normally would. I can mark Cleo’s off my list. IMO The food is overpriced. Not to mention the small side cups of sauce is $2.23! That was it for me. About the portion of two tablespoons of sauce for such an outrageous cost.
I had the Cleo’s experience, the prices and set-up (which I’m not certain if the set-up is the same of all three locations). I can say been there, done that.

KayShonna S. C. R.

Our family recently dined at Cleo’s Southern Cuisine in Bronzeville, and it was a feast that we’ll be talking about for a long time! This spot is all about comfort food with a soulful touch, and they truly delivered.

We started with the House Cat Catfish, and let me tell you—it was everything fried catfish should be. The crisp, golden batter was seasoned to perfection, while the fish inside was tender and flaky. Next, the 6 Classic Wings were a standout, perfectly fried and coated in a sauce that hit just the right balance of sweet and savory.

The sides were where things got next level. The Mac and Cheese was creamy, cheesy, and pure comfort in a bowl. The Pineapple Sweet Yams brought the perfect sweetness to the plate, with that little tropical twist taking them over the top. And those 24k Golden Muffins? Absolutely showstopping—soft, buttery, with just the right hint of sweetness to complement the savory dishes.

For the main event, we shared the Eddie Mac Chicken Sandwich, which was a flavor-packed masterpiece. The chicken was juicy, the breading was perfectly crispy, and the sandwich was stacked high with all the toppings you could ask for. Every bite was pure joy.

The vibe at Cleo’s is warm and welcoming, with a sense of community that makes you feel right at home. This was more than just a meal; it was an experience, and we can’t wait to go back for more!

Full review will be posted on ig
@iam.shonnaaaa

Luna

I’ve always wanted to try some soul food and i’m glad had it here! I loved the food so much and definitely was so fulfilling! The seasoning was seasoningggg & the sides was so delicious and just flavorful.. the corn bread was my favorite part. For the yams it was very sweet for my liking but then yet again it was my first time so it could be exactly the point. You definitely would want to try to finish this meal in one sitting but trust this meals gets you to a point of heavenly in a food coma!

LaRia M.

Tried to go 3 other times and finally made it. My food was delicious, definitely a takeout kind of place. Cold inside during winter, small space, street parking. Ordered the “Creole fried catfish filets topped with Creole buttered colossal crab with our signature remoulade sauce, comes with two sides and a 24-Karat Gold Muffin.” Had sweet potatoes (10/10) & Mac n cheese (9/10). I have no complaints w the food , just be patient when ordering, only had one cooker when me n my family went . But worth the wait. I wish Cleo nothing but prosperity from this business I hope she expands nationally someday. Also thank you Keith Lee for the recommendation, my family gave their meals all 10s 10s 10s!! Across the boardddd 🐝

theREALreview

6/10 the service was okay, not really nice or welcoming
8/10 Mac n cheese was fye, yams was fye, cornbread was fye and the chicken was decent though a little under seasoned. I didn’t like they don’t give you any sauce for the chicken. That’s extra ! Like if the chicken was seasoned well and crispy (which it wasn’t) then I guess you wouldn’t need any sauce but you do.

Chris E.

Ordered takeout and I was not let down. All this time I ain’t know about miss Cleo 😭 I had the blacktober platter. I like everything except the muffin, it wasn’t anything wrong with it just not for me I don’t think. Everything else was solid. I’d order again for sure.