Cleo's Southern Cuisine

"In 2019, Cleo’s Southern Cuisine opened in Bronzeville serving Creole and Southern food. The restaurant’s signature dish may be its chicken and waffles, which feature fried chicken breaded with a very tasty coat of seasonings. Customers will get full-sized wings with the option to get one of five sauces drizzled on top. The best is the “honey hot,” which won’t make diners sweat and allows them to enjoy the crunchy chicken underneath. All the sauces are delicious, and it would be prudent to ask for them on the side. A second location is in the West Loop at 190 N. Wells Street." - Ashok Selvam

"Named for the chef’s grandmother, Cleo’s brings a Creole flair to Bronzeville. And this Southern restaurant has some of the best chicken wings in Chicago. Order the “sauced six”—a six-piece wing dinner that comes with three incredible sauces (mango habanero, sweet red chili, and spiced bourbon), two sides, and one of their famous gold corn muffins. You can also get the wings a la carte, but trust us, you shouldn’t. We do know the muffin man, and he is hanging out at Cleo’s." - adrian kane, phaithe norman, john ringor

"You can’t go wrong with the fried chicken at this tiny Bronzeville spot, whether it’s in the form of wings, thighs, or covered in powdered sugar on a waffle bed. Each piece is flavorful from its crispy exterior, through the juicy meat, down to the bone. Plus, even though Cleo's chicken is the main star, they also have an excellent supporting cast of sides like mac and cheese, savory green beans, and sweet and savory corn muffins. " - john ringor, adrian kane

"This Southern restaurant in Bronzeville is offering two specials. “The New Classic”, which is a Creole fried turkey breast, garlic mashed potatoes, collard greens, baked mac and cheese, and one of their famous muffins. And if you prefer the chicken route, you can order “The Southern Way” - Creole baked chicken, cornbread dressing, cranberry sauce, collard greens, and (most importantly) a muffin. Visit their website to order." - adrian kane

"Classic soul food with Creole twists draws diners to Cleo’s in Bronzeville. Chef-owner Kristen Harper’s tantalizing fried chicken is the highlight of the menu and offered several ways. Get the “Sauced Six” for flavor-packed wings drenched in mango habanero, sweet red chili, and spiced bourbon sauces or go all out with the “Pon’Yard” and feast on a Belgian waffle and two boneless thighs topped with Creole-buttered lump crab. Online orders can be placed here. A second location is open in the Loop." - Eater Staff