Daley's Restaurant
American restaurant · Woodlawn ·
Homestyle classics & soul food, from waffles to pork chops
Homestyle classics & soul food, from waffles to pork chops
"Chicago’s oldest restaurant — which moved across the street in 2019 — has been part delicious soul food, part time capsule, and part gathering place for nearly half the city since 1892. At breakfast, there aren’t many places in town where one can get pork chops, catfish, chicken wings, salmon patties, grilled salt pork, and other Southern comforts alongside eggs and pancakes. Online ordering is also available." - Sam Nelson
"I learned that Daley’s roots stretch back to the Columbian Exposition and that it has occupied two buildings on the same site; the restaurant has clearly evolved over time—when Gillespie started she would simply yell customers’ orders to the cooks rather than write them down. I watched Gillespie, proudly wearing her apron, and co-owner Mike Zar chat about her career and their long presence in this South Side community." - Eater Staff
"Since 1892, Daley’s has been serving a little bit of everything in the Woodlawn neighborhood. Its constantly expanding menu features many soul food favorites like homemade peach cobbler and new favorites like chicken and waffles. With more than 132 years under its belt and a new(ish) space, you’ll taste why this diner leaves a lasting impression." - Ashok Selvam
"You can’t be in Chicago and not eat at this 131-year-old institution at least once. And even though Daley’s moved directly across the street to a much bigger space in 2019, the friendly faces, welcoming atmosphere, and great food are the same. Chicago’s oldest restaurant continues to serve the community with great diner-style dishes, as well as soul food classics - like their fried catfish meal. Coated and seasoned with a cornmeal mix, the catfish filets come with your choice of soup or salad, one side, and either two sweet corn muffins or two slices of garlic Texas toast." - phaithe norman, adrian kane
"What To Get: Daley’s Skillet, Fried Catfish Meal The Old-School Factor: Daley's moved into a bigger, more modern Woodlawn space a few years ago. But you can get a sense of their previous version from the framed photos of owners and patrons that cover walls, along with the diner and soul food recipes that haven't changed." - john ringor, veda kilaru, nick allen
