Dawn A.M. Eatery

American restaurant · East Hyde Park

Dawn A.M. Eatery

American restaurant · East Hyde Park

5

1642 E 56th St, Chicago, IL 60637, USA

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Dawn A.M. Eatery by Dawn
Dawn A.M. Eatery by null
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Dawn A.M. Eatery by null
Dawn A.M. Eatery by null
Dawn A.M. Eatery by null
Dawn A.M. Eatery by null
Dawn A.M. Eatery by null
Dawn A.M. Eatery by null
Dawn A.M. Eatery by null
Dawn A.M. Eatery by null
Dawn A.M. Eatery by null
Dawn A.M. Eatery by null
Dawn A.M. Eatery by null
Dawn A.M. Eatery by null
Dawn A.M. Eatery by null
Dawn A.M. Eatery by null
Dawn A.M. Eatery by null
Dawn A.M. Eatery by null
Dawn A.M. Eatery by null
Dawn A.M. Eatery by null
Dawn A.M. Eatery by null
Dawn A.M. Eatery by null
Dawn A.M. Eatery by null
Dawn A.M. Eatery by null
Dawn A.M. Eatery by null
Dawn A.M. Eatery by null
Dawn A.M. Eatery by null
Dawn A.M. Eatery by null
Dawn A.M. Eatery by null
Dawn A.M. Eatery by null
Dawn A.M. Eatery by null
Dawn A.M. Eatery by null
Dawn A.M. Eatery by null
Dawn A.M. Eatery by null
Dawn A.M. Eatery by null
Dawn A.M. Eatery by null
Dawn A.M. Eatery by null
Dawn A.M. Eatery by null
Dawn A.M. Eatery by null
Dawn A.M. Eatery by null
Dawn A.M. Eatery by null

Highlights

Southern comfort food like pot roast & shrimp grits served  

Featured in The Infatuation
Featured in Eater

1642 E 56th St, Chicago, IL 60637, USA Get directions

dawnchi.com
@dawnchicago

$20–30 · Menu

Reserve

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1642 E 56th St, Chicago, IL 60637, USA Get directions

+1 773 966 6522
dawnchi.com
@dawnchicago

$20–30 · Menu

Reserve

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Last updated

Aug 15, 2025

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@infatuation

The Newest Restaurants In Chicago

"Brunch enthusiasts take note: Dawn is now open in Hyde Park. They serve classic Southern comfort food and cocktails for brunch and dinner from 8am-8pm six days a week. You can keep the party going by heading up the street to 14 Parish, a rum bar from the same owners." - john ringor, veda kilaru

https://www.theinfatuation.com/chicago/guides/new-chicago-restaurant-openings
View Postcard for Dawn A.M. Eatery
@eater

Inside Dawn, a New Hyde Park brunch destination - Eater Chicago

"A storied space in Hyde Park has welcomed a new indulgent all-day affair featuring Southern-style breakfast and brunch. Dawn opened in late January in the former home of Italian institution Piccolo Mondo. It’s the second Hyde Park venture from Chicago native Racquel Fields, owner of 14 Parish." - Naomi Waxman

https://chicago.eater.com/2024/4/12/24127449/dawn-am-eatery-all-day-southern-breakfast-brunch-hyde-park-piccolo-mondo-racquel-fields-chicago
View Postcard for Dawn A.M. Eatery
@eater

The Hottest New Restaurants in Chicago, April 2024

"Dawn, the restaurant that placed Piccolo Mondo in Hyde Park, debuted earlier this year with a focus on brunch and Southern specialties. Inside the Windermere House, the restaurant is run by Racquel Fields, the force behind 14 Parish, also in Hyde Park. Vegans will be happy to find a meatless chicken and waffles dish, as well as pancakes and waffles without dairy. Grits are celebrated here, and diners will find the dish topped with Cajun shrimp or a spicy jalapeño version with pot roast." - Ashok Selvam, Naomi Waxman

https://chicago.eater.com/maps/new-best-restaurants-in-chicago-heatmap
View Postcard for Dawn A.M. Eatery
@infatuation

Dawn - Review - Chicago - The Infatuation

"The owner of Caribbean restaurant and rum bar, 14 Parish, is opening a new restaurant a few blocks away in Hyde Park. Dawn will focus on brunch with Southern staples like fried green tomatoes and catfish and grits, but also has plans to offer an early dinner service. We haven’t been here yet, but want you to know this spot exists." - Team Infatuation

https://www.theinfatuation.com/chicago/reviews/dawn
View Postcard for Dawn A.M. Eatery
@infatuation

Chicago's 12 Most Exciting Fall Restaurant Openings

"Opening: Fall The owner of Caribbean restaurant and rum bar, 14 Parish, is opening a new restaurant a few blocks away in Hyde Park. Dawn will focus on brunch with Southern staples like fried green tomatoes and catfish and grits, but also has plans to offer an early dinner service." - veda kilaru

https://www.theinfatuation.com/chicago/guides/chicago-fall-restaurant-openings-2023
View Postcard for Dawn A.M. Eatery

Lauren Richie

Google
5 stars across the board! Periodt. If I could give 10 stars for the food I would. We sat at the bar and the bartender was attentive and friendly. Atmosphere is buzzing but in a good way. Just everyone laughing, talking, having a good time. My favorite appetizer: fried green tomatoes. I had the vegan “chicken” and waffles - very tasty. But there were so many things I wanted to try, so I guess I gotta go back!

James Gardner

Google
Dawn A.M. Eatery is a southern inspired breakfast place which happens to be the best kind of breakfast place in my humble opinion. I had the Cinnamon Roll French Toast which was delicious but it really does need the berries, I wish I would have added them. I also had the Jalapeño Grits which were rock star good. It has all the flavor of Jalapeño with none of the heat. So creamy and so delicious. Next time I’m going to get the pot roast grits because that should be a great combo. Service was lovely and super friendly. Highly recommend

Sophia Arias

Google
Dawn A.M. Eatery is an excellent restaurant that provides its customers with delicious food, a warm environment, and a wide variety of options for various dietary needs. As a vegan, it can be difficult to eat breakfast at most restaurants, since waffles, pancakes, french toast, and pastries all usually contain dairy. But at Dawn, there are plenty of vegan and gluten-free options, including the Blueberry Chik’n Waffles, which is what I decided to order on a Friday morning on my first visit to this location. My food was delicious and tasted exactly like authentic non-vegan waffles and chicken. However, the chicken could’ve been more seasoned. I found that it was quite plain, and this isn’t just exclusive to the vegan chicken. The other person I was dining with had a taste of the real fried chicken and also found it to be unseasoned. The service also could’ve been faster and more attentive. While my waitress was polite, she was slow to respond when I asked for a replacement for a drink that I accidentally spilled. But this is a pretty busy restaurant, so I understand that not everything can be instantly fast. Nonetheless, I would recommend Dawn AM to anyone looking to have a nice brunch in Chicago. Fortunately, it is in a very safe area, so I wouldn’t worry too much about crime or sketchy people nearby. I really enjoyed the overall atmosphere, and this being a Black-owned business is just the cherry on top. I am proud to support such a restaurant and definitely plan on coming back in the future! Thank you.

Courtney Davis-Holloway

Google
I wasn't super impressed with the food at Dawn. Nor the potion sizes. My husband ordered the shrimp and grits, and it was a very shallow dish with 6 somewhat small shrimp on top. It tasted good, but nothing I would make a return visit for. I ordered peach pancakes, jalapeño cheddar grits, and hashbrowns. It was a tasty meal overall but could've been better. The peach compote needed more sweetness and flavor (sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, etc). The grits had great flavor, but crunchy, raw jalapeños mixed in the grits was very unappealing to me. Roasted jalapeños would've been so much better. Last but not least, the chicken and waffle bites appetizer was a big disappointment. The chicken was so dry and stringy. Big thumbs down on that. Also be prepared to wait a hot minute or 85 if you dont have a reservation. We went on a Saturday morning and it was packed. We didnt have a reservation and our wait for a party of 2 was about an hour and 15. For me, the food wasn't worth the wait and I would not do it again. Our server was kind and helpful though, and most of the staff we encountered were also nice. Also, the decor is really nice and I loved that each table had fresh roses on it. Floral table decor always makes me happy.

Fiona Eakin

Google
Oh my lord, this place is amazing. Everything about it was great- The vibe, the music, the service and the FOOD!!! Jacob took such fabulous care of us, very welcoming, helpful and just all round awesome. The bacon flight was to die for, the biscuits were fabulous, the jalapeño grits were utterly delicious and that fried chicken was next level. Jacob assured us that everything on the menu was great, and I believe him. And good luck making it to the desert menu- I guess we’ll have to come back again! I can’t wait.

Roosevelt Holmes

Google
@Eat_this_review ig Greens had a great meaty undertone slight spice overall good Macaroni You can tell it's high quality cheeses involved. Seasoned perfectly. Slight spice also Catfish Perfect amount of breading for the size of the Fillet Subtle seasoning so the flavor actually stands out. 3 thumbs up Old fashioned their way Slightly sweet. Proper ice and ingredients. The bartenders and cooks are unmistakably well trained in their art. Well executed

Kisha Johnson-Smith

Google
Pure winner! Neighborhood Gem Alert! Attended a brunch with about 20 Sorority Sisters recently. It got off to a rocky start with miscommunication with the staff, but the owner came to every table to ask if we were ok and apologized for the miscommunication. After that, the service was good. The food was better! We sat outside on a beautiful yet humid Saturday morning but the breeze from Lake Michigan made the experience pleasant. I cannot wait to return! Everyone belonged to the “clean plate club”!

shanta dempsey

Google
I was so happy I picked out this restaurant. We both live out of town and state and wanted to try something new and different. The food was amazing and seasoned well. No need to add salt or pepper. The owner was very polite and respectful and so was our waitress. I will be coming back to try more different items off the menu

Dawn D.

Yelp
Dawn A.M. eatery was amazing. Parking was free and accomodating. I love the name "Dawn" iykyk. The way the staff was able to accommodate our group after being a bit tardy on a busy beautiful fall Sunday afternoon was appreciated. I had the devil/angel eggs and fried green tomatoes as appetizers and was full from that. They were delicious. I had the pot roast and grits for main entre and it was AAMAZING. I took most of it home to finish as leftovers te next day. Mario our server was awesome and deliberate on how he attended to our needs. The restaurant staff assisted Mario when needed. I recommend Dawn AM Eatery for your next dining experience
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Angela V.

Yelp
I was very happy to add Dawn A.M. Eatery on the list for my personal 2024 Brunch Challenge. I've seen the restaurant a few times while driving in Hyde Park for tacos, but I had no idea of the amount of southern classics that were on the menu. The restaurant is located at the base of the Windemere House apartments. Some of the interesting dishes that are at Dawn A.M. Eatery are: Chicken and Waffle and smoked salmon deviled eggs as appetizers. There's also pot roast and jalapeno grits and Georgia peach pancakes. We basically filled the table with food, including Lemon Raspberry Waffles, Blackened Catfish and a side of Jalapeño Grits with bacon, eggs, and hashbrowns. We also enjoyed a croissant and orange roll. We thoroughly enjoyed all of our food; my tastebuds were definitely doing a happy dance. While dining, one of the owners walked around and greeted guests, and asked how we were doing and if we enjoyed the meal. I thought that was a nice experience before leaving. If you're ever in the Hyde Park area, you should definitely check it out. Reservations are highly suggested.
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Semira A.

Yelp
Dawn represents a really fun eating experience. I think when it comes to breakfast food, it can be so easy to get used to the usual offerings. At Dawn, there's a playfulness in the way they explore flavor while remaining true to what we would think of as breakfast food. I ordered the Georgia Peach pancakes and they were AMAZING. The portion size is on point and in my opinion could actually feed two people. The peaches tasted fresh and were super well seasoned. The creme anglaise was perfect and of course the pancakes were light and fluffy. These are an absolute hit and I WILL be back for more. The service is also really great and attentive. Any extras we needed they were more than happy to assist. The overall decor feels like a nod to a traditional diner brought into the modern era with a nod to art deco style as well. This in my opinion lends to a really fun and funky experience.
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Jacqueline B.

Yelp
I came here on my day off, Thursday morning, with a Griffin MSI reservation in about an hour. It was sparsely populated, which was a relief to me, I heard it could be busy with spotty service. I was seated by a window and given a menu. The Halloween decorations were a nice touch. The waiter, a nice young man, answered my questions with certainty. I ordered decaf coffee, shrimp/grits, and an English muffin. I really wanted the biscuit but I had a lot of calories to consume later; also, the English muffin was a cool tribute to the 007 James Bond exhibit. Usually the beverage is served first, but I received my coffee with the food. Not too pleased, but the food itself was awesome! There were plenty of grits with the shrimp, and they were spicy but not overwhelming. If I were with someone, I would have considered pancakes or an egg dish. I heard this place offers 'High Tea'. I will read some reviews of that and see if I want to go!
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Jen S.

Yelp
I know this place often gets flack for high prices. But whatever. It's good food! Great sit down and take out service. The fried chicken is fantastic. Mac and cheese is divinity. I Actually asked for another order to go The chicken salad is ok not my favorite but solid. My husband enjoyed his giant mufaletta. We'll be back.

Chris U.

Yelp
Another great experience at Dawn! We go there several times a week and have never been disappointed in the food or the service, Mario is wonderful, attentive, thoughtful and will make sure we have the best experience as possible. Shoutout to all the bartenders, wait staff and back of the house staff, who we don't see but make the delicious food! Favorites: Blackened fish, bacon, Fresh Field Salad, grilled salmon, tarragon chicken sandwich.
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Sade J.

Yelp
Ok so I've had the chance to trying this place out a few additional times, and sorry but not sorry, updates are needed. The food is still yummy, but the service has changed drastically. I'm so sad because I just knew this would be my go to spot especially when I'm trying to show off to out of towners. But no, my great review has suddenly turned into a hmm will it be a never visit again? After my first visit I actually brought back out of towners on two separate occasions and both times, the service was HORRIBLE. What once was prompt and easily to go in for a small party and be seated has now turned into an over hour wait, with the potential of being forgotten about. Just beware, they are still ironing the kinks out, but logistically you can tell management is lacking for the "new Hyde Park hot spot." Food yummy Service sucky sucky May return in a year but kinks must be worked out.
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Jose C.

Yelp
When this place first opened up, they would accept reservations. As of recently they no longer accept reservations, first come first serve only. We decided to give this place a try and did not have a problem getting a table on a late Saturday morning. I will say, parking can definitely be a challenge. Customer service was great. Very friendly and professional. My wife ordered their Chicken & Cornbread French Toast and I ordered their Shrimp & Grits. The French toast were really good. The fried chicken was very delicious. Perfectly fried and seasoned. Best part of this dish was the spiced peach compote that it was served with. Seems like a dish that I would eat in Atlanta. My shrimp and grits were all tasty. You get 5 perfectly Cajun seasoned shrimp on top southern style grits. And chopped green onion. A very flavorful and filling dish. I can definitely see myself returning in the near future.
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Dominique H.

Yelp
The food was delicious. The catfish was seasoned well. The jalapeño grits were creamy. The hash browns were good. Our only problem was we sat outside and bee's were everywhere. We hardly could enjoy our meal due to the attack of the bee's. Next time I'll definitely sit inside. The server was friendly. He was able to manage our large party.
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Latrice A.

Yelp
This was actually my second time visiting here. The first time was on my birthday in the day of my daughter's college graduation, which we did. Brunch service was extremely slow?And I definitely had to I voice my concerns when it came to my meal, which was one of the last to come out in a large party. This visit, the service was definitely better and we got our food. In a more timely manner. Those biscuits are always a hit ten out of ten um, and the grits must get the grits.They are absolutely phenomenal!
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Cyn T.

Yelp
We absolutely loved our visit here. The decor and ambiance was very nice. We sat outside and ordered as a group. It didn't take too long for the food to start coming out. What deliciousness it was! Check out the photos! If you come here, make a reservation first or you will have to wait a while. Figure out what you want so your order can get out in right away. Our server was great and we will definitely return here again. Thank you
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Aaliyah L.

Yelp
Everything was so good. From the food, to the service, to the decor, I was definitely impressed. We tried a little bit of everything. I got the shrimp and jalapeño grits (so so good and I don't even usually like grits) I do wish they had a coffee menu, or maybe they do and they just didn't bring it to the table but I just asked the waiter about the iced coffee options & he was happy to explain. There was a full bar, but we weren't given a drink menu so I'm not sure about their cocktail options. They did mess up our to-go order but were super accommodating when we called them about it. Overall, I'd definitely come back!
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Wynetta S.

Yelp
It was my first time dining at this establishment. I decided to order the blackened catfish, jalapeño cheddar grits, and mac and cheese. I visited on a Sunday during the brunch hours, and it was quite crowded both inside and outside the restaurant. I chose to sit at the bar and ordered an iced tea with whiskey, which was very enjoyable. However, I must say that the catfish was rather bland and lacked flavor, although the grits and mac and cheese were quite good. The ambiance was nice and had a mixed crowd. The views are good as well.
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Nikhil M.

Yelp
Great all day brunch spot with lots of variety and large portions. Service was great and fast and we were seated instantly on a Sunday morning. Food was good overall, the Mac n cheese was my personal favorite. The fried chicken felt a little oily and dense but went good with the hot sauce
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Jackie R.

Yelp
Made reservations for a table of 7 for my mom's birthday. Once our party arrived, we were seated right away. The waitress was nice, offered the kids in our group coloring pages of popular cartoons, the adults wanted them too. We started with drinks and appetizers. I was a little disappointed they didn't have any champagne nor offered me any sparkling wine. Opted for white wine instead. Also, my mom ordered an apple martini; but there was some type of misunderstanding; they gave her another cocktail that was on the menu. She also substituted with a glass of wine, keeping it simple. The ambiance is bright, which I think works well for photos. A few people ordered the fried green tomatoes; they did not disappoint. Very delicious and I like whatever sauce it came with. I ordered Cajun shrimp and grits for my entree, it was Soo delicious I cleaned the bowl. Everyone enjoyed their entrees as well. I was a little disappointed we weren't offered a dessert menu, so we didn't have anything to sing happy birthday to. It seemed like the waitress was rushing to get us out to close the kitchen. All in all, my family enjoyed the food and the experience.
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Valerie M.

Yelp
This was so good. I completely missed that there is free parking in the garage across the street. It's really loud and service was a bit slow. The food was yummy.
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Jarquetta E.

Yelp
This place is really great! The food is always on point. The ambiance is perfect! The staff is nice and it's usually easy to get in and out. The wait time is not typically long, even when it looks crowded. I love the pot roast and jalapeño grits- it's my go-to. My brother liked the entree chicken and waffles. My friends and I love the fried fish plate. I didn't love the French toast, but only had it once.
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Antoine W.

Yelp
One friend wanted bottomless mimosas. The other friend wanted to support a Black-owned business. And I've had this place on my "Must Try" list for a while. So, we all won with Dawn! No reservations, but can add yourself to their wait list in advance, which I would highly recommend. We did that as we drove to the restaurant, but it was still about an hour wait on a recent summer Sunday morning. Their check-in process at the host stand could use a little more organization, as the entry area is small and gets a bit crowded. But, let's talk about the food! Everything was delicious! The cake-like biscuits are massively large! The fried green tomatoes were perfectly fried (not overly greasy), sliced with the right amount of thickness so the tomatoes were hearty. The salmon in the Niçoise salad was lightly seasoned to perfection and cooked to the perfect temperature (nothing worse than dry fish). The bottomless mimosa, at $30 per person, is a good deal, especially since you can mix and match your base: orange, cranberry, peach, mango, strawberry, etc. Busy as it was, our server was attentive and was able to make a warm connection with us. Definitely adding this place into my brunch rotation.
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Sharett K.

Yelp
My friend and I came here one weekend for brunch. They don't accept reservations for parties under 7 people, so at 2pm on a Saturday, our expected wait time was 45 minutes. We ended up only waiting about 25 minutes for a table. The restaurant is bright, open, chic, but on the smaller side. We did bottomless mimosas for $30 and started off with appetizers: I had fried green tomatoes and my friend had the chicken biscuit sandwich. Both were delicious, hot and fresh. My friend's entree was shrimp and grits and I got the Southern plate which consists of 3 pieces of fried chicken and 2 sides. Everything on the menu looks good, so it was difficult to make up my mind. I will say that I loved everything I tasted! Their biscuits are top 2 biscuits I've ever had. They are huge, fluffy, buttery and don't need anything. The food came out promptly and our waiter was so sweet! The meal was so good, I went back the next week to try more items. I ordered the pot roast and grits as well as the bacon trio and more biscuits. The pot roast was tender, flavorful and filling. I would ask for gravy on the side next time. For $18, you can skip the bacon. My serving was burned, but I can still taste the 3 flavors distinctively. It's labeled as 1/2 lb, but the strips that I received did not equal half a pound of bacon, even though the slices were thick cut.
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Nisa S.

Yelp
We stumbled upon this place after leaving the Museum of Science and Industry. We saw people eating something that looked delicious in the window, it was about lunchtime and we were hungry, so we stopped in. Super good spot! The inside is has the cutest decor and color palette with lots of pastels, bright colors, and cool/funky light fixtures. The service was really good. Everyone was nice. When we asked for suggestions our waitress definitely has helpful opinions. The menu is full of southern foods and twists on classics. We ended up ordering the smoked salmon deviled eggs, a couple drinks, the Benedict (fried green tomatoes with smoked salmon), and the cornbread French toast with fried chicken (this was super moist, the peach compote was delicious, and the chicken was juice and crisp). Everything was delicious! The portions are smaller, like any fancier restaurant. The price crawled up there quick. Over $100 for the two of us if you treat yourself to all the extras, which I would recommend.
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Nicole B.

Yelp
Listen up! Is this mic on? Haha! As a Southerner in the Midwest, this place is the closest I've ever gotten to authentic Southern food, even compared to spots in the South! Many reviews mention slow service and long waits, sometimes up to two hours, depending on the time of day. But let me tell you, I'd wait all over again...or just come after brunch hours. Once we were seated, our server Camille was fantastic. She had great recommendations for this indecisive eater (I get major FOMO with dishes haha). The fried chicken was crunchy and flavorful, served with hot sauce. The biscuit wasn't included, but I wasn't leaving without one, especially with the 6+ butters to choose from. I wanted the honey butter, but they were out. Camille hooked me up with the next best thing: cinnamon butter, and it did not disappoint. The greens tasted like they came straight from grandma's kitchen, and the yams were an excellent pairing. The drinks were delicious, and after waiting for so long, they were the perfect way to start our meal. I do wish the restaurant was a bit bigger, but it's an excellent place to bring out-of-towners and meet with friends. While there isn't a lot of room for large parties, we did see that they accommodated them. Overall, a fantastic experience!
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Jasmine N.

Yelp
Just go. The pot roast and grits were perfect in every way. Literally. This was exactly how I like my grits (creamy), the beef was wonderfully seasoned and tender. By the way, I like salt in my food. Not too much, but enough. The jalapeño flavor was there without the spice and I appreciated that because I did not want spicy grits. The space is super cute, it feels airy and fresh. The biscuit was also a hit. The fried green tomatoes were tasty, BUT the tomatoes are cut too thin. If they fix this, they would be great. The place is pretty buzzy also. Rev. Jesse Jackson was there enjoying a meal, and it appears he was a regular based the staff's mannerisms. Congratulations to the southside, another great restaurant
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Kelly P.

Yelp
Before we headed back to Indiana, we had the pleasure of enjoying Brunch at Dawn. The location is extremely nice and peaceful. Located tucked in the neighborhood in Hyde Park, Dawn is a must. We were greeted immediately upon entering. We decided because it was so nice out we would enjoy the outside patio area. The service was great and the food delicious. We started out with the Chicken and Waffle Bites. I Enjoyed the waffle with the chicken cooked in the waffle. Not a fan of chicken thighs but I still enjoyed it. We moved over to the main course of Fried Catfish, Greens and Sweet Potatoes. Everything was cooked perfectly. We also had the Jambalaya Skillet. It too was delicious. There are so many items I would like to try on the menu. We will for sure be back the next time we're in Chicago.
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Topaz M.

Yelp
Top Notch service and eats! Dawn is located in the beautiful neighborhood of Hyde Park and is surrounding by the beautiful natural scenery filled with trees, museum and rich history, Since it's at the tip of Hyde Park, parking can be hit or miss but you eventually find something even if you have to walk a few blocks; it's worth it. Visited on a Sunday with a party of 2 without reservations, and the wait time was about an hour. So if you have larger parties or don't like waiting, highly recommend making reservations in advance. Service was prompt, the wait staff is personable, and will make sure you have a good experience. The food comes out hot and fresh. Also if you love a good mimosa, they offer bottomless with an assortment of different flavors. The atmosphere has a breakfast with Tiffany's type of vibe, and the glassware and floral arrangements reflect that aesthetic as well. It has a very light, airy, and whimsical feel. Also, the pastries at the front are baked to perfection, be sure to grab one either on your way in or out.
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Money F.

Yelp
I'll be happy when restaurants focus on taste and portions more than presentation. I was disappointed with everything except the lemon lavender tea. Check my photos for everything I describe below. Green tomatoes: A SLIVER OF TOMATO. 3/$11. The tomato was non existent and breaded too heavily! We couldn't cut the tomato in half because the skin was tough. The remoulade was good but the feta didn't add anything. Total disappointment. Chicken & Cornbread French Toast: Boneless chicken thigh breaded and fried nicely with good seasoning. The "cornbread" french toast was more like plain cake and peaches on top. $19. I should've ordered regular french toast because those had BIG pieces of challah bread and toppings. This was a rip off. Clee's Rich Lad: Dry and too much egg. $17. There was more egg than meat. The aioli was thinly spread. I recommend the egg being sunny side to add some moisture and make the sandwich easier to eat. The coleslaw is flavorless but a nice portion. I don't have a review on the pancakes because I didn't try them but they were nice sized. Having your guests check in at the same counter as to go orders is chaotic especially because the waiting area is tiny and you don't know who's waiting to be seated, who's waiting to check in or who's picking up an order. There were PLENTY of seats so I expected to be seated immediately. The hostess was skipping my group of 3 to seat parties of 2 who came after us. I made my way to the stand to remind them my party was here then we were seated. Service needs major work. Our waitress took our order, brought our drinks and we never seen her again until she brought the bill. There were other staff members floating around asking if we needed anything, etc.
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Susan W.

Yelp
It seems like people had a couple bad, but singular experiences. We arrived a few minutes before our reservation and were seated promptly when our reservation time came. Our server was friendly and helpful and food came out fast and hot. I appreciated that they brought the appetizer and waited until we finished to bring our mains. The bussers were efficient and not intrusive. The food runners seemed a little cranky, but we didn't let it bother us. Our drinks were solid, but definitely Chicago priced. The shrimp and grits were recommended and delicious. Cheesy and the right texture. The jambalaya skillet was also tasty and rich. We started with the chicken and waffle appetizer and were surprised that they cook the battered fried chicken into the waffles vs on top. I'm not sure if I liked that, but the waffle portion was excellent and would make me order a waffle next time. It was pretty full and noisy, but we enjoyed the lively ambiance. We did have to shout so didn't stay exceptionally long. The space itself is gorgeous and welcoming. Free street parking in the area. We will be back.
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Andre W.

Yelp
From the folks that brought you 14 Parrish in Hyde Park comes another neighborhood gem. I always love when a new Black owned restaurant comes along. A friend of mine has been raving about this place for a couple of weeks and she loved it so much she decided to have a networking event there. I came before the event started to get a feel of the place. Very diner style joint and definitely a neighborhood spot. I got a seat at the bar since she was there working on her laptop. We started with the smoked salmon deviled eggs and fried green tomatoes. Both were very good! Washed the apps down with a mezcal based cocktail called Spell on You. It was so good, the whole joint started sipping after they saw me drink it...definitely was a hit for the event. Next I went with the Pot Roast & Jalapeno Grits....Woooooo! This is a very good dish and comes in a very nice sized portion so you may want to share and get other items as well because this one will fill you up if you eat it alone. I had some room for dessert so I went with the Mississippi Rhum Bar which is a chocolate tart covered with chocolate icing and praline pecans..pretty good! Maria and the behind the bar crew was great to me and the rest of the patrons...staff here overall is great! I loved my Dawn experience and plan to come back very soon to try some of those down home goodies on the menu.
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Vanity H.

Yelp
Check them out! They opened during restaurant week which was super BOLD but so were their flavors! Black owned establishment - as the owner's father put it "By us, for us" (he stopped by us to say hello which was a good touch.) We of course took advantage of their restaurant week menu - see picture - and it was a good deal! What I ordered: Smoked Salmon Deviled Eggs, Pot Roast + Jalapeño Cheddar Grits, Butter Roll (not pictured) - I added a photo of my friend's appetizer of the chicken in waffles. Tip: Download @inkind_hospitality App for $20 off a $60 purchase when you pay your bill on there! The owners father also told us his daughter decorated it on her own and I just LOVE the mint green color in there and that pearl chandelier is gorgeous! Nice cool tone to go with a good brunch. I want to be honest about my wait time though everything else was great. As I said, it was bold opening up during restaurant week, but hats off to them. I walked in and had a reservation and was told that I'd have to wait around 30min to be seated or my friends and I could be seated immediately at the bar since there were 3 open seats available. That sucked a little being that we had a reservation so would like to see improvement there. Otherwise great!
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Janea V.

Yelp
Visited Dawn Eatery on a slow Thursday evening (6pm) and had a pleasant evening. Dawn currently does not have reservations, and because of the time we visited we were able to get a seat right away. If you are visiting on a weekend or morning I recommend visiting early and carving out some time for a wait. Bright, airy, and open Dawn is a cute spot! We were greeted immediately by our server Brianna who was sweet, and was very knowledgeable about the menu. She kept it real with us about the menu and offered a lot of her favorites. While not her fault there were some mix ups regarding what was in stock and multiple times we got word from the kitchen that some of the things were not in stock but later they said they were? Unsure but it did not tremendously impact our visit. Dawn has an extensive menu filled with yummy all-day breakfast/brunch options. My friend and I started with (alcoholic) drinks which were tasty and also strong. They have mimosas as well as a full bar as well. For starters, we ordered the fried green tomato. These were a bit thin but were still tasty. Fried to perfection where the tomato inside was slimy which was great! The tomatoes were topped with a tasty remoulade and feta which was a tasty touch. For entrees we ordered the Chicken and Cornbread French Toast. So so yummy, you got a good portion of chicken that was fried hard with great seasoning and bold start on top of cornbread that had the taste and feel of french toast. This was topped with caramelized peach compote, a menu highlight for sure. Additionally, we had the pot roast and jalepeño grits. OMG amazing. I do think this is a bit heavy for breakfast or brunch but was perfect for our dinner experience. The creamiest grits that almost had a consistency of mashed potatoes topped with very tender pot roast and a very flavorful gravy. They did their big one with this one. Overall, our experience at Dawn was good, service was well intentioned but at times slow or misinformed. I am eager to get back!
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Mercedes B.

Yelp
Regretfully, came for a quick lunch on my birthday. Since we had a bad experience the manager decided to give us $1.80 discount. That's not a typo. The place looks cute. The food was terrible. They don't use real eggs. The catfish seemed to be reheated from yesterday and taste like grease. Maybe they think hot sauce is a seasoning to cover the bland taste.. Also, ordered sweet and savory hash browns that were neither sweet nor savory. Again, not even seasoned with a dash of salt. I asked if they had fresh juice. I was told "Yes, lemonade and tea" The only people that could possibly think this is even half decent must've grew up on sandwiches. The server said the manager gave us a discount to compensate for the bad food. It w was $1.80 off. It was so offensive I asked her to add it back. They will never see me again
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James J.

Yelp
The food was amazing and great service The salmon croquettes were outstanding The bacon flight was delicious, with hot honey being my favorite
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Passhon J.

Yelp
The best grits I've had in my entire life and I've had so great grits. The pot roast was so tender and perfectly seasoned. The bottomless mimosas were coming out so fast. The experience was so nice and pleasant. I can't wait for the next time I dine in.

Antonio L.

Yelp
Me and some family arrived around 10:30am. we didn't get seated until 12pm. very unprofessional service across the board. everyone seemed to not be on the same page. also they give you 90min to dine in (which is fine). and on top of all that, the food was very bland. I will not recommend!
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Darrick A.

Yelp
Food was great, and my server Abiohann was definitely top notch. Overall the restaurants atmosphere was extremely pleasant, very warm inside.
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Angela W.

Yelp
Omg. Best experience. The Pot Roast grits were amazing best I've had in ages. Our waiter was so attentive and very nice. The place was nicely decorated and clean. I'll definitely be back again.
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Derrick A.

Yelp
The food was scrumptious. Our waiter was very friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. Her recommendations were on point. We were seated without waiting long. Very well lit bright and colorful. The smoked Deviled Eggs were excellent. The Catfish one fried one grilled was a good recommendation. The French Toast was light and fluffy. The portions were fair. We ate we conquered we were very happy. We will be back. Excellent choices on the menu.
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NiNi F.

Yelp
The door to the restaurant is near the opening to the apt complex next door. I wish there was signage to show patrons exactly where the entrance is located. I really enjoyed this place. They do brunch all day. I sat right away because I sat at the bar. They only have a sign on the door that you can't enter. The service was fast and efficient. The bartender was Ty'asia and she is great at what she does. I enjoyed all of my food. I recommend the jalapeno grits and pot roast. It was creamy. I would've enjoyed a bit of spice with the grits, I didn't taste any. I also had a side of chicken. It was fried to perfection but missing seasoning. The hot sauce that came with helped with the flavor.
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Brittany W.

Yelp
Pros - food is SO good. The chicken and waffle bites, the GRITS. Absolutely, yes. The wait staff is very kind and patient. Our server, Mario, was excellent with our large group. He was welcoming, accommodating, and professional. He never got annoyed or flustered, really appreciative! Cons - not really suitable for large groups (10+) and a miscommunication on reservation time caused way too much confusion. The hostess was not less than accommodating unfortunately and it caused for an irritating start to the experience. The food and waiters honestly saved the experience and pulled this up on the stars for me.
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Delores M.

Yelp
Absolutely recommend this restuarant, the food is amazingly delicious. My first visit i indulged in the banana pudding pancakes and tried a spell on you without the avocado alcohol beverage and OH MY GOD..... phenomenal. The service was great everything you'll expect on a weekend. Now my second visit i indulged in the pot roast grits and CHILLE it's something to write home about, also the biscuit basket with the strawberry and pepper butter and honey butter. This visit i tried the Spell on you with the avocado puree and thanks to my waitress Kayla i'm glad i did, the drink was more magnificent.
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Eddy K.

Yelp
I will have to return for a future review of this breakfast/lunch spot in Hyde Park. I enjoyed the chicken salad on croissant and the fresh hot French fries that I ate at the bar . The counter staff at the door upon entering & leaving were warm & professional. But the loitering of the other staff at the bar was disconcerting. I arrived after the lunch rush - about 1:30. An attractive new interior the restaurant has in a historic building with a great location that I will try again in the future.
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Eileen Z.

Yelp
the best brunch i've had in a long time!!! the bacon flight is so thick and chewy (my fave was the truffle), and the deviled eggs were very creamy and perfectly paired with the fresh smoked salmon. the chicken in the waffle bites was a lot spicier than we were anticipating, but still delish!! it's always busy in here for good reason!
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Denisha B.

Yelp
It's pretty great. Came out for an impromptu visit after church on an Easter Sunday with no reservation. Bad idea. Very bad idea. You must make a reservation even if you are eating by yourself. Why? Because they do not handle walk ins very well at this establishment and are pushing everyone to do a reservation. We waited 45 minutes and while in the waiting our table was given to someone else. I was pretty frustrated because we were party of 2 people and there were tables available for us to sit. We finally got a table after the long wait and I must say the food didn't disappoint and that's why I'm giving 4 stars instead of 3. Baby, them shrimp and grits took me back to the bayou! They were hitting! I also ordered a biscuit which was yummy but I may skip next time since it comes with regular butter. Our server was absolutely lovely and made great recommendations. Service was a bit slow, especially since it wasn't that busy. I saw our server managing quite a few tables but others servers weren't. I would go back for a visit but not without a reservation.
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Scott L.

Yelp
Heard good things about this place and they met every expectation. You walk into a very nice decorated space that was open. The greeters were very friendly. Highly recommend getting the bacon flight and devil eggs. Note: Call for a reservation if it's just you and your partner. The Open Table reservation system only recognizes 7 or more people and gives you the false impression they are booked.
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Talena H.

Yelp
I decided to come here once I left yoga since I walked past it the other day. The area definitely needed another breakfast place so I'm glad this exist. I will say they only have like three items on their vegan part of their menu was just kind of disappointing, so I wish they would add more items. Maybe they will in the future... I decided not to drink, but I was sitting at the bar and I was looking at peoples drinks we made, and they looked pretty good. since I was there by myself, I got service pretty quickly. The food was good. I think the waffles was just a little too sweet for me but overall it was good and the blueberries on top of it was so good. I will say the hashbrowns cost like six dollars and it wasn't a lot for the price of it. The staff was nice. The environment was great. It was pretty loud in there cause they were super busy, but I didn't personally mind it. Everybody was there with their friends and seem to be having a good time. I do look around at other peoples food and everybody's food looks pretty good and they all seem to be enjoying it. A nice black on spot. definitely going to come back with my friends.
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Kelia H.

Yelp
I was nervous the cornbread waffle would be a gritty texture but it wasn't! Flavor was really good too. I also had the Sweet Tea mixed drink, definitely worth a try!
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Takeisha D.

Yelp
From the moment we walked in this restaurant didn't disappoint. Beautifully decorated. The food and services was top notch!!!! April our server was great. We ordered, fried green tomatoes, chocolate chip pancakes, banana pudding pancakes, and brioche French toast. EVERYTHING was so yummy. Even the drinks were delicious... lavender sweet tea came in a high top glass. I highly recommend this spot and will definitely be back!!!!
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Shaunda M.

Yelp
Our first experience at Dawn was nothing short of amazing! From check in with Q at the front desk. We had a short wait and he directed us to a beautiful area in the building that was quiet and nice decorated with beautiful seating. We received a text when our table was ready and was so impressed with the menu selections. So much so, we had no idea what to order! Our amazing waitress, Jasmine was the best! Cheerful, polite responsive AND helped us curate a sampling of all of her recommendations. We ordered the biscuits, bacon flight and split 2 entrees. I had catfish with jalepeno grits and Jasmine allowed me to order one fried filet and one blackened. Both amazing!! My hubby ordered the fried chicken and cornbread French toast. That was amazing too (fried chicken was nicely fried but could've used more seasoning). All of Jasmines recommendations were on POINT! From the atmosphere, the staff and the wonderful food, we'll definitely be back! This restaurant makes our list of must go to places when friends and family come into town!!! Breakfast or brunch at Dawn, you won't be disappointed!
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Catherine B.

Yelp
Such a bright cute restaurant with excellent food! I ordered the pot roast with jalapeño grits and enjoyed them so much. The grits were perfectly cheesy and spicy. The pot roast was nice and tender. I enjoyed the vegetables as well. Everything was nicely seasoned. I've ordered the pot roast to go too and enjoyed it just as much! Can't wait to try other dishes. Service was decent. It did take a while for the waiter to come by so we could pay. So long we wondered if we should pay at the front desk.
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Bryan J.

Yelp
This restaurant was incredibly delicious. Upon walking in, I was immediately engaged by the natural light and vibrant decor inside. But the big reason I'd recommend Dawn is for the southern food. It was outstanding. For starters, the Fried Green Tomatoes were excellent. For the entreé, the Fried Catfish was cooked and fried to perfection. It appeared like it had come straight from someone's grandmother's kitchen. I ordered the catfish with a side of Greens and Jalapeño Cheddar Grits. It was like eating the comfort of the south all in one meal. It melted my soul. To wrap it up, I tried Aunt Lou's Strawberry Crunch Cake and it also put me to sleep. It was just all so delicious, I feel like I will have dreams about it for weeks.