MacArthur's Restaurant

You would think it’s a church full of people waiting in line for a meal after service bc ppl from church seemed to be waiting on a very long line and ppl didn’t care to wait bc the food is home style. The line was long like 60 people ahead of us so clearly this place does food right. Staff were nice and so were the customers. Everyone today were dressed in their Sunday best (it is Sunday today 5/25/25). This is in The Austin neighborhood where there’s a mix of rehabbed homes and old homes from the late 1800s. The inside of the place could use a little updating w lights and furniture. But they have a free parking lot and plenty of street parking.

Me and my wife Ginger enjoy the amazing customer service. Not only the services are great. MacArthur’s allows you to feel like family. My experiences has always been great and, it’s been like that since I was 16 years old. Now I’m 41 married with a child. I love me some good soul food. Keep up the good work MacArthur’s….

MacArthur's Restaurant is a great spot if you're craving classic Southern comfort food. Their fried chicken, meatloaf, and collard greens really hit the spot—full of flavor and cooked just right. The portions are generous, and the prices are very reasonable for the quality of food you get. The place has a casual, cafeteria-style vibe, which makes it perfect for a relaxed meal. Service is usually quick and friendly, though it can get busy during peak hours. If you want hearty, home-style cooking in a no-frills setting, MacArthur's is definitely worth a visit.

MacArthur’s has really gone downhill. The food was served cold, and the portions were smaller than expected. While the prices were fair, there was no dressing available, and the restaurant itself is in need of renovations. On top of that, the servers were rude. Would I go back? Maybe if I happened to be in the area, but it’s definitely not a spot I’d make a special trip fo

Absolutely Scrumptious, From The Dinners To The Desserts- MacArthur's Is Always On POINT 😋 They Never Disappoint!

Line was to the back but was moving fairly quickly. With that being said, you get the slightest feeling of being rushed by the entree choice girls. Then, by the time you get to the dessert girl, you have to hear the staff talk about their nights before. The meats, sweet potatoes, and barley the greens are well seasoned and taste good. But them other sides lol you better be packing some Mrs. Dash and Slap ya mama. But you get plenty for the money and that's always a blessing.

I had a great experience at this restaurant! The service was really fast, and the food was absolutely delicious. Everything arrived quickly, fresh, and perfectly cooked. Definitely a place I’d recommend if you want a tasty meal without the wait!

Ordered at 3:21 and received food at 4:07. Multiple people checked out before me although the food was ready. Very disappointed in this establishment and experience today. I’ve come here numerous times on my lunch break and will no longer be back after today. How do you give food I ordered to someone else AFTER I ordered the items first ? Now I’m steady waiting on different sides because nothing is ready now . No apology or anything. Black ppl please do better. You lose the customers due to poor customer service. Steady ringing ppl out before me and I’ve been there 40 minutes already being patient for food you’ve given away. WOW. Just wow.

You won't find much better smothered chicken, yams and mac & cheese. It's packed after church on Sundays so get ready to wait!

You guys use to be the bomb years ago but now nope. I ordered a Beef Short rib and Meatloaf split! So I was given two short ribs and one piece of meatloaf. My sides were (double Mac /because it use to be sooo good!) An extra side of string beans and a 7up! My total came to $24 and some change. Cool! I don't care about the cost as long as it's good! My beef short ribs were tender and seasoned well (not over salty like back in the day)! My meatloaf tasted the way it did back in the day too. That Mac and cheese was flavor less! No salt or butter! The string beans were just okay! The cornbread was just okay too! My mom got the same meal but added peach cobbler...the crust was also flavorless mush! What happened guys!? You use to be sooo good! Please get it together!! Also fix your website! The pricing is way off! Those are like 2007/2008 prices!

We came here for a post-Easter Sunday observance. It was a very rainy Monday and we came to dine in. THere was plenty of space for dine in but it was cold in the room. The soda dispenser was broken so only canned soda or water was available to drink. I enjoyed the Smothered pork chops, they were moist and flavorful (not salty to me) as well as the sweet potatoes(or yams?). They seemed almost too sweet but they complemented the meat; the cabbage was good too. My party got beef ribs and black eyed peas. It reminded me of soul food Sundays as a kid at my aunt's house! The corn muffins are moist but not my favorite. Keep in mind they only have certain dishes on certain days. I would try the meatloaf next time. The banana pudding, OMG! A good mix of cream and crunch! The cookie part is not mushy like with Nilla Wafers. And I am not a fan of banana anything but this was awesome. I was not fond of the huge Styrofoam containers, even for dine in. Of course the portions are big, so giving us a take home container is practical. I hope they find something that is environmentally responsible but can contain huge amounts of oil and sauce without leaking. There is a $10 minimum charge with card, so we grabbed a chocolate cake as well. Very good but prob not made on site. The cafeteria style was refreshing, with friendly servers, but I'd probably do carryout next time, and only if I am in the area.

The last time I came here was 4 years ago, after reading other reviews, THEY ARE STILL NOT GOOD ! DISRESPECTFUL STAFF, don't know how to treat customers with respect when service, I WILL NEVER GO BACK THERE ! Spend your money elsewhere, where you will be treated with respect ! Whoever the owner is, the day will come , why you don't correct your staff to be polite to customers who is spending their money, You sure won't be getting my money !

Went here on Sat. 08/10/2024 with a guest. The women taking orders need to pipe down. She's too aggressive and should learn to greet customers without an attitude since we pay your salary. The young girl preparing the food shouldn't get upset because folks check there order before paying resulting in her ignoring you when requesting a dessert. I know you don't care but, you just lost a customer. I'll never return.

Their food is AMAZING!!!! Every time I'm on the west side I come and get some of their food my go to is fried chicken with a side of Mac and sweet potatoes but their dressing and greens are good as well. There is usually a long line on Sunday but they do good with keeping it moving. The workers are nice as well and the atmosphere is great! I definitely recommend!

Food was fried and seasoned just right!! It is cafeteria style... but that did not take away from the experience! We'll be back on the next trip out!

Good ol soul food , very well cooked portions......you'll love the hospitality here, go and check it out

Still good as ever! I came back home to visit and this was literally the first place I came to, didn't even check into my hotel lol

I was visiting a friend and she asked if I had Macarthur's and I said No. She just shoock her head at me and said get in the car we about to go. I am always down for Soul Food. The Decor is very outdated and a lot of the items that I looked up on their website was sold out by time we got there. So, if there is something you are really craving go early. I ordered the Fried Chicken, Fried Catfish, Mac & Cheese, Corn and String Beans. The food was very good. Everything was seasoned perfectly. Service was a little rocky as my friend ordered a peach cobbler the lady that was serving told the lady at the register that she had a peach cobbler and the lady never rang it up. When My friend asked about the peach cobbler, she said that we didn't ask for one. Overall food was good, decor could improve, and customer service could be better. I would give it a second chance

Soul food the way you like it. Been eating at Macarthur's every since they opened. Definitely one of my go to spots.

I grew up in Alabama and just moved to Chicago from Atlanta, so I'm familiar as hell with Southern Cuisine, but this establishment LAID ME OUT. Too hungover to make collards and black eyed peas New Year's Day (but obviously still here for any Money and Luck I could get), I told Husb we had to get our sorry selves up and go find some, even if we had to wait in line. Macarthur's, we were not ready. I took the best nap of my LIFE after this--so glad we got it to-go so I could crawl RIGHT in my bed when I was done... Black Eyed Peas: 100/10 Collards: slap your Mama Mac'n'Cheese: creamy and dreamy Fried chicken: juicy as hell--Husb was trying not to share Mashed Potatoes: garlic and love Corn bread: melt in your mouth Banana Pudding: probably the best I've ever had Thank y'all for doing the Lord's work.

Been eating here for years; I've never been disappointed. Honestly, I've pretty much ordered the exact same thing forever because why try something else when what you've already had has been so good! - fried chicken breast and smothered pork chops with greens and sweet potatoes w/ cornbread. Today, I took three guests, and we decided to eat family-style, and ordered most of the offerings! Fried chicken - 5 stars; one of the few place where a big chicken breast is always tender and juicy. I also get if smothered in the pork chop gravy which is like bacon (makes everything even better). Smothered pork chops - 5 stars BBQ ribs - 4 stars; this is a certain style of "BBQ" you often find in cafes and diners Ham hocks - 4 stars; lightly smokey, tender, juicy, sticky, slimey, gooey tendons, decadent fat, and succulent fat! Makes the perfect bite with the sweet potatoes. Greens - 5 stars; perfectly salty, hammy, and NOT overcooked! Cabbage - 5 stars; I don't like stewe or cooked cabbage; butnI really enjoyed THIS cabbage. Corn - 4 stars; it's corn Sweet potatoes- 5 stars; one of my favorites! Mac and cheese - 5 stars, can't stop eating this! Spaghetti - 2 stars (like beef-a-roni), my kids would LOVE this, but not really my style. Think high-school cafeteria spaghetti taken up a notch. Try Mac's! You won't regret it! And did I mention that the portions are huge! Sticks-to-your-ribs food.

I been to Chicago many times before but never had the opportunity to grace my presence at the legendary Macarthur's but this time I decided to go. I ordered the fried chicken, macaroni & cheese, and greens.. My family ordered smothered pork chops, greens, rice & gravy... Fish, macaroni & cheese, and greens each plate comes with cornbread. It was buffet style with many items to choose from restaurant was clean service was good the ambiance was laid back families and older people. The food didn't have flavor and not seasoned well greens very salty, I didn't get the wow factor I was expecting very disappointed.

This place is a no go! Customer service is a joke! The food is hot garbage ! I mean there is absolutely no pride taken in the prep , cooking or serving of the food this is a disgrace to soul foodies!

They was good then and still good now. All of these other soul food restaurants charging a arm and a leg and you can get the same good ol soul food here. Ain't no place like home!!! I definitely recommend!! Forget all these fancy a** soul food restaurants charging $50 for a porkchop or piece of chicken. Uh uh no not i!! I went to a few of them fancy restaurants and it was either too salty or too crowded lol Macarthurs the way to go!!

A Chicago Westside hood favorite! I hadn't been to Mac's (as us locals call it) in years! They'd "fell off" for lack of better words. But my friend always goes here for quick meals and I gave In 1 day... They're a soul food spot that orders a variety of items daily. You name it they have it. Smothered porkchops, fried chicken, baked chicken, BBQ chicken, turkey legs, hamhocks, meatloaf, beef shortribs, greens, yams, cabbage, Mac & cheese, spaghetti, cakes, pies, etc etc. You get in line and walk thru the maze to order as u look at them scoop your meal into trays, you then pay. Don't come here for friendly convo from the staff this is jailhouse cafeteria style! GET YOUR SHIT & GET OUT THE WAY LOL. They offer dine in or carry out. Prices are reasonable for this day & age. Food is good. Some days are a hit, some can be a miss. Goodluck when ya go. Lol

Good grub! We had the fried chicken and catfish. The Mac and cheese needed more love, but the green beans were off the hinges good!!!!!!

FALSE ADVERTISEMENT They advertise $6.99 plus tax baked chicken dinner with 2 sides online but when you order and get to the register to pay they charge $9.99 plus tax. All items are overcharged by at least 40% more than the online advertised prices. TERRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE My order was made wrong and when I said something to the guy about it one of the lady's came to me with an attitude saying "you didn't ask me so who did you ask for that". At that point the lady I originally had asked wasn't on the line anymore. UNPROFESSIONAL Cashier was yelling at the young man working for leaving his spot in front of all the customers. He responded that he just got back from break. (Which was true because he was smoking a cigarette in front of the restaurant when I arrived.) They then began going back and forth at each other in front of all the customers. UNORGANIZED Ran out of Mac and cheese and yams in the middle of making our two meals, so my food is ready just sitting there getting cold for 10 minutes waiting for them to bring out more food. Also the lady at the meat section continued taking orders and had at least 10 orders getting cold also waiting for max and cheese or yams. ATMOSPHERE Very older restaurant, a few updates wouldn't hurt. It was clean, but all of the seating for dine in was closed. FOOD Yams were fantastic Mac and cheese was watery and had no taste Chicken was as dry as the cornbread muffins Good portion sizes

A west side soul food staple! Sad to say they are normally Hit or Miss. Sown says it's on point others not so much. Fried chicken, fried fish, and the mac and cheese are Guaranteed fired but everything else depends on the day and hour. They have increased their pricing too so keep that in mind.

Our school had a graduation planned and a huge healthcare company was going to sponsor lunch. Unfortunately instead of supporting a Black owned business we had to go elsewhere. In the future, adopt a credit card authorization form. Do not ask for a Promissory note. This is the way business is being conducted. The ladies on the phone were rude to say the least. I'd still patronize as an individual.

I think this will be my last time my initial server was pleasant. The young lady who serves the sides. She has a very bad attitude. The cashier was nice, but what took the cake they gave me spoiled catfish. The young lady in the middle, had the nerve to get an attitude because I want to chicken, but she only wants to give me one wing and replace of my two pieces of catfish, the green beans tasted like they were just out of the can no season no potatoes, just juice and beans. The Mac could use a little tweaking, but this is my third time and the food was not satisfactory. I spent $25 and I'm throwing away a whole plate of food never again.

The Food Here Is Spectacular , as Well As The Owner And Staff Is Very Friendly And Warm !

Pretty good mac could of used more cheese overall The peach cobbler always FYE I recommend this place.

"No Soul Food For You" Ok so just a disclaimer this place isn't for the pretty little diners. Come to this place to get heavy, rich and savory helpings of everything mama used to make. 4 stars is deserved here because you come to expect a certain charismatic urban family flair. This flair adds to the character of the place. You know as well as I do family tells it like it is and so will I. Instead of my usual review I'll give you the rundown in a few tips. TIP #1 - Get Here Early (Before 6) If you come near close they may be out of the delicious dang near 44 cheese baked macaroni (-1 star). You can't be upset you showed up late and fam will tell you it just like that too. "None of mama's mac for you!" (Dead horse?) TIP #2 - Look At The Wall Staring at the wall and watching paint dry while you wait to be seated is no fun task. Thankfully, MacArthur's thought of everything. To encourage you to feel welcome and loved, a wall of political activist and civil rights leaders who have graced the down-home spot line the entrance walls. Take a look and understand you are about to partake of the same food, in the same kitchen, from the same chef who fueled the soul of equality warriors like Harold Washington and Jesse Jackson. Mmmmm the consciousness is almost as delicious as these collard greens. TIP #3 - Come Hungry for Brunch They have this crazy amazing Noah's ark breakfast deal where you get like two of everything and enough grits to drown in. Best part it's a soul food spot, so you know the breakfast is seasoned oh so well. TIP #4 - Get Enough To Share Not in the mood for breakfast? I come here for lunch a few times a month and every time I do I always buy an extra side of candied yams or baked mac to share. The scent is going to fill the office or, if you work in the sales industry, communal trough. I'm telling you people get curious about the miracle healing powers of soul food when they smell MacArthur's. Don't say I didn't warn you. SWEET BONUS TIP This place is known for their banana pudding and it runs out quickly, no matter how much they make; no really(-1 star). That being said all that "sharing is caring" stuff goes out the window. If you get your hands on this delicious puddin' keep it for yourself and stash what you don't finish in the veggie bin. Enjoy! Thanks again Chef MacArthur Alexander, you and your kitchen know how to throw down.

I frequent MacArthur's. Today I decided to bring a friend. We purchased our food. I'm Eating my food seen something black at the bottom of cornbread muffin thought it was mold looked closer and realized it was a dirty light switch stick inside my cornbread I didn't see the light switch until I consumed most of the muffin. This is a safety issue I could've swallowed the light switch. I will not return.

MacArthurs is one of my top soul food places to dine in Chicago. I would dine here often especially on Sundays after church. Now that I no longer live in Chicago each time I visit I still try to take a drive to the West side and order my smothered pork chops with the Mac and cheese, yams and collard greens. The prices are super reasonable, delicious food but long lines! Be prepared to wait, but it's so worth it!

A close friend from Chicago said I should try this place so we went. They need to update their online menu. I spent an extra $7 because their prices at the restaurant are higher than what is being advertised online. I haven't checked the law, but it seems to me that they should honor the publicly advertised prices so that people aren't sideswiped when they get to the cash register. The food was excellent so I give it 5 stars for that. The long lines and wait time take away 1 star and the bogus pricing removes a second star. The beef short rib dinner was supposed to be $11.99 according to the menu, but there was an upcharge at the register of $1.00 as well as an added 50 cents each for the 2 sides of mac and cheese and yams. (the most ordered sides) so the price is really $13.99 for the beef rib dinner. The dessert is advertised at $3.00, but i was charged $3.50 each, so again, sideswipe. so what was supposed to be a $33.00 meal ended up being $40.88 - That is a big difference. But as far as taste, I would definitely go back.

I really enjoyed it here they had really good food. If they only had sweet tea and lemonade. They have a great choice of food. You walk down the bar and tell them what you want. They had ribs, baked chicken, bbq chicken, fish, fried chicken and smothered pork chops. Lots of sides. Then you can take out or eat in.

One of Chicago's finest soul food restaurants. I've been going here since I was a kid but this past weekend, my family visited Chicago and I took my toddler there. We didn't get him a separate plate because we figured her could eat from ours. I didn't anticipate that even he was going to love it as much as he did--he literally ate half of my food! Meatloaf, sweet potatoes, mac and cheese, green beans, cornbread muffin. He loved it all (and so did I). Definitely a Chicago staple that you want to check out in your in the city (especially on the west side of Chicago).

Very good and at very reasonable prices. Had the baked chicken, seasoned very well with to healthy portion sides. Food was delicious!

Very good food! This place has been around a very long time and the good food has not changed in all this time! Not a Nancy establishment but with the wait! All good is great, fast and fresh and to the point!

Food Good always great service lacks at times professionalism and just basic courtesy I know what to expect love the food and will go back

What a delicious lunch!!!! Roast beef and potatoes with cabbage and string beans, small cobbler, and a cup of ice water. The only thing missing is a onesie and a pillow!!! I've always been fond of Mac's, and whenever I'm in the area, I'll get it in!!!!!

When we come to Chicago we make sure we make MacArthur's part of our experience, which is a good thing. But I have two questions, why did the dressing get taken off the menu and is that a temporary change?

I need to add an addendum here several years later after I stumbled upon/re-read this review and absolutely cringed at how I described the neighborhood and spoke of its people, and for that I apologize. Very tone deaf and shallow of me. You live, you learn. Meanwhile, Macarthur's is delicious (I stand by everything I said in that regard) and I can't wait to come back!

I frequented Macarthur's when I was pregnant with my son from 2010-2011. I craved the macaroni and cheese and fried chicken. I visited every other Saturday up until May 2011 and had not been back until this Saturday. I attended a funeral across the street and once I realized how close I was I had to revisit for old times sake. I ordered the mac and cheese, fried chicken and greens. The mac was just as good as I remembered it. I regretted not getting a side to go. And the fried chicken was great too. I remembered very quickly why I frequented this place. I am already planning my next visit. As far as the service, I have no complaints.

I know people like this place but....I'm sorry, I just don't know what....I just can't. I was born and raised in Georgia and my husband, Arkansas. In the south Soul Food is just food and we ate it every day. I'm not a food expert but this place just got a whole several centuries of grandma's & bigmomma's & Madea's just flopping about in their graves. We didn't survive the Middle Passage for this. This place is an insult to every woman who slaved on a plantation by day and over a pot of chittlin's by night. My husband has been here about 3 times over the years. This was my 1st time. It was a rare April snow day for Chicago and this place was still packed. I'm still concerned, however, because I have an issue with businesses who have been doing well for years but don't re-invest. The decor is from 30 years ago. It was clean but so old it didn't look clean, if you know what I mean. Even though the line was long, I quickly made it from the door to my turn in line. Now, I will say they stayed true to Black culinary form in that they were not BS'ing on portion sizes. Every plate was overflowing, just like at Bigmomma's house. The servers were friendly as well as efficient, bantering with each other and the customers. Nice vibe going on. They had on gloves and hair nets and were constantly cleaning and bringing out fresh food. I decide to order the catfish. Someone in front of me got the last so I was excited that my order was going to come from the fresh pan they were bringing out. I got a side of Yams. Hubby got the Beef Short Ribs. All looked AND smelled good. As soon as I take the 1st bite of fish I realize something is terribly wrong. Fish is flaky. This fish was soft and mushy. Bish whaaat? No ma'am. So I try eating from the middle of the fish. Mush. So I ate the yams. Hubby said the short ribs were greasy, fatty, & weird tasting but only after he had been eating them for a while(?). In the beginning he said they were fine so idk and he dk. I politely covered my food with a napkin then hubby eventually did too and we stood up to leave. The church auntie who had just sat behind us was like "wait, why y'all leaving all that food on them plates". Dang she nosy. It was her 1st time there so we told her that people really like it so she probably will too but it's just not what we were used to. Then we went home, hubby put some pork chops in the broiler and pulled out a bag of greens he picked and froze last month, fried up some hot water cornbread, and did what we do.

So good! Got the fried chicken wings and a thigh, mashed potatoes have a great seasoning. Max and cheese did not disappoint!

Best SOUL food in Chicago. The up and comers are still trying to catch up to this Chicago staple. West side best side. Can't go wrong with any chicken choices, fish is always fresh, Mac and cheese with the crispy top layer, greens always cooked to perfection. Try the peach cobbler and banana pudding. I'm drooling thinking about their food right now. You will not be disappointed! Trust me!

I don't care what no one says, macarthurs is a staple in the west side community. They have the best banana pudding that I've ever had. The pricing is amazing for all the things you get. Must try if you put west.

I don't eat this type of food very often, but my family caters from MacArthur's sometimes for family functions. They do fried chicken very well, along with their mac & cheese. I'm not a huge fan of sweet potatoes or yams, yet I do like a little sweet on my plate and theirs are good as well...candied. Their greens are always cooked well, but lack flavor. Same with the beef ribs. They don't use any sauce, yet I noticed that they are always very tender and the meat almost falls off the bone. Once I use black pepper and hot sauce to spice my plate up a bit, I enjoy it. This is a welcomed treat every few months.

I always have fantastic experiences and the food is here when I have the opportunity to make my way here. It's definitely worth the drive! I wish they would bring the dressing back! I'm glad they were able to stay open during the pandemic.

I was in line I over heard a male employee say if I see one more person not washing there hands I am out of here he was talking to girl that also work there. I started not to get my food but I was looking at the ladies that was handling my food they both had gloves on .I blame the managers they should make sure gloves and sanitize is out and being used before anyone touch anything

Let me say this! I i'm EXTREMELY picky and I'm very cautious about what restaurants I eat soul food from but baby this place is a HIT. Not only was the meat TENDER but seasoned to perfection the entire meal was fire. This restaurant for sure has my recommendation. Best referral ever

My family has loved this place for so long so I decided to give it it a try. We let them know ahead of time that a big group of us would be coming in after a funeral service and they started to run out of food at 3:30.. okay, the line was long but didn't feel like eternity. My issue comes in with the customer service again it's not what you say but how you say it many of the older women were rude especially to the children in the group as they were trying to figure out what they wanted it was annoying because they don't have me handout menu's so I can't figure out what I want until I get closer to the front the way they talk can easily start an argument. Onto the food I didn't get much the Mac & Cheese was amazing I'm craving more of that, the meatloaf was ok, the baked chicken was good the mashed potatoes I wasn't a fan, the banana pudding was good but I've had better. The bathrooms smell like strong cleaning chemicals. I definitely wouldn't come again to wait in line especially if the customer service is so poor. I'll find another spot!

I'm giving them 5 stars because I ate everything on my plate. The macaroni was delicious. The smothered pork chops were falling off the bone.

This was my first visit and the attitudes were terrible very unpleasant. The portions were on table spoon and the the wasn't good. I know covid is affecting businesses but if you want people to come back give them a reason to come back.

On nights where we can't be bothered to spend time sweating over a hot stove cooking dinner, MacArthur's is there to sell us cheap, bountiful eats to feed our weary souls. That must be why it's called soul food, you always leave the table feeling a little warmer /maybe 20lbs heavier/ after a meal. It can be very busy around suppertime, their peak hours being 5-6 with a line trickling all around the walls of the establishment, but it's worth the wait as they're constantly restocking. Even if you're far behind you'll probably get what you came for by the time it's your turn to order. Unfortunately there was a 40 minute wait for the peach cobbler tonight so I settled for a slice of red velvet cake instead. Oh, the compromises we must make. My go-to order is generally fried chicken/smothered chops/or bbq ribs with greens and mac. I wish I could opt for a third side instead of their crumbly cornbread muffins though. There's nothing fancy or innovative about their presentation or flavoring, but for styrofoam box fare it's as good as you could hope for, if not a little better. It's definitely worth it for the price to portion ratio alone.