Mitchell's Soul Food

"As you can tell from the sign out front—the one fading into light pastels—Mitchell’s is not of this century. This Prospect Heights soul food restaurant opened over 40 years ago, and it wears its age with pride. The snug dining room has a few old chandeliers and around eight or so tables where you can sit and order from a menu that’s slowly becoming de-laminated. Most items—including meatloaf, turkey wings, and ribs—are around $15 and come with two sides, as well as a block of sweet and crumbly cornbread. If you don't know which direction to head in, get some fried catfish, and pair it with the cinnamon-spiced yams. photo credit: Kate Previte Food Rundown photo credit: Kate Previte Fried Catfish One thing we really appreciate about Mitchell’s? The portion sizes. Just look at all that lightly breaded catfish. The mac and cheese on the side is perfectly moist and charming in a homecooked sort of way, and the collard greens are just slightly sweet, with very little vinegar. Fried Chicken The crust on this fried chicken is so minimal it’s barely even there. Still, it has a bit of crunch, as well as a good dusting of seasoning. A reliable, if slightly boring, choice. photo credit: Kate Previte Cornbread Along with your meal, you'll get your choice of bread. Always go for the cornbread. It's fluffy, sweet, and well done around the edges." - Bryan Kim

"When you absolutely can’t go to another place with a natural wine list and a menu designed for sharing, head to Mitchell’s on Vanderbilt Ave. Around since the 1970s, this little soul food spot feels like a time warp. Grab a table in the plain, homey room, and a big plate of crispy fried chicken or BBQ ribs with some collard greens and a pile of well-spiced yams on the side." - bryan kim, hannah albertine, nikko duren, willa moore

"Mitchell’s is our go-to spot in Prospect Heights for crispy fried chicken, mac and cheese, and juicy collard greens with just a hint of sweetness. They also serve things like fried catfish, oxtails, a bunch of sandwiches, and a large selection of cakes and pies for dessert. This small restaurant has been around since the ’70s, and the dining room has an old-school diner feel with classic black-and-white tiles and booths. If you’re not looking to spend a lot, you can get a great meal for less than $15. Just be aware that this place is cash-only." - bryan kim, neha talreja, kenny yang, will hartman, willa moore

"Unbrined and coated with a miraculously thin, crisp crust that’s mainly skin, the birds at Mitchell’s Soul Food are supremely flavorful, and they’re served with all the traditional soul food sides, plus ones like tomatoes and okra, and beans flavored with ham. The decades-old restaurant is a Prospect Heights stalwart, and it’s a miracle the place is still here. Patronize it!" - Robert Sietsema

"Mitchell’s Soul Food has persisted in Prospect Heights for 40 years even while the neighborhood has greatly changed. The brightly lit, diner-ish cafe executes much more than exemplary fried chicken, including extra-cheesy mac and cheese, piping-hot cornbread, and okra stewed with tomatoes. Cash only." - Paul Schrodt