Virtue Restaurant: Southern Dining in Chicago
Chicago has become my favorite city for many reasons, but during my last visit, I came to love the hospitality more than anything, particularly when it comes to food services. I have had absolutely outstanding experiences at all of the restaurants I’ve been to, but I particularly enjoyed my time at Virtue. Located in Hyde Park, this restaurant has two Black chefs who are both James Beard winners.
I love to see it.
I also had the sweetest waiter at Virtue. You know those people that just make you feel at home? That’s the kind of experience I had with the staff.
Let’s get into what we all want to know—what did I order?
To drink, I ordered the Uncle Honey, a bourbon cocktail perfectly balanced by the sweetness of peach and honey and spiced with a hint of ginger, all coming together for a delicious and refreshing beverage.
I started with the gumbo that was equal parts warm and hearty. Being from Virginia, I sometimes visit other places that claim to make southern food and I end up saying “this ain’t that.”
Virtue gets it though.
The tender chicken and savory andouille sausage mingled with Carolina gold rice in a rich, flavorful broth was just right.
Was the meal really southern if you didn’t have cornbread? Virtue’s version did not disappoint.
It was warm, golden, and sweet—exactly how I like it. I think the cornbread could have stood alone, which is saying so much coming from me, but the honey butter on top, infused with local honey, was just melt in your mouth good and impossible to resist.
Could I have gotten the gumbo and cornbread and stopped? Probably.
But why not go all the way?
For my entree, I ordered the striped bass at the recommendation of my waiter. I typically don’t order fish at restaurants unless it’s fried, but this dish felt particularly elegant, served atop a bed of black rice, a visually striking and texturally satisfying choice. The hot sauce pickled okra added a tangy kick, while the country ham crumbs sprinkled on top added another layer of flavor. I was shocked at just how much I enjoyed this dish, and since it was recommended to me, I’m not passing the recommendation on to you.
Try it—you’ll love it.
I took my dessert back to the hotel, and unfortunately it was in my belly before I was able to snap a picture of it, but I did order the 7up Cake, which was a bit different than how I’m used to having it. The cake itself was light and flavorful with a hint of lemon that was beautifully complemented by the tartness of blueberries and the richness of crème fraîche.
Eating at black-owned restaurants whenever I travel feels particularly important to me, because it’s an experience that makes me feel at home and reminds me of my culture. We may all be in different places, but food connects us by the continuation of traditions that define Southern cooking, and I’ll always be grateful to places like Virtue for that.
