Big Jones - A Taste Of Southern Comfort In Chicago

When you are looking for a place that really knows its way around Southern cooking, particularly the flavors from New Orleans and the Carolina Lowcountry, Big Jones in Chicago comes to mind, you know. This spot has been serving up some truly memorable meals for quite some time now, offering a comforting slice of the South right here in the city, which is pretty neat. It’s a place where the food tells a story, and every bite feels like a warm welcome, honestly.

They put a real emphasis on using things that come from nearby farms, and they make sure those ingredients are grown in a way that respects the earth, so it's almost like a garden on your plate. This commitment to where the food comes from helps make every dish feel fresh and full of life, creating flavors that are both familiar and exciting, as a matter of fact.

You can drop by for a meal any day of the week, whether you are in the mood for lunch or dinner, and if it is the weekend, they even do a lovely brunch. It is a spot that seems to always be ready to welcome you, offering a chance to slow down and enjoy some really good food, just about any time you feel like it.

• Doans Bakery
• Post Ranch Inn Big Sur
• Cambria Hotel Anaheim Resort Area
• Bishop Lynch
• Factory Town Miami

Table of Contents

• What makes Big Jones a special spot for Southern food?
• The Big Jones Approach to Ingredients
• How does Big Jones bring history to the plate?
• A Look Back at the Big Jones Location
• What kind of food can you find at Big Jones?
• Big Jones Dishes and More
• What do people say about Big Jones?
• Getting Your Own Big Jones Experience

What makes Big Jones a special spot for Southern food?

Big Jones has carved out a unique place for itself by truly focusing on the heart of Southern cooking, you know, with a particular love for the tastes of New Orleans and the Carolina Lowcountry. This isn't just about making food; it is about telling a story through each plate, a story of tradition and flavor that really comes through. The people who run Big Jones put a lot of thought into how they bring these regional styles to life, making sure that every dish feels authentic and deeply satisfying, which is pretty cool.

They opened their doors back in April of 2008, and from that moment, they have been working to offer something genuinely special. It is a place that combines a real sense of welcoming kindness with cooking that feels both creative and forward-thinking, while still holding onto its Southern roots. They get their things from more than forty local farms, and they also work with people in the South who make artisan food items, so there is a real connection to the source of everything you eat there, in a way.

This dedication to where their food comes from means that when you eat at Big Jones, you are not just having a meal; you are experiencing a bit of the South, brought to your table with care. It is about the rich history of Southern kitchens, combined with a fresh look at how those flavors can be enjoyed today, making it a spot that stands out, really.

• Costco Harrisonburg
• Enloe High School
• Surf City Pier
• Rhode Island Convention Center
• Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital

The Big Jones Approach to Ingredients

One thing that truly sets Big Jones apart is how much they care about where their food comes from. They are all about using things that are local, in season, and grown without a lot of extra chemicals, which is a pretty good idea. This means that when you sit down for a meal, the ingredients are as fresh as they can possibly be, picked at just the right time, and brought right to their kitchen, so to speak.

This commitment means they work closely with many different farms, over forty of them, actually, and also with people who craft special food items in the Southern states. This network helps Big Jones make sure that everything on your plate has a good story behind it, and that it tastes exactly as it should, full of natural goodness. It is a way of cooking that respects the land and the people who work it, creating dishes that are not just tasty but also thoughtful, you know.

By focusing on these kinds of ingredients, Big Jones is able to create flavors that are really vibrant and true to the spirit of Southern cooking. It is a little bit like tasting the landscape itself, with every bite reflecting the care and quality that goes into sourcing each item. This careful approach is a big part of what makes dining there such a memorable experience, honestly.

How does Big Jones bring history to the plate?

Big Jones has a rather unique way of bringing the past to life through its food, which is pretty interesting. It is not just about making old recipes; it is about understanding the stories behind them and sharing that history with everyone who comes to eat. Chef Paul Fehribach, who is behind the kitchen at Big Jones, has spent a lot of time looking into the history of Southern cooking, and he uses what he learns to shape the menu, so to speak.

He often looks at old cookbooks and historical recipes, sometimes from as far back as the 1920s, like the one for farmhouse chicken and dumplings. This kind of deep dive into culinary history helps him tell the bigger story of Southern food, showing how it has changed over time but also how much of it has stayed the same. It is a way of honoring the traditions while still making the food feel fresh and exciting for today's diners, which is quite a balance to strike.

The whole place, from the way it looks to the dishes they serve, is designed to give you a sense of stepping back in time, but in a really comfortable and inviting way. It is about creating an experience where you can taste the heritage of the South, right there in the heart of Chicago, which is a pretty cool concept, in some respects.

A Look Back at the Big Jones Location

The building where Big Jones now stands has a bit of its own story, too. Before Big Jones opened its doors in 2008, this very spot was home to a place called Augie's. Augie's was a really well-known part of the Andersonville area for a long time, having first opened up in the mid-1950s, so it had been around for quite a while, you know.

Knowing this history adds a little something extra to the experience of eating at Big Jones. It is like the building itself has seen many meals and many conversations over the years, carrying on a tradition of being a gathering place for people in the neighborhood. This connection to the past gives Big Jones a sense of being truly rooted in the community, not just a new spot that popped up, but a continuation of something that was already there, which is rather nice.

So, when you are enjoying your meal, you can kind of feel that sense of continuity, that this place has always been about bringing people together over good food. It is a subtle thing, but it adds to the overall feeling of warmth and welcome that Big Jones tries to create, making it more than just a restaurant; it is a piece of Andersonville's story, actually.

What kind of food can you find at Big Jones?

If you are wondering what kinds of dishes Big Jones puts on its menu, you will find a really good selection that celebrates Southern cooking in many different forms. They have a variety of things to start your meal, like smaller plates that are perfect for sharing or just getting your appetite going. Then, there are sandwiches for a more casual bite, and fresh salads if you are looking for something lighter, which is good to know.

For the main event, they offer a range of entrees that are inspired by the rich traditions of Southern cuisine. And of course, no meal is complete without something sweet, so they have desserts that are just as comforting and flavorful as everything else. It is a menu that really tries to cover all the bases, making sure there is something for everyone to enjoy, you know.

You can expect to see dishes that are really well-loved classics, like their fried chicken, which is a staple, and shrimp and grits, a dish that many people adore. They also serve up gumbo, a hearty and flavorful stew, and pimiento cheese, a creamy, savory spread that is just perfect. This place feels like a cozy, laid-back spot where you can really relax and enjoy some truly good, honest food, honestly.

Big Jones Dishes and More

Beyond the well-known favorites, Big Jones also makes sure to offer a little something for everyone, which is pretty thoughtful. While they are famous for their fried chicken, their grits, and their cornbread, they also have options for people who prefer plant-based meals. This means that if you are looking for vegan choices, you will find some delicious things on the menu that fit the bill, which is a nice touch, in a way.

Their menu is filled with authentic Lowcountry dishes, many of them adapted from very old cookbooks, giving them a real sense of history and tradition. It is like they are bringing those antique flavors right into today's kitchen. For example, Chef Paul's cookbook, which is quite a treasure, contains over one hundred of Big Jones' most famous recipes that you can try making at home. This includes everything from their amazing cornbread to ice creams, pickles, and even their special andouille sausage recipe, so you can really get a feel for their cooking style.

The book also shares stories about the people and places that make Southern food so special, giving you a deeper appreciation for what you are eating. So, whether you are dining in or trying to recreate their magic at home, Big Jones offers a chance to truly experience the depth and warmth of Southern cooking, which is rather unique.

What do people say about Big Jones?

When you look at what people are saying about Big Jones, you get a clear picture of a place that many people really appreciate. Folks often share their thoughts online, and it gives you a good sense of the experience you might have there. For example, on a site like TripAdvisor, Big Jones in Chicago has received a lot of feedback, with many people giving it high marks, you know.

It has gathered a good number of unbiased reviews, and it holds a pretty solid rating out of five stars, placing it quite well among the many restaurants in Chicago. People frequently mention the charming feeling of the place and how welcoming the people who work there are, which makes a big difference in how you feel about a meal. You can read these reviews, see pictures that other diners have shared, and even place an order online, which is pretty convenient.

There are also many customer comments on other platforms, with thousands of reviews for Big Jones, often describing it as one of the best Southern food places in Chicago. These comments often talk about the good food, the pleasant setting, and the helpfulness of the staff. It is clear that many people have had really positive experiences there, finding it to be a reliable spot for comforting and tasty Southern fare, as a matter of fact.

Getting Your Own Big Jones Experience

If you are thinking about trying Big Jones for yourself, there are a few ways to go about it. You can, of course, make a reservation to sit down and enjoy a meal right there in their space. This is a great way to soak in the atmosphere, which many people describe as feeling like a classic Southern parlor, complete with older furniture and warm lights that make you feel right at home, you know.

The decor itself has older pieces and rich wooden tones, giving it a feeling that brings back good memories and really fits the food they serve. If you prefer to eat at home, or you are just passing through, you can also get your food to go or have it brought right to your door. They make it easy to order online, and you can even keep track of your order as it makes its way to you, which is pretty handy.

The address is easy to find, located on North Clark Street in Chicago, and you can look up all the business details, like how to get there and how to get in touch, through local guides. So, whether you are looking for a cozy place to dine out or a comforting meal to enjoy at home, Big Jones makes it simple to get a taste of their Southern cooking, which is rather nice.