Cleo’s Southern Cuisine is a weekday Southern-comfort-food restaurant at 190 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60606, in the Loop’s courthouse-and-theater district. Its cooking is rooted in the memory of Cleo’s grandmother and the generous, home-style recipes associated with her kitchen, drawing downtown workers and visitors for fried chicken, mac and cheese, and a hearty midday meal near Chicago’s civic center.
What to Expect at Cleo’s Southern Cuisine
This is a focused stop for the kind of Southern food built around familiar comfort rather than elaborate presentation. Fried chicken and mac and cheese are the defining order, and the restaurant’s identity centers on fresh ingredients and family-recipe cooking. Plan it as a lunch or early-afternoon destination: the kitchen operates Monday through Friday and closes at 6 PM, making it particularly convenient for Loop office workers, jury-duty visitors, and travelers exploring the nearby theaters.
Cleo’s story is personal rather than corporate. The restaurant carries forward its namesake grandmother’s culinary memory, with the menu framed around soulful, filling food made with care. The official site also offers Cleo’s merchandise and directs diners to its newer online presence, while the North Wells address places the restaurant within easy walking distance of Daley Center, Chicago Theatre, and the Chicago Riverwalk.
- Fried chicken: A signature Southern staple and the essential first order for diners seeking Cleo’s home-style specialty.
- Mac and cheese: One of the restaurant’s best-known comfort dishes, pairing naturally with fried chicken for a classic Southern plate.
- Grandmother-inspired cooking: The food honors Cleo’s grandmother through recipes and a family-kitchen approach to Southern cuisine.
- Weekday downtown lunch: Open from 11 AM to 6 PM Monday through Friday, fitting neatly into a Loop sightseeing or workday schedule.
- North Wells location: Set near the Daley Center, State Street shopping, Chicago Theatre, and the Riverwalk.
Cleo’s Southern Cuisine at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 190 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60606 |
| Neighborhood / Area | The Loop, near Daley Center and Chicago’s theater district |
| Operating Hours | Monday-Friday 11 AM-6 PM; Saturday-Sunday closed |
| Admission / Price Range | No admission; $$ restaurant price level. Current item prices are available directly from the restaurant. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 45 to 60 minutes |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Washington/Wells for Brown, Orange, Pink and Purple Line trains; Clark/Lake for Blue, Brown, Green, Orange, Pink and Purple Lines. Paid Loop garages and limited metered street parking are nearby. |
| Official Website & Phone | cleossoutherncuisine.com; (773) 575-7120 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Arrive close to the 11 AM opening if you want to eat before the downtown lunch rush, especially on weekdays when nearby offices, government buildings, and courts are active. Cleo’s closes at 6 PM and does not open on weekends, so it is not a dinner or Saturday sightseeing option. For current menu details, group-order questions, and any reservation arrangements, call ahead at (773) 575-7120 or check the official website before setting out.
Washington/Wells is the most direct elevated-train stop, about a short walk west; Clark/Lake gives wider rail connections a few blocks northeast. Drivers should expect standard Loop garage rates and scarce curb parking during business hours. The published restaurant information does not detail wheelchair entry, restroom configuration, or seating clearances, so travelers using a wheelchair or stroller should phone ahead to confirm arrangements. Pair lunch with a walk past the Picasso sculpture at Daley Plaza, a performance or marquee photo at the Chicago Theatre, or the Riverwalk, each roughly 5 to 15 minutes away on foot.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Cleo’s Southern Cuisine open, and when should I go?
Cleo’s is open Monday through Friday from 11 AM to 6 PM and is closed Saturday and Sunday. Go near opening or after the main noon rush for a more relaxed weekday meal; do not plan on a late dinner because service ends at 6 PM.
How much does it cost, and are reservations needed?
Cleo’s is a $$ restaurant, with no admission charge. Exact current menu prices and reservation policies should be confirmed directly with the restaurant, particularly for larger parties or time-sensitive downtown lunches.
How long should I budget for a meal?
Allow 45 to 60 minutes for a meal, plus extra time during the weekday lunch peak. Its location makes it easy to combine with Daley Plaza, the Chicago Theatre, or an afternoon walk to the Riverwalk.
Is Cleo’s suitable for families and guests with mobility needs?
The familiar fried chicken and mac and cheese make Cleo’s a natural choice for families who enjoy straightforward comfort food. Accessibility facilities are not listed publicly; call before arrival to discuss step-free access, table spacing, restrooms, and any stroller or wheelchair needs.
When planning your Chicago travel guide or browsing verified american restaurant in Chicago, pair this stop with standout local spots including Irving Plaza, Downtown Chicago, Bavette's Bar & Boeuf, and 312 Chicago (0.2 km away).
