A Chicago staple. The customer service is okay, but the food is always good I even took a swing at the ribs.(Stick with the chicken).
Mary Ann C.
Place rating: 5 Oak Park, IL
I have been searching for the best fried chicken in Chicago for years, and I think this is it. Lucky for me, this location is only ten minutes from my house. The chicken is double breaded and fried to perfection. I was a bit concerned about the sauce, but it was fantastic and flavorful. Even the catfish was super tasty… light and nicely seasoned. This is a no frills operation with no seats and a long line on my visit. The staff member we encountered was friendly enough. Parking was full in front, so we had to go around the block and cross over to the other side of the street. If you live nearby, you MUST check it out. If you live farther away, bring your order to Oak Park to enjoy in a nearby park. Yumm
Dilisha W.
Place rating: 4 Forest Park, IL
Lengthy wait. Definitely call ahead. The food is always fresh and warm. It can get overcrowded on weekends when larger volumes of people come to order and have to wait inside the small area for their orders. Love their mild sauce.
Rosa J.
Place rating: 4 Chicago, IL
This evening Rosa J., a.k.a., «Foodie in the Hood,» was looking for for some fast food. She didn’t do her food thang on foot like the usual manner. Instead, she had a ride with hubby’s work vehicle and heard him venting about his annoying work day. Yes, I temporarily change my title to the«Foodie in the Hood» since I was visiting«Uncle Remus» on the Chicago west side, on the southwest corner of Central and Madison. Street parking wasn’t difficult at around 1830 hour. There’s a memo posted on Uncle R.‘s front door to remind patrons NOT to park their vehicles at the lot where Lawrence’s Fish & Shrimp is. Well, most people certainly didn’t read it. The movie/mixtape seller dude stationing inside Uncle R.‘s made the PA… your car will be «toed.» As long as your get your parking situation straight like a bamboo, you will be on your way to some legit, nice, and saucy chicken and fish. There’s no seating; it’s a take-out joint. Visa and master cards are accepted with a government-issued photo identification. After a semi-long wait(approximately 20 minutes), our order was handed to us. While their hot sauce was great for the chicken, the BBQ sauce was delicious. I almost finished the entire plastic container by dipping the dinner roll with it. We ordered the 2-piece catfish combo and fish and chicken combo. For $ 17, I was SO full. By the way, each combo comes with a dinner roll and a side order of fries. The wait time could have been a bit more excruciating if there were nothing to entertain me. I saw the professionally-done promo video about the history of Uncle Remus, the local family business starting from zero to three(3) locations in Chicago. With that smooth jazz music in the background and a motivational/inspirational word between each chapter, it made the time go by rather fast. Of course, some guy came in and sold some squares. As soon as he came in and saw my white hubby, he commented«no well, fuzzy is here.» In actuality, «fuzzy» wasn’t here because I knew this Caucasian dude’s day job! Whenever I crave for frying goodness and don’t feel like fixing dinner at home, Uncle Remus will probably get my business if I’m close by, whether the«fuzzy» accompanies with me or not.
Veronica T.
Place rating: 5 Chicago, IL
One of our favorite spots for wings and catfish… mmmm going tonight. Been going here for years. Great hours. Now that we live in city easy to get to more.
Hotace A.
Place rating: 5 Chicago, IL
Eat up bring a friend you will love it!!! Best chicken and sauce in the city! Harold’s who?
Rose S.
Place rating: 3 Chicago, IL
Food was good, mild sauce ummmm I’ve had better. Told then sauce on the side and I open my bag of goodies and everything from my fried okra, fries and bread had mild sauce, chicken was good tho.
Lavette D.
Place rating: 4 Chicago, IL
I hate going to this place because of the location but nothing has ever happened while there and I must admit sometimes I get entertained by the customers. The wait time can be long. It’s usually crowed but I know why. They have the best chicken ever. So it remains one of my favorites.
Shereene M.
Place rating: 5 Chicago, IL
Fried chicken in my favorite food and literally this is the best chicken I’ve ever had. It’s that sauce! This location is carry out only which I didn’t realize so we ended up just eating it in the car which is definitely hard because your fingers will be sticky! Expect to wait a bit which I don’t mind because you know you’re getting it fresh! Also, don’t park in the parking lot because there is a sign that says you might get towed. We came on a Wednesday and they had a 6 wings deal and then we got a two piece dark in addition. It was all delicious but I preferred the two piece over the wings. This was a lot for two people and we were stuffed! Also we didn’t eat the rolls so if we could substitute that, I would next time. I’d like to check out another location that has a dining area but I feel like the reviews aren’t as good. I’d be sad if I went all the way out there and the chicken wasn’t as saucy!!! But literally, have been thinking about the next time I’m going since we finished our meal. Check it out!!!
Niecey C.
Place rating: 5 Manhattan, NY
Best chicken hands down! It is very flavorful and the sauce is the perfect compliment. If you need to reheat any left over chicken later, it remains crispy even under the sauce! Pure love. I have been told multiple times that Harold’s is better, however I disagree. Living in the medical district the closet Harold’s was on Western, and it just didn’t compare. The neighborhood can be a little sketchy, but just get your chicken and go because the food is well worth the visit. They also have really good fried okra.
Ced L.
Place rating: 4 Kansas City, MO
The chicken was GREAT! I have no complaints whatsoever with the chicken. the saucy chicken was finger licking good and tasty down to the bone. I ordered fried okra and got fries… no biggie… they have limited parking and you can’t call in your order after 3pm unless it’s over $ 35FYI
Jenna D.
Place rating: 5 Chicago, IL
Love Love Love Uncle Remus. Calling in your order first is highly recommended. The sauce is to die for! And I love the fries!
Trina K.
Place rating: 4 Chicagoland, IL
Great no frills, take out chicken. I found it searching Unilocal for a new place to try after 10pm on a weeknight. I was able to park right out front and when I walked in it was empty. This led me to question my decision to drive over. But I placed my order anyway and just as I turned to walk away from the window, I noticed a line had formed behind me. I was happy to see its popularity and happy to have been ahead of the crowd when ordering. As I waited for my ordered, I came across a poster which lists the various locations in the Chicagoland area. For anyone who lives here, you would agree that many establishments cater to certain areas or parts of the city. I found it interesting that there are both west and southside locations. After dodging a few beggars posted up at the door, I retreated to my car and made it home to dig in. The chicken was very tasty and hot. The fries were fresh and flavorful. As with all Chicago based chicken establishments, it was drenched in «sauce» which is just okay IMO. But the place is a welcomed addition to my late night bites repertoire.
Kristen M.
Place rating: 4 Chicago, IL
Delicious! I ordered a 12 pc. Wing with mild sauce. There was a perfect amount of sauce and the food was hot. I ordered and waited and prep time was about 7 to 10 min. The chicken is crisper than others I have had. Think thick crispy batter
Robby W.
Place rating: 5 Lake Barrington, IL
OMG did I love the chicken at this place! Since I moved to this area, I have searched high and low for some decent chicken and all the places out here in the suburbs, to put it mildly, have been a major disappointment. Finally I found a place that knows how to do it right! I am originally from Kansas City, and we have some pretty fantastic chicken places like Go Chicken Go, Stroud’s, RC’s and several others. I also have family down South in Georgia and Florida where places like KFC, Church’s, Popeye’s etc. can hardly operate a restaurant in many towns because all the independents with their great great grandfather’s recipe beat the shit out of them and the locals know their chicken(try Po’ Folks if you are in the St Petersburg/Tampa area). A coworker of mine that stays in the city recommended Uncle Remus and I am glad I took him up on his advice as the grub was spectacular. Don’t be in a hurry if you are coming here as the line does not move along at a rapid pace. «Fast Food» this place is not. They make your meal to order, and I wish I would of read the reviews here at Unilocal more closely and called in ahead of time so it would of been waiting for me when I got there. The girl at the counter was very sweet and hospitable and gave me a short rendition since me staring up at the menu probably gave away that I had never been there before. I was also the only white boy to be found for miles, which is also a good sign as the brothas tend to know their chicken. I went with the three piece with fries and a roll and made my way to my table. I also picked up a side order of fried okra, as it is a personal fav of mine. There are very few tables here if you want to dine in. The vast majority of folks took their food carry out. Even before I sat down the smell on the walk over was heavenly. Even now I am licking my chops thinking about it. They douse the top liberally with hot sauce to let it seep in unless you request it on the side(saves me a step). This is a tactic that is very common in Georgia and the Carolinas as well, though not to be confused with«Hot Chicken» which is a product that is almost exclusive to Nashville(or people from Nashville). The sauce is a delicious and tangy addition, but not much in the way of heat so that it jives with most people’s taste buds. I would be curious to know what is in it, as I have never had anything quite like it before so I am guessing it is something they concocted in house. I went up and got an extra side after tasting though. Delish. I am also not sure what these guys use in their batter, as it is probably one of those«I could tell you but I would have to kill you» situations. It is both flavorful and spicy. The skin has a lovely peppery flavor and is nice and crispy without being over breaded. This contrasts with the succulent meat of the chicken itself and the tangy flavor from the sauce to create pure chicken nirvana. SOFRIGGINGOOD! Also, a word to the wise, let it sit for a bit before diving in. They literally take it from the fryer to your basket and put it in your hand, so it is scalding hot. It probably looks like I have a cold sore on my lip right now from taking a huge bite initially. Rookie mistake on my part. The roll I had was quickly turned into a makeshift«sandwich» by me ripping some chicken off and cutting the roll in two. My Mother used to always consider this bad manners ranking right up there with drinking milk straight from the carton. I say screw all that noise. When I saw other people doing the same thing I felt an immediate sense of affirmation. I have actually seen a few people at a chicken place in the burbs trying to eat fried chicken with a knife and fork. Seriously? These freaks need to stick with their hummus dips and certified organic {insert food here} and leave the real food to the professionals. The fired Okra was also on point. As a person who has bought fresh Okra and tried to pull this off myself at home, trust me when I tell you it is very easy to screw up. The UR Okra was nice and golden brown, but not overcooked, which is the most difficult challenge in getting it right. Prices here are quite reasonable. You can get a feast for under 10 bucks. Overall, this place ranks among some of the very best fried chicken I have ever had, which speaks volumes coming from me. After having a couple of month drought when first moving here, I am glad I discovered this place when I did as it is a important staple food(at least for me) to have in the arsenal. I sort of wish they had waffles too, as I have a thing for the savory and sweet combo from chicken and waffle joints, but no need to stray from the path when they already do chicken so well. If you are in need of some good Southern cooking, this is your spot. According to the clerk who took my order, this place has been in business for over 50 years, and after eating here it is easy to see why.
Zorin D.
Place rating: 4 Romeoville, IL
I could easily make a case for giving this place five stars and the only reason why I don’t is because they put the sauce on the chicken rather than on the side. Anyhow I went here expecting to get half a chicken and have two of the pieces saved for later. Yeah that didn’t happen. The chicken was so good that it didn’t survive a few minutes let alone a few hours. Everything was fried up hot and crispy. It was seasoned down to the bone so good that you didn’t even need that sauce that sets it off and takes things to a whole nother level. That aside I wish this place lacks both parking and seating so keep that in mind.
K R.
Place rating: 5 Chicago, IL
This is my 3rd time eating from this restaurant and I must stay I am never disappointed. The sauce that they use on this chicken must have crack in it, because its addictive. Definitely worth trying.
Valerie H.
Place rating: 5 Palatine, IL
Best chicken delicious. I drive from the suburbs to get this chicken reasonable prices. A little slow but wee worth the wait
Sharice W.
Place rating: 1 Joliet, IL
Went to order today never been there before because am not from the town and was told to do a phone order I had to spend 35.00 for her to take my order, such friendly ppl so any one that have a small group or are alone don’t expect to be able to order over the phone unless u gone SPEND35.00 on ur phone order was looking forward to eat there because of the reviews now I have no interest in eating some where that I have to spend 35.00 to place a phone order when it’s just me passing thou this town.
K W.
Place rating: 5 Saint Louis, MO
BESTCHICKEN I HAVEEVERTASTED. Hands down!!! Notice my first sentence is in all caps. Words can’t describe how good their food is. The roll was yummy and fries too. Love that mild sauce. I’m from St Louis and the chicken is so good that I would drive 5 hours to Chicago strictly to get me some chicken from there and then drive back home.