Cleo’s — Restaurant in Chicago

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4248 S Cottage Grove Ave, Chicago, IL 60653

I had to check out this spot because Keith Lee himself inspired me to come here. This was the first restaurant I've tried off of his recommendation, even though I've been following him for a while. Keith said it was the best catfish he'd ever had, and when I had it some months ago, it was incredible.

I ordered a hundred-something dollars' worth of food, and it was all amazing. The catfish, the chicken, the sweet tea, the grape drink – all of it was on point. I had mac and cheese, green beans, sweet potato pie, and those delicious biscuits with honey glaze. And let's not forget the wonderful sauce. 10/10 again!!!🙏🏿💪🏿🔥

With that said I was leaving Chicago today and wanted more Cleo's for the road. The one I went to twice before is closed on Mondays so I went to the downtown location. A giant regret.😞

⭐ 190 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60606

I visited the downtown Chicago location today after an incredible meal yesterday at the Cottage Grove location and the experience was mixed to keep it nice. As I walked in, a young man at the counter looked at me strangely and rudely asked what was I here for then rudely directed me elsewhere in an unpleasant manner. I told him there was no need to be rude, but I didn't want to escalate things since I was visiting.

After placing my order, I was disappointed to say the least. The catfish was overcooked dry and bland. Yesterday's from Cottage Grove was flavorful with a slight spice to it., the chicken was not good at all, and the mac and cheese didn't taste the same. I'm not sure if it's different ownership or management, but the quality has definitely dropped. The customer service was poor, except for a little old lady who was nice enough.

If you want to enjoy the incredible food Keith Lee raved about, make sure to avoid the downtown Chicago location. The service and food quality were not up to par. The food was fantastic when I tried it months ago, so hopefully, the other locations maintain that standard.No exaggerating. I just wasted my money. Almost the same thing I ordered just yesterday but night and day different. God bless and get the downtown location some...

I really had high hopes for this place as my friend recommended it for a business lunch that we are having next week. We ordered food from the Wells location today for delivery. The online order form(order from their website) stated it would be delivered between 11:30 - 11:45 AM. I call around 11:45 just to check on it and the person who answered the phone was obnoxiously rude and unprofessional. I tell them my name and the first thing they say is wrong location and I said no, I’m looking at the order online. She sighs and then puts me on hold. Proceeds to ask my name again and I start to spell it and she cuts me off and states that it’s there waiting. I said great, will it be delivered and the person response was it’s not, you need to pick up. I calmly explain that I selected delivery and paid for it. They ask if I’m sure about what I selected. At this point I’m getting annoyed. I still respond kindly and explain that I have two charges one for delivery and one for tip. They put down the phone and starts talking to someone and the response? We are going to cancel the order, you will have to reorder and then we can send it. I was confused and asked them to repeat. They sighed highly again and repeated. I said wait that doesn’t make sense. How long will my refund take and how long would the food take, their response I don’t know. So now I’m pissed. I said you know what cancel my order and process a refund. With no further conversation the person just hangs up on me. 3 minutes later I get a confirmation of delivery. I called back twice and no answer. Not sure if they screen their calls, but this is unacceptable! I won’t be able to dispute the charge on my credit card because it was marked delivered.

Terrible horrible service. I will never try again to avoid dealing with the service.

Highly...

I’ve ordered from both locations and both are good. Because I’m a dairy-free pescatarian, I’ve only had their fried catfish, green beans, and the catfish po boy with crab meat. All were really good. The catfish is almost TOO flavorful and a bit too salty. But sauces temper that. My son really likes their mac and cheese.

They need to be clear that their green beans are not vegetarian. The first time I went to Cleo’s, I asked if there was meat in them. They said ‘no’. Gotta say, they are really good. They have a tasty, smoky flavor, but I figured they just used liquid smoke as an ingredient. Ordered them on two occasions and threw DOWN on them. Then, when I ordered from the downtown location for the first time, I thought I’d ask if their green beans had meat. She said ‘no, but they’re cooked in beef broth’.😳 So, for the first time in almost 40 years, I’ve consumed beef. People who ask if there’s meat in stewed vegetables should be given full information. Broth and juices count just as much as actual meat.

The only other con is that it takes up to 1 1/2 hours to get your food on a Friday afternoon at the downtown location. I order takeout from a LOT of restaurants, all kinds of types and cuisines, all cooked to order, and none have ever taken that long. Surely there’s a more efficient process.

I’m disappointed about the green beans, but will keep coming back for the catfish and po boy. And I’ll get my food earlier in the day to avoid the long wait times. SUGGESTION: Please add an option for just a fried catfish po boy without...