Soul Prime — Restaurant in Chicago

On Saturday, April 5th My husband and I went to Soul Prime for an early dinner (4pm Reservation). When we arrived (3:57pm), we were seated immediately. Once we sat down, it took a few minutes before our server Karen came to the table and greeted us. She gave us water and said she would be back to take our order. When she returned, she our drink order and the appetizer. I ordered a cocktail and the firecracker shrimp. My husband does not drink so he only had water. However, he asked for lemon to go with his water, and it took over 15min to get some lemon slices. When we asked why the delay, she said they were cutting the lemons. My cocktail (Purple Rain) came quickly and was delicious. Now, here’s where things took a turn for the worse: It has now been about 25min and no appetizer. She did take our dinner order in between time. However, where is my appetizer? She seemed surprised that I had not received it and said she would check. Another 10min and still no appetizer. I ask again and she said, “wait, the manager didn’t come out yet”? Me: NO!! At this point I am very irritated. The appetizer finally comes, and we were told they would cover the appetizer because of the delay. Ok, thanks I feel like that’s good business. The appetizer was delicious. Now, as long as it took for the appetizer to come, we figured our food would come shortly after, guess what NO FOOD!!!! =( I had to ask about our food 3 times. Then the manager comes out and is apologetic. I explained to her that I had another event to attend at 7pm way across town and still did not have my food. It was now 5:23pm (remember reservation was at 4PM). The manager says, let me make something happen. This did not phase me because I was more than frustrated at this point. Remember, my husband did not order an appetizer and does not eat shrimp because we assumed our food would not take over an hour to be delivered to our table. My husband not to mention is also diabetic. At 5:50pm, STILL NO FOOD! Remember, the manager came over at 5:23pm and was going to make something happen AND ALMOST 30MIN LATER IT DID NOT! We ordered chicken for him and Catfish for me with a few extra sides: sweet potatoes, red beans & rice, and greens. At this point, it is almost 6pm and I tell the server to pack our food to go. Still took another 10min for that to happen. Now, talking about a very DISAPPOINTING EXPERIENCE!!!! We received the check, and one would think for this experience they would have taken more off the check (THEY CREDITED THE APPETIZER ONLY NOTHING MORE!!! Listen, were not expecting a free meal, but one would think something more would have been credited given our FIRST EXPERIENCE! When we walked out, the manager says Thank you for coming. I could not acknowledge her because I was just that pissed. We traveled from the far South side of Chicago for a TERRIBLE EXPERIENCE! THAT WON’T HAPPEN AGAIN!! Not to mention, I was more than late for my 7pm event that I had paid for in advance. When the reservation was scheduled, it stated there was a 90-minute table limit. We understood the limit as most restaurants have. Given this time limit, one would assume that food would be delivered in a timely fashion. In this case, we were there 2-hrs and had to take our food to go. My husband did not eat until almost 7pm when we got home. I did not eat because I had to get to my event that I was already late for. I had heard great things about this restaurant from friends of ours and that is why we wanted to try it. It has been stated that you NEVER get a second chance to make a FIRST IMPRESSION. Well, this first impression is rated in the negative state. 1 Star is being...

Embarking on a culinary adventure at Soul Prime turned out to be more than just a dining experience; it was a journey through delectable flavors and heartwarming vibes that left an indelible mark on my senses. Let me take you through the highlights of an evening that transcended the ordinary.

From the get-go, the atmosphere at Soul Prime was inviting, radiating warmth from the staff, service, to the owner's palpable enthusiasm. Nestled in Lincoln Park, a neighborhood known for its charm, Soul Prime managed to infuse it with an extra dose of vibrancy, transforming the dining space into a haven that felt like a home away from home.

Despite not having a reservation, the accommodating team seamlessly ushered us to the bar, a spacious haven where you could dine comfortably without feeling cramped. The interior was a testament to thoughtful design - clean, modern, yet exuding an inviting coziness that resonated with the soul.

Even the bathroom, an often overlooked aspect of dining establishments, boasted a mirror that had an unexpectedly positive impact on my self-esteem, prompting an impromptu selfie photoshoot. It was a testament to the meticulous attention to detail that Soul Prime applied to every facet of the dining experience.

Now, onto the star of the show - the food. As someone who had never experienced soul food before, each dish felt like a revelation. The fried green tomatoes with lump crab were a delightful surprise, with the crab seamlessly enhancing the overall experience. Even the fried chicken, a dish I typically avoid, reached unparalleled heights with its perfect crunch, heavenly sauce, and impeccable breading.

The collard greens were seasoned to perfection, the Mac and cheese boasted an impressive cheese pull that elicited a satisfied sigh, and the muffin cornbread melted in my mouth, leaving an indescribable feeling of satisfaction. The culinary expertise behind each dish was evident, showcasing a mastery of soulful flavors that left an enduring impression.

What truly set Soul Prime apart was the intangible element - the vibe. It felt more than just a dining establishment; it felt like a community hub where good food and good vibes converged. In a city like Chicago, where the fast-paced life often overshadows personal connections, Soul Prime carved out a niche for itself as a place where patrons could feel a genuine sense of belonging.

Adding a personal touch to the experience was the owner's active involvement in the restaurant's operations. Witnessing her calling orders, running a tight ship, and ensuring each dish met her exacting standards while simultaneously engaging with customers elevated the entire dining experience.

I am immensely thankful that Soul Prime chose to grace Lincoln Park, injecting much-needed flavor into a neighborhood that was, perhaps, longing for a culinary awakening. Whether you're embarking on a solo adventure, enjoying a girls' night out, or planning a romantic date night, Soul Prime is a culinary gem that demands exploration.

In conclusion, Soul Prime not only offers a gastronomic journey through soulful flavors but also provides a sanctuary where you can unwind, savor, and feel the genuine warmth of a culinary embrace. Without hesitation, I wholeheartedly recommend Soul Prime - a solid 10/10 experience that transcends the ordinary...

I.absolutelu love Soul Prime. Everything from the food, to the service, to the music 🎶 being played is exceptional. I've been twice. The Food is flavorful, with a nice southern flair. They serve nice portion sizes leaving you relaxed, full & ready to be tucked in for bed.

Ambiance: Perfect temperature. I came 2x on a freezing 5 degree day. The heat was a comfortable temperature inside, making it easier to enjoy my food (I hate coming in from the cold outside into a cold restaurant as well) Now, the dining room area is small approximately fitting about 20-25 ppl comfortably. Reservations are highly suggested. There is a small bar that may seat give or take, 10 ppl at the entrance & another high counter seating in the corridor which I feel is a bad placement spot to dine, due to the high traffic area. I love the fact they always have a nice mix of soulful R &B music playing or they'll have you feeling nostalgic with an assortment of 90s throwbacks. Their playlist will have you swayin' side to side & having your own personal karaoke concert while you wait for your food.

I have not had an appetizer that did me wrong! The fried green tomatoes had me.dancing without music, perfect batter, perfectly seasoned. The collard green dip is served warmed, with fresh and tortilla chips. OMG! It is a cheesy party in your mouth. It is amazing & worth the calories. IDC!!! It's the best!!! The Buffalo shrimp were nice size and tasty..a good chpice before your meal! Entrees & Sides: Fried Pork chops were perfectly cooked. The 5 cheese macaroni is gooey, flavorful and a great marriage of cheeses are used to compliment the dish. The yams are the best yams in the City of Chicago. No other soul food place has Soul Prime beat on yams! You can taste the combination of butter, sugar and flavor as soon as it your pallette. Phenomenally done!! The Fried chicken is great. It's different. It's well seasoned, perfectly battered & drizzled with a hot honey sauce that creates a surprise sweet n spicy kick n your mouth. Can't forget the Fried Catfish Filets. Crispy, perfect golden fried texture on the outside and fresh & delicious inside.

Choose any of the Lemonade drinks to quinch your thirst and wash it all down. They all are on point & something you'll appreciate. The sweet teas and lemonade drinks remind you of something grandma would serve for the crew sitting on the porch in the south after a hard day's work on a 95 degree day. Now, I wasn't too impressed with my cocktail, but I'll go back and run down the list until I find my match.

Con: Parking can be bad as it is located in Lincoln Park on Halsted. Metered parking cannot always be easy to find so,.you may have to circle the block several times. There is no valet. In closing, Trust me, if you haven't been to Soul Prime and you want some good Southern food with a lil bit of sass in it, go there!!! The owner, Chef Royce, is super friendly, inviting and humble. You can tell she takes pride in her dishes and business. It reflects in her personality and smile. She takes time to welcome her guests and ensure diners are receiving A-1...