Soul & Smoke - West Loop — Restaurant in West Chicago Township

Honestly, there were elements of my meal that were really impressive and some lacking in flavor profile. My favorites were the chicken gumbo, the Mac and cheese, and the mashed potatoes. I got the side sampler and they were out of greens 😔 the Mac and cheese was seasoned really well and the cheese was creamy. I loved that they used corkscrew noddles. The mashed potatoes were great too, with a chunky texture. The gumbo had a nice spice from the andouille sausage as well. I think it was missing something but I couldn't place it.

The brisket was a little dry-- some parts of it had jersey like texture but it was overall good and had a smoky finish. The coleslaw was refreshing and such a palette cleanser. I loved that it had green apples for that nice tartness. It wasn't overly creamy and the cabbage and carrots were crisp.

The red beans and rice were okay but lacked flavor.

I also got the shrimp and grits. I got the half portion which only has three shrimp but they were perfectly cooked. The grits had the perfect texture but after eating the shrimp and the sausage I was left with a lot of grits with no sauce.

Perhaps my favorite thing thought was the cornbread muffin. It was...

I actually ordered and had food delivered at work. I wanted to try a new place and I was so disappointed with the tips here. Maybe I ordered the wrong thing and someone could point me in the right direction. The slaw was apple slaw and it was delicious. It was the first thing I ate. Should have been bigger. The corn muffin was amazing. It was a large muffin. Like your hand balled in a fist for size. I ordered the chicken gumbo. I had to pay to add shrimp which didn't catch the full flavor. And the gumbo was really spicy. I'm seeking a specific flavor more then a spice level when it comes to my gumbo. I don't know how to describe it other than that. But I get my gumbo in New Orleans and they know what I mean. Rice was perfectly prepared. I also ordered rib tips. These were oddly sliced and really tough to eat. Like it was like chewing on wood. And I had to drink my water to swallow it down. Overall I like the sides enough that I might order them again but the tips are...

I've ordered from the Soul & Smoke Evanston location on Payne and from the food truck, and and everything has been delicious. I've also sat at the outdoor picnic tables. My favorite is the smoke brisket sandwich with a side of slaw, which includes dried cranberries and chopped apple. I'm usually not a fan of slaw, but theirs provides just the right balance to the smoky, tasty brisket. I've also had the pulled pork, which is saucy and delightful. Their Thanksgiving carry out options are also good--i ordered turkey, stuffing, and gravy. One of my friends who caters professionally even had Soul & Smoke provide the main courses for a mutual friend's memorial service. And she is quite picky about quality! The Evanston location is a little tricky to find, but it's well worth a trip. For me, it's easiest to go north on Green Bay Road and turn west on Payne (the next street after the light at Emerson.) Very...