Nothing is more nourishing than home-cooked, country-style cuisine. Living in the north shouldn’t keep you from experiencing good southern food, just like living in the city shouldn’t deny you the warm hospitality of a country dining experience.

Fortunately for Illinoisans, Pearl’s Place brings both to Chicago. A fine dining take on home-style, southern soul food, Pearl’s Place isn’t too classy for the most important aspect of the southern dining experience: the buffet. The restaurant’s acclaimed chefs hand prepare the food, with separate offerings for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

This all-you-can-eat wonder makes Pearl’s Place a must for Chicago residents. Pearl's Place is located at 3901 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60653.

For those not in Chicago, a trip to the city is well worth it just for this taste of the country. Here are five reasons why you should mosey down to Pearl's Place today.

1. Classy Comfort

Pearl’s Place describes itself as a "white tablecloth" restaurant, but don’t let that give you the impression that the place is stuffy or unaffordable. On the contrary, it has the open air environment that defines classic southern restaurants and gives them their welcoming, communal feel. You may have to bring your own bib, though.

2. Buffet All Day

A real highlight of the Pearl’s Place buffet is its rotating offerings. The restaurant’s accredited chefs introduce tantalizing variations on southern soul food staples and curate separate spreads for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This comes with a risk. Not only will you want to come back — you may want to come back three times in a day.

3. Options Galore

If you manage to get your fill of the buffet, don’t worry! The buffet is only the tip of the culinary iceberg at Pearl’s Place. I would personally recommend the chicken and waffles: a famously satisfying soul dish that's perfect day or night. But remember…

4. Save Room For Dessert

Pearl’s Place offers amazing desserts to put the cherry on top of your dining experience. Those who have travelled through the south know that the pride of every rural general store is its pie and cake. Pearl’s captures the wholesome style of these desserts with their own signature style.

5. A Community Staple...

Like any good soul food restaurant, Pearl’s Place has deep roots in its community. Located in the vibrant Bronzeville neighborhood in downtown Chicago, you could arrange a whole day trip around a visit. While Pearl’s isn’t currently hosting its well known jazz nights because of the pandemic, it remains a neighborhood institution. For proof, look no further than this photo gallery of "Some of their Friends."

6. ...Located In The Historic Bronzeville Neighborhood

During the 1940s and 1950s, the Bronzeville neighborhood in Chicago became a prominent African American economic and cultural center. Many of these businesses and institutions still exist today. The Bronzeville community is currently working with the City of Chicago to preserve and develop the district. So, your meal won't just be delicious; it will help support the culture of a historic neighborhood.

Finally, it’s worth nothing that Pearl’s Place has taken extra precautions to make their buffet experience safe, so you can treat yourself to some of this seriously tasty soul food without worrying.

After you do, let us know what you think, and shoutout any other country buffets in Illinois that you love. What do we need to try? We want your photos and your stories. Get in touch!

Pearl's Place is located at 3901 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60653, USA.