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Virtue

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Virtue Restaurant

1462 E 53rd St
Chicago, IL 60615
United States

Opening Hours

Day Time slot
Monday, Closed
Tuesday, 16:00-21:00
Wednesday, 16:00-21:00
Thursday, 16:00-21:00
Friday, 16:00-22:00
Saturday, 16:00-22:00
Sunday, 16:00-21:00
Price
Expensive

Considering your legendary taste, we're pretty sure this restaurant will be your new flavor crush!

About the restaurant

Virtue, located in Chicago’s historic Hyde Park neighborhood, is a soulful dining experience crafted by chef Erick Williams. Opened in 2018, it has quickly become a standout destination for its elevated take on Southern cuisine. With a focus on community, comfort, and tradition, the restaurant brings bold flavors and heartwarming hospitality together. Williams, a James Beard Award winner, has built Virtue around kindness and respect in the kitchen and dining room. These values resonate through every dish, making Virtue not just a restaurant but a celebration of Southern heritage and culture.

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The heart of Virtue

The restaurant blends modern elegance with the cozy charm of Southern hospitality, creating a space where diners feel instantly at home. Warm wooden finishes, exposed brick walls, and soft lighting give the dining room a rustic yet refined vibe. The tables are adorned with simple yet thoughtful touches, reflecting the restaurant’s focus on understated sophistication. Artwork that celebrates African American culture and history adds a personal and poignant element to the decor, further connecting diners to the stories behind the food. Virtue’s ambiance encourages conversation, laughter, and community, making it a favorite for intimate dinners and gatherings.

Food-wise, dishes like crispy, creamy gizzards with gravy and dirty rice, cornmeal-battered green tomatoes topped with shrimp remoulade, fluffy biscuits with pimento cheese, creamy, buttery grits piled high with shrimp, and blackened catfish are just some of the crowdpleasers.

Williams is one of Chicago’s most respected culinary figures, known for his dedication to tradition and hospitality. A Chicago native, he grew up inspired by the flavors of his family’s Southern roots, which laid the foundation for his career. After attending culinary school, he honed his craft under the mentorship of chef Michael Kornick at MK, where he worked his way up to Executive Chef over a tenure spanning more than a decade.

With Virtue, Williams set out to create a restaurant that honors the South’s rich culinary traditions while redefining what Southern food can be. His cooking is deeply personal, drawing on memories of family meals and stories of Black culture and resilience. Williams is not only a talented chef but also a passionate advocate for mentorship and diversity in the culinary industry. He emphasizes building a supportive team culture, fostering growth among his staff, and creating an inclusive dining environment that welcomes all.

Since its opening, Virtue has garnered widespread acclaim for its exceptional food, service, and atmosphere. In 2020, the restaurant was named one of Esquire’s Best New Restaurants in America, praised for its “soulful cooking and spirit.” Williams’ thoughtful approach to Southern cuisine has also earned Virtue a Michelin Bib Gourmand, recognizing its ability to deliver outstanding food at an accessible price.

Williams has received numerous accolades, including a prestigious James Beard Award for Best Chef: Great Lakes in 2022. His leadership and commitment to mentorship have also been widely celebrated, with Williams frequently cited as a role model for aspiring chefs.

Virtue continues to resonate with diners for its ability to marry comfort with sophistication, tradition with innovation, and hospitality with purpose. Under Williams’ vision, Virtue stands as a beacon of excellence and kindness, inviting everyone to experience the beauty and richness of Southern food and culture.

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