Imagine a place where flying pigs adorn the ceiling, and Southern comfort food meets Midwest charm.
Welcome to Wishbone, Chicago’s quirky culinary gem that’s been serving up smiles and satisfying stomachs for decades.
Let me tell you, folks, if you haven’t been to Wishbone yet, you’re missing out on a slice of Chicago magic that’s as unexpected as finding a beach in the middle of the Windy City.
This isn’t just any old restaurant; it’s a flavor-packed journey to the South without ever leaving the Land of Lincoln.
Picture this: you walk in, and suddenly you’re transported to a whimsical world where farm animals have taken flight.
No, you haven’t accidentally stumbled into a barnyard fever dream – those are actual pigs, cows, and chickens soaring across a sky-blue ceiling.
It’s like Old MacDonald’s farm decided to defy gravity and throw a party.
But let’s not put the cart before the horse – or in this case, the pig before the pancake.
Wishbone has been a Chicago institution since 1990, and it’s easy to see why.
This place is the culinary equivalent of a warm hug from your favorite aunt – the one who always has a secret stash of cookies and tells the best stories.
Now, I know what you’re thinking.
“Southern food in Chicago? That’s about as likely as finding a Cardinals fan at Wrigley Field.”
But trust me, Wishbone pulls it off with more finesse than a jazz musician in the French Quarter.
The menu reads like a love letter to comfort food, with a dash of Cajun spice and a sprinkle of Midwest practicality.
It’s the kind of place where you can have your grits and eat your deep-dish pizza too – though maybe not in the same sitting, unless you’re feeling particularly adventurous.
Let’s talk about those grits for a moment, shall we?
The Cajun Shrimp and Grits at Wishbone are so good, they might just make you forget you’re in the Midwest.
These aren’t your grandma’s grits (unless your grandma happens to be a culinary genius from New Orleans).
They’re creamy, dreamy, and topped with shrimp that have more kick than a Chicago winter wind.
It’s the kind of dish that makes you want to stand up and shout “Laissez les bon temps rouler!” – even if your high school French is a little rusty.
But Wishbone isn’t a one-trick pony – or should I say, one-trick flying pig?
Their menu is a veritable smorgasbord of Southern delights, each with its own Midwest twist.
Take the Smoked Beef Brisket Hash, for example.
It’s like someone took a Texas BBQ, mixed it with a Chicago diner, and created a breakfast that could unite the entire country.
And let’s not forget about the Chicken Andouille Hash – a dish so flavorful, it might just make you forget about your beloved Chicago hot dog.
Now, if you’re more of a traditionalist when it comes to breakfast, fear not.
Wishbone’s got you covered with their Wishbone Corned Beef Hash Cakes.
It’s like they took everything you love about a classic diner breakfast and gave it a gourmet makeover.
It’s the breakfast equivalent of putting a tuxedo on a teddy bear – fancy, but still comforting.
But wait, there’s more!
If you’re feeling a bit more aquatic in your culinary adventures, the Blackened Catfish is a must-try.
It’s got more flavor than a blues concert on Maxwell Street, and it’s so perfectly cooked, you might just shed a tear of joy.
Just don’t let it fall in your grits – that’s valuable real estate right there.
For those who prefer their breakfast with a side of “I can’t believe I ate the whole thing,” the Breakfast Burrito is your new best friend.
It’s packed with scrambled eggs, black beans, and enough flavor to make you forget about that diet you were planning to start… someday.
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room – or rather, the flying elephant on the ceiling.
The decor at Wishbone is, in a word, unforgettable.
It’s like someone took a Southern farmhouse, shook it up with a bit of Chicago sass, and sprinkled it with a heavy dose of whimsy.
The result?
A dining room that’s part art gallery, part fever dream, and all charm.
The walls are adorned with local artwork that’s as colorful and eclectic as the menu.
It’s like eating in the middle of a Mardi Gras parade, minus the beads and plus the comfort of knowing you won’t have to fight for a table on Bourbon Street.
And let’s not forget about those flying farm animals.
They’re not just decoration – they’re conversation starters.
I’ve seen more first dates saved by discussions about the aerodynamics of porcine flight than I care to count.
It’s the perfect icebreaker for when you’ve run out of things to say about the weather or the latest Cubs game.
But Wishbone isn’t just about the food and the flying livestock.
It’s about the experience.
The staff here are friendlier than a Labrador at a tennis ball factory.
They’ll make you feel like you’re part of the family faster than you can say “biscuits and gravy.”
Speaking of which, if you don’t try the biscuits, you’re doing yourself a disservice.
They’re flakier than your friend who always cancels plans at the last minute, and twice as satisfying.
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Now, I know what some of you health-conscious folks out there are thinking.
“But what about my kale smoothie and avocado toast?”
Well, fear not, my green-eating friends.
Wishbone has options for you too.
The Wishbone Veggie Burger is a testament to the fact that you don’t need meat to make a meal memorable.
It’s so good, it might just convert a few carnivores.
And for those of you who like to start your day with a little extra pep in your step, the Red Eggs are a revelation.
Two eggs on corn tortillas topped with cheddar cheese and a spicy red sauce?
It’s like breakfast decided to put on its dancing shoes and do the salsa.
Ole!
But let’s not forget about lunch and dinner.
Wishbone isn’t just a breakfast joint – it’s an all-day affair.
The Louisiana Chicken Salad is like a trip to the bayou in a bowl.
And the Dixie Brunch Burger?
Well, let’s just say it’s the kind of burger that makes you question why you ever settled for plain old ketchup and mustard.
It’s topped with bacon, cheddar, and a fried egg, because why choose between breakfast and lunch when you can have both?
Now, I know some of you are sitting there thinking, “This all sounds great, but I’m on a budget tighter than my jeans after Thanksgiving dinner.”
Well, good news, frugal foodies!
Wishbone is surprisingly affordable, especially considering the quality and quantity of food you’re getting.
It’s the kind of place where you can treat yourself without having to take out a second mortgage.
And let’s be honest, in Chicago, that’s rarer than a day without traffic on the Kennedy Expressway.
But Wishbone isn’t just a restaurant – it’s a Chicago institution.
It’s been around longer than some of the Cubs’ championship droughts, and it’s weathered more storms than a Lake Michigan lighthouse.
It’s the kind of place that feels like it’s always been there, even if you’re visiting for the first time.
It’s comfort food in the truest sense of the word – not just because of what’s on the plate, but because of the feeling you get when you’re there.
Now, I know some of you skeptics out there are thinking, “Sure, it sounds great, but can it really be that good?”
To which I say: try it for yourself.
Don’t just take my word for it.
Go, experience the magic of Wishbone firsthand.
Taste the grits that could make a Southerner weep with joy.
Marvel at the flying farm animals.
Strike up a conversation with the friendly staff or your fellow diners.
Because Wishbone isn’t just about the food – it’s about the experience.
It’s about the stories you’ll tell your friends later.
It’s about the memories you’ll make over a plate of Cajun Shrimp and Grits or a slice of their heavenly pecan pie.
And speaking of pie, let’s not forget dessert.
Because if you leave Wishbone without trying at least one of their sweet treats, you’re doing yourself a disservice.
The Bread Pudding is so good, it should come with a warning label.
“Caution: May cause spontaneous outbursts of joy and the irresistible urge to lick your plate clean.”
But don’t worry, the staff has seen it all before.
They won’t judge.
In fact, they might just give you a standing ovation.
So, there you have it, folks.
Wishbone: where the South meets the Midwest, where farm animals take flight, and where every meal is an adventure.
It’s more than just a restaurant – it’s a Chicago experience.
An experience that’ll leave you full, happy, and wondering why all restaurants can’t be this fun.
So next time you’re in the Windy City, do yourself a favor.
Skip the deep-dish pizza (just this once, I promise) and head to Wishbone.
Your taste buds will thank you, your Instagram feed will thank you, and you’ll finally understand why Chicagoans are willing to brave arctic winters and endless construction.
It’s for places like this.
Places that remind us why we love food, why we love gathering with friends and family, and why a little bit of Southern hospitality goes a long way – even in the heart of the Midwest.
For more information about Wishbone, including their full menu and hours of operation, be sure to visit their website or Facebook page.
And if you’re ready to embark on your own Wishbone adventure, use this map to guide you to your next unforgettable meal.
Where: 161 N Jefferson St, Chicago, IL 60661
Trust me, your taste buds (and those flying pigs) will be forever grateful.