Creole cuisine in Chicago hits an all time high with Big Jones, a recent addition to the culinary landscape of this diverse city and if Southern food is your weakness, this is a fantastic place to indulge. The atmosphere inside is warm and relaxing with soft yellow lights that lend a classical tinge to the interior, and the decor with the wrought iron chairs and lamps, potted plants and modern art is ornate but never overwhelming.

Head out there for brunch to try crispy crawfish and rice fritters or the famed fried green tomatoes with remoulade and pickled shrimp. Traditional favorites for breakfast, biscuits and sausage gravy with fried eggs also make their presence felt alongside salads and sandwiches.

More elaborate meals could involve appetizers of char grilled andouille on creamy grits with caramelized sweet onions and lead on to a hearty dish of braised pork shank, with pinto beans and popcorn rice, before ending with a rich Mississippi mud pie. Wines, beers and cocktails help ease along proceedings.