Cleo's - Lakeview
3320 N Southport Ave, Chicago, IL 60657 · Opened December 2025
Cleo's - Lakeview at a glance
About
- Authentic Southern comfort
- Viral praise from Keith Lee
- Community-focused hospitality
- Catering & online ordering
- Lollapalooza vendor
Named for the founder’s grandmother, Cleo's brings authentic Southern comfort to Chicago with recipes rooted in family and made to share. The welcoming, community-focused dining room pairs generous portions with a hospitality-first approach, and the restaurant’s acclaim — including viral praise from Keith Lee — has made it a local sensation. With multiple locations, catering, and festival appearances like Lollapalooza, Cleo's delivers Southern flavor across the city.
What to Order
Buttermilk Fried Chicken
Crisp, perfectly seasoned batter giving way to juicy, tender meat — the quintessential Southern indulgence.
Creamy Mac & Cheese
Velvety, cheesy, and baked to golden perfection with a buttery, crunchy topping.
Shrimp & Grits
Succulent sautéed shrimp over stone-ground grits, finished with a savory, spiced sauce for comfort with a kick.
See what's cooking
More new restaurants in Chicago
Call Your Mother Deli is a bagel shop and deli that uniquely blends Jewish deli traditions with a modern twist, offering a creative menu of breakfast and lunch options in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
HeyTea offers a unique twist on traditional tea, specializing in creative and refreshing tea-based beverages, known for their visually stunning drinks and signature cheese foams.
From the shores of Southeast Asia to the coasts of the Americas and Europe, Mariela tells a story of oceans and origins, anchored by nostalgia and coastal bounty. A true to the journey of Chefs Rishi Kumar and Zubair Mohajir, the coastal menu weaves in elements from their upbringing in South East Asia, moving west while cooking with nostalgia and embracing the path that has brought them to the Midwest. Continuing to navigate guests dining experience, the beverage program, spearheaded by David Mor (Mirra, TRUCE, Lilac Tiger), will offer a drink menus to match. The lists will consist of both classic and unexpected offerings, highlighting cocktails, coastal wine regions, creative NA drinks and an elevated coffee program.
A casual cafe serving espresso, coffee drinks and light fare.