CHIReview
photo credit: Kim Kovacik
Daisy's Po' Boy and Tavern
Included In
We always walk out of Daisy’s in a significantly better mood than when we walked in. That’s not hyperbole. The incredible food, helpful staff, and an overall sense of conviviality at this New Orleans-inspired spot in Hyde Park has the ability to make us forget that we live in a world where one person owns both Twitter and a fleet of spaceships.
Daisy’s is from the chef behind Virtue, a moderately fancy Southern restaurant that’s right down the street. But Daisy’s is a casual counter-service operation with a full bar and a lot of TVs. And despite clear instructions given by the friendly host, we had questions. It’s a busy spot, so would we need to wait for a table? Would we need to go back in line if we decide to order another Hurricane? Will we be forced to watch the Saints? But every time we’ve gone—early, late, during a Bears game—we’ve had no trouble getting a seat, getting another drink, or seeing an interception thrown by Fields.
CHI Guide
Chicago's Best New Restaurants Of 2022
photo credit: Kim Kovacik
As the name suggests, there are po’ boys on the menu (eight to be exact) and they’re the best you’ll find in Chicago. The bread is crackly on the outside and soft on the inside (Daisy’s imports it from a New Orleans bakery), and the ratio of meat to mayo, pickles, lettuce, and tomato is perfect. But other dishes on the menu are also worth your time. The same brilliant engineer designing the po’ boys must be responsible for the muffaletta. It’s made with fluffy housemade bread that gets precise layers of mortadella, provolone, salami, and olive giardiniera. The seafood gumbo is so rich we’re pretty sure it started developing flavor about six months ago, fried chicken is moist and crispy, and a toffee banana cake drizzled with bourbon caramel makes us grateful to be alive. And all of the above go wonderfully with not-too-sweet frozen Hurricanes and margaritas that have just as much booze as you’d hope.
photo credit: Kim Kovacik
Music is a big part of Daisy’s vibe. Jazz and New Orleans bounce get incrementally louder as the sun goes down. There’s a stage for live music, and the space is full of couples, groups, and families with kids. And judging by all the laughter, everyone is having a good time. And when you decide you want another drink, or some debris fries, it’s easy to flag someone down.
Daisy’s is extremely casual, so of course it's great for a regular dinner, but we would still come here for our birthday, promotion, or anniversary of finally paying off our parking tickets. After all, what better way to celebrate than in a fun restaurant with some delicious food? No one ever said “I’m in a good enough mood, no more for me,” and we’re not going to be the first.
Food Rundown
photo credit: Kim Kovacik
Fried Shrimp Po’Boy
photo credit: Kim Kovacik
Roast Beef Po' Boy
photo credit: Kim Kovacik
Fried Green Tomato Po' Boy
photo credit: Kim Kovacik
Muffaletta
photo credit: Kim Kovacik
Fried Chicken
photo credit: Kim Kovacik
Seafood Gumbo
photo credit: Kim Kovacik