Southern Chicago Restaurant Brings Elevated Soul Food Experience to South Loop

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/South Loop · January 22, 2026

South Loop diners now have a new upscale dining option as Southern Chicago, located at 2000 S. Wabash Avenue, has quickly become one of the neighborhood's most talked-about culinary destinations since opening its doors. The Black-owned restaurant, founded by business partners Troy Vivrett and Xavier Vance, offers an elevated take on Southern cuisine in an elegant atmosphere.

First announced in 2023, Southern Chicago officially opened over the summer in the South Loop. The Black-owned establishment boasts elevated southern cuisine, with business partners Troy Vivrett and Xavier Vance providing a space for those seeking an elegant dining experience featuring various steak cuts and seafood offerings. The 6,700-square-foot restaurant offers a modern take on southern and American favorites, with a menu that includes everything from shrimp and grits and oysters Rockefeller to filet mignon and a Southern tower of seafoods and meats. "I'm thrilled to reintroduce Chicagoans and visitors to southern American cuisine, taking a fine-dining approach to some of the country's most authentic and crave-worthy dishes and flavors," said Vance.

South Loop residents and visitors can experience Southern Chicago's culinary offerings Tuesday through Thursday from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and Friday through Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. The restaurant is also participating in the upcoming Chicago Restaurant Week (January 23 - February 8, 2026), making it an ideal time for neighbors to support this new local business while enjoying special fixed-price menus. Whether you're planning a date night or gathering with friends, this new South Loop gem offers a perfect blend of Southern hospitality and culinary excellence right in the heart of our neighborhood.

Sources:
1. https://thetriibe.com/2025/12/here-are-some-new-black-owned-spots-in-chicago-to-try-in-2026/
2. https://www.chicagofoodmagazine.com/news/southern-chicago-to-open-this-summer-in-the-south-loop
3. https://www.choosechicago.com/blog/dining/new-restaurants-chicago-restaurant-week/