Master Critic Review
Ina Mae Tavern
8.2
Since 2018, this four-time Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient has brought authentic NOLA soul to Wicker Park through Chef Brian Jupiter's family recipes—the catfish po'boy, Nashville fried chicken, and housemade biscuits draw consistent praise. Live jazz on the second-floor stage and frozen daiquiris at the bustling bar complete the Big Easy transplant experience.
Must-Try Dishes:
Nashville Fried Chicken, Catfish Po'Boy, Gumbo Ya-Ya
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Four-time Michelin Bib Gourmand with a James Beard-nominated chef cooking his New Orleans great-grandmother's recipes
Who should go: NOLA food lovers seeking live jazz and Southern soul
When to visit: Weekend brunch or Friday/Saturday nights for live music
What to order: Nashville fried chicken, catfish po'boy, beignets
Insider tip: The second-floor Front Porch Stage has the best views of the live sets
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No dedicated lot - street parking in Wicker Park can be challenging on weekends. Blue Line accessible via Damen or Division stops
Dress code: Casual - jeans and sneakers fit right in with the neighborhood tavern vibe
Noise level: Loud when live jazz plays on the second-floor stage - plan for energetic conversation, not intimate whispers
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation, especially Friday/Saturday with live music
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait - Friday lunch only (12-4pm)
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited - sides like mac and cheese, collard greens, hush puppies; blackened cauliflower add-on available
Vegan options: Very limited - salads and some sides can be modified
Gluten-free options: Yes - gluten-free options noted on OpenTable; staff can accommodate
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual dates than romantic ones - the bar scene is bustling and live music nights get loud. Great if you want energy and conversation starters, skip if you need quiet intimacy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weeknights usually yes, but reservations strongly recommended for Friday/Saturday dinner and weekend brunch. OpenTable available. The bar area is first-come, first-served.
Is it kid-friendly? Technically yes - they accommodate families. However, narrow aisles, stool seating, and loud live music make it better suited for older kids. Best during daytime brunch rather than evening service.
Best For
Better for: Authentic NOLA experience in Chicago with live jazz, James Beard-nominated chef credentials, and four Michelin Bib Gourmands - hard to match that combination for Southern food in the city
Skip if: You want a quiet dinner, need lots of vegetarian options, or are bringing very young children or elderly guests who need accessible seating