If you’re looking for the best Southern food in Chicago, Blue Door Kitchen & Garden is easily the spot. This stunning farm-to-table restaurant is located in the heart of Chicago’s Gold Coast. The newly revamped restaurant (formerly Table 52) run by Chef Art Smith (previously Oprah’s personal chef) has done the impossible & put together a classic Southern menu with a healthier twist. By incorporating local & seasonal ingredients, Smith has quickly made Blue Door Kitchen & Garden a staple in Chicago. Of course Smith’s famous buttermilk fried chicken served with housemate sauces & mashed potatoes is a must order but what else does one get off a menu where every. single. dish. sounds beyond incredible? We’ve narrowed it down to our top 5 at Blue Door Kitchen & Garden below:

Easily one of our favorite items on the menu is the Brussels Sprouts & Kale Salad. This phenomenal salad is served with almonds, bacon, & parmesan all tossed in a maple-tahini dressing. We recommend adding the chicken & you’ll totally forget you’re even eating a salad.

Coming from people who have probably had mac & cheese 4/7 days a week for the past year, this is a must order. Easily one of our favorite dishes in Chicago, this Mac & Cheese is perfectly cheese & creamy with a crunchy breadcrumb crust on top.

Another favorite at Blue Door Kitchen & Garden is the Apple & Brie Sandwich served with honey, winter radish, dijonnaise, all on a red hen ciabatta. We love adding some of the homemade sweet potato chips that are served with this dish directly onto the sandwich for a bit more crunch & an overall perfect taste.

Last but certainly not least is the Hummingbird Cake, a signature of Smith’s. Layers of banana-pineapple cake are sealed together with cream cheese frosting & topped with candied pineapple, syrup, & more. Need we say more?!

Make sure to check out Blue Door Kitchen & Garden at 52 W. Elm St., Chicago, IL 60610.