Ina Mae Tavern & Packaged Goods

I came in on Halloween after my hair appointment and enjoyed my time with Ryan. He can make a fantastic drink. It was decorated perfectly and everyone was in a great mood working or sipping. The cocktails were delicious, unfortunately I didn't get to taste the food this time, but I will be coming back!

A taste of New Orleans in Chicago, albeit more bourbon street than a local joint.

Sat at the bar and the bartenders were attentive and the drinks were strong but a bit too sweet as most bourbon st drinks tend to be.

Still worth checking out for a taste of the Big Easy up in Chicago.

The food was fine and music was good. The service left much to be desired.... very curt server.... The bartender was down right rude.... the management ...not at all accommodating with our party of 15 wanting 3/ grouped checks despite saying it wouldn't be a problem PRIOR to muddling the orders.

Cleanliness gave me concern when I went to the ladies room looked over my head and saw this! see picture. Just praying they take greater care with cleaning the kitchen than they do the ventilation works.

Came in for Wednesday bingo and I was excited to finally try the food. It was all amazing.
Pretty sure I was having cocktails that weren't just sazeracs, but slight slight plays off the sazerac, but regardless they were delicious. So smooth, boozy, favorful, great.

Had to go for some fried catfish which was amazing, tried some of my wife's fried chicken which equally great and awesomely seasoned. Everything was delicious. Sides were all great, especially the mac n cheese. I ate so much food; I should've brought more home but it was just so damn tasty.

Great atmosphere, great food, can't wait to go back.

My love and I dined at Ina Mae Tavern on a Saturday evening prior to seeing a comedy show in the area. We made reservations, and we needed them as they were pretty busy. Its location is semi-tucked away on a corner just a shade past bustling Milwaukee Avenue in Wicker Park. It's a fun atmosphere there, as if you are dining in New Orleans.

I ordered the fried chicken, which consisted of three pieces of crunchy fried chicken and a delicious buttermilk biscuit. While the fried chicken was good, what this plate really needed was a teeny side of cole slaw to round out the meal. I had to take the chicken breast home as I could not finish the entire serving. My love ordered the fried shrimp po-boy, which came with fries. I'd say she was somewhat disappointed in the overall flavor, as she does not do hot sauce and perhaps the sandwich depended on hot sauce for that special kick.

Service was a bit slow, as it was very busy so we get that. We kind of made our own way to the water dispenser when we wanted a water refill. The bathrooms are downstairs, and you will need to pay attention not only for the stairs but the constant parade of workers coming in and out of the kitchen. I'm generously rounding up from 3.5 stars to give Ina Mae Tavern 4 stars.

I could have sworn I had posted a review of this restaurant in 2022 when I went. Seems that I didn't. I popped in one Saturday afternoon and had a seat inside away from the crowd that had taken up the front patio. Ordered a mimosa and a crab fondue with Cajun chips for a starter. That was a good combination, the mimosa not tasting too heavy-handed and the crab fondue being full of flavor without going overboard. I finished with a cup of gumbo and a plate of small plate collard greens. I am always happy when a restaurant does not mess up gumbo. The same applies to collard greens. They both came out appetizing here. I had a cranberry mimosa to go along with the main dish.

I have a feeling that during warmer months, the place may pack out later in the afternoon. I went shortly after they had opened for lunch. Hence, the patio was full already. The inside was empty right up until I was almost done with my entrée. At some point, I will return. That's for sure.

Great food and atmosphere. Went on a Sunday afternoon, and they had live music. Their drinks were good too.

My best friend and I made a trip to Ina Mae Tavern for their snowballs. My best friend is pregnant and always has a craving for a snowball or slushee. I recommended Ina Mae Tavern because they have the best flavors for snowballs. My favorite flavor is sour grape.
We were mildly hungry so we ordered the hush puppies, macaroni and cheese, and fries. All were a great bite to eat. Definitely shareable. The Mac and cheese was really good. My friend and I noted that the mac and cheese must've contained pimento which I thought was a nice touch. I ordered a Hurricane cocktail. It was very yummy and gave me just the right buzz.
Although we came on a Friday, Ina Mae wasn't as busy as I would've thought, especially on a nice summer day as it was. Which is to my benefit I believe. The service was good. I wish I had came on a day when they have live music. Maybe another time.

Okay let me preface: I'm from Louisiana, born and raised. South Louisiana, specifically. My parents owned a restaurant and catering business for years so that is the scope I'm coming from with this review.

Love the look & feel of Ina Mae Tavern. Classic dark wood with an open layout and ample outdoor seating. We were greeted immediately and advised that they were in between menus (brunch and dinner) which was fine because it was only a 45 minute wait until the dinner menu was up so we opted to try some appetizers.

First off they have Abita Purple Haze on tap which is by far one of my favorite beers. We also tried the orange cream snow ball and the lemon snowball both with a side of rum and they were delicious and refreshing on a warm day.

Apps: The GUMBO was actually... delicious. I loved the authenticity of the potato salad in the gumbo. A side of warm potato salad with gumbo is a thing back home
So that warmed me up. We also tried the boudin balls which were also very good, full of meat and spiced well.

Main: we decided to split a mixed chicken with a side of Mac for an entree. The Mac & Cheese legit tasted like someone's MawMaw made it. It was creamy and rich and just really good Mac & cheese. The biscuit was also good and tender and buttery.

The fried chicken... was over cooked on the outside and under cooked on the inside. The cornmeal mixed batter seems not to be doing well for this chicken. The inside of the breast and leg had undercooked sections. For the meat that was edible it was seasoned well. But the execution of the chicken was underwhelming.

The service, ambiance, drinks, and apps were great. The servers and staff were attentive and friendly... one we get this fried chicken situated... Ina Mae will be my neighborhood staple.

Mehh
I don't get hype about this place but I digress! Arrived with my group place wasn't crowded but our server had major attitude! So actually I should give 2 stars for his nasty self ! . The tenders were overcooked and only came with a dry biscuit 15 bucks is crazy and cup of sauce and fries was 23 dollars. That chicken was honestly forgetable I don't eat shellfish so that was my only choice . Honestly I should've saved my money and sat this one out! He had major tude when asked for separate bills but I insisted because I had another stop to make. One girl got crab macaroni and it came with spaghetti and the regular Mac had macaroni noodles. The other diners were underwhelmed and just asked for a box. They needed to change the chicken grease everything was fried hard but that catfish looked good but I was told it lacked flavor .

I def enjoyed my experience here with a girlfriend! Came for happy hour which we didn't even participate in haha.. I would recommend a better variety of HH deals for the future, but to each their own! Nonetheless the other drink were not far behind in price compared to the $8 HB pricing so we decided to try the cocktail menu out. We started with a frozen Miami vice which was super tasty and gave us a little buzz. Then once food got into our system we went with the boozy snow cone which was yummy as well. A little messy, but fun!!

Now let's get to the best part.. the food. Their crab and cheese dip is a no brainer! BUT we did mention to the server that those chips were not it. They were doable of course, but maybe try a tortilla chip? Or even a toast? Idk haha but that burnt kettle flavor didn't do the dip justice.

I got a fried oyster po' boy sandwich and enjoyed every bite! Took half home and continued to enjoy it. The oysters were super crispy and seasoned well.

Our waiter was attentive and helped me with menu options.