You walk into the building at 4330 Roosevelt Road and the first thing that hits you isn't the decor. It's the air. It’s thick, heavy, and smells exactly like your grandmother’s kitchen on a Sunday afternoon—specifically, the kind of kitchen where the stove has been running since 6:00 AM.
Priscilla's soul food in hillside isn't just a restaurant; it’s a time machine.
Honestly, if you're looking for a "trendy" spot with minimalist lighting and tiny portions, just turn around now. This place is a cafeteria. You grab a tray. You slide it along the metal rails. You point at what you want. It’s basic, but it’s real.
The Meat of the Matter: Why People Keep Coming Back
Most people think soul food is just about grease. That's a huge misconception. At Priscilla’s Ultimate Soulfood Cafeteria, the food is hearty, sure, but it isn't just a bucket of oil.
Owners Priscilla and Mansfield Redmond have been doing this for over two decades. They opened the Hillside location about 23 years ago, and they’ve stuck to a rotating daily menu that keeps things interesting. You can't just show up on a Wednesday and expect the Friday special. Well, you can, but you'll be disappointed.
The fried chicken is arguably the MVP here. It’s seasoned all the way to the bone. You’ve probably had chicken where the skin is great but the meat is bland—that doesn't happen here. It’s crispy, not soggy.
Then there are the short ribs. They’re tender. Like, "don't even need a knife" tender.
The Daily Rhythm
- Wednesday & Sunday: The heavy hitters. Fried chicken is the star, and the crowds know it.
- Thursday: This is for the pot roast lovers. It’s slow-cooked with potatoes and carries that deep, savory gravy that you’ll want to soak up with a muffin.
- Friday & Saturday: Catfish days. If you haven't had their fried catfish with a side of spaghetti (yes, spaghetti), you haven't lived the full Chicago-suburb soul food experience.
The Sides Aren't Just Sides
In most restaurants, the sides are an afterthought. A sad scoop of mash or some limp broccoli. At Priscilla's, the sides are the main event for a lot of people.
The macaroni and cheese is the litmus test for any soul food joint. If the mac is dry, the whole place is a fraud. Priscilla’s mac is creamy, cheesy, and has that baked-on crust at the edges. It’s legit.
Then you have the candied yams. They are sweet. Kinda like dessert, but they’re on the dinner plate. They’re swimming in a syrup that makes you wonder if you should just eat them with a spoon and skip the meat.
Don't sleep on the dressing either. It’s savory and moist, usually served with a bit of cranberry sauce or gravy. It tastes like Thanksgiving, even in the middle of July.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Experience
If you're expecting "fast food," you're in the wrong place. Even though it's cafeteria-style, the line can move slow because people are actually talking. The staff—often referred to as the "aunties" of the kitchen—take their time to make sure your plate is stacked high.
And let’s talk about those portions.
A "dinner" includes an entree, two sides, and a corn muffin. But "two sides" is a bit of a lie because the portions are so massive they often bleed into each other on the plate. Most people end up with enough leftovers for lunch the next day.
"It's like being in grandma's kitchen without feeling the heat," says regular diner Brenda Stovall.
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That basically sums it up. It’s cozy. It’s a bit chaotic when it’s busy. It feels like a community hub.
The "Health" Warning (From the Owners Themselves)
Here’s a fun fact: the owners actually warn people not to eat here every single day.
The menu is so rich and hearty that it’s meant to be a treat. It’s soul food, not salad bar food. When the people making the food tell you to pace yourself, you know they aren't skimping on the butter or the seasoning.
Navigating the Menu and Logistics
If you’re planning a trip to Priscilla's soul food in hillside, you need to know the logistics. They aren't open every day. Usually, they take Monday and Tuesday off to prep and rest.
Location: 4330 Roosevelt Rd, Hillside, IL 60162
Hours: Wednesday – Sunday, 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM (though the dining room sometimes closes earlier, around 7:30 PM).
Prices and Value
Expect to pay somewhere between $15 and $28 for a full dinner depending on your meat choice. Short ribs and oxtails are on the higher end because, well, beef prices are what they are in 2026. A veggie plate (four sides and a muffin) is a solid move if you want to sample everything without the meat coma.
Pro-Tips for Your First Visit
- The Corn Muffin: Don't just eat it dry. Use it to sop up the pot roast gravy or the juice from the greens.
- The Drinks: Look for the "Obama Punch" or the "Hallie Berry." They’re sweet, fruity, and the perfect counter-balance to the salty, savory flavors of the meal.
- Timing: Sunday after church is the busiest time. If you don't like lines, try a late Wednesday lunch.
The Dessert Finish
You can't leave without a slice of something.
The peach cobbler is the big seller. The crust-to-fruit ratio is usually spot on. If you prefer cake, the lemon pound cake is dense and tart. They also have banana pudding that actually has the Nilla wafers in it, just like it should.
Is It Really "Ultimate"?
Look, food is subjective. Some people might find it too salty; others might find the cafeteria vibe a bit dated. But if you're looking for authentic Southern cooking in the Chicago suburbs, it's hard to beat the consistency here. It’s a black-owned business that has survived recessions and a global pandemic by simply making food that tastes like home.
It’s not fancy. It’s not "fusion." It’s just soul food.
If you want to experience Priscilla's soul food in hillside the right way, bring an appetite and maybe a pair of loose-fitting pants. You’re going to need them.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check the Day: Before you drive out, verify it's a Wednesday through Sunday.
- Consult the Daily Specials: If you want specific items like liver and onions or oxtails, call ahead or check their online menu to see which day they are featured.
- Go Early for the Cobbler: Popular desserts often sell out by the evening rush.
- Plan for Leftovers: Bring a bag or clear some space in your fridge; you will almost certainly have a second meal's worth of food.