Since opening on July 25, 2022, The Southern Kitchen has transformed into Chicago’s Northwest Suburbs’ top spot for southern comfort brunch. 🍳
This family-owned Arlington Heights brunch gem serves generous portions of Southern-inspired breakfast dishes that make customers return multiple days in a row.
Owned by Steve Fotos, Frank Georgacopoulos, and Arry Marinakos, the restaurant welcomes guests with the aroma of biscuits fresh from the oven and skillets sizzling to order, proving their tagline true: “Southern Never Tasted So Good!”
How The Southern Kitchen won Arlington Heights’ hearts
Opening during the summer of 2022, owners Steve Fotos, Frank Georgacopoulos, and Arry Marinakos envisioned a space where Southern comfort meets suburban convenience, creating a locally-owned brunch destination that quickly secured the top spot in Arlington Heights.
The restaurant’s success stems from its commitment to real food, done the right way—focusing on Southern-inspired dishes that remind people of home while keeping everything generous and satisfying.
What truly won hearts is their signature creation: BoNuts (biscuit donuts), a uniquely delicious hybrid that showcases their innovative approach to traditional Southern baking. 🍩
Customers consistently rave about the super fluffy pancakes, amazing biscuits, and portions sized for “grown folks”—meals so substantial that locals warn newcomers to arrive on an empty stomach.
The team’s philosophy centers on care and attention to detail, from biscuits and gravy made with the right balance to pancakes stacked high and omelets packed with flavor.
Beyond the food, the restaurant offers private party reservations for birthdays and office gatherings, plus catering services that bring Southern comfort to any occasion with their hearty breakfast items, fresh salads, and flavorful wraps.
This combination of generous portions, homemade specialties, and innovative menu items transformed The Southern Kitchen into Arlington Heights’ beloved Illinois brunch destination.
Food Highlights
- Eggs Dirty Bird: A must-try specialty featuring a biscuit topped with sausage patties, poached eggs, and savory sausage gravy that delivers authentic Southern breakfast flavors.
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BoNuts: The restaurant’s signature creation features homemade biscuit donuts that perfectly balance buttery biscuit texture with sweet donut indulgence. 🍩
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Kitchen Sink: An over-the-top skillet creation loaded with eggs, hash browns, and multiple toppings served with a complimentary biscuit.
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Skirt Steak & Eggs: A hearty favorite showcasing a 10 oz broiled skirt steak served with two eggs any style and choice of hash browns, fruit, or grits plus toast or pancakes for a protein-packed Illinois brunch. 🥩
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Country Fried Steak: A popular brunch staple showcasing tender steak breaded and fried to golden perfection, smothered in creamy country gravy.
- Southern Bliss: A beloved dish featuring an English muffin topped with fried green tomato, smashed avocado, bacon, poached eggs, and comeback sauce.
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Chunky Monkey: An indulgent sweet creation featuring chocolate chip pancakes accented with a chocolate drizzle, fresh bananas, chocolate chips, whipped cream, and peanut butter topping. 🍌
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Morning Wrecker: A hearty breakfast option featuring drop biscuits loaded with hash browns, smoked bacon, caramelized onions, cheesy eggs, pickled cherry peppers, and fried chicken, topped with sausage gravy.
Atmosphere
The restaurant creates a welcoming, family-friendly environment that balances casual comfort with attentive service.
The Southern Kitchen’s space accommodates everything from quick weekday breakfasts to leisurely weekend brunches, with accommodations for private parties and group reservations that make celebrations feel special. 🎉
The vibe perfectly captures their mission: a place where good food and good company come together naturally, creating an inviting atmosphere that encourages locals to make The Southern Kitchen their regular favorite spot.
Bottom Line
Visit for homemade BoNuts you can’t find anywhere else, generous portions sized for serious appetites, super fluffy pancakes and amazing biscuits, authentic Southern-inspired brunch dishes with bold flavors, and excellent service from a genuinely caring locally-owned team. ✨
Address:
818 E Kensington Rd, Arlington Heights, IL 60004
📞 (224) 735-3277
🕔 Open Daily 6:30 AM–3:00 PM