Hands down, Litehouse Whole Food Grill is my favorite restaurant in Chicago. Every time I visit the south side neighborhood Hyde Park, I have to grab some grub from Litehouse. I found out about Litehouse Grill a few years ago on social media. Think of it as a Chipotle styled restaurant except there are way more options and the food is fresher. Litehouse is also a Black owned establishment founded by Eric "Rico" Nance. Nance is also the co-owner of the newly opened Mikkey's Retro Grill that he started with this brother located at 5319 S. Hyde Park Blvd.
Nance, who is a former Christian pastor, says that he got the vision for Litehouse Grill while praying on the lakefront in Jackson Park in 2013. After visiting Zberry Frozen Yogurt and Treats Bar (Black and female owned, by the way) on 53rd street, he noticed a vacancy sign on a storefront across the street and the rest is history. Litehouse serves whole, organic foods and is sensitive to varying diets of customers. What's great about Litehouse is that Nance makes it his duty to employ at-risk youth who are native to the south side and about 20,000 meals are served to the less fortunate and homeless on Saturday mornings and afternoons. Not only does Litehouse serve amazing food, but also gives back to the community.
There's always great old school and new school soul and r&b music playing on the speakers and large paintings created by local artists decorated on the layered brick wall. Nance who is a Christian closes the restaurant every Friday after sunset and opens back up on Saturday after sunset in honor of the Sabbath. Regardless of how busy the staff is, they never fail to be friendly greet customers as we enter the establishment. Every time I visit Litehouse, there's a lengthy line, but the crew is so thorough with their teamwork, they never fail to get the job done and get everyone's orders prepared. Litehouse not only caters to meat eaters, but also vegans, vegetarians, pescetarians, and gluten free folk, great for the whole family. I usually get the Bowl meal (think of the Chipotle burrito bowls but better) but I decided to grab some salmon tacos and they were absolutely divine. The sweet potato fries are my favorite from the menu, but unfortunately the restaurant ran out of them.
Litehouse also has catering services and meal plans available. Customers can also order via take-out with the Grub Hub service. Next time I visit Litehouse Grill, I'd like to check out the Personal 8'' Pizza and the nachos. This is a great place to grab a quick lunch while on break from your job or a casual dinner while hanging out in Hyde Park. I wish nothing but the best for Mr. Nance, his employees, and both of his businesses.
Rating: 10/10
Litehouse Whole Food Grill is located at 1373 E. 53rd Street, Chicago, IL Sun-Thurs 11am-10pm, Fri 11am-30 min prior to sunset in honor of the Sabbath, Sat 30 min after sunset-12am, 773-633-2587
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