Best Soul Food in South Side, Chicago, IL

Serving Premier Soul Food – Fresh, Hot & Ready To Go

Welcome To Food On The Run Express

We serve up real, homestyle meals fast and fresh—including breakfast favorites to start your day right. Located at 130 E 51st St in Chicago, we bring you classic soul food with a twist, like Salmon Alfredo and Southwestern Egg Rolls. Whether you’re ordering online or grabbing takeout, expect fresh, flavorful dishes made with care, served with pride, and always full of South Side soul.

The Neighborhood Gem

We've Rebranded! Food On The Run as you know it has now rebranded to The Neighborhood Gem! Still located at 8040 S Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60620. We've revamped our restaurant with a fresh brand and refined our recipes to deliver even more flavor, quality, and heart in every bite. Come taste the difference - you deserve nothing less than our best. Looking to feed a crowd? Order catering for any occasion and let us take care of the rest!

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Made Fresh, Served Right

From crispy fried fish to creamy mac and cheese, every plate we serve is made to feel like home. We cook everything fresh to order using high-quality ingredients—from locally sourced produce to premium meats. No shortcuts, just real food made right with bold flavors!

Explore Menu

Order From Our Website

Browse our website to order your favorites in just a few clicks. It’s fast, easy, and your meal will be hot and ready when you are.

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Savor The Flavors

See what’s cooking—from golden fried wings to creamy sides and everything in between. Our gallery shows the kind of meals that speak for themselves: colorful, bold, and packed with flavor.

Our Story, From Day One

We started with one goal: to bring real home-style meals to the South Side. Since day one, we’ve been committed to cooking from scratch, serving our neighbors, and keeping it 100% real. What began as a small dream is now a go-to spot for comfort food done right.

Meet The Team

Come Visit Us📍

Stop by for your favorites – hot, fresh, and made to order. Every bite brings the comfort of home and the flavor of the South Side. Open Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday: 12 PM – 8 PM Sunday: 12 PM – 7 PM Closed Tuesdays and Thursdays.

What our guests are saying

When I say this food is bussing its bussing like imma try whole menu type situation. Service was bomb and food was on time. Can't wait to try more items

Patrice F.

My 1st time going the food was really good I finally had turkey chops they were real tender full of flavor and all the sides were also good, the customer service from the young man at the register was top tier. 10/10 highly recommended, my kids are very picky when it comes to certain foods but they loved this and instantly said we gotta go back!