Unearth The Voyage
Craving authentic Cajun-Creole flavors without boarding a plane to Louisiana? Maple Tree Inn in Homewood, Illinois brings the heart and soul of New Orleans straight to the Chicago suburbs.
This cozy restaurant serves up classic dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, and étouffée that taste like they were made in the French Quarter. Whether you’re a spice lover or just curious about Southern cooking, this local gem offers an unforgettable dining adventure.
The Holy Trinity of Cajun Cooking Comes Alive
Walk into Maple Tree Inn and you’ll immediately smell the magic happening in the kitchen. Celery, bell peppers, and onions form the foundation of nearly every dish here, just like they do in authentic Louisiana kitchens.
These three vegetables create the flavor base that makes Cajun food taste so rich and comforting. The chefs at this Homewood restaurant treat these ingredients with serious respect.
They chop them fresh daily and sauté them slowly until they release their natural sweetness. This careful preparation makes a huge difference in the final taste of your meal.
Many restaurants rush this step or use pre-chopped vegetables, but not here. The commitment to traditional cooking methods shows in every bite.
When you taste the gumbo or jambalaya, you’ll notice how the flavors blend together perfectly. This attention to detail separates good Cajun food from great Cajun food.
The holy trinity might seem simple, but it’s the secret behind why dishes at Maple Tree Inn taste so authentic and delicious.
Gumbo That Tells a Story in Every Spoonful
The gumbo at Maple Tree Inn doesn’t mess around. Rich, dark, and loaded with seafood and andouille sausage, this signature dish captures everything wonderful about Louisiana cooking.
The roux is cooked to a deep chocolate color, which takes patience and skill that many cooks never master. Each bowl arrives piping hot with a scoop of white rice sitting right in the middle.
The okra adds thickness while shrimp, crab, and chunks of spicy sausage provide different textures and flavors. You’ll find yourself scraping the bowl to get every last drop.
What makes this gumbo special is the balance of spices. It’s got heat, but not so much that you can’t taste the seafood.
The seasoning builds gradually, warming your mouth without overwhelming your taste buds. Regular customers often order extra cornbread to soak up the broth.
The portion sizes are generous enough to share, though you probably won’t want to. This is comfort food that sticks to your ribs and makes you feel like you’re sitting in a New Orleans kitchen.
Jambalaya Packed With Flavor and History
Jambalaya represents the melting pot of cultures that created Cajun cuisine. Spanish, French, African, and Native American influences all come together in this one-pot wonder.
At Maple Tree Inn, the jambalaya stays true to these roots while delivering bold, satisfying flavors. The rice absorbs all the spices and meat drippings as it cooks, turning golden brown and incredibly flavorful.
Chicken, sausage, and shrimp provide protein variety, while the Creole seasoning ties everything together. Each forkful offers something different to discover.
Unlike some versions that turn mushy, this jambalaya maintains perfect texture. The rice stays slightly firm, the meats remain tender, and the vegetables add little bursts of freshness.
Green onions sprinkled on top provide a mild crunch that contrasts nicely with the softer ingredients. People often debate whether jambalaya should be red or brown.
Maple Tree Inn makes theirs in the Creole style with tomatoes, giving it a reddish hue. The tomatoes add a slight tanginess that brightens up the rich, meaty flavors and keeps each bite interesting from start to finish.
Étouffée That Melts in Your Mouth
Étouffée means smothered in French, and that’s exactly what happens to the seafood in this luxurious dish. Maple Tree Inn serves their étouffée with either crawfish or shrimp swimming in a blonde roux sauce that coats everything beautifully.
The sauce is the star here, thick and velvety with a subtle kick. The seafood cooks gently in the sauce until it becomes incredibly tender.
Crawfish tails are the traditional choice, offering sweet meat that soaks up all those wonderful flavors. If crawfish isn’t your thing, the shrimp version delivers just as much satisfaction.
What separates good étouffée from great étouffée is the roux consistency. Too thin and it’s just soup; too thick and it becomes gloppy.
The kitchen staff here nails it every time, creating a sauce that clings to your fork without feeling heavy. Served over fluffy white rice, étouffée makes for a complete meal that feels fancy but stays approachable.
The combination of buttery sauce, perfectly cooked seafood, and aromatic seasonings creates pure comfort on a plate.
Craft Beer Selection That Complements the Heat
Spicy Cajun food needs the right drink to balance all those bold flavors. Maple Tree Inn offers an impressive craft beer selection that pairs perfectly with their menu.
The staff knows which brews work best with different dishes and they’re happy to make recommendations. Local and regional craft beers dominate the list, supporting nearby breweries while giving customers fresh, quality options.
IPAs help cool down the spice, while malty amber ales complement the rich, savory dishes. There’s something for every beer lover, from light lagers to dark stouts.
The rotating tap selection means you’ll always find something new to try. Seasonal offerings appear throughout the year, keeping regular visitors excited about their drink choices.
The bartenders pour perfect pints and can tell you about the flavor profiles of each beer. Even if you’re not a huge beer drinker, the friendly staff will help you find something you’ll enjoy.
The prices stay reasonable, especially considering the quality of the craft selections. Having a cold beer alongside your gumbo just feels right, and this restaurant makes it easy to find your perfect match.
Live Music That Brings NOLA Vibes to Illinois
Food isn’t the only way Maple Tree Inn transports you to Louisiana. Live music performances happen regularly, filling the dining room with jazz, blues, and zydeco sounds.
These musical nights turn a regular dinner into a full cultural experience that engages all your senses. The cozy saloon space becomes even more welcoming when musicians set up in the corner.
Local and touring acts bring authentic Southern sounds that perfectly match the food you’re eating. The volume stays at a comfortable level where you can still talk to your dining companions between songs.
Musicians often play on weekend evenings, though the schedule changes throughout the month. Checking the restaurant’s website or calling ahead helps you plan your visit around performances.
The music never costs extra, which makes these special evenings even more valuable. Tapping your foot to live jazz while eating jambalaya creates memories that last long after your meal ends.
The combination of great food and live entertainment makes Maple Tree Inn feel like a neighborhood spot in the French Quarter. It’s this attention to atmosphere that keeps customers coming back week after week.
Signature Cocktails With Southern Spirit
Classic New Orleans cocktails make an appearance on the drink menu at Maple Tree Inn. Hurricanes, Sazeracs, and other Louisiana favorites are mixed with care and served in proper glassware.
These aren’t watered-down versions either—they pack the punch you’d expect from the real thing. The Hurricane stands out as a customer favorite, with its bright red color and fruity rum flavor.
It’s sweet but not too sugary, with enough alcohol to make you feel relaxed as you enjoy your meal. The Sazerac offers a more sophisticated option for whiskey lovers, with its anise flavor and aromatic bitters.
Bartenders here know the history behind these drinks and can share interesting stories while they mix. They use quality spirits and fresh ingredients, never cutting corners with cheap substitutes.
The attention to authenticity extends from the kitchen to the bar. Frozen daiquiris also make regular appearances, perfect for hot summer evenings.
The cocktail prices remain reasonable considering the generous pours and quality ingredients. Sipping a properly made Hurricane while eating étouffée really does make you forget you’re in suburban Illinois for a while.
Cozy Saloon Atmosphere That Feels Like Home
Maple Tree Inn doesn’t try to be fancy or pretentious. The cozy saloon space feels welcoming and comfortable, like a favorite neighborhood bar where everybody knows your name.
Wooden tables, dim lighting, and Louisiana-themed decorations create an atmosphere that’s both casual and special. The dining room isn’t huge, which actually adds to the charm.
You feel like you’re part of something intimate rather than sitting in a massive, impersonal restaurant. The close quarters mean you might hear snippets of conversation from nearby tables, adding to the friendly, communal vibe.
Decorations throughout the space celebrate Louisiana culture and history. Vintage signs, Mardi Gras beads, and photos of New Orleans landmarks transport you mentally to the Bayou State.
The attention to theming never feels overdone or touristy. Staff members treat guests like old friends, remembering regular customers and making newcomers feel welcome.
The casual atmosphere means you can come in jeans and a t-shirt without feeling underdressed. This relaxed approach to dining makes Maple Tree Inn perfect for everything from date nights to family dinners to catching up with friends over good food.
Andouille Sausage That Brings the Smoke
You can’t have authentic Cajun food without andouille sausage. This smoked pork sausage appears in multiple dishes at Maple Tree Inn, adding a distinctive smoky, spicy flavor that’s impossible to replicate with regular sausage.
The coarse texture and bold seasoning make it instantly recognizable. Andouille originated in France but Louisiana cooks made it their own.
The version used here features plenty of garlic, black pepper, and cayenne, giving it a kick that wakes up your taste buds. Smoking the sausage adds another layer of complexity to the flavor profile.
In the gumbo, chunks of andouille provide meaty satisfaction and a pleasant chewiness. The jambalaya benefits from the sausage’s rendered fat, which flavors the rice as everything cooks together.
Even in smaller amounts, andouille makes its presence known. Some restaurants use cheaper substitutes like kielbasa or regular smoked sausage, but the taste difference is huge.
Maple Tree Inn uses authentic andouille, which shows their commitment to getting the details right. That dedication to quality ingredients is what makes their Cajun food taste so genuine and delicious.
Portions That Leave You Satisfied
Nobody leaves Maple Tree Inn hungry. The portion sizes are genuinely generous, giving you plenty of food without feeling wasteful.
Most entrees come with enough to satisfy even hearty appetites, and you might even have leftovers to take home. Southern hospitality includes making sure guests are well-fed, and this restaurant takes that tradition seriously.
Your plate arrives loaded with your chosen dish, rice, and often a side of cornbread or vegetables. The value for your money is excellent considering both the quantity and quality.
Sharing plates works well here if you want to taste multiple dishes. The appetizers are substantial enough to split between two or three people.
Some customers order a variety of items family-style, creating a feast that lets everyone sample different flavors. The kitchen doesn’t skimp on the expensive ingredients either.
Seafood dishes contain plenty of shrimp or crawfish, not just filler. Meat portions are thick and satisfying.
You’re paying for real food made with quality ingredients, not tiny fancy portions that look pretty but leave you hungry an hour later.
Weekday and Weekend Hours That Work for You
Planning your visit to Maple Tree Inn requires checking their unique schedule. The restaurant stays closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, giving the hardworking staff a well-deserved break.
Wednesdays and Thursdays they open at 5 PM, while Fridays start at 4 PM. Weekend hours offer more flexibility with doors opening at 2 PM on both Saturdays and Sundays.
This makes afternoon dining possible if you’re craving Cajun food earlier in the day. All evening services end at 9 PM, so plan to arrive with enough time to enjoy your meal.
The limited hours actually work in the restaurant’s favor. It allows them to maintain consistent quality and keep their staff fresh rather than burned out.
Everything is prepared to order, which takes time but ensures you’re getting the best possible meal. Calling ahead for reservations is smart, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings when the dining room fills up quickly.
The phone number is easy to find on their website. Showing up during less busy times like Wednesday or Thursday evenings might get you seated faster if you prefer a quieter atmosphere.
Location on Dixie Highway Makes It Easy to Find
Maple Tree Inn sits at 18849 Dixie Highway in Homewood, making it accessible from multiple Chicago suburbs. The location on this major road means you won’t get lost trying to find it.
Parking is available, which takes away the stress of circling blocks looking for a spot. Homewood offers a quieter alternative to downtown Chicago while still being close enough for an easy drive.
The surrounding area features other shops and businesses, so you can make an evening of your visit. The restaurant itself stands out with its welcoming exterior and clear signage.
Getting there from Chicago takes about 30 minutes depending on traffic, while nearby suburbs like Flossmoor, Olympia Fields, and Glenwood are just minutes away. The convenient location has helped build a loyal customer base from throughout the south suburban area.
Dixie Highway provides easy access whether you’re coming from the north or south. The restaurant’s visibility from the road means you’ll spot it easily as you approach.
Once you’ve visited once, you’ll have no trouble finding your way back for return trips to satisfy those Cajun cravings.
Four and a Half Stars From Over Two Thousand Reviews
With more than 2,000 reviews averaging 4.5 stars, Maple Tree Inn has clearly won over the local community. These aren’t just a handful of opinions—this is consistent feedback from thousands of diners over many years.
That kind of sustained positive response speaks volumes about the quality and reliability. Customers consistently praise the authentic flavors, generous portions, and friendly service in their reviews.
Many mention that it’s the closest they’ve found to real Louisiana cooking outside of Louisiana itself. The high rating reflects experiences across different dishes, times, and occasions.
Reading through reviews, you’ll notice regular customers who’ve been coming for years. They talk about favorite dishes, friendly staff members they recognize, and how the quality never drops.
This loyal following demonstrates that Maple Tree Inn delivers consistently good experiences. Of course, no restaurant is perfect, and occasional critical reviews appear.
However, the overwhelmingly positive feedback shows that most people leave happy and satisfied. The restaurant takes feedback seriously and works to address any concerns.
When you’re trying a new place, these kinds of ratings help you feel confident about your choice.
Moderate Pricing That Won’t Break the Bank
Maple Tree Inn falls into the moderate price range with its double dollar sign rating. You’re not paying fine dining prices, but you’re also not eating fast food.
The cost reflects the quality ingredients, generous portions, and authentic preparation methods used in every dish. Most entrees fall into a reasonable price range that makes regular visits possible without draining your wallet.
When you factor in the portion sizes and quality, the value becomes even clearer. You’re getting real Louisiana cooking without having to fly to New Orleans.
Appetizers, drinks, and desserts add to your total bill, but nothing feels overpriced. The craft beer selection costs more than domestic bottles, but that’s expected for quality brews.
Cocktails are priced fairly for the generous pours and quality spirits used. Couples can enjoy a nice dinner with drinks for a reasonable amount, while families can feed everyone without financial stress.
The pricing strategy makes Cajun food accessible to regular people rather than treating it as an expensive specialty cuisine. This approach has helped build the restaurant’s strong reputation and loyal customer base over the years.
A Phone Call Away From Your Next Cajun Adventure
Reaching Maple Tree Inn is as simple as dialing 708-388-3461. The staff answers during business hours and can help with reservations, questions about the menu, or information about upcoming events.
Having a real person answer the phone instead of an automated system makes the experience more personal. Calling ahead for weekend reservations is highly recommended since the restaurant fills up quickly.
The staff can tell you about wait times, suggest less busy times to visit, or take your information for a callback. They’re friendly and helpful, never making you feel like you’re bothering them.
If you have dietary restrictions or questions about specific dishes, the phone staff can provide detailed information. They know the menu well and can describe ingredients, spice levels, and preparation methods.
This helps you make informed choices before you even arrive. The restaurant’s website also provides contact information and basic details, but sometimes a phone conversation answers your questions faster.
Whether you’re planning a special celebration, organizing a group dinner, or just want to confirm they’ll be open, picking up the phone connects you with helpful people who genuinely care about your experience.
