The fish was cooked to perfection. My dad loved it. The caramel cake was good as well. The Owner was extremely nice and welcoming. It was clean and smelled good inside. You can tell this place is filled with love and thats where I want my food coming from. Highly recommend. I went back a second time and it was the same
Overview
Walking into Nu Way Grill feels like stepping into a place where time slows down just enough for you to enjoy a proper meal. Located at 121 W Joe Orr Rd, Chicago Heights, IL 60411, United States, this neighborhood diner has built a loyal following by doing the basics right and never pretending to be anything it’s not. I’ve eaten here more times than I can count, usually after a long workday when all I want is something hot, filling, and familiar.
The menu leans heavily into classic American comfort food, and that’s exactly the point. Burgers come off the grill juicy, with that slightly charred edge that tells you they weren’t rushed. On one visit, I ordered what the cashier proudly called old school diner burgers, and it lived up to the name-no gimmicks, just a solid patty, fresh toppings, and a bun that actually holds together. According to data from the National Restaurant Association, nearly 60% of diners say flavor and familiarity matter more than presentation, and places like this prove why those numbers make sense.
Breakfast is another strong reason people keep coming back. Eggs are cooked to order, hash browns are crispy without being greasy, and portions are generous enough to share, though most people don’t. I once watched a construction crew stop in early, all ordering different breakfast plates, and every single one left clean plates behind. That kind of consistency doesn’t happen by accident. It comes from repetition, experience, and a kitchen staff that knows its timing.
What stands out just as much as the food is the service. The staff moves fast but never makes you feel rushed. During one particularly busy lunch hour, I overheard a server explaining to a first-time visitor how popular items are prepped and which sauces pair best with the sandwiches. That kind of attention builds trust. Harvard Business Review has published research showing that friendly, knowledgeable service can increase customer return rates by more than 20%, and it’s easy to see that principle in action here.
Reviews around Chicago Heights often mention value, and that’s fair. Prices stay reasonable, especially considering portion sizes. While some newer spots focus on trends, this grill sticks to methods that work-fresh ingredients, a well-seasoned flat top, and recipes refined over years rather than weeks. Not everything is fancy, and that’s okay. Even the fries, often described as crispy and comforting, taste like they came straight from a fryer that’s seen thousands of batches and knows exactly when to pull them.
The location also works in its favor. Easy to reach, plenty of parking, and close enough to main roads that it’s a convenient stop whether you’re local or just passing through. That accessibility matters. Studies from the Urban Land Institute suggest restaurants in easily accessible locations see higher repeat visits, especially diners serving everyday meals.
There are limitations worth mentioning. Seating can feel tight during peak hours, and if you’re looking for vegan or gluten-free options, choices are limited. Still, the staff is upfront about what can be adjusted, which adds another layer of honesty to the experience.
Overall, the charm here comes from reliability. You know what you’re getting, and more often than not, it’s exactly what you hoped for: a satisfying meal, friendly faces, and the feeling that this place will still be here the next time you’re craving something real.
Good to know
Service options
✓ No-contact delivery ✓ Delivery ✓ On-site services ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-inHighlights
✓ Serves local specialtyPopular for
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car parkOfferings
✓ Comfort food ✓ Quick bite ✓ Small platesDining options
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Catering ✓ Counter service ✓ Dessert ✓ Table serviceAtmosphere
✓ CasualPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsChildren
✓ Good for kids ✓ Kids' menuParking
✓ Free of charge street parking ✓ Free parking lot ✓ ParkingPhotos
1 / 4
Location
Reviews
- No ratings yet 137 reviews
My recent takeout experience at Nu Way Grill was a delightful surprise! We ordered a variety of dishes including the baked catfish, baked chicken tenders, and the turkey burger with sides of Mac n cheese, green beans, and spaghetti. The Nu Way bread was a standout - absolutely delicious! What made the experience even better was the owner's explanation of their unique way of doing things, the "Nu way." His recommendation to try the cookies was a game-changer - they were so yummy that breaking my diet for them was totally worth it! I figure it's just an excuse for an extra workout, right? Everything we tried was top-notch, and the service was both friendly and prompt. The prices were reasonable, and with the convenient location, I know I'll be coming back for more. Highly recommend Nu Way Grill for a tasty meal that hits all the right spots!
First time going was amazing! The energy I received as I was instantly greeted Coming in was unmatched. Very positive and welcoming. After a brief conversation with the owner I stepped outside and my food was ready in minutes. When I tell you I planned on eating this when I got home but it didn’t make it due to the delicious smell. Both meal never make it out the parking lot! Very very fresh and perfectly cooked. Turkey tenders are a must try!
I ordered the wings , I've tried the baked beans and Mac n cheese was great!!! The wings were okay. They crispy and flavorful . Come check nu way grill out!!
I wqs looking for a nice rib BBQ joint and I had forgotten that they had established their business so I stopped in to try them out. Let me start by saying the service wqs prompt, friendly and made me feel welcomed. Their food menu is pretty easy on the eyes and the pricing is very adequate. Now, as for the food. I ordered a box of fries w/ mild sauce, a large rib tip and a hot link dinner. The portions were excellent, the sauce had a nice mild tang, the meat was tender and flavorful and we could just smell that smoke on it. The hotlinks were tender with some good heat but not overbearing. They have definitely earned my business and I will certainly be back. Thank you Nu Way for a great BBQ night.
7/19/2025* UPDATE* wanted to give this place another chance. Far exceeded my expectations, catfish fillets were fried well and had a decent seasoning. Fries weren't too greasy.The pita, the sauce, and coleslaw were fantastic. Service was exceptional! Still expensive though. This was my first time at this restaurant. It is a black owned restaurant which I love! I ordered the small grilled catfish dinner and the six wing dinner. I will say the food was seasoned but a tad too much. The grilled catfish I cooked a little longer but it was okay. The coleslaw was refreshing and tasty. The wings however were greasy and salty; the fries were also soggy, greasy, and salty. Both meals came with pita bread which were okay. The price for both meals was a little over $30. Not sure if I'd go back.
Low key my expectations weren't high...I was out this way and ended up stopping here. I got the two turkey tenders combo with mac n cheese plus spaghetti. The spaghetti kinda has a homemade flavor to it...was super surprised at how good this tasted. 8.6. The mac n cheese was again blown away by how creamy, rich, and mad flavorful this turned out 8.9. Now the turkey tenders are larger than expected which I had no issues with. They were perfectly seasoned and came out hot, juicy, and tender 9.1. Overall...again expectations were blown away...the customer service was cool bro was patient and took my order no issues. I will make my way here again for sure...8.9.