Best Jamaican Restaurants in Chicago, Illinois

Address: 1539 W Howard St, Chicago, IL 60626

Caribbean American Baking Co in Chicago, Illinois, is a long-standing establishment known for its authentic Jamaican fare, particularly their popular beef patties and jerk chicken served Thursday through Sunday. The cozy bakery offers an extensive selection of Caribbean treats, including freshly baked breads, pastries, and traditional Jamaican sodas to complement their meals. Their full dinner plates come complete with classic sides like rice and peas, fried plantains, and cabbage, making it a go-to spot for those craving a taste of the islands.

Price Range: $

Address: 2253 W Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60612

Jerky Jerk in Chicago, Illinois serves up a mix of traditional and fusion Jamaican cuisine, with their signature jerk chicken drawing both praise and criticism from diners seeking authentic Caribbean flavors. Their menu features classics like oxtail and curry goat alongside creative options like jerk tacos and egg rolls, while popular sides include well-seasoned cabbage, mac and cheese, and rice and peas. The restaurant maintains a casual vibe with indoor seating, though many opt for takeout due to limited dining space and busy periods during peak hours.

Price Range: $$

Address: 811 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60642

Jerk. Jamaican Barbecue in Chicago, Illinois serves up a flavorful blend of Caribbean-inspired dishes with their signature jerk seasoning taking center stage. The casual eatery specializes in tender jerk chicken, smoked brisket, and pulled pork, complemented by authentic sides like coconut rice and peas, sweet plantains, and festivals. While the portions are generous and the service friendly, their modern take on traditional Jamaican cuisine offers a unique fusion experience that has made them a popular spot in the West Loop neighborhood.

Price Range: $$

Address: 642- 648 W 79th St, Chicago, IL 60620

Jamaica Jerk Villa in Chicago, Illinois serves up authentic Caribbean cuisine in a vibrant atmosphere that draws locals and visitors alike. The restaurant is known for its signature jerk chicken and diverse menu of traditional Jamaican dishes including oxtails, curry goat, and rice and peas served with house-made jerk sauce. While the food quality and portions can be inconsistent at times, many regulars praise the authentic flavors and smoky jerk seasoning that has made this spot a neighborhood staple for over a decade.

Price Range: $

Address: 548 E 67th St, Chicago, IL 60637

Jerk 48 in Chicago, Illinois offers a diverse menu of Jamaican-inspired dishes with their signature jerk sauce being a spicy standout. The casual walk-up spot serves everything from traditional jerk chicken to creative fusion items like jerk alfredo pasta and jerk tacos, alongside classic sides like rice and peas, cabbage, and mac and cheese. While portion sizes and wait times can vary, their flavorful jerk seasoning and unique takes on Caribbean cuisine have made them a notable presence in Chicago's restaurant scene.

Price Range: $$

Address: 8554 S Stony Island Ave, Chicago, IL 60617

Jerk Palace Hub Int. in Chicago, Illinois serves up a variety of Jamaican dishes with their jerk chicken and catfish being the most talked-about items on the menu. The restaurant offers classic Caribbean sides including mac and cheese, red beans and rice, cabbage, and sweet yams to complement their main dishes. While known for their flavorful jerk sauce, the establishment has received mixed reviews for consistency in food preparation and serves everything from oxtails to beef patties in their casual dining setup.

Price Range: $

Address: 7723 S State St, Chicago, IL 60619

Jerk Taco Man Caribbean BBQ in Chicago, Illinois offers a unique fusion of Jamaican and Mexican flavors with their signature jerk-seasoned meats served in various formats. The establishment features an open kitchen where customers can watch their food being prepared on a wood-fired grill, creating an authentic Caribbean atmosphere. While portions are generally generous and the original jerk chicken tacos remain a popular choice, the restaurant sometimes struggles with consistency in food preparation and service timing.

Price Range: $

Address: 206 E 35th St, Chicago, IL 60616

Jamaican Jerk King in Chicago, Illinois offers a variety of Caribbean dishes in a casual deli-style setting with options ranging from jerk chicken to oxtail. The restaurant provides generous portions with combination plates that include traditional sides like rice and peas, mac and cheese, cabbage, and plantains. While some diners enjoy the bold seasoning of their jerk dishes, others note inconsistency in food quality and authenticity of traditional Jamaican preparations.

Price Range: $$

Address: 2216 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60616

Jerk Villa Bar & Grill in Chicago, Illinois, offers an authentic Jamaican dining experience with their signature jerk chicken and Caribbean-inspired dishes served in a lively atmosphere. The restaurant's menu features traditional items like oxtail stew and curry goat, though portion sizes and consistency can vary depending on when you visit. While the vibrant ambiance and friendly bartenders make it a popular spot for drinks and entertainment, some diners note that the prices run on the higher end for the area.

Price Range: $$

Address: 111 E 51st St, Chicago, IL 60615

FH JerkGOD in Chicago, Illinois, offers a vibrant twist on authentic Caribbean cuisine with their signature jerk dishes and creative fusion items like jerk egg rolls and loaded fries. The restaurant's menu features a well-balanced combination of traditional and modern flavors, with their jerk sauce striking the perfect harmony between sweet and spicy notes. The welcoming atmosphere and attentive service complement their generous portions, making it a standout spot for both Caribbean food enthusiasts and newcomers to the cuisine.

Price Range: $$

Address: 1849 E 79th St, Chicago, IL 60649

One Stop Jamaica Jerk in Chicago, Illinois serves up generous portions of authentic Caribbean cuisine in a clean and welcoming environment. The restaurant is known for their flavorful jerk chicken with homemade sauce, tender oxtails, and perfectly seasoned sides like cabbage, rice and peas, and sweet plantains. While some diners note inconsistencies with portion sizes and service wait times, the establishment maintains loyal customers who appreciate the reasonable prices and authentic Jamaican flavors.

Price Range: $$

Address: 1934 E 95th St, Chicago, IL 60617

Jamaica Jerk Choice Inc. in Chicago, Illinois, is a casual strip mall eatery specializing in Caribbean fare with limited seating and a focus on takeout service. The menu features classic Jamaican dishes including jerk chicken, oxtail, and various sides like rice and peas, cabbage, and mac and cheese, with their jerk sauce known for packing serious heat. While the establishment maintains a clean environment, the consistency of food quality and portion sizes can vary significantly from visit to visit.

Price Range: $$