Best Rice and Peas 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: 119 E 79th St, Chicago, IL 60619

Just Jerk Cafe in Chicago, Illinois, stands out as a beloved spot for authentic Jamaican cuisine, specializing in perfectly seasoned jerk chicken and tender oxtails served with traditional sides like rice and peas, cabbage, and mac and cheese. The restaurant has built a loyal following over its decade-long presence on the South Side, consistently delivering fresh, flavorful dishes that keep customers coming back for more. The welcoming staff provides attentive service while dishing out generous portions at reasonable prices, making it a go-to destination for Caribbean food enthusiasts in the Windy City.

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: 5317 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60639

Three-Ds Jerk Chicken in Chicago, Illinois, serves up generous portions of Caribbean-inspired fare in a casual takeout setting. The restaurant is known for their signature jerk chicken with spicy sauce, alongside traditional sides like rice and peas, candied yams, and cabbage. While opinions on authenticity and consistency vary widely among customers, their reasonable prices and quick service make it a popular spot for those seeking Jamaican flavors on Chicago's west side.

Price Range: $$

Address: 1510 E Harper Ct, Chicago, IL 60615

Ja' Grill Hyde Park in Chicago, Illinois offers a vibrant Caribbean dining experience with a mix of traditional Jamaican dishes served in an upbeat atmosphere with live music. The restaurant features signature dishes like jerk chicken, curry goat, and oxtails, complemented by classic sides like rice and peas, plantains, and cabbage, while their full-service bar specializes in rum-based cocktails and tropical drinks. The modern establishment provides both indoor and outdoor seating options, maintaining a welcoming environment that draws both locals and visitors to the Hyde Park 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: 553 E 79th St, Chicago, IL 60619

Tropic Island Jerk Chicken in Chicago, Illinois offers a diverse menu of Caribbean fare with their signature jerk sauce being a standout feature. The restaurant serves up traditional dishes like jerk chicken, oxtail, and curry goat alongside classic sides such as rice and peas, mac and cheese, cabbage, and candied yams. While the establishment has been a neighborhood fixture for many years, recent visitors note inconsistent experiences with both food quality and customer service, though their quick takeout service remains a convenient option for locals seeking Caribbean flavors.

Price Range: $

Address: 10226 S Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60628

Jamaican Gates Restaurant Chicago, located in the bustling city of Chicago, Illinois, serves up authentic Caribbean cuisine with their renowned jerk chicken and oxtail dishes stealing the show. The restaurant offers a variety of traditional sides including perfectly seasoned rice and peas, tender cabbage, and sweet plantains that complement their flavorful main courses. Their menu features both lunch specials and dinner portions at reasonable prices, while the friendly staff ensures a welcoming atmosphere for both dine-in and takeout customers.

Price Range: $$

Address: 1461 E Hyde Park Blvd, Chicago, IL 60615

Uncle Joe's Jerk Chicken in Hyde Park, Chicago, Illinois serves up Caribbean cuisine in a casual take-out setting with a menu centered around their signature jerk dishes. The establishment's atmosphere is modest and bustling, offering no dine-in seating but maintaining a steady flow of customers seeking their Jamaican flavors. While the restaurant has built its reputation on traditional items like jerk chicken, oxtails, and curry goat, recent reviews suggest inconsistent quality and portion sizes, though their signature jerk sauce remains a distinctive feature for many loyal patrons.

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: 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: 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: 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: $$