As a Jamaican, I had to try it. I'd give the patties an American 4/5 but a Jamaican 2/5. We had the jerk chicken and the cheesy beef patty. Both were okay, just not quite hitting the flavor I'm used to, and they definitely could've used more filling. It does look like a typical patty spot you'd find in Jamaica, just with more seating. That said, the place was really busy, so clearly people enjoy it. The person at the register was super nice, which made the experience better. I also saw they had gizzada (which I completely forgot to order), so I'll definitely be back to try that next time. read more

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Drove over an hour to get here. Called in advance to make sure they had what I wanted and was told YES. Got here and was then told they were completely out and hadn't had this item in for over a week. Left very disappointed. read more

I just wanted to say how #grateful I am to visit this local business all these years! The location is a walk up location where one can purchase what one wants. No seating, however wait time is minimal. I have purchased their patties when I want a snack and have used their catering services. Much thanks!! read more

Caribbean American Bakery - the outside of the building - Bakeries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Awesome Caribbean bakery! The veggie patties are my favorite and I always get one anytime I've stopped by. They have a ton of other Caribbean delicacies that all look great and are fresh. 10/10 recommend. read more

JUST WOW the patties are so damn good.. the only thing I'm disappointed about is only finding out about this place now. We waited in line for about 5mins, ordered then got our food quickly. Such a unique bakery!! read more

I haven't been here for many many years, it was really nice to see the updated storefront. Inside doesn't appear to have the modern update but since it's still more of a take out spot, not a dine in - that doesn't really matter. The food was actually a lot better than I remembered. We picked up a loaf of hard dough white bread and it was so fresh. The spicy beef patty had a lot of meat inside of it, and had a perfect crispness to the outside. We also had a good curry and jerk patties, all delicious and a great deal for only $3.65 each! There was a short moving line but they served quickly. It's definitely a gem on Howard Street. I hope to go back to try their plantains and other bakery items. You can usually find nearby parking on the street so if you are in the area it is definitely worth the stop. read more

Caribbean American Bakery - Hard dough Bread-White Ginger Beer Kola Champagne Curry Chicken Spicy Beef Jerk - Bakeries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I stopped by this establishment while visiting my brother. For some years, he'd pointed this bakery out as having amazing Caribbean food, and finally, this visit we went. It was almost unbearably hot while we waited for jerk chicken and sides to be plated. Then we ordered 4 beef patties. I found the absolutely bored woman behind the bakery counter who checked us out to be quite funny. I'd prolly have the same attitude if I worked there. After we paid, we took the food to my brother's place to eat - there are no seats in the bakery, it's definitely a to-go spot. The patties were pretty standard and good. However, I was underwhelmed by the jerk chicken, peas and rice, and the cabbage. Given how my brother has sung their praises for YEARS, I'd expected to be blown away. I wasn't. Decent, but I've had better Caribbean food elsewhere. read more

Caribbean American Bakery - Half eaten plate of beef patty, jerk chicken, peas and rice, and cabbage - Bakeries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Glad to see the bakery is still around. Hosted a birthday party over the weekend and wanted to share tastes of Jamaica with framily. I often forget that they also prepare Caribbean foods. (Though per reviews, food is only available on weekends and they prefer in person orders. Which would not have worked for my purposes) I think this has to do with the setup of the bakery. It doesn't extol the unique qualities of a bakery. That's always been their blind spot. Lack of product in display cases, utilizing space to show off foods /displays & the goods they can prepare. It's bleak looking. It's been this way and continues. The bakery offers bulk pricing on larger purchases and since I love their patties, I had to get a bounty. Two dozen and I'm glad I had nephew split all of them into halves to feed more people. Stopped by the eve of our party and purchased a bit of everything they had in stock. Throughout the day they will refresh their warm cases. Purchased an assortment of jerk, cheesy beef, beef, curry chicken and a few veggie. The cost was affordable and the smiles from happy attendees were many. The patties were the first to go. I paired these with a tray of jerk wings, rice and fried plantains from Auntie Joy's. For more detailed information on the bakery see my last review or stop by and sample some good local Jamaican desserts and food. For more details see previous review. read more

These are the best beef patties I've had outside of Jamaica! The crust is perfect and the filling is savory and perfectly seasoned. I love stopping by to grab a beef patty (or 3) every now and then. I recently tried their carrot cake and it was good and I would definitely try it again. This is a 'get your food and go' type of spot so there's not much to say about the ambiance. Service is usually quick, I've only ever stood in line once or twice but the line moves quickly. read more

Caribbean American Bakery - Beef patty - Bakeries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Almost $30 for few pieces of pork rice and beans!?!? I just to love this place but not worth it anymore ! More expensive and less food!

Stopped in here as part of the scavenger hunt I'm doing. It was les then an hour to closing so I'll cut the apathetic employee some slack. Very bare bones; they not have a ton when I went in because it was near closing. I did pick up a ginger cake, which was quite good (and I am not a fan of ginger). They had ginger bread (not like cookies, but like a quick bread), some cheese, and other sweet treats. I'd like to stop in sometime for one of their jerk chicken patties. The place for really busy when I was preparing to leave and I almost went back in to hear what everyone was getting! Next time. M read more

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Always stop by here for the beef patties when in the area. I'm yet to find a better alternative.

We visited the Caribbean American Bakery recently. Of the veggie patties, we like the spinach one the best.

what ever reviews telling about they hand make them are from damn bear a decade ago, so i didn't expect much, they're definitely the generic frozen stuff, or at least taste the same, and they didn't have cocoa bread, that was disappointing, tried the spinach, the vegetable, and beef, taste like they came from the same factory i've tasted before read more

Make no mistake, this is the place to get a Jamaican beef patty in Chicago. I was passing by Howard St. and made an intentional stop just to pick-up two beef patties. I typically also order coco bread, but the woman at the counter shared that they are only baking coco bread on Thursdays. The beef patties are flaky on the outside and filled with spicy beef on the inside. One beef patty paired with a drink is filling for lunch or a heavier snack. The price is also very reasonable -- two beef patties were around $5. They also serve other food, but I have not ordered any of the other prepared food they serve to comment on it. This is also truly a pick-up spot only. There is no sit down area, but it lends itself well to COVID-19 best practices. Staff are also wearing masks and gloves. If you're curious about beef patties or absolutely love them, I really recommend this spot. read more

Caribbean American Bakery - Spicy Beef - Bakeries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I started going to this place in 1984. The best d@mn patties this side of the Mississippi! Those coconut drops are amazing too! I haven't been out there for a couple years but I hope nothing has changed. read more

Beef, chicken and veg patties. Perfectly seasoned, flaky crust and fresh. The quality shows. Also had the ginger cake. Everything was great. read more

Best beef patties around! And there's a small version that is great for cocktail parties. The two varieties of chicken patties are good too, one is a jerk chicken. read more

Oh so delicious! Went in for the first time yesterday to grab a quick lunch before running errands. Hubby and I shared the large jerk pork meal ($15.50) for our lunch AND dinner! Had it with a spinach pie that was also outstanding. Everything was cooked to perfection. I definitely understand why they only have the full meal menu on thurs/fri/sat because it's obviously prepared in advance. They're walk-in only, but have good Covid practices. We went back for a few pies to try later because they were sooo good and well-priced. Beef pie is awesome too! Highly recommend to support small local businesses :-) read more

Caribbean American Bakery - Large jerk pork dinner, mmmmm - Bakeries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This is one of my all time favorite places. My family and I are completely addicted and come here at least once a week. Sometimes at least once a day! Our favorite thing to get from here are the patties. There are tons of different kinds and they're all $3 a piece for a very generously sized portion (I'm stuffed after one). They have: - beef (this is the most traditional kind with the turmeric in the crust that turns it orange) - cheesy beef - jerk chicken - curry chicken - spinach - mixed veg It's hard to pick a favorite, but it's probably the curry chicken and the mixed veg for us. Thursdays - Saturdays they also offer meals (jerk chicken or pork). They're a ton of food (meat + cabbage + rice and peas) and deliciously prepared for a great price. They also have baked goods and breads regularly stocked. Customer service is fast and lovely. They take cash or cc. If you're ever up in the north side of Rogers Park, be sure to come here. You're gonna love it! read more

This bakery is the absolute best! The food is fresh and authentic. Customer service was also great.

Best island chicken in the city. Its available Thursday to Saturday only. They sell out fast so head over around lunch or early afternoon to be safe. It's not quite jerk because it comes with a gravy based sauce versus straight jerk. But honestly I like it even better. Be sure to call a day ahead if you want more than a half chicken. Try the ginger bread it is also amazing. read more

Growing up in Rogers Park, this has been a staple of my favorite food spots here. Their spicy beef patties are by far the best in the area and my all time favorite at this location. Their chicken dishes are delicious too. This place is more of a takeout place. No indoor seating of any sort, but their is a nearby park across the street to enjoy your meal. Parking is metered, but you can typically get your food fast here. Amazing service and friendly staff. Definitely a place you need to check out if you love beef patties! read more

Caribbean American Bakery - two pieces of sweet potato - Bakeries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The beef patties are still delicious and the service still leaves a lot to be desired. I think the lady behind the counter could use angrier management. read more

This place is the worst!!!! DONT! GO! HERE! They only sell jerk on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. They don't even have some of the desserts available during the week. Last weekend I called to place an order. I was told that they don't do call ins. WTH?!?! If you know anything about Caribbean restaurants, it's that they take a ridiculous amount of time to get your food ready. And given the fact that this place is on Howard, you definitely want to be waiting for 45+ minutes. On 2/6 I made the unfortunate mistake of actually going here again. I walked and said to the working there, "Hi miss. I'd like to place an order." She didn't verbally respond. I guess whatever she was looking at on her phone was just too important. She finally asks if I want to place a food order. She tells a guy in the back that someone is here to order. The gentlemen in the back tells me, "We got no chicken today". So a jamaican restaurant that only carries two meats doesn't have chicken?!?! Wtf is wrong with this picture? As I leave he tells me to hold on. Another guy checks the pans to confirm that they "got no chicken today". Is this not some clown ish? During this whole time the lady at the front was stay glued to her phone. I guess I can't be mad at them as they'd shown before that they aren't a good business. I got in my car, looked in the rearview mirror and said to my reflexion, "CONGRATULATIONS! YOU PLAYED YASELF!!!". Tried to support my people. Apparently they don't want it. read more

I've been coming to Mr Mac's bakery for years, ever since I started dating my husband who is of Jamaican descent. His family knew the owners and everytime we have a craving for those beef patties, Mr Mac's always hits the spot. They have great jerk chicken over rice and beans if you have never tried it. It's fresh, it's authentic, and it's oh so delicious. All the flavors running amuck in your mouth would make you feel like you are on a beach in Jamaica watching the sunset. Their beef patties are my favorite. I love the flaky crust along with the mildly spicy beef filling on the inside. Recently they have added cheesy beef to their menu. Its good as well but i prefer the original beef. They also have chicken curry patties if that is more of your cup 'o tea. If you are throwing a little shindig, you can specially order a couple dozen of their mini beef patties. These bite size patties are small but deliver the same big punch as the original size. Perfect size for appetizers! There are also some desserts available - try the plantain tart when you get a chance. Its like a patty, except there is sweet banana plantain as the filling and the dough is more of a pastry dough. Island drinks are also available for you to purchase such as Ting (a ginger based drink), Champaigne Kola (like creme soda), and Pineapple, along with the normal American drinks. read more

Ok so while traveling out in New Jersey for work I got hooked on Jamaican beef patties and altho I've never been able to find ones exactly like those this place comes pretty damn close when I'm in Chicago. So this place is truly just a bakery - no seating or anything so you just pick it up to go. The lady working the counter could have been a little friendlier but anyway, went in and ordered 4 spicy beef and cheese patties (around $2.42 each) -- she takes them out from the warmer right next to her so they're ready to devour right away...which is 100% what I did. read more

Great nearby option for meat patties as well as bread or a dessert (plantain tarts!). Memory tells me that there are more dessert options towards the weekend (but don't wait until Saturday night!). Know they do jerk chicken and pork Thu thru Sat which by the pound or as a meal. I know in the past, it's been styrofoam boxes and think it's still the case. If it was packaged in something more biodegradable, I'd be getting jerk chicken/pork more often. No problems from the staff in terms of customer service, they're friendly enough and answer my questions about the items in the case. Had no problem also calling in a phone order for mini patties I was picking up for a potluck. We're probably here once a week or so these days, perfect for a light lunch or a snack before preparing dinner. read more

Beef patty was fluffy and flavorful Dont let the lines detour you. They move quickly. It's worth the wait.

I received excellent customer service at the counter . I mentioned that I had bought 6 coco breads the previous week and how disappointed I was when I discovered that they were stale . The young lady gave me 2 complimentary ones and sincerely apologized. The Patties were excellent and I now have many of my friends who absolutely love them . I also bought some steamed cabbage that was very delicious . Thank you read more

The service at this bakery is terrible. I called the bakery at 10'o'clock to place an order for the chicken. I was told that it would be ready between 11-11:30 and that I should come in during that timeframe. when I got there to make the purchase, I was told that the food would not be ready until 12. I asked why were they opened at 10 if the food would not be ready until 12, instead of an apology, I was reprimanded for coming too early. there was also another customer who experienced the reprimands as well. I must say that this place lacks professionalism and will not go back. read more

Such good patties! Beef, curry chicken and veg are all so delicious (and super filling, come with a big appetite! 2 patties are a pretty satisfying meal). I dream of these things. read more

Lady gave us beef patties when we asked for jerk patties. We don't eat beef. Love their patties but you gotta listen to your customers. Very unpleasant. read more

every time I go in there they have a good variety of patties! wish they had soya to add to the list!

This is a Howard Street gem. A guy from my martial arts class who's lived in Rodgers park for years introduced me the this place and now Saturday mornings after class we always go and get our "patties," which is basically a Jamaican hot pocket! There is beef, spinach, chicken curry, and chicken jerk. I like chicken curry or chicken jerk the best. For less than 3 dollars you can try one yourself read more

Delicious! The beef pie is phenomenal and I see why a lot of restaurants purchase them from there.

I'm not saying I was skeptical, but I kind of was. I am very picky when I comes to my restaurant choices because I hate to waste my money on food that is not worth it but this is a wonderful restaurant. From the moment I walked in I knew I was in heaven, it smelled amazing as soon as I opened the door! I tried every patty and they were very delicious and beautifully seasoned. The curry and spinach were my favorites! If you are looking for something warm yet delicious and reasonably priced please try this out! I definitely will be going back here soon! The woman at the front counter was also very nice and helpful. read more

It was cool but i felt the patties could have been better. It did satisfy my craving though.

Would have given 5 stars however the woman working the counter was a bit rude. The food however excellent!! I picked up a variety of things to share with my family and got to taste a bit of all and everything was soooo delicious. We had fruitcake, veggie and beef patties, as well as caramel cake that tasted just like my great grandmother used to make. I would definitely return for some more of these tempting treats in the future. read more

I've only had their savory food. I like the patties quite a bit. My favorites are chicken curry and vegetable. The jerk is only Thursday-Saturday, and the portions are really big! I think I made 2-3 meals out of the regular size. I really love the plantains, wish the meals came with more than the two small ones! Not really anywhere to sit inside, but good place to pick up food from or grab a snack on the way to the train. read more