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    Just Jerk Cafe

    3.8 (45 reviews)
    ModerateCaribbean
    Closed 11:30 am - 9:00 pm

    Just Jerk Cafe Photos

    Business Info

    JUST JERK CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Good for kids

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    Recommended Reviews - Just Jerk Cafe

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    Dark jerk chicken dinner
    Regena K.

    My dark chicken dinner was good my only wish is that the food was fresh to order. I know the food was warmed up and some of the chicken pieces was a little hard/dry. Other than that the cabbage is amazing and my dinner overall great flavor. Good customer service too!

    Menu
    Aaliyah L.

    My new favorite jerk spot!! We called ahead to place an order and when we arrived, the cashier opened the containers of each meal so that we could verify it was correct before we left, I wish every restaurant did this. The food was so good, the spicy jerk sauce is the best I've had, and the Mac & cheese surprised me because it was actually jerk-flavored but it grew on me and I ended up loving it. This is for sure my new go-to place for jerk.

    Maronda H.

    This was my first time coming here and I was not disappointed. The food was freshly cooked and tasty. I was surprised to have great tasting food and some good customer service. Tiffany was friendly and super cool. Thanks Girl for helping us choose our meal selection. The mac and cheese, cabbage and the jerk chicken was seasoned with perfection. Nothing but great tasting food and nice size lunch portion.

    Looks more like a Lil Wayne/Bob Marley mashup. Lol
    Christopher V.

    I've only been once, so consistency remains to be seen. That aside Just Jerk Cafe is a very solid 4 star jerk option. The catfish was tender and authentically spiced. The jerk dinners are served with a protein, rice n' peas and two additional sides. Most jerk restaurants in the area only come with two sides. I was stuffed, lol. If you're in the area I suggest giving them a try. Time will tell if they're more consistent than the everso unpredictable Uncle Joe's and Jerk Villa.

    I really did try but this is trash this is not a real salad it's closer to a chicken sandwich without the bread
    Ronesha S.

    I use to really love this place jerk salad but as of lately they seem to not either care or maybe it's a shift change thing I order a salad at around 6:20 pm the women says it'll be 20 minutes I make it stand in line and pay. I stand out In the Lobby as I see orders being passed out I asked would the salad take longer than the 20 mminutes but as I check my time I notice it's going on a little under an hour at the time. she says it should be coming out in a few minu. It did not it cam out in another 15 minutes which totaled my wait an entire hour for the salad. ( as I was in the store I mad a social media post angrily joking around. yet when I made it home and notice my salad was showered with cheese 2 slices of tomato and 2 slices of cucumbers with a very light amount of lettuce . I was a little upset but I still gave it the benefit of the doubt and tried to eat my salad. here is why I made the review my chicken in my salad had bones left in it . Chewed down scratch the top of my mouth though I know it will heal . My real question is how did this take so long when it seems like they just tossed some scraps together and poured a cup of shrews cheese on top not worth $10+ . I really don't know who is the blame for my wait the new cashier or the chef ... she liked to blame the chef but that's because he was in the kitchen

    Jerk catfish dinner (MAC and cheese and cabbage sides)

    This is a culmination of my three visits thus far. In short, issa hit! The oboe detractor is in consistency of the finished product. The chicken went from amazing my first visit to dry on my second and a notch or two better my last visit this evening. Of all the sides, the Mac and cheese is a must. I believe it will rival the best Mac and cheese you previously had.

    Reasonable lunch specials! JERK MAC N CHEESE....YUM!

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    25 days ago

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    1 month ago

    Great food always has been ! Ive been going for years but they are not open everyday .

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    4 months ago

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    2 months ago

    Food was hot and good, customer service top tier. They offer combos, like the Curry and Jerk combo.

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    3 years ago

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    9 months ago

    Some of the best jerk I've ever had in my life. Fast service. Friendly and inviting atmosphere. Will definitely return and HIGHLY recommend.

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    3 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Got oxtails, curry chicken, jerk chicken. All was good. Gonna have it catered for my hubby birthday

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

    There were 10 people on my last order and everyone was extremely satisfied. The oxtails were the star of the evening.

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    8 years ago

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    9 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    5 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    5 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    4 years ago

    The people at this place are very rude and unprofessional. They deserve less than zero stars!

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    7 years ago

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    5 years ago

    Always consistent flavor, freshness, presentation & servings! Do yourself a favor and call ahead 30 mins.

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    6 years ago

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    10 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    7 years ago

    Great jerk chicken! Then best on 79th. They are small but the flavor is in every bite. Will definitely be coming back for more!

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    6 years ago

    Great spice, flavor, and texture. Cooked really well with very good service. Wasnt a long wait and food was hot when we went to eat.

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    11 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    6 years ago

    Great food! I just don't like the wait and phone etiquette. It's worth the wait though.

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    5 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    8 years ago

    Food is good but horrible customer service. They always run out of menu items . I'm surprised they are still open.

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    8 years ago

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    8 years ago

    I was there a few days ago. The service and the food were excellent. I can't wait to go back

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    9 years ago

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    10 years ago

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    Page 1 of 2

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    Garifuna Flava

    Garifuna Flava

    4.3
    (441 reviews)
    3.9 mi
    $$

    Today was one of those days where I needed a GOOD meal. I'm talking it feels like love is in the…read morefood and I am so happy that I chose Garifuna! I grabbed the 2 meat, 3 side special which included: stewed chicken, jerk chicken, rice and peas, cabbage and plantains. There's a solid amount of food and I'm going to be eating on this over the next two days. There's rice and peas were incredibly flavorful, moist and had a hint of spice. The stewed chicken's skin was falling off! That's how tender it was and I love anything with bell peppers and onions. The cabbage was solid with great crunch. Sometimes it can get too mushy, but this didn't. The plantains were just right!! Great palate cleanser as I transitioned to the jerk chicken! And the jerk chicken was a hit!!! Good amount of spice and flavor! And juicy! I also had extra jerk sauce on the side. Hmmmm I honestly enjoyed both chickens and would say if you're unsure of which to get, just get both... you'll definitely order from here again lol I ordered through uber eats and naturally was PRAYING that my order was correct and it was. A nice hefty serving and of course I also have a slice of the caramel cake. Mannn this slice of cake is so dang delicious. The two miles that I run tomorrow for this will be so worth it! This hit the spot and was the meal I needed after the day that I've had!

    Years ago, Garifuna used to have a pop-up in the lobby of the building where I worked. I liked the…read moreofferings and the food was always a hit. I had never been to the brick-and-mortar location until now. I stopped in one Sunday afternoon to a restaurant that was not busy on the inside. I noticed there was a steady stream of individuals coming in for carryout. Nevertheless, I had a sit-down so that I could try a few items. I ordered the Belizean appetizer sampler. This came as panades, garnaches, and conch fritters. I liked the panades, which were corn patties stuffed with buffalo fish. They were nice and flavorful. The garnaches reminded me of Venezuelan tostadas. I think that what was a miss for this dish was the drizzle of ketchup. Since I stopped using condiments from grocery stores, the flavor of such tends to ruin dishes for me. I liked the conch fritters. I would order those by the bagful just to have for snacks. My main dish was the stew chicken with rice and beans and a side of plantains. Surprisingly, this was more like baked chicken. There was no hint of cumin, cloves, or garlic. There were no tomatoes. There wasn't a sauce or a gravy. There was flavor, of which I give them that, but the same stew that I've had in Belize and in my Belizean friends' home was not served here. It very well may be that the dish prepared here simply differs from that which I have had before. It wasn't a bad thing. Not everyone prepares every dish the same way.

    Photos
    Menu along wall and decor.
    Menu along wall and decor.
    Delish Jerk Chicken (Plus 2 Sides) Rice & Beans and Mac & Cheese
    Delish Jerk Chicken (Plus 2 Sides) Rice & Beans and Mac & Cheese
    Outside

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    Outside
    Jerky Jerk

    Jerky Jerk

    4.2
    (194 reviews)
    8.8 mi
    $$

    Jerky Jerk is THE SPOT!…read more We wanted something better than stadium food before the Bulls game. And the three of us love Jamaican food, specifically, jerk chicken and curry goat. So as soon as Jerky Jerk showed up on my Yelp search, I knew my search had ended, and that we found our pre-game dinner spot. Jerky Jerk blew my expectations out of the water. I'm a Chicago native, but I live in LA, where I'm lucky to be surrounded by many delicious Jamaican food spots. But Jerky Jerk has the best jerk chicken I've ever had. When I say that the smoky, slightly sweet, tender, fall-of-the-bone experience hit the spot, I mean that it HIT THE SPOT! Even the rice & peas and cabbage were cooked and spiced to perfection. All three of us devoured our plates in about ten minutes. I also love the colorful and lively Chicago sports murals that fill each wall, as well as the hospitable and vibrant service from the owners. They absolutely rock. They throw a party inside, and they make you feel welcomed and right at home. Jerky Jerk is now a non-negotiable stop when visiting Chicago. This place slaps.

    I was craving plantains so we ordered delivery, and OMG this is probably one of the best chicken…read moreand candied yams I've ever had! The chicken was grilled to perfection! The meat was juicy, the seasoning was delicious and the sauce that came with it was tangy, sweet and wasn't too spicy. But those candied yams OMG! They weren't overly sweet that it hurts your throat but just the right amount to satisfy your sweet tooth! They must have added some fruit like pineapple because it added a little tangy kick that balances so well with the sweetness and added another dimension! We will have to try this place in person next time!

    Photos
    Jerky Jerk
    Two Pick any 2 Meats & 2 Side
    Two Pick any 2 Meats & 2 Side
    Plantain (6)

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    Plantain (6)
    14 Parish Restaurant and Rhum Bar

    14 Parish Restaurant and Rhum Bar

    4.0
    (636 reviews)
    3.8 mi
    $$

    I'm surprised that I'm just now getting the opportunity to eat at 14 Parish. After visiting I am…read moretruly impressed! The staff is both friendly & attentive. The bottomless mimosas don't stop until the clock does :). My plantain pancakes were sweet and fluffy just how I like them. And I can't forget about my chicken sausage, that was some of the best I've ever had at any restaurant. It was also nice that the owner came up to every table to see how everyone's doing. I will be back!

    This spot never misses. Every time I'm in Chicago, this is one of my mandatory stops. The food is…read moreconsistently GOOD good, flavorful, fresh, and clearly made with care. The escovitch snapper was absolutely delicious. Crispy, seasoned perfectly, and topped with the right amount of pickled vegetables. I literally ate the whole fish without struggling once . That alone tells you everything. The cabbage was flavorful, the rice hit, and the cornbread? Whew. Easily some of the best cornbread I've had at a restaurant. Soft, buttery, slightly sweet... dangerous honestly. The drinks are good too, and the whole place has a vibe. Good music, good energy, just an overall feel-good atmosphere whether you're pulling up for brunch, dinner, or drinks with friends. 10/10 would absolutely recommend. Chicago has a lot of food spots, but this one stays in my rotation for a reason.

    Photos
    Bar
    Bar
    Jerk Chicken Cesar Wrap
    Jerk Chicken Cesar Wrap
    Parrish Rum

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    Parrish Rum
    The Wild Hare

    The Wild Hare

    3.7
    (256 reviews)
    9.5 mi
    $$

    I'm back to update my previous review. I finally got the chance to come back to The Wild Hare for…read morethe full dine-in and live music experience. I'm really glad I did. Our server was quick and pleasant. He was refilling and offering new drinks before we even knew we needed them. I'm not even sure I really considered the menu because I really came to retry the oxtail and rice & peas. I was not disappointed, and there was nothing but tailbones left on my plate. Ambiance is fun at The Wild Hare. The live music in the back room int he evenings are definitely where it's at. I would recommend checking out the event calendar on their website to help pick which day you may want to come. My only complaint is that I really wish the DJ played more reggae in the restaurant. I expected to have a full reggae night, but all the way up until the live band, it was mostly hip hop and R&B with the occasional reggae throwback. Give us more; we came for the reggae vibes!

    Came here on a Sunday after. They had drink specials available. We were able to find parking right…read moreout front. On this occasion there were drink specials. Grabbed $7 margarita (special) which was tasty. For food my husband and I shared the full lb of rib tips and fries. We thought they were tasty. We met up with some friends celebrating a March birth (Aries). The bar crowd was friendly...everyone just enjoying the music and each other. Bathrooms were big and never had an issue getting a stall. Security present and overall just a fun experience. Would love to come back when they have a live band playing.

    Photos
    Stage in second room
    Stage in second room
    The Wild Hare
    The Wild Hare

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    Marinas Bistro & Rum Bar

    Marinas Bistro & Rum Bar

    4.5
    (129 reviews)
    14.9 mi

    This unassuming little spot in a veritable United Nations of Food strip mall is a hidden gem in…read moreChicago. Friendly, helpful, busting their butts service (I'm talking to YOU Anna and chef owner!) will ensure you have an excellent meal, perfect drinks and a great time at incredible value prices. Standouts were: the soup of the day (plantain and cilantro-- never had anything like but would like to have it again !), the lechon with a side of make taro that put mashed potatoes to shame--we didn't know that pork could be that juicy and garlic-ful. Also had the eggplant starter (almost like fried green tomatoes) and then the bread pudding with coconut ice-cream. We had a couple of well balanced creative cocktails, a great Spanish red, and some premium rum to round things out. It was crowded and we didn't have reservations (with make that mistake again) but were squeezed in at the 4 seat bar and well served by aforementioned Anna who didn't steer us wrong. Appropriate Latin music and tasteful tropical wallpaper and greenery made for a lively atmosphere. We don't live far so will be back. No matter where you live, you should make a reservation and go too! Small crowded parking lot, street parking, as always-- recommend public transit.

    We made a reservation since there were six of us. It is very small inside so plan ahead. My friends…read moretried to eat here on Sunday night, but they were told the restaurant had run out of food. So we tried again on Friday. The service was exceptional. We loved our waitress. Everyone enjoyed their food. The craft cocktails were also good. If you are looking for authentic Puerto Rican food, you should try this spot.

    Photos
    Dining room, small bar
    Dining room, small bar
    Lechon Asada with majado (mashed taro)
    Lechon Asada with majado (mashed taro)
    Booth area

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    Booth area

    Just Jerk Cafe - caribbean - Updated July 2026

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