Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Just Jerk Cafe

    3.7 (43 reviews)
    ModerateCaribbean
    Open 11:30 am - 9:00 pm
    Updated 3 months ago

    Just Jerk Cafe Photos

    Business Info

    JUST JERK CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Good for kids

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Just Jerk Cafe

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    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!

    See all

    17 days ago

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

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    7 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.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

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

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

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

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Maronda H.
    111
    1146
    13820

    8 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 12
    Thanks 0
    Love this 9
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Carl W.
    6
    25
    20

    6 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

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

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

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

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Tangi C.
    160
    100
    2

    6 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of AL J.
    0
    46
    9

    10 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Tamika Y.
    23
    39
    32

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    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!

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    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.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Tia P.
    4
    22
    0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of J B.
    0
    2
    0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

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

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

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

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of J P.
    2
    40
    15

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

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

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Andrea G.
    24
    52
    13

    10 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    I love this place. The chicken is amazing. It's always moist and has the perfect amount of heat. The sides are good too.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Lindsay J.
    156
    18
    10

    10 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - Just Jerk Cafe

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Caribbean 4,166 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Garifuna Flava - Stewed oxtail, amazing. They note oxtail $$ is at historic highs now

    Garifuna Flava

    4.3(438 reviews)
    3.9 miMarquette Park, Chicago Lawn
    $$

    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
    Garifuna Flava - Menu along wall and decor.

    Menu along wall and decor.

    Garifuna Flava - Delish Jerk Chicken (Plus 2 Sides) Rice & Beans and Mac & Cheese

    Delish Jerk Chicken (Plus 2 Sides) Rice & Beans and Mac & Cheese

    Garifuna Flava - Outside

    See all

    Outside

    Jerky Jerk - Some of the best perks chicken I've had

    Jerky Jerk

    4.2(190 reviews)
    8.8 miTri-Taylor
    $$

    Jerky Jerk is a Foodies paradise! The curry goat dinner is my absolute favorite! When paired with…read morethe handmade eggrolls, the oxtail dinner is comparable to none. Last but not least.... *Drumroll please* The Shrimp Alfredo Pasta is amazing! Come for the food, stay for the ambiance. It's a vibe! The music, the murals, the cocktails... I'm telling you! This place is hitting on all cylinders! Oh... There may be a slight wait, but it's definitely worth it!

    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.

    Photos
    Jerky Jerk
    Jerky Jerk - Dark meat & mac and cheese. over saturated flash photo doesn't do the mac n cheese justice. just trust that it's really good.

    Dark meat & mac and cheese. over saturated flash photo doesn't do the mac n cheese justice. just trust that it's really good.

    Jerky Jerk - Outside

    See all

    Outside

    14 Parish Restaurant and Rhum Bar - Spinach Dip

    14 Parish Restaurant and Rhum Bar

    4.0(630 reviews)
    3.8 miHyde Park
    $$

    My first visit to 14 Parish Restaurant and Rhum Bar was unfortunately a very uncomfortable…read moreexperience. From the start, the bartender's attitude seemed off, but what stood out most was the difference in how I was treated compared to the rest of my group. He was friendly, attentive, and even offered complimentary drinks and shots to my friends, while I was largely ignored. Things escalated when the check came. After I paid, my receipt was held up in a way that drew attention to the fact that I hadn't left a tip on the card. And, then he mocked me and said, "I'm sorry my service was that bad to the point, I didn't get a tip." Shortly after, my friends continued receiving drinks on the house--again excluding me out. This created an awkward and embarrassing situation, especially since I was sitting right there with them. For clarity, I tip in cash as a personal preference, but regardless, no one should be singled out or treated differently like that. He laughed, and kept showing my receipt. I'm sharing this in hopes that it's taken seriously, because professionalism and consistency in service matter. P.S- The server/bartender name was Jaquez or Jaquees (not 100% sure on the proper spelling but, he has long locs with a nose ring, and ear gauges.

    I came across 14 Parish on IG and knew I had to check it out. My friend and I stopped in on a…read moreSaturday afternoon for light bites and cocktails. There was a nice crowd, but we were seated right away and chose to sit at the bar. The bartender was very helpful and recommended a few shareable options since we weren't looking for full meals. We went with the chicken wings, fries, and fried plantains. Everything came out hot, fresh, and looked great. We were really happy with our selections and even considered ordering more. Overall, we really enjoyed our visit and look forward to coming back.

    Photos
    14 Parish Restaurant and Rhum Bar - Bar

    Bar

    14 Parish Restaurant and Rhum Bar - Jerk Chicken Cesar Wrap

    Jerk Chicken Cesar Wrap

    14 Parish Restaurant and Rhum Bar - Parrish Rum

    See all

    Parrish Rum

    The Wild Hare - Rib Tips & Fries

    The Wild Hare

    3.7(257 reviews)
    9.5 miFulton Market, West Loop, Near West Side
    $$

    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!

    No reggae music. Two male owners cant handle a bar environment. One pours drinks while the other…read moretakes food orders. I tried ordering food he took the girl in front of me and skipped me then took the guys behind me. I made it to the bar and the other guy told me if im being ignored its nothing he can do they are both owners and i just have to wait. Worst experience for my first time going and im not even from Chicago. Every other bar in the city I would highly recommend before this one. The blues bar was much better. Oh and I forgot to mention in my google review that tickets are $30/person not worth it

    Photos
    The Wild Hare - Stage in second room

    Stage in second room

    The Wild Hare
    The Wild Hare

    See all

    Marinas Bistro & Rum Bar - Plantain, cilantro soup (soup of the day, get it when you can !)

    Marinas Bistro & Rum Bar

    4.5(128 reviews)
    14.9 miUptown

    My goal is to try 50 new Chicago restaurants in 2025!…read moreRestaurant: 51/50 Month tried: September Favorite dish: Pollo Al Ajillo Marinas is an unassuming spot in a strip mall that packs big flavors and cheerful service. Was so happy to discover this place. I tried to go back on a random Friday night recently, and they were completely booked up for the night, so definitely make a reservation!! Drink: La Playita - yummmm House Starter: Yucca fries and I believe some kind of guava dip? - This was SO good. I need to know exactly what that dip was and how I can get a jar of it. Starter: Queso Frito con Tamarindo - Fried cheese, how can you not love it?? Entree: Pollo Al Ajillo with rice and beans - This was so simple but SO flavorful. And a HUGE portion, perfect for lunch leftovers. I truly cannot stop thinking about this perfectly executed plate. Dessert: Flan - I have never in my life enjoyed flan, but they brought it for my friend's birthday, and I really liked it! Did Marinas make me a flan fan?? It took a bit of time to get our check. I had the feeling they wanted us to sit and enjoy more drinks. Next time I think I will do just that :)

    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
    Marinas Bistro & Rum Bar - Dining room, small bar

    Dining room, small bar

    Marinas Bistro & Rum Bar - Lechon Asada with majado (mashed taro)

    Lechon Asada with majado (mashed taro)

    Marinas Bistro & Rum Bar - Booth area

    See all

    Booth area

    Just Jerk Cafe - caribbean - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...