So I am following Guy Fieri And his adventures through town. We stopped here and initially were Concerned. I would not on my own accord stop here if it weren't suggested by the Man. Met with the owner and felt a little more at ease. Once the food started coming out, You would not believe that the food coming out of this place was this good. read more

I have ordered three times last week. It is good food that actually taste like jerk and Caribbean food.

Good jerk chicken with a nice amount of spice. The cabbage, plantains and rice n peas are good too but I go for the meat.

So here we are week what of this pandemic....everyone is under stay at home orders, most restaurants closed for dine-in service. I have just moved to the neighborhood a little over a year ago and noticed this little spot but never had the chance to go in. Decided with this thing going on to entice my palate. Well, let me tell you, Que Rico!!! We ordered the Jerk Chicken family meal and it indeed was more than enough. We are a table of 3, but we can eat for 6/7. Normally vegetarian and today was our cheat day, totally worth it. The chicken was moist and flavorful. Rice and beans were on point. Mac n Cheese, their potato salad my goodness. I can't wait until this pandemic is over so we can give our thanks in person!! read more

absolutely loved this place!! the jerk chicken is heaven, had no idea how they seasoned the chicken, but the spiciness has infiltrated to the bone, too tasty it is beyond word, you have to try to believe! no wonder it is the number 1 carribean place in Chicago. read more

Garifuna Flava - jerk chicken and stew chicken, personally i like the jerky chicken better - Caribbean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Delicious! We had the oxtail soup,hadut baruru,conch fritters,and red snapper. Husband and I both loved the place. Nice quiet friendly environment. Basically everything Guy had on Diners,Drive-Ins,and Dives ... on point as usual! read more

Ohhhhh this food is so good I came long distances to eat it again lol. The jerk chicken gives Jamaica competition, their stew chicken gives my moms Trinidad stew chicken good rivalry, the rice and beans r never dry, so moist and tasty, speaking of tasty, the sauces!!! Anything dat has a sauce is sooo good and compliments the food sublimely. The panades are so tiny n tasty it's a blissful surprise and the lil accompaniment with it was perfect. They have parking which is good, the place is clean cool n fresh, rastaman is usually dere n he is very nice, good service! Even if u r a foodie or not u jus need this food in ur life read more

Garifuna Flava - Rice beans stew chicken, potato salad, pineapple and guava juice and jerk chicken as well as steam cabbage ohhhhhh so good - Caribbean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Very delicious, despite the Caribbean jerk chicken being smaller in proportions than I'm use to I have no qualms with either the flavor or the service. I can honestly say I do not remember the last time I dined out and had as genuinely nice servers. Both had an air of happiness and friendliness i felt was contagious and that added to the experience. The sides were a fried plantain: perfect Beans and rice: good but a little dry Gravy for beans and rice: perfect and negated any dryness resulting in singing taste buds. I'd also recommend trying a Caribbean soda, I got pineapple ginger and wow. I have never had that combination and truly have been missing out. Great food, service, and its something out of the ordinary. read more

It's the best jerk chicken I've ever had. The chicken was moist and seasoned perfectly. Also tried the ox tail which was very tender.

Great culinary, but authentic food at great prices. LOVE that I can buy ginger beer soda here. read more

Love this bit of the Caribbean on the South side. Great appetizers, fish and chicken. Today were treated to live music. Can I say it again! Love it. read more

Garifuna Flava - Caribbean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I don't live in Chicago. And I know very little about Belizean food. But I do know that for the rest of my life, any flight into Chicago-Midway Airport will be immediately followed by a trip to Garifuna Flava. This place is a gem. It is a sanctuary of good feeling and good food. The quality of the cuisine is matched only by the warmth and friendliness of the staff and ownership. It's one thing to leave a restaurant satisfied that you've had a good meal. It's entirely another when you leave feeling that you've just spent the last hour or so in the company of good people who were genuinely interested in the quality of your experience. But enough fuzzy stuff... Like I said, I am unfamiliar with Belizean food and culture but I am very partial to what limited experience I've had with Jamaican/Caribbean cuisine. I perused the menu before I arrived and realized that I recognized very little and had actually tried even less. Thankfully, the bartender/waiter/general manager (Hussein) was more than happy to guide me through the Belizean wilderness and select several outstanding choices. I enjoyed two appetizers, the Panades and Conch Fritters, which were both delicious. And each came with a green salsa/sauce that served as a perfect compliment to their flavors. For my main meal, I had to test out their Jerk Chicken, and I was rewarded with the choice. Not only is the chicken succulent and flavorful, but it comes with several incredible side dishes which make its placement on the lunch-special menu a steal. The chicken came with beans & rice, a fried plantain and a side bowl of stewed cabbage. The beans & rice also came with an amazing sauce to pour over them which couldn't have blended better. Everything was so on point that my only wish was that I had more time (and a larger stomach) to enjoy more. One final note...you're robbing yourself if you don't try their signature drink, the Belizean Long Island. An original concoction of secret ingredients, it is basically a pineapple juice-based mixed drink that resembles a Long Island Iced-Tea. But it is hot fire. It is the kind of drink that makes you wish you were sitting on a beach. It is the kind of drink that you hope all other "island drinks" taste like when you order them. It is smooth and sweet and it still packs a punch. Proceed with caution, but definitely proceed... I don't know when I will be in Chicago next, but I do know it will involve a return trip here. It was an outstanding experience, from start to finish, top to bottom. Great food. Great drink. Great people. Do yourself a favor and check it out. read more

We had seen the spot on Check, Please! and had been meaning to try this place for some time. We had an early dinner there on a Sunday evening. The place was quiet, so we had plenty of friendly service, and none of the slowness in food delivery described by one or two of the other reviewers. The bartender and server were nothing short of completely charming, offered us samples of things we might not have otherwise tried, and turned us on to a fantastic neighborhood bar for after-dinner drinks (Club 6601, which I would also highly recommend). My favorite part of the meal, though all of it was great, was the appetizers, flavorful and beautifully cooked. The spicy cabbage "sauce" (more like a very finely grated slaw) that comes with the conch fritters and panades appetizers is one of the most delicious condiments I've ever had. My fellow diners also enjoyed the garnaches, though I found them a little bland. I did not try them with the recommended ketchup accompaniment, but that may be the way to go. For my main meal I had the oxtail stew with rice & beans and cabbage, and all three were outstanding -- the texture of the rice and beans was addictive, and I've never tasted anything quite like the cabbage. A relative of Southern style collards, but with a spicy kick. I also had a chance to try the hudut baruru with falumu (aka Serre, we were informed by our very charming server), the king fish in coconut broth -- delicious. We finished with the caramel pound cake and the coconut tarts, which were fine, though not amazing enough for me to spend the calories on them again. I can also highly recommend the drinks -- we didn't have the much touted Belizan long island, though the bartender provided us with a sample, and it was delicious -- tropical flavors perfectly balanced. I had the lemon margarita which was 100% perfect for my taste -- as tart as you could hope for if you prefer your cocktails on the sour rather than the sweet side. We'll definitely be back! read more

On the word of a good friend of mine we visited Garifuna Flava about 2 weeks ago. I am a big fan of Caribbean cuisine, so it's an understatement to say I was excited about visiting this place. While the area and decor of the place is not my cup of tea, the food hit a definite bull's eye. This is some of the best Caribbean food I've had the pleasure of putting into my greedy mouth. I'd never had Belizian food before, but from this moment on I will always have a special place in my heart for the local good eats of the small Caribbean country. I had the jerk chicken lunch special which was good, but slightly different from Jamaican jerk ,in a good way though ( you'll have to try it yourself, it's hard to describe what's different about it...lol.). My date had the brown stew which was very good, so good in fact I got food envy. The service and decor were adequate. Next time I go I'll be trying a few choices from the drink menu, I predict a rollicking lunch...lol. read more

Jerk chicken - Full of flavor and spice. Not overly hot as some jerk tends to be. Beans and rice - Great on its own, even better with the gravy that comes with it. Panades - Little pieces of happiness. A MUST have. King Fish w/ creole sauce - Yummy! Has a nice balance of sweet and hot. Jamaica cream soda is very good. This place is a gem! Great food, service, and very affordable. This was my first dining experience but it won't be my last. If you are in the area, give it a try! read more

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Omg. My first time here for mother day my husband is good the food is all I can say is omg!!!!!!!!!! Thank u. Darius Williams for tellin us about this place DARIUSCOOKS.COM buy his book OMG!!! read more

Garifuna Flava - Caribbean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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This was literally the easiest and most delicious catering order! I had an event at a school nearby and all you have to do is go on their website, submit your catering order, and you are done! Our guest raved about everything we ordered. Their guacamole dip with plantain chips are so good, and their jerk chicken, veggie patties, rice & beans are unbelievable. Garifuna is a gem and I make sure to come everytime I'm in the area and sometimes I just make the 30 minute trip because it's totally worth it! read more

I just received the worst oxtails, bean & rice, & cabbage I've ever had before. The beans & cabbage was so bland, dry, and unflavorful. The oxtails matched. They were dry and tough. Tasted like they added a ton of sage to them. I paid about $17 and got 3 tiny, meatless oxtails which I didn't even care because they were so terrible it's in the trash. I'll never order from there again. read more

The veggie combo is the highlight of my week. The cabbage is amazing. I LOVE the flavor. Any way I can get the recipe to make at home?

The Belizean chicken stew, beef patties and shrimp dish were SO GOOD. I was left wanting for more after dinner because our 2 toddlers devoured my order! Definitely kid approved! The gravy for the rice was . We ordered directly from their website, super easy and hassle-free, less service fees. Definitely ordering again! read more

their salmon patties were really good. i ordered like 16 more after trying my first one. i enjoy the oxtail but not so much the conch fritters. i was a little disappointed by those. read more

Man the food looks great my mouth is watering and I just ate. Real thank I will be visiting this fine establishment soon and giving it my review soon, so be on the look out for it. Man it looks good please don't disappoint me. Peace: Herman: read more

Don't know much about Belizean food for comparisons but the food here tastes good to me! Like the conch fritters and the stew beef is melt in your mouth good! read more

Garifuna Flava - Conch fritters and empanadas. - Caribbean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I was going to give this place at least 2 stars but now, I have to give 1..... As a newcomer, I was excited to bring my mother here so we could both try out a new Caribbean spot. I figured the 4/5 reviews would do this place justice. I was wrong. When we walked in, we weren't greeted right away. The place was empty so we walked over to the counter where we were greeted by a waiter. Cool. Everything seemed to go well. I ordered the jerk white dinner with rice, beans and cabbage. My mother ordered the Belizean stewed chicken. The wait was average. Not bad. The presentation of our food was GRAND. After tasting the chicken, it was juicy and tender. However, some of the pieces were overcooked and looked old.... the jerk sauce was very salty... the bread was your basic white wonder bread... not authentic jerk bread .. the rice and beans were a bit dry. The cabbage was actually the best thing meal. My mother's chicken was just okay for taste. I told the waiter about my concerns and he apologized. Not even shortly after I got my bill, I had to book it to the restroom. Not sure if I have food poisoning or what but I should not have to use the restroom this quickly after eating. All in all, okay customer service and not so good food.... read more

Got the chicken stew and jerk chicken... delicious... so much flavor. Will definitely go again.

This place has the best jerk chicken I eveeerrrrrrrr!! And oxtails and all the sides was great also. It was my first time there and I can't wait to go back. I've been thinking about it every since lol!!! read more

Garifuna Flava - Caribbean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Very good food. Excellent service. It is a very welcomed addition to the southwest side of town that often doesn't have as a diverse number of options as downtown or north. read more

Wow I just saw Garifuna Flava on Dinner, drives, Dives with Guy Fiereri. I am soo proud to be Belizean! If there is one thing I miss about Belize is the fry fish, white rice and split peas. Yum! read more

fantastic Food for a reasonable price. I love the services and the quality and quantity of the potions.

best jerk chicken Very big portions for a great place. Everyone is so nice and welcoming read more

I ate from here a couple time with my girl friend and she love this place I'm glad it's close by where I stay because the food is great and different and there not many places around here with good food lawn area read more

I've had a craving for jerk chicken for several weeks now, and tonight was the night. I changed my mind and ordered the Belizian stewed chicken; my husband got the jerk chicken. Everything was wonderful! Steve had to have more plantains before we could leave. The steamed cabbage and beans and rice were also really good. I felt so good about the meal. Healthy and delicious. read more

I came here with my brother for dinner early in the week. The place was not too busy, which suited us finely. The restaurant had a comfortable interior - just enough light to read comfortably but still dark enough for romance. The food was good nothing to write home about. I had the Caribbean spiced conch stew - the conch was fresh and cooked in a light buttery, mildly spicy sauce. My brother had the lime chicken. It was too moist (stewed?) with subtle west Indian spices and a hint of lime. The guacamole was tangier than I typically prefer but complemented our dishes fairly well. read more

I love this place!!! I come here all the time with coworkers and friends!! They staff is unbelievably nice!! I have tried almost everything on their menu, panadas are one of my favorite. My bf loves the jerk chicken!! Tamal is awesome!!! read more

Garifuna Flava - Amazing appetizers! - Caribbean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I am a critical food consumer because I was raised in a traditional Puerto Rican household, where the kitchen was the heart of our home. I was astonished at the hospitality, food taste, and inexpensive price(with generous portions...i love to eat). Any Northsider can travel down western ave, or catch the e-way easily to get there! (and they have their own parking lot, so no worries) read more

Had a blast at Garifuna Flava.The owner was very nice. Had the King Fish with Rice and beans. I mentioned that i was Honduran and before i left he gave me a double shot of Giffity and a CD. I'll be back read more

All day err day!!! Southside from the southside when you are so tired of tacos!!!! This is food fom home with a family type of feel

Food was pretty good after a decent wait. I had Fried red snapper with a side of oxtails. But I'm disappointed. BIG pet peeve of mine: menu said snapper was $14.50. But when bill came it was $20.00. They have new carry menus that say "market price" but I didn't see them before ordering. Look, you have ten menus. Takes five minutes and a magic marker and correct the price. There is NO REASON not to do that. Customers deserve to know the price before ordering else why even put them on there. read more

News flash! Conch fritters are the new love of my life. Garifuna Flava is a perfect example of my favorite place to eat. Basic decor, no swanky lounge music, friendly staff that take joy in your enjoyment of the wonders that come out of their kitchen... you know, the kind of places that you can only take a true food adventurer - happy to eat anywhere as long as the food is fresh and crafted with passion and pride. My food adventuring partner-in-crime and I had the following: + Panades: A Belizean fish empanada of sorts. Honestly, filling + wrapper + oil = nomgasms across all cultures. + CONCH FRITTERS: Hands down, the best thing I ate all week (and I eat a lot). It looks like a hush puppy but the batter has chopped pieces of conch (!!!) strewn through it, so you get little chewy nuggets of sea goodness inside the crispy fritter. Pair that with the cabbage slaw and habanero/onion mixture that it comes with and your mouth is in for the most insane combination of textures and flavors. Not to mention that FOUR of them cost only $3.50. + Stew Chicken: A stewed chicken leg (mmm, dark meat) served with gravy, rice, plantain and potato salad. The daily lunch special runs till 3pm and will put you back $6. + Jerk Chicken: Same as above, but jerk chicken (duh). The jerk sauce served on the side is SPICY! It hurts a little, but in a good way. + Pound Cake with Caramel Sauce: Served warm and so light and fluffy. The caramel sauce is a creamy, almost frosting-like consistency. + Coconut tart: Flaky pastry, dense coconut filling, 75c a piece. I highly recommend ordering about 20 of these little dream tarts. I am currently dreaming about those fritters and imagining what their conch soup and fish stew tastes like. I definitely need to come back here again, and again, and again. Conch fritters for life! read more

The best I love anything Garifuna and they are so professional and amazing! The food is to die for, please I recommend anybody to check out this hidden gem! read more