Jamaican Gates Restaurant

5

56

15

11 months ago

Service was fast, the food was excellent and the prices are reasonable. I ordered the lunch special and it included chicken, red beans and rice and cabbage for under $8. All of the food was perfectly seasoned and cooked to perfection. read more

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Asia B.

130

121

595

2 years ago

Four years later and still ordering from here. The food is always good and fresh. I often joke with KiKi, the owner about giving me the light skin sisters lol I'm referring to the wings. She knows that I don't like them grilled to dark. They make a very unique orange colored gravy that I haven't had from any other jerk spot. They also started selling turkey spaghetti. I could legit eat jerk from here EVERDAY. read more

Jamaican Gates Restaurant - Six wing dinner extra gravy, swap the cabbage for Mac and cheese. My order EVERYTIME - Caribbean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Kennedy W.

Elite 24

29

61

310

2 years ago

FINALLY, SOME GREAT SOUL JAMAICAN FOOD! Strictly to-go ordering, no seating available. Clean, organized service. Quick and efficient. Recommend calling ahead to avoid any wait time. Ordered the oxtail dinner with red beans and rice underneath, collar greens, Mac n cheese, candy yams, and a slice of toast. Oxtail was fall-off-the-bone good, all the sides were just as good and flavorful. The candy yams were so soft and sweet, perfect addition to whole plate. Will definitely be back! Whenever I want a true Southern plate, this is my first choice. Excited about trying more dishes, others in line were raving about the chicken. 15/10 Recommend! I wouldn't hesitate at all. I know I won't. read more

Jamaican Gates Restaurant - Oxtails Dinner with Greens, Macaroni & Cheese, Candy Yams, Red Beans and Rice, and Toast. YUMMY! - Caribbean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Jamaican Gates Restaurant - Oxtails Dinner NEVER DISAPPOINTS - Caribbean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Krystal J.

110

168

130

2 years ago

I have lived near this place for YEARS!! How did I never think to stop in here, I do not know. I rectified that mistake this weekend when visiting my grandma and mom by satisfying my jerk craving. I was pleasantly surprised when I walked in and the service was so friendly! It's a hole in the wall and there is no seating so call ahead to place your order and limit your wait time. We ordered the jerk catfish dinner and oxtails dinner both were fire!! The actual jerk was not very spicy which I was fine with but the sauce that comes with it brings the heat. My grandma said the oxtails were tender and the greens were good too better than the cabbage imo. Definitely check it out if you're in the Washington Heights area. read more

Jamaican Gates Restaurant - Caribbean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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D J.

1

67

12

1 year ago

Friendly service and good food!! I haven't had a bad meal yet. My only complaint is that they close early.

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Marcius P.

184

7

21

2 years ago

My mother & I had the jerk catfish dinner and the curry goat dinner. Everything was delicious and very fresh. One of our very favorite Caribbean restaurants in Chicago. read more

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Fist W.

5.4 mi•Marquette Park, Chicago Lawn

4

185

102

3 years ago

I enjoy the food at Jamaica gates restaurant . I've order there numerous times and it's been fine. Sometimes it's important to order new things, things you haven't tried before to get a well rounded view of an restaurant experience read more

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Ayano N.

Elite 25

74

140

96

3 years ago

Called ahead for a pick up order. Order was ready when I arrived in a timely manner. The restaurant is simple, clean, with no sitting area (to-go only). The food was mediocre. Chicken was dry, greens were bland, cabbage was average, and they charged an extra $2.50 for macaroni, but gave the smallest portion of macaroni. I would likely choose another jerk restaurant over this one, since there's so many in the near vicinity. read more

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Tainesha R.

87

14

5

3 years ago

I love this place and I've been going for years. The food is always fresh and so flavorful. Recently I just started ordering the escovitch fish and it is amazing! This dish reminds of Jamaica when I visited a place called Border. The customer service is great I've never had a problem. It is just a small restaurant so there is no ambiance to judge as it is not that type of establishment but if you want delicious authentic Jamaican food please go there! read more

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David M.

3

0

2 years ago

The food was fresh and flavorful. Called in order and order was ready exactly when I was told to pick up the order

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Naiya R.

0

21

24

2 years ago

The red beans and rice with oxtail gravy was delicious. The meat and beans were very tender. The portions served are well worth your money. read more

Jamaican Gates Restaurant - Red Beans and Rice - Caribbean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Nicole B.

0

9

0

3 years ago

The food is always good. I had the jerk catfish dinner as well as a jerk chicken dinner. Sides were cabbage (the best) Peas and rice , very good Sweet potatoes so good It's a yes for me read more

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Sean V.

Elite 23

571

27

16

4 years ago

After so much praise from friends, I expected to be blown away by this place. Unfortunately, I would describe the food is quite mediocre. I placed an order for the quarter dark jerk chicken lunch special Right as the restaurant opened to have what I thought would be the best experience for fresh and flavorful food. My chicken was near bland, the rice and peas were watery and the cabbage did not have much flavor to speak of other than salt. The candied sweet potatoes were pretty good. The staff was nice, and I've been told that there's a difference in quality between the lunch specials and the dinner specials, which I don't understand as I imagine the difference between the two exist in size of portions. I have decided that I will give Jamaican gates another shot at dinner on another occasion, but the first impression was not very good honestly. read more

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Renaldo J.

0

16

2

3 years ago

At one time I had great things to say about Jamaican gates, but lately I've ordered through the food delivery app and each of the last few times they've given me reheated day old chicken, while it's easy to reheat beef, but not chicken after it's been refrigerated, not cool . read more

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Faye S.

159

47

59

3 years ago

One of my favorite jerk spots in Chicago I will travel just to order from them even if I can't get somebody close by there to pick it up for me .. for me read more

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Dominique B.

0

1

3 years ago

Every time I order the oxtails are tiny. Not worth spending the money.You only get one medium sized oxtail when you order a large plate which only comes with 3 pieces anyway. read more

Jamaican Gates Restaurant - a close up of a meal in a styrofoam container - Caribbean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Kae K.

Elite 21

4

31

34

5 years ago

Unfortunately it just wasn't very good. My party ordered oxtail and curry goat and none of us enjoyed our food. Two of my party members were Jamaican. I had the oxtail and it was tender but too fatty and the gravy was thin, light, and not tasty nor well seasoned. I hate to leave bad reviews, especially at a Black-owned spot, but I hate that I spent $25 on a meal I didn't even enjoy. read more

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Chicagoavonlady D.

5

10

2

3 years ago

This is the very 1st Jerk restaurant where EVERYTHING was good and fresh. I had oxtails, jerk chicken, cabbage, Mac and Cheese, yams, peas and rice, and plantain. My Ma had a full dark jerk chicken dinner as well. The Mac and cheese was seasoned to perfection and cheesy as ever (no egg; baked). The yams not overly sweet, jerk chicken just right. The cabbage is consistently good. Only disappointment was the size oxtail they give is small. (4 little pieces and 2 big. Thats everywhere though) EVERYTHING was hot, and did I say fresh?? glad it's right around my Mas house. I'll be eating here much more often!! read more

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Kennedi S.

0

3

8

6 years ago

This place is great! The portions are huge, my bag felt like it was 10 pounds . I got the combo plate with brown stewed chicken and oxtails and a small side of Mac. The chicken was tender and juicy, the oxtails were super tender. The Mac was more cheesy and less creamy but still good and the small was enough for 2. I called my order in around lunch time and my food was ready within the 30 minutes or less that it took me to get there. I'll definitely be back. read more

Jamaican Gates Restaurant - Mac n cheese - Caribbean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Jamaican Gates Restaurant - Oxtails & Chicken Combo Dinner w Brown stew chicken - Caribbean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Chaniqua C.

Elite 23

160

92

192

6 years ago

Nope, I used to love this place. The food hasn't been consistent though. This $13 salad has the driest chicken ever on it. In addition, I've had catfish dinners that were tough. Who wants to eat tough catfish? That's Gross! Do better small business, Do better!!! read more

Jamaican Gates Restaurant - Dry Chicken Choke Salad - Caribbean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Tilashua G.

91

50

8

4 years ago

Wasn't expecting this food at all. I was in town visiting my friends family and lawd knows I love good food, so this spot was recommended. Well, I had oxtails, red beans with rice, and cabbage oh and a yam. Every single morsel was delicious. The yams were my favorite but all was well. I do wish they had a nice cornbread muffin instead of the plain white bread, but again all was well. I will visit again in the future. read more

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Vince M.

257

40

8

4 years ago

Ordered a whole white, with 2 sides, red beans and rice and yams. The sides were great. The chicken was as dry as Southern California in the summer, and the jerk sauce seemed extremely watery, as though watered down to last. I have been going to another place near me, and the steep prices always bothered me. This place has great prices, but when I tasted the chicken I immediately understood the reason in the pricing. It was edible, and had a good flavor, but I can get dry chicken from anywhere. read more

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Rea W.

131

7

1

5 years ago

I ordered an oxtail dinner, it was okay, the mac was a big dissapointment..it taste like greasy powdered cheese sauce mixed with American cheese poured over mushy macaroni. leave the mac alone and opt for another dish read more

Jamaican Gates Restaurant - Oxtails, redheads and rice, mac and cheese, sweet potatoes, plantains - Caribbean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Gea G.

1

62

11

4 years ago

I purchased 1 whole jerk chicken and jerk chicken pasta...jerk chicken was just OK...jerk chicken pasta super super spicy(I love spicy food) just wanted to warn people whom don't like spicy pasta read more

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Carla H.

0

8

4

3 years ago

Great jerk catfish, which is always what me and my husband orders... prices are not too bad for jerk dinners.

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Molly B.

27

109

219

9 years ago

Ordered two platters. Curry chicken for my daughter and 6 jerk chicken wings for myself. How do you know what love is? It's a great plate of food. Unfortunately, my daughter inhaled her curry chicken so I couldn't get a pic. My jerk wings were very flavorful. There was so much rick that I had enough for two servings. I did not like the cabbage, because it had onions and green peppers in it. Never tasted it like that before. Plus they were overcooked. The plantain that came with the meal was so soft as sweet. Perfect, just like the kind my granny used to make in Panama. My dish also came with a slice of bread and some extra sauce. The jerk wing platter came in one size only which was fine by me. It was size delicious. The service wasn't rude. Just a little abrupt, but it reminded me of being back home, so I wasn't put off. My order didn't take long. Maybe 10 mins. We went on Friday around 2:30 pm. read more

Jamaican Gates Restaurant - 6 jerk wings platter - Caribbean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Kemba C.

0

1

0

3 years ago

Great service best to call ahead to get faster service. Wonderful deals and no shortage on your plate .

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Jes G.

7

77

18

5 years ago

Very hit or miss. When it's good it's great but when it's bad it's terrible. The lack of consistency is why I don't go here often even though it's closer to me than other places. read more

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Broyjam16 B.

0

57

30

3 years ago

Food is consistently tasty. However, selection of fish pieces are not appetizing. Instead of fillets or steaks, they serve pieces that wouldn't normally be chosen. I just wonder what they do with the rest of the fish. read more

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Martha K.

1

29

39

6 years ago

My friend brought us food from here even after a 6hrs drive to St. Paul and a quick steam reheated the food was good. I had some for breakfast still good I will visit when in Chicago read more

Jamaican Gates Restaurant - Menu - Caribbean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Cindy V.

139

25

17

7 years ago

The food is ok. The jerk chicken was a lil dry yet spicy. The food tastes homemade, authentic. The cabbage has a strong garlic flavor which I love so I was happy about that. I felt that the mac and cheese was a little bland but it was very cheesy. So while I have had better jerk chicken this wasnt bad. read more

Jamaican Gates Restaurant - $6 lunch special jerk chicken and cabbage - Caribbean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Denise D.

0

9

0

5 years ago

Very good Jamaican food and friendly staff! I definitely would recommend this fine establishment!

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Neva D.

2

55

13

7 years ago

I used to rave about this place. Noooot anymore. I am mad that I spent my hard-earned money on the oxtail and goat dinner. The only thing tasty was the cabbage. I spent more time taking bones out of my mouth. SMDH...never again. Don't do it to yourself! read more

Jamaican Gates Restaurant - Small mac n cheese $4 - Caribbean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Jamaican Gates Restaurant - Oxtail and goat dinner $19.00 Don't do it. It taste just like it looks. - Caribbean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Jamaican Gates Restaurant - Small yams $4 - Caribbean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Kendall R.

199

1

7 years ago

This restaurant is soooo good. Best Jamaican jerk chicken I have had. The quality of the food is very good. The chicken is juicy and has nice spice. The beans and rice are delicious along with the Mac and cheese and yams. The service was amazing and the people there are friendly and got the food out hot, fresh, and in a very timely manner. I will definitely be returning and I suggest that others check it out as well! read more

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HIdejah Z.

0

15

20

6 years ago

The Goldie is legit. Sometimes you get way too much rice but the chicken is consistently good

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Ursula P.

Elite 19

280

305

4839

7 years ago

I saw this deal via Groupon and I looked forward to some Jamaican cuisine . First off the staff was friendly . I chose to get Jerk Catfish , peas and rice and Mac n cheese . For dessert I chose bread pudding. Everything I ate was just okay. There was nothing to make me come back again unfortunately. They did give good portions I must say . read more

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Deja F.

143

18

0

5 years ago

Came here for the first time the other day and I loved their jerk chicken/jerk sauce. Food didn't take forever and a day either. I definitely will be back again. read more

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Jacquelyne W.

Elite 21

133

89

427

8 years ago

This is the first time trying there food!! Call order in I order Large jerk dinner and just jerk only. I don't care how Verbage went between me and the man on the phone just as my FOOD is good and fresh. Damn it was both!!! It look dry and well?? But the Jerk chicken was juicy and spicy like it should be. Cabbage also good soft but not mushy. I have a New place for Jerk Chicken!!! I didn't pick it up I sent my daughter. She said the wait was Short. read more

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Kimberly L.

2

18

5

6 years ago

My first time eating here, and I was so pleasantly surprised. I'll be back for more. No complaints about the service. They are very professional. Thoroughly enjoyed my experience. read more

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Lori M.

42

4

0

6 years ago

The food is good but the service is crappy as hell especially the guy that normally takes the orders, just straight ignorant!!! When you order ahead it doesn't matter, they don't give you a number or anything to attach you to your order. They hardly ever have catfish or not enough for a full order. read more

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More info about Jamaican Gates Restaurant

10226 S Halsted St
Chicago, IL 60628
Washington Heights, Brainerd
Directions
(773) 779-1708
Call Now
Visit Website
https://jamaicangates.com

Full menu

Hours

What time does Jamaican Gates Restaurant open?

Jamaican Gates Restaurant opens at 11:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

What time does Jamaican Gates Restaurant close?

Jamaican Gates Restaurant closes at 8:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.Jamaican Gates Restaurant closes at 7:00 PM on Sunday.

Mon-Sat 11:00 AM - 8:00 PMSun 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Payment methods

Does Jamaican Gates Restaurant take credit cards?

Yes, Jamaican Gates Restaurant takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Jamaican Gates Restaurant have catering options?

Yes, Jamaican Gates Restaurant does have catering options.

Does Jamaican Gates Restaurant serve alcohol?

No, Jamaican Gates Restaurant does not serve alcohol.

Indoor Amenities

Does Jamaican Gates Restaurant have TVs?

Yes, Jamaican Gates Restaurant has TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Jamaican Gates Restaurant have bike parking?

No, Jamaican Gates Restaurant does not have bike parking.

Does Jamaican Gates Restaurant have outdoor seating?

Yes, Jamaican Gates Restaurant has outdoor seating options.

Does Jamaican Gates Restaurant have parking?

Yes, Jamaican Gates Restaurant has parking options. Street Parking, Validated Parking

Other Amenities

Does Jamaican Gates Restaurant have free WiFi?

No, Jamaican Gates Restaurant does not have free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

Jamaican Gates is The real taste of Jamaica. All the tasty flavors and vibes brought to Chicago!

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Health Score

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Garifuna Flava

4.3(443 reviews)

The best oxtails I've ever had in Chicago. Tender and flavorful…read more Service was fast and friendly. Dine-in was not crowded at all. Very people were there. It was peaceful and I enjoyed the music and art which reflected the culture. The stew oxtail is worth every penny.

A recent evening while wanderlusting in Chicago, I suggested Garifuna Flava because I'd heard…read moreamazing things about it. My fellow traveling house heads trusted my foodie instincts, but there was a little skepticism until our rideshare driver gave it his enthusiastic vote of confidence! Garifuna Flava is a Black-owned restaurant celebrating the rich flavors and traditions of Belizean, Caribbean, Latin, and Indigenous Garifuna cuisine. The restaurant isn't fancy, yet it is warm, welcoming, and one of the owners even took time to share the history of the Garifuna people with one of my friends. And making the experience even more authentic was the soundtrack of Caribbean and reggae music, which had us swaying, singing along, and feeling right at home like a spot in the Caribbean or Brooklyn. As for the food, it was DELISH! I enjoyed tender oxtails with yams, fried sweet plantains, rice, and stew beans. It was comfort food that tasted like a home-cooked meal. A nice cold Ting was the perfect pairing. I couldn't resist sampling a dining partner's shrimp dish, which was also flavorful. Garifuna Flava is located in Chicago Lawn, often referred to locally as Marquette Park on Chicago's Southwest Side. The neighborhood is home to the beautiful 323-acre Marquette Park, designed by the Olmsted Brothers (sons of the designer of Central Park), and holds an important place in the city's civil rights history. Thank you, Garifuna Flava, for a delicious meal and a cultural experience I'll remember. I'll definitely be back. But don't just take my word for it, go experience the yummyliciousness for yourself! Mmmm... #BonAppetit! Cheers!

Menu along wall and decor.

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

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Outside

Jerky Jerk

4.2(195 reviews)

11.3 mi•Tri-Taylor

Got the Jerk Chicken Dark (Grilled) and the jerk tips with Mac and and yam everything was fire from…read morethe food to the service .Ask for the festival bread!) It's a al la carte menu. The server was great and gave me some to try! Best Jerk Spot in the Chi check it out!!!!! Also I love the chicago vibe inside.

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!

Two Pick any 2 Meats & 2 Side

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Plantain (6)

Ponce Kitchen Sabor

4.1(7 reviews)

15.7 mi•Hermosa

I will give it a zero star but l wasn't able to , it was the worse dinner l had . I'm a true Puerto…read moreRican and l know how food should look and taste and this was the worse l ever had the rice was soggy and l had a bacalito and it look like thin Pancake and it even had no taste so it's a place l will never come back to .and the service was horrible so this place l wouldn't recommend..

Overall giving this place a 4/5! It's hard to find good Puerto Rican food so was really happy to…read moresee one and the menu looked good!! The pork was really flavorful and the rice was wonderful too. Really large portions which I can't be mad about lol. Loveeeee the tostones, some of the best I ever had and the creama dip was the icing on the cake. I had to take off 1 star because unfortunately my Habichuelas were missing....like there was rarely any beans in the bowl :( which makes me sad because I loveeeee them so much. Note - i ordered from Uber eats and did not visit the restaurant in person.

Ponce Kitchen Sabor - El Jibarito - Steak, Maduros - Sweet Fried Plantains, Tostones - Crispy Twice-Fried Plantains and Pollo Guisado - Homestyle Chicken Stew

El Jibarito - Steak, Maduros - Sweet Fried Plantains, Tostones - Crispy Twice-Fried Plantains and Pollo Guisado - Homestyle Chicken Stew

Sopa de Pollo / Chicken Soup

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The Perfect Jerk

3.7(81 reviews)

16.1 mi

MAAAAN LOOK! Them people in there were so nice, they gave me a complimentary freaky drink for the…read morelong wait (like 35 min). The food... went CRAZY!! I had to give 5 stars because that catfish was cooked to perfection AND not fishy (not fresh). The restaurant had a real welcoming ambiance, made you wanna stay a lil while. They got a whole bomb! I'm goin back very soon! s/o to Kim I believe her name was.

PLEASE stop seasoning with MSG PLEASE stop charring, it's a…read morehealth risk My food was not good, $30+

Catfish dinner

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Menu

14 Parish Restaurant and Rhum Bar

4.1(654 reviews)

7.0 mi•Hyde Park

The food service and ambience were all winners. I'm not sure how I missed that. This establishment…read morewas a thing. Every single thing that I ordered exceeded my expectations and I cannot wait to return. Reservations are recommended.

Loved the decor butt the service was lacking. The restaurant wasn't full when I went in, but…read moreservice was slow and I took them a bit to give me my check. The two dishes I ordered came out quickly. The food was all right. The jerk chicken taco was not five dollars. It could have been bigger with more filling. The coconut shrimp had great flavor. The pineapple ginger soda was really really good. I haven't had that kind in a while.

12.4 mi•Fulton Market, West Loop, Near West Side

Bar

Oxtails

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Parrish Rum

The Wild Hare

3.7(257 reviews)

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.

8.6 mi•Douglas, Bronzeville

Stage in second room

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Jamaican Jerk King

3.5(148 reviews)

I was in a random mood for some jerk chicken while in the Bronzeville area, and this was the first…read moreoption that appeared. I went by, and placed an order for the lunch special (good until 4p weekdays), and not only was the cashier courteous, but the service was remarkably expeditious compared to most 'traditional' Jamaican restaurants. They have many of the sides cooked and placed under a heater lamp, while the chicken was prepared to order. $10 for the white jerk lunch special, and it was well worth the investment. Great service, food, and value. The only reason it's short of 5-stars is due to the absence of background music, which has a well-kept dining area for patrons to sit-in and eat. There is no public bathroom here, so be advised before you arrive if you plan on staying and eating. Otherwise, this is a promising jerk chicken option, and could very well be my go-to spot for such a cuisine.

I went there yesterday and ordered the oxtail dinner with a side of mac and cheese. I was so…read moredisappointed in the entire meal. All I tasted was Lime, as if they poured lime juice all over the food. So I called them today to complain about the food and the man did apologize and asked who gave me the food but of course I didn't know his name I just know that he was the only one there. He then hit me with the what you wanna do about it. I kindly said nothing because i didn't want anymore food for them, I just will never return nor will I recommend them to anyone. Have a great day.

Oxtails

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Gorée Cuisine

4.6(409 reviews)

7.4 mi•Kenwood

Everything was great. The food was outstanding and the atmosphere was delightful. The service was…read moreexcellent.

The food was delicious. We got the yassa chicken and the didi lamb. The lamb was a clear winner. I…read morewas a big fan of the mint tea but it works better after eating than with it. Service is slow but fits the relaxed atmosphere. Not a place to eat when you're in a rush but great for a sit down meal on a slow weekend.

14.1 mi•Wicker Park, West Town

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Hibiscus tea (non-caffeinated), very sweet

Amaru

4.7(484 reviews)

•$$$

Everything was great! Food, service, ambiance…read more Took my son and his girlfriend there for his birthday. We all loved it and definitely coming back. Don't miss this gem!!

Dined here with the hubby during Valentine's Day weekend. They had a special Valentine's menu…read morecurated for guests to order from. I was so excited for this meal cause Amaru has been on my list for so long! Piononos: They had me at chorizo stuffed plantains. A nice latin twist from the usual bacon wrapped dates. Highly recommend! Pulpo gallego: I don't think I've ever had octopus with beans before but it surprisingly paired very well together. Love me a nice charred octopus and this one was delish. Cuban oxtail: I still dream about this unique pasta dish!!! Great flavor. Wish there were more agnolotti because I had a lot of oxtail meat leftover by the end of the meal. Lomo steak: Such a pretty delicious dish! 5/5 stars all around! Highly recommend to share. Guava cheescake: I LOVE anything guava. The cut and presentation of the dessert gets a 5/5 for me. The slice was as long as the plate! Great way to end the meal. Overall, everything was great - the service, food, vibes, etc. I would love to dine here again :)

Interior

Shrimp Entree

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Pina Colada and ?

Marina's Bistro and Rum Bar

4.5(135 reviews)

17.8 mi•Uptown

I know they are soon moving locations and expanding, which is well deserved. Whether or not this…read morereview travels to that new location, I guess time will tell, but what I can tell you right now is that the move is well-deserved. A beautiful little place, tucked away in a cozy corner of a small shopping center, you'd never expect such flavors and such an escape. With a larger place, walk ins would probably be handled fine. When I went, we felt lucky showing up when we did, as it soon filled up inside, such that a couple had to be turned away at the door. Plantain soup. It was a special, and special it was. The drinks were equally phenomenal. And the service was delightful. Itching to go back before they make their move.

So today after many month of wanting to try this restaurant in our next-door neighborhood we…read morefinally went today and OMG it was the best northside Puerto Rican Restaurant we have have visited actually the only one in the north side of Chicago. Thr atmosphere and ambiance was amazing beautifully decorated in the place is small but cozy and you literally feel at home, the owner chef and his bartender hostest greet you like if your family. The owner Eric is so sweet and down to earth he makes you feel like an old friend visiting from the homeland. Katie was supper sweet and very informative on all the menu and drinks. I decided to try the Entre Las Sabanas made with Bacardi & Conac it was so good I asked for a second one. My wife had Tamarindo non alcohol because she was driving, we also asked for the Hummus de Gandules that was so different and so yummy served with plantain chips. For dinner I had shrimps with arroz blanco and pink beans my dinner was so good. My wife had vistec encebollado with rice and beans, she loved it. Our dessert was pudding de pan. It's a must restaurant to visit if you like Puerto Rican food. I highly recommend this restaurant and on weekends it's highly recommend to make reservations. I will certainly return again.

Dining room, small bar

Lechon Asada with majado (mashed taro)

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Booth area

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6 reviews that are not currently recommended

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Heyward T.

Elite 23

195

203

0

2 years ago

The food and service are excellent. However, I wouldn't consider them affordable, particularly given the current economic situation. The sizes of the portions are decent, in contrast to other establishments nearby. The jerk chicken is packed with taste. I find it incredibly delicious. I've also tried DoorDash, and was impress with the packaging- good and it keeps the food fresh. read more

Wayne B.

0

1

0

5 months ago

I visited this restaurant after seeing a YouTube Short about it, and the food really was good. The only issue I had was when I asked for an extra jerk sauce. The lady at the counter charged me 80 cents on my American Express. Clearly she's never read the book "Give 'Em the Pickle." My future visits will be limited. read more

China W.

1

20

0

12 years ago

I normally get the jerk dark dinner almost every other night!! I am extremely hooked on their food. I have been to other local jerk places and I thought they were the best until I came to this one! Now it's to the point that I'm cooking dinner less and going to this place more. read more

Dina J.

0

8

5

5 years ago

The food was hot and good! I didn't like I had to wait additional 20 minutes to get my food after I order and was giving at time to pick up my food. read more

Matt B.

7

86

20

4 years ago

Good food would come back. Had the oxtail it was good. Seasoning was good gravy was good.

seafood m.

37

1

0

14 years ago

best caribbean food ever!!!

Jamaican Gates Restaurant - caribbean - Updated September 2026

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