I had such a wonderful experience at this Dominican restaurant! The food was absolutely delicious--full of rich, authentic flavor that really stood out in every bite. You can tell everything is made with care and attention to detail. What made the visit even more special was the atmosphere. Yari, the owner, was incredibly kind, welcoming, and genuinely made us feel at home from the moment we walked in. The entire staff was just as warm and attentive, creating such a comforting and inviting environment. It honestly felt like being invited over to a family member's house for a home-cooked meal--cozy, friendly, and full of good energy. That kind of experience is hard to find, and it made the meal even more memorable. If you're looking for amazing Dominican food paired with heartfelt hospitality, this is definitely the place to go. I'll absolutely be coming back and highly recommend it to anyone wanting a true taste of great food and even better service! read more

1000/10 I love the red beans here! Second time coming here since moving to Chicago and the taste is as close as I'll get to food back home in Miami. So whoever made the habichuelas last night made sure to put their whole heart in it because the sofrito and pumpkin were on point before stewing those beans to perfection. My 15 month old baby tried the beef stew, roast chicken, red beans, rice and pigeon peas, yuca and plantain. This morning he happily ate some more for breakfast and let me tell you this little boy always takes a few bites then wants milk... not this time. The food speaks for itself, the place doesn't need to be hip or aesthetic. They're not trying to blow smoke up anyone's ass branding rotisserie chicken as luxe French comfort food or trying to copy Peruvian Pollo a la Brasa. Just a great product in a styrofoam box packed to the brim at a fair price. read more

don't worry their not closed here's the updated address! They just down the road 3917 W North Ave Chicago, IL 60647 United States Amazing food, amazing service, great place!!! read more

A great atmosphere. It's like being on the island. A wonderful staff and OUTSTANDING OWNER! The customers treated me as family when I dined there. I have visited both locations. I've never had the you're welcome feeling so sincere. The food is outstanding. You get your money worth. I was going to dine there today but they're closed. Take my advice, this Tropical Island is worth going to. My favorite in Chicago. See ya soon Family. read more

I love this place! The Oxtails are so delicious. I enjoy the chicken as well. I highly recommend you take a visit to this place on the northwest side of Chicago! read more

Every time I come in it's so vibrant with welcoming workers. Owner is always around making sure everyone is enjoying the meal. Chicharrón is my go to and it's always so fresh. read more

Tropical Taste is an amazing and awesome restaurant. The Food is phenomenal and the service is the finest . Tropical Taste is best Dominican Restaurant in Chicago . The address is 3917 W North Ave chicago. The restaurant and environment is very clean . If you're in the area or not in the area it worth the travel. Tropical Taste gives you a nice portion of food and the price is very reasonable. The entire staff makes everyone feel like family. Yaie and her team is the best . I typically visit once or twice a week. Two thumbs up . read more

Tropical Taste - Half Rotisserie chicken , white rice and red Beans, Sweet plantains, avocado , Coke Cola , and water - Dominican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

We're seriously obsessed with this little Dominican restaurant. We've tried almost the whole menu.. generous portions of seafood, chicken, oxtail...it's all bursting with flavor. We highly recommend a visit! read more

Tropical Taste - Coconut Cod w/yellow rice Fried Snapper w/white rice - Dominican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The food here is amazing full of flavor and super fresh. The service is also very helpful. The ambiance is mundane but you6not here for that stick to the delicious food!! read more

The food has so much flavor and all the dishes taste amazing. The people here are so welcoming and friendly too which makes it even better. A must try for authentic Dominican food and hospitality. read more

It's not the prettiest on the outside but that doesn't matter to methe most authentic and tasty food usually comes from places that are under appreciated. This food make me wanna go and live with any one of the cooks and trade my momma for a plate. (kidding) but I love the food and everyone I've encountered has been very friendly even tho I don't speak spanish read more

Tropical Taste - This is the Rotisserie Chicken w/ yellow rice "Muy enamorada" - Dominican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Delicious and on point. Try the mondongo on the weekends if your prepared for a taste of heaven y'all !

Absolutely worth every penny!! I had the goat stew and it was delicious! My wife had rotisserie chicken and it was even better!! My friend had the oxtail and I'll be getting that next time! The empanadas are the best I've had!! Definitely a must try!!!! read more

If you drive by or walk by it probably wouldn't catch your attention which is unfortunate. This place is everything you need. Great service with that Dominican hospitality. Amazing food with many options and clean. Everything was perfect. It's a small restaurant, but they'll move things around to accommodate. This is authentic Dominican food that will make you dance in your seat as evidence by both of my children happily dancing in their seats while eating. We're gone for the day but the food was so good we took food to go. You will not be disappointed especially if you're looking for good food. Next time I'm in Chicago this is where I'm coming first. Yes, it's that good. read more

If you want a delicious tatse of authentic Domenican food this is the place to be hands down. Their chicken soup and Sancocho Sundays will take you back to that delicious meal you use to eat back home. If you dont like the way the place looks then start a Go Fund Me page and you pay to renovate! The place is clean and the food is deliciously consistant ! If you are from DR and you want to a taste of home come to TROPICAL TASTE ! read more

Mi esposa y yo estuvimos de visita en Chicago por su cumpleanios, mi esposa me pidio que la llevara a un restaurante Dominicano porque ella es Dominicana y extrana su sazon pues vivimos en Indianapolis, buscamos en google y encontramos tropical taste con los mejores reviews . Realmente la comida estuvo fantastica asi como el servicio, y no solo eso, el personal del restaurante nos sorprendio con un biscocho con su belita de cumpleanios para mi esposa, fue la mejor experiencia que tuvimos en nuestra estadia en Chicago. Tropical Taste super recomendado por la calidad de su comida y el servicio de su personal. Gracias Tropical Taste. read more

This place has had a new owner for just over a year now and I must say they have been doing a great job. Food quality and portions are amazing. Very family oriented establishment.. every time I walk in I feel as if I'm visiting relatives. I can hardly ever finish my food due to the quantity and have some to spare for a later time. Definitely recommend this spot if your looking for a taste of DR! read more

I did not know fear until I entered the darkened hall of Tropical Taste. Don't be fooled by the name: you won't be welcomed by calypso music and fruity beverages here. Instead, the groans of maligned guests will be your soundtrack and you'll sip the salty elixir of bitter tears. I arrived at this Humboldt Park spot because I hadn't eaten Dominican cuisine since I roamed the streets of Washington Heights in NYC. Searching around on the site, I came across a few options here in Chicago. Searching around on foot, I decided on Tropical Taste. You know the phrase, "Feets don't fail me now?" My feets? They failed me. What looks warm and inviting from the street is anything but on the inside. I'm not talking furniture or decor. I am talking about the rude ways in which the owner/cook/bodyguard/whoeversheis treating my party and in particular, me. I walked in, smiled and went about being my charming, adorable self. I was addressed in Spanish, I replied that I didn't speak Spanish (in Spanish) and the fun began. We were yelled at -- from the counter -- to give our orders within minutes of sitting down. Other tables were waited on. We were given a small selection of dishes from which to order. Other tables were given special menus and secret sauces (seriously). We were given food that may or not have been sitting around for a while. Other tables were given food so hot we saw steam rise from it. In particular, I ordered a fish dish with coconut milk. I was given (almost immediately after ordering) a cold fish dish with coconut milk. Cold. Fish. That had been cooked. Our tostones? No sauce. And dry. Very. Very. Very. Dry. I looked up at the counter (and at our antagonist) to inquire about wth was going on and received a "QUE?!" barked like from the mouth of a rabid pelican. Toucan. Rabid toucan. Basically, I was made to feel as though if I didn't speak Spanish, I was not welcome to be here. Fine. Cool. I get it. You want a certain clientele and that's it. Free country. Do you. The thing is, don't take my money. Don't open for business to the public. Get a dinner club license or something. Open to those on a mailing list. Y'see, if you're open to the public and take everyone's money, odds are you're going to get the occasional (or, every day ) guy or gal who doesn't speak your native tongue. But, there is a universal language: kindness. Smile. Point. Nod. Communicate in ways other than glares, loud sighs and sucked teeth. You lost a great opportunity to open your business to a new audience by being so needlessly hostile to a bunch of folks WHO GAVE YOU MONEY! But, I don't think you much care. oh, thatsecondstarisbecauseiamtooafraidofyoutogiveyoutheoneyoudeserve. read more

Yes, the food is AMAZING. Staff is RUDE. Wait, let me rephrase that; One staff member in particular is rude. The girl who is behind the counter serving the food, who seems to be the mom of the very nice young girl being the waitress, is always visibly upset. It's like business is a burden to her. She barely speaks or won't even reply when you ask her something. The cook, an older gentleman, is awesome and always really nice! For a place with such great food, please change that attitude in the front, the first thing people see when they walk in. Other than that, your really can't go wrong with the food. Good food with an authentic home made taste. read more

Good food with reasonable prices. Love the fricase de chivo con arroz y abichuelas guizadas. The staff is very friendly and treat you very amicably. Small family place with lots of love. read more

my family been a regular customers since the first owners open the place. they are what you real Caribbean food ! the flavors bring me back to the islands! . my family and i enjoy every visit to Tropical Taste hard to choice what is my favorite dish , the chicken ,fish, beef stews and all kind of rice. the mongu is the best in the city . the rice with ribs on fridays is so comforting. the service always friendly and many jokes . were waiting for the new location to open . if your puerto rican, cuban, from the Caribbean and need a great place like home this is your place ! read more

Late review but my boyfriend and I visited Chicago in October. He's Puerto Rican and was wanting some Dominican food. We found this spot and it was nothing but delicious authentic flavorful food! This place upheld its true Dominican culture. From the minute you walk in and how they greet you! It's awesome, and the atmosphere was like everyone knew each other. We got my all time favorite mangu con salami y queso frito. We also ordered a drink called morir soñando. read more

Tropical Taste - Mangu, queso frito and salami. - Dominican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

After realizing that my go to Dominican Restaurant was closed for the day I was pretty sad, but still in the moved for some Dominican food. A quick scan of Yelp revealed this place, and after reading the reviews I was a little hesitant, but with the reviews for food being positive I was willing to give it a shot. So as we enter the restaurant, the interior definitely isn't the most appealing as other Yelpers have mentioned. The lights seem somewhat dim, the carpet seemed pretty rugged, and the overall feel seemed pretty dull. But hey! I was only there for the food, right? As I approached the counter, before I could even say hello, I was asked "Do you know what you want? We're out of these items and we only have this left". Hungry and not really in the mood for anything else I asked what was left. I was told there was chicken stew, oxtail, goat and a few other dishes. Luckily the goat and oxtail were the two menu items we were looking to try. We ordered and took a seat at the table. It's easy to notice that the restaurant is family owned as the kids are arguing about school and phones and the parents interject every once in a while (kids are servers, parents cook and prepare plates). The place is a cafeteria style place where things are kept in warmers. I wanted to order some fried plantains, but the man in the kitchen was already cleaning everything, so I didnt bother. Fast forward 5-10 minutes later and the food is brought to our table. We were given pretty generous portions, and the folks around us seemed to be enjoying their food, so we were excited. I had the goat meal and the meat was very tender and flavorful! The beans were also good, and white rice is a given haha. My mom seemed to enjoy the oxtails and from what I saw they appeared tender. Realizing the type of restaurant, I knew that table service probably wouldnt be the norm so every once in a while I would pop up and ask for more water, napkins, etc. I prefer to use Spanish in Latin American restaurants, and here was no different, and I think it added to the experience. It's easy to tell that the place has several regulars! As several of them came in the staff already knew what they had ordered. Overall I had a pretty decent experience here. It's definitely a no thrills restaurant, so plan accordingly. Prices are great, and portions are generous, so if you already know that the service is going to be an issue for you, save yourself the headache and order to go haha read more

The food is awesome. This is a typical Dominican comedor not what we call a restaurant. I think that is why they are getting low reviews for their service. Think of a school or hospital cafeteria and when a dish is gone it is gone. They don't cook to order unless it's sides like their maduros or plátano frito. You order your food and you should be getting up to retrieve your food if it busy. Its not what we're used to but for the price and flavor I'm in. read more

When you say 'tropical' you automatically think: sunny...warm...paradise...lively....welcoming....coconut......bikinis...wet swimming trunks...exposed abs.... Okay, maybe not all this. I am fantasizing a little bit here. Hey, winter is slowly coming along so let me dream on... But here the taste left in your mouth after your meal is not that tropical. Read warm, sunny, welcoming and so on. Except that coconut can indeed lingers on your tongue if, like me, you opted for fish in coconut sauce for lunch. Seriously - this place was borderline rude to us. Fine, we were not all Dominican (but we had ONE among us!!!! Does it count for nothing?!?!?) but we were all polite, happy to be there and willing to order in Spanish. Because forget about Shakespeare here; and it's fine. Just be patient and understanding ladies por favor. I mean - we are giving you business after all. Be nice to us, yes? End result: my fish was lukewarm (at best), the goat stew was really bony and extra fatty, the maduros and tostones - dry and served sin salsa. So, so, so sad - I could have sung the blues would it have been culturally appropriate; but I was too worried to be shot by the pistols eyes of our hosts who wanted us out there so badly we could sense the bad vibrations all across the room. Oh, atmosphere........ I got up to ask 'para la cuenta' (the others didn't dare) and we clearly saw that on other tables things look MUCH better: condiments, presentation, specials.....we were not on the right side of the Dom' Rep'. A shame? I would say so. Tropical Fail. read more

Delicious! I don't have much of a reference point as it was my first time eating at a Dominican restaurant, but we really enjoyed it. We just ordered a bunch of things and shared them which is probably the way to go. The menu is quite limited, but clearly they know what they're doing. The Mangu was my favorite and I absolutely loved the beans. We also had really good Tostones (although I'm used to having them with a sauce of some sort), chicken soup, yucca and roasted chicken all of which were good. I was not a big fan of the bacalao as it was over cooked and really fishy. Don't expect Americanized style service here either. Just because you know you are done eating does not mean they will just clear your plates and bring your check. You need to ask. Don't take this for bad service. It's just a cultural difference. Really loved the owner, she was very nice and very interested in our opinions of the food. Also of note, Carlos Marmol came in for lunch while we were there. Very cool and probably a great testament to the authenticity and quality here. read more

I called 15 minutes ahead of time and then thIs lady in the picture takes the order and then when I get there nothing is ready.This dingbat smirks in my face and says I don't know if you come in broken language. I waste nY whole lunch and this clown laughs.NOt to sanita they have a grill with raw meat and I saw a roach on the counter and that's why I denied the food read more

I got lucky and enjoyed my food but not so for others in my group. I labored whether to go three or 2 stars but since I haven't had the desire to go back, I chose two. This place seems to have a very local vibe to it and unless you mesh right, the experience won't feel entirely welcoming. We came with a big group and instead of trying to win us over with service they lost us entirely. read more

At a site visit in the area, and a staff member recommended this Dominican place as an alternative to Puerto Rican food. He told us, "it's a little whole in the wall kind of place" and he was not kidding. It's a very unassuming, small yet homey little restaurant. NOTHING fancy about it, but as soon as we sat down the lady in charge came to take our orders and was very patient in explaining the menu to us. I ordered the beef stew (guisado de res) with white rice and beans, and my coworker ordered the 1/4 chicken with arroz con gandules. As we sat and waited for our food, the same lady brought out a plate of fried chicken for another table. My coworker then asked if he could order that instead, she informed us that that plate was the last one. My silly coworker asked if he could have a taste, and since she knew the other guests well asked for a drumstick for my coworker. My coworker LOVED the fried chicken. Then our food arrived and it was HEAVENLY, all of it! We finished our meal with an order of maduros and another of tostones. Those were amazing and perfect as well. Will be going back as soon as I can! read more

NEW OWNERS! Seen a lot of reviews saying they didn't feel welcomed and felt it was probably because they weren't Dominican. It wasn't that, Dominicans would receive the same dryish silent no smiles energy. The new owners are very welcoming! Totally different atmosphere now. Just give them a chance to make your plate, it's a small business that's always pretty busy. read more

This restaurant is a great value for your money, and as a Dominican I can tell you is authentic Dominican food! Dont expect a fancy restaurant here....its more of a cafeteria! food is seating there until its over, so the earlier the fresher. read more

Now that former Chicago Cub, Starlin Castro, has name dropped this restaurant in his goodbye letter from the newspaper..I will be trying this for sure. He recommends the Ox Tail. **If the restaurant is reading this; you should look into playing Starlin's entrance music when he comes up to bat. You would get so much more business. Cubs fan need somewhere to here that song again! The song is by OMEGA and the song is El Fuerte Ando En La Versace.** read more

The Chicken and Ox Tail here is amazing!!!!! If you come to this spot... please order the Pollo Guisado with any kind of rice! This place has to be the most tastiest spot I've been to in a looooong time. Do not judge the place by the appearance. This is not a fancy spot but it is a real amazing place to eat. The food taste so good and it feels like you are in D.R eating at someone's house. read more

I'll give Tropical Taste a solid three stars for the meal I had there (stewed goat and rice with gandules) but really...the rest of the place probably deserves just two. The atmosphere is essentially that of a low-grade, slightly dirty, Chinese takeout place (i.e. none), and unless you speak Spanish you won't have much, if any, luck in communicating with the staff. Everyone working there the day I visited was friendly, but it was abundantly clear that many menu items were available that simply were not on the menu I was given, and nobody could communicate those options to me. Too bad. While the prices aren't bad, I'm not sure I'd call this a bargain either, at least when lunch runs over $10 if you order a drink and leave a tip. I'm not sure I would avoid this place, but the owners certainly don't do much to encourage repeat business either. There are several other nearby spots that offer much better food, service, and value. I'll probably search for Dominican food elsewhere in the future. read more

This place is just right down the street from me. They only open till 6:30-7ish so I finally had a chance to try it on a weekend. I got the Oxtail and a medium Mondongo. Both items are very favorable. The oxtail is super tender and the meat fell right is the tail bone. The yellow rice with beans is very well cooked! Would come back again to try other items. read more

Tropical Taste - Oxtail $10 - Dominican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Absolutely delicious, soft tender meat, cheap, not salty at all like some places, small, local shop, fast service and great drink selection. Will be bringing friends and family for this jewel I found. read more

Great authentic food..But the lady doing the cooking is rude with shitty gestures if you dont speak her language. (Spanish) Definitely not a friendly place for African Americans you won't feel welcomed. That's a shame cause the food taste good. read more

Well, I am flabbergasted by some of the reviews about the rude owner. May be true but I never experienced it over the past couple years. BUT there are new owners and you likely won't run into any rude employees. Give this place a chance. But also understand this isn't necessarily the true restaurant experience. It is more like the many places in the DR. Ambiance, decor is not what's going to bring you in. You get a big plate of good tasting food for a good price and you're on your way. I'm Puerto Rican and have been to the DR many times. The food is just like what you would get over there. Good flavor, good size portions, a smile (Hola, Amor!) and very reasonable prices. If you're familiar with PR, DR and other Caribe locales, you know it's a laid back culture and you may occasionally experience it but if you know what to expect going in, you know it's not a problem. Yes, the new owners' son is there but only because parents are there cooking it up! read more

This is one of two Dominican places in Chicago. It is a shame because although the food is good the service is absolutely terrible. The owner is rude and nasty. The place is still open because the food is decent, otherwise if it depended on customer service it would have closed a while ago. In addition to the fact the the owner keeps the waitresses' tips if you pay with your credit card. We would visit this place quite often from work, but we will not be back. Spend your money elsewhere, trust me you will be glad you did. read more

My wife is from the Dominican Republic and we go here once in awhile for Dominican food when she does not feel like cooking. The family is Dominican and the food is Dominican so this is the real deal. The only problem is that you feel like your not welcome. The owners treat other guests who come in that are Dominican friendly but if your borned in the United States its the cold shoulder and you sense that they don't like you. Its like your being intrusive or your invading there neighborhood. So the food is good and this place is legit but if your an American citizen borned in this country prepare to be made feel unwelcome and unwanted in your own country. Bon Appetit! read more