When we went they still did not have their liquor license but the decor is nice regardless, if somewhat sparse. The people are incredibly friendly and the owner came out to chat with us for a bit! They had a VERY healthy takeout business and if you wish to eat in they'll bring your food to you and have you sit at the tables that are already there. The food is incredibly flavorful. I had the goat curry while my husband had the jerk chicken. Both were amazingly huge portions so we had plenty of leftovers. The goat curry was incredibly aromatic with tons of spices and a decent amount of heat. It matched so well with the greens they served and the rice and beans that came with it. Beware there are small bones so be aware of them! I'm accustomed to eating around bones so no biggie for me! I would 100% recommend this dish! The jerk chicken was spicy and flavorful and oh so juicy! Every bite had the right amount of seasoning soaked into the meat and the plantains that came with it were simply perfectly cooked. Even reheated the next day (I did say these were big servings!) it was phenomenal and the aromas wafted around our kitchen. The presentation of the food was very causal but I believe the flavors speak for themselves. We can't wait for them to fully open and we WILL be back! read more

I love Uncle Joe's, it's easily one of my favorite spots in Hyde Park. That said, I've noticed that not all locations quite capture the same energy. I recently tried the location at 1450 S. Michigan Ave., mostly because it was convenient and I was looking for something quick. The service was fast, and the interior is cool with a TV for dine-in guests while they wait. The food was decent overall. The chicken was cooked well, but it didn't quite match the experience I'm used to at the Hyde Park location. In particular, things like the macaroni and cheese just didn't feel the same in terms of flavor and overall quality. It's not a bad option if you're in the area and want jerk chicken, and I'm sure it's better than many nearby alternatives. However, if you're familiar with the Hyde Park location, that one still stands out as the stronger experience for me. I still love Uncle Joe's and want to see them continue to do well, but I'd personally return to the Hyde Park location over this one. read more

My only disappointment is with myself. I should have tried it sooner. The jerk chicken dinner with beans & rice, homemade macaroni & corn was delicious. Every bite. I live steps away and am now telling EVERYONE in the area to go support this little restaurant. It is sooooo good. My husband also had the jerk chicken dinner but with yams and corn. Equally happy we finally gave it a try. I wish I was a writer and could find the right words for how delicious it all is. Please support this business!!!!! read more

Uncle Joe's Rum Bar And Grill - jerk chicken dinner, macaroni, corn - Caribbean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I try my best to experience a restaurant at least the minimum of two times before reviewing. I've been here three times... (1st) I went for lunch with my spouse to try the place out. We were about an hour after the "opening hours," and the guy said we can not order until the cashier arrives. She is running late. So we left and attempted to order by phone 30 mins later. Still no answer. *Assuming we would try again another day. (2nd) Waited about a week and tried again. We were able to order. The food was fresh, warm and was flavored well. We ordered the Jerk Chicken lunch with cabbage and yams just test out the place. We were pleased with our meals. (3rd) Came back about 2-3 weeks later. Around 12:30pm. The place was closed again for online and phone ordering only due to heat being broken. I went to call to place my order and there was no answer. This new location has great food but are very inconsistent with their opening hours and operation. (SN: We were regulars for the Crisp & Cool Cafe and were sad to see them go. Amazing family.) read more

Uncle Joe's Rum Bar And Grill - Jerk Chicken Lunch with Cabbage and Yams - Caribbean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Talking to a friend about how I loved jerk chicken in Jamaica and he told me I had to go here. 100% worth the stop. Legit Caribbean/jamaican food and a really friendly and helpful staff. Thank you! read more

Uncle Joe's Rum Bar And Grill - Jerk chicken with cabbage and Corn Medley - Caribbean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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The food was delicious! This has to be one of my favorite places to go for if I want to grab lunch or dinner. The price is amazing and you definitely get a good bang for your buck.. as you can also see the portion sizes are pretty decent and so I typically always have leftovers and end up having leftovers. Since I'm pescatarian, I've had the red snapper as well as I've also had the catfish and both of them have been amazing.. I'm usually not fan of trying different types of cuisines, but they have really opened me up to exploring.. They also are really good with feedback. I remember I told them how the first time I had something it was too spicy so they actually held the sauce on the side for me the next time which I really appreciate it and if you go during lunch, you get everything for under almost $20 which is amazing. I can't wait for them to really spruce up the place though.. and make it more of a place where people want to sit in because usually people are just grabbing and going when it comes to this place and I really think that they could have a good spot where people would wanna hang out at too if they invest in it read more

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Incredible lunch of jerk chicken, cabbage, and plantains for under $15 at Uncle Joe's Rum bar and Grill, 1450 S. Michigan Ave. Very casual pace with the nicest people. They even threw a complementary glass of rum punch! This place has only been open for four months, give it your support because it's wonderful and needs to stay! read more

Uncle Joe's Rum Bar And Grill - Jerk chicken, lunch,special, sides of cabbage and plantains. Amazing. - Caribbean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

My friend and I stopped by Uncle Joe's Rum Bar and Grill for lunch, and wow--what a spot! I ordered the oxtail dinner, and it was straight-up super delicious. The oxtail was perfectly tender, fall-off-the-bone, and smothered in this rich, flavorful sauce that had me licking the plate (no shame). It came with sweet plantains that were caramelized just right, cabbage on the side, seasoned macaroni, and rice and beans topped with more of that amazing oxtail sauce. Every bite was packed with flavor--total comfort food heaven. The service was great too--our server Nikki was friendly, attentive, and made sure everything came out hot and quick. The restaurant itself is clean, welcoming, and has a nice vibe (perfect for a casual lunch hangout). This was my first time here, but it definitely won't be my last. I'm already planning my next visit to try more items on the menu--maybe some jerk or curry next time. Highly recommend if you're craving authentic, hearty Caribbean food in the area! Uncle Joe's Rum Bar and Grill - you've got a new regular. read more

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Newer restaurant; they are still figuring out bar license and service plan but the food was great and came out faster than I expected! Yummy beef patty and juicy jerk chicken. Jamaican rice and beans really hit the spot also. I believe Uncle Joe himself came out during our meal to greet us. read more

Stopped by Uncle Joes last week, then went back three times. It's so good. I got the BBQ Jerk with yams, greens, and Mac and cheese and they all tasted amazing. Full of Caribbean flavor. Tasted like heaven. Every time I walk by I wanna go in. I also met Uncle Joe, told him I run a local nonprofit and that we were taking kids to vote and he and his business manager worked with me to cater the event for over 1,000 kids later this week. I am hopeful that Uncle Joes becomes a central part of the South Loop community. read more

Hey, this used to be Crisp & Cool Cafe! Remember that. This is the third location in Chicago. The original is in Hyde Park. I had plaintains and rice. The staff and service are excellent. read more

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The jerk chicken meal was the best jerk Ive ever had but when ordering on Doordash I couldnt figure out what came with the meal automatically and didnt get the sides I wanted. These restaurants arent taking the time to building their menu properly on Doordash. I expected to get what was pictured. Notice the descriptions say AI generated so how the heck does a computer know what is in a meal if the owners dont inform us?! The jerk seafood meal made us sick to our stomach within 1 hour of eating it. It didnt taste great like it should have. Im now scared to order again because that was a painful experience on the toilet. read more

I really wanted to like and support this restaurant , but everything was very salty Even the jerk chicken . I will give it another try . read more

Amazing food atmosphere and people the Alfredo is delicious,the heck wings are flavorful and the lunch jerk chicken dinner was plentiful and service was great just took long for the preparation of t he food but worth the wait read more

I catered Uncle Joe's for a work event and they were absolutely wonderful. The owner was very patient and worked with us to ensure that our event would be successful. The food was amazing, some of the best jerk chicken I've ever had in my life. Extremely well seasoned, juicy, and the jerk sauce took it over the top. read more

This restaurant is newly opened. Ambience is casual. Food is tasty. Service is welcoming. I will be back. Had the jerk chicken dinner with sides of red beans & rice and the yams. Others in my group had jerk wings and a beef patty. We all enjoyed it. Most of their business to-date appears to be carry-out, but there are many tables for dine-in. read more