Jerk. Jamaican Barbecue Reviews

4.5

297 of 8,892 Restaurants in Chicago


Reviews

Drove 40 miles on a Monday evening with the family

By SemiPrivate |

We walked in, there was a gentleman at the door to greet us and ask our names. Food was ready and on a rack with our name on them. Everything was delicious. Ordered the (2) brisket combo, chicken sandwich, chicken combo, plantains, sweet potatoes, slaw, corn salsa, festival, rice and beans, and veggie patty. Everyone liked everything and we are picky home cooks who seldom eat out. Came out after reading the reviews. Its definitely authentic jerk, so be ready for the heat. No need for sauce for the brisket or jerk wings, excellent as is. Not sure of the parking, but found some street parking. When we left, we did see cars parked out front for a quick in and out. What was left, was at least 90% of the same quality the next day for lunch.

No Lockdown for Jerk

By jvoeks |

It's always delicious at Jerk. Jamaican Barbecue! And it's even better, thanks to them being open during the Covid-19 virus. Support the local business by getting "Jerk"!!

Perfect!

By fzero0331 |

Food and atmosphere great as always. Got to try Red Stripe on tap which was a treat, just as crisp as the taps in Jamaica!

Night Out

By Nomad56557399264 |

Great food, good vibes, and friendly staff like Nate and Q! The brisket is amazing, the fries are crispy evey time. I always get the dry rubbed wings which are very tasty as well. The drinks are good too!

Great find.

By Rob W |

I was in town visiting my sister and looking for a good lunch spot. Jerk was perfect. Quick , friendly, and tasty. I would recommend this to my friends and my sister. Got the chicken with the BBQ spice. Mac n cheese side. All very good

jerk

By Jose M |

Awesome vibe and the workers are really polite and approachable and the brisket wow love it with the house sauce!

Tasty jerk chicken and outstanding sauces

By RW_ATL_GA |

Happen to be walking by and decided to give it a try, and i am glad i did! Thry serve jamaican jerk meats: chicken quarters, thighs, pork shoulder and beef brisket. You order a meat, it comes with a amazing fritter, piece of bread and a side of your choosing. I got the chicken quarter and fried plantains as my side. The chicken was excellent, moist and juicy and covered in baked on jerk seasoning which was just right. The sauces you can put on the meats are likewise good, but my favorite was the BBQ that had the perfect blend of sweet heat to complement the jerk. Slaw was awesome as well. Fried plantains were good but not great. Overall an oustandi ngly tasty meal for under $15 which is rare these days! Run and get some of this...you will enjoy it!

"Smoked Quarters or Brisket"?

By Odyssey65813239821 |

I go to this restaurant no less than 3 days a week. Each time I have to make the critical decision "Smoked Quarters or Brisket"...the answer varies, however, my satisfaction doesn't. I crave their plantains.

So damn good

By joshstewart72 |

One of my favorite places to eat in all of Chicago! The brisket is perfect, wings are great. I recommend the Rude Girl sauce

Great Place

By lefleur3 |

I love the foods especially the pork and plantains. This is the cleanest restaurant I’ve ever been in.

Great food

By gkcm1 |

great food, good location, wonderful staff, clean environment. We enjoyed eating Jerk BBQ at the restaurant.

Love this place!!

By Stefanie J |

Not your typical Jamaican spot but that rude girl jerk sauce is fiya!! Get the jerk yuca fries w the chicken thighs. Through some rude girl on it and you won’t be disappointed. And if you’re not on lunch break get a rum punch. It’s soooooo good!! I’ve gone solo a lot and w friends. Both are perfect spots.

Consistently Delicious!

By sandrafitzpatric2018 |

Jerk is always consistent and delicious. The jerk chicken and festivals is all I ever order and fries once 😄. Staff is great and friendly. The only reason I didn't give a 5 is because the line to order the food can be very slow. I'm on my lunch break I don't have much time to spend in a slow line.

Ya Mon!

By Jet208036 |

Great Jamaican food, drinks, service and environment. You have to find parking and walk to the place, but once you're there you'll be glad you are

Out of this world

By E G |

If you're looking for jerk, this is the place to go. Let me start by saying it can be intimidating due to it's location, but fear not, they have free parking across the street, you just have to go in through Peoria St. Now for the details, the staff is friendly and amazing, the food is on another level. The flavors are indescribable, it's something you have to taste to believe. I had an order of pulled pork sandwich, wings, jerk fries, and a few other things, all were beyond delicious. The pulled pork was juicy, soft, and fell apart with how tender it was. The seasoning on the wings and fries were out of this world. I can't wait to make another trip and try some more of their items on the menu.

Jerk. Jamaican barbecue is a wonderful place to be at into eat at customer service is excellent the food is great the je

By Dreamer06201841230 |

Jerk. Jamaican barbecue is a wonderful place to be at into eat at customer service is excellent the food is great the jerk mac & cheese is ok not to much of a fan of the jerk mac but I definitely love their regular mac &cheese

Best around

By Donald M |

Best jerk food around best jerk Mac and cheese friendly staff jerk fries the best 🔥🔥 dark meat taste like white meat 🔥

The casual jerk!!

By Rkelly014 |

Great tasting food & and a mellow atmosphere!! It’s a great place to go on a casual day or a great night out with some of the guys if you are just looking to have a few drinks and enjoy the night out!

A hit & miss

By ChicagoDarylJF |

Unlike the 1st time I came last year, I ordered the Brisket Dinner w/Mac & Cheese & Yams. I didn’t get 1 piece meat without fat on it. The Mac & cheese wasn’t premium, which I paid for, it was cheese mix. Yams were ok. I’m not coming back! I was still hungry.

Really good food!

By Steve G |

I love Jamaican Jerk that's savory and spicy. This place sure measures up and then some. Also excellent are the sides, including the Island Slaw, Coconut Rice & Peas, and my favorite Sweet Plantains.

AMAZING FOOD!

By Melissa C |

LOVE this restaurant! I moved from Florida years ago, so I was very happy to have access to some Jamaican food again. Their Jerk Mac and Cheese is THE BEST item on the menu. Their portion sizes are pretty small compared to what I'm used to for the price, but I guess that's because they are on the north side. Still going back, though!

Best Jerk in Chicago

By Ivyvargas5177 |

The title says it all... don't visit Chicago without stopping by this gem! The smoked chicken is delicious and juicy, the brisket flavorful and tender, the jerk fries one of my favorite sides and the perk is their mouth watering candied bacon. WOW!!! Whenever my family is in town from the East Coast this is always the 1st place i have to take them to. JERK never disappoints!!! The staff is friendly and fun and the vibes are inviting. Top recommendation for me.

Excellent as always!

By fzero0331 |

Food and ambiance great as always. Great staff customer service skills barely waited more then 10 minutes for anthing. As it says in the title, excellent as always!

Love this place!

By Mackenzie K |

Jerk is a great neighborhood spot that has tasty food and won't break the bank. My boyfriend and I frequent Jerk at least 2-3 times a month and are always glad we did. We opt for the chicken quarters and jerk mac - SO GOOD.

Damn good jerk

By chimade773 |

I've frequented Jerk for a few years now and they have stayed consistent with their quality - it's so delicious! Some of my fav items: yuca fries, veggie patty, festival, and the mac and cheese. I get an array of sides when I don't want to eat any meat and I still leave very satisfied! Their jerk chicken has such great flavor and a great kick - add a little of your favorite sauce and you won't be disappointed. Side note, the bartenders are super nice! Actually, all of their employees are awesome! Give jerk a try!

Excellent Food

By April C |

My husband & I drive about an hour to eat here (some days longer depending on city traffic). We seen Jerk showcased on the 'Chicago's Best' show shortly after returning from Saint Lucia. It's the closest tasting food from the islands that we've had. They recently changed the menu a bit, so the meats no longer include a side. But it will not stop us from making the drive to Chicago.

Lunch

By Passport25292386164 |

The. Leg quarters were great. Portions were great. Yuka friess were great. Ambiance was nice. Fast service. Clean service. Will. Come again.Eat there 3 times a week. Family members enjoyed it

Delicious and Fulfilling

By Frederic S |

Jerk is one of my go-to lunch spots. Plenty of dishes on the menu to pick from and enjoy. Staff is friendly. Restaurant is clean. And they also have a full bar with televisions for after work sport viewing. You should also try their coffee bar for a uniquely hot beverage and bite for breakfast.

Delicious

By Angela B |

Jerk wings and jerk fries with cilantro lime sauce on the side 👌🏿 Sometimes I'll dine in and get a cocktail and listen to some reggae 😎

Jerk with a Twist

By LoveTravel705581 |

I enjoy eating from this restaurant. it is close to my place of business so I frequent a few times a month. If you are from the south and west sides of Chicago this is not your normal flare of Jerk that you usually receive with smothered cabbage and beans and rice. This Jerk has the traditional flavor with an assortment of sides. A few months ago things have become a la carte. Some people don't like this as they view the menu as more expensive however, I love it as I didn't really like the sides with my choice of chicken. Plus it allows more flexibility to add to your meal. What's also different about this Jerk spot is that they have Jerk beef and pork and Island Slaw, which I love. And also Jerk fries, which my daughter loves!!! Another thing that I love is that the owner is present most times when I visit and if there is an issue he addresses it immediately. The owner also grew up in Jamaica which most people don't know because he is Caucasian, or at least he looks like he is. He shares stories of growing up there and he is an all around great guy to chat with. If you are ever in the West Loop area you won't be disappointed if you stop by. Oh, they also have a bar for your after work drinks.

Don't overlook the pork!

By cm0rtiz |

Try the pork and brisket. Much tastier than the chicken. The "festival" reminds me of a Hush Puppy, without the kernels. Enjoy!

Excellent

By fzero0331 |

Jerk never disappoints! Food and service great as always! Jerk Chicken Quarter best pimento smoked chicken I’ve had so ever! We Run Tings, Tings No Run We!

Best Jerk Wings In The City

By Derrick W |

Rude Girl sauce is unreal. Wings are the best in the city. Brisket and pork is also good. The by the pound format was genius.

Wasn't Impressed

By Deepdimples24 |

First of all the website makes your food look good,so I couldn't wait to get here for my date night with my husband. I've been to Jamaica 5 times I was expecting real Jamaican flare and food! No Callaloo???? or any kind of greens seriously... but instead its' a stem table you pick what meats you want then your sides, after doing that our food just sat there because some guy ahead of us was buying their hats and some other women with him was being difficult with her order. I mention to my husband dang our food is getting cold he then mention it to the guy behind the counter Hey man our food is getting cold he then replied man I'm sorry really!!! that it... after 10 minutes no joke... we got our food and of course it was cold we order the Jerk chicken & Jerk pull pork plus 4 sides the only thing that was still hot was the Beef Pattie and the festival The Jerk chicken needs some help... Pull pork was fatty the jerk season was over powering the Jerk Mac&Cheese, the only thing that was okay was the rice and corn salad and the Rum Punch nice try but i make better jerk!!

Authentic

By acspender |

Jerk is a reliable friendly go to place for authentic Jamaican barbecue. Flavorful food great music fairly priced. I will continue to return time and time again.

Love the Salad!

By Traveler66117022404 |

I have a hankering for the garden salad with a jerk chicken thigh cut up into bite size pieces at least once a week. And, to top it all off, the amazing salad dressing. . .a touch of sweetness and heat. The taste sensations created by spicy jerk chicken, a cool, crisp garden salad (no brown lettuce ever), and honey sweetness in the salad dressing. All for under $10! Amazing.

good chicken and brisket, but stingy with the portions.

By 729nichola |

The food is always good. However, they are frequently out of brisket and usually substitute pork for our order. But, the pork is really fatty and they do not provide adequate portions like they do with the other meats We have given this place multiple chances and do not think we will be back.

Food On Time

By JuthGod |

This Asia dude always be on point bring me my food thanks Bro. he Always has a Hat on Great Service and Atmosphere

hit the spot!

By Jordan W |

we were looking for something a little different to eat and this was perfect. the food was delicious and not too pricey. had it delivered to the hotel and turned in to a nice relaxing evening.

Pre- and Post-Holiday: Delicious!

By jvoeks |

Nothing's better for before, during, or after your Holiday than Jerk. Jamaican Barbecue.Order in, take it to-go, have it delivered, or cater your next party-event -- it's all quick & easy.Of course, it's all delicious! And that includes their vegetarian options also!The staff is great & very helpful, the bar is open, and they've got a cafe next door in case you need some caffeine. Check out their website or stop by for a visit -- I love it and you won't regret it!

Fatty, salty and a waste

By stephanie123452015 |

I had carryout from this restaurant. Before choosing my entree, they allowed me to try the jerk beef and it was good. Upon getting my food home, more then half of the beef was fatty, the plantains were so salty and the hushpuppy was was dried out. The only good side dish was the cole slaw. I will not be back. If you are looking for good bbq beef or pork go to green street smoked meats.

Great meats

By richardkV7344SM |

Seasoning and meat quality is the best, you don’t even need thier great sauces. Excellent sides including hush puppies

Great BBQ at an unlikely location

By Joe W |

Jerk is the real thing, authentic, delicious barbecue. The restaurant is pleasant to eat in, clean, spacious, the staff is friendly. Also good for carry-out.

The Most Amazing Jerk Restaurant

By Clarissa G |

Absolutely phenomenal, need to go spot for lunch or dinner! The spices and seasoning of the meat and the fries are amazing! And the sides are so filling and taste so good! Shoutout to Brandon for being so kind and welcoming!

Lunch

By Connie T |

we went yesterday for lunch, had the wings, not really jerk chicken to me, more of a jerk rub on the chicken,

Disappointing

By woodardfive |

I fell in love with Jerk chicken while on a recent trip to Jamaica. I couldn't wait to find a good jerk chicken stateside. It didn't happen. We ordered the thighs and coconut rice and beans. The meat was just okay and the rice was very bland. The portions are tiny for the price that you pay.

Do good!

By smbowman380 |

Friendly staff, consistently good food. Love this place! Every time I stop by, the staff is welcoming and helpful. Need more rude girl in my life

Great food and service

By james s |

The food there is always juicy and prompt. The food preps appear to be concerned about you overall experience. I have never heard an complaints about the place.

It's like going to the Island

By Ruppangela |

Love this place.The food is authentic and the atmosphere feels like you're in the Caribbean. Don't go in thinking you can order off the menu. They have what they have and they will set you up with a tasty meal. It's not fast service be prepared to wait. So pretend it's Jamaica, no worries man .

Great

By angelacarpenter01 |

I’ve been twice solo and will return with family likely I will be there Saturday with my daughters and grandchildren

Great food great people

By vallarta |

I would give it a five but they ofte run out of chicken and there’s a wait for fresh chicken. I imagine that’s because they don’t cook more than they can serve right away. But it is well worth waiting for! The jerk Mac n’cheese is a spicy masterpiece if you like it creamy. The Rude Dog BBQ sauce is that perfect kind of spicy that makes you tear up but keep addinmore.

Great Chicago Experiene

By A0710 |

Absolutely love this place!! I’ve been many times and tried almost everything on the menu. It never disappoints, so much flavor in every bite!! The music is great, the staff is friendly and knowledgeable and the vibe is extremely welcoming!

Not authentic but decent

By ANNE S |

My colleagues all complain about the food and the price, but i love the veggie patties and the ginger beer. Ovcasionally they play classic reggae

Get Jerked w/Coffee

By jvoeks |

Love the food, but before that happens I get some coffee at their Cafe Blue in the morning. Coffee, espresso, tea, muffins, croissants, cookies, etc. Need to get jerked out of a slow morning? You know where to go. And many thanks to Q in the cafe and everyone else there.

Excellent wings

By Mohammad R |

This is a must for people who love jerk foods. Their wings are amazing, especially with the rude girl sauce! I always stop by when in Chicago for work- the wings have never disappointed. The other stuff is...just ok.

Steroids free explain.

By 717rondo |

Smoked chicken quarters was to big to be steroid free cage free chicken. I was very disappointed with that. Other then that I would give them another try. This was our 1st time here.

Amazing wings!!

By RebeccaCoh |

Best wings I’ve ever had!! I had them at a festival in Chicago and from that point I’ve been addicted. They’re dry rub wings have the most perfect flavor and are super crispy. They’re dipping sauces are delicious too. I use the aioli & bbq. I honestly don’t think there would be better jerk chicken in Jamaica. The restaurant and bar have a really cool vibe too!

Terrible Customer Service

By kava312 |

So we ordered off their website on July 4, 2020. They processed my payment, but when we arrived at the restaurant it was closed. They took $41.84 and have not returned it, had multiple conversations with the manager and each time I was told it would be returned. I'm not going to sweat $41 and I'm also never going to go there again. They are not the only Jamaican restaurant in town. Also, they can pull up the record of my order, but somehow can't return my money.

Best Wings in Chicago

By antben2019 |

Everything from the wings and brisket to the mac and cheese to the yuca fries. not a single mediocre item on the menu, its all there for a reason... they know what they're doing.

Jerk Jerk Jerk!!!

By Corey |

A family member took me to Jerk and I’m glad she did. I’m from Philadelphia and every time I travel back to Chicago I will be visiting Jerk. I ordered the jerk pork, chicken quarter, and wings. The chicken was amazing tender and the seasoning was incredible. But I am a pork man first and I must say the jerk pork was everything, it was juicy and flavorful. Non or there food needs sauce but if you are in the mood for them they are great also. I took home a bottle of the rude girl sauce. The food and awesome and great vibes.

💯%🔥

By peterbekos |

Jerk never fails to hit the spot for me. And it's been that way for over 3 years now. There have been a few weeks in my life where I've had Jerk everyday of the week. Bless up!

Yes...Thusrday at Jerk

By jvoeks |

Had to stop by Jerk after work on Thursday. Had some of their great Jerk Wings and a beer. Yes, finally....it's after-work Thursday! Wings and beer bring you cheer!!

Great Jerk

By mtannika |

I love this jerk food place!!!! The chicken wings has amazing flavors and I get the jerk mac and cheese every time I visit. The food is great and the service is too.

Good

By Explorer184232 |

I like it at Jerk. I stop in there from time to time. They have good beef patties and fried plantains. 😃

Best Jerk in Chicago

By walidshuman |

My favorite Jamaican Jerk restaurant in Chicago. Excellent food, friendly staff and great service. Family friendly and also a great place for happy hour drinks.

Some amazing jerk chicken

By jayarsmi |

I've been here on a few occasions for some authentic jerk taste. The Rude Girl sauce is amazing and I take people here every time I get. Not a place for all of the traditional Jamaican cuisines unfortunately because I'm sure the cooks here would do it justice, but jerk chicken is awesome. Catch you some island slaw, festival and plantin (yes Jamaicans say plan-tin not plan-tain) with the jerk and you'll be satisfied.

Food definitely tastes like its made with love ❤

By Carmen G |

Soooo gooood! Spoil yourselves and visit Jerk Chicken Grill. Enjoy the Jamaican punch or a nice cold beer on draft. Easy access parking located directly across the street.

Authentic island spices

By SeaGoat |

I definitely know my seasonings and everything was cooked fresh! Portion sizes per tray are filling. The coconut rice, festival and slaw were so, so good!. The side sauces are spicy but perfect! The bartender made me a fresh ginger beer from scratch, as well. Perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

Excellent Find

By cdeems |

My wife found this place as she was driving and I am glad she did. I have had a totally differenct experience here than the other reviewers. I had the jerk chicken, cole slaw, and the mac n cheese was some of the best i've ever had. I felt I got a ton of food and I didn't feel it was that expensive. It doesn't quite compare to Scotchies in Jamaica, but it is a good reminder of how good the food is there. My wife loved the food as well. We will definitely be back.

Jerk

By Nicole K |

The food was pretty good. Normally I don't care too much for jerk but theirs is very tender juicy delicious... if you're in the neighborhood definitely give them a try

Still no refund!!!

By ramseykory88 |

Bought food from the Humboldt Park location, waited an hour. Tried calling the number listed on Google, disconnected number. The employee at the center said they decided they weren't working that day. I called the Chicago location, an employee wrote my number down and said I would have a refund within 3 days. I called back a week later and could not get anyone to answer! Still no refund!

Still good food, not the same experience

By Compass23788518750 |

My husband and I LOVED Jerk. Went back this past weekend and the service was slow, menu was a la carte, no jamacian music playing. Just wasn't the same experience it used to be.

Jerk is not Synonymous with Unbearable

By Jennifer W |

I'll start with the fact that the drinks are great! Unfortuantely, all I can eat are the wings due to the spice preparation. Coming from Jamaica, the food is not prepared this way. You have the option of raising your spice level. It's unfortunate considering the chicken is hormone free but I can't enjoy it. The American take on jerk seems like more of an attempt to satisfy what one may assume jerk is rather than what it actually is. Eating jerk is not a competitive sport.

Jerk Experience

By Vacation20032059631 |

I've been to the Jerk restaurant many times. As always its a great experience. I am a huge fan of the food and service. I would visit more if I was able to.

Outstanding Food

By Jeff W |

Every bite was seasoned to perfection. Delicious food, a clean and friendly atmosphere. I can't wait to get back.

Awesome food - great people!

By andreasU2440XJ |

I have been going here since they opened up. Love the pork shoulder and brisket, as well as their bbq sauce.

Food is great, service not so much

By Tobias L |

The Jerk sauce is incredible. I love the festival so I always order an extra side and they always forget to put it in my bag. It's so frustrating. At least they seem to have the chicken quarters available now. They used to be sold out of them when I come in. The workers are friendly but they seem a bit incompetent.

The Best Jerk Salad with Chicken Ever

By Traveler66117022404 |

Walked over for lunch and had the best salad with jerk chicken ever! The lettuce was fresh and crispy; plenty of tomatoes and cucumbers and red onions! The jerk chicken provided the right amount of heat and the salad dressing had the perfect touch of sweet! One of the best salads for under $10!

Very good Jerk

By Ken S |

Everything had at this restaurant was good, portions were large, could use a bit better ambiance, like Jamaican music instead of whatever is on the TV.

NOM:)

By jaadler1991 |

One of my favorite spots for lunch :) Love their sliders, jerk fries, candied yams... honestly you can't go wrong here.

End The Suspense

By jvoeks |

Don't wait! Get over to Jerk. Jamaican Barbecue, as soon as possible. Wood-smoked chicken, pork, and brisket that's been dry-rubbed and slow-cooked -- yes, it's that good! What's also delicious? The salads, side-dishes, appetizers, wings, sauces, and now there's SANDWICHES! The dry-rub spices and sauces are for sale (t-shirts and hats also), and now Dion (the owner) has made a "Hot Peppa" sauce which is delicious and guarantees a Slow Burn of epic proportions! All their staff are extremely helpful, the bar is open, the tunes are great, and the prices are worth it! Support your local business and end the suspense, get over to Jerk. Jamaican Barbecue right now and find out what's missing in your life...you'll feel a whole lot better! Many thanks again to Dion, Auntie, Grace, Zaira, Corvez, Devonte, Nate, Q, and everyone else working there -- Jeremiah Voeks.

Thumbs up!

By LMaynor |

Good food, great customer service, good music and enviroment. I really love the Jerk Macaroni, favorite dish there. I liked their original meal package, kinda gave you a little taste of everything at a nice price. Recently they start serving everything A'lacarte, which works better for some. (Not me. Lol). Overall I would give Jerk a 8 out of 10. Well worth a visit!

Jerk.

By Kathy C |

Best jerk in Chicago! Nicest staff, I try and eat there every time I’m in town! Get there before 4 pm if you want brisket! 😎👏

Great Food and Great Service

By zholman2 |

My new local lunch spot has some awesome stuff on the menu and affordable. Every time I've been there the service has been great and everyone is in a good mood. Highly recommend.

BEST JAMAICAN JERK EVER!!!!

By JC |

They treat customers like ROYALTY! There is available parking across the street. I've tried Jamaican food up and down the entire East Coast in the U.S. and this is BY FAR..the best Jamaican jerk that I have ever tasted. In one word... SUCCULENT!!!!

80% Isn't Good Enough

By JimmyMc |

First rule of ethnic restaurants: Make sure someone of that ethnicity is running the restaurant. Ever hopeful for Jamaican food in Chicago, I tried this fairly new establishment for lunch last week. The lack of Jamaicans or any staff of color gave me pause on entry. My friend and I ordered the jerk chicken and jerk pork (no table service here). The cashier was doing double duty putting meats on the plates and passing them down the line Chipotle-style. After handling money? Tsk tsk. And every order was weighed on a little scale (see photo). Don't want to give anyone too much. Then a gaggle of servers handed the plates down the line adding the sides to each plate. Seems grossly inefficient compared to systems at other restaurants. The last server then asked "what kind of sauce". I dunno. Why not put up a sign? And anyway, who wants anything but jerk sauce? But I digress. . . The "Coconut Rice & Beans" was fine, but I couldn't find any coconut. The slaw and mac 'n cheese? Meh. The jerk chicken and pork were barely spicy at all, and the chicken wasn't real whole pieces of chicken but more like jerk chicken mcnuggets. I can take the chicken off the bone myself, thank you. And a Jamaican restaurant without escovitch fish? A lot more effort has been made on the bar area, which offers craft beers and other imports by the dozen. Out of Jamaican Red Stripe, however. And what about a good ginger beer? Details count. There was a huge array of hats, t-shirts, and other swag that were plastered liberally with the word "Jerk". It isn't cutesy, it's just a mockery of the Jamaicans. A mediocre effort at best. Get some Jamaicans and save yourself.

A Taste of the Caribbean

By Frederic S |

Great place for sit down or grabbing it to-go. You can also stop by Happy Hour. Service is quick, food delicious, and staff friendly. Sign-up for their loyalty rewards.

Jerk at its Best

By Love2Travel26x2 |

Friendly service, great BBQ - salad portions are generous. Mac & Cheese delicious - great beer and drink selection. Cozy atmosphere and fun vibe

Only the best!

By CurryPapa1100 |

Love this restaurant. Quality food at a reasonable price. Plan to come here every week, my new favorite.

Great chicken!

By Y7908TXpaul |

I like the flavors of their chicken. They also have a jerk sauce with a kick! Great place to meet a friend for dinner.

Amazing smoked meats!

By Vacation20032059631 |

Food is always fresh and hot! The sauces are amazing and i never know which one to choose!!! Love this place. The supervisor is always welcoming and helpful as well.

Jerk always great food and service

By Climber67848131416 |

I go here probably once a year when I am looking for some good quality jerk chicken. Easy parking, the staff is so nice and knowledgeable too. They always steer me in the right decision on what to eat.

Very Tasty!!

By Foodilov |

I was in Chicago for business and really craved some great jerk chicken so I found this place closest to where I was working. I was disappointed they did not have any quarter bone in chicken but they did give me 10% off for my next visit to compensate me which was gracious. The atmosphere was hip and the jerk was very flavorful and delicious! Although it is pricey compared to traditional jerk chicken in the city, it is worth it to try something new. Their bbq jerk sauce was the bomb!!

Delicious Jerk

By OctaviaSchofield |

The jerk chicken wings, festivals, and rice & peas were extremely delicious! This is always a spot that I love to visit when I am on this side of downtown.

Broooo this place is fire

By DCNoxif |

Come through, get the wings and some rude girl sauce. Freakin amazingggg. Spicy but like... It's Jerk chicken it SHOULD be spicy. Good stuff and consistent.

Amazing Ham!

By jtklem |

Visiting our son in Chicago (from Colorado). We ordered the Christmas ham..O.M.G....absolutely the best ham ever! The spices were amazing. The ham was a half ham and was much bigger than anticipated. I can't say enough great things about how delicious it was. And the folks working there were great - so nice and very appreciative of our business. Wish they had a place in Colorado!!

Delivery

By Romando B |

Ordered delivery from here ..normal time till got here through grub hub ..looked at food and was like where is the rest ...paid 70 dollars total ,small portions ,dry ,not seasoned well,bread looked like it was store brought(wonderbread),will not be getting food from here again

Before Chicken? Get Coffee.

By jvoeks |

I don't always need Jerk chicken in the morning. But as soon as it's open at 7:00am, I do stop by for espresso from their Cafe Blue next door. And let's not forget the pastries either. Many thanks to Nate and Gasper at the cafe!

Chicken Quarters! Get Some!

By jvoeks |

Took my co-worker to Jerk on Friday for some chicken quarters and beer. It's always delicious, and my friend had to take an order to-go for his girlfriend (with extra Rude Girl Sauce). The food and sauces are delicious, the bar is stocked, the staff are always great, and they've got Cafe Blue next door for coffee and espresso. Many thanks again to Dion and all the staff, we'll be back again!

Fye

By smatthews84 |

I come here at least once a week. The jerk chicken is so good. The coconut rice is amazing. Try the rude girl sauce with the chicken. You won’t be disappointed.

Excellence is key!

By Major4432 |

My company relocated to Chicago several years ago and i have been getting lunch from Jerk the past year, its always been great i have brought multiple associates to the company and everyone has enjoyed the food and service. I have also managed to convert my office over to Jerk as well, as i bring food into the office! Thank you for your excellence, your service and products speak highly of your company!

Dope

By devondricwilliams |

Like crack in the 80s lol naw this food good frfr smoke an get a decent ass plate from up here on me bussin no homo

BEST

By vgadson1016 |

OMG this is the best jerk... The service you receive at this establishment is awesome. I am BIG on customer service and they are rated A++.

Get It By The Pound!

By jvoeks |

Once again, Jerk. Modern Jamaican Grill is the best. Why? Because they now sell the jerked chicken, pork, and beef brisket by the pound! What I didn't finish at the restaurant I took home and cooked into two separate dishes. Great food, and you can also buy the marinade/sauce -- which I use at home all of the time. Thanks again to Dion and all the great staff at Jerk!

Best bbq I’ve ever had

By Billy B |

My favorite place to come when I visit from Louisiana. The brisket is amazing and the fries are always perfect

I like the sauces

By Adventure66133634406 |

Food is good sauces are good. I would like to say more but not much more to say. So I hope this works.

Excellent! The best in CHICAGO

By asiaawhite |

It is amazing jerk wings and fries!Friendly staff and cool relaxed place! Take your family or a date and enjoy!

Ok

By Dona H |

Not impressed. Just ok. Service slow, each portion man handled so carefully as they were counting the pieces of pork. Pork fatty, brisket looked delicious and my daughters chicken flavored nicely. Side dishes carefully placed in a small bowl with an ice cream scooper and not even full. Rice and beans were plain-no seasoning and dry, white bread dense and dry. My daughters enjoyed the buttered potatoes and Mac n cheese. I would suggest going for lunch, dinner portions are skimpy for price. The chicken with rude girl sauce and Mac n cheese would be my recommendation if I ever return.

Great chicken

By Mike X |

Really excellent sauces. The jerk sauce and the Rude Girl sauce were packed with flavor. The chicken by itself was very well seasoned and packs great flavor even without sauce. The brisket wasn't as flavorful but tasted great paired with the sauces. Coleslaw was decent. Everything was on the "not very sweet" side and that's perfect for me.

Best Jerk in Chicago

By Ken S |

Best Jerk chicken in Chicago. Tried wings yesterday, so delicious. Free parking too, though during Rush Hour, kind of difficult to cross Chicago Avenue from parking lot, but worth the trouble.

Great service, amazing food!

By shardewoods |

Great takeout option during the pandemic. Food and service are both top notch. Big fan of the brisket, plantains and rice and beans.

High quality Jerk food!!!

By Relax526166 |

Great atmosphere to pick up and go or eat in. My mouth waters just thinking about the menu, and quality of dishes...brisket, pull pork, chicken tights, wings!!! Make sure to try the jerk mac and cheese and selection of rums.

TBE

By derekansong56 |

This is hands down the best place to eat in the city. I work down the street and found this gem and have never looked back.

Good food; terrible service.

By Se7en |

Been going to Jerk for a while now, about a few years, because the food is pretty decent and I like it. However, over time it seems the customer service has consistently gotten worse. My most recent visit was particularly bad; bad enough to make me reconsider whether going there is worth it anymore. I understand that customer service isn’t easy, but as a paying customer i expect to not be treated as if I’m just some bothersome pest. Anyway, if you’re just trying to eat, go to jerk, but if you’re trying to eat and not feel disrespected by the staff, go somewhere else. Jerk can guarantee you decent food, but not decent service.

the best

By Angel B |

always great service and food for everyone to enjoy. The food is fresh and the mac and cheese does wonders.

Good food B+ to A-, service is C at best

By Laveen H |

Service could use improvement...food is definitely decent / good! Service seems it's run as if they don't care / don't give a S**T

Great Jerk!

By Eva C |

Great food, service and price! They gave us samples so we could decide which meat we wanted. I got the beef brisket but the pork was equally delicious. Slaw was heavenly! We had heard it was spicy but we thought flavors were perfect