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Best of Illinois

Cake and oxtail spots

A rich, slow-cooked oxtail meal finished with a slice of cake is the comfort being pursued.

Based on 641 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
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Brazilian restaurant

Old brick walk-up with immaculate decor and an art-inspired patio creates an authentic, cozy atmosphere. Communal seating encourages socializing while Brazilian music plays softly in the background. The vibe feels like attending a family brunch with familiar, intimate touches.

Surprises include a flan cake and a cake with a lit candle. The restaurant sings Happy Birthday to celebrate special occasions.

The oxtail special stands out with its amazing flavor and is served on perfect polenta. It comes as a special dish not listed on the regular menu and is rich enough to finish even after filling sides.

People are saying

"I highly recommend the home-cooked steak with rice and beans."

"They surprised me with a cake and a beautiful birthday song."

"The oxtail special served on polenta was simply perfect."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for dining, especially for special events.

2

Weekend brunch is buffet style with two seatings at 2pm and 4pm.

3

A $15 service fee is added to the bill for dining.

02
Balkan Taste image 1
Serbian restaurant

Serbian restaurant offers spacious seating with a relaxed, home-like atmosphere and lively ethnic music. The crowd enjoys hearty, authentic Balkan dishes served in generous portions at reasonable prices. The vibe feels European and welcoming, with friendly service and a casual pace.

Homemade cakes come in a great selection with options like honey sheet cake and Balkan Taste cake. They pair well with iced coffee and stand out for their delicious flavors.

Boneless oxtails have a unique, almost intoxicating flavor. They come as a slow roasted house special not listed on the menu but recommended by the waiter.

People are saying

"The food here is so tasty and homemade, like the best I've ever had."

"I tried authentic Balkan food, and it transported me straight to the Balkans."

"You have to try the homemade cakes; they're delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers hearty Balkan cuisine with generous portions.

2

Prices are reasonable, typically ranging from $20 to $30 for entrees.

3

The location has plenty of parking available for visitors.

03
All That And A Touch of Soul image 1

Small dining room with only five tables creates a cozy, down-home vibe that feels like a family gathering. Music and board games add to the relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. The place stands out for its authentic soul food and friendly, intimate setting.

Sweet potato pound cake stands out with its rich flavor and moist texture. The slice serves as a delicious dessert option recommended by the staff.

Oxtails come in a mind-boggling bowl and show up in a grilled cheese sandwich with fries. The meat is consistently great and insanely good.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, especially the oxtails and jerk chicken."

"The oxtail here is so soft and falls right off the bone."

"I really wanted to try the oxtails, but they were all out."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended as the meat is freshly made and takes time.

2

The restaurant closes at 7pm, so plan your visit accordingly.

3

Expect larger portions than average, often enough for two meals.

04
Carib'N Bites Cuisine image 1
Jamaican restaurant

Simple dining room with Jamaican decorations and a view into the kitchen creates a homey atmosphere. Energy feels warm and welcoming, with a family vibe that reflects Caribbean hospitality. Brightness and attention to detail add to the inviting setting.

Caramel cake stands out with its rich, sweet flavor and moist texture. It pairs well with savory dishes like beef patties and jerk chicken, making it a popular choice to take home.

Perfectly cooked oxtail stands out with rich flavor and tender texture. The oxtail dinner pairs well with sides like plantains and is consistently delicious.

People are saying

"The authentic food here tastes just like back home."

"I found the oxtail here to be amazing."

"I took caramel cake home because I enjoyed it so much."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, but calling ahead is recommended to check availability.

2

Expect limited menu items as some dishes, like jerk chicken, may be out of stock.

3

Prices can vary, so check the menu for the most current pricing.

05
JG's Jerk Grill image 1
Caribbean restaurant

Caribbean restaurant with clean, updated design and well-lit seating facing the street. Atmosphere stays chill and relaxed with old R&B music playing softly, creating a lowkey but lively vibe. Guests enjoy a neat, organized space that feels different from typical yardie settings.

Pound cake stands out with its homemade quality and good taste. Portions can be small, just enough for a taste, but the flavor is consistently praised.

Oxtails come fall off the bone tender with a spicy, saucy flavor. They serve it juicy and perfectly prepared, often paired with sides like macaroni and cheese or yams.

People are saying

"The food here is so flavorful and cooked perfectly."

"The jerk egg rolls here are delicious and authentic."

"You have to try the pound cake; it's heavenly and moist."

Good to know

1

Call ahead to place your order to minimize delays.

2

Expect a one-hour wait for food if ordering in person.

3

The restaurant often runs out of popular menu items quickly.

06
Lior's Cafe image 1
Restaurant

Spacious restaurant showcases colorful murals and authentic Haitian music, creating a soothing atmosphere with dim lighting and rich cultural decor. The vibe blends artistic ambiance with a lively yet relaxed energy, inviting guests to experience Haitian heritage visually and audibly.

Pound Cake stands out with its delicious flavor and moist texture. The cake slices are consistently yummy and satisfying.

Oxtails here are tender and fall off the bone, seasoned well for rich flavor. They pair nicely with sides like mac and cheese and stand out as a delicious choice.

People are saying

"The food here was delicious, especially the Shrimp Bombs."

"The oxtail here was perfect and the portions were great."

"The pound cake here is delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is BYOB and charges a $20 cork fee per bottle.

2

The kitchen closes at 7:30 PM, so plan your visit accordingly.

3

Expect a 15% service charge added to your bill.

07
Faye & Joe's Southern Bowl image 1
Soul food restaurant

Soul food restaurant offers a welcoming family atmosphere with spacious seating and an organized chaotic vibe. The space features a photo wall that adds a casual, friendly touch. The energy is soothing and spiritual, reflecting southern hospitality without pretension.

Coconut cake stands out with its rich flavor. The pineapple coconut cake combines tropical sweetness and moist texture.

Fresh oxtail appears regularly on the menu with sides like sweet potatoes, green beans, and macaroni and cheese. The oxtails come in a dressing style and are consistently flavorful.

People are saying

"The food here is seasoned perfectly and tastes like home."

"The caramel cake here is so smooth and perfectly sweet."

"I had delicious oxtail with sweet potatoes and green beans."

Good to know

1

The restaurant closes at 7 pm.

2

Expect long wait times, especially on weekends and holidays.

3

Some menu items may be unavailable due to time of day.

08
Caribana Island Grill - Gurnee image 1
Caribbean restaurant

Caribbean restaurant offers a clean, open space with island-themed decor and a live DJ playing vibrant Caribbean tunes. Atmosphere feels warm and inviting, filled with island energy and lively music that creates a relaxed vibe. Seating is ample, supporting a social and engaging environment.

Rum cake stands out with a beautiful presentation and solid flavor. The coconut bread cake is rich and memorable. Cakes here come cooked to perfection alongside other dishes.

Oxtails come tender and fall off the bone with a flavorful, rich taste. They appear during brunch and stand out as a delicious, standout dish.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and very flavorful."

"The staff here makes Brunch amazing and wonderful."

"The rum cake was delicious and beautifully presented."

Good to know

1

Trivia night happens every Thursday with a $5 entry fee.

2

Karaoke night is on Thursdays, starting at 10 PM.

3

Happy hour runs from 4-7 PM on weekdays with half-price drinks.

09
St Rest #2 Country Kitchen image 1
Soul food restaurant

Soul food restaurant offers a cozy southern hospitality vibe with uplifting gospel music and a vintage dining setting. Atmosphere feels like walking into granny's house, warm and welcoming with tasteful, slightly dated decor. The environment is clean, comfortable, and carries a powerful, positive spirit.

Dense texture and nice flavor stand out in the pound cake. The caramel cake offers a rich taste, while the peach cobbler adds a fruity touch.

Tender oxtails come in a generous portion with carrots, potatoes, and onions. The dish pairs well with sweet potatoes and shows clear care in preparation.

People are saying

"The American Food, especially the mac and cheese, was outstanding."

"The oxtail here is so tender and delicious."

"I thought their pound cake was the best."

Good to know

1

The restaurant hosts a free Thanksgiving Family Style Gathering for the community.

2

Events at the restaurant occur frequently, providing community engagement opportunities.

3

Two smothered pork chops with two sides cost $20.

10
Bronzeville Soul image 1
Soul food restaurant

Soul food restaurant offers a welcoming atmosphere with live band music that creates a lively vibe. Seating is roomy and comfortable, supporting a relaxed dining experience. Music volume can be high, sometimes overpowering conversation.

A lemon pound cake made from a recipe passed down by a great grandma stands out here. Splitting a slice offers a perfect end to the meal.

Oxtail dishes come with perfect seasoning and salt, requiring no extra flavoring. Options include oxtail with rice or pot roast, served alongside sides like yams, greens, and macaroni.

People are saying

"The dinner spots here are like grandma's cooking, made with love."

"You have to try the pound cake; it's amazing."

"The oxtail and rice were seasoned and salted perfectly."

Good to know

1

Live music occurs on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month.

2

Bring your own beverage for Wednesday night events.

3

A 15% gratuity is automatically added to dine-in bills.

11
S2 Grills - Maywood image 1

Restaurant combines club setting with fine sports bar style, featuring a DJ playing old school music that shifts to club mode late at night. Atmosphere stays laid back and relaxed with comfortable vibes and great music throughout. Decor is beautiful and clean, enhancing the overall experience.

Lemon cake stands out as a delicious dessert option. Red velvet cake is available as an alternative to cheesecake.

Oxtails come fall-off-the-bone tender and carry a very flavorful taste. They pair well with sides like mac and cheese and candied yams, all perfectly seasoned.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be amazing and excellent."

"The oxtail dinner was falling off the bone and perfectly seasoned."

"I got a slice of cake for my birthday."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers food and drink specials from 4 to 7 PM.

2

Taco Tuesdays feature special deals, making it a popular night.

3

Karaoke night occurs every Thursday, starting at 10 PM.

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