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Oxtail and curry in Illinois

A bowl of rich oxtail and a side of spicy curry is the comfort meal that settles everything. It is the kind of heavy, savory combination that hits the spot.

Based on 616 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Claire's Korner, LLC. image 1
Claire's Korner, LLC. image 2
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Jamaican restaurant

Jamaican restaurant offers authentic flavors with generous portions of well-seasoned dishes like jerk chicken and curry goat. Warm, homey atmosphere feels like a family kitchen with positive energy and good music playing. Small seating and no-frills setup create an intimate, casual vibe.

Stewed oxtail comes fall-off-the-bone tender and melt-in-your-mouth rich. The meat is fatty and flavorful, almost like butter.

Goat curry stands out with rich flavor and consistent praise. The curry chicken also gets strong recommendations for its taste and quality.

People are saying

"I thought the jerk food here was the best I've ever tasted."

"I love the curry goat; it's the best in the universe."

"The oxtail is melt-in-your-mouth tender and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Order ahead to avoid delays during busy hours.

2

Expect generous portions that are worth the price.

3

Some menu items may not be available if you arrive too late.

02
Spice Restaurant image 1
Jamaican restaurant

Small space with intimate seating areas and soft amber lighting creates an inviting atmosphere. Friendly energy comes from attentive staff and a sweet owner using authentic recipes. The air carries warm spices like cardamom and cumin, enhancing the Caribbean vibe.

Oxtail comes tender and seasoned to perfection with rich, flavorful meat. It pairs well with sides like rice and peas or cabbage.

Curry dishes here feature well seasoned and moist meats like goat and chicken. Options include curry goat, curry chicken, and jerk chicken, all prepared with rich flavors and consistent quality.

People are saying

"The food here is authentic, like a Jamaican mother cooked it."

"The curry goat was so tender and well seasoned."

"The oxtail here is so tender and flavorful."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is a counter-serve establishment with a single outdoor table.

2

Expect reasonable wait times for food during peak hours.

3

Prices are affordable, making it a budget-friendly option.

03
Mr. B's Caribbean Grill image 1

Cozy restaurant with Jamaican decor and authentic Caribbean cuisine creates a casual, welcoming atmosphere. Wonderful smells fill the air, enhancing the relaxed vibe. Occasional loud background noise can disrupt the otherwise calm setting.

Oxtails fall off the bone with a rich depth of flavor that stands out from other Caribbean spots. The oxtail stew pairs well with corn festival and offers a wicked taste that many enjoy for dinner.

Curry dishes here have depth of flavor and a strong Caribbean influence. The curry goat and curry lamb stand out as rich and well-prepared options.

People are saying

"I experienced the best oxtail I've had since Jamaica."

"You have to get the cornbread; it's moist and sweet."

"The curry goat here has a depth of flavor I haven't found elsewhere."

Good to know

1

There is plenty of paid parking along Lawrence.

2

The lunch special costs $10.40 and includes a leg, thigh, plantains, and rice.

3

Expect a wait during peak hours, especially on weekends.

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.

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

Chicken curry stands out with its rich flavor and perfect spice balance, often served with white rice. Goat curry and oxtail also feature strong, savory profiles alongside brown stew chicken and jerk chicken.

People are saying

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

"I found the oxtail here to be amazing."

"The curry chicken was warm, savory, and my favorite dish."

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
Hangover Social Restaurant & Bar image 1

Authentic Jamaican restaurant with live Reggae music and a casual, cozy vibe. The atmosphere stays family-friendly with music that is lively but not overwhelming. Generous portions accompany a flavorful menu that reflects genuine Jamaican cooking.

Oxtails come in medium-sized portions with rich flavor. Oxtail soup is offered sometimes at no charge and stands out as a favorite dish.

Rich and flavorful curry stands out with its amazing taste. Stewed chicken offers a hearty alternative, both dishes satisfying and well-prepared.

People are saying

"I tried the curry and it was so good, I was excited."

"The Jerk Chicken here is seasoned to perfection."

"The oxtail here is amazing and very flavorful."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, but arriving early is advised to avoid sold-out items.

2

Expect a wait time of about 45 minutes during peak hours.

3

The portions are generous, often enough for sharing or two meals.

06
SHATTAZ JERK BAR & GRILL image 1
Jamaican restaurant

Large, open space with tropical decor and Caribbean soul creates a warm, lively atmosphere that encourages dancing and socializing. Features include a full dance floor, karaoke area, and VIP lounge, blending restaurant and entertainment vibes. Reggae music and vibrant artwork add to the immersive experience.

Oxtail comes with beans and rice and is cooked with perfect seasoning. It pairs well with fried plantains and sides like mac n cheese and cabbage.

Curry goat stands out with its flavorful and tender meat. The dish delivers a rich taste that makes it a solid choice for curry lovers.

People are saying

"The Jamaican food here is phenomenal, especially the patties."

"The mac and cheese here is perfectly seasoned and tender."

"I can't wait to try the curry goat and oxtails."

Good to know

1

Karaoke happens every Friday night, attracting a lively crowd.

2

Game Night on Thursdays features fun activities and a vibrant atmosphere.

3

Shattaz is a BYOB establishment, allowing guests to bring their own drinks.

07
Taste Of Belize image 1
Caribbean restaurant

Caribbean takeout spot with a tiny customer area featuring four stools at a counter by a window. Atmosphere is casual and focused on quick, authentic meals with fresh seasoning and home-cooked flavors. Known for jerk chicken, oxtail, and potato salad, it offers a taste of Belizean roots in every dish.

Oxtail stands out as a highlight of the menu with a delicious and satisfying flavor. The dish commands a premium price but delivers consistent quality worth the cost.

Curry dishes come with bold flavors and rich seasoning. Options include curry goat and curry chicken, both packed with taste and often served alongside rice, beans, and plantains.

People are saying

"The jerk chicken here is tender and perfectly seasoned."

"The food here is so flavorful, it's incredible."

"The curry goat here is delicious and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Taste Of Belize primarily offers takeout service.

2

Expect wait times of less than 15 minutes if ordering between 4:30-5 PM.

3

Most meals are priced around $10, providing good value.

08
Montego Bay Restaurant & Grill image 1

Indoor space fills with excessive smoke, making waiting inside uncomfortable. Food offers bold, spicy flavors with standout dishes like tender oxtails and curry goat. Atmosphere includes lively tunes that add to the energetic vibe.

Oxtail comes out tender and juicy with just the right spice. It pairs well with cabbage, rice and beans, and plantain, all seasoned and fresh.

Tender and well seasoned, the curry goat stands out with its rich flavor and perfect texture. It consistently impresses with its authentic seasoning.

People are saying

"I found the food to be delicious and amazing."

"The oxtail here is so tender and juicy."

"The curry goat was tender and well seasoned."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted; it's first-come, first-served.

2

Expect limited menu items available, especially ribs, early in the day.

3

You cannot wait inside for your order due to smoke issues.

09
Tropical Time caribbean cuisine image 1

Caribbean restaurant offers a lively tropical vibe with a welcoming interior and an attached room for dining. It operates mainly as a carryout establishment where customers order digitally and pick up meals. The atmosphere supports enjoying authentic, flavorful jerk chicken and other well-seasoned dishes in generous portions.

Phenomenal and perfectly seasoned oxtails stand out here. The oxtail dinner pairs well with other dishes like tropical salmon.

Curry dishes here stand out for their spicy kick and rich flavors. The curry goat is notably spicier, while the jerk chicken and curry chicken offer solid, tasty options.

People are saying

"The jerk chicken food here is super tender and well seasoned."

"The curry here was stellar and spicier than most."

"I found the oxtail to be phenomenal and perfectly seasoned."

Good to know

1

Customers order from a digital menu and pick up their orders.

2

You can order at a kiosk or place an order ahead.

3

The restaurant is primarily a carryout establishment.

10
Jerky Jerk Rolling Meadows image 1
Caribbean restaurant

Caribbean restaurant with Bob Marley mural and reggae music creates an authentic island vibe. Lounge area features comfortable reclining chairs and an adjacent room with slot machines adds a unique touch. Atmosphere stays chill and laid-back, welcoming for relaxed dining and socializing.

Oxtails come fall off the bone tender with a rich, flavorful stew. The OXTAIL RICE DINNER pairs well with jerk sauce and rice and peas for a hearty meal.

Curry goat stands out with authentic, rich flavors. Other dishes like oxtails, jerk sauce, and curry chicken come with bold, traditional tastes.

People are saying

"The food here is well-seasoned and the oxtails were falling off the bone."

"The curry chicken here is phenomenal and fell off the bone."

"The oxtail stew was falling off the bone."

Good to know

1

They offer a happy hour before 6PM.

2

Order ahead because everything is made from scratch.

3

The wait time can be long, but it's worth it.

11
Taste of Jamaica Evanston image 1
Jamaican restaurant

Plants cascade the foyer, creating a lush entry. The space suits carry-out orders with a cramped ordering area and no seating. Jerk chicken stands out with smoky char and balanced spice, paired with fluffy rice and peas; portions are generous despite higher side prices.

Oxtails come out very tender and delicious. The rich, savory gravy adds great depth when poured over rice and peas.

Curry chicken stands out with rich, flavorful seasoning served alongside rice and peas. Goat curry includes bones and comes at a higher price, sometimes with plantains on the side.

People are saying

"The Jerk Chicken is smoky, spicy, and juicy."

"The oxtail here is so tender and delicious."

"I found the curry chicken to be very good and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Carry-out service only; no dine-in options available.

2

Parking is available on the street, but can be inconvenient.

3

Expect high demand, so calling ahead is recommended.

12
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.

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.

Goat curry stands out with its authentic Jamaican flavor and is widely praised for being wildly good. Curry chicken offers a mild spice level but remains very good.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and very flavorful."

"The staff here makes Brunch amazing and wonderful."

"The goat curry here is wildly good and amazing."

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.

13
Iittle Jamaica jerk cuisine image 1
Jamaican restaurant

Jamaican restaurant offers bold, flavorful comfort food with generous portions and reasonable prices. Island-themed decor and reggae music create a comfortable, authentic atmosphere that transports diners to the Caribbean.

Oxtails come fall-off-the-bone tender and seasoned to perfection. They appear in combos with lamb, catfish, and sides like mac and cheese and cabbage.

Curry dishes include curry chicken and curry goat. The curry goat often comes with no gravy, served dry alongside rice. Curry chicken is a common order at the spot.

People are saying

"The food here is spectacular, especially the tender, juicy jerk."

"The oxtail here is fall-off-the-bone tender and melts in your mouth."

"I ordered curry chicken and curry goat."

Good to know

1

The lunch special is available all day after 11am.

2

Portion sizes are generous, providing good value for the price.

3

Sunday night is a vibe in the backyard.

14
876 Jamaican Jerk Restaurant image 1
Jamaican restaurant

Jamaican restaurant offers generous portions with moist, well-seasoned jerk chicken served with sauce on the side. The atmosphere is casual and lacks seating for waiting. Prices are reasonable, and dishes like curry goat and oxtail receive strong praise for flavor and tenderness.

Oxtail comes whole with meat falling off the bone and pairs well with cabbage. Some servings lack flavor, but others get high marks for tenderness and taste.

Curry goat stands out with rich flavor and pairs with sides like mac and cheese or corn, though the corn is sweet corn, not on the cob. Curry goat sometimes comes with unexpected ingredients like liver.

People are saying

"The food here is so delicious and fresh."

"The curry goat here is a 10 out of 10 favorite."

"The oxtail meat fell right off the bone."

Good to know

1

The portions are generous, providing good value for the price.

2

Plantains typically accompany dinner orders, enhancing the meal experience.

3

Expect a casual atmosphere with limited seating available.

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