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Local picks in Illinois

Jerk chicken and fried chicken

A plate of jerk chicken alongside fried chicken that respects both traditions instead of favoring one over the other.

Based on 751 Opinions
+748
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Updated April 2026
01
Taste Of Belize image 1
Taste Of Belize image 2
Taste Of Belize image 3
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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.

Jerk chicken here is very tender and full of flavor. It often comes with sides like steamed cabbage, potato salad, beans, and rice, making for a well-rounded platter.

Fried chicken comes in a Belizean style with fresh, nicely seasoned meat that is not overdone. The fried chicken fries and jerk chicken also stand out for their good flavor and quality.

People are saying

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

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

"I thought the fried chicken was the best we had in a long time."

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.

02
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.

Fall off the bone jerk chicken offers a juicy, flavorful bite that stands out. Fried jerk chicken pairs well with rice and delivers a taste that recalls the island.

Korean fried chicken stands out with its crispy texture and rich flavor. It earns high praise, including a 5 out of 5 rating.

People are saying

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

"The jerk chicken here is moist and flavorful."

"The fried chicken here is so tender and nicely seasoned."

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.

03
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.

Smoky char and succulent interior define the jerk chicken here. It falls off the bone with a tantalizing dance between heat and flavor, and stays juicy without dryness.

Fried chicken comes with a crispy, flavorful crust and tender meat. It pairs well with hearty sides like oxtails.

People are saying

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

"The oxtail here is so tender and delicious."

"I believed the fried chicken here was the best in the USA."

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.

04
Soul Prime image 1
Soul food restaurant

Small space with modern contemporary design and soulful R&B music creates an intimate, joyful vibe. Music plays continuously, mixing gospel and 90s throwbacks, setting a family block party atmosphere. Spacious bar and warm hospitality add to the welcoming energy.

Juicy meat bursts with loaded flavor and a deliciously spicy sauce. The taste stands out without any burning heat.

Fried chicken comes perfectly seasoned with a crispy crust and juicy inside. It pairs well with creamy mac and cheese and collard greens for a classic Southern meal.

People are saying

"The fried chicken and mac and cheese are soul-warming American food."

"The fried chicken is perfectly crispy and juicy."

"I'd drive miles for this amazing, flavorful Jerk Chicken."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for parties of three or more on weekends.

2

Happy Hour runs from Tuesday to Friday, 3-6 p.m., with $3-$9 food options.

3

The kitchen closes at 9:30 p.m., so arrive early for dinner.

05
Dada's Soul image 1
Soul food restaurant

Small soul food spot with one table and mostly takeout offers a relaxing, family-like atmosphere energized by the cook singing and dancing. Music features old school Sade and tunes appealing to a mature crowd. The building feels welcoming despite a less impressive paint job.

Spicy and mild options deliver a beautiful kick with authentic flavor. Sides like yams and baked mac and cheese complement the jerk chicken well.

Fried chicken comes out moist and tender inside with a crunchy outside. Southern heat flavor adds a spicy kick to the dish.

People are saying

"The Mac And Cheese here is really delicious and cheesy."

"I found the jerk chicken to be fire, truly the best I've had."

"The fried chicken is moist, tender, and perfectly crunchy."

Good to know

1

The establishment has great free parking available for customers.

2

Lunch specials are available for about $9, including fries and a drink.

3

Expect to pay around $15 per plate for a single portion.

06
JD's BBQ image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Simple, spacious barbecue restaurant with a warm, inviting atmosphere that feels like family. Lounge and event space offer room for gatherings with TVs and a bar area. Friendly energy and good music create a relaxed vibe.

Honey jerk chicken rice bowl stands out as a premium dish with rich flavors. The mango jerk chicken bowl offers a strong salty taste that limits how much can be eaten.

Wings come out crispy and fresh every time. Fried chicken stands out as the best item on the menu.

People are saying

"These ribs just fall right off the bone."

"The honey jerk chicken rice bowl is a premium dish."

"The fried chicken wings are perfectly fried and nice and crispy."

Good to know

1

The takeout service has little to no wait, making it convenient.

2

Order in advance to avoid long wait times during peak hours.

3

JD's BBQ is open late night on Friday and Saturday for late diners.

07
Soule To Soule image 1
Soul food restaurant

Small space with green velvet decor and 1990s Harlem vibe feels more like a bar or lounge than a traditional restaurant. Cozy, intimate atmosphere pairs with top-tier R&B music and lively energy. Tables are low and tiny, emphasizing a focus on cocktails and socializing over formal dining.

Char grill flavor stands out with generous jerk seasoning on the chicken. Sides like greens with subtle vinegar and fried green tomatoes pair well with the jerk chicken.

Well seasoned and juicy describes the fried chicken here. It comes with a honey glaze and cooks perfectly, often paired with collard greens and grits.

People are saying

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

"The jerk chicken had a perfect char grill flavor and generous seasoning."

"I thought the fried chicken was possibly the best I had."

Good to know

1

Making a reservation is recommended due to limited seating.

2

It's BYOB with a $10 fee for bringing your own bottle.

3

Expect small portion sizes relative to the price.

08
Jerk & Soul Food image 1

Restaurant offers calm, comforting atmosphere with simple, no-frills setup and countertop seating along windows. Food is freshly cooked to order with large portions that favor takeout over dine-in. Jerk dishes stand out for being hot and tender, making it a go-to spot for authentic flavors.

Moist jerk chicken comes with a perfectly spiced sauce. It pairs well with rice and beans or sides like Mac & Cheese and yams, all topped with fresh lettuce and tomatoes.

Fried chicken comes with sides like mac and cheese, rice and beans, or greens. Plantains and jerk wings also appear alongside the fried chicken dishes.

People are saying

"The food here is so delicious and flavorful."

"The jerk chicken here is so tender and flavorful."

"The fried chicken here is fresh and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait for food as everything is cooked fresh to order.

2

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

3

The restaurant does not include jerk sauce unless specifically requested.

09
Frankyโ€™s Hoagie and Steak image 1

American restaurant offers a friendly, lively atmosphere with a cool setup that feels welcoming and clean. The place draws people looking for authentic island flavors and a spot to hang out with friends, especially in the evening. A convenient drive-thru adds to the easygoing vibe.

Fresh chicken cooks with perfect frying and a balanced heat in the jerk chicken. The jerk chicken tacos appeal to kids, and the jerk chicken dinner stands out alongside catfish and oxtail options.

Fried chicken wings stand out as very tasty and match the quality of Harold's. New items include chicken philly and turkey burgers, with the wings often recommended.

People are saying

"The food here is always good, hot, and fresh."

"You have to try the fried chicken wings; they're so tasty."

"I considered this my number one spot for jerk chicken."

Good to know

1

Breakfast menu is served from 7am to noon.

2

Drive-thru service is available for quick orders.

3

They offer 10 wings for $9.99.

10
Soul Shack Express image 1
Soul food restaurant

Small space with laid-back vibe and soul gospel music playing creates a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Food features tender, well-seasoned meats and flavorful sides, though some items vary in quality. Limited seating and no air conditioning shape a casual, fast-food style experience.

Jerk chicken features a noticeable vinegar tang and a good level of heat. Variations include jerk chicken egg rolls with more sweet potatoes and greens than chicken, offering a unique twist.

Fried chicken comes out perfectly crispy and seasoned well. It pairs with classic sides like macaroni, yams, and sweet potatoes for a solid meal.

People are saying

"The American Food, especially the mac and cheese, is so cheesy and flavorful."

"The jerk chicken here is so juicy and flavorful."

"The fried chicken here is perfectly crispy and seasoned well."

Good to know

1

The place is primarily a carry-out establishment with limited seating for dining in.

2

Expect long wait times for delivery orders, especially during busy hours.

3

Prices are higher than average for soul food, with many items around $30.

11
Wilma's Famous BBQ & Tavern image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Barbecue restaurant combines robotic food delivery with a live DJ playing old school R&B, creating a lively and modern vibe. Walls display Chicago-themed artwork honoring athletes and entertainers, adding local character. Spacious seating supports a sports bar atmosphere with a slight Black Art influence.

Grilled jerk chicken stands out with perfect seasoning and char. The menu features jerk chicken wings and jerk chicken egg rolls, both packed with flavor.

Fried chicken wings come out crispy and flavorful. The fried chicken and ribs combo pairs well and tastes delicious.

People are saying

"The food here is always amazing and fire."

"The fried chicken wings were crispy and delicious."

"The Jerk Chicken here is so delicious, I'd return for it alone."

Good to know

1

Happy hour features $10 cocktails and small plate combos.

2

Expect small portion sizes during happy hour.

3

The restaurant automatically adds gratuity to all bills.

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