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Oxtail in Illinois

You know that oxtail requires a long, slow cook and you aren't willing to accept anything less.

Based on 690 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Claire's Korner, LLC. image 1
Claire's Korner, LLC. image 2
Claire's Korner, LLC. image 3
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Jamaican restaurant

Jamaican spot serves fall-off-the-bone oxtail that's rich and buttery. Enjoy authentic flavors like jerk chicken in a warm, homey atmosphere with good music. Portions are generous, and the vibe stays casual and intimate.

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

People are saying

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

"Claire's thoughtful hospitality made me feel like family."

"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
Sinhá image 1
Brazilian restaurant

Old brick walk-up offers a cozy atmosphere with art-inspired patio and Brazilian music. Oxtail special shines with amazing flavor served on perfect polenta. Communal seating invites socializing, making it feel like a family brunch.

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."

"The buffet felt like a traditional Brazilian home-style meal."

"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.

03
Mr. B's Caribbean Grill image 1

Cozy spot with authentic Caribbean cuisine and Jamaican decor offers a casual vibe. Oxtail stew is fall-off-the-bone tender and pairs perfectly with corn festival. Occasional loud noise can break the calm but the wonderful smells keep the atmosphere inviting.

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.

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 jerk salmon here is out of this world."

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
Balkan Taste image 1
Serbian restaurant

Serbian restaurant offers hearty Balkan dishes in a relaxed, home-like atmosphere with lively ethnic music. Boneless oxtails are a slow roasted house special with a unique, intoxicating flavor. Friendly service and generous portions make it welcoming and casual.

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."

"The Oxtail was rich, tender, and had an intoxicating flavor."

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.

05
WI JAMMIN LLC image 1
Jamaican restaurant

Small take-out spot with reggae music sets a quaint vibe. Menu offers authentic Jamaican dishes with generous portions and fair prices. Oxtails are perfectly cooked and mouthwatering, served with cabbage for a true taste experience.

Oxtails come cooked perfectly and are mouth watering. Portions include about four small pieces, often served with cabbage.

People are saying

"The food here is flavorful, fresh, and hot."

"The oxtail here is so delicious and cooked perfectly."

"The jerk chicken dinner here is so flavorful, you won't need sauce."

Good to know

1

Expect a 10-minute wait during peak lunch hours.

2

Prices range from $10 to $15 per person for meals.

3

The restaurant primarily offers takeout with limited seating available.

06
Spice Restaurant image 1
Jamaican restaurant

Small space with intimate seating and soft amber lighting sets a warm mood. Oxtail is tender and seasoned with rich flavor, paired well with rice and peas. Friendly staff and authentic recipes bring a true Caribbean vibe with warm spices like cardamom and cumin.

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

People are saying

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

"I thought the Jamaican food here was the best I'd tried."

"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.

07
Carib'N Bites Cuisine image 1
Jamaican restaurant

Simple dining room with Jamaican decorations offers a warm, family vibe and bright, inviting setting. Perfectly cooked oxtail shines with rich flavor and tender texture. Pair it with plantains for a truly delicious meal.

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 thought the jerk chicken was so flavorful and juicy."

"I found the oxtail here to be amazing."

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.

08
Montego Bay Restaurant & Grill image 1

Indoor space fills with excessive smoke, making waiting uncomfortable. Bold, spicy flavors shine in tender oxtails paired with fresh cabbage and plantain. Lively tunes create an energetic vibe that lifts the mood.

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.

People are saying

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

"The oxtail here is so tender and juicy."

"I traveled an hour for their jerk chicken; it's the best."

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
Sazon Cubano image 1
Cuban restaurant

Cozy Cuban spot offers succulent oxtail that melts off the bone. Live music creates an energetic vibe that lifts the mood. Beautiful, clean space with a cozy nook and patio makes dining relaxed and inviting.

Succulent oxtail falls off the bone with tender, flavorful meat. It satisfies cravings with perfectly cooked richness.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and authentic."

"It's a cozy place with a great atmosphere."

"The oxtail here is flavorful and tender, just like it's supposed to be."

Good to know

1

Expect wait times of 30-45 minutes during peak hours.

2

Happy hour runs daily with special deals on mojito pitchers.

3

Live music and DJs perform every Saturday night.

10
All That And A Touch of Soul image 1

Cozy dining room with only five tables offers a family gathering vibe. Oxtail shines in a mind-boggling bowl and grilled cheese sandwich, delivering insanely good meat. Friendly setting with music and board games creates a relaxed atmosphere.

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 dinner spots here serve truly satisfying, home-cooked tasting food."

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

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.

11
Taste Of Belize image 1
Caribbean restaurant

Caribbean takeout shines with jerk chicken and oxtail that packs rich, satisfying flavor. Small spot offers a casual vibe with just four stools, perfect for quick, authentic meals. Fresh seasoning and home-cooked flavors bring Belizean roots to every bite.

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.

People are saying

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

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

"This oxtail tastes like home, full of authentic flavor."

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.

12
Pho Le 777 image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Spacious spot offers rich oxtail pho with tender meat and a modern ambiance that feels clean and relaxing. Groups enjoy diverse menu options and free parking makes visits easy. A robot cat delivers food, adding a fun twist to dining.

Oxtail pho stands out with its rich broth and tender meat. It pairs well with spring rolls and dumplings, offering a satisfying meal.

People are saying

"This Vietnamese food is so flavorful and delicious."

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

"I found the oxtail pho to be very delicious."

Good to know

1

The free parking at Pho Le 777 is super convenient.

2

They offer a military discount for service members.

3

The menu offers many vegetarian and vegan options.

13
Hangover Social Restaurant & Bar image 1

Enjoy authentic Jamaican dishes with rich oxtail flavor in a cozy spot. Live Reggae music adds a lively but family-friendly vibe. Portions are generous, making it a great place for hearty meals and good times.

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

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.

14
Oxtail Market image 1
Meat products store

Meat shop shines with fresh oxtail and specialty steaks like ribeyes and porterhouses. Local, farm-sourced products create a farm-fresh atmosphere. Prices stay fair and reasonable, perfect for organic meat lovers.

Outstanding quality meat stands out with locally farmed oxtail that shows clear freshness and flavor. Prices stay very reasonable while offering a solid variety of local products alongside.

People are saying

"I had the best steak I've had in a long time."

"The meat selection at this market is outstanding, especially the beef."

"The oxtail here has outstanding quality and great flavor."

Good to know

1

Prices for steak are very good considering the quality.

2

Products are sourced from local farms, ensuring freshness.

3

Oxtail Market has a fantastic selection of meats and specialty items.

15
Nia Restaurant & Wine Bar image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Outdoor patio creates a warm atmosphere with live music and comfy seating. Braised oxtails are savory and tender, while stuffed piquillo peppers with oxtail offer a rich flavor. Elegant interior design adds a friendly vibe for relaxed evenings.

Braised oxtails come out savory and tender. Stuffed piquillo peppers with oxtail offer a rich, flavorful bite. Oxtail stuffed peppers stand out as a popular choice among dishes.

People are saying

"It's a cozy and intimate spot, perfect for a date."

"The Chefs Tasting menu was delicious down to the last bite."

"The braised oxtail here is savory and delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required for the chef's tasting menu, priced at $75 per person.

2

Happy hour offers discounted drinks and appetizers from 4-6pm on weekdays.

3

An automatic 20% gratuity is added for parties of four or more.

16
SHATTAZ JERK BAR & GRILL image 1
Jamaican restaurant

Large, open space with Caribbean soul offers a lively vibe for dancing and socializing. Oxtail shines with perfect seasoning, served alongside fried plantains and mac n cheese. Reggae music and vibrant artwork create an immersive, warm atmosphere.

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.

People are saying

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

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

"The oxtail here was amazing and fell off the bone."

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.

17
Jerky Jerk Rolling Meadows image 1
Caribbean restaurant

Caribbean restaurant offers fall off the bone oxtails in a rich stew paired with jerk sauce and rice and peas. The Bob Marley mural and reggae music create an authentic island vibe. Comfortable lounge chairs and slot machines add a laid-back atmosphere perfect 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.

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.

18
Vari’s Southern Cuisine image 1

Small, cozy spot with a warm, chic vibe and soulful music sets a friendly tone. Southern style food shines with tender oxtails that fall off the bone and crispy fried ribs. Perfect for intimate groups and special occasions thanks to its welcoming atmosphere.

Oxtails come tender and fall right off the bone. They pair well with greens and have a rich, satisfying flavor.

People are saying

"I thought about the fried ribs and needed more."

"I tried the fried chicken; it's crispy, juicy, and seasoned to perfection."

"The oxtail here is so tender, the meat just falls off the bone."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required but recommended for larger groups.

2

The restaurant opens at 11:30 AM, not 11:00 AM as stated.

3

An automatic 10% gratuity is added for parties of two or more.

19
Taste of Jamaica Evanston image 1
Jamaican restaurant

Plants cascade the foyer, creating a lush entry. Jerk chicken offers a smoky char with balanced spice, paired with fluffy rice and peas. Oxtails are very tender with rich, savory gravy that adds depth to the dish.

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

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.

20
African Food Palace image 1
African restaurant

African restaurant serves authentic flavors like oxtail in dishes such as jollof rice and egusi soup. Small portions come at a high price in a dark, lively atmosphere with graffiti walls. Space is tight and could use upgrades for comfort.

Oxtail appears in several dishes like jollof rice, Egusi, and with fufu. It pairs well with rich, hearty flavors and adds a satisfying texture to meals.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and has great flavor."

"I found the authentic African cuisine here delightful."

"I thought the oxtail and egusi were fabulous."

Good to know

1

Expect to pay around $15 for small bowl portions.

2

Portion sizes are often not satisfying for most diners.

3

There may be a wait time if food is not prepared in advance.

21
Iittle Jamaica jerk cuisine image 1
Jamaican restaurant

Jamaican restaurant serves fall-off-the-bone oxtail with rich seasoning and hearty sides like mac and cheese. Bold, flavorful comfort food shines in generous portions at fair prices. Island-themed decor and reggae music create an authentic Caribbean vibe that feels welcoming.

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.

People are saying

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

"The American food here is so flavorful, especially the tender yams and creamy mac and cheese."

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

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.

22
Shake A Leg image 1
Restaurant

Restaurant shines with excellent lamb chops and strong drinks in a professional, clean setting. Oxtail dish offers more potatoes and string beans than meat, making it a modest portion for the price. Patio vibe and hookah add to the welcoming atmosphere.

Oxtail comes with thin cut bones and more potatoes and string beans than meat. The dinner costs close to $40 including taxes but offers a modest portion of meat.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, flavorful, and fresh."

"The lamb chops here are seasoned perfectly and cooked just right."

"I enjoyed the oxtail, seasoned perfectly and cooked just right."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 5 PM until close on Sundays.

2

Delivery can take up to two hours, so plan accordingly.

3

Some menu items may run out, so check availability before ordering.

23
Caribana Island Grill - Gurnee image 1
Caribbean restaurant

Caribbean restaurant shines with tender oxtails during brunch and a live DJ spinning vibrant tunes. Island-themed decor and a warm atmosphere invite socializing in a clean, open space. Rich flavors and lively music create a truly engaging vibe.

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

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.

24
S2 Grill - Stony image 1

Upscale spot with lively atmosphere and RnB tunes sets a fun mood. Oxtails are tender and generous, bursting with flavor. Signature frozen daiquiris from a special machine add a party vibe to the experience.

Oxtails come falling off the bone and are tender and full of flavor. Portions are very generous and stand out among other dishes.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be amazing."

"The Lamb Chops here are served with top-tier customer service."

"The oxtail here was falling off the bone."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs Monday to Friday from 4-7 PM with great drink specials.

2

Reservations are recommended to avoid long wait times during peak hours.

3

The restaurant requires payment upfront, including a 15% gratuity.

25
Lior's Cafe image 1
Restaurant

Spacious restaurant features colorful murals and authentic Haitian music for a rich cultural vibe. Oxtails are tender and flavorful, paired well with mac and cheese. Dim lighting adds to the soothing atmosphere that blends art and lively energy.

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 Mac and Cheese here is so cheesy and tasty."

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

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.

26
Jerk & Soul Food image 1

Oxtail shines with tender meat in rich jerk sauce, paired with yams and greens. The spot offers a calm atmosphere and freshly cooked meals. Large portions favor takeout, making it perfect for authentic, hearty flavors.

Oxtails come very tender with a jerk sauce gravy that adds rich flavor. Popular sides include yams and greens, and the dish often sells out due to high demand.

People are saying

"The food here is so delicious and flavorful."

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

"The oxtail here is so tender and delicious."

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.

27
Kingston Market Caribbean & African Groceries image 1

Grocery store shines with authentic Caribbean groceries and a lively vibe. Jerk oxtails boast authentic seasoning and pair well with rice and peas. Fresh produce and a juice bar add to the welcoming atmosphere.

Jerk oxtails come with authentic seasoning and pair well with rice and peas or plantains. Some servings include a large, uncooked yam and may lack meat in parts.

People are saying

"The jerk chicken dinner here is tender and delicious."

"Shamari at this grocery store can make anything happen for you."

"The jerk oxtail is authentic and delicious."

Good to know

1

The market operates Tuesday to Saturday from 11am to 8pm and Sunday from 10:30am to 6pm.

2

They are closed on Mondays.

3

Call-in orders are accepted for convenience.

28
Ray's SoulFood & Turkey Legs image 1
Soul food restaurant

Old-fashioned soul food shines with tender oxtail that falls off the bone and bursts with flavor. Jazz and R&B music create a lively vibe while big screen TVs add energy. Seating feels cramped but the family-oriented atmosphere keeps it pleasant and welcoming.

Oxtails come tender and fall off the bone with a generous portion size. They carry rich, incredible flavor that stands out among other dishes.

People are saying

"The food here is seasoned to perfection and packed with flavor."

"The soulfood turkey plate here is amazing, it falls right off the bone."

"The oxtail here is so tender and delicious."

Good to know

1

Expect a 25-30 minute wait on Sundays after church.

2

The restaurant closes at 7:30 pm on Sundays.

3

There is a one-hour wait for to-go orders.

29
Tropical Time caribbean cuisine image 1

Caribbean spot shines with phenomenal oxtails and authentic jerk chicken. Digital ordering suits quick carryout, while a tropical vibe invites relaxed dining. Generous portions make every meal satisfying and flavorful.

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

People are saying

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

"The jerk chicken wraps here are amazing and delicious."

"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.

30
Bronzeville Soul image 1
Soul food restaurant

Soul food spot shines with perfectly seasoned oxtail paired with yams and greens. Live band music adds a lively vibe but can get loud. Roomy seating ensures a relaxed dining experience despite the noise.

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."

"The mac and cheese is cheesy, creamy, and comforting."

"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.

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