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Oxtail spots with ribs in Illinois

Made for those who demand both ribs and oxtail to satisfy a craving for slow-cooked, bone-in meat.

Based on 628 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Mr. B's Caribbean Grill image 1
Mr. B's Caribbean Grill image 2
Mr. B's Caribbean Grill image 3
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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.

Ribs come super tender with great flavor. Options include Chicago-style BBQ ribs and barbecue ribs served alongside classic sides.

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 ribs here are super tender with great flavor."

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.

02
Variโ€™s Southern Cuisine image 1

Small, cozy space with a warm, chic ambiance and soulful music creates a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. Guests enjoy southern style food with standout items like crispy fried ribs and magnificent mac and cheese. The vibe suits intimate groups and special occasions.

Fried ribs deliver a flavor explosion with a perfectly seasoned crust thatโ€™s crispy outside and tender inside. They stand out as a special dish that draws you back for more.

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.

03
S2 Grill - Stony image 1

Upscale restaurant with beautiful decor and fast food feel offers a lively atmosphere with RnB music and a party vibe. Frozen daiquiris come from a signature drink machine with many flavors, complementing dishes like shrimp and grits or lamb chops. The space includes an event area and features a professional photographer.

Short ribs come in a generous supply and are incredibly tender with full flavor. Rib tip dinners and beef short ribs stand out as solid choices.

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 rib tip dinner was great."

"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.

04
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.

Well-seasoned tender rib tips stand out with rich flavor and great texture. The jerk ribs come with tasty sides like cabbage and macaroni and cheese, making for a satisfying meal.

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."

"I found the jerk ribs to be exceptionally delicious."

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.

05
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.

Short ribs come tender and delicious, often paired with sides like macaroni, dressing, and greens. Rib tips also appear on the menu and offer a solid option for rib lovers.

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 short ribs were tender and delicious."

"The oxtail here is so tender and delicious."

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.

06
Tony's Breakfast Cafe image 1
Family restaurant

Classic diner with 24-hour service offers a laid-back, homey atmosphere that feels like a relative's home. Busy periods bring a lively, sometimes chaotic energy, while the space remains clean and well-maintained with simple decor and generous portions.

Ribs come in huge portions, with full and half slabs available. They are extremely tender and often fall off the bone, though some could use a bit more char for a crispy finish.

Oxtail stew appears every other Saturday and draws a crowd. The oxtail dinner gets busy, with no limits on orders, which can make service feel chaotic.

People are saying

"The breakfast portions here are huge, enough for two meals."

"The ribs are super tender and falling off the bone."

"I thought the oxtail dinner on Saturdays was awesome."

Good to know

1

Tony's Breakfast Cafe is open 24 hours a day.

2

Parking is very limited, so arrive early.

3

The prices for meals are reasonable, with breakfast options around $23.

07
Jordyn's Soul Cafe image 1
Soul food restaurant

Soul food restaurant with cozy booths and bold, dark decor creates an intimate but loud atmosphere. R&B and Soul music from past decades plays loudly, shaping a vibrant, energetic vibe. Space feels small and congested, making it lively and bustling.

Beef short ribs come out very tender with rich flavor. They often serve with gravy and classic sides like collard greens and yams.

Oxtails come tender and fall off the bone with rich flavor. They appear in dishes like the oxtail rice bowl and pair well with sides like collard greens and yams.

People are saying

"I found the food to be delicious and seasoned perfectly."

"The beef short ribs here are so tender and delicious."

"The oxtail here is just okay, nothing special."

Good to know

1

Jordyn's Soul Cafe is BYOB, so bring your own alcohol.

2

Expect a 35-minute wait during peak hours.

3

Parking can be difficult; plan to circle the block.

08
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.

Beef short ribs come tender and well seasoned, often falling off the bone. Rib tips and lollipop lamb chops offer juicy, flavorful options alongside sides like mac and cheese.

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 beef short ribs here are so tender and fall apart."

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

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.

09
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.

Beef short ribs come very tender and pair well with sides like cabbage and macaroni and cheese. The ribs have a rich, satisfying flavor that stands out alongside fried chicken.

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."

"These short ribs just fall right off the bone."

"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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