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Salad and oxtail in Illinois

Made for those who balance a crisp, refreshing salad with the deep, slow-cooked richness of oxtail.

Based on 542 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Balkan Taste image 1
Balkan Taste image 2
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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.

Shopska salad and beet salad appear frequently alongside hearty dishes like lamb and oxtail. Salads often come with bread and spreads, complementing the meal well.

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 salad's dressing had the right amount of feta and oil."

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.

02
Nia Restaurant & Wine Bar image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Outdoor patio offers a warm, intimate atmosphere with live music and comfortable seating. Interior design feels classy and elegant, creating a friendly, welcoming vibe ideal for relaxed evenings or social gatherings.

The Nia house salad stands out as a flavorful and well-prepared dish. It ranks among the best salads in the city, offering a fresh and satisfying option.

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."

"I loved the Nia Salad; it's a personal favorite."

"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.

03
The Perfect Jerk image 1
Caribbean restaurant

Caribbean restaurant with clean, colorful decor and large menu screens sets a welcoming, friendly vibe. Background R&B music adds to the lively atmosphere. Seating includes high tables and booths extending to the back.

Jerk Chicken House Salad stands out with its bold flavors. Salmon salad and Caesar salad offer solid, fresh options alongside pasta salad and red beans and rice.

Oxtails come very tender and large with bold flavor that stands out in the dishes.

People are saying

"The jerk chicken dinner spots here are so tender and flavorful."

"I couldn't wait to go back and try their jerk chicken fried rice."

"The oxtail here is so flavorful and large."

Good to know

1

Free dinner is offered on the last Monday of each month.

2

Customer Appreciation Day occurs on the last Monday of every month from 11am to 5pm.

3

Customers can try food samples before ordering.

04
Sinhรก image 1
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.

Salads come with unlimited buffet access featuring fresh options like kale salad and sides with exceptional flavor. Pickled onion adds a tangy touch to the kale salad served alongside main dishes.

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 salad here feels like a cozy, homecooked 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.

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.

Jerk salad stands out with its bold flavors and is a popular choice. Chicken salad also appears on the menu alongside other hearty dishes.

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."

"The jerk salad was one of my favorites."

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
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.

House salad stands out with fresh ingredients and solid flavor. Refunds require returning the entire salad, which is a notable policy.

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 oxtail here was falling off the bone."

"I recommend getting the house salad; it was very good today."

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.

07
CRAYVEN JERK & SOUL image 1

Restaurant offers flavorful jerk dishes with generous portions and a peaceful atmosphere. Energy stays good and steady, attracting locals and passers-through alike. Cleanliness is consistent, and the menu includes standout items like lamb chops and jerk chicken.

Salads feature jerk chicken and salmon as main ingredients. The jerk chicken salad stands out for its flavorful and satisfying taste.

Tender, well-seasoned oxtails come with plenty of meat and little fat. They often smoke the oxtails first, pairing them well with mac and cheese and offering generous portions.

People are saying

"I thought the catfish dinner was great; the wings were well cooked and fresh."

"I thought the oxtail was tender and perfectly seasoned."

"I found the Jerk Chicken Salad to be extremely flavorful."

Good to know

1

Credit card payments are currently unavailable due to a machine issue.

2

Expect a wait time of less than 15 minutes during peak hours.

3

No food returns are accepted as per posted policy.

08
Ja' Grill Hyde Park image 1
Jamaican restaurant

Jamaican restaurant with lively colorful decor and a vibrant patio featuring a DJ where people bring lounge chairs. Atmosphere is dark and loud, creating an energetic vibe suited for socializing. Music plays a central role, complemented by strong, flavorful rum punches and other distinctive drinks.

Salads feature fresh cabbage that melts in your mouth and balance rich dishes well. The salmon salad pairs excellently with rum punch, creating a standout combo. Curry shrimp and jerk salads add flavorful variety alongside classic sides like plantains.

Oxtails fall off the bone and come perfectly seasoned. The meat is tender and served without added sweeteners, staying true to traditional flavors.

People are saying

"The drinks here are strong and delicious."

"I thought their salmon salad was exquisite."

"The oxtail here just falls off the bone."

Good to know

1

They only accept walk-in customers and do not take reservations.

2

Happy hour offers decent prices on drinks and appetizers.

3

Expect high prices for food dishes, averaging around $80 for three dinners.

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