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Oxtail

Oxtail that is ready to eat on your lunch hour without the usual wait for a slow-cooked dinner.

Based on 456 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.

Lunch offers a $10.40 special with a leg, thigh, three plantains, and a big scoop of rice. Service stays solid even during the lunch rush with one person handling the counter.

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 chicken lunch spot is tender and flavorful."

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
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.

Immaculate space and attention to detail stand out during lunch. The menu offers typical Brazilian food and a delicious Sunday lunch buffet that suits group gatherings well.

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 oxtail at this lunch spot was amazing."

"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
Sazon Cubano image 1
Cuban restaurant

Cozy Cuban restaurant with loud live music and a vibrant atmosphere that transports guests to the island. Beautiful, clean space features a cozy nook and a patio for relaxed dining. Energetic vibe with entertaining musicians and flavorful Cuban dishes.

Lunch happens around 1:30pm with a casual walk-in vibe on Saturdays. Expect to spend about $100 for two people during lunch.

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."

"This Lunch Spot's ropa vieja and Cuban sandwich are incredibly tasty."

"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.

04
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.

Lunch features great specials and dishes like catfish and lamb chop appetizers. Food and service stay consistent during busy lunch hours.

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 service at this Lunch Spot is great and attentive."

"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.

05
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.

Lunch options include catered meals that work well for groups. Peach Tea is a notable drink choice. The spot suits quick visits for those working nearby.

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 food at this Lunch Spot is amazing, hot, and fresh."

"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.

06
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 lunch special comes with cabbage and sweet potatoes and is available all day after 11am. Lunch specials include an extra bean and rice side, though its quality varies.

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

"The oxtails lunch special is delicious."

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.

07
Jerky Jerk image 1
Jamaican restaurant

Small indoor space offers a cozy atmosphere with 90's R&B music and games on TV creating a chill vibe. The crowd enjoys Jamaican flavors paired with drinks like rum punch and Modelo beer. Friendly energy and casual seating make it a spot to relax and savor quality jerk dishes.

Lunch specials offer generous portions and great value with options like half dark chicken and jerk wraps. Takeout is quick and reliable, often ready before leaving the city.

Oxtail comes in fall off the bone tender pieces with a meaty, flavorful taste. Portions are generous, often with at least seven big pieces, making it a solid value compared to other spots.

People are saying

"The Jerk Chicken here is so flavorful and tender."

"The lunch special portions are huge for the price."

"The oxtail here is juicy, generously portioned, and flavored perfectly."

Good to know

1

Happy hour prices are great, running from 4-7pm on weekdays.

2

Karaoke starts at 10pm on Thursdays with a two-drink minimum.

3

Street parking is available near the restaurant.

08
Irie jerk hut 4 image 1
Restaurant

Restaurant offers authentic Jamaican food with moist, flavorful jerk chicken and well-seasoned oxtails. Atmosphere stays friendly and peaceful, with staff accommodating dietary needs. Portions vary, but lunch specials provide good value and sides like cabbage and yams stand out.

Lunch specials offer generous portions that feel more like dinner. Options include jerk dark meat with rice and cabbage and oxtails, though the oxtails come in small, fatty servings.

Tender oxtail comes with thick gravy and vegetables. The dinner includes cabbage greens, plantains, rice, and beans. Oxtails are seasoned nicely and not spicy, though lunch portions are small and fatty.

People are saying

"I loved the flavor of the jerk dinner; the oxtail dinner was also the BOMB."

"The tender oxtail was made with the perfect thick gravy."

"The Lunch Spot oxtails were seasoned nicely and not spicy."

Good to know

1

The lunch special at Irie Jerk Hut 4 provides a good portion.

2

Irie Jerk Hut 4 offers three sides with a dinner.

3

They charge extra for bread, plantains, and jerk sauce.

09
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.

Generous portions of jerk chicken make lunch here filling enough for dinner and leftovers. Ordering a half pan works well for sharing with coworkers.

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."

"The jerk chicken at this Lunch Spot is tender and flavorful."

"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.

10
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.

Lunch visits feature a welcoming atmosphere and friendly service. The spot suits casual meetups and relaxed afternoons with friends or coworkers.

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."

"This lunch spot's food is top tier and amazing."

"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.

11
Dirty Tiff's Cafe image 1

Small, family-owned restaurant with a homey atmosphere and casual dining setup. The vibe is warm and welcoming, with a mix of take-out and dine-in options. Known for authentic soul food with standout dishes like jerk chicken and collard greens.

Frequent visits show a consistent lunch special offered daily. Prices can vary, with one instance charging eighteen dollars for the usual meal. The spot suits late lunch timing well.

Oxtails come with a mix of small pieces and one large piece heavy on fat and bone. They are meant to be the highlight of the meal but vary in meatiness.

People are saying

"You can taste all the love Ms. Tiffany puts into her Fried Catfish."

"I consider this the best jerk chicken spot in Chicago."

"The oxtail here is full of flavor."

Good to know

1

They close early on Sundays, with last orders at 6 pm.

2

The jerk chicken dinner costs about $20 with tax included.

3

The meals are reasonably priced and provide generous portions.

12
Jamaican Gates Restaurant Chicago image 1

Small space offers a lively, welcoming atmosphere with Caribbean smokiness and authentic jerk chicken. Music adds to the energetic vibe, attracting those who appreciate top-tier oxtails and well-prepared traditional dishes.

Affordable lunch specials run all day with options like curry chicken. The curry chicken special comes with no seasoning and lunch specials do not include bread.

Oxtails come falling right off the bone with a very flavorful taste. Plates include red beans and rice with gravy and offer a good portion size.

People are saying

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

"The Jerk Chicken here is juicy and perfectly seasoned."

"The food at this lunch spot is amazing, fresh, and hot."

Good to know

1

Lunch specials are available all day at affordable prices.

2

Expect a reasonable wait time during peak hours.

3

Check your order before leaving to ensure everything is included.

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