• Latin American, Caribbean, Chicken, Chicken Wings, Healthy
• Rating: ★★★★^1/2
• $

206 E 35th St, Chicago, IL, 60616

Order your meal at the counter and find yourself a table in this cozy Jerk restaurant specializing in chicken, of course, but also in a lovely selection of fish and seafood, all blessed by the spicy richness of Jerk. This one’s more of a grab-and-go kind of place, but they know their Jerk — it’s fit for royalty.

• Latin American, Caribbean, Local Eats, Seafood
• Rating: ★★★★
• $

548 E 67th St, Chicago, IL, 60637

There are two Jerk 48 restaurants in Chicago, both on the South Side. Why? Because the food here is insanely good, and people know it. Start your meal with a Jerk Salad and work your way into a white, dark or mixed Jerk chicken.

• American, Mediterranean, Black-Owned, Caribbean
• Rating: ★★★★
• $

4001 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL, 60624

Did someone say jerk tacos? Count us in! Eating at Jerk Taco Man is messy, but you’ll love it. Allegedly home to the original jerk chicken tacos, this eatery is truly something different. And there’s more than tacos here; try the Jerk pasta or a mean smoked beef brisket burrito for a meal you won’t forget that easily.

• Burgers, Caribbean, Jamaican, Local Eats
• Rating: ★★★★^1/2
• $

733 South Dearborn Street, Chicago, IL, 60605

This restaurant might not look like a palace, but you do eat like a king! For something new, try the jerk pizza, and if you’re more into traditional Jerk, the chicken and the catfish are wonderful alternatives.

• Catering, Alcohol, BBQ, Barbecue, Caribbean
• Rating: ★★★★
• $

2216 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL, 60616

Jamaica Jerk Villa is definitely the place for dining out with friends. The crowd here is a bit young and loud, but that’s what makes you get that Caribbean feel. The jerk chicken comes with two sides of choice. Visit on Taco Tuesday during happy hour, and you’ll have a blast!

• Latin American, Caribbean, Local Eats, Seafood
• Rating: ★★★★★
• $$

1400 E 47th St, Chicago, IL, 60653

Caribbean Jerk Joint is more on the fast-food side of things, with an uncomplicated menu but plenty of options to choose from. The curry chicken is as good as the jerk chicken, and you can enjoy jerk chicken nachos while you wait for your order.

• Latin American, Caribbean, Local Eats, Seafood
• Rating: ★★★★^1/2
• $

754 W Garfield Blvd, Chicago, IL, 60609

Dining at FJJC is always an experience. The sitting area is pretty small, so the restaurant focuses on takeout and delivery. The chicken, though, is not only addictively spicy but sticky and sweet. Everyone comes here for the Jerk chicken, but do try the stewed oxtail with bread, mashed potatoes and string beans. What a meal!

• Caribbean, Jamaican, West Indian
• Rating: ★★★★
• $

7530 S Stony Island Ave, Chicago, IL, 60619

What started as a popular Jerk food truck is now a brick-and-mortar eatery that still comes out as spontaneous and indulgent as a street food stall. The Jerk chimichanga is a crowd-pleaser, and their innovative Jerk in a Jar is a fun way of eating spicy chicken — straight out of a jar!

• Jamaican, Caribbean, Fast Food
• Rating: ★★★★
• $

5614 W, Chicago, IL, 60651

People come to the Jerk Shop for the Jerk tacos; they’re somewhat of a tradition in the area. The family-owned restaurant offers a Jerk Philly Cheese chicken as well, and it’s as fun as it sounds. They season everything here with spicy Jerk, except for the drinks.

• Caribbean, Chicken, Comfort Food
• Rating: ★★★★
• $$

3404 N Clark St, Chicago, IL, 60657

A casual setting makes you feel at home at Irie, where Caribbean specialties are presented as home-cooked meals rather than BBQ or fast food. Of course, try the Jerk chicken, but do try other more unusual specialties, including a Jerk Alfredo Pasta or some very fun Jerk nachos.

• Lunch Special, Pit Fired, Fried Seafood, Locals
• Rating: ★★★^1/2
• $

1659 N, Illinois Rte 59, Naperville, IL 60563

The Jerk chicken here rocks; it’s traditionally fire-roasted and seasoned beautifully. Jam Rock also offers some other tasty alternatives, including fried catfish, wings and curry shrimp. Save some room for dessert because coconut pound cake at Jam Rock is one of the best we’ve had!