Local neighborhood Jerk spot offering tasty food. However, they are rather inconsistent to reach.
(4)
Marcy L.
The jerk chicken salad is what made me fall in love with this place and the non-chalant, could careless attitude women who work the registers and take the orders made me hate it. Everytime me or my fiance have gone to this restaurant (a total of 5 times), 3 different women, with funky a** attitudes have taken our order. No "please" "thank yous", nothing, but they sure know how to take our money. It came to the point where we made our own jerk chicken salads so wouldn't have to deal with this establishments terrible customer service. What resturants need to understand, is their customer service HAS TO BE as good, if not better than their food. P.s. I'm only putting a star because I have to!
(1)
Jon B.
Where to start, the food is good, it really is- but VERY SALTY! The salt has never failed to be in excess at this restaurant, its all throughout the side dishes and in the curry, jerk and stewed dishes. You can't eat here more than once in a 2 week period unless you don't care about hypertension. On to the good: The food as i stated is good and they give you good portions. Most of the staff is really friendly but there is one young dark skin woman there that really shouldn't be on the phones or have contact with customers; she mumbles on the phone and always sounds like she would rather be any other place but there. Sometimes the music is too loud and you are asked to repeat your orders. Don't even think about coming here with a debit/ credit card, the sign says the machine is down but since i've been going to this place it's never worked. The jerk chicken is excellent, the curry is either hit or miss and the stewed dishes are just ok. The string beans, cabbage and rice and peas are all good, just very salty. The mac n cheese needs work.
(3)
Samantha B.
I've gone twice and plan on going again. MAKE SURE YOU CALL AHEAD or you'll be siting for 30 minutes. The food is great a lil too salty for me, but still good. Great portion sizes and lunch specials.
(4)
Jennifer H.
I am in love with this place. The salads are off the chain. You won't be disappointed!!!
(5)
Tiffany R.
It was alright. Sometimes i think living in Miami and traveling to Jamaica makes it harder for me to appreciate Jamaican food in other places.
(2)
Ashlee T.
I come here for the jerk chicken salad!! I work across the street from Uncle Joes yet I still travel 15mins away to get my salad for lunch. Not only is their small salad larger than Uncle Joes student salad (which cost a little more) but they give you so much more meat and they use real GREEN lettuce as opposed to Uncle Joes yellow/green iceberg lettuce!!! The ladies that work the counter are always polite
(4)
Tia F.
The only reason this review is getting three stars is because the food is actually good. However, the wait and customer service is about a one star. For example, one evening we ordered a jerk catfish/chicken combo dinner. They didn't have ANY sides with the exception of string beans. They did have plantains and refused to substitute despite their inconvenience of not having anything prepared. This same evening we waited over 40 minutes for our food. We even noticed another customer that called her order in waited just as long as we did. All things considered the food is good, I just can't say whether or not it's worth the risk of waiting almost an hour for.
(3)
RoShanda M.
Tried going Sunday afternoon and they were closed. No sign or anything. Make sure you call ahead because the hours are wrong!
(1)
Humble Q.
Ok. So I went here and figured that im a natural fan of Jerk but they have some greatly prepared Jerk chicken. See, why I recommend this place is because you get a variety of selections with one dinner is which I search high and low for in a restaurant so it automatically gets approval. The dinners are very affordable. Suits as one of the best when it brings up all aspects. I love to eat but don't eat beef or pork so I specialize in Chicken, Turkey & Fish. When I ordered living on 79th & Oglesby, I visited this place with friends & the dinner was right on time. I eat to live and live to eat Good. Don't get it twisted.Street-preneur.
(4)
Collen G.
I have tried several Jamaican Restaurants in Chicagoland area & around the country, But I have never come across many that would measure to the quality & freshness of the food, great customer service as well as quantity even fir the reasonable prices. Banana Leaf is the spot, & I will recommend it to individuals, large groups & even catering. Rick just knows how to keep the customer happy & has always gone above & beyond the call of service. Please consider trying it & I promise if you really know about what you are looking for in the jerk business, you will never be disappointed.
(5)
Ravishing L.
OMG'sh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! SALTY, SALTY and MORE SALTY. This is NOT authentic Caribbean food on top of that. I am deeply insulted that people actually think this is a West Indian spot. The portions are amazing, but now I see why. The Rice & Peas = Brown Rice and Black Beans. Huhh? NO! -5 stars just for that. I swear someone tossed a whole bottle of seasoned salt into the pot just for fun! We ordered oxtails, curry lamb chops (another questionable item on the menu) and stir-fry ( yet another questionable item). Wait time: 45 minutes. #WhyAreYouStillOpen So as I am eating, I figure I'd go over to the cabbage for relief from the salty rice and meat; to my unpleasant shock, the cabbage was terrible and salty! I just moved to Chicago so I can't comment on the comparison of other restaurants here yet. But one thing's for sure, the food in NYC is AUTHENTIC if you haven't gotten the chance to travel to the Caribbean yet! What a horrible first time experience. I am convinced that there is not a hint of Caribbean decent in any of the workers including the manager there. Save your time, blood pressure and money! I will happily spread the word about this place!
(1)
Recie H.
I can eat here daily . My specialty is the wings, the white chicken dinner ,the jerk chicken salad,their shrimp, jerk chicken salad with shrimp! (Oh me, Oh My) and last but not least the plantains (reheat a little bit in some butter- Yes) But I have heard all their other items are good as well. Sometimes they a little heavy on the salt with the vegetables! Try it and I believe you will be satisfied !
(3)
Bj I.
My absolute favorite spot on the southside to get jerk chicken. They would be my favorite jerk restaurant bit they d ok nt have brown stew often which is a bummer. I love the 5wing dinner with the string beans. I also like the fact that you get a free drink with the meal. If you are looking for amazing jerk on the southside this is a place to try.
(5)
Chris M.
The Jerk catfish gives me life!!! Everything is Flavorful! They don't run out of chicken like other jerk places, service is fast! I can get in and out with my food, plantains delicious and they have Mac and cheese which is good also!
(5)
Katrina H.
Banana Leaf never disappoints!! The jerk fish Rice, cabbage, and macaroni is to die for!! Calling on your order is the best way to order because wait times inside could be between 20-40min on Friday or Saturday nights..Definitely worth the wait
(5)
Lisa B.
The customer service was great. Yet, the food was awful. I will not be coming here for a meal again. I was craving Jamaican food and got something totally different. SMH On a positive side, their portion size can feed two people so you get more bang for your buck.
(2)
Raymi D.
Tanya is sooooo sweet they forgot my jerk sauce in one order (I've ordered so many times) they were so polite to offer me something complimentary for even having to make the trip back up there. I love this place not only are The salads sooooo delicious, they give you so much meat but the customer service is off the chain. Unfortunately places on the south side usually do not make u feel welcomed they don't greet u NOTHING but this place did and I think that's a great start.
(5)
Julia W.
I went to this place because a friend of mine posted a pic of her Jerk Chicken Salad on FB and it looked delicious. So I called in an order for my husband and I. The Jerk salad for me and a white Jerk dinner for him. The service was actually pleasant. As she stated (friend on FB) and as it looked my salad was DELICIOUS. However, my husband's food was not. As another reviewer stated, the sides were EXTREMELY salty. I love cabbage and could not eat it. A couple pieces of chicken was burned (not jerked). They really should put less salt, if a person desires more they can add it. But you can't take it out when you over do it. It destroys the meal.
(2)
Jeff Z.
Good Deserts
(4)
Patrice H.
I enjoyed the chicken. I have ordered 2x by calling ahead. I ordered the quarter jerk chicken only and it's less than $6, very filling. I'll be back.
(5)
Keshia D.
I ordered 2 white jerk dinners. 2 jerk dinners half white with string beans and peas with rice and cabbage with a slice of bread and a can of pop. The meat was very plentiful and tender a little too burnt on the outside for my taste. The peas and rice was nasty and the gravy tasted burnt. The cabbage was over cooked. I heard rave reviews about the banana leaf and I was disappointed with the peas and rice and the cabbage. Customer service was good and the wait was a little too long.
(2)
Dick K.
At this tme, it was terrible. Chicken was too much salty. It was not chicken but SALT !!! Maybe chicken was soaked in salt water long long time before cooking. I really disappointed and threw out a haf chicken meals. Owner MUST KNOW 3 things. 1. Customers want fresh chicken. 2. Too much salty chicken can not be consumed. 3. Chicken not salted is no problem because we can eat it with our own salt. Let customers enjoy yout food with their own standard of consuming salt.
(1)
Andrea B.
The mac and cheese and yams were good. I'm glad to know that I'm not the only one who felt the food was a bit salty. The jerk chicken and fried chicken were definitely too salty. Come on, Banana Leaf, you know we need to watch our blood pressure.
(3)
Dennis B.
I've been doing some construction work in the area and I could smell the food from this place from over two blocks away. I would've tried them earlier but I was unaware that they took credit cards, because for some reason most Jamaican restaurants don't, but they do. I went around 1pm and there really wasn't anyone in there. I ordered the jerk catfish and it was ready within 10 minutes. So I was happy I didn't have to wait forever and a day for my food. In my opinion the food was very good and well seasoned. I even liked the veggies which I never eat. The only downside is that I didn't get any plantains and the beans and rice were burnt as in they scraped it out the bottom of the pot. I shall return.
(4)
David P.
This was the worst jerk chicken experience I've had. The black beans used in the rice and peas was a terrible choice and had a bitter taste. The gravy tastes like its burned and the cabbage is bland. I wouldn't recommend ANYWAY go here unless you want to be overcharged for terrible food.
(1)
magic g.
Amazing carrabean food. i've tried stew chicken, oax tale & jerk chicken. Cabbage is great, rise is nice & moist. and they do give you spices on the side, for us "yankees" :) neighborhood gem. Do call when ordering take out (i've uploaded the pic of the menu), it does take 10-15 min.
(5)
Nicole E.
The first thing I would like to say is the food is GREAT!!!! but the downside is if you call your order in and they will tell you 20mins . Do not believe it the real time it takes to get your called in order is 1 hour!!!! ;( once you arrive to the restaurant to pick up your order that should be ready in 20mins be ready to wait the other 40 mins in the restaurant!!! The lady works there at the front desk is nice I even asked If they deliver to business she said yes!!So I tell my co-workers all about this great food .. I call to place an order they said they don't have a DELIVERY MAN!!!! So they get three stars from me!
(3)
Anthony P.
Excellent food. Great owner in Rick I love this place. I have gone there many times. It is the best Caribbean food in Chicago
(5)
Alex Y.
Great jerk dishes and the service was great. I was there visiting and the owner was friendly and courteous. I'm definitely stopping there again when I return to Chicago.
(5)
Tangerine T.
The food was good, I order the Jerk Chicken (white) with Mac&Cheese and Greens, but the customer service needs some work.
(3)
abs t.
man, I hate to give such a low review, but this is the average of the three times that I've gone. man! So disappointed because the food was sooooooooooo salty! Did I say SALTY?!!! man! I almost had an aneurism when I bit into the chicken the last time I went. SO - the backdrop. After a 35 mile bikeride, a friend recommended this place as having some of the best mac and cheese in the city. Being a mac and cheese, and jerk chicken fan, I said "must try this place." Since i was also starving post my bike ride, I decided to hop in the car and head straight there. I orderd the 1/4 chicken dark, a large mac n cheese, the cabbage and green beans. When I got home, I broke out the food and it was deeelicious! The mac n cheese was definitely very good, the jerk was also very good and tender, and the cabbage and string beans were well cooked. I was a fan! However, I've gone back 2 times since then and MY GOODNESS! The salt content in the food was out of control!! The first time, I thought it was a fluke..maybe an off day. The second time, I realized my first experience must have been the fluke. It seems like over salting is the norm. The last time I ordered from there, I literally rinsed off every piece of chicken, piece by piece, and then had them soak in water. Still too salty even after that. Ended up throwing most away. I had to do the same with my vegetables (soaked, re-soaked, and soaked again) - and then heated back up in microwave. Still over salty. And then the biggest disappointed ever - the mac and cheese! Texture was still great.. flavor would liokely have been great too if it weren't for the fact that it, too, was soooooooo salty! I ended up rinsing (gross, I know) my mac n cheese, as well, in hopes that I could save it. Nope :( Ate around it some, but ultimately threw it out as well because much too salty. My siste r- who loves salt and has a much higher tolerance than me - even said it was way too salty. Her words: "man! If I think it's too salty, you know that's a problem." So hopefully, they figure out what's going on with the salt before all their customers die from strokes. But since i don't want to be one of them, I'm going to stay away for now. ah well...
(2)
Hassahn P.
I'm a fan of great food and customer service. I have only been here once but had a great experience. The customer service was on point and felt more like "Cheers," a place where everybody knows your name. I had the jerk chicken, which was absolutely tender, seasoned well, and plentiful. I also had the cabbage, which was also very good.. Once I'm down with this Raw Food Detox, I will be back..LOL! The only think I do recommend is that you call in your order. Since they make everything fresh, it takes a while to get your food but it's worth the wait.
(4)
Adam K.
If you want a fried breaded thing, then this is the hood for it. And a side of gross hot sauce that is mostly salt? Easy to find around here also. So when I came in here, I set my expectations low. But man it was so good. The mac and cheese is a new favorite of mine. Add this place to the short list of places in this hood you can get a delish somewhat healthy meal. The chicken is done in the jerk style, so its not fried. And you get enough for 3 people, and cabbage and beans. They have Jamaican sodas here. Love.
(4)
Florida P.
Great jerk salad, its a must try. However, when I ordered their chicken is was sooo salty. Therefore I only get the amazing salad oh, and that good mac n cheese
(4)
Simone C.
I came here after reading reviews and looking for a nearby place for takeout. It took multiple attempts to find their website with a menu, but I eventually found it. I ordered jerk chicken wings and she said the wait time was only 5 minutes. I got there about 20 minutes later and my food was still hot. I didn't have to wait very long to pay. The food was delicious. I will return. On 79th street they have the pay to park boxes but I parked on Euclid where there was free parking and many open spots
(5)
Jessica J.
Still one of my favorite places to eat! Keep up the good work!
(5)
Peace P.
I am a return visitor for the Jerk chicken and tilapia salad on a regular. I did NOT care for the jerk soup, lamb chops and jerk wings. If you would like a excellent salad stop in.
(3)
Derrick F.
The jerk Salad is amazing, the blackened tilapia is good but it's a bit too salty . Pricing is mediocre . All in all it's a pretty good spot. Ps: plantain isn't included in meals
(4)
Lauren T.
The wings are too die for! They are not too hot like most of the jerk chicken places around here. The girl who works there is polite and both of my visits have been short and pleasant. I'll write once I try more entrees.
(5)
Jasmine N.
This is THEE go-to spot for jerk chicken. I have been to numerous jerk restaurants in Chicago, and when I tell you this is the best......this is the best! The jerk chicken is seasoned to perfection and always juicy. I Love the dark meat and wings, the breast is good too, but dark meat has more of that crispy skin. Oh, and please do not leave out of this place without trying their Mac & Cheese. Their Mac & Cheese is to die for! I introduced this place to some of my friends and family and they refuse to go anywhere else. Also, this place has only been open for a few years and they have gotten a lot of recognition. They were in the Taste of Chicago Festival last year and will be returning this year. I would suggest checking them out . Hope this review helps!!
(5)
Lanita T.
I highly recommend this place. Everything was good starting from the time I entered the restaurant until I finished my food. I called ahead of time and place my order and the young lady called me back to let me know that my jerk catfish would take a little longer and wouldn't be ready until a certain time and when I arrived at given time, my order was ready as promised. She was polite and very pleasant and my food was just hot and delicious. Love it!!!
(5)
A M S.
Ummm....Well, I went in on a referral from a good source (I thought). He did remind me we only discussed the Curry Chicken which of course I forgot about. Here it goes... I was so hungry. I went to a nearby boutique to browse as I waited for a friend to join me for dinner. When she finally got there, she wanted to see what I got and of course, she then wanted to "browse" before dining. When we finally got in the restaurant, I ordered first because remember, I was starving. The dinners are already set meaning you could not deviate from the side dishes but I didn't care, I was hungry. But my friend did. She questioned if all the dinner options were this way and they said yes, you can only have rice & peas, cabagge and the special bread along with your entree choice. Plus NO plaintain came with it. She was bothered by this and decided against ordering. The young girl behind the counter was not happy with this and made a couple of choice faces as my friend walked away. I decided it wouldn't be right to stay so I asked if it was too late to cancel the order (It is NEVER too late) and the young girl behind the counter asked the cook and he said yes it was. I got the food (because I was hungry) and proceeded to leave when I remembered I was suppose to order something for another friend but I didn't get a chance. Thank God I didn't. I did not turn back because I didn't want them to mess with the next order because my friend did not make one. I decided to share my meal with the other friend. We ate (because we were both hungry) overcooked rice, cabbage,and deprived jerk chicken. I was highly disappointed and so was the other hungry person. I will probably not patronize this place again. My friend had a right to complain. Oh and I did get a banging dress at the boutique across the street thanks to the Banana Leaf. Thanks!
(1)
Chaya B.
Great food! Im a health enthusiast and have them prepare all my meals for the week! I get a tray of jerk chicken and specially prepared blackened tilapia to last me through the week!
(4)
C F.
Suggested BL again for a baby shower, Man the mac and cheese was a superior hit! You can't buy really good mac and cheese at too many places, so people were loading up and coming back for more on the mac alone! The jerk chicken was tender and hot as usual. As long as the customer Service maintains at great and the food just keeps getting better...keep it coming Rick, we need great eating spots on the southside, you are def one of the top contenders.
(5)
Brittney J.
I lived up the street from this place and I have been eating here since they opened up. I love the large portions and seasoned food. Only place I have found with tender ox tails...Cabbage...OH MY...I just absolutely love this place...I now live up north and travel to 79th just for a GREAT meal...I will actually be catering a party from this this weekend..
(5)
Whosbaad K.
Good place to get some decent jerk. Hot sauce was great. Mac n cheese was good-it's the real stuff, just like the homemade kind, but too salty for me. Rice and beans have never dissapointed, and I could've passed on the cabbage --I'm used to the red peppers and carrots and SEASONING in there. You get a good amt of food with great, great service, so you can't beat that. Also they do catering. I've had them for 2 events, and they're professional, reasonably priced, and on time. Everyone loved the chicken and Mac and cheese. Great business.
(4)
Norman P.
Healthy portions, but have a way to go for that authentic caribbean flavor.
(2)
Mia D.
great prices fresh food love the jerk salad since going here i don't go anywhere else Norman is crazy with his review but he eats at the red pagoda so ....... that says it all. good food great prices
(5)
Nubian T.
Aww yeah! THE BANANA LEAF! I've had the Brown Stew Chicken meal, the cajun(?) Tilapia meal, and both were tasty. They have a great jerk chicken meal, because compared to some other jerk spots in this area I've tried, Banana Leaf's chicken is super moist, not dry. Parking is not great, but hey, it's the city. If you're in the area, definitely check this one out.
(4)
Jamie K.
I consider myself a jerk chicken expert having been to Jamaica quite a few times. This place has the best jerk chicken in Chicago! It's tasty and juicy. And they are fast...you don't have to wait forever for your order and deal with nasty staff attitudes like a certain other jerk chicken place on the South Side.
(5)
Glenda H.
this is the place to go for some real jamaican food. i strongly recommend you try the chicken ,string beans ,mac & cheese but a hidden jewel is the shrimp and crap dip it is to die for. love everything that rick serves, the best jamaican food around !
(5)
Samika M.
This place is the best, I am in love, the macaroni & cheese taste like my granny is back there cooking. I definitely recommend this place anytime jerk is mentioned. I am a Banana Leaf spokesperson...LOL!!!
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : No Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : No Caters : Yes
Trish P.
Local neighborhood Jerk spot offering tasty food. However, they are rather inconsistent to reach.
(4)Marcy L.
The jerk chicken salad is what made me fall in love with this place and the non-chalant, could careless attitude women who work the registers and take the orders made me hate it. Everytime me or my fiance have gone to this restaurant (a total of 5 times), 3 different women, with funky a** attitudes have taken our order. No "please" "thank yous", nothing, but they sure know how to take our money. It came to the point where we made our own jerk chicken salads so wouldn't have to deal with this establishments terrible customer service. What resturants need to understand, is their customer service HAS TO BE as good, if not better than their food. P.s. I'm only putting a star because I have to!
(1)Jon B.
Where to start, the food is good, it really is- but VERY SALTY! The salt has never failed to be in excess at this restaurant, its all throughout the side dishes and in the curry, jerk and stewed dishes. You can't eat here more than once in a 2 week period unless you don't care about hypertension. On to the good: The food as i stated is good and they give you good portions. Most of the staff is really friendly but there is one young dark skin woman there that really shouldn't be on the phones or have contact with customers; she mumbles on the phone and always sounds like she would rather be any other place but there. Sometimes the music is too loud and you are asked to repeat your orders. Don't even think about coming here with a debit/ credit card, the sign says the machine is down but since i've been going to this place it's never worked. The jerk chicken is excellent, the curry is either hit or miss and the stewed dishes are just ok. The string beans, cabbage and rice and peas are all good, just very salty. The mac n cheese needs work.
(3)Samantha B.
I've gone twice and plan on going again. MAKE SURE YOU CALL AHEAD or you'll be siting for 30 minutes. The food is great a lil too salty for me, but still good. Great portion sizes and lunch specials.
(4)Jennifer H.
I am in love with this place. The salads are off the chain. You won't be disappointed!!!
(5)Tiffany R.
It was alright. Sometimes i think living in Miami and traveling to Jamaica makes it harder for me to appreciate Jamaican food in other places.
(2)Ashlee T.
I come here for the jerk chicken salad!! I work across the street from Uncle Joes yet I still travel 15mins away to get my salad for lunch. Not only is their small salad larger than Uncle Joes student salad (which cost a little more) but they give you so much more meat and they use real GREEN lettuce as opposed to Uncle Joes yellow/green iceberg lettuce!!! The ladies that work the counter are always polite
(4)Tia F.
The only reason this review is getting three stars is because the food is actually good. However, the wait and customer service is about a one star. For example, one evening we ordered a jerk catfish/chicken combo dinner. They didn't have ANY sides with the exception of string beans. They did have plantains and refused to substitute despite their inconvenience of not having anything prepared. This same evening we waited over 40 minutes for our food. We even noticed another customer that called her order in waited just as long as we did. All things considered the food is good, I just can't say whether or not it's worth the risk of waiting almost an hour for.
(3)RoShanda M.
Tried going Sunday afternoon and they were closed. No sign or anything. Make sure you call ahead because the hours are wrong!
(1)Humble Q.
Ok. So I went here and figured that im a natural fan of Jerk but they have some greatly prepared Jerk chicken. See, why I recommend this place is because you get a variety of selections with one dinner is which I search high and low for in a restaurant so it automatically gets approval. The dinners are very affordable. Suits as one of the best when it brings up all aspects. I love to eat but don't eat beef or pork so I specialize in Chicken, Turkey & Fish. When I ordered living on 79th & Oglesby, I visited this place with friends & the dinner was right on time. I eat to live and live to eat Good. Don't get it twisted.Street-preneur.
(4)Collen G.
I have tried several Jamaican Restaurants in Chicagoland area & around the country, But I have never come across many that would measure to the quality & freshness of the food, great customer service as well as quantity even fir the reasonable prices. Banana Leaf is the spot, & I will recommend it to individuals, large groups & even catering. Rick just knows how to keep the customer happy & has always gone above & beyond the call of service. Please consider trying it & I promise if you really know about what you are looking for in the jerk business, you will never be disappointed.
(5)Ravishing L.
OMG'sh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! SALTY, SALTY and MORE SALTY. This is NOT authentic Caribbean food on top of that. I am deeply insulted that people actually think this is a West Indian spot. The portions are amazing, but now I see why. The Rice & Peas = Brown Rice and Black Beans. Huhh? NO! -5 stars just for that. I swear someone tossed a whole bottle of seasoned salt into the pot just for fun! We ordered oxtails, curry lamb chops (another questionable item on the menu) and stir-fry ( yet another questionable item). Wait time: 45 minutes. #WhyAreYouStillOpen So as I am eating, I figure I'd go over to the cabbage for relief from the salty rice and meat; to my unpleasant shock, the cabbage was terrible and salty! I just moved to Chicago so I can't comment on the comparison of other restaurants here yet. But one thing's for sure, the food in NYC is AUTHENTIC if you haven't gotten the chance to travel to the Caribbean yet! What a horrible first time experience. I am convinced that there is not a hint of Caribbean decent in any of the workers including the manager there. Save your time, blood pressure and money! I will happily spread the word about this place!
(1)Recie H.
I can eat here daily . My specialty is the wings, the white chicken dinner ,the jerk chicken salad,their shrimp, jerk chicken salad with shrimp! (Oh me, Oh My) and last but not least the plantains (reheat a little bit in some butter- Yes) But I have heard all their other items are good as well. Sometimes they a little heavy on the salt with the vegetables! Try it and I believe you will be satisfied !
(3)Bj I.
My absolute favorite spot on the southside to get jerk chicken. They would be my favorite jerk restaurant bit they d ok nt have brown stew often which is a bummer. I love the 5wing dinner with the string beans. I also like the fact that you get a free drink with the meal. If you are looking for amazing jerk on the southside this is a place to try.
(5)Chris M.
The Jerk catfish gives me life!!! Everything is Flavorful! They don't run out of chicken like other jerk places, service is fast! I can get in and out with my food, plantains delicious and they have Mac and cheese which is good also!
(5)Katrina H.
Banana Leaf never disappoints!! The jerk fish Rice, cabbage, and macaroni is to die for!! Calling on your order is the best way to order because wait times inside could be between 20-40min on Friday or Saturday nights..Definitely worth the wait
(5)Lisa B.
The customer service was great. Yet, the food was awful. I will not be coming here for a meal again. I was craving Jamaican food and got something totally different. SMH On a positive side, their portion size can feed two people so you get more bang for your buck.
(2)Raymi D.
Tanya is sooooo sweet they forgot my jerk sauce in one order (I've ordered so many times) they were so polite to offer me something complimentary for even having to make the trip back up there. I love this place not only are The salads sooooo delicious, they give you so much meat but the customer service is off the chain. Unfortunately places on the south side usually do not make u feel welcomed they don't greet u NOTHING but this place did and I think that's a great start.
(5)Julia W.
I went to this place because a friend of mine posted a pic of her Jerk Chicken Salad on FB and it looked delicious. So I called in an order for my husband and I. The Jerk salad for me and a white Jerk dinner for him. The service was actually pleasant. As she stated (friend on FB) and as it looked my salad was DELICIOUS. However, my husband's food was not. As another reviewer stated, the sides were EXTREMELY salty. I love cabbage and could not eat it. A couple pieces of chicken was burned (not jerked). They really should put less salt, if a person desires more they can add it. But you can't take it out when you over do it. It destroys the meal.
(2)Jeff Z.
Good Deserts
(4)Patrice H.
I enjoyed the chicken. I have ordered 2x by calling ahead. I ordered the quarter jerk chicken only and it's less than $6, very filling. I'll be back.
(5)Keshia D.
I ordered 2 white jerk dinners. 2 jerk dinners half white with string beans and peas with rice and cabbage with a slice of bread and a can of pop. The meat was very plentiful and tender a little too burnt on the outside for my taste. The peas and rice was nasty and the gravy tasted burnt. The cabbage was over cooked. I heard rave reviews about the banana leaf and I was disappointed with the peas and rice and the cabbage. Customer service was good and the wait was a little too long.
(2)Dick K.
At this tme, it was terrible. Chicken was too much salty. It was not chicken but SALT !!! Maybe chicken was soaked in salt water long long time before cooking. I really disappointed and threw out a haf chicken meals. Owner MUST KNOW 3 things. 1. Customers want fresh chicken. 2. Too much salty chicken can not be consumed. 3. Chicken not salted is no problem because we can eat it with our own salt. Let customers enjoy yout food with their own standard of consuming salt.
(1)Andrea B.
The mac and cheese and yams were good. I'm glad to know that I'm not the only one who felt the food was a bit salty. The jerk chicken and fried chicken were definitely too salty. Come on, Banana Leaf, you know we need to watch our blood pressure.
(3)Dennis B.
I've been doing some construction work in the area and I could smell the food from this place from over two blocks away. I would've tried them earlier but I was unaware that they took credit cards, because for some reason most Jamaican restaurants don't, but they do. I went around 1pm and there really wasn't anyone in there. I ordered the jerk catfish and it was ready within 10 minutes. So I was happy I didn't have to wait forever and a day for my food. In my opinion the food was very good and well seasoned. I even liked the veggies which I never eat. The only downside is that I didn't get any plantains and the beans and rice were burnt as in they scraped it out the bottom of the pot. I shall return.
(4)David P.
This was the worst jerk chicken experience I've had. The black beans used in the rice and peas was a terrible choice and had a bitter taste. The gravy tastes like its burned and the cabbage is bland. I wouldn't recommend ANYWAY go here unless you want to be overcharged for terrible food.
(1)magic g.
Amazing carrabean food. i've tried stew chicken, oax tale & jerk chicken. Cabbage is great, rise is nice & moist. and they do give you spices on the side, for us "yankees" :) neighborhood gem. Do call when ordering take out (i've uploaded the pic of the menu), it does take 10-15 min.
(5)Nicole E.
The first thing I would like to say is the food is GREAT!!!! but the downside is if you call your order in and they will tell you 20mins . Do not believe it the real time it takes to get your called in order is 1 hour!!!! ;( once you arrive to the restaurant to pick up your order that should be ready in 20mins be ready to wait the other 40 mins in the restaurant!!! The lady works there at the front desk is nice I even asked If they deliver to business she said yes!!So I tell my co-workers all about this great food .. I call to place an order they said they don't have a DELIVERY MAN!!!! So they get three stars from me!
(3)Anthony P.
Excellent food. Great owner in Rick I love this place. I have gone there many times. It is the best Caribbean food in Chicago
(5)Alex Y.
Great jerk dishes and the service was great. I was there visiting and the owner was friendly and courteous. I'm definitely stopping there again when I return to Chicago.
(5)Tangerine T.
The food was good, I order the Jerk Chicken (white) with Mac&Cheese and Greens, but the customer service needs some work.
(3)abs t.
man, I hate to give such a low review, but this is the average of the three times that I've gone. man! So disappointed because the food was sooooooooooo salty! Did I say SALTY?!!! man! I almost had an aneurism when I bit into the chicken the last time I went. SO - the backdrop. After a 35 mile bikeride, a friend recommended this place as having some of the best mac and cheese in the city. Being a mac and cheese, and jerk chicken fan, I said "must try this place." Since i was also starving post my bike ride, I decided to hop in the car and head straight there. I orderd the 1/4 chicken dark, a large mac n cheese, the cabbage and green beans. When I got home, I broke out the food and it was deeelicious! The mac n cheese was definitely very good, the jerk was also very good and tender, and the cabbage and string beans were well cooked. I was a fan! However, I've gone back 2 times since then and MY GOODNESS! The salt content in the food was out of control!! The first time, I thought it was a fluke..maybe an off day. The second time, I realized my first experience must have been the fluke. It seems like over salting is the norm. The last time I ordered from there, I literally rinsed off every piece of chicken, piece by piece, and then had them soak in water. Still too salty even after that. Ended up throwing most away. I had to do the same with my vegetables (soaked, re-soaked, and soaked again) - and then heated back up in microwave. Still over salty. And then the biggest disappointed ever - the mac and cheese! Texture was still great.. flavor would liokely have been great too if it weren't for the fact that it, too, was soooooooo salty! I ended up rinsing (gross, I know) my mac n cheese, as well, in hopes that I could save it. Nope :( Ate around it some, but ultimately threw it out as well because much too salty. My siste r- who loves salt and has a much higher tolerance than me - even said it was way too salty. Her words: "man! If I think it's too salty, you know that's a problem." So hopefully, they figure out what's going on with the salt before all their customers die from strokes. But since i don't want to be one of them, I'm going to stay away for now. ah well...
(2)Hassahn P.
I'm a fan of great food and customer service. I have only been here once but had a great experience. The customer service was on point and felt more like "Cheers," a place where everybody knows your name. I had the jerk chicken, which was absolutely tender, seasoned well, and plentiful. I also had the cabbage, which was also very good.. Once I'm down with this Raw Food Detox, I will be back..LOL! The only think I do recommend is that you call in your order. Since they make everything fresh, it takes a while to get your food but it's worth the wait.
(4)Adam K.
If you want a fried breaded thing, then this is the hood for it. And a side of gross hot sauce that is mostly salt? Easy to find around here also. So when I came in here, I set my expectations low. But man it was so good. The mac and cheese is a new favorite of mine. Add this place to the short list of places in this hood you can get a delish somewhat healthy meal. The chicken is done in the jerk style, so its not fried. And you get enough for 3 people, and cabbage and beans. They have Jamaican sodas here. Love.
(4)Florida P.
Great jerk salad, its a must try. However, when I ordered their chicken is was sooo salty. Therefore I only get the amazing salad oh, and that good mac n cheese
(4)Simone C.
I came here after reading reviews and looking for a nearby place for takeout. It took multiple attempts to find their website with a menu, but I eventually found it. I ordered jerk chicken wings and she said the wait time was only 5 minutes. I got there about 20 minutes later and my food was still hot. I didn't have to wait very long to pay. The food was delicious. I will return. On 79th street they have the pay to park boxes but I parked on Euclid where there was free parking and many open spots
(5)Jessica J.
Still one of my favorite places to eat! Keep up the good work!
(5)Peace P.
I am a return visitor for the Jerk chicken and tilapia salad on a regular. I did NOT care for the jerk soup, lamb chops and jerk wings. If you would like a excellent salad stop in.
(3)Derrick F.
The jerk Salad is amazing, the blackened tilapia is good but it's a bit too salty . Pricing is mediocre . All in all it's a pretty good spot. Ps: plantain isn't included in meals
(4)Lauren T.
The wings are too die for! They are not too hot like most of the jerk chicken places around here. The girl who works there is polite and both of my visits have been short and pleasant. I'll write once I try more entrees.
(5)Jasmine N.
This is THEE go-to spot for jerk chicken. I have been to numerous jerk restaurants in Chicago, and when I tell you this is the best......this is the best! The jerk chicken is seasoned to perfection and always juicy. I Love the dark meat and wings, the breast is good too, but dark meat has more of that crispy skin. Oh, and please do not leave out of this place without trying their Mac & Cheese. Their Mac & Cheese is to die for! I introduced this place to some of my friends and family and they refuse to go anywhere else. Also, this place has only been open for a few years and they have gotten a lot of recognition. They were in the Taste of Chicago Festival last year and will be returning this year. I would suggest checking them out . Hope this review helps!!
(5)Lanita T.
I highly recommend this place. Everything was good starting from the time I entered the restaurant until I finished my food. I called ahead of time and place my order and the young lady called me back to let me know that my jerk catfish would take a little longer and wouldn't be ready until a certain time and when I arrived at given time, my order was ready as promised. She was polite and very pleasant and my food was just hot and delicious. Love it!!!
(5)A M S.
Ummm....Well, I went in on a referral from a good source (I thought). He did remind me we only discussed the Curry Chicken which of course I forgot about. Here it goes... I was so hungry. I went to a nearby boutique to browse as I waited for a friend to join me for dinner. When she finally got there, she wanted to see what I got and of course, she then wanted to "browse" before dining. When we finally got in the restaurant, I ordered first because remember, I was starving. The dinners are already set meaning you could not deviate from the side dishes but I didn't care, I was hungry. But my friend did. She questioned if all the dinner options were this way and they said yes, you can only have rice & peas, cabagge and the special bread along with your entree choice. Plus NO plaintain came with it. She was bothered by this and decided against ordering. The young girl behind the counter was not happy with this and made a couple of choice faces as my friend walked away. I decided it wouldn't be right to stay so I asked if it was too late to cancel the order (It is NEVER too late) and the young girl behind the counter asked the cook and he said yes it was. I got the food (because I was hungry) and proceeded to leave when I remembered I was suppose to order something for another friend but I didn't get a chance. Thank God I didn't. I did not turn back because I didn't want them to mess with the next order because my friend did not make one. I decided to share my meal with the other friend. We ate (because we were both hungry) overcooked rice, cabbage,and deprived jerk chicken. I was highly disappointed and so was the other hungry person. I will probably not patronize this place again. My friend had a right to complain. Oh and I did get a banging dress at the boutique across the street thanks to the Banana Leaf. Thanks!
(1)Chaya B.
Great food! Im a health enthusiast and have them prepare all my meals for the week! I get a tray of jerk chicken and specially prepared blackened tilapia to last me through the week!
(4)C F.
Suggested BL again for a baby shower, Man the mac and cheese was a superior hit! You can't buy really good mac and cheese at too many places, so people were loading up and coming back for more on the mac alone! The jerk chicken was tender and hot as usual. As long as the customer Service maintains at great and the food just keeps getting better...keep it coming Rick, we need great eating spots on the southside, you are def one of the top contenders.
(5)Brittney J.
I lived up the street from this place and I have been eating here since they opened up. I love the large portions and seasoned food. Only place I have found with tender ox tails...Cabbage...OH MY...I just absolutely love this place...I now live up north and travel to 79th just for a GREAT meal...I will actually be catering a party from this this weekend..
(5)Whosbaad K.
Good place to get some decent jerk. Hot sauce was great. Mac n cheese was good-it's the real stuff, just like the homemade kind, but too salty for me. Rice and beans have never dissapointed, and I could've passed on the cabbage --I'm used to the red peppers and carrots and SEASONING in there. You get a good amt of food with great, great service, so you can't beat that. Also they do catering. I've had them for 2 events, and they're professional, reasonably priced, and on time. Everyone loved the chicken and Mac and cheese. Great business.
(4)Norman P.
Healthy portions, but have a way to go for that authentic caribbean flavor.
(2)Mia D.
great prices fresh food love the jerk salad since going here i don't go anywhere else Norman is crazy with his review but he eats at the red pagoda so ....... that says it all. good food great prices
(5)Nubian T.
Aww yeah! THE BANANA LEAF! I've had the Brown Stew Chicken meal, the cajun(?) Tilapia meal, and both were tasty. They have a great jerk chicken meal, because compared to some other jerk spots in this area I've tried, Banana Leaf's chicken is super moist, not dry. Parking is not great, but hey, it's the city. If you're in the area, definitely check this one out.
(4)Jamie K.
I consider myself a jerk chicken expert having been to Jamaica quite a few times. This place has the best jerk chicken in Chicago! It's tasty and juicy. And they are fast...you don't have to wait forever for your order and deal with nasty staff attitudes like a certain other jerk chicken place on the South Side.
(5)Glenda H.
this is the place to go for some real jamaican food. i strongly recommend you try the chicken ,string beans ,mac & cheese but a hidden jewel is the shrimp and crap dip it is to die for. love everything that rick serves, the best jamaican food around !
(5)Samika M.
This place is the best, I am in love, the macaroni & cheese taste like my granny is back there cooking. I definitely recommend this place anytime jerk is mentioned. I am a Banana Leaf spokesperson...LOL!!!
(5)