The Jerk chicken was great, but the jerk sauce was fire. Nice clean place to eat and enjoy the festivities.
(4)
Chris B.
If there was a negative I would do it. First time came here waited over an our and was told they were out of food that they weren't. People after I had ordered were getting food I ordered. Food was okay but cold. 2nd time... Today I come in an order 4 little wings and a small Mac and cheese. No Mac and cheese yet. Okay. Just the four wings fine.... I proceed to wait for 45 minutes for four wings... Everyone is getting orders left and right and eating and finishing AFTER my order. Sick of waiting ask for a refund they magically appear within 30 seconds of asking. Rudely asked do I still want a refund. Hell yeah I do. O and mind you people were getting Mac and cheese in orders after I was told there wasn't any made yet. Never the hell again.
(1)
Christopher V.
Uncle Joe's cleaned house a while ago & made a concerted effort to improve customer service. The service is dramatically better & the grub is a bit more consistent.
(3)
Michelle T.
Solid little joint. $12 with tax for a jerk chicken dinner with creamed corn (yum). The jerk sauce was the perfect amount of spicy.
(3)
Umair N.
I tried the BBQ jerk chicken it was good, but I'm not too sure I like Jamaican food that much. This was my first time trying that type of cuisine, but I'm giving this place four stars because the cashier was really friendly, and welcoming and you definitely get your moneys worth. Maybe I'll try it again but I'm fine for now :)
(4)
Dani M.
I love the Jerk White meat dinner with cabbage. I recently tried the catfish and it was okay, next time I will tell them to cook it a little longer. Today I had the jerk tacos and they were so good!!!!!
(5)
Nicole C.
While the food is always good they are often out of menu items. How do you run out of beef patties and yams?! Is there no one monitoring when these things are low? I would assume you know when you are down to 10 servings of yams thus, it's time to prepare more! It is the most infuriating thing ever and an awful way to run a business. The objective is to make money and running out of vital menu items is the 1st way to lose money. Maybe they need a new kitchen manager.
(3)
Ria S.
Food is always good & fresh here. I often get the oxtails which are always tender but have had the chicken which is good. Call your order in ahead of time to avoid the long wait. Only drawback is parking is tight over there especially when school is in session along with parking restrictions
(4)
Tee L.
I've only eaten here once, which is why I only gave them 4 stars, but as I frequent them more, it will probably change to 5 based on my 1st experience. The jerk chicken was SOOOOOOOO freakin good!!! Juicy & grilled to perfection. The sauce was the perfect blend of acidity & spice. The beans & rice were flavorful (something you rarely find in Jamaican restaurants.) The yams were delicious also. The rasta pasta was good & even better the next day. The young lady at the register couldn't have been nicer. I can't wait to go back to try something else on the menu!! If you're in the Hyde Park area & have a taste for some jerk, THIS is the place you should go. There's others in the area, including a sit down joint that relocated from the north side, but this is way better than them, hands down!
(4)
Dana J.
I enjoyed my food at Uncle Joe's. I'm pretty simple, I usually just eat jerk chicken with rice and I am beyond satisfied with that! I didn't have any problems with service, the girl at the register was very sweet and patient with me. Their famous jerk sauce is amazing! I do wish they had a smaller portion of rice and beans, the small is pretty big and I end up wasting about half of it.
(4)
Brittany G.
Great food! Great service! I'd definitely recommend Uncle Joe's in Hyde Park. I ordered the five wing dinner with a side of red beans and rice and cabbage. I loved every bit of it. The wings were so flavorful... they were good with or without the sauce. My only regret is that I didn't order extra plantains! But I'll be back! Can't wait to try more on the menu. There was a little wait to order and pick up the food but with the great customer service, you don't even notice.
(5)
Tina J.
One of my favorite Jamaican restaurants around here. The wait can be up to an hour and a half but the food is worth it!!! The oxtails are to die for. There is another uncle joes on king drive but they must have different owners because the food is nowhere as good as the one in Hyde Park. I will continue to come here despite the long wait time. The caramel cake is also fantastic.
(5)
Ryan H.
One ot my fav restaurants in the city!!! Great staff service, huge portions!! Awesome!!
(5)
Evelyn B.
Love the jerk catfish and beef patty. Most of the staff is nice but they don't have your order ready even when you call it in. Otherwise this is definitely a place to visit.
(4)
Sofia J.
I can't believe how low the avg rating is!! As a rule of thumb authentic places don't have the greatest service, chill out people! I came to Joe's on the BBQ Blues Bike Tour and loved it! Jerk chicken plate is a fantastic value, quite a few pieces of flavorful chicken and like 4 sides! Plantains, rice, sauce, bread (white :/), and a side of your choice for $10!! Try the grapefruit Ting :)
(5)
Joyce H.
The food, the smell as you're approaching the restaurant, and the people who work there are all wonderful! I always go for the jerk wing dinner with candied yams. It also comes with rice and beans, bread and plantains. The wings are juicy and super flavorful, the candied yams set off the spice with their sweetness, and the rice and beans are smoky and delicious. My only complaint is that sometimes they forget the plantains and when they remember them they are often overcooked. The hot sauce they give you with your order in a little container is to die for--nice and vinegary and peppery--but beware, it's very spicy!
(4)
Lauren W.
Don't go if you're in a rush - long waiting times unless you call ib. Good food overall, jerk chicken is the best! I was disappointed by the curry, but not much.
(4)
Parris J.
I love the food here! I tried the jerk chicken and jerk catfish. The catfish is okay, nothing to brag about but the chicken is great and the sides are the finishing touch! I like to eat the sweet potatoes and red beans and rice.
(4)
Jill L.
Ordered the Jerk Chicken dinner with Mac & Cheese as my side and a beef patty as well. Amazing. Everything was so flavorful. Mac & cheese was great. I can't actually think of any restaurant whose Mac & cheese I have liked, but this one was delicious. Only downside was that I didn't get the plantains that come with the meal, which I was really looking forward to *sad face*. The wait for my food was longer than average in comparison to other places but wasn't a big deal. I'll probably just call in my order next time. Will definitely visit again!! Also: I went on a Sunday & they are open until 10pm, not 7 as shown on Yelp.
(4)
Andi M.
Went here after a dreadful experience near by. Checked out menu and there was a great selection to choose from. Also very reasonably priced. Ordered Jerk Wings.... Food came out and the wings were delicious indeed. Very juicy and tender. Just the right amount of sauce on the side. Very satisfied indeed. Definitely will return here! Thank you Uncle Joe!!
(4)
I. C.
THE WORST CUSTOMER SERVICE, EVER. Who cares if the food is good if you treat people like you hate the business you're in. This restaurant has the rudest staff. They are not helpful. They would leave you on hold for hours if you don't hang up. It takes over 1-hour for call-in orders to be ready. THEY JUST DON'T CARE. So, why should you patronize their business?
(1)
Fred N.
This is an example of a restaurant where just adding 1-2 individuals to the wait staff would lead to a dramatically improved experience. The food is good but there is always an unreasonable wait, or a lost call in order, or something like today where I tried to call and I was placed on hold multiple times before I could even place my order. I'm just tired of these establishments unwilling to improve their service. Doesn't make sense in 2014 I can't even call in my order.
(1)
Tiffany H.
I walked by this place smelling the wonderful aroma until one day I decided to go in. It wasn't too crowded and the ambiance is basic. However the food is great! Love the curry chicken went back to try the jerk. Both were delicious. They prepare the food for you when you place the order. The people are down to earth and seem really nice. :-)
(4)
Sylanda B.
Bad customer service, and expect to wait at least 30 minutes or more. I called in minutes after they open and the rude young lady kept me on hold for 10 minutes, I drove over to understand why i was waiting so long well it was only one customer in the store . The cashier just did not feel like working that day and had a serious attitude. I hear this is the norm.
(1)
Elissa L.
This is my go to place for Jamaican food. Lots of flavor, decent portions and reasonable prices. The service is hit or miss but I normally don't have any problems primarily because I always call my order in 15 to 30 minutes before picking it up.
(4)
Zach J.
Quit crying and bitching about parking, customer service, and long waits! First of all good food takes a long time to cook. The parking is not their fault moron! And customer service, who cares! It's all about the food. First off let me say the jerk chicken is to die for, they slow cook it from scratch on a large indoor grill. The sauce they put on is delicious too. Got a half chicken for less than $7 not a bad deal! They were all out of the wings and that sucked which is the reason for a 4 star review. My brother did tell me sometimes their customer service is bad, but it was ok when I was there.
(4)
Nadya R.
If only the service staff was as good as the food. If the girl in the front (forgot her name but all she could talk about was her trip to Vegas coming up). Also don't talk about customers to other customers while they are there. Rude and unprofessional.
(1)
Lauren W.
Great, authentic Jamaican food. Good service, good drinks, reasonable prices, large portions. They play live music on some nights, too. I recommend the brown stew chicken.
(5)
P. A.
Good food, BUT..... I'm on a mission to get better SERVICE on the South Side. IT'S RIDICULOUS. AND UNACCEPTABLE. Found the menu for Joe's on line, and when I phoned in my order, the options were not as represented. Some listed sides were not honored, and the phone rep was completely unapologetic. No explanation, just "That's not a side." And, "No patties today". Why? "We didn't get any." Hmm, a Caribbean joint with no patties, even though they're on the menu. Can you at least say "Sorry"? Don't even think about walking in to place an order. You will be waiting for at least half an hour. And it's not pleasant. Step up, Joe. There are lots of other options opening up in Hyde Park!
(3)
Mark N.
Good, fresh Jamaican food. I tried jerk catfish, rice and peas, and steamed cabbage. The jerk catfish was not nearly as hot as jerk stuff is at many Jamaican places I have tried, but it was excellent tasting. They offer a variety of jerk fish plates, jerk chicken of course!, curried goat, oxtail, meat pies, and the other usual Jamaican suspects.. A short walk from the Obama family home in case you happen to be in the area checking that out like I was. Very close to the Metra stop.
(4)
N'Dia J.
I go here at least twice a week. The staff is pleasant and as long as u call in u never have to wait. I love the food every time.
(5)
Jasmine N.
I won't be coming back. The service was nice, however the food left a lot to be desired. The jerk chicken was ok, it certainly could have been better. The macaroni was terrible (a box type) and the cabbage was very hard and under cooked. Very disappointing.
(2)
Montez G.
My co-worker took me here, after we left the ripoff barbershop two doors over. We had the jerk-wings. OMG reminds me of Brooklyn! They were pretty good, Jamaicans cooking in the back. BIGUPS!
(4)
Sunny D.
Upon arrival, it was clear that the food that you wonderful smells outside comes from within. There were a number of people waiting for their order when I came in: a good sign that the food must be good. The person took my order promptly and was really nice. My order of two dinners to-go took the typical 20 mins. When I got home, I did notice that the sides styrofoam box were melted--something noticed by another reviewer and possibly due to microwaving. Regardless, the food was pretty good although some of the wings I got were burned. I wish the plantain would've been less dry and the rice and beans had more sauce. The mac and cheese was not special.
(3)
Jes G.
This is a local restaurant in my neighborhood. I normally get the chicken but I have also had the shrimp and I enjoy both. Service is normally good and everyone here is friendly. I do suggest calling ahead because it can take a while especially on weekends.
(4)
Sydney H.
The good: The food. I can't complain I was referred here by a friend in LA and I agree this place has some good chicken and awesome sauce. I never had this before but if I am ever in Chicago again this will be a stop for me. The cashier was kind of rude on the phone but she was really nice to us when she found out this was our first visit and we were from out of town. We didn't order drinks (not on purpose) just had food on our minds. She gave us all a free drink and they were also good. She followed up with us and made sure everything was everything. The Bad: Parking is a nightmare so good luck. We had to park on a street a few blocks over and if you didn't know it is really cold in Chicago. That was a few blocks too many to walk. Not enough tables and chairs. It was packed when we went and we were lucky most people were taking their food to go or we wouldn't have a place to sit. It is a little ghetto but overall the area seems to be ok. I think the owners would do well if they put one of these places downtown on the mile.
(3)
Landa D.
I used to have Uncle Joe's almost weekly... but, that was about three years ago when my ex had a yen for Jamaican curry goat. Uncle Joe's fit the bill in that it was authentic, and conveniently located. It was a bit pricey, though. I revisited this location last week, and things have not changed much. The order taker/ cashier was more friendly and personable than I remember. I had the jerk wings and they were really, really good. I enjoyed them. What I didn't enjoy was the price. I paid $8 for four (4) wings, a slice of dough bread and a can of soda. And that was the lunch special price. Not cool. I like Uncle Joe's food but it is, in my opinion, too expensive. There are other authentic Jamaican restaurants in the city of Chicago that are cheaper. I will return, but only if I'm stranded in the area and can't get to another Jamaican restaurant.
(3)
Moe T.
I've been to Jamaica and had their jerk chicken, and while this is not it, it certainly is good. I don't care who tells you it's authentic, its not but it's pretty bomb and the sides are great. The area and the way the restaurant looks isn't so great but the food is worth a try.
(4)
Dave S.
I need to dine out in Hyde Park more often since every time I try a new restaurant it just seems better than the last and this one is no exception. I was in Jamaica 6 months before I tried this place. During my visit (which was quite extraordinary by the way) I was able to enjoy some authentic Jamaican cuisine. When I ordered lunch here and started eating, I was immediately transported back in time to my visit . It was that good! Once again, please don't judge a book by its cover as this place is not much to look at from the outside or inside for that matter, but the minimalist decor fits right in and if you have ever been to Jamaica, you will know what I mean.
(5)
Richard F.
Depends on when you go. Sometimes it's good and other times not so good. I think I go on the not so good days...
(2)
Ellie K.
I have eaten at Uncle Joe's twice, and both times it was very good. The food was fresh, hot and tasty. I wish the prices were a bit better and the service a bit faster, but the food certainly makes up for it. I'm quite disappointed to see all the negative reviews. Uncle Joe's is a reliable Hyde Park restaurant, and I wish the community would be more supportive. Anyway, Uncle Joe's has great flavorful, moist, delicious chicken and hearty sides. Give it a try!
(3)
Crystal H.
I dont know anything about what the place looks like as I was in the car and my boyfriend ordered our food but we couldn't pull off without finishing the chicken. The red beans and rice is good too.
(5)
T J.
Im posting from memory (2007-2009) and on behalf of my pal who had a ridiculously bad experience there over the weekend. My experience was that the food was okay but the service was always so bad that even as a 20-something not used to good service, I finally stopped going. And this was before there were so many places to eat along 53rd street. I got tired of rude cashiers and getting home to have stuff missing from the meal or the wrong side. My poor friend (who is jamaican) ordered 4 patties--45 minutes later they bring them out, and they were literally burnt black, though someone tried to scrape some of the black off. The manager then proceeded to hide when he realized he had an angry Jamaican woman on his hands. Add in a rude cashier who had an attitude about giving a refund for inedible food and guys joking around in the back which is obviously why the food was burnt up. Don't patronize places with service like Uncle Joe's. It's been years and nothing has changed. Owner obviously doesn't read yelp.
(1)
Fruit Batman E.
Ok food, horrible customer service... Sometimes I'm guilty of going to restaurants that I know has bad/slow service, because the food is delicious.. (anyone who's ever been to home of the hoagy on 111th knows what I'm talking about!) But this place has horrible service and mediocre food.. take the twenty minutes you might save and drive somewhere else... The one on 22nd and state is good.. The last time I went there were two customers who needed to order ahead of me... But it still took 10 minutes for me to just place my order... I ordered a half chicken dinner with rice and yams. They stated they didn't have yams. So instead I ordered corn.. when I asked how long it will take I was told 20 minutes.. because I know its slow I waited in my car when I returned I had to wait 5 min to ask the status of my order, was told a couple of minutes... Another patron who apparently knew the cook orderes a tray and received a tray on the spot.. I asked how she was able to order a tray, when all I ordered was a half chicken... They then said it was the corn I was waiting on... 10 minutes later they handed me the food.. I started to walk out the door but stop because they didn't offer me one apology.. just here you go.. when I told the cashier this she stated ohh sorry.. then I said I shouldn't have to tell you to say sorry after a 40 min wait..... I wouldn't have waited that long with poor services just for myself, but others wanted some.. when we ate the food had no jerk seasoning on it... No flavor.. basically I waited 40 min for poorly carved grilled chicken... And the corn was from the can.. Save your frustration and money drive somewhere else
(1)
Winston G.
Compared to other Hyde Park places, Uncle Joe's is a decent option and a place I would consider coming back to again. I decided to try the jerk chicken dinner plate (no lunch specials on weekends, fail) - $11 gets you 1/2 a chicken, beans and rice, plantains, and a side of your choice (I got creamed corn). I thought the chicken was just ok - I liked how they used a smoker to smoke the chicken, but I found the chicken to be really dry and a bit overcooked. The sides were just fine - no complaints there. The one positive about this place is the jerk sauce. I swear, this sauce might be the only reason I come back to this place - it is a flavorful sauce with a bit of a spicy kick to it. I can't really describe it, but it might be worth coming here to try it. Service was okay - took about 10-15 minutes to complete our take out order, which to me seems a bit on the slow side when there aren't too many people there.
(3)
Raymond S.
I have such a love hate relationship with Uncle Joe's. The funny part is the Jerk Chicken itself is completely lackluster. Taste like regular grilled chicken without a strong jerk flavor. But I go there for the Curry Goat and stewed Oxtails. When it's on, its absolutely amazing. I could eat it non stop. But the key phrase is "when its on". There are times when it's horrible, you just have to hope you go on a good day. When I worked in the area I ate it at least once a week, and the goat ranged from tender, meaty and orgasmic to tough, try and bony. The sides are mostly bad. The mac and cheese, candied yams and callaloo are tasteless and dry. Admittedly the pasta salad is amazing. The only consistent thing on the menu. The cabbage also isn't bad, but it's not great either The service is so bad, it's embarrassing. The wait could range from 20 minutes to over an hour, even when you call ahead. There were many times I would phone in an order and they'll say 15 minutes, and still have to wait 30-45 minutes after I got there. There are also many times when they are out of certain products. In fact whenever I've wanted a beef patty they were out. One of the cashiers in particular looks like her cat just died every time she's at work, and there is a loud man who works the front every once in a while who mocks customers. I think it's pretty expensive for what you get, especially when it's bad. All in all, the restaurant has way more negatives than positives, but that damn curry goat won't let me go. If not for that, I would give this place 1 star. If you like goat like I do then you have to give it a try. But if not then stay the hell away
(2)
Dion T.
I will never visit this location ever again and take my money elsewhere!!!!
(1)
Sevun H.
Will update and say that I haven't seen the rude lady behind the counter in a while which is a plus. The young lady who I see most often now is much more pleasant and appears to genuinely care when you have an issue or problem with your oder/service. In regards to the food it is still hit or miss. Usually when the female chef is in the Kitchen its a big hit but when she is not there it is a miss. Thats been my experience at least. Once I called in advance to find out if she was working and I was told yes...I place my order and get there and lo and behold, she was not there!! Picked up the food anyway but was not pleased at all. From now on I will go in and make sure she is there before ordering.
(3)
Carole C.
Well what Jamaican Jerk Chicken restaurant runs out of plantain all the time! I like Uncle Joe's but they are inconsistent. This location is upstairs in a building and it is awkward to find, and parking is dicey. I have never eaten in always get my order to go. They have not been open very long at this location so there is room for growth and improvement, I will not write them off my list yet, but intend to go back again!
(3)
Mamie H.
i have been a devoted customer for about ten years now I have tried just about everything on the menu: chicken oxtails, catfish, shrimps and salads all have been delicious ...the secret is to always, always open and check your order before leaving, if you find the meat to be to dry or not to your satisfaction just let them know they will gladly replace. Mamie
(5)
Mel K.
So...sick...of...Snail...must find other takeout option... Yes, thank you Uncle Joe's.
(4)
Laura P.
So here's the thing...in college I lived with a friend who was married to a Jamaican. All of our friends were Jamaican or some sort of Caribbean or African descent. I know I jerk. In addition, I spent a month in Jamaica touring with locals and ate homemade jerk and callaloo and plantain.... Suffice to say that I can accurately comment on the quality of this type of food. The curry goat was as I remember. Haven't had it in years...it melted in my mouth as I picked the meat off the small bones. It had been marinated and stewed properly and the spice was just right. Soo soo right. I would have liked some jerk goat but the curry made up for it so no complaints.... The jerk chicken also was absolutely authentic. Even cut with a cleaver as is the norm. I was stunned. I was happy. The plantain was also as I remembered....I said to my friend, 'This is what I think of as comfort food.' Yes, the service is impossibly slow. It is a Jamaican restaurant, the food does take a certain amount of time to prepare and when we were there they actually ran out of chicken. That was ok with me, it means that they are freshly cooking the stuff not just pulling it out of a freezer. They also made me happy because they serve my favorite of all time Jamaican drink, Ting! It was beautiful to remember my comfort food....
(5)
Seth A.
decent food was barely enjoyed after waiting for over a half hour to get my food. not sure if i got the "new guy" treatment, but it seemed like a handful of people came in after me, ordered, and got there food before me. I feel bad making accusations and giving a poor review, but this wait was entirely too long for a meal that appeared to be pre-made.
(2)
Steve D.
As mostly stated below, the food is very good but the service is horrendous. Calling ahead is no guarantee that they'll actually put the order through. And yet I keep coming back because the chicken is quite tasty. Five star food and one star service; split the difference and you get my rating.
(3)
Fiyah C.
I used to love Uncle's Joes especially the one in Hyde Park. So when I ordered my jerk chicken over the weekend, I had my mouth set for some GREAT food. I was sadly disappointed. I hadn't had it in a while and the taste was just medeocre, definitely not what I was expecting. My take on this is if your prices are going to go up (which they have) at least let your quality & taste of food be the same.
(2)
April P.
so, i know they are not known for their service, but it's not so much an issue, as long as your order about 40 minutes ahead. Don't recommend a dine in, but food is packed very nicely so there is no spillage for carry out. As always, the bf orders the brown stewed chicken, and i order the oxtails. Both falling off the bone, and that my friends make for a good Caribbean meal. If it does not do that after the first bite, folks, bring it back!!! Cabbage has a great consistency, not being too soggy or crisp. The rice is wonderfully done, and they have huge pinto beans in them. ooooh, hmmmmm. a decent price, as the helpings are huge, and enough for lunch next day. Can ya tell we are big on leftovers? :)
(4)
Esther Y.
I can't agree more with Angela J. in re the HORRID service. Can I give them negative a million stars? It was that bad. Quite possibly the worst service ever. Actually, strike that. It IS the worst service ever. So we ordered around 2:40 for pick up. The order was easy enough. About 10 orders of jerk chicken and fish. Easy peasy, right? Apparently not. We even called before we left to pick the food up to make sure that the orders were going to be ready. And they said forty minutes. Why did we leave there after 4pm without ANYTHING? Because they suck. Oh, and did we get offered a drink, a discount, a taste of something while we were waiting? No. Listen, I like good food and I like supporting local businesses. However, I do not support SUCK A(# service and complete disregard for the customer, or a place that lacks any semblance of decency. Can you tell how much I hated this place? Oh! And the worst part is, the jerk chicken and fish were just okay.
(1)
C F.
I came here after the King Drive store was out of food...grrrr! This place took my order and it was hot, but not fresh! Im sooo disappointed! A friday afternoon after the lunch rush and altough it was pipping hot, it wasnt fresh at all.
(2)
Shante D.
5 stars=Woohoo! As good as it gets! Inspite of this place's slightly pedophilic name, it gets 5 stars because a) I like to woohoo (so really...it's only 4.5 stars) b) For the purpose it's meant to serve----Uncle Joe's does its job. [i.e. good food, cheap, no frills. Workers @ UJ's aren't that friendly [at all.] Not really a frilly dine-in spot. [For frills--go to Jah Grill on the Northside. I love that place] BUT.... The food @ UJ's is GOOD. Portion sizes are huge. Did I say the food was good?And the food is cheap. (typicall b/w 9-14 for a dinner.) My mom [who's visiting] is even raving about it. Although it's supposedly known for its jerk chicken [they even sell bottles of Uncle Joe's Jerk Chicken Sauce], I'm not that crazy about the jerk chicken [though that's the dish my Mom is raving about---as I type.] I prefer the jerk at its Hyde Park competitor, Calypso Cafe. However, Uncle Joe's is authentic/the real deal. Calypso Cafe? Not so much. Back to Uncle Joe's----the oxtail stew is delish! [still licking my lips.] The brown chicken stew is good, too. I am however, a bit thrown off with some of the menu items---i.e. mac n cheese. I also once substituted yams {i'm from the South so I know my candied yams) for plantain since they were out of plantain. Bad idea. Not to mention, when they do happen to have plantain [in stock], you only get 1!!! 1 big slice of plantain? Doesn't cut it. Not a place to go and dine-in (unless you're on a super chill afternoon with a friend or a boyfriend). In that case, not too bad. The reggae in the background music is hot. I'd buy the CDs if they sold them. [I actually suggest they dub those CDs and sell them.] Oh....and another thing----there's a table set up inside with a bootlegger who sells all of the latest CDs and DVDs. I've never gone over to the table, but still-----gotta love it. Cheap food, good music, huge portion sizes (I only had 4 bites and just put the rest of my dish in the fridge), bootleg guy (if that's your thing). Your one-stop shop. Now.....if only I knew who Uncle Joe was? {aren't you secretly itching to see who he is, too?}
(4)
Felicia Y.
This place has really lost it's touch. Was there 7/9/10 and they served me peas and rice that had been refrigerated and not at all warmed through. They tried to place warm, not hot, red beans (peas) over top and that made it even more obvious. The plantains were cold in the middle. I was sooo disappointed that they would have served me a dinner that was not at all fresh and wasn't even warm. They've just lost my business and the business of the guest who also received this terrible dinner.
(1)
Dami O.
This place is mad slow. There are a lot of frustrated customers who have been waiting longer than 40mins to get their food. Their operation efficiency needs serious help. They have one lady answering the busy phone line, while taking orders from 10+ customers and packaging orders at the same time. Absolutely ridiculous
(1)
Falicha S.
Ok so the food is delicious BUT the service is horrible! They always have an EXTREMELY long wait, even if u call in advance and pick up! I have been here twice once as a walk in and another as a call and pick up customer and both times I waited over 40 minutes for my food! I will not be going back...I'm willing to travel to the other location further south!
(2)
Tracey J.
It takes FOREVER to get your food, so call ahead and even still you may wait when you get there. The food is hit or miss. I feel the jerk chicken is consistent, but the side dishes are not. The cabbage is good, but inconsistent with how it is made. Sometimes it's tender and sometimes a bit crunchy. The rice is usually overcooked and dry. They drench the rice in the gravy so you won't notice, but I still notice. The plantain is good, but inconsistent. Sometimes it's sweet and nicely carmelized and other times some pieces black inside and not sweet. Cost of a meal seems to be rising. Understand you cannot get lunch portions on the weekend. You are forced to get the higher priced dinner.
(3)
Never M.
Nastier than Janet Jackson. This food and service are just........my vocabulary is not vast enough to explain. The girls at the counter talked and joked around with each other until they decided I had been standing there long enough. I ordered "jerked" cat. It was bland. The fish was whiting and had been cooked whole without the head. The consistency of the fish indicated that the fish had not thoroughly thawed before cooking it. My rice tasted like Zatarins red beans rice and in my heart of hearts I truly believe it might have been. This place is always empty for a reason.
(1)
Shuinn C.
I called for takeout last night: two orders of 1/2 chicken dinners. DEEEELISH. And one dinner is enough for two meals. Didn't have an issue with service, but seriously you don't come to a place like this for 5 star service. Good for takeout. They got me my food quick, delicious, and with a smile. That's all I ask :).
(4)
Yohance T.
The food here is pretty god
(3)
Peter F.
Uncle Joe's on Cottage Grove is legendary for jerk chicken in Chicago. They've opened up a bunch of new locations, and this one does not disappoint. Unlike most of Hyde Park, parking is usually easy on 51st, the place is clean, friendly, plays some good old school R&B, and has a decent seating area. The jerk chicken and curry goat here are absolutely up to snuff, and they stock a really good brand of ginger beer. Probably the best thing about this location, compared to other South Side Jamaican institutions, is that you can eat here without canceling your plans for the rest of the day. (I get it, South Side + Jamaican = no hurry mon, but I've got places to go, people to see.) They'll also take call-in orders for pick-up, but if it's late in the day, towards closing, they might refuse to do so. Most people here get their stuff to go, but there's a lot of (no-frills) seating. Dinner runs $9-13 for big portions of meat and seafood; dinners includes a side, one fried plantain, and the wonderest bread I've ever seen (the South Side's contribution to Jamaican culinary arts). Lunch runs more in the $5-8 range.
(4)
Katrina H.
Not sure if these folks at this location are just having a HORRIFIC day however I the last time I placed a to go order, the Order Taker was soo Rude that I had to Stress to him to PLEASE have a NICE DAY... we just paid $50 for a Full Meal Deal at this joint only to get home and find that the Mac - n - Cheese Looks like some Noodles with shredded cheese (barely mixed) and thats it.. It used to be ohh so creamy.. The 2 Jerk Whole Chickens.. DRY AS THE ARIZONA MOUNTAINS.. I'm soo Irritated! there is nothing like having a taste for something but end up having to drink a Gallon of Water just to Flush it down.. YUK!
(2)
Farooq C.
Great jerk chicken! Their sauce is awesome too. I have tried their plantain but didn't like that as much. I get whole jerk chicken and it is enough for two people and leftover for next day.
(4)
E B.
This place is a joke!! Out of habit, I have visited several times. The prices are way too high and the quality is too low. I have visited for the last time after spending twenty bucks for a min. amount of food.This place doesnot care about quality meats or giving you a fair amount of food for the money. Find another place in HP to eat.
(1)
Tara J.
The food is great, one of the best places in Chicago to get Jamaican jerk IMO. Don't expect five-star restaurant service; it's akin to Harold's, which is fine. Just make sure you manage your expectations upfront ... Order your food, expect to wait about 15-20 min., and keep it moving!
(4)
Angela K.
Uncle Joe's jerk chicken is worth it all.
(4)
Kara M.
after my visit to MBL in search of oxtail with some awesome rice and peas ended with no food in hand or belly i was still determined to get some good west indian food and then unc joe's was found...ventured to Hyde Park and ordered some ox tail, jerk chicken, rice and peas, plantain, cabbage, and yam...good gawd, get in my belly! food was on point for sure. everything was well seasoned and the plantain were perfect...not underripe like i've had at other places before...i had so much food i def had two meals in there....the food was def on the day i went and it cured my craving
(4)
Kevin B.
I, unfortunately, can't comment on the food here because of the sheer rudeness of the service. I'm willing to put up with a lot in terms of service, especially in a fast food-like "order at the register" sort of environment. Communication gets garbled sometimes; such is life. However, when the person taking my order (I asked for the 1/4 jerk chicken LUNCH, and she just rang up the 1/4 jerk chicken) tried to rudely blame me for he mistake by rolling her eyes and telling me to specify that I wanted the lunch special...that's my limit. I DID specify that; good customer service is to affirm that there was a communications goof and nicely fix the order without trying to make me feel like an idiot. I asked for my money back and told her why (I refuse to spend my money in a place where I'mgoing to be treated rudely), and was sarcastically given my money back. I don't particularly feel the need to see if other employees are as high quality as her, and will just go to Nthan's on 53rd for my jerk chicken fix.
(1)
Azizah S.
They have gotten better with customer service the last two times I've been here so I've put an extra star for some effort.
(4)
Joe W.
Whoa that was a lot of food. Not sure how much I liked all of it, but it effectively killed my urge to eat for the rest of the day. I dined in, which is not the preferred option. But I got my food promptly enough, and ~$10 got me probably more than a 1/2 chicken, a beans/rice combo, plantain chunks, their famous standalone jerk sauce. All in all it probably weighed about 6 pounds. The plantains chunks were a bit small and mushy. The chicken was pretty plain without the jerk sauce, and the sauce itself had a great spicy kick to go along with subtle sweetness. The rice and beans provided the necessary carb fill-in for the meal. Uncle Joe's stands in partial contrast to nearby Calypso's, which offers a slightly more "upscale" experience with jerk recipes and environment. However, in going to both places, the bill ends up being almost the same price. And Calypso's clearly has advantage in terms of food quality. So it confuses me somewhat why I would choose Uncle Joe's over Calypso...maybe because I don't feel like tipping?
(3)
Tony R.
Honestly, when I go to a place like Uncle Joe's, I am not expecting five star service. Look at it, it is pretty spartan. This is a place that screams "eat, pay, and go away." Those are the places I like going to because I know the only reason they are in business is because their food is serious business. I can see how some of you all are so disturbed by the lack of finesse at the cashier, but on the other hand, let's remember, you are AT A CASHIER, not sitting in Sullivan's waiting for your kobe beef. Ahem, now for the food. I have dreams about the jerk chicken. Wonderful dreams in which I am hunched over my foiled wrapped half chicken with the sauce that makes my soul sing everlasting praises about the world. This is serious jerk chicken, I mean, they even have a barrel in the back to grill it. Screw the service, come here to eat, not to be served like you are King of the World. Wow, I think I will grab some of this jerk chicken soon...I'm already salivating for this. Also, the dinners are a great deal. DO IT.
(4)
Kisha H.
It tools me years to actually step foot in a west-indian restaurant in Chicago because I was certain Id be disappointed. Luckily, after trying out Uncle Joe's, I deemed it worthy enough to bring my very west-Indian family who all enjoyed the food. The servigs are pretty hefty! As for the service, it's already been said. Hire more help at the register and in the kitchen, or hire new people.
(3)
Jesse C.
Only order from here if you want to wait next to forever. Good rice and peas.
(3)
Jeremy W.
For those of you complaining about the horrible service, when have you EVER known a Jamaican restaurant to offer fast service?? C'mon, Mon! You dink de service is slo, din go somewhere else! Seriously, Uncle Joe's has ok Jerk Chicken. Sides (mac & cheese) are not top notch but will fill a void. It's not unusual to spend 20-30 minutes in this place if you go here for carry out. They are supposed to be opening a store in downtown Chicago, if they do then they will need to learn the methodology of fast food. "Fast" being the operative word here.
(3)
Darrick A.
This restaurant has the worst customer service ever. Please font go in while Barbie is on the phone she won't stop to take an order. They are slow as hell even when order is ready they won't give you your food. Call first for beef patties they're out regularly!! Food ok during the week, weekends make sure you have the right cook in the back!
(2)
Jacqueline V.
Great Jerk chicken, and sometimes, nothing except Jerk chicken will do it for you. Uncle Joe's consistently gets it right. Unfortunately, the seating / decor is pretty drab, and sometimes they get a little stingy on the portions (but out of the 25+ times i've been there, its only happened two or three times). I highly recommend their candied yams, their rice, and of course, their chicken. Also, almost never a long wait for the food. :)
(4)
Kay L.
Got Uncle Joe's for an event to feed the staffers. We ordered a tray of chicken, a tray of plantains, and a tray of rice with beans. Overall, my experience was pretty good when picking up the food. Everything seemed pretty nice. Anyway, the food itself was... pretty good. Nothing spectacular. The chicken was not as good as I had hoped. It just tasted like normal chicken with hints of jerk flavor. Additionally, the sauce that came with it was too overpowering for the chicken, so that didn't help much. The chicken wasn't very moist either, so it was overall quite plain. The plantains and rice were both pretty good though. However, nothing really stood out about either of those. They were just really tasty side dishes. So, overall, I'll rate my experience with Uncle Joe's to be 3 stars. I want to bump this up to 4, but the chicken just really underwhelmed me. Ho hum. I guess next time I'll try some of their other selections. It's definitely worth a visit.
(3)
Chitauqua B.
I have eaten at Uncle Joes for years. Since recently moving to South Shore, I figured the Hyde Park location would be more convenient than 82nd and Cottage Grove. Patronizing this location was a huge mistake. The chicken was not seasoned and the jerk sauce tasted like distilled vinegar. I will stick to the original location (8201 South Cottage Grove) for my jerk chicken needs. I suggest readers looking for a good Caribbean meal do the same.
(1)
louis c.
just came from there with no food i called it in they said thirty minutes i got there in 35 minutes then they told me it would be ready in 25 more minutes dont know no place in chicago that slow
(2)
jaime m.
sometimes I go here & get pissed. other times I go & go to sleep smiling with an over stuffed belly. Pros: the food is damn good cons: *slow as hell *2 out of the 4 times my oder ( brown stew chiken is my favorite) was ice damn cold) * The ppl who work there now are not too "personable" * DId I mention these Mfs are slow as hell * the last batch of mac n cheese tasted like it was made with nacho sauce.. what the hell!
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch, Dinner Parking : Street Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Divey, Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : No Caters : Yes
Mr. A.
The Jerk chicken was great, but the jerk sauce was fire. Nice clean place to eat and enjoy the festivities.
(4)Chris B.
If there was a negative I would do it. First time came here waited over an our and was told they were out of food that they weren't. People after I had ordered were getting food I ordered. Food was okay but cold. 2nd time... Today I come in an order 4 little wings and a small Mac and cheese. No Mac and cheese yet. Okay. Just the four wings fine.... I proceed to wait for 45 minutes for four wings... Everyone is getting orders left and right and eating and finishing AFTER my order. Sick of waiting ask for a refund they magically appear within 30 seconds of asking. Rudely asked do I still want a refund. Hell yeah I do. O and mind you people were getting Mac and cheese in orders after I was told there wasn't any made yet. Never the hell again.
(1)Christopher V.
Uncle Joe's cleaned house a while ago & made a concerted effort to improve customer service. The service is dramatically better & the grub is a bit more consistent.
(3)Michelle T.
Solid little joint. $12 with tax for a jerk chicken dinner with creamed corn (yum). The jerk sauce was the perfect amount of spicy.
(3)Umair N.
I tried the BBQ jerk chicken it was good, but I'm not too sure I like Jamaican food that much. This was my first time trying that type of cuisine, but I'm giving this place four stars because the cashier was really friendly, and welcoming and you definitely get your moneys worth. Maybe I'll try it again but I'm fine for now :)
(4)Dani M.
I love the Jerk White meat dinner with cabbage. I recently tried the catfish and it was okay, next time I will tell them to cook it a little longer. Today I had the jerk tacos and they were so good!!!!!
(5)Nicole C.
While the food is always good they are often out of menu items. How do you run out of beef patties and yams?! Is there no one monitoring when these things are low? I would assume you know when you are down to 10 servings of yams thus, it's time to prepare more! It is the most infuriating thing ever and an awful way to run a business. The objective is to make money and running out of vital menu items is the 1st way to lose money. Maybe they need a new kitchen manager.
(3)Ria S.
Food is always good & fresh here. I often get the oxtails which are always tender but have had the chicken which is good. Call your order in ahead of time to avoid the long wait. Only drawback is parking is tight over there especially when school is in session along with parking restrictions
(4)Tee L.
I've only eaten here once, which is why I only gave them 4 stars, but as I frequent them more, it will probably change to 5 based on my 1st experience. The jerk chicken was SOOOOOOOO freakin good!!! Juicy & grilled to perfection. The sauce was the perfect blend of acidity & spice. The beans & rice were flavorful (something you rarely find in Jamaican restaurants.) The yams were delicious also. The rasta pasta was good & even better the next day. The young lady at the register couldn't have been nicer. I can't wait to go back to try something else on the menu!! If you're in the Hyde Park area & have a taste for some jerk, THIS is the place you should go. There's others in the area, including a sit down joint that relocated from the north side, but this is way better than them, hands down!
(4)Dana J.
I enjoyed my food at Uncle Joe's. I'm pretty simple, I usually just eat jerk chicken with rice and I am beyond satisfied with that! I didn't have any problems with service, the girl at the register was very sweet and patient with me. Their famous jerk sauce is amazing! I do wish they had a smaller portion of rice and beans, the small is pretty big and I end up wasting about half of it.
(4)Brittany G.
Great food! Great service! I'd definitely recommend Uncle Joe's in Hyde Park. I ordered the five wing dinner with a side of red beans and rice and cabbage. I loved every bit of it. The wings were so flavorful... they were good with or without the sauce. My only regret is that I didn't order extra plantains! But I'll be back! Can't wait to try more on the menu. There was a little wait to order and pick up the food but with the great customer service, you don't even notice.
(5)Tina J.
One of my favorite Jamaican restaurants around here. The wait can be up to an hour and a half but the food is worth it!!! The oxtails are to die for. There is another uncle joes on king drive but they must have different owners because the food is nowhere as good as the one in Hyde Park. I will continue to come here despite the long wait time. The caramel cake is also fantastic.
(5)Ryan H.
One ot my fav restaurants in the city!!! Great staff service, huge portions!! Awesome!!
(5)Evelyn B.
Love the jerk catfish and beef patty. Most of the staff is nice but they don't have your order ready even when you call it in. Otherwise this is definitely a place to visit.
(4)Sofia J.
I can't believe how low the avg rating is!! As a rule of thumb authentic places don't have the greatest service, chill out people! I came to Joe's on the BBQ Blues Bike Tour and loved it! Jerk chicken plate is a fantastic value, quite a few pieces of flavorful chicken and like 4 sides! Plantains, rice, sauce, bread (white :/), and a side of your choice for $10!! Try the grapefruit Ting :)
(5)Joyce H.
The food, the smell as you're approaching the restaurant, and the people who work there are all wonderful! I always go for the jerk wing dinner with candied yams. It also comes with rice and beans, bread and plantains. The wings are juicy and super flavorful, the candied yams set off the spice with their sweetness, and the rice and beans are smoky and delicious. My only complaint is that sometimes they forget the plantains and when they remember them they are often overcooked. The hot sauce they give you with your order in a little container is to die for--nice and vinegary and peppery--but beware, it's very spicy!
(4)Lauren W.
Don't go if you're in a rush - long waiting times unless you call ib. Good food overall, jerk chicken is the best! I was disappointed by the curry, but not much.
(4)Parris J.
I love the food here! I tried the jerk chicken and jerk catfish. The catfish is okay, nothing to brag about but the chicken is great and the sides are the finishing touch! I like to eat the sweet potatoes and red beans and rice.
(4)Jill L.
Ordered the Jerk Chicken dinner with Mac & Cheese as my side and a beef patty as well. Amazing. Everything was so flavorful. Mac & cheese was great. I can't actually think of any restaurant whose Mac & cheese I have liked, but this one was delicious. Only downside was that I didn't get the plantains that come with the meal, which I was really looking forward to *sad face*. The wait for my food was longer than average in comparison to other places but wasn't a big deal. I'll probably just call in my order next time. Will definitely visit again!! Also: I went on a Sunday & they are open until 10pm, not 7 as shown on Yelp.
(4)Andi M.
Went here after a dreadful experience near by. Checked out menu and there was a great selection to choose from. Also very reasonably priced. Ordered Jerk Wings.... Food came out and the wings were delicious indeed. Very juicy and tender. Just the right amount of sauce on the side. Very satisfied indeed. Definitely will return here! Thank you Uncle Joe!!
(4)I. C.
THE WORST CUSTOMER SERVICE, EVER. Who cares if the food is good if you treat people like you hate the business you're in. This restaurant has the rudest staff. They are not helpful. They would leave you on hold for hours if you don't hang up. It takes over 1-hour for call-in orders to be ready. THEY JUST DON'T CARE. So, why should you patronize their business?
(1)Fred N.
This is an example of a restaurant where just adding 1-2 individuals to the wait staff would lead to a dramatically improved experience. The food is good but there is always an unreasonable wait, or a lost call in order, or something like today where I tried to call and I was placed on hold multiple times before I could even place my order. I'm just tired of these establishments unwilling to improve their service. Doesn't make sense in 2014 I can't even call in my order.
(1)Tiffany H.
I walked by this place smelling the wonderful aroma until one day I decided to go in. It wasn't too crowded and the ambiance is basic. However the food is great! Love the curry chicken went back to try the jerk. Both were delicious. They prepare the food for you when you place the order. The people are down to earth and seem really nice. :-)
(4)Sylanda B.
Bad customer service, and expect to wait at least 30 minutes or more. I called in minutes after they open and the rude young lady kept me on hold for 10 minutes, I drove over to understand why i was waiting so long well it was only one customer in the store . The cashier just did not feel like working that day and had a serious attitude. I hear this is the norm.
(1)Elissa L.
This is my go to place for Jamaican food. Lots of flavor, decent portions and reasonable prices. The service is hit or miss but I normally don't have any problems primarily because I always call my order in 15 to 30 minutes before picking it up.
(4)Zach J.
Quit crying and bitching about parking, customer service, and long waits! First of all good food takes a long time to cook. The parking is not their fault moron! And customer service, who cares! It's all about the food. First off let me say the jerk chicken is to die for, they slow cook it from scratch on a large indoor grill. The sauce they put on is delicious too. Got a half chicken for less than $7 not a bad deal! They were all out of the wings and that sucked which is the reason for a 4 star review. My brother did tell me sometimes their customer service is bad, but it was ok when I was there.
(4)Nadya R.
If only the service staff was as good as the food. If the girl in the front (forgot her name but all she could talk about was her trip to Vegas coming up). Also don't talk about customers to other customers while they are there. Rude and unprofessional.
(1)Lauren W.
Great, authentic Jamaican food. Good service, good drinks, reasonable prices, large portions. They play live music on some nights, too. I recommend the brown stew chicken.
(5)P. A.
Good food, BUT..... I'm on a mission to get better SERVICE on the South Side. IT'S RIDICULOUS. AND UNACCEPTABLE. Found the menu for Joe's on line, and when I phoned in my order, the options were not as represented. Some listed sides were not honored, and the phone rep was completely unapologetic. No explanation, just "That's not a side." And, "No patties today". Why? "We didn't get any." Hmm, a Caribbean joint with no patties, even though they're on the menu. Can you at least say "Sorry"? Don't even think about walking in to place an order. You will be waiting for at least half an hour. And it's not pleasant. Step up, Joe. There are lots of other options opening up in Hyde Park!
(3)Mark N.
Good, fresh Jamaican food. I tried jerk catfish, rice and peas, and steamed cabbage. The jerk catfish was not nearly as hot as jerk stuff is at many Jamaican places I have tried, but it was excellent tasting. They offer a variety of jerk fish plates, jerk chicken of course!, curried goat, oxtail, meat pies, and the other usual Jamaican suspects.. A short walk from the Obama family home in case you happen to be in the area checking that out like I was. Very close to the Metra stop.
(4)N'Dia J.
I go here at least twice a week. The staff is pleasant and as long as u call in u never have to wait. I love the food every time.
(5)Jasmine N.
I won't be coming back. The service was nice, however the food left a lot to be desired. The jerk chicken was ok, it certainly could have been better. The macaroni was terrible (a box type) and the cabbage was very hard and under cooked. Very disappointing.
(2)Montez G.
My co-worker took me here, after we left the ripoff barbershop two doors over. We had the jerk-wings. OMG reminds me of Brooklyn! They were pretty good, Jamaicans cooking in the back. BIGUPS!
(4)Sunny D.
Upon arrival, it was clear that the food that you wonderful smells outside comes from within. There were a number of people waiting for their order when I came in: a good sign that the food must be good. The person took my order promptly and was really nice. My order of two dinners to-go took the typical 20 mins. When I got home, I did notice that the sides styrofoam box were melted--something noticed by another reviewer and possibly due to microwaving. Regardless, the food was pretty good although some of the wings I got were burned. I wish the plantain would've been less dry and the rice and beans had more sauce. The mac and cheese was not special.
(3)Jes G.
This is a local restaurant in my neighborhood. I normally get the chicken but I have also had the shrimp and I enjoy both. Service is normally good and everyone here is friendly. I do suggest calling ahead because it can take a while especially on weekends.
(4)Sydney H.
The good: The food. I can't complain I was referred here by a friend in LA and I agree this place has some good chicken and awesome sauce. I never had this before but if I am ever in Chicago again this will be a stop for me. The cashier was kind of rude on the phone but she was really nice to us when she found out this was our first visit and we were from out of town. We didn't order drinks (not on purpose) just had food on our minds. She gave us all a free drink and they were also good. She followed up with us and made sure everything was everything. The Bad: Parking is a nightmare so good luck. We had to park on a street a few blocks over and if you didn't know it is really cold in Chicago. That was a few blocks too many to walk. Not enough tables and chairs. It was packed when we went and we were lucky most people were taking their food to go or we wouldn't have a place to sit. It is a little ghetto but overall the area seems to be ok. I think the owners would do well if they put one of these places downtown on the mile.
(3)Landa D.
I used to have Uncle Joe's almost weekly... but, that was about three years ago when my ex had a yen for Jamaican curry goat. Uncle Joe's fit the bill in that it was authentic, and conveniently located. It was a bit pricey, though. I revisited this location last week, and things have not changed much. The order taker/ cashier was more friendly and personable than I remember. I had the jerk wings and they were really, really good. I enjoyed them. What I didn't enjoy was the price. I paid $8 for four (4) wings, a slice of dough bread and a can of soda. And that was the lunch special price. Not cool. I like Uncle Joe's food but it is, in my opinion, too expensive. There are other authentic Jamaican restaurants in the city of Chicago that are cheaper. I will return, but only if I'm stranded in the area and can't get to another Jamaican restaurant.
(3)Moe T.
I've been to Jamaica and had their jerk chicken, and while this is not it, it certainly is good. I don't care who tells you it's authentic, its not but it's pretty bomb and the sides are great. The area and the way the restaurant looks isn't so great but the food is worth a try.
(4)Dave S.
I need to dine out in Hyde Park more often since every time I try a new restaurant it just seems better than the last and this one is no exception. I was in Jamaica 6 months before I tried this place. During my visit (which was quite extraordinary by the way) I was able to enjoy some authentic Jamaican cuisine. When I ordered lunch here and started eating, I was immediately transported back in time to my visit . It was that good! Once again, please don't judge a book by its cover as this place is not much to look at from the outside or inside for that matter, but the minimalist decor fits right in and if you have ever been to Jamaica, you will know what I mean.
(5)Richard F.
Depends on when you go. Sometimes it's good and other times not so good. I think I go on the not so good days...
(2)Ellie K.
I have eaten at Uncle Joe's twice, and both times it was very good. The food was fresh, hot and tasty. I wish the prices were a bit better and the service a bit faster, but the food certainly makes up for it. I'm quite disappointed to see all the negative reviews. Uncle Joe's is a reliable Hyde Park restaurant, and I wish the community would be more supportive. Anyway, Uncle Joe's has great flavorful, moist, delicious chicken and hearty sides. Give it a try!
(3)Crystal H.
I dont know anything about what the place looks like as I was in the car and my boyfriend ordered our food but we couldn't pull off without finishing the chicken. The red beans and rice is good too.
(5)T J.
Im posting from memory (2007-2009) and on behalf of my pal who had a ridiculously bad experience there over the weekend. My experience was that the food was okay but the service was always so bad that even as a 20-something not used to good service, I finally stopped going. And this was before there were so many places to eat along 53rd street. I got tired of rude cashiers and getting home to have stuff missing from the meal or the wrong side. My poor friend (who is jamaican) ordered 4 patties--45 minutes later they bring them out, and they were literally burnt black, though someone tried to scrape some of the black off. The manager then proceeded to hide when he realized he had an angry Jamaican woman on his hands. Add in a rude cashier who had an attitude about giving a refund for inedible food and guys joking around in the back which is obviously why the food was burnt up. Don't patronize places with service like Uncle Joe's. It's been years and nothing has changed. Owner obviously doesn't read yelp.
(1)Fruit Batman E.
Ok food, horrible customer service... Sometimes I'm guilty of going to restaurants that I know has bad/slow service, because the food is delicious.. (anyone who's ever been to home of the hoagy on 111th knows what I'm talking about!) But this place has horrible service and mediocre food.. take the twenty minutes you might save and drive somewhere else... The one on 22nd and state is good.. The last time I went there were two customers who needed to order ahead of me... But it still took 10 minutes for me to just place my order... I ordered a half chicken dinner with rice and yams. They stated they didn't have yams. So instead I ordered corn.. when I asked how long it will take I was told 20 minutes.. because I know its slow I waited in my car when I returned I had to wait 5 min to ask the status of my order, was told a couple of minutes... Another patron who apparently knew the cook orderes a tray and received a tray on the spot.. I asked how she was able to order a tray, when all I ordered was a half chicken... They then said it was the corn I was waiting on... 10 minutes later they handed me the food.. I started to walk out the door but stop because they didn't offer me one apology.. just here you go.. when I told the cashier this she stated ohh sorry.. then I said I shouldn't have to tell you to say sorry after a 40 min wait..... I wouldn't have waited that long with poor services just for myself, but others wanted some.. when we ate the food had no jerk seasoning on it... No flavor.. basically I waited 40 min for poorly carved grilled chicken... And the corn was from the can.. Save your frustration and money drive somewhere else
(1)Winston G.
Compared to other Hyde Park places, Uncle Joe's is a decent option and a place I would consider coming back to again. I decided to try the jerk chicken dinner plate (no lunch specials on weekends, fail) - $11 gets you 1/2 a chicken, beans and rice, plantains, and a side of your choice (I got creamed corn). I thought the chicken was just ok - I liked how they used a smoker to smoke the chicken, but I found the chicken to be really dry and a bit overcooked. The sides were just fine - no complaints there. The one positive about this place is the jerk sauce. I swear, this sauce might be the only reason I come back to this place - it is a flavorful sauce with a bit of a spicy kick to it. I can't really describe it, but it might be worth coming here to try it. Service was okay - took about 10-15 minutes to complete our take out order, which to me seems a bit on the slow side when there aren't too many people there.
(3)Raymond S.
I have such a love hate relationship with Uncle Joe's. The funny part is the Jerk Chicken itself is completely lackluster. Taste like regular grilled chicken without a strong jerk flavor. But I go there for the Curry Goat and stewed Oxtails. When it's on, its absolutely amazing. I could eat it non stop. But the key phrase is "when its on". There are times when it's horrible, you just have to hope you go on a good day. When I worked in the area I ate it at least once a week, and the goat ranged from tender, meaty and orgasmic to tough, try and bony. The sides are mostly bad. The mac and cheese, candied yams and callaloo are tasteless and dry. Admittedly the pasta salad is amazing. The only consistent thing on the menu. The cabbage also isn't bad, but it's not great either The service is so bad, it's embarrassing. The wait could range from 20 minutes to over an hour, even when you call ahead. There were many times I would phone in an order and they'll say 15 minutes, and still have to wait 30-45 minutes after I got there. There are also many times when they are out of certain products. In fact whenever I've wanted a beef patty they were out. One of the cashiers in particular looks like her cat just died every time she's at work, and there is a loud man who works the front every once in a while who mocks customers. I think it's pretty expensive for what you get, especially when it's bad. All in all, the restaurant has way more negatives than positives, but that damn curry goat won't let me go. If not for that, I would give this place 1 star. If you like goat like I do then you have to give it a try. But if not then stay the hell away
(2)Dion T.
I will never visit this location ever again and take my money elsewhere!!!!
(1)Sevun H.
Will update and say that I haven't seen the rude lady behind the counter in a while which is a plus. The young lady who I see most often now is much more pleasant and appears to genuinely care when you have an issue or problem with your oder/service. In regards to the food it is still hit or miss. Usually when the female chef is in the Kitchen its a big hit but when she is not there it is a miss. Thats been my experience at least. Once I called in advance to find out if she was working and I was told yes...I place my order and get there and lo and behold, she was not there!! Picked up the food anyway but was not pleased at all. From now on I will go in and make sure she is there before ordering.
(3)Carole C.
Well what Jamaican Jerk Chicken restaurant runs out of plantain all the time! I like Uncle Joe's but they are inconsistent. This location is upstairs in a building and it is awkward to find, and parking is dicey. I have never eaten in always get my order to go. They have not been open very long at this location so there is room for growth and improvement, I will not write them off my list yet, but intend to go back again!
(3)Mamie H.
i have been a devoted customer for about ten years now I have tried just about everything on the menu: chicken oxtails, catfish, shrimps and salads all have been delicious ...the secret is to always, always open and check your order before leaving, if you find the meat to be to dry or not to your satisfaction just let them know they will gladly replace. Mamie
(5)Mel K.
So...sick...of...Snail...must find other takeout option... Yes, thank you Uncle Joe's.
(4)Laura P.
So here's the thing...in college I lived with a friend who was married to a Jamaican. All of our friends were Jamaican or some sort of Caribbean or African descent. I know I jerk. In addition, I spent a month in Jamaica touring with locals and ate homemade jerk and callaloo and plantain.... Suffice to say that I can accurately comment on the quality of this type of food. The curry goat was as I remember. Haven't had it in years...it melted in my mouth as I picked the meat off the small bones. It had been marinated and stewed properly and the spice was just right. Soo soo right. I would have liked some jerk goat but the curry made up for it so no complaints.... The jerk chicken also was absolutely authentic. Even cut with a cleaver as is the norm. I was stunned. I was happy. The plantain was also as I remembered....I said to my friend, 'This is what I think of as comfort food.' Yes, the service is impossibly slow. It is a Jamaican restaurant, the food does take a certain amount of time to prepare and when we were there they actually ran out of chicken. That was ok with me, it means that they are freshly cooking the stuff not just pulling it out of a freezer. They also made me happy because they serve my favorite of all time Jamaican drink, Ting! It was beautiful to remember my comfort food....
(5)Seth A.
decent food was barely enjoyed after waiting for over a half hour to get my food. not sure if i got the "new guy" treatment, but it seemed like a handful of people came in after me, ordered, and got there food before me. I feel bad making accusations and giving a poor review, but this wait was entirely too long for a meal that appeared to be pre-made.
(2)Steve D.
As mostly stated below, the food is very good but the service is horrendous. Calling ahead is no guarantee that they'll actually put the order through. And yet I keep coming back because the chicken is quite tasty. Five star food and one star service; split the difference and you get my rating.
(3)Fiyah C.
I used to love Uncle's Joes especially the one in Hyde Park. So when I ordered my jerk chicken over the weekend, I had my mouth set for some GREAT food. I was sadly disappointed. I hadn't had it in a while and the taste was just medeocre, definitely not what I was expecting. My take on this is if your prices are going to go up (which they have) at least let your quality & taste of food be the same.
(2)April P.
so, i know they are not known for their service, but it's not so much an issue, as long as your order about 40 minutes ahead. Don't recommend a dine in, but food is packed very nicely so there is no spillage for carry out. As always, the bf orders the brown stewed chicken, and i order the oxtails. Both falling off the bone, and that my friends make for a good Caribbean meal. If it does not do that after the first bite, folks, bring it back!!! Cabbage has a great consistency, not being too soggy or crisp. The rice is wonderfully done, and they have huge pinto beans in them. ooooh, hmmmmm. a decent price, as the helpings are huge, and enough for lunch next day. Can ya tell we are big on leftovers? :)
(4)Esther Y.
I can't agree more with Angela J. in re the HORRID service. Can I give them negative a million stars? It was that bad. Quite possibly the worst service ever. Actually, strike that. It IS the worst service ever. So we ordered around 2:40 for pick up. The order was easy enough. About 10 orders of jerk chicken and fish. Easy peasy, right? Apparently not. We even called before we left to pick the food up to make sure that the orders were going to be ready. And they said forty minutes. Why did we leave there after 4pm without ANYTHING? Because they suck. Oh, and did we get offered a drink, a discount, a taste of something while we were waiting? No. Listen, I like good food and I like supporting local businesses. However, I do not support SUCK A(# service and complete disregard for the customer, or a place that lacks any semblance of decency. Can you tell how much I hated this place? Oh! And the worst part is, the jerk chicken and fish were just okay.
(1)C F.
I came here after the King Drive store was out of food...grrrr! This place took my order and it was hot, but not fresh! Im sooo disappointed! A friday afternoon after the lunch rush and altough it was pipping hot, it wasnt fresh at all.
(2)Shante D.
5 stars=Woohoo! As good as it gets! Inspite of this place's slightly pedophilic name, it gets 5 stars because a) I like to woohoo (so really...it's only 4.5 stars) b) For the purpose it's meant to serve----Uncle Joe's does its job. [i.e. good food, cheap, no frills. Workers @ UJ's aren't that friendly [at all.] Not really a frilly dine-in spot. [For frills--go to Jah Grill on the Northside. I love that place] BUT.... The food @ UJ's is GOOD. Portion sizes are huge. Did I say the food was good?And the food is cheap. (typicall b/w 9-14 for a dinner.) My mom [who's visiting] is even raving about it. Although it's supposedly known for its jerk chicken [they even sell bottles of Uncle Joe's Jerk Chicken Sauce], I'm not that crazy about the jerk chicken [though that's the dish my Mom is raving about---as I type.] I prefer the jerk at its Hyde Park competitor, Calypso Cafe. However, Uncle Joe's is authentic/the real deal. Calypso Cafe? Not so much. Back to Uncle Joe's----the oxtail stew is delish! [still licking my lips.] The brown chicken stew is good, too. I am however, a bit thrown off with some of the menu items---i.e. mac n cheese. I also once substituted yams {i'm from the South so I know my candied yams) for plantain since they were out of plantain. Bad idea. Not to mention, when they do happen to have plantain [in stock], you only get 1!!! 1 big slice of plantain? Doesn't cut it. Not a place to go and dine-in (unless you're on a super chill afternoon with a friend or a boyfriend). In that case, not too bad. The reggae in the background music is hot. I'd buy the CDs if they sold them. [I actually suggest they dub those CDs and sell them.] Oh....and another thing----there's a table set up inside with a bootlegger who sells all of the latest CDs and DVDs. I've never gone over to the table, but still-----gotta love it. Cheap food, good music, huge portion sizes (I only had 4 bites and just put the rest of my dish in the fridge), bootleg guy (if that's your thing). Your one-stop shop. Now.....if only I knew who Uncle Joe was? {aren't you secretly itching to see who he is, too?}
(4)Felicia Y.
This place has really lost it's touch. Was there 7/9/10 and they served me peas and rice that had been refrigerated and not at all warmed through. They tried to place warm, not hot, red beans (peas) over top and that made it even more obvious. The plantains were cold in the middle. I was sooo disappointed that they would have served me a dinner that was not at all fresh and wasn't even warm. They've just lost my business and the business of the guest who also received this terrible dinner.
(1)Dami O.
This place is mad slow. There are a lot of frustrated customers who have been waiting longer than 40mins to get their food. Their operation efficiency needs serious help. They have one lady answering the busy phone line, while taking orders from 10+ customers and packaging orders at the same time. Absolutely ridiculous
(1)Falicha S.
Ok so the food is delicious BUT the service is horrible! They always have an EXTREMELY long wait, even if u call in advance and pick up! I have been here twice once as a walk in and another as a call and pick up customer and both times I waited over 40 minutes for my food! I will not be going back...I'm willing to travel to the other location further south!
(2)Tracey J.
It takes FOREVER to get your food, so call ahead and even still you may wait when you get there. The food is hit or miss. I feel the jerk chicken is consistent, but the side dishes are not. The cabbage is good, but inconsistent with how it is made. Sometimes it's tender and sometimes a bit crunchy. The rice is usually overcooked and dry. They drench the rice in the gravy so you won't notice, but I still notice. The plantain is good, but inconsistent. Sometimes it's sweet and nicely carmelized and other times some pieces black inside and not sweet. Cost of a meal seems to be rising. Understand you cannot get lunch portions on the weekend. You are forced to get the higher priced dinner.
(3)Never M.
Nastier than Janet Jackson. This food and service are just........my vocabulary is not vast enough to explain. The girls at the counter talked and joked around with each other until they decided I had been standing there long enough. I ordered "jerked" cat. It was bland. The fish was whiting and had been cooked whole without the head. The consistency of the fish indicated that the fish had not thoroughly thawed before cooking it. My rice tasted like Zatarins red beans rice and in my heart of hearts I truly believe it might have been. This place is always empty for a reason.
(1)Shuinn C.
I called for takeout last night: two orders of 1/2 chicken dinners. DEEEELISH. And one dinner is enough for two meals. Didn't have an issue with service, but seriously you don't come to a place like this for 5 star service. Good for takeout. They got me my food quick, delicious, and with a smile. That's all I ask :).
(4)Yohance T.
The food here is pretty god
(3)Peter F.
Uncle Joe's on Cottage Grove is legendary for jerk chicken in Chicago. They've opened up a bunch of new locations, and this one does not disappoint. Unlike most of Hyde Park, parking is usually easy on 51st, the place is clean, friendly, plays some good old school R&B, and has a decent seating area. The jerk chicken and curry goat here are absolutely up to snuff, and they stock a really good brand of ginger beer. Probably the best thing about this location, compared to other South Side Jamaican institutions, is that you can eat here without canceling your plans for the rest of the day. (I get it, South Side + Jamaican = no hurry mon, but I've got places to go, people to see.) They'll also take call-in orders for pick-up, but if it's late in the day, towards closing, they might refuse to do so. Most people here get their stuff to go, but there's a lot of (no-frills) seating. Dinner runs $9-13 for big portions of meat and seafood; dinners includes a side, one fried plantain, and the wonderest bread I've ever seen (the South Side's contribution to Jamaican culinary arts). Lunch runs more in the $5-8 range.
(4)Katrina H.
Not sure if these folks at this location are just having a HORRIFIC day however I the last time I placed a to go order, the Order Taker was soo Rude that I had to Stress to him to PLEASE have a NICE DAY... we just paid $50 for a Full Meal Deal at this joint only to get home and find that the Mac - n - Cheese Looks like some Noodles with shredded cheese (barely mixed) and thats it.. It used to be ohh so creamy.. The 2 Jerk Whole Chickens.. DRY AS THE ARIZONA MOUNTAINS.. I'm soo Irritated! there is nothing like having a taste for something but end up having to drink a Gallon of Water just to Flush it down.. YUK!
(2)Farooq C.
Great jerk chicken! Their sauce is awesome too. I have tried their plantain but didn't like that as much. I get whole jerk chicken and it is enough for two people and leftover for next day.
(4)E B.
This place is a joke!! Out of habit, I have visited several times. The prices are way too high and the quality is too low. I have visited for the last time after spending twenty bucks for a min. amount of food.This place doesnot care about quality meats or giving you a fair amount of food for the money. Find another place in HP to eat.
(1)Tara J.
The food is great, one of the best places in Chicago to get Jamaican jerk IMO. Don't expect five-star restaurant service; it's akin to Harold's, which is fine. Just make sure you manage your expectations upfront ... Order your food, expect to wait about 15-20 min., and keep it moving!
(4)Angela K.
Uncle Joe's jerk chicken is worth it all.
(4)Kara M.
after my visit to MBL in search of oxtail with some awesome rice and peas ended with no food in hand or belly i was still determined to get some good west indian food and then unc joe's was found...ventured to Hyde Park and ordered some ox tail, jerk chicken, rice and peas, plantain, cabbage, and yam...good gawd, get in my belly! food was on point for sure. everything was well seasoned and the plantain were perfect...not underripe like i've had at other places before...i had so much food i def had two meals in there....the food was def on the day i went and it cured my craving
(4)Kevin B.
I, unfortunately, can't comment on the food here because of the sheer rudeness of the service. I'm willing to put up with a lot in terms of service, especially in a fast food-like "order at the register" sort of environment. Communication gets garbled sometimes; such is life. However, when the person taking my order (I asked for the 1/4 jerk chicken LUNCH, and she just rang up the 1/4 jerk chicken) tried to rudely blame me for he mistake by rolling her eyes and telling me to specify that I wanted the lunch special...that's my limit. I DID specify that; good customer service is to affirm that there was a communications goof and nicely fix the order without trying to make me feel like an idiot. I asked for my money back and told her why (I refuse to spend my money in a place where I'mgoing to be treated rudely), and was sarcastically given my money back. I don't particularly feel the need to see if other employees are as high quality as her, and will just go to Nthan's on 53rd for my jerk chicken fix.
(1)Azizah S.
They have gotten better with customer service the last two times I've been here so I've put an extra star for some effort.
(4)Joe W.
Whoa that was a lot of food. Not sure how much I liked all of it, but it effectively killed my urge to eat for the rest of the day. I dined in, which is not the preferred option. But I got my food promptly enough, and ~$10 got me probably more than a 1/2 chicken, a beans/rice combo, plantain chunks, their famous standalone jerk sauce. All in all it probably weighed about 6 pounds. The plantains chunks were a bit small and mushy. The chicken was pretty plain without the jerk sauce, and the sauce itself had a great spicy kick to go along with subtle sweetness. The rice and beans provided the necessary carb fill-in for the meal. Uncle Joe's stands in partial contrast to nearby Calypso's, which offers a slightly more "upscale" experience with jerk recipes and environment. However, in going to both places, the bill ends up being almost the same price. And Calypso's clearly has advantage in terms of food quality. So it confuses me somewhat why I would choose Uncle Joe's over Calypso...maybe because I don't feel like tipping?
(3)Tony R.
Honestly, when I go to a place like Uncle Joe's, I am not expecting five star service. Look at it, it is pretty spartan. This is a place that screams "eat, pay, and go away." Those are the places I like going to because I know the only reason they are in business is because their food is serious business. I can see how some of you all are so disturbed by the lack of finesse at the cashier, but on the other hand, let's remember, you are AT A CASHIER, not sitting in Sullivan's waiting for your kobe beef. Ahem, now for the food. I have dreams about the jerk chicken. Wonderful dreams in which I am hunched over my foiled wrapped half chicken with the sauce that makes my soul sing everlasting praises about the world. This is serious jerk chicken, I mean, they even have a barrel in the back to grill it. Screw the service, come here to eat, not to be served like you are King of the World. Wow, I think I will grab some of this jerk chicken soon...I'm already salivating for this. Also, the dinners are a great deal. DO IT.
(4)Kisha H.
It tools me years to actually step foot in a west-indian restaurant in Chicago because I was certain Id be disappointed. Luckily, after trying out Uncle Joe's, I deemed it worthy enough to bring my very west-Indian family who all enjoyed the food. The servigs are pretty hefty! As for the service, it's already been said. Hire more help at the register and in the kitchen, or hire new people.
(3)Jesse C.
Only order from here if you want to wait next to forever. Good rice and peas.
(3)Jeremy W.
For those of you complaining about the horrible service, when have you EVER known a Jamaican restaurant to offer fast service?? C'mon, Mon! You dink de service is slo, din go somewhere else! Seriously, Uncle Joe's has ok Jerk Chicken. Sides (mac & cheese) are not top notch but will fill a void. It's not unusual to spend 20-30 minutes in this place if you go here for carry out. They are supposed to be opening a store in downtown Chicago, if they do then they will need to learn the methodology of fast food. "Fast" being the operative word here.
(3)Darrick A.
This restaurant has the worst customer service ever. Please font go in while Barbie is on the phone she won't stop to take an order. They are slow as hell even when order is ready they won't give you your food. Call first for beef patties they're out regularly!! Food ok during the week, weekends make sure you have the right cook in the back!
(2)Jacqueline V.
Great Jerk chicken, and sometimes, nothing except Jerk chicken will do it for you. Uncle Joe's consistently gets it right. Unfortunately, the seating / decor is pretty drab, and sometimes they get a little stingy on the portions (but out of the 25+ times i've been there, its only happened two or three times). I highly recommend their candied yams, their rice, and of course, their chicken. Also, almost never a long wait for the food. :)
(4)Kay L.
Got Uncle Joe's for an event to feed the staffers. We ordered a tray of chicken, a tray of plantains, and a tray of rice with beans. Overall, my experience was pretty good when picking up the food. Everything seemed pretty nice. Anyway, the food itself was... pretty good. Nothing spectacular. The chicken was not as good as I had hoped. It just tasted like normal chicken with hints of jerk flavor. Additionally, the sauce that came with it was too overpowering for the chicken, so that didn't help much. The chicken wasn't very moist either, so it was overall quite plain. The plantains and rice were both pretty good though. However, nothing really stood out about either of those. They were just really tasty side dishes. So, overall, I'll rate my experience with Uncle Joe's to be 3 stars. I want to bump this up to 4, but the chicken just really underwhelmed me. Ho hum. I guess next time I'll try some of their other selections. It's definitely worth a visit.
(3)Chitauqua B.
I have eaten at Uncle Joes for years. Since recently moving to South Shore, I figured the Hyde Park location would be more convenient than 82nd and Cottage Grove. Patronizing this location was a huge mistake. The chicken was not seasoned and the jerk sauce tasted like distilled vinegar. I will stick to the original location (8201 South Cottage Grove) for my jerk chicken needs. I suggest readers looking for a good Caribbean meal do the same.
(1)louis c.
just came from there with no food i called it in they said thirty minutes i got there in 35 minutes then they told me it would be ready in 25 more minutes dont know no place in chicago that slow
(2)jaime m.
sometimes I go here & get pissed. other times I go & go to sleep smiling with an over stuffed belly. Pros: the food is damn good cons: *slow as hell *2 out of the 4 times my oder ( brown stew chiken is my favorite) was ice damn cold) * The ppl who work there now are not too "personable" * DId I mention these Mfs are slow as hell * the last batch of mac n cheese tasted like it was made with nacho sauce.. what the hell!
(2)