Jerk Modern Jamaican Grill

Absolutely love this place! Everything is perfect. Never had a bad meal or drink! Service is fast and friendly! I would eat there everyday if I could!

Mac and cheese was highlight. But tiny portions, really?
Meat was so dry. Very bland. Not enough sauce given in the delivery. By the time it had reached us (being about 6 blocks away) everything had cooled off.
Coleslaw wasn’t bad, probably my favorite part.
Besides that, not impressed. I’d rather just go for BBQ.

On behalf of the entire Caribbean, I am INSULTED that this place even exists and side-​eye every single person on here singing it praises. (I’m really taking this personally.) I was so excited when I saw the «Coming Soon» sign go up. I can’t believe THIS is what they were working on for so long.
First of all, get out of here with those boneless chicken thighs. Then get out of wherever you exited to with there being no taste to said thighs and rude gyal sauce that is LITERALLY rude (I demand an apology.). Then make another exit with that macaroni and cheese ruined with jerk seasoning and keep going bc you are tripping with that super sour, borderline inedible cole slaw. Was a single Caribbean soul included in the planning of this operation?
Just no.

I have been waiting and waiting and waiting for this store to open. I was really stalking the restaurant opening for one reason and one reason only — Jamaican Meat Patties!!!
After eating a dozen or so meat patties on a vacation to Jamaica I simply could not get them off my mind. A year or two later the Jerk food truck started showing up at my place of employment and to my delight they had meat patties that did not disappoint. Flaky, buttery crust and spicy beef filling just like the ones I had in Jamaica! Fast forward, a year when I’m working at a new place with no access to the Jerk truck and desperately craving a meat patty. Needless to say, I was SUPER excited when Jerk finally opened.
I think it would be a fair statement that you probably don’t want to eat here if you’re not into the spices. Almost everything on the menu packs a pretty solid punch of spice. While dining in with a friend we had the jerk pork and jerk chicken both of which came with a hush puppy (although I don’t believe that is their name for it), cole slaw, and a side of your choice. We both chose mac and cheese. And of course, I also got a beef patty on the side.
The beef patty was phenomenal (but I knew that already). Both of the meats were excellent, moist and full of flavor. All of the sides were fantastic as well. The mac and cheese is super cheesy and delightful and has that kicked up spice that Jerk Modern Jamaican Grill does so well.
Obviously I’ll be back to eat ALLLLL the meat patties but after sampling the meats I think it’s quite clear to me that I’ll be loading up on the jerk proteins too. There are still many more sides and extras to try as well. If they’re half as good as my first visit it will be worth it every time.

I’m not a big Unilocal reviewer unless the food/​service is either great or awful. In this case, strangely the food was AMAZING! but the service was TERRIBLE! Awesome jerk chicken. I’m no expert in that style, but I thought it was great!
On the other hand, the bar service was probably the worst I’ve had in a long time in Chicago. Over 2 – 3 hours there, my friend and I were never once asked if we could be helped. Each time we wanted food or drink, we had to flag the bartender down. There were maybe a total of 6 – 7 people sitting at the bar; not busy by any means. What kind of bartender doesn’t ask the patrons what they want, and relies on them flagging him down?
**Also, if you come into a new bar/​restaurant and you see multiple friends of the bartenders seated at the bar, just turn around and find another spot. You’re almost guaranteed poor service**

The chicken is pretty good, but the menu is a little confusing. For example, I had the chicken thigh, which isn’t really a thigh, just meat cut from the thigh. I would suggest getting that. Sides were above average, coconut rice is recommended. Also, they do have an impressive beer list.
The one thing I didn’t like is the place has a DJ and the guy spins his music really loud which is fine if this place were a bar at midnight, but it’s a restaurant at 8 pm.

First: dry and bland jerk
Second: festival is tasty
Third: dry and bland jerk
Fourth: trendy bar
Fifth: if you don’t know what good Jamaican Jerk is then you won’t know the difference

It is very good if you are into jerk chicken and dark meat. If you don’t like either of these it will be difficult to have a great meal. Pricey but that isn’t the star drop off I don’t punish reviews for price but understand it is pricey for lunch. Wings were good but overdone, mac and cheese is to die for and the chicken (if you like jerk and dark meat) is great

I live nearby and drive by the place all the time but never have gone in. Also, I see via Instagram that they have half off wings on Mondays… I believe… Still I haven’t made it in. So finally I used Door Dash to deliver the food to me.
The food was solid! I ordered the chicken with the rude girl sauce (spiciest) with a side of mac. The chicken was plentiful and juicy/​tender while seasoned to perfection. The rude girl sauce complimented the chicken and had a slow burning spice that eventually forced me to eat faster and faster cause the spice level continued to kick it up with each and every bite. But for spice lovers… it was amazing. The spice was delicious and not just all heat, a damn good amount of heat but worth every lick. The meal also came with a slice of bread, Jamaican cornbread, and a side of garden salad. The Jamaican cornbread and salad helped cool the tongue off. Oh yeah and the mac and cheese was great! Nice and cheesy and topped with some of their jerk seasoning… mmm.
I’m a fan of the place… I will actually stop in some time cause the food is FIRE as in damn good and spicy.

The best way to sum this place up U.S. That it is the jerk chicken equivalent to honey butter fried chicken. If you understand the good and bad if that place then you get what I’m saying.
Portions small, price is high. HOWEVER… I walked away full and satisfied and not stuffed like a Thanksgiving turkey… Soooooo maybe three on to something. I enjoyed the mail and won’t have to pay for it in the gym.
Rude girl sauce is on point… but just spicy, but super spicy.

Ok so allow me to tell you about THE WORST jerk chicken I’ve ever had in Chicago. That’s right — the worst. Brace yourselves, this post is long.
Anywho, while I was in the middle of doing a 20 block walk as punishment for eating a cupcake, I realized that I got food poisoning from my favorite fast food Asian joint that rhymes with bow wao. I was at the point where I couldn’t trust a fart so getting to a bathroom was mandatory. I was starting to freak out because I was around that super industrial area on Halsted Ave but I saw Jerk and felt a tad bit relieved.
I’m one of those weird people who can’t go to a restaurant’s public restroom without buying something because I hate conflict and honestly wouldn’t know how to react if an employee told me «No.» *Restrooms should be open to the public but that’s another story for another day.* I follow Jerk on twitter and they seemed appetizing so I decided to grab an entrée to go for later or to share if I was feeling charitable.
I chose the pork *oink oink*, sweet plantain, festival, slaw, and ciltantro lime aioli (THAT SAUCE SHOULD’VE BEEN A RED FLAG BUT WHATEVS). I proceeded to calmly ask where the restroom was even though it felt like I was about to explode & there was a tumultuous war going on in my innards. When I was finished in the restroom, my food was packaged and ready to go. Cool. Or so I thought.
I arrived home, excited as all get down to consume my food. However, what I tasted made all dead Jamaicans roll around in their graves. EVERYTHING WAS DRYER THAN OPRAH’S PHONE ON A FRIDAY NIGHT. I have no idea why this place claims to serve jerk… maybe the grilling preparation? Idk. The meat had NO seasoning. None. Ningun. I had to use my own seasoning and some SWEET BABY RAYS to give it some flavor. WHAT??! PREPOSTEROUS. The slaw was the only decent thing, WHICH IS SAD IF YOU’RE FAMILIAR WITH THE DELICIOUSNESS THAT IS JERK. I instantly wanted my $ 11 back but I live in the burbs and I’m sure that a company that serves tasteless jerk meat doesn’t give a damn if you like it or not.
Just go on 79^th and Halsted and get some real jerk. Preparation will take at least 30 minutes but at least it will be good.

Aside from it not being good, my chicken was raw. Ruined my entire appetite. The plantains were tasty. I had the beef patty as well. Luckily I’d eaten that before I looked at this raw chicken. They did give a refund, but of course we had to go pick it up since we ordered on Door Dash.
I won’t be back.

First rule of ethnic restaurants: Make sure someone of that ethnicity is running the restaurant. Ever hopeful for Jamaican food in Chicago, I tried this fairly new establishment for lunch last week. The lack of Jamaicans or any staff of color gave me pause on entry.
My friend and I ordered the jerk chicken and jerk pork (no table service here). The cashier was doing double duty putting meats on the plates and passing them down the line Chipotle-​style. After handling money? Tsk tsk. And every order was weighed on a little scale (see photo). Don’t want to give anyone too much.
Then a gaggle of servers handed the plates down the line adding the sides to each plate. Seems grossly inefficient compared to systems at other restaurants. The last server then asked «what kind of sauce». I dunno. Why not put up a sign? And anyway, who wants anything but jerk sauce? But I digress.. .
The «Coconut Rice & Beans» was fine, but I couldn’t find any coconut. The slaw and mac ‘n cheese? Meh. The jerk chicken and pork were barely spicy at all, and the chicken wasn’t real whole pieces of chicken but more like jerk chicken mcnuggets. I can take the chicken off the bone myself, thank you.
And a Jamaican restaurant without escovitch fish?
A lot more effort has been made on the bar area, which offers craft beers and other imports by the dozen. Out of Jamaican Red Stripe, however. And what about a good ginger beer? Details count.
There was a huge array of hats, t-​shirts, and other swag that were plastered liberally with the word «Jerk». It isn’t cutesy, it’s just a mockery of the Jamaicans.
A mediocre effort at best. Get some Jamaicans and save yourself.

My previous title was where is the service and I stated I wanted to give Jerk 2.5 stars. The owner reached out to me apologizing for what happened that night and stated that it was an atypical night. I appreciate it when owners read and respect reviews For this reason, I want to bump my review to 3 stars.
I can’t wait to give it a second chance now. I really do hope that it was an atypical night of service!

This place looks great but they don’t have any vegetarian entrees and the cooks are not Jamaican. I don’t want these wannabes cooking Caribbean food unless I get a discount.
Also, the vegetarian sides cost $ 2.45 for a 2 ounce scoop. I know Chicago is expensive but please warn me when you tell a joke so I can laugh too.

Growing up with parents from the Caribbean and the food that comes along with it… this place is my second home. When I first moved to Chicago, it was extremely difficult to find a place that provided authentic Caribbean/​Jamaican food. I saw the signs for months and couldn’t wait for this place to open after having the jerk chicken from the food truck.
This place nails it! EVERYTHING is on point! From the friendly staff, to the atmosphere, the food and last but not least, the drinks make you feel like you’re on the beach in Jamaica or many miles away in a tropical paradise.
I’ve read some reviews that mention that its «not authentic» jerk. Had they taken the time to read the entire name of the restaurant — they would have noticed the words «Modern Jamaican Grill»! Meanwhile, coming from Caribbean roots, I can authentically say that Jerk is DOING the damn thing and they’re doing it right! No, you won’t find ox-​tail, brow stew chicken, or «manish wata”– but what you will find is authentically jerk seasoned boneless, skinless chicken breast, pork, and beef — all grilled and/​or smoked to perfection. The sides are just as authentic with options that include: plantains, seasoned mac & cheese, coconut rice/​peas and cilantro corn.
In addition, other offerings include seasoned Yuca fries which offer crunchier and better health benefits over traditional french fries (which are also fantastic), sliders, probably the best wings Chicago has to offer (Jerk chicken wings). For all you vegetarians out there — I’m pleased to announce that they offer veggie patties, salads and island slaw for you as well!
Do not forget to visit the bar and order my favorite — RUM PUNCH! There are so many other options available too. Every bartender is super friendly and very attentive (even when busy).
Sauces are on point. Rude girl is a favorite, but, if you are looking for that extra «kick» try the «Rude Boy» sauce. I promise to all those who think the chicken isn’t spicy enough, you’d be begging for some rum punch to wash it down with. ;)
In a nutshell, Jerk is a modern twist to traditional Jamaican/​Caribbean barbecue and offers its customers a ‘fast-​casual’ type of ordering. But if you stay and sit at the bar or at a table, you’ll soak up the island vibe and quickly forget you’re in the hustle & bustle of the city.
Check it out, you have nothing to lose!

I was super excited when I saw this place under construction. Close to home, and right on my commute from work. Unfortunately, it wasn’t what I had expected. It’s more of an assembly line style of food– similar to chipotle. Unlike chipotle, jerk’s prices are on the high side for the amount you get. I paid a little over $ 13 for the chicken, slaw, Mac and cheese and corn. Seasoning was alright. Did love the hot sauce though. It’s called «rude girl».

Brick & Mortar Review!
The Jerk truck was once a Thursday lunch staple for the 600 W-​esters. As a tag-​along one fine Thursday, I was introduced to the sweat-​inducing magic of the Rude Girl chicken with seasoned fries. Their Chicago & Halsted shop was hotly anticipated since and thanks to Unilocal,the boy and I trekked over on a rainy evening.
LINE OUT THE DOOR!
I’d liken the dining experience to that of «Green Streets Smoked Meats». There’s a fully outfitted bar that’s separate from the food counter. You pick a meat and the guy behind the counter slices, dices, then weighs the portions. He’ll plop it onto a tray and slide it down the line for choice of sides (island slaw included), a sauce, plus any extras.
Their shop has expanded choices of sides such as salted potatoes, coconut black bean rice, and mac-​n-​cheese. Plus you can enjoy their meats as sliders, on top of salads with other extras like yuca fries and beef/​veggie patties.
The chicken was just as magical as I remembered. The boy got the Rude Girl, but I decided to give my bowels a rest and try their Jerk BBQ sauce. If you’re not willing to sweat it out, their BBQ sauce is a safe bet. There’s also an aioli as a third option. After trying the coconut rice and mac-​n-​cheese, my favorite’s always the tried-​and-​true seasoned fries. Even though it’s an extra, this is a must-​order!
Since Jerk’s been open for less than a week, I expected some bumps. The staff was still figuring out their rhythm amongst the dinner rush. When ordering an extra, like fries, they hand you a tiny laminated label that sits on your tray after you pay and sit down. We were confused if we were supposed to check-​in and pick it up at the register or if someone was to bring it out to us. Eventually someone did track us down with our fries. Perhaps table number holders for greater visibility?
All-​in-​all, if you’re in the ‘hood with a carnivorous mood, this is a fine place to get your fix!

Hooooooodang Gang! Jerk is ON FIRE, literally! Your mouth will be on fire.
This food truck is always the one with the longest line on the block. Waiting in that line is worth the wait, believe me my Unilocalers. There’s only 3 or 4 options on the menu. Jerk chicken, Jerk fries, a veggie patty (…I don’t know why anyone would go to get a veggie patty, but I’m sure it’s probably delicious), and a few dessert options. The Jerk chicken comes in a square container on top of a nice thick piece of Texas Toast. The portion is definitely enough for two servings, but since I’m a Jerk chicken addict, I usually eat the whole thing. A delicious little hush puppy comes inside your Jerk package of heaven. Make sure you try the Rude Girl sauce, your taste buds will be happy you did. BUT, if your sensitive to heat, I’d go with the BBQ sauce instead. The Jerk fries are spicy seasoned fries and you get a huge portion of them. Dip ‘em in the Rude Girl sauce and you’ll be flamin’ up!
Unilocal, you don’t know what you’re missing if you haven’t had this truck. It’s pretty darn amazing.
I heard they have a store front which I will definitely be visiting as soon as I find it!

So hot I could cry; so good I couldn’t stop eating in spite of this.
I went with the go-​to item; jerk chicken with Rude Girl sauce; I also picked up a side of yukon gold fries to round it off. Beverages would just have to wait until I got back to the office.
The odds are pretty good that you’ve never had dark chicken like this. It was very moist, and very well marinated with just a little bit of that jerk heat.
If you get the Rude Girl sauce, this heat gets cranked up to «maximum». It tastes like habañero and many, many spices, complemented the marinade nicely and nearly made me run into Starbucks for a marshmallow frappucino right then and there. There’s a piece of white bread at the bottom of the box in case you cry mercy, and a hush puppy as well that was crispy and corny.
The fries were perfectly sized and had an excellent balance of sweet, smoky, rosemary and salty.
Jerk is well worth finding, well worth standing in line for and well worth experiencing the pain.