Jerk Yard

This was my first time trying this place out and I honestly didn’t think it was a bad experience. I was attracted to it by their big sign and when I was inside, I could see that they had their weekly lunch special going on. I immediately wanted to taste the 1/4 jerk chicken, but I was also looking for something sweet, something to drink and I couldn’t find it on the menu that’s blasted on the screens behind the cashier. It’s like “fountain drink” I need specificity, and I saw the cakes and beef patties, but they weren’t on that menu. On the printout menu, I saw that they sold plantains, but I had already ordered. If everything was on that menu, I probably would’ve ordered more. The chicken I had was great, cooked through, it was a bit less meat than anticipated on the bones there but I’m sure that’s not something they can control. The beans and rice were really seasoned and it had this slightly sweet taste to it and I just thought that was the best beans and rice I’ve had. I can agree with other reviews when they mention the Mac and cheese being bland. In addition, mines were a little over cooked, which is why you would get the macaroni shells breaking after every scoop. Al dente would be my suggestion. Other than that, my overall experience with the Jerk Yard was good, the customer service was good too.

Only reason for my rating of 3 stars is because of the sides… I had the Mac & the rice and to say I didn’t like it. The noodles for the Mac was over cooked and the rice and peas just tasted horrible I honestly can’t describe the taste for them. Overall everything else was good. I had the chicken Rasta pasta, a whole chicken and yams, they were good but them others sides I think maybe going back to the drawing board with those.

I passed by The Jerk Hut while running errands. The smoked Jerk smell emanating from grill in the back drew me in. I ordered the Jerk wings which come with rice & peas, plus plantain. I substituted the cabbage for the Mac & Cheese because more carbs of course… Apparently, the order right me before was huge and the wait was long. I couldn’t stay so I requested a refund. No managers were there at the time so I decided to come back and sort it out later. Pryce the manager, was cool, calm , and collected. After listening to what happened, I was issued my refund and because I had to come back I was actually able to taste the food. The Jerk Wings were fantastic. They were so juicy and I really enjoyed the deep smokey jerk taste. They paired great with rice and peas. I’m glad I found a local restaurant where customer service still matters and food quality is important. Please keep up the good work. If it wasn’t for Pryce, this would have been a very different review. Thanks again.

Food was excellent!! Authentic tasting and good proportions. Only complaint was that they don’t have a working phone number. They forgot to put my coworker’s side in bag and she had to wait until we got off work to go to location and get her side.

Plants were my desire for lunch today; & Jerk Yard was perfect! Ate the plantains and cabbage— phenomenal! I’ll definitely be back!

On Thursday night, February 26, 2026, I went into Jerk Yard’s Hyde Park location to order 10 wings. When I walked in, the cashier/manager (a Jamaican woman I’ve previously had normal transactions with, including using InKind) told me they were out of wings. She said they only had dark, white, or mixed dinners available. Although wings were what I originally wanted, I decided to still support the business and ordered a ½ dark dinner instead. My total came to $17.20. I had a $20 bill and a $10 bill in my hand and was reaching into my pocket for change. Naturally, I handed her the $20 bill. She looked at it and asked if I had another $20 to give her. Confused, I asked what she meant. She said she needed me to provide a “better” $20 bill because the one I gave her did not meet her expectations. The bill came directly from an ATM. There was nothing unusual about it. When I asked if she was refusing to accept it, she said yes and handed it back to me. I felt embarrassed and uncomfortable. I came in ready to spend money and support the business, even after settling for something other than what I originally wanted. Instead, I was made to feel as though my money was not acceptable. That experience left a very bad impression. I support businesses in my community, but respect has to be mutual. Unfortunately, based on this interaction, I cannot recommend this location and will not be returning.

I really wanted to like this place. My first experience waa great. The 2nd time I ordered from doordash ans the quality was horrible. This time I decided to go in person again. I ordered a wing dinner which is advertised as wings, cabbage, rice and peas and plantains. Inopen the box its 1 plantain. The counter clerk tells me is complimentary and not an order. Either it comes with plantains (with an s) or not. I'm not sure what's meant by "complimentary" when i paid for a dinner that's suppoaed to come wirh sides. Needless to say I won't be back.

Edit: Went back again after their Grand Opening and this place still hits. My wife tried the jerk salad…delicious. You come for the jerk but stay for the Mac n cheese. New Jerk spot in Hyde Park. Their jerk sauce was delicious. Great food, great customer service. Wife and I got the white and dark chicken and a side of Mac n cheese. Everything was homemade and really good. We will definitely be back. Prices were comparable. They have a few seats inside and a place to stand and eat on their “patio”. Overall I’d recommend it.

Jerk Yard is an authentic Jamaican cuisine restaurant located in Hyde Park. That serves up some delicious Jamaican cuisine food. I ordered from the lunch special menu the Rasta Pasta bowl without the protein & jerk chicken eggrolls that comes with rice. Nice vibes that has a vibrant and colorful inside decor, outside patio for you to enjoy when the weather is nice. Great enjoyable Jamaican music playing. The customer service was cool and the prices were decent. My food came out hot and freshly prepared. Everything was delicious, the only compliant is that I wish they didn't overly drown my Rasta Pasta in sauce. I didn't have to wait a long time for my food. I will return back whenever I'm in the area. I want to try the Jerk Salmon & Jerk Catfish.

I was so excited to try this place for a second time. My first visit was amazing. I got the chicken wings, rice, sweet potatoes. Plan since everything was good period Now second visit, I was unable to put my order in online, so we had to drive there. And of course, wait because of problems with the system get to the front, find out they don't have any rice, any cabbage, any plantains at this point, the door should be shut and they should be done for the day. How in the world can you serve jerk fool? And you don't have the essentials. That goes with the chicken. The only thing they were offering was chicken and sides that you did not want.You want rice, you want peas, you want cabbage?You want plantains ! THEN wanna charge you six dollars if you did get a side of mac ! WHICH MEANS A TOTAL HIGHER THAN GETTING AN ACTUAL MEAL. BECAUSE THEY CAN COMPLETE THE ORDER! We won't be back !

This review is based on 4 visits i've had so far - it's excellent ; it's become my main go to for Jamaican food in Hyde Park; and easily bests the other places with the high quality and attention to detail on the food. I've tried the oxtails; the brown stew chicken, and the jerked chicken. My highest recommendation is for the jerked chicken which is grilled and has a nice smoke and jerk flavor to it. Give this place a try!

This is THE jerk place in Chicago. Omg, I have been waiting for this for a long time. I have eaten at almost every jerk chicken restaurant in the city and none of them even scratch the surface of Jerk Yard. I got the jerk chicken tacos and they were fire! The sauce was amazing and they were cooker to perfection. They also come on a huge bed of rice and you get SO much food for your money. The sauce was delicious and the meat was tender. I ate inside the restaurant and the vibes were everything. Jamaican music, friendly staff, great smells. If you are looking for top of the line Jamaican cuisine-this is it! Wow- can't wait to go back.

I have tried to support this restaurant a few times but I cannot any longer after this meal. We just ordered two fourth white dinners The chicken is so dry it's unbelievable. The red beans and rice are dry and they're never dry They always have a really delicious gravy on them I guess they forgot to put it on my orders. The cabbage was just plain bland cabbage no carrots no onions nothing and this jerk chicken pasta is a joke The pasta had no red/green peppers as advertised and even worse! No sauce, dry as hell. This was truly a waste of $45. I want my food to look like The TikTok influencers food. Hot, flavorful,moist and saucy. They make sure, their plates are . What a disappointment.

Good location in Hyde Park. Free street parking is on the next block. They were quick and friendly. The inside is small but has seating. I shared with friends. The Cajun chicken pasta was just ok - not the best I've had. The jerk tacos were flavored well and not overly spicy. The plantains were nice and sweet, but next time I'll ask for them to be fried harder. I heard the wings were also a hit. Overall, I'd give this place a B. It's new so I'm sure they will hone their skills and flavors much more over time. Great addition to the neighborhood.

WOW! Is all I can say. When I tell yall... EVERYTHING I ate was absolutely frickin delicious! Usually when I get Jerk on the south side I may not like the side but the jerk itself will be fye but listen here big backs!!! YOU will NOT be disappointed!!! Please keep yall greedy tales out of here this is the BEST Jerk chicken I've had on the south side hands down! I WILL be back. They are small wouldn't recommend large crowds. Gotta pay for parking or park in Walgreens lot. Soooo worth it! That Mac & Cheese was like somebody grandma made it! The cabbage was so uniquely good I can't explain what the difference was from other spots... but it's special..

Toooooooo expensive for what you actually get.The price on the menu is just for decoration.At the register it's a whole nother deal.NOPE.

I had a jerk white dinner and what stood out for me is the meat was very tender and juicy. That made the meal delicious for me. I had the cabbage and beans and rice as sides and they were flavorful. I glad I decided to try them and will visit again.

I would I like to say Welcome to the Hyde Park Community!! Your motto on your menu is "This is not baked chicken!" It sure isn't! Nice and Smokey! Good flavored chicken. My husband went in a hour ago and ordered a 1/2 Dark dinner which comes with a plantain and two sides. He ordered cabbage and yams for his sides. His dinner was missing the plantain and he wasn't giving yams like he ordered. He was given rice and peas...which wasn't what he ordered. The rice in the rice and peas were mushy but had great flavor. The cabbage was delicious too! Not the standard jerk restaurant cabbage. It was full of flavor!! I ordered the Jerk Chicken Wrap but my husband said you guys "didn't have it"...Ugh! I was so bummed guys! Normally I would go on a rant about black businesses not having their full menu available BUT you guys just opened up so I will give it a break until next time. So I had him to get me the Jerk Chicken Rasta Pasta. It was good nice flavor. Personally I think a tad more jerk sauce could have been added to the sauce. Also my penne pasta wasn't "Al Dente" it was very soft. I am thinking maybe you guys were overwhelmed with lots of customers and let the rice and pasta overcook a tad. Everything was still tasty and I do understand that you guys have new restaurant and the kinks will get worked out as time goes on. However, I did have to take off a couple of stars for not having the Jerk Wrap and forgetting the yams and plantain. You guys don't have a phone number listed. We would have preferred to have ordered over the phone or online. I will be back to try other items.

The place is an alright value if you go during lunch special. The candied yams taste like mee-maw used to make but the chicken is decent at best. The flavor was hella smoky, I'll give it that, and if that's your think you're in luck... but... the buck stopped there. I felt like even though I got the 1/4 chicken, it was mostly bone and I wasn't keen on the flavor of the skin. On the other hand the jerk sauce WAS pretty good and that was a high point for me. Honestly, they should consider bottling it up and selling it locally. Also, a big gripe - the inside is really smoky and hazy, I just about had an asthma attack. Seriously, there needs to be better ventilation in here.

Wow! Just ordered the jerk chicken wings from DoorDash, and I had to come here to leave five stars. The food was packaged well and came HOT! The chicken was seasoned to perfection. I ordered extra jerk sauce, but you truly only need one... plus another. The jerk sauce is a class act on its own. So much flavor. I have to make a visit to dine in soon. Until then, I will be ordering again!

The food is a 10 out of 10 the best!!!! I'm obsessed and the service is nice and the young lady at the register is super nice and has great energy. A real ambiance to the place. I had the jerk chicken Alfredo, the jerk egg rolls and the jerk chicken tacos prices very reasonable as well

A very unassuming spot serving up the best jerk chicken I've ever had State side. Came a couple of weeks ago while visiting Chicago and can't wait to return. Nestled in Hyde Park this is the kind of eatery that gives the neighborhood its distinct character. They have a patio with a few tables and chairs but really this is the type of food meant to take home and enjoy without regard for table manners and other such inhibitions They got vegetarian fare but why would you come here for that? The chicken is cooked fresh to order so expect to wait 20-30 minutes depending on the number of patrons. What makes them special is that the jerk spice lands at the right target for heat. Just enough sizzle on the tongue yet leaves room to taste the other flavors in the profile. Chicken is tender but not so much that it winces when you sink your teeth into it. And they have this cabbage which is too good to be merely an option. By the way, excuse the absence of pictures. As I said this is food you roll your sleeves for and go to work!

At last! I don't have to drive around the block for 20 minutes to find a parking space on 51st and then wait in line for another 20 minutes to pick up an order I placed 30 minutes ago. I don't have to go to 47th St. and fight for a parking space or fear for my life or car. JERK CHICKEN HAS FINALLY ARRIVED TO 53RD STREET! THANK YOU! IT'S CALLED JERK YARD. The food is good and the service is outstanding! Just remember, guys, consistency is the key.

The chicken is tasty, with quite forward jerk seasoning that's hot but not too hot. You will have to chew around the bones, but I think that's part of the classic jerk experience. I was at a loss when it came to the sides, but my ears perked up when the cashier told me that their most popular side was the cabbage -- one of my favorite disfavored vegetables, and it was very good! I'm not exactly saying that it's better than the fried chicken place that used to be across the street (RIP, Budlong) but I am saying that I'll probably be back to try it again.

They take care of their customers and their food is We ordered here for the first time came across a few minor issues with my order it was addressed and resolved quickly even if just having social media as a outlet to contact them, I was surprised with how fast they responded to my issue and overcompensated me for it. also, the food is very good. we Will be back!

The chicken was delicious! Soooo good! I don't even care it took an extra 10 minutes, this was the best jerk I've had in Chicago since Banana Leaf closed. Sides were all great too- rice and peas, yams, plantains, and mac&cheese. Highly recommended. Just be prepared to wait a little. It's worth it!!

I ordered a catfish dinner and it looks disgustin. it looks as though someone pick through it and gave me the scraps they didn't want to eat. my friend took a look at the fish and couldn't believe they served me such an item

Great spot. This is the only place I know of that cooks cabbage perfectly. I would recommend to check your food before leaving, as they forgot my Mac and cheese the first time I purchased.

The Best Authentic Jerk Food I have tasted in a long time! So good!! I just tried the tacos and they are excellent. LaDonna

First time customer. The food is tasty but the portions are small for the price point. No coco bread comes with the meals. A rasta pasta order comes in a small plastic bowl that is more suitable as a lunch portion. The jerk sauce that came with the meal is in a small condiment container and isn't filled up nor is it even half way full. It was okay but appeared to be watered down. We ordered another one for .75 and it wasn't full either. As for the ordering process, the front of house was nice enough but the service was quite slow. The design of the small restaurant is pleasing but the music they played on the day I visited was horrible. It was raunchy R&b, that included many songs yelling the n-word--and the music is broadcast externally where all kinds of people, including children walk by. It would have been more pleasing to hear some reggae, dance hall or chill afro beats to go with the theme and to create an ambiance for diverse customers. One nice touch was that they gave a homeless man a meal. Though we waited nearly 40 minutes for our food nothing was given gratis (like an extra jerk sauce or a dessert or bottle of water.... but we did receive an apology. Overall, I would not rush to go back there as there are other Jamaican/Caribbean options in Chicago and throughout the South Side.

Food was great and portions are fine BUT -look at the price! Check your receipt as prices don't match what's on the board, everything is 0.10-0.60 cents higher once it's time to pay, not a problem but something to note. Also, BEWARE: THEY MIGHT FORGET YOUR FOOD. Our Order was missing Plantains, Mac & Cheese, and 2 Drinks. I understand mistakes but that's 4 extra items. PLEASE CHECK YOUR FOOD right then and there to make sure they didn't forget anything and your receipt if you're fine with the quiet upcharges.

The food is tasty. Let me start off with that. My first experience about 3 weeks ago was better than my recent. Everything is seasoned well. Yesterday I ordered the jerk chicken (white meat.) It was so very dry, I was hitting my chest to swallow. There is an art to not overcooking chicken breast, and they haven't mastered that. Their cabbage, although tasty is also overcooked. They make sure there isn't a nutrient in it when they are through cooking it!! It dissolves in your mouth like baby food. It's great for anyone that doesn't have teeth. Their curry chicken is good and their jerk chicken wings are good. Would I go again? Only if I can't find another jerk spot that's close. I'll never order their breast again though. Oh...their mac and cheese is good. The plantains were also dry. It's conveniently located though.

Great takeout. Good chicken, great cabbage and mac and cheese. Looking forward to trying the Rasta pasta next time I'm in the area.

I returned yesterday. I hadn't had the curry chicken in about a month, since the soft opening. It is no longer something I would purchase. When I first went it was delicious, with full chicken pieces. A month later, the gravy wasn't thick, a watery consistency. There was no coconut milk flavor, although I could taste sugar!!! Then I had more meat in my lunch special a month ago than the $18+ with tax dinner. They literally chopped chicken into small pieces and gave me 4, mostly bone. The pieces together would have made a thigh and the cabbage was oily.

I waited for a while for this spot to open in Hyde Park. While walking past one day, I saw that they were open and a couple sitting out front eating it said it was good. So I returned that same weekend to try it. Well, as a self-proclaimed "foodie"...and someone who considers Jamaica as my second home (I have family and friends there and had a time-share there many years ago), I was underwhelmed. I ordered THREE all white jerk dinners. The chicken was good, the macaroni pasta shells were over cooked, but the flavor was good. The rice was also over cooked, which made the beans &rice a little mushy. Which brings me to my request for Brown Stew gravy on my beans and rice. I was told that they didn't do that (which is a first for me when eating from ANY jerk restaurant at home and abroad). I was told that they didn't put Brown Stew gravy on anything but Brown Stew dishes because "it takes away from the flavor of the food". It probably could have masked the mushy rice! Something for them to think about considering the competition in Hyde Park. The reason I'm giving it 4 stars was because of the service. When you are a new restaurant, workers should be open to new customers asking questions. 1. The menu on the counter was different from the menu that is posted, so I had a clarifying question. 2. I noticed that they served a side of gravy, so I asked if I could purchase the Brown Stew gravy on the side. Again I was refused. I then asked another, more pleasant cashier if she could explain what the gravy was that they sold on the side that's listed on the menu. She thought it was Brown Stew gravy, but the first cashier jumped in and said that it wasn't and explained that it was just plain brown gravy (whatever that is).‍ Because this is a Black owned business, I will try them again and have recommended them to others. When asked how it tastes, I replied "It was ok, I would go back", but if I want Brown Stew gravy on my beans&rice, Uncle Joes or Ja' Grill will suffice.

The friend gave a RAVE review about this place to I decided to check it out for myself. I know you have to wait a minute at a jerk place but I wasn't prepared to wait , 40 plus minutes. Good thing I asked about my order or I would've been sitting longer . Once I got home I realized all my food wasn't in my order. I tried to call but can't find a number. Needless to say I will NOT be returning here. I paid too much not to have all my food! :(

The food was delicious better than I expected! Fresh and seasoned just right. Conveniently located in Hyde park . I was totally satisfied and will be recommending a great jerk place to my friends.

Food was great. Delicious. We ordered and picked up. Busy vibing atmosphere buzzing with customers, pickin up and dine in. The jerk chicken egg rolls with rice were da bomb. Sauce was hittin. The cabbage is delicious and was flavorful. We also had the beef and chicken patties, lil spicy but tasty. Visiting from the ATL but will stop back for another taste before I leave.

Delicious barbecue chicken. The chicken is fresh. The sauce is just spicy enough. You cannot call in your to go order. But it worth waiting for your food after ordering in person. Always busy. A good sign.

Went there today the only thing i would say is that one little cup of sauce for a whole chicken but Babayyyyyyyy when i say fye that's what i mean

Some of these rating here has to be when it first opened because let me tell you this place is below average. The young lady at register was rude and couldn't tell you about anything on the menu. The prices on the board doesn't reflect on your receipt so check it to make sure you're getting charged for the correct price. If you want authentic jerk save yourself some time and go somewhere else. I ordered the Rasta pasta and the jerk dinner and the chicken definitely tasted like it was baked and reheated. The Mac & cheese was dry and it was too much garnishing on it like everything don't have to have parsley. . The cabbage was just okay. Wasn't bad. The Rasta pasta was not made that day for sure! It tasted buttery and had no real flavor to it. I truly feel like this place can be better if they take their time and not rush orders. This place is only popular because of the owner. No business never last in this spot. Every 1-2 years it's something new. Please work on making better FOOD and hire people that actually wants to work and interact with customers and greet them when they come not standing around twirling in their hair like be fr.