Uncle Joe's Rum Bar & Grill
Uncle Joe’s Rum Bar & Grill wins regulars with smoky, tender jerk chicken, standout yams, coconut-kissed rice and peas, plantains, and rich oxtail stew—generous portions often make plates easy to share. Warm hospitality, including visits with Uncle Joe himself, adds a home-cooked feel, though the new space may be rough around the edges and waits can stretch 15 minutes to an hour, especially during specials or pickup.
What 45 diners keep saying
verbatim, from Google
“I got the chicken dinner and my wife got the Oxtail. Both were very good but I gotta give the W to the Oxtail. We also ordered a side of plantains. Also great! Definitely worth checking out if you're in the area. We'll be back.”
“Hunny …. When the owner is sending out complimentary Rum Punch (thee best I’ve ever had) personally and walking them to the table. Plus serving up the best oxtails and escovich; I felt like I woke up in Jamaica. Everything was so authentic, the rum punch, food, and atmosphere, I am wishing them much success and prosperity. My friend was visiting from LA and said “this is the best rum punch and oxtails I’ve ever had”. Great Job Uncle Joe 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾”
“I moved to Chicago six months ago from NYC, but I originally grew up in St. Catherine, Jamaica. I just discovered this spot recently and have already been there three or four times. The food hits every time it reminds me of my mother’s cooking, which is why I keep going back. And the beef patty? It tastes just like a Juici Beef patty real ones know. If you’re Jamaican or love Jamaican food, you already understand what that kind of juicy, flaky, perfectly seasoned beef patty is supposed to taste like. Even down to the wait time feels like I am back home.”
“So disappointed with my experience. This was my 1st time trying Uncle Joes. I called to ask if they had Jerk Chicken Alfredo and was told yes, they did. So, I ordered it. Was supposed to be ready in 20 min. When I went to pick it up I was there nearly an hour. When they bought it out I knew it wasn’t enough. On the phone they said there was the equivalent of a whole chicken in the dish. Which I thought was odd but ok. It came in a small tray which obviously wasn’t enough for 2 people. They charged $24 for it and there was very little chicken at all, not even equivalent to 1 breast. It didn’t even taste like JERK chicken Alfredo, it was actually Rasta Pasts with a lot of noodles and a lot of red and green peppers and NO cheese! What a ripoff and when I tried to call to complain, no answer of course. What could possibly make it worse? No jerk sauce at all! First, last and only time I will spend my hard earned dollars here. Forget about it!”
“Completely messed up my order, go to the one on 53rd, not here. Spent too much to not receive items and the ones that did come were incorrect”
“Ordered a jerk chicken dinner with rice/peas and cabbage….everything was so fresh and hot omg literally the best jerk I’ve had in a while”
“Chef Alan did his thing!!! Everything I got was phenomenal — the beef patty, oxtail stew with rice, yams, plantains, and max & cheese! I ate a lot and left very happy. Chef Alan says they opened 3 months ago so I’m hopeful for the space to come together nicely but the food was 20/10. And thank you for your amazing hospitality!!”
“The jerk chicken lunch here is absolutely incredible 🍗🔥! Every bite is packed with smoky, savory flavor that keeps you coming back for more 😋. The yams were hands down the best I’ve ever tasted 🍠💛, perfectly cooked and so flavorful. The rice & peas and plantains were also spot-on, rounding out the meal perfectly 🍚🍌. Everything felt fresh, hearty, and full of authentic taste. Honestly, this spot has won me over, and I can already see myself returning regularly for another amazing meal 🙌✨. Highly recommend to anyone craving bold, delicious flavors!”
“I have to say - Uncle Joe’s jerk chicken is some of the best I’ve ever had. The flavor is unreal, and the sauce is absolutely incredible. Both sides we got, yams and plantains, were a hit too. Everything tasted fresh, authentic, and full of flavor. The dinner plate is a bit pricey but it comes with a lot of food, and we were able to split it! Definitely looking forward to coming back and trying everything on the menu!”
“This has been the best dining experience I have had in Chicago. I recommend literally anything and everything on the menu. Plus, Uncle Joe is an amazing dude!”
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