The Absolute Best Oxtails in Chicago [Updated 2024]

Having tasted and reviewed 12 of the finest establishments in the city, I've developed a discerning palate for this rich and succulent dish.

From soul food joints to upscale restaurants, Chicago offers a diverse array of oxtail preparations that showcase different cultural influences.

Each venue has its own unique twist, with savory sauces and tender meat that melt in your mouth.

Join me as we explore the beloved spots where oxtails reign supreme, and discover what makes each one a standout in the Windy City!

Garifuna Flava: A Taste of Belize | Jerk Chicken Chicago

Highlights
Juicy, flavorful oxtails
Generous portion sizes
Delicious side dishes
Consistent quality since 2014
Must-try beef patty

Garifuna Flava: A Taste of Belize | Jerk Chicken Chicago quickly emerged as a standout in my quest for the best oxtails in the Windy City. From the moment I walked through the door, the aroma of deliciousness enveloped me, promising a culinary adventure. As I settled in, I couldn't help but notice the generous portion sizes offered—perfect for those with hearty appetites.

When the oxtails arrived, they were juicy and bursting with flavor, a testament to their slow-cooked preparation. Each bite was tender, rich with a blend of spices that danced on the palate. I was particularly enchanted by how the oxtails paired beautifully with their mouthwatering side dishes, each complementing the main attraction perfectly.

What truly impressed me is the consistent quality they’ve maintained since 2014—a true mark of dedication and passion for their craft. To top off my meal, I couldn’t resist trying their must-try beef patty, which served as a delightful prelude to the main event. If you're on the hunt for oxtails that deliver both taste and heartiness, I wholeheartedly recommend Garifuna Flava. It’s an adventure for your taste buds that you won’t want to miss!

You might also want to check out the best tamales in Aurora.

Jerky Jerk

Highlights
Phenomenal mouthwatering food
Impeccable customer service
Hot and fresh food
Super delicious oxtails
Generous portions

Jerky Jerk is a delightful gem tucked away in the heart of Chicago, and let me tell you, their oxtails are nothing short of phenomenal. As I stepped inside, the aroma wrapped around me like a cozy blanket, promising mouthwatering goodness. I was immediately struck by the immaculate customer service—warm smiles and genuine hospitality made me feel like a VIP right away.

When the oxtails arrived, I could hardly contain my excitement. These weren’t just any oxtails; they were super delicious! They arrived sizzling to the table, tender, and rich in flavor, each bite a heavenly blend of spices that danced on my palate. The portion sizes were nothing short of generous, ensuring that I didn’t leave hungry but rather rolled out content and satisfied.

The food was served hot and fresh, a testament to their commitment to quality. If you're searching for an oxtail experience in Chicago that delivers flavor-filled satisfaction in every bite, Jerky Jerk should top your list. Trust me; your taste buds will thank you!

You might also want to check out the best thai food in Schaumburg.

Three-Ds Jerk Chicken

Highlights
Delicious food
Large portions
Busy but courteous staff
Recommended dishes: Jerk Steak, Ox Tails, Red Beans and Rice

As soon as I walked in, the smell of delicious food filled the air and my taste buds were immediately tantalized. The menu was extensive and had a variety of options, but I had only one thing on my mind - oxtails!

The portion sizes were more than generous, which made me feel like I was getting my money's worth. But, let's be honest, who doesn't love leftovers? The staff was busy but still managed to be courteous and attentive. They even recommended some other dishes that were popular among their regulars, like Jerk Steak and Red Beans and Rice.

Now, onto the main event - the oxtails! They were cooked to perfection with just the right amount of seasoning. Each bite was tender and succulent with an explosion of flavors in my mouth. It's almost as if they had been slow-cooked for hours to reach such a level of perfection.

Overall, Three-Ds Jerk Chicken may be known for their chicken dishes, but their oxtails are truly something special. If you're looking for a satisfying meal with large portions and delicious food while experiencing friendly service from a busy team, this is definitely the spot for you!

You might also want to check out the best sushi in Schaumburg.

Jamaican Jerk King

Highlights
Jerk salmon
Whole sweet potatoes
Favorite jerk restaurant
Seasoned food
Cheesy mac and cheese

To begin with, let me just say that this restaurant is not just about oxtails! The Jerk salmon was absolutely divine, and I must admit that it gave my taste buds a royal treatment. However, I'm here to talk about their oxtails, which were definitely one of the highlights of my meal. Tender, juicy and packed with flavor - it's no wonder why Jamaican Jerk King is known as the favorite jerk restaurant in Chicago.

But wait, there's more! The side dishes were also noteworthy. The whole sweet potatoes were cooked to perfection and tasted like they were straight out of the oven. And don't even get me started on their cheesy mac and cheese, which was simply delightful.

One thing that stood out to me was how well-seasoned all the food was. Nothing felt bland or underwhelming - every bite had a strong and pleasant taste to it. As someone who values good seasoning in their food, I have nothing but praise for Jamaican Jerk King.

Overall, my experience at Jamaican Jerk King was amazing. If you're looking for some delicious oxtails (and other mouth-watering dishes) in Chicago, then you know where to go!

You might also want to check out the best sushi in Naperville.

Saint Bess Jerk

Highlights
Jerk Chicken Tacos
Flavorful lunch deal
Rice and beans are unbelievable

First of all, let me say that their oxtails were outstanding. The meat was so tender and flavorful, it almost melted in my mouth. It was served with a side of rice and peas that were cooked to perfection.

But let's talk about the other highlights on their menu. I tried their jerk chicken tacos and they were a party in my mouth. Each bite had a burst of flavor that left me wanting more.

If you're looking for a great lunch deal, look no further! Saint Bess Jerk offers a flavorful lunch special that will leave you feeling satisfied and ready to tackle the rest of your day.

The rice and beans deserve a mention as well - they were unbelievable! The seasoning was just right, making it a perfect complement to the oxtails.

Overall, Saint Bess Jerk is definitely worth checking out if you're looking for some delicious oxtails in Chicago. Don't forget to try their jerk chicken tacos and rice and beans too!

You might also want to check out the best tacos in Elgin.

Jerk & Soul Food

Highlights
Jerk chicken
Mac & cheese
Friendly service

Let's start with the oxtails - they were definitely on point. The meat was tender and flavorful, falling off the bone with every bite. But it wasn't just the oxtails that impressed me at Jerk & Soul Food, their jerk chicken was equally delicious. The spices were perfectly balanced and gave a nice kick to the taste buds.

To accompany my meal, I ordered their mac & cheese and boy, was it worth it. The creamy cheese sauce blended perfectly with the al dente pasta, making it a perfect comfort food.

I must also commend their service - staff was friendly and welcoming from the moment I walked in until I left with a full stomach.

Overall, Jerk & Soul Food is definitely worth visiting if you're on the hunt for some of the best oxtails in Chicago. Don't forget to try their other dishes too!

You might also want to check out the best steak in Schaumburg.

Just Jerk Cafe's

Highlights
Flavorful meals
Hot and fresh food
Consistently great jerk chicken

First off, let me just say that their oxtails are a must-try! The meat is so tender and succulent that it falls right off the bone with each bite. But, that's not all - the flavors are absolutely explosive! I could taste hints of thyme, garlic, and even a little bit of heat from the scotch bonnet peppers. Trust me when I say that your taste buds will be dancing with joy after trying these oxtails.

Aside from their oxtails, Just Jerk Cafe's also has some other highlights worth mentioning. Their meals are incredibly flavorful, and you can tell they use fresh ingredients in every dish. Plus, their food is served hot and fresh every time - you won't find any lukewarm meals here.

One thing I really appreciate about this place is their consistency. Everytime I visit, their jerk chicken is always fantastic - juicy on the inside with a crispy skin on the outside. It's clear that they take pride in their cooking and pay attention to detail.

Overall, if you're looking for some delicious oxtails (and more!) in Chicago, Just Jerk Cafe's is definitely worth checking out. Don't just take my word for it though - head over there yourself and see what all the hype is about!

You might also want to check out the best sushi in Evanston.

Jamaican Gates Restaurant Chicago

Highlights
Delicious oxtails
Consistent quality
Friendly staff
Authentic flavors

First of all, let me just say that the oxtails at Jamaican Gates are absolutely delicious. The meat was so tender and flavorful that it practically fell off the bone. Each bite was a mouthwatering explosion of savory goodness.

What really impressed me about Jamaican Gates was their consistent quality. Every time I've visited, the oxtails have been cooked to perfection and seasoned just right. It's clear that they take pride in their food and strive for excellence.

The staff is also incredibly friendly and welcoming, making you feel like family from the moment you step through the door. They're happy to answer any questions you may have and provide recommendations if you're unsure what to order.

Most importantly, the authentic flavors of Jamaica really shine through in every dish at Jamaican Gates. From the perfectly spiced rice and peas to the sweet plantains, everything tasted like it was straight out of Kingston.

Overall, I highly recommend checking out Jamaican Gates Restaurant Chicago if you're looking for some of the best oxtails in Chicago. You won't be disappointed!

You might also want to check out the best seafood in Schaumburg.

Aunty Joy's Jerk & Pizza

Highlights
Reasonable prices
Authentic and delicious food
Stylish and comfortable dining
Generous portions of well-seasoned Jerk chicken
Great flavors and taste

First off, let's talk about the prices. They are reasonable and won't leave you with an empty wallet. But don't be fooled by the affordability because the food is nothing short of amazing! As a self-proclaimed connoisseur of Caribbean cuisine, I can confidently say that Aunty Joy's serves up some of the most authentic and delicious dishes.

The dining space is stylish and comfortable, making it perfect for a date night or a family dinner. But let's get to the main event - the oxtails. The portion size was generous, and they were well-seasoned to perfection. The meat was so tender that it fell right off the bone with every bite.

Aside from their oxtails, I also tried their Jerk chicken which had great flavors and taste. It was spicy but not overpowering, leaving me wanting more even after I had finished my meal (which is saying something considering how full I was).

Overall, Aunty Joy's Jerk & Pizza is definitely a must-try for anyone looking for authentic Caribbean cuisine in Chicago. Don't miss out on their delicious oxtails, generous portions of well-seasoned Jerk chicken, all at a reasonable price!

You might also want to check out the best seafood in Naperville.

Jamaican Jerk Spice

Highlights
Authentic Jamaican flavor
Great taste
Highly recommended
Love everything about them

First of all, let me just say that the oxtails here are truly authentic. The Jamaican flavors burst in my mouth and I could taste the spices in every bite. It was like a party in my mouth!

The taste was simply amazing. The meat was tender and juicy, and the sauce was rich and flavorful. I could tell that the chef put a lot of effort into perfecting this dish.

I would highly recommend Jamaican Jerk Spice to anyone who is looking for a great oxtail experience. This place definitely lived up to its reputation as one of the best spots for oxtails in Chicago.

I loved everything about this place – from the friendly staff to the cozy atmosphere. It's clear that they take pride in their food and it shows in every dish they serve.

In conclusion, if you're looking for an authentic Jamaican oxtail experience with great taste and atmosphere, then look no further than Jamaican Jerk Spice. Trust me, you won't regret it!

You might also want to check out the best seafood restaurants in Schaumburg.

Caribbean Jerk Palace

Highlights
Fresh Food
Great Customer Service
Delicious Jerk Sauce
Choice of Sides Available

First of all, let me tell you that the oxtails at Caribbean Jerk Palace were a treat for my taste buds! The meat was tender and juicy, and it was cooked to perfection. The jerk sauce was absolutely delicious, and it had just the right amount of spice to give it a little kick.

What impressed me the most about this place was their customer service. The staff was very friendly and welcoming, always making sure that I had everything I needed. They were happy to answer any questions I had and even gave me some recommendations on what sides to try with my oxtails.

Speaking of sides, Caribbean Jerk Palace definitely knows how to do them justice! They have a great selection of sides available, from rice and peas to plantains. Each side complemented the oxtails perfectly, making for a well-rounded meal.

Overall, I would highly recommend Caribbean Jerk Palace for anyone looking for some delicious oxtails in Chicago. Their fresh food, great customer service, and delicious jerk sauce are sure to leave you feeling satisfied. And if you're like me and love some good sides with your meal, then this is definitely the place for you!

3 KINGS JERK: (BARBQUE, SOUL FOOD & JAMAICAN FOOD

Highlights
Jerk Chicken
Steak Nacho
Philly Cheesesteak
Steak Tacos
Large Portions

First of all, let me just say that I was blown away by the large portions served at this restaurant. As someone with a hearty appetite, I truly appreciated the value for my money.

But let's get to what you really came for: the oxtails. My taste buds were dancing with joy as soon as I took a bite of their tender and succulent oxtails. The meat fell off the bone effortlessly and was seasoned to perfection with a blend of spices that tingled my tongue.

Aside from their amazing oxtails, I also had the pleasure of trying their jerk chicken, which had a nice kick to it that left me wanting more. And if you're feeling adventurous, I highly recommend their steak nachos topped with juicy strips of steak and melted cheese.

The atmosphere at 3 KINGS JERK is cozy and welcoming, with friendly staff that make you feel like family. So why not treat yourself to some delicious oxtails and other soulful dishes at this Jamaican gem in Chicago? Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.