Irie Cafe

Looks like Irie Cafe in Schaumburg is closed. Phone is disconnected and their website is down, although I haven't driven by in a while.

My old favorite Lynette's is long gone, and I read that the Jamaiican place on Howard is now closed. Does anyone know of Jamaiican or caribbean spots in NW burbs or north side of Chicago? I'll search again, but it looks like the remaining places are all too far on the South side.

We're trying to plan a Jamaiican themed party and I'd like to have a lot of good food (Lynette's fit the bill perfectly last time). It would also be nice to have a place whenever the craving hits...THANKS!

I am not sure which restaurant on Howard you are referring to, but I believe there are still two Jamaican restaurants on Howard (at least they were there when I walked past them last weekend ). There is also one in Evanston. Neither of the restaurants on Howard compare to the original Linette's (before it was sold). Of the two, I guess I like Good to Go better. I have never been to Claire's, but it looks promising in a seedy storefront way (like Linette's).

Jamaica Jerk
1631 W Howard Street
Chicago, IL 60626-1630
Phone: (773) 764-1546
http://www.jamaicajerk-il.com/

Good to Go Jamaican Jerk
1947 W Howard St
Chicago, IL 60626
(773) 381-7777
http://www.goodtogojamaicanjerk.com

Claire's Korner
1827 Emerson St
Evanston, IL 60201
(847) 328-7650

In Evanston, there's also Jazmyn's. I've never been. Jamaica Gates on Church in Evanston recently closed -- perhaps that is the one that you read about.

And while there's no seating, but you can get jerk chicken and pork at the Caribbean American Bakery on Howard Street; they've recently been bolstering their prepared foods service and updated the menu on the wall to make those dishes look more prominent, perhaps trying to ride the consciousness of the other places to the west on Howard Street.

Last time I picked up jerk there (I tried both), I was not terribly impressed -- overly salty, and not real high grade meat. It was kind of late when I stopped by and they didn't have any of the sides (just harddough bread), but he assured me that if I'd come earlier, or especially on weekends, they sell these meats (and other things, can't recall offhand) as meals with a few sides.

I still like the beef patties and the curry chicken patties (the jerk chicken patties are also not terribly impressive, and the veggie patties are downright unappetizing). Among the other bakery goods, the turnovers are usually pretty good, although the fillings are a little gloppy, and the bulla cakes and ginger bread are also good. Alas, they no longer seem to serve corn cake, which was a real treat.

Jazmyn's Jerk Chicken
1164 Dodge Ave, Evanston, IL
(847) 570-4811

Caribbean American Baking Co
1539 W Howard St, Chicago, IL
(773) 761-0700

Oh excellent, guys. Thanks so much for the info. Looks like I've got catering poassibilities and also places close enough for last minute dinner.