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Ja's Jerk Chicken
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  • Ja's Jerk Chicken

    Post #1 - May 9th, 2008, 3:48 pm
    Post #1 - May 9th, 2008, 3:48 pm Post #1 - May 9th, 2008, 3:48 pm
    There's a new restaurant over in East Garfield Park: Ja's Jerk Chicken. It's been open maybe six weeks ow. Science Boy and I were thrilled to have a restaurant close to home, so we tried it out. Very good. We've been back a few times and have not had anything we didn't like yet.

    For main dishes, between the two of us, we have tried the jerk chicken, both spicy and mild and the crusted salmon. All tasty. They have 19 side dishes to choose from, which made it a little overwhelming at first - but all of them we have tried satisfied. We both fell in love with the Callaloo, which the guy behind the counter described as "Jamaican spinach." The laintains were a teeny bit greasy the first time we ordered them, but perfect the next time. The mashed sweet potatoes are a bit sweet for my taste, but then I prefer savory sweet mashed potatoes, so I think that's just a personal preference. SB liked them just fine. A co-worker went last weekend and had the oxtails, which he has been raving about since.

    The restaurant is tiny - strictly take-out - and super clean and the staff seems very friendly. I wish them much success and hope their success inspires others to bring restaurants to East Garfield!

    I do have a menu. I will try to scan it. And, next time we get our dinner there, I'll try to take a picture before we eat everything!

    Ja's Jerk Chicken
    Jamaican & Soul Food Restaurant
    2806 W. Lake Street
    Chicago, IL 60612
    p: 773.533.JERK (5375)
    f: 773.533.5376

    Hours
    Mon - Thurs: 11am to 9pm
    Fri - Sat: 11am to 11pm
    Sun: 11am to 6pm
    peace,
    Katharine

    "Granddad was superstitious about books. He thought that if you had enough of them around, education leaked out, like radioactivity." (Terry Pratchett, Johnny and the Dead)
  • Post #2 - May 10th, 2008, 8:53 pm
    Post #2 - May 10th, 2008, 8:53 pm Post #2 - May 10th, 2008, 8:53 pm
    I scanned the menu, though it didn't scan *well*, and it's sideways. Grr. It's really hard to read, but can be seen at http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l95/b ... jas019.jpg and http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l95/b ... jas020.jpg. If I can muster up the ambition and time, perhaps I will type it all out later. Or re-try the scan (though I already tried it a few times... Sigh).
    peace,
    Katharine

    "Granddad was superstitious about books. He thought that if you had enough of them around, education leaked out, like radioactivity." (Terry Pratchett, Johnny and the Dead)
  • Post #3 - May 10th, 2008, 9:18 pm
    Post #3 - May 10th, 2008, 9:18 pm Post #3 - May 10th, 2008, 9:18 pm
    Okay, I bolded the section headings of the menu, but otherwise tried to type it just as they had it; use of parentheses and caps is straight from the menu.

    It's guess it's kind of weird that I am an infrequent lurker and then come bug y'all with three posts about a small place in a less than popular 'hood. I am interested to hear what those of you who really "know" food would think of it...

    (Oh, as I was typing, it occurred to me that I didn't care much for their bread. Kind of sad, but left more room for Callaloo!)

    Dinner
    (All dinners are served rice and beans w/2 additional sides and cornbread/Jamaican bread)

    Whole jerk dinner $13.95
    ½ jerk chicken w/beans and rice $9.95
    ¼ jerk chicken w/beans and rice $7.95
    ½ brown stew chicken w/beans and rice $9.95
    ¼ brown stew chicken w/beans and rice $7.95
    6 jerk wings w/beans and rice $8.95
    4 jerk wings w/beans and rice $7.95
    Lg. pc. jerk catfish w/beans and rice $10.95
    Sm. pc. jerk catfish w/beans and rice $8.95
    Curry goat w/beans and rice $10.95
    Curry chicken w/beans and rice $9.95
    Oxtails w/beans and rice $10.95
    Southern fried chicken (20 min)
    ½ $9.95
    ¼ $7.95
    2 pc. tilapia (jerk or crusted) (20 min) $8.95
    2 pc. salmon (jerk or crusted) (20 min) $8.95
    Smothered pork chops (or fried) w/white rice
    Lg $10.95
    Sm $8.95
    ½ baked chicken $9.95
    ¼ baked chicken $7.95
    Veggie plate (w/3 sides and choice of bread) $5.95

    Side Orders
    beans and rice
    dressing
    cranberry sauce
    mustard & turnip greens
    cucumbers & onions
    callaloo
    black eyed peas
    garlic mashed potatoes
    white rice
    spaghetti
    brown rice
    cabbage
    plantains
    sweet potatoes
    mac and cheese
    corn
    string beans
    succotash
    traditional salad

    Salads/Sandwiches
    Traditional Salad (includes lettuces, tomatoes and cheese) $3.95
    Jerk chicken salad (includes lettuces, tomatoes, cheese and jerk chicken) $5.95
    Ja’s real deal salad (includes lettuces, tomatoes,cheese, raisins, walnuts, plantains, and jerk chicken) ) $7.95
    Jerk chicken wrap (served with rice & beans or brown rice) (includes chicken, lettuces, tomatoes and cheese on wheat tortilla) $5.95
    Jamaican beef pattie (25 min) $2.00
    Jamaican veggie pattie (25 min) $2.00

    (for mixed greens/romaine lettuces, there’s a $1.00 up charge)
    (NO SUBSTITUTIONS PLEASE)
    There will be an up charge.

    Jerk Chicken Only
    1 whole jerk chicken $9.95
    1 whole jerk chicken white $12.95
    ½ jerk chicken $5.95
    ¼ jerk chicken $3.95
    6 jerk wings $4.00
    4 jerk wings $3.50

    Extra Side Orders
    Extra side sm. $2.00 lg. $4.00
    All White (jerk chicken only)
    sm. $2.00 g. $3.00
    Hot/mild sauce $0.55 extra hot $0.75
    Bread (Jamaican or corn bread) $0.50
    Salad dressing $0.50

    Desserts
    ALL DESSERTS $2.50
    Mama’s Sweet Potato Pie
    Famous Caramel Cake
    Banana Pudding
    Southern Style Peach Cobbler
    Chocolate Cake
    Ja’s Famous Caramel Brownies

    Drinks
    Jamaican sodas $1.95
    Bottled water $1.00
    Can drinks $0.80

    (Everyday Special)
    $5 HOLLA
    Includes: 2 pc jerk chicken (leg & thigh)
    or
    4 jerk wings
    sm. rice & bean
    Jamaican bread
    cold drink

    (Every Friday)
    $6 FFF
    (FISH FRY FRIDAYS)
    Includes:
    Fried steak catfish
    sm. spaghetti w/Marinara sauce
    coleslaw
    Jamaican bread
    can drink
    peace,
    Katharine

    "Granddad was superstitious about books. He thought that if you had enough of them around, education leaked out, like radioactivity." (Terry Pratchett, Johnny and the Dead)
  • Post #4 - May 12th, 2008, 8:47 am
    Post #4 - May 12th, 2008, 8:47 am Post #4 - May 12th, 2008, 8:47 am
    So is the spicy jerk nice and HOT HOT HOT?

    And the Jamaican bread.....is it hardough bread? If so, it is a drier bread but oh so delicious toasted (when we go to Jamaica, have to have a loaf from the bakery in the cottage for breakfasts!).

    Prices seem fair. Will have to check out some time. Thanks for the post.
  • Post #5 - May 12th, 2008, 10:18 am
    Post #5 - May 12th, 2008, 10:18 am Post #5 - May 12th, 2008, 10:18 am
    The spicy jerk chicken has a nice amount of heat. I loved it, but Science Boy opted for the mild the second time we went (which also has a nice bite to it.)

    The Jamaican bread was similar to a white bread, but much denser. It might well be better toasted, but didn't do much for me as is.
    peace,
    Katharine

    "Granddad was superstitious about books. He thought that if you had enough of them around, education leaked out, like radioactivity." (Terry Pratchett, Johnny and the Dead)
  • Post #6 - May 13th, 2008, 2:15 pm
    Post #6 - May 13th, 2008, 2:15 pm Post #6 - May 13th, 2008, 2:15 pm
    Just finished eating my lunch which I picked up from Ja's. Tasty and spicy. You can choose hot or mild, I chose hot, which was pretty spicy, but not crazy hot. I broke a sweat though, so it's probably hot for many people. I ordered the $5 Holla special, which the very nice woman seemed to pad with more chicken than I was expecting. :D The chicken was falling apart tender and flavorful. Looks like they have an aquarium smoker in there, but was not in operation when I was there. I'm not sure how they make their jerk chicken or if the smoker is utilized. I should've asked. The chicken seemed to have been made earlier and then kept warm, but it was still very moist. The jerk sauce was poured over the chicken and the beans & rice. The rice and beans were very good and was also a generous helping for a small. I also ordered an extra side of plantains, which were excellent. In fact my co-workers were trying to steal them! Hmmpf. Anyway, service was pretty quick, the only reason I even had to wait 5 minutes was because she fried up the plantains fresh. She said the person before me had also heard of them thru LTH. She had a printed copy of this page on the counter that was faxed to her by a friend just moments before I arrived. All in all, a good jerk place. I hope to go back soon and try some of the other sides and maybe a desert!
    Moses supposes his toeses are roses, but Moses supposes erroneously. Moses, he knowses his toeses aren't roses, as Moses supposes his toeses to be.
  • Post #7 - May 20th, 2008, 7:31 pm
    Post #7 - May 20th, 2008, 7:31 pm Post #7 - May 20th, 2008, 7:31 pm
    Ja Jerk Rocks!

    Just got done havin' the TUES. special.....Jerk Rib Tips and Jerk Chicken with Rice and peas, with Plantains (sweet and carmelized/crunchy!!) and the most flavorfull Collard Green/turnip Greens I've had in a while- for $6.00 (there was a small upcharge for adding the Chicken)-
    and Ive got to say-

    WELCOME TO THE 'HOOD!!!
    I could just stand there and "inhale" all night.
    Had a nice chat with the owner- a fmr. restauranteur from Markham,Il. he and his sister were driving by- and saw the for rent sign- and have been open for about 6 weeks now.....
    A very nice addition to the East Garfield park neighborhood- this sister and brother team, have a nice little spot- no tables at this point- although the owner did mention he was looking into adding some Counter Space for Eat in.

    They proudly have a printout of the LTH post- and welcome new customers like their old friends.
    Their bread is sourced from the Caribbean American Bakery on Howard (as are their patties).......but the "soul" of their cooking isn't outsourced-
    clearly- from within!

    Give em a try- you wont be disappointed!
  • Post #8 - May 24th, 2008, 2:49 pm
    Post #8 - May 24th, 2008, 2:49 pm Post #8 - May 24th, 2008, 2:49 pm
    Thanks for the tip everyone! I almost missed this place, but finally found it. The hot sauce has a creep-up effect. I'll be back!
  • Post #9 - May 25th, 2008, 8:26 am
    Post #9 - May 25th, 2008, 8:26 am Post #9 - May 25th, 2008, 8:26 am
    TYV wrote:Thanks for the tip everyone! I almost missed this place, but finally found it. The hot sauce has a creep-up effect. I'll be back!


    What did you eat?
    peace,
    Katharine

    "Granddad was superstitious about books. He thought that if you had enough of them around, education leaked out, like radioactivity." (Terry Pratchett, Johnny and the Dead)
  • Post #10 - May 25th, 2008, 1:21 pm
    Post #10 - May 25th, 2008, 1:21 pm Post #10 - May 25th, 2008, 1:21 pm
    The half chicken with rice and beans. Side were the plantains (a bit cold by the time I got home) and dressing. They have so many sides I can't wait to try! And I couldn't resist the peach cobbler!

    I have some friends who vacation in Jamaica every year, and when I offered to bring out some curried goat, oxtail, and Jerk chix, they rolled out the red carpet in anticipation!
  • Post #11 - June 4th, 2008, 10:55 am
    Post #11 - June 4th, 2008, 10:55 am Post #11 - June 4th, 2008, 10:55 am
    can someone post up some pix of chicken / interior / exterior here?

    also, is there bullet proof glass enclosure?
  • Post #12 - June 4th, 2008, 1:13 pm
    Post #12 - June 4th, 2008, 1:13 pm Post #12 - June 4th, 2008, 1:13 pm
    TonyC wrote:can someone post up some pix of chicken / interior / exterior here?

    also, is there bullet proof glass enclosure?


    Tony C,

    It's great to hear from you. I'm planning a trip down there with my camera sometime in the next couple of weeks. I'll post some pictures then, if someone doesn't beat me to it.
    Steve Z.

    “Only the pure in heart can make a good soup.”
    ― Ludwig van Beethoven
  • Post #13 - June 5th, 2008, 2:38 pm
    Post #13 - June 5th, 2008, 2:38 pm Post #13 - June 5th, 2008, 2:38 pm
    can someone post up some pix of chicken / interior / exterior here?

    also, is there bullet proof glass enclosure?


    I'm honored to be responding to a TonyC request.

    Bullet-proof glass, check. Unlit, unmarked storefront (except for paper in the windows) under the El, check. Food and electricity, no dice.

    I stopped by for the "Holla" special today but the place was dark; the proprietor was outside on his cellphone trying to get power back on. He was very nice and encouraged me to come back next week, which I will. The door was open and I can at least tell you it's fresh and clean and smells very good.
  • Post #14 - June 7th, 2008, 12:17 am
    Post #14 - June 7th, 2008, 12:17 am Post #14 - June 7th, 2008, 12:17 am
    Still closed on try #2 today. Shot for Tony et al:

    Image
  • Post #15 - June 7th, 2008, 4:48 am
    Post #15 - June 7th, 2008, 4:48 am Post #15 - June 7th, 2008, 4:48 am
    I live just about two blocks away and I know we have had blackouts here, so none of us have had power for periods... Must have been someone there, though, because when no one is, the glass is covered.
    peace,
    Katharine

    "Granddad was superstitious about books. He thought that if you had enough of them around, education leaked out, like radioactivity." (Terry Pratchett, Johnny and the Dead)
  • Post #16 - June 12th, 2008, 8:41 pm
    Post #16 - June 12th, 2008, 8:41 pm Post #16 - June 12th, 2008, 8:41 pm
    bluroses wrote:There's a new restaurant over in East Garfield Park: Ja's Jerk Chicken.

    Blueroses,

    You hit a home run with Ja's, what a terrific place. Friendly, actually very friendly, owner (Ja-Ja) and her sister Tonya manager, tender spicy jerk chicken, delicious, if slightly chewy, curry goat and tender ox tail.

    Ja-Ja, Tonya
    Image

    Jerk chicken is given a dry rub and started on an Aquarium style smoker with lump charcoal then moved to the oven, Ja-Ja realizes this is not standard Jamaican style, but her preference is very moist and tender jerk, and given a spicy aromatic bath in jerk sauce. We got the hot, I had the pleasure of Mike Sula's company at lunch, and it was noticeably spicy, but by no means over the top hot.

    Jerk Chicken Picture does not do jerk chicken justice
    Image

    Curry goat might have been my favorite dish of the day, next to our side of tender, but not mushy, spicy flavored cabbage. Goat was slightly chewy, terrific flavor, though on the mild side for goat, I'd peg it's flavor as lamb with a type A personality. Curry sauce complimented the red beans and rice, which were used as a bed for chicken, goat and ox tail.

    From bottom left Curry Goat, Ox Tail, Garlic mashed potato, Cabbage
    Image

    Mac and cheese is not my preferred style, I like the baked type, and the greens while tender were very salty, at least to my taste.

    Greens, Mac and Cheese
    Image

    Sweet potato pie and Peach Cobbler were well executed, but quite sweet. Though I was not in the mood for sweet today.

    Mama's Sweet Potato Pie, Peach Cobbler
    Image

    Most everything is made in house, Ja-Ja attended CHIC, and the care they put into each item is apparent.

    No seating, though they are planning a chest high 'eating rail', but I quite liked the view as we dined 'Al Trunko'

    Dining Al Trunko at Ja's Jerk Chicken
    Image

    I will definitely be back, and soon.

    Enjoy,
    Gary
    One minute to Wapner.
    Raymond Babbitt

    Low & Slow
  • Post #17 - June 17th, 2008, 11:32 pm
    Post #17 - June 17th, 2008, 11:32 pm Post #17 - June 17th, 2008, 11:32 pm
    If the jerk chicken is a home run, it's an inside-the-parker, achieving the same delicious end, but not quite as majestic and overpowering as it could be. These jerk wings were the best in flavor I've had in Chicago, but fell off the bone somewhat too easily, and were slightly undersalted even with the provided dipping sauces. They missed umami by just the bounce of a ground-rule double or a misplayed brick-wall triple allowing the runner to stretch the extra 90 feet.

    Image

    The jerk rib tips, though, are an unqualified grand slam. Only available on Tuesdays (and some weekends, according to the staff), they were heartbreakingly perfectly smoked, had wonderful bark (nothing particularly Jamaican, just dead-on Southern style), and were chopped up with a level of care and accuracy I've only seen under the hand of Mack Sevier at Uncle John's. Half of the pieces were boneless and totally gristle-less, and the other half tore off the bone in neat, chewy, lovely pieces. This was in stark contrast to the Barbara Ann tips I had last week, which were equally delicious, but a big fight to get off the sauropod-sized bones and chunks.

    Image

    The tips were nestled in a bed of sweet-hot beans and rice with peppers and little pockets of brown sugar jerk rub, and came with an excellent cole slaw and a slice of Jamaican bread, which is a denser, sweeter white, not quite to King's Hawaiian, but halfway there, and which tasted quite fresh-baked.

    Image

    This was an absolutely delightful meal for about $10 (tips, wings, and sides). All of their prices have gone up by about a buck from what was posted upthread (the "Holla" is now $5.95), but are still running under the going rate at other citycue spots.

    My only criticism of the place, which could actually also be a strength to some, is that the individual dishes come across with a studied, lean edge. All of the rich spices in the rub and the hot jerk sauce (served on the side) are obviously fresh and shine through with brilliant evenness, but I prefer a little bit of sloppiness with the salt and sugar so that there is variation in sweet and sour across different pieces. The thin mild sauce is very light and relatively bland. The fine chop and even bark of the tips are commendably consistent, though the pieces have remarkably little fat, as with the smoked and then moist-stewed chicken. Having eaten jerk on the beach and roadside pits in Jamaica and Trinidad, I'd say Ja's tastes, dare I say it, healthy and wholesome. This is not a bad thing if you're in the right mindset, and can be compensated by some of the rich side dishes described upthread.

    I like it better than any other Jamaican I've had in the city (most of which I've admittedly had at the Taste of Chicago the past few years), and will be back with some frequency. Yet another amazing LTH discovery on my natural path home from work (thank you, blu!). I look forward to catching them on a busier day when there is a bit more salt and sugar thrown around and the fat isn't so perfectly trimmed or rendered. I'll wash it down next time with a Jamaican cola or ginger beer, which I noticed behind the counter as I was exiting.

    Note to Gary and bluroses: evidence of your visits are already taped down the cashier counter. I saw an LTH card and copy of the first few posts of this thread there, facing inward, presumably as an encouragement to the staff. As with Xni-Pec and Cubanito, I hope they take a hold of their immediate community as much as us virtual voyageurs.
  • Post #18 - June 18th, 2008, 3:50 pm
    Post #18 - June 18th, 2008, 3:50 pm Post #18 - June 18th, 2008, 3:50 pm
    Your description of the jerked tip's sounds dead on of what the jerked pork around the island tastes like. Most of the smoke-masters over there use rip tips and or bone-in country style rib's to make their jerked pork. Looks like im headed over to Ja's on Tuesday. I've tried many of the spots in Chicago for jerked chicken and my main complaint is you wont ever find the amazing SPICY hot home brewed jerk sauce that each vendor has at his smoke shack.

    Also, Ting has to be my favorite soft drink on the earth, I stock up on them every summer b/c they are great when ice cold out of the bottle and a really refreshing mixer for summertime drinks.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ting_%28soft_drink%29
  • Post #19 - July 13th, 2008, 5:28 pm
    Post #19 - July 13th, 2008, 5:28 pm Post #19 - July 13th, 2008, 5:28 pm
    Folks, I really wanted to *love* this place. Well, I'm afraid that, so far, I only *like* it.

    Ever since I came across Santander's rave of the jerk rib tips, I've been planning to drop by. In addition to declaring them to be "an unqualified grand slam," Santander put them in the same league as Mack's at Uncle John's (which I frequent...um...frequently). He also included a mouthwatering photo of chunky tips.

    With my craving guiding me, I stopped by this afternoon. The good news is that the tips are now offered all the time--not just on Tuesdays and some weekends (and on signs and in the take-out menu, they proudly draw attention to this, I'm guessing due to the influence of LTH'ers). Asking for "an order of jerk rib tips" yielded a mildly hefty, typically-wrapped bbq package, costing $8, which I broke into on the way home in the car. I had to pull over, because there weren't really any rib tips to messily grab onto, cabbie style, while I drove. I figured that my misplaced priorities (such as focusing on the road ahead instead of the food resting on the passenger seat) were keeping me from locating the meaty jerk rib tips plainly evident in Santander's photo. Nope.

    On a very substantial foundation of tasty beans-and-rice lay what I'd describe generously as about ten *thumb-sized* "rib tips"--little morsels, really. The taste? Not bad. But, hey, I thought, what did I just pay $8 for? For the same money at Uncle John's, you're given a small feast of meaty rib tips, prepared by one of the best in the business, enough for both me and my wife to share. And it seemed like whenever I thought, "Look, at least *there's* some meat!" I'd quickly discover that, "No, that's mostly bone" (and, yes, I know that bones are key to flavor, but they're supposed to be accompanied by as much, or more, meat--right?).

    Here's the thing: I don't think I was there on the "off day." The two guys working there couldn't have been nicer, and they even thanked me for making a special trip (one guy,who was in back when I left, literally ran out to thank me one last time, shook my hand, and said he hoped I would like the tips). And the meal looked put together "correctly (sorry, I didn't have a camera). My gut tells me that when they decided to make the tips a regular item, they decided to serve it this way. Big mistake.

    Obviously, I need to go back and try other items on the menu. Like I said, the guys working there were great, and I loved the location, which is like a movie setting: the little place sits isolated under the Green Line tracks, stretching above into the distance as far as the eye can see, with a prostitute of nebulous gender working harmlessly across the street in broad daylight. But any praise I can offer for the "unqualified grand slam" tips, would have to be, well, a very qualified.
  • Post #20 - July 13th, 2008, 7:20 pm
    Post #20 - July 13th, 2008, 7:20 pm Post #20 - July 13th, 2008, 7:20 pm
    Thanks for the report, majorlance. You're probably right about hitting them on a regular day and not an offday, but I also believe in "on-days," when everything just clicks; that's likely when I caught them, and the tips were definitely meaty, as pictured above. However, as I mentioned, they're definitely leaner, more finely chopped, and smaller than my South Side 'cue haunts, but running with the baseball metaphor from a previous post, they were the grand slam of the day compared to the chicken (on which, please note, I myself was qualifying down from a no-doubter to an in-the-basket).

    I have not tried the tips since their Tuesdays-only status, but I have tried the chicken again, and thought it better my last two visits than my first. I like mixing the sweet mild sauce and the very savory hot sauce in equal portions over their delicious wings and rice.
  • Post #21 - July 13th, 2008, 9:10 pm
    Post #21 - July 13th, 2008, 9:10 pm Post #21 - July 13th, 2008, 9:10 pm
    Stopped in Saturday night. Even though I am not a big rib tip fan I did order them due to the raves here. Fairly meaty and quite tasty but the sauce was a bit bland. Beans 'n' rice was great and the plantain was the best I have had. Also ordered the cornbread and chicken jerk but discovered when I got home that neither had made it into the bag. Rather a bummer.
    pdp
  • Post #22 - July 15th, 2008, 1:02 pm
    Post #22 - July 15th, 2008, 1:02 pm Post #22 - July 15th, 2008, 1:02 pm
    I've tried many of the spots in Chicago for jerked chicken and my main complaint is you wont ever find the amazing SPICY hot home brewed jerk sauce that each vendor has at his smoke shack.


    My standard place for Jerk Chicken (for the last couple of years now) is Uncle Joe's Jerk down by 82nd street and Cottage Grove. Have you tried that place at all? My spice tolerance is pretty high (I find Khan's BBQ too mild, a lot of the time, for example).. Id be surprised to find anyone who thought Uncle Joe's Jerk Sauce was too mild for them, it has a very nice spicy kick, too hot for some (probably from the scotch-bonnet-peppers I believe they add in).

    On that note, Uncle Joe's this weekend was decent.. but the version I got last weekend was absolutely sensational, they were really "on" then. Beautifully smoky that time, and with the addition of the hot jerk sauce, quite wonderful.

    Ive never been to Ja's, and was considering a special trip out for the Jerk Tips (nobody else I know seems to make Jerk Rib Tips - I asked at Uncle Joe's, they dont, and they didnt know anyone who did either)... but will hold off for the moment, given the last couple of reports. (Instead, I shall do the smart-food-geek thing - get Uncle John's best-in-city tips from Mack without the sauce on 69th, and then cut over to 82nd and get Uncle Joe's Jerk Sauce to eat em with ;-)

    c8w
  • Post #23 - July 15th, 2008, 6:39 pm
    Post #23 - July 15th, 2008, 6:39 pm Post #23 - July 15th, 2008, 6:39 pm
    i love uncle joe's jerk chicken, but don't find the sauce blindingly hot. i think it's just right. i also love the room. justjoan
  • Post #24 - July 16th, 2008, 12:24 am
    Post #24 - July 16th, 2008, 12:24 am Post #24 - July 16th, 2008, 12:24 am
    Ive never been to Ja's, and was considering a special trip out for the Jerk Tips (nobody else I know seems to make Jerk Rib Tips - I asked at Uncle Joe's, they dont, and they didnt know anyone who did either)... but will hold off for the moment, given the last couple of reports.


    I'd still encourage you to try it out - more data and opinions are needed. Let me illuminate the fact that their default sauce (mild, which they typically ladle right over the paper boats of food) is a very bland, sugary puree, almost like a simple syrup. Their jerk hot sauce (which I always order on the side), is very complex, full of coarsely crushed spices, and decently hot. I recommend anyone visiting sample both on the side - I'm sure they'll be happy to oblige. I'm not saying this is the next Uncle John's in terms of tips, just that the care and attention given to trimming and chopping is similar, but I really enjoyed my order at Ja's, and look forward to trying them again now that they seem to be an every-day item.
  • Post #25 - July 16th, 2008, 12:46 pm
    Post #25 - July 16th, 2008, 12:46 pm Post #25 - July 16th, 2008, 12:46 pm
    All -

    Well, I just got back after eating the self-proclaimed "World's best jerk rib tips" from Ja's and I was not disappointed.

    Myself and two other epicurean adventurers headed out to investigate said jerk stop. I ordered the rib tips with the rice and beans, friend 1 ordered a jerk chicken wrap, and friend 3 ordered the "Holla" special.

    My meal - I ordered a mix of mild and hot jerk tips. There was more than enough for a meal in my neat little package. They were a tad chewyier than I assumed I would like, but over the course of them I really started to like the chew factor. Or maybe it was just that they were so good. Then, you work your way down to the rice and beans and they were a real treat. I guess I have not had and really good rice and beans lately, but to me these were heavenly. It was tough to distinguish between the two sauces, as they both seemed pleasing. If I had to order again, I might go all hot since it was not overwhelming (my lips are still slightly burning).

    The Jerk chicken wrap received good reviews although I did not have a bite. He also ordered a side of the corn, which was nothing too special.

    Then the "Holla" meal was ordered with 4 wings, which were all delicious.

    I do not have any other jerk spots of reference in the city as this is the first Jerk only restaurant I have eaten at, but I can say that I am already thinking about going back. Possibly for dinner!
    Last edited by jpeac2 on September 23rd, 2008, 8:36 am, edited 1 time in total.
  • Post #26 - July 17th, 2008, 10:02 am
    Post #26 - July 17th, 2008, 10:02 am Post #26 - July 17th, 2008, 10:02 am
    bluroses wrote:I scanned the menu, though it didn't scan *well*, and it's sideways. Grr. It's really hard to read, but can be seen at http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l95/b ... jas019.jpg and http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l95/b ... jas020.jpg. If I can muster up the ambition and time, perhaps I will type it all out later. Or re-try the scan (though I already tried it a few times... Sigh).


    If you're ever looking for a menu from a Chicago restaurant, check out "Chicago Menu Pages". http://chicago.menupages.com/
  • Post #27 - July 17th, 2008, 12:12 pm
    Post #27 - July 17th, 2008, 12:12 pm Post #27 - July 17th, 2008, 12:12 pm
    http://chicago.menupages.com/restaurant ... uisineid=0
  • Post #28 - July 25th, 2008, 8:55 am
    Post #28 - July 25th, 2008, 8:55 am Post #28 - July 25th, 2008, 8:55 am
    I had the immense pleasure of hitting Ja's Jerk last night and have to agree with all postings on the wonders of the chicken, plantains, greens and cobbler. And the women running the show immediately made me feel like a long-time friend---even though it was my first visit. I did not sample the wares of the amiable bootleg DVD sales entrepreneur who entered the establishment at the same time I did, but as he was not affiliated with Ja's, I need not comment further on him. Anyway, I do recommend for people who want to take their meal to a nearby park (like a relatively stable picnic table at Humboldt Park, not too far away) to bring their own plasticware. The plastic knife and fork I boosted from my company lunchroom served me far better than the spork that the good people at Ja's provide.
  • Post #29 - August 15th, 2008, 8:40 pm
    Post #29 - August 15th, 2008, 8:40 pm Post #29 - August 15th, 2008, 8:40 pm
    I finally got over here tonight, since I live about 6 blocks north of the place and wanted some take-out on the way home from work.

    I went "whole hog" but in this case that would be "whole chicken" and ponied up for the full chicken dinner.

    Image
    Full Jerk Chicken Dinner with Callaloo, Plantains, Rice & Beans, Jamaican Bread

    It was a bit of a wait since they didn't have plantains and breast meat ready, subbing wings and drumsticks in place. Since it was about a 20 minute wait, they gave me an extra portion of breast meat (the little boat on the lower left). I ordered it "hot" and my lips are just now coming back down from the tingly heat. Outstanding! Just what I needed to help clear this head cold.

    The whole deal was about $16 with tax, and I think I managed to eat about 1/3 before getting full. A great deal and very nice people!

    p.s. yes that is the same kitchen table where kitty waitz for turkey
    - Mark

    Homer: Are you saying you're never going to eat any animal again? What about bacon? Ham? Pork chops?
    Lisa: Dad, those all come from the same animal.
    Homer: Heh heh heh. Ooh, yeah, right, Lisa. A wonderful, magical animal.
  • Post #30 - August 22nd, 2008, 10:42 am
    Post #30 - August 22nd, 2008, 10:42 am Post #30 - August 22nd, 2008, 10:42 am
    Santander wrote:I have not tried the tips since their Tuesdays-only status, but I have tried the chicken again, and thought it better my last two visits than my first. I like mixing the sweet mild sauce and the very savory hot sauce in equal portions over their delicious wings and rice.

    Santander,

    Ja's jerk rib tips were pretty darn good on a Sunday as well, though not BBQ in the sense of Honey 1/Uncle John's rib tips, Ja's are started on the Aquarium and finished covered in the oven for tenderness, which as mentioned upthread is Ja-Ja's preference. What made the jerk rib tips for me was the spicy hot jerk sauce, we asked for hot on the side, I could pretty much eat anything with that sauce and be happy.

    Ja's Jerk Rib Tips, sauce on the side

    Image

    I had not problems with rib tip portion size, and enjoyed the meaty beans, cabbage and greens. Sweet potatoes are too sweet for me, but that is often the case with Soul Food style sweet potatoes.

    Jerk Chicken was consistent with my first visit, light char, tender, flavorful, with Chicago style 'soupy' jerk sauce.

    Ja's Jerk Chicken

    Image

    The only slight negative, and this has absolutely nothing to do with the restaurant, we ate Al Trunko in the dirt/gravel parking lot immediately West of Ja's and the flies were overbearing and abundant.

    Ja's Al Trunko

    Image

    Enjoy,
    Gary
    One minute to Wapner.
    Raymond Babbitt

    Low & Slow

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