Chickie's, JR's Caribbean Hut

Thanks to prior Italian beef posts, our family finally made it Friday to Chickie's on Pulaski. We are long-time habitues of Johnnie's and found this beef different (esp. the giardiniera) but very good, plus the counter folks couldn't have been more patient and helpful. On the way out to what proved a futile trip to Freddie's in Cicero, we passed by a second Chickie's on Cicero which I am supposing has some connection to the original. Has anyone tried it?

I also tried JR's, a carry-out counter place at Ashland and 79th that has also had its share of mentions. I found the food, unfortunately, more filling than satisfying on a first visit: a lifeless curry goat and mounds of rice and beans, not a bargain at $10. Perhaps the jerk dishes are better; incidently, they don't have jerk pork on the menu, but they do serve BBQ ribs and tips.

JR's Caribbean Hut
7959 S. Ashland
Chicago, IL

Chickie's
2839 S Pulaski Rd

(also Chickie's #2
5517 W Cermak Rd
Cicero, IL)

I'm quite fond of Chickie's and am happy you enjoyed it too. I especially like their different take on giardiniera, very fresh and bracing. Chickie's is among the better beef stands in Chicago yet not that many people seem to know about it.

The way I understand it, Chickie's 2 on Cermak in Cicero used to be run by the same couple but they found it too much trouble to deal with two places so sold it off not long ago. I stopped in once late last year and found the product (beef--dipped, hot) to be quite a reasonable approximation of the original.

I'm wondering if JR's Caribbean Hut on S Ashland might now be under new management. I'm pretty sure it was closed for several months late last year/early this year. You say it was carry-out. While I'm sure that was most of their business, they used to have several tables in the front area. And I sure don't remember seeing tips and ribs on their menu. On one of the barbecue expeditions about 5 months ago I remember noticing a then-vacant storefront on Indiana (in the 30s I think) that had a big sign in the window stating it was the new home of JR's. I'll post an update if I can find out anything new.

While I thought JR's jerk chicken was pretty good when I last tried it a little over a year ago, I've long been partial to Tropic Island (1922 E 79th). Jerk chicken and house-made ginger beer are the things to get.

"Opening Soon", JR's Caribbean Cafe (I think cafe, not Hut) is in the 3600 block of S. Indiana. I've been doing some work right out there for the past two weeks, apparently soon isn't within a two week timeframe. I'll post if it opens, there's not much to eat close by and I'm looking forward to trying it.

prompted by TOC's top 100 of '05, i trekked out in the snow to nearby Bronzeville neighborhood. the Taylor's truck were parked out front, tho there was zero customer in sight due to the snowy conditions.

the 'new' lofty space with ~33 tables, 2 TVs, and a buncha Air Jamaica posters, is definitely open:


i refuse to post pix of the goat curry as it tastes a lot better than it looks. tho here's a pix of my st. bernie drooling/waiting obediently by the table:



i think the goat has good (GOATY) subtle flavors. and the recommendation of the peppery cabbage with a hint of spiciness was appreciated. wish i ordered that kola champagne to go with the meat...

JR's Carribean - definitely no longer a hut- Cuisine
3660 S. Indiana
Chicago, IL
773-924-1900/1497

JR's Caribbean Cuisine in Bronzeville is closed. The signs have been removed so it seems to be permanent.

JR's Caribbean Cuisine (closed)
3660 S Indiana Av
Chicago

As noted in another thread, Tropic Island at 1922 E 79th St (mentioned above) has closed. Two other branches remain open.