Ja' Grill Restaurant & Lounge: User Reviews

As a Jamaican I was more than excited to check out some authentic Jamaican cuisine however I am not sure if i am just picky or spoiled but the food was just ok to me. Nothing like back home and the Oxtail was very dry and was over priced if you ask me. I know corner restaurants that serve better food out of a smaller kitchen.

on the bright side the service was good nice people who are eager to help with great music playing the entire time.

Big ups to the atmosphere, but the food needs work

Ambiance:

Food:

Service:

Value:

Report This Review

This place is good enough that I make a point to bring my friends here whenever they come to visit Chicago. I have ALWAYS had excellent service, the food has always been great, and the atmosphere is great too. Some would consider it a bit crowded but overall the people eating/drinking there seem to enjoy it (I prefer it). It gives a good excuse to lean in close to your date, and otherwise keeps you focused on the group you are with while still feeling the energy around you.
I would say the prices are okay - probably a little higher than going to a roadside shack in Jamaica but overall I would say pretty reasonable, given the great atmosphere as well as the neighborhood.
If you're looking for a big plate of food as cheaply as possible, go somewhere else. If you want a great, reasonably-sized meal with a great atmosphere, go to Ja Grill.

Ambiance:

Food:

Service:

Value:

Report This Review

I have so many issues with the reviews and the restaurant. First, the place is super small. There's no room to be comfortably seated. They try and pack you in there like sardines. Secondly, I buy jamiacan food all the time (my boyfriend is Jamaican), you can get better tasting food, at a much cheaper price by going anywhere on the south side of chicago, where there is real jamiacan food--that is well-seasoned! The plaintains sucked--very dry! This place is good for people who are not thoroughly exposed to good jamaican food. It's over priced because of location, and you do not get the large portion you would get if you went to a jerk spot on the south side.

Granted, I did not taste the entire menu, but I had the curry chicken with plaintains, my sister had the jerk chicken, and I sampled some of the other guests dishes. I will say the snapper and fish soup was good. Let's just say I'll be going on 79th street for my money's-worth.

Ambiance:

Food:

Service:

Value:

Report This Review

We went last night for dinner at Ja' Grill for the first time. Wonderful experience! The friendly, attentive service certainly put us in the right frame of mind, the drinks were unusual and outstanding, and the food was great! How bad can it be with Bob Marley watchin' ovah da whole place!

Ambiance:

Food:

Service:

Value:

Report This Review

I am not sure about the previous reviews about service. My service was fantastic. From the momment we arrived, the staff was very accomodating. Our table wasn't ready and they recommended we go down to the downstairs lounge. The lounge was very nice. The bartender, Josh, was very nice and personable. Within 5 minutes here we felt like we knew everyone.

When our table was ready, we headed up stairs, unaware of the feast we were about to enjoy. Everything from the curry shrimp, curry pork and curry chicken was fantastic. Within an hour, we had favorite drinks--the Montegotini and the Mango Martini. It was my first time trying P.I.N.K.--an energy infused Vodka--they have an entire P.I.N.K. menu.

Great place for a first date, dinner with your parents, relaxing evening out or to catch a game on one of their Plasmas.

I've been back 4 times in the past month. Sometimes for dinner, other times for just drinks.

What a hidden gem!

Ambiance:

Food:

Service:

Value:

Report This Review

I went with my coworkers for lunch and we all ordered a different dish-and all we delicious! The jerk pork and the curry goat and chicken were my favorites. Large portions for a good price at lunch. The server was extremely nice and attentive. The sorbet in the chocolate shell was exquisite! The place is absolutely beautiful inside too!

Ambiance:

Food:

Service:

Value:

Report This Review

This spot is hoppin. The food was fantastic and music was enough to send me into a full food coma. The service was on point and wait staff were eager to suggest their best/favorite dishes. Great date spot too.....

Ambiance:

Food:

Service:

Value:

Report This Review

Great Jamaican food for a reasonable price. The drinks are expensive though, $8-$15. They said that service gets busy after 6:30, but at 5 when we got there, it was not busy at all. The service was great. Very friendly, jolly people. Tried some of the daily specials and they were great. Some dishes can be pretty spicy. Place right off the Brown Line at Armitage. Great location!

Ambiance:

Food:

Service:

Value:

Report This Review

This restaurant has the best Jamaican food that I have eaten in Chicago. The Beef Patties are fabulous!!!! The staff is very inviting and friendly; making you feel like family. The ambiance is relaxed, warm, and comfortable. The lounge downstairs just adds to the flavor of the restaurant, and the diversity of the patrons is wonderful. Overall I have never had a bad experience there and my husband, friends, and I eat there on a regular basis. We also had them cater our Superbowl party this year and they did not disappoint. Word of advice...make a reservation on the weekends, or you will be waiting for awhile!!

Ambiance:

Food:

Service:

Value:

Report This Review

I was looking for a place to eat last nite, so I hopped off the Brown Line @ Armitage and stumbled on this place.

All-around great experience - great food, reasonable prices, eclectic decor (think Jamaican Marche), and excellent, friendly service. -In fact, I was waited on by three different people -?!

You won't be disappointed.

Ambiance:

Food:

Service:

Value:

Report This Review