Maxine's Jamaican Cuisine

Yuk!  I should have heed the warnings...this is the worst jerk chicken I've ever tasted.  Poor westside, can't get quality "jerk" crusine...like in the southside of Chicago.  First my wings came from a baby chick!  There was no jerk seasoning to be found on the lil chicky & did I say the wings were the size of a premature chicken???  Maxine's food does not taste at all like authentic caribbean/jamaican food.

I was driving out to River Forest along Madison, and saw Maxine's on the left side of the street. Now, I recently went to Jamaica for my honeymoon, where I became addicted to jerk chicken. I've tried numerous times to find a place that offered high quality, authentic jerk chicken in Chicago, but nothing ever compared to the real thing.

Anyways, once I saw the sign for Maxine's, I knew I had to try it. So, I Googled it, looked at the menu and other reviews, and made my mind very quickly - I will stop at Maxine's on the way home. I was in the car with my wife and my buddy, and they were a little hesitant to actually stop in (I mean, it's not the most savory neighborhood, and we were the only white people anywhere near the restaurant). But being the foodie that I am, there was no way I wasn't going to stop.

I parked the car, walked into Maxine's, and it totally blew me out of the water. The staff was incredibly nice and welcoming (really reminded me of the folks I met out in Jamaica), and talked to us the whole time. They had some great suggestions (like getting the XL tips instead of the Large tips) - now I have leftovers.

And the food. The food was excellent. Exactly how I remember it tasting on the islands. The chicken was ultra tender, and the spices and sauce had just enough heat to warrant a drink (oh, and they have TING!). All in all, it's  a great place, and I can't wait to order some catering from here too. Don't let your fear of the neighborhood prevent you from stopping here. It's definitely worth it.

The only reason I'll travel to the westside. Jerk chicken tips? On point!  I wish yall were still out south.