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Kingston Grill

3.7 195 reviews 1164 Dodge Ave, Evanston, IL 60202, United States

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Kingston Grill, located at 1164 Dodge Ave in Evanston, IL, offers a rich culinary experience rooted in Jamaican tradition. Customers rave about the authentic dishes, highlighting the ox tails and jerk chicken as must-tries. Steve R. mentions his obsession with the ox tails, noting the quality and freshness of the ingredients, while Dan Nortman complements the perfectly cooked jerk chicken, paired flawlessly with fragrant rice and peas.

Many reviews praise the homemade feel of the meals, with Mavis Adu traveling 40 minutes just to indulge in this flavor-filled experience. The fried plantains and curry goat also stand out, showcasing the variety Kingston Grill masterfully offers. The ambiance is complemented by friendly, efficient service, as noted by customers like Verona Wynter and Amanda Byrum who appreciated the well-prepared vegetables and delicious seasoning.

Overall, Kingston Grill is a beacon for those seeking genuine Jamaican cuisine, with each dish telling a story of tradition and passion. The enthusiasm for the food is palpable, making it clear that this restaurant is worth every minute of travel for an unforgettable meal experience.

Photos

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Amenities & More

Service options

  • Outdoor seating
  • Delivery
  • Onsite services
  • Takeout
  • Dine-in

Highlights

  • Fast service
  • Serves local specialty

Popular for

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Solo dining

Dining options

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Catering
  • Counter service
  • Dessert
  • Seating

Amenities

  • Restroom

Atmosphere

  • Casual
  • Cozy
  • Trendy

Crowd

  • Groups
  • Tourists
Note: Amenity details are aggregated from verified visits, the venue's website and Google. They may change without notice. We recommend confirming key details (pet policy, accessibility, reservations) directly with Kingston Grill before visiting.

Reviews for Kingston Grill

3.7
195 reviews
5
100%
4
27%
3
14%
2
14%
1
40%

Review highlights

Based on 195 reviews

Kingston Grill consistently receives praise for its authentic Jamaican cuisine, highlighting the freshness and quality of its ingredients. Reviewers frequently commend the flavorful and well-prepared dishes, such as oxtails, jerk chicken, curry goat, and various traditional sides like rice and peas and fried plantains. The portion sizes are noted as generous, contributing to strong customer satisfaction. Additionally, the service is often described as friendly, attentive, and efficient, enhancing the overall dining experience. Many diners appreciate the homestyle cooking and vibrant flavors, which encourage repeat visits even from those traveling considerable distances. The combination of genuine culinary enthusiasm, consistent food quality, and welcoming staff positions Kingston Grill as a favored destination for Jamaican fare in the Evanston area.

Steve R
Jul 10, 2025

Delicious Ox Tails I've come back several times since first visit 6 months ago. It just keeps getting better. The food is quality and quantity...made from fresh ingredients. I stopped by last week for some amazing cow foot and beans and oxtail and beans. Both meals were amazing. I can't wait to come back for more. I highly recommend this place for homemade cooking made with real enthusiasm. It's worth the hour long drive.

Dan Nortman
Jun 10, 2025

Incredible food. Flavorful and perfectly cooked jerk chicken with fragrant and delicious rice and peas, perfectly fried plantains and cabbage to die for. Patties were another level. 5 stars isn't enough

mavis adu
May 15, 2025

I drove 40 minutes to get this food omg it was so worth it. The food was so good the best. I’m making food In Chicago since I’ve been here. I will definitely be back to eat there. Thank you for a great service and great food

Verona Wynter
May 05, 2025

I enjoy the delicious curry goat the service is fast. They cashiers are very friendly and pleasant.

Amanda Byrum
Apr 04, 2025

Absolutely amazing food and service. The veggies were cooked perfect and the seasoning of the jerk was perfecto

Monique Ferguson
Mar 24, 2025

I had the Thursday special, Stew Peas with pigs tail served and white rice. I'm Jamaican and I know how real Stew Peas should taste and that lunch was 100% Jamaican Stew Peas. It was so yummy. The rice, the meat, the vegetables on the side was sooooo good. Sorry I didnt take a picture. I'm definitely buying next week. Plus the customer service when I called was lovely. RECCOMEND!

Takese Brown
Mar 24, 2025

This is my favorite Jamaican restaurant in the whole Illinois! The food is so good! I go almost everyday for the soup but it's a must that I get the soup on Fridays and Saturdays!! The rice and peas are cooked perfect and the Pattie's use to be burnt up but nowadays they improved on that. The Pattie's are perfect now. My complaints would be the jerk chicken. It's literally baked chicken and the sauce isn't jerk idk what it is but it ain't jerk. It's sweet and thick like bbq sauce mixed with jerk sauce idk but it's not good. The tilapia which is my favorite dish there is always sold out early and I don't understand why they cant make more than what they are making. Maybe they can't afford it idk. Also the oxtail is all bones every time I get it. Don't waste your time with the oxtail. But trust me get the soup! They make a MEAN soup it is soooo good omg!! The ladies at the register, depending on who it is they are a little rude. They need to tell them to smile a lot more in my opinion and just be a little bit more lively. They just seem like they don't want to really be there. It makes people nervous and uncomfortable. You walk up to the register with a smile thinking you'll get a smile back and they just look at you like you're crazy. They need customer service training bad. Every single person I know that goes there says the comment the register have a bad attitude and it's true. I stopped going for a long time cuz they had one girl in there a couple years ago that was so rude and so off putting. Her attitude was unprofessional. Today they have dark skin girl and a light skin girl at the register and they are MUCH nicer than the past girls. The nicest I've ever seen. Maybe the got the memo. Everyone has a different experience with things. What I don't like you may like. I say go there and give them a try!!

Rowena Estell
Mar 24, 2025

I got jerk all white chicken was AMAZING !!!! right amount of spice in seasoning where you enjoyed it without your mouth being on fire - LOVED that. with rice & beans(Jamaicans says peas) this is different than our rice & beans - not a fan but I’m sure I’m biased because our Belizean R & B is on point made in coconut milk, I also had cabbage perfect sautee -still had a little crunch to it which I thoroughly enjoyed. & plantains. Service wasn’t bad but could use a little finesse ( a little smile goes a long way). Had the caramel cake - that also was AMAZING & I’m a critique when it comes to that because that’s a staple in my Belizean culture so I know(also bake) caramel cakes. Moist, not overpoweringly sweet - just perfection! It was my girlfriend’s bday(she’s Jamaican) & she approves everything I say here even with the rice & peas comment!! Had the patties as well - very good! She got oxtail, salad, cabbage, plantains & rice & peas...... Overall - totally enjoyed. Will DEFINITELY be back.

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Quick info

Address
1164 Dodge Ave, Evanston, IL 60202, United States
Price range
$10–20
Category
Jamaican restaurants

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