Mama Jerk N Tings — Restaurant in Waukegan

The food, the atmosphere, and the staff are all fantastic, but let me tell you why this place deserves five stars (and honestly, I wish I could give it six).

I brought a vegan friend along, and he ordered from the vegan menu. His dish mistakenly came with cheese and milk. These things happen, and to be fair, it was still fully vegetarian. But what really impressed me was how the staff handled it: they were kind, sincerely apologetic, immediately refunded the dish, and even offered him another meal on the house. It was an honest mistake met with truly exceptional customer service, gracious, professional, and human. That’s rare.

Now, let’s talk about my food: the chicken was absolutely incredible, juicy, perfectly seasoned, and full of that unmistakable island flavor. Every bite tasted like it was straight from a backyard grill in Kingston. The atmosphere is pure Jamaica, from the music to the colors to the laid-back vibe. You don’t just eat here—you feel like you’ve traveled. And the staff? Genuinely warm, fun, and attentive without ever being overbearing. I’ll be back for sure. My frien ld who isn't vegan got shrimp and loved it too.

They also do daily and...

This is a family favorite! $30-$35 for a chicken family meal. The Mac & cheese and yams are the best sides to get - these are Thanksgiving good! I also enjoy their plantains and rice & peas, but the first two are the stars. The jerk sauce is part of what makes everything so amazing (even though it’s still great without!), and they have forgotten our sauces a few times, so make sure to check for that - and also maybe get extra for cooking with later ;). I would not expect much from nachos or tacos, and I would stick to the basics, although their Rasta pasta is delicious!!! Super sweet family, and their food has stayed consistent since we found them a...

A great Sunday afternoon lunch with enough leftovers for dinner. Reasonable price for the food options, friendly service and items packaged well for travel home. I hope the restaurant stays around and I hope to try some of their soups on another day when available. Happy to have authentic Jamaica cuisine accessible in Lake County without having to drive to Evanston. We also enjoyed a delicious banana pudding that I ended up having to share with a family member and a beef patty. I look forward to another lazy weekend, in which I don't want to cook food at home, to get some of the favorites I remember my Jamaican mother...