Welcome to Island Express Restaurant
Island Express Restaurant, located in Elburn, Illinois, offers an authentic taste of Jamaican cuisine that will transport your taste buds to the Caribbean. Known for its expertly crafted jerk chicken, flavorful oxtails, and mouth-watering curry goat, this eatery has garnered rave reviews for its generous portions and vibrant flavors. Customers rave about the warm atmosphere and friendly service, although the limited seating suggests a focus on takeout. Dishes like the flaky veggie patty and the perfectly cooked mac and cheese highlight the quality that keeps patrons coming back. Experience the home-cooked feel of Jamaica, right here at Island Express.
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151 IL-38 H, Elburn, IL 60119, United States Hotline: +1 630-448-1345
Welcome to Island Express Restaurant, a jewel tucked away in Elburn, Illinois, at 151 IL-38 H. This culinary haven specializes in authentic Jamaican cuisine, offering a vibrant tapestry of flavors that will transport your palate straight to the Caribbean. With rave reviews from satisfied customers, this eatery is not just a restaurant; it's an experience.
Island Express is well-versed in the art of traditional Jamaican cooking. From the tender, fall-off-the-bone Brown Stew Chicken to the perfectly spiced Jerk Chicken, their dishes are prepared with integrity and passion. One can’t help but be drawn to the warm aromas that fill the air, enticing you to explore a menu that boasts an array of delectable options.
The customer feedback is a testament to the restaurant's commitment to quality. Diners have lauded everything from the succulent Oxtails to the iconic Fried Plantains, emphasizing how even seemingly simple side dishes, like cabbage, are elevated to new heights. It's not just food; it’s comfort on a plate, an encapsulation of love and home-cooked nostalgia.
While the restaurant is primarily a takeout spot with limited seating, this has not detracted from its appeal. Many have found solace in enjoying their meals at home, where the vibrant flavors and fragrances can fill the room. The friendly service further enhances the dining experience, making each visit feel special and personalized. As one satisfied diner eloquently put it, “It'll be the best example of Jamaican flavors and love that you can get in the area.”
Whether you're craving curry chicken, jerk chicken pasta, or the ever-popular veggie patty, Island Express promises a meal that will leave you wanting more. Indeed, this is one restaurant that encourages you to take a chance on new flavors, knowing that each dish serves as a gateway to the heart of Jamaican culture.
For those looking to indulge in authentic Jamaican cuisine without traveling far, Island Express Restaurant is a must-visit. Treat yourself to a meal that captures the essence of island flavors and community spirit. Your taste buds will thank you!
Have tried this place 1-2 times before and decided to give them a shot at catering a party for us. We did the jerk chicken and rib tips as protein and sides. Our guests where all super happy with the quality of the food. Portions were great and of great value. This will be using them again in the future! Thank you for being accommodating, and the great work.
I heard about this place from groups and have now been here twice. I can honestly say both times the food was amazing. There are so few Jamaican places around so getting to try this style of food (relatively) close to home was a real treat. I took a chance this time and got something I’ve never tried. The Brown Stew Chicken. Didn’t know what to expect but like other things here it was amazingly good. Fall off the bone chicken in a tasty brown gravy. I have to be honest - the great thing about this place is, the food sounds relatively plain. I mean, a side dish of cabbage doesn’t sound too incredible, right? But be prepared for the best cabbage you’ve ever had. If you’re not sure what to expect with the food, just give it a chance - nothing I’ve had here in 2 trips was anything less than amazing. I also love that they have fried sweet plantains which is a big fave of mine. The only thing is I wish you got a little more for a “large” side but oh well. Lastly I have to say I think this place would do much better in a different location. There isn’t really much room to eat inside so it’s more of a take-out place. I’d love to see this move to a larger location and offer more eat-in space and maybe a soda fountain. Overall this is definitely worth the visit and the price.
Absolutely blown away by the food here. I’ve never had Jamaican cuisine before, but I will be coming back. I tried the curry chicken, jerk chicken, veggie patty, green beans, and mac and cheese. The green beans were definitely the best I’ve ever had and the veggie patty was phenomenal with a super flaky crust and buttery filling. All the chicken was super moist and the flavor of the jerk chicken was fantastic. I did go with the mild jerk sauce, which had a great vinegar tang to it without being too spicy for me to eat (I am very white). The mac and cheese was also solid. Honestly don’t think you can go wrong here!
What can one say but -- Yeah Mon! This is authentic Jamaican cooking. My wife brought it home for my birthday meal, and it truly earns all the 5 star reviews. Jerk chicken, cabbage, mac and cheese, plantains(!), and patties -- all expertly spiced and cooked. For the love of Jah, eat here! You'll feel like you're eating a home-cooked meal, and if you've been to Jamaica, your memories of the beautiful island will come flooding back. If you've never had Jamaican food, eat here. It'll be the best example of Jamaican flavors and love that you can get in the area. Soon come Island Express!
12/10– missed our train due to the Elburn shuttle bus breaking down on 38, decided to go get food. No regrets. We got the Mixed Jerk Chicken w rice & peas and plantain and then the oxtails with mac and yams...thank you guys!
Ordered jerk chicken pasta. Food was fresh and fast and hot long after I brought it home. Very friendly service and the meal easily served two people. Delicious!
Ya Mon...this place is legit! I am so glad my fellow Yelpers told me about Island Express in Elburn Illinois. Authentic home style Jamaican food with Island Flavor at reasonable prices. Mainly a takeout place with limited counter seating,each meal is prepared fresh. Jerk Chicken,Curry Goat and Oxtails are just a few of their Jamaican dishes. We tried their Veggy Patty and Chicken Patty. Flakey crust loaded with flavor. I didn't care for the chicken patty as it was chicken curry which I'm not a big fan of..wish it would have been listed on the menu in a different way. Ordered a side of their spicey jerk sauce which added additional flavor ....bonus! Also had their Medium Jerk Chicken platter with sides of red beans and rice and sweet candied yams. Everything was delicious. If you want to experience good Jamaican food minus the sand,ocean and Red Stripe Beer,this is definitely the place to go.
Came here with my husband. I've had this place on my radar for over a year and finally decided to make the half hour drive. I'm so glad I don't live closer because I would give them all of my money, that's how good their food is! Friendly staff. Clean space. Its small so you probably won't be able to sit and eat but we were lucky that it was after lunch that we went. Amazing!