(773) 955-0229
5211 S Harper Ave Ste C
Chicago,
IL
60615
41.8008
-87.5881
Neighborhoods: Hyde Park, South Side
What People Are Saying About Calypso Cafe
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
In Short – Steel drum music, Caribbean-inspired decor and spicy island fare appeal to a diverse crowd of families celebrating birthdays, students from the University of Chicago and couples sharing cozy booths. Dishes include fish and jerk chicken, tomatoey conch chowder and sandwiches on soft Cuban bread with nutmeg-spiced cole slaw. Other notables include blackened tilapia with lime-cilantro mayo and ample chicken kabobs with pineapple and spicy marinade.
08/23/08
Good food , but not authentic
by fl_doc
I have been searching for a Caribbean restaurant in Chicago and this one came highly recommended. Being from the islands I was looking forward to a real taste of home, but I was totally disappointed. Firstly, they had the audacity to call their soup appetizer Bahamian ... obviously these people have never experienced real Bahamian food. The Jamaican chicken was good, but not as flavorful as traditional Jamaican chicken ... they were fried/baked and not grilled. The main course was not memorable. A poor representation of Caribbean food.
- Pros: great ambience, good music, and service
- Cons: Parking meters, not authentic food
08/19/07
Great Food
by taut123
This is the second time I've been to Chicago, and both times Citysearch has delivered a great Caribbean food restaurant. I took a group of twelve hungry hombres looking for some jerked chicken and Calypso delivered bigtime. The jerked wing appetizers could have been a little hotter for my taste, but they had a great flavor, and the conch & shrimp fritters were awesome. We sipped on our Calypso Ritas, mojitos, and Red Stripe beer, while waiting for the second course. The jerked ribs, blackened tilapia, and Ropa Vieja were all perfect. Perfect meal before going out to listen to some great Chicago blues. Thumbs up on the food, service, prices, and the location. I'll be back the next time I'm in the windy city.
- Pros: Great Food, Service, Drinks, and Location
05/12/07
Best Meal Ever!!!
by payam_s
We have been to this restaurant three times and we are always satisfied with the whole experience. I am no expert on Caribbean food, so I do not know how authentic it actually is. However, the entrees I have tried have all been delicious. The appetizers are also great. My favorite is the plaintain chips with guacamole and black bean dip. My second favorite is the coconut shrimp (don't listen to the other people-- they really are good). Usually in this city when you order shrimp, you get those little bitty frozen things, but theirs are jumbo & delicious. As for entrees, they are known for their jjerk chicken, which is really good. I have tried their tilapia and grouper, which are excellent. You usually a few fried sweet plantains with the food, which are great. The sides are really good, too. I do not know how good the dessert is, since I usually fill up on the delicious entrees and appetizers. I would highly recommend this place for dinner. The prices are very reasonable & the atmosphere is great. This is one of the best places to dine in Hyde Park.
- Pros: food quality, price, service, atmosphere
- Cons: none
The Details on Calypso Cafe
What to Drink:
Try tropical, potent frozen drinks like "Island Viagra" and "Nutty Mon."
Smoking Permitted:
Yes
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