Welcome to Jerk Hut

“ An excellent addition to Campus Town! If you enjoy spicy food like I do, you must get the Spicy Mac & Cheese, Loaded Fries, and Chicken Curry. Also had the Jerk Oxtail, which was great, but the least spicy of the items. In my opinion, these dishes were more spicy than the "very spicy" level at some of Peoria's Indian restaurants, loved it! Staff is super friendly and willing to explain the menu and how each item is prepared. Portions are generous. Limited indoor seating for now. Also has ice cream, milkshakes, and smoothies, but didn't partake. I will return, you should check them out! ”

“ Review Date: January 12th, 2021 “Not to be a jerk, but can I get this To-Go?” My friend Maria talked about the Jerk Hut all the time. She loves coming here for the baked potatoes. She’s not the only one who had talked about how much they like this place. The word on the street was very positive in regards to Jerk Hut being really good food. I just knew I had to try it. Luck would turn in my favor as I made plans to hang out with a few friends for some Magic. Before I could do this, I needed food and Tim agreed that the Jerk Hut sounded good for a late lunch. I picked him up, set my GPS for our destination and away we went. As we pulled up to the parking lot, I saw my friend Maria sitting in her car. We got out and conversed a little bit. She had said she was craving the Jerk Hut and I must’ve caught her at the time she decided to pick it up. What fun timing. I asked her how we order since things are a bit different at each place on how you get your food for carry out. She took us inside and it was a reunion of old memories and new smells. This is the first time I’ve visited a Caribbean place. They just aren’t a popular thing around central Illinois. But my nose knew we were in for a treat as the restaurant smelled fantastic, even through our masks. Maria said they were out of a few products but that was fine. The whole menu sounded foreign yet delicious at the same time. While my friends claim that I been to a million places, I disagree as there are a ton of ethnic and cultural places I have yet to try. Since I am new to trying Caribbean, I stuck with the Jerk Chicken Sandwich combo. Chicken is usually a safe bet and I knew Caribbean food had a bit of a kick to it. A potential match made in heaven. Tim ordered a chicken alfredo with some spicy mac and cheese. Everything was made to order so our wait was maybe 15 minutes? In that time, Maria and I went outside to talk for a bit and then Tim and I ran our drinks out to the car. Indoor eating is an option but not one that is currently usable due to state-wide restrictions. Once our food was ready, we headed back to my place. Once we were settled in at my table, I made the comment that the chicken patty looked funny. I am used to tenderloins sticking comically out past the bun but not chicken sandwiches. You’ll have to see below what I mean. My usual attack method for eating sandwiches like this is to eat the stuff hanging out from under the bun and then eat the sandwich properly. The first few bites were pure bliss. The chicken was seasoned just the way I like my steaks. A bit of spice but nothing to hide the natural flavor of things. Once I got to the actual sandwich, it was got even better. The chicken itself was a bit dry but I attribute that to the waiting we had to do for Tim’s order to come out after mine plus the drive to my apartment plus getting ready. Eating inside the restaurant when the food is fresh out of the kitchen can’t be replicated in a styrofoam container. Normally this would factor in to my rating but I give carry out some room due to that being something you just can’t avoid. Once I got to the sandwich portion of my sandwich, the dryness was covered up by the succulent nature of the lettuce and tomato. My meal came with packets of mustard, ketchup, and mayo but I felt like anything else would’ve diluted the taste and brought me down from heaven a bit. Sometimes less is more. Sometimes more is too much. I snacked on my fries in-between bites. I was happy to see they weren’t crinkle cut. These weren’t quite steak fries but not quite normal fries. Either way, despite losing a bit of their heat, they complimented the sandwich nearly perfectly. I did have to throw some salt on them as I am one who loves just a little bit of salt on their fries. Whether they come unsalted or I just had an odd batch, I am not sure. But they tasted great dipped in ketchup. I even tried the fries in mayo (don’t ask) and it was a surprisingly good combo since I typically am neutral on mayo. I am typing this hours after eating and am craving another sandwich. ”

“ We got the jerk chicken (with cabbage and Mac and cheese sides) and vegan tofu tacos. All dishes were absolutely delicious!!! Never thought cabbage could be so tasty. Very filling too, feels like a mother's home cooking because they make sure you are full and happy! Would order takeout from here again. ”

“ The woman who took my order was so nice. I ordered the vegan (tofu) jerk tacos and they were ready within the 10 minutes that she projected. While the tacos were super spicy they were also incredibly delicious. It was the perfect quick meal and I will definitely be back the next time I’m in town! ”

“ Oooouccch!!! That burn so so good . Rated 5 fires for being so good, excellent balance of flavor and heat. We drive to Peoria for this fine dining, and love it. That Jerk. Update 11/7/24 We went to the old location, they have moved and share a space with Empire Lounge at 3030 N. Sterling. ”

“ Their food tastes AMAZING. Extremely flavorful and well seasoned. Everything I've ever tried was a hit & it always makes me come back for more! The staff is very friendly and makes the visit worthwhile. Food looks even better in person, but these are a few shots I've taken over time (Macaroni not photo'd but I highly recommend). ”

“ This was the best customer service , atmosphere, and food I had in a very long time. This was our first time going. We got the rib meal, with Cabbage and Mac n cheese. When we first sat down the owner offered us a corona on the house! That was fantastic.. I am for sure coming back again. I am going to let everyone I know, tell them about this place! ”

“ The cashier was pleasant and helpful. I'm sad the shake machine was down because they have almond and regular milkshakes, but the food was great! ”