Ever driven down Howard Street and noticed that building that just feels different? If you’re at the border of Chicago and Evanston, you’ve probably seen it. Good To Go Jamaican Cuisine & Event Space isn't your average neighborhood jerk shack. Honestly, it’s more like a cultural embassy with really good gravy.
Most people think "Jamaican food" and imagine a tiny storefront where you grab a Styrofoam container and leave. That’s how this place started back in 2002. But walk into the current spot at 711 Howard St, and you’ll realize Tony and Lenice Levy had a much bigger vision. They didn't just want to sell chicken; they wanted to build a vibe.
The Food: Beyond the Basic Jerk
Listen, the jerk chicken is the superstar for a reason. Tony uses his great-grandmother’s recipe for the jerk sauce, and you can tell. It’s not just "burn your mouth" hot—it’s layered. It’s smoky from the charcoal grill and has that sweet-savory balance that most places miss.
But if you really want to eat like a local, you have to look at the rest of the menu.
- Oxtail: It’s tender, falling off the bone, and the gravy is basically liquid gold.
- Ackee and Saltfish: This is the national dish of Jamaica. It’s sautéed with onions, peppers, and thyme. Most people are scared of it because it looks like scrambled eggs, but the flavor is incredible.
- Stamina Daddy: This is a house-blended juice. Tony puts oats, okra, green banana, peanuts, and stout in it. It sounds weird, right? But it’s a household name for energy among the regulars.
The portions are usually massive. You get rice and peas, plantains, and steamed vegetables with the dinners. Just a heads-up: some people find the pricing a bit high, but you're paying for the fact that they actually season the food properly and don't cut corners on the ingredients.
Why the Event Space Matters
The "Event Space" part of the name isn't just marketing fluff. When the Levys moved from the Chicago side of Howard to the Evanston side in 2018, they went all out on the design. It’s got a contemporary, industrial flare with high ceilings and a full stage.
They can fit anywhere from 20 to 200 people. I've seen everything there: birthday parties, corporate mixers, even just people lounging on the rooftop during the summer. They have live Reggae every Friday and a DJ on Saturday nights. It changes the whole atmosphere from a restaurant to a lounge.
Authentic vs. "Fusion"
There’s a bit of a debate about whether it's authentic or fusion. Lenice has mentioned in interviews that while the food is authentic Jamaican, they do lean into some American-infused elements to keep things interesting. You'll see things like Jerk Chicken Nachos or Oxtail Mac & Cheese.
Purists might roll their eyes, but honestly? It works. The Oxtail Mac is probably one of the best things on the "Luxe" menu. They also serve a full Jamaican breakfast and brunch on the weekends—think jerk chicken and waffles.
What to Know Before You Head Out
If you’re planning a visit, here’s the ground truth.
- Parking: There’s a lot directly across the street on the Chicago side. Don’t stress about Evanston street parking if it’s busy.
- Dress Code: You don't need a suit, but people do tend to dress up a little for dinner and the live music sets. It’s an "upscale-casual" vibe.
- The Heat: Jamaican food has kick. If you aren't a spice person, ask for the sauce on the side or stick to the Brown Stew Chicken.
- Catering: They do huge catering orders. If you have a party of 15 or 45, they have packages that include the staples like rice and beans, jerk chicken, and plantains.
Actionable Takeaways for Your Visit
- Try the "Stamina Daddy" juice at least once for the experience; it’s a local legend for a reason.
- Book the rooftop if you're planning a summer event—it's one of the few spots in the area with that specific island-lounge feel.
- Check the schedule for Live Music Fridays if you want the full experience, but arrive early because the dining room fills up fast once the band starts.
- Order the Oxtail Roll as an appetizer if you want the flavor of the oxtail without committing to the full dinner price.
Good To Go Jamaican Cuisine & Event Space has survived and thrived through a massive relocation and a pandemic because the owners actually care about the community. Lenice was even named Evanston Businessperson of the Year a while back. It’s a Black-owned business that’s actually anchored in the neighborhood, and you feel that when you walk in.