Tropical Taste

-Grubbing in Chicago

Dominican in Humboldt Park

Chicago isn't known for having a huge Dominican culture but we have a few really good Dominican restaurants. Today's stop is on North avenue in Humboldt Park. A neighborhood where Puerto Rican is more prevalent. That said Tropical Taste has been around for at least a decade if not longer and they have developed a nice local fanbase in that time. Myself included. Let's take a look shall we?

 Locals Favorite in Humboldt Park 

Most of the menu here consists of items that are cooked in the morning. We're talking Dominican classics like Carne Guisada and slow braised oxtails amongst other things. One of the more popular menu items is the Dominican rotisserie chicken. Whole chickens are cooked in a rotisserie machine and you have the option of going 1/4, 1/2 or full. This is some of the most aromatic chicken I've ever come across. It's cooked to a well done consistency which means the meat falls right off the bone. I like the touch of pickled onions on top. I feel like those take it from something like an 8 to a 9.

 Dominican Rotisserie Chicken at Tropical Taste

This time of the year it's hard to beat the oxtail plate. What's nice about it at Tropical Taste, aside from the taste, is the fact it's available daily. Oxtails are braised in a tomato gravy until fall off the bone tender. This heaping plate of food (your choice of rice with all meals) will only set you back about $12. So in the end it's probably cheaper to just order it here then it is to make it. Don't forget to get some of the made to order tostones. They do a super job of frying them to a crispy outside while still being tender within. For whatever reason this place is kind of an off the radar spot for Chicago food folks but those in the know will tell you it's some of the best Caribbean cooking in town.

Oxtail Plate at Tropical Taste 

Tropical Taste
3330 W North Ave
Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 395-0804