Fodor's Expert Review The Islands

A Prospect Heights institution since before the neighborhood gentrified, this Caribbean restaurant has a tiny ground-floor kitchen and a steep staircase leading up to an equally small dining room that feels like a crow’s nest. The Islands does the area’s West Indian heritage proud with signature jerk dishes that are at least two-alarm spicy. Generous portions (a “small” plate is plenty) of chicken, shrimp, goat, and oxtail come with rice and salad—an authentic and delicious low-frills meal.