Jamaican Me Yelpy Elite Event @ Mr Brown’s Lounge

A million days later and I’m finally getting around to writing this review!
What can I say, tho? It was an absolutely fantastic event! I’ll definitely come back to Mr. Brown’s Lounge. It’s conveniently located for me, and the atmosphere was wonderful!
The food is also excellent. I had the jerk burger, and I’m usually not one to enjoy spicey food. But ohh man, I would come back to Mr. Brown’s just for that burger.
Well done, Unilocal team! Thanks for all your hard work :)
(& for the next event I’ll actually write my review within a week of it)

Julie H. said it best:
«Island Grooves + Rum Punch + Fried Plantains + New Buddies» = really good time!
What an awesome event and lounge! Loved it all! Loved the rum punch and the meat pockets and plantains! As soon as I took one sip of that Jamaican rum, well, what can I say, I asked hubby, when can we go back to Jamaica??? Very authentic food, great space and I loved meeting new people and bumping into all my Unilocal buddies.
Way to go Johnnie for a totally rad event and thank you to all the CMs, Mr. Brown’s Lounge and all the Unilocalers for a great time.
Now, I have to figure out when to go back. I keep calling my Maywood buddies to drive down North to hit this place. I’m sure we will one of these night, we will.

Jamaica and me have always been the best of friends and this Jamaican event was no exception!
Granted, it’s always hard when I don’t get to bring my +1 to the event (not that I have a dedicated one, but still…). However, it forces me to meet new people and that’s exactly what I did.
The macaroni and cheese was definitely interesting, but I must admit I LIKED IT! The rum punch, come on, of course was amazing!
I also liked that it was a chill event. The music wasn’t too loud to talk and there were enough seats to find if one got tired standing. It was an intimate Jamaican experience which was just what I needed to help me relax!

Another incredible Unilocal event!!!
I loved the rum punch. I am generally a fan of rum punch, and this one was refreshing and delicious.
I was surprised that they had mac and cheese. I didn’t know that was Jamaican, I still don’t, but it was good!
The jerk chicken was nicely seasoned and a little spicy.
Everyone at Mr. Brown’s was so nice! The staff was quick to refill your drink!
It was really nice to meet some new Unilocalers, and to see some Unilocalers that I just meet.

I liked the reggae music, but I wish they played the Specials! The Boogie Down Productions would’ve made an appearance if they had. The pressure definitely would’ve dropped on all of us.
Other than that, awesome time. The rum punch was dangerous and tasty. I’m also willing to overlook the fact two glasses had holes in them when they poured me said punch. It completely leaked onto the bar and missed my body! Haha, joke’s on them.
All the food seemed to come straight from the oven, which meant it was all temperature hot, which meant good times and burnt tongues. The meat pies were right up my alley. Jerk chicken hit the spot, and the mac and cheese was good.
The staff was very friendly and worked with a quickness. There was never a lack of food or beverage. I’ll definitely come back to check out their patio, since it’s in my ‘hood. Thanks to all the awesome Unilocalstaff for their tireless work and for always properly imbibing us, we really appreciate it. Whenever you need suggestions for places Johnny, just ask! =)

After a long day at work yesterday, I was pleased that the event last night was pretty chill and relaxing. Loved the passed food.
The beef patty reminded me of a slightly more delicious version of hot pockets, which is kind of funny. But I was hungry and needed something to eat with my Jamaican rum before I completely pass out from the alcohol– I had 1.25 cups of the Jamaican rum. It was tasty! Very strong though. This was before I realize that they had other food to pass out. I love the surprise spiciness of the macaroni and cheese. It definitely had a kick to it. But seeing as I am lactose-​intolerant, I could only have one tiny little cup of it. I also loved the plantains — so much better than the dried plantains I ate in Puerto Rico that tasted like a starchy potato. And last night was also the first time I’ve tasted jerk chicken (wings). Loved it!
The venue looked great, but I am slightly claustophobic, so I stayed away from the busy middle area of the place between the bar and the lounge sofa. I was telling my supervisor about this place this morning (she raves about jerk chicken) and she said she already had it bookmarked because she wanted to check it out.
The most amazing part of my evening was meeting Johnny T. and shaking his hand for the first time. Ha! I can’t believe that after so many Unilocal events, this was the first time I actually spoke to him. Seems like a pretty cool guy. (He did recommend me to join the Elite team, after all). Of course, I met other Unilocalers as well, and that was cool too.
Many thanks to the Chicago Unilocal team (Johnny T. included) for a wonderful evening.

Jamaican me crazy Unilocal!And w/​a name like «Jamaican Me Unilocaly» really… who could resist?!
Loved that this was in my ‘hood. I had been meaning to check this place out for quite some time now but the couch was calling me and winter temps were hissing at me.
Glad I finally got to see what this place was all about. Some good lookin’ drinks, some good lookin’ eats, and most importantly some good lookin’ Unilocalers! :D

In mourning of getting wait listed for this event, I decided that jerk chicken for lunch would be appropriate.
Then I got de-​waitlisted. Whoops! Oh well, you can never have enough jerk chicken, right?
I was very surprised to find out there was a lot I was missing out on besides the typical Jamaican chicken and… greens. The mac and cheese had a lot of flavor to it, and the beef patties reminded me of a very saucy empanada with all of the vegetables removed. And the rum punch… I must say, it has a hell of a delayed kick to it. If you need to get somewhere after drinking this stuff (and not by driving!), do it quick!
It was a fun event, and I’m personally a fan of the +0 ones; you’re more likely to make some new Unilocal friends that way. And while I was originally a wait-​listee, I understand why… the place was small, but with the small guest list everyone was able to move around, get tipsy, and eat chicken. And isn’t that just the perfect way to spend a night?

This was my first time out to a Unilocal Elite event and I must say I am so glad I came out to it. At first I did not know what to expect and being the sometimes shy guy that I am I thought I’d never meet anyone or come out of my shell. With all of the friendly Unilocalers at this event and a great staff at Mr Brown’s I felt very comfortable here and blended right in.
The atmosphere there was great. Reggae music in the background (although I wish it was a bit louder, but us Unilocalers with our conversations were loud enough), Bob Marley live on the TVs, great Rum Punch and Jamaica’s own Red Stripe lager and amazing Jamaican bites, including Jerk Chicken Wings, Jamaican Beef Patties, Spicy Mac and Cheese and delicious fried Plantains, being passed around by Mr Brown’s staff. Everything complemented everything to make this event a very good time.
Unilocal Elites, I will see you at the next event for sure. Thank you for being so inviting and friendly. Until the next event Unilocalers.

Johnny, man, I just don’t know how you keep doing it. But every time I think you’ve thrown your best event yet, you manage to outdo yourself yet again.
I should start by saying that I really like the concept of having a couple of smaller elite only events (no +1s). It was really fun to get to meet some new (or just new to me) Unilocalers yet the atmosphere in the room was that of a high school reunion, where every time you turned a corner there was someone else you needed to run over and say hi to.
What else what else… ooh, the rum punch. Yum yum yum. I could have had a lot more of that, but it’s probably a good thing I didn’t, as I did have to ride my bike home. The food was yummy too — I especially loved the fried plantains. There were times when the music got a little loud, but that’s certainly forgivable. The staff at Mr. Brown’s was fantastic and very good humored about the fact that we definitely drank a whole lot more of that punch than they anticipated!
Can’t wait to see what else Johnny and the rest of the Unilocal crew have up their sleeves in the coming months!

What a fun event. Johnny, Colleen and Andrea (I apologize if I’m leaving anybody out) did a fabulous job putting this event together. You couldn’t have picked a better venue to hold this event. Mr. Brown’s Lounge is wonderful. The staff was gracious, the Red Stripe was tasty and the food was incredible. Is it me, or does it seem like every event keeps getting better?
If this review is short, it’s because C. and I ate at Mr. Brown’s before the Unilocal event started. I will have more about the food, décor and atmosphere in that review.

What a fun event!
I met some cool new Unilocalers and plenty of veteran ones. I am always a bit shy at these events but conversation flowed as easily as the drinks.
The rum punch indeed packed a punch. I didn’t try any of the food but everyone seemed to enjoy it.
The music could have been a bit louder, but I suppose reggae music is not meant to be cranked at a loud decibel. It begs to be mellow, ya mon.
Staff at Mr Brown’s was friendly and swift and the place itself had a very cool, laid-​back vibe.
Can’t wait for the next event! Keep up the great work, Chicago Unilocal CMs — you continually impress me!

In order to prepare myself for this event, I took to the interwebs to learn a little Jamaican. After all, when in Rome… or whatevah, Mon.
Here’s what this Jerk Chicky learned:
Yu can cyarri dis cow pan yuh chuck?
Translation: Can you carry this cow on your truck?
Mi love chaklit cake with nuff icenin.
Translation: I love chocolate cake with plenty of icing.
ow yuh nyam summuch?
Translation: How do you eat so much? (directed towards Ryan L.)
Im jook mi inna mi yeye.
Translation: He poked me in the eye. (also directed toward Ryan L.)
Lawd ‘ave mercy pan mi. Mista Brown, im tek mi heart!
Translation: Lord have mercy on me. Mr Brown stole my heart!
Okay, so maybe I only got to use a few of my learned phrases (Tanks, Rosetta Stone), but the last part is true. Mr Brown’s lounge and this event stole my little heart away. The rum punch gave me a sweet buzz, and the spicy mac and cheese is what’s keeping me awake on this warm night (this little bird wishes she had broken her diet and tried some). No worries though, I know I’ll be back… in fact, I know that if I give my BF one peak at their menu, we’ll be in here every night this summer… and I’m so very fine wit dat, Mon.
Tanks to the Unilocalers for bringing their party faces, Mr Brown’s Lounge for the sweet treats (and sexy bartenders), and of course Johnny «Mr. Boombastic» T, Jelena, Andrea, and Colleen for making this event come to life.

I think I’m going to have to come out and say it… This was the best Unilocal Elite Event ever. Johnny et al, you outdid yourselves.
The food: fantastic. Fried Plantains, Jerk Chicken Wings, Meat Patties, and Mac ‘n’ Cheese… Each one was great… And PLENTIFUL!
The venue: Amazing. A nice hole-​in-​the-​wall bar with excellent food that hasn’t been spoiled by the food network yet.
The people: Amazingly social. Everyone was mingling pretty well… Not a whole lot of wallflowering.
The staff: Extremely sociable. Extremely talkative. We asked about their normal menu and were given a couple copies to go. I’m so excited to come back and try this place again. I HAVE to try the cacao bread. The waitresses kept coming to our table with a tray full of something delicious… They even started sneaking plates full of food onto our table, which people gladly ate.
And a special shout-​out goes to my buddy, the rum punch. Fantastic drink, guys. I couldn’t have more than two, but I could have had several more based on the fact that you guys didn’t run out of ANYTHING.

Great event!!!
Been a long time since I have seen a lot of you!
Red Stripe and rum punch is whats up brah!!!
Jerk Chicken, plantains and Mac & cheese was whats up as well!
I think I will check this place out since its in my neighborhood!

There goes those Unilocal people again.
One minute they’re coordinating a full-​scale takeover of Shedd Aquarium, the next minute they’re playing small ball and bringing Unilocal back to its throwback glory days with the same hustle and dedication lockstep like a metronome. It’s true and I have the smile on my face to prove it.
Awhile back someone asked me what makes Unilocal so special, and really I’d have to say that it’s the great community of people that get together, try out new things, and just live life well. After walking halfway from downtown with the AW1, we were hot, sweaty, and veritably filled with thirst for the libations that awaited us. Greeted at the front no ID required but then there is always Mr. Johnny T. reciting what we can expect to find in every corner of the bar from food, to drink, to music: an all-​encompassing aura of TRUTH!
Truth it was, from Red Stripe on ice, the early crowd Unilocalers nervously waiting for their familiar friends and then always the great bumrush for complimentary beverages and appetizers! Plaintains? Well don’t mind if I do! Wings? Not too many, it is hard to drink, eat, write, and carry some chicken bones in my mouth! More punch? No problema! Hadooken!
Tonight’s event encapsulates some of the best Unilocal has to offer: community. Working on the Chicago Bucket List (
), I knew without question that I could walk around and pick the minds of some of Chicago’s busiest people all with great Unilocalitude and a grand degree of helpfulness. If I was going to pick any place in Chicago, I don’t think I could have gotten better ideas from the well-​traveled Unilocalers of Chicago. I can’t wait to try out all of the different places, events, spaces, food, drink, and music that have now filled my head.
Thank you, Unilocal!

Wherever they were became a beautiful and enchanted place to me, but I don’t think of it that way. On the surface the fascination often is tied to a place, enciting a glow that strikes my soul alert. However, to be candid, the same Elite event could have been held anywhere and have been great. But, thankfully for me, it wasn’t; it was held at a cute spot with awesome service and food.
This review makes no sense, but what I mean is in such company I’m too absorbed to notice my surroundings. What was good becomes great. Not to be an ingrate and ignore the obvious.. .. the service, food, and drinks are phenomenal!!! I would love to return. Hell, with anyone. Unilocal,Non-​Yelp, or alone!
Thanks Hotttie Mc Hotterson– duh, Ms. Jelena AND cool personified Johnny T. and all the Elites I talked to. You guys are über nice and witty. And Mr. Brown for hosting us.

Allow me to refrain from spewing my overused and played out barrage of rasta-​isms from last night and just say this… I’m in love with a man by the name of Mr. Brown and he’s every bit as sexy and smooth as the rum punch he so generously doles out.
Two enthusiastic Babylon thumbs up for what was unequivocally a fun, festive and groovy great time with an intimate group of my favorite Unilocalers.
Gotta say I’m truly diggin’ on these smaller, niche events… it’s a whole new UnilocalWorld when you get the opportunity to actually meet new people (ahem, epically beautiful redheads), have audible conversations on all things food, fashion and fabulousness (looking at you, Donovan) and explore the sizzling allure of a soon to be new favorite locale on your hot list (enter my main squeeze, Mr. Brown’s).
The reggae was kickin’ like a steel drum, the staff of MB were positively spicy perfect and the heat level of our crowd was apparent to all… thankfully our accompanying gratis Red Stripe could quench the scorch! Much appreciation and gratitude goes out to our gracious hosts, the Masters of Revelry: JT, JZ, CC and A (W)R.
Jam on down with Mr. Brown, you say? I wouldn’t have it any other way!