Ava’s Island Cafe

12

313

614

2 months ago

Excellent good with ALL THE VIBES! The owners are wonderful, welcoming people. Our food was fresh, hot and delicious. We followed up with bread pudding that is legendary; thick, rich and superb! If you are CRAVING Caribbean /Jamaican jerk this is your place! read more

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Chad H.

13

14

0

6 months ago

Ate here for the first time tonight and it was delicious!!! The husband and wife owners were super nice and gave some great suggestions on what to order! read more

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Arlene P.

0

1

0

3 months ago

i enjoyed the food very much. I am from the Caribbean and live in Florida where there are many Caribbean themed restaurants. I would have given them 5 stars but my plantains weren't fried as brown as I like them. read more

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Kita B.

8

143

67

2 years ago

Went in for oxtail, rice and peas with cabbage. The oxtails were delicious!!! The price was comparable to any other Jamaican restaurant. The service was great! Appears to be family owned and operated. You can eat in or takeout. The only thing I had an issue with was the taste of the peas and rice. The flavor was a bit off. Luckily I don't eat a lot of rice, so it wasn't a problem. Just think they could step it up a little. read more

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Norman C.

1

18

0

10 months ago

Not much ambiance but service and food was superb!!! I had the burrito and it's very filling and extremely delicious!!! It's the best non Mexican burrito I've ever eaten!!! The lady who took our orders bent over backwards to make sure we had a great time!!! read more

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Arthur R.

44

334

1126

3 years ago

Great tasting Jamaican styled food. Surprised to see this place in Leavenworth but a wonderful surprise. Upon entering you'll see pictures and little paintings of Jamaica with background music as you prepare for your culinary delights. We received fast and courteous service with good suggestions in case you look doubtful.We definitely will be returning! read more

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Kayla D.

Elite 23

15

82

150

5 years ago

Was in town for work so decided to try Avas. I ordered online which was extremely easy and highly recommend if you're doing pickup. I ordered the jerk chicken, which was tasty. This particular jerk chicken had a jerk barbecue taste to it which is different from what Im used to it but it was good. I ordered a side of sauce which ended up being 75 cents, very small portion but I guess you have to account for costs some way. Cabbage and rice was meh, I would definitely try to switch that out with something if you can. I love Ting so I was so happy to see they had it. If in the area I recommend trying for takeout. read more

Ava’s Island Cafe - Jerk Chicken - Caribbean Near Me - Leavenworth, Kansas

Ava’s Island Cafe - Ting - Caribbean Near Me - Leavenworth, Kansas

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Simon M.

0

4

0

1 year ago

Dude!!!!! Awesome jerk pork, tender and delicious with the perfect amount of spice. Great music playing. I will be back

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Patricia S.

0

1

0

1 year ago

We tried Ava's restaurant for the first time. I like the jerk flavor. Had the jerk chicken wings. Sorry to say they were hard and over cooked. Chicken doesn't take long to cook especially skinny little wings, so my recommendation would definitely be a lot less time on the grill. The proprietors were very nice. I like to support local businesses and I wish them well. read more

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Shaun G.

0

1

2 years ago

The food was amazing. The service was exactly what my group needed. Ms. Ava presented my sister her very own Birthday cake with candle! The whole Ava's Island Cafe family gave us a great experience and we will be returning. I think they will have 7 more fans! Such a wholesome vibe! thanks with all my heart. read more

Ava’s Island Cafe - first time here? oh you about to be impressed... this is right before the food came out... pause - Caribbean Near Me - Leavenworth, Kansas

Ava’s Island Cafe - picnic table dining was exactly what our loud group needed - Caribbean Near Me - Leavenworth, Kansas

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Sonya K.

0

1

0

2 years ago

DELICIOUS! It is the real deal. Eva is so nice and friendly. It is a small place but soooo good! We will be back.

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Emily B.

Elite 21

22

224

105

7 years ago

These people, rather this family is so sweet. Very genuine and want you to truly enjoy what they spend their time making. Order ahead if you're under a time crunch. Everything is made fresh. My favorite item was their cabbage/vegetable mix. It is buttery, not over cooked and has a great comforting flavor. The jerk chicken wasn't spicy or over flavored even, might even venture to say it was a little bland but not in a bad way. You can always add salt, but for those watching their sodium don't be afraid to try this dish! read more

Ava’s Island Cafe - Menu - Caribbean Near Me - Leavenworth, Kansas

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vivian r.

66

361

408

5 years ago

Wow! Transported back to Jamaica for a moment when I bit into my beef patty with coco bread. So, yummy! I ordered a stewed chicken meal. Decent. I also ordered a side of plantains. Really really good. I asked my classmate who is Jamaican which was better here or Island Spice and he said Ava's. Hope that helps make your decision. read more

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Maraea F.

61

17

24

5 years ago

Today I decided to do something different: try something I've never had before....the jerked pork. It was so delicious. As always, I receive the warm island hospitality and feel like a piece of Jamaica is right here in rural Kansas. Love it!!! read more

Ava’s Island Cafe - Curry Chicken - Caribbean Near Me - Leavenworth, Kansas

Ava’s Island Cafe - My favorite-beef patty. - Caribbean Near Me - Leavenworth, Kansas

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Jason M.

53

10

3

3 years ago

I ate here for the first time today. we had meat pie, ox tail & pork jerk. ALL phenomenal and fresh. great service. highly recommend read more

Ava’s Island Cafe - Caribbean Near Me - Leavenworth, Kansas

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Gail W.

81

78

184

5 years ago

Stopped here for lunch in downtown Levenworth and it's so convenient to make this a regular spot for meals and coffee. Ava is lovely and super friendly. She made me her special coffee to have with my lunch. Jamaican coffee w/collegen, ginger and turmeric... it's my favorite combination and so good over ice on these hot days. The curry chicken was one of the lunch specials, large portions of chicken w/ veg, rice and cabbage. read more

Ava’s Island Cafe - Curry chicken lunch special - Caribbean Near Me - Leavenworth, Kansas

Ava’s Island Cafe - Lunch menu board - Caribbean Near Me - Leavenworth, Kansas

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Alice R.

1

27

74

3 years ago

Amazing food and the owners are so nice. A must go for anyone in town. The jerk chicken is fabulous

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Jarad H.

Elite 26 All-Star

21

125

608

5 years ago

If you are from around here I am sure you have driven by this gem without knowing it. If you are up for something different with excellent flavor, seek and find, it is well worth it. read more

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Christopher L.

107

41

2

5 years ago

Was recommended by a colleague who is from Jamaica. I'm not very familiar with the food but I know it has a unique style. LOVED IT. Asked the cook (owner?) what was the most popular and got 2x orders of jerk chicken and 2x of curry chicken. Food was great! Jerk chicken was spicy, juicy with great grilled flavor. Curry chicken was mild and tasty. I personally loved the cabbage (my two kids not so much). Rice and beans was also good. My daughter and son loved the ginger lemonade- I liked it but thought too sweet for me. Certainly recommend this to anyone looking for something different, home cooked, and delicious. read more

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David G.

0

41

11

5 years ago

Amazing food. Family and veteran owned. The owners are extremely nice and the food is great. My boys and I orders the curry goat, ox tail and jerk pork. We all shared and this place is truly a little hidden gem in Kansas. If I'm in Leavenworth again I will definitely eat here again. read more

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Nicole S.

4

72

63

6 years ago

I ordered the curry chicken which was good. No real complaints in the food but I can say when I called in my order the person on the other end of the phone seemed a bit rushed not very customer service friendly read more

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Tammy A.

61

16

1

4 years ago

We visit Leavenworth often since our SIL is stationed there. Now coming from Tacoma,WA where we don't have a Jamaican restaurant near us so we never experienced this cuisine. After much anticipation we finally gave it try this past week and loved it! I tried the Browned Chicken stew and my husband had the oxtail and both enjoyed it. Can't believe we waited this long to try it. Thank God for DoorDash, our curiosity was fulfilled. Now we're back home looking for a restaurant that has these now familiar dishes that we miss so much. I'm even looking for recipes to attempt to try. But if you haven't tried Ava's give it a try. You won't be disappointed, my only disappointment is having to drive in traffic to reach our nearest restaurant. read more

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Seamus M.

0

19

11

4 years ago

Great family run business. Delicious food. I had the jerk wings and curry goat; both were great. The ginger lemonade was a super refreshing accompaniment to the slightly spicy dishes. I'm definitely putting Ava's into the regular rotation. read more

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Arianna A.

85

7

11

3 years ago

I love this place so much. Everything is seasoned so perfectly. Their food is fresh and made from scratch. Which is all I ask for since I've been pregnant. My morning sickness can't take food that's not homemade. Everyone is so nice and welcoming. It's also a small family business and veteran owned. They care a lot about their quality and service. read more

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david v.

Elite 21

79

82

51

7 years ago

Very good food, but very small portions!!! We ordered the small oxtail and the jerk chicken special. They charged us for a medium oxtail ($14.99) instead of $10.99 for the small that we actually ordered and got just three oxtails! Can't imagine what the small order (what we ordered) even is, two oxtails? Seriously?! My jerk chicken was an equally tiny serving of one small leg and two other small pieces with barely any meat on them. If the value was better we'd go back but it was nearly $25 for the two small lunch plates and one ginger cookie. Greens, cabbage and red beans and rice were all a bit bland and so little actual meat, so next time we'll try Island Spice. read more

Ava’s Island Cafe - Medium oxtail - Caribbean Near Me - Leavenworth, Kansas

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Gaz H.

81

1800

392

7 years ago

Above-average cooking from Ms Ava and her family in this modestly-sized Leavenworth resto (mebbe 5 tables...). Jerk chicken was just the right degree of spicy and flavorful. Meat in the goat curry was perfectly cooked and delicately spiced. Rice, cabbage, and plantains all good. Proprietor is a sweetheart and wants you to eat well. Portions are good but not too big - don't be intimidated by the "large". Prices are not super cheap, but that likely enables the quality of the food. Has Red Stripe and Ting to drink. read more

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Sacarra P.

93

23

3

7 years ago

This Cafe is amazing. The food is great!! I had the Curry Shrimp and my friend had the Jerk Chicken!! The owners are amazing and were very friendly. I will definitely be back. I recommend for other to try this Cafe. Oh and the music added extra Jamaica vibes to the place!! read more

Ava’s Island Cafe - Curry Shrimp with Plantain, rice and peas, and cabbage. - Caribbean Near Me - Leavenworth, Kansas

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Mercedes P.

Elite 21

16

275

675

7 years ago

The food was ok. The curry chicken was much better than the brown stew chicken but not by much. Service was mediocre and cashier seemed unsure of how to work the register. Probably won't be back. Nothing about this place made me want to give it another try, which is rare for me. Cost is reasonable for quantity but the flavor just wasn't there. read more

Ava’s Island Cafe - Brown stew chicken lunch - Caribbean Near Me - Leavenworth, Kansas

Ava’s Island Cafe - Curry chicken lunch - Caribbean Near Me - Leavenworth, Kansas

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Dwight H.

0

9

5

4 years ago

Great costumer service and Delicious tasting food. You easily order at the counter and select your drink pay and get out. Great island vibe and I highly recommend this establishment. You might have other choices but you PICK THIS PLACE!!!! The other places can't compare. read more

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Matthew N.

Elite 18

48

183

13

5 years ago

Wow! Great service and great food! I felt like I was back visiting Jamaica, very authentic.

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John C.

0

1

0

6 years ago

Was really excited to try this place so we ordered a couple of different things and it was all super flavorful. We had the lunch orders of ox tail and jerk chicken. Both was huge portions super tasty and hot. We also ordered the jerk wings, a chicken pie, and a beef pie. It was all delicious and really enjoyed the pies and wings. Cant wait to try this place again. read more

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Sara C.

11

54

18

5 years ago

We stopped with with our 3 year old son for lunch, and the food was absolutely delicious the staff was awesome, they made amazing recommendations and make us feel so welcome! My husband had the curry shrimp and I had the jerk chicken! I highly recommend stopping it! We loved the ambiance, the music and overall had an amazing experience! And our son loved the food too! It's just a small spot but quickly filled as we were there! The chicken was so juicy and the shrimp curry was just the right amount of spice! We highly recommend trying it out! You will not be disappointed! read more

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The P.

99

10

1

4 years ago

Amazing family-owned gem. Oxtail and curry goat are best I've had. Great beer and dessert selections. Highly recommended!

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Marlon Y.

62

2

1

4 years ago

Best JAMAICAN food ever will go back without hesitation. the jersey chicken is spicy good

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William P.

24

17

0

5 years ago

Loved the oxtail. Also have had the curry goat stew and Jek Chicken. Excellent every time. Can't wait to go back.

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Pam W.

21

46

7

5 years ago

Small restaurant, limited inside seating. Great Jerk! Jerk Chicken that is. we were at a time we'll after normal lunch and they were out of several dishes. But jerk Chicken was available. It was delicious, sweet at first then an awesome heat, just right. Coupled with a Jamaican Ginger Beer , a fantastic lunch. read more

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LeahJo D.

0

1

2

5 years ago

The best food around! Great service, staff, and atmosphere. A must if you are in the area! read more

Ava’s Island Cafe - Ox Tail, Plantains, and Jerk Chicken Burrito! SO DELICIOUS! - Caribbean Near Me - Leavenworth, Kansas

Ava’s Island Cafe - Delicious plantains!!! - Caribbean Near Me - Leavenworth, Kansas

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Luke G.

0

24

25

5 years ago

This restaurant does not seem prepared to handle delivery options to Fort Leavenworth. Poor phone / customer service skills. I called after my ordered was nearly 30mins late for them to tell me they were out of an item and I still wanted, after I stated a substitution was fine they canceled my order without telling me why after waiting another 30mins read more

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Denrick M.

2

4

0

8 years ago

Ava's Island Cafe was nice little surprise find in Downtown Leavenworth. Upon walking in I was greeted with a smile and the sounds of Jamaica playing on the stereo. The food is very flavorful and the staff is friendly. I especially love their spicy jerk sauce. Definitely the first place I will visit when I return to Leavenworth. read more

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Teresa G.

58

3

0

7 years ago

The service was slow but a very friendly environment. I'm vegan and can't always find meatless choices, but Their vegan chickpeas curry with side of grilled cabbage was amazing. I totally recommend this quaint, small restaurant. read more

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More info about Ava’s Island Cafe

732 Shawnee St
Leavenworth, KS 66048
Directions
(913) 250-5995
Call Now
Order Takeout or Delivery
Start Order
Visit Website
https://avasislandcafe.com

Full menu

Hours

What time does Ava’s Island Cafe open?

Ava’s Island Cafe opens at 11:00 AM on Tuesday and Saturday.Ava’s Island Cafe opens at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

What time does Ava’s Island Cafe close?

Ava’s Island Cafe is closed on Monday and Sunday.Ava’s Island Cafe closes at 6:00 PM on Tuesday.Ava’s Island Cafe closes at 7:00 PM on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.Ava’s Island Cafe closes at 5:00 PM on Saturday.

Mon, Sun ClosedTue 11:00 AM - 6:00 PMWed-Fri 10:30 AM - 7:00 PMSat 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Payment methods

Does Ava’s Island Cafe take credit cards?

Yes, Ava’s Island Cafe takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Ava’s Island Cafe have catering options?

Yes, Ava’s Island Cafe does have catering options.

Does Ava’s Island Cafe have a happy hour?

No, Ava’s Island Cafe does not have a happy hour.

Does Ava’s Island Cafe serve alcohol?

No, Ava’s Island Cafe does not serve alcohol.

Indoor Amenities

Does Ava’s Island Cafe allow dogs?

No, Ava’s Island Cafe does not allow dogs.

Does Ava’s Island Cafe have TVs?

Yes, Ava’s Island Cafe has TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Ava’s Island Cafe have bike parking?

Yes, Ava’s Island Cafe has bike parking.

Does Ava’s Island Cafe have outdoor seating?

Yes, Ava’s Island Cafe has outdoor seating options.

Does Ava’s Island Cafe have parking?

Yes, Ava’s Island Cafe has parking options. Private Lot Parking, Street Parking

Other Amenities

Is Ava’s Island Cafe wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Ava’s Island Cafe is wheelchair accessible.

Does Ava’s Island Cafe have free WiFi?

Yes, Ava’s Island Cafe has free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

Jamaican,great Caribbean food at competitive price. Savory jerked chicken Best curry chicken outside of Jamaica.Brown stew chicken.and our world famous Curry Goat. Jamaican beef patties Fingerlicking Oxtail Don't forget our vegan specialties great home made drinks.Our seafood selection include fresh Red snapper, whole fish or filet made to order,fish and chips,fish sandwich, Curry shrimp or shrimp salad.Our Jamaican fried Chicken is really delectable (call ahead for availability). Chicken soup is a local specialty and goes rather quickly. Visit our location and prepare to be wowed.

History

Established in 2018.

Our business is new in Leavenworth; however the chef has had a lot of experience working for a major resort in Jamaica. Chef Ava has brought her culinary skills from her native home of Jamaica to the Leavenworth KS area. Her friendly demeanor and keen culinary insight will be a great Asset to the Leavenworth community.

More Info

Health Score

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We finally checked Luigi's 418 off our list. After all, how could we pass up Italian food in the…read moreheart of America? I love great pasta and never can pass up delicious bread! The menu had some fun specials like the Luigi and the OBG, and if you leave hungry after ordering one of those, that is on you! The pasta was tasty, although it looked like spaghetti had been promoted to "Employee of the Month" and assigned to just about every dish. They also have a nice bar area and a small outdoor patio that would be a great spot to enjoy a meal when the weather cooperates. Now, the service... the tables around us got the fresh-ground pepper and grated cheese treatment. We just sat there wondering if we had accidentally ordered the "self-serve" package. By the time our food arrived, the plates were hot enough to suggest they had enjoyed a little extra vacation under the heat lamp, and my shrimp had definitely spent a few extra minutes on that journey. With restaurant prices these days, I always ask myself one question: "Could I make this at home?" If the answer is yes, then the service and overall experience have to make dining out worth it. What about you? What makes dining out for you? Overall, I am not sure I would go back for the pasta, but I would absolutely give Luigi's another shot for the pizza. They looked delicious coming out of the kitchen, and we are always on the hunt for a great Italian pie. Who knows... maybe the pizza is where Luigi really shines!

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2.4 mi

First of all, what restaurant closes their lobby at 8pm? Took my family out of the car for an…read moreemployee to tell us "I know it's 7:53pm but our lobby is closed" WAS NOT EVEN 8!!! Not what I wanted to hear after driving 2 hours with hungry children. So we didn't even go through the drive through, found someone else to take our money. Oh and it smells like the worst sewage I've ever smelt in their lobby! Would not eat there!

It took 45 minutes to get my food even though I ordered ahead on the app, I was informed upon…read morearrival that they were out of an item that I ordered, even though I was 30 minutes after the time scheduled for pick up, my order was not ready, a person making the food was not wearing a hairnet over all of his hair (back was covered but long hair in front was hanging free), part of my order was left out and had to return for it, interior dining was closed so everything had to go through the drive-through, workers were working very slowly. Food was tasty and hot enough when we received it. Overall, it was quite a bad experience and I would have to think long and hard about going back!

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China Buffet

Never disappoints, great place to eat. Prices hit the market and food is always fresh.read more

Haven't been here for a while. Was impressed with how clean this old restaurant was. No dirt or…read moregrime anywhere. Food was plenty, fresh, and tasty. Fast friendly service. We will be back.

Rolls, sushi and noodles.

Egg rolls and sushi

A heaping plate!

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La Fiesta Mexican Grill & Cantina

4.0

(28 reviews)

1.3 mi

My Favorite authentic Mexican restaurant. Me and my family have been here multiple times and always…read morehave good experiences. Food is really good and the servers are all great. We drive from atchison to this location. Highly recommend.

Quite honestly, I was not expecting to enjoy this place as much as I actually did. Almost…read moreeverything we ordered tasted great. I loved the queso that was served with the chips, and the fajitas and enchiladas we ordered were really good. The portions are also pretty big and generous for your money. That being said, it felt like the ingredients weren't of the best quality. The only thing we really did not like at all was the jalapeno poppers. All in all, this is not an awful place to stop by for dinner if you're passing through.

Excellent queso

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Homer's Drive Inn

Classic diner with great food--highly recommended. The chicken fried steak is really a great meal…read more Burgers and other menu items are really good as well.

You cant beat the old timey diner feel and food in Homers. This place is a gem, right on the main…read moreroad through town!

Double Cheeseburger with lettuce, ketchup and mayo. mozzarella sticks with marinara dipping sauce

Biscuits And gravy with a side of sausage and bacon

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Coffee

Bailey’s Irish Pub

This review is for a lunch for two in a booth on a Tuesday in early July…read more service: Salem was the only waitstaff working and she was awesome. Professional and helpful with menu. bar: Irish themed bar, so choices like Guiness and Harp on tap. I drank a Freestate Yakimaniac IPA ($6 as of May 2026). food: Super interesting menu with lots of Irish-themed choices. Not just bangers and mash or corned beef and cabbage, but offerings like colcannon and coddle. For our first visit, we went with classics. I had a club sandwich which was a daily special ($13) and it was awesome. My wife had an old school cheeseburger ($12.50) and it was excellent. details: It's a small place with handful of booths, tables, and bar seating. There's dedicated parking right outside and street parking. It's slightly away from downtown and worth seeking out.

Stopped in while staying in Leavensworth for a drink. Got some chicken wings with a Cajun spice…read more They were really good! Drinks were great. The owner she was so nice and friendly. We enjoyed chatting with her.

Irishman's burger and cabbage

Bar

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Red Ale

Baan Thai Restaurant

This review is for lunch on a Monday in mid-March…read more service: Rusha did a great job taking care of us. food: We started with Larb Gai and it was excellent ($12 as of 03/2026). Note that the Larb comes with a side of rice. My wife had Tiger Cry Beef and thought it was OK ($9 as of 03/2026). I had Khao Soi with chicken and it was outstanding ($14 as of 03/2026). It's a red curry soup with egg noodles in the soup and crispy noodles on top. details: Open and airy inside, with booths along the walls and tables in the middle. The place was busy even for a Monday lunch. They have parking behind the restaurant and the entrance is adjacent to the parking lot.

My husband's favorite Thai place since he grew up in Leavenworth--we were in Weston for a weekend…read moreso drove the quick 15 min for dinner as most places are closed on Mondays in Weston. Portions are huge! I did not expect that when ordering my salad plus side of steam veg. Good flavors, a bit basic in seasoning, but good. Service was excellent and quick. About 1/3 of the place was full on a Monday night, so it was pretty busy!

Open and airy inside, with booths along the walls and tables in the middle

Chicken pad Thai and Tom Yum

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House Sampler

Authentic Taste of Jamaica

Delicious. Dave is amazing. Don't think about what to order, let him recommend your dream dinner-…read morehe'll nail it. And drinks? He's the psychic of your drunk dreams. Order a different drink for each person in your party and share the flavors! The jerk pork and curry goat is out of this world tender. 20 out of 10 recommend.

Incredible experience! My wife and I have eaten at many Jamaican restaurants including some at the…read moreSandals Resort in Jamaica and this restaurant by far has served THE BEST Jamaican food we've eaten. We started off with the Jerk Wings appetizer which was very tasty and not too spicy. We both ordered the Oxtail dish and it was definitely the best oxtail we've ever been served since we've been eating Jamaican food! The sauce has extreme depth and flavors! The oxtail was perfectly cooked and literally fall-off-the-bone! We also had some Jamaican beef patties that are the best ones we've ever tasted! Just flaky enough and the meat was sublime! We even ordered more to take home! Unfortunately, I didn't take any pics of the Beef Patties. This is going to be one of the "must-go-to" places whenever we're in KC visiting our daughter!

Jerk Chicken Dinner with sauce on the side

Main floor

Beef patty pastry

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44 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Candace S.

20

8

16

4 years ago

Please eat here. Just go, try it. Ava knows how to cook! I've tried everything and everything is good. Beef patty's are a staple in my weekly lunch menu. Her food is authentic to the island and you can taste all the flavors. You pull up to her restaurant and can smell the smoker out back. You know then it's going to be good. Storytime: My husband and I's first experience was when I first had, Atlas (my son, now three years old). He was probably only a few months old at the time and she held him while we ate! She is such a mama bear and made me feel so relaxed and wanted me to enjoy the food. We were hooked from that point on. read more

Rob L.

0

1

0

8 years ago

Amazing!! Went in on a Cold Snowy Day and felt like I was in the Caribbean! Warm, friendly service preceded a hot, delicious meal. We ordered the goat curry and the chicken jerk lunches. The chicken was tender, moist on the inside with that welcome little char on the outside, and flavorful. The jerk sauce added layers of flavor and a lingering kick of heat. The goat was new, beyond an experience. Tender, spicy. :) The sides were also good. Rice and beans were seasoned just right. Ava, ja makin' me crazy for your food and hospitality!! read more

Elena G.

0

1

0

8 years ago

Unbelievable! After experiencing real island food from the islands I've spent time on, I finally found the same enthusiasm, passion and talent in a local kitchen! The owners are genuinely friendly to the point of making you feel like family. Ava has herbs growing that she uses in her food and makes her sauce and seasoning from scratch! Aside from the great island music, it has the authentic feel of an Eating spot on the beach that is family run! It takes more than being from the islands to offer a great dining experience, and they have it, read more

Jennifer J.

0

2

1

6 years ago

My family has ordered takeout from Ava's Island Café twice in 2 weeks because HOLY SMOKES ADDICTIVE DELICIOUSNESS!!! This little establishment is my favorite find in recent memory. Easy to order ahead online. Even big orders were ready within 20-30 mins and she gave us additional desserts to try. Do ask if there's rum in things, she has adults only treats! Everything is sooooo good! So I guess my only complaint is, I'm gonna end up a chunky chunk because I can't stop eating Ava's amazing food! Love love love read more

Rebecca L.

0

1

0

8 years ago

Little Cafe, Huge taste! Ava and her family work incredibly hard to bring true favor to Leavenworth. Jerk chicken -- authentic, goat (yes, goat) delicious, gyros -- so yummy, I could go on and on. I have tried most of the menu and have never been disappointed. Plus, the temperature of the food is truly hot, it's definitely NOT been sitting around. If you're a foodie and you're looking for food off the beaten path, give Ava's a try. You'll be sooo happy you did! read more

Barbara K.

58

6

0

7 years ago

This is a wonderful place for cozy, handmade delicious Caribbean food. We went post lunchtime and had the savory brown stew chicken that arrived STEAMING hot and oh so ready to be devoured. It was in short time. The bottled Jerk Sauce is amazing on everything, too. Henry and Ava are very kind and sweet people. Look no further for friendly service, delicious food where you can taste the love and a refreshing ginger lemonade is a bonus treat!!! read more

Jason B.

1

10

8

7 years ago

First time here while im in town for training. It's a nice little "mom n pop" type joint. They have a great menu which made it hard to decide what i wanted. Ended up getting the jerk chicken and pork dinner. It was excellent! Some of the best pork ive had. The cabbage and plantains were also great! The sauce was good.....it was spicy and made my friend cry . Would definitely visit again if i ever come back to the area. read more

Kristine R.

111

1

0

6 years ago

This place is amazing! Authentic Jamaican food made with love. Ava is the epitome of what customer service is about. Felt like we were having supper in her home and not her place of business. Hubby has curry goat and oxtail, I had the jerk chicken both we're amazingly delicious. Will definitely make this a spot we will frequent and tell all my friends and colleagues about! Keep doing your thing Ava!! read more

T M.

0

1

0

8 years ago

I've tried "authentic" Jamaican food in a couple of Kansas City restaurants, but honestly I couldn't see what the fuss was about. I've always heard about how good the jerk flavor is, so I order it when I see it. My prior experiences were underwhelming, but Ava's was great! Her special jerk sauce was unlike anything I've tried before, and it was hot but good. Well worth trying! read more

Susan M.

0

2

0

7 years ago

Drove by many times and finally stopped in to eat. We were not disappointed. In fact the food was excellent! We ordered chicken curry and jerk chicken. We were also given samples of their pork (Delicious) and Sorrel (Very refreshing). I highly recommend you stop in and patronize them. The establishment is very clean, and the owners extremely hospitable. read more

Shelley A.

40

3

0

8 years ago

The food is amazing. I love the food, the owners/cook. So good. It is the best Jamaican food I have had outside of Jamaica! I can close my eyes and eat, it feels like Jamaica! They will treat you like family. Looking forward to the fruitcake that I ordered for the holidays! It is so good, you will change your mind about fruitcake! read more

Courtney S.

0

1

0

8 years ago

Ava's island cafe is now out go to restaurant, they have Jerk chicken, curry chicken, soup,oxtails and so much more. If you should get the jerk chicken make sure to ask for the sauce on the side if you can't manage spice, overall I'll give them a 10 out of 10. Good service and authentic Jamaican food. read more

Sherri N.

17

1

0

8 years ago

Went for lunch and had the spicy beef bowl. The spice was just right. Rice and beans were very good also. The owners are very nice. And gracious enough to let me sample the sweet potato pudding (yum) and the sorrel (amazing). Order the ginger lemonade with your meal. You won't be disappointed. read more

C W.

0

2

0

7 years ago

Ava's was nothing short of amazing! I ordered a combo meal which consisted of jerk chicken, oxtails, rice and peas, cabbage, and plantains. Oh and a melt in your mouth beef patty. The food was simply delish, the service was excellent, and the atmosphere was warm and inviting! read more

Daisy M.

22

4

3

7 years ago

Little hidden gem, the food was really delicious. I love me some Oxtail and let me tell you it was on point. The Jerk chicken was tasty as well. Honestly I was not disappointed it was all really good. I even had a Beef Patty that was freshly out of the oven. Yum read more

Anne K.

0

1

5 years ago

Delicious!!!! It's hard to find vegan options that not only have flavor but fill you up. Ava's has done it again! There was enough food for three meals! And when I say there was flavor? Going plant based for three days a week just got so much easier... read more

Marie H.

222

4

7

8 years ago

Ava and her crew are sweet, professional and of course the food was amazing! They are a small restaurant but make their way around to check on the patrons. Everything here was great and fresh. Thank you all for a great meal and amazing services! read more

Marlene F.

0

1

2

8 years ago

Great food at this little restaurant. The service was quick and the staff is very helpful. The curry chicken and the jerk chicken are the best in the area. I will definitely be back for the ginger lemonade read more

IslaNena D.

0

7

11

8 years ago

Thank u so much for the Great customer service. The food was awesome and very flavorful. It was a pleasure meeting your family and to know that there are genuine people and great food in Leavenworth, KS read more

Carol R.

42

1

0

7 years ago

What a great place! We found a place that we both agree on. The food was very tasty, seasoned to perfection. The restaurant was clean and the service was very friendly. Will be recommending to friends. read more

See more unrecommended reviews

Ava’s Island Cafe - caribbean - Updated August 2026

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Reggae Kitchen

4.3

(40 reviews)

The VERY best Caribbean style cuisine in KC, hands down!…read more Every dish from the jerk chicken, stewed chicken, curry goat and oxtail, chef's kiss ! O, and the sides are not just fillers, the cabbage is A-mazing and red beans with rice, killer. Always an experience worth a pop in or pickup.

I ordered jerk chicken, rice and peas It was very good. The…read morechicken was slightly over cooked(dry) but Will definitely try again.The meat pie was Also good.

Island Spice Caribbean Restaurant

3.8

(98 reviews)

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The oxtails... my goodness! I have to go back and find photos of the oxtail but you have to try the…read morelunch specials, they're only like $11 or so and you get so much food. I tried the curry chicken and the brown stew chicken.. but yes, if you're in the city, try it!

My father's family lived in Guyana, so I am picky about my island food. Humble space, everyday is a…read moredifferent entree platter, but the food is solid. Jerk chicken today. Two succulent portions with the meat falling off the bone, plenty of rice n bean, steam cabbage, and the corn cake to top it off. I'll be back and bring cash this time. (They do take card!)

Baan Thai Restaurant

4.0

(365 reviews)

This review is for lunch on a Monday in mid-March…read more service: Rusha did a great job taking care of us. food: We started with Larb Gai and it was excellent ($12 as of 03/2026). Note that the Larb comes with a side of rice. My wife had Tiger Cry Beef and thought it was OK ($9 as of 03/2026). I had Khao Soi with chicken and it was outstanding ($14 as of 03/2026). It's a red curry soup with egg noodles in the soup and crispy noodles on top. details: Open and airy inside, with booths along the walls and tables in the middle. The place was busy even for a Monday lunch. They have parking behind the restaurant and the entrance is adjacent to the parking lot.

My husband's favorite Thai place since he grew up in Leavenworth--we were in Weston for a weekend…read moreso drove the quick 15 min for dinner as most places are closed on Mondays in Weston. Portions are huge! I did not expect that when ordering my salad plus side of steam veg. Good flavors, a bit basic in seasoning, but good. Service was excellent and quick. About 1/3 of the place was full on a Monday night, so it was pretty busy!

Sila Thai Cuisine

4.7

(19 reviews)

I see why Sila is one of my Uncles favorite places to go to for Thai! My mom and I were starving…read moreand he insisted that we go, despite the fact that he just was there the night before. We were warmly greeted by one of the owners and given a menu. It is a tiny but mighty menu consisting of a few traditional Chinese dishes, Thai, soups, and a variety of appetizers. I had not had Thai in a while so I went with the Panang curry with a medium spice. It came out pipping hot with a side of white rice. The bowl had green beans and peppers and I added additional vegetables instead of protein. The veggies were in this amazinf broth that was super savory and flavorful. I could have just had the broth by itself as it was just that good! I tried my mom's fried rice with chicken and wow! This was some of the best fried rice that I have ever had. With a little roasted and garlic taste the rice is balance without being too soft or crunchy and it came with tons of vegetables--it was only missing broccoli. My uncles food was delightful as well with broth that was savory and thin noodles. I know my mom and I will be back when we are in this area again! I can't wait!!

SO impressed with this place! We ordered for carry out, and when we got our food it was hot, well…read morepackaged, fresh and best of all absolutely delicious! We ordered 2 chicken Pad Thai's (one with no spice and the other level 3), pineapple fried rice, fried potstickers, and the crab rangoon. When I tell you I loved everything, I mean it. Absolutely give this place a try. I will be back and keep up the great work!

Swifts Cajun Cuisine

4.4

(44 reviews)

Service was friendly and attentive! She was helpful and willing to answer our questions! We could…read morereadily see everyone was welcomed warmly-- regulars and visitors like us too! One side has the bar area, and the other side of room is dining tables. Feels open but not separating. The food was truly exceptional!! The seasoning was spot on-- so tasty and with that zing of heat that is just right!! We would most definitely return on another trip through the city!!

Swift's Cajun Cuisine Food Truck Review…read more I tried Swift's Cajun Cuisine and ordered the fish with fried rice and shrimp. Unfortunately, the food was just okay for me and not something I'd personally return for. The fried rice was a bit spicy and it actually tasted like it picked up several different flavors from the grill it was cooked on. I also added shrimp after placing my order and was basically charged a dollar a shrimp, I received five shrimp, but honestly, that extra purchase wasn't worth it for me. The chicken was the best part of the meal and was actually pretty good. However, I bought the chicken intending to give it to my daughter, who has a fish allergy. After purchasing it, I asked whether the fish and chicken were fried separately and was told they use the same fryer and peanut oil. That's definitely something I should have asked beforehand, so that part was my mistake. Overall, I didn't really enjoy the meal enough to feel it was worth coming back for. This is just my personal experience and taste but unfortunately, Swift's Cajun Cuisine food truck wasn't a hit for me.

Chinatown Express

4.3

(61 reviews)

We like this restaurant a lot. Recommend. We usually get general tsao, Pork lo mein, crab Rangoon,…read moreand awesome eggrolls. It is hard to open the door. LOL

First time ordering here, their hot sour soup is amazing, reminds me of the place that was at 78 th…read more& State years ago. Good portions, soups are good and hot. Chocho chicken is good. Definitely will be back.

Naree Kitchen

4.5

(182 reviews)

I have always had a good experience here. Friendly staff. Good food, and always come to check on…read moreyou, but not in that super annoying way (you all know what I mean). Accommodating for my 2 year old to join at the table as well with their booster seats. Have been going for a long time and has not been a time yet to have bad food.

This is a quaint little place in a strip mall. The server was very friendly and very patient. I…read morefinally had to hide the sushi menu from my girlfriend so she couldn't change her mind for the 100th time. I am not a sushi eater so I was super happy to find my favorite Thai item on the menu. The chicken massaman curry was super flavorful. I like that they offered it with fried rice. Great little place.

Chopstix

3.8

(90 reviews)

We tried Chopstix for takeout and loved our order. The jalapeño chicken was something new for us…read moreand it did not disappoint. It was absolutely delicious. We enjoyed chicken fried rice and cashew shrimp as well. The noodles in the vegetable lo mein were a little too soft for my liking, but everything else was great. They are a little pricey in my opinion for portion sizes, but we would for sure visit again. Great flavor and easy/convenient location.

While I rarely get sushi unless there is a mango option, this spot had some BOGO opportunities that…read moremade it particularly appealing at the time. A few of us chipped in and got BOGO soup (the egg drop was so good and I heard the sweet and sour was delicious!), BOGO apps (The crab rangoon was pretty good, my friends got spring rolls), BOGO special rolls (we got to choose between 3 of their fancy rolls), a california roll, and a rainbow roll. The order was ready when we rolled up 20 min later and the staff was super kind. Chopsticks were included, which thrills me when I am not eating at home with my own chopsticks. The Chiefs and Monkey King rolls are delicious. There was a little too much eel sauce on top of them, but I am less of a saucy girl. Very glad I got to try them - the price might deter me otherwise because I am a penny pincher. The Cali and Rainbow rolls were as advertised - very fresh, delicious and filling. They give a healthy portion of crispies for your soup, and this order ended up feeding 4 people. (Amazing!)

Thai Orchid

4.2

(79 reviews)

I came here for lunch, my spouse had been before and had a great meal - of somewhat above average…read moreprice. I'm happy to blow a little more if a place is really great, treats their employees well, etc. That said, six bucks for a kettle full of hot water with a single teabag of mediocre brand intended for a single 8oz cup is a bit silly. I'd pay that if it were enough tea for a full pot, and good quality product. I enjoyed my main, Green Curry, very much. Her order Pad see eew, was good, but the protein was really wonky (pork that had a decidedly off flavor like old cooking oil). We're not the sort of folks to raise a stink, we simply won't order that dish again, and if we have a similar experience, we pay the bill, leave, and never return. Service was good. Ambience is lovely. When it's right, the food is a real hit, and when it misses, I really misses.

This place is very cute and clean inside and I loved the artwork…read more I met some lady friends here for lunch. We came early so it wasn't busy. They have a special lunch menu Monday through Friday 11-3 and it's less than $20. I ordered the yellow curry with chicken. They ask you for the spice level. I don't like too spicy so I opted for a 3. The yellow curry is always my go to when I have Thai and it was very good. Just the right spice level and it came with rice and a few crab Rangoons. It also came with soup or salad. I ordered the salad. I loved the peanut dressing and the freshness of everything. I would return here to try other things on the menu.

Lucky Dragon

3.8

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