This was one of my favorites when I lived in the city; just sitting here daydreaming about it. Affordable and delicious. I've been trying to make their recipes, but it's never the same. read more

Self serve African buffet. The smoked Turkey was delish. They need to bring back the water dispensers to the tables.

Like: Unassuming place from outside but good food inside, place to sit and eat, decent non-alcoholic drinks selection, reasonable prices, decent location. read more

B & B - Buffet for $8 - African Near Me - New York, New York

There must be at least 20 different Hot dishes in the buffet line In addition to the fruit and salad section of it. There is ALOT of vegetarian options but also a lot of meat options as well. The food ranges from stewed beef, to fried chicken, to spaghetti and meat balls to livers.... I tried about everything that looked good and could fit on my plate. And the winner is... Coming in first place was definitely the livers. I had no idea that they were livers when i scooped them up and plopped them on my plate but yum.. they were good. In second place would have to be the grits. At least I think they were grits. And some sauce on them they I never tasted before.... the taste was very familiar but I could not pin point what it was. And coming in third place had to be the stewed beef that just fell apart when you touched it. read more

B & B - african food - African Near Me - New York, New York

Ok, so I'll admit I thought twice before eating here. Don't get me wrong, I have complete faith in the yelp and chose this place based on its high overall rating and proximity to my hotel. But when you walk in, the low frills are pretty low. Plus I've never been much for buffets in NYC, way to many hands touching those serving spoons that have been on subway poles and we know what lives on those. That said I encourage and implore you to give this place a try. It's so inexpensive and everything I sampled from the buffet was bursting with flavor. Not all the dishes had signs, but I could generally tell what was beef, chicken rice, veggies etc. I shamelessly copied off of what a guy who looked like a regular was getting. They were all out of greens, the one disappointment. The sweet plantains, the earthy curry chicken drumstick, the fluffy rices, it was all delish. Just walk in pick up a styrofoam plate and ration space on it appropriately as you select your vittles...then walk up to the counter to pay. It's that simple read more

Delicious. Buffet style. Not comforting or warm in the area of decor,but the food makes up for decor. Food is by weight. Listen. I live in long Island and have easily hopped on the train to get their food. read more

Steam table with the MOST delicious food!!!! I ate here two out of the three days I was working nearby. The rice and meat is the most awesomeeeeeee. If you are craving rice and meat as I was, for around the price of the chain restaurant around the corner, you can fill up big plates of delicious hearty authentic West African food ... very healthy options with lots of salads and fresh fruit. Lovely small business in the heart of one of the most expensive neighborhoods in the world! Don't sleep on this awesome place :) read more

One of my favorite spots in NYC. Small and cozy with good wholesome food. Seating can be limited but totally worth it. read more

Had to do a little convincing to get my friends to try African food as none of us were too familiar with it to begin with. Every single one of us walked away happy and completely satisfied. The food here was so good!! Tried a little bit of everything that I could fit into my container-- the jerk chicken was good, whatever dish had the hard-boiled eggs was good, the beans and rice were good, some sort of fried ball of meat was good-- everything. And my container ended up being $8. Will definitely be back when I am in midtown and need a solid meal. read more

The flavor profile was true to the west African & Caribbean. There was a nice variety of meats, sauces, sides, and grains. I will definitely be returning to eat here! read more

B & B - African Near Me - New York, New York

Nice low-key spot with a buffet bar ($8/lb) and places to sit. Jerk chicken is great - nice to get a little bit of everything and chill for a bit. Water pitchers on the table. read more

B & B - African Near Me - New York, New York

Tuesday, March 15, 2022 around 10:30 a.m.ish Not everything was out but, what I went for was. Food looked Fresh and Shiny( if you understand) First off I got a small plastic container of Kale salad which had some onions and peppers sliced in it. It was super fresh, flavorful, and the perfect tooth chew texture. Jerk Chicken was Fresh, Flavorful, Just enough spice, Juicey, and well cooked. Hard Cooked Chicken was also very Tasty, Fresh, Flavorful, and Well Cooked. Not tough but, tender. 2 types of Turkey wings could not tell them apart when I got home but, the crisper one tasted baked and was seasoned well and tender ...the bones pulled right out. The wetter one was very moist and juicey with a softer seasoning and very delicious. The lady who checked me out was very nice and courteous. I have been here many times before together food and sit on High Line Park. I recommend you come for the delicious food and not worry so much about the atmosphere. It is buffet style and a very simple place for a quick bite. I will return again soon. read more

Honestly have no idea what is on my plate. This is a no-frills buffet with the ultimate comfort food. Pass the salad bar in the front to get to the hot stewed meats, jerk chicken, beans, sauces, and rices. Filled with no tourists, this is a place that values flavor over aesthetic. Grab a container above the buffet and start loading up. The buffet plate is $7.99 / lb, and I ended up spending $11... so worth it. read more

B & B - 7.99/lb hot section - African Near Me - New York, New York

Currently eating my lunch from here as I write this review so that just goes to show how legit. There weren't plantains when I went but I'm totally not hung up on that. The food is amazingggg. As an African, I give it A+. Delishhhhh!!! read more

Went here for dinner last night. I got a plate with a mix of things-jerk chicken, slaw, chickpea salad, etc. The food was pretty good but the labeling was off- I got a rice dish with what said was turkey on it, but it turned out to be fish, so that was offputting. The jerk chicken was good though- really tender. The ambiance needs help people! They need better lighting, and updated decor just to make it a little cozier in there. I used the bathroom and it was absolutely disgusting- covered in pee and loose tiles in the floor. read more

I stopped in for a take out dinner on a recent trip to the city. Selection on the buffet is good and the value is great. All the dishes I tried were quite flavourful. However, they can definitely improve on labeling the dishes. Some had no labels or were labeled incorrectly. Some labels are deceiving such as okra sauce, which has meat in it. It's only relevant because the price varies for chicken and vegetable dishes ($7.99/lb) and meat dishes ($8.99/lb). If you mix the two, you pay the higher price for everything. In the end, I didn't mind because the food was all very tasty. I will go back to explore more of the dishes. read more

Delicious. Perfectly seasoned. I'm visiting from LA and wanted some well seasoned food so came here. Buffet style so I tried a bit of everything. Con: ITS HOT AF INSIDE. It's summer now and I don't think they have A/C so I was just cooking lol. Also I wish I could go grab more rice and stuff without getting a new container. I'd suggest try a bit of everything and remember for next time :) Will visit again when I'm in town read more

B & B - African Near Me - New York, New York

Their buffet food is delicious and they have a great selection of African and American dishes.

I absolutely love this place, their food is all that and very amazing, I love their varieties of chicken, and varieties of rice, and other foods, and I just love putting some gravy from their other variety dishes over my chicken and rice. Just so you know it's self serve and take out food so you must wear a mask before entering and be courteous of others who are self serving a few feet away. But oh my how this is a great find. I come here to order about once or twice a month, the food is so good that you may develop the side effect of lazyitis after you eat it and may not be able to drive or anything, food this good will always cause a hangover of lazyitis, LOL. You may need a cab ride if you live in another Boro to drive you home if you can't make it back on a Subway. The workers here are the best, their very respectful and always with a smile and real which proves food this good doesn't mean that all people working there have to have a bad attitude for you to be convinced that it's good. It is my pleasure being their customer, and I often take a break often from eating food this good, cause the body needs to adjust and build back it's strength again. The prices here are worth it and the best, you will be glad to know of this great find and Gem in the heart of Manhattan in the same area of Fashion Institute School in the Fashion District. These people are the best, sorry for the long chapter and paragraph ya'll LOL. Feel good about visiting this Food Joint and ordering today or whenever you can. God bless this place, you me and all our other fellow yelp members and all people reading these reviews now and always. read more

Ever notice the people at your work who look like they've attended a few too many leadership development workshops to improve their power stance, to come across as a leader, popping the chest out, walking in an annoying and forceful manner, can't be bothered with little questions, letting it wait until after the meeting, having an air of importance like you're supposed to hang off of their every word, etc.? You won't find any of those corporate rats here! This place is hearty AF. So we pull up after our bus ride and stop in to this wonderful cafeteria. They're serving dope African and Halal food. There are never-before-seen meats, rice, white people stuff, and fish. I recommend getting what the other people get. This probably isn't the place to bring an upscale chick, but rather, this place is ideal to come with your boys for some cultural awareness. read more

Really delightful for what it is, namely a cafeteria with a steam table full of African and Caribbean meats and vegetables and grains. (Ignore the cold salad bar - not because it's bad, but because you should come for the hot food.) Ignore as well your surroundings, a too-bright shabby room on a Chelsea side street. Eat the food -- eat all sorts of different things, which you'll pay for by the pound. We had a superb jerk chicken, tangy and sharp and falling off the bone. Collards were soft without being overcooked; rice and pigeon peas had a zing; we topped the rice with some sort of green vegetable stew with a smoky heat, which we couldn't identify, but loved. Just delicious. Like a Whole Foods buffet, but cheaper and spicier and cooler. Prices are very low and very fair. You'll have a great lunch for under $10. A huge, huge win. GO! read more

So, I was temping in the Flatiron/Madison Sq. area and being on a budget I was wandering the street looking for a cheap lunch spot. It is then that I stumbled onto this pearl of a restaurant on West 26th Street. Now, I preface my review by saying that I'm torn about even posting my opinion on this one! It is SO, SO, SOOOOO GOOD that I'm afraid that it'll become terribly popular and soon after, terrible. I've had this happen before, so it is with some trepidation that I sing their praise-song. I normally avoid the buffet scenario. I'm a paranoid NY'er and I've seen/heard horror stories about what some of the more disgusting amongst us do to open food containers, but there was something about B&B that called to me. Alas, I am overjoyed that I heeded the call. Bright, unassuming and IMPECCABLY CLEAN, B&B is an AMAZING buffet featuring African, African-American & Caribbean cuisine. Peeking in the kitchen I saw a bevy of beautiful African men & women hard at work busily preparing some of the MOST DELICIOUS food I've had away from home in a LONG TIME! From the staples, like mac-n-cheese, collard greens and fried chicken, to the more exotic (to SOME NY'ers) fare like stewed cow foot, curried goat, oxtails and VARIOUS pilau rice dishes, EVERYTHING is absolute perfection. Keep in mind, you won't find any pork at this Halal version of heaven, but trust me, you won't miss it - AT ALL!!! There are so many meat choices, curries, brownstews, pepper-pots, chicken, lamb, beef and goat, it's hard to choose, but DON'T waste too much time picking when you could be eating because it's ALL GREAT! SERIOUSLY!!! Everything is deftly prepared - bold, yet restrained, spicy yet complex - in a word - sublime. You can see it with the naked eye. Bay leaves, peppers, onions, flecks of herbs and the mustardy-yellows of Caribbean style curries abound. Each day there are at least 4 kinds of rice dishes, some dark brown pilaus cooked with lamb and chicken, some with beans cooked together with the rice - all perfect foils for the delicious gravies and sauces that you will surely spoon over in copious amounts. Then, there's the curried peas, peppery spinach, fried plantains, collard greens and lightly braised cabbage to pile onto your plate (we've got to eat our veggies, people!) next to your meat! And just like your favorite infomercial - WAIT! THERE'S MORE!!! Fresh fruits and salads are ALSO offered at the end of the buffet, if you make it down there!!!! All in all, B&B is a culinary-comfort-dream from which I am loathe to wake. Now that I've shared 26th Street's best kept food secret, I am begging you, PLEADING WITH YOU, please don't tell.... read more

I came here with my coworkers for lunch. Both of them walked out after they glanced at the buffet bar because they questioned the cleanliness of the place. I, on the other hand, man up and gave this place a chance. I definitely wish they would label their food. Most people are scared of not knowing what it is that they are going to eat, but I was feeling adventurous so I scooped up a little bit of everything. After reading all of the great reviews from other Yelpers, I have to agree.. food is good. Hot sauce is dynamite. I will go back because of that hot sauce alone. I'm crazy for spicy stuff. I can't really tell you what I had except there were some chicken in yellow curry sauce and I think I got chicken jerky. And a few other meat dishes that I couldnt identify (probably beef). Everything was moist and got good flavors to them, but jerk chicken stood out the most. I gave this place 3 stars because of the unwelcomed atmosphere and because I don't give out my stars easily. I can be tough with my rating sometimes. :) I too wondered if the food is cleaned and sanitized. It was just so gloomy and uninviting. They should brighten up the space a bit. The air was so stuffy inside. I walked by several times and never thought to walk in. I visited this place because of Yelp alone. Sunac is just right around the corner with their buffet, but things are properly labeled, food at the bar looks great, nice and bright inside and they are always busy during lunch time. This place should send a scout and see how Sunac does their things. I will most likely visit B&B again when I crave for jerk chicken and hopefully they will have plantains next time. I didnt see any today. :( read more

B&B is a gem in Flatiron/Chelsea. Here's why: 1) There are a ton of options. Seriously, one of the longest steam counters I've seen, and everything looks really delicious. 2) At $6-$7 per pound, it's one of the few options in the area that won't break the bank. 3) Real African food! I have to admit I don't know much about African food, and Africa is such a huge continent, I can't even pretend to act like I know which country or region it's from, but judging by the staff and customers, you can tell they have food that reminds them of home. I agree with the other Yelpers when they say they wish they trays were labeled. For someone inexperienced with this cuisine, knowing what the dishes are would be helpful. But then again, they're serving mainly to people who probably already know what the dishes are so I don't think the small population of the rest of us matter. Also, like I said, everything looks so delicious I still want to try it regardless of whether or not I know what it is. Give this place a chance if you're feeling adventurous and are looking for something different in the area! read more

The sign out front says B&D, but the business card and Yelp review say B&B. Anyway, I like it. Food from throughout the African diaspora, cooked by Senegalese chefs. It's clean but minimal seating, and you eat with plastic utensils out of foam takeout containers. It's a place for a good, inexpensive, healthy meal. There's a salad bar, and a wide variety of hot foods like mac & cheese, Jamaican peas & rice, "broken rice" (African, similar to couscous), and chicken about 4 different ways: curried, stewed, roasted, and a wonderfully spicy Jamaican jerk style. Also fish and lots of vegetables, and a Senegalese "peanut butter sauce" that I wish I'd taken more of. It's halal, so there's no pork or alcohol, but I can live without them for a while. The lady tending the buffet was wearing a full veil, whether for hygienic or religious reasons, I don't know. read more

Stellar food at any time! We looked like typical Midwest yokel tourists so we had no idea what the hell we were supposed to do when we arrived...the staff will quickly see to it that you don't overthink things. Just grab a plate from on top of the steam table and get to scooping! No frills, no fuss, just awesome food. Everything was great...in particular all the chicken dishes were amazing. The jerk chicken was especially flavorful. Finding a cheap eat that's different and good in NYC can be hard sometimes but don't let this place's humble appearance turn you off from some amazing eats! read more

Absolutely love it here! Very fresh and reminded me of the Liberian food my friend in college would make. Potato greens and okra was superb! It is by the lb and very affordable. Will be back for sure. read more

This is really one of those best-kept-secrets. I've been craving for some jerk-chicken and I say they are authentic as they come. It's very spicy and that's how it should be. Great soda selection! Food is up there! I think the first 2 times I came here it would've been 5 stars, but I have to give it a 4 star. The reason is that they always ask me if I have cash to pay when I want to pay with credit card. The 2nd time I was there I asked if they charge a minimum for using credit card and the guy said no. Next time I went, another guy says I have to pay $1 extra for using credit card. Btw, they use those swipes that they attach on the iPad. I know the transaction is only 2.75% fee. It really isn't necessary to charge $1 on a $11 order. They never give receipts so you can't really tell if you got charged with wrong amount or not until you find it in your statement. Another reason why it's 4 stars is because of the place itself looks rundown. Tables and seats are not in the best area. They also provide water in these pitchers, but I WOULDN'T DARE TO GO TOUCH IT. I am sure it's just TAP. Do yourself a favor and just buy a drink from them. It's not expensive for it. $5.99 per pound of food isn't bad at all considering it's in the city. read more

I'm an adventurous eater and one of the things I love about New York is the incredible diversity around every corner. Where else is there everything you could possibly think of - including an authentic African place - within a 5 minute walk radius?? Sounds like a lunch option to me! The most notable thing about this place is the HOT SAUCE. OMG. For those fiends of spice out there... this place will put you to the test. Personally, I get my true hotness fix from ethnic hot sauces, meaning I have a hard time finding the flavorful yet searing HOT kick I crave at your local grocery store. The hot sauce at this place, however, does not disappoint - the little tubs of red hot chilis were INSANE. Must try. Ok so, why only three stars? Two words: mystery meat. The buffet here could desperately use some labels. Just one word even - Goat, Beef, Chicken... etc. There are so many different curries and stews that if you're not familiar with the cuisine, you won't know exactly what you're getting into. And I promise you, I'm not one to be squeamish about meats -- I just want to know what creature's tiny bones I'm sucking on! So my advice here is to 1) TRY THE HOT SAUCE, and 2) Unless you're feeling particularly adventurous, stick to the items that are distinctly chicken (or another recognizable meat) and the grains & veggies - which were great. I loaded up on a whole bunch of different things and found myself scrutinizing what exactly was on my fork (hmm... fish...?). Even for someone who is all about trying new things, it doesn't feel good to question what you're about to eat. I'll be back again though, the jerk chicken was delicious, and I'm curious what they have on different days. read more

Had this place bookmarked for nearly two years before I stumbled by one Saturday afternoon. That's a feat, btw - that a bookmark lasted that long and the business was still open. Great place to get some cheap, good-old down home cooking. Think all the meats, veggies, and spaghetti you desire. Wings. Plantains. Greens. Rice. No one will blink when you come in, so take a plate and pick what you want from the buffet. You pay based on weight in the back of the restaurant. Definitely a spot frequented by a regular crowd - agree with Yan that there were lots of cab drivers and people from Africa/diaspora. read more

I would do 5 stars but my friend didn't like the flavor and he tried it based on my recommendation. Everybody knows African dished/food is an acquired tasted. I thought the selection was amazing and the flavor and seasonings were spot on. The food is sold by the pound and is a great experience if you like to try ethnic dishes. The folk were rolling through at a consistent flow which was promising. I would eat here again and again but be forewarned, it's a heavy meal and all you will want to do after indulging in a taste feast is SLEEP/NAP/ Go COMATOSE! Or at least that's what I'm about do at 2:04p. read more

B & B - African Near Me - New York, New York

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The restaurant itself may not be a beauty, but the food here is seriously good. And, since it's weighed, can often be very cheap. B&B has a huge variety of food, so even if everything isn't to your taste you're likely to find something you'll really enjoy. For my part, I've loaded up on pretty much all of the main dishes they keep out and found most all of them to be quite good. I especially like the jerk chicken. A word of warning, though: if you don't like spicy food you should be careful filling your tray here. read more

I was heading down the Villages and needed something to eat, So Yelp to the rescue. How could I not give this a try after reading all the reviews... The place is certainly nothing to look at, BUT that's not why you go to B&Bs. You go here to get some really tasty African/South American (soul) foods. As much, or as little as you want, you pay by the weight of the food you've stuffed into your container. Oh, did I mention, it's cheap too!! Yes, there's wonderful Jerked Chicken, plenty of beef, lamb and more chicken, there's a range of rice dishes, pastas, vegetables and salads. If you are nearby, do it.. The place never closes. read more

Wide variety of tasty African dishes - from soups to veggies, and fish and meats. This humble joint with fast friendly service should be on every foodie's hit list. Buffet system means you can try everything, and Halal means the food is grown and processed cleanly. read more

I was seriously craving African food and came across this place. When I walked in, it felt like I was in an African home. Simple, cheap, and plentiful. You put whatever you want on your plate and they'll weigh it to determine the price. I had a heaping of jollof rice topped with peanut sauce and a bunch of meats (chicken, chicken gizzards, lamb) plus cow foot corn soup and sorrel drink which came out to $20. Well worth it!! I'm coming back again. Oh friendly staff too! read more

B & B - African foods for days - African Near Me - New York, New York

I haven't had African food before and I also hesitated to enter when I saw that the food was served buffet-style. Reluctantly, I let my energetic co-worker drag me in where she began pointing out the different items and telling me what's really tasty or full of flavor (this took a while since she pointed at practically everything). It's $6 a pound, but I've made several trips to them since my first lunch and I haven't gone over $5 before for a container full of food. I took a little bit of everything and the total was about $5. I have no idea if my terminology is correct, but I took a little bit of some green mush, collard greens, jerk chicken, plantains, curry, and an orangey-reddish really short-grain rice-looking dish. We sat down outside on a beautiful sunny day near our workplace and then dug into our food - VERY wonderfully tasty. Again, I've never had African food before, but what B&B serves is absolutely amazing. The food is definitely quite filling. I'm the type of person that is usually hungry again within a few hours, but this food always leaves me feeling satisfied for at least 5-6 hours. They're very consistent with the quality of their food and the menu items don't generally change. I'd highly recommend it to anyone who is daring enough to try it. If you're not someone who is open to trying new things, don't go there. read more

My friends and I came in on a rainy day and the food was amazing for its price. The owners were very welcoming and helpful and did not mind that we had many pieces of luggage with us from our journey back to NYC. The chicken was melt in the mouth soft and the oxtail was amazing. Will definitely be back for more. read more

After a late--and I mean late--drinking session on top of the Hilton, I was in need of some sustenance. I walk out onto the street and there, a beacon of neon across the street, was this place. I hurried over, scooped up $5 worth of food, and scuttled back to eat cheap curries on an expensive hotel bed. The food was tasty! The rice and peas were great, the meat was surprisingly tender, and everything was rich with flavor. However, there were bone shards all through my meal. I fished at least three pieces out of my mouth before I finished, and found a few more at the bottom of my foam plate. read more

It's a hole-in-the-wall. Bright lights, about 10 tables in the back, buffet style like any old deli on any old block... but it's West African and it's delectable. Their print out menu lists what's what; otherwise you might not know what you're eating. Some dishes are easily identifiable - grilled lamb, beef fried rice -- and some are not -- sorrel sauce with beef, lamb & fish palm oil sauce, and corn with beef and cows feet. I've tried about 7 different things and they were all delicious. My fave was actually the fried chicken. It was moist and the skin was crunchy and packed much flavor. The curry chicken is mild and falls off the bone. Plantains are big, soft and not-too-sweet. The staff is friendly and a bit shy, the clientele is random althought I suspect many of them are cab drivers, and it's open 24 hours!!! You're not going to get a better meal at 5AM in the whole city. read more

I'm ashamedly ignorant of the food of an entire continent (though I guess I know a little about ethiopian food), so I got a tiny scoop of everything. And it was awesome. Note that the signs above the cafeteria style buffet do not always match what the dish is so don't rely on them. Also a lot of the meat is joint meat, which I find particularly tasty but is going to require some digging. read more