My first visit here, it's been on my list since the carribean spot near me in Richmond closed down. Food: Love, love the peppery/spicy seasoning on the curry chicken & cabbage. Gotta admit the spiciness had my tongue tingling & my nose running but it wasn't overpoweringly spicy. Btw. I didn't request spicy, that's just how it came. Cabbage and rice & peas were tasty, standard accompaniments. My hubby got the curry goat and it too was very tasty but what got my attention was how tender the goat was! To me, the goat seemed just a little less spicy so the chicken spice level may be just how they cooked the batch that day. Upon entering, I thought it was just a takeout place because I didn't see any tables or seating. While waiting on my food, I discovered a whole other large room with seating, full bar & stage! So takeout or dine-in is definitely an option. It's a little bit of a drive for me but I would definitely return. read more

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My first time here, in the area for work. Ambiance: very busy my preorder was ready to go upon arrival. They have a large space on the other side where you can eat they do not take orders appear like. My order, the chicken was definitely more spicier than another place that I typically eat at. They do give you a side of gravy. The plantains were slightly dry and I wished I had more cabbage. I heard that they have a rum punch that is really good. I would Give them another try maybe trying something else. read more

Cool Runnings Jamaican Grill - Caribbean Near Me - Houston, Texas

The service was good. Very friendly and welcoming. Parking is okay. The food was fresh. My husband ordered the jerk chicken, and I ordered the oxtail plate combo. However, it was NOT worth $29 for the oxtail combo plate. I feel like I got more neck bones than oxtail, which is pretty disappointing, since nowhere on the menu does it say it's a mixture of oxtail and neck bones. The plate came with a ton of rice and beans, which was bland, and it also came with a little cabbage on top, which was good (the cabbage). The "neck bones (not oxtail at all)" were tender, but lacking some flavor. The plantains were very delicious. The jerk chicken was good, but nothing to rave over. Would I order it again? Possibly. Now, the star of the show. The best flavor was from the beef patties. Now, I would definitely come back for those. I'm glad we ordered two each for ourselves. read more

Cool Runnings Jamaican Grill - Oxtail plate combo - Caribbean Near Me - Houston, Texas

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I've been coming to cool runnings for decades. Even though I have moved I always come back but my last two times have not been great. Pro's The rice and peas is still awesome and Sorrel is still great. Customer Service is still awesome. Con's The foods flavor and quality are not great. The oxtail was bland. Two words that should never go together in caribbean cuisine. Jerk chicken was mid and dry as hell. I was really excited about my meal but hope the success doesn't takeaway anymore of the flavor. read more

Cool Runnings Jamaican Grill - Caribbean Near Me - Houston, Texas

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I ordered the Large Jerk Chicken Meal yesterday evening on my first visit here. I had been wanting to try this place for some time now. The chicken was great and delicious in terms of skin feel, juiciness in the meat and smokiness. I do feel a bit more of that jerk spice would've been great, but I enjoyed it regardless. The rice was cooked well, buttery, simple and unique at the same time with a tastiness to it. The cabbage was tasty, juicy and spiced well. The plantains were soft, creamy in feel with a sweet, tasty dessert vibe going on. You can never go wrong with those. The red sauce side was spicy, runny and had a pinch of sweetness too. Service was fast and good. I may try the ox tails or brown stewed chicken in the future as well. read more

Cool Runnings Jamaican Grill - Great Jerk Meal togo !!! - Caribbean Near Me - Houston, Texas

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This Jamaican restaurant has gone downhill since the beginning. I asked if they sold jerk chicken by the piece, and the lady said yes, so I ordered four pieces. The four pieces cost $21. Unfortunately, the chicken tasted like it had been sitting for at least three days. It was not fresh, extremely dry, and very disappointing. For $21, I expected much better quality. I definitely will never return to this restaurant again. Very disappointing experience. read more

This restaurant is a pillar in the community. The food is fresh and portions a very big. I would recommend this place to anyone who wants some great Jamaican food. read more

What other Jamaican restaurant gives you a free entree (valued up to $20) for your birthday? If you needed a sign to download the My Royalty Rewards, then this is it! I was so happy to be able to get my go to chicken combo (brown stew & curry) large platter and 2 beef patties all for $1.64 to close out my birthday month! As always, it was tasty and plentiful. The women working that day were super nice and Nevaeh even had some dry humor that I appreciated lol I love the new waiting chairs, too. They're much cleaner. Until next time, CR! read more

Cool Runnings Jamaican Grill - Caribbean Near Me - Houston, Texas

Cool Runnings is one of those places that feels like more than just food it feels like home. The flavors are delicious every single time. This morning I had Saltfish Cookup and with each bite I was transported back in time sitting across from my Dad eating a plate he made for me and my family. That kind of memory lives in the food here. On weekends getting a plate of Saltfish Cookup (or as I grew up calling it, Codfish) is nostalgic. Root vegetables ground you, literally. They nourish the root, steady the body, and remind you where you're from. Root vegetables are the ground provision that comes with the Saltfish. It consists of boiled green banana, boiled dumpling, and yams. It's so, so good. I've had many dishes from Cool Runnings since discovering it and it's all been good. The oxtail, curry goat, patties, rice and peas, jerk chicken, escovitch, are all full of flavor and heart. The chefs put in the work and it shows. It's not located around the corner from me by any means, but it's worth the trip because food like this isn't just about taste, it's about feeling. If you know, you know. And, if you don't, go find out. read more

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I had an interest in Caribbean cuisine while in the vicinity of Cool Runnings Jamaican Grill and ordered a takeout. The restaurant sits in a well established center with plenty of parking. The entryway opens to the order/takeout counter with a spacious dining room in a separate area of the building. The staff were very friendly and patient while I looked at the menu holding up orders behind me. I was surprised at how fast the food was packaged and on my way. My Curry Goat was very tender with very flavorful. The small portion was an excellent value based on the size for the price. Overall, no real complaints about the food or service and would certainly drop in if back in the area. read more

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Best Food I have had in Texas. This restaurant was recommended to me and it has been the best meal I have had so far in Houston. Must go. I did dine in read more

Cool Runnings Jamaican Grill - Caribbean Near Me - Houston, Texas

Man, oh man, not my favorite spot going downhill. When I tell you, I have brought my grandparents and parents from out of town my best friends every one to the spot for years, but the last three times it failed me. Maybe because they were delivery orders I'm not sure. The food today taste so old like it was cooked days ago. The plantains were hard as a rock not even edible. The rice old, cabbage definitely lacked in flavor. I ordered early because they just opened so I assumed the food would be fresh not the food from nights before. I definitely will never order from here again, but I will try to give it another go inside the store. I'm not sure at the moment I just don't like feeling like I'm eating leftovers. I still recommend but it won't be at my top anymore. I ordered my whole snapper per usual but it just didn't give that flavor anymore. read more

Cool Runnings Jamaican Grill - Esco snapper large - Caribbean Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Loved the food. MOSTLY. I got the large jerk wings and small seafood soup. Let's start with the first. Wings and all of that are ON POINT!!!!!!! Love love love!!! I'll be back for them most def! Now...the soup. Don't order that thing. I hope I don't choke on the soup. And by that, I mean the potato and potato and veggie and potato soup that had seafood flavoring and a couple of fish bones. Super disappointed in the quality of the soup and the fact that they hyped it to be the "Soup of the day" is even sadder. I'm pretty sure I might have swallowed a small bone. I guess we shall see lol! The service was nice though lol. They were not helpful though... read more

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They use to be great but now clearly have gone down in service and food quality. A lot of people are saying the same thing. The wings were burnt, the cowfoot soup was pot water and tasted like someone was learning how to cook Jamaican food, the currry goat was pink (not cooked enough) and the service- they ran out of an order and didn't refund the item - instead just told the Uber Eats person to let me know. I will say- the rasta pasta still hits! Overall, Do better or you will lose a strong following, esp as competitors start to pop up more across Houston. read more

Everything is very flavorful and spiced just right. Portions are a bit on the smaller side for me particularly given prices. Their juices are definitely steeper. Chicken is very smoky and good, though a bit drier. Overall good tasty with a lot of options to their menu. read more

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A bumpy but enjoyable second visit. This is a well loved space. The place has a good atmosphere with three unique characteristics: A lively to go cafe, an expansive dance hall with bar, and bandstand; and a large dinner area. Our group of four nestled in the booth of this clean banquet hall. And now the good food. Oh the Fritters and rice and peas were quite good and not overly salty. Yay! The ginger pineapple drink was fresh. Cabbage & curry goat Yummy. Disappointingly the roast chicken was cold as in not frozen but chilly. Many items sold out or not available on the menu. Women's bathroom needs a renovation. Warm service and a place to have good conversation after church. read more

I have been going to Cool Runnings since around 2019. The food has always been delicious. Last time I went 12/2025 the food was a little spicier, but still good. The service is hit or miss really, but I'm there for the food. I definitely recommend. read more

Cool Runnings Jamaican Grill - Caribbean Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Ever since the first time I tried their oxtail stew, I've been craving it. Today, I ordered it for lunch and it was so yummy! The combination of the sweet plantains, rice and peas and fatty oxtail makes the perfect bite. I'm not a huge fan of steamed cabbage, BUT their steamed cabbage has a hint of sweetness and gives the meal the perfect slight crunch. Everything meshes so well together and I can't wait to go back. The first time I went, I ordered the jerk chicken and it was disappointing... dry. Because I didn't enjoy the jerk chicken, this time I opted to try the jerk wings. When I saw the wings, I was disappointed again. They're tiny and dry. Skip on these. Oh, and they never seem to have the garlic mash potatoes! Regardless, I am still happy with the rice and peas, but man, garlic mashed potatoes sound so good. Overall, I highly recommend the oxtail stew. I will be ordering this every time I come here. read more

Cool Runnings Jamaican Grill - Jerk Wings - Caribbean Near Me - Houston, Texas

I went back to give Cool running another chance. The business have went don. It feels like a sweatshop in the inside to start. The food is not work the price. I got 4 small oxtails. Only two were whole small one the other two idk what that is. Photos will be included. They show you your food so fast so you can say anything and the staff are rude. I will not be returning. Also this was a large for 28 dollars not WORTH IT! read more

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The flavors were phenomenal! Wasn't very exciting to eat here, but it changed my mind so quick. The food portions are so great for the price they are. The service is so sweet! And the overall vibe of the restaurant is fun and awesome. The dining area is big and spacious. Gotta try the Jerk Chicken! read more

Cool Runnings Jamaican Grill - Jerk Chicken - Caribbean Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Great Jamaican food. I absolutely love their beef patties. They're always very fresh. I place my pick up order about 15-29 minutes before I arrive and it's always finished. read more

Cool Runnings Jamaican Grill - Amazing beef patty - Caribbean Near Me - Houston, Texas

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I read the reviews and decided to try anyways. Not sure why... but... So, I give it 3 stars because Var (I think that was her name) was very sweet. The service was good. However, the food... very, very dry AND bland. I got the jerk chicken with rice and peas and rum punch. The plantain was hard with no flavor. The chicken patty was just okay. I wasn't disappointed, because the reviews let me know what was up. My friend told me to try the oxtails as that's what she always get. So, maybe next time. read more

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So I can't speak on the interior or the dining aspect of this place because I've only ever eaten it for takeout. This place has been a staple on the southwest side of Hughston for many years. For years, I would consistently go for the oxtails and while I still rate them fairly high, I believe there is a new sheriff in town. The brown stew chicken in my opinion is the best thing on the menu. It is moist flavorful and always cooked really well. I also grab a few beef patties out the door every time. The service is also pretty standard. Nothing bad to say about him. read more

I did an Uber order for the jerk wings meal. Unfortunately, the wings were old and cold. The order came with 6 wings, peas and rice, cabbage, and plantains. I only had an issue with the wings as they seemed to have been out all day. I've called three different times to speak with the manager but I'm told each time that she isn't in...having only one person to resolve customer concerns is odd. I've left my contact information for her to return my call twice but no response. That's unfortunate because a choice was made to patronize your establishment. Please do better. read more

Best Jamaican food in the city its on the other side of Houston like a 45 min drive that im happy to make read more

Cool Runnings Jamaican Grill - Jerk Chicken - Caribbean Near Me - Houston, Texas

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We had a fabulous experience at Cool Runnings. We walked in and there was a huge line to order takeout but we wanted to sit and eat and enjoy our meal. We were directed to the dining area where an our angel Dianna came and took our order. I can honestly say that I'm always proud and filled with pride when my own Jamaican folks own their work. Meaning that they aren't doing the work because they are being paid but they own the work because they love what they do and Dianna clearly showed that she enjoyed doing what she did. She was courteous, kind and funny and always had a smile. It's interesting as we were the first ones in dining area and then it quickly started filling up. Dianna just kept smiling and doing what I'm sure she does every single day. I'm visiting from CA and my parents from Florida as they are at MD Anderson and I was dying for some Jamaican food. The food was amazing, didn't even realize they were in Triple D as that's one of our favorite shows but it didn't matter as the food didn't disappoint. I had the curry chicken, my Dad had the Ackee and Saltfish and my Mom had the Tilapia. Their only complaint was that there was too much food. WTH ‍ - I guess that's the joy of being 80 years old. The place was clean, good music in the background and I wish I were staying longer and could come back and when the place was rocking late at night. Maybe not, I'm a little older but truly enjoyed the music as we ate. They were out of the red peas soup by the time we got there and Dianna told my Mom to call her next time and she'll put aside some for her. Who does that for first time visitors? people do that. I realized that we didn't get any pictures but will next time I'm back. Oh and the patties were also great, better than others we had while in Houston. Nuff respect to the Cool Runnings team. They have three more weeks and I know we'll be back. read more

Cool Runnings...its has been my go to for Jamaican food for honestly over ten years...I have always had good food from them....sometimes they are a miss but I can say 90% of the time it's always good...when my husband who is from Jamaica came to the US..its the first place I took him for some home cooked food and he liked it...I would make him order the food because he knows how to talk to his people in the native tongue of patois and I love it...the service is always good...the place is always packed..they have a space in the back if you want to dine in but we always order to go...the vibe is always cool there...as long as they are opened I will go read more

5/5 -- Cool Runnings: Where My Taste Buds Took a Vacation to Flavor Island Listen, if you see me walking funny after leaving Cool Runnings, it's not the heat--it's because my knees gave out from pure joy. First off, the jerk chicken? Lawd have mercy. It's got that perfect spice--like a gentle slap from your Jamaican auntie who loves you but also wants to remind you who's boss. The sauce? Don't be shy--dip it twice! Actually, dip it thrice if you dare. That sauce is what dreams (and slightly sweaty foreheads) are made of. Now, the oxtail--oh, baby. Cooked to absolute perfection, falling apart like my willpower at a buffet. The gravy? It doesn't just melt in your mouth--it moves in, pays rent, and becomes part of your soul. And the goat... listen. I've had goat before, but this one? This one whispered, "I'm the G.O.A.T." right before it fell off the bone. Soft, juicy, and drenched in that glorious goat gravy--best I've ever had. Period. Even the cabbage was out here shining like a side dish with main character energy--perfectly cooked, tender but with a little crunch, like it's auditioning for "America's Next Top Veggie." And don't even get me started on the juices in the fridge--every single one is like a fruity hug after a spicy workout. Grab one, or three. Cool Runnings? More like Hot Flavor Olympics. I left full, happy, and spiritually healed. I'd give it six stars if I could--but my phone only lets me click five. read more

Cool Runnings Jamaican Grill - Jerk Chicken - Caribbean Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Loved the food. it was pretty fast service and prices are fair! it's worth the try i would come back read more

Cool Runnings Jamaican Grill - Brown Stew Chicken - Caribbean Near Me - Houston, Texas

Oxtail dish has good flavor, but don't order before closing. Some if the oxtail didn't have any meat on the bone. We ordered extra plantains but the restaurant didn't have plantains at all. Once again, this restaurant never picks up the phone and puts you in a never ending loop with their automated system. read more

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Been coming here for years. I only get the oxtail plate, last time I went they gave me 2 small oxtail pieces and 3-4 neck bones. I understand the meat is similar but I want oxtails if that's what I paid for. read more

Place is always popping, recommend ordering online and picking up your order to avoid the longer wait times. Food always hits! My first time trying the oxtails and they did not disappoint - very flavorful and tender, just fell off the bone. Also got my go-to jerk chicken plate which is consistently delicious! The sauce it comes with provides such a nice kick that leaves you wanting more. Plantains were sweet and yummy. Pro tip: don't bother ordering "extra" plantains for the extra fee because they did not honor it for my order and I got the standard amount read more

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Had the curry chicken with rice and peas. It was delicious. The chicken was bone in, and extremely tender. The plantains were also very good. read more

The food is really good! It's our first time trying Jamaican food. The Goat soup is wonderful, meat is very tender and full of flavor. The Curry chicken snd their oxtail is great, meat are very tender. The Jerk chicken has a good flavor specially with the jerk sauce eventhough the chicken is a bit dry. The server is very friendly. The service is a little slow. read more

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Last few times I came here was before the Pandemic and I absolutely loved it. This time was meh. There were two people in front of us on a Tuesday afternoon so they were not packed at all. I ordered a large Curried Chicken, Oxtails, a veggie chicken patty, a chicken patty and a roti skin and decided to eat in the dining room. I don't eat red meat but heard the oxtails were so good my curried chicken wasn't as good as I remember I am slowly transitioning from chicken and this could be why. I don't ever have to have it again. It was seasoned well but didn't taste the same. I was so excited for the veggie patties because I wanted to try them before attempting to make it. The veggies were cold and you could tell they are frozen veggies. My rice and peas were lumpy and no seasoning. It's almost like they were a forgotten factor in the dish. The cabbage was cold. The roti was ok ‍ Food hasn't been fooding for me for a while and I'm disappointed about this experience. Hope you have a better time. Updated: They get another star. Later on after warming my food, it was better. The rice and peas and the cabbage tasted more seasoned‍ and the chicken patty was great as well. read more

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10/10! Cool Runnings Jamaican Grill serves real authentic Jamaican food--bursting with flavor and made fresh. Friendly, welcoming service and quick convenience make it even better. Very spacious ,The fresh coconut water straight from the coconut is a must-try! read more

Cool Runnings Jamaican Grill - Caribbean Near Me - Houston, Texas

Went to Cool Runnings this year for Fathers Day brunch. The husband loves good food from the yard. We arrived early just as they were putting the food out. We enjoyed cocktail shrimp, fresh fruit. The buffet included curry chicken, jerk, chicken, jerk pork, escovich fish, sliced fish, fried fish, rice & peas. Our food was fresh and hit. Service was excellent with friendly attentive staff. read more

This place was my introduction to Caribbean food, and it couldn't have gone any better. We came an hour before close so service was pretty fast, and it was a nice vibe inside. We got the oxtail plate, and the jerk chicken (we originally wanted to try the wings because I'm not big on white meat, but they ran out by the time we got there which was understandable.) The oxtail plate was insane, the portion was huge for the price that it costed. It very tender and, fell off the bone, and basically melted in my mouth. The oxtails came with rice and peas, steamed cabbage and plantains. I kept combining pieces of oxtail, plantain, and the rice and beans into one big bite because it just meshed so well together. The flavor explosions definitely altered my brain chemistry for sure. The steamed cabbage was slightly sweet and refreshing which cut down the fat perfectly. The jerk chicken wasn't my favorite, the chicken itself was a little dry. However, the sauce that came with the rice was fire, which made up for the chicken. All in all, I will definitely be back to try the garlic mash potatoes, wings and the other items on the menu. read more

Cool Runnings Jamaican Grill - Oxtail plate - Caribbean Near Me - Houston, Texas

Always have a happy plate here. My friends love the goat. My guy and I have the jerk chicken and oxtail. We changed it up recently and ordered somethings we've never had and we're still very satisfied ​ read more

It's been almost a couple of years since we been to Cool Runnings Jamaican Grill. I was ready for round 2. The service was a bit slow today, but I was patient enough to wait. The lady finally took my order, and not even 10 minutes later, the food was ready. I ended up getting 3 things. I got a large Curry Goat, a large Brown Stewed Chicken, and 4 Beef Patties. The Curry Goat was really good, not spicy, very mild in flavor, very tender like falling off the bone tender. It came with Rice and Peas and Cabbage. We wanted to try this last time we visited, but they were out. So I was relieved when the lady told me that they have it today. Worth it. The Brown Stewed Chicken was probably my favorite next to the Oxtails. The Chicken was flavorful and falling off the bone tender. The sauce that the chicken was in was so rich and full of flavor. The reason why I decided to try this is because Keith Lee rated this a 10/10... I have to agree with him there. The Beef Patties was still full of flavor on the inside but it was warm, like it's been sitting there for a bit. Despite that, I will return again soon. read more

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