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Doctor Bird's Rasta-Rant

3.5 (48 reviews)
InexpensiveDelis, Caribbean
Closed 11:30 am - 8:00 pm

Doctor Bird's Rasta-Rant Photos

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DOCTOR BIRD'S RASTA-RANT ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Casual
Quiet
Good for kids
Good for groups

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Recommended Reviews - Doctor Bird's Rasta-Rant

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Ackee And Saltfish
Alex L.

Huge thanks to Fox E for turning me on to this place... If you want to try Jamaica's National Dish, you gotta come here on Saturday's...usually after noon and you should call beforehand to make sure they have it and when. It's not the most consistent, but the dish is absolutely worth venturing out of your foodie comfort zone for. It's the Ackee & Saltfish and you can get it "with food," which is a smorgasboard of sides: this time, it came with potatoes, a fried plaintain, a boiled plantain, some avocado, dumplings, ackee and saltfish. Ackee is a tropical fruit that I've never had before. It has a mild sweet flavor that pairs perfectly well with the saltfish. The dish itself has so many components it can be a little overwhelming, but it's a bright and happy counterpart to an otherwise dimly-lit winter. Although the seasoning in the dumplings and boiled plantain and even the potato was very mild and almost non-existent, the ackee and saltfish had a natural flavor and a delightfully light and playful tastebud juxtaposition that left me delightfully addicted. I could continue and continue eating the ackee, saltfish and nibble on a little bit of the "food" sides to reset the palette. Yes, definitely an incredible food-worthy experience in a hole in the wall at University Heights. Highly suggest you come here on Saturday's to try this dish. Call and order ahead because they don't always have it. Happy eating!

Cracked container...def was not pleased
Marc M.

Food is great, service is terrible...plus it smelled like pot when I walked in, hmmm maybe this isn't my fault. I will take my money elsewhere. There are a few things that make me upset. One of which is establishments taking back offers. Another is being told "me" the customer is wrong. Third is the fact that I drove 30 minutes under the impression I was going to be able to just pay the difference for a new meal and then be told it was a waste. Alright so before i write the rest of my review I must say I have gotten food here many times and have never had a "bad" experience until now. To start off I work near the buff airport so I had my friend who works closer to the restaurant pick up my order. I ordered a "chicken dinner" which in the past for me a jerk chicken meal. Sometimes they are out and offer the curry chicken but do not care for it as I have a sensitivity to turmeric. So after 30 minutes my friend drops off my food and then I notice it's not my "normal" jerk chicken meal. I then call to see if they are out and the kind gentleman says that I can come back and exchange my meal and just pay the difference. I then proceed to drive there and then once I get there the same gentleman who said I could exchange my meal said they couldn't. The doctor then came out to tell me "I" was in the wrong by not getting the order correct...and "I" should've double checked. The reason they couldn't help me out because of health reasons...of course you can't take it back but you can rectify poor customer service. I am probably not coming back for a little while just because I feel very offended. I am shocked at the way this was handled. In the end I had to pay for an extra meal because I didn't want to leave with out anything for dinner, and was left with a curry chicken meal I can't eat. Here are some photos.

Ackee Saltfish w "Food", one of WNY's best n heartiest meals, Sat only. Now I have to hit the gym and do some avo-cardio.
Fox E.

This place is not called Doctor Burns, which would be if that creepy guy who is Homer's boss on the Simpsons, went into medicine. It's also not Doctor Blurbs, which is when GPs purchase billboards, which is never cool. And it's not Doctor Burbs, which is when practitioners open clinics in rich affluent satellite towns, to cater to the wealthy and the semi-detached. No, indeed, this is Doctor Bird's, which honestly sounds a little like Dr. Dolittle, but they certainly don't Dolittle here, they in fact do a lot... a lot of excellent cooking! What to get: Saltfish & Ackee (Saturdays only) is one of the best things I've *ever* eaten. Get it with rice and dumplings. What else is good: The Patties are amazing here. Also Curry Chicken. I'm updating this review because I've now been here probably 25 times, over and over, for the Ackee and Saltfish special. Please, if you live anywhere near WNY, or visit here on a Saturday... you must come down here and try this dish. If you like fish, that is. Yes, it's very weird, but it's amazing, and is the secret heart and soul of Jamaican cuisine. And I've had it in places all over the country, and none has ever come even remotely close to the A&S served here, on Saturdays (but they often run out by 4 or 5pm). It's $12 or so, but it's so, so worth it. Expect a bit of a wait time, and call ahead if you can to make sure they have it. Snack on a Spicy Beef Pattie while you're waiting. Or a Spinach Pattie if that's you're thing, which are also amazing. So let me tell you about this Saltfish & Ackee special, which is only on Saturdays. Basically, it's so good that you must, must, must come here on a Saturday and try it. If you don't like fish, or salty fish, then it might not be for you... but the blend of the creamy Ackee with all the peppers and spices and the fish is just so juicy and heavenly... it's one of the best things I've ever put in my mouth, other than your boyfriend. I am crazy about Saltfish anyway, but the Saltfish & Ackee special (Saturday only) here incorporates Saltfish into this odd, unusual Jamaican dish (the national dish) which is nothing short of delicious. I highly recommend you give it a try, pricy, but the portion is big and delicious, and taste out of this world. Very tasty, juicy, and piping hot. Beware the bones. The fish has a few stray bones in there as is the Caribbean way. As they say in Cuba... Achtung! Also when it comes to choosing your sides... you can get it with rice & cabbage which is best for providing added juice and making it all seem more juicy, but even better and more traditional, you can get it with dumplings, plantains and yams, which is a *lotttt* of starch but well worth it. The Yams taste like hard potatoes, and the Plantain is good but not great, however the squidgy sexy dumplings are f*cking fantastic. So if they let you, I'd get the best of both worlds and ask for rice with dumplings as your side. Now that, my dear, will rock your world. As for the other dishes... well honestly why would you get anything other than the Saltfish Ackee? I have no idea, but whatever. If you must... then do the $2 Pattie. But beyond that: Their curry chicken is very good, probably better than Kalypso across the street, maybe as good as Gigi's nearby. Their jerk chicken is not as good as Kalypso but is good. Back to their spicy delicious patties (spicy beef, spinach, and curry chicken are the best three), which are under $2 each and are absolutely delicious, probably the best ones in town. These patties are off-the-charts good, so make sure you try one when you pick up the Saturday Special (if you're smart). Drink-wise it says they make homemade Jamaican drinks but sadly they never seem to have any (Michelle's in the Horsefeathers Market owns the homemade Caribbean drink market around here anyway). They do have some lovely tropical drinks in the fridge, a few of them imported from Jamaica and stuff. I have yet to try the Roti, it looks pretty good so I will try it one of these days. It's a very traditional Caribbean food and is usually delicious. Beware the long waits... call ahead, or order and then go and come back after 10 or 15 mins. Some things don't have a long wait time (patties, if they're already made... and curry chicken)... but other things really do. Watch out for very sketchy and unreliable customer service. Just roll with it. She's a friendly woman and he's an amazing cook, but they weren't blessed with the best CS skills and I'm okay with that. If you understand it'll be iffy, with long wait times, and strange practices, before you go in... hopefully it won't put you off. Did I mention that you *need* to try the Saturday Special, the Saltfish Ackee? I hope you love it as much as I do. It's weird... but it's amazing. And next time you hear some feathered creatures tweeting about religion, you can call them "Dogma Birds". But until then, stick to Doctor Bird's.

Dry chicken chunks, bland rice w no beans, and undercooked cabbage!
Aron T.

This may be the last time I go to Doctor Birds! Fell far from what they were know for in the early 2000s.... by FAR!! I ordered the curry chicken dinner and for 15 dollars I got dry chicken chunks dry rice and undercooked cabbage!! For real this is bad for even you guys!! Gave them two stars only for them being around so long, but this REALLY SUCKED and disappointed me!!

Jerk chicken pattie with pineapple  ginger drink
Arthur H.

I ended up going here a couple weeks ago and tryin the jerk chicken Jamaican patties and they taste great. Now it seem like every time I ride past the spot it feel like i have to stop in there and grab at least one pattie lol

This is a $13.99 oxtail plate. This is very light and should have been noted as a small. Yet, this is a large!!!
Paul R.

First and foremost, I would like to say that I don't know where in the blue hell some of these people got these reviews from. I went there today and this place doesn't warrant a 4 star rating. Now, I ordered an oxtail plate, the large for $13.99. That plate was so light I thought it was a small. Coming from the ATL I'm used to certain things and certain tastes. I think that a lot of people that were giving this business a high rating absolutely didn't have another restaurant to compare it to. I'm not going back to this place ever again, I'm done!! Now, the food really didn't have any seasoning or taste at all to it. I think that if any real Jamaicans go to this establishment, that would be a slap in the face to them. I didn't enjoy it and quite frankly it insulted me. There's never been a so called Jamaican restaurant that I've ever been to that has ever let me down. I must confess, there's a first time for everything!! I could have did this myself at home and it would have came out at least 10 times better than what I had today. This was absolutely UNREAL!!!

Curry Goat

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10 months ago

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8 years ago

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5 years ago

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8 years ago

A sweeter bbq style jerk than what I'm used to. Proportions are not as generous as other local Jamaican/Caribbean spots. Decent.

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4 years ago

Love this place and food is awesome. Has always been a great place to visit. Make sure you try the beef Pattie's

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7 years ago

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9 years ago

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4 years ago

Food was truly Jamaican great atmosphere. Friendly staff. Highly recommend this restaurant. Feels like you are in Negril.

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4 years ago

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15 years ago

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10 years ago

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8 years ago

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6 years ago

Does not allow to only order oxtails said I have to order sides that I do not like refused to sell only oxtails

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4 years ago

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19 years ago

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16 years ago

Great food and massive amounts for only a small price. The patties were to die for and the curried goat was delicious!!

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15 years ago

Always good! Vegetarian style dishes are even better....

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12 years ago

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9 years ago

I'm an Jamaican native and the food here is horrible the beef patties are actually really good

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12 years ago

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The Jerk Hut

The Jerk Hut

5.0
(2 reviews)
5.2 mi

I am definitely going back!…read more What a great concept and of course amazing food. I would expect nothing less from the famous chef that's been on Food Network shows and is the private chef of the Bills!! Ordered the chicken soup and wow! It was fantastic also ordered the Jerk chicken w/rice and Rasta pasta w/chicken they were all the same. Melt in your mouth chicken that's seasoned wonderfully and melt in your mouth pasta with creamy sauce peppers and onions. The rice & beans were seasoned well with a side of plantains and cabbage. Took some flicks which is not like me but the presentation even in a to go box was great!!!! Everything was packaged so that I was able to leave and go back to work or stay and eat on premise. I'm so excited to have a Jamaican restaurant that has a good vibe, clean and has a great staff. So excited to go back and see what else this restaurant and the management have in store.

One of the best lunch spots! So glad they're located downtown and a quick 5 minute drive from work…read moreto get an amazing lunch. I went recently on a Wednesday around 1 PM. I got the half meal - jerk chicken with rice and beans and plantains. Full of flavor, spice and delicious. Staff was helpful and friendly. I'd say I waited about 10 minutes for my food. Plenty of spots inside and out to sit and eat, or take it on the go. I'll be back again soon!

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Jerk chicken
Jerk chicken
Jerk flavored chicken & pasta with creamy sauce nicely seasoned then it also has peppers and greens onions. Get some!
Jerk flavored chicken & pasta with creamy sauce nicely seasoned then it also has peppers and greens onions. Get some!
Jerk chicken soup. Full of flavor and so comforting, as soup should be!!

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Jerk chicken soup. Full of flavor and so comforting, as soup should be!!
KT Caribbean Cuisine

KT Caribbean Cuisine

4.8
(6 reviews)
3.3 mi

Service- I'm BIG on service and the service at this family owned establishment is ALWAYS EXCELLENT!…read moreTo the point I feel like I'd probably have the same experience if actually visited Trinidad and Tobago. The FOOD- Is DELICIOUS Carribbean food. I love everything, the stew chicken, the curry chicken, the jerk chicken, and my favorite....the Trinbago Chinese Chicken. The patties are authentic and soooo good- Buttery, flaky (but not too much), great flavor and spice. I recommend all of them, but the curry and beef are my favorite. Lastly you MUST try the homemade drinks, no recycled store bought here. You haven't had Ginger Beer until you've had theirs. It's homemade and will clear you up in a good way...strong and sweet. The Lime is delicious! The Sorrel is like a cross between loganberry with a hint of licorice (and I don't even like licorice, but this just works). Sides are very good too. I like the Mac pie and the cabbage is on the tougher side but that works for me because I do not like soft cabbage. The restaurant itself is VERY clean and intimate. An upgrade from their food truck in ways that make me so happy for them and the community. I've been able to work here on my laptop while enjoying great food. Check them out. You won't be disappointed!

Great ambiance and customer service. I had the oxtail dinner, which was delicious. Their Jamaican…read morebeef patty was nice and crispy and well seasoned. Give them a try, you wot regret it.

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KT Caribbean Cuisine
Trinbago Chinese Chicken Meal with double cabbage, rice and peas with a Ginger Beer
Trinbago Chinese Chicken Meal with double cabbage, rice and peas with a Ginger Beer
Oxtail entree

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Oxtail entree
Bratts Hill by Chef Darian

Bratts Hill by Chef Darian

4.7
(109 reviews)
5.2 mi
$$

Bratts Hill by Chef Darian turned out to be the perfect place for a college reunion with my old…read moreroommate and a few friends. The atmosphere was warm, lively, and inviting for both intimate conversations and lots of laughter. For my drink, the sorrel smash was definitely a smash! It was smooth, refreshing, and beautifully balanced. For appetizers, the Tallyman Boat completely surprised me. The plantain hummus was so creamy and flavorful. I also got the Saltfish Fritters which are a must order. Now if you enjoy jerk chicken and pork, do not skip the Jerk Experience - table side. The jerk pork especially had me about to do a praise dance. Now keep in mind it ain't cheap, it was $85, but it was a good time for my tastebuds. The only miss was the fried snapper. It was more so because it was a such a little piece and not necessarily because of flavor.

Been coming to Bratts Hill by Chef Darian for years and they rarely let me down. Stopped in for…read morelunch with a friend and we got the curry chicken and jerk chicken. All of the lunch specials come with rice & peas, cabbage, and plantain, but they were out of plantain that day so I swapped it for extra cabbage. Both meals hit the spot. Nothing that completely blew me away, but definitely the kind of food that satisfies the craving. The jerk chicken tasted like it came straight off the grill, super flavorful with that smoky char. The curry chicken was really good too. I ran into a couple chewy bones, which I expected since it's a bone-in stew, so it didn't take away from the meal. My only real complaint is that I wish the curry had a little more gravy because it was slightly dry. It also felt like it was missing a little something... maybe it really was the missing plantain. Still a solid lunch and a place I'll keep coming back to. Can't wait to try the dinner menu. 7.8/10.

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Small place with dishes that pack Big Flavors.
Small place with dishes that pack Big Flavors.
Jerk chicken
Jerk chicken
Bratts Breeze with Tequila

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Bratts Breeze with Tequila
LitosNY

LitosNY

3.8
(8 reviews)
3.9 mi
$

I stopped in here with one of my friends on a Sunday afternoon to get "a plate". All I knew going…read morein is that my friend told me they had the best pastelitos in Buffalo, and that I had to try it out. The pastelitos did turnout to be some of the best ones I've ever had. I got two plates to split, one with a chicken and one with a beef pastelito. The plates also include BBQ chicken, rice and beans, mac and cheese, and a side salad. The rice and beans were well seasoned and delicious, the mac and cheese was good too. But I'm definitely just going back for more pastelitos! LitosNY is on the back of La Nova, if I had just the address and not a tour guide I might have had some trouble finding it because their entrance is on the parking lot side, not facing the road.

Tried this place late last night via Skip the Dishes and it was pretty good! I haven't had…read morepastelitos in a while and this place was open until 2 AM. I got two OG chicken pastelitos with a side of their hand cut fries; I also tried a Buffalo chicken. After I saw pics of their rice and mac & cheese, I wish I would have tried them. They looked sooo good! The fries were very soggy and I was disappointed. I'm not sure if it was how they were fried or if they softened due to the steam in the container. Either way, mehhh. However, the pastelitos were gooood. The OG chicken ones were tasty, although I was expecting potatoes & cheese inside. I totally acknowledge that this can just be my own ignorance, as I haven't eaten them in years. I really LOVED the Buffalo chicken; the flavors were consistent throughout the pastelito & there was just enough kick. I definitely plan to try this place again; the food was not bad at all for the price.

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A promotional flyer with hours.
A promotional flyer with hours.
The menu at the checkout area.
The menu at the checkout area.
The plate.

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The plate.

Doctor Bird's Rasta-Rant - delis - Updated July 2026

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