I have to come right out and say it-- I've never been so enthusiastic about a "take-out" place after just 1 meal. Ever. At work, the Godfather wanted to order (unusual for him to suggest it; usually I'm the 1 pushing for us to order out, and he's invariably resistant, although ultimately, he's acquiescent, although just as invariably he blames me for "pushing him into it" as he gobbles down whatever food it was we've ordered). I was willing but wanted to try something different than our usual fare (burgers, Chinese, Japanese, sandwiches). Someone else mentioned Exotic Eats, as a younger co-worker had ordered from there recently and seemed to enjoy what he had eaten. I asked, "Does this younger co-worker have a discriminating palate?" (Not actually being quite the jerk I oftentimes seem to be, I did of course use less pretentious, overblown verbiage in asking my question.) The reply was, "He's young; he'll order almost anything and like it." So...it might be great; it might be horrible. So we took a chance. They deliver, and I was intrigued by their on-line menu. I can't remember what the Godfather ordered, or another co-worker who wanted us to include him in what had once been known as the Lunchbox Mafia, but I ordered "the Island Bowl." Sliced jerk chicken breast on a bed of Mac & Cheese with jerk BBQ sauce. Being hungry, I ordered a side of blueberry cornbread, and the dessert of banana pudding cheesecake. All of it washed down with my ever-present bottle of Poland Spring water. We didn't have to wait long for it to be delivered. As I mentioned in my introductory remarks, I found the food fabulous. The jerk chicken in its BBQ sauce had a tangy sting, but it wasn't unpleasant or pain-producing. And I have to say-- the Mac & Cheese was the best I've had since my late mother used to make it for me in childhood. It's a baked "dry" Mac & Cheese as opposed to the overly sauced (and bland) version you get in most restaurants these days (all it was missing was the crumbled crackers that my mother used to put on top of it). Pure deliciousness, as they say. The blueberry cornbread was the perfect accompaniment, and the banana pudding cheesecake was wonderfully smooth, creamy, and decadent. I wasn't feeling bloated to the point of discomfort once I had finished it all, but I definitely felt "well fed." My fellow partakers were equally as enthused. Prices were fair, portions were immeasurably more than adequate, and the meal was luxuriously satisfying on every single level. As mentioned, delivery didn't take long at all, and it arrived hot. I'm not entirely sure how to classify the cuisine. The website described it as "Soul Food" with a "Caribbean Spirit." A long-time friend of mine is Jamaican, and she used to throw a big feast for friends and family every summer (I was usually the only white person invited, which was never any sort of a problem, although once a little kid of 4 or 5 looked at me with hostility and said, "What are YOU doing here?"), before health issues sidelined that annual event. She was a great cook, and everything was fresh-- jerk chicken, fish, ackee that always reminded me of scrambled eggs, breadfruit, sorrel liquor, etc. Despite the quality of the food served, I never really acquired a taste for Jamaican cuisine (I ventured out once to a Jamaican restaurant in Perth Amboy with friends; they were enthusiastic about it but it wasn't of the same quality as my friend served, and obviously didn't transform me into a "fan"), but I don't know that Exotic Eats is Jamaican per se. But I know that what I had was delicious and filling, and I can't wait to order from Exotic Eats again. Obviously, very highly recommended. read more

Execution: The mac & cheese showed strong flavor, thickness and proper texture. The collard greens were well-seasoned. The chicken was crispy and packaged in aluminum foil to keep it from turning cold. Flow: Ticket pacing was efficient, with food arriving in approximately 8-10 minutes without sacrificing quality. Hospitality: Service was attentive and composed throughout the visit. FOH member showed confidence in the menu and maintained strong awareness of the room. Guest interaction felt genuine and well-trained. Structure: The menu offers variety without unnecessary additions. Final Standard: A soul food operation where flavor, timing, and hospitality was well executed. read more

Ordered: $8 Holla (~$8): 2pc fried chicken wings with 2pc fried shrimp with Mac & Cheese Jerk Chicken Breast Dinner (~$25) with oxtail gravy (+$2): 3 marinated & chopped jerk chicken breasts with 2 sides (grandma's rice & beans and blueberry cornbread) Aya's take: Okay, I really wanted to like this more but if I'm being honest, it's more of a 3.5/5 for me. Hear me out. The $8 Holla was a 10/10, no notes. The Mac & Cheese is some of the best I've had and I like that you get a sample of the fried chicken wings and fried shrimp. Despite it being not super fresh (we had it delivered), they were full of flavor and so satisfying. Now I've never had a Jerk Chicken Breast Dinner like this where you get chunks of chicken breast cut up like this. On their own, they were smoky & seasoned but pretty dry. What saved it was the oxtail gravy we added for $2. The grandma's rice & beans were also pretty dry unlike other pics/videos I've seen. The blueberry cornbread was solid! It's sweet, light, and not too grainy. I wouldn't call it a cornbread personally, more like a blueberry pound cake. I didn't get any of that distinctive cornmeal flavor. All in all, there might be other items worth trying than what we got. I had higher expectations and would want to come back for a redemption meal. read more

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I've only ever done to-go from here so I can't speak to ambiance or service but I can speak about the food. Everything arrives super fresh every time we order, piping hot, and fairly large portions. I'm obsessed with the Cajun chicken pasta. It's amazing. Their corn bread is also really well done and their drinks are all really really fresh and delicious. read more

Okayyyyy my fellow elites and members... today was one of those rare days off and I had to pull up to the spot. No regrets whatsoever!! From the second I arrived, the service was top-tier. Yancy greeted me right outside and made me feel so welcome. Inside, Chef Rose instantly gave me "favorite auntie" vibes -- warm, kind, and you can tell she puts love into her food. And when I say she can COOK, I mean it! I was totally indecisive because everything on the menu sounded so good. They let me try samples (10/10 customer service!) and that sealed the deal. I'm usually not even a yams kind of girl, but theirs converted me on the spot. The potato salad? Perfection. The wings and mac & cheese? Unreal. I even tried the collard greens and blueberry muffin -- both amazing. They also have a whole lineup of fresh, homemade juices. I grabbed the blueberry one and it was so refreshing and natural -- the perfect finish to the meal. I would return a million times. This area needed something different, something magical. This is it. The drive here was worth it :) The space itself is super cute too -- honestly, this would be the perfect spot for a Yelp event! read more

I moved to Jersey from Florida, so I'm excited to have such great Carribean/southern food so close to my new home. The neighborhood needed it, such a diverse neighborhood but not enough soul food! The Mac & cheese was my favorite, so flavorful. I was given some samples on arrival since it was my first time ; and everything was delicious. Collard greens were so juicy, and typically I don't like yams, I find them too sweet, and these were but I still ordered them despite that from how good and balanced it tasted. Chicken wings were also really tasty, I appreciate that they partially tossed it in the sauce so it wouldn't get soggy in my way home. The menu is huge, so much variety that will keep me coming back to try new items. Prices are decent, and they have great combinations so you can try a lil of everything. Truly a great spot, and much needed! Food was so good I forgot to take pictures, but I will next time! read more

Better Eats NJ - Soul Food Near Me - Union City, New Jersey

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Food was 10/10 the jerk chicken was chefs kiss! The ambiance was chill makes me feel like I should have a dance party as I eat! The service was quick and amazing it was the first time there so we were offered samples of the sides to make sure it was what we wanted. All in all I will be going back to try more things on the menu. read more

I'm usually so disappointed by the quality and refined cooking of oxtail and always looking!! most restaurants disappoint especially paying $40, BUT HANDS DOWN ONE OF THE MOST TENDER MELT IN YOUR MOUTH OXTAILS I'VE HAD!! I'll def be ordering again, hope it stays consistent!!! Thank u for being on ubereats & the good food!! The potato salad & rice were so good too!!! I'll be trying other things soon! read more

How this place doesn't have any reviews is diabolical!! 10/10 never a miss always a hit!!! Don't change what ya doing cus I ordered 3x and always great! Had to leave a review read more

Came from Texas this food was soo good. It wasn't something we planned but so glad we stumbled across it. Food was fresh and EVERYTHING we had was really good. They also got really busy and the service was nice and very helping! 10/10 would recommend. read more

Food was amazin! jerk chicken with mac & cheese, and candied yams and the soulito was a smash hit! had us moonwalking out the door with leftovers read more

This place has amazing food. You can tell everything is made fresh with real ingredients. I've tried a few things but my favorite so far would be the oxtails. They are so tender and fall right off the bone. If you like fish, the fried whiting is delicous and perfectly cooked. As for sides the mac and cheese and collard greens are my go to. Both are perfectly seasoned and flavorful. The dinner portion is very generous. Highly recommend trying this place for the best soul food! read more