7.25.31 My wife and I decided to take a drive for lunch and stopped by Jay's. We didn't realize the name had changed from Jessie Jay's to just Jay's since we hadn't been here in quite a while. We really like Jay's. They offer both indoor and outdoor seating, and the outdoor bar area is a great place to relax. They have also added a covered outdoor dining area, which is a very nice addition. When we arrived, it wasn't busy at all. We were the only ones sitting at the bar, but about 15 minutes later the place was packed. I ordered the Drink of the Month, the Blueberry Mule, and it was excellent. For lunch, my wife ordered the Fiesta Bowl with rice, black beans, Mexican cheeses, queso, corn pico, crème fraîche, cilantro, and carnitas. I ordered the Birria Tacos--three flour tortillas filled with tender short rib, mozzarella cheese, diced onions, pressed on the grill, and served with corn pico and a flavorful consommé for dipping. When our food arrived, everything looked fantastic. The short rib in the Birria Tacos was incredibly tender and full of flavor, and my wife's Fiesta Bowl was excellent as well. We both really enjoyed our meals. As a Toast Rewards member, I received a discount on our meal and earned points toward future visits. It's a great rewards program, and I recommend signing up if you haven't already. A lot of restaurants participate in Toast Rewards but don't always mention it. Overall, we had another great experience at Jay's. Great food, excellent drinks, and a fun atmosphere. Hopefully, it won't be as long before our next visit, we can't wait to come back! read more

See all

Okay this place put me in a stupor after eating all their good food and drinks. Don't hate me but I can't remember our waitress name or the name of the drinks I had (bad-yelpper) I know terrible. But the experience was great; Nice ambience and awesome customer service... Just take my word for it and go eat @ this Latin/Mexican spot... And go on an empty stomach and be ready to wanna buy everything on the menu !!!!! read more

See all

I have eaten Cuban sandwiches in Havana and Miami. The Cuban sandwich at this restaurant is fantastic and holds its own with those two cities. You owe it to yourself to try it, especially with the "Maduro" plantains. read more

We come up to deale to visit family. This is one of their regular places they eat. I now know why! Tiny little restaurant with something phenomenal food. It's so small, most people get it to go. We got to guacamole and Puerto Rican sampler for appetizers. And I got a burger. My wife kept the roasted pork with rice and beans. Everything we got was super flavorful nice portions. Services great, but the real star of the show are the margaritas! From the spicy margarita to their season one, they were great. Overall, this is a phenomenal place to eat if you're in the area, give it a try. read more

Jay’s Latin Kitchen - Burger. - Latin American Near Me - Deale, Maryland

Man, I wanted to love this restaurant. It's minutes from our house and I love that it's family owned, hosts music sometimes and has outdoor seating. I went for the first time today and thought I'd have some lunch and bring home some kid food. There was apparently a large party outside, so the kitchen was unusually busy. It took 45 minutes to get my taco salad but that's not why it fell short. The server was very sweet and attentive but there were issues. I wish he'd told me that my order would take over half an hour. I may have taken it to go and come back after running errands. I ordered the lunch special, a taco salad for $10. However, adding any protein kind of protein or cooked veggies cost $5-12 additional charge. I got steak for maybe $10 extra? I asked for the avocado vinaigrette. I also ordered a kids bean and cheese burrito - no rice - and specified Mexican corn as the side. After 45 minutes, I asked to take both items to go, paid my check and the food came quickly but I had to wait longer for the side of corn because they put a few fries in the kids to-go box as the side. The "bean and cheese" burrito was TINY (size of a Twinkie?) and there was an up charge or $1 for the beans? The server kindly brought the side of corn after 5 more minutes and I drove home for lunch. The kids burrito ‍ it had zero cheese and was bean and rice only. My kid wouldn't eat it and I had to make another lunch - a cheese quesadilla, which was the best thing either of us ate. . The taco salad was bad. Flavorless. Steak was very chewy and also wildly bland. The dressing - thick and neither a vinaigrette or a flavorful element for the salad, kind of like watery guacamole - came on the side and there wasn't enough for the salad. There was no acid/citrus, no salt, no spice - zero interesting about it. The one thing that was pretty good was the side of "Mexican corn" which was savory and not what I expected. It was just canned corn sautéed with LOTS of garlic and some onion and mild jalapeño? pieces. Not a classic Mexican elote without cojita or lime and not good for kids, but I enjoyed it after warming it up. The decor was cheerful and the bathroom was clean. I've been a server and know how hard it is when there's a large party taking the kitchen's energy and attention. Still, the order was wrong, the food was not good and I wouldn't try the food again, particularly with AZTK down the street. I may check it out for margaritas and chips when the weather warms up. read more

The food service and ambience were good enough that we got carry out twice in a week.

It's great ! Don't want to miss going to this restaurant!!! Service,Food are excellent

Service was excellent! My husband and I stopped by on a Thursday evening to find the dining room was booked with reservations but the hostess said outdoor seating was available. We sat under the covered patio, and we were very comfortable. I had the Spicy Pineapple Margarita and my husband had the Herradura Tequila flight. We shared the vegetarian nachos with a side of guacamole, and we each had a short rib hand taco. Everything was delicious! Definitely will return. And check them out on Wednesday evenings as they host live music. read more

Jay’s Latin Kitchen - Spicy Pineapple Margarita - Latin American Near Me - Deale, Maryland

See all

Great experience at Jesse Jays Kitchen...this was my third time going and on this occasion I got to partake in the outdoor seating area and expanded outdoor bar area. On this special occasion our three servers in the bar area were Kaylee, Valeria, and Chell which all took great care of us. Every drink was made special to order despite the crowds of people who also requested a cocktail. We tried several of the street tacos and they all were excellent...I'd ditch the flavored margaritas and stick to the classic. I'm picking the short rib and fish as my two favorite tacos with the fish coming in as a strong first place. Although small in stature this place leaves much behind to be remembered. Worth every bit of a 30 min drive and I guarantee you will want to come back because of the friendly service. PS if they have the empanadas get those too read more

Jay’s Latin Kitchen - Latin American Near Me - Deale, Maryland

Jessie will be missed! The food was not the equal of the earlier period when he was the chef. I would see him in and out of the kitchen and her milling about checking on things. The wait staff are still youngish, eager and pleasant. The local patrons still show up without reservations but the food was just not up to par. Whole red snapper was undercooked so I ate avoiding the raw spine area. The pork rinds lacked seasoning and the cheese was barely perceptible in the nachos. Just not worth the 40 minute drive anymore. read more

Definitely not pleased. Our food wasn't the best, the service was even worse. We waited to be seated for quite a while, our order took quite a while to be taken, shrimp was omitted from my meal, my husband's meat was too fatty and our to go bag was thrown out. Only Jamie took accountability for any of our issues. Including taking our order and checking on us in absence of our waitress. My dad likes the restaurant but I wouldn't return. read more

Great nachos. Interesting st paddy empanadas. Very good tacos. Friendly help, efficient too. Cute interior. It's small but there is a tent and outdoor bar out back. As weather gets warmer would be nice. read more

Don't try to order online here. You'll be waiting for 25 minutes just to be told they refuse your order!! Then they don't even answer the phone. 0/5 if i could. read more

A very cute, tiny spot, a little out of the way but worth the drive. It's been voted best tacos and we could see why. Lots of options with the ability to mix and match. Friendly staff and quick turnaround. If we are ever in the area again, we would def visit. read more

My favorite restaurant in the area. Food and service is always spectacular. Cozy environment with a homey feel. I would recommend the short rib tacos and mexicorn!! read more

I don't know where to start got there about 7:05 in the evening. They were out of the first three things we ordered red snapper and two meat options. I ordered a quesadilla for my main course. It was a half of a quesadilla no salsa only enough tomatoes, onions, and green peppers for one piece of my quesadilla. I understand tipping waitresses because they make three dollars an hour but asking tips for the cooks that at least getting enough to live on was insulting won't be back. It's the third time I've tried this restaurant, but the drinks were pretty potent. read more

The service was friendly and the food was perfectly cooked which lead to a delicious meal!

The appetizers were delicious. The venue has a nice vibe often with live music. The margaritas are strong and delicious. I would highly recommend a visit!! read more

Cute small restaurant. The service and food were good! Got tacos and they did not disappoint. The smothered burrito was delicious and really filling portion size. The pitcher of margaritas is a must! Would come back & recommend to others! read more

Jay’s Latin Kitchen - Smothered Burrito - Latin American Near Me - Deale, Maryland

See all

Food is excellent! We sat outside with our 2 year old for lunch and she was able to run around and play in the grass right next to our table after eating. It's not as crowded on Saturday around noon so that's the best time to go with little ones. We ordered chips & queso to start. Then my husband ordered the pork rinds. Both appetizers were delicious and came with huge portions we ended up taking a lot home with us. The taco salad is always a favorite and my husband got 4 steak tacos. Both meals were amazing and my daughter got the burger off the kids menu and it looked like something I would have ordered for myself. I almost didn't want to recommend this restaurant to keep it a little secret for us but I had to share everyone else out there to try this hidden jem right here in West River, Maryland. If you are planning to sit inside make sure you make reservations online beforehand as it can get booked pretty fast on the weekends for dinner rushes. Service is excellent and most of the time the owners family is helping serve everyone their food. You can also bring your friendly dogs when sitting outside. This is a small town favorite and so happy we finally have some authentic variety this town so desperately needed! read more

Jay’s Latin Kitchen - Pork Rinds. - Latin American Near Me - Deale, Maryland

See all

The most unassuming place ever, but don't let that deter you from the quality of the food. I'm not exaggerating when I say they have the best black beans that I've ever had. This is coming from someone who could eat black beans every day because he loves them! The seasoning is unique and has depth. Nothing here is just salt and pepper. The menu creators clearly understand food as it shows in the many flavors in their food. You can't go wrong with anything on the menu, but the churrasco with black beans is one of my favorite meals from any restaurant. Easily the best food in Shady Side! read more

This place is small and quaint. It's a good idea to make a reservation. The staff is very friendly and attentive. We order their freshly made guacamole, street tacos on corn tortillas (shrimp, fish, and beef short rib). The food was authentic and delicious. I wish I would have gotten more to bring home. Will definitely go there again! read more

Jay’s Latin Kitchen - Black beans and rice - Latin American Near Me - Deale, Maryland

See all

used to love this place when it first opened but it's just gone down hill more every year. was craving it today while i was stuck home sick and place a pickup order for 2 tacos, chips, queso, and salsa. the amount of grease shown came out of a single chicken taco... lost my appetite and can't finish the other taco i ordered thinking about the amount of oil i'd be consuming. also why do i have to pay for the 3% credit card charge on an online order like i have any other option to pay with? isn't that a tax write off for the business? read more

Food is always outstanding, ambience while the restaurant is a little small, it's cozy and comfortable. Service always top notch, I highly recommend the jalapeño margaritas!! And I love their street tacos. A regular stop when in the area read more

Really awesome space, awesome staff and awesome food! Was brought here a couple nights ago by a couple friends, who'd booked a table for us after a long day. We were seated immediately in a nice outdoor space; right next to "El Swampo", with just enough people to feel lively, but not in the least crowded or uncomfortable. All the staff wear masks and yet still manage to give you the sense of being genuinely happy to see you. And the service is quick, waited 15 minutes tops for all our food. The price on everything, including buckets of beer, is pretty fair and reasonable - portion size is big and the quality is great, so I'd be happy to come back. Speaking of portion size: see photos for details. Ordered their smothered Burrito which they drown in cheese with your choice of meat selection, and it was quite literally the size of my fist and forearm. Or my liver, I guess. Either way, MASSIVE portion, still digesting it days later and very happy I ordered it. After ordering some delicious maduros / fried sweet plantains, I only got the burrito and had a few refreshing beers; could not physically fit anything else into my stomach and was well satisfied. However, I hear their tacos are great, as are their desserts, so I'll definitely have to come back. (Also hear that they're starting to cater for events; if I had anything in the area, I'd take them up in a heart-beat). Treat yourself and try it out! read more

Jay’s Latin Kitchen - Latin American Near Me - Deale, Maryland

See all

I don't hand out 5 stars often but tonight we found a gem. The service and food were outstanding, we sat at the bar and enjoyed watching the kitchen have a blast as they prepared our meals as well. We were fortunate enough to sit next to a beautiful couple who got engaged that day which made the day feel special. Pictured is the Taco Salad and I couldn't reccomend the Churassco any more especially the chimicurri sauce. We also got the Quesarita for dessert which didn't disappoint. read more

Jay’s Latin Kitchen - Taco Salad - Latin American Near Me - Deale, Maryland

See all

Delicious food at a good price. They have an amazing taco salad. JesseJay's is a small space. Plan to make a reservation for parties over 6. read more

I met two friends at Jesse Jay's today for lunch. It is a very relaxed place, with nice outdoir tent seating. One friend ordered the taco salad, which was beautifully presented. Two of us ordered the Jesse bowls with chicken (layered with rice, beans, chicken, onion, veggies and cheeses). Everything was very tasty. Next time, I will get my hubby to drive down there for street tacos or apps and drinks. Lits of great items are on the menu. read more

See all

We had a reservation for 5 PM. We arrived at 4:58. We were told that our table was not ready and we had to wait for 20 minutes. We saw there was an empty table for 2 marked reserved. When we inquired about that table, we were told that it was reserved for another party of 2 ( who was not yet arrrived at the location ). For reasons we can not comprehend, they prefer to hold the available table for people who was not even there and made us wait 20 minutes for a possible open table. We left and probably will never come back. read more

Man what an experience. Run. Don't walk to this place. The food is spot on. I can't wait to visit again read more

Jay’s Latin Kitchen - Latin American Near Me - Deale, Maryland

Seriously real-deal cooking talent here at this new roadside establishment! Loved all the flavors and perfect portion sizes. The Short Rib Taco ($4) was tender and delicious, as was the Fish (mahi-mahi) Taco ($4). I did have to ask for a side of cilantro as it was missing from both. And, the only available hot sauce in-house is Cholula - not my favorite, nor particularly spicy - but luckily both tacos were packed with so much intrinsic flavor that a few hits of Cholula were sufficient. Very impressed by the Churrasco skirt steak ($20) which I ordered medium (because outside skirt steak can handle the extra sear). The steak, cilantro chimichurri, black bean, and Cholula combo became an awesome intermix on my plate which I will certainly crave & come back for. Also ordered a side salad with avocado lime vinaigrette ($3) which was the perfect palate cleanser between my taco course and the Churrasco magic. The new buildout/remodel of the inside of this restaurant is clean and inspired. Having two unisex bathrooms is thoughtful and smart. There are a lot of folks who will have just driven at least an hour to get to this place, so a good number of them will head straight to the restroom. :) One thing I would suggest is turning on some background music in the main restaurant area. Reason being, I could hear absolutely everything my neighboring diners were saying - I could even hear them chewing. One of the other diners was actually sucking/licking his fingers after every bite of his yucca fries and it was pretty gross to listen to (I averted my eyes and I could still hear it.) JesseJay's is likely to become a requisite stop on every Southern Maryland road-trip I take! I wish them well, and hope they maintain their quality as I predict they will soon have a line out-the-door at all hours. read more

See all

While the inside is really small, there is a tiny bar outside and additional outdoor seating, the food packs huge flavor! You have to pay for chips and salsa but they give you so many chips with the order. The short rib is melt in your mouth and the Cubano is really good too. The Jesse bowl looks small when you get it but it's packed so dense you don't even need beans or a protein added in and you would be full. The servers are so pleasant and so enthusiastic. read more

Great food, however they need to work on their "system". To walk in and see three empty tables at 2pm on a Saturday afternoon to only be asked by a rude hostess (who we had to all but waive down) if we had reservations. We said no to which she said it was a 45 min wait...really??? For the middle of an afternoon? Either require all reservations or work on first come first serve. I know it's a small place but seems dumb to all but require reservations and turn away paying customers who are there. Word of advice I guess make a reservation (but there is a fee for that as well) read more

This place is gooooood! Exceptional service & everything from starters to desert was delicious flavors. read more

Jay’s Latin Kitchen - Red beans and rice, chuleta Kan Kan. - Latin American Near Me - Deale, Maryland

Delicious is the absolute best word for everything at JesseJays. Absolute craveable yum! Seriously, you cannot go wrong with any menu item. My favorites are the braised short rib on grits (you can change the side to something less carb intensive) and any of the street tacos on corn tortillas. Chips and Salsa are a $10 up charge. Their salsa is really good, they don't always make that clear so the bill can be a surprise. If you are going to pay for it, consider getting the guac. read more

Great atompshere. Love sitting outside at the bar having a margarita, decent happy hour. Tacos are superbbbb. The short rib tacos. BOMB!

Can't say enough about this pls e. The food is amazing the service is great and the atmosphere is very chill and laid back.

Delicious, authentic, and great service. They also will adjust things to accommodate food allergies.

Great menu, excellent food and fantastic service. Oh, did I mention the drinks are worth the trip? Yes!

Such a vibe! Great atmosphere, the waitress was so on top of things, and everything we ordered was beyond delightful. Can't wait to visit again and share some pics! read more