I drove a long way to visit this restaurant today, only to realize it wasn't actually my first time here. I remembered that one of my cousins had brought me here before for food, so I was expecting a decent experience. Unfortunately, today's visit was absolutely disappointing. I placed an order for oxtails, but they were out of mac & cheese, collard greens, and cabbage. The employee also mentioned they only had one dumpling left. What I don't understand is how a restaurant can be out of multiple sides that are supposed to come with the meal, yet still charge full price. The meal alone was $35. My son wanted additional items, so I still ordered food for him, but because the side options were so limited, I decided not to order anything for myself. In total, I ended up spending around $45, and the whole experience was just very disappointing. I really could've just bought the ingredients and made the meal myself, but I've been busy working in the house and handling a few projects, and before I realized it, the day had already gotten late. That's the main reason I decided to stop and buy food instead. Honestly, I guarantee I wouldn't have spent nearly as much making the meal myself as I ended up spending purchasing it there. To make matters worse, the employee serving us came across very nonchalant and unconcerned, which only added to the frustration. Overall, this is not a place I see myself visiting again anytime soon, if ever. read more

Kool Runnings Jamaican Restaurant - Oxtails with rice and peas with plantains. - Caribbean Near Me - Norcross, Georgia

It's a HELLLLLLLL NO for me!!!!! Went in for a veggie plate, all prices are different from what the menu says! Mac & Cheese is not considered a side item, so for the veggie plate you can only get Rice & Peas, collards, Cabbage or plantains basically...... They were unsure about what kinds of fish is being served. Prices are whatever they feel the price should be that day and not according to the menu-LOL! Restaurant was super clean and empty. Service was pleasantly absolutely unsure, and I can't say what the food tastes like because I exited as fast as I walked in. Restaurants.... Do better, we work hard for our money and e have options. read more

As a plant based girly this place is one of my favorite Jamaican restaurants that I have found in the Atlanta area. I actually drive like 30 minutes to get here. I get the chickpea curry, rice and peas, cabbage and plantain. My son always loves the snapper from here. read more

Kool Runnings in Norcross, GA has become my husband and I ultimate Caribbean haven. As repeat customers with Haitian and Jamaican heritage, we always make it a point to swing by for our fix of homestyle Caribbean comfort food--and it never fails to deliver. Our top picks are the stewed salmon and jerk salmon. The stewed salmon provides deep, comforting flavors while the jerk salmon shines with its bold spice blend. Paired with generous sides of rice and peas, collard greens, and that perfectly homemade Sorrel, the flavors and ingredients blend in a way that truly lets food be thy medicine. Beyond the delicious food, the vibe at Kool Runnings is unbeatable. The island rhythms playing in the background create a relaxed atmosphere that invites you to stay awhile. And the personal touches from Gail and Philip--filled with warm hugs and genuine Caribbean love--make every visit feel like a family reunion. For anyone craving hearty, authentic Caribbean cooking with a side of heartfelt hospitality, Kool Runnings is an absolute must-visit. read more

Kool Runnings Jamaican Restaurant - Jerk salmon - Caribbean Near Me - Norcross, Georgia

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I've been to Jamaica few years ago, craving for their curry. There are plenty of parking spaces, they take orders at front counter. My wife ordered ackee and salt fish, I ordered curry goat, with side orders for rice and cabbage. My wife satisfied with her ackee, only complained the little amount of salt fish; for myself, I'm pretty satisfied with everything. The curry goat was pretty tasty, the curry was spicy right to the comfortable point, the goat meat was tender; the rice comes with some red beans, I liked the rice was not too soft and the bean left bit of sweetness when swallowed. The cabbage was fine and nothing to write home about. Although there are Bob Marley's pictures in the restaurant, and I knew how much Jamaica people loved him when I was on their streets, but the name of the restaurant reminded us another legendary Jamaican - Usain Bolt, they should have pictures of him as well. read more

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One of the few great tasting Jamaican food in Georgia. I ordered the ackee and salt fish and I got my moneys worth. The salt fish was oily. It was bit on the saltier side, but the provisions on the side balanced the salt out. My boyfriend ordered the ox tails, which were very tender and I appreciate how they put extra gravy on the rice. The staff was friendly as soon as I walked in. I would def call this place my go to spot for my Jamaican cravings. read more

Kool Runnings Jamaican Restaurant - Ackee and Saltfish Plate - Caribbean Near Me - Norcross, Georgia

Flavors are amazing and the staff polite!! Love this place! I can't stop ordering the jerk wings!! Fresh and marinated with a wonderful kick! read more

Kool Runnings Jamaican Restaurant - Rasta Pasta Jerk Wings!! - Caribbean Near Me - Norcross, Georgia

I stopped in here on my way to work and was glad I did. There were two women behind the counter and I was greeted by both. The space is decked out in Jamaican decor and the music playing made you feel like you were on the island. The entire space smelled like home cooked food. I placed my order and was given this large plate full to the brim with food. I ordered stew chicken with cabbage and rice and peas. I got a beef patty and some Mac n cheese on the sides. I also purchased a ginger beer. I couldn't stay to eat my food, but when I was able to stop and eat I was in heaven. Everything was cooked to perfection and tasted amazing. I paid a little under $30 for my entire meal. I did feel that was a bit pricey, but it was worth it. The space was clean and well- organized and felt like a home away from home. I'd go back if I were in the area again. read more

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I went here today and ordered the oxtail plate. Food came fast however when I get home, as I was eating I saw a piece of hair in the oxtail/rice and peas. Very off putting. Called the store and came inside and got a refund. Just be extra careful to look at your food before eating. read more

The food was delicious, and the service was prompt. The ambiance was warm and inviting. I would definitely recommend this restaurant. read more

Kool Runnings Jamaican Restaurant - Caribbean Near Me - Norcross, Georgia

Please update your menu prices. There is no reason you have menus that have one price but when you get ready to purchase it's $3/$4 more than what the menu states. That's false advertisement and not good business practice. read more

I'd been craving some Jamaican food for forever...so much so that I was trying to figure out planning a trip to Jamaica (yes, it's that serious...). Lucky for me, my friend put me on to this restaurant. This was BY FAR the most authentic Jamaican food I've had outside of Jamaica. I had the jerk chicken, rice and peas, and cabbage. It was SO good...it was so good I went back and bought more food to take back home to Virginia. It reheated perfectly. The coco bread was amazing and my friend had the Rasta Pasta. Everything was amazing! Side note - I'm a weakling when it comes to spicy food. This food was spicy, but it was manageable - it wasn't overbearing. So even if you can't handle super spicy like me, you'll be more than fine. read more

Kool Runnings Jamaican Restaurant - Jerk Chicken - Caribbean Near Me - Norcross, Georgia

Very nice place to try Jamaican food with lots of of variety and good prices recommend read more

Kool Runnings Jamaican Restaurant - Caribbean Near Me - Norcross, Georgia

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A Trifecta of Terror: Hair, Cold, Bad service and Flavorless Let me preface this by saying I was craving good Jamaican food. I was hoping for a vibrant, flavorful escape on a plate. What I got was a culinary crime scene. I ordered the 2 curry goat and white rice , two dishes that should be bursting with soul and spice. From the first glance, I knew something was off. The food was presented not with steam, but with a grim, lukewarm resignation. It looked like it had been plated hours ago and barely warmed up. I took a brave bite of the curry goat Cold. Not just "not piping hot," but refrigerator-cold in the center. The meat, which should be fall-off-the-bone tender bussing with spice was watered down it gave me zero satisfaction.The gravy had hair right on top as if it was placed there i didn't have to dig , unappetizing sludge. Hopin. There was no smoky scotch bonnet heat, no allspice warmth, no garlicky punch. It tasted like boiled goat that had been briefly introduced to a bottle of paprika from 1998. It was, and I do not use this word lightly, completely flavorless. But the pièce de résistance, the moment that made my stomach truly turn, came halfway through my disappointing meal. I moved a piece of goat and there it was: a long, dark hair, thick dog like hair in the bland gravy like disgusting i almost vomited. That was it. I was done. I pushed the plate away and lost my appetite entirely. I brought it to the server's attention. This wasn't just a bad meal; it was an insult to the rich and beautiful tradition of Jamaican cuisine. You managed to fail on every single metric: temperature, taste, texture, and basic food safety. I've had more flavorful and warmer meals from a hospital vending machine. Save your money and your appetite. This place is an absolute disgrace. read more

10/10. They are so friendly first of all. I got the lunch special for the oxtails , it was an up charge for the oxtail so from 10 dollars to 17. The oxtail had butter beans and potato's in them. Delicious. Perfect flavor. Rice and peas cooked through and delicious. Cabbage fantastic. And I'm pretty picky and everything was amazing. The tests was so cute and clean. Yall come get you some . read more

Kool Runnings Jamaican Restaurant - Oxtail Lunch Special After I already started eating - Caribbean Near Me - Norcross, Georgia

The food and service was amazing . The atmosphere was wonderful as well I will definitely be back to try some more things read more

Kool Runnings Jamaican Restaurant - Jerk Chicken Lunch Special Saltfish Plate - Caribbean Near Me - Norcross, Georgia

The food on my last two visits has absolutely been horrible zero flavor. The brown stew chicken horrible, the jerk chicken not worth it, and the oxtail as a disappointment. I literally have to drive an hour to Everything Irie in Forest Park for good authentic Jamaican Food. Just got the brown stew chicken it taste like watered down bbq sauce with no seasoning on the chicken and I just want to go back and ask for a refund. My last time getting robbed here. read more

Kool Runnings Jamaican Restaurant - Slop - Caribbean Near Me - Norcross, Georgia

Delicious food, not so great service. I waited until I'd been here a few times to give a review. After my fifth visit I feel comfortable saying that while service is neither particularly great nor friendly, the food is good enough to make up for it. The Stew Chicken and the Oxtails are delicious, and the Mac and Cheese is literal perfection (like actual perfection with a perfectly browned top). The collard greens are just the way I like them: flavorful but not overly cooked and mushy. The only thing I've had that wasn't good is the cabbage, which has a great texture but is completely flavorless. A plate usually comes to about $15 (which is fair given the portions). Overall definitely worth a trip to Norcross. read more

Kool Runnings Jamaican Restaurant - Stew Chicken, Collard Greens, Mac & Cheese - Caribbean Near Me - Norcross, Georgia

Love love love this place ! The best jerk chicken ! This is the only place for authentic Jamaican food.

Soooo soooo good. I absolutely love this place. It's so delicious and the food is made hot on every order.

Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes. I've had this place bookmarked for years but have never gone because I'm never in this area. Happened to be nearby so I raced in. We ordered a beef patty, curry chicken patty, and mixed veggie patty which helped hold us over until our entrees were done. They were all great. The jerk chicken platter and oxtail platters are huge portions which I was so happy about. Jerk chicken tasted like it was smoked which made it even better. Rice and peas tasted like it was cooked with coconut and it's the best rice and peas I've ever had. But the oxtails were the absolute star of the show. Perfection. Fall off the bone, succulent, and tender. The gravy was rich and thick and I made sure to get extra on my rice. Im so so happy I finally stopped in! read more

Kool Runnings Jamaican Restaurant - Oxtail - Caribbean Near Me - Norcross, Georgia

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Veggie patties make a great mid morning snack. This is my go to Jamaican restaurant and the staff is kind, gracious and attentive, and the food does not disappoint. read more

10/10 food! We picked it up on the way to Atlanta and loved everything. Both the mutton and jerk chicken were wonderful and packed with flavor. We definitely will be coming back to try more! read more

Kool Runnings Jamaican Restaurant - Caribbean Near Me - Norcross, Georgia

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The food is amazing. The customer service is fantastic. And establishment is very clean If I had four hands, itll be four thumbs up Dayday

We ordered on Postmates and had it delivered to the house (hence pictures being in a takeout box). The experience was nice, however it just doesn't ever beat just eating from the restaurant. I thought overall that if I ate at Kool Runnings in the restaurant, I would have thought that portions would be so much more. I ordered a large order of the Oxtail. It was great, as it had good depth and flavor the meat was pretty loose and didn't take that much work for that meat to fall off the bone. But, getting the large and extra didn't seem like it was worth the price. What you saw in the first box was $20 which I mean I guess for oxtail, but I thought it was probably worth $15. I tried the Jerk Chicken. I thought it had some spice, but the chicken came out dry. I would say that they could've gotten away with the chicken to be a little bit more spicier. I'm not saying it's not bad, but it just didn't hit the spot. Overall, Kool Runnings isn't a bad spot to try out. I think I would try out other food next time, as least if I can't get to eat in the restaurant. I do believe that I would love to try the oxtail again in the restaurant, but until then I'll be searching for new spots to eat! Would recommend to try the large oxtail, but probably get the normal size. read more

Kool Runnings Jamaican Restaurant - Large Ox Tail with collards and rice and beans - Caribbean Near Me - Norcross, Georgia

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I've been coming to this place for years, but I'm not sure what happened to the oxtails. I ordered them last night, and they were absolutely horrible. Maybe there's been a change in ownership--I'm not sure--but I won't be eating here again. read more

I am pretty sure that they changed hands during or after 2020. The service is entirely gone and it is only order at the counter or take-out. The food and recipes are definitely different. The food wasn't bad, but not as amazing as before. The chicken in the brown stew chicken was rather dry and the sauce changed a lot. The cabbage was flavorless. The patties weren't as good either. read more

For $27.99 I was expecting a little bit more than what I received. Three tough oxtails and one piece of chicken that was a back portion cut in 1/2. The rice was over cooked and the cabbage was bland. It almost tasted like the food was a day or so old and reheated and sold. The beef patty was solid. I'm not sure I will go back again. read more

Kool Runnings Jamaican Restaurant - Oxtails and Jerk Chicken Combo - Caribbean Near Me - Norcross, Georgia

Amazing, amazing food!!!! The service was absolutely perfect and had my order ready to go at the scheduled pick up time.

I came here yesterday for lunch and I must say it was pretty good experience. Our waitress, who seemed to be everybody's waitress, was quick. And when I say quick, I mean quick. She took our order so fast, she had me wondering if I ordered the right thing, but it came out how I expected it to. Nice vibes from the music to the decor. I will be back! The only thing I will add is I didn't see any vegetarian options on the lunch special menu. It's also my fault cuz I didn't ask, but if you go during lunch and are vegetarian be sure to ask if they have any vegetarian lunch specials. read more

Kool Runnings Jamaican Restaurant - Jerk Tofu & Vegetables - so yummy! - Caribbean Near Me - Norcross, Georgia

A little gem! This place is about a 10 minute drive from my house now and I'm so grateful! I stopped here for breakfast one day and decided to order 2 meals: ackee and saltfish, green banana, callaloo and plantain for breakfast and then an oxtail dinner for dinner later, which came with rice and peas, cabbage and plantain. Typical! Breakfast was amazing! I'd longed to have some ackee and saltfish that didn't taste like it came out of the can. The oxtail was okay, not like I'm used to but the meat was pretty tender and was falling off the bone so that deserves some praise. The woman at the cashier was very helpful. I do wish they would've asked whether I wanted a small or large side of calloloo. I got a whole separate container with just callaloo. read more

Kool Runnings Jamaican Restaurant - Ackee + Saltfish, Green Banana and Plantain - Caribbean Near Me - Norcross, Georgia

The food was great and they give you very generous portions. The restaurant was very clean and the staff was friendly. I'll definitely be back. read more

I ordered via Uber and I'm very disappointed. I ordered a large oxtail plate but I got a large plate of rice with 1-2 large piece and the rest bones for a total of 6 "oxtails" which is unacceptable. To pay $23 for a plate of mostly rice is annoying. I wish I could get my money back. Don't get me wrong it taste good but way overpriced. I doubt I'll order from here again. Kool running, please do better! See my photo, I searched for the oxtail in this place...nowhere to be found! read more

Kool Runnings Jamaican Restaurant - a container of food - Caribbean Near Me - Norcross, Georgia

Okay, I can't profess to say I'm a Jamaican food connoisseur. This is actually only my second time trying it, but I liked the jerk chicken I had once, and wanted to try some again. My friend and I got the plate with the cabbage, plantains, and rice and beans. We also asked for the "sauce", although I'm not really sure what kind of sauce it was that was on it. I was pretty hungry, so maybe that had something to do with it. I though the chicken was nice and moist with decent flavors. My friend who is way more versed with Jamaican foods said it was sub par. The rice and beans were fine, nothing exciting. The plantains were really bad. I mean, they were like the worse plantains I've ever had. Very bland and undercooked, with a chalky aftertaste. The cabbage I didn't try, but per my friend wasn't any good. We had ordered the food to go, and I have to admit it came pretty quickly. They had some type of side bar, like it was set up for a bartender but no one was there, and the waitress did tell me they don't serve mixed drinks. They do have beer and wine only. They apparently serve breakfast here. They cater. They offer kids portions for those 10 and under. Sunday brunch all you can eat. You can get chicken wings, curry, beef, pork, goat, or go vegetarian and get tofu. The restaurant isn't fancy by any means, but it did look nicer inside than the other place I visited, however the food was better at the other place, too. I really thought it was fine, hit the spot, and I'd try it again sometime if I were in the area. My friend was less enthused, and felt the meal wasn't worth it. I'll have to hit up a few more spots to decide just how good this place was in comparison. read more

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First time here and it was unreal!!! I took home stuff home and it was unreal - almost beyond my foodie vocabulary! Awesome nice lady - she wrapped up everything up with Saran Wrap and I wish I lived closer there ;) read more

Kool Runnings Jamaican Restaurant - Oxtail to die for and the rice & peas were right out of a dream too! - Caribbean Near Me - Norcross, Georgia

I came to the restaurant not knowing much of this cuisine. However, the lady up front taking my order was so so get out enough to explain everything for me and even got my a little sampler plate letting me taste the dishes before making my order! She was super caring and very gentle with us. When we finally ordered our food and got our plates there was so much more than I had expected! Definitely enough to make you FULL. She came to check up on us several times to see how everything was. She was such a sweet lady! I'll def be coming back! We had the jerk chicken and stew chicken! Amazing!! read more

Kool Runnings Jamaican Restaurant - Caribbean Near Me - Norcross, Georgia

I came here for the first time today and was unfortunately left extremely disappointed. I have heard good things but had a bad experience and it would take a lot for me to go back. There was a line of 3 people yet it moved quite fast. I ordered the jerk chicken lunch special with pasta, rice and plantains. I sat down to wait for my food and 25 minutes later still no food :( the man that was in front of me ended up leaving the restaurant and was fed up. Someone has accidentally been given his order. The staff did not seem to be bothered. People that ordered ahead of me were getting their food. I politely asked the server how much longer she thought it would be and she said she would check seeming bothered. Another 5-10 minutes later still no food. She said they were waiting on the pasta. I told her I only had a 30 min lunch break and had to leave so I'll get take what was ready. She brings out the a container another 5 minutes later. She opens the container and all there is is chicken no rice ‍I left the restaurant. To wait so long for take out is one thing but to not be made aware in the beginning or offer any kind of apology, explanation, consolation or partial refund is unacceptable. As for the jerk chicken, it was above average and juicy, it was also quite flavorful. I don't have any other food to critique. Personally the customer service just killed my entire experience and it is unfortunate because the food was not bad. read more

Kool Runnings Jamaican Restaurant - Outside - Caribbean Near Me - Norcross, Georgia

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Was in the area craving some oxtails and found them on yelp. There are a lot of mixed views so I took a chance to support them. I ordered a regular size of Oxtails, Cabbage, rice and beans for $16 for like 4-5 pieces. The taste of the oxtails had like a sweet taste to it which is different from places if tried. It wasn't bad just didn't expect it to taste like that. If you want a lot they have large size for about $19-$20. I didn't have to wait to long to get my food since I only had a small plate and got there before the crowd. So if you're in a hurry it would probably be best to call your order ahead because they can get busy. They are only serving to go orders so you won't be able to dine in. Their located in a plaza near Dollar General with plenty of parking. read more

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Food is good when they actually have food. Last few times I went? Oxtail? Out of it. Brown stew chicken? Out of it. Curry goat? Out of it. Patties? Only veggie left. read more

Tried to call ahead -- dialed four times, no answer. Decided to try my luck ordering in person. Got here at 7:11. Gave my order at 7:26. Got our food at 8:21 -- it was missing an item. I saw the reviews about slow service but this is a bit much. read more