Best Jamaican food in the area hands down. I've tried restaurants from Woodbridge to DC and this place has best Jamaican cuisine. The spices and the flavors are amazing. Food: Jamaican Jerk Chicken - Oxtails- nice and savory Peas & Rice- flavorful Cabbage- fresh and seasoned to perfection. Customer service- Typical service for this type of cuisine. read more

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Whenever I've driven by, they're always a lot of cars parked out front so I wanted to try this place. The food was good. The jerk had the right amount of heat, but the chicken was dry. I came about a half hour before closing, but I don't think that should've made a difference. The rice and peas were delicious and moist and the cabbage was very good. It had peppers and carrots and onions. I really liked it! The plantains were also a little dry. There aren't a lot of places to sit as it is meant to be a lcarryout, nor is there a lot of parking. read more

Ruby's Jamaican Kitchen - BBQ Jerk Chicken - Caribbean Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

We placed a pickup order online in advance. The place has limited seating, and people do tend to sit at the limited seating area to wait for their order, so I don't recommend to plan on staying. There's also a few outside seats / tables but it looks like an afterthought on the side the building and I also don't recommend to plan on eating here. *Brown stew chicken: We ordered this with sides of rice & peas, cabbage, plantains. This was amazing. The chicken was tender with flavors from the sauce going very deep. *Curry goat: We ordered this with sides of dumplings, johnny cakes, rice & peas. The regular dumplings have a soft texture, and the johnny cakes are like hush puppies. The curry goat is less oily compared to other places we've been to, with really full fragrant curry flavor to balance with the goat taste. *Jerk chicken wings: nicely spiced savory flavored chicken wings, we ordered just a few of these to test the jerk seasoning and we were blown away. Why is this four stars instead of five? The insanely good food is offset by the insanely long wait times that they do not prepare customers for!!! Our online order indicated a 35min wait time. This was a Saturday evening. We showed up and there was a huge crowd of customers waiting, and we were told there'd be a longer wait. After close to an hour after ordering, I asked them for a status update, they said "okay since you're here we'll flag your order so it gets made soon". No reminder text, no nothing. It took EIGHTY MINUTES for them to call my name with my completed order. The food was effing amazing, but .. wow, they really need to do a better job preparing customers for the wait times here because we be getting hangry. So I do not recommend to show up here to pick up your order until at least 70-80min after ordering. read more

Very nice staff. I hadn't been here in a few years since moving to New Orleans, but still just as cool and the food still great. My mom and I got the Jerk Chicken plate and a Brown Stew entree. Huge portions. Always good to stop by especially if you can make it for lunch and get the lunch prices. The photos show the dinner portions. read more

Ruby's Jamaican Kitchen - Brown Stew chicken, rice and peas, and greens - Caribbean Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

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Stopped in on a Saturday evening around 7pm. The whole time there were plenty of folks coming in and out and even a couple sitting at the table to eat. I ordered the oxtail dinner with white rice, mac and cheese, and collards. I also got a ginger beer. It took quite a while for the food because they were making the rice. Once it was ready, I was definitely surprised by the serving size. Well worth the price. Everything was tasty, but my favorites were the mac and cheese and collards! The Mac and cheese was made with fairly big shells (I'm used to elbow macaroni) and LOTS of cheese on top. I know this will sound bougie but the oxtail was difficult to eat because there was so much fat. It was easier for me to pick the meat off with my fingers. But I guess that's just how it is with oxtail! But the meat itself was tender and had just enough flavor (I ordered it because I'm not a huge spicy food eater and this was not spicy at all). If you're looking for Jamaican food in the area, this is a good spot to check out. read more

Ruby's Jamaican Kitchen - Oxtail dinner with white rice, Mac & cheese and collards + ginger beer - Caribbean Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

I went with the bbq jerk all white meat chicken. The regular jerk kitchen is too spicy. It was quite as juicy as I would like but the jerk sauce compensated for it. The cabbage, collards, and Mac & cheese is quite good. Also, I tried the red velvet rum cake. It was very moist, heavy on the rum sauce. One of the best Jamaican restaurants in the DMV. Seems like everything is made to order as there was an approximately 30 minute wait. read more

Yall!!!!!!! Woman....brothern, You have to show this black business some love. When I tell you they are doing tings right, its an understatement. Afterwork, I took a 30min drive to try their food and it was worth it. I ordered 2 dinners of the curry chicken because they had to make more brown stew chicken. So that must be a real crowd pleaser too. The curry chicken is good, moist, and full of flavor. The chocolate rum cake is TO DIE FOR. Especially if you're a chocolate lover its the perfect combo. Never had anything like it. The sorrel is on point too, spicy but still savory. I feel like it's knocking out any bacteria that I may have in my body with that kick of ginger. The customer service here is A1. Everyone that walks through that door is greeted as Miss and Mister. I appreciated that. Made me feel important. Lol they even have a bowl of complimentary candy set out and thats even good. The restaurant is clean and well organized. If you wanted to come here and sit down and eat, Its a really cozy spot if its just you and/or one other person. Its more like a carry out restaurant. Dont walk, dont run, drive your booty down route 1 to get some good tasty jamaican food, mon! Comment and thank me later! I'm shall return. read more

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Yeah...this was real good!! I happened to be in the area and realized (for whatever reason) that I had this place bookmarked on yelp...so the clock was racing to place my online order because they were due to close in 45 mins at that time. Long story-short: My order was completed on time, and (thankfully) they were still open past their closing time for pickup, because other people were still placing their orders for carry out. The customer service was beyond personable and professional! On the phone and in person, the staff greeted everyone with pleasantries and a smile. You'll be surprised how much that changes an atmosphere, especially when people are crowding in a small area hungrily waiting for their food. And the food was good good! Curry shrimp, jerk ribs, and mac and cheese were all delicious. They also serve desserts that are outsourced from other companies. The sweet potato cake and carrot cake were absolutely delicious from the SouthernGirl Cakes. Like-do NOT pass this up. Parking is street parking...and is convenient. Overall, I highly recommend this place! read more

I recently "hired" Ruby's to cater a party at my home after enjoying their food at another event. Since that first impression was so positive, choosing them for my own gathering was an easy decision. The ordering process was smooth; I had a friend help me modify the selection, and another handled the pickup. The food was absolutely delicious. In fact, my only complaint is that I didn't order more--everything disappeared much faster than I anticipated! The only area for improvement involves the online inquiry system. I submitted a custom catering request through the website and never received a response, so I would recommend a more consistent process for monitoring and replying to digital inquiries. Despite that minor communication hiccup, I will definitely be a repeat customer. The food is truly excellent! read more

I had the oxtail meal. It was ok but not memorable and it turned out to be very expensive. I went once, tried and will not go back. read more

I gave this place a second chance, but unfortunately it was another disappointment. I ordered the oxtails online and still had to wait about 10 minutes after arriving. While the meat was tender, the seasoning was overwhelming--there was a strong cumin flavor that almost tasted like nutmeg and threw the whole dish off. I've had much better Jamaican food elsewhere. read more

Ruby's Jamaican Kitchen - Photo showing the long waiting time. Unacceptable! - Caribbean Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

Another Instagram find and they did not disappoint. Drove 40 mins from DC and made it just before closing. To my surprise this place was packed with cars lined up outside waiting for food. Be prepared, you should probably order before you go as the wait was at least 20/25 minutes but I will say the food was hot, fresh and good. There isn't much for seating. One table with about 5/6 bar stools. Mostly everyone ordered to go. My wife ordered the oxtail which she said was hot, soft and pretty delicious. For $16 it was a lot of oxtail. I ordered the Jerk chicken wrap. This was far better than I expected. It was made with a combination of items inside the wrap. I couldn't tell what was what but it ended up being good. The chicken was seasoned well. We also added some coco bread and a side of festival. I missed the sugar on top of my festival so plain festival was ok. I wish there was some type of sauce. Overall this was a cool spot with solid prices and good food. Ill definitely be returning and now I know to order in advance. read more

Ruby's Jamaican Kitchen - Oxtail - Caribbean Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

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Food: Great Service: Great Ambiance: Great The Caramel pound cake was delicious and tasty. read more

Ruby's Jamaican Kitchen - Caramel Pound Cake - Caribbean Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

Amazing food, great portion size. I got the jerk salmon with rice, cabbage, and plantains. It was good but litttle toooo spicy. I like spicy foods but it was almost unbearable. We got the beef patties but preferred the curry chicken patties more. They were really delish. The jerk chicken was also good and thankfully not as spicy as the salmon. I want to try some other options. It took a while to get the food after ordering, but it seems like they are always busy and the place is real popular. It's a pretty small place with really only one table to eat at. Most people take the food to go. I will be back eventually to try some other options! read more

This restaurant is located at the beginning of a residential area. There is parking available in the back of the place and along the street in front, but it can get a bit tight. this place has excellent service and serves Jamaican favorites such as jerk chicken, curry shrimp, curry goat, Jamaican fruit cake, beef patties, and salmon. I ordered the ox tail dinner, which came with 3 sides. So, I got plantains, cabbage, and collard greens. I recommend calling your order in before you come. It takes a while for you to get your food. I waited 25 minutes. The restaurant has a small dining area with a table, that was used mostly by people waiting for their food. They have Caribbean vibes music playing throughout the restaurant and a live feed of a road in Jamaica is playing on a TV. There is also some tables and chairs outside the restaurant on the side. The food was delicious. The ox tail fell right off of the bone. The collard greens tasted fresh and homemade. Even though the cabbage was not like the cabbage that I was use to, this was more like slaw, I still liked it. All of the food was flavorful and I enjoyed every bite. There was a ton of food too. I was stuffed after eating the food. I highly recommend checking tghis place out for some top notch service and some of the best Jamaican food that you will find. read more

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We picked up some food Togo. Jerk salmon,shrimp and snapper with rice&peas/cabbage. Was it spicy? YES lol. But it was delicious. The cabbage was tender and seasoned to perfection. The rice and peas was fluffy and the sauce soaked up the jerk seasoning. The onions and peppers were nice and had a slight crunch. (I hate soggy veggies) so these were perfect. We got the lunch specials and it was the perfect amount of food. It was arguably some of the best Caribbean food I've had out here ! * I already began enjoying my food but I had to snap a quick picture* read more

Ruby's Jamaican Kitchen - Jerk shrimp - Caribbean Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

Different but in a good way. I can't tell you when the last time I had Jamaican food, but I spotted this place on the way to the gym, looked it up, saw great reviews and I was intrigued. The young lady at the front register was pleasant and had a nice smile. It's not often you see young people smiling at a job, so she's honestly worth visiting this place. I grabbed simple bites like the Mac and cheese and jerk chicken patty . The Mac and cheese was definitely seasoned like I've never had before. Had a small, but it's really a nice sized filling portion. The jerk chicken patty had nothing going on, on the exterior, it wasn't a "looker" but it was tasty with a good kick! And the pastry was a bit flaky too! Place is small, generally looked clean with a comunal table. A good couple of people walking in to pick up/order food. I appreciated the music playing, and the overall simple surroundings. But they def "put their foot" in the food here. Worth another visit so I can try some other things on the menu. read more

Ruby's Jamaican Kitchen - Menu - Caribbean Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

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I'm writing this review a tad bit too late. My curry goat meal is all gone. Needless to say, it was very good.. I just don't have the picture to add to this review. My bad... P.S. There will be a next time.. read more

It's so hard to find good Jamaican food anywhere outside of Jamaica but this place definitely meets the standard. The only reason I'm not giving 5 stars is the wait time. I'm not sure if they need help or a better organization system but waiting over an hour and a half is insane. Especially with no warning it would take so long. I don't know if it's better to order ahead because everyone was waiting a long time. However the food was worth the wait. It was amazing. The beef Pattie was also very good. Probably some of the best jerk chicken I've had outside of actual Jamaica. read more

Ruby's Jamaican Kitchen - Jerk chicken - Caribbean Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

Customer service was great. The young lady that took my order was helpful and answered questions about the menu. We ordered the jerk chicken dinner and the oxtail dinner. The jerk chicken was good The oxtails were ok but very different from oxtails I've had many places. I feel like I tasted nutmeg and I didnt like that and it was a little rougher or tougher not sure if it was cause it was near closing or not. The cabbage wasn't tender like I'm used to either. I would like to go try the fish so I can give this place another try a just hoping it was the time of night we went and maybe lunch time will be better , tender and fresher. read more

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Fabulous! Order ahead on the weekend because it takes over an hour... a well oiled machine where they're wearing gloves / hairnets / masks and churning out high quality food... lots of flavor and spice and authentic tastes !! Clean and sparse interior- great easy to access location ! read more

Ruby's Jamaican Kitchen - All the foods in my review ! - Caribbean Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

Today I walked in to grab a snack while waiting to get the car to get detailed and I'm so glad I did!! The patties were fresh out the oven and piping hot. The patties were exceptionally good. I'm still thinking about the curry chicken patty and how perfectly seasoned it was! They were so good that I was done eating BOTH in 10-15 minutes. Curry chicken Patty: 10/10 Beef Patty: 9/10 The patties would be the best in the world if they contained a little bit more filling. The crust was the perfect amount of flakiness. I will definitely be back to have the curry chicken as a dish! read more

Ruby's Jamaican Kitchen - Fresh patties - Caribbean Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

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Definitely a solid Jamaican food spot but a little far from us. It was about a 50 min drive for us to get here. We also learned it gets crazyyy busy here. We didn't mind waiting but be prepared that it can be around a 30 min wait or so if you don't put in an online order. But the wait was worth it. The jerk chicken was bussin . The meat patty and jerk chicken patty were also both delicious. The dinner portion comes stacked too. It costs a little more than the lunch but you get your money's worth. The Mac and cheese and the cabbage were both great sides. The ginger beer here is spicy and I love it. The service here was friendly and as fast as they could be given how busy it was when we visited. The restaurant is small but it does have a little bit of seating if you choose to eat there. Or if you want to wait inside. read more

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We drove 1hr and 30 mins and I was so excited to bussss downnn! Mind you, it was so busy they said we might have to wait another hour I said alright I'm already here I can wait. The service was just regular they were just trying to keep up and didn't have time for much else. There was one big table with a few seats. We ordered: Coco bread 9/10 Beef patty 8/10 Chicken patty 8/10 Jerk chicken 8/10 Brown stew 6/10 - this was mine and it was dry no actual sauce for the stew. The rice was dry dry and over cooked beans in rice was dry. Plantains were alright. The cabbage was not traditional it was a coleslaw that was cold with interesting taste. Overall, I probably wouldn't drive that far for it again since it was busssinnn downnn for me. I will say, they might've just had a really busy night sadly. read more

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So I've been here multiple times. Mostly when I go to my car wash. So usually there is a small wait on the jerk chicken so I never get it. Normally I'd get the curry or something else. Well today I waited and I got the jerk chicken and it is sooooo good. What's interesting is I had jerk chicken two days ago from another place and I thought it was good but there is no comparison. Rubys got it! By alot. I'll be back over and over. Very very good and consistent. highly recommend. read more

The hospitality is amazing. I love the energy all around. The business owner is so friendly and welcoming. She is in the back cooking alongside the team members. The location has great seating and the atmosphere is lovely. Very Jamaican! I had the jerk chicken and it's amazing! My wife bought the patties and it's amazing! read more

I ordered the oxtail dinner plate I believe and it was so delicious! The hot sauce complimented everything so well. Rice and peas were tender and moist and the cabbage was well seasoned. The service was excellent and the music was a nice touch to the experience. read more

Ruby's Jamaican Kitchen - Oxtail dinner plate with macaroni and cheese, greens and rice - Caribbean Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

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I really don't want to post this and gatekeep this spot. It always sells out of food if you show up later in the evenings. But this joint is amazing! I love the gals behind the kitchen and the vibe of the small joint brings me back to Jamaica. Curry goat, ox tail and jerk chicken is my go to. I crave this place at least once a week. read more

I'm stoked that a good Jamaican restaurant is finally in Northern Virginia. I've been gate keeping this place for a couple of years. Their beef patties are some of the best I've had. Buttery and they don't skimp on the meat filling. The jerk chicken and curry goat are my faves. Note: order ahead of time as they can be swamped and wait time can be long. Even still, the staff works hard and the food is worth it. read more

If I could eat here everyday, I easily would. When I say they did NOT disappoint me. Whew! I'm so happy I found them. The curry chicken, jerk chicken, and stew chicken were too good. Not to mention the rice and peas were fluffy and flavorful. I also will add the cabbage and macaroni and cheese did not disappoint! Now as for the biscoff rum cake, it wasn't the best, but I think I was looking for an only biscoff flavor. So that on me. Even then, it still wasn't terrible. I will frequent here more often for sure! read more

This was my first visit to Ruby's; it was on my tagged restaurants to try. I ordered curry chicken, Mac & cheese, cabbage, and rice and beans for takeout from their Alexandria location. First, none of the items was tasty. I was disappointed with everything. Additionally, they used pasta shells for the Macaroni & cheese, and not macaroni. The rice grains were very tiny, which becomes gritty when rewarmed. The cabbage was shredded like slaw, and had a sweet taste. Lastly, takeout was the only option for this location. Therefore, I really don't like this growing trend to program high tips into payment systems. I felt intimidated into adding a 15% tip. This is not fair to waiters who work hard for tips. read more

Went for lunch today. Got jerk chicken, rice and peas, and Mac and cheese. Service was great and food came out hot, fresh, and fast. Tons of flavor and really great! Had the chicken curry patty, sorrel, and key lime Bundt cake as well. The curry patty was so good it didn't even make it home! I'm so glad I gave this place another chance and looking forward to trying more! They had container for hot sauce this time so I got some hot sauce to go! read more

Very clean place and very nice people, the plates are a really good price and the food is amazing, best mac and cheese i've had in my life

I dont go here much, but I go time to time for the oxtail. First of all, I didnt mind the waiting 30 minutes for the oxtail. But ATLEAST LET THE mac and cheese be FRESH!!!! I spent $167, here plus tipped $33. So I spent a total of $200 dollars here this day. I brought 3 dinner plates of oxtail, 1 dinner plate of curry, 1 large jerk chicken, and jerk ribs.The Mac and cheese was like bricks! We could not eat that mess, she served me old ass Mac and cheese. These plates are not worth $30s as it is!!!. Also I brought a large jerk chicken the chicken was so dry I did not eat any of it.The curry chicken was the same!!! She uses white meat for her dishes that doesn't stick to the flavoring over cooked, fast cooked and dry as hell!!!! Try useing dark meat Ms Ruby and slow cooking your meat. Last but least the ribs was dry asf too. I guess because im not a regular customer she gave me old ass side orders. I will not be returning to this nasty carribean establishment at all, NEVER EVER! When someone genuinely spends large amounts of money for garbage food! I will be sending food cridicks to this insanely nasty restaurant. The people in these comments dont know real carribean food is made with love. Not fastly made garbage and old stale Mac and cheese. read more

Ruby's Jamaican Kitchen - Caribbean Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

Amazing and authentic. You will not be disappointed. Skip the fast casual chains. This place is great!

Ruby's Jamaican Kitchen - Island Vibes, But Missing the Flavor Now as a fellow islander, I want to love every spot that brings that taste of home but Ruby's just didn't do it for me this time. I ordered the jerk chicken and curry chicken... and whew, it was a tale of two meals: * The jerk chicken was dry and honestly looked like an order that had been sitting, waiting for someone else--not fresh at all. * The curry chicken had better flavor, but was loaded with bones and barely any meat. More work than worth. The rice was dry, and the cabbage was way too hard for my liking definitely not that soft, seasoned steam I'm used to. Tried to redeem the meal with a chicken patty and a veggie patty, but neither hit the spot. Just... meh. No spice, no crave-worthy crunch, just flat. I've heard mixed reviews on this place some folks ride hard for it, and I respect that. But for me? This was definitely one of my least favorites. Wishing them better consistency because the culture deserves better. 2/5 vibes were there, but the flavor took a rain check. Also please work on the customer service, almost didn't order I don't like dry or nasty attitudes. read more

I love to see businesses trying and honestly this place is so successful that they've outgrown. their current establishment. parking can be a little bit of a challenge, but luckily the neighbors don't seem to mind you parking in front of their house because the food is made fresh there is definitely going to be a wait but we can make or break. Any experience is the customer service and there's no need to give them to the stereotype about a lack of customer service as I sit here typing this message with my mouth on fire because no one told me that the jerk chicken was made with the fire. I'm a little disappointed to have spent $20 on a meal that I can't fully enjoy the cashier kept referencing the menu on the wall but if people have questions, you should be more than happy to answer them, or to work behind the stove, the food was great minus the killer pepper with a jerk chicken and the limited white meat selection check it out for yourself read more

Ruby's Jamaican Kitchen - Jerk chicken - Caribbean Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

I always enjoy Ruby's. The staff is beyond wonderful with their vibrant personality. I love the way the food taste and it's always hot. The place is tidy and I love the decor. read more

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I'd been hearing nothing but rave reviews about Ruby's Jamaican Kitchen from my homegirl who practically lives there, and I figured it was finally time to see what the hype was about. My visit was way back on January 30, 2024, so I know, I know--don't come for me, I'm a little behind. But trust, this review is still relevant. First things first, let's talk parking. They've got a decent-sized lot behind the kitchen and plenty of residential street parking nearby, so no need to stress about where to leave the car. They also have a cozy little seating area to the side where you can dine inside. When I arrived, there was no line (a win), but of course, I had no idea what I wanted. Typical, right? Thankfully, the cashier was super helpful, and after a little back-and-forth, I landed on the escovitch snapper with mac 'n cheese, fried plantains, coco bread, and their famous RJK sorrel. If you've ever had authentic Jamaican sorrel, you know it's a must-try, and this one did not disappoint. After ordering, I grabbed a table and waited for my meal. Once my order was up, I did the customary quality control check--because, you know, trust issues--and everything was on point. The portion sizes were massive. Like, this wasn't just a meal, it was a food marathon. For $45.76, I got enough food to feed a small army, and I was loving it. Now, while the food was flavorful and the service top-notch, here's where the plot thickens. After indulging in my feast, my stomach pulled a fast one on me. Let's just say I spent more time in the restroom than I would've liked for the rest of the evening. So, while Ruby's may have won me over with their customer service and generous portions, my stomach wasn't as forgiving. Sadly, I haven't been back since, and I don't see a return trip in my future. In short: Ruby's Jamaican Kitchen? A+ for the experience, but proceed with caution if you've got a sensitive stomach. Maybe it's just me, though--don't let this review stop you from getting your Jamaican food fix! read more

5 Stars. Excellent service. Patient staff. They took the time to explain the menu, options and told me the anticipated wait time. This place was packed on Saturday evening. Customers talked to one another and were excited to tell you about what they have tried on the menu. Seriously, three people I did not know and not together told me what their favorites were, what they've tried, what they were ordering that night, and made recommendations on what I should get the next time. Folks were excited about this food!! Once my food was ready, they called my name and reviewed my order with me as they bagged it. Typically with take out, they bag it someplace else and you just hope it's right. I really thought that it was a fantastic touch to review the order which added to the overall level of professionalism and positive experience. Everything was delicious. I got more than usual because I don't plan on cooking the next few days! Lol! The bbq jerk chicken was absolutely delish. A delicate balance of traditional sweet/smoky American bbq with spicy/hot Jamaican jerk seasonings. The meat was tender and they provided an ample amount of gravy. This was my favorite!! Fried plantain was cooked to perfection and sliced on a nice angle which was visually pleasing to the eye. The Jerk Wings were fire!!! Spot on and with seasoning, smoky and char grilled on the outside, yet moist and tender on the inside. They ask if you want extra sauce sauce on the side. Coco bread was yummy. Mac & cheese was great. They use shells, which was a surprise. Yummy. My only negative, I think the rice and peas could use a bit more balance of flavors. The taste of herbs and saltiness were overbearing so I could not taste the subtle undertones of the coconut milk that it's cooked and steamed in. I am used to a more delicate layer of herbs and spices as the backdrop. The rice was a little chewy and could have been a bit more moist or could have used another 6 mins to steam in my personal opinion. Bottom line. The food is outstanding, homestyle Jamaican cooking. Great portion sizes. I can't wait to go back and try other items on the menu. read more

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