The food at Taste Buds is actually very good that's the disappointing part. I wanted to support this business because I believe in supporting local businesses, but unfortunately, the customer service completely overshadowed the quality of the food. My experience with the owner was unpleasant. She came across as rude, dismissive, and lacking the level of professionalism customers deserve. I understand that running a successful business is stressful. Being short-staffed, dealing with equipment issues, or needing renovations can be frustrating, but those challenges should never be taken out on customers. We didn't create those problems, and we shouldn't be made to feel unwelcome because of them. As the owner, your attitude sets the tone for your entire establishment. If the person leading the business treats customers poorly, it naturally makes people wonder what kind of culture exists among the rest of the staff. First impressions matter, and customer service is just as important as the food you serve. Again, the food is good there's no denying that. But great food alone isn't enough to earn my business. People remember how they were treated long after they've finished their meal. I genuinely hope the owner takes this as constructive criticism. A change in heart, a little more patience, kindness, and respect toward customers could take this business even further. I would love to see Taste Buds succeed, but until the customer service improves, I won't be returning or recommending it to others. I sincerely hope things improve because everyone wins when businesses serve both great food and great hospitality. read more

I actually came here last week to try them out but never got around to leaving a review. On my first visit, I ordered the fried fish sandwich with mac and cheese. Both were really good, but the fish sandwich was definitely the star of the show. The portion size was generous, and the flavor was outstanding. I enjoyed it so much that I decided to come back today. This time I ordered the same meal and added a fish platter. I also tried the newly added fried chicken wingettes, which were very good as well. I placed my order online, but when I arrived, I was told they had already closed at 3:00 PM. After I showed them that my order had been placed online before I arrived, they still took the time to make my food. Not only did they honor my order, but because of the mix-up, they hooked me up with an incredibly generous portion of fish. That level of customer service is exactly what keeps people coming back. Great food, generous portions, and excellent customer service--it's a winning combination. I highly recommend giving Taste Buddz a try. With food this good and service like that, I just might be back tomorrow! read more

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I like Taste Budds and will continue to visit for their fried whiting fish sandwich. They offer your typical southern American breakfast options, fried seafood, and Caribbean cuisine. Virtually everything but the breakfast and fried seafood is Caribbean influenced. This fish sandwich is top tier evident by customer pictures and consistent customer reviews. It is a good size piece of fish, fried, and seasoned well. It is very simple and the fry is executed well. As you can see from my photos, my breakfast sandwich experience wasn't a good one. The scrapple on coco bread was lacking significant flavor. It needs a better variety of cheese and I don't think the honey drizzle is the best option for a sauce. The customer service has be OK, however, because it has only been OK on the couple occasions I visited, I can understand some of the other reviews where people describe inconsistency in the area of customer service. There is indoor seating which looks rather comfortable. I'll continue to visit for their fried fish sandwich and I'll also try their Caribbean dishes at some point. read more

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I listed this place as a "Have to Visit" based on the review of a fellow Yelper. So, I am here. My breakfast was worth the trip (from Lake Ridge, VA, to Capital Heights, MD.) I ordered fried whiting, grits, and cheese eggs. Mmmm. I took it to go. I stopped for a coffee and then ate a portion in my car. For $20.00, the portions were plentiful. The fish was perfectly fried and seasoned; and the eggs were delicious. I am not sure if they intended to give me so many eggs; so I guess I have to go again. This is a storefront restaurant with seating for a few. It's warm, clean, and appears to be family owned. Service was great for breakfast and for the type of dish that was ordered. read more

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I heard about this place, saw the food and added it to my try list and I finally made it. It is tucked away in a shopping center I actually rode by it the first time but this spot is a gem. Upon enter we was welcomed in and the young lady who took the order was very kind and patient as we looked over the menu. We told her it was out first time and she told us how her aunt owned the restaurant and it's a family business. We had heard about the $10 fish sandwich that they do on Fridays and decided to go with that. (The $10 deal is only during certain times so check before going) The fish was fresh, hot and made to order. I haven't had a good fish sandwich in the dmv in but the one I had from here AMAZING!! To drink I had the Ginger Lemonade, the ginger was a little strong but it didn't bother me because I like ginger. Let's go support this business give them a try! I just may go back every Friday ! Lol! read more

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I've been seeing this delicious looking scrapple sandwich on coco bread on my timeline occasionally!! I love scrapple, and it was just time for me to pull up!! Let's GO!! . Where I am: @tastebuddz2 . Location Reviewed: 1468 Addison Rd., Capital Heights M.D. . Items Reviewed: STAMP!! Their Scrapple Sandwich ($9.50 with 2 pieces of thick cut scrapple, & scrambled cheese eggs in between honey drizzled coconut bread). Excellent!! Thick, savory, & sweet, & huge!!! STAMP!! Their Walker Mill Jerk Chicken Sandwich ($ with jerk chicken, rice n peas, onions, & jerk gravy in coco bread). STAMP!! Their Fish Sandwich ($12 about 4 pieces of fried whiting in brioche bread with a garlic sauce, a seafood sauce, & hot sauce). STAMP!! Their Triple Mix Platter ($35 with 6 fried shrimp, 6 fried mussels, 4 pieces of fried whiting, rice n peas, cabbage, & a roll). Crisp well seasoned fried shrimp, & fish, well fried mussels (which I'm not fond of), tasty cabbage, & rice n peas!! STAMP!! The Drinks ($3.50 Their Blueberry Lemonade, Half n Half, & Cucumber Ginger Lemonade-$5). All of these were refreshing, real juice, & tasty!! . Customer Service: On Point. . Recommendations: Get any of their seafood, juice, & that scrapple sandwich!! Accessibility: This spot is wheelchair friendly, & differently abled persons friendly. 5 Stars=STAMP 4 1/2 Stars=LIKE THAT 4 Stars=DELICIOUS 3 Stars=DECENT 2 Stars=PASS 1 Star=NAH #Bigschlimsreviews read more

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I had the pleasure of meeting Ms. Lala (one of the owners) today, and let's just say she dropped a few gems ! Thank you for taking the time to sit and chat with me -- she is such a sweetheart. The inside of the restaurant is beyond cute. I love how it's set up so you can either dine in comfortably or sit and wait for your food. While I was waiting, she even let customers sample some of their different soups -- and baby, people were adding them to their orders immediately . That alone says a lot! The customer service here is top tier, and this was my first visit. I also love that the menu is extensive, they serve breakfast all day (yes!), and they have grits! I ordered the viral fish sandwich and a cucumber ginger lemonade -- both were delicious . I didn't eat the sandwich right away, but as soon as I got in the car and took a bite dipped in that homemade tartar sauce... I immediately wanted to turn around and order another one. $12 for a fish sandwich with four healthy pieces? You're not finding that deal just anywhere. That sandwich was spectacular. I made sure to save my wife two pieces because I needed her to try it. She gave it a solid 5/5 -- and was low-key upset I didn't save more of that tartar sauce . I will definitely be back. And when I say back... I might be back tomorrow morning for breakfast! read more

Second time I been to this place since the take over First time fried oysters/or mussels was fried to death! No life after or flavor Half and half tea was bomb Today I ordered a beef patty with 2 drinks. Line was long so I decided to order something quick Drink 1 which was the blueberry lemonade was too sweet And drink 2 I got the half and half again all I could taste was tea bag But let's get the the beef patty , dry , spicy and hard I have pictures to prove they have to do a lot better with the food quality, line was out the door but you have the female owner eating on the fry line instead of getting the orders out, it was about 10 order people on the store waiting to order or already ordered. The young teenage on the register did a fabulous job I jus think they need to slow down and actually pay attention to orders read more

Taste Budds - Beef patty - Caribbean Near Me - Capitol Heights, Maryland

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Very unprofessional experience They're constantly out of the veggie roti, which is disappointing when that's what you came for. Also, it's really not the best spot if you're planning to sit and eat -- definitely more of a grab-and-go vibe than a dine-in experience. Honestly, they need to do better with consistency and customer service. read more

The owner and the food are amazing! Friendly environment, food was piping hot and delicious! I would absolutely go back!

This Spot Is A Perfect Example Of How Caribbean + African Fusion Done Right Can Really Shine. I Can't Believe I Never Knew This Spot & Found It By Accident Driving. Delicious and Reasonably Priced, Which Is Always A Plus. You Get Good Portions Without Feeling Like You Overpaid. COCO BREAD Hands Down One Of The Best Things On The Menu. The Coco Bread Was Soft, Slightly Sweet, & Fresh & Absolutely Delicious! FRIED SHRIMP Crispy, Bold, Savory, & Comforting Without Being Overwhelming. You Can Taste Both The Caribbean + African Influences In Every Bite. While The Shrimp Was Flavorful, Well-Seasoned, & Cooked Perfectly. Together? A Dangerous Combo... So Good I Made A Coco Shrimp Sandwich lol. Yes, There Is A Wait Since Everything Is Made To Order, But It's Extremely Worth It. This Is One Of Those Places Where The Time Just Means Your Food Is Being Done Right. Great Food, Solid Value, & A Menu That Feels Thoughtful & Intentional. Definitely A Spot I'd Recommend If You Love Flavor & Don't Mind Waiting A Little For Great Quality. I Am Absolutely Return Soon To Try Other Foods & Definitely Ordering The Coco Bread & Shrimp Again. So Mad I Didn't Take Pics, Next Time. read more

Delicious! Great portions and food quality. Ordered the fish sandwich and bacon egg and cheese croissants. If you love croissants or bodega style breakfast sandwiches. You'll enjoy theirs. The fried fish sandwich was what I think of when I want a fried fish sandwich. The way it should be fried This is a family business which I also love. Service is always on point. If there's a mix up they are on it about correcting it. Always greeted with a smile. We usually pick up our orders but the inside is cute as well for a quick bite. read more

Taste Budds - Fried whiting - Caribbean Near Me - Capitol Heights, Maryland

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Really good! I had the jerk chicken sandwich on coco bread with brown stew chicken sauce. The jerk flavors weren't particularly prominent but the chicken was very flavorful and the coco bread gave the sandwich a delicious sweetness. The mixed greens (cabbage and greens) also had a really nice bit of sweetness to them. The curry chicken and curry chicken soup were delicious. If there was just a bit more spice and complexity to the jerk seasoning, a bit more chicken on the sandwich, and a touch more sauce on everything (including on the rice and peas, which were dry), this could easily be a 5 star spot. I'll definitely be back! read more

The fish was rubbery lack flavor & the coco bread was soggy the sorrel had a thick goo at the bottom of the cup i'm so disappointed because what I seen on Instagram wasn't what I've gotten today it only take one time for me and the owner was nonchalant and standoffish rude read more

There was bones in the Whiting. Rice and peas was not seasoned. Disappointed for the price. read more

Taste Budds - Fried fish and shrimp combo - Caribbean Near Me - Capitol Heights, Maryland

Staff is friendly, nice set up on the inside. Service was fast. The oxtail were tender but could have used more gravy. Jerk chicken sandwich was very good. I would come again to try more options. read more

Taste Budds - Front - Caribbean Near Me - Capitol Heights, Maryland

The food was awesome. The restaurant is so cute inside very chill and clean and their customer service is superb! The curry chicken sandwich is 10/10! Anything was good my favorite was the sandwich. read more

Taste Budds - Curry chicken sandwich - Caribbean Near Me - Capitol Heights, Maryland

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It really depends on what you get and your overall taste budds :) The fried fish is hands down the best. The fish is seasoned, fried perfectly WHEN YOU ORDER not sitting somewhere and abundant in the amount. Go there for the fish, pay for extra tartar sauce, wait patiently like an adult and enjoy! The mac and cheese is also very good, think church dinners. Homemade patties, YES HOMEMADE you can't get this from a store. Got the spinach and was not disappointed at all. Think Taco Bell VS authentic taco place. Cucumber ginger lemonade was very ginger heavy so yay! The stewed chicken had a sweet taste to it not my jam but if you like sweet meat then your in luck :) Fufu was not mixed well and had spots of raw flour so NOPE. Mixed greens also had sweetness, I ate it but would not buy it again. Service was great, since it was my first time and I got a lot of different things I had questions and the young person on the register was kind, knowledgably and patient A++ Also the place is tight and the line can go out the door. Don't be discouraged, the food is for sure worth a wait and a try. Go support! read more

Both my wife and I say the food was good. We traveled a long way to get to this place and it not worth the drive but if we lived in the neighborhood, we would come here more often. The staff here were perfect. Both happy and talkative. We enjoyed our time here. The ambiance here was cozy. read more

They gave me one piece of Whiting and the rest tilapia 5 pieces. I would not send a dog here

I'm usually next door getting my hair washed for a little while so I decided to grab a quick bite to eat for my wait. I decided on the chicken patty and blueberry lemonade. Let's start with the lemonade, talk about sweet! A large lemonade was less than $3 and taste amazing if you really enjoy lemonade as I do. I figured the patty might be a little spicy so the sweet could take out some of the spice. Well I was right, the chicken patty tasted great but I had to take a few breaths between bites before I could finish it. The customer service was reasonable. I was in and out in less than 5 minutes. I would visit again I would also suggest asking about spice level prior to ordering. Parking is great, they are located in a shopping center with ample parking fro all customers and you can usually parking is FREE! read more

Taste Budds - a person holding a sandwich in a paper bag - Caribbean Near Me - Capitol Heights, Maryland

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I had the fish sandwich and shrimp both were good. But the young girl that took my order was not friendly at all she was nice to other three customers but for me rude. The young gentleman was polite. read more

My cassava leaf and chicken was good..and the cabbage had me smacking my lips down the highway...#hereforblkbusinesses

Pretty good for a 9 dollar lunch special..to get fufu instead of rice and beans was a extra 2 dollars which he didn't charge me... read more

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I love this place the food the service and the ambiance is always great Curry Chicken, Greens my favorite 5 Stacey read more

Walked in and greeted with a friendly smile. Ordered curry chicken and a jerk sandwich. The food was hot and tasted fresh. Not too spicy and a huge portion. Will be back. Thx! read more

Taste Budds - Curry chicken w/ rice and Cabbage/ Greens! Fried Plantains... - Caribbean Near Me - Capitol Heights, Maryland

So it's been a while since I've visited this place. I came here on 11/9/17 around 3:00ish. I was quite surprise that they remodeled the inside and I love it. It's bright, very open and with new seating furniture. When I walked in I was greeted by a woman and she asked me what I wanted. I ordered the red snapper jerk style (fried and jerk sauce is placed over the fish) with rice, cabbage, fried plantain and coco bread. Note: they sale the red snapper per market rate and It takes about 15 minutes. I paid around $17.00 for my meal. The food was absolutely delicious and they give you a nice portion. My only issue was that the jerk sauce that was put on top of the fish wasn't very spicy and they only give you between 2-3 sliced plantain. Nevertheless I would still come back and try their other fish meals. read more

Friendly staff and food is always delicious and very well proportioned. My go to spot when I'm in Walker Mill, I can't drive through without stopping in. read more

Taste Budds - Cassava leaf, mixed greens, rice and peas - Caribbean Near Me - Capitol Heights, Maryland

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This place is delicious and the owner is so sweet and full of personality. It was our first time so she allowed us to taste all of the food and it was amazing. We ordered the jerk chicken, veggie patties, veggie curry dish. Everything was delicious. I 100% recommend this place. It's a small shop but the food is affordable and so good. read more

Taste Budds - Yum - Caribbean Near Me - Capitol Heights, Maryland

I wish I could've recorded the interaction between me & whom I assumed was the owner when I walked into this establishment. He was sitting in a chair, very relaxed so when I walked in I was waiting him to greet me, ask me what I wanted to order...but I got a WHAT! OK, so I said I would like to order a jerk chicken sandwich & champagne cola. My total was $9.54. I gave him a $20 (mind you this was just like within seconds) he turned to me & says what did you give me...a $20...my food was ready in seconds, OK you gain points for that, but you lose points for my sandwich being slightly hot (temperature) especially when I was dining in. Overall the sandwich was OK. My bestii came & got a small cassava leaf stew with rice and she let me taste it...it was actually pretty tasty but I've never had it anywhere else so I don't have a frame of reference. Don't take my word...try it for yourself read more

I ordered through Postmates so can't speak to in-store customer service. I did order a blueberry lemonade without ice (they ask if you want ice). When it arrived the driver told me "I said to them your order slip says no ice but they said that's how it comes and wouldn't do a fresh one." Now, the drink was tasty but it is in a paper cup with a plastic lid. Lol! CLEARLY it was poured into the cup so it can't "just come that way". They didn't feel like remaking it so minus a star for poor/lazy customer service. The food had some "eh", some "solid" and one "yhausz!" I had curry chicken over red beans and rice with mixed greens. The red beans and rice were an "eh". I'll pass on that next time. The curry chicken was boneless (yay!!) and solid. I've had (and prefer) stronger curry flavor but it was decent. The mixed greens tho!!!! So, I usually pass on the cabbage you find at Caribbean spots because it's normally just boiled with zero seasoning. But THIS! The mixed greens are well seasoned collards and cabbage. Next time I'll get the full veggie plate and see how that treats me. read more

Taste Budds - curry chicken (it's boneless), mixed greens (it's awesome) and plantains (it's only two?) - Caribbean Near Me - Capitol Heights, Maryland

I totally forgot about this hidden treasure. So glad a friend reminded me recently. I stopped by the other day and ordered Curry and Jerk chicken lunch plates and they both were absolutely delicious! Everything was fresh and full of flavor. I also ordered the curry chicken soup. Which was also delicious. I will be returning in the near future. By the way the owner's daughter was VERY nice and her customer service was impeccable. Another Black Owned business to be cherished. read more

Yay! I am a fan. The beef patties are what beef patties are supposed to be-- flaky and flavorful. The jerk chicken and wings are good. The cabbage/mixed greens is a blend of cabbage and collards mixed. I enjoyed everything, but slightly disappointed by the oxtails! I'll continue going to Pimento if I want oxtails. read more

I ordered Jerk salmon, I'm not sure what the fish they was passing off as salmon. But, I'll never go back! Been patronizing that place for 25, years! Never again! read more

Just went tonight and the food was excellent! Although we came in a few minutes before closing, they were very nice Told us what they still had available. They evena took the time to tell me about all their vegan options, and provided recommendations for the meat options for my boyfriend. The food was very flavorful, and we will definitely be back! read more

I've been wanting to try fufu for a while and was happy when I saw this establishment while riding up the store. I stopped in and for only $3 per order, I thought what did I have to lose. However, after placing my order I was too grossed out to actually eat my fufu - it smelled great but I didn't want to risk eating. First, the cook (could be owner) sneezed without covering his nose nor washing his hands. He proceeded to cook by throwing some food in a stock pot and an aluminum tray fell on the floor (he left it there and I can only assume it would be used again). When her came up to me and gave me my fufu, his nose was running and his fingernails were filthy. Typically I would have asked for a refund, but I was curious to see what his fufu looked like and knew I was going to throw the fufu away. I wouldn't suggest eating out this establishment because it is unhygienic. Who knows what you will catch. read more

Taste Budds - Fufu with curry - Caribbean Near Me - Capitol Heights, Maryland

Really cool place, Xavi helped me find what I need!

taste buds left a nasty taste in my mouth after watching the manager be rude to pregnant wowan ... i will no longer support they're business nor will my family or friends we are regulars but what we witnessed was by far disgusting and unnecessary . why would you call the police on a pregnant woman who just wants the correct sandwhich!!!! i'm done with this place zero stars do not come here and eat or order by far the worst place on earth read more

Ok. So a co-worker put me on to this place. It was love at first bite. It's been a good 7yrs that I've been going to this place and even moving to Va I will still take a trip. The food is sooooo delicious. The staff are very friendly from the sweet older gentleman to my soul sista. I've NEVER been disappointed by going there. Today I had the taste for curry, I placed a order online for me and a friend (the friend lived 10min out) anyways, I received a call and it was the young lady from the store and she told me they were closed. CRUSHED!! But what made this pretty cool was she was an honest person. She could of kept the money and said nothing. I like that style. !!! I just have to wait till 2morrow and I'll have my fix. Beside this place being the best place to get real Jamaican food. You'll meet good people. I promise you will come back. I love these guys and this place read more

Wasn't quite sure what to expect from this advertised 'Caribbean & African' carryout on first visit but found the staff to be super friendly and upon learning it was my first stop in offered me several dishes to sample, confidently proclaiming: "Oh, you'll be back!" "We've been in business since 1997. You know you can't be serving bad food and stay open that long." That, from the owner of Taste Buds--an American with parents she says are from Trinidad and Sierra Leone. Taste Buds is not a Jamaican restaurant, rather they serve a great and diverse mix of dishes that are inspired by West Africa, Trinidad and Jamaica. And the owner says that's what makes their food great: influence from the entire African Diaspora--and most importantly great cooking and LOVE that goes into the preparation. I tried several dishes that were new to me: 1. A West Indian preparation of spinach, 'Spinach Stew,' prepared with dried fish (I think): DELISH! 2. Cassava Leaf: A West African dish...Not to be confused with the Spanish rendition of Cassava, the owner instructed: DELISH Also tried their curry chicken (very well done) and a unique chicken dish they offer which was also lovely. Really, these dishes I sampled outshined the jerk chicken dish I originally ordered and took home. (Jerk chicken was good but not what I believe they do best after sampling). Definitely giving this spot 4 stars for customer service, a variety of savory foods from across the Diaspora and the fact that I learned so much and essentially expanded my palate all in the span of a 20-minute visit. I also should note prices are quite reasonable compared to other comparable carryouts. My SMALL jerk chicken meal was a huge portion and $7... Word. read more