This food truck has started popping up around my office lately. A coworker told me about it, and I…read moreinitially looked for it and couldn't find it. But now I seem to find it conveniently on 19th whenever I'm walking over there! Right now they're there on Mondays and Thursdays -- I recall searching for them on other days, but I didn't see them at the locations their website said they would be. But since it's been consistently coming to 19th Street, I have had the opportunity to have it twice, and I had the JerkBowl each time. The chicken comes off the bone so easily, and it is indeed JERKED! It's got a great taste, and the yellow rice it comes with compliments it very well. I will be trying their mac and cheese and greens in the near future, hopefully. I hope that they continue to get great business because this is food that should not be ignored! They seem to also actively become familiar with their regulars and they're super polite.

I FINALLY got to this spot!! It's been on my list of "Go To's" for a second now. Good people let me…read moretell you...I'm so very glad that I went!! Located at 6120 Marlboro Pike., District Heights M.D. nestled between a tattoo parlor, and a couple other stores you'll find @luvplatesgrill with their beautifully designed black & orange signage!! This spot is momentarily take out only, they accept cash, and credit/debit, and they also have catering available. Their menu is concise, simple, and effective. They have sizable bowls like their DC Gumbo (with turkey sausage, and hormone free chicken $15), and their Homestyle Jerk Chicken (24 hour marinated wings smothered over red beans & rice $15). They also have some signature sandwiches like their "Jimmy Blue"(Maryland lump crab cake $20), and their "Fall off the Bone"(24 hour LuvRub-Ribs-w/BBQ sweet sauce $10). The sides include their World Famous Mac n Cheese (pictured-$8 reg. size), "Mamas Greens"(pictured-$8 reg. size), and their flavorful Red beans & Rice ($4 reg. size). On this trip I copped their Mac n Cheese, a Homestyle Jerk chicken sandwich (pictured-$6 on potato bread), and their 3 for $20 deal where I chose the Pan-seared Salmon ($3 extra), Mamas greens, and the 24 hr. Jerk chicken with the Red beans, and rice. So I started by dipping into the greens...FRESH, and seasoned to perfection!! I then took a bite out of the jerk chicken sandwich...I didn't want to stop!! It was glistening with flavor, a hint of bbq mixed with the jerk made for a tasty sandwich. Then I put a fork to the jerk wings, and watched the meat fall off the bone right into the red beans and rice. Spiced right, savory...it hit the spot. So I'm not a huge Salmon fan, but their pan seared fish with peppers, jerk sauce with a hint of bbq...made me a bigger fan!! Deliciousness!! Lastly I tackled that Mac n Cheese...I was leery via the price, and the "World Famous" title. When you go...GET IT...it's worth it. Customer service was phenomenal, they patiently explained their meals, and spotlighted the freshness of their food (which you can definitely taste). Parking is tricky, it's a very small lot they share. GO!! TRUST!! That's it.

The food was exceptional~!!! The service was phenomenal~!!!…read moreEverything was professionally prepared and presented!!! #LoveUsSomeBBBBQ Jayla D in Upper Marlboro MD

From the owner: Bbq lemon juice ribsread more

Our community needed this establishment. The food is not only delicious but healthy. There are so…read moremany options. My favorite is the yellow rice, collard greens, sweet potatoes, and 1/2 shrimp and 1/2 barbecue chicken. I have also fell in love with the cucumber lemonade drink and tropical fruit punch. They give you a generous portion. My daughter and I make a trip once a week. I will be trying something new the next time I go. The service and ambience is excellent. The food is like a party in your mouth! I highly recommend Spiced Black.

If Chipotle had a soulful, culturally rich cousin... it would be Spice Black. Period…read more I've been seeing this place all over social media, so when I found myself in the area, I had to see what the hype was about. First off, parking is easy. It's in a shopping center, so nothing stressful there, and the restaurant itself is easy to spot. Walking in, the first thing I noticed was how clean, polished, and classy everything looked. Even though it was busy, it didn't feel chaotic. The staff immediately greeted me and asked if it was my first time which I appreciated. They didn't just rush me through the line; they actually took time to explain the menu, how the bowls are built, and offered samples. That alone made the experience feel welcoming and intentional. Now let's get into the FOOD. Everything looked fresh. They have about four rice options (which is already a win), and I went with the pineapple coconut rice. For my protein, I chose grilled chicken, but they also offer shrimp, salmon, and even a mushroom option for vegetarians and honestly, the mushrooms looked so good I almost switched. For my added sides, I kept it simple because I really wanted to taste everything. Collard greens and sweet potatoes. But they also had plantains, and okra....real deal soul food options. Then you get into the fresh toppings. Slaws, carrots, pickled veggies. I kept it light. I finished my bowl with collard green pesto (which intrigued me, and I'm glad I tried it) and added an étouffée sauce over my rice... and listen!!!!! That combo? Chef's kiss. I grabbed a tropical punch juice, and just like everything else, it tasted fresh and well-made. Let me say this clearly: the food is a 10/10. If you're someone who will give Chipotle chance after chance, then you absolutely owe it to yourself to try Spice Black. 10/10. Worth your money. Worth the hype. Worth the experience.

We were in the mood for BBQ on Juneteenth and we just so happened to come across this local black…read moreowned gem. We gave them a ring to confirm hours (a must do!) and was delighted to hear that they were open. The menu has plenty of solid options; we didn't see cornbread listed and would have loved to have that with our meal. We took home the chicken bbq platter and ribs platter with a side of mac and cheese, greens, potato salad, and burger beans. I was expecting the chicken bbq to have more of a vinegar base but it was on the sweet side instead and a sandwich. It was tasty either way. The ribs were pretty good too, we had two sauces and we were a big fan of the hot sauce (it was less tangy than the medium sauce). All of the sides were a hit, seasoned well. I wish I could pick a favorite but am unable to lol. We will certainly be back to try more, the service was also exceptional and it was great chatting with patrons about the history of the place.

Good smoke meats the sides were good the customer services Great atmosphere is great everything was…read morehot and fresh

The food is EXCELLENT! The oxtails, while not huge, are extremely tender and incredibly flavorful…read more Honestly, the best I've had in the DMV! My wife gets the curry chicken and LOVES it! And everything tastes like it was just made. But what we like just as much is the customer service. When we order from DoorDash and ask for extra sauce/gravy, we get EXTRA! The portions are huge and there's no skimping and no upcharging. And the gentleman who answered the phone when we called to extend our gratitude after a great meal was so pleasant and appreciative. Eat here! I promise, you'll love it!!

Had the goat curry roti. Very interesting style compared to o what I'm used to having…read more Goat was flavored very well, a little bit of spicy kick. Parking was a bit tight. I recommend going past the restaurant and parking further up in the parking lot.

EllaRay's was so good! I appreciate the fact that its one of those 'if you know, you know' places…read more From the parking lot, I don't think many would know that this is where this great spot is located. I was invited here for dinner with a high school friend who had been here before, and I text him appreciating the NEXT DAY, to say how good this place was. When you come in, you pass the bar and I'm sure someone has already greeted you by then. The customer service here was great! Throughout our entire hour.5 stay at EllaRay's, my table of 2 was probably asked at least 5 times if we needed anything - in the best way too, not the inconvenience type. The food is served hot-bar style, with someone there to present to you whatever you want. I ordered the smothered turkey, mac&chz, and cabbage, along with some red velvet cake and a mixed lemonade-tea mix that was sweeeeeet! The food itself was DELICIOUS. The smothered turkey was exactly that - see the picture of the portions too. The mac&chz was also that, cheesy, and the cabbage had a great spice to it, that I enjoyed! My friend ordered the yams, string beans and catfish - and from what he let me try (I was only interested in trying the catfish), I loved it! I think it would be something that I'd order as my side next time. For desert, I had the cake the following day and loved the fact that the icing was homemade - not heavy or thick. Now the only thing that I haven't noted was the service. Was the staff attentive and great with their recommendations, yes - but their line was just so long. Maybe I came during a rush but to get all of the delicious food offered, it did take a little longer than expected. Other that that, I loved this place! Pack your patience, and appetite!

This cafe is the best place to get good food. Not a lot of fancy but the basics! Love it!read more

Visited for breakfast. This place seems to be a Sunday morning staple for people in the area. The…read moreseating in here is limited with it being more of a carryout type of place . I had the catfish & grits which was made to order (catfish ) . While the grits lacked flavor in my opinion , the catfish was perfectly seasoned and fried giving it the perfect texture contrast . Will be back .

Keith & Sons is a legendary restaurant which has served the community for quite some time. I ate at…read morethe Central Ave location which was renovated a short while ago. The food is Buffett style but you can elect to have made to order options. The portions are huge depending on what you order so take an appetite or a friend. On this particular visit I had the big breakfast platter. The beef sausage I could have done without because it wasn't the freshest. I like eggs so that and the grits worked perfectly for me. For newcomers the options can be overwhelming but you can find something for you. The breakfast sandwiches are massive and made to order so you have a fresher quality of food. The lines can get long here but they move relatively quick. The staff are all friendly and will take care of you. This is more of a carry out but you mate elect to dine in. Overall 3.4 out of 5

I found this place by luck. The place I was looking for closed before I got there so I started…read moresearching for Caribbean food. I am pleased that I found this place. The service was within the normal range for homemade food; and the staff was pleasant. I felt comfortable; although the area is a bit isolated at night. For a takeout place, this place is a 5. Their menu features Carribean and American dishes. I ordered a curry chicken dinner and a chicken patty. The food was delicious. I had plenty of leftovers. Real poultry, rice, beans and cabbage..hmmmmm. It's all in the seasoning.

The food is terrible. I just ordered oxtail plate. Worst oxtail I've ever had. No meat, not tender,…read morejust hard and inedible. I'm truly disappointed especially since I was craving some good Caribbean food. Smh. I've had Asians make it way better. Very sad. Wasted 25$.

Great quality comfort food for those nights you want a real meal but don't feel like cooking. Very…read moresouthern environment with friendly customer service, played great music and had many food options to choose from. I also love their daily lunch specials.

The food is always delicious, but what makes this place an "avoid at all costs" review is their…read moreservice. The staff are not welcoming like they used to be in the past. When I asked for an appetizer (wings) I was told "that's not something we can make right now" and was directed to order something easier to make from the buffet of options already out. I clarified I only wanted something small like wings. I was then told oh wait I guess we can make them but it'll be a 15 minute wait. Turns out it was a 45 minute wait, as they gave some of my order to someone else. It was also very clear the people taking my order were ready to go home as their shifts were almost over. What was supposed to be a quick stop in to a historically great restaurant turned into a bittersweet goodbye for me.

My fish sandwich was so good, I had to bring my hunnie back down to have one…read more I'm still stuffed from lunch! The fish was seasoned perfectly! On a brioche roll that was so soft...veggies were fresh. Added some sweet potatoes fries...the only thing that was missing is a couple crisp pickle spears. Will definitely come back...(just not in a Friday night)....saw they had impossible burger on the menu so I'll have to come back and try that one of these days. And let me tell you- Club Auth Rd was jumping this evening....hahaaaa! The pizza place on the corner had a patio section that was given club DC in the early 2000's lol The parking lot was packed on a Friday night. We literally drove around the parking lot for 10 mins trying to find parking... Unfortunately the restaurant didn't allow call ahead orders soooooo.... I insisted we wait in out since we had already taken the ride... The hubs and I were definitely reminiscing about the good ol days...hahaaaa!!! Noted! Will not come back on a Friday night! Happy Yelping!

No pics... just vibes…read more Pulled up to Apollo Burger after years--no real reason, just one of those "it's time" moments. Glad I did. I kept it classic with the original burger loaded with cheddar, pork bacon, fried onions, mushrooms, mayo, and lettuce, and went combo because... biggest bang for the buck. Fries + fountain soda had my total sitting around $23 with tip--no complaints there. That burger? Juicy, flavorful, and messy in the best way. The fries had that perfect crisp, I just wish they hit them with a little more salt--but nothing I couldn't overlook. Peeped a few new menu additions too. The "roll dog" (aka glizzy) caught my eye. Tried to level it up with chili & cheese but no chili--just cheese. Still might spin back for a plain one with fried onions and mustard. Also saw fried shrimp on the menu... yeah, I'll be back for that. And let's not ignore the vibe--same nostalgic DC/GoGo energy, and the playlist? Always hits. The staff are always patient and pleasant. Apollo still got it.