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    Yahman's Authentic Jamaican Jerk Shack

    4.8 (83 reviews)
    ModerateCaribbean

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    YAHMAN'S AUTHENTIC JAMAICAN JERK SHACK ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Good for groups
    Dogs allowed
    Good for kids

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    No flavor "festival"
    Richard H.

    Always trust your gut feeling not your gut's cravings. The place didn't pass the litmus test for an Authentic Jamaican Restaurant. Not sure what I thought I would find in Key West. The chicken is not Jerk and relies on the sauce (which also is not jerk sauce) to give it flavor. The festival was disappointing. The "rice and beans" was mushy and had no flavor. The disrespect to Jamaica is of epic proportions!

    Susanna H.

    Great find! Small place. We had chicken jerk wrap. Tasted great, with veggies inside, side of rice and beans.

    Jerk Chicken Dinner
    Milton G.

    Yahhhhhmmmmmmaaaaaannnnn!!!!!!!!!! This place is great cooking. I ordered jerk chicken dinner buy one get one free VIA UBER EATS. Definitely not jerk chicken but it's worth the money. The chicken is nicely smoked moist, well seasoned, and very flavorful. The sides rice and peas, cabbage, and plantains very simple but well seasoned and prepared. The stew pork OMG, yes I know pork well this pork was tender, seasoned, moist, correct color, and it doesn't taste like BROWNING. The best part of this meal is the potatoes they absorbed every flavor in the pot without falling apart. I like my jerk chicken and stew anything with some heat, but you can't resist well executed meal. Perfect meal before or after a night on Duval street. #6STARWILLRETURN

    The Menu
    Billie P.

    Delicious place we grabbed lunch from today. Prices very reasonable and staff were friendly.

    Kyle V.

    Wow, fantastic all the way around. Yes, the location is off the beaten path but that's what makes this the perfect hidden gem. He was cash only tonight because his card machine wasn't working. He told me I could run to an ATM while he made me a sample platter of all the options I can choose from. I came back to so much food and he explained everything. He even let me sample the soup of the day, ginger "beer", and his homemade dessert. His menu is not always 100% available because he cooks everything alone and can't always prepare each option. I can't wait to come back and try his shrimp tacos.

    The pork. Slightly on the dry side, but the charred layers were very tasty!
    Cucu C.

    Amazing little place set in a mixed residential/business area: rows of trailer homes on one side, and light industrial yards on the other, with colorful chickens pecking about. Between the strings of christmas lights, tiki torches, soft glow from the kitchen, and a blanket of stars, the mood was exceptionally relaxing. We tried the Jerk Chicken, Pork, Ribs, and Fish - all were very tasty, but especially the chicken and fish. The chicken was very tender, with excellent flavor and a bit of bite from the char. The fish was cooked bone-in with crispy skin, and again, excellent flavor. The pork maybe could have been a little more moist, but I loved the chewy crust layer. The ribs were tender and soft - no knive needed. My personal preference is for a bit tougher Texas style dry rib. The stir fried vegetables were tasty as well, and every order is cooked individually - they don' t have a big tray of it just sitting around. That means the veggies are crunchy and very fresh tasting. Equally as important as the food are the owners: warm, and welcoming people that know what it is to serve people with love. Accomodating is not the word here - listening to the way they talk to us about the food, recommend what to order, watching how the two of them orbit each other in that tight kitchen - I feel a tinge of guilt that I am getting the better end of the bargain. I am grateful for having found this little corner of life.

    Yahman's Jamaican food truck TEMPORARY LOCATION in side lot of Chevron station, Stock Island
    L L.

    SFGer!!!!! Another redeeming experience on Stock Island, to make up for the overpriced letdowns in downtown Key West! Spend your money here and you'll eat very well, both in value for huge portions, and authentic, rich island flavor! * * * LOCATION NOTE: Yahman's is apparently in transition in this early part of 2019. Prior Yelp photos show them working out of a window in a small building, but they were in a food truck in the Chevron gas station lot when we visited. We couldn't find them at the address listed on Yelp, but when I saw all their Yelp stars, I refused to give up on finding them. We called, and they instructed us where to go. * * * Also, check their fb page, because they are really good about updates on there! Okay, so as mentioned above, don't be afraid to call. They will answer and be totally friendly. You'll definitely want to call to find out the specials each day, and ask what time it'll be ready so you can try to get there asap. They do sell out of the popular oxtail and goat dishes (or other rarer specials they offer), and this WILL happen every day, so you've been warned. Call and ask when it'll be ready, and plan your day around it if you want a share! The regular jerk chicken is about $11, and the specials are only $2 more! These are absolutely unbelievable prices for the quality of food, and skill of preparation. And not just that, but the portions are HEAPING. They use that square 3-section generic foam container, that you've seen a million times from a million restaurants, BUT I have never been served this container so HEAVY and FULL OF FOOD. IDK if it should even really support this much food, but I'll take it! Just packed! (I could never finish a serving in one sitting, I ALWAYS had leftovers in the mini fridge in my hotel room.) I don't normally like cabbage, mostly because it is filled with carbs, but this cabbage is so tasty, it's worth the carbs. Seasoned with IDK what, but dang friggin delicious. The dirty rice, too, was worth the carbload; again, seasoned with love and magic. Also, the carmelized plantains (I heart plantains), done to perfection every time! YUM! All the sides mentioned accompany every dish, and are totally worth the jog afterward! We were too busy with other activities to catch the specials, as hard as we tried. We visited multiple times during our vacation, and it was consistently outstanding. Yahman's and our other favorite truck, Taco Grilla, cooked the big name places downtown under the table! Seriously, the three-fig dinners we had in Old Town KW were total duds compared to these Stock Island food truck stars! They already had 10 stars from us with their standard, basic, jerk chicken, so I am sure the specials would only jack that higher. In addition to the juicy, flavor-charred, subtly spicy heaven that is their jerk chicken, we also had the brown stew chicken, the jerk pork, and the curry chicken. Everything had layers of cultivated flavor. You had the meat itself, cooked with subtle seasoning, and right on with the textures and tenderness. Then a layer of char and rub for the skin of the jerk dishes, or stew juices for the stew and curry. Final touch was the thickeners for the stew and curry, or the sauces on the jerks. Every step complemented the next for a very successful meal. The sides were stand alone, IMO, but agreeable enough to go with every meat pairing and enhance it even more. Look at the 5 stars, review, after review, after review... it's correct. You will not be disappointed. Just make sure to call about those specials if you want one. If you end up with the last of the jerk chicken pot (as we did more than once) you will still not be disappointed! Save your cash for a cool jetski tour of the mangroves, and skip the cruise ship traps downtown in favor of Yahman's. You'll have MUCH more authentic island fare here, and it's clean, fresh food, not salted and laden with fat like the burger or oyster-and-fried-whatever places on Duval.

    Jerk Chicken
    Myles W.

    When you come to Key West this is where you need to make a stop. If you never make it to Jamaica the food from Yahman's is as authentic as it gets. The food is made with passion that none of these other places have, I personally recommend the classic Jerk chicken for newcomers the flavor of the food is outrageously good. Mark the owner has a serious passion for food unlike his competitors and to be honest nothing on this small island comes close to his food. If you want the real island experience make a left on Front Street in stock island and you will find his food truck on the left you will thank me later.

    Ackee and saltfish

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    1 year ago

    One of the best if not thee best dry rubs I've tasted ever. One of the best of any genre or ethnicity.

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    Page 1 of 3

    Ask the Community - Yahman's Authentic Jamaican Jerk Shack

    Blue Heaven - Key Lime Pie

    Blue Heaven

    4.3(5.5k reviews)
    8.1 mi
    $$

    The lobster anything was excellent. I has the shrimp benedict, but everyone else had lobster. The…read morechickens and roosters running around provided entertainment and the atmosphere with the trees and flowers flowing over top make it an experience.

    Blue Heaven is one of those rare places that feels less like a restaurant and more like a second…read morehome you somehow never knew you'd been missing. The food is excellent--flavorful, thoughtfully prepared, and consistently satisfying--but what truly sets this place apart is the service, especially when you're seated at the bar. As a bar guest, I experienced something far above exceptional. It felt like walking into a place I already loved and being shown the very best of it by people who genuinely care. To the bartenders and staff who made every visit feel that way: Dairy-ah (I'm almost certainly butchering the spelling, but the pronunciation stuck with me), thank you for the warmth, the skill, and the way you made the bar feel welcoming every time. Lucy--always with the hat on backwards--you became my spirit animal the moment I realized how perfectly that energy matched the whole vibe of the place. Thank you for being exactly who you are behind that bar. Brittney, the chillest of them all: your calm, easy presence made everything feel lighter and better. Chelsea, I only got to have you serve me once, but that one time was enough to know how good you are at this. And to the Servers, Paul and Lola: even in our brief interactions while I was at the bar, both of you brought such strong, genuine personalities that it elevated the whole experience. Thank you for that. Blue Heaven is an amazing restaurant with great food and even greater service. But more than that, it's the people who make it feel like coming home and being shown the best time in a place you love the most. Thank you--truly--to all of you for making it feel that way. And to Henry, a longtime regular at the bar, who passed away during my visit. "His" presence was clearly part of the fabric of this place, and I'm grateful I got to share that space, however briefly, with the people who knew and cared for him. Thank You All, and sorry if I didn't list your name in this review because there were far more of you than I've mentioned, just Know my early mornings sitting at the Blue Heavens Bar, was the highlight of everyday I spent in Key West. Sincerely, Brian.. (or as my friends call me, "Jonesie")...

    Photos
    Blue Heaven - Bar inside

    Bar inside

    Blue Heaven - Lobster Grits

    Lobster Grits

    Blue Heaven - Key Lime pie with super tall meringue

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    Key Lime pie with super tall meringue

    El Siboney Restaurant - Roast pork

    El Siboney Restaurant

    4.3(2.3k reviews)
    7.5 mi
    $$

    This might have been our first meal in Key West. Drove over, parked in their lot, and ordered two…read morethings, but the most amount of food. Very generous portions. Our research told us that this would be a great meal and it truly was. I ordered the pork chunks, which were perfectly fried and so flavorful and tender on the inside. My wife ordered Ropa Vieja which was pulled beef, which wasn't as good, but still quite tasty. Had to bring food back home with us, which we ate for various snacks before we departed. Fast food and a nice hidden gem in the town. Glad we had this kick off our trip.

    I've been to El Siboney a number of times over the years and am finally getting around to writing…read morethis review. The restaurant is tucked away on a back street, far from the usual tourist spots, which adds to its charm. The food is authentic Cuban cuisine -- and I say that after decades of living in and around Hudson County, NJ, where the Cuban community is large and vibrant. At El Siboney, everything tastes fresh and homemade, with generous portions and prices that are refreshingly reasonable for Key West. This visit, I ordered the whole fried yellow snapper, served with yuca, yellow rice, and beans. My dinner companion had the Siboney skirt steak, one of the restaurant's popular dishes, served with a choice of sides. Both meals were excellent. Dessert was equally impressive: a delicious slice of tres leches cake and silky vanilla custard that were the perfect ending to the meal. Overall, it was a fantastic dining experience. Dinner for two, including dessert and tip, came to about $100 -- a great value for the quality and quantity of food. El Siboney remains one of my favorite places to eat in Key West.

    Photos
    El Siboney Restaurant - On of the dinning rooms

    On of the dinning rooms

    El Siboney Restaurant - Chicharron and yuca frita- cheesy yuca sticks

    Chicharron and yuca frita- cheesy yuca sticks

    El Siboney Restaurant

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    The Jerk - Jerk pork with jasmine rice & steamed cabbage and sweet plantain.

    The Jerk

    4.6(93 reviews)
    7.9 mi
    $$

    I was told by one of the locals to try the jerk. I was off and decided to try the jerk. I decided…read moreto try the jerk chicken wings with rice the service was awesome and I would definitely return. The ambiance was nice and the music was very eclectic and the live band was great. When you're in Key West, FL make your way to The Jerk. To all my Yelpers let's continue to eat our way through the world #foodie4life.

    I stumbled across this spot earlier in the day after breakfast nearby and was intrigued by the sign…read moreadvertising Caribbean food and jerk chicken, one of my favorites. While I was checking it out, the bouncer at the bar next door told me it was worth a visit, which sealed the deal. Later that evening, I convinced my friends to go with me. They were expecting a full sit-down dinner, but this is more of a counter-service spot with 6-7 bar stools inside. The setup is simple: place your order at the counter, then either grab a stool or head to the bar next door, where they'll bring your food when it's ready. We chose the bar's patio, which gave us a clear view of the restaurant. It was reassuring to see other groups having their meals delivered over too--it felt like we had discovered the right local gem. The wait was about 25-30 minutes, but that only confirmed everything was being made fresh. And let me tell you, it was absolutely worth it. Our group ordered two jerk chicken plates with plantains, mac n' cheese, and slaw; one oxtail with black beans, rice, and mac n' cheese; and one jerk burger with fries. Every single dish was a hit. The jerk chicken had that perfect smoky spice and heat from the scotch bonnet peppers, balanced with bold Caribbean flavors. The oxtail was tender and flavorful, and even the sides like mac n' cheese and plantains stood out. All in all, this was easily one of the best Caribbean meals I've had anywhere. A true must try when in Key West.

    Photos
    The Jerk
    The Jerk - Oxtail with plantains, beans & rice.

    Oxtail with plantains, beans & rice.

    The Jerk - View of The Jerk from the Hero's bar next door.

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    View of The Jerk from the Hero's bar next door.

    Harbour View Cafe - Yogurt parfait bowl

    Harbour View Cafe

    3.8(6 reviews)
    8.1 mi
    $$

    While staying at Pier House, our group of 10 decided to dine here on a whim. We were given a table…read moreon the veranda which was very nice. WHAT I TRIED: Blackened Hog Fish Tacos- fresh and perfectly cooked. Conch Fritters- also just right with the most delicious key lime mustard sauce! Strawberry Lime Lemonade- very nice with muddled strawberries. Not overly sweet. My friends ordered the caribbean cobb salad, the white conch chowder, and crab/spinach dip. Two enthusiastic thumbs up from everyone. Our waiter, I think his name was Alvaro, single-handedly tended to our table. He took the orders, filled our glasses, double checked the orders were correct, brought out our food and extra anything we requested all while remaining cool, calm, collected, respectful, and poised. So refreshing! BY. HIM. SELF. Great hire! He definitively brought the experience full circle. ALSO unlike other restaurants on the key (cough Firefly, cough Santiago's Bodega) he easily and efficiently split our bill into several ones without ANY hesitation. Easy peasy. What a concept! I will be back to try their dinner menu the next time I'm in town!

    Poolside bar is good. Great for a quick bite for lunch or snacks. Harbor View Restaurant was odd to…read moresay the least. We made a reservation for 1:00 on Monday 9/7 and arrived a few minutes before 1:00 to be told they were closed due to it not being busy enough to stay open. Breakfast the next day was sub par. Way overpriced for basic tasteless eggs and potatoes. Servers were pleasant and attentive but the food was just bland. We would not dine there again.

    Photos
    Harbour View Cafe - Eggs sausage and potatoes

    Eggs sausage and potatoes

    Harbour View Cafe - Vegetable omelette potatoes

    Vegetable omelette potatoes

    Harbour View Cafe - Cuban French toast

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    Cuban French toast

    Yahman's Authentic Jamaican Jerk Shack - caribbean - Updated September 2026

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