Yes, this is some of the best food in Jacksonville. If you are craving a home cooked meal, you found it.
(4)
Rodney M.
My go to place for corned beef & cabbage. I used to get this dish from Irie's but had to many failed attempts with them so I come here for it. I've eaten here quite a number of times over the years and found their food, facility and service to be good; however for anything that Island Tropics and here share, you're better off quantity, and cost wise to go to Island Tropics. The food quality between the 2 is about even but the former 2 things gets Island Tropics the upper hand. Back to the dish, I got a Jumbo size for $9.76 and it was full. Oh and they will allow you to get cabbage instead of rice, which I like, so I got corned beef & cabbage with cabbage (which has carrots and corn also). This was enough for about 3-4 full portions. That wasn't the case last time I got this which is why I took me so long to return; however they got it right this time.
(4)
Kerry C.
I am very pleased with the food from here. We picked up take out for an early dinner last weekend, and it was delicious. We tried: curried goat, beef stew, jerk chicken, plantains, & dumplings. All were spicy, but not killer (the mild dumplings really helped with the heat). We had rice & peas (beans) as the side dish. We also had the mild hand pies, which were worth going just for that alone. LOL The only disappointment we had was that they were out of oxtails, which we had really wanted to try. The ladies who work here were very pleasant and efficient. The interior was clean, as were the bathrooms. (The parking lot left a lot to be desired, but that is not their fault.) Whether you eat in or get it to go, it's all packed in styro with plasticware and napkins. I recommend this place for anyone wanting a good "home cooked" Caribbean meal.
(4)
Marie F.
Sit back in the colorful dining area and await our food. The bright colors play into an enjoyable atmosphere but somehow the vibe made it feel elementary cafeteria ish?! First disappointment - this place was ghostly quiet. A stench of hostility among the staff. Everyone seemed to work around each other instead of together. I could be wrong - but strange vibe! No welcomes or smiles. Second disappointment - a lot of the sides are out? It's a little after 4pm on a Monday (Labor Day). I was surprised they were even open - but why are they running out of food so early? We order the stewed chicken and oxtails with just rice. We dug in knees deep and came up with bullsh*t! The food was served at room temperature? After hours, sitting in the sun, watching a baseball we were too hungry to send it back. You know when you follow a new recipe and the food looks okay but you are unsure if you got the taste right? Flavor was so generic and plain. I felt like i was served poorly reheated leftovers. No heat, no spice just blandness! (No come to me wid dem aagiment deh - but this is just my 2 cents.) Stewed chicken was falling off the bone but still tasteless. Ditto for the oxtail. In short - I've had better but still a good restaurant.
(3)
Mariko S.
Small little place. Makes me feel like I'm somewhere else at the local little cafe. I used to live in Nairobi Kenya. It reminds me of a little cafe in town where the mzungu doesn't really go to . (but I do :D ) Ordered goat curry. Sooooo good ! Great price. A lot of food ! Ordered beef patty to go for snack in my handbag ! Can't wait ! I love beef patty !!! Wish they had more bakery stuff. I would have bought more to go.
(4)
Dave W.
Great Jamaican food in Jax, and at the Riverside Arts Market, they have the best food (maybe tied with Pele's pizza, but that's a completely different genre). I always get their oxtail, goat curry, or jerk chicken - they're all very well done. The oxtail being a particular standout. If you've never had oxtails, don't be intimidated. The meat falls right off the bones and cartilage. One reviewer commented on their beef patties, saying "can get better at Walmart." I'd respectfully disagree - Walmart does not sell Jamaican beef patties. Furthermore, those beef patties (go with the spicy one) are pretty tight. Nice and flaky pastry and flavorful inside. If you like authentic ethnic food at a very reasonable price - hit this place up. If you like Mr. Taco, Pepe's Hacienda, or El Mofongo, add this one to your list.
(5)
Veronica G.
Been going here off and on for years, food is still excellent and affordable. Wish the parking was better. Sometimes there have been young people outside once or twice who made me feel nervous, but no one has ever given me any problems. I'll still give this place five stars. They are consistently the best I had in Jacksonville.
(5)
Kaneil Smith S.
Ok I'm Jamaican (so mek mi tel yuh bout dis) I had the brown stew Chicken and rice n peas. It was pretty good, can't fault them there (mom's is better). It's authentic.it's spicy. Nice portion size. Didn't have the patty, patty in most places in the USA is hit and miss for th most part I've only been blown away once by patty in the US and that's in Georgia. Back on point: the place is nice and clean bright and filled with island aroma. I would go back.
(4)
Mark B.
This place is as solid as the rock. You can always depend on getting an authentic Jamaican meal cooked right every time. We have been coming here since they opened up many years ago. We used to go to Jamaica every year for 6-7 years. The folks here are from a small town in Jamaica called Saint Ann's Parish. They food is spicy yet flavorful and not so spicy that you burn up your taste buds. I love their beef patties to with just the right pastry mixture to filling. Making them exactly like the Juici Pattie's we are used to eating on the streets of Ocho Rios. They also carry many of spices and marinades used in Jamaican cooking. You also can't forget the drinks for ginger beer to the Ting which is a grapefruit soda. We love this place and will keep going back every time we want something Irie.
(5)
Linda B.
We have been eating with them for 8-10 years now. They are probably the most authentic Jamaican food there is in town. We just returned from the 1st Jerk Festival and the food wasn't as authentic as we wanted. So now the craving was there and we knew just where to go. Caribbean Sunrise Bakery right down the road from the house. When we arrived we met another couple of folks from the festival. I love the curry goat with very tender and spicy meat. Their food is spicy enough but not too spicy. It doesn't burn out your taste buds but you can taste all the parts. We both devour the meat patties and they are just like we remember from our 8 trips to Jamaica. Juici Patties are as common as the sun is. We like just about everything from the Jerk Chicken, Curries, and the stews. Then you have to wash it all down with the Ting from Jamaica. So after a good meat from Carb Sun everything is definatly Irie
(5)
Kd F.
Great authentic caribbean food one of the best in jacksonville.
(5)
Devon N.
The office sent our secretary out to this place today to pick up lunch. I played it safe and got two Jamaican beef patties and a side of plátanos (fried plantains.) The beef patties were standard fare, and pretty much tasted just like any other beef patty you're gonna get anywhere else. I have my doubts they are made fresh, likely frozen and fried... but don't take my word for it. The plátanos were disappointingly abysmal. I normally love plátanos but these were bitter and .... kinda off. I also had a cup of the fresh fruit punch they make, and it was really good. I could taste all the different kinds of fruit juice they used. Overall, I doubt I'll chip in on lunch from this establishment again. I can buy the same quality beef patties at Wal Mart.
(2)
Jamie R.
awesome food. vEry generous portions. sweet people. roots drinks:)
(5)
Jay L.
Ya mon...jerk chicken. Ok, not an expert on the jerk...haha... It's kinda out in the middle of nowhere kinda Northiside way. Not the best hood...I wouldn't want Glabella out there all by herself at night. Of the Caribe spots I've been too, I'd say this is the most authentic. I got the rec from a couple of friends who lived in the Caribbean (Jamaica). Here's the deal. They have a walk up counter, you order your jerk, curry, or whatever in beef, goat, oxtail or chicken. You can get a small (express) for $5, a regular for $8 or a large for $11. You get to pick dumplings, plantains, or cabbage and white rice or beans and rice. You get plenty of food, it's really good and really spicy. Again, I don't know the difference cuz I ain't never been to the islands I myself, but this is some good stuff. Oh, they also got meat patties for $1.25 each. Chicken or beef with curry in a flaky crust. Pretty good, but not super. I've gone back twice and I like it.
(4)
Sriram D.
Have to be honest the bright island colors drew me to this place. Nothing special in terms of menu was a but disappointed that you can get only side with your dish. No spice til you add a very generous hot sauce which says Louisiana. Come one where is the famous Island heat sauce.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : No Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Quiet Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : No Caters : Yes
Adam J. V.
Yes, this is some of the best food in Jacksonville. If you are craving a home cooked meal, you found it.
(4)Rodney M.
My go to place for corned beef & cabbage. I used to get this dish from Irie's but had to many failed attempts with them so I come here for it. I've eaten here quite a number of times over the years and found their food, facility and service to be good; however for anything that Island Tropics and here share, you're better off quantity, and cost wise to go to Island Tropics. The food quality between the 2 is about even but the former 2 things gets Island Tropics the upper hand. Back to the dish, I got a Jumbo size for $9.76 and it was full. Oh and they will allow you to get cabbage instead of rice, which I like, so I got corned beef & cabbage with cabbage (which has carrots and corn also). This was enough for about 3-4 full portions. That wasn't the case last time I got this which is why I took me so long to return; however they got it right this time.
(4)Kerry C.
I am very pleased with the food from here. We picked up take out for an early dinner last weekend, and it was delicious. We tried: curried goat, beef stew, jerk chicken, plantains, & dumplings. All were spicy, but not killer (the mild dumplings really helped with the heat). We had rice & peas (beans) as the side dish. We also had the mild hand pies, which were worth going just for that alone. LOL The only disappointment we had was that they were out of oxtails, which we had really wanted to try. The ladies who work here were very pleasant and efficient. The interior was clean, as were the bathrooms. (The parking lot left a lot to be desired, but that is not their fault.) Whether you eat in or get it to go, it's all packed in styro with plasticware and napkins. I recommend this place for anyone wanting a good "home cooked" Caribbean meal.
(4)Marie F.
Sit back in the colorful dining area and await our food. The bright colors play into an enjoyable atmosphere but somehow the vibe made it feel elementary cafeteria ish?! First disappointment - this place was ghostly quiet. A stench of hostility among the staff. Everyone seemed to work around each other instead of together. I could be wrong - but strange vibe! No welcomes or smiles. Second disappointment - a lot of the sides are out? It's a little after 4pm on a Monday (Labor Day). I was surprised they were even open - but why are they running out of food so early? We order the stewed chicken and oxtails with just rice. We dug in knees deep and came up with bullsh*t! The food was served at room temperature? After hours, sitting in the sun, watching a baseball we were too hungry to send it back. You know when you follow a new recipe and the food looks okay but you are unsure if you got the taste right? Flavor was so generic and plain. I felt like i was served poorly reheated leftovers. No heat, no spice just blandness! (No come to me wid dem aagiment deh - but this is just my 2 cents.) Stewed chicken was falling off the bone but still tasteless. Ditto for the oxtail. In short - I've had better but still a good restaurant.
(3)Mariko S.
Small little place. Makes me feel like I'm somewhere else at the local little cafe. I used to live in Nairobi Kenya. It reminds me of a little cafe in town where the mzungu doesn't really go to . (but I do :D ) Ordered goat curry. Sooooo good ! Great price. A lot of food ! Ordered beef patty to go for snack in my handbag ! Can't wait ! I love beef patty !!! Wish they had more bakery stuff. I would have bought more to go.
(4)Dave W.
Great Jamaican food in Jax, and at the Riverside Arts Market, they have the best food (maybe tied with Pele's pizza, but that's a completely different genre). I always get their oxtail, goat curry, or jerk chicken - they're all very well done. The oxtail being a particular standout. If you've never had oxtails, don't be intimidated. The meat falls right off the bones and cartilage. One reviewer commented on their beef patties, saying "can get better at Walmart." I'd respectfully disagree - Walmart does not sell Jamaican beef patties. Furthermore, those beef patties (go with the spicy one) are pretty tight. Nice and flaky pastry and flavorful inside. If you like authentic ethnic food at a very reasonable price - hit this place up. If you like Mr. Taco, Pepe's Hacienda, or El Mofongo, add this one to your list.
(5)Veronica G.
Been going here off and on for years, food is still excellent and affordable. Wish the parking was better. Sometimes there have been young people outside once or twice who made me feel nervous, but no one has ever given me any problems. I'll still give this place five stars. They are consistently the best I had in Jacksonville.
(5)Kaneil Smith S.
Ok I'm Jamaican (so mek mi tel yuh bout dis) I had the brown stew Chicken and rice n peas. It was pretty good, can't fault them there (mom's is better). It's authentic.it's spicy. Nice portion size. Didn't have the patty, patty in most places in the USA is hit and miss for th most part I've only been blown away once by patty in the US and that's in Georgia. Back on point: the place is nice and clean bright and filled with island aroma. I would go back.
(4)Mark B.
This place is as solid as the rock. You can always depend on getting an authentic Jamaican meal cooked right every time. We have been coming here since they opened up many years ago. We used to go to Jamaica every year for 6-7 years. The folks here are from a small town in Jamaica called Saint Ann's Parish. They food is spicy yet flavorful and not so spicy that you burn up your taste buds. I love their beef patties to with just the right pastry mixture to filling. Making them exactly like the Juici Pattie's we are used to eating on the streets of Ocho Rios. They also carry many of spices and marinades used in Jamaican cooking. You also can't forget the drinks for ginger beer to the Ting which is a grapefruit soda. We love this place and will keep going back every time we want something Irie.
(5)Linda B.
We have been eating with them for 8-10 years now. They are probably the most authentic Jamaican food there is in town. We just returned from the 1st Jerk Festival and the food wasn't as authentic as we wanted. So now the craving was there and we knew just where to go. Caribbean Sunrise Bakery right down the road from the house. When we arrived we met another couple of folks from the festival. I love the curry goat with very tender and spicy meat. Their food is spicy enough but not too spicy. It doesn't burn out your taste buds but you can taste all the parts. We both devour the meat patties and they are just like we remember from our 8 trips to Jamaica. Juici Patties are as common as the sun is. We like just about everything from the Jerk Chicken, Curries, and the stews. Then you have to wash it all down with the Ting from Jamaica. So after a good meat from Carb Sun everything is definatly Irie
(5)Kd F.
Great authentic caribbean food one of the best in jacksonville.
(5)Devon N.
The office sent our secretary out to this place today to pick up lunch. I played it safe and got two Jamaican beef patties and a side of plátanos (fried plantains.) The beef patties were standard fare, and pretty much tasted just like any other beef patty you're gonna get anywhere else. I have my doubts they are made fresh, likely frozen and fried... but don't take my word for it. The plátanos were disappointingly abysmal. I normally love plátanos but these were bitter and .... kinda off. I also had a cup of the fresh fruit punch they make, and it was really good. I could taste all the different kinds of fruit juice they used. Overall, I doubt I'll chip in on lunch from this establishment again. I can buy the same quality beef patties at Wal Mart.
(2)Jamie R.
awesome food. vEry generous portions. sweet people. roots drinks:)
(5)Jay L.
Ya mon...jerk chicken. Ok, not an expert on the jerk...haha... It's kinda out in the middle of nowhere kinda Northiside way. Not the best hood...I wouldn't want Glabella out there all by herself at night. Of the Caribe spots I've been too, I'd say this is the most authentic. I got the rec from a couple of friends who lived in the Caribbean (Jamaica). Here's the deal. They have a walk up counter, you order your jerk, curry, or whatever in beef, goat, oxtail or chicken. You can get a small (express) for $5, a regular for $8 or a large for $11. You get to pick dumplings, plantains, or cabbage and white rice or beans and rice. You get plenty of food, it's really good and really spicy. Again, I don't know the difference cuz I ain't never been to the islands I myself, but this is some good stuff. Oh, they also got meat patties for $1.25 each. Chicken or beef with curry in a flaky crust. Pretty good, but not super. I've gone back twice and I like it.
(4)Sriram D.
Have to be honest the bright island colors drew me to this place. Nothing special in terms of menu was a but disappointed that you can get only side with your dish. No spice til you add a very generous hot sauce which says Louisiana. Come one where is the famous Island heat sauce.
(3)