This is only my 2nd POSITIVE Yelp review I took the time to post over the years. It's very difficult to impress me. This Jamaican joint stands out by far, including the atmosphere, vibe, friendly staff & variety of food & drink. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, hydrating drinks, snacks, desserts, big groups & catering. There's just no way you can step in w/ respect & ask them about their cuisine and/or traditions & not get a friendly unrushed response. But if you prefer a bag in your face faster than you can pull out your credit card, this isn't for you. Everything is prepared per order, so yes, it's better than drive-thru's. My order was To-Go & the easy pace was actually a blessing. I had time to escape a bit from the regular world outside & take in the full, soul-cleansing Jamaican vibe. I didn't mind chillin' at one of their charming colorful bar-tables, listening to soft reggae, checking out the thoughtful interior treatments w/ true Jamaican authenticity. For a moment I was transported & I could breathe. Spectacular must-have, their original homemade Pineappleginger drink. (Don't be surprised if the exact recipe is kept under wraps). Just like the folklore about coconut water, it will make your man right, mon. Hee.... It's the pineapple & ginger. Refreshing & hydrating, unlike soda on a hot day. Their large disk-shaped "Boiled Dumpling" is amply thick w/ just enough sweetness & consistent firm texture. Their Boiled Yam is like the Cassava popular in Cuban dishes, but prepared very differently, not as heavy & a great side. The boiled banana, delicious. After adding more & more samplings to try, I expected the bill to be around $30, and she said, "That's $13".... I had to do a double-take! "Thirteen?" There's was so much food, plus large cup of Pineappleginger, & the meat platters are generous. Some meats are uniquely Jamaican delights. If you're unsure start w/ the chicken & pork. If you don't want your Jerk too spicy, just request that it be cooked dryer w/ sauce on the side. Very memorable. They also serve breakfast, eat-in or take-out. It's right next to a Goodwill, Lowes, a barbershop, beauty supply store & more. It's on your way. Catch your breath from the chaos. They do large groups & catering too, which I'm seriously considering using very soon
(5)
Bryan R.
Islands in the pines -6-19-15- lunch ? - brown stew chicken coconut rice peas steamed veggies , Go online for special daily ,by 3 pm - early bird, happy hour, 1/2 half off Arrived at 3:05pm 5 min past lunch special RBF woman would not extend courtesy , chicken cut terrible small & weird pcs about 1/4 chicken worth of meat , cabbage not steamed enough , no coconut taste to the rice , pineapple / ginger drink good but sweet & $3.50 & NO refill 3.0
(1)
Jessica P.
Well me and my boyfriend got the jerk chicken lunch specials...let me just say AMAZING. the food was fantastic. Steamed veggies were awesome rice and peas great and the jerk chicken omg seriously so tender perfect taste and flavor. My one con is that I wished they had the choice of a milder jerk sauce. Granted jerk is Spicy but I like it a bit lighter. But over all excellent! This will be my usual spot
(5)
Jennifer T.
Being on vacation in Ft. Lauderdale and being from Texas, I wanted to hit up some good Caribbean food. We opted for Jamaican and this was the final choice. First off, I found the menu confusing. Side dishes that came with the meals were listed out as if each order came with them all, but that is not the case. The waitress did her best to explain. Which brings me to the biggest problem with this restaurant: the service. Very, very slow. As the post church crowd continue to pour in, the service continued to decline. The staff seemed confused whenever we had a question. They were out of many of the drinks we ordered, too. The food, when it finally came was good, not the best I've ever had. I love to try out different things so there was plenty to be adventurous with, but this was the only exciting thing about coming here.
(2)
Susan C.
Am I missing something? Where are all of these 4 and 5 star reviews coming from?? I just went to Islands in the Pines last night and certainly did not have a 5 star experience. My husband and I like Jamaican food so we bought a Groupon that would give us one appetizer and two entrees. The only reason that I even gave this place 2 stars was because our entrees were actually pretty good. I got the brown stew chicken and my husband got the oxtail. The meat was tasty, it was a good-sized portion and they accommodated my request for extra vegetables in place of rice and beans. Not that those vegetables were cabbage (good) and mixed vegetables from a can (um...). Our plantains were good, but my husband's rice and beans were nothing special Onto the bad... the service was horrendous! I don't know if they were short staffed or what, but it was beyond slow. Every part of the process - getting menus, ordering, getting our drinks - took forever. Good for them that the place is full at 8pm on a Tuesday night, but two people working the front was clearly not enough since people were dining in and ordering take out. We wanted to start with the escovitch (?) chicken wings, but we were told they were out of the sauce which really just seemed to be something with onions. That was really disappointing as what we got was 6 tiny fried wings with some ketchup. My husband remarked that you could get the same thing at the gas station. Also, do not order the house lemonade! I don't know what I got, but it didn't taste like lemonade to me. I think it was some citrus-y drink out of a can. It took forever for them just to bring the drinks and then whoever I ordered a water from promptly forgot about me and I had to ask again. This was our experience at Islands in the Pines. I'm glad other people enjoyed themselves, but we will not be going back.
(2)
Kristin S.
I am truly stuck between giving them 1 star or 4 stars. The place itself is simple, with a very casual ambiance and reasonable prices. The food itself was quite yummy, and they have vegetarian options. Obviously, those are the reasons I would give it 4 stars....HOWEVER we had a Groupon that expired, and as you know while you are not allowed to use the Groupon value of it, you are allowed to use the value you paid for it. The establishment refused to honor the groupon and the nice girl who worked behind the counter informed us that "the owner will no longer allow us to accept them." I considered this very bad business as the establishment took the money for the groupon but then refused to honor the groupon. We will NOT be going back, as this left a very very bad taste in our mouth.
Best FOOD ever! My friend had me pick up food from here and this is a really nice place to come to for lunch or dinner. Very chill and relaxed you might have to wave down a staff member but other than that the place is GREAT! Try it out!
(5)
Anthony G.
One of the best Jamaican restaurants outside of the island... Everything I have ever eaten here is awesome... My only problem is that they seem to run out of food... Good problem to have if you own the place but bad problem for a customer who really wanted their first choice... They always seem to be "fresh out" of what I want! But I'm ALWAYS happy when I leave!
(5)
Karla S.
My husband and I are always looking for a good Jamaican place. We loved Islands. Nice place, nice people and great food!
(4)
Danelia N.
Been coming here for years and is amongst the best jamaican food in the area. The curry chicken is amazing and the jamaican beef patties are to die for! Must come early because they only make them til a certain time or til they run out.
(5)
Bianca B.
Omg. Now I don't eat Jamaican food very often but when I do.. I need my oxtail.. Coconut rice and peas with cabbage and plantains.May I just say... Damn... That food was soooooo good. Everything was good.I love their brown stew chicken too! Yummy yummy yummy! I just wish they gave free refills.. :-/
(4)
Vanessa O.
Great place, I enjoy their brown stew chicken and oxtail. Go for lunch to save a couple of bucks.
(4)
Gene C.
Food is ok although I only have the soups and brown stew chicken. Many people would agree that the service takes a lot of time and one waitress in particular is very rude. I am not sure if she is racist but I am not Jamaican and always get treated nasty. Like they automatically assume I want my food take out when they didn't even ask me. Only reason I go there is because I work close by and don't eat much fast food. Nothing special here.
(2)
Cynthia G.
Can I put zero stars? This place is horrible! I've been here a few times and every SINGLE time they take forever. The people are rude, the food takes 35-45 minutes to come out and today my boyfriend ordered the brown stew chicken and it was cold on the inside. The lady admitted she just microwaved it. (!!!) So what took them 40 minutes?! She didn't even offer him an apology or a drink to make up for it! Don't waste your time here. Go to Donna's down the street.
(1)
Carol R.
A friend who works near me told me about Islands in the Pines. It's about 5 miles from my office (a little far for lunch). But, I decided to try it. And, I am hooked! I go there for lunch, often. I have tried all the lunch specials (they average $5). I love the stewed pork, the curry is almost as good as mine, and the jerk chicken is moist and delicious. While their soups are good, I find that from one day to the next, they seem the same. The pepper pot soup is not spicy (like it should be), and the gungo-peas soup tasted like the pepper pot soup with some gungo peas thrown in. Don't get me wrong, the soup is still a thick, savory stock with dumplings and such, and it is delicious. But, I expected a decided difference in the flavors. The festival they sell is crunchy and yummy. I have not tried a patty yet. But the homemade pineapple/ginger juice is good (and very sweet---too sweet for this diabetic). On the day I wanted some liver and onions, they did not have it. I know food well. Especially Jamaican food. I was born there, I am from a family of chefs, and I am a cook and freelance food critic. After about a week of not having some food from Islands in the Pines, I find myself hankering to go there for lunch. And, I keep driving the 10 miles round trip during my lunch hour!
(4)
Jo W.
I have been eating at Islands In the Pines for years. Although I no longer live in the area, any chance I get I head over there to get my Caribbean food fix. They are the epitome of what a great Jamaican restaurant should be. Not only do they serve delicious lunch/dinner (Jerk Chicken, Oxtail, Gungo Peas Soup), they also serve scrumptious breakfast (Ackee & Saltfish, Mackeral Rundown). As great as the food is, they also dish up a dining experience. You can always order take out but it is a nice place to dine-in. As the restaurant is aptly named, you may physically be in the Pines, but dining here you will be cast away on a island adventure. With ambient reggae tunes playing in the background it sets the mood. With the many food options it may be difficult to decide what to eat but I will tell you this whatever you choose will be an excellent choice. My personal favorite is the curry goat. Very spicy and extremely delicious!!! Their fresh lemonade is amazingly refreshing too. Prices are reasonable especially during lunch and best of all you get nuff (plenty) food. This last time I went the food was a bit off from what i am used to expecting. The curry didn't have the level of spicy I am used to (they may have toned it down to better suit the general public) and it was a bit on the fatty side. I am definitely not saying it was bad, it just was not up to the level I have been spoiled to love but since it was still good and not bad by any means, I will let it slide this time. Truly, I have been here far too many times without issue to complain about one time. To sum it up, Islands In the Pines is just that Islands In the Pines.
(4)
Shenika T.
Service was extremely slow! I mean waiting in line to get to the front. The place wasn't even packed. I even waited to pay. Luckily the Heat Parade was in tv and kept my attention for a little. Now the food. Simpy terrible. The curry was just gross. I ate it becasue I was hungry, but I wont be back. Taste like someone trying curry for the 1st time.
(1)
Dawn C.
Yummy food - shitty service: rude & unwelcoming. My money is better spent at restaurants that APPRECIATE their customers. Sad. Sad. Sad.
(2)
Natalie W.
I love this place! Been eating here for years and never had a bad meal. Oxtail delish! The soups are always great and full of flavor! My favorite place for Jamaican cuisine
(4)
Sean M.
Jerk chicken ugh tasted like american chicken with peppered brown gravy, I could not believe it. I am going to stick with the brown stew and curry chicken. I have noticed that sometimes the food is not as well seasoned all the time, so it can be a hit or miss. Most of the time the curry/brown stew is great, but a couple of times it was eh. I also found out the fat uncouth girl works only on friday and sunday night, so I will avoid those nights.
(2)
John W.
Tried once, wasn't impressed. Won't try again. I don't do many reviews but had to stop and make sure to do this because I was so unimpressed. Had the brown stew chicken which didnt have much flavor at all. Rice was good but that was it. Service was typical of jamaican restaurants, which is to say nonchalant and matter of fact. Food simply wasn't tasteful.
(1)
Yi L.
The food at this restaurant was really good. The service was mediocre, but we were willing to be forgiving about that since she brought our order out promptly and correctly. My bf ordered the cows foot stew and I ordered the jerk chicken. Both dishes came with boiled bananas, boiled yam, boiled dumplings and boiled cabbage. We also ordered a side of festival. Mmmmm this was not the best jerk chicken I have ever had, but it was pretty close.
(4)
Tony G.
Neighbor hood Jamaican spot and my go to for Jerk Chicken. Sometimes I get a craving for that spicy Jerk seasoning in my mouth nahmeans. I always get a ginger soda to go with too, very refreshing. The girl behind the counter is always friendly and the food comes out quickly dinning in or taking out. Usually go at least once a week.
(4)
Luis M.
I havn't had an intense immersion of Jamaican cuisine in South Florida, but outside of Jamaica itself, this is my go-to place. This is typical Jamaican fare. Most importantly, authentic Jamaican fare. Good tunes to jam to, from Desmond Dekker to modern day favs, and a cozy feel give Islands an overall feel of what jamaican comfort is about. Its not ultra plush. It's just easy. skankin. (look that one up) The curried goat is above and beyond amazing. Take a good look at the picture. A generous portion of the perfectly seasoned dish. The Rice and peas were savory, flavorful, and not at all dry and grainy. Fried plantains and festival round off the dish well. My friend had the stewed beef. Super melt in your mouth good. Round it off with some Grain Nut ice cream (try finding THAT one in your local publix) and youre in for the same meal one would find ANYWHERE on the good streets of JAMA. Minus one star for not having any patties available today. This place is a friggin winner. Praise Jah.
(4)
Renee S.
Pinapple juice + freshly brewed ginger beer = really good drink. I also had the jerk chicken with roti; the roti was REALLY good. They were out of callalou. Boo! :( My Jamaican friend Nic had the curried shrimp and roti. The roti was REALLY good when dipped in the curry paste. Mmmm.
(4)
Lucy W.
3 stars for the night I went, 3 1/2 from me but Yelp doesn't do halfs. I think it was just the night that I went because I went before and remember the oxtail tasting better. They have very delish tasting house lemonade and cabbage. I'm not normally a fan of cabbage but I liked their cabbage. I felt the oxtail wasn't very fresh tasting, meaning the actual beef. It wasn't spoiled or anything, just a bit dryer than normal. The coconut shrimp were good but I do believe the oil needed to be changed. I've worked in restaurants before, so I can forgive that since this is a mom and pop joint and not some mega chain. Very reasonably priced. I would give it a second shot especially since it's so close. Oh and very cute atmosphere/decor and our waitress was nice.
(4)
Tanya B.
Always a great place for brakefast.
(4)
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Address :162 N University Dr
Pembroke Pines, FL, 33024
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Quiet Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Dogs Allowed : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Gloria P.
This is only my 2nd POSITIVE Yelp review I took the time to post over the years. It's very difficult to impress me. This Jamaican joint stands out by far, including the atmosphere, vibe, friendly staff & variety of food & drink. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, hydrating drinks, snacks, desserts, big groups & catering. There's just no way you can step in w/ respect & ask them about their cuisine and/or traditions & not get a friendly unrushed response. But if you prefer a bag in your face faster than you can pull out your credit card, this isn't for you. Everything is prepared per order, so yes, it's better than drive-thru's. My order was To-Go & the easy pace was actually a blessing. I had time to escape a bit from the regular world outside & take in the full, soul-cleansing Jamaican vibe. I didn't mind chillin' at one of their charming colorful bar-tables, listening to soft reggae, checking out the thoughtful interior treatments w/ true Jamaican authenticity. For a moment I was transported & I could breathe. Spectacular must-have, their original homemade Pineappleginger drink. (Don't be surprised if the exact recipe is kept under wraps). Just like the folklore about coconut water, it will make your man right, mon. Hee.... It's the pineapple & ginger. Refreshing & hydrating, unlike soda on a hot day. Their large disk-shaped "Boiled Dumpling" is amply thick w/ just enough sweetness & consistent firm texture. Their Boiled Yam is like the Cassava popular in Cuban dishes, but prepared very differently, not as heavy & a great side. The boiled banana, delicious. After adding more & more samplings to try, I expected the bill to be around $30, and she said, "That's $13".... I had to do a double-take! "Thirteen?" There's was so much food, plus large cup of Pineappleginger, & the meat platters are generous. Some meats are uniquely Jamaican delights. If you're unsure start w/ the chicken & pork. If you don't want your Jerk too spicy, just request that it be cooked dryer w/ sauce on the side. Very memorable. They also serve breakfast, eat-in or take-out. It's right next to a Goodwill, Lowes, a barbershop, beauty supply store & more. It's on your way. Catch your breath from the chaos. They do large groups & catering too, which I'm seriously considering using very soon
(5)Bryan R.
Islands in the pines -6-19-15- lunch ? - brown stew chicken coconut rice peas steamed veggies , Go online for special daily ,by 3 pm - early bird, happy hour, 1/2 half off Arrived at 3:05pm 5 min past lunch special RBF woman would not extend courtesy , chicken cut terrible small & weird pcs about 1/4 chicken worth of meat , cabbage not steamed enough , no coconut taste to the rice , pineapple / ginger drink good but sweet & $3.50 & NO refill 3.0
(1)Jessica P.
Well me and my boyfriend got the jerk chicken lunch specials...let me just say AMAZING. the food was fantastic. Steamed veggies were awesome rice and peas great and the jerk chicken omg seriously so tender perfect taste and flavor. My one con is that I wished they had the choice of a milder jerk sauce. Granted jerk is Spicy but I like it a bit lighter. But over all excellent! This will be my usual spot
(5)Jennifer T.
Being on vacation in Ft. Lauderdale and being from Texas, I wanted to hit up some good Caribbean food. We opted for Jamaican and this was the final choice. First off, I found the menu confusing. Side dishes that came with the meals were listed out as if each order came with them all, but that is not the case. The waitress did her best to explain. Which brings me to the biggest problem with this restaurant: the service. Very, very slow. As the post church crowd continue to pour in, the service continued to decline. The staff seemed confused whenever we had a question. They were out of many of the drinks we ordered, too. The food, when it finally came was good, not the best I've ever had. I love to try out different things so there was plenty to be adventurous with, but this was the only exciting thing about coming here.
(2)Susan C.
Am I missing something? Where are all of these 4 and 5 star reviews coming from?? I just went to Islands in the Pines last night and certainly did not have a 5 star experience. My husband and I like Jamaican food so we bought a Groupon that would give us one appetizer and two entrees. The only reason that I even gave this place 2 stars was because our entrees were actually pretty good. I got the brown stew chicken and my husband got the oxtail. The meat was tasty, it was a good-sized portion and they accommodated my request for extra vegetables in place of rice and beans. Not that those vegetables were cabbage (good) and mixed vegetables from a can (um...). Our plantains were good, but my husband's rice and beans were nothing special Onto the bad... the service was horrendous! I don't know if they were short staffed or what, but it was beyond slow. Every part of the process - getting menus, ordering, getting our drinks - took forever. Good for them that the place is full at 8pm on a Tuesday night, but two people working the front was clearly not enough since people were dining in and ordering take out. We wanted to start with the escovitch (?) chicken wings, but we were told they were out of the sauce which really just seemed to be something with onions. That was really disappointing as what we got was 6 tiny fried wings with some ketchup. My husband remarked that you could get the same thing at the gas station. Also, do not order the house lemonade! I don't know what I got, but it didn't taste like lemonade to me. I think it was some citrus-y drink out of a can. It took forever for them just to bring the drinks and then whoever I ordered a water from promptly forgot about me and I had to ask again. This was our experience at Islands in the Pines. I'm glad other people enjoyed themselves, but we will not be going back.
(2)Kristin S.
I am truly stuck between giving them 1 star or 4 stars. The place itself is simple, with a very casual ambiance and reasonable prices. The food itself was quite yummy, and they have vegetarian options. Obviously, those are the reasons I would give it 4 stars....HOWEVER we had a Groupon that expired, and as you know while you are not allowed to use the Groupon value of it, you are allowed to use the value you paid for it. The establishment refused to honor the groupon and the nice girl who worked behind the counter informed us that "the owner will no longer allow us to accept them." I considered this very bad business as the establishment took the money for the groupon but then refused to honor the groupon. We will NOT be going back, as this left a very very bad taste in our mouth.
(1)hans simon f.
Really good, home cooking Jamaican cuisine. One of the best Curry Goat entrée around town. It's also great that I can also pick up my favourite Jamaican snack, i.e. Coconut Drops, Gizzarda, etc. You'll love the Jamaican arts and crafts displayed throughout the restaurant. Stop on by...
(4)Daniel K.
Best FOOD ever! My friend had me pick up food from here and this is a really nice place to come to for lunch or dinner. Very chill and relaxed you might have to wave down a staff member but other than that the place is GREAT! Try it out!
(5)Anthony G.
One of the best Jamaican restaurants outside of the island... Everything I have ever eaten here is awesome... My only problem is that they seem to run out of food... Good problem to have if you own the place but bad problem for a customer who really wanted their first choice... They always seem to be "fresh out" of what I want! But I'm ALWAYS happy when I leave!
(5)Karla S.
My husband and I are always looking for a good Jamaican place. We loved Islands. Nice place, nice people and great food!
(4)Danelia N.
Been coming here for years and is amongst the best jamaican food in the area. The curry chicken is amazing and the jamaican beef patties are to die for! Must come early because they only make them til a certain time or til they run out.
(5)Bianca B.
Omg. Now I don't eat Jamaican food very often but when I do.. I need my oxtail.. Coconut rice and peas with cabbage and plantains.May I just say... Damn... That food was soooooo good. Everything was good.I love their brown stew chicken too! Yummy yummy yummy! I just wish they gave free refills.. :-/
(4)Vanessa O.
Great place, I enjoy their brown stew chicken and oxtail. Go for lunch to save a couple of bucks.
(4)Gene C.
Food is ok although I only have the soups and brown stew chicken. Many people would agree that the service takes a lot of time and one waitress in particular is very rude. I am not sure if she is racist but I am not Jamaican and always get treated nasty. Like they automatically assume I want my food take out when they didn't even ask me. Only reason I go there is because I work close by and don't eat much fast food. Nothing special here.
(2)Cynthia G.
Can I put zero stars? This place is horrible! I've been here a few times and every SINGLE time they take forever. The people are rude, the food takes 35-45 minutes to come out and today my boyfriend ordered the brown stew chicken and it was cold on the inside. The lady admitted she just microwaved it. (!!!) So what took them 40 minutes?! She didn't even offer him an apology or a drink to make up for it! Don't waste your time here. Go to Donna's down the street.
(1)Carol R.
A friend who works near me told me about Islands in the Pines. It's about 5 miles from my office (a little far for lunch). But, I decided to try it. And, I am hooked! I go there for lunch, often. I have tried all the lunch specials (they average $5). I love the stewed pork, the curry is almost as good as mine, and the jerk chicken is moist and delicious. While their soups are good, I find that from one day to the next, they seem the same. The pepper pot soup is not spicy (like it should be), and the gungo-peas soup tasted like the pepper pot soup with some gungo peas thrown in. Don't get me wrong, the soup is still a thick, savory stock with dumplings and such, and it is delicious. But, I expected a decided difference in the flavors. The festival they sell is crunchy and yummy. I have not tried a patty yet. But the homemade pineapple/ginger juice is good (and very sweet---too sweet for this diabetic). On the day I wanted some liver and onions, they did not have it. I know food well. Especially Jamaican food. I was born there, I am from a family of chefs, and I am a cook and freelance food critic. After about a week of not having some food from Islands in the Pines, I find myself hankering to go there for lunch. And, I keep driving the 10 miles round trip during my lunch hour!
(4)Jo W.
I have been eating at Islands In the Pines for years. Although I no longer live in the area, any chance I get I head over there to get my Caribbean food fix. They are the epitome of what a great Jamaican restaurant should be. Not only do they serve delicious lunch/dinner (Jerk Chicken, Oxtail, Gungo Peas Soup), they also serve scrumptious breakfast (Ackee & Saltfish, Mackeral Rundown). As great as the food is, they also dish up a dining experience. You can always order take out but it is a nice place to dine-in. As the restaurant is aptly named, you may physically be in the Pines, but dining here you will be cast away on a island adventure. With ambient reggae tunes playing in the background it sets the mood. With the many food options it may be difficult to decide what to eat but I will tell you this whatever you choose will be an excellent choice. My personal favorite is the curry goat. Very spicy and extremely delicious!!! Their fresh lemonade is amazingly refreshing too. Prices are reasonable especially during lunch and best of all you get nuff (plenty) food. This last time I went the food was a bit off from what i am used to expecting. The curry didn't have the level of spicy I am used to (they may have toned it down to better suit the general public) and it was a bit on the fatty side. I am definitely not saying it was bad, it just was not up to the level I have been spoiled to love but since it was still good and not bad by any means, I will let it slide this time. Truly, I have been here far too many times without issue to complain about one time. To sum it up, Islands In the Pines is just that Islands In the Pines.
(4)Shenika T.
Service was extremely slow! I mean waiting in line to get to the front. The place wasn't even packed. I even waited to pay. Luckily the Heat Parade was in tv and kept my attention for a little. Now the food. Simpy terrible. The curry was just gross. I ate it becasue I was hungry, but I wont be back. Taste like someone trying curry for the 1st time.
(1)Dawn C.
Yummy food - shitty service: rude & unwelcoming. My money is better spent at restaurants that APPRECIATE their customers. Sad. Sad. Sad.
(2)Natalie W.
I love this place! Been eating here for years and never had a bad meal. Oxtail delish! The soups are always great and full of flavor! My favorite place for Jamaican cuisine
(4)Sean M.
Jerk chicken ugh tasted like american chicken with peppered brown gravy, I could not believe it. I am going to stick with the brown stew and curry chicken. I have noticed that sometimes the food is not as well seasoned all the time, so it can be a hit or miss. Most of the time the curry/brown stew is great, but a couple of times it was eh. I also found out the fat uncouth girl works only on friday and sunday night, so I will avoid those nights.
(2)John W.
Tried once, wasn't impressed. Won't try again. I don't do many reviews but had to stop and make sure to do this because I was so unimpressed. Had the brown stew chicken which didnt have much flavor at all. Rice was good but that was it. Service was typical of jamaican restaurants, which is to say nonchalant and matter of fact. Food simply wasn't tasteful.
(1)Yi L.
The food at this restaurant was really good. The service was mediocre, but we were willing to be forgiving about that since she brought our order out promptly and correctly. My bf ordered the cows foot stew and I ordered the jerk chicken. Both dishes came with boiled bananas, boiled yam, boiled dumplings and boiled cabbage. We also ordered a side of festival. Mmmmm this was not the best jerk chicken I have ever had, but it was pretty close.
(4)Tony G.
Neighbor hood Jamaican spot and my go to for Jerk Chicken. Sometimes I get a craving for that spicy Jerk seasoning in my mouth nahmeans. I always get a ginger soda to go with too, very refreshing. The girl behind the counter is always friendly and the food comes out quickly dinning in or taking out. Usually go at least once a week.
(4)Luis M.
I havn't had an intense immersion of Jamaican cuisine in South Florida, but outside of Jamaica itself, this is my go-to place. This is typical Jamaican fare. Most importantly, authentic Jamaican fare. Good tunes to jam to, from Desmond Dekker to modern day favs, and a cozy feel give Islands an overall feel of what jamaican comfort is about. Its not ultra plush. It's just easy. skankin. (look that one up) The curried goat is above and beyond amazing. Take a good look at the picture. A generous portion of the perfectly seasoned dish. The Rice and peas were savory, flavorful, and not at all dry and grainy. Fried plantains and festival round off the dish well. My friend had the stewed beef. Super melt in your mouth good. Round it off with some Grain Nut ice cream (try finding THAT one in your local publix) and youre in for the same meal one would find ANYWHERE on the good streets of JAMA. Minus one star for not having any patties available today. This place is a friggin winner. Praise Jah.
(4)Renee S.
Pinapple juice + freshly brewed ginger beer = really good drink. I also had the jerk chicken with roti; the roti was REALLY good. They were out of callalou. Boo! :( My Jamaican friend Nic had the curried shrimp and roti. The roti was REALLY good when dipped in the curry paste. Mmmm.
(4)Lucy W.
3 stars for the night I went, 3 1/2 from me but Yelp doesn't do halfs. I think it was just the night that I went because I went before and remember the oxtail tasting better. They have very delish tasting house lemonade and cabbage. I'm not normally a fan of cabbage but I liked their cabbage. I felt the oxtail wasn't very fresh tasting, meaning the actual beef. It wasn't spoiled or anything, just a bit dryer than normal. The coconut shrimp were good but I do believe the oil needed to be changed. I've worked in restaurants before, so I can forgive that since this is a mom and pop joint and not some mega chain. Very reasonably priced. I would give it a second shot especially since it's so close. Oh and very cute atmosphere/decor and our waitress was nice.
(4)Tanya B.
Always a great place for brakefast.
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