Taste Of The Caribbean
1212 E Jefferson St, Seattle, WA, 98122
Taste Of The Caribbean Menu
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Address :
1212 E Jefferson St
Seattle, WA, 98122 - Phone (206) 323-9112
- Website https://www.tasteofthecaribbeanseattle.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :Closed
- Mon : Closed
Tue
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Divey
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
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Avian N.
Deeeeelicious. Curry chicken, A+. Braised oxtail, A+. Jerk chicken, A+. Will be coming back when my diet is over.
(5)Regime H.
If you haven't been here, then you are missing out. There is no better "authentic" Caribbean restaurant in Seattle. Seattle-lites need to start packing this place in because it is 'ucking phenomenal. The jerk chicken with a beef patty and some plantains is where it's at....
(5)Itopia M.
The food was delicious! The only thing I disliked was the wait time because I ordered to go. I'll definitely be back. And I recommend getting anything jerk! I had the jerk chicken with rice and peas, salad, plantains and dumplings... Delicious!
(5)Bri M.
I first had the jerked chicken with rice/beans via the Peach food delivery service and I really liked it, so I decided to stop by the restaurant and give the food another try. I went there on a Tuesday afternoon at 2pm and the restaurant was empty. We were greeted and seated by the owner. Ordering went fine, however, we never got our glasses of water refilled and he never returned to check on us or ask if we needed anything else after we made our order. The chicken was ok...it was really bony. The drumsticks were tiny and the rest of the chicken came from the ribs of the chicken; it lacked meat and it was very bony. The chicken was also covered in buffalo sauce which is something that the chicken I ordered from Peach lacked. The salad was a handful of shredded cabbage and some green leaves. The cabbage was a bit old and starting to brown. Overall, I will not be coming back again.
(2)A D.
Went a month ago. I had some sort of curry shrimp dish and my friend got a pork dish. Both plates were EXCELLENT. The waiter recommended the traditional jerk chicken, but everything else on the menu looked delicious as well. The inside of the restaurant was poorly lit and didn't have a lot of natural light coming in. I saw a big beautiful bar and had planned on ordering drinks, but was told they didn't have a liquor license and were panning on getting one in the future. Upon closer inspection, I saw that the bar only displayed exotic sodas lol. I think the spot turns into a karaoke bar/dance hall at night.
(4)Seattle F.
Food = 8 out of 10 Service = 7 out of 10 Cleanliness = 5 out of 10 Go for the food! It's pretty darn yummy. Especially the jerk chicken. The service is friendly but sometimes they are in the back with no one out front which can be slightly frustrating. The decor is meh. It's like a dance hall which happens to have some tables here and there. Perhaps it turns into a night club at night? I usually get things to go.
(4)shirley l.
Yelp says they take reservations, but they don't really - you can call day off and give them a "heads up" though Service is lacking and slow. Not sure if we came on a bad night and they are usually staffed better but there isn't a hurry to get menus or waters on tables. I think we waited at least 10 mins before anyone brought even a menu. And then we waited another 10 after I had to ask for the water when menus were stopped off. Granted we had a large group, but those two things are generally things that customers shouldn't have to ask for. Water should also be automatic for a place that doesn't have AC! (Noticed this for other tables as well, ranging from party size of 2-4 people) When our group finally did order, we waited another hour for our food. I gave them some slack since we were a big group but with no special requests, 3 entrees didn't get punched in or something and while everyone else ate their food, they sat another half hour waiting for theirs. Although they were comped their meals and the restaurant very apologetic, it was a big pain as we already had waited SO LONG for all other service. I didn't even mention yet that we also had appetizers and drinks that weren't even brought to the table until I asked - and these things WERE punched in to the ticket because our server said she didn't charge for the extra stuff we ordered - at which point I had to point out the stuff we originally ordered never even came. This place is chaotic to say the least. No real system down, super hole in the wall and ran like one. Noticed some smaller groups that sat down and got drinks and food faster - perhaps that was the homie hookup or something, I don't know. Now into the food - the only reason they got 3 stars. Stuff that was delicious an would order again: codfish fritters, festival, oxtail. Jerk chicken is good but the entree seemed to be portioned smaller then the other dishes so I would skip that. I would suggest going earlier in the week so that they may not be as busy and hopefully your service is better/quicker and to be sure to come in a small group. Food is good but after that experience, I'm afraid to come back and experience the same service. We weren't demanding at all, no special requests or funky split checks but they kept messing up stuff!
(3)Susan V.
Taste of the Caribbean is delicious, authentic and friendly. Even my Jamaican mother-in-law was impressed by the food. Not to a fancy place, but don't let that fool you. Order whatever sounds good to you, but don't be scared of something new.
(5)Manjae P.
I've never been to Jamaica but this for sure was very exotic! I loved the food and the service. Ambience is not typical. I don't really know how to explain this. Definitely a fun place to go though. Oxtail and jerk pork both very nice but both heavy. I would recommend ordering one or the other and then ordering something lighter. Will revisit.
(5)Annamaria C.
The food here is so delicious! I love the fried plantains and the wonderful juicy jerk pork. Waitress was excellent as well! Definitely coming back.
(5)Jason B.
It's been over a year since my first review and I just keep going back. The owners and staff are very friendly and accommodating and of course the food just keeps getting better. Whenever I get asked by visiting clients or friends about finding some authentic Jamaican delicacy... Take a guess where I send them! Keep up the good work guys.
(5)Shenequa H.
I came here because one of my good friends wanted to eat here. The service is nice and the women who was the waitress was really nice and friendly. I got the jerk chicken and the spices on the chicken are really good wish they had put more sauce on the chicken though but that was okay it was seasoned nice an wasn't to spicy. The rice and beans that came with the meal was really good.! It tasted as if they cooked it in coconut oil. The salad was the best part of the meal to me. It needed more dressing though. And when we asked if we can have more salad she brought over a big bowl of salad free of charge. overall I wouldn't say the food was amazing and I wouldn't say it was bad it was whatever. Would I go again probably not for a while but if a group of my friends wanted to go yea. But it wouldn't be my suggestion..
(3)Alison R.
Was planning on eating Ethiopian tonight but saw the Taste of Caribbean across the street. I ordered the jerk chicken with fried plantains and a Jamaican patty. It was more like a Jamaican PARTY in my mouth. All delicious. I washed it down with some Red Stripe and it paired perfectly. The service was also great. I'm looking forward to their bar opening so there are more booze options. I could definitely see myself enjoying some cocktails, playing pool, and hanging out on their patio in the summertime. Only thing I would recommend to the owners is to brand yourself a bit more. I barely saw the sign at the front and there wasn't much light illuminating the building. But everything else was superb!
(5)Karen B.
Went in super early for dinner tonight. Hubby was craving some food from his childhood. Love love loved the jerk chicken wings. In fact loved our whole meal. Goat curry was tender and delicious. And the Ackee and Salt fish was just as good. All of this washed down with his childhood favourite drink, champagne kola. Only disappointment was the plantains and beef patty weren't available. But that won't stop us. We'll be back for more delicious Jamaican food. Almost forgot. The service was fast and efficient. Everyone was really lovely.
(4)Amanda S.
Got 10 Jamaican Beef Patties delivered. These Jamaican patties are basically meat, goup and yellow. This is the perfect recipe for deliciousness. The crusty outside is flakey and fragrant. The filling has like a bean paste type consistency and tastes very meaty and has some kick to it. They hold up well the next day too. Yum. Will have to try other things here next time.
(4)Nick M.
Very good! Quick too. The chicken jerk has a good spice so if you don't like spicy food, stay away. Will come back for sure.
(5)Chris H.
Today was my first time going into ToC, and I must say, it was some of the best Caribbean food I've had outside of the Caribbean coasts of Central America. I have yet to set foot on Jamaican soil, but you can taste the Caribbean cultural passion for food with every succulent bite from the tenderly cooked jerked pork, to the sweet and slightly crispy fried plantains. The curry shrimp was cooked to perfection as well, with a subtle heat just to tantalize the taste buds. Of course, no Caribbean meal is complete without a little rum punch to wash it all down. Carlene, ToC's part owner and operator, was a delightful host and shared with us her vision for ToC and her passion for Jamaican culture. With the deck opening up just in time for the summer, this will definitely be a place where you can catch those easy-going, Caribbean vibes 3,000 miles northwest of Jamaica.
(5)Sam C.
Great place! They sublet the kitchen of a Jamaican Dancehall nightclub until 9pm each night, so it's a fun interesting dining atmosphere. This is some of the better Jamaican food I've ever had, including homemade dishes I've had with Jamaican friends. If you get their signature Ackee-Salt fish be sure to substitute your sides for an order of the Festival (fried sweet bread with a delicious coconut cream dipping sauce.) The combination of super salty fish, onions and peppers with the Festival is the bomb. I've also had the jerk chicken, plantains and beef patty (similar to an empanada) and all three were on par with other great Caribbean food I've had.
(4)Jasmine J.
I loved it I originally came for beef patties only but since they were out (which should happen) I got the jerk wings plate with rice and beans. My boyfriend and I have been searching for a place with amazing West Indian food since his family is from Barbados and he grew up in NY there was always West Indian food around. He got me addicted to Beef patties on our trip to Ny. Sad that they were out but I'll be back to try again. Love it
(5)Francesca U.
Amazing food, very flavorful and spiced perfect! Saw some good reviews so we decided try it out. Ate there for lunch at about noon and the place was completely empty. We were seated after a couple minutes trying to find out if the place was open for lunch. We were greeted and sat down. The decor is nothing fancy and there's lots of room for more seating. We ordered and waited quite some time before we got our food. Although the food did take awhile it was well worth the wait. I ordered the chicken curry and it was delicious! This was my first time trying Caribbean food and i was not disappointed. The portion size is worth the amount you pay for the meal. I had plenty left over after. The chicken was tender and moist and went really well with the peas and rice. The fried plantains were fried and crispy on the outside but moist and sweet on the inside. I will come here again but would plan on ordering ahead since they do cook it to order. One main concern I have about this place was the amount of time it took to get our bill and pay. It probably took at least 15 minutes to get our cards back after paying ( only two of us paid with card out of 5 people). After leaving the restaurant i saw an extra charge of $30 on my bank account and had to call the restaurant to ask about the extra charge. The person who waited on us mentioned that the charge would be reversed and that he made a mistake when charging my card. I would've appreciated it if he would have said something at the restaurant instead of me finding out on my bank account i had an extra $30 charge when my meal was only $13.
(4)Teresa C.
hated it! oxtails were tough and had no flavor. $18 worth of nothing. their idea of vegetables is a palm-sized salad...seriously. cross this place off the list, still on the hunt for authentic carribean that is cooked and seasoned properly. SAD, SAD, SAD smh
(1)Ann W.
Let me be reallll. When I first walked in, I felt a little uneasy because it looked scary. (I think it is used as a night club on some nights, so you might end up eating at a table literally on the dance floor.) I almost turned around, but my husband convinced me to stay for the food. And I am so glad he did, because it was delicious! My husband (who is a total West Indies cuisine junky) and I were so thrilled with the selections on the menu. We have actually been twice now. We have had: sweet fried plantains, deep fried to perfection festival, beef patties (brought to you by Golden Krust), jerk chicken wings with a sweet and tangy sauce on the side, and my personal favorite...oxtails with gravy and rice+peas!! Everything we ate brought back such good memories, which in my opinion, is a sign of fantastic food that is made with a big heaping scoop of love. Other bonuses: Kola champagne and such friendly, accommodating service! I look forward to returning to support this unique and worthy local business. A little birdy told me that coco bread may be coming soon!
(4)Derek S.
The best Jamaican food I have had on the West Coast. I grew up eating Jamaican food, and I often get homesick. The food was good enough to rival my mothers. I will take her here when she visits.
(5)Larry L.
Excellent food. Pleasant hostess. Satisfied my Caribbean craving. Not fancy. Not pretty. Worn out decor. The delicious food overruled the worn out look of the place.
(5)Amalia R.
The food is delicious, but the service was disappointing. I dropped in to order take out and bring dinner back for my dad, niece and I to eat while my mom underwent a double bypass at the nearby hospital. The bartender was friendly, but when she asked the kitchen for a side of hot sauce for me, they refused and noted that I could choose to have it on my dish, but not separately on the side, which was disappointing because my dad would have liked it. Additionally, they charged me a dollar more for each of the two sides that I ordered...even after I noted the price that was listed in the menu...and even though I was already buying $60+ worth of food. I didn't bother making a big deal about the additional $2 AND the refusal for a little extra hot sauce, but that's mostly because I was already too exhausted from worrying about my mom. I know $2 isn't much and neither is some hot sauce, but it's the principle of it. The food is good, but I'm still going to think twice about going back.
(3)Debbie W.
So here's the thing. If you want watered down American resort Jamaican food (I'm looking at you Singles crowd) don't come here. But if you really love Jamaica - the people, the music and the food please visit Taste of the Caribbean now. Ackee (they have ackee!) and saltfish, curried goat (falling off the bones it's so tender), rice and peas, festival, dumplings, brown stew chicken. And sorrel juice and Ting. Outstandingly tasty and authentic. Lovely lovely people.
(5)arlene j.
What wonderful, unique dishes we enjoyed here tonight. The evening was warm so eating on pretty colorful tables in the front patio was divine. The food was fresh, tasty, plentiful, and delicious. Be ready for spicy, which is not overdone. Service was great. Prices reasonable. Try the oxtail and the fried fish balls. The plantains are yummy sweet. Rice with beans is superb and simple.
(5)Beverly A.
Had some very tasty food at this restaurant. I'll definitely be back. What I ate: Plantains, peas and rice. Very delicious, tasted like home cooking. This is authentic Jamaican food. Trust me! The plantains were juicy and sooo sweet. And the peas and rice had just the right type of flavor. The Service: Not so good. But I think it was because they are just overwhelmed (the place was PACKED) and understaffed. The owner mentioned that she was having a bad day, so i'm going to give them a pass on the not so good service this time. Maybe I'll try takeout next time. Atmosphere: Okay, they really need to redesign this place. Too noisy and not really cozy. But the excellent food makes up for it. I'll try takeout in the future and update my review.
(4)Nneka I.
Came here with my friends. I wasn't too satisfied with my food (can't remember the name of it). Wish I would've tried the curry chicken. The customer service was great though! Our waitress was so kind and attentive.
(3)Michael P.
"The Best Hidden Restaurant Gem in Seattle" The first time you walk into this place you will go in and question your choice of choosing this place as it's usually pretty empty. Do not let that stop you from eating here, be happy and appreciate that you don't have to make a reservation and you've found a place where the food is cooked with love and the staff treat you like family. I've now eaten here 3 times. The entrees I've tried are: - Jerk Chicken - Brown Chicken Stew - Curry (Chicken) Each of these dishes are extremely flavorful, warm and comforting. My personal favorite is the Curry Chicken. Order the Fried Plantains too as they go well with the spice. There is currently no alcohol being served here but the food is so good that it doesn't change my opinion of being the best. Thank you!
(5)Candace W.
The best food I have ever eaten! I had never had jerk chicken before eating here and it is absolutely the best tasting thing I've ever eaten. I'm no foodie but I know good food when it slaps me in the face! Eat here. Tell your friends to eat here. Just eat this food! Oh, and it is spicy. In a great way. Makes you sweat a little but you can't stop eating.
(5)Elmer E.
The Jamaican Jerk Chicken was absolutely delicious. But. . .it took way to long to prepare. It was a bit pricey. There was no one else in the restaurant at noon. The courteous waiter could not quite figure out how to reconcile our bill.
(2)Andrea D.
The food here is amazing!!! I dream about it everyday and would attend Seattle University just so I could eat here daily. If you are looking to try something different, come here! The oxtail is so tender and tasty with the rice and peas. The ackee and saltfish you can't find anywhere else in the Northwest and there is nothing else that tastes likes it. The plates were beautifully presented and the portions are huge. Our waiter was very pleasant and we enjoyed talking to him. I highly recommend the restaurant for an authentic Jamaican experience!
(5)Bill T.
Jerk chicken and pork are to die for, and the cod fritters are amazing. Can't wait to go back! Ambiance is a work in progress, but the food is amazing and the servers and owners are super cool and work very hard to make the experience great!
(5)Ani V.
Seriously awesome goat curry, excellent service. I am a professional goat curry eater :p. Baby did Ok here, was really loud at night n automagically created white noise. They lose one star cause their bathrooms are not baby friendly changing station equipped. Seriously people , this is Seattle. Get with the baby friendly restaurant thing already #newdad
(4)Kevin C.
Goat curry is outstanding. So is the jerk chicken. If you don't believe in god, try the goat curry and then we will see how you feel.
(5)Ari C.
Very good food, decent service. We came in during comedy night, so the staff was kind of busy managing both food and the stage. Nevertheless the food was very good. My GF had the jerk pork, I had the oxtail. The oxtail was good if not especially savory. The jerk pork very good as well as the rice and peas. Plantains were excellent. Left satisfied. If you're interested in getting a fix of Jamaican cuisine I think you won't be disappointed (caveat: neither Jamaican nor Caribbean connoisseur).
(4)Jonathan L.
Sorry I truly wanted to like this place but the service was absolutely terrible. We had a party of 8 and there were only 2 other parties of 2 in the entire restaurant and it somehow took OVER an hour to get our food AND they forgot an entrée. Also, they were out of jerk chicken!! We got there at 5:30pm and the place opened at 4pm! At least do us a courtresy and let us know you weren't going to have one of the most popular dishes when we call and make a reservation instead of when we are at the point of ordering. The owner did a great job for personally apologizing and comping the 1 entree so we definitely appreciated that. Then can time for the checks....We asked for our bills and it took 25 minutes to just get our bill!! Keep in mind at this point we were 8 of the 14 people in the entire restaurant/bar...What should have been only a 1.5 hour dinner turned into an almost 3 hour ordeal due to lack of urgency or attention to any sort of detail what-so-ever. This was not ok at all and I will never be back here again. Save time and money and go somewhere else.
(1)Melodie R.
This restaurant is a little rough around the edges, especially when it comes to decor. BUT, the food is absolutely amazing and feels like it's home made. I had the Jerk Chicken and my partner had the Curry Shrimp. I recommend both.
(5)Sean W.
First of all. i'm a huge fan of Caribbean food. From Miami and most of my friends are Jamaican. This place has to be one of the BEST in the NW for true authentic Jamaican food. i had to order both the Curry Chicken and Ox Tail's. only thing i would change is to add one in Portland!!! Awesome u won't be disappointed.
(5)Sara M.
Best Pattys ever. Best beans and rice and lil cabbage salad. We ordered the brown stew red snapper- BEST FISH I EVER HAD EVER Jerk Chicken and brown stew chicken. These plates were so amazing. I love this place and the people who work there are the best. Make sure you check out Fish Fry Fridays and Stress Free Sundays for AFTER the restaurant has closed. Best dancehall club in the NorthWest.
(5)Ruth R.
Absolutely amazing. The jerk pork was so tasty...wonderful flavors. Carlene was so sweet to us...made us feel like family. Thank you, we will definitely be back.
(5)Mrs. O.
Very yummy authentic Jamaican food!! Personal favorite is curry goat dinner with a side of plantains.
(5)Jeanie M.
The food was outstanding. Maybe too salty for my taste with the jerk wing sauce-- but exceptionally flavorful. I got the jerk wings and festival. Great combo. The server was really friendly. I will be back!
(4)Meka H.
They are getting 3 stars because the food is pretty good and authentic. So far, the best Jamaican food I've had in Seattle and I'm Jamaican. They lost 1 star for their lack of professionalism when I was trying to use them to cater for a private event. They lost another star because the owner, who is a really nice person, accepted tip. He was our server and of course you tip your server. But if the owner is the server, he should disclose this and absolutely no tip for him. Tips are for servers making low wages and need tips to supplement their income. He is the young skinny Jamaican guy with an accent... so yes, I'd recommend them, food is on point, BUT to the owner, my tip for you? Tighten up, you are not allowed to collect tips.
(3)Janelle W.
Finally an authentic Jamaican Restaurant in Seattle, I've had the Oxtail, Jerk wings, Brown Stew and Goat, with Ting to wash it down!!! I am impressed with the service and the authenticity of there food, if you've never had Jamaican food you're missing out, this would be the place to eat and enjoy some savory food! Oh and how could I forget.......they have Patties
(5)Moira P.
I felt as if I was back in Jamaica while eating. ....we drove 2.5 hours up from Portland Or and it was well worth the drive. The curry goat was done just right...tender and not too many bones. Oxtail seasoned perfectly. ..top everything off was grapenut ice . Cream..... yummy!
(5)Jermaican B.
Simple, it's the only spot in Seattle w/ official Jamaican food. The rest a dem a carbon copy! Only ting we need pon di menu now a some mannish water, Big up di chef dem!
(5)Kay N.
My bf and I enjoyed the food overall. For appetizers, we got fried plantains - nothing too amazing. It was sweet and everything we expect it would taste. For entrees, I got the jerk chicken which I thought was moist and flavorful. My bf got the goat dish, which i didn't like but he did. Both dishes come with salad and rice. We also got the Ting drink which I liked. Tastes like grapefruit with a hint of ginger. There weren't a lot of people in this place. We were the only one out of two other tables. They play Jamaican music in the background. It is definitely a hole in the wall kind of place. It turns into a club at night with a 10 dollar cover charge (there was a sign outside of the door).
(4)Tricia C.
Had the best curry shrimp! The portions are large but you can't help but eat everything on your plate. Definitely would recommend a side of plantains with this meal and be sure to bring a friend to share your plantains and some spicy jerk wings
(5)shaun n.
Great food and great folks running this place. Can't wait til they get a few beers behind the bar. You should try the oxtail and jerk chicken. It's worth checking out for sure!
(5)Pablo B.
Delicious! The jerk chicken with rice and peas was perfect. I would highly recommend this restaurant for anyone looking for authentic Jamaican food.
(5)Juanita R.
I go as often as possible. The food is good, the people are really friendly and accommodating. And since the remodel, the space is so much move inviting. Yes. yes. yes! Some of my favorites: the jerk pork is mouth-wateringly good; the tilapia is good every way it is prepared; the brown stewed chicken is flavorful and rich and so is the jerk chicken; the oxtail is super delicious; the plantains are sweet, slightly crunchy and delicious; I never go without taking an order of patties home for lunch the next day. My family is from the WI and I grew up in Brooklyn NY, eating food like this. My standards for WI food are very high and based on growing up with authentic food. This is like eating in my grandmothers kitchen and that is no joke.
(5)Vishal S.
Ok I had to redeem myself from my terrible experience I had yesterday. So I tried the ox tail meal again but at this location. What a difference it makes to have great customer service. The food was fantastic! Highly recommend this joint.......
(5)S K.
Best Jamaican food in seattle, and bitesquad delivers it so it came right to my home hot and tasty. We ordered beef patty, plantain, jerk chicken, and curry goat. It was all super delicious, and had the perfect amount of spicy ness you would expect from jamaican cuisine. Please add some drinks like cola champagne and some desserts like black cake and coconut candies/cakes to your deliver menu because we would like to order that too! Will order again soon!!
(5)Richard M.
Real Jamaican Food!!! Jamaican living here for a long time and first time I have had real Jamaican food, Beef Patty just like home. Jerk Chicken is nice and spicy. Rice and Peas are so good, Chef Wayne does a great job. Real Jamaican ting. Nuff Respect for Taste of the Caribbean.
(4)Roger L.
The oxtail dish saves this place, it was really good. But I got the wings and a fish dish and it was only okay. The fish was fried and too small, just a few bites of fish and the sauce was too salty. The wings lacked a crunch. Quite pricey for what you get.
(3)Brian S.
Very affordable and friendly service. Be sure to order the Jamaican Patty appetizer - in fact, order 10! While I am not an expert on Jamaican (or Caribbean) cuisine, my sense is that the flavors and preparation were authentic. For instance, the goat curry had a unique flavor profile that did not resemble other regions' curry styles. I'll definitely go back!
(5)tashinda s.
I grew up eating nothing but caribbean food, so I know a thing or two about Island cuisine. After having the oxtails and the curry shrimp I have to say this is definitely authentic caribbean food. Do yourself a favor and try the oxtails....
(5)Nina B.
AMAZING!!!! I had my first ox tail and it was sooo good. It tasted very fresh and homemade, I am in love. It is spicy and they wont tell you because that is how Jamaicans do it, but beware. I also tied curry goat meat for the first time and loved it. Place is very pleasant and owners are super sweet and welcoming.
(5)Carla J.
A M A Z I N G authentic, not JaMERICAN but JAMAICAN!!! YES!! My plate brought me right back to Jamaica! This scratch kitchen food is prepared with L-O-V-E, simply delicious! I loved everything presented. Oxtails, curried goat, dumplin cabbage and more! This is Comfort Food Jamaican Style! Very friendly service combined with the great food, this is a must stop!
(5)Jay B.
Found this spot on Yelp, & I absolutely love it. This is the real deal here. If you are looking for Caribbean food... This is the place. The Curry Goat is the best that I've had in a long time. The hostess/waitress is fantastic & makes recommendation if you ask.
(4)Karimah K.
All I have to say is one word...Authentic! I am Jamaican and until I discovered this place, my go-to spot for island-like cuisine was Island Soul. This place takes the cake! No comparison. The best tasting Jamaican food outside of Jamaica that I've had in a while. The curry goat, jerk chicken and oxtail are awesome! The chef is superb!
(5)Kamara B.
Had the oxtail + plantains last night. Was good. Really hard to find real West Indian food around these parts, but now I have Pam's for my Bus up shot and pelau....and Taste of the Caribbean for my oxtail...likely saltfish and brown stew chicken if they are anywhere near as good as the oxtail. Fully enjoyed my dinner. I'm a little worried though. The place was totally empty. Don't let the location/setup scare you away. Please! I want to make sure that this place stays open so that I can get my regular fix. So eat in, take out, do whatever you like. Just come buy their food!
(5)Nicole W.
The BEST Jamaican food I have had outside of Jamaica. The rice and peas and jerk chicken brought me right back to being a kid in my grandmothers kitchen. This place is legit Jamaican food. AMAZING!
(5)Brooke L.
I wanted to LOVE this place, and the food I must say was authentic and probably worth four stars. However, on my visit there were several reasons to give the place a bad rating. I have been going to Jamaica since I was a little girl. I don't expect the place run by Jamaicans to be the quickest, but I do expect to have a great service when we were the only people in the restaurant. To start, it was weird that the place was empty. It is a dining room situated on a dance floor in a bar/club turned restaurant. However I stayed positive because I was craving some great Jamaican food. Well the food looked great my fish came out still frozen in the middle. Obviously, I lost my appetite but they insisted on bringing me a new dish. I took the second dish home, enabled on it, and threw it away because I don't like leftover fish. The chef came out himself and apologized which was very nice. The server was apologetic and they made sure that I was satisfied. However, I just couldn't get over the fact that I just bit into ice cold fish. On top of the strange atmosphere, it just made for a weird experience. I would love to give this place another shot considering the food was authentic, but I have to say it's not really worth my money.
(3)Peggy F.
So happy we finally have real Carribean food in Seattle..even tho it's far from me I CRAVE this food daily! I love the JERK and the Curry , I can't help but order both! The staff is friendly and helpful and the food is so delicious and authentic! Am going back for lunch today with a friend who has never tried Jamaican food so I will have her be the true test of how good it is :) make a trip to this resturaunt you will be so happy! Mmmmmmmmm yummy
(5)jonathan s.
This place has the BEST jerk chicken I have ever had in the states! Yes, after hours this place is a nightclub so you can catch live local music with tasty food and beverage options
(5)Amy B.
If you've been to Jamaica and are yearning for great Jamaican food here in Seattle, look no further! Awesome food, awesome service. We tried a little bit of almost everything on the menu between the five of us and were not disappointed once. I will definitely be back many times over!!
(5)Jessica S.
My husband grew up in Jamaica and he says this is the real deal. We've been EVERYWHERE looking for good Jamaican food, particularly patties and rice and peas, and this is the first time he's been happy. I am no expert on authenticity but I thought everything was delicious, too!
(5)Sidharthan B.
Everything was bland and tasteless.Never going back.
(1)Di C.
Seattle sure needed a Caribbean restaurant that delivers authentic (or as close to) Caribbean food & I've been hoping for one to return since my favourite Casuelitas closed almost two years ago. Well, now we have a newbie; Taste of the Caribbean. In a snap, IMO, they are good, & I am hoping they will become great. I arrived April 13th, Saturday afternoon, ready to eat & wanting to try a little of everything. While a sample platter was not on the menu, they accommodated my request (I was willing to pay a little more for this). I had curried goat (not on the menu but available), brown stewed chicken, jerk chicken, oxtail, rice & peas, white rice, steamed cabbage, plus I finished with a beef patty (yes, I am greedy & I ate every square inch!!!) Best tasting to me was the curry goat, braised to fall-off- the-bone perfection, hot, flavorful and spicy. The thick, brown stewed, juicy, cooked-to-the-bone chicken thigh was 2 & 1/2 thumbs up (3 is the max - those of you remembering In Living Color's "Men on Film" will get this!). The jerked chicken drum stick had the right subtle amount of all-spice, and pleasant delayed peppery kick. Like the goat, the oxtails were braised to fall-off-off-the-bone perfection. 10 out of 10 for the rice and peas and white rice - both where al dente, fluffy, "shelly", delicious. The cabbage & bell peppers - great, steamed with a little crunchiness remaining. & last, the beef patty (with a beer), it passed. It's hard to find a GREAT patty; half the trick is getting the pastry just right. My only two cons were: the oxtails were warm, not hot, and the jerk chicken wasn't grilled/charred (but forgiven faux since weather conditions and equipment weren't ideal or available). The price points are fair; the main entrees range from $11.75 to $16.75. The décor is not the best & they are working out the pains of starting up, but for me, the taste of the food is what's important. All right, I've gone on long enough, but hope you get the picture, & visit and support this place. I will go back for sure.
(4)Gabi S.
We purchased a groupon for this restaurant. $12.50 for $25 worth of food, pretty good deal if you ask me. This place has only been here for about 4 months. It's near the hospital on Jefferson and 2 Ethiopian restaurants. The hostess who seated us was super friendly and nice. The ambiance is that of a divey night club, not a restaurant. There was only one other customer who wasn't eating, but there for drinks. She was really drunk. The place is really big, so it was weird being the only people eating dinner at 5pm on a Friday. There was a drummer on stage that helped us feel like we were in the tropics. They have a tiny menu but the food came out fast. I had the oxtail which was really tender. It came with dumplings that honestly looked like worms. I had no idea what it was at first, but it was pretty tasty. Husband had the jerk chicken which wasn't spicy at all. Food was bland and the rice was dry. They were out of the 2 drinks we wanted. Service was 100% but the food was eh. The prices were kinda high, too, considering what you got, but the groupon made the bill like $15. Didn't love it, didn't hate it. Just nothing fancy. Tasted like something I'd make real fast at home or at my moms.
(3)S M.
Oh my goodness. My family and I just left this restaurant very satisfied. The food and service is amazing. The oxtails are very good, the rice is superb, the beef patties, plantains, stew chicken is all good. I have to go back and finish sampling the whole menu. This is truly what Jamaican food is supposed to taste like and they really go above and beyond in customer service. I highly recommend this restaurant.
(5)Lady V.
It's a tad bit in the expensive side, BUT the food here is worth it. The Jamaican patty is absolutely marvelous. I totally went "Oh my god that was so good!" out loud in public while eating it. Of the entrees, I've tried the jerk chicken and the oxtail. While the oxtail was tender and cooked well, I prefer the bold spiciness of the jerk chicken over the muted flavors of the oxtail. Anyway, you should all bum rush this place because I never see anyone there when I go and I'll be very upset if they close.
(5)Thuy D.
First thing though, I didn't realized it was a lounge/restaurant. The layout of the restaurant was a bit odd to me. It was very dark inside the restaurant, initially I thought I had walked into a club. It was 4pm on a Saturday and the place was completely empty. No one greet me at first and I had to go outside to take a second look to make sure I was at the right location. Came back inside, this time someone finally noticed me. I decided to sit outside since it was too dark inside. As for the food, it was very tasty. The jerk chicken was flavorful and moist, could be a little spicier though. Oxtails was very tender with good flavor as well. The salads and rice that came with both entries was good but not memorable. Service was decent. Food came out in reasonable time. Waiter came to check on us frequently to refilled water and take dirty plates away. Overall, I was very satisfied with my meal. .
(4)Sarah M.
Wonderful service, accommodated our party of 15, and every single person enjoyed their food. Curry chicken was the group favorite, but it was pretty bony. Amazing flavor though, and it kept me full for hours after the meal. The festivals (fried dough made with cornmeal) tastes like the outer part of a corn dog. Very slightly sweet, and slightly crunchy biting into it. The only downside was waiting about 50 minutes to get our food. Don't be in a hurry if you're eating here.
(4)Anna Z.
I keep going back to try more dishes and I love it more each time. Their jerk pork. Is SO ON POINT. Very smokey and just the right amount of fatty/juicy-ness. I think I like it more than the jerk chicken. Their oxtail dish is also delicious. Super tender and flavorful and you get several pieces. You can't go wrong at this place..... I've taken so many people here!!!!! They all love it.
(5)The Anh N.
Last time they earned a 5 Stars from me. This time customer services tanked. They were too busy. Food took a while to come out and the strong ethnic flavor definitely is gone down hill. Jerk wings and ginger beer are your best bet.
(3)Mav M.
Good place to hangout- it has a bar, pool table, and great carribean music. If you crave jerk chicken this is the place to go; just the right spice, and good amount of sweetness. Oxtail was moist and falling off the bone. Fried bread called fiesta was tasty and the plantain rice was amazing.
(4)Maki S.
Let me preface this by stating I am Caribbean and Americans are being ripped off here. The food was good, but this review is based on service, timeliness and how incredibly cheap the owners are. We were greeted by a relentless and adorable bartender who attempted to get us to spend spend spend. That's fine, except when I tried to inquire whether the $10 side (Yes, you read that correctly) would fill me up like a meal, her reaction let on I should prepare for disappointment and wallet gouging. Of course a $10 side dish wouldn't make me full. Know why? A $16 ox tail "meal" is FOUR PIECES of ox tail with 2 scoops of rice and a handful of "salad". So, what is a "side", exactly!? In addition to this, I just want to add that rice, beans, chicken, flour and sugar are inexpensive... And every dish made with these items start at $4. For example, you can have Johnny Cake for $4 meaning ONE piece of fried bread is $1, and it's not worth it. While we're at it, the average Jamaican Patty is $1 or LESS. Here? $4 Save your money and check out some of the other Caribbean places. The dishes they offer just aren't worth it. Now for the service: it didn't take long to let the bartender know our order, but as others have mentioned, the wait was 45 minutes. Just to make me seethe under my breath, someone came in after us and had his food within 5 minutes, and he ordered the same thing I did. What's worse is we saw our food sitting in a glass window for 10 minutes before it was brought to us. So, to summarize, you'll overpay for staple food dishes like fried dough, a meat pastry, and 4 small pieces of meat for $40. Oh, and it will take 45 minutes to an hour to be ready.
(3)Liz E.
Food was okay. If your West Indian and from the East Coast then this place will not be for you. Jerk chicken was okay but the oxtail did not taste right. We also asked for a rum punch and the waiter looked at us like we had three heads and came back a glass of juice. Will not return.
(2)Vineeth M.
The jerk chicken hit the spot after a long day out hiking! Fantastic spice with just the right amount of crispy burnt edges. I'd come back for how flavorful the food was. The lights are a bit bright and the mains are ~$15 (tad high for the ambiance), but they're milking how tasty the food is :)
(5)Sam-Myla G.
Food was great I'm African and I miss African food (African food is close to Caribbean) this was good enough to hold until Christmas when I go home.
(5)Latifa S.
Jamaican food with that amazing island hospitality!!! I stumbled upon this place while I was on yet another Jamaican food cravings! And also the fact that I just returned from another trip to the Caribbean, makes me want the food even more. Walked in to this place on a quiet Monday evening. I wasn't sure they were open because it was so quite! Boy was I wrong! Two amazing people run this place!! ZeJ and his brother? I forget. But omg they were so nice! They made me feel so welcome. They are also recovering from a major stress free Sunday event that they host --you guess it, every Sunday!! Zej is also a DJ! We chatted all about Negril, Jamaica! Ahh I loveee that place. And Rick's cafe etc etc. It feels like meeting friends I've never knew existed before. After a few too many chatters- I've ordered their food. Jerk wings- spicyyy! Oxtail!! yummm Stew Red Snapper!!! ZOmg! And the curry chicken with potatoes and beans - my fav!! While I wait for my food, they brought me special drinks! Special rum they just brought back from Jamaica few days ago and this awesome root juice. I forgot what it called but think a mix between Fijian Kava with berry smoothie type with rum. They just made it! And a few shots of different type of rum! All because we share the same love for Jamaica and Jamaican cuisine. Ya man, you know how to make me special man!! I feel like I was with long lost family members from another mister! The wings were fantastic. Love the tender oxtail! And the curry chicken? That was my favorite!! Fish was sooooooooo good too!!! They also gave me fresh habaneros since the spice nut in me kept asking for more heat. Homemade hot sauces, fresh peppers, complimentary cocktails!! Talk about winning my heart through my stomach. Thanks guys! You guys are awesome!! :) I would've been happy with just the food but the hospitality? That hospitality make this one memorable meal! And I have yet to forget about it. Food is all about memories and this place- well they gave you all that and so much more. Thanks guys!! I'll be coming back sooooooon!
(4)Charlene I.
Ordered 4+ dishes through Amazon's new delivery/takeout service and was told our food would be ready by x:xx pm. Got to the restaurant and unfortunately had to wait 20 minutes more...thankfully the staff were nice and the food is bomb AF! Anyways, the outside of this spot is decieving...I thought it was just a typical mom and pop type restaurant - I did not expect the inside to be so spacious with just a few booths/tables, a bar area and mostly an open dance floor. SOoOo...I'm sure there's plenty of turn up going on up in there in the evenings! Haha looks fun... Ok, Ok...so the food... Ackee & Codfish!!!!!!! Please do yourself a favor and try this dish if you have not already. It looks like scrambled eggs, but It's something amazing. Ackee is a tropical fruit that is not found in the US and when it's combined with this saltfish it hits the muhf*ckin spot...the spices, texture, balance of flavors is completely ON POINT. A+++++++++ lol Curry Shrimp - My 2nd favorite...I was expecting this to be a thicker type curry, but was pleasantly suprised to see it was much lighter and mixed with lots of veggies! BAMB! Jerk Chicken - great flavor and meat falls off the bone Jamaican Beef Patty - so much better than Golden Krust lol...tasty blend of meat and spices...best I've had in Seattle Festival - a dense, donut like fried bread with a sweet dipping sauce...really good, but extra filling The entrees are a little on the pricier side, but you do get what you pay for; quality!
(5)Trista H.
Dined here with a group of 11 ladies on Friday night. Free street parking can be found. Major credit cards are accepted. Tabs are split with ease. This restaurant in currently undergoing construction so the bathrooms are in upheaval and the space still feels like the old Waid's dance club/lounge. Currently no alcohol is being served due to the liquor license being in limbo. Application for the liquor license has been submitted. The food is amazing! We ordered the codfish fritters and the jerk chicken. Flavorful with just the right amount of spices. Everyone truly enjoyed their meals. Prices are reasonable and portions are nice sized. Dwayne and his staff are extremely accommodating and friendly. I can't wait to return once all the construction is completed and licenses are in order. I will then give a 5 star rating. Thank you for sharing a piece of Jamaica with us.
(4)