Jamaica House

Tucked amid the galleries of West Broad St, is an unassuming spot you might have passed by offering a taste of the Caribbean.

Jamaica House Restaurant has been a fixture since the ‘90s, serving the community authentic Jamaican dishes like oxtail, curry goat, and jerk chicken. Those who know about it, love it—and for good reason. I’m sad to say it took me 11 years of living in this city to finally try it, but wow, am I glad I did!

Most people who come in for lunch seem to opt to grab their food to-go. That said, the ambiance is pleasant, with bright teal walls, an abundance of plants, and wicker light fixtures.

The menu is extensive, with soups, salads, paninis, patties, and a variety of entrees. Standouts are the salmon run dung (salmon served in a creamy coconut sauce), the oxtail, pepper steak, and curry goat. A difficult choice was before me.

I went back and forth before settling on the stew chicken, a dish where chicken is stewed tender in an aromatic brown sauce. All entrees (or main tings, as they call them) come with a side of rice and peas and stewed cabbage. I also ordered a beef pattie (a savory pastry filled with spicy ground beef) and coco bread (pillowy soft and fluffy bread roll made with coconut milk). To drink, they had an assortment of Caribbean soft drinks and juices. I got a bottle of their sorrel drink, a Jamaican beverage made from dried hibiscus leaves and various spices. Very refreshing!

The beef patty was tasty — could make for a light lunch on its own. The pastry was buttery and flaky, while the ground beef filling was quite spicy! The stew chicken was a cozy, hearty meal that warmed me to the core. Would be amazing in the winter. I used the coco bread to sop up the extra gravy — its density reminds me a lot of challah bread.

All in all, I highly recommend this spot. The service is quick, the prices are affordable, and the food is flavorful. Hopefully it doesn’t take you 11 years to try this place out ˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗