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- Hours:
Mon-Thu, Sun 11 am - 9 pm
Fri-Sat 11 am - 10 pm
- Delivery:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Music:
- Background
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Wed, Thu
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
111 reviews for Coley's Caribbean
Review Highlights
"It's where I eat Jamaican food in L."
(in 20 reviews)
"You know, Festival bread mon."
(in 7 reviews)
"...a cabbage side dish, red beans and rice, and plantins which..."
(in 3 reviews)
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111 reviews in English
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Review from Akiko I.
- Locale Destination -
It's on Magnolia Blvd and Vineland Ave in N Hollywood.
Decor is nothing so special but got some "Jamaican" decors a bit. It's a casual pop & mom place. They got a bar and TVs. Cool service. The server's recommendations were spot on. She was pretty cool and chill. They also have a buffet for $21 or something like that.
- Gluttony Expedition -
Red stripe : Jamaican lager (beer). Very light and smooth.
Pineapple & ginger juice : it's very ginger - a bit spicy. Interesting.
Red bean soup : Great! It got a nice kick with spiciness. I like it. Try it!
Jerk chicken: it's a bit dry side but got a good flavor. Good dish.
Oxtail : It was very tender and got good flavors. I liked the all items on the dish - bean rice, fritter thing, spinach, and plantain. Good.
Jamaican coffee : Coffee with Jamaican rum. Sweet and tasty - I'm not coffee lover but this is great! Must try!
Peach cobbler: Less sweeter than ordinary American ones. The pies were too thick for me. Ok
- Conqueror's Deduction -
I've never tried "Jamaican" foods, but this is good! It's very homie foods but a bit expensive for homie foods - kinda like Peruvian food price.Comment from Audrey and Donald C. of Coley's Caribbean 2/9/2012
Akiko, thank you for taking the time to write such an honest… More » -
Review from Sheri s.
2/4/2012 3 photos
My experience at Coley's was a very interesting one. Imagine being in California and having a craving for a Jamaican food. Well, that was my family and it was not an easy craving to fill, but we made it happen.
On a random week night we ventured to Coley's Caribbean based on a recommendation by a fellow L.A Starline bus tour companion who just so happened to be Jamaican as well ;-), nice surprise.
As we walked through the artsy neo-retro streets we embarked upon Coley's. Not packed at all we were promptly seated as we heard the loud techno music playing in the next room. Apparently, a group had rented the space for a party, but it was so noisy we could barely hear ourselves talk. We bared with it because it was shared space, but if I had it my way I would have rather not have heard this weird techno music.
Besides all of those extra factors, the food was decent. My family had a variety of Oxtail, Curry Goat, Jerk Chicken and Curry Chicken. I personally liked that we had a option of a salad or soup to begin. The red peas soup was VERY HEARTY and tasty. I enjoyed my oxtail, but once again it was not browned as much as I would have liked but it was good nonetheless.
After our meal, the owner's Mr. and Ms. Coley introduced themselves. It was a very nice organic conversation. They were very pleasant people, so I could see myself going back to stop by and say hey.Comment from Audrey and Donald C. of Coley's Caribbean 2/9/2012
Hi Sheri. Thank you for stopping by Coley's to enjoy some… More » -
Review from Keila R.
Burbank, CA
1/13/2012
Food was way overpriced for the amount of food you get and the quality. I'm caribbean so tasting this "Caribbean" food was a bit disappointing. I kind of wish Ramsay would come fix this place.
I chose the curry goat with steam veggies and fried plantains. But instead, I got curry goat bones, dull tasteless cabbage with peas, and thin bacon-looking fried greasy cold plantain. it was just bad.
The waitresses were nice until a big group came to have lunch, so they kind of gave that group all the attention while we had to wait extra. We started with one waitress and then she left us to serve that other table, so we got a different one.
The patties were fine but I had the beef one, and it needed salt.
I don't think I would ever come back here. Way too expensive for the quality and amount.
The decor was tacky too. -
Review from Ian S.
Hermosa Beach, CA
2/2/2012
I love coming to Coleys. I have overdone it a few times trying to get a taste of everything. I've spent about 3 months in the caribbean, and this is as good as I've found here in California. I usually get different things, so I don't really have a "go to" item. I haven't felt wronged yet.
The wait staff is really friendly. Just like back on the islands. If you've been disappointed before, give this place a try and see for yourself.Comment from Audrey and Donald C. of Coley's Caribbean 2/9/2012
Ian, it is satisfied and loyal customers like you who are… More » -
Review from Lauren O.
12/22/2011
It saddens me how bad the food is at Coley's nowadays. Back in the day, Coley's was the best place in Los Angeles to get authentic Jamaican food. Now the food is old tasting and watered down.
I had a hankering for oxtails and patties last week, so I had some Coley's take out. Walking in, we found that the place was empty, so we should have known that the food may not be made fresh. Well, when we got home, we found that the oxtails were bland and mushy, the rice was clumped together, and the cabbage was mushy and gross. Also everything was terribly under salted as well. The patties were the only thing that saved this place from getting a 1 star. The crust on the patties are nice and flaky. The filling needed salt, but it was still good. I would recommend the patties.
I will be going to Wi jammin for my Jamaican food from now on. -
Review from c o.
Park La Brea, CA
1/13/2012
I'm writing this review as a vegetarian. I realized that this restaurant isn't a vegetarian restaurant, but in Los Angeles it seems to me it's always a good idea to keep one or two GOOD veggie options on your menu. (please don't judge the taste of the meat dishes by my review, I didn't taste them).
There are 2 veggie dishes, but the woman told me they use the same ingredients... YIKES.. because the ingredients are PACKAGED mixed veggies! (like that bag of frozen vegetables your mom fed you as a kid) mixed with some cabbage and sauce. She said they used a curry sauce on the veggie entre, but it was very bland, so I have no idea what the sauce actually was.
The rice and beans were good, in fact, that was the best part of the meal. The entre also included "festival bread", which was like a heavy, chewy donut and fried plantains, which I usually love, but these were cold and didn't taste that fresh...
I also ordered a Jamaican ginger beer (ginger ale) because I love good strong ginger ale... the brand they serve has ARTIFICIAL (and natural) ginger flavor. I can't believe in this day and age that they don't serve a naturally flavored ginger beer??
The other people at the table ordered various chicken dishes, and they all seemed to like them, though it did seem that there wasn't a huge amount of meat on the chicken. The service was very good and woman who took care of our table was really nice and helpful... but I don't think I'll be back. -
Review from Erin C.
North Hollywood, CA
1/8/2012
This place is a hidden gem! Just be careful what you might loose on the way in or out! I love the food here- have ordered many times from MR and MRS Coley but MRS coley is a great business woman- she is very stingey with her rations of meat product. For instance the oxtail dish and red bean soup is to die for but you will be better off bringing in your own oxtail- often I have received bones and no meat!
Another time I was getting an order to go and after handing my card over- right before I signed to authorize the charge I noticed MRS coley had charged my account 113.00 instead of the 13.00 that I had spent there!! I was reimbursed of course for this but it was a long drawn out process whether that was the bank or the coley's fault Im uncertain- all Im saying is be careful there are snakes in the bushes here!!
Good food- sneaky owners -
Review from Tanya M.
Los Angeles, CA
12/1/2011
I've been driving by this place for years now and always making that mental note to stop here to try this place out because I have never had Jamaican/Caribbean food before.
Well I finally decided to stop here when I was driving with my mom to Burbank. Shes obsessed with Jamaicans ever since she visited Negril and loved the idea of trying this out.
Well the food was very interesting. The spices they used tickled my fancy to say the least.
I got some sort of chicken plate with potatoes along with another vegetable I was not familiar with. I wasn't a fan of the fact that it was bone chicken, I dont like picking at my chicken, but I couldnt really put my fork down.
The ambiance here is kind of warm/family owned feel to it. Very good eating environment with your restaurant usuals sitting at the bar and talking to the owners and bartenders. -
Review from Gabby R.
North Hollywood, Los Angeles, CA
1/22/2012
Authentic Jamaican food. I used to live in NYC and you can get great Jamaican food there. I am so happy I found a place in the valley so authentic like in NYC.
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Review from Gavin P.
Germantown, MD
1/14/2012 1 Check-in Here
Tasty oxtail and curried goat. They have a great daily special for 6.99 you get a pretty good meal. Only problem with the goat is there are a lot of bones in it. Now given I'm not a connoisseur of Jamaican food, but I've always left satisfied, and with good service.
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Review from Joanne H.
Temple City, CA
12/28/2011
The service was slow but our waitress was really nice. The food i didn't like much. I ordered the red snapper but didn't realize that it would come w/ tiny bones. I had to watch for what i was eating. The appertizer was really good! Veggie empanadas had a spicy kick to it. I would only go here to order empanadas.
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Review from Kia R.
Encino, CA
12/10/2011
Full disclosure: My family is Jamaican so my review may be a little bias for the simple fact that I know what delicious authentic Jamaican food taste like. With that being said Coley's is pretty good. The average person will enjoy the food no doubt about it. However based on my palate and affinity for Jamaican food, I truly believe they are deserve 3.5 stars. The food is fresh, the spices are rich, and they have a wide variety of options the will appeal to the average foodie. Although I do say that their patties are pretty on point. On a positive note the workers here are very friendly and customer service is excellent.
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Review from Victor H.
Beverly Hills, CA
1/5/2012
I like the location. However, that is just about it. Beef Patties were bland. I ordered crab cakes which tasted like they were previously frozen from a box, very greasy, and no crab, just breading.
Jerk Chicken was rather bland and the jerk sauce also. The rum punch was good. -
Review from Raul R.
North Hollywood, CA
12/12/2011
"I Be From Jamaica Man"
what paaaart of Jamaica?
"RIGHT NEA DA BEACH, BOOYEEE"
If you dont live right nea da beach, and live in North Hollywood., this is defintely a Jamaican restaurant, with all kinds of Jamaican originals. MF DOOM made me curious to try ginger beer, so i brought myself here and had a decent meal! Nothing too out of the ordinary, but worth a try. My Rating is mostly lowered for the establishment. MAD BORING. -
Review from Leon A.
Portland, OR
12/7/2011
Went to Coley's on November 13th, and just getting around to writing this review (don't judge me on tardiness).
I remember when I moved to California back in 2000 and I was looking for good food from "back a yard" Coley's came up but, as I didn't have a car, well I was out of luck. Well, while back in town visiting my brother, we finally made it and I was not at all disappointed, not wowed, but not disappointed. The rice and peas were a bit bland (I personally like a nice thyme and coconut flavors in my r&p), and the codfish fritters a bit on the battery (like too much batter) side for my liking (though, with the chutney, I happily ate them all). Now, the red bean soup with little bits of oxtail in it, and the curry goat were outstanding. The flavors were deep and layered so I knew that these had been simmering away all day ("canuberrating" as I say). Just the right amount of spice to warm me up but not burn my mouth, though with the addition of some scotch bonnet sauce, my ileocecal valve was running for the hills.
Service was great, even though I waited a good 15 minutes for the check to be picked up before just walking up to the register. Ms. Coley and her staff are all smiles and jokes, and take the time to really engage with customers. I even found myself starting to appreciate the typical West Indian restaurant decor, often consisting of loud paint, cardboard cutout beverage ads, and Jamaican memorabilia.
Next time I'm back back in Cali Cali, I will definitely return. -
Review from Tina A.
Riverside, CA
1/16/2012
I love the food here as well as the atmosphere and the people who are so friendly. We discovered this place by chance and decided to try it. The jerk chicken was a huge plate and very good. It came with rice and red beans which were also delicious and well seasoned. They also give festival bread with your meal and its a sweet cornbread and plantains. yum!
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Review from Justine W.
Van Nuys, CA
6/20/2011
My mom and I had gone here a year or two back and had something of a mixed experience. Some of the food had been really good, but the atmosphere was weird and the decor was out of the 70s, like a buffet where a bunch of blue haired ladies would come for the early bird dinner.
My boyfriend was really keen on trying the place, so we stopped in for dinner. He instantly fell in love with the ox tail soup and the chicken lockerton was TO DIE for! I had the jerk chicken, which was very aggressively seasoned. Tasty, but between the spice and the portion size, I could only manage about half of it. The rice and had a really nice subtle coconut milk flavor and the festival bread was one of the highlights of the meal. We washed everything down with ginger beer and fresh pineapple ginger juice, which was amazing!
And since I was last there, they've done some serious redecorating, so the look of the place now matches its feel.
Our server was very friendly and helpful, but I wouldn't recommend this place to anyone who's in a hurry. Also, when we first came in we were greeted by an odd little boy who was just a little off-putting. Maybe someone dragged their son into work, but the kid had a chef's jacket in his own size, so it looks like they were prepared to employ child labor. -
Review from Sharalle H.
Compton, CA
1/1/2012
Great food, good vibe, good music most weekend nights. Good rum punch too.
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Review from Min P.
Los Angeles, CA
10/25/2011
Love the food, and they have great happy hour for Monday Night Football. Why go to a sports bar, eat frozen buffalo wings, and deal with hey bro douchebags when you can have yummy authentic Jamaican food around cool people? Had the ox tail and jerk chicken. Both were amazing. Of course, their chicken patties are delicious, too! Audrey, our server, was super helpful and so nice. BTW, three words: Jamaican Rum Punch.
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Review from Rosalind K.
Burbank, CA
10/21/2011 2 Check-ins Here
After I got back to work I was ready to go back... I love this place. The food is Jamming
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Review from Judy G.
Burbank, CA
8/25/2011
We had dinner here last night for the first time. What took us so long?! The jerk chicken and curry chicken were excellent, and the sides of rice, vegetables and plantains were terrific, too. Yes, the decor is funky, but the prices are right. We loved the reggae on the sound system, too. The restaurant also has a huge parking lot in back -- who knew? That is so welcome in this neighborhood.
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Review from Joe M.
Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles, CA
7/1/2011
If there is one thing I know is my Caribbean Cuisine. Living on the East Coast and being from the Caribbean, I know good Oxtail. Today, I had good Oxtail at Coley's.
I actually felt like I was at home. I love meeting the owners.. Really spacious plus parking... Was able to eat lunch and make it back to the office in time.
Rice and Peas and Oxtail... If i get out the office early enough... I may just go there tomorrow. My only concern was, I did hear any music. Maybe it was because I was too busy talking.
Friendly people, great food, clean environment, average price range..... plus a feel of the Caribbean right on the West Coast.Comment from Audrey and Donald C. of Coley's Caribbean 11/20/2011
Joe, thank you for taking the time to write a positive… More » -
Review from Carla G.
Toluca Terrace, CA
5/24/2011 4 photos
It was our first time there last week, and we were really above and beyond satisfied with the food we had.
Really cozy place too!
Check out the photos I uploaded! the best! -
Review from Sean K.
Los Angeles, CA
9/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
Had the jerk chicken lunch special. Meh. Can't say I know much about Caribbean cuisine, but chicken was pretty tough, and it was surprisingly bland.
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Review from Gloria G.
Beverly Hills, CA
2/24/2011
BAD NEWS FOR COLEY'S. They don't seem to have this restaurant in Inglewood now. They have a new number
818 761-4944 and that number doesn't always answer.
Help! Who knows what's going on? -
Review from Zuberi F.
Reseda, CA
5/3/2011
With no reservations I have to say Coleys is the best Jamaican food in the San Fernando Valley. I have eaten there a handful of times and the food and service has never been disappointing. Last Sunday after work I had a craving for some fried fish and happen to be driving by Coleys, so I thought I'd stop in and have some of the Escoveitched Fish, which is a fried tropical king fish marinated in vinegar and garnished with onion, carrot, and pepper.
While looking at the menu I came across a dish I have never had before. The Negril Red Snapper, which is a tropical red snapper baked and basted with the chef's special sauce. My fish craving was satisfied 10 fold. It was soooooooooo good, some of the best fish I've had in awhile. It's even inspired me to cook some fish for the Laker play off game later this week.
If you like Jamcain food, you know the patties are a staple. I had the shrimp patty for the first time and it was very delicious especially with the scotch bonnet hot sauce. I have also had the jerk chicken and the ox tail during past visits, which are both good and many folks seem to like it. If you decide to grub there make sure you try the Appletons rum and my favorite Caribbean soda "Ting" to help wash down all that good island food. -
Review from Christine B.
Los Angeles, CA
1/21/2011
AWESOME! Great food! Great staff! (A little slow service, but the atmosphere is fine.) Our first time there a man with a bright and fun personality and very thick accent introduced himself as Fireman and asked if it was our first time. He gave above outstanding service and was incredibly helpful. He even said a blessing on our food....brilliant. We tried several dishes and loved them all, but the jerk chicken stands out the most. Fire was there again with excellent service the next time. Food still amazing. This past Sunday, no Fire and food slightly less spicy but quicker service. Still great!
I recommend it to everyone all of the time. -
Review from Craig R.
Los Angeles, CA
9/3/2010
Coley's is cool. Is it Caribbean Cool? Well, cool is a value judgement. The better question becomes, "Is it real?" As with everything that used to be cool and now is just old, cool mutates into mainstream until it is no longer cool.
For me, Coley's is stuck in no mans land between cool and old; kind of like MTV or Usher. The food doesn't really have the strong flavor, smell, or impression of most Jamaican food and yet it isn't bad either.
Favorites like beef patties, jerk chicken, and oxtail aren't as good here as other places in L.A. Yet, some dishes like roti have morphed into an even better version than can be found in most of Kingston. The curry goat and chicken are missing the spark of Jamaican flavors one should expect and still it delivers an edible portion.
The worst part about Coley's is that somehow it has lost its Caribbean Cool for customer service. Cool comes from providing a relaxed, enjoyable experience. This isn't done by tree artwork, but by the team of servers. And it is there that Coley's seems to have lost all sense of the Caribbean friendliness and joy.
So, it's an ok place for food and a dinner. Just not a great place for a Jamaican dinner.Listed in: Jamaican Restaurants in LA
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Review from Nikki B.
Los Angeles, CA
2/26/2011
This isn't a review - but an FYI -
Thanks to Gloria G for posting the new number. I called and got an answer - both the North Hollywood and Inglewood locations are temporarily closed and scheduled to reopen in April.
Hopefully we'll alble to have our Roti soon ;) -
Review from Tia E.
West Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
9/4/2011
This was our first visit to Coley's and we will definitely visit again. Started with the Jerk chicken appetizer and Jamaican patties, they were delicious. We had the 2 item lunch portion of Oxtail and Chicken Curry. The meats were so tender and tasty, just like home cooking. The owner was so nice and welcoming. I would love to visit at night, as I am sure the atmosphere is much more lively. The island music playing in the background was a nice touch.
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Review from Tailz X.
Palmdale, CA
11/4/2010
Came here for the first time about 5-6 years ago. My co-worker at the time who is from Barbados took me here. We went during lunch hours and it was set up buffet style. Food was on point. Two weeks ago after all that time I visitied again but during dinner hours. My friend ordered Curry Chicken and I ordered Jerk Chicken (of course I tasted my friends). Food is still good but I think I would perfer to go during their mid-day brunch hours.
P.S. Stingy with the Plantains :-/ -
Review from Alysia A.
Inglewood, CA
7/22/2011
The place is gone. :-(
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Review from Ryan F.
Burbank, CA
10/4/2010
Do not go there if you are in a hurry!
Three friends and I decided to try Coley's on a Sunday night and overall the food was good.
The only complaint I have, and it is a minor one, is that things run a little slow there. The service is amazing when they come by, all of the waiters were happy and always had something to say to make us chuckle, but it took a while for someone to come by and take our order or check up on us. It did not feel like they were ignoring us by any means; it seemed more like they wanted to leave us alone. -
Review from Shiva W.
North Hollywood, CA
3/7/2011
I mean being from Florida and being so used to REAL Caribbean food from my Bahamian family, i sooo wanted to love the Coley's in NoHo when I first moved to The Valley. It's hard to love a restaurant that is so hit and miss with when they are open. (they sometimes even close during their scheduled business hours)
I heard the original Coley's was in Inglewood and that Coley's himself actually works there. If he knew what was going on at his NoHo location, I'm sure he would be upset. Coley's in NoHo is not representing true Caribbean culture at all, and we should pride ourselves on serving our good food the right way like many other cultural restaurants.
The last time I went, it was like a desert and when my food came out it was even cold. Their rum punch is pretty good though, I will give it to them. -
Review from Steph I.
Long Beach, CA
6/9/2011
Jerk Chicken was excellent! The service was really good. Our server explained all the different dishes and drinks and had tasted everything. i hate going to places and the servers don't even eat the food they serve. That in itself is a bad sign. This place was awesome though. They had Bob Marley playing in the back ground and delicious food on the menu.... They have this juice pinapple ginger juice, strong but yummy with a shot of rum or so my friend says........I would definitely go back. Just a little far from Long Beach..........
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Review from Selena F.
Los Angeles, CA
8/8/2010
What a rip off!! twenty dollars for one of the lamet buffets around is absolutely ridiculous. the jerk chicken was dry, the goat was mediocre, and the entire selection was lacking in flavor.
The service was nice, as was the greeting from the owners. But I can honestly say that I will never come back here again. -
Review from Rachel B.
3/26/2010
OK, so I haven't gone to Coley's for food during the day, but I've stopped by the Late Night Lounge a few times now, and I have to say it's pretty good stuff.
Dancing and cheap drinks all night, less than two miles from my house!
Six stars ;) -
Review from Paul R.
La Crescenta-Montrose, CA
7/17/2011
Coley knows Caribbean! We all had a great meal (jerk chicken!). The restaurant is bright and cheerful. The proprietors made us feel most welcome. And of course, Bob Marley.
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Review from Demond W.
North Hollywood, CA
8/4/2011
Me and my fiancee were so happy when we found Coleys (we will be getting married in jamaica soon) after going 2 times by ourselves and taking friends 2 separate times on our 3rd visit we both ordered dinner plates when we received our plates the rice was super hard, i made aware to Mr Coleys wife and she did nothing no new rice no apology, terrible customer service !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 65 dollarr bill for hard rice not good they just lost us
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Review from Dave A.
11/19/2007
I don't know. Were you thinking, "With a name like Coley's it has to be good." ?
Well hell, despite the name I decided to give this place a shot. I yank my car over to the curb, you know the story, and walk back over to their bright green stucco building front. It looks a little run down but actually it's pretty nice inside.
They have a full bar right by the door and offer all kinds of tropical drinks. The building is deep. Like UYE deep and there is a parquet dance floor. It's trying to be but coming up short of swanky and that doesn't work in it's favor. But I can see that some partying goes on here in the evenings and they have live bands.
For the moment, the place was staid and quiet and I sat down to order the jerk chicken. Now this plate sounded very exciting, I mean listen;
Chicken roasted in Coley's own hot and moderately spicy Jerk Sauce. (We're talkin Coley, the man himself) and it comes with soup or salad, rice, and peas. But what else is here!?
Plantains!! - I equate plantains with bliss. (ooohhhhmmmm)
Festival bread - Man, don't know what that could be but it sounds like a party. Dancing, drums, gyrations. You know, Festival bread mon!
But the music stopped when she dropped off my plate, it's slow motion slide ending right under my nose. (Insert balloon deflating sound here)
Where's the food?
What I was staring at was a sad plate of really dry chicken that wasn't even close to moderately spicy, and later I noticed a little pink near the bone. (shiver) Could this be the wrong dish? The rice and peas were good. But my plantain bliss was short lived. Take a plantain. Cut two 1/4 slices, cook them so that they taste delicious, put them on a plate. Only two slices?! This plate had plantain envy and I wasn't digging. The festival bread? Basically a plaincake donut hole. That's no festival, that's a Winchells.
Based on these other reviews I have to go back. They have all kinds of stuff like Oxtail and "Ackee" the national dish of Jamaica, curried lobster and vegetarian dishes. They even have a Sunday champagne brunch.
Next time I'm taking some Jamaican magic and ordering a Red Stripe first. Perhaps I can come back with a more festive review.
