Tropical Joe's — Restaurant in Toronto

I’m not sure why there are reviews claiming the owner, who appears to be a middle-aged Asian man and possibly Filipino, has poor customer service. I want to start by saying that I am genuinely sorry if anyone has ever had a negative interaction here, because no one deserves to feel unwelcome. However, I had a truly wonderful experience this evening, around 7:30 p.m., and felt compelled to leave a review because great service deserves to be recognized.

The two gentlemen working were not only friendly but incredibly warm, bubbly, and down-to-earth. Their energy was positive, and they served with genuine kindness. It felt like they cared about every customer walking through the door. Even though it was getting late in the day, they were cheerful and helpful, which really stood out to me.

I ordered the jerk chicken poutine, and it was absolutely delicious. The portion size was generous and the price was surprisingly affordable. At just around five dollars, this meal could easily last for two servings, especially if you have a smaller appetite like me. In today’s economy, where takeout meals often cost ten to fifteen dollars per person at minimum, it is incredibly refreshing to find a place that still offers hearty, flavourful food at a price that is accessible to everyone.

Tropical Joe’s has been a staple in Woodside Square and in the Scarborough community for many years. It has always held a special place in Toronto’s diverse food scene. I am so grateful that their prices have remained fair despite the rising cost of living. It shows that they are truly committed to serving their community and making good food available to all.

During the lunch rush, the place can get very busy with local workers and high school students grabbing food between classes. Even during those high-volume times, the staff consistently maintain a positive attitude and provide fast, friendly service. That level of consistency and care speaks volumes about their work ethic and dedication.

I do not live in the area, so I do not get the chance to visit often. However, whenever I find myself in Woodside Square or nearby, I always make it a priority to come here. If I lived closer, I genuinely believe I would eat here every single day. That is how much I enjoy the food and the atmosphere.

Thank you, Tropical Joe’s, for continuing to serve the community with delicious Caribbean cuisine and generous, affordable meals. Your commitment to quality and kindness shines through in every visit. You are not just feeding people, you are building community one plate at...

Having read and heard word of mouth reviews of this place I went to check it out.

First impression was that pricing is less than most stand alone shops offering Jamaican inspired food. I ordered three dishes: their jerk chicken poutine, oxtail on rice and peas, jerk chicken on rice and peas.

First thoughts when trying all three was that the food is more an "American" take on Jamaican food. The sauce/gravy used in the meals is more akin to American beef gravy vs. Oxtail or stew chicken gravy used in more traditional shops in Scarborough. All dishes were a bit heavy on the gravy. I would certainly ask for half the amount they put. The rice is more of a sweet soy sauce rice with kidney beans. It doesn't have the coconut, thyme or pepper flavour of "rice and peas".

The poutine that most raved about was not my favourite. It was an abundant amount, but it lacked the depth of flavour that one would expect in something labeled "jerk". I think the popular reviews of the poutine come from those that grew up eating this at lunch or after school and to them it brings a sort of nostalgia of their younger years. Its cheap and filling enough that students on a budget can buy and share. I would pass if you're looking for the best jerk chicken poutine in Scarborough.

The jerk chicken meal was also missing that depth of flavour of authentic jerk. It did not come with any side; coleslaw, pickled veggies or salad that helps balance this type of meal. But like the poutine there is value for money in that it is a lot of food at a price you pay.

The better of the three is the oxtail. Although it was also a bit heavy on the gravy, the rich, tender flavour of the oxtail meat makes this dish. At $13.99 for a medium which is as big as a large oxtail in most places, this is a bargain. Most places charge at least $18 for oxtail meal of this size. While it's not the best oxtail meal I've tried, it certainly hits the spot without hitting your wallet.

Overall staff was very friendly. I would come back to order the oxtail if I was craving it and was on a budget.

It's a place to get full on a budget. The line of students ordering from this place reinforces...

Seeing the great reviews I decided to give the place a shot so I tried it a good few times and honestly the food is just meh at most.

I've had the beef roti, the jerk chicken poutine, the beef over rice and thee goat over rice and I can't say I particularly enjoyed any of them.

The beef roti was okay but idk what kind of roti that was, it was super powdery and was like crumbling apart which is not the texture you expect. But the beef had an okay flavor.

The jerk chicken poutine which is the most raved about was also very mid. It had a good portion of chicken which was nice but there was very little fried and wayy too much gravy. And the gravy honestly had a really funky flavor that leaves a weird taste in your mouth after a few bites.

The beef over rice was okay but the rice was too oily and had an odd taste.

The goat over rice was straight up nasty, if you're gonna try anything here, please avoid the goat. Goat is a type of meat that unless you cook perfectly will have a weird taste and they clearly have no clue on how to prepare goat. The taste was absolutely awful and the rice didn't help. I don't like wasting food so I finished it but it was a nauseating experience. Worst meal I've ever paid to eat.

In terms of food court standards, the prices aren't amazing either but they're not a rip off or anything.

Overall there just isn't anything special I can say about this place and for the amazing reviews it had I expected...