Skimmers: Summary located at the end of my review.
The place where I worked highly recommended this place. They used to get lunch here regularly. I had company coming into town who wanted to try something new, so I suggested we try this place together. It certainly lived up to its reputation!
We decided to meet here at 2 PM for lunch on a weekday. I had the Curry Chicken, they ordered the Brown Stew Chicken with a their Caribbean lemonade (called Swank), and everything was delicious. Everything here was made fresh to order, the atmosphere was pleasant, and the staff was friendly. We ate and chatted for two hours. It was a wonderful time.
A couple of months later, I started craving their food again. When the opportunity arose, my friends and I made plans to have lunch there. We saw that they opened at noon on weekends so that's when we decided to show up. To our surprise and confusion, the doors were locked and the lights were off. Did this place shut down? There wasn't a note on the door or windows informing the public as to why it wasn't open. We were really crestfallen, but we had an appointment at 1 PM so we had to come up with a new plan and abandon Anjeh's for that day.
A few more months go by and I'm still craving their food. I decided to try again with another friend. We arrived at noon on a weekday. The place had their doors locked and there was nobody inside; however, their open sign was turned on. We weren't sure what was going on, but we concluded that perhaps the hours of operation were incorrect on Google and on their menu. Another patron arrived and we commiserated for a bit before they decided to grab food somewhere else. We started to do the same when the chef drove by and asked if we wouldn't mind waiting for him to cook for us. We were in luck! We entered the restaurant at 12:15 PM and got our food at 1 PM.
I made a comment to the chef about the hours of operation and he shared about how difficult it was to find good help. Not informing the staff that you're not showing up for work when you're responsible for opening the restaurant definitely puts the chef and owner in a bind.
Reason for the review: I would be really miss the food if they were to shut the place down due to not having enough business. The chef really seems to care about putting out good, fresh, food. I want to support local businesses.
Take-aways from my experience: Food was good enough for me to crave it months after having it the first time (Likely because it was made fresh and the chef knows what he's doing). Food was good enough for me to try coming back multiple times after being disappointed (because I thought they had closed for the day). If you want to eat here, maybe try arriving after 1 PM on weekdays or 2 PM on weekends. That will give them time to open up shop if their help isn't on top of things. This seems to be a somewhat regular occurrence. The help might be non-existent at this point. Something I did not try, but might be worth mentioning: call them during the middle of their hours of operation to let them know when you plan on coming so they can...
Read moreEdit: I see the response to my review. It's just as mediocere as their food. If I were offered a substitute I wouldn't have complained.
If you love bland food with a side of excuses? Come on down!
In all seriousness, McDonald's is a block down the street. You're better served there.
Do not give this location any of your money.
That's the summation of my last few experiences coming to Anntony's Caribbean Cafe over the year (yes, the one on Sugar Creek). Yet this recent experience takes the cake.
I arrived at the restaurant around 7:30PM. The first thing I noticed was that the building was extraordinarily empty -- this should have been my first clue. The moment I stepped up to the counter one of the servers, who was seated at the other end of the bar, called out and asked if I wanted to dine in or carry out. When I didn't hear them? They remained seated and called out the same question -- this should have been my second clue.
But you know what? A few days prior I had the most amazing Brown Stew Chicken from this location and I was in the mood for another plate. A little rudeness wasn't going to sour my plans. So I place my order, the server takes my debit card and then drops it on the counter after she's done with it -- that should have been my third clue.
Rather than wait on my meal I chose to go for a quick walk to get a drink. When I return I sit down outside the restaurant to wait for my order. It's at this point that the same server walks out to tell me "sorry we don't have any more brown stew chicken" and claimed that they would issue me a refund.
Several thoughts went into my head:
Why didn't the server know this before taking my money? Why couldn't they change my order to something else? How long would it take to get a refund?
I didn't get a serviceable answer to any of these questions. To the first question, I was simply told "oh, she's knew", they didn't even address a possibility of exchanging my order and my concerns about the refund were answered with a "it might be refunded today or tomorrow".
Don't. Give. This. Place. Any. Money.
They're empty for a reason. Their customer service is lacking, any semblance of professionalism is scarce and their food is inconsistent. To close, here's a sample of the nonsense I've had to deal with over the past year:
Ordered oxtail. Received 1/2 chicken. Didn't know until I got home (they cover their boxes in OBSCENE amounts of aluminum foil). Had the server give me an attitude because I wanted a new plate or a refund -- oxtail is expensive.
Placed an order a few months ago for pickup. Arrived, paid and waited. Not too much later I hear a "ding", I look up and see the chef pulling my food from a microwave. The rice was hot on top and dry underneath.
That's it man. I'm done giving this place chances.
Do yourself a favor and eat at any other location nearby. The only good thing about this place is that their health score is a 99....
At least I know their mediocre food is cooked in a clean...
Read moreIf you're a fan of Jamaican cuisine and crave the tantalizing flavors of jerk chicken, look no further than Anntony's Caribbean Cafe. They serve the best Jamaican jerk chicken in town, and here's why it's an absolute must-try:
Authentic Flavor Explosion: The jerk chicken at Anntony's Caribbean Cafe is bursting with authentic Jamaican flavors. The combination of aromatic herbs and spices, such as scallions, thyme, allspice, and Scotch bonnet peppers, creates a taste sensation that is truly unforgettable. Each bite is a spicy and savory delight.
Perfectly Grilled and Tender: The chefs at Anntony's Caribbean Cafe have mastered the art of grilling jerk chicken to perfection. The chicken is marinated for hours to allow the flavors to penetrate deeply, and then it's expertly grilled to achieve a slightly charred and smoky exterior while remaining tender and juicy on the inside.
Customizable Spice Levels: Whether you prefer mild or fiery hot, Anntony's Caribbean Cafe offers customizable spice levels to cater to every palate. You can choose the level of heat that suits your taste, ensuring a personalized and enjoyable dining experience.
Generous Portions: When it comes to jerk chicken, portion size matters. At Anntony's Caribbean Cafe, you'll be delighted by the generous serving of jerk chicken on your plate. They don't skimp on the chicken, allowing you to indulge in the flavorful goodness to your heart's content.
Accompanying Sides and Sauces: The jerk chicken at Anntony's Caribbean Cafe is complemented by a selection of mouthwatering sides and sauces. Traditional Jamaican staples like rice and peas, plantains, and festival bread are served alongside the chicken, enhancing the overall experience and providing a well-rounded meal.
Friendly and Welcoming Atmosphere: The staff at Anntony's Caribbean Cafe are known for their warm hospitality and friendly service. From the moment you step through the door, you'll feel welcomed and taken care of. The inviting atmosphere adds to the enjoyment of the dining experience.
Whether you're a Jamaican cuisine aficionado or simply curious to try something new and exciting, Anntony's Caribbean Cafe is the ultimate destination for the best Jamaican jerk chicken in town. Prepare your taste buds for a flavorful journey that will leave you craving more!
Disclaimer: Please note that taste preferences may vary, and this review is based on my personal experience. It is advisable to check the restaurant's opening hours and availability of dishes...
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