Hillside Caribbean Cuisine — Restaurant in Charlotte

I had some serious high hopes after my go to spot closed in NODA a good while back. The food wasn't bad but wasn't great either for a $17.00 plate. I got the Jerk Chicken with Collards and it was decent but based on the price and more so the service I will not be coming back. Jerk Chicken was heavy with sauce, not dry but not moist and wasn't as flavorful as other versions I have had. Rice and beans were very dry. Collards were pretty good and served hot.

Below is a large part of this rating. The guy taking the order over the phone sounded like he hated his job, was severely irritated with answering the phone or he was angrily fighting a hangover. I thought wow but everyone has there days folks. However, in person this was even more so apparent when I walked in. He was impolite and acted like I made a mistake coming in or he had never taken any such order. After telling him I had just got off the phone with him only 10 minutes ago he nodded and walked around unlocking doors. Once all doors were taken care of he got my order and took my money. I still left a tip but I hope this was a tip sharing establishment whereas the cooks etc...

I ordered the curry chicken lunch special. It came with a side of beans and rice and one side. The side that I chose was the mac and cheese. I called the order in and about seven minutes later I went inside to pay for the order. My total was around $13 and some change. The young man that took the order came out with my food and I paid for the meal and departed the restaurant. The food wasn't as hot in terms of its temperature, although the time that it took to place and to pick up the order was less than ten minutes. The food wasn't as hot as I expected. It was like warm. The curry chicken portions were generous and well seasoned, the rice and beans were a little to dry and a little to bland. The Mac and cheese was horrible. It tasted old and looked just as old. Needless to say that I won't be frequenting this establishment anytime in the foreseeable future because of the lack of freshness, after all it was lunch time and I seemed to be the only customer at the time. The restaurant was unoccupied and the two young men on that day were polite. The food portions...

From a HUGE food and service critic, this restaurant ticks all the box.

PROS: Every time I called, they’ve sounded friendly and professional on the phone. Those who frequent Jamaican restaurants know how bothered they can sound on the phone . *eyerolls. The owner (gentleman) has a friendly super chilled approach and is appropriately engaging. The team overall is friendly. The place is CLEANNNN. A huge plus for this germophobe. The food? Always fresh! Decent portion. Taste? Well, just tasty. How do explain good food? You really can’t. It’s just good food..Not a singe negative here! Just go get you a plate already!

CONS: Nothing.

Please consider offering all-in-one cutlery packs with take-out meals, as opposed to the current fork and napkin offered. Jazz it up a bit.

Thank you for providing authentic food in a clean setting, and treating your customers with respect. Needless to say,...