Irie Nation Restaurant - South — Restaurant in Charlotte

As a newcomer to Charlotte, I have been searching for a great spot to buy my favorite dish, oxtail. Being an oxtail aficionado, I wanted to see if theirs was as good as I was told by the person who recommended them to me.

When I pulled up in my vehicle, I have to be honest, I was leery about getting out because there were a few questionable guys who looked to be homeless, junkies, and had mental health issues. I was uncertain if I was going to get robbed or asked for money. However, I got out of my vehicle and made my way to the restaurant. Upon entering, there were two people ahead of me, and several were sitting down at the tables waiting for their orders. The place wasn't dirty, but it wasn't pristine either.

When it was my turn, I spoke to the young gentleman whose name, according to the receipt, is "Danarrtto T." He did not say hello back, but instead said, "How can I help you?" I'm adamant about businesses greeting customers, so I'm surprised I didn't walk out, which I usually would do. I noticed he was working alone because no one else was helping him. He was taking orders, fixing plates, and running to the back if he needed something that wasn't out front.

I proceeded to give my order to the young man. I ordered a large ($24.99) oxtail dinner with rice & peas, fried plantains, and candied yams ($4.50). With the tax and tip (15%), everything came close to $40. That was steep. While I was there, several people came in and placed their orders. I noticed they were all leaving with their food, but I was still waiting for mine. The young man, after about 5-6 customers got their food, decided to let me know that my food "been ready." So, I went up to the counter and uttered, "All this time I sat there, you didn't even let me know." I checked my food to see if it was what I ordered and left.

I got home because the food smelled amazing. I started with the oxtails, of course, and when I tasted them, I said to myself, "Hmm, I've had better". They were tender and good, though not as flavorful as I was used to. I'm also used to getting at least six pieces of oxtail from places I've supported, but this place gave me only five, as you can see in the picture. I also noticed that there was no gravy on the rice, and was told that you have to ask for it. If you want "heavy gravy," you have to pay extra. That took me aback. None of the restaurants I've been to ever did that. The rice and peas were good, and so were the candied yams. The plantain was total trash and drier than the Sahara Desert to me. I had better plantain at the Chinese Buffet than this place. YUCK! I will not be returning there due to the presence of suspicious individuals in the parking lot and the young man's failure to greet...

So I've been passing this establishment for a few months now and decided to give it a try today. When I say I will never patronize this establishment again in life is an understatement. I came in the girl never said hello just said can I help you. She was on the phone because when I asked questions she didn't respond. She asked was I paying cash or charge twice because she couldn't hear my response and the person she was talking to on the phone as well. Then there was another person dishing the food but the cashier the same one that answered no questions and was on the phone not paying attention decided to fix the plate. So I stood there to watch she was allowing me to see what she was doing for the rice and plantain but for the meat she stood to the side to which I witness here acting like she was putting food on the plate but was just moving the oxtail around. I said nothing I let her think that I didn't see it. When I got outside I started to call my credit card company and dispute the charge but I gave the food to a homeless man instead. If I could give this place a negative 100 I would poor service poor quality of food poor everything. I paid $30 for nothing also glad I saw her being shady because I was blessing everyone who served me today a nice tip of $20 but she got nothing. The...

First time visiting this establishment. I must say when you have had authentic Jamaican cuisine, it is very difficult to accept what's being sold here in Charlotte. I ordered one large jerk and small curry chicken plates. If you've been here you know their average plate cost is about $15. My disappointment was once I reached home, about 45 mins. away I obviously received someone else's plate. There was mac' n cheese which I ordered, collards which I did not, beans/rice and no jerk chicken. The curry chicken was more of a shredded/chopped opposed to pieces. Lack the flavor of curry. Call to report the mistake, staff says there is a sign that encourages people to check their order, sorry didn't see this one. My expectation is , I order, I pay and I expect to receive my order as requested. I took pictures so that when I return, I would have verification of their error. Bottom line....no refund, come in to receive the correct order. If the drive was worth it I would but not worth the gas. I would like to say to the owners, this won't last with all of the up and coming restaurant selections in the area. ...