People's Choice Restaurant — Restaurant in East Orange

People’s Choice Restaurant is located on a busy street in Newark. Parking can be a challenge during certain times of the day. The restaurant is very clean inside. The only menu is posted on the wall above the check-in window. It’s nice to see the food being prepared behind the check-in window. I noticed about 2-3 employees preparing the food. This restaurant has probably been around for a number of years and is frequently visited by locals. The menu contains many of the traditional and popular Jamaican cuisine items. I ordered the Escovitch fish. Came with rice and peas, cabbage, plantains and a side salad. $17. Decent price. I must honestly say I was not impressed with the food. I would’ve preferred to have red snapper as my fish. I think they gave me cod, but I’m not sure what kind it was. I waited a while for my food. Unfortunately the fish was very dry and lacked flavour. Probably not made to order. The rice and peas were not made with kidney beans (as it should be) but made with pigeon peas. That’s ok, but the rice was also not very fresh. I guess they don’t go through it that often. The plantains were hard, not very sweet and just not that good, in my opinion. The cabbage was horrible. Totally overcooked and lacked flavour.

The service here was lukewarm at best. Weirdly enough, I was okay with that.

I will say that Jamaican food can be made and taste differently depending on where you go. I’ve had Jamaican cuisine almost everywhere, in the US, Europe, and in Jamaica. People’s Choice unfortunately did not measure up. It’s possible that it was just my escovitch fish order? Or just an off day at the restaurant.

I would encourage you to see for yourselves, but I would recommend the Jamaican food truck just down the street, or the other nearby Caribbean restaurants nearby. I certainly will not be going back, because there are too many other choices out there.

I appreciate this business and I’m sure they are doing their best. Just not good...

Why sell oxtail if you clearly know it’s hard and no matter how much you presser it it’s still hard.. I was told this by the owner.. she then said to me I’m not going to buy from this new place anymore oxtail but yet it’s ok to sell it to me??? then when I explain I live a hour away I’ll just come tomorrow for a new plate that wasn’t even suggested to me.. the owner herself said to bring back the oxtail the next day as if I’m lying to her.. so I said I much drive a hour away go to work then bring the food hours after??? She goes yes it’s cold now it’s not going to spoil.. it’s also our policy!!! I seriously hope she is not planning to sell this food to someone else bec this now becomes a health issue.. this will be the last time I’m ever eating from this business and they better refund me my money before I contacted the Better Business Borough.... i can’t believe this how you treat your customers.. Ps kindly lean some professionalism because arguing back with a customer is not how a business owner should ever react!!! To an unsatisfied...

I tried to at least give it 3 stars. If they have favorite ppl they will put them in front of you. I purchased oxtails, rice and cabbage. I feel, for the price, you should get more meat. The oxtails we really tough and undercook. I said maybe they are having a bad day so I will give them another chance. I came back the next week and tried again. Let’s just say I’m done with giving second chances. Honestly I don’t know how they got the number 1 spot. I’ve had better Caribbean food from Top taste and Jerks. From majority of the places I’ve tried overall 10th Ave Jamaican restaurant in Paterson has the best…You’re welcome. It’s worth the drive, the food is excellent & the price is right. They should pay me for this free promotion but I’m being real. Try the jerk I promise you...