Jambo Grill — Restaurant in Hoover

I have to preface this review by saying that I love this kind of cuisine so when I discovered Jambo, I was elated to find it near when I shop. I noticed that the reviews are kind of all over the place with both the food and service so I decided to roll the dice. And I have to say, a lot of the bad stuff is right on the money. We walked in and were acknowledged by a sign that told us to seat ourselves but it took a minute for us to be noticed by anyone else despite the fact that the restaurant was nearly empty and there were several staff just sitting at a table on their phones or playing cards.

After we sat ourselves a young lady came and brought us water and menus with a quick 'hello' and then left without another word. We then waited and waited and waited. No one came back after about 15 minutes when we discovered a QR code on the table that linked us to a way we could supposedly order to our table. We tried to do it, only to discover that the prices and options didn't match the physical menu and several items tried to upcharge us for things that were supposed to be included. After about 25 minutes since we got our water the young lady eventually came back and offered to take our order which we had to repeat multiple times. We asked a couple of questions but she seemed confused by our questions so we gave up and just ordered.

About 20 minutes after ordering, our appetizers and one of our entrees arrived at the same time without the food for my wife. The person who brought it to us inquired about whether my wife also had food and she told him she did and what she had ordered. He clearly looked confused and walked away. Almost 15 minutes later her food arrived, which meant that mine was cold since I waited for her to get hers so we could eat together.

I have to say, the food was actually very good but it was extremely overpriced for the offerings and setting. Typically I would expect African comfort food to land about $10 cheaper per plate, at least given the presentation, quality and setting.

Our server never came to our table again through our entire meal until long after we had finished and were getting quite impatient waiting for the check. We never got a single refill of water throughout our meal, which is unforgivable when eating spicy food.

As has been said numerous times in negative reviews, an 18% gratuity is automatically added to the bill. Personally I think this is a disgusting practice but I expected it based on the reviews. What I didn't expect was that they went further into what, quite frankly, feels like a scam. When they bring your receipt to sign, the final bill does not show the forced gratuity on it (even though it is included in the price on the bill) and they have another line requesting an additional tip with suggestions for an additional 15-20%. I am absolutely blown away by this money grab attempt. Anyone who isn't paying close attention will get tricked into essentially a 30-40% tip on any already overpriced bill.

While I was very hopeful that this place would be wonderful, I won't be back. Decent food does not make up for poor service, crazy prices and questionable...

Before I start I want to think the young man that works the front. He is amazing a Was great at his job. I went in today for lunch with my mom. We got egusi, and pepper soup along with jollof and chicken. .The egusi tasted burnt like the cook burnt the batch, pulled the part out that didn’t burn then served that. After something scorches in a pot it’s pretty hard to get that taste out the rest of the food, unless you mask it with some flavors , maybe try a citrus or throw some potatoes in it to absorb that taste. . Pepper soup tastes straight like tomato sauce with a little heat . Jollof and chicken- the chicken was hidden under the rice. And I know why because it had absolutely no seasoning on it, not even a pinch of salt. Now the jollof rice HAHA that was more like a veggie rice with little to nun African/ Nigeria spices in it. Just some rice with a little seasoning and veggies nothing west African about it. I’m a chef an don’t usually do this but when I see all these reviews about the place being great and I finally decide to try it out. Then spend 70 plus on the food an have literally everything be trash, except my sons fries. I’m heart broken. Granted I was told the actual chef was out of town so someone else was cooking. But if you have an amazing chef that’s bringing in the business. Then the next in charge needs to meet the same qualifications as her and keep the food amazing when she does decide to leave. Be cause who ever they left in charge today. Didn’t care one bit about that food .

And yes I paid for the food, no I didn’t send it back (because it shouldn’t have came to me like that) And yes I left the...

Went to Jambo Grill as I wanted some beef pies, plantains, and jollof rice. The plantains were good, some of the best I've had in Alabama. The jollof rice was pretty good as well. I just feel like a little more spices could have been used on the rice. I never tried the beef pies as it was left off my order. The only hiccup I had came from placing my order. First an item being left off my order, second being told the jollof rice came with fried chicken to have it first come out with no chicken then what I believe was broiled chicken and the waiter not taking initiative to correct the problem or apologize. I had to request to add the meat and to speak with someone to get what I paid for. After speaking with the cook who I believe was the owner, he informed me about the type of chicken that came with the jollof rice and provided me with fried as well since I was told that was what I would get and why I ordered it. While I did enjoy the food, I believe a lot of issues may come from not knowing the menu when customers have questions or providing the wrong info. I did want to extend grace as the waiter taking orders seemed young and like hosting was new to her. Nonetheless, the other (adults) working seemed to be very accommodating and also gave me a Jamaican soda because of my long wait. I believe everything will get better with time. I will visit again and plan to bring friends.

Update: I have visited again multiple times since my first visit Oct. 2022 (above) and I have had good experiences. I typically stick with the rice and plantains. Since my first visit, the spices have...