Jamaica's Island Style — Restaurant in Lancaster

Listen up, foodies! If you're craving a serious taste of Jamaica, you absolutely NEED to check out this spot. Let's be clear upfront: this place is definitely geared towards takeout. While they do have tables and a TV blasting the latest Jamaican tunes creating a vibrant atmosphere, the dine-in experience is... unique. Be prepared to eat your incredible meal straight out of a plastic container with plastic forks, as they don't offer plates or silverware, and you'll need to pay at the counter before your food arrives. Napkins? BYO, friend!

Now, if you're willing to look past these unconventional dining arrangements, you are in for a treat of epic proportions. The food here is, without a doubt, some of the best Jamaican I've had. The oxtail is simply outstanding – fall-off-the-bone tender and bursting with rich, savory flavor. The jerk chicken is another winner; perfectly seasoned with a fantastic blend of spices that isn't overwhelmingly hot but delivers incredible taste. And don't even get me started on the Jamaican fried chicken – unbelievably crispy and seasoned to perfection.

I was a little bummed about the goat stew, it's a weekend specialty (wish I'd known before ordering!). However, the sides more than made up for it. The peas and rice and plantains were spot on. The cabbage is a bit of an Americanized version, but trust me, it's surprisingly well-seasoned and delicious in its own right.

But the real star of the show? The Beef Patties. Seriously, these are a game-changer. The crust is perfectly flaky, and the filling is the best I've ever tasted. If you only try one thing here, make it the beef patty. We loved them so much we ordered extra to take home!

Bottom line: Don't come here expecting a traditional sit-down restaurant experience. This is a takeout joint with a few tables thrown in. However, if you prioritize authentically delicious Jamaican food above all else, then this place is an absolute must-visit. Just grab your Styrofoam container, embrace the vibes, and prepare for a flavor explosion. You...

Upon entering the establishment, I was immediately greeted with warmth and genuine hospitality 🤍 a promising start to what I hoped would be a flavorful Caribbean experience. The ambiance was casual and inviting, and the wait time was refreshingly brief, no more than 10 to 15 minutes from order to plate.

I opted for the oxtail plate, accompanied by a beef patty, ginger beer, and pineapple ginger 😋 the latter being a personal favorite. My husband, a Trinidadian native with a well-trained palate for island cuisine, chose the stewed chicken.

The presentation was standard, but the first bite quickly revealed the true test: flavor. Regrettably, the meal fell short of expectation. While the food was clearly cooked in a traditional style, it lacked the bold, layered flavors synonymous with Caribbean fare. As someone of Haitian descent, I anticipated a comforting blend of herbs, spice, and soul but the dishes were surprisingly muted.

The oxtail, typically a rich and savory centerpiece, tasted solely of brown gravy not a whisper of thyme, scallion, or the deep seasoning one might expect. The rice, though made with coconut milk, was bland and uninspired. The cabbage was passable, though overcomplicated by an excess of mixed vegetables. The stewed chicken, unfortunately, was both dry and flavorless a disappointment for a dish that should be bursting with seasoning and tenderness.

The frozen beef patty, ironically, offered the most flavor, likely, because it was pre-seasoned and not house made.

In summary, while the staff’s hospitality is commendable and the setting welcoming, the food does not reflect the depth and vibrancy of authentic island cuisine. For those truly familiar with Caribbean cooking, the experience may feel like a missed opportunity rather than a...

Wow!! What can I say? My husband and I decided to look for something different and new on our phone for us to have lunch and this place popped up. We were definitely happy with our decision. We were greeted with great friendly customer service. Explained the combos and the choices. On our first visit we end up getting the jerk chicken combo and fried fish combo along with fried chicken to go. We planned on taking it home but decided to sit and dine in. My husband loved the jerk chicken and their rice, with a side of macaroni and cheese. Chicken was tender and filled with flavor. He enjoyed every bit of his lunch. I had the fish and I finished every bit of it. I wanted to try the oxtail next time I come back but after hearing another customer rave about it, we ordered some to go. Well we have our dinner for this evening. I’ll have my husband post about our dine out order. Fried chicken and oxtail, oh and their weekend special a side of curry goat. To be continued on a later post. But definitely amazing food. Being an island girl I am definitely about flavor and spices. Which their hot sauce was a pleasant surprise. A lot of heat. Loved it!!! We are definitely coming back!!! Sorry we took our pics of our lunch after we started eating. We took one bit...