JamaGrille Sports bar and lounge — Restaurant in Perth Amboy

Purchased a "Good Vibes" package for my birthday. It was supposed to include up to 6 people and come with 2 pizzas, an order of beef empanadas, 2 "top shelf" bottles, and a bottle of Belaire champagne. Went thru hell trying to check out on their website because my bank kept flagging it as fraud. Ended up calling and they sent me a different link to pay $540.99 which I did and received a confirmation of my reservation on Friday, 2/29. Showed up on 3/2 as 5 of the 6 people and they attempted to charge me an extra $40 at the door. When I showed her my confirmation and that I have admission for up to 6 ppl included in the package , she decided to say to me "Well I'm making it 5.." which pretty much forced me to put my things down and not even care anymore that it was my birthday. Things got ugly, they called the owner up who was just as rude as his door girl was. They still charged me an extra $20 which I went ahead and paid because it was embarrassing to my guests, but she tried to only give me $60 back out of $100 bill. If you needed a couple of extra dollars in your pocket, just ask instead of trying to steal. I got my "correct" change back and went down to my section where my hostess commences to tell me they told her that I do not have a reservation - even though she had already seated 3 additional ppl from my party before I even got there in my section that I supposedly did not have a reservation for (FYI - back to the entry fee situation - those 3 ppl paid regular entry so they were not counted towards my 6 ppl to get in free either - after they got downstairs they asked the hostess where my section was and she seated them but looked me in my face when I got there and told me I didnt have a reservation) I ended up showing the hostess my full confirmation and receipt at which point she looked shocked and decide to treat me like a customer for once. Although the owner asked her a few times as she walked away from me if I was being an "issue" and watched my section from the other end of the bar like we scammed our way in, the hostess tried her best to make the best out of my birthday. She took my bottle order - 1 Patron, 1 Casamigos - and I never even received the champagne written all over the package. The Patron was sealed but the Casamigos was NOT Casamigos - it was a dark brown orange color and tasted like a fruit flavored bourbon. I even asked the hostess to take the bottle back. We only received 1 pizza that tasted like school lunch and 3 small empanadas. I know several people - family and friends- who were saying they wanted to try this place out but I think I made a huge mistake of booking my party there versus trying it out on a regular night to just to get a feel of the vibes first. It was definitely a waste but the website and pictures had me sold - $540 for only 3 people to get in free, 1 real bottle of liquor and 1 switch-a-roo bottle, a nasty pizza, 3 empanadas for "up to 6 ppl", and a happy birthday sign with sparklers every 30 minutes....

On August 10, 2025, my girlfriend and I visited this Black-owned restaurant.. Unfortunately, our experience did not match the appealing images we had seen online. The ambience and décor were less inviting than expected. We had the option to sit inside or on the patio, and chose the patio since the weather was nice. We also wanted to listen to the DJ, which was a little loud for being outside.

Our waitress was friendly, attentive, and young which was one of the few positives. We ordered a pitcher of sangria, coconut shrimp, and catfish nuggets. The catfish nuggets arrived first — the plate was hot, but the fish itself was lukewarm, tasted as if it had been fried earlier, and had been sitting in a warmer. We sent it back and decided to order another coconut shrimp.

The coconut shrimp we received was disappointing — it was fried too hard, had a heavy batter, and had a frozen taste. We requested tartar sauce, but were told they didn’t have any, which was another letdown.

The sangria was by far the worst I’ve ever had. We ordered a pitcher, but it tasted like fruit juice with no noticeable kick. Our waitress told us it was made with red wine and tequila. When we asked the bartender, she added that it contained red wine, tequila, brandy, and other ingredients. After we expressed our dissatisfaction, she offered to make it stronger. A different woman — possibly the manager — brought us another pitcher, saying she made it herself. It tasted slightly better but was still far from great. Too much ice, which made it watered down.

By this point, we decided not to risk ordering entrées. If the basic appetizers and drinks weren’t prepared well, we didn’t feel confident about the main dishes. We left with an $85 bill and an unfinished pitcher of sangria. We thought it was strange that the person who made the sangria didn't check on us again, especially since she was sitting on the patio with other patrons.

Unfortunately, despite the friendly service from our waitress, we cannot recommend this restaurant based on our experience. Response: We came with an opened mind. I asked to take the sangria home because we had paid for it and intended to adjust it to our liking. If you noticed, we did not drink it—this should have indicated that we didn’t enjoy it. The second order of shrimp was placed because the catfish nuggets were not to our liking. That second order arrived while I was still eating the first, not after. Yes, I ate them because I was hungry, but that does not mean the coconut shrimp was exceptionally good. My review reflects my personal opinion and perspective of the events, which...

One thing I absolutely hate, is for people of color to say we don’t support each other. “I” am a champion advocate for supporting people of color. However, what I won’t support is the lack of professionalism and quality of food I experienced at this establishment. To the owner, I pray you hire a more qualified chef and staff who represents your vision because what I experienced was some of the worse behavior and food quality I’ve ever experienced. Minus the young lady who hosted karaoke (she was phenomenal) and the young man who attempted to service our large party…..THIS PLACE SUCKED! Your immature female bartender needs to go to charm school; somewhere she can learn how to respect people, not walk around as if she has a sense of entitlement, and understand the importance of customer service and satisfaction! To this point, greeting someone as they walk through the door then take 15-20 minutes to service them is not an option (minus her 3 friends sitting at the bar who she tended to all night)! Her poor choice in ignoring the customers who “probably” helped you make your financial quota costed you 20+ loyal customers who make $150k each…customers who would have brought a different crowd to your establishments supported you “IF” you didn’t hire someone’s child who has “0” people skills. Making a drink doesn’t make you a bartender! Your chef must not taste the food he serves because the Rasta pasta was dry, the snapper and shrimp looked pleasing but was tasteless, the appetizers were served cold and without condiments, you advertised boneless wings but didn’t have any, and your appliances and glasses were filthy; lipstick around the rims of the glasses and dried food smeared across them. I can’t even give you credit for having clear television channels because I was too distracted by me holding my hand up like an elementary student, to get a drink; let alone a glass of water. You can continue paying for IG advertisements but I can assure you this place won’t last UNLESS you make significant changes to mirror your dreams of becoming a restaurateur / entrepreneur. How much did we spend? Too much for this place. What dishes would I...