Cool Runnings Jamaican Grill

"While it’s primarily a takeout operation, Cool Runnings Jamaican Grill is no one-trick pony. One portion of the Brays Oaks restaurant is filled with people waiting on to-go orders of ackee and saltfish or jerk wings. But we prefer having our meal in the deceptively large dining room so we can take our time with the food. Stick with the classics—the brown stew chicken falls off the bone with a loving glance, every piece of jerk meat makes our eyes water, and the cocoa bread is fluffy enough to take a nap on. Plus, if you come by on the right night, you might find yourself having dinner while DJs spin classic dancehall hits. " - gianni greene, chelsea thomas

"Some restaurants end up setting the standard for the type of food they specialize in, and Cool Runnings Jamaican Grill is one of those places. The Brays Oaks restaurant serves perfect versions of classic Jamaican dishes, and nothing can contain the power of its brown stew chicken. Cool Runnings is primarily a takeout operation—at any given time, the front is buzzing with people in line for ackee and saltfish, jerk chicken, and curry goat. But we like to hang out with our food in the deceptively large dining room. Maybe it’s the funky reggae music filling the air, or the uncles at the bar shooting the breeze and sipping Red Stripe beer, but Cool Runnings is the kind of a place people should plan to stay awhile. On the right night, you might have dinner while DJs spin classic dancehall hits.  As relaxed as the environment is, the food is all business. Orders are placed at the takeout counter (even if you’re dining in), and you’ll receive your meal in a styrofoam tray that’s filled to the brim. Dishes like oxtail and jerk chicken are served beside mounds of rice and peas and caramelized plantain. Every piece of meat that comes from the kitchen is loaded with flavor, and the rice and peas serve as a sponge to soak up any gravy left behind. And whether it’s bathing in a rich curry or doused in a scotch bonnet-gravy, the chicken here is impossibly tender and absorbs every bit of flavor—especially the spicy sweetness of the brown stew chicken.  We don’t need an excuse to come to Cool Runnings. A trip here makes as much sense for a dinner with a group of pals as a quick lunch of beef patties wedged between fluffy cocoa bread. When it comes to making the classics shine, few other restaurants in Houston can do them justice like this counter-service spot hiding in a strip mall.  " - Gianni Greene

"A solo dinner at the Brays Oaks spot Cool Runnings Jamaican Grill can go one of two ways. You could follow the crowd, and place your order at the to-go counter up front. The temptation to leave with your styrofoam tray might hit, but head to one of the booths in the main dining room instead. We’re still working out the science, but the flaky beef patties taste 90% better with Sister Nancy in the background. And whether you’re at the bar or a table, the staff isn't intrusive, which is good since you'll want some privacy with the curry goat, anyway." - Gianni Greene, Chelsea Thomas

"Named for the classic film that followed a loveable Jamaican Olympic bobsled team, the extensive menu at Cool Runnings has just about everything. From smaller bites like saltfish fritters and meat patties with beef, chicken, or vegetables, to larger, traditional meals like brown stew chicken, jerk chicken, and curried goat. With most menu items under $16, it’s an affordable way to enjoy the island cuisine." - Kayla Stewart