Cool Runnings Restaurant & Bar

We stumbled upon this little spot while driving around Michigan City on an extremely hot day, looking for a place to eat. After reading the reviews, we decided to give it a try — and we’re glad we did (well, mostly). The food was amazing, and our waitress couldn’t have been friendlier. The drinks were great, too! However, the atmosphere left a lot to be desired. The place felt a bit rundown and not as clean as it should be. It has more of a local neighborhood vibe than a spot you’d recommend to tourists. While the food and service were both excellent, I’m not sure I’d return unless they improve the overall cleanliness and upkeep. That’s a dealbreaker for me.

Cool Runnings Jamaican Restaurant and Bar delivers a true taste of Jamaica that goes beyond the usual Caribbean fare. From the moment you step inside, the aromas of slow-cooked spices, herbs, and smoky grills set the tone for an authentic island experience. The menu stays faithful to traditional Jamaican flavors, with dishes that clearly reflect time-honored cooking methods rather than watered-down adaptations. The jerk chicken stands out with its deep, complex seasoning—spicy, earthy, and slightly sweet—balanced perfectly by a tender, juicy texture. Oxtail is another highlight, cooked low and slow until rich and flavorful, with a savory gravy that pairs beautifully with rice and peas. Even the sides, from fried plantains to cabbage, taste thoughtfully prepared and true to Jamaican home-style cooking. What makes Cool Runnings especially memorable is its commitment to authenticity. The spices are bold but balanced, the heat is real but never overpowering, and each dish feels rooted in Jamaican culinary tradition. Combined with a relaxed bar atmosphere and friendly service, Cool Runnings Jamaican Restaurant and Bar is an excellent choice for anyone seeking genuine Jamaican flavors and a satisfying, comforting meal.

Best food and drinks! Our server was super friendly! The curry chicken and shrimp mac n cheese were just excellent! Very generous portions too! I also enjoyed the coconut mojito ;)

I was very excited to finally try Jamaican food, especially a local, family owned restaurant. I went with my wife on Sunday around noon. Only a couple was there watching the Bears game. The server came to our table and was complaining about something. She never introduced herself and when I told her this was our first time she didn’t recommend anything. She gave us ratty, torn menus & walked away. Moments later, an older man with a ponytail and a torn, worn out Harley Davidson shirt gave us water and then stared at my wife in a creepy way as he walked away. I’m used to eating at places less developed than this place so I kept an open mind. We ordered our food. Before our food came, our server brought some square pastry thing. She didn’t tell us what it was. Sadly, I can’t process beef or pork (cruel curse for a foodie) otherwise I get violently ill. I had to ask our server what it was. As far as the food, I will start with the negative and end on a positive note. The shrimp tacos were bland, tasteless and sprinkled with shredded cheese. Luckily I ordered jerk wings and had left over sauce. I used the sauce to add flavor to the shrimp after I took off the cheese. The coconut shrimp were frozen store bought and not Jamaican at all. Now for the positive. The plantains were FANTASTIC! The jerk wings were so tasty and flavorful that I licked the plate clean. If I were to come back, it will be for take out and just come for the plantains and jerk wings.

The best Jamaican food around. Food and drinks never disappoint. My favorite is the perk chicken dinner. The red beans and rice, plantains, and i chose steamed cabbage for my side. Yum

Loved everything about this place from the welcoming customer service to the chill outside patio. This place was as welcoming as your mom’s kitchen but the food is probably better! Great portion sizes, I got the jerk burger!

This is my 3rd visit and it didn't disappoint. I brought couple of my friends with me for their first time. Our waitress was very helpful since they had 20,000 questions for her. Food was fresh as always with good portions. Love stopping at Cool Runnnings every time I'm in Michigan City. Love the atmosphere & mural of Bob Marley.

Everyone working there is awesome. Very friendly and conversational. We asked lots of questions about the offerings. We had heard the jerk chicken wings were good, so got an appetizer of those, then 2 main courses; curry chicken and the Calypso fish. Of the two, we agreed the curry chicken was better. The fish was good, and the plantains were awesome! We traveled from Normal, Illinois and walked 20 minutes from our air bnb to try these guys out.