Crown Bakery

Another neighborhood jam. The bake and shark was scrumptious - juicy, flavorful, filled with goodies. Best fish sandwich in DC. A must have - only available on the weekend. If you want to try all the goodies, show up early - several things were out when I arrived on a Saturday afternoon. The jerk chicken is perfectly spiced with good heat level. The pastries were crumbly and sweet (forgot to picture). The oxtail stew was tender. Can’t wait to go back! I followed the recommendation of a native Trinidadian.

Came here a few times but I love coming on the weekend the most. The street food options on Saturday and amazing!! On Sunday they have all you can eat brunch as well that is really good!! I went back after not going for a few months and tried the bake and shark! It was delicious, the only thing that would have made it perfect was a piece of grilled pineapple on the sandwich. Bake and shark is only available on saturdays.

Unassuming bakery and restaurant is “the spot” and truly a IYKYK. Small platter for lunch is a great value with lots of food. Go on Friday or Saturday to get doubles.

The restaurant itself is a bit old but clean. Customer service started out questionable as we waited a full 5 minutes before someone came out from the back to attend to us, even though we called out several times. The woman that came out was nice enough and gave some good sized portions of curry with buss up shut. We also got some coconut bake and drops with a couple drinks. The coconut drops and bake lacked coconut though and the curry was ok but lacked flavour which is a complaint we’ve heard from quite a few islanders regarding Caribbean food in the DMV. They have an upstairs seating area but it was closed off and we were also a bit hesitant to leave our vehicle parked for any extended period of time, thus the choice to order take out. There are a few other Caribbean places around so we will def explore options.

From the out side not what you expected. When you get in your greeted with a happy welcome. The service was great . The food was GOOD. portions definitely worth your money. NO. COMPLAINTS I wish them more buisness success in that area.

First time visiting and I'll definitely go back! While waiting for my food order, I loved being able to serve myself fish broth. It was also nice to meet Ambassador Phillips-Spencer and his beautiful wife😊 Overall it was a warm and welcoming environment. No evidence of the broth ...I ate it all😊

I gave it two stars because the roti is decent. But doesn't compare to food back home in Brooklyn. I didn't taste any seasoning. Since it's a Trinidadian restaurant, I expected flavor, portions and options. Where is the tamarind sauce or pepper sauce on the side - something.... definitely wasn't worth the price. I've been searching for authenticity in DC; but disappointed every time.

I happened to make some curry chicken with channa and potato today. On a whim, as I was in the neighborhood, I decided to drop in and get some roti skins. Best decision ever! I was greeted by the lovely and personable Jennifer, who informed me that indeed, they made the best roti skins and I would not be disappointed. Service was fast and efficient and with some instructions on how to warm the skins to maintain the soft and silky texture, I was off! When I tell you, Jennifer told no lies! Talk about some dahlpuri that elevated my humble curry!! It was delicious! I'm sorry I didn't purchase more, but now that I found Crown, I will definitely be going back. Good food, great service at a price I can actually afford.

Crown Bakery has great food and the customer service is very good! The goat buss-up is one of my favorite things to order

Favorite brunch spot in DC so far and favorite "I don't feel like cooking dinner" spot. Owners are amazing and there's so many options. I went for their Sunday brunch. P.S. they only do brunch on Sundays and don't have their full menu available. The brunch is upstairs and offers a cozy atmosphere.The brunch options were brown stew chicken, fish, callaloo, rice and peas, white rice, red beans and rice, max and cheese, coco bread, sweet bread, crab, and a few others things I couldn't remember. For drinks: the options were coffee, tea, water, rum punch, and guava pineapple juice. I loved everything!!! The only thing I didn't particularly like was the fish. It was a bit dry for my liking but maybe because it was sitting out for awhile. All the sauces offered on the side were amazing. My personal favorite was the pineapple haberno sauce. The guava pineapple juice was really really tasty. As well as the rum punch. Strong but not too strong. Service was attentive and I left STUFFED. The price runs at $45 per person. This is about the cost of most brunch spots in DC so I shouldn't have been surprised. Don't think I'd particularly go for brunch again anytime soon but will go to try their other menu items during the week. Overall food ratings- Brown stew chicken: 7/10 Callaloo: 10/10 Mac n cheese: 10/10 Coco bread: 10/10 Rice and peas: 8/10 Red beans and rice: 7/10 Kale salad: 10/10 Sweet bread: 10/10 Crab: 9/10 Guava pineapple juice 10/10

Mr Trevor and Ms Jenifer are great, the food is consistent and for catering purposes it's affordable to get food for your events, upstairs has a hidden gem. Ask about their brunch Quality service and good ambiance upstairs ..

This review has been a long time coming, let's go! So fun fact, I've been eating at this establishment for 5 years and have never actually stepped foot in it until this day. I've normally secured orders through friends, at a street fair, and through UberEats. Allow me to say this, the food has always been DELICIOUS every time that I've ordered and that's hard for restaurants to say. As a born Trinidadian, I can be the critical of Caribbean cuisines LOL. Specifically, Trinidadian food because I grew up eating all of our dishes and have become familiar with its taste. Caribbean food is known for our rich spices and we pass the test on seasoning our meats and seafood. This place makes Trinidad proud with well seasoned food and some of the best baked goods on this side of town. My boyfriend and I enjoyed a delicious curry chicken roti each with buss up shot. We added pepper sauce and tamarind sauce on top and devoured our meals. It was SO good! Their currants rolls, baked breads, and other baked goods are also very delicious and fresh.

When Teja say there's no place like home, he didn't lie. But there are a few places that truly make you feel like home is down the street. So I ventured round the corner just to partake of a few indulgences of Trinidad and Tobago. Sweet bread, Coconut drops, Coconut roll, guava pastry and also a Mango pastry or two. He asked if I had a sweet tooth. Well yes. Crown Bakery is my home away from home. Home sweet home

My husband bought a variety of rotis and chicken dishes from Crown. I got my usual, spicy goat roti. The roti skin was thin and flaky but a bit dry. The goat curry was spicy but lacked the curry note. The goat was dry and stringy. Filling was not generous but it had an okay 2:1 meat to potatoes ratio. The roti left me feeling like I ate Jamaican roti and not a Trini roti. I'm not an expert. I just prefer my Trini roti. Would I try it again? Yes. Maybe I should eat it at the store. See if this would resolve the dryness of the roti skin and meat.

Long overdue review, but the food, service, and ambiance are all great! Everything about Crown Bakery makes you feel like you're back in the islands. I grew up eating all of their delicious savory meals and pastries. The weekends are my favorite because of the 10/10 street food, & the best corn soup! Thank you Trevor and Jennifer for your years of hospitality and authentic Trinidadian cuisine!

Need to update times on yelp. Drove here and got here at 9pm and they were closed. Despite yelp saying it closes at 11pm

The best Trini Bakery in the D.C./Maryland area. The food, pastries and service was AMAZING!!!! Worth the Drive, worth the price, worth your time, worth braving the rain. Had a little bit of everything. The Current Rolls were flaky, tasty and tender. The Doubles were HUGE and Delicious, packed with flavor. The Shrimp Roti was Mouthwatering, lots of shrimp simply Scrumptious. The Beef Patties were flaky and perfect. The Corn Soup had just the right blend of Sweet and Savory. And my FAVORITE and Most Unexpected was the BAKE & SHARK!!!!! OMG AMAZING!!! ABSOLUTELY Delicious!!! The food here will make you Crave the Islands. I Left there ready to book my ticket for TRINIDAD and Maracus Bay!!! Thank You, Thank You, Thank You Crown Bakery for taking me on a Wonderful Journey. The BEST place in D.C. Stop By....You Will NOT be Disappointed!!!

The customer service and staff is very nice and friendly. The prices are reasonable...., As for the food ..... The taste was a big mis for me. I had high expectations being as tho it was recommended by a few people. However, Please don't let this review detour you from trying this spot. There are a lot of people that actually love the food.?..?.. Don't knock it until you try it I guess.

My favorite go-to Bakery whenever I'm in DC, Georgia Avenue. Very good customer service. Food is good. Very neat surroundings and restroom as well. A lot of amazing patties to try. Also nutritional homemade hygienic juices. Kudos Crown Bakery

I love going to Crown Bakery for a good pastry. It's one of my most frequented snacking places when I'm in Washington, D.C. My favorites are the spinach pies, and the coconut rolls. I also enjoy the lentil pie, and I get chicken pie sometimes too. They carry a really amazing Caribbean ice cream that comes in pints. I love it when they aren't sold out of the Mango and Passion fruit flavors. Those flavors are so good that they get sold out fast, but they have other popular flavors too. I can't wait to go back to D.C. for more of their amazing snacks.

Usually order about $80+ of food here. Everything is good! Owners are welcoming and pleasant. Employees are courteous. Not much of an ambiance. It's a order and go kind of place.

All Caribbean food isn't the same there are some little differences. That being said this is a a Trini bakery and the sell some good food also. Came to DC to attend a reggae show and picked up tickets from this spot. Walked in the door and we got distracted by the aromas of the cooked food. I had to get my self a cinnamon bun while I was there too. Will be returning for sure.

Been going here for literal years! The sweet bread is amazing, I'm still trying to get my recipe like theirs.

Looking for authentic currant/mixed rolls, coconut drops, pholourie, Trini patties (yes these are light and tasty). Look no further than Crown Bakery which is the only Trini bakery in town. The macaroni pie(even better on the next day), callaloo, King fish, Bake n Shark (get everything on it, served on Saturdays takes me back to Maracas Bay) are all good. And if you still have room get the doubles (served on Saturday, get everything on it and eat immediately) and the goat roti which are worth every dollar with some pepper sauce. It doesn't matter what roti you get, all will impress. Tip: Slight pepper means a little dash of pepper and Plenty pepper means douse it uncontrollably lol Pre pandemic, I frequented the best Caribbean brunch buffet in the area at Crown Bakery. Customer service includes the best accent in the world with a smile! I always feel like I'm visiting family.

ALL I WANT IS SOME GOOD TRINI FOOD SO I COME HEREEEEE. Used to go to carribean palace but they got replaced once I started coming here. Closest place I found that reminds me of a home cooked meal. My grandma loves their currants rolls, says they remind her of home (Trinidad). I also love Wilika (sorry if i spelled her name wrong). But shes so sweet =) and also makes the visit better. The food has never disappointed. Prices could add up a bit but I mean if you want a good meal, you'll definitely get that. Try everything. Its all good. Like fr.

Omg. I finally found MY bakery on Georgia Ave. Ask for their bread pudding and roulette with black currants and walnuts. Huge slices, freshly made. I just gobbled everything up. Yes, big slices, no, I'm not sharing

TL;DR: So disappointing. Go to Teddy's Roti Shop instead. I was at the end of my pregnancy and craving some West Indian food (my family is from Trinidad so I was hoping for a little comfort food). We actually tried to go to Sunrise down the road but they happen to be closed and we thought we'd try Crown Bakery. We walked in and two folks behind the counter saw us but didn't greet us. They were waiting on some ladies that came in as we did so we patiently waited for them to take our order. They never did. They kept on fiddling around and going to the back and still never greeted us... not even to say "oh just a minute" or even a nod to sit tight until they were ready for us. While I was waiting, I kept taking in the place. First, the food was sitting out on a lunch counter and looked as if it had been sitting there for a little longer than my gut was comfortable with. It was all dried out and the area wasn't looking very appetizing. (I'm all for hole in the wall spots but at least keep what you're displaying someone clean). Second, there were flies all over the food in the lunch counter. Third, the display case has nothing and mind you it was towards the end of the day so it could just be that they were out but even what was in there looked hella old and they were out of pone cake. The space isn't really that appetizing or appealing, which didn't bother me at first but taking everything into consideration (especially that all this time we still weren't even acknowledged), I just couldn't stick it out any longer. I tried to be really patient because I really wanted to try the food and they are a small mom and pop shop but I legit think they were waiting us out so we'd leave. They didn't even bat an eyelash that we walked out. It was really strange and pretty crappy. We ended up going to Teddy's Roti Shop before it closed (thank god) and got great service and delicious food. Phew!

Thank you Crown Bakery for making my Saturday complete. This was the first time visiting this eatery and I definitely will be back. Trevor and the lady who took my order were such a delight. The nicest customer service. I ordered the Curry Chicken Roti, King Fish entree, and a variety of their freshly made pastries. This was the closest I came to mom's home cooking. Thank you again !!

I only come here on Saturday's for the Aloo Pie and bake and salt fish. Literally so good every time. The bake is cooked to perfection every time as well.

Just the best ethnic food I've had while visiting DC. Jerk chicken with spinach and chickpea was so excellent.

Wow. So I had this place on my radar for a while after hearing that they have a $25 bottomless brunch that includes all-you-can-eat Trinidadian food AND all-you-can-drink rum punch & mango pineapple juice. I decided that I would save it for my birthday, which was quite the gamble since neither I nor the 17 other people I brought with me had never been! Back in January, I called them to reserve a brunch slot. The number fluctuated over the weeks, but they were more than willing to accommodate. When the time finally came, that's when the fun began. It does not look like much from the outside. It's just your typical DC street restaurant look. When I entered, it looked like your usual to-go spot. Straight ahead was a menu, and to the left were the cash register and shelves behind glass that were full of some yummy looking baked goods! There were mango tarts and cross buns, just to name a few. There were a few men sitting in the window, and one asked me if I was there for brunch. When I said yes, he said the brunch happens upstairs. Then i noticed the stairway, and was on my way. The brunch room had quite the homey feel to it. There was one big table in the middle (which I assumed was for my party) with a bunch of smaller tables surrounding it, and the food and drinks were on the right half of the room. It smelled absolutely wonderful. There was a woman tending to the food, and she warmly greeted us. I told her who I was and she directed me to the table that I thought was mine. She introduced herself as Pamela and told us to let her know when we were ready, and most importantly, as she said: "The red juice is rum punch. It contains rum." INDEED it did. I decided to wait about 10 minutes for more of my party to come before getting food. When I told Pamela we were ready, she gestured my table to come and get the food! There was so much to choose from! There was a tasty kale salad, several breads and pastry options, tamarind sauce, rice & peas, yellow rice, plantain, callaloo, jerk chicken, king fish, and a few other things I can't remember at this moment... ALL OF THE FOOD WAS INCREDIBLE! I don't even know the words that can properly describe how much everyone enjoyed themselves there. On top of that, I got a surprise birthday cake! My name was spelled on a plate in chocolate sauce with gold sprinkles on it, and I got slices of three different types of pound cake (lemon, chocolate, and vanilla). It was a wonderful experience, and I enjoyed my occasional conversation with Pamela. She checked on us consistently and I really enjoyed her energy. As things winded down and brunch was about to end (it ends at 4:00, there is no time limit... just be gone by then), I inquired about the owner of the establishment. Pamela informed me that the man downstairs who told me where to go for brunch was actually the one. We found out that the tip jar is upstairs near where the punch, but actual payments happen downstairs at the cash register. So as we all went on down to pay, I made sure I went last so I could talk to the owner, Trevor. This was one of those gambles that turned out to be an amazing find. This place is a hidden gem and you will enjoy it no matter what island or non-Caribbean country you represent. Thank you SO VERY MUCH, Trevor, Pamela and the rest of the Crown Bakery staff. I will be back. Best $25 ever spent.

Home cooking at its best! You can always count on these wonderful cooks to serve up the ultimate in comfort food.

I have been craving dhalpuri for a few weeks. I keep trying to make it but it never comes out right. I went to Crown Bakery with intentions of just purchasing the roti skin but left out with oxtails, macaroni pie, plantains, current rolls, and Trini sodas as well. The service was excellent. When I got home and ate the roti skin I nearly cried. Tears of joy that is. The roti skin was so good. Lite, flakey, and tasty! Just what I wanted. The rest of the food was good too but the winner was the roti skin. Thanks Crown Bakery! I will be back.

Wonderful place the staff is friendly and the doubles are delicious. I can't help but get a big order every time I come here the home made bread is baked perfectly and delicious. I would like to state that crown is a neighborhood gem and the area is lucky to have it.

Excellent food, excellent service, excellent customer service. They aim to please and you get your money's worth with portion sizes.

I usually just come by for the doubles (Friday and Saturday). If that's what you are looking for, try to come early because they can sell out fast. After coming here for about 4 years I finally broadened my scope and got a Trini meal as opposed to my beloved Doubles. I got the Stew Chicken with Rice and Peas and Plantains. It was a very good meal. I am glad I finally did lunch here and I look forward to doing it again. FYI: They also sell Sorrel, Ginger-Pineapple and Peanut Punch sometimes. I am not big on sweets but it is an actual bakery with sweet treats, if you desire. They also have snacks that I can't describe. I will just say bocaditos. More for me to try. Love the Doubles and the nice, warm people. Doubles!

saltfish bake was delicious. fried bread was sweet soursop drink was good as well. thicker smoothie texture and not too sweet.

My 200th Yelp review and I waited for someplace special. Sham-freaking wow this food was seriously on point. The food is Trini and as a Brooklyn raised Guyanese man who loves to eat, the food was really welcome. I came here for Sunday brunch with a large group and they were more than willing and able to accommodate us. The brunch was all you can eat buffet style with a plethora of options: mac and cheese, plantains, bake and salt fish, stew chicken, peas and rice, etc... They offered guava pineapple and rum punches, both of which were refreshingly tasty. Everything was good and the service was awesome. I'm not sure if Washington has a choice of Caribbean restaurants but this must be among the best.

So I drop my mom off next door at the hair salon and I'm walking back to my car, when I see this young fellow eating some curry chicken in the window. I look up and decide to stop in just to see what they had to eat. Didn't seem like much food was displayed. But the presentation was well presented. I begin to ask the guy, "what's that?", "what's that?", "what's that?". He was patient with me and gave me a sample of the sauce for the fish. I was SOLD after I tasted it. I continue to get the large fish platter, yellow rice, greens, and he said I could get another so I get the curry potatoes. Man, one of the best hole in a wall spot I've been to in the city in a minute. Everything was good. If you haven't tried their food and you like flavor in your food like I do, I believe you'll love this spot .

Delicious Caribbean carry-out: Jerk chicken, chick peas, and saffron rice excellent. Large servings, good deal. Hot food is served buffet style (they handle of course), so I think because I ordered at night, the food was not as fresh. Goat curry was a little dry, but I'm sure it was better fresh. Next time I would want to try kingfish and sweet baked goods. Seemed safe during Covid.

My coworker told me about a sandwich call bake shark or shark bake, oh my stars. This sandwich is so darn good. It's actually shark on a fresh roll with lettuce and other goodness. They only sell it on the weekends. They have fresh breads, pastries and etc. I'm be getting in line for the bake shark sandwich

A solid Trinidadian eating experience! We ordered 2 doubles, 5 currant rolls, 1 veggie roti, two buss up shut with veggie sides and goat roti = $75. Food was delicious and side sauces were awesome. The only thing we would have done without was the Callaloo which was on the bland side. The wait for the food was 20 minutes but we take that as a good sign = care in the preparation!

Listen run don't walk to crown bakery you hear me? I just stopped by there today for some bake n shark (only Friday n Saturday they sell it) and I'm so glad I did! Mannnnnn when I tell you the thing "lash" like my Trini friends say then you know it's good. Sorry I was too hungry n the food was too good for me stop n take a pic. But don't worry, when you go and get you some bake n shark from crown bakery then you'll know what I mean. Enjoy it with some mango pine juice.

The closest thing to best tasting doubles in the city you will find. The food here is delicious!! I absolutely love the corn soup, the food is fresh, & this is family owed authentic Caribbean cuisine. They have been around for many years and I hope they continue to be around for many more

One of the few authentic Trinidadian spots in the dmv! I love it here so much. Definitely worth a trip. Food and baked goods always a hit

Finally had a roti since moving to the DMV! It tasted pretty good! The prices range between $10 and $13 for roti which seems about average for the DC area. I'll definitely be back when I'm missing some food from home!

All the no's in nopeville, Oxtails were sweet (NO) Plaintains were cooked with cinnamon and apples (wha?) Channa and potatoes had no chickpea and no flavor (bye) Macaroni pie tasted like mustard pie. (Did you learn nothing from the food network getting roasted over macaroni) rice and peas have more moisture in the sahara Only thing that was good was the spinach... HOW Sway? NEVER again

Jerk chicken is my go to and it's delicious! Easily my Favorite Caribbean spot in DC and the prices and portions are reasonable. Brunch here is also an easy win at $25 all you can eat and drink

Friendly staff. We tried their jerk chicken sample. Good flavor, not spicy though. We also tried the Jamaican beef patties. The flavor is good but not spicy at all.

Crown Bakery is more than baked goods. It also offers carefully-prepared, hot Caribbean foods every day that it is open for business. I feel that Crown sells the best jerk chicken in the DMV. The majority of folks that wait with me to place orders at Crown are from the Caribbean, so I've got credible support for my claim! I purchase their jerk chicken platter for take-out approximately 4-5 times year and have been a customer for nearly 5 years. It never disappoints. To change things up, I also get the stew chicken, which is equally satisfying. And there are lots of other Trinidadian/Caribbean Islands' dishes available, too. Personally, I find that most of the jerk chicken sold about our area is badly made, so this is my reliable source. Owners Jennifer and Trevor Selman are hospitable, talented pros who have been at it a long time. Crown has been operating at this spot in Petworth for years. There are small and large food platters offered at truly reasonable prices. The bakery items that I like include: guava tart, hot cross buns and a rotating selection of cake slices. Crown features frequent buyer cards, which I find to be a nice incentive. Additionally, they are unabashed patriots--they display their respect for our country. I love that. Hours: Tues., Wed., and Thurs.--11 am to 9 pm; Friday and Saturday--11 am to midnight; and Sunday brunch--11 am to 4 pm. Don't show up too late or you risk missing out! I always get mine around lunch time. And (drum roll, please)--they accept credit cards!

Tiny shop, BIG heart and big flavor. I was craving jerk chicken and the ladies at Cornrows and Co recommended Crown Bakery. Georgia Avenue has lots places that I will try in my future... for now, my large jerk chicken wing (only wings for the jerk) dinner cost around $9 and included two sides and plaintains. The sides were rice and peas (rice and beans), mac and cheese (golden castles of love), stewed lentils, stewed chick peas, stewed spinach, and so on. The plaintains were delicious dipped in the spicy juice from the spinach. The chicken meat fell off in a spicy tumble of fingers-are-made-for-licking. Yummy. This a local place with a global feel. The cakes are baked by the Trinidadian lady and they are throwing an inauguration party (cost $44 for prez 44) which goes until 6 a.m. and starts, "Trinidad time." Pastries in every corner, regulars chatting from their two tiny high tables about pre-WWII German politics, friendly service, a shop the size of a king size bed filled with choices that left me feeling warm and happy. I'll be back.

Now let me just say, when it comes to caribbean food, I'm quite picky especially when there are dishes I can make myself. So when I eat out for native food it has to be DELICIOUS and the place must be special for me to patronize it. I've known about Crown Bakery for YEARS but just never stopped by for myself. I've brought others and tasted of their vittles but again for me, nope. This particular day I was craving doubles - a Trinidadian street dish. On the day that I purchased I got mine fresh out the fryer and boy was it DELICIOUS. My only complaint was it didn't have enough tamarind sauce. Now I must warn you that getting fresh doubles seems to be a hit or miss for the next time I went i think the doubles were leftover from the night before, and we all know that when it comes to fried dough it is NOT tasty as a leftover. So make sure to ask for freshly fried dough otherwise your double will be soggy and may give you heart burn. My next yummy dish from here is the corn soup. OH MY GOODNESS!!! The carrots, dumplin, peas and corn make this a hearty cup of DELISHOUSNESS!!!!! So much so that I have been back every other weekend for my cup. It is not only well seasoned, but a great comfort food if you are looking to warm your tummy. I've also had the spinach patty and that was pretty good for the use of frozen spinach. i tend to be a creature of habit when it comes to eating out, and when I find my favorite dish at any restaurant I tend to stick to it. So for now, it's corn soup FIRST, spinach patty, second and doubles when I'm in the mood. And don't forget a serving of sorrel to quench your thirst and wash down that meal. It's tasty too.

Great customer service, friendly people excellent food and bakery items. Fresh currants roll, yummy doubles with tamarind, cucumber and hot pepper sauce, phoulorie , fresh hops bread and coconut bake, The best!

I only had a spinach patty and it was most delicious! Took us a while to get our food. Seating space upstairs. Order downstairs then walk upstairs. Friends had and enjoyed: salmon patty, codfish patty, bale and salt fish, and curry goat plate.

Went there today for the bakery, which had a small but delicious selection. My wife and I really enjoyed the sweets we purchased. However, I saw a 11.99 chicken roti roll advertised and decided to try it. BAD DECISION. It was terrible. I didn't expect the chicken in the roti to be boneless, but when I was eating the roti and realized it only had two chicken backs inside, I was beyond frustrated. Although I don't have a Trini accent, my family is straight Port-Au-Spain and I know a decent chicken roti when I eat it. Don't give me chicken backs because you think I wont know any better. Seriously. I am willing to give them one more chance but that chicken roti was absolutely ridiculous.

First, a disclaimer: I'm not an expert on Caribbean food. (My only exposure to it was a Jamaican takeout joint called Cool Runnings in grad school.) So, no past history or expertise in Caribbean food in general, let alone Trini cuisine. But I do appreciate good food made by good people--like, a lot. So, with that disclaimer out of the way: Crown Bakery is awesome. To illustrate: I have had almost all of the main dishes--Oxtail, Curry Goat, Curry Chicken, Stew Chicken, Jerk Chicken, Kingfish, Saltfish and Bake, Shark and Bake, and Roti. I've had most of the sides--Potatoes and chickpeas, lentils, callalloo, cabbage, ground provisions, and the macaroni pie. I've had both the Jamaican and Trini beef patties (the Trini ones are insanely good), and the Aloo pie. I've had just a sample of some of Crown's other baked goods and desserts, like the coco bread and coconut pone. ...And it's all amazing! (And the portions are generous!) ...And not only is the food terrific, the owners are really great people. Jennifer and Trevor make everyone feel welcome in their shop, and they work hard to create all this delicious food. (If you get there at lunch time, you can see that they've just prepared everything, and it looks and tastes great.) So, even if I didn't know much about Trini food before, Jennifer and Trevor have helped educate me. Seriously, I eat here at least every other week. (We live close by.) The whole neighborhood is really lucky to have Crown Bakery here--it's an absolute gem.

This bakery is amazing! They have the most flavorful Caribbean cuisine I've had in DC! The jerk chicken is a favorite! The soursop juice and mango punch are so refreshing!