Jerk House Caribbean Restaurant

Good Jamaican food when you are craving such in midtown Manhattan. Jerk House is a tiny Hole-In-the-Wall Spot between Park & Lex. Yes, you are right. The servers have real Jamaican attitude, perhaps the flavour is good based on whether you are lucky on the day you are served. Be aware this is more a Quantity vs Quality place. I have had better Jamaican food elsewhere. I am Jamaican, frequent the Island, and I have good taste buds. Thus, I am quite familiar with the cuisine. After yelling out your order to the server do yourself a favor and make it a take-away order. There is very limited seating inside. Not a real "sit-down" restaurant. Remember I said "Spot" Anyway for midtown it is pretty good - - Maybe I'll get lucky next time. Enjoy! Irie! Thank you 🇯🇲 💚 🖤 💛

Moved to NY back in November, and I was meaning to try Jamaican food. Never had it before. Wow it was really incredible. I got the jerk chicken plate, honestly one of the best meals I have ever had. Chicken with spice and rice, can’t get any better really. The staff was super nice and was excited for me to try the meal, for it being my first time. S/O to Lexcine for being so hospitable. 10/10 meal, I will be back

Just average at best — ordered the Rasta Pasta with chicken and even though the chicken was taken off the bone, there were many little pieces of chicken bone in the meat still, requiring caution while eating. The Rasta Pasta was fine, but overcooked and lukewarm. The flavour of everything was good but not mind blowing. The staff was very terse and not patient with questions about the menu. The space is small, but has seating along the wall and is pretty quiet. Definitely feels more geared towards takeout.

Needed a quick evening meal and this place came in clutch. Curry chicken was peeling off the bone tender and flavorful with the right amount of spice. The sauce so good on the rice and peas 10/10 recommend. Still tasted fresh even though I ordered near closing time.

Out of all the Jerk House restaurants in New York City, this one is by far the best! The food is absolutely amazing, the music creates the perfect vibe, and the service is top-notch. What really makes the experience stand out are the two ladies at the service – their warmth and energy are simply next level. Highly recommend this spot, and I’m definitely looking forward to coming back!

The Rasta pasta with jerk chicken is one of the best meals I’ve ever had. Creamy. Spicy. Incredible flavor.

This hidden gem truly cares about their customers!! My first time trying Jamaican/Caribbean food & you can just feel the love in the food (especially on a cold winter day)! Prices are awesome, portions are generous, nice and clean spot & the flavors are complex! Highly recommend this place, 100/10!

Oh my GOD... their freakin' food was so DAMN good. I got the "whiting"...and I didn't get a chance to take a picture because that food smell SO good I couldn't wait. Wifey got the "jerk chicken" and it was gone in a matter of minutes. Definitely come back.

Not your typical hole-in-the-wall Caribbean spot where the food slaps and the chairs barely survive. This place is spacious, clean, and a little fancy--had my eyebrow raised at first. You already know why. Midtown East of all places. Barely any Jamaican spots around, so this one's been bookmarked for a minute. Post-matinee hunger hit, did the phone scroll, and boom--this was destiny. Walked in and it was quiet... which tells me weekdays this place feeds the entire suit-and-tie population. Game-time decision: jerk chicken or curry goat. Went curry goat because grown men respect tradition. $15.50, generous portion, chopped goat sitting proudly on rice like it pays rent. Tender, flavorful, and they sneak some spicy jerk chicken in there just to remind you who's boss. Caribbean music playing, vibes right, plate heavy. I'll be back. Respectfully.

My man mentioned this place since he comes here all the time for lunch. Came here yesterday & i asked are they caribbean. JAMAICAN TO BE EXACT!!!!! I ORDER OXTAIL, RICE & PEAS W CABBAGE & PLAINTAIN. MANNNN THAT SHIT WAS FIRE!!!! I BUST THAT DOWN... ILL DEFINITELY COME BACK, THEY NEED TO WOrk on there customer services.. the place is small, w few seating.. overall it's clean and the food speaks for itself. Come check them out!!!

Decent Jamaican food when you are craving it in midtown Manhattan. Jerk House is a tiny Hole-In-A-Wall Spot between Park & Lex. Yes, you are right. The servers have real Jamaican attitude, perhaps the flavour is good based on whether it's a good day or not. This is more a Quantity vs Quality place. Busy business lunch crowd come here. Although I have had better Jamaican food elsewhere. I am Jamaican and have the honor of considerably good taste buds. After yelling out your order to the server, do yourself a favor and make it a take-away order. There is very limited seating inside. Not a real sit-down restaurant, Remember I said "Spot" Verdict - Chicken was overcooked and dry dry. Rice & Peas with cabbage were okay. Plantains were burnt. Maybe I'll get lucky next time - - Thank you Irie!

Decided to give this place a try and gotten some completely raw jerk chicken, Imagine biting into a piece of meat full of blood..

Just average at best -- ordered the Rasta Pasta with chicken and even though the chicken was taken off the bone, there were many little pieces of chicken bone in the meat still, requiring caution while eating. The Rasta Pasta was fine, but overcooked and lukewarm. The flavour of everything was good but not mind blowing. The staff was very terse and not patient with questions about the menu. The space is small, but has seating along the wall and is pretty quiet. Definitely feels more geared towards takeout.

This isn't your typically designed hole-in-a-wall, mom & pop Caribbean restaurant. It's spacious and on the fancier side, which initially had one of my eyebrows raised because the aforementioned types of restaurants tend to serve up some of the very best food. If you know, you know! Located in the Midtown East area and simply a standout because there are barely any Jamaican restaurants nearby, if any at all. I've had this restaurant bookmarked for a while now so I'm glad I finally got to try it out. I went to go see a matinee play and I was a bit hungry afterwards. I used my phone to search restaurants nearby and this one popped up. When I walked in there was barely anyone inside, just one couple ordering and some delivery guys in and our with orders. My take is this spot, because of the location, must really rack up business on weekdays with the Midtown East work crowd. I was torn between the jerk chicken meal and the jerk chicken rasta pasta. I have had rasta pasta in quite a while so I went with that option. It was a nice serving for $15.50. Although some of the pasta was mushy, it was still very tasty especially with the well seasoned and spicy jerk chicken mixed into it. They give you a nice portion of boneless, chopped up jerk chicken to go with it (they chop it up and place the meat right on top of the pasta). I will return to try some other dishes as well. I also love that they were playing some Caribbean tunes to set the vibe right.

We tried Jerk House for dinner and were super excited based on the reviews! It's a takeout style place but had a few bar seating inside. We tried the jerk chicken Rasta pasta and the jerk chicken meal. We were unimpressed for both. The Rasta pasta was mushy and the jerk chicken wasn't very fresh/hot. It lacked some flavor overall. Service was good and workers were friendly.

The food was good and nice size portions. I had the jerk chicken with rice and peas and plantains. They offer you 2 jerk sauces. I suggest the bbq jerk sauce the original is JERK for real. I'll be back soon

Stopped here during Santa con and service was amazing. Finding a Caribbean restaurant in the middle of Manhattan that's good is a gem. The place was neat clean and organized. Small seating area available. Food was fresh and made to order... highly recommend

I was staying at the Hilton nearby. Wanted a change of pace to pizza and this came up. Took a chance and I am glad i did. I travel a lot and I love the Caribbean food in Miami. This spot reminded me of those flavors. Jerk chicken was not dried out and had a nice combination of spice and taste. The goat curry was fantastic. Thinking about ordering again before i leave town.

I always order the jerk chicken meal with rice, which is consistently on point, though my heart breaks when the plantains don't show up. Those two plantains are not a garnish; they are a promise. Unfortunately, on multiple occasions the cabbage has had a distinctly soapy taste that comes through alongside the normal seasoning, so I've stopped ordering it, which is a shame since it's the only veggie. Sharing this in case it's helpful for quality control, because the main dishes really are excellent.

Great food and friendly service! Very clean place and very organized! I will definitely recommend this place. I had the curry chicken and my Fiance had the oxtails-delicious!

Havent had carribean food in the UES since I moved, so I was really happy to learn about Jerk House! Got take out on a weekend night and enjoyed my food! Their oxtail was super tender and well seasoned! Their sauce was more on the watery side but the meat itself was jam packed with flavors. The jerk rib was cooked well but the sauce tasted more like a bbq (not sure if its meant to be their jerk sauce). They gave a generous serving of cabbage and rice/beans. The cabbage itself had some coconut-y taste to it. Rice and beens were pretty standard. Ratio of protein to carbs to veggie was pretty fair (but of course I wish there was more meat). Also got a side of plantains which were nicely fried and super ripe/sweet. Would definitely get it again!

The food is just "ok", if that but the service is AWFUL!!! They are so unfriendly. Don't make a trip, not worth it!!! Second time trying them and both experiences have been the same. Won't go again!!!

Oxtail, steamed cabbage, and Rice & Peas ... Jerk Chicken ... asked for gravy on the rice & peas ... none=*{ Mac&Cheese ...

Absolute slam dunk food. Wonderful people. Wonderful atmosphere. I need that oxtail in my life.

Had the medium jerk chicken platter which includes rice and cabbage. The chicken isn't very spicy. A platter is very filling for one meal or split it into two. The chicken was good and tender. There is a gritty feeling from the spices though. I had better cabbage though. I prefer them soft, theirs is crunchy but still good.

Was in the area after hiking around the city, and Jamaican sounded like a great idea. Had the jerk chicken, curry goat, and oxtail. Our server was to the point, but made sure to spoon some of the oxtail gravy over the rice, a nice touch. The chicken was cooked whole, and they chop it swiftly on serving. Probably helps retain flavor and juices. It was soft to the bite, and tasty, coupled with the sweet sauce. The goat was a more firm but still tender. The oxtail was the star, of course, and also meatier than I've had at, say, Back-a-yard. It was fall off the bone tender yet full of flavor. Each meal also comes with plantains (I found them a bit dry) and cabbage, which was a nice balance and complement to the meat. Not much seating, just a half dozen seats against the wall, and folks were waiting on us to eat there. But you could tell they have a solid following.

Not a Jamaican food expert, but the food here is solid. They have so many options I've never had before. I got a medium stewed chicken, which comes with rice and cabbage. I upgraded my rice to seafood rice for $4, which was excellent. Total was $19 and I could have gotten two meals out of it. I really liked the sauce on the chicken. It was all fall-off-the-bone tender. I appreciated the patience of the lady behind the counter to explain everything to me. It would probably help for those not experts in Jamaican food to have signs up on what is what. I was torn on what to get, but will be back to try more.

This place sandwiched between Lex and Park was a bit of an unexpected find. It was my first time having Jamaican food, the staff was kind and friendly and answered all my questions. I had the Jerk chicken, with rice & beans, and cabbage with their house spicy sauce. The sides were okay, but the real star was the chicken, it was probably some of the best chicken I've had, it was so flavorful and cooked so perfectly, it fell off the bone and tender. I will certainly be back.

Salmon was dry and overcooked -- totally flavorless. Tried calling to complain and the staff was rude and unhelpful. Waste of money. Will not order again.

Hated this Jamaican restaurant. We asked for various dishes and non-spicy food. Instead, we got spice with bones. Jamaican food, such as buffet or canteen-like service, does not work for my partner or me. You can give this place a pass.

The dining concept clearly resonates with its customers. Each dish was remarkably flavorful. The staff did an excellent job and all employees assisted willingly! I enjoyed the food and had a good time here. I have no complaints about my visit.

Jerk house is one of my go-to takeout places in midtown east. The ambiance or service is nothing noteworthy but the food is a very solid balanced meal between the proteins, veggies, and rice. On the bbq chicken, they definitely don't skimp on the sauceyness. It's tender, juicy and the pieces fall off the bone. Maybe the only complaint I might have is that certain pieces have more bone than meat so it can be difficult to navigate around, especially if you're eating it in an office environment.

3.5 (Really wished one could give 1/2 stars through this app) The place is small. No table service. They have got a small bar/shelf where a handful of people could pull up a stool to/stand and eat. All food is premade and waiting for you on a steam table. Fast, friendly service. Portioning is inconsistent. My coworkers and I have been there a dozen times. Some times you get 1 shrimp and other times you'd get 5 shrimp when you order their seafood rice. Side portioning (I feel) varies depending on whether you get all the sides that are supposed to (advertised) come with your meal. ie: if you don't ask them to give you sweet plantains (which are supposed to come with your large meal) they will give you a bit more cabbage. Overall, I feel it's an OK deal for midtown.

Not to humble brag, but I grew up with some of the most authentic Jamaican food outside of Jamaica. When I spent two years living in the Bay Area (where Caribbean representation goes to die), I lived a miserable existence where asking for a "beef patty" was interpreted as asking for a hamburger patty. You couldn't even find them in 7-Elevens. I was so, effing, thankful to move back to the East Coast. Anyway, the point is, I don't pretend to be an expert on Jamaican cuisine, but I know the real deal when I experience it--and Jerk House is the real deal. From the brusque, borderline rude (but not actually rude) service, to the no-holds-barred spices in the curries, this is just one Ting shy of being as good as the homeland. We got the Curry Goat with Rice & Peas and Cabbage, and the Jerk Pork also with Rice & Peas and Cabbage. The goat was unbelievably tender--and anyone who's ever tried stewing goat chunks knows that's not an easy feat. The spice level was what I call "real"--no white people spicy here. Meanwhile, jerk pork is quite hard to find, so when we saw it on the menu, we jumped at the chance to try it. The complex mix of spices in the marinade was phenomenal--I'm pretty sure my tongue hosted a house party and every flavor was invited. I think the cumin brought a keg....and other party favors. There's only seating for about 6 people, and no nearby parks or seating areas to enjoy your food, so just be prepared to take your food to go. If you ARE lucky enough to eat your food fresh, know that prices are in the low teens for very generous portions. Come here. Support this perfect example of delicious, authentic, underrepresented cuisine in a no frills, mom 'n' pop setting--the best kind of local NYC business.

The food was good... but one of the ladies working there was so rude... I though she was gonna jump over the bar and fight me lol she was mad mad when I asked her for an order of oxtail with no sides... she said they don't sell oxtail with no sides... I told her just charge me the regular price I just don't want any sides and she basically yelled at me and gave me the nastiest look... it's actually the woman pictured on here... she really has no idea what customer service is

I'm confused about the bad reviews since my meal was actually quite good. Is there anything they've overlooked? Fresh food at everyday prices. Their food satisfies deeply. I truly believe this restaurant is exceptional.

Really big disappointment! Before coming here, I had a feeling it was too good to be true. Jamaican food on 56th Street Midtown East? I ordered the Jerk Pork with rice and peas and plantains. They literally gave me one plantain. I was so shocked because I love plantains and was craving them. The menu itself says plaintains with a s so false advertising. The jerk pork meal was almost half fat. $14 + tax. Taste was so so, but purists will think that the taste is not strong/intense enough. Horrible and sad! I wanted to envision a better future here, but it just didn't give.

First things first when the Jamaican lady is mean the food is GOOD! I love the jerk fried rice that was creative all they need is some plum sauce and we have a Jamaican mr chow on our hands. The establishment was very clean and neat. The food was fresh. Prices were decent. I honestly don't think oxtail should be expensive anywhere because it's the cheapest part of the cow but it's popular yeah yeah whatever. The jerk chicken was good I just think it needed to be charred more it was a little too moist but I'd go back again for sure

The quality here puts it in the top tier locally. Your money stretches well here. The menu items were delicious, but what elevates Jerk House are its reasonable prices and attentive team. The quality exceeded industry standards. This restaurant delivers a special touch.

Oh my gosh! The culinary skill here is absolutely remarkable. I've sampled widely and loved every bite. What truly elevates the experience, the restaurant's proprietor is extremely kind and detail-oriented. The restaurant's cleanliness impresses me. I felt pleased throughout.

My coworker T. was eating this delicious looking curry goat the other day and I was like "where did you get that?!?!?!!" (all while enviously staring at her food) and she told me about Jerk House. (Needless to say, T. is officially MVP of coworkers now) This unassuming place packs a big punch in terms of flavor. Set up is fairly simple- walk up to the counter and place your order and then pick up/pay at the register to the right. I got the jerk chicken regular sized meal, which came with rice and peas and cabbage (it was about $13 including tax). Big flavor and fairly large portion, this was 2 meals for me. The chicken thigh (which was kindly heated up on the grill before it was chopped up/placed in the container) was so tender and soft, and the jerk had just the right amount of spice and tingle. I can't wait to try their other dishes (like the curry goat, oxtail) and also the other sides (Mac and cheese/plantains, etc). They also have pasta! So tasty!

Authentic Jamaican food! Hard to find in downtown manhattan. The meat was great quality and smoked perfectly. The rice was great flavor. Overall great meal. Wish they gave more for the price. 8/10

Let me start by saying that the food is DELICIOUS. Well seasoned, exceptionally prepared andcthe staff are wonderful. I sound like a fan because I am. I'd like to single a particularly caring and delightful server, Sancia. Thank you Sis...and thank you Jerk House. The 57th street branch is perfect.

The curry goat was cooked well however I had 21 tiny bones mixed in the gravy which made that dish extremely annoying to eat. I should have gotten the Jerk chicken instead. Next time I'll choose a safer meal for lunch.

I saw 4 stars & some good reviews so I decided instead of going up to Harlem, but bad idea. The SERVICE HORRIBLE, the oxtails sucked, tasted like the meat was aged, not tender! Def need to use a pressure cooker making then & they def didnt! I gave em a star for the festival cause those were good. The tall lady behind the counter literally couldn't even answer a question without being bothered. Save us a trip with all the posts on ig that the food is so good, no it's not. Rice & peas used way too much coconut milk & cabbage had no flavor. If you're gonna have a heaping amount of attitude your food should be bussin not less than mediocre. Not going back Eva!

The food here is amazing. I ordered the jerk chicken with Mac and cheese and had absolutely no complaints. I will definitely be returning here soon!

Delicious , Very generous and super sweet & friendly ladies behind the counter . Food are not overly spicy but has a nice kick. Oxtail very tender and flavorful , I love the cabbage and rice & beans . I can't get enough . Sweet chili wings delicious and finger licking I will come back to try the other dishes

I visit New York every year and I look forward to oxtail!. The service was amazin, the staff so friendly and patient.

Finally! In authentic Jamaican spot in Manhattan. Jerk house is the real deal! The food is delicious, the oxtails melt in your mouth the curry chicken, so tender and juicy, the jerk wings are out of this world. The food was so good. I ate it before I could post this, but trust me I will be back today and I will post pictures of this amazing restaurant! Welcome to the neighborhood jerk house, I am a fan. I used to go all the way to Brooklyn with Jamaican food and now it is right in my neighborhood! the portions are pleasing, and you are guaranteed to lick your fingers... Can't wait for lunch

Service was horrible! They were so rude. We brought the jerk chicken dinner. The chicken was all bone!

The Rasta pasta was over cooked and soggy with no flavor. Couldn't even eat the pasta. The oxtail was tender and flavored. The pasta was truly unacceptable, it was so mushy. I had to give one star because I only ordered pasta and oxtail, so half or more of the meal was nasty and unacceptable.

The lady at the counter told me the sweet chili variety of proteins (chicken wing, lamb) are NOT spicy despite me checking multiple times. Guess what: it's spicy, not just for my kids, for me as well. The sauce also made the rice spicy too. So if you don't eat spicy food at all, order with care.

Stopped here on a whim earlier tonight while on my way to Naya...totally different vibe lol but I had the feeling it'd be good, even though no one was eating inside. (A local worker had just exited with takeaway, which drew my attention to the place.) I hadn't had Jamaican food in ages, but Jerk House was just what I was craving. I went with a medium jerk chicken meal after asking what's popular. The rice and peas and cabbage were SO good, probably some of the best I've had. I just wish they had given more of it. The nice lady hooked up my rice with goat curry gravy after I had already ordered and asked out of curiosity if I was looking at goat curry. Everything looked great! Now, I did see her warm up my jerk chicken on the grill, which I've never seen before, and the served temperature was lukewarm. Tbh, I'm used to piping hot jerk chicken off the smoker from places in Brooklyn, but overall, this dish hit the spot. I was a bit disappointed by the plantains, which are usually my favorite, as they had clearly been sitting there and were shriveled and stale. I'll be back, though, to try other dishes. Yum!

Extremely hot in this establishment. Server was perfusely sweating at verge of passing out. The jerk chicken was okay I've had better seasoned. The jerk sauce was not spicy at all. The macaroni and cheese was flavorless. The curry meats were salty. Was not very pleased with the food here. I don't foresee me returning nor recommending.

So the food is okay, could be better.. the service tho is absolutely horrible!! The big lady is super rude and can't count money and gives you an attitude in general, plus the way they put your food together makes you wanna turn on your heels and walk out! Rude and nasty atmosphere. They wanna charge you extra for one piece of shrimp and make you feel bad about speaking up about that..!!! All in all this place sucks

I drive a bus over the road and have been to so many restaurants this was one of the best one's yet. Loved loved loved it

Ordered the jerk chicken with rice and peas, cabbage, plantains. The portions were huge and I devoured it. Letitia the manager was fantastic. Don't hesitate - go check this place out.