Sweet Fingers Jamaican Restaurant and Bar

I came in for an early dinner and the place was wide open, incredibly friendly and very clean I ordered the goat stew, which was very nicely seasoned and had great flavor I had their version of ginger beer, which they make in house. It’s like nothing else I’ve ever had super strong with a little bit of milk in it that made it just over the top definitely a place to go to.

The food was on point and amazing and fresh.. the lady working was welcoming and helpful.. the chef definitely authentic! Worth coming back for the oxtails alone.. but the beef patties on point too! And get the ginger drink( she mixed it with another one and made it purple )

our family celebrated our youngest daughter graduation from 8th grade. we were warmly welcomed and cared for by Alisha. dining in was relaxed and we were in no rush. our food was impeccable and served up by Chef Clive himself! the BEST Jamaican food we’ve had in Cali. will absolutely recommend and return. brown stew chicken, delicious! curry goat, fall off the bone goodness. rice n’ peas- spot on!! nana was VERY happy with her curry salmon!

Went right when they opened up and it was still a vibe! I had the Jerk Salmon, wasn’t too pricey and had a lot of flavor but not over flavored. They have a bar with all the games on and the staff treats you like family. Be aware if you get the jerk it’s gonna have a lil spice.

This place is 50/10 from the ambience to the food!!! It was worth every penny, even got to get some sauce to take home. That hot girl summer was everything and more but sip it don’t drink it. Oxtail fell off the bone, jerk salmon and chicken was juicy!!! I’m definitely coming back here!!!

we ordered delivery off uber eats . the veggie jamaican patty was amazing. my dad wasnt a big fan of the cornbread or rice and beans. we werent used to this type of cornbread and the rice and beans were a little bland. my dad liked the jerk chicken. we also ordered a rum cake and the size was laughable. the price to portion ratio on everything was expensive for us. this was just our experience with delivery.

My wife and visited this spot yesterday for the 1st time. We are both from Flatbush (Brooklyn, NY) and we love Carribbean food. We were immediately greeted by Joel (Sorry if I misspelled his name). We both agreed that the spot was nice. We sat where we liked. We let him know that this was our 1st time there and that we came based upn reviews. He was very accomodating. We ordered water and lemon, but they had no lemons available. Joel went to the store to get some (Honestly, they should have had that in stock). For food, we both ordered the Oxtail plate with rice and peas and plantain. My wife ordered the steamed veggies. For drinks, I order the Sweet Finger Juice (Mixture of Sorrel and Ginger Beer). The waitress informed us that the oxtails would be ready in 5 mins. We were excited because the food was going to be fresh. Pros: The serving size was great. The oxtails was a pleasant size. The rice and beans were delicious and the oxtails gravy went perfect with the rice. My drink was so tasty. Cons: The oxtails was undercooked..especially the large pieces. They were very very tough and that is not what it should have been (There is a disclaimer...Joel made it known earlier in that he was surprised or food came out so quick because he did not feel the Oxtails were done to have been served yet. He stated he tasted then and they needed longer). I told him after tasting a baby size oxtail, that it was a little rough.. but we were good. I did not realize at that point that the larger ones were as tough as they were. The plantain were very small sized. They were overcooked and some were undercooked. They tasted kinda old. The carrots in the oxtails needed to cook longer as well. The steamed veggies had been over steamed, so it was very dried out. I ate all my rice and some of the oxtails (Even though they were tough, I didn't want to waste $35 and I was beyond hungry). My wife barely ate. She ate some rice and the baby size oxtails. She was beyond dissatisfied. Majority of her food went home. My drink was served without ice. It was room temperature. Sorrel and ginger beer should be served cold. We ordered a slice of Rum Cake. When it came in the to-go carton, it was heated. I didn't understand why because it should be freshly made. It looked dry as well. The waitress was okay in the beginning. However, she did not come and check on us, she didn't ask if we needed anything. My wife had to go to her to get my ice. She brought an extra Sorrel that my wife had started asking for in the beginning, but changed her mind. That was on our bill. In the midst of meeting our needs, someone came back in because their bag broke. She stopped to support that customer by getting her a bag, putting the items into the bag and talking to her. She finally came back to our table and forgot to bring our bill. She never returned to pick up the bill, so I had to get up and go to the counter to pay. The restaurant was nowhere near crowded. She was sitting down. When we got home and ate the rum cake, it was dry and horrible. I think that it was in the fridge or freezer and they warmed it. Altogether we spent $112. The portions showed to be worth the amount.. but not the food nor dessert. I want to add that Joel was amazing..personality wise and managerial. However, I still need to give the review because he was not in the kitchen, nor was he the waitress. He can't do everyone's job and others have to be held accountable for their lacking so that they can improve for future clients. We were the only customers for

I would like to say that food was fire my Jamaican chef was in the there but now the one Dish gets less and less delicious, it was good while it lasted, but if I can't get that Dish straight from the source I won't be returning... thanks for everything. Hope they return soon

I ordered ahead online for takeout and got the barbecue tofu and one veggie patty. They are on big online ordering platforms like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub. It was quick and smooth to pick up the food. The veggie patty is quite flaky, it reminds me of an empanada. It was pretty mild tasting overall, but still savory. The BBQ tofu was a lot stronger in taste. Even though I like BBQ, I think the sauce was too overpowering since it just tasted mainly salty and sharp due to the BBQ sauce, although the plantain and rice helped to balance it out. The tofu section contained broccoli, squash, red beans, carrots, and pieces of ginger as well. Overall, I appreciate that there are a decent amount of vegetarian options. Food was a bit pricy relative to the quantity though.

SWEEEEET FINGAAAAHZ INDEED! I was so hungry I started digging in before snapping a pic. EVERYTHING we ordered we enjoyed! I've been looking for a Jamaican restaurant that has good food and taste authentic and they are spot on. My top favs were the savory Curry goat #1 , then the Oxtails #2 then the Jerk wings on happy hour menu #3 with the sauce. I love that they have a happy hour. My husband enjoyed a cocktail. He had "The Grown Man" and said it was good and strong. Going to bring my friend here to show here that Oakland has GOOD food OK!!!

Hits the spot! The food is just good. Don't know where else to get good Oxtails in the east bay and these are good enough! The beef patties were okay, meat wasn't as juicy as normal, but the flavor was there :) We did family style: goat, oxtail, and brown stew chicken. The rice and peas are great and they have sweet fried plantains, wish they had green fried plantains. They had a great really spicy hot sauce that complimented the food. unfortunately you have to keep getting up to ask for more cause they give little plastic containers of it, versus having bottles nearby or at each table for people like me that are very saucy. Their happy hour isn't really a deal for food but for alcohol it's ok. It's really nice they have one! We got the happy hour fried chicken, but definitely wouldn't get that again.

Sweet Fingers catered an event I attended last month and it was incredibly good! I am no jerk chicken connoisseur- but I have had my share around the Bay and during my travels. This chicken was moist, the heat was a slow burn, spices are imported from Jamaica and the flavor - so much depth! The cabbage also - super simple right? Not at all, still toothsome and the flavor from the spices, familiar but different. I could eat bowls of this. Cornbread was more like a hybrid with pudding/mochi almost - not too sweet or oily or dry, beautiful consistency. Mac casserole was a crowd pleaser too. Cooked just right and seasoned well. Rice and peas were standard. The food was a hit! Definitely recommend this eatery. Good people too, they had their staff serving - so knowledgeable and warm. And yes the best jerk chicken I have had to date.

Management was rude from the start of the review, in messages admitted that it was "possible" that my statements about crab cakes could be true. I cannot and will not stand behind this kind of business practices. NO DISRESPECT TO CHEF.

Service and food was amazing. Definitely big portions. Inside is clean and well managed. Nice ambiance with Jamaican music. I will be back. Thank you!

"Sweet Fingers" is a Jamaican restaurant located at Seminary Point, near Seminary Ave & Foothill Blvd in East Oakland. This place has a large dining room, plenty of off-street parking, and a casual decor. I was there on a sunny Saturday, and I ordered: - Fried Chicken Dinner - Oxtail (a-la carte) - Corn Bread First off, the Oxtail is good! It's fall off the bone tender, and delicious. But it's pricey. Grade (5/5) The fried chicken dinner is also good. It wasn't spicy or salty. It's 5 small pieces of chicken, rice and beans, and plantains. I was expecting regular sized chicken pieces, and instead got small pieces of chicken. Maybe 1/2 - 2/3 normal size. But the chicken had a crispy crust, with juicy white/dark meat. Grade (4/5) I also ordered a side of Corn Bread, and it wasn't what I was expecting. I guess there's different recipes. I'm used to the yellow cornbread with a grainy texture, that's served in Southern cooking. The cornbread I received from Sweet Fingers had a plain flavor, and wasn't buttery. Grade (3/5) Overall a fair experience, and I would come back again.

Big spot and plenty of street parking. Not in the nicest area, but you'll be fine. They have a full bar and have posters with upcoming events. Music is jumpin and it wasn't too busy when we got in. We weren't addressed when we walked in nor did anyone come to our table. Some people after us ordered first then sat while we scanned the QR code and placed the order. Then there was these older ladies that were just sitting there, not knowing how to order because no one greeted them. Food came out fast but in takeout containers. We got the beef pie which was tasty, just needed some hot sauce to add the zing! The 2 meat combo was delicious and didn't even stand a chance! Oxtail was tender and the jerk chicken was generously seasoned. It's casual and the food is pricey for the amount you're given, maybe that's for dinner and lunch time is more affordable? The food was hella good though and I wouldn't mind coming here again to get my Jamaican food fix. Customer service can improve and can go a long way, but maybe it was just an off day

2 stars because the chef was amazing but the food was disappointing. I was looking for festival bread and I finally found this place. I called to make sure they had it and if it was sweet because I live far they said yes so I went. The lady at the front was new so my order was a little messed up. Fast forward my food is ready..... This is where things get sad for me because I get sad when my food is nasty. The festival taste like cornmeal and was very grainy and didn't taste of my likings. The peas in the rice and beans were HARD. and the ends of the jamaican patty was so stale I couldn't believe this at all. $40 and not one thing was good. Again I thank the chef for his kindness and trying to make my order right but the food just was not meeting my expectations. Won't be back someone help me find festival bread

Heard about this spot from a cook worker and I had to come and give them a try. Ordered the oxtail meal with peas and rice. The oxtails were seasoned tender and it was a decent amount for the price. Being an island man this doesn't give me typical Jamaica oxtails they put potatoes in theirs. It gives you a more of a beef stew feel to it or Southern oxtails. They were different but I'd still give them a B plus it has flavor. Unlike other spots they throw away them pan drippings they actually make crazy with theirs and that's so good. The peas and rice is moist and has flavor. Nice and Shelly like island people enjoy. The Mac and cheese was a big disappointment and I know Jamaicans aren't known for Mac and cheese but this def needs to improve. It just tasted like colored noodles and a sprinkle of cheese. Yes I know Mac pic is different from regular Mac and cheese but. Plz improve this I know you can. Overall I love the lay out and the vibe of sweet fingers and the food is def above average for 80 percent of Caribbean food cooking in the bay. The brown stew chicken is also hit.

Brown stew chicken BUSSIN bussin ... little pricey but it is what it is. Definitely worth it tho

This is my second time coming and I won't be back. The food is not good to be so pricey. But the last straw for me was the lack of service. Dry service, say at the bar for 15 min before some told me that the bartender was on their way. Clearly he wasn't in the building but some couldve mention that when I asked about drink the moment I came it. Not worth it.

Really good customer service in a very welcoming environment. I have sampled a few items and the food is very good and it is seasoned very well.

I ordered delivery from here as it's not too far from work. So, unfortunately, I can't rate the service or ambiance, but the food is really good. I ordered the jerk chicken and rice and peas, and both were really flavorful. The serving looked a little small, but it was perfect for lunch. I had a small piece of chicken and some of the rice and peas left for a snack later. My coworker really likes the beef patties, so he was satisfied with his lunch. I would definitely order from them again.

I called ahead of time looking at their menu online and asked about the combo plate. You get two meats and two sides is what the man over the phone told me. I told him I want rice & peas, cabbage, curry chicken and jerk chicken with Mac pie on the side. The gentleman told me it's already ready for me. When I arrived, I told him my name and I called over the phone. He said "see this is why I don't start making plates until the person gets here because you called a while ago." My response was "you're not going to give me a hard time are you?" He says, "No, I'm not going to give you a hard time." After that, the guy was pretty nice. He asked the gentleman sitting at the bar if he could have the cabbage and Mac pie in which the other guy headed to the kitchen to retrieve the food. Once he saw what the guy was preparing he stated again that I would like cabbage and the rice and peas. The guy argued with him for a couple minutes about why am I getting cabbage and it should be double rice and peas. He also complained about giving me my Mac pie. As I watched them, I said "This is my first time here and the experience I'm getting is not very friendly." The cashier says "I know. I don't understand why he won't just give me what I'm asking for but we'll get to the bottom of it." I ended up paying $47 for everything and the Mac pie was $8 alone. When I left, I looked at the pie to taste it and it was only a couple spoon fulls literally. I wasn't satisfied so I call the place again and the cashier had me speak to the manager. The manager says "normally you don't get to substitute the plantains for cabbage and the cashier wasn't supposed to do that, so when you asked for something that usually doesn't happen that mess the flow of things." My response was that I called and asked before I got there how the combo plate works. He says, "Okay, can I get your name and number and I'll call you back." I said sure but I'm just around the corner. I can come back. He said, "I'll call you back and let you know." Ten minutes had passed and he never called me back so I pulled up. When I get there the manager comes out with three containers he said he was going to take them home, but I can choose one of the to take with me for the misunderstanding. However, I asked him can I see the food before making my choice and said "no, just pick one." So I did and then he opens the other container to show me the others. The pie was cold so it looks like he got it from the fridge but he assured me that it was made today. Now let's get to the food. The reason they got a 1 1/2 star is because the curry chicken was good. Other than that the rice and peas were dry with no flavor. Jerk chicken was the same. I mixed the curry chicken and the rice and peas to give it flavor. The curry chicken is the only thing they have going for them. The Mac pie was dry as well and wasn't worth the $8. I don't have no problem with paying for good food and great service. But when you don't receive either, you feel like the food shouldn't be price for that much and that's how I felt. It was only about three or four people in the restaurant. It shouldn't be any reason you treat the customers like that or have all that going on in front of the customer. I'm here to give a honest review. I've been in Oakland for most of my life and I've seen a lot of restaurants come and go due to low quality food and unpleasant customer service. Well, I received both from Sweet Fingers yesterday. It reminds me of Lena's Soul Food before they closed down. This was my first time trying this restaurant even though I've heard many things about them good and bad, I'm the type to want to try things for myself and form my own opinion in which I did. I say pass. I will never eat here again. I hope this review helps someone. All the best...!

Food is soooooo good! Jerk chicken plate is next level. Awesome service too! Will definitely be returning

Tucked away in a small strip mall in East Oakland, Sweet Fingers Jamaican Restaurant transports diners to the sunny shores and vibrant culture of the Caribbean with each flavorful bite. Walking through the doors, you're greeted with the aromatic scents of allspice, scotch bonnet peppers, and slow-cooked meats mingling in the air. Chef Clive helms the kitchen, dishing up classic island staples from tender jerk chicken with its complex blend of spices to hearty oxtail stew brimming with succulent meat falling off the bone. Of course, no Jamaican meal is complete without sides like rice and peas, fried plantains, callaloo, and festival bread for soaking up every last drop of the sauces. Beyond the classics, Chef Clive's specials showcase his culinary creativity. The Red Stripe chicken sees boneless thighs bathed in a bright ginger beer marinade before hitting the grill and getting glazed with a sticky sweet & spicy sauce. Curries range from mild coconut milk-based stews to fiery bowls bursting with Scotch bonnet heat. Rasta Pasta combines al dente noodles with sautéed peppers, onions, and your choice of jerk chicken or curried shrimp. And Chef Clive is constantly dreaming up new specials based on seasonal ingredients and inspiration. From the food to the atmosphere, it's easy to forget you're dining in Oakland rather than Kingston when you step into Sweet Fingers. Their hospitality and authentic flavors have kept diners coming back since the early San Leandro days thanks to Chef Clive's culinary talents. If you're seeking a taste of the islands without leaving the Bay Area, Sweet Fingers hits the spot every time.

omg I loved this so much. perfect taste and smell very good. I want to sleep eating this.

Great folks great food and they actually try to make thing's consistent and fun getaway for drinks and music!

This was delivered. Usually in the restaurant I will get more fries that are cooked instead of undercooked. A bit disappointed with this, and you have to make sure Chef Clive is cooking.

Great service 8 out of 10 The food is fresh and full of flavor the give fair portions for the price as-well.

The service was excellent. It was my friends birthday and she wanted to try Sweet Fingers for the first time. Our server's name was Nu Nu, she explaned the menu to us sense it was our first time having Jamaican food. The ox tails where fire so was the Island shrimp. The chef came out to talk to us, We had a very good experience.

I remember Sweet Fingers being in San Leandro and how popular it was. A real late night lounge spot to get some great food, hear heat music, and enjoy yourself. Not a drinker but they have an amazing bar... FYI! My daughter has always loved the veggie patties and i love the veggie special in coconut sauce. It comes with a mix of fresh (not frozen or canned) veggies with a creamy well seasoned sauce of coconut milk, peas (beans) and rice, and 2 slices of sweet plantains . Wish they added more plantains with the meal. Some popular items are their Jerk chicken and Brown stew. Ill always be a fan of this place and Chef Clive is still the chef and a great man. Some night they have live Reggae music so visit them to find out who's playing.

Got a combination plate jerk chicken with the oxtails they gave me two thighs, two drumsticks and three little oxtails I mean small... it hurt my heart

Food over priced!!!! Food extremely expensive!!! We're talking g rice, chicken vegetables, no need to charge $30 and up for those ingredients.

My old colleague sent me a video about this place. It had been on my radar but glad she reminded me. This is located close to my job. After looking at the photos my co-worker said she would get something. I placed our order on-line. Curry Chicken, Jerk chicken, brown chicken stew and a home made rum cake. Went to pick it up and on a day where I'm not quite as rushed, I will go in and sit. Spacious and like to be able to patronize small local businesses. As I pick it up, I spotted a drink on a counter. I thought it was hibiscus and the lady told me sorrel, so I ordered one. The decor reminded me a little bit of a Jamacian restaurant. The smell of the food in the car on the way back to office had my olfactory senses working overtime. I dropped my coworkers order to her and dug into mine. First sign was that this was gonna be good. The chicken was cut up with the leg tips off where you could suck the bone marrow if you wanted. The heat from the dish was not overpowering and it slowly heat up as you eat. Good for someone who is not familiar with Jamican food and the oh so small but powerful scotch bonnet pepper. And the peas and rice was well cooked topped with plantains cooked perfectly. Though there is kidney beans in the rice and it looks similar, it is not red beans and rice. This took me back to my trip to Jamaica in my younger years and the roadside food stands. I had the chicken brown stew the next day. I also wanted to try the jerk chicken, so I decided on the wings, which I had to dinner. They were good, but for me could have been hotter, as well as the dipping sauce that came with it. Needless to say I will be back here for my Jamacian food fix.

I Love the food My wife really loved the crab cakes but they never seem to have them anymore. Everything else tho is delicious

Food took a bit long to come out but once it did it was very delicious hot and fresh. I got the salt fish and ackee and my friend got the combo plate with salmon, stewed beef with rice and peas. The chef came out and asked us how the food tasted...him coming out to say hello meant a lot . I appreciated that. The interior was well kept. The only con about this place was a receptionist who was NOT hospitable at all. It was a very slow Thursday afternoon but she looked bored, didn't smile or greet us...until we greeted her. she didn't seem friendly. I also wish she would've looked a bit more comfortable while making our drinks...you could tell she doesn't make drinks often. Either way...clean restaurant and good good. I will definitely return.

Sweet Fingers occupies the corner of the commercial space. there's inside seating available (lots!) limited menu posted for today. Jamaican food offerings: appetizers, poultry, seafood, meats, vegeterian, chef's specials, salads, soups, lunch.special, beverages. entrees available today: oxtail stew, curry goat, brown stew chicken, jerk chicken, coconut veggie splash, chicken pasta pronto. eats: oxtail stew-lunch (19.00) -oxtail chopped up into smaller pieces. meats very tender, not much flavor, had an oilness, wasn't greasy. had some potato and carrots mixed in. . -rice was also oily had 2 pieces of plantain on top. *though it looked greasy, my tummy didn't feel any. it was happily full with the comfort food.of oxtail stew. -food was ready in minutes. scoop ready. ordered by walk in. surprised to see Sweet Fingers open since hours not listed on website. take outs: -food traveled well. still warm when it reached home. -would like to try jerk chicken for dine in sometime. unknown if it travels well. -service was quick, courteous, informative...menu.posted on flatscreen on wall. 4.5 stars. haven't had enough experience with Jamaican eat to give 5 stars. February is Black History Month..

As a Jamaican person I love show support to my fellow countryman, but wasn't 100% impressed with the food feel like there's a lot of improvement they can make with their menu however for the people that don't have access to try this food or make it it's a good option, but I don't think I will try to order it again online maybe go in person and see what else they have. there's also a lot of work that goes into cooking the food, and ah nuh my granny ah cook it.

Chicken was old taste less and expensive, worse experience ever half of chicken for over $40. I got there a bid after 2 and had to pay dinner price, I was ok with it, I don't mind if food is good but honesty it end up in the compost.

Yelp, please start letting reviewers leave zero stars!! This expensive, dry ass food was truly not worth the drive or the long time waiting for them to get it ready. How is it that I'm waiting for them to cook to order and this chicken was dry as the Sahara Desert? The cashier said that it was thigh meat, but I know the darn difference between a thigh and a breast. Not only that, but the slick Mofos said it was 3 pieces of meat and it was after they cut one breast into 3 pieces. Your dumbness doesn't equate to me being stupid? When I called to air my grievance they said they did me a favor by adding a drumstick to my order. Oh, was that a drumstick, I thought that was part of a party wing. Never shall I return. BTW, I'll get my money back...hook or crook! Your response: Why did you write this review. Our leg quarters are organic halal chicken....just Wow for this. They are juicy and nice but NOT full of hormones....I am so sorry you feel like you have to insult a place in order to give a review. News flash.....when you write a review like this everyone knows it's is not real...you came from place of hate instead of real. We have got to learn to treat each other with respect there is no competition. You don't have to come on Yelp to discourage business from your competition. This review is ruthless and will not win you business at your spot in the long run. God bless you and yours. Happy Martin Luther King day! Did you even come in? What time? Because this is unacceptable. Our head Chef was cooking today. I don't believe this review period. My response: Not only is your food bad, so is your customer service. I have no time for lies. The proof is in the pudding and in this case the receipt. Yelp this is very much the right business. Look at the receipt.

Planned a birthday dinner today. First time visited since it moved to the new location . 1) Ordered oxtail dinner - very disappointed with taste, presentation, no flavor . Rice & peas was tasteless & fried plantain was hard . it was pricy not a good experience. yes back a yard is way better in taste & flavor - 2) ackee @ salt fish was burned same experience- tasteless also very pricy my cocktail was perfect . will not return . sorry 3) the bartender took our order - waiter never came to us . very disappointing birthday dinner. 4) no reggae music from the DJ parking was good .

The rice and peas go crazy and I love the ox tails. It's clean and the vibe is right.

Got oxtails take out via Uber eats and while I was there ordered a couple beef Patties. I felt disrespected by the oxtails tbh. The flavor is good but they give you the tiniest portion of stew with a sorry quantity of oxtails. If they can't serve this in a normal sized portion, they should just remove it from the menu. The beef Patties were good. Hot, flakey and a decent amount of tasty beef filling.

Great experience. Loved the very flavorful food -- chicken and shrimp jambalaya, and chicken curry. Nice ambience. I recommend.

Management/ownership needs restructuring which probably why the place is a poor venue. 1. Customer Service. When people are at the cash register ordering your cashier staff should be standing up...I never seen a host or waiter taking orders sitting down, not even at McDonald's. Just basic etiquette. 2 Price, this is East Oakland and your food is way way over priced for this area. Way overpriced for the quality and forcing people to buy the dinner portion after 2pm which is far too early and should start after 4pm. Look at Kingston 11 a better location...far better restaurant and service with better prices. You will get more services by dropping your prices on everything by $5-7 dollars. Just get rid of the lunch slash dinner... Maybe a New chef...food is dry and I make better plantains and rice and jerk chicken. 3. I spent $55 on just 2 entrees and no plates, no glasses...just plastic utensils and plastic cups and eating in a "togo" tray. Tacky just tacky. Then I asked the clerk for plates she rudely stated I don't have plates in a rude tone. ..Almost getting slapped. The proper response should be: "Sorry, we don't have plates or silverware." 4. If this place doesn't make changes soon it will go out of business which is why its empty during peak time empty. Overpriced and poor service.

I have been a long-time fan of this restaurant for a long time back when they were in San Leandro. Like over 15 years. Maybe 20.. I was even going to paint something for the owner, but life took turns that eventually moved me away from the area. But went often untill the fire. This is my 1st time trying them again after their reopening in this new location since I was back in town. I had to go. I was sadly disappointed. It lacks the home vibe and touches that I know. We dined in. Two tables had a pair of diners, one was done and left shortly after arrival. Service was horrible. Especially for our bill being close to 300 dollars. Waitress was confused and unclear. She screwed up our order 2x. I'm conflicted on the serving in a to go container. Especially ones with partisans. I'd prefer a flat bowl. How they used to use tin foil container with cardboard lids. But served on plates when you dined in. I don't know about you, but I like the sauce over the rice and mix them. Flavor is still there, but our plantains were black burnt. The onions that day were super strong. Prices are higher, and portions are smaller. I expect that home island personal touch that I love from SweetFingers and was disappointed, especially when there was a 40 dollar automatic tip added to our bill with such horrible service. Was told Oakland pass something that required automatic tip for all diners. I didn't see Chef either, but before when he was gone, they never lacked quality. I will try again, but honestly, I will pick it up due to an automatic tip or Doordash.

I've been coming here for a while. Every time I'm in Oakland, i will try to stop by. But it gets worse and worse every time. $30 for an oxtail dinner, you should see how small these oxtails are, and they still cut them in half. The rice looks like it's been sitting out all day. The only thing that was good was the plantain. I'm done. There is no way I can waste this kind of money for this. I can say they are always nice, but I'd prefer they treat me like trash and serve me the same quality food that they use to. Very disappointing.

I am taking care of my mom who is very sick. I cannot leave her alone. Bored I was looking for some food and jerk chicken popped up in my head. Comfort food, Yes! Order delivered, driver friendly! Food is another story. I just wasted money. The so-called chicken is not jerk and it was presented in a way that leads me to believe they took meat from some other dish. The plantain was mediocre. So disappointed and I WILL NEVER ORDER FROM THERE EVER AGAIN!!!!

Greetings - the 1st time I tried Sweet Fingers was on Aug 2, 2023. I am not big on chicken legs and thighs unless it's in either jerk or curry form. Well, I decided to take my partner to Sweet Fingers at 5859 Foothill Blvd in Oakland and the Jerk Chicken didn't disappoint! I keep telling y'all I am originally from the Jersey/NYC area and Brooklyn and the Caribbean community there are known for their food spots, so I was pleasantly surprised to find another spot that will satisfy my desire for Jamaican food here in the Bay...the other is in South SF!! Well done Sweet Fingers...it's a nice space and the services are quick and friendly. Our waitress even thought she billed me twice by accident and suggested I call back if necessary to rectify. Oh yeah, we will be back!!! Oh and the homemade ginger beer is popping!!! Come on down, mon!!

Visited 6/6/23: From reading the mixed reviews, my friend and I were very hesitant from eating here. Instead of splurging on a full meal, we decided to buy a la carte. We ordered the jerk chicken along with rice and peas. The chicken was dry, lack luster in flavor, and fairly small in size. The rice and peas were no different than a packet of Zatarain's from your local grocery store. If you're ever looking for good quality Caribbean food please try Calabash on Valdez St in Oakland (same owner of Kingston 11)! P.S. Sweet Fingers if your going to sell this quality of food, ATLEAST come down on the prices. This review is coming from a REAL person who lives in the area. Not a hater or bot! 6/12/2023 My NEW comment to your response: Look Roxanne, I don't know what is so hard to believe. There are many reviews saying the same thing. Everybody can't be lying or a hater. Instead of being defensive & using the same tired line "when your the BEST, u are hated by the rest," you should take this HELPFUL criticism & improve on your restaurant. It's very telling when the owner can't receive anything outside of "positive" comments. Like I said before I am a regular person who lives in the area which I have the receipts to prove it!

This is one of the hardest reviews I've ever had to write, sincerely. I've avoided it for many reasons. Yet, you all count on me to be unbiased and honest about my experiences, so here we go. We're a Caribbean family. We support our own. Yet honey, when it's not good, we tell the TRUTH! From way too much oil and the little meatless bones & grissel swimming in it, to the miserly, flavorless, flat (literally it was FLAT!) 'sweet potato pie slice, and the shards of bones and under seasoned goat flesh- we were so disappointed. The sad part was we ate in and everyone else was getting to-go. We wanted to warm everyone we saw because they wouldn't know until they got home! And THAT (for me) is grounds for war! The woman who served us even apologized, un-prompted, when I opened my oxtail dinner box in front of her. The portion was so small she immediately said, "Oooh, that's not good. Let me fix that for you!" We sincerely were saddened as new neighbors who were truly excited about supporting our countrymen and having a bit of home. But no thanks, between my skills and all the aunties nearby- we're great! Furthermore, we won't ever end up spending the equivalent to a mini spa day and leaving hungry and frustrated!!! No Jamaican EVER let's you leave their presence hungry or without blessing! This establishment broke both of those rules!

I used to love Sweet Fingers in San Leandro. The new location is much nicer/cleaner... however, the staff have all changed, and one of the main cooks - Ikel aka Rocky is no longer cooking there. I was very disappointed that the food tastes so different, and it's even more expensive now. Maybe the recipes have changed? For sure the portions are smaller. However, the food is still good. Just not AS good. And the service is still good. Just not AS good. I am sure I will order from here from time to time. I hope to check out their live music evenings.

Food was sooo delish! Jerk chicken was huge portion. Rice was a bit dry and undercooked it seemed, but maybe that's how its supposed to be, my first time having this food so no comparing, i ended up throwing away the rice, and loving the chicken. 8 or 9 dollars for a beer? Nice looking place, music a bit loud for dining.

I wanted to like this spot and support a black business, however EVERY THING I've either ordered while dining in the restaurant or had delivered from Sweet Fingers over the last three years has been underwhelming at best. From the oxtails, the chicken wings, curry chicken and goat, rice and peas, plantains and lastly something as simplistic as beef patties - were all so very bland and not seasoned to what I've experienced from other restaurants or home cooked, and not to my liking. That said, I can't in good faith recommend Sweet Fingers at all. I'm always super disappointed each time I give them another chance and try something new with the hopes of a different outcome.

Roxanne the manager, You should learn how to take constructive criticism to improve the establishment, instead of taking it as an insult, and then attack the customers that leave these reviews on your establishment. I know some may do it just to be mean, I'm not doing it to be mean but, to be helpful and to let you know how you can improve what you're doing .I'll keep my roses this time consider making the improvements.

Lost a customer a hungry pregnant customer at that. I enjoyed the food before and this time I ordered Curry goat and macaroni pie and had to return everything. The macaroni pie was halfway full for it to be 8.82 it's ridiculous. Then on top of that not having drawers with the cash needed. just too much going on for me not to get anything or my proper change back when I initially ordered. And I almost forgot, since they didn't have change the cook had to give me change after touching the money he did not change his gloves he stayed in his same exact spot still preparing food.

I use to come here all the time when they were in San Leandro. I kept saying i'd visit this location and I finally did. They did not disappoint. It is really nice and updated inside. I love it. The lady at the register was so nice. I ordered the jerk shrimp and jerk chicken. Both were fresh and good. The rice and plantains were moist and fresh as well. The portions are perfect, they give you alot. Spent about $65 for all food and two drinks. They also have their bar open and they play the games. There is music playing as well. I will definitely be back.