Caribbean Spice

Love coming here and getting jerk chicken, a few patties or some oxtail. Staff is friendly and helpful.

Hot sauce was ! Oxtail was so good I bought my mother in law a dinner plate of the same

I've been getting the jerk chicken for well over a year now and recently the thighs are cut in half and served as one at a higher price. Still advertised as five pieces of chicken. This is slimy I feel. We should get what we pay for. Very very disappointing. And on top of that we're talking about chicken thighs. It's the cheapest part of the chicken. I will go as far as to say it I bet it isn't grass-fed or organic, at least that will make a little sense.

We went for lunch and the line was understandably getting long. There seemed to be only one person cooking in the back, one person at the register and one person starting orders with those food items that are made in advance. The owner was present and behind the counter, however, unfortunately he was motivated to assist his employees in moving the line along and getting patrons their food any faster, he just seemed to be interested in chatting with customers, and while public relations is key, lets not do so as to run counter with patrons getting their orders filled, which is already in competition with the volume of take out orders. Please note, this is a counter service only establishment. I do wish Yelp would add this feature to their app/site, I think that users would find it helpful. If you prefer table service for nearly $50 (price for using a credit card, which was not indicated with cash prices on the menu, just that those advertised are cash prices) for two meals, then I'd suggest you keep scrolling. I really am a proponent of mom and pops, but it gets harder for all involved with this choice of pricing structure. Also, provided an establishment makes the user aware of this in advance, you could either choose elsewhere or go to the ATM. Another feature I think Yelp should consider given so many restaurants are shifting to this pricing structure. As for the ambiance, save for the homage to Bob Marley, I would say there isn't any, and that's ok. Most importantly it was clean and orderly. I got the oxtail, which was divine in flavor and fall off the bone tender, but it was without question the smallest size oxtail I have ever seen or ordered... perhaps they were severely malnourished....over rice, pigeon peas and kidney beans which were fabulous. However the cabbage was seriously lacking in flavor and amount, there was no more than 2 heaping tablespoons in the portion. The spinach patties was unique and although it seemed like it was sitting in the warmer for awhile, the interior was delicious. When asked by the owner for feedback, I regret not being transparent, however, I truly thought he'd look at me and say "what would you know?".. I spent a number of years during and after college in NYC and I ate my way through a lot of incredible ethnic food which Jamaican occupied many of those calories. My husband got the jerk chicken, same sides and the mild beef pattie (out of spicy). He stated chicken was spicy enough, cabbage was tiny and lacking in any discernable flavor and he didn't care for the same rice and bean mix ... to each their own. I thought it hit the spot. Portions of rice were generous, not of the meat, so at least there's that for leftovers. I really want them to succeed, but I can't justify going back at this juncture based on price vs. portion of actual protein... but you be your own, informed, judge.

First Jamacian spot in Gainesville that makes great Oxtail. Jerk chicken was good too.

I recently moved here from New York and was seeking to eat some carribean good eats. Customer service was good but First carribean restaurant I've ever eaten from that made me sick. I'm carribean raised and this food just didn't hit. The beef patty was full with oil (when i touched it, my finger was full of oil) and the curry goat had no flavor.

Amazing service and food

Been wanting to try this place for a min. Only jerk u should get in gainesville. They were super friendly too. It’s an easy place to be a regular at. I’ll be back 100%

Large portions and friendly service.

First this place came recommended from both a friend and yelp so i had to try!! Walked in and was greeted by super friendly staff and took my order right away as i already knew what we wanted. Walking in the smell of the food is SOOO good, and the music playing in the background was very reminiscent of an island atmosphere. I have traveled to numerous Caribbean Island and felt like i was back on the islands!! The order was ready in about 5 minutes and i couldn't wait to get home, My wife could not stop saying WOW as she ate the oxtail dinner!! She said hands down it the best she has eaten!! Also my Curry chicken dinner looked and smelled and tasted amazing, best curry chicken i have had to include the islands!! The servings are more than ample. Definite won't leave you hungry!! I can see why it was recommended for me to try!! And i am already planning on going back later this week.