Erica Stafford
This place popped up on my news feed today. It’s Monday. Everything is usually closed. This miracle maker, is not. Sometimes in life you stumble across the most beautiful gems in the most unlikely of places. This is that. Tucked into a little shopping mall sits Rock Steady. I was so excited to see a Jamaican restaurant. When I got there I was greeted kindly by Roxie. Owner. Chef. She mentioned she cooks with love. Now, I’m in love. The food was amazing. I couldn’t decide what to order. So I ordered enough for two. Don’t judge me. First, potato and leek soup. Thick, creamy and just what I needed to warm my soul on a chilly day. Next, the salmon eggrolls. OH. MY. GOD. I swear I heard angels sing with my first bite. You ever eat something soooo good you have to chuckle? Because you’re THAT happy? That’s what these did for me. When was the last time that happened? I don’t even remember. Lastly, I ordered bourbon glazed salmon, collard greens and rice and beans. The salmon was cooked perfectly and not overly done. Seasoned to perfection with a crispy outter crust. The collards were soulful. I don’t even know how else to put it. If you know, you know. If you don’t, you definitely deserve to come find out. The rice and beans made me forget it’s chilly and the middle of February in the coldest winter I’ve seen in years. I was transported to a beach with every bite. That’s how it made me feel. I had every intention of taking half my food to go… I just didn’t have the ability. If you haven’t been here, you need to make the time. That’s all I can say.
… moreGinger Terrell
I found Rock Steady Caribbean Cuisine and Soul Food through Google Maps and, after reading the reviews, decided to make it my Saturday afternoon food destination. I’m so glad I did.
The owner, Roxie, is absolutely delightful. In fact, every single person working there was friendly and welcoming — the kind of place where you genuinely feel like they’re glad you came in. That matters.
I arrived mid-afternoon, so it wasn’t busy, and I let the waitress make the food recommendation. I ordered the jerk chicken with two sides: rice and beans and fried plantains.
When my plate arrived, I went straight for the rice and beans. I’m usually not a huge fan, but I wanted the full experience – and wow. I could not stop eating them. They were that good. When Roxie came by and asked if I wanted gravy, I gave her a little side-eye like…gravy? She just smiled and said, “Girl, I got you.” She absolutely did.
The chicken was incredibly tender – it practically fell apart – with just the right balance of spice and heat. The plantains were delicious as well.
The portions were generous, so I boxed up half and enjoyed it again for lunch the next day.
When I went to check out, Roxie noticed I had a lingering cough from being under the weather. She had two tea bags waiting for me and told me to steep both together. It was such a thoughtful, comforting gesture – and it genuinely helped soothe my throat.
Great food, generous portions, and even better people. I’ll definitely be back.
… moreJared Lane
Chef Roxie knocks it out of the park with her cooking AND with her hospitality!! Me and my son had the pleasure of checking this place out today. It is so refreshing to see someone who takes pride in their craft and enjoys sharing their love through food! We will be back very soon. I highly recommend the Jerk chicken egg rolls!!!! They are fantastic!
“That is the sweetest lady in the world”- my son
… moreApril Fisher
If you are looking for flavor and a unique place, then Rock Steady is for you. I had the Caesar Salad with Salmon and Brina had the jerk chicken. It was delicious. And the chef gave us a sneak peak taste of ox tail…oh my it was so good. The spice is excellent, you can tell she loves cooking. True Soul Food. We will be back.
… moreTeri Iezzi
Wow! In the area for my son’s wedding and stumbled into this lovely Jamaican restaurant.But what made it stand out was the food and the owner! Seriously the most moist, tender jerk chicken I’ve ever had. The sweet potato fries, the pumpkin chicken soup (it’s broth based, more like a chicken veggie soup, and the jerk egg rolls were all on point. They are moving in next few days to a bigger building. Can’t wait to come back to check it out.
… moreEmily Funk
This restaurant was AMAZING!
I’m from Charlotte, but this place blew away every Jamaican food and service experience I’ve had in NC. The staff was incredibly kind and made sure we had everything—and I mean anything—we could need. Even my dog got a 5-star gourmet treat: a pup cup and white rice drizzled with oxtail sauce!
We stopped by after a big hike, and now it’s officially my go-to post-mountain spot. Can’t wait to come back!
… moreCatherine Hopkins
Was really excited to try Rock Steady on account of the outstanding reviews.. however, I was a little disappointed with the food. First of all, I want to say Chef Roxie is super sweet, and I would definitely come back and try other items on the menu, or even just for a beef patty. The beef patties are Golden Krust patties- can’t go wrong there for a tasty snack. I ordered the brown stewed chicken and a fried chicken sandwich. The stewed chicken was not the typical Jamaican stewed chicken which should have a darker, rich coating. It seemed more like chicken tossed in a light colored sauce. It was still good but not what I expected.
As for the fried chicken sandwich- I really was expecting a big, succulent piece of chicken in a homemade batter along with some Caribbean accoutrements, but it was a bun with a frozen patty- the kind you’d get at a school cafeteria. The cornbread was not homemade (as it looked in some of the photos from other reviewers)- it was definitely pre-packaged, and my stewed chicken only came with half of a cornbread piece (see photos). Again, it’s great having a Jamaican restaurant in town and I’d still come back when I need a Caribbean fix.
… moreCory Dalton
Holy moly! I am a Navy Vet and so much enjoyed the cuisine! I came back the next day and ordered something different…Same result! Simply amazing. Chef Roxie is passionate about good food. Between three guests, we tried several different combinations and they were ALL wonderful! Not overly seasoned, cooked to perfection, and very nutritious. Going here is like going to a Jamaican style family cooked meal. If I ever find myself within an hour of this place, I’m taking the trip. Thank you Chef!
… moreV A
Been in North Carolina for 3 years, this is the first time I actually experienced what I expected southern hospitality to be. The staff were incredibly attentive and the food was AMAZING! 6/5 stars for sure! I ordered the oxtail with rice & peas and sweet plantains, to unalive for and the oxtails were huge!
… morestephen genter
Great Jamaican food!!! Lots to choose from. Everything we have eaten here has been Wonderful!!! Wait staff was Great, super nice. The owner is the best part, Super Sweet. Wants to make sure your happy. A blessing to Rutherford County.
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