Enrique Shockwave
Hole-in-the-wall takeout joint with Caribbean charm, friendly cashier/chef. Been coming here for about ten years and I’ve never once been disappointed, even though management has changed and they are currently undergoing renovations. Walk-in orders for specialty items may take up to 30 minutes to make, but it’s also a very walkable area of town where you can easily kill some time. Simpler orders usually take five minutes at most, and there are chairs inside to wait on. About $20 fed my ravenous wife and I handily for lunch, and finding a table or bench to eat at was a fun adventure on its own.
If you’re new to the cuisine, you can’t miss with the jerk chicken or a beef patty (pictured below). Neither are too spicy or expensive. Most dishes come with rice and beans on the side. The oxtail and curry goat, as well as the stewed options, are equally tasty, but be aware most dishes are served bone-in. I recommend you try everything at least once, and if they ask if you want your side dish to come with cabbage, say yes. It’s good and you’ll thank yourself if you paired it with something spicy. The plantains are good too, but sometimes they won’t be available due to supply issues.
They are also currently pursuing their beer and liquor license, so in a few months you may even be able to order a nice cold Red Stripe with your meal, but again, this is a takeout spot, so don’t expect to eat or drink on the premises.
… moreLo Mi
I really wanted to write a rocking review but sadly this place has disappointed on two separate occasions! First my company placed a catering order which they got completely WRONG and in the rain we had to come back to only receive HALF of our order !!!! This saga led to me not even getting to try any of the food Still I decided to give them another chance this weekend to be greeted by a closed establishment!!! No signage or anything saying they’re closed!!! Extremely disappointing!
… moreJacob Yeatts
Great spot for carryout. The restaurant itself is in a basement, the entrance is right around the corner from Eerkins. You can tell they are open if there’s a Jamaican flag sign in the parking lot next to their door. I wouldn’t eat there as it’s very hot, steamy and a little dirty looking inside.
The food is wonderful from the chicken dishes to any of the specials. I will say that on some days my food is worse than typical which is why it gets 4 stars instead of 5. Not sure if that’s up to who’s behind the oven on any given day.
Either way it’s a great little authentic Jamaican spot in fairfax. Just don’t eat there or expect consistent hours, they are occasionally closed during their open hours(which is some of the charm).
… moreJohn M
It’s excellent! The food, the service, and the atmosphere. To begin, the food is exemplary and unique. Whether you’re getting the classic jerk chicken or the adventurous curry goat, the flavor is as much of an experience as visiting. The staff has always demonstrated kindness, good conduct, and quick service. Now this is the point where it’s simply personal and not everybody may share my opinion, I love the atmosphere. It’s very different compared to other locations and I think that’s special. As you climb down the flight of stairs leading to the main area you can immediately smell a very good aroma of spices and meat. Then you approach the desk and voila, order your food, done. Its one of my favorite places in Fairfax and the simple design of the place is something that is hard to find now. 100% recommend.
… moreTaneara Wagstaff
Won’t come back! On my lunch break I placed an order for a small curry chicken. My chicken was burnt, and my rice even had the burnt taste. I called them to tell them about my food and to request a refund. The gentleman told me I will need to speak with the owner and bring my food back alone with the receipt. I told the guy he didn’t provide me with a receipt. I ask to speak with the owner, and I heard the guy tell them a lady wants to speak with you about getting a refund for her food. The owner refuse to get on the phone and had an attitude and I heard him say to the guy okay just tell her come back to get a refund. Sir, that’s not how you run your business or talk to your customers. Won’t return.
… morecomfyfuton –
The Oxtail was awesome. I’ve had different styles of Oxtail, and the one from this place is outstanding. Very small place, and almost hard to find, but its well worth a visit.
… morediva
Went in to try their oxtail there food for the price this food was too salty,peas, and rice burnt. I was so disappointed . I tried their food once before and it wasn’t this bad but it wasn’t great either. I couldn’t eat it they put steam veggies just put cabbage not everyone eats cabbage
… moreAngela Chavis
I promise u there is better Caribbean food, there’s just not many options. I ordered 2 sides that’s all they gave me a whole dinner…the curry was watery, barely any gravy or flavor clearly not cooked from.the heart. Customer service is non existent…I’d travel to dc or to the 1 other Caribbean place in fairfax & they never open on-time. I will not be coming back, they more concerned with saying peas and rice than rice and peas than getting an order right. I’ll never go back & to be there this long & still look under construction.
… moreCas S
Even though it’s extremely hard to find. This little diamond in the rough, is a gem. The owner and the staff are very friendly and professional. The food is hot fresh and tasty. The oxtail was especially good. And I enjoyed the curry goat. The Jerk Chicken could have been a little spicier but was juicy. The plantains we’re cooked well. The rice and peas were a little dry but I’m assuming that’s because it was the end of the day and I got what was left in the pot. The place itself has really small and a little warm for eating inside. the bathroom without a order not sure for how long. But there was a sink behind the register so I’m hoping the staff did wash their hands. I say if you’re in downtown Fairfax and you’re looking for something off the beaten path to eat this is definitely a good place to try. The prices were a little pricey but you do get an ample amount of food for the cost.
… moreKerisha South
The chef is wonderful. My husband and I were his last customer for the night. He was very friendly, made me feel like I knew him forever. I ordered the oxtail yum, yum, yum. My husband ordered the jerk pork which was tasty. I recommend this spot. 10 stars.
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