Jerk City

After 'loitering' outside Jerk City and Savannah Jerk on Wardour Street for about 10 minutes trying to decide which one we should go to - Jerk City came out tops! Mainly because my friends and I had read the online reviews and although a simple café look - it plugged the better food, healthy-sized portions and jerk chicken just 'like your mamma made'. If you want to try Caribbean for the first time - THIS is NOT the place to go to. The service was shoddy - and not one that we had with a smile. The girl serving was so dour-faced that we were too scared to even ask for an extra set of cutlery and side plate for us ( there were three of us and she came out with two sets). The food arrived quite randomly - the jerk chicken wings were covered in barbeque sauce - not even a pinch of jerk seasoning in site. The fried fish starter was dry and chewy and covered in Encona pepper sauce - hmmmm, that's not how i make my fried fish. And then to our dismay the jerk chicken main arrived - very healthy portion can't argue about that - but , completely covered in barbeque sauce. Where is the authentic seasoning that jerk is famous for?!?. This was something that I wouldn't even buy as a microwave meal in tin foil - we were so disappointed. We then realised that an hour into our meal, we hadn't yet received the fried chicken and plantain that we'd ordered as starters. So my friend went up to ask. Nothing was mentioned about the plantain but the girl swiftly brought over three pieces of chicken from the cabinet on the takeaway counter. We looked at it - tentatively tried a bit and left it. It was cold and chewy and had more elasticity than an industrial rubber band.

We soon left the cafe and went on to a coffee place for a comfy sofa and yummy desserts to wash away the taste of barbeque sauce and cold chicken.

If you're a Caribbean food virgin, please don't go here as it will only paint a very poor picture of what real authentic Caribbean food is all about. and this was not it.
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Red Hair Gal - View all reviews by this user
2 Overall rating
Food 0 | Service 1 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 2
Friday, October 16, 2009

Really? I was really disappointed. Maybe they were just having an off day, but I went and ordered the jerk chicken with rice and peas (usually LOVE jerk chicken) and it was just a bit of meat in a pool of what looked and tasted like some bright red sauce you get in a chinese takeaway with a bit of chili sauce in it. Real jerk is dark and rich and has so many wonderful spices and zingy flavours.

The rice and peas were really good, but could have much better paired with a delicious jerk chicken meal.
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6 Overall rating
Food 3 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 3
Thursday, October 08, 2009

really like carribbean food and this was nice however we felt it was slightly overpriced consdiering we've had equally as nice food in Brixton market for far less money. However we understand that this is the West End and it's nice being able to get carribbean food when out on Oxford Street or soho...also must be noted that the service was extremely fast!
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Picky - View all reviews by this user
7 Overall rating
Food 6 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 6
Monday, September 28, 2009

Thought I would join in the on the reviews - because I truly love this restaurant.

I usually go during lunctimes, the lines can be very long, but I always ring ahead so that when I arrive my food is there ready and waiting.

The portions of food is just like eating at your Mum's house: plentiful! My fav is the curry (meat and veg), the fried chicken and prawn dishes.

You really will be satisfied!
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D
10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Friday, May 15, 2009

Like quite a few people we visit this little resturant when ever were in the West End the food is always lovely and the place pretty cosy. On my last 2 visits ( both around 6.30pm) weekday , they had run out of coleslaw, plantin, and dumplings.

This was a shame but did not spoil the trip.

We went to Mango Rooms at the weekend and although it a more upmarket resturant I far prefer Jerk City.
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Jacquie
8 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8
Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Nice place!! Great food Great value anyone saying diffrently has problems elsewhere in there life GO HERE!!!
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SIMON SNOXELL
10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Monday, March 23, 2009

I come here about 2 to 3 times per week for lunch.

The service has improved a lot - gone are the days of spending half your lunch break waiting for your take away, or opting to eat in only to ask for a take away instead because you have waited so long for your food to arrive that you can't sit down and eat it.

If you are thinking of coming here with a group of more than 4 or 5 people then be prepared to breath in - the restaurant is small.

The food more than makes up for it, there is a lot of variety and something to suit everyones taste, whether you are West Indian or not - my favourites are is the chicken roti (made how proper roti should be made *take note Caribbean Scene*), all varities of soups, and guiness punch!

I am a little annoyed that they have made their small soups even smaller but have not reduced the price to compensate....
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Simone Joseph
8 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 7
Friday, February 20, 2009

This is a bold yet i think true statement, Jerk City is the best restaurant in London.

The food (especially the BBQ chicken) is flawless everytime and so cheap considering the size of the meal!! They make the best chicken i've ever tasted - never dry, always perfect!!

The man that greets your is so friendly and makes it a pleasure to be there.

Amazing cooking, people and price

I can't praise this place enough, i am a true Jerk City lover!!
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10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Thursday, February 19, 2009

I've never written a review before but had to as I've just had lunch at Jerk City and it ROCKS - BBQ chicken rice and peas... so much food, so much taste and flavour.

The sauce is authentic, the chicken good quality and succulent.

I was served within 10mins, and with a drink, came in at under a tenner.

I would eat here every lunchtime but not sure i'd get through the afternoon sitting infront of my screen without falling asleep!
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Jon
9 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Tuesday, February 17, 2009