Highlights
- Live music
- Great beer selection
oChef » Taste of the Caribbean – Seattle
Taste of the Caribbean - Seattle
Photo from Taste of the Caribbean
Taste of the Caribbean at a glance
Seattle Yesler Terrace
- 🇯🇲 Jamaican Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 103 of the guests
#299 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#1 Jamaican Restaurant out of 1 in Seattle
Good
7.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
512
Reviews
77.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Vibrant atmosphere
- Delicious food
- Friendly staff
Frequently criticized
- Slow service
- Poor value
- Messy decor
The restaurant Taste of the Caribbean, a vibrant Jamaican Restaurant in Seattle’s Yesler Terrace neighborhood, invites you to experience a slice of island life. You’ll find yourself immersed in a cozy and casual atmosphere, often enhanced by the rhythm of live music.
This spot is perfect for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, offering healthy options alongside a great beer selection and hard liquor. Whether you’re craving authentic flavors or just a relaxing evening, this Seattle gem delivers.
Overview: Introducting Taste of the Caribbean
Taste of the Caribbean offers a generally pleasant experience, often praised for its vibrant and laid-back atmosphere, complete with good music. Many find the culinary offerings quite satisfying, with dishes like oxtail and jerk chicken frequently highlighted for their authentic flavors.
However, some visits can be hampered by noticeably slow service, and a few customers have encountered staff with a less-than-ideal attitude. There are also concerns about the overall value, with some feeling the prices don’t always align with the experience or portion sizes.
Good
7.9
out of 10
512
Reviews
77.5%
Satisfaction
90
negative
25
neutral
397
positive
Taste of the Caribbean generally earns a solid 7.9, reflecting a good dining experience for many. Customer satisfaction stands at a respectable 77.5%, indicating that most patrons leave content.
This positive sentiment is built on 397 favorable comments against 90 less enthusiastic ones out of 512 total. The Ambience (8.6) often sets a great mood, while the Food (8.1) receives consistent praise for its flavors.
Even Service (7.3) is generally well-regarded. While many aspects shine, the perception of Value (4.6) presents a notable area for improvement.
Some guests find the pricing to be on the higher side for what’s offered, leading to a less favorable view in this specific area. Despite this, the overall experience remains positive for a significant majority, suggesting that the strengths largely outweigh this particular concern.
What people like
- Vibrant, laid-back atmosphere
- Delicious Caribbean food
- Friendly, outgoing staff
What people don't like
- Inconsistent, slow service
- Questionable value
- Bright, messy decor
With a solid recommendation score of 8.2, Taste of the Caribbean is a place to consider if you’re seeking a lively atmosphere and flavorful Caribbean dishes. It’s particularly well-suited for those prioritizing a good vibe and authentic tastes over strict budget concerns.
However, if prompt service and exceptional value are your top priorities, you might find aspects of your visit less satisfying. Approach it with an appreciation for the cultural experience and culinary highlights, and you’re likely to have an enjoyable time.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Taste of the Caribbean
Food (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
The food at this spot generally earns high praise, boasting a good score of 8.1 and a solid 81.2% customer satisfaction. Many of the 263 positive comments highlight delicious options like the fried chicken, tender oxtail, and flavorful jerk chicken, often noting the generous portions that leave you feeling satisfied and well-fed. However, among the 324 total opinions, 47 did point to some areas for improvement.
A few experiences mentioned a lack of flavor, with some oxtail being tough or rice overcooked, and occasionally undersalted seasoning, suggesting there might be some inconsistency in preparation.
Food
324
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
47
negative
14
neutral
263
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Caribbean flavors
- Tender, seasoned meats
- Generous portion sizes
What people don't like
- Inconsistent seasoning
- Tough or dry meats
- Lack of flavor
Often praised
- foodAs someone from the Caribbean, I found this place to be fantastic. The atmosphere was chill, the service was great, and the food was amazing. We enjoyed the stewed chicken, curry chicken, and jerk chicken, and then devoured the rum cake.
- jerk chickenThe service was friendly, the food was delicious, and the staff provided much-needed smiles. We enjoyed the brown sauce chicken stew, curry chicken, curry goat, and a mixed appetizer which included jerk chicken, fried ball, salad, plantains, and festival. All dishes were delicious, with some being far beyond delicious.
- rice and peasMy son found the jerk chicken slightly better, but it was overdone with soft, not crispy, skin. The rice and peas met our expectations. Hopefully, it was just an off night in the kitchen, but based on our experience, we'll be looking elsewhere for Caribbean cooking.
- Jamaican foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's the best place in Seattle for Jamaican food, and I've tried them all. The sweet fried plantains were delicious, and the rice and peas were prepared perfectly.
- jerk wingsstewed tilapia filet and the jerk wings both consistent and tasty
- FoodFood:5
- beef pattyand the beef patty anytime I need some good reliable comfort food
- oxtailMy experience at this restaurant was absolutely amazing! The food was some of the best oxtail I’ve had in the US since leaving Jamaica. The jerk wings were perfectly cooked, falling off the bone, which was a first for me.
- plantainsThe service was friendly, the food was delicious, and the staff provided much-needed smiles. We enjoyed the brown sauce chicken stew, curry chicken, curry goat, and a mixed appetizer which included jerk chicken, fried ball, salad, plantains, and festival. All dishes were delicious, with some being far beyond delicious.
- Oxtails and Rice and PeasEverything was exactly what you would expect from a Jamaican restaurant, with nobody pretending. The Oxtails and Rice and Peas were highly recommended and lived up to the hype. The service and atmosphere were both rated a perfect 5, and the food also received a 5-star rating.
Frequently criticized
- foodthe food was not up to par.
- FoodFood:2
- Pink TingsI ordered 15 Pink Tings. I received 13.
- FestivalsFestivals: Don't order these. They were way too sweet
- Fried ripe plantainFried ripe plantain: This was one of the things I was really looking forward to but was disappointed.
- Jamaican foodsuch bland Jamaican food with absolutely no taste
- Oxtailthe Oxtail was TOUGH. ... the gravy is sweet so the Oxtail was sweet
- Oxtail StewOxtail Stew and neither the meat nor the rice and peas had any aroma or flavor
- ackeerestaurant was out of ackee
- brown stewthis brown stew is completely inedible and disgusting
If you're in the mood for authentic Caribbean flavors, especially the jerk chicken or oxtail, this place is definitely worth a try. While most experiences are fantastic, be mindful that some guests have noted occasional inconsistencies in seasoning and texture.
Service (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 73% of the guests
When it comes to service, things are looking pretty good overall, with a solid score of 7.3. Many customers, based on 71 positive remarks, felt warmly welcomed by the friendly staff and appreciated the attentive servers. While customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 68.3%, theres a clear appreciation for the professional and personable interactions.
However, not everyone had a smooth experience. Out of 30 negative comments, some folks encountered slow service and long wait times, occasionally leading to order mix-ups. A few even mentioned a rude attitude or issues with customer service, suggesting theres room for improvement in consistency.
Service
104
Reviews
68%
Satisfaction
30
negative
3
neutral
71
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Attentive servers
- Warm welcome
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Long waits
- Rude attitude
Often praised
- serviceAs someone from the Caribbean, I found this place to be fantastic. The atmosphere was chill, the service was great, and the food was amazing. We enjoyed the stewed chicken, curry chicken, and jerk chicken, and then devoured the rum cake.
- staffAwesome staff, very friendly and outgoing people working there
- ServiceService was fantastic
- customer serviceI visited for the first time on Sunday and the customer service was good! However, my search for good, tasty, and quality Jamaican food in the PNW continues.
- serverMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic! The food was great, the drinks were strong, and our server was kind. I will definitely be back!
- RogerOur server, Roger, was absolutely fantastic!
- peoplethe people are very friendly
- serversThe servers were kind and friendly
- waitressI'm giving 4 stars because the service was extremely slow. Although the waitress was super nice, it seemed they were socializing with regulars, and we had to physically get up to ask for the check after waiting and trying to flag her down for almost 15 minutes. The ambiance was okay; the lights were super bright, and the decorations were messy, featuring Asian country flags but not even an Antiguan flag.
- Bartender/serverBartender/server went above and beyond
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe service needs improvement. I had to ask about our Pina coladas
- ServiceService:1
- attitudedisgusting attitude and lacks serious customer service
- customer servicelacks serious customer service and interpersonal skills
- discountWith this creepy, wry, deceptive Cheshire Cat smile.
- drinkshad to remind our server about our drinks
- food serviceThe interior is fun, with flags from Caribbean nations adorning the walls, a stage with a sound system, and plenty of TVs, plus a nice-looking bar. Our servers were kind and friendly, but the food service from the kitchen was EXTREMELY slow. We waited nearly half an hour for our appetizer, the cod fritters, and a full hour for our main courses – goat curry and Jamaican jerk chicken.
- ignored meLiterally ignored me for 10 minutes
- interpersonal skillslacks serious customer service and interpersonal skills
- itemsthey were out of some items
If youre looking for a place with generally friendly and attentive staff, youll likely have a good experience here. Just be prepared that service can sometimes be slow, so it might not be the best spot if you're in a rush.
Ambience (8.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 49% of the guests
The vibe here is definitely a highlight! With a strong score of 8.6 and an impressive 88.1% customer satisfaction, its clear most folks love the atmosphere. Out of 67 remarks, 59 rave about it being a hidden gem with an authentic Caribbean vibe, great music, and excellent cleanliness.
Many feel like theyre in Jamaica with family, enjoying the energy and club nights. However, not everything is perfect. A few of the 4 negative remarks mention issues with the lighting being too bright and decorations feeling messy, even featuring Asian flags.
There are also some parking concerns, with one customer reporting their vehicle was vandalized on the street.
Ambience
67
Reviews
88%
Satisfaction
4
negative
4
neutral
59
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Caribbean vibe
- Lively music and energy
- Clean, welcoming space
What people don't like
- Bright interior lighting
- Messy decorations
- Parking concerns
Often praised
- atmosphereThe atmosphere was vibrant and laid-back, filled with colorful decor
- AtmosphereGreat Atmosphere
- musicYou won't be disappointed. They also have club nights with DJs serving up reggae, soca, and dancehall music ❤️💛💚
- vibeBredren, if you’re looking to start your vacation out with a bang, you gotta stop here. We did take out, but this place is a vibe. The curry goat, oxtails, and curry vegetables were all on point.
- cleanlinessfound it to be clean
- vibesthe vibes are great
- Jamaican musicGood Jamaican music was playing.
- Taste of the CaribbeanPerfect place to get a Taste of the Caribbean
- bathroomsBathrooms were clean
- beatsWhen I'm in Seattle, I can count on Red Lounge. Don't forget to hop in on Friday and Saturday nights to dance to the latest afro-Caribbean and reggae beats!
Frequently criticized
- decorationsthe decorations are messy featuring Asian country flags
- free street parkingbe mindful of where you park on these off streets my vehicle was vanderlized
- lightingthe lights are super bright
- vehicle was vandalizedmy vehicle was vanderlized and stuff was stolen
If you're looking for a lively, authentic Caribbean experience with great music and a welcoming atmosphere, this spot is definitely worth checking out. Just be mindful of the street parking situation and the bright interior lighting.
Value (4.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 15% of the guests
When it comes to value, some diners have found real gems here, praising generous portions and feeling they got more than you paid for at an affordable price. Dishes like the fry snapper were specifically noted as being well worth the cost. Out of 17 customer remarks, 4 highlighted these positive aspects, suggesting that when it hits, the value can be quite satisfying.
However, the overall picture for value is quite challenging, with a significant number of customers (9 out of 17 remarks) feeling the price was too high and not worth my money. Many expressed frustration over being charged excessively, even mentioning greed and finding the food expensive. This contributes to an average score of 4.6 and a rather poor customer satisfaction of just 23.5%, indicating a clear need for more consistent pricing.
Value
17
Reviews
23%
Satisfaction
9
negative
4
neutral
4
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Generous portions
- Affordable pricing
- Good value for money
What people don't like
- Food too expensive
- Not worth money
- Perceived overcharging
Often praised
- affordable priceGenerous portions at an affordable price
- fry snapperFor $30 it was massive and worth it
- more than you paid forThe food was well prepared and perfectly tasty, offering delicious flavors and multiple meal options. If you're looking for a place where you get more than you paid for, then visit Taste of the Caribbean. It's where you need to go.
- priceWell worth the $18 and $19
Frequently criticized
- priceThe chicken patty was runny, and the chicken inside was minced. For $37, I didn't finish the meal. While I've heard some good things after being recommended this place, I can't recommend it if you grew up in South or Central FL, SoCal, NY, or even ATL.
- chargeI was charged $6.65 for each one.
- moneyIt was just horrible! Do not waste your money!
- foodFood is expensive for what you get
- greedGreed.
If youre looking for a place where you might occasionally strike gold with generous portions and an affordable price, it could be worth a try. However, be prepared for potential disappointment, as many customers found the price too high and not worth my money, ' making it a risky bet for consistent value.
How are the prices at Taste of the Caribbean?
You’re looking at roughly 34 per person – reported by 103 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For a Jamaican Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, while the average is around 34, most guests actually spend in the $21–$30 range, with many even opting for dishes in the $11–$20 bracket. This suggests a nice mix of options, from quick bites to more indulgent meals!
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 103 reviews.
A look at how this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in Seattle.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels quite fair for a Jamaican Restaurant. The variety in spending shows there are delicious options for different budgets, making it a welcoming spot for many.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Taste of the Caribbean
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Authentic Jamaican Food Delights!
It's been years since I've had good, authentic Jamaican food, and this place did not disappoint. The waitress was extremely personable, and the staff were respectful. The portion sizes made me feel like I was eating my Nana's food again.
- authentic Jamaican food10
- personable waitress9
- respectful staff9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Service Intent
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Amazing Caribbean Gem!
In town for the weekend, I discovered this incredible restaurant that Oregon doesn't have. The food was 🔥🔥! A big shout-out to the culture and the cook.
The food at Red Lounge was freaking amazing. I wish we had found this hidden gem on our first night. This is a must-visit.
- food10
- culture9
- cook9
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Authentic Jamaican Flavors Highly Recommended!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had the best Jamaican food I've tasted outside of Miami. The curry goat, rice and peas, salad, plantains, and Jamaican patty were all incredibly delicious.
I'm already planning my next visit to try the curry chicken, which I'm sure will be equally good. Highly recommended!
- curry goat10
- rice and peas10
- salad10
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
8
Great Food, Minor Issues
My experience at the restaurant was largely positive, with great food being the highlight. I especially loved the beef patty, coco bread, and the seasoning on the meats. The cocktail was also tasty.
However, the restaurant was out of ackee, so I couldn't try the saltfish. I also realized they forgot our fried plantains order, but I was already full by then, so it was okay. The atmosphere was rated a 4, and the food a 5, while service received a 3.
- beef patty9
- coco bread9
- seasoning on the meats9
- ackee3
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
2
Disappointed by Closure on Lunch Break
I stopped by here on my break because I am working in the city. I didn't realize how difficult it is to find a Jamaican restaurant in Seattle or the surrounding area so I was excited that I finally found one that had simple Jamaican food like curry goat and oxtail. Unfortunately, when I showed up at 1: 03 p.
M. The restaurant was closed. I am so bummed because I get a very short lunch break and I don't come into the city all that often and I was looking forward to some good Jamaican food.
- curry goat5
- oxtail5
- restaurant was closed2
- short lunch break3
What Taste of the Caribbean offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Hard liquor
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Outdoor seating
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What dining options and services does Taste of the Caribbean offer in Seattle?
At Taste of the Caribbean, you can enjoy a full range of dining experiences from brunch to dinner, including delicious desserts. They offer table service and ample seating, with catering available for your special events. For convenience, you have the choice of dine-in, delivery, takeout, or even curbside pickup, plus the added bonus of outdoor seating.
Is Taste of the Caribbean in Yesler Terrace accessible and family-friendly?
Yes, Taste of the Caribbean is designed with accessibility in mind, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restroom. It’s also a great spot for families, offering a dedicated kids’ menu, high chairs, and an overall welcoming environment for children. Dogs are even allowed in the outdoor seating area.
How does Taste of the Caribbean generally perform?
Taste of the Caribbean holds a good overall score of 7.9. Its Ambience (8.6) and Food (8.1) are highly rated, while Service (7.3) is also good. However, Value (4.6) is an area where it struggles.
What kind of food can I expect at Taste of the Caribbean?
Many patrons praise the authentic Caribbean dishes, frequently highlighting the oxtail, jerk chicken, and stewed chicken for their delicious flavors. The plantains and rice and peas also receive positive remarks.
Are there any common issues visitors experience at Taste of the Caribbean?
Some customers have noted issues with slow service and occasional staff attitude. Additionally, the value for money is sometimes questioned, with a few finding the prices high for the portions or overall experience.