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11 Sizzling Caribbean Restaurants in Philadelphia

by Tara_Nurin
View as Map
by Tara_Nurin
Jamaican Jerk Hut/Foursquare

In Philly, most Caribbean restaurants fall into one of two camps: Jamaican or Puerto Rican, bring your own Red Stripe or Medalla as most are mom-and-pop BYOBs. These tiny restaurants sit on the fringes of Philly's mainstream dining landscape, run by Caribbean natives longing for a taste of home. And its because of their heartfelt foods that Philadelphians can enjoy the bubbling stews and jerk-spiced goodies that make our scene that much more exotic.

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Note: Restaurants on this map are listed geographically.

1. El Coqui Panaderia

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3528 I St
Philadelphia, PA 19134
(215) 634-5508
(215) 634-5508
Visit Website
For people who spend a lot of time in Puerto Rico, it's often the warm baked bread they miss most, and the argument over which is better -- pan subado or pan de agua -- inspires fierce loyalties. The good news is at this Puerto Rican bakery, you can satisfy everyone by buying both. But don't stop there, those in-the-know rave about their delicious cakes and pastries.
El Coqui/Facebook

2. El Bohio

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2746 N 5th St
Philadelphia, PA 19133
(215) 425-5991
(215) 425-5991
There's absolutely nothing quite like a fresh-fried fritura (a class of fried doughy snacks eaten by hand) and the cooks here have the technique down with their "papas rellenas," "pastelillos," and "sorrullos." Seafood abounds, as do Cubano sandwiches for those who prefer a more familiar hot ham sandwich.
El Bohio/Facebook

3. Ron's Caribbean Cuisine

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5726 N Broad St
Philadelphia, PA 19141
(215) 924-3966
(215) 924-3966
Curry chicken, ox tail and fried fish are de rigeur at this Jamaican joint. Exceptional recipes plus huge portions means lines can get very long. So relax, take in the aromas wafting from the kitchen, and before you know it, you'll be elbow-deep in curry and callaloo.
Ron's/Facebook

4. 48th Street Grille

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(267) 244-4764
(267) 244-4764
Visit Website
Jamaican-born executive chef Carl Lewis has made some turns around the city's restaurant scene, stopping at some of the bold-faced hotels and eateries. Because of this, his is a somewhat more refined experience than some of his competitors offer. Desserts rotate frequently, with regulars coming back for Oreo mousse cake, sweet potato cheesecake and signature bread pudding.
48th Street Grille/Facebook

5. Reggae Reggae Vibes

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517 W Girard Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19123
(267) 457-2970
(267) 457-2970
Patrons rave about the sweetness of the fried plantains here but they also warn that their scrumptious reputation can make for some long lines can be long on weekend nights. A signature jerk chicken cheesesteak goes nicely with housemade ginger beer.
Reggae Reggae Vibes/Facebook

6. Parada Maimon

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345 N 12th St
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 925-2000
(215) 925-2000
Visit Website
Can't decide between two Dominican dishes? Owners may just give you samples of both. Some good places to start: humongous lunch combo specials, ceviche, goat and Cuban ropa vieja. Wash it down with a papaya milkshake.
Dre T./Yelp

7. Little Delicious

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4821 Woodland Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19143
(215) 729-4911
(215) 729-4911
Arrive early for Jamaican-style plantains as they sell out quick! A fresh tropical juice bar makes the wait a little easier to take (try the watermelon juice) while you salivate over the ackee and salt fish with dumplings and banana you're about to order.
Little Delicious/Facebook

8. Keith's Red Snapper Restaurant

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875 Belmont Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 477-3780
(215) 477-3780
Visit Website
Keith has reopened his legendary Jamaican spot after a hiatus, and his old regulars are ecstatic. It's no longer a free-for-all after-hours club but the oxtail and dumplings and peppers keeps his old friends coming back.
Keith's/Yelp

9. Home Style Caribbean and American Restaurant

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6051 Woodland Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19142
(215) 729-0404
(215) 729-0404
Home Style caters to those hankering for a taste of exactly that: home. Cornmeal porridge, fresh squeezed juices, curries, and an expert heavy-handedness when it comes to seasoning draws in a loyal fanbase in search of regional authenticity.
Sean L./Yelp

10. Caribbean Delight

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1124 South St
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 829-1030
(215) 829-1030
Come for the colorful floor-through-ceiling murals and stay for the smoky jerk chicken, beefy patties, and spicy peas and rice. Consider calling ahead because service can be slow.
Caribbean Delight/Foursquare

11. Jamaican Jerk Hut

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1436 South St
Philadelphia, PA 19146
(215) 545-8644
(215) 545-8644
Visit Website
When the weather is nice, Jamaican Jerk Hut is everything. Have yourself some jerk chicken (grilled in a real charcoal jerk pit!) and hang out in the open-air garden, full of fake palms and colorful picnic tables. Live music is always a plus, and this summer, the PHS Beer Garden returns, meaning it's only BYOB if you want it to be.

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1. El Coqui Panaderia

3528 I St, Philadelphia, PA 19134
El Coqui/Facebook
For people who spend a lot of time in Puerto Rico, it's often the warm baked bread they miss most, and the argument over which is better -- pan subado or pan de agua -- inspires fierce loyalties. The good news is at this Puerto Rican bakery, you can satisfy everyone by buying both. But don't stop there, those in-the-know rave about their delicious cakes and pastries.
3528 I St
Philadelphia, PA 19134
(215) 634-5508
Visit Website

2. El Bohio

2746 N 5th St, Philadelphia, PA 19133
El Bohio/Facebook
There's absolutely nothing quite like a fresh-fried fritura (a class of fried doughy snacks eaten by hand) and the cooks here have the technique down with their "papas rellenas," "pastelillos," and "sorrullos." Seafood abounds, as do Cubano sandwiches for those who prefer a more familiar hot ham sandwich.
2746 N 5th St
Philadelphia, PA 19133
(215) 425-5991

3. Ron's Caribbean Cuisine

5726 N Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19141
Ron's/Facebook
Curry chicken, ox tail and fried fish are de rigeur at this Jamaican joint. Exceptional recipes plus huge portions means lines can get very long. So relax, take in the aromas wafting from the kitchen, and before you know it, you'll be elbow-deep in curry and callaloo.
5726 N Broad St
Philadelphia, PA 19141
(215) 924-3966

4. 48th Street Grille

Philadelphia, PA
48th Street Grille/Facebook
Jamaican-born executive chef Carl Lewis has made some turns around the city's restaurant scene, stopping at some of the bold-faced hotels and eateries. Because of this, his is a somewhat more refined experience than some of his competitors offer. Desserts rotate frequently, with regulars coming back for Oreo mousse cake, sweet potato cheesecake and signature bread pudding.
(267) 244-4764
Visit Website

5. Reggae Reggae Vibes

517 W Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19123
Reggae Reggae Vibes/Facebook
Patrons rave about the sweetness of the fried plantains here but they also warn that their scrumptious reputation can make for some long lines can be long on weekend nights. A signature jerk chicken cheesesteak goes nicely with housemade ginger beer.
517 W Girard Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19123
(267) 457-2970

6. Parada Maimon

345 N 12th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Dre T./Yelp
Can't decide between two Dominican dishes? Owners may just give you samples of both. Some good places to start: humongous lunch combo specials, ceviche, goat and Cuban ropa vieja. Wash it down with a papaya milkshake.
345 N 12th St
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 925-2000
Visit Website

7. Little Delicious

4821 Woodland Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19143
Little Delicious/Facebook
Arrive early for Jamaican-style plantains as they sell out quick! A fresh tropical juice bar makes the wait a little easier to take (try the watermelon juice) while you salivate over the ackee and salt fish with dumplings and banana you're about to order.
4821 Woodland Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19143
(215) 729-4911

8. Keith's Red Snapper Restaurant

875 Belmont Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Keith's/Yelp
Keith has reopened his legendary Jamaican spot after a hiatus, and his old regulars are ecstatic. It's no longer a free-for-all after-hours club but the oxtail and dumplings and peppers keeps his old friends coming back.
875 Belmont Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 477-3780
Visit Website

9. Home Style Caribbean and American Restaurant

6051 Woodland Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19142
Sean L./Yelp
Home Style caters to those hankering for a taste of exactly that: home. Cornmeal porridge, fresh squeezed juices, curries, and an expert heavy-handedness when it comes to seasoning draws in a loyal fanbase in search of regional authenticity.
6051 Woodland Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19142
(215) 729-0404

10. Caribbean Delight

1124 South St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Caribbean Delight/Foursquare
Come for the colorful floor-through-ceiling murals and stay for the smoky jerk chicken, beefy patties, and spicy peas and rice. Consider calling ahead because service can be slow.
1124 South St
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 829-1030

11. Jamaican Jerk Hut

1436 South St, Philadelphia, PA 19146
When the weather is nice, Jamaican Jerk Hut is everything. Have yourself some jerk chicken (grilled in a real charcoal jerk pit!) and hang out in the open-air garden, full of fake palms and colorful picnic tables. Live music is always a plus, and this summer, the PHS Beer Garden returns, meaning it's only BYOB if you want it to be.
1436 South St
Philadelphia, PA 19146
(215) 545-8644
Visit Website

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