My wife referred me to this place when her company catered with them so she got addicted. I never tried Caribbean food before so why not. Since I was in the area, I dropped by to order takeout. The orders: Pork Jerk Plate Oxtails The sauce is really spicy. They normally cover the sauce with the pork, but if you can't eat spice, make sure to let them know to put the sauce on the side. The pork jerk plate tasted amazing. There was so much portion of the pork. The plate came with cooked banana plus sides of rice and bean. I would had given this place 5 stars. Unfortunately, Denise at the cashier wasn't too friendly and need to work on her customer service. read more

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WOW, this place has really improved. My last two visits were EXCELLENT, and I try to go more often now. I generally get either the chicken jerk plate or the pork, and they come with rice and plantains and either plate is delicious. THANK YOU for providing great food and service again! read more

Quite simply one of my favorite places to dine in the entire bay area. Give me this over many SF fine dining establishments. Oxtail and Jerk pork combo all day every day. Love Love Love this spot. If you like my reviews, consider "following" my profile for reviews all across the SF Bay Area . Why "follow" someone? It causes the person you follow's reviews to tier to top when you pull up a business. I find this very handy when researching venues. Rod's Review grading scale explained. Essentially I personally base it on the likelihood of a return visit and I try to be stingy with 5 star reviews since they should be "special" in my eyes. Price/Value also play a role obviously but there are $ and $$$$ littered across my grading scale. 5 stars - "I'll go out of my way" (approx 6 % of my reviews) 4 stars- "If I was in the area I'd go here and would recommend", (approx 38% of my reviews) 3 stars "Maybe if was nearby", (approx 37% of my reviews) 2 stars -"Would likely not return, Only if you want to go", (approx 16% of my reviews) 1 star -"No thanks, even if I was hungry", (approx. 3 % of my reviews) read more

I was first introduced to Caribbean island food to during work lunch meeting and it was brought in. Since then was craving it and found the one in Downtown SJ and was so happy one opened up in my next of the woods. Oxtail is the one that does it for me. It's fall off the bone goodness in the gravy sauce. You get balance of heat and sweet with the fried plantain and bread rice to go with it. Mac and cheese I'm picky about it, this place for me does it justice. I like that it's not saucy and watery. Then there's the corn festival. It's deep fried which is crispy and soft in the inside. It has just the right sweetness. This is my go to for savory comfort food. read more

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Updating my review to 5 stars. My family got a thanksgiving spread, and we all really enjoyed the food and the variety offered. We picked up from the downtown location, and the staff helped me load the plethora of items into my car. I've stuck to the jerk chicken & oxtail combo for a while now, and the East Capitol location has been really consistent. I don't think you can go wrong ordering jerk here. read more

Great jerk chicken, pork, and oxtail. Service was extremely quick, the food got to our table as soon as we sat down. They pack them in to-go containers and it might not seem like a lot of food at first glance, but I had left overs. Delicious jerk flavors and not too spicy. It was so good I started chowing down before I could get a photo in. read more

There are some loving Tias working in that kitchen because the beef patties are always so flavorful and plump.

All of the food was great. For vegetarians, the jerk tofu is a great option. The rice and beans and plantains are not vegetarian fyi. The STAR is the Jamaican fry bread! I could eat it daily. So so good. read more

Beef oxtail was good, but some of the pieces were tough and rubbery. Beef patty was yummy, definitely should've ordered six of em! Quick service. Plenty of parking. Restroom available. read more

Back A Yard - Caribbean Near Me - San Jose, California

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oxtail was fall off the bone tender, the gravy was rich and soaked into the rice. service was solid but it got busy and seating is limited. simple spot with a laid back vibe, good for a quick lunch or casual dinner. read more

This place was soo good and food was served quickly! The macaroni was cheesy and tasty! The curry goat and oxtail plate was absolutely delicious. I would definitely recommend and get it again. In my opinion the best combo available. read more

Back A Yard - Macaroni and Cheese Curry Goat and Beef Oxtail Kola Champagne Sorrel Ginger - Caribbean Near Me - San Jose, California

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I spent $40 here for two entrees. Not sure if you can get this readily elsewhere but I tend to suggest Back A Yard Carribean when people come to visit San Jose and ask for #goodeats they can't get readily elsewhere. There's lots of flavor so if you're not used to well seasoned food, you might think it's too "spicy" Curry Chicken w/ Ox Tail Jerk Chicken It's a clean location and a bit small but homey. The servers are nice and always have recommendations. read more

Back A Yard - Curry Goat and Beef Oxtail Jerk Chicken & Pork Combo Ginger Beer - Caribbean Near Me - San Jose, California

I received a gift card to this place and decided to try it for the first time last Thursday. It did NOT disappoint! It was so good! I loved the beef oxtail combo dish with fried plantains! I also tried the daily special of curry and shrimp combo. My friend got the jerk chicken and oxtails to go for her son. The foods were yummy! I would come back and order more of the beef oxtails! read more

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They customer service was great and the food is amazing and very flavorful! Highly recommended. read more

Back A Yard - Jerk Chicken & Beef Oxtails Combo with added side of macaroni and cheese and greens - Caribbean Near Me - San Jose, California

Food was great as always, but the person at the counter didn't put our ticket up for the kitchen so they completely forgot about our food and we had to ask about it. Then the person we asked seemed lost even after showing our receipt. read more

Food was ok; ox tails tasted good but salty. Management needs to learn customer service 101.

Got this with a friend during a weekday. A lot of people were coming in and out taking it togo, and I ate it in the restaurant. I got the chicken and oxtail combo for $20. It was super filling. The oxtail and chicken were super tender and juicy, but a little bit too salty for my taste. The rice was also very delicious. I would come again as the portion and price were super good for the quality of the food. read more

Back A Yard - Jerk Chicken & Beef Oxtails Combo - Caribbean Near Me - San Jose, California

Love Back A Yard, food is consistently good. Specials are always hit. But my go to is their oxtails, they melt like butta' and so much flavor. Solid spot. read more

The food here is really delicious and I really like coming here rather than other Caribbean places. I got the jerk pork with the salmon and I thought the jerk pork was cooked perfectly. It was crispy yet juicy and bouncy with how the pork was made. The salmon on the other hand, was crispy and wasn't dry. I thought the rice was alittle mushy so I wish they wouldn't make it so mushy but other than that, the flavor of the rice was delicious. It was also my first time trying plantains and I thought it really did taste like bananas! But savory. Service and ordering was quick but it was just mainly waiting for the food that took a lot of time. read more

Back A Yard - Caribbean Near Me - San Jose, California

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So much stuff to like here. Everything on the menu is really good, but the oxtail and jerk pork combo wears the crown. This place is not as crazy as the Menlo Park location. We've been to both locations for years and it's still as good as I remember it although I miss the jerked pork belly. Wish they brought that back. read more

Had a delish meal with my daughter. We got the jerk chicken and pork meal - great flavor . The rice and plantains were also very good. The salmon was tender , not dry and also very flavorful. Would definitely come back. read more

Back A Yard - Jerk Chicken & Pork Combo and jerk salmon salad - Caribbean Near Me - San Jose, California

Food is always top tier. I ordered to go, which was easily done online. The food was actually ready to go way sooner than expected. I bought the salmon rice bowl and it was phenomenal, even after a ten minute drive. Flavor is out of the world. Portions are more than enough. You do pay for what you get, so expect to dish out a bit of cash. I can't wait to go back. read more

I have always enjoyed going to Back A Yard Caribbean Grill not only for the delicious food, but also to support a Black-owned business. Unfortunately, I was very disappointed by my most recent experience at the Capitol Expressway location in San Jose on Tuesday, August 27th, in the early evening around 5:30-6:00 p.m. When I arrived, there were two women working behind the counter: one serving as the cashier and the other placing food orders in bags. While I was facing the cashier and placing my order, she coughed twice without turning away or covering her mouth. At the same time, the other employee blew her nose multiple times and then coughed into the same paper napkin. Most concerning of all, neither employee washed their hands before continuing to handle food orders--including mine. As a loyal customer, I was very unsettled by this lack of proper hygiene and food safety practices. Cleanliness and safe handling are critical in any restaurant, and I hope this matter will be addressed promptly to ensure that future guests feel confident in both the quality and safety of their meals. read more

I really love this place. Wish it opened later. The ox tail and the plantains is always on point!!! Parking is easy. Used to drive all the way to the OH location on Market St. read more

Delicious Caribbean food!! I would eat this everyday if I could. A fast food type spot with delicious options. Can't wait to go back.

Wow! Sometimes expectations are exceeded in this world and such was the case when we walked through the doors of this top tier restaurant. Fine dinning? Anytime I can be left alone to eat delicious bbq, then it IS fine dining. I came here after my wife's friend hired them to cater an event and they brought the good stuff. I heard this from everyone that attended. I did not get to attend so here were are. I had to go in. About two weeks ago Sovana ( I am sorry if I miss spelled your name) had to be one of the very best servers we ever had. Warm, friendly and professional. She was handing me extra napkins and moist towelettes before I even asked. Auto refills on the DC. That was in addition to some hot and delicious bbq. Fries had just come out, the hot links were especially delicious, the ribs were cooked perfect, and the chicken was very tasty as well. I like the slaw that I chose as a side on my 3 meat combo plate. Check the prices. I'd say they're more than fair. No doubt about us returning to this place. There are a few locations in SJ but we chose the one with the highest YELP score. They're all 4, but this one was just a touch higher. I highly recommend this spot! read more

Came here recently on a weekday at about 2pm so it wasn't busy. Plenty of available parking in a convenient lot outside. I've been here several times in the past. The place is always clean and you get good service from the staff. It's a place you order from the counter and take your food to any available table. I'm a big fan of the yard plates. I've had the chicken, and the salmon prior but the goat is the favorite here. I don't know how authentic it is as "carribean" food but it is genuinely spiced delicious curry with a flavor combination you don't really get anywhere else. The ginger beer is also a treat. read more

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Have only been to this location twice now but of visited their Menlo Park restaurant countless times over the years. Food and service is the same which is to say: EXCELLENT. Ambiance in this location is better. read more

every thing i've ever eaten here is fabulous. large portions. i look forward to my next visit!

I have always heard about this restaurant, but I have never been. The food was so amazing. Definitely very authentic Jamaican food. The ambience is very cool and chill, and the woman who helped us was really nice and informative. read more

Back A Yard - Curry goat and jerk chicken - Caribbean Near Me - San Jose, California

Oh man, I've been missing having West Indian food living on the Central Coast. There is absolutely no Jamaican food anywhere between Los Angeles and The Bay. (Maybe I'll open up a store, ) I travelled 60 miles to get a fix! This restaurant is a part of a chain of West Indian restaurants in the San Jose area. I think there are 3 locations. There was a lot of seating and you have to walk up to the counter to place your order and retrieve your food. I didn't like the fact that there was no ice for your drink. Even though I dined in, everything came in plastic. There are high chairs for the kiddos and the unisex restroom was very clean. As for the food, I got the jerk chicken & oxtails w/ rice & peas (I also added extra oxtail gravy on the rice & peas). They also didn't have cabbage, which was weird. The oxtails were delicious! They melted off the bone and the stew was savory and had a little kick. The jerk chicken wasn't the best, but I prefer a wetter jerk sauce, but it was good. The rice and peas were good. I'll definitely check this place out during my travels up to the Bay Area again! Price w/ tip: $27 read more

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Always consistently good food. Great menu items for the entire family. Nice staff always and quick service. Ambiance not the best but overall a good value for the money. Wish they had better utensils for cutting the yummy steak! Give it a try, you won't be disappointed read more

This location is definitely their best one. The chicken and oxtail combo is my favorite. Both meats were flavorful, hot, and moist. Not dry at all. Even the plantains had the perfect texture - at their other locations, it seemed as if the plantains were old/out sitting. My only gripe was the beans/rice - it was mushy and not too enjoyable. Other than that, this was a damn good meal. Though service is not good, I'm not gonna dock stars for that. Just be prepared to wait and be proactive about your order. I called in my order at 440, got there 5pm and still had to wait. I saw they were very busy and didn't wanna be a Karen so I patiently waited. After 30 minutes, I walked up to the counter to ask about my order and turns out it was sitting behind the counter the entire time. My fault for not being proactive but other than that, this is my favorite Back A Yard location. read more

Back A Yard - Caribbean Near Me - San Jose, California

One of my favorite restaurants in San Jose. The jerk chicken and oxtail are outstanding

Amazing food amazing service. The atmosphere was great !! Good eats ! Brought my brother here for the first time . He loved it

Visited multiple locations and it's 5 stars for food every time Price matches the huge portions you get Yard combos can't easily be split among 2 people **my fave is the jerk chicken and jerk pork, best of both worlds! Great flavors and well seasoned, plantains are nomz too Order extras of the dipping sauce, it's tangy and adds even more flavor, you wont regret it! Highly recommend to check out -- they have multiple locations! read more

Back A Yard - Jerk Chicken and Jerk Pork - Caribbean Near Me - San Jose, California

The food here was delicious. The ambiance is also lovely, with welcoming music from. I had the jerk chicken plate. The chicken was moist and perfectly cooked. The skin was crispy and delicious. The plantains were cooked perfectly, caramelized but not overcooked. The rice/bean side fit perfectly with the chicken and plantains. read more

Back A Yard - Jerk chicken plate - Caribbean Near Me - San Jose, California

Good food, Service Great ambience. Good choices authentic Jamaican food . Good place groups and intimate dinner , lunch

Whatttt, I've never had Caribbean food til now and BOY was I missing out. We ordered the curried goat and beef oxtails and jerk chicken. Also the sauces they had were super good so I didn't mind paying an extra 35 cents for those. The jerk sauce is super good and I asked them for the spiciest sauce they had which was good as well! I love spice and it always makes dishes better imo. There were bones we had to be careful about, but other than that everything was sooooo good. Their mac was so good as well, REALLY good actually I'm craving some as I type. The ladies behind the counter were super nice and one of them forgot my extra sauce but good thing I checked before I left so I just kindly asked if I could get it and she gave me even extra muahahaha and I told her is all good. Id definitely come here again :)) read more

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There isn't anything I've had at this restaurant that isn't amazing. Oh YUM! One dish lasts me two meals, Both of which bring great taste and texture. Service is always kind. Excellent for take out! read more