The oxtail here is to die for! We went to the catering and takeout location in San Jose because it was the closest to us. Heads up, there's only street parking available. The service here was really good! The person who took our order was really nice and helpful. After ordering our food, it was done within 10 minutes. We got the oxtail plate ($21) along with jerk chicken pieces ($10) and were absolutely wowed. The oxtail was super tender and bursted with flavor with each bite we took. The jerk chicken was not too dry and the spices paired so well with the sauce they gave. The prices were cheap considering how much food you get! I will 100% be back again to indulge in another oxtail plate and to try some of the options that didn't make the cut this time around :) read more

Back A Yard - jerk chicken pieces - Caribbean Near Me - San Jose, California

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Came here with a friend from work for a birthday lunch. I had been to another location that had indoor seating and didn't realize that this location was take out only. We both ordered the salmon jerk and oxtail combination. We asked for water and were told they had no glasses of tap water- which is different than the other locations I've been to. We took our food to go and walked to the park to eat. The food was delicious and flavorful-- and quite salty! Everything was yummy-- bring plenty of napkins and your own water bottle. read more

We catered our office lunch. Thie food was very flavorful and had a nice spicy kick. We had a big variety of chicken, beef, pork & tofu for proteins. Also had mixed veggies, Mac n cheese, potato salad & pineapple upside cake. The cake was ok, but probably wouldn't order it again. I loved the chicken & tofu. They send extra jerk sauce that I put to good use! read more

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I work in San Jose but don't live in the area so I rarely eat there, however, I door dashed this place to work because I really wanted oxtail. I instantly became a regular and take food home to the hubby. I even ordered oxtail for our Thanksgiving potluck and it has always been so good. The corn fritters remind me of a Puerto Rican dish we have. I also tried the jerk pork and curry goat. So good! The price is also reasonable for the amount of food they give. read more

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I'm amazed at the large portions of food they serve here. Two people can definitely share one plate. I also loved the vibe here, the staff are friendly, happy and helpful. All the key ingredients to a successful restaurant. read more

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The first time I went, I was shook. The chicken is cooked to perfection and the spices were out of this world. I don't eat a lot so I go for their appetizers. I love how they expanded into a chain restaurant. Service is quick. You just order your food in the front, pick a table, get ready for your number to be called, pick up your food if your number gets called. read more

Great food but order was wrong. We ordered rib plate and a chicken and pork combo. Just received chicken. Would have gotten 5 stars had the order been right. read more

Stop in at the location in San Jose off 13th street a few weeks ago. Beef patties and jerk chicken was still very good. This is a take-out spot only! Service was good. My jerk craven was met once again! It's on an extremely busy street with limited parking but it was all worth it in the end. read more

Had some backyard a few days back at the Menlo Park store and had the itch to have some more while in San Jose. Stopped by this location for my first time and missed it if you're not looking hard enough. It's on an extremely busy street with limited parking but it was all worth it in the end. The lady was super nice and helpful. Remembered my orders and drinks even though she was super busy. It was nice to actually get my drinks I ordered lol. Food was amazing as well. Today I learned you can order frozen Patties to take home and bake yourself! read more

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Ok hear me out. This spot is it. Extremely affordable with great food. Well wait what I ordered was great. I still need to go back to sample the rest of the menu. Oxtails 5/5 tender, and seasoned well. Mac&cheese 5/5 nice portion, seasoned perfectly and cheese to noodle ratio good. Rice&beans 5/5 seasoned good, cooked perfectly. Plantains 6/5 I didn't even like plantains. But the ones I jad here were so good. They brought the whole dish together. Jerk chicken 5/5 Some damn good bird. That's all I need to say. Service 5/5 My only true gripe is the lack of dining space. Nothing inside and like 3 tables on the outside. No where near a deal breaker for me, but I wouldn't mindthat little comfort. Just my opinion. Overall a wonderful experience. read more

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We LOVED our Thanksgiving meal with Back A Yard! We had the jerk turkey and it was amazing, super moist and flavorful, just the perfect balance of spice and savory. The collard greens and plantains were also delicious, and the jerk salmon had great flavor too. My mom tried the jerk tofu and she absolutely loved it. The entire meal made our holiday feel warm, full, and truly special. We'll definitely be ordering again! read more

Back A Yard - Jerk Turkey Our New Thanksgiving Tradition! - Caribbean Near Me - San Jose, California

I ordered jerk salmon and a beef patty and it gave me food poisoning. Never eating here again! This is ridiculous

We ordered the package three which is cooked jerk turkey and just reheat along with sides (plantains and mac & cheese) for thanksgiving celebration. We chose to pick it up the day before thanksgiving, and the pickup process was quick, you check in, wait a couple minutes, someone comes out with your order, and then they'll go over what you ordered and provide reheating instructions. The day of thanksgiving, we followed the reheating instructions thoroughly, and when it was done, I cut the leg open and it was raw. Very unfortunate turn out on our first time hosting thanksgiving. I sent an email, and got a response the day after, and they issued a refund. Im giving them 2 stars for their service, and the product is what they need to work with. Quality control before serving to customers. Embarrassing and huge inconvenience on the day of thanksgiving. read more

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I LOVE BACKAYARD!!! I swear anytime I'm sad and I feel like being comforted I'll get a pork and beef oxtail combo because this plate of food cures all. I usually order ahead online or doordash, and I've never had to wait more than 5 min for my meal. My go to before was jerk chicken and pork combo... but once I tried the oxtail I cannot go back. The flavors are both so powerful and complement the coconut rice so well. I'm also obsessed with the plantains ughh every texture and component in the combo bangs. Don't even get me started on the lil sauce that comes with your food. The price is also reasonable for how big the portion size is--I always end up splitting my bowl for two meals. It's more of a 4.5 for me because I truly love everything here. But sometimes the plantains are overdone or the pork is. I don't mind too much though because it's still a solid delicious meal!! read more

Back A Yard - Jerk Pork and Beef Oxtails Combo - Caribbean Near Me - San Jose, California

We had the combo plate of goat curry and oxtail. It was packed with flavor! The plantain was fried really nice and the pineapple soda brought out the flavors! 10/10 will be here again read more

I wish I didn't have to drive all the way to San Jose for the best Caribbean food of my life! Must tries: oxtail, goat, pork plates with a side of collard greens. Do not skip the collard greens. The Mac and cheese didn't disappoint either but you can get that anywhere. Their BBQ plate with tender pork ribs and hot-links is also a a favorite. read more

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Always a good time eating anything from Back a Yard. I've been going for a year now and everytime it was delicious. So much flavor with their meats, the plantains delicious(don't go near closing or they might not have) and the sauces they have elevate the meal to a different level. Even doordashed, the food taste good when it arrives. The service could be better but can't blame them with it being next to a college. The deliciousness of the food makes up for it. read more

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

Amazing food and great customer service. Never disappoints. I enjoy all their locations.

Delicious Jamaican food and so conveniently located in the neighborhood! Can't believe I just now discovered this location. The next best to the original in Menlo Park. I only wish they offered their sandwiches here so one less star for that. Generous portions; 1 order is almost enough for two. The plantains are so yummy and the meats are well seasoned and tender. Also, friendly staff. The signage says 'take-out and catering' but there's some seating inside. I assumed that meant they served only a few items so I passed it up till now! I'm so happy this is in my 'back a yard' and don't need to travel to MP. I'm a loyal customer for sure. :-) read more

I LOVE back a yard. Been going to different locations for over 6 years but I'm just confused as to why my plate didn't come with the plantains. That's the main let down as I look forward to the plantains.. it would be 5 stars but the just make sure to check your orders. read more

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

Ordered Mac and Cheese for Christmas via their catering restaurant and it was BURNT! Complete waste of time and $50. Do not order from them !!!!! Now I have to figure out a plan B read more

I always stick to the OG in menlo park bc it always hits. I've been to other locations and sometimes it doesn't meet the standards. Just moved to this area but the fact this is walking distance I had to try. Fire! and they were pretty friendly with the portions especially with the oxtail. They only open for lunch hours so be mindful of that. read more

Back A Yard - Oxtail chicken combo - Caribbean Near Me - San Jose, California

Absolutely incredible food. Truly authentic. Also got the Mac and cheese, greens, and extra plantains with a Kola Champagne. Ordered takeout and it was ready within 10 minutes, super quick service. The perfect comfort meal if you love flavor!, highly recommend this spot! read more

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

Tasty jerk chicken. Sauce in lidded is pretty good and is worth dumping all of on your chicken

Excellent Food with friendly staff and did I say great food! Jerk Chicken & Beef Oxtail Plate (most popular selling combo). Double yummy, just enough spice and don't forget the juices. read more

reserved a thanksgiving dinner pick-up order..."hot ready to eat"...only available at the 13th street, san jose location...parking is extremely limited...parked on their narrow driveway...ordered a maple glazed roasted turkey and requested boneless and cut $115...comes with gravy and cranberry sauce...turkey was moist and flavorful...seriously delicious...ordered a half pan of the "fall off the bone" beef oxtail $85...the flavors were excellent, but probably needed to cook low and longer...beef did not fall off the bones and was a little chewy...half pan of candied yams $30 was pretty sweet...half pan of the rice and beans $34 was cooked perfectly...half pan of cornbread with butter $25 was so fluffy good...pecan pie $24 was delicious...about $400 total for dinner for 3 families...probably enough food for 6 families... read more

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The food is always amazing. The service is wonderful. The establishment is known for its jerk provisions and does not disappoint. Go, Go Now! read more

Good chicken and pork, and I would definitely buy their bottled Jerk sauce just because I like to be adventurous about what else it might be good on. Service is warm and friendly, and the ambiance was calm, cool, I didn't feel chaos that I might feel at another restaurant. read more

Tried this place after trying a different Caribbean bbq place but this one was on doordash! Was craving the oxtail but also wanted a taste of the chicken. The delivery came very quickly, less than 30 mins and everything was fresh with ample portion. I love that it comes with a hot sauce! The oxtail is so soft fall off the bone and the flavoring is phenomenal! The jerk chicken was delicious and soft too. The plantains were a bit tough at the edges.. maybe recooked or over cooked? Not sure but they were still good after taking the hard parts off. I also liked the rice and the hot sauce that went really well with the meat!! I def recommend and will order here soon again! :) read more

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

after wanting to try this place for over 2 months, the wait was finally over. i came in on a friday night at around 7:15 with one other person and we were served right away. you order at the counter and find a place to sit. there were 4 other parties there when we arrived. i ordered the beef oxtails plate and my gf ordered the jerk chicken. they came in these huge plastic containers and i was amazed at how much food they gave us. both our plates included the protein we ordered, rice/some beans, and 4 fried plantains. there was more than enough food for the both of us. the oxtail plate had the most juicy fall off the bone meat and it was cooked in this super tasty gravy that we couldn't get enough of. the jerk chicken was also perfectly cooked and had a nice char taste to it along with other spices and seasoning. we also ordered a jamaican beef patty and it did not disappoint whatsoever. a crispy crunchy pastry filled with warm juicy beef that was the perfect size for a small meal. overall i was extremely impressed by the restaurant. fast service really great food and large portions make for a meal well worth the wait. i am already planning my next visit back. looking forward to trying things like the curry, mac n cheese, chicken patty and the desserts as well. 10/10 visit must try read more

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I am so sad to be writing this updated review because after writing this review I know I can probably never eat at a Back A Yard again. If you read my previous review i REALLY REALLY LOVED THIS PLACE. I was very reluctant to write this review but it's been downhill the last month. Every time I order from here lately the chicken has been raw. Why do I keep ordering you may ask? because of how good it was when I first stated ordering from here. What happened? I have no idea but I've had it. I can't keep supporting a business that provides raw chicken. I can't keep microwaving and recooking my chicken every single time. When you purchase food from a restaurant you expect it to be cooked not raw. I've tried my best to look the other way because the flavor and the jerk sauce is very good but I just cannot anymore. read more

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

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Love the food! I have been going for years at the old down town place. Now they have moved to the new location near the campus. There are a few changes, no inside seating, bathroom for customers, and no more salad with the entrees (which I'm ok with) This trip I finally tired the Hell Fire Hot Sauce (3 Stars) it's a little sweet, I think they use some pineapple and mango to give it some sweetness then added some heat, but nothing near hell fire heat. The free jerk sauce that comes with the order has more heat. I also had the Curry Goat and Jerk Pork (5 Stars for both) They have Curry Goat every day now, good stuff but you have to like getting your hands messy to pick all the meat from the bones. The Jerk Pork is awesome, perfectly cooked nice chucks of pork with jerk sauce. Love the Beans and Rice but I found out they will not substitute for anything else. You can only double the plantains if you are avoiding carbs. Notes from previous trips: Jerk Chicken (5 stars) I can't decide what's better, chicken or pork. I think I might like pork a little better, has more fat. The chicken is much leaner, but still awesome! Jerk New York Steak (3 Stars) It was not worth the price, it was small and thin. Chicken Pumpkin Soup (5 stars) awesome! Red potatoes, carrots, a little spicy in a pumpkin broth. Soup is always the same no matter the day Corn Bread (5 stars) One of the best I've had! Not dry and not too sweet, just right, served warm Mac'n cheese (3 Stars) nothing special Collar Greens (4 stars) Good flavor with a little sweet in the cooking liquid. Not over cooked. Added some hot sauce to make it really good! Pineapple Upside Down Cake (3 stars) Nothing special. Didn't seem homemade, more like store bought Fountain drinks: Mango Passionfruit and Guava Pineapple are good but too sweet Ginger Beer, very strong ginger, maybe to much, not to sweet Drinks from the fridge: Ting (4 stars) sparkling grapefruit, pretty good. Still need to try: Jerk chicken wings Sweet potato pudding Until next time... read more

We used the catering services at Back a Yard and it was a great experience! They have the online ordering form that you submit. The prices on the menu were not the same, so make sure you look at their latest prices on the catering form. Once you submit, an employee will email you back to confirm within 2 days. They are very prompt to respond. Also, a few days before the event, they call to confirm the order and ask if there are any changes before they charge the credit card. Pick up was quite simplistic as well. They also have the ability to deliver if needed. The trays were very well secure and did not spill at all; they were stacked in cardboard boxes. Great experience and food! Make sure to get the plantains :) yummm! Ordered: Rice and Beans, sautéed vegetables, Fried Plantains, Curried Goat, Coconut Curried Tofu, Beef Oxtail, Jerk Chicken Pieces, and Corn Festivals! read more

Back A Yard - Assortment of catering food! - Caribbean Near Me - San Jose, California

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Everyone I know raves about this place.I give it a 3 out of 5 stars just because I expected more flavor considering everyone was raving about it and telling me I should check it out. I got the jerk chicken combo plate and my boyfriend got the oxtail and goat curry plate. The jerk chicken was quite dry and the sauce that came with it was over the top salty. Extremely salty. However, the plantains... I could eat 1,000 of them. They were so delicious. I would definitely return just to purchase some sweet plantains. read more

Back A Yard has the absolute best oxtail EVER! It's super juicy, savory, and delicious and you can't go wrong! Highly recommend the food here! Also, Julian was so friendly, helpful and knowledgeable in his recommendations! Will definitely be coming back. read more

This locations is just a pick up, no tables for dining. I placed my order on Yelp for pick up, it was tough finding parking. The food was fresh and very yummy. The staff were friendly and immediately greeted me when I walked in. The neighborhood isn't the best but it's only a pick up location so you're in and out. read more

Personally I rate this restaurant a 3.5. Here's why: Chicken Patty- good... the filling was delicious- as a West Indian I wish it was a tad bit more spicy. I did not enjoy biting into my patty and pulling out a large piece of thyme Beef Patty- again, good. The filling was delicious- I wish it was a tad bit more spicy. The pastry dough was pretty tasty. The reason I gave this restaurant 3 stars is because of "jerk" chicken. I think the chicken was good but not jerk chicken good. The "jerk" lacked in flavor and process. Honestly, it tasted very Americanize which really annoyed me! The goat and oxtails were good. Enjoy! read more

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I'm gonna be quite honest here... I've been living in the Bay Area for 7-8 months now and eaten a lot of food mostly in San Francisco area where I live but this is a Top 3 meal I've had out here bar none. My pops lived in Jamaica for awhile before I was born so I grew up around Caribbeans and their food my whole life. This is Top Tier. read more

Back A Yard - Jerk Chicken White Meat & Beef Oxtails Macaroni and Cheese Fried Plantains - Caribbean Near Me - San Jose, California

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Their plantains are the bomb. They're so good and soft, and I usually despise plantains. Their red rice is also bomb. Their chicken can be a hit or miss for me, since it's sometimes cold, but most of the time its a hit. Its soft, but very spicy so watch out. Their oxtail is always flavorful and delicious. As a quick heads up, either heat it up or eat it while its hot, the rice and everything doesn't taste nearly as good as it does when it's warm. Ill be back at Back-A-Yard for sure. read more

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

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This is typically a 5-star review as one of my favorite spots in the bay for Caribbean. However, this location can be hit or miss with quality so docked a star. Still, even when the chicken is a little rubbery or the goat curry was a little more fatty than normal, it's still more flavorful than some places on their good days. That said, the portions are big and the food is always flavorful. I do miss when they included a small side salad with the meal (back in the day, like 4 years ago). Wish they'd bring that back. My go tos: jerk chicken and goat combo. The sauce is FIRE in both ways, pretty spicy and is delicious. Get extra and pour it over your rice! read more

Back A Yard - Curry Goat and Jerk Chicken Combo. - Caribbean Near Me - San Jose, California