For the first time, we ate at Branches and we were pleasantly delighted. We arrived for a late lunch/early dinner and were greeted and served by Ian, the owner. He took time to explain the menu and help us with our choices. The food was fresh, well prepared and delicious. My wife had the salmon special and I had the eggplant panini. Both meals were plentiful, served hot and delicious. The full menu has many different selections, which makes it hard to choose you meal. We definitely will return soon. read more

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We found a Real Deal Jamaican in Chatham, it's the place to go when when you are craving good authentic Jamaican cuisine. So happy we made the effort to try Branches during our day trip to Chatham. We ordered : - Escovitch Red Snapper with rice and peas, plantains, cole slaw (prepared w/o mayo thank you very much). - Jerk Chicken with Salad, croûtons. The chef was kind to start us off with a delicious delicate ginger laced broth. We perused the Rum Punch menu, but we'll try next time we venture out. Great waitstaff. We'll definitely be back. Ya, mon! read more

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Pretty good food but I wasn't crazy about the ambience. It was very noisy and there were many TVs, which I find distracting even with the sound turned off as they were. And when the music started it was too loud even for conversation with my dining partner across the too-small two-seat table. But aside from those issues it was a pretty room, richly colored hardwood floors and the walls festively painted and adorned with touches from Jamaica and other sunny locations. Being a Jamaican restaurant, albeit with many standard American items too, we both wanted to try Jamaican. We started with an appetizer plate of Conch Fritters, then I got the Oxtail and he got the Curried Goat. The fritters were disappointing: fried too dark and not much seafood flavor if any, and the sauce was pretty much standard Thousand Island-style aioli. Surprisingly expensive for the smallish portion of 5 fritters. My Oxtail entree consisted of the beef, stewed in a dark flavorful sauce. Tender and easy to eat but you really need to use your fingers to get the meat off these tiny bones. There wasn't really enough meat though. The beans and rice side was good as were the mixed vegetables: mostly cabbage and onions, sauteed in oil with lots of garlic. His Curried Goat was in a very dark sauce intensely flavored with cinnamon, allspice, and more. It was a more generous portion than my oxtail. He thought it was good but salty. I tried a small piece. It was good meat, tender, and the sauce was intriguing and complex but I agreed: far too salty. I'm ok with salt but I know some people that would send it back and I wouldn't blame them. Still, if I were returning I'd get that instead of the oxtail, though I might try something entirely different next time. There was a complimentary course delivered after the appetizer before the entrees: small portions of some sort of soup: A thin chicken-y broth enhanced with island flavors. Nothing really special but I very much appreciate "amuse bouches" and other unexpected additions to a meal. The drinks menu included many beers which I don't tend to drink. Several specialty cocktails and Rum Punch, which I tried. I enjoyed it but don't believe it was from fresh-squeezed juice; probably a mix. The alcohol quantity seemed adequate. The music? At a Jamaican restaurant maybe you're hoping for Reggae or something Caribbean-oriented? Sorry, just three middle-aged men performing old rock-and-roll hits popular in their youth, singing and playing guitars and banjos. Nothing special but I do appreciate live music, and their efforts. But as I said, once the music started, conversation became almost impossible in this small room. Worth another visit? Sure. Several other Caribbean dishes to try. I don't see the point of coming here for American food; plenty of other places around for that. But good to have the option if not everybody in the party wands Jamaican. read more

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What a nice find. We live in Sandwich we don't get to the upper Cape side too often. Ian was a gracious and warm host and chef. We three had the oxtail, curry goat and jerk chicken. I ordered the curry goat and it was really satisfying and of course authentic. (Next time I'll try their curry octopus special!) All dinner plates were complete with beans and rice, cooked slaw, and plantains. My wife had the pumpkin soup and Ian brought the rest of us a bit to taste as well. How thoughtful! For this restaurant being around for 8 years, I think it's both courageous and well-run to have survived through the pandemic and with a cuisine that is less familiar to most of the Chatham demographic. I strongly suggest those locals who are tired of the same traditional fare to give Branches a try! read more

Branches Grill & Cafe in Chatham, MA serves up Caribbean-inspired dishes made with locally-sourced ingredients along with exotic drinks for a delightful culinary change of pace from the usual Cape Cod fare. https://lisaefreedman.com/branches-grill-cafe-chatham-ma/ read more

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I told our server, Ian, "This is an all-time favorite meal." He said, "It's what I do." I said, "It's what you should be doing." The Mac & Cheese was amazingly flavorful. I wonder if the secret was the butter in the bottom of the glass plate. The rice & beans tasted great with Ian's spicy jerk sauce and chopped pineapple/vegetables mixed in. The salad was perfect and tasted slightly smokey. The festivals, served three on a plate, tasted like less sweet fried dough. Pineapple upside down cake was served warm and was delicious. Chocolate fudge cake was delicate and light. Great food and awesome guy, Ian. Don't skip it. read more

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This place is awesome! The atmosphere is great and the food is outstanding. I had the escovitch snapper, and my wife had the oxtails both came with rice and peas, vegetables, and plantains. The flavors are unique and go together very well. Also, try the rum punch Give this place a try you won't be disappointed. read more

Branches Grill and Cafe - Caribbean Near Me - Chatham, Massachusetts

Excellent food friendly staff and a quiet place to dine. Hidden gem that we go to for wonderful Caribbean food

We came here for my birthday dinner last weekend. What a joy! Amazing food, drinks, atmosphere, and service! The curried salmon is so tasty. We will definitely be back. read more

We went to Branches last night . It was so delicious . We sat by the fire . Our waitress was absolutely wonderful . We hugged goodbye . My husband had the lemon pepper shrimp plate and when he was finished he wanted to eat it all over again . They gave us free sample soup that tasted like an incredible beef stew . I had the pesto pasta with shrimp . The best part was finding out that it is a nut free kitchen and the amazing pesto sauce was nut free . I highly encourage you to go to this charming restaurant . Also , Martini was delish with my favorite sugar rim . read more

Had a delicious meal here -- everything we ate and drank was fabulous. I had the oxtail, and others with me had curried goat and jerk chicken. They brought over pumpkin beef stew, which was great as well. Everything yummy, would definitely recommend. read more

Great food and lively atmosphere. Took a while for the food to come out. Conch fritters were heavily battered and not my favorite but the filling was good. Loved the ox tail dish. Bold flavors. read more

Cozy atmosphere, fantastic, friendly service and oh my goodness the FOOD! The beef and pumpkin soup was so delicious I wanted to lick the cup! The lump crab cake had a nice spice to it. The jerk pork and chicken were charred on the outside and tender on the inside, just delicious! Good cocktails, but a limited wine list. They also have an impressive list of desserts but we were too full to try them! Definitely go to Branches in Chatham! read more

Best and most authentic kitchen at the elBow of esCape. Ian & Kevin run a tight ship in the kitchen (tho' we know the ladies keep the place runnin' mon). Colleen & Babs up front are actly what you'd want for a Caribbean dining experience:: attentyve, selectively surly, and liberal with their ears and opinions. Love anything Jerk here‼ This message brought to you by a guy who has been to the Caribbean ( ) more than a dozen times in the last 30 years. My tastebuds are as informed and seasoned as, dare iSay, Ernesto Hemingway. #laverdad One suggestion: play more King Tubby, Don Drummond, & JACKIE MITT00 , please. And Wednesday Karoake read more

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Friendly attentive service. Cute atmosphere inside. A couple of outside tables, allowed us to bring our dog and sit outside. Tasty unique menu. Tasty jerk wings and curried goat and fresh fish. read more

Amazing meal. I'm a big fan of locally sourced food but can appreciate a restaurant that brings the owners culture and flavor profiles to a community . And that's Branches in Chatham. A Jamaican vibe the minute you walk in the door, Ian the owner greets you like your a friend he hasn't seen in a while, reggae music in the background , the menu is mouthwatering. My husband and I had curried goat, classic jerk chicken and pumpkin beef soup which was a flavor party in our mouth. We will be back to enjoy the warmth of owner Ian, and the deliciousness of Chef Kevin's flavors. And we'll do the whole steamed snapper the next time! Support local! read more

Branches Grill and Cafe - Curried goat, rice and beans. Absolute yum! - Caribbean Near Me - Chatham, Massachusetts

What a find. This was the best meal I have had on cape cod in years. Service was great food was a 10 out of 10 will be my new go to place

This place is amazing. The flavors are fantastic - we had the fish and chips and the ox tail. It's amazing to have one place that does it all so well. The beef and pumpkin soup was also fantastic. Highly recommend this place especially if you're looking for something different with seafood and non seafood options. On top of all of this, the staff is so kind and welcoming. They had such a busy dinner service but were able to accommodate us last minute and we are so grateful and appreciative as it's never an expectation to have that without a reservation. read more

Excellent food and service ! The Jamaican food combo plates come with choice of superbly seasoned and cooked proteins,white or dirty rice, plantain, a warm cabbage medley ,fruit salsa , all very tasty . Jerk chicken and lemon pepper shrimp especially good . Generous portion of large shrimp perfectly cooked down to the last crunchy bite off the tail. Small well selected and affordable wine choices for fair prices by the glass or bottle. The Goldschmidt Singing Tree Chardonnay is our favorite. Non Jamaican food choices are also excellent. Chef in kitchen really knows how to cook everything served. read more

We had barbecue chicken, Asian slaw, a Ruben, and beef and pumpkin stew. Everything was fabulous!! The owner/chef was a lovely attentive gentleman!! I wish we lived closer!!! read more

Joining the chorus. Delicious food. Personal and attentive service. Comfortable surroundings. Very enjoyable.

This fabulous Caribbean restaurant in Chatham served up one of the best dinners our family had during our recent Cape Cod vacation. My entree of Escovitch Fish was delicious, as was the Jerk Chicken my wife and daughter shared. And my picky teenage son couldn't stop raving about the Buffalo Wings he devoured! Service was wonderful, the wine selection outstanding, and the casual. family-friendly atmosphere exactly what we needed after a long day of sightseeing on the Cape. We'll be coming back to Branches whenever we visit Cape Cod! read more

We get take out from here every year when visiting Chatham. The food is so good! Real authentic flavors (those who are spice averse take note) it is not that imitation of jerk seasoning that has no heat I find so often at American restaurants. It is the real deal and SO delicious!! The goat curry was divine. The only downside is I wish they gave you more than two small slices of plantain but I should have just ordered a side dish of them. I also found the oxtail portion underwhelming with just three small oxtails. On the plus side almost everything is gluten free! This place is a must eat at place for cape cod! read more

This place is a TEN! I stumbled on Branches Grill just a couple weeks ago for the first time and I've been back three times already. The food is top-notch. You can tell they genuinely care about what they are serving up and refuse to put out anything they would not be proud of. So far, the Ox Tail, Jerk Chicken, Goat Curry and jerk chicken wings have been phenomenal. Now, let's talk a bit about this Pork Mac and Cheese....I'm not totally sure if it's on the permanent menu or not. But, if it's not, I suggest asking if they have it. It was, and I mean this literally, the best mac and cheese I have ever had in my entire life. Please go eat here so they stay open forever! read more

Branches Grill and Cafe - Oxtail....a must try! They even have a side portion, so you have no excuse not to! - Caribbean Near Me - Chatham, Massachusetts

Portions were large and servers were very polite and friendly. Place inside was very casual and laid back. Is it the best Jamaican food I've ever tried no but it was still a tasty meal. Glad I came read more

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Another nice meal last week. The food is good and price is fair. It is a nice small venue.

Amazing and unassuming Caribbean place in Chatham. Prices run from $15 to $30 for main dishes. We came on a Saturday evening, quite early, around 6pm, and were the second table of diners there. There was only one woman working, and she was polite, pleasant and efficient. Food was delicious, with generous portions. Would highly recommend for something different in the area. read more

Branches Grill and Cafe - Jerk shrimp skewer - Caribbean Near Me - Chatham, Massachusetts

Everything we ate here was excellent. We had the BBQ Mac and cheese, a sample of the beef and pumpkin soup, statler chicken, jerk chicken with rice and beans and lemon pepper shrimp. My mom reports the lemon pepper shrimp was a little salty but still good. Desserts were also good, cheesecake, lava cake and pineapple upside down cake. read more

Branches Grill and Cafe - Caribbean Near Me - Chatham, Massachusetts

Some of the best Jamaican food I've ever had. The jerk chicken nachos, jerk chicken quesadilla, rice/beans, and beef pumpkin soup were all divine. Ian and the lovely lady (forgot her name) waiting on us were amazing. Ian was in back cooking and also came out a few times to see if we had any questions and also to check in on us as well. My water glass was never empty. It was a nice break from the cold, windy weather to sit by the fireplace while enjoying our food. Would highly recommend this spot. read more

Best burger ever! If you haven't had the Ultimate Burger you're missing out! It's 2 burgers full of flavor and fresh topping and sweet caramelized onions. Terrific! If you're a wings lover, the wings rock! As well as the buffalo chicken wrap when I'm heading to the beach! Slow down and enjoy branches island music & atmosphere, have a drink and relax. Covid protocol is adhered too, plus take-out is a great way to go. read more

Our bartender/server Fatima wa amazing! Very friendly. The owner and chef Ian came out to check on us. The food was amazing. I had the Jerk Chicken combo and it was delicious. The best I have ever had. I will be back. read more

Fantastic Caribbean food. We enjoyed jerk chicken with rice and fried plantains, delicious. The service was friendly and fast. Highly recommend. read more

We weren't expecting a Caribbean restaurant to be so good in Chatham but this place is awesome! The owner is super nice and helpful. We got the Goat curry, Whole snapper fish, and Jerk chicken combos which came with sweet plantains, Vegetables w sesame oil, and rice and beans. Omg I loved the plantains, they still had that crunchy caramelized texture that I feel like so many places lose and they become soggy. Also really liked the mixed vegetables. Big portions and all reasonably priced. I would be a regular if I lived here! Can't wait to come back! read more

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I brought the family here for dinner and we had a wonderful meal. My wife and I had the oxtail. That was yummo! My son had the curried goat meat with rice. We loved the flavor but it was a tad salty for my taste. My son was fine with it. The only thing we would have change is the grilled eggplant as an appetizer. For that price, there was nothing special about it. I could have made this at home. read more

food was great, but it took an extremely long time to get anything to the table. We were not expecting a two hour meal with no appetizers or desserts just entrées. It seems like they serve the whole place at once so something was on in the kitchen. read more

Authentic, tasty, generous servings. Lovely setting. We only get to dine here while visiting the Cape, so we go as often as we can. Conch fritters, jerk chicken, even better jerk pork, yummy rice & beans, plaintains...goat, oxtail... soups & so much more. The chef, alone in the kitchen on our most recent visit, served excellent food to a full house at the bar, tables outside, tables in. Even quality...ok, a little slow, but just 1 takented chef alone! Looking forward to next summer already. PS lovely wait staff, too read more

10/10! Food is amazing. Service is amazing. They're very welcoming to children as well. Beef & pumpkin soup is sooooo good. We got the oxtail, salmon special & Jamaican rum cake. Can't wait to go back read more

We found this place through yelp and we're looking for a change. We wanted something other than seafood, this place was the perfect change. The meat was perfectly cooked and tasted amazing. Along with the great food the service was amazing. The hostess was extremely friendly and the waitresses were great as well. The food came out quick and was great. The atmosphere of the restaurant just continued to add to the great mood. It's has a very nice and enjoyable feel. All in all I highly recommend this restaurant, the food is great the service is great and it is just a great restaurant. read more

Excellent food and amazing drinks. Ian is a very welcoming host. Will be back soon for sure.

Very disappointed. Service was slow and inattentive. Place was too LOUD at lunch time. The worst part was what they serve as "ox tail" was actually beef neck bones. Very little meat, mostly fat and expensive at $25. I'm a chef who knows the difference between these two cuts. Beans and rice were dry and everything was over sauced and too sweet. read more