I love this place, i have tried all of the turnovers and they are all very very good. Both the coco bread and flaky crust varieties are awesome. The store is small and simple, a bar with a few seats to eat at plus a drink machine and a service counter. It's atmosphere makes me feel like I have stepped into a little part of the Caribbean, especially with the good music always playing inside. The man who owns and runs this place is cool and, because he is the only one who prepares the food, it is always 100% consistent. The place sells out of flavors, but I never mind because I like them all and am always happy with what's available. Ting is always ideal to go with these, and the cakes with the combos are tasty and filled with spice, hence the name. read more

At first, from the looks of this place, skeptical isn't even the word I would use to describe. Three words, gainesvilles hidden gem. For $5, you get a homemade patty, drink and bread. These patties are to die for. The owner is a sweet man that makes a limited amount of patties each day so be sure to go early in the day! Don't let the appearance of this place fool you! read more

Caribbean Spice - Caribbean Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

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A hole-in-the-wall minimalist Jamaican eatery that has surprisingly good beef patties. Definitely hit up their special which consists of a patty, sweet bread, and a soda can for your drink. The only issue I have with this place is that if you're taking a Princeton Review practice exam you can hear their music clearly through the walls. read more

I ordered the lunch jerk chicken it came with rice and veggies it was excellent! The chicken was moist and seasoned well.

Caribbean Spice is the quintessential hole-in-the-wall spot. Don't expect it to be like every other restaurant you've been to...Caribbean Spice is here to only make and serve their fresh, delicious patties. I absolutely love their beef patties. It's essentially a Caribbean empanada. They're warm, flaky, and have the right amount of spice to it. For right around $5 you get a patty, coco bread, dessert, and drink. Literally better than going to Taco Bell down the road. Tip: put the patty between the coco bread. read more

This place is an anamoly to me. It's been described as Caribbean which is obvious. It's even spelled out for us. It's been described as minimalist which I'm not sure is intentionally Minimal. Plus, I don't think Caribbean style embraces true minimalism. I had the meat pies (actually like 3) and hurled into a flashback of Caribbean adventures. This is the real deal in terms of foreign fast food*. Next time you're craving Taco Bell, McD's, or Krystal (which is the last bastion of my fast food addiction), venture into Caribbean Spice for something new. * Disclaimer: Since I'm from the US and never lived in another country BUT have dome some my share of traveling, some may argue with the authenticity of Carib Spice's delicacies. All I'm saying is it's good and NOT the crap one normally finds here labeled as fast food. read more

What a crappy little bodega kinda place. But who cares when I can get a hot spicy meat pie for $2.

I have mixed feelings about this place. Known simply as "The Spice" to some, the Spice certainly does not flow for me. On the plus side, the coco bread bears an uncanny resemblance in both appearance and flavor to the Quincy's Yeast rolls of my buffet-gorging youth (this is not a bad thing). And what the others have said is generally true: the food is unique, palatable, and cheap. But if you share with me an innate distrust of food in patty form, and are willing to pay a couple of dollars more for even the slightest whiff of ambience then this place isn't for you. This "restaurant" is a gray box with a 9" deep counter along one wall with two barstools for your eating pleasure. If you're doing lunch solo consider Caribbean Spice for a decent, uber-cheap meal. read more

I wasn't sure if they would have vegan options and was pleasantly surprised to find that they do! I had the spinach patty, which was absolutely delicious. They also have a vegan veggie patty. Thank you for offering options for us! read more

There is a counter, there is a man behind the counter, and he hands you delicious food. Take the food. Eat the food! No decor whatsoever, this place is the definition of hole in the wall. The beef patty was pretty good but the sweet bread was incredible. It's not a place I would take someone for the best food in Gainesville or anything like that, but when I've got $5 in my pocket that $5 is now spoken for. read more

Caribbean spice was a bit of a new experience for me. I haven't had much Jamaican food and am a bit of a wimp when it comes to spice. So the jerk chicken was a bit too spicy for me to eat. They were basically out of everything else, so plan ahead and go earlier in the day if you want to try anything else. I really enjoyed the coco patty and will definitely be returning for more coco bread in the future! I think the inside could use a little TLC to warm it up and make it more appealing. I think it could do well but definitely drives a specific crowd of Caribbean food lovers. read more

Still open still serving best coco bread and flaky patties in town read more

Caribbean Spice - a triple stacker with ting at work. on cloud nine the rest of the day - Caribbean Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

Nothing but amazing food and a friendly staff. The owner Chris put a lot of time in his food and you can definitely taste it. Amazing jerk chicken and some of the best beef and cheese patties I've ever eaten!!! I highly recommend! read more

The place may need some redecorating, but the patties are THE BEST! I'm not one to review, but I had to for this place. I was somewhat skeptical by the ...decor... but I was completely swept off my feet my the first bite of this party, the explosion of flavor. Do not hesitate to visit this place. ....you really cant judge a book i guess read more

This has been the premier patty spot in Gainesville and has been for years. The patties are incredible. They do not disappoint. My favorite is the spicy beef one. Wrap it in coco bread and enjoy! read more

So glad he is back with the best patties and coco bread. He doesn't always have all the types but whatever he has is always delicious.

The only authentic Jamaican food in Gainesville and it's damn good! Amazing patties and the oxtail are so succulent,,And they got cola champagne! If I could give them 6 star I would,, read more

So happy they are back with an expanded menu! Had the jerk chicken lunch, and I tell you it was enough for two meals! Pattis are still amazing! read more

Fantastic! As a newly minted college kid, I made it my mission to try as many new foods as possible. Based on all the positive reviews that this has gotten, I decided to give it a shot. Thankfully, it did not disappoint. Yeah the building is a bit dingy, but the food is absolutely fantastic. Cheap too. A single patty is a meal in and of itself. I've tried all the varieties and they're all good. The coco bread is great too, and so are the cake, abut I've only tried the bread pudding. The bread pudding is fantastic though. Oh, and I got to try Ting for the first time here, and it too, was fantastic. Fantastic is the word of the day here. read more

Their beef and cheese patty in coco bread is to die for!!! Hubby and I went to UF 15 years ago and this is one of the 2 places in Gainesville that we miss the most. My children finally got the chance to try these heavenly patty this summer, and they immediately fell in love with it!!! Since we are back to TX they have been planning for next visit to Gainesville for this- not for Disney World or Legoland. We will definitely be back again. read more

Great food. The meat patties, spinach pies, veggie pies, it's all good. Don't forget the coco bread! I saw another review on here from "Tim" that slammed the place because they were out of food. It's all baked goods. If he runs out, he's out for the day. Consider yourself lucky to get a little piece of heaven that has been in Gainesville for decades. As for the decor, you don't come for the ambiance. It's the best hole in the wall on Gainesville. read more

If you want patties, which are to Jamaica what the hamburger is to America, then Carribean Spice is the place to go in Gainesville! These are the best patties available in town. They, and by "they" I mean the owner himself, makes awesome patties, which are like turnovers with fillings of meat or veggies. The patties with cheese included in the filling are bigger and made in a coco bread type wrapping whereas the non-cheese filled are in a crispy flaky pastry exterior, both are great. I actually like to stock up and store them in the fridge at home. If you pop them in the oven for a little bit at 350F, they come out hot and tasty. For Jamaican food, I probably like the variety of entrees at Reggae Shack best, but the patties at Carribean Spice are simply the best in town hands down. When the owner has other dishes available, such as chicken curry, oxtail stew, etcetera, they are usually quite good. But the best deals are the patty specials where you get a patty, carrot cake, and a soda. You need to get a coco bread (a folded sweetish flat bread) to go with your patties too. I am quite enamored of the deserts for some reason, both the carrot cake slices and the bread pudding which is probably made of the leftover coco bread. There is metered parking along the street; however, most people probably do not realize there is a small private lot behind the building as well. You can usually zip in and out of there pretty quick, though sometimes you might have to wait for some hot patties or coco bread to come out depending on when you get there and how fast the patties are selling out front. This is a very good place to satisfy your fast food cravings with something different from the typical American fast food fare. The only thing that would make it perfect is a bigger selection of Jamaican ginger beer (sorta like the island's version of ginger ale but not so watered down)... read more

Best Caribbean spot in Gainesville! This is a quick take out place, not a restaurant. Most people might be thrown off by the appearance and its understandable. Serves mostly Patties (empanadas) beef, veggie, cheese and combinations. You can get cooked dishes (if your lucky). Dishes aren't served during the summer season, but the patties are. These are made in limited quantities for the day and do sell out. Especially since I buy 6-12 at a time for the family. Patties: Don't be fooled by other places serving patties, their patties are boxed and frozen items warmed up and kept in a warmer all day. This place served them Hot and Fresh out the oven, and will stay that way for hours. This is only place in Gainesville that actually makes their patties. Dinners: They serve curry and Oxtail dinners. The best tasting Jamaican dishes in the city. Best prices, portions and authentic flavors. Dinners are very limited so get there before 3pm if you don't want to miss out. As a Jamaican raised in Miami, I miss having real patties and Jamaican food available every 10 miles. When I first moved to Gainesville, I tried Reggae Shack once and never went back. Some say they prefer RS to this place, but you will never hear a actual Jamaican tell you that. Stop in and say hi to Cris and let him fill your belly with great home cooked food. read more

Great meat pies, the goat was great as well. It is well worth a visit. They provide great Caribbean flavors

Carribbean Spice is a hidden nugget of deliciousness! Even though it matches the term "hole-in-the-wall", it really focuses on what you would want out of it: delicious foods. I've been here twice to get the spicy beef flaky patty, and it has not disappointed. The only potential downsides is that 1) street meter parking 2) no guarantee that it will be in stock at all times. The owner is a man of few words, but it doesn't matter: the food is still great! I would definitely go back to try the other patties :) read more

The food was amazing and if you're in the mood for some delicious Caribbean cuisine I definitely recommend it.

I really like this place. The number one special is fantastic. Carrot Cake, Coco bread, a patty and a drink for under 5 is a sick deal. All of the patties are fantastic, but I might be partial to the spinach or the turkey varieties. However you have to get the Coco bread. I don't know how he does it, but everything is awesome and quick! read more

Sometimes, when I'm in my bed some 330 miles away, with the combined moon light and street lights working their way between the fingers of my window blinds, my eyelids heavy and fallen, my mind pacing between half-sleep and slumber; sometimes, I dream of coco bread. read more

So people don't go to this place for the atmosphere (jamaican music on the boombox, no air conditioning, and a few stools for dining in). They go for the $1 patties. It is a cheap meal, that tastes good (ask him if they just came out, because piping hot is the way to eat a jamaican patty). I love his cocoa bread too dab it in a little meat from your patty and yummy! You can't go wrong. read more

Great mild beef patties. I got 2 for $4, and they were as flaky and beefy as you could want. The service was fast. Sure, the place could use more furnishing, decor, and maybe light. But with how good, and cheap the food is I really couldn't care. I definitely will be back, and maybe I'll avoid the temptation to eat just long enough to take a picture. read more

They sell out fast because they are so good! Don't expect a ton of service as there is only one man working there but it is delicious esp if you're lucky and get a spicy beef before they are sold out!! read more

I would visit there again. Im Jamaican and from south Florida so I know what good West Indian food is and carribean spice is pretty close to it for Gainesville. The first time I went there I had curry chicken, which I didn't like, but apparently it's a favorite there. There was a hair in my food but the manager apologized and allowed me to get another dinner for free! I went back and had oxtails They were very tasty!! The meat could've been a little more tender and less fatty but they were still very tasty! The only other feedback I would give is they seem a bit stingy with the food sometimes. I haven't tried anything else on the menu but I would definitely bring my family and friends back, even if only for the oxtails. The staff are also pretty friendly and courteous. I give them 4 stars for a good West Indian Restaurant in Gainesville. Definitely worth a try! read more

Thanks to the reviews below I went to check this place out and it lived up to everything I read about it. Take the patties to go and they stay hot for a long time. By far the best patties I have found. Coco bread is wonderful also. read more

Heads up, I'm Jamaican so my opinion is bias. I had the jerk chicken, which surprisingly was great in heat and flavor. Besides that my meal was nothing special. Rice and peas was subpar. And very bland microwaveable veggies.. where's my plantain and cabbage?! I also received a childish portion of food. Definitely not worth the price. For an American though, I'm sure you'll be satisfied. read more

My wife said it best - the real reason we moved back to Gainesville! Best Jamaican patties ever. and a deal that can't be beat as far as price, value, and deliciousness! read more

Classic hole in the wall. The patties, coco bread, and cake leave nothing to be desired. The ambience is definitely not up to pretentious American standards but it's authentic and awesome. Guy who runs the place is Jamaican and very nice. The coco bread is especially good, as well as the callaloo patty. Can't go wrong with this place. read more

I love how this place has not changed in 20 years! Even the poster of a Jamaican woman coming out of the ocean is the same. and why should they change?! The food is damn amazing - - I've never had anything quite like it - - anywhere. Their specialty is Jamaican Patty - - some in a flaky crust and others wrapped in the Coco bread. The Coco bread is an amazing delight all its own. Not sure why it's called Coco, at least it does not appear to be made with cocoa bean, but its plane yet amazingly flavorful and warm. I'm a vegetarian and love their spinach Patty but the veggie, veggie and cheese and spinach and cheese are all amazing. 15 years back in my carnivore days, there is nothing I love more than their beef patty. the lunch combo comes with drink and carrot bread. The restaurant is really just a storefront with a counter and some stools - - I would usually eat a Coco bread there and read the alligator before taking the rest of my order to go. Now that I live out of town, I still might sit and enjoy a snack there but usually end up getting some take away and leftovers for the remainder of the week. Really wish I went here more when I lived in Gainesville - - all the prices have gone up a little bit they are still extremely inexpensive - - an amazing bargain! Nothing fancy just delicious food that I found nowhere else in the world. read more

Caribbean Spice - Caribbean Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

I love Caribbean Spice. I've never actually eaten at the 'restaurant,' but rather I always take their delicious pockets and sweet bread on the road. My vegetarian friends loved the veggie wrap, too. God I miss Gainesville.... read more

Oh my god why isn't this thing mobile so it can cater to my hunger!!! I'll update later but sufficed to say get EVERYTHING before it runs out read more

Cheap and pretty delicious is how I would describe Caribbean Spice. They really put no effort in decorating their store front. There's a cooler with drinks in it. A long counter off to the side with like 3 stools. Then there's the cashier counter with scribbled, hand-written menus of their different types of Jamaican patties for the day. The counter guy is also kind of awkward, but none the less a nice guy and quick with service. The patties are extremely warm and flaky. The spicy ones though aren't really spicy. But still delicious! The coco bread is good. I'm always sad when I have realized I have finished it all. Good place to go for a quick grab & go lunch. read more