I was on my way to the Schomburg and remembered this little gem was close enough so I planned to make a pit stop. As I only had 45 minutes, I knew based on previous experience that I wasn't going to have enough time to properly savor and enjoy an entree. Chez Jacob is busy and their service is very lax, so it is best if you are in no rush. Don't expect warm and fuzzies. I've previously had a taste of their fried fish with traditional Senegalese sides and enjoyed. This time on a crunch, I ordered the fish pastelles/fish pie (appetizer). This is definitely what my people call a "pastelito." It was filled to the brim with stewed fish which had a really nice kick to it and served with a red (tomato based?) sauce. It was good and not very spicy. I loved that the pastel did not feel or taste oily. I imagined I would get two, but the order was for four. At $2 a pop, it was a hearty appetizer at a great price. I ended up taking half home and they were great later. In any case, what I really knew I couldn't leave without is their heavenly ginger juice. I crave it often and have yet to find a ginger juice that competes. Homemade to perfection, the spice of the ginger will linger and clear up any ailment you may have with the absolute quickness. My sinuses revere this juice. It's in the fridge next to the register for $4. All in all, Chez Jacob is a winner in my book, and I look forward to tasting more of their dishes when time permits! read more

Here's the Scoop! After attending a concert at a church in Harlem we decided to get some dinner and I was hungry. My husband's long time friend trombonist Craig Harris said let's go to Chez Jacob's for dinner. Upon entering its small but space utilized well. Seats about 15 people. 2 large booths and 1 small booth. It gets crowded quickly. The lighting is medium strength and there's a counter to order to the right of the entrance. Many delicious sounding items on the menu. Large screen TV showing African music videos. I ordered the seared Tilapia with Salad & sweet plantains. My husband ordered the lamb slices with white rice and veggies. Hot bread/butter was given while we waited for our meals. Our meals came and the portions were large. Large piece of Tilapia and beautiful salad. Some back heat seasoning on the Tilapia and I thought I wouldn't be able to handle it but the salad and plantains help put out the fire. We thoroughly enjoyed our meals. Check my pics. I will definitely come here again to enjoy another tasty meal. My fellow Yelpers come and check it out! read more

Chez Jacob - Grilled tilapia with salad - Senegalese Near Me - New York, New York

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0 Star - Terrible Experience This is hands down the worst African restaurant in Harlem. The place is rat-infested, which is absolutely disgusting. The food was so salty, I had to throw it away. When I mentioned the issue to the cashier, they just brushed me off, and I didn't feel like arguing. I won't be coming back to this place. read more

Best senegalese food in harlem jollof rice and fish ginger beer very tasty the acheke is made late in the evening but very delicious if they can make the acheke around 4 for working people to pick up on there way home read more

This restaurant keeps reinventing what good food can be. Every staff member was remarkable and extremely responsive. This meal hit all the right notes. People filled the entire establishment. This restaurant surprised me completely. read more

The chicken was DRY! I ordered chicken Dibi with red rice. First of all, they gave me white rice. I asked for the red rice and they told me it's not ready. Then why pack something I didn't order?? I asked how long it would take and the hostess told me "I don't know." Note, this was on the heels of a major train delay so I just wanted a really good meal. The older woman behind the counter went to the kitchen and spoke to the chef. They brought out red rice. This woman was kind enough to do that but the original server was rude and continued to roll her eyes at me. Now, I bring the food home. So disappointed. I will not be able to eat this food. I just count my loss. I can understand why there were no customers here. This is not my first time here and I remembered why I stopped coming. read more

I found myself recommending this place immediately. I've ordered across their menu with consistent satisfaction. The staff has recognized me since day one and consistently provides attentive service. You pay less but get better food here. This spot created a wonderful experience. read more

Jamaican boy when with my senegalise friends, the food was amazing, as for customer service I have no idea, they were talking there Wolof language all night read more

The food here was amazing. The portion are even better. One plate can definitely feed two ppl. This was my first time trying African, cuisine and I was so pleased. The food was full of flavor, a bit spicy but that's how I like it. The onions are so good. I wish I knew the difference between the two onions sides on my plate but I dont. This is definitely not a 5 star service restaurant. However, I was looking for an authentic feel for the food and this place was recommended by many of my friends. Food was excellent I will return. They served a hot sauce with the bread that was so good I took two home. Overall a very good dinning experience. Oh and by the way we ate this food for 2 days. We only spent $40. So reasonable. read more

Chez Jacob - Lamb shank and brochette chicken with white rice and onions delicious - Senegalese Near Me - New York, New York

i ordered Jollof Rice to be delivered at 2 pm and waited until 4:30 pm never got my food, I called the restaurant and was met with a disgusting and rude tone. to my big surprise they told me it I do not take the food they will just resell it to the next customer who calls. Which means that they are willing to resell food that has potentially traveled to someone's homes and sat in the cold to a different individual. restaurant operator hung up on me as well. Bad customer service and bad representatives from the restaurant read more

Stopped by today on a recommendation. This place is small, warm and inviting. I ordered the lamb with couscous, and when I say I smelled it all the way home and prayed it taste as good as it smelled.... I wasn't disappointed I tried it immediately upon getting home almost an hour later, it was delicious. Service was great. Back to the food it was ready in about 15 mins and packed up neatly (I had to take 2 buses home and nothing was a mess). Coming back to eat in with my mum so I have an excuse to try more items. read more

My favorite spot I literally ate her almost every day when I went to NYC. The staff are so sweet! I'm African and I highly recommend. The food tasted of good and high quality. Everything was hot. Their brown jollof, fish, tea, and plantain were my go to! read more

Chez Jacob - Senegalese Near Me - New York, New York

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Big man (person who took my food order) literally had bread crumbs hanging from his face and some flying when he opened his mouth. Ambiance is like a sad train station waiting room from classic Russian novel. I have my fingers crossed for the food I am about to receive. They don't seem kind to non-familiar/non-white people. Yet another sad experience at the kids running the restaurant. This is the saddest experience yet. Cold food straight from the kitchen. read more

The four of us enjoyed our visit to Chez Jacob. We each ordered one of the specials of the day and asked for four extra plates. Three of the dishes were jollof rice with either fish, chicken or lamb. We then served ourselves from the various dishes. None of us had tried Senegalese food before, and we enjoyed each dish. We'd go again if we were in the neighborhood. read more

This place is not only familial and ways bustling with laughter and warmth, their food is delicious. My husband and I order all the time. If you go there and ask them to check our address is probably as familiar to them as their names, lol. I do not play when it comes to my food and this is a GEM in Harlem!! The best people, service and food!! read more

Horrible customer service. I walked inside the restaurant this afternoon and I was completely ignored by the hostess and servers , they were only attentive to their Senegalese Customers. They don't value any non African customers. After patiently waiting for over 30 minutes to order food, I returned the menu and walked out. I will never again patronize this business, and you shouldn't either if you're not Senegalese because they will completely ignore you, they don't care about you being a paying customer. The owner of this establishment needs to train the staff in customer service. read more

This is the best restaurant in Manhattan. The staff is always friendly and the food is incredible. I cannot praise this place enough. It's the best. read more

Chez Jacob - a plate of meat and vegetables - Senegalese Near Me - New York, New York

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Great African Food and the service is good as well!! They also have complimentary hot tea to drink after you eat! read more

Today, 29th October 2022, my young sister, her one year son and my three children went to dine at Jacob, when we got there we where not seated, my sister and I had to find the best seats for us and the kids. Once we seat, we occupied a four seat table, the two lil children where sleeping in their strollers.we grabbed the menu from the nearest table. Then we called our waiter her Name was Fatu. She came very RUDE, she brought food they never offered us water or any thing as a starter. After we finished we asked for our bill, our total came to $68 we asked for the receipt then come to find out they added AUTOMATIC GRATUITY 18%. We asked that, 1 the service wasn't that great and it was only two adults dining and we ordered one plate my 4 year old and 2 year old shared. They said that they charge Automatic Gratuity for four people and more. The new your law says you can only charge Gratuity if you server a table of six and eight and more. We refuse to pay for the gratuity because we ordered three plates and there was two adults and a four year old and a two year old, they count the kids too. They were four men surrounding telling us we are not going any where until we pay that gratuity, in a very tough voice trying to intimidate us. After a long back and forth they removed it, then we where ready to leave this Waiter FATU puts her tongue out and like do what kids do ( like in a mocking way) , telling us if we didn't have money then we shouldn't eat there, and says a lot of rude comments, then she runs from the counter towards me and my sister trying to hit us, we had the kids, my youngest a 15 month in my arms and my sister son 12 months. Three men had to hold her down, as I was backing up so I was exiting the door backwards so I can be able to protect my kids and sister and lil nephew, Same time I was shaking terrified so in the middle of this all I pull my phone trying to record this. The Manager one of the men who said "you are going to pay this where you like it or not in a very scary tone" Come running towards me and grabbed the phone out of my hand, so FATU the waiter is been held down by these men not to come towards us, the manager is grabbing my phone and trying to pull it out of my hand, which he pulled it out of my hands. I get to the door because we where trying to run away from all this I hit my head very hard on the door, I thought when I was trying to run at that moment I went with so much force on my head, but the door doesn't open from the out side, it opens from the inside, so Instead of me opening the door I actually banged myself so hard and I was trapped the man was close to me, my sister and Children and nephew were all terrified. Then we managed to get out, my head is hurting at this point, I am terrified. We called the cops and the ambulance, FATU was charged for Harassment. They told the cops they don't have access to the camera. My kids and my nephew were just so confused. My sister was terrified and feared for our life and children's lives. All this over because they tried to Force US to pay for a service that don't even apply to US. Jacob education your workers, only if you server six, eight or more then you can add that mandatory tip. I ended up in an emergency room ( writing this from the emergency room) read more

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I have tried to be patient with this restaurant and ordered many times from them, you just never get what you pay for. They are a Russian roulette of a restaurant. NEVER AGAIN will I order from them. I have just ordered and paid for two "c bon" at $44, two orders in one place, what I received is a joke: 1 medium sized plate of white rice, two medium fried fishes, and tiny containers of mixed onion marinade along with sauces. This not only is highway robbery of the highest kind, but it is also Haram. When I called to complain, the guy who pick up simply responded that; I was not the only one who unhappy about this. The ONE STAR I gave them is quite generous to say the very least. This is not the first time this has happened. I rather take my money elsewhere. read more

Chez Jacob - a plate of food on a table - Senegalese Near Me - New York, New York

I eat Senegalese food about 3 days out of the week. I randomly walked in the restaurant after walking passed it several times and I am so happy I did. The food and customer service was great. The food delicious and full of rich flavor, great portion size, affordable ($13.00 for ​large size), and just so good. I don't remember exactly the name, but I got ​chicken, rice, and onions. So yummy. The staff welcomed me and were super friendly. An amazing find! :) read more

Such good flavors. Senegalese food: French African food. I highly recommend the tilapia. It's a whole fish!! We didn't even finish it. We also got lamb. It's quite fatty but crispy fat. This is the reason why I like fat! Fat can be eaten like that in duck and pork belly. It can be more than just a disgusting goo. This did it. Good job. What I like about this place most is that it is a cafe that acts like a Bistro. I always feel cheated when a Bistro acts like a Cafe (with Bistro prices.) These large plates of well cooked food were altogether $31.00 with the tip and tax. So nice. Don't get to surprised for a slight slower service. I think it is the Sylvia effect. I say that with a wink because Sylvia's which is a traditional Harlem restaurant has HORRIBLE service. This was better than Sylvia's. At least the two women running it were dressed so lovely and had great hair and nails and professional fashion. read more

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Wanted some Jollof rice for months, finally got some and it was absolutely disgusting. First of all I only wanted rice but this mess came with burnt no tasting rice which had the audacity to have a piece of fish, carrots, cabbage and some other crap on top. Needless to say it was garbage & the cook should be replaced asap. I was terribly disappointed and will never purchase anything from there ever again. read more

The staff was super friendly and very welcoming! Food was phenomenal, me and my girlfriend were visiting for a week in NYC, and we had lots to eat at various restaurants, but this spot was by far the best food I've eaten at a restaurant ever. I ordered the Brochette (lamb) alongside with Attiéké, and I have to say, this was an amazing combination. The hot sauce the hostess provided us was also such a good pairing, with so much flavor and just enough spice to make you sweat. I highly recommend this place and can't wait till the next time I can go back. read more

Chez Jacob - Senegalese Near Me - New York, New York

The best Senegalese food, the fish is always on point, seasoning and everything else. Only downside is that they only accept cash. Also, easy access from the train. The staff is always welcoming. read more

Food was AWEFUL thinly sliced Lamb was tough as leather and Frozen mixed vegetables. The food was heated up (not sure how long ago the food was freshly prepared and I threw it out. In addition the website is unsecured and unsafe. read more

Do not order for delivery, they are the worst, food is always cold and they can't separate cold food from hot food. Expect up to 2 hours delivery ETA. read more

If you are like me and like authentic food cooked by people that Fr req up wating the food they cook then you gonna love Chez Jacob !!! Best thiep ( Wolof rice , with fish and veggies ) in town ! Generously served and still warm when it get to your table . The ginger and baobab juices are delicious ! The lady at the counter is very nice too. I would like this please even better if they were not using harsh , strongly scented detergent to clean the tables while I am eating as I am allergic to it . All in all i simply love this unpretentious and welcoming place . read more

I went there on a Sunday afternoon. The place is medium size with African music and videos playing. Not much of an ambiance but my review is about the food. The food was delicious and enormous portion for a great price. We each paid between 12 and 15 bucks for our entree. Not much desert option but who need desert after these ginormous plates! I ordered grilled fish and they gave a full massive fish with couscous for two, even their salad portion was huge. Yummy! Will definitely go back read more

Very good food and big portions. I ordered the curry lamb lunch (they were out of chicken) with rice and loved it. Spicy and full of flavor. The lamb was tender and must've been braised as it was falling off the bone. I'll be back to try different dishes read more

Chez Jacob - Senegalese Near Me - New York, New York

Omg ,.just went here to order to go.I.am.almost one hour here seating, we just passby in the area seems.interesting but it sucks.me.out until now I am.waiting for my food they should put waiting list 2 hours and food in the making.another 45 minutes. Asking for review rate zero "0". read more

Chez Jacob - Waiting for hours for.my food - Senegalese Near Me - New York, New York

The restaurant is in shady part of the city but you will survive. Try to have at least one man in your group to avoid incessant catcalls as you walk here from subway. Also they just changed their name to Chez Jacob! I don't know if Asta left or what happened. We went there because they were just put on Michelin Bib Gourmand list and we live within walking distance so we figured we had to check it out. It's a small place with humble interior. The waitress spoke with strong afrikan accent. Overall the feel of the restaurant was as if we were back in Tanzania. There was very little English spoken by the customers either. Small menu and they were out of two specialities by 630 pm on Thursday night which was strange. Also most tables were taken by 8 pm on Thursday night so you may want to make reservations now that it's flagged on gothamist and other NYC foodie sites. The portions of both appetizer and entrees were huge. And everything was VERY spicy. I can tolerate plenty of spicy but it got to the point that I could not finish tilapia because my mouth was on fire. I really didn't think that Senegalese cousine was known for its spiciness but that's what it was. They have no liquor license so you will be directed to a nearby store to buy beer or wine and I believe there is $5 corkage fee. Overall the food and service were good, plentiful and inexpensive. Come check it out. read more

One of the best fish dishes I've ever had! My boyfriend and I have been here twice and we LOVE the food! Great prices and great food! And everyone there is very friendly read more

Absolutely glorious. The fish and stew over jollof rice was homey heaven. The fish was well cooked, bone-in, juicy. The veggie stew was soft, saucy, and it all accompanied a hearty portion of seasoned rice. West African jams were on the speakers and the staff were chill and responsive. read more

anytime I'm in Harlem i come here. The thiakry is by far the best in Harlem :) The ambiance and food is a 5 star level. read more

Great food and at a very reasonable price too. Its halal and i would def recommend it. I got the grilled lamb with white rice it was cooked to perfection and was great in taste read more

They have good food but the sauces have bones no meat on them. The good food is always out.The only thing that is on point are their beverages.When you eat their food it just shows that they are cheap with the food.The food is $12 and up too..Choose wisely.Your basically just paying for rice. read more

The food is delicious. When ordering food make sure the hot sauce is on the side. They dont understand english, but are usually nice. Dont order eelivery, becaus they take forever and food arrives cold read more

French and Senegalese fusion with a wonderful after work option for cocktails. Wonderful decor and great staff always willing to help. I love the squash soup it's absolutely yummy it blew me away! Yummy options and easy location to get to in the bustling heart of Harlem! read more

I've habitually gone out of my way to get this food. It's no where near me. I've even tried to find a replacement when I saw a Senegalese restaurant just blocks away from where I live. It wasn't the same! Delicious, amazing food and if you have a taste for strong ginger they have a yummy house made beverage there too! read more