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Food: 7.9/10 Service: 8 Ambiance: don't worry about it We love a good comfort food hole in the wall spot! This is a place you order to-go and melt away as you eat your order. Love the large portion size! Not a fan of the oxtail sauce. I've had better. I may not be Jamaican but I've had delish Jamaican food from different parts of the world. Everything is cooked well and flavor is there, just go with the spicy sauce over the oxtail sauce. I had a veggie plate so I'll have to re-visit for an experience with their meat. I'd recommend this spot for a late night/supper time comfort meal.
I love this authentic Jamaica staple!!! The food has always been good! I like to eat a good plate with my eyes closed and I can imagine myself back in Jamaica!! I got the $8 lunch special from M-F 11:30-3:30 can't beat that deal. I got curry chicken, rice & peas, cabbage and a side of curry potatoes. I always have to get a side order of the curry potatoes, I love them!! Family owned and quaint spot!
Wow! 12 years since my last review of Elaine's, and almost as many years since I had visited! Maybe my tastes have refined with life's adventures, or maybe time has changed Elaine's, but overall it was good...OK...but not great. Rice and vegetables were overcooked and watery, and the ox tail had a flavor I do not remember, nor did I love. Portions were small, and as one reviewer said, just did not feel the love in the food anymore! I think Elaine's is still a Dallas institution, and worth a visit, but in terms of a foodie destination, maybe not so much at least not anymore. Time marches on!
In town visiting and saw reviews on Yelp. I had a friend coming over and she volunteered to pick up lunch, I suggested this place. She called said she had arrived at restaurant and asked what I wanted, I ordered jerk chicken. 45 mins later I call and she states a 20 min wait turned into 45 mins, the place is beyond packed. The food presentation is beautiful and the smell amazing, the portion size "very good." The taste good hot, tender and fresh. No complaints. The Mac and cheese alittle garlicky for me. The tea cakes good, I wonder what other options for deserts. Overall not bad. I'd love to go back after pandemic and check out the dining in experience.
My homie and I hit up Elaine's for our usual which consist of an oxtail meal for me add a side of plantains and jerk wings for her with mac n cheese. Unfortunately something has changed in the kitchen because my meal was missing love and affection. The oxtails were ALL small pieces and tough and the macaroni was over baked leaving it dry and hard. I ate until I was full and discarded my leftovers which was a waste of my money. Because usually I get two servings from one meal. I won't be returning anytime soon. Ronnie's pick
Attention!!! Elaine's Kitchen just warmed my Foodie Heart. I ordered an entree of Rasta Pasta with Jerk Chicken and was not disappointed. Noodles were well cooked and seasoned. The cabbage on the side made the plate complete. If you have a taste for Jamaican cuisine I'd recommend this establishment.
Wow I really hate to give them 1 star but I have to. The first time we went here was three years ago. I didn't leave a review because I just thought to myself, I just won't ever come here again. Well, my husband and I were in Dallas (we live in Frisco) and I had a hankering for Jamaican food and wanted to give them a try again. My husband reminded me that it wasn't good. But despite his hesitation, we went. He ordered the wings because he said he doesn't remember the jerk chicken so he was sure it wasn't good. I ordered the jerk chicken and 2 beef patties. All orders are to go. When we finally got home 45 mins later I was beyond ready to eat. The beef patties were subpar. They had this STRONG meat smell- and not the good smell. So much so that I was put off by it and didn't finish it. Please don't ignore the reviews about this 'red' jerk chicken. It's weird. And reminds me of Chinese red bbq. I'll just let the picture speak for itself. It definitely is not the grilled jerk that you can get in Atlanta where Jamaicans have migrated to or jerk chicken IN Jamaica. Just save your money and skip it. The only saving grace is their plantains, but hell almost any Caribbean place can get plantains right. The rice and peas were on the dry side. Just look at them, dark and crunchy looking.
The food was amazing! I had the medium jerk chicken with rice and cabbage. Seasoned to perfection! I thought the chicken would be spicy but it was delicious! 10/10 will definitely be back!
Covid: Due to the times we're in I'll mention that this establishment was very Covid ready! They had markers on the floor for social distancing, a shield between their cash register and patrons, and all workers had gloves and masks on. Food: The food was excellent! The chicken was so tender. I could pull it off the bone easily with a fork. The flavor was excellent and had just the right kick. The plantains were delicious! Lastly, this place is SO affordable! My whole meal was only $7! Can't beat that!
My aunt took me to eat here when I was visiting Dallas. She said it was her favorite spot to grab lunch and I see why. Great portion sizes, delicious authentic flavors and I love that's its family owned. I enjoyed the oxtail plate with rice and cabbage. The dark gravy was packed with flavor and the oxtails fell off of the bone. I'll be stopping by on every visit!
What a long overdue review for this Jamaican spot that I have been coming to since its old location off MLK! Delicious menu with robust flavors. This saved me when I moved to Texas and wanted good island food. My favorite here are the oxtails. Simmered for hours, cooked to perfection!!!! I pair it with rice and beans and cabbage...my mouth is watering from just writing this review! If you are indulging yourself or just hungry like me. Order the spicy beef patties and strawberry cake for desserts. You will be so addicted!!!!
I love Elaine's for many reasons. Its the go to restaurant if you want some authentic Jamaican food. I've been patronizing them since I moved from Dallas from Miami. When they were at the other location by the theater. I've never had any complaints because the food has always been and still is *chef's kiss. But TODAY I called in my order. Which is something I've never done. It took me 20 minutes to get there which is why I called it in. I get there and had to wait another 15-20 minutes to get my food. But I didn't trip. I assumed it was going to be fresh out the pot since it wasn't already plated and bagged up when I got there. When I saw the cook put a container of food in the microwave after I waited as long as I did, I was highly disappointed. I wouldn't have minded that if my food was getting cold because I took so long to pick it up after I called in. But why did I have to wait so long if all y'all had to do was stick it in the microwave for 30 seconds before giving it to me? Not to mention, I don't microwave my food PERIOD because it dries it out. But yeah, that's my review. I still encourage people to go there because it's authentic and the girls that work there are nice and its a chill environment.
Ok, so I am giving Elaine's a 4 star review because the food is bomb. FINALLY I found a joint that has an AMAZING brown stewed chicken, like....FINALLY! I ordered the regular portion and had the nerve to get a small jerk chicken (just to try) as well, and it was too much freaking food. TOO MUCH!!!! I swear it felt like I had 1.5 birds in my container and I wasn't mad, but dang! By the look of the pictures of the Jerk chicken on yelp, I was honestly a little hesitant on ordering because the sauce/chicken looked red...and, yeah...but it was great. Both the browned stewed sauce and jerk sauce on top of those rice and peas will send you to an Earthly heaven. As far as the veggies, expect more than just cabbage as I had some broccoli and (get this) PEAS mixed within, and I actually ate all the veggies (and ya'll know I don't do peas). They didn't have any beef or chicken patties as I was visiting during the pandemic, so I cannot vouch for that....but I don't have any doubts on the taste, at all. Now to the reason they get 4 vs 5 stars: the parking. It's legit a mess and in a confined area. Folks park any kind of way making what could be the one way in and one way out, difficult. My first visit it was easy and I went during lunch during a random weekday, but the other 2 times (both on weekends), you might as well park at the daiquiri shoppe next door or across the street. Which brings me to the other reason for the 4 star; its crowded. Now, this is not a bad problem to have but with COVID-19 adding to the mix (limited folks on the inside) and them not taking phone orders approx. 1 hour before closing or the phone being busy in the evening on the weekend, I've returned twice after my initial visit and left out of frustration of how busy they were, the wait and parking issues. For now, I will continue to go midday on a weekday or HOPE the phone is not busy during the weekend to place a to go order...cause ordering and waiting is not what it do on the weekend. Extremely good food though and worth it if I have time.
1 year ago
A hidden gem in Dallas for sure. The portions were great and the sides did not disappoint either. They had plenty of parking and the space a nice cozy feel to it. The service was nice and quick - you order and pay at the cash register. We ordered a large plate of: - oxtails: Highly recommend getting the oxtails again - jerk chicken: on the sweeter side but they had a really nice kick to them at the end Both came with a side of rice and cabbage. I would recommend to come and try! read more
This is my go to Caribbean spot near my work. The location is a little iffy as it's in deep dallas. The location is in a gated area. But all the locals come here for Elaine's food. The owner/ founder (Elaine) has since passed away but they carry on her delicious food and legacy. I get the oxtails with rice and beans and cabbage. I've also gotten the curry goat which is amazing! They cook it fresh so it takes a little time for the food to come out. But it's worth the wait. It's so delicious with a good portion! The servers are always very friendly and helpful. read more
Lots of parking out front. This review is on a to-go order. I didn't eat it at the establishment. When you first walk in, it's spacious with many tables and a TV. The tables are a bit sticky from the plastic. I got her beef patty, jerk chicken, plantain, lemonade, and cola. The young lady who took the order was lovely, the jerk chicken was just okay, the sauce had more of a BBQ flavor to it, and the best thing was the beef patty and the lemonade. The rice was on the drier side read more
Food: 7.9/10 Service: 8 Ambiance: don't worry about it We love a good comfort food hole in the wall spot! This is a place you order to-go and melt away as you eat your order. Love the large portion size! Not a fan of the oxtail sauce. I've had better. I may not be Jamaican but I've had delish Jamaican food from different parts of the world. Everything is cooked well and flavor is there, just go with the spicy sauce over the oxtail sauce. I had a veggie plate so I'll have to re-visit for an experience with their meat. I'd recommend this spot for a late night/supper time comfort meal. read more
2 years ago
I love this authentic Jamaica staple!!! The food has always been good! I like to eat a good plate with my eyes closed and I can imagine myself back in Jamaica!! I got the $8 lunch special from M-F 11:30-3:30 can't beat that deal. I got curry chicken, rice & peas, cabbage and a side of curry potatoes. I always have to get a side order of the curry potatoes, I love them!! Family owned and quaint spot! read more
1 year ago
1 year ago
Wow! 12 years since my last review of Elaine's, and almost as many years since I had visited! Maybe my tastes have refined with life's adventures, or maybe time has changed Elaine's, but overall it was good...OK...but not great. Rice and vegetables were overcooked and watery, and the ox tail had a flavor I do not remember, nor did I love. Portions were small, and as one reviewer said, just did not feel the love in the food anymore! I think Elaine's is still a Dallas institution, and worth a visit, but in terms of a foodie destination, maybe not so much at least not anymore. Time marches on! read more
1 year ago
In town visiting and saw reviews on Yelp. I had a friend coming over and she volunteered to pick up lunch, I suggested this place. She called said she had arrived at restaurant and asked what I wanted, I ordered jerk chicken. 45 mins later I call and she states a 20 min wait turned into 45 mins, the place is beyond packed. The food presentation is beautiful and the smell amazing, the portion size "very good." The taste good hot, tender and fresh. No complaints. The Mac and cheese alittle garlicky for me. The tea cakes good, I wonder what other options for deserts. Overall not bad. I'd love to go back after pandemic and check out the dining in experience. read more
2 years ago
My homie and I hit up Elaine's for our usual which consist of an oxtail meal for me add a side of plantains and jerk wings for her with mac n cheese. Unfortunately something has changed in the kitchen because my meal was missing love and affection. The oxtails were ALL small pieces and tough and the macaroni was over baked leaving it dry and hard. I ate until I was full and discarded my leftovers which was a waste of my money. Because usually I get two servings from one meal. I won't be returning anytime soon. Ronnie's pick read more
4 years ago
Attention!!! Elaine's Kitchen just warmed my Foodie Heart. I ordered an entree of Rasta Pasta with Jerk Chicken and was not disappointed. Noodles were well cooked and seasoned. The cabbage on the side made the plate complete. If you have a taste for Jamaican cuisine I'd recommend this establishment. read more
2 years ago
Wow I really hate to give them 1 star but I have to. The first time we went here was three years ago. I didn't leave a review because I just thought to myself, I just won't ever come here again. Well, my husband and I were in Dallas (we live in Frisco) and I had a hankering for Jamaican food and wanted to give them a try again. My husband reminded me that it wasn't good. But despite his hesitation, we went. He ordered the wings because he said he doesn't remember the jerk chicken so he was sure it wasn't good. I ordered the jerk chicken and 2 beef patties. All orders are to go. When we finally got home 45 mins later I was beyond ready to eat. The beef patties were subpar. They had this STRONG meat smell- and not the good smell. So much so that I was put off by it and didn't finish it. Please don't ignore the reviews about this 'red' jerk chicken. It's weird. And reminds me of Chinese red bbq. I'll just let the picture speak for itself. It definitely is not the grilled jerk that you can get in Atlanta where Jamaicans have migrated to or jerk chicken IN Jamaica. Just save your money and skip it. The only saving grace is their plantains, but hell almost any Caribbean place can get plantains right. The rice and peas were on the dry side. Just look at them, dark and crunchy looking. read more
3 years ago
The food was amazing! I had the medium jerk chicken with rice and cabbage. Seasoned to perfection! I thought the chicken would be spicy but it was delicious! 10/10 will definitely be back! read more
2 years ago
6 years ago
Covid: Due to the times we're in I'll mention that this establishment was very Covid ready! They had markers on the floor for social distancing, a shield between their cash register and patrons, and all workers had gloves and masks on. Food: The food was excellent! The chicken was so tender. I could pull it off the bone easily with a fork. The flavor was excellent and had just the right kick. The plantains were delicious! Lastly, this place is SO affordable! My whole meal was only $7! Can't beat that! read more
5 years ago
My aunt took me to eat here when I was visiting Dallas. She said it was her favorite spot to grab lunch and I see why. Great portion sizes, delicious authentic flavors and I love that's its family owned. I enjoyed the oxtail plate with rice and cabbage. The dark gravy was packed with flavor and the oxtails fell off of the bone. I'll be stopping by on every visit! read more
What a long overdue review for this Jamaican spot that I have been coming to since its old location off MLK! Delicious menu with robust flavors. This saved me when I moved to Texas and wanted good island food. My favorite here are the oxtails. Simmered for hours, cooked to perfection!!!! I pair it with rice and beans and cabbage...my mouth is watering from just writing this review! If you are indulging yourself or just hungry like me. Order the spicy beef patties and strawberry cake for desserts. You will be so addicted!!!! read more
3 years ago
I love Elaine's for many reasons. Its the go to restaurant if you want some authentic Jamaican food. I've been patronizing them since I moved from Dallas from Miami. When they were at the other location by the theater. I've never had any complaints because the food has always been and still is *chef's kiss. But TODAY I called in my order. Which is something I've never done. It took me 20 minutes to get there which is why I called it in. I get there and had to wait another 15-20 minutes to get my food. But I didn't trip. I assumed it was going to be fresh out the pot since it wasn't already plated and bagged up when I got there. When I saw the cook put a container of food in the microwave after I waited as long as I did, I was highly disappointed. I wouldn't have minded that if my food was getting cold because I took so long to pick it up after I called in. But why did I have to wait so long if all y'all had to do was stick it in the microwave for 30 seconds before giving it to me? Not to mention, I don't microwave my food PERIOD because it dries it out. But yeah, that's my review. I still encourage people to go there because it's authentic and the girls that work there are nice and its a chill environment. read more
Ok, so I am giving Elaine's a 4 star review because the food is bomb. FINALLY I found a joint that has an AMAZING brown stewed chicken, like....FINALLY! I ordered the regular portion and had the nerve to get a small jerk chicken (just to try) as well, and it was too much freaking food. TOO MUCH!!!! I swear it felt like I had 1.5 birds in my container and I wasn't mad, but dang! By the look of the pictures of the Jerk chicken on yelp, I was honestly a little hesitant on ordering because the sauce/chicken looked red...and, yeah...but it was great. Both the browned stewed sauce and jerk sauce on top of those rice and peas will send you to an Earthly heaven. As far as the veggies, expect more than just cabbage as I had some broccoli and (get this) PEAS mixed within, and I actually ate all the veggies (and ya'll know I don't do peas). They didn't have any beef or chicken patties as I was visiting during the pandemic, so I cannot vouch for that....but I don't have any doubts on the taste, at all. Now to the reason they get 4 vs 5 stars: the parking. It's legit a mess and in a confined area. Folks park any kind of way making what could be the one way in and one way out, difficult. My first visit it was easy and I went during lunch during a random weekday, but the other 2 times (both on weekends), you might as well park at the daiquiri shoppe next door or across the street. Which brings me to the other reason for the 4 star; its crowded. Now, this is not a bad problem to have but with COVID-19 adding to the mix (limited folks on the inside) and them not taking phone orders approx. 1 hour before closing or the phone being busy in the evening on the weekend, I've returned twice after my initial visit and left out of frustration of how busy they were, the wait and parking issues. For now, I will continue to go midday on a weekday or HOPE the phone is not busy during the weekend to place a to go order...cause ordering and waiting is not what it do on the weekend. Extremely good food though and worth it if I have time. read more
5 years ago
Doesn't look like much when you drive by or go in but the food makes up for the appearance. We drove from North Fort Worth to get some food from Elaine's Kitchen! It was worth the drive there and back! When we got home it was still warm, we had to take it home since dine-in is not available. read more
Husband's customer recommended Elaine's to him. We've been talking about eating Caribbean for awhile, so it wasn't a question of when we were going. We went the next day after customer recommended. Anyway, no dine in here. Husband got chicken stew. I've always wanted to try the ackee and saltfish, so I got that. We also shared a beef patty. Ain't no sharing next time. I want my own and maybe 3 more.. lol. So good and flavorful. I liked the stew chicken. Would definitely order it myself! I also liked the ackee and saltfish especially with the rice and cabbage. It all went well together. Ackee reminded me of eggs, but yet kinda reminded me of jackfruit. Jackfruit is firmer though. Maybe it's just the color that reminded me of it. Either way this place is good. Coming back soon. read more
4 years ago
First time trying Elaine's and it was good. There is no dine in if you are thinking about doing so. Oxtail and rice were good. Cabbage had a lot of flavor. read more
5 years ago
2 years ago
5 years ago
When I pulled up to Elaine's I was excited because I've always had the best food experience at hole in the walls, but this wasn't the case. I appreciated the various options on the menu but unfortunately I won't be back to try additional items because the food was absolutely terrible. I ordered jerked Tilapia with steamed vegetables, rice and beans. The Tilapia was tough and dry like it was cooked three days prior and the rice and beans were the same. The vegetables lacked flavor but they were edible. The jerk sauce wasn't the authentic sauce that I'm accustomed to and honestly I wasn't a fan. All in all this was the worst food Jamaican food I've ever ate and wouldn't eat here again if you paid me. read more
3 years ago
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2 years ago
Being from the Caribbean I was craving for something that was close to home, so my friend brought me here. It was the best idea ever. The cashier had the Caribbean vibe. It totally remind me how blunt people back at home is. Once you pulled into the parking lot the vibe starting to change. There are people out there trying to sell you stuff. Others playing reggae music and dancing. There is a guy inside that tried to sell us cable as well. The food here is totally worth every hassle and sketchy people you run into. The neighborhood isn't as warm and welcoming as well, but you totally worth it! I totally want to eat more food if I could. The amount of food for a medium size plate is still larger than I expected. I ordered the jerk chicken and it was super delicious. The rice and beans is cooked perfectly. The jerked chicken was tender and delicious. The sauce it is in is spicy, but a good spicy. It's totally worth it, ESP with the portion you get. I also recommend adding plantains. It is way delicious. read more
Spicy beef Jamaican patty was just ok. Not close to being the best I have ever had (for that, you'll have to go to Gainesville, FL) Weekday lunch special prices are good. Regular prices maybe not so much so, but they'll be a bit larger. Come for lunch since they do all the cooking every morning before they open and they may open late if they're not ready yet. And if you're stuck waiting outside for them to open for lunch, you won't be the only one. Today, for instance, there were five other cars sitting idle, waiting too. So it must be a well known landmark in the area. Brown stewed chicken was excellent, as were the cabbage and even the rice and beans (which I rarely talk about). I would order it again although I don't think I'm the best judge in terms of telling you what is authentic and what isn't, since I did taste a bit of bbq flavor. Texan twist, maybe? Carrot juice was for some reason sweet - not quite a fan but I'm sure it'll grow on you if you keep drinking it. Lol. This is how ordering works: you go up, order, and then take one of the 15 tables and wait until they call your name. And even if you're eating indoors, they'll still serve you in a styrofoam box. That's just the way it is. read more
2 years ago
7 years ago
Best Authentic Jamaican food in DFW!! I've had the jerk chicken Rasta pasta, oxtails, jerk chicken and beef patties and ALWAYS satisfied. They give you an ample amount of food on entrees, enough for two people! The spices are just right and the customer service is cool, too! Parking is challenging at times but nothing serious, it's all worth it to get the food. Today for lunch I had jerk chicken and it was delicious as usual and have enough left for dinner, too! Check them out, you won't be disappointed. read more
2 years ago
6 years ago
If I could give zero stars I would :( drove 35 minutes and was so unbelievably disappointed. Got oxtail, Jerk and the curry goat. Why is the jerk red? Why did it taste like spicy bbq chicken? The goat I had to chew for 10 minutes like it was made last week in some watery curry. The oxtail had zero flavor like NONE. Dallas has got to do better for the TRUE West Indians because I swear that food was NOT it I don't have a pic of the oxtail because it was edible. Not good. Edible. But this food in the pics is going in the trash. Waste of money and time. read more
Elaine's is one the better takeout Caribbean/ Jamaican restaurants in the DFW area. The food is always fresh but be prepared to wait about 15-20 minutes to get your food and they never answer the phone to do a call in order. The oxtails is my go to dish here but the curry goat isn't bad. You can also get combination options with two entree meats even though they don't advertise it well. I am not a fan of the cakes because they are on the drier side. They do sell Jamaican beef patties throughout the day but they are very similar to Golden Crust which it wouldn't surprise me if that's who made the patties since that's what most Jamaican restaurants are selling these days. This is strictly a takeout restaurant now even though they have the tables and chairs stacked up. If Elaine's did call in orders or online orders then more people would patronize this restaurant. Once they do offer better options to order the food or even get on Doordash then this could be a 5 star place. read more
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More info about Elaine's Kitchen
2717 Martin Luther King Junior Blvd
Dallas, TX 75215
South Dallas
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(214) 565-1008
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Does Elaine's Kitchen do catering for special occasion?
Yes. Call their store for details.
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