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

Elaine's Kitchen - Caribbean Near Me - Dallas, Texas

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

See all

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

See all

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

Elaine's Kitchen - Cabbage, rice and peas, potato, Vegetable Patties, Yams - Caribbean Near Me - Dallas, Texas

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

Elaine's Kitchen - Curry Chicken, rice & peas, cabbage, and a side of curry potatoes - Caribbean Near Me - Dallas, Texas

All these reviews are a lie. There's no way. I went yesterday and ordered brown stew chicken, cabbage, peas and rice, and a side of mac and cheese. I did go inside to place my order, and honestly, the ambiance wasn't too bad. The place was clean and looked decent, so I expected the food to match but it didn't. The cabbage had peas, carrots, and broccoli in it... it was very nasty. The chicken was so bad, I can't even describe the taste. The rice and peas were just okay, but it didn't taste like they used much coconut milk. The mac and cheese? It wasn't even baked. It tasted like it was made with chicken broth, and it was nasty it even smelled spoiled. I couldn't believe it. The fact that people leave fake reviews is crazy. I don't care if it's Black-owned take pride in the food you're cooking. Brown stew chicken is something simple, and it should not have been messed up. To top it off, there's no way someone from the Caribbean is actually cooking that food. The cabbage "mix" they make is served in the large section of the takeout plate, while the small section has barely any rice. Who puts all that stuff in cabbage? The carrots were from a can. They just threw something together. Being Black, the owner should take pride in what they serve. There's no excuse. That meal ruined my entire Wednesday. The food is nasty. I have that Jamaica Gourmet Flava was closed cause I know for sure there food was good the Sause on there stew chicken was so good and the dumpling was fresh and good pray they open back up soon cause sheesh if i could give zero stars I would. read more

This place is horrible. I'm from Chicago and I've eaten Jamaican food all over the world & this is by far the worst! & I drove 1 hour for this horrible mess. We got oxtails and jerk chicken, the chicken taste like oven made chicken with barbecue sauce on it. And the oxtails did not have any Caribbean seasonings at all and were very tough. This experience was a waste of my time and money. read more

DO NOT COME HERE unless you're trying to spend the night worshipping your toilet. I got food poisoning from whatever monstrosity they dared to call "food." Honestly, I've had gas station snacks with more integrity. The meal tasted like it was microwaved in a rush, slapped onto a plate, and tossed in my direction with all the care of someone throwing out yesterday's trash. The customer service? Equally appalling--rude, inattentive, and clearly allergic to the concept of hospitality. Save yourself the regret, the stomach pain, and the trauma. Eat literally anywhere else. read more

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

Elaine's Kitchen - Was just an OK plate of food...nothing stood out as much as I previously loved Elaines! - Caribbean Near Me - Dallas, Texas

They have the Best oxtails in Dallas Texas. Authentic Jamaican food . Beef patties are amazing!

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

Elaine's Kitchen - Jerk chicken - Caribbean Near Me - Dallas, Texas

See all

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

See all

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

Elaine's Kitchen - Rasta Pasta!!w/Jerk Chicken - Caribbean Near Me - Dallas, Texas

See all

Enjoyed brown stew chicken and the deserts. Its a out of the way spot and you will miss it you are nit looking. Will be back soon to try jerk chicken. read more

I have been going to this establishment for years. The food used to be the bomb. It has gone to hell since Ms. Elaine died. I have given it a lot of tries since then. It's a salt bed. I tried the jerk chicken since it was being cooked outside. Nothing but straight salt. I tried their green couldn't even eat them. They were salty. I called them they said they would talk to the cooks. I tried one last time a couple of weeks ago. I'm done. The only thing that's changed is the food is terrible and the prices have gone up read more

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

Elaine's Kitchen - 'Jerk chicken' - Caribbean Near Me - Dallas, Texas

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

Elaine's Kitchen - a meal in a styrofoam container - Caribbean Near Me - Dallas, Texas

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

Elaine's Kitchen - Jerk chicken, rice, cabbage, and plantains. (Lunch special) - Caribbean Near Me - Dallas, Texas

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

Elaine's Kitchen - Caribbean Near Me - Dallas, Texas

See all

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

Elaine's Kitchen - Pepper Steak - Caribbean Near Me - Dallas, Texas

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

Elaine's Kitchen - BEST OXTAIL IN TEXAS - Caribbean Near Me - Dallas, Texas

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

Elaine's Kitchen - Brown stewed heaven on Earth! - Caribbean Near Me - Dallas, Texas

See all

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

Elaine's Kitchen - Restaurant sign. Was so hungry forgot to take pictures of the food! - Caribbean Near Me - Dallas, Texas

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

See all

I've been coming here for about 3 years now and it never disappoints. The food is always on point and hot. I always get the jerk chicken with cabbage and Mac & cheese. Even the medium plate leaves me with leftovers and for $12.99 + 1.50 to sub out the rice and peas for the Mac & cheese, it's not bad at all. This isn't a fine dining spot and I don't think you can eat in at all right now but great place & good food. Always recommend. 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

Elaine's Kitchen - Ackee and Saltfish - Caribbean Near Me - Dallas, Texas

Wow...disappointment. Visiting Dallas for the weekend and husband recalled how great the food was over 10 years ago. When ordering I asked whether the roti skin was roti (without peas) or dhalpurie (contains peas). The woman at the counter stated with an attitude it was roti. So now when we received our food I'm pissed because it's not roti and I asked. If she didn't know the difference then ask. What made it worse was that it tasted like it was taken out the freezer and warmed up. So when it cooled it was tough. Had to throw it in the garbage. Next complaint...the food was salty. We had the oxtail entree and the curry chicken entree. Both were salty and could only eat a little before stopping. Had to drink a bottle of water to flush it out. Also as others stated, the rice overcooked. Nope not it!!! Husband started it definitely tasted different (and not for the better). read more

Food doesn't taste as good as it once did, it's an all new staff I don't recognize any of the ppl in there, prices have went up but quality of food has went down Bring the old workers back from 2020. read more

Great food, some of the best in Dallas! If you get a chance to eat here please try the jerk goat....simply delicious!

Called to place an order but was told no orders are accepted over the phone after 6 pm. No problem, they close at 10 pm. I asked if there were any oxtail and curry goat available before arriving and was told yes, to come in and place and order. After arriving 15 mins later at 8:45 pm, I was told that all the food was put away and that there was one beef patty available for purchase. The lady and gentlemen at the register shrugged their shoulders, laughing Very disappointing. I will not be returning. read more

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

Elaine's Kitchen - Jamaican meat pie - Caribbean Near Me - Dallas, Texas

Best jamaican food in dfw hands down. Can not beatt eat lunch specials prices on the order

Not the best Jamaican food I've had but it's pretty good. I got the oxtails plate and substituted the rice and peas with cabbage! The oxtail was well seasoned and the cabbage was delicious, but it just wasn't better than some other Jamaican spots I have been to in the past! Also the wait time was ridiculous (a little over an hour) considering it was not that busy when we went. Will probably return when I'm back in the area, so stay tuned for an update! read more

The oxtails were amazing they were so hot and delicious. My only critique would be the excessive amount of flies swarming around while you eat. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable about the food. The rice n peas could use a little work but overall good. read more

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

Elaine's Kitchen - Jerked chicken with plantains - Caribbean Near Me - Dallas, Texas

I literally just called in to try and place a pick up order and the lady was so rude. Unnecessary as heck.

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

See all

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

Elaine's Kitchen - Pic of what's left of my (Medium Jerk Chicken) - Caribbean Near Me - Dallas, Texas

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

Elaine's Kitchen - Jamaican Oxtails with Rice and Peas - Caribbean Near Me - Dallas, Texas

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 Kitchen - Jerk Chicken? Which part? - Caribbean Near Me - Dallas, Texas

See all