It's pretty good. Just make sure you purchase extra cream sauce. Oxtails was also cooked properly.

The salad was something i could of cut up at home and there was more callaloo than salt fish. The price is not right for what you get.

very good food. i got rice & peas, jerk chicken and plaintains. the jerk chicken had just the right amount of spicy & the plaintains were great too. read more

Food is good and the staff is cool. No complaints here and definitely recommended!! I have had the oxtails saltfish callaloo and pumpkin rice. All were delicious read more

Jam Cafe - Pumpkin rice, cabbage, saltfish, and callaloo - Caribbean Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

Bob Marley music, rum punch, and an owner and staff that treated us like family. Add in a menu of popular Jamaican dishes plus an unexpected selection of African (Liberian) specialties created daily by the female, Liberian-born chef, and you've experienced Jam Café - a Virginia Beach restaurant that opened a short, six months ago. Jam Café is cozy in size with a small bar and booth seating, a pool table and an area big enough to get up and wind your hips to the reggae tunes, if in the mood to boogie. This Thursday evening was empty, and when I say empty I mean my husband, son and I were three of four guests, with only one person at the bar, plus a small group of the owner's friends. I wondered why locals hadn't discovered this place and was concerned that the food would not be good. Dim lights, authentic reggae music lightly, pounding through the speakers, a simple light show that decorated the floor giving you an "it's okay to dance" invitation, and a menu that is unexpected with the added African (Liberian) specialties. Could the empty seats be caused by the food? I was eager to solve this mystery. We ordered two popular Jamaican dishes - the jerk chicken and curry chicken, both served with two sides. "Mac and cheese and green beans, and callaloo rice and collards, please." We also decided on the dish suggested by our waitress - the Liberian favorite - cassava leaves with white rice. Upon our request, the chef visited our table to educate us on a couple of things. I asked what Callaloo rice is and she explained - white rice with shredded callaloo - a spinach-like leaf of a tropical plant originating in West Africa and used in Caribbean cooking. Cassava leaves - the leaves of the yucca root, cooked and eaten as a stew as part of almost every meal in Liberia. Fed and educated. Minutes later we were enjoying our rum punch. The best rum punch I've had in Hampton Roads, it was almost an exact replica of what I've had in Jamaica. Fruity, strong, and tall, just like I remember my rum punch from my last vacation to Negril. For a moment, I forgot I was still in VA. A few sips in, and dinner arrived. The jerk sauce was served on the side. A good choice by the chef, because the sauce literally made me "jerk" and beg for water. A heaping, mouthful of rice and gulps of water later, I was ready for more. The chicken was flavorful on its own but I like the challenge of a jerk sauce that makes my eyes water. I enjoyed the curry chicken and sides as well, but it was the cassava leaves dish that I couldn't get enough of. A mild, sweetness hits the front of the palette, while the back of the palette enjoys spicy Jamaican pepper and smoky flavor from the smoked turkey leg that was generously added, offering a piece of meat with each sweet-peppery bite. Earthy, rustic, African, soul food at its best. A Liberian restaurant in Hampton Roads may be difficult to keep open and busy, so I understand creating a menu and atmosphere inspired by the Jamaican owner's roots, but it was clear that what makes this Jamaican Café special is the heart and soul put into the Liberian specials. Convinced that the food was not the reason Jam Café was empty, I wrote it off to timing. Opening only months before two busy holidays, I am hopeful that the new year will get people eating out again, and to this Holland Road spot that is worth a visit. We had planned to make it back soon after our first visit but have not. Mainly bc it is almost a 30 minute drive from our home. I do hope their traffic has picked up bc this establishment is worth it. read more

This is my husband and I's go to for days we don't feel like cooking. We highly recommend the curry chicken pasta.

Let me be clear, the 2 stars are for the food. I ate the curried goat and oxtail combo. The portion size, taste, and presentation was good. BUT the service was garbage. The young lady that seated us was the hostess, waitress, and bartender. She couldn't do the last two efficiently. Took FOREVER to get our Rum Runners, she brought one to the table for us to taste and it was way too much syrup in it. She tries to explain as if thats how the drink should taste...no, I know my drannnks lol. So my friend ordered a tap beer that the girl needed to get help from the kitchen to figure out how to pour the beer. I decided that I would order a vodka and pineapple. Can't mess that up right? The waitress asked if I wanted Absolute or "some other vodka"? I asked what other vodka selection was there. She says "Regular vodka or Ciroc." Regular vodka? I didn't want to give her a hard time, so I just ordered Absolute. She brings my drink, and then my friends beer. Everything she did was one at a time. If you can't carry more than one thing at a time should you be a waitress? We were never offered water, the table behind us asked for water which should have triggered the waitress to offer us water right? Wrong. When my friend asked for water the waitress proceeds to bring just one water...hello? What about me? There were ONLY 3 other people in there so I can imagine how worse it could have been if it were a busy night. If I ever go there again it will be to call in an order and pick up. read more

Jam Cafe - Caribbean Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

Decided to come here for lunch with my sister despite the lack of reviews. We were prepared for disappointment as the other local Caribbean restaurants leave much to be desired. We are Trinidadians from New York and pride ourselves on knowing good Caribbean food. Jam Cafe, a mix of Jamaican and African cuisine, turned out to be a pleasant surprise. The food was delicious! I had the stewed snapper with rice and peas and steamed vegetables. My sister had the jerk chicken with baked macaroni and rice and peas. While the rice and peas wasn't that great, everything else was delicious. This is definitely our new go to Caribbean spot. read more

Jam Cafe - Caribbean Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

I'm not that big of a fan of Jerk Chicken but one thing I know for sure about jerk chicken is that it's supposed to be flavorful and preferably grilled or almost grilled. It was my first time coming into JAM Cafe even though I've driven by it no less than a thousand times. It never really appealed to me to come in because it always looks dark and closed. So the other night when my boyfriend and I decided to be adventurous for dinner, we actually drove past JAM and I told him, what the hell, let's make a u-turn and give it a whirl. So we did just that and I was a little apprehensive coming in after parking. Even though it's located in a little strip mall, it's at the end next to a tree line that's kind of dark. I probably wouldn't come by myself. Upon entering there were 2 young girls sitting by themselves in a wooden booth and over to the right were about 4 or 5 older gentlemen playing dominoes. They said hello to us although I doubt they work in there. Two ladies at to bar greeted us as well as asked if we were dining in or taking out. We were taking out and were handed menus. I decided I didn't want to order but my boyfriend ordered their jerk chicken that came with rice and peas. While waiting they offered us something to drink to which we declined. No one else had come in by the time they brought out our food. I think it was $10 or something but it wasn't expensive. That's a plus. While waiting I noticed the place was clean despite the darkness of it and it smelled clean. We got home and first impression was "oh it smells good and looks good!," but after a few bites of his chicken, BF said it wasn't better than he's had before and probably won't order again. He couldn't even finish it. Said even though the portion size was great, the jerk flavor was definitely lacking as well as the desire for a grilled jerk chicken. Rice was chewy, probably undercooked or with not enough water. He said "good try" and "thanks, but no thanks." Sorry, JAM Café! The search for good jerk chicken in the area is still on!! read more

Jam Cafe - Jerk chicken with side of rice and peas - Caribbean Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

I ordered carry out at this place the size of the meals are pretty good the yellow rice that comes was good the mac and cheese was ok the plantains are a Lil sweet which I like the ox tail was good also got the jerk pork was good but I went at end of night right before close so it was a Lil dry Def gota try again for fresh jerk pork and did the chicken curry which was alright read more

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Delicious flavors lacking precise dish preparation. We decided to go carribean on a Sunday after church so we were expecting to get till. My I order brown stewed red snapper which came out delicious, but the style cooking was more escovitch (fried,then sauteed) than brown stewed(sauteed). My wife ordered the curry chicken and 1/4 a plate of jerk chicken. I didn't try her curry chicken but the jerk chicken tasted just like chicken without the jerk. The house juice came out to be very good and would have been refreshing if not so sweet. If the snapper was more stewed and the jerk chicken was more jerk definitely 5 stars. read more

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The food was really good. The group I went with ordered jerk chicken leg quarters, curry chicken with rice and steamed cabbage and the jerk chicken sandwich.They have a dance floor and a pool table. So it seems like a chill place to hang out get a drink , some food and just relax.We went around 8 (as we were leaving a crowd was starting to show up) But the food was delicious and the service was great. I will definitely be returned t get more of the curry chicken and to taste the rest of the menu! read more

Came in exactly the time they told me my food would be done which was 10minutes . Walk in asked if the food was done & it wasn't . Came outside waited 10 more minutes come in same lady ask me did u order ? I say yes u jus saw me is my food done? What's ya name again? I tell her . She grabs my food I give her 15$ lady on the phone tell me it's only 12 she walks off never comes back I ask another lady like yo she coming back I was gonna give her the change anyway I was jus making sure I was good to go . The other lady goes yea she jus tryna make some extra money . I'm like by walking off with my change when I was gonna give it to her anyway? Walking out another lady asks me do u want a "twerker" it's one "twerker" per person . I'm like what ? Hell nah gtfoh . Never again crazy part food was so trash bro nothing was good read more

We ordered the Curry Chicken and Jerk Chicken. We enjoyed our choices and would order again. We also enjoyed the atmosphere. The decor was up to date and clean, booths comfortable, music was loud, but fit the theme, and sports was on the television. We were there using a restaurant.com certificate. We would go back. read more

Jam Cafe - Curry Chicken, Rice and Peas, Macaroni and Cheese - Caribbean Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

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So... I wanted some beef patties after one of my daughter's games. Was gonna go to Cutlass Grille, but since I didn't want to drive from VB to Chesapeake, I went to Jam. It was highly recommended by my mom. She loves it there. Got there with my 16 year old daughter at 8:30pm. They were BLASTING trap music and grinding on the dance floor. Hm. Ok. Went to the bar, and it took a couple minutes for us to be acknowledged and asked what we wanted to order. We ordered 2 beef patties, an order of jerk wings, and fries. While we waited, we laughed and joked and played around on our phones, and enjoyed each other. At some point, it dawned on me that we'd been waiting a while. I looked down and it had been AN HOUR. I asked where our food was and for the next 15 minutes we were told "it's coming out next" by every server who passed us and saw my not-happy-face. When we were finally brought food, we looked and it was the wrong order. The server took it back and 15 minutes later brought us another box of food. It had food in it that SOMEONE HAD ALREADY STARTED EATING!! Yes, chicken bones and all. It was CLEAR that NO ONE was doing quality control there. So now I'm REALLY pissed off. The server takes all the food back and says It'll be right out "I gotchu"... *eye roll*... so 20 minutes later, my food comes out... I . AM. PISSED. What should have taken me 15 minutes at the MOST took more than 2 HOURS. I was going to leave, but asked to see the manager. I asked for Shaun by name. I waited 15 MORE minutes. HE NEVER CAME OUT TO SPEAK TO ME. They said he was too busy. The server, Michelle (i think) felt bad and gave me my money back. But mind you, this came from HER after waiting more than 2hrs. I was never offered a drink. An apology... NOTHING from the manager. Needless to say, Jam will never, ever get my business, and if anyone on the PLANET ever asks me about Jam Cafe, they're gonna hear this story...and the food was JUST ok. #UnhappyCustomer #CrappyCustomerService #DoBetter #OrShutDown read more

Being that I am from NY, there is Jamaican restaurants everywhere and they are all fairly good. I could not find that in VA until now. jam cafe is great for when you are craving Caribbean food! I had the Jerk chicken and it was pretty good and I like the Mac and cheese as well. The rice and peas was not very good but I will be coming back to try something new !!! read more

Jam Cafe - Jerk chicken, rice and peas, and Mac and cheese - Caribbean Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

This place is great! The food is so yummy and beautifully plated. The atmosphere is really cool and authentic. The service was good. They have a nice full bar. I really liked it. I would definitely go back. read more

Jam Cafe - Talipia and pumpkin rice mmmmm.. - Caribbean Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

The order was wrong. But it was good! I (accidentally) had the shrimp Rasta pasta and my partner (accidentally) had the Oxtails and Curry Goat. I'd definitely order from here again. Just in person this time :) read more

Jerk chicken was tasty but definitely needs more jerk. Rice and peas was a bit dry... With a little extra gravy I believe it would be phenomenal. The curry chicken is very good. Beef patties were extremely dried out and hard (very disappointed there as I looked forward to enjoying mine) and the plantains were greasy but good. Definitely one of the better Caribbean restaurants in the entire Hampton Roads area. Will return to try the African (Liberian) side of the menu.....cannot wait to try the CASSAVA LEAVE!!!! read more

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New location, same delicious food! Service was pleasant and welcoming, food made fresh. I had the jerk chicken lunch special (served until 2) and jerk chicken rasta pasta. I definitely recommend. read more

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The worst thing is it takes a while to get it even if you order ahead. I ordered my food and they told me 15 minutes so I waited 20 got there in 5 and still waited 10-15 minutes. The food is pretty good, I got the jerk chicken and an extra patty. The chicken was good and jerk sauce was spicy so that was a plus. The party was good but kind of over cooked like it was sitting under a heat lamp. My friend got the stewed chicken and enjoyed it as well. I'm sure I will try it again eventually. read more

food is amazing, but their phone service is ASS called 15 times over a 20 minute period and not one answer

My short but not short visit to this establishment was an experience. First when I walked up I couldn't tell which door was the entrance it was all blacked out. I went there to get just a Beef patty and coco bread. I had to wait 30 minutes as if it was getting baked fresh. The receptionist didn't even check up on me after she took my order. Oh yeah I didn't even mention that the music was extremely high in the background as I waited. In short I was very disappointed in my visit because i love Jamaica cuisine and was looking forward to this place. Honestly it was my first and last time there. read more

Real quick, JAM CAFE is in the running for the worst establishment service wise. I have a had a lot of terrible experiences in the food service industry...but this one was unmatched bro. It shouldn't take an hour and 30 minutes to get a simple meal. I order, I pay, you tell the cook whether it be physically or electronically, they cook, I eat. Simple process. Furthermore, for your server to act like everything is okay and after the food has been paid for is comical. Then once it's ready an hour plus later, to walk around with it and make other drinks while I'm patient. Bad business is bad business. read more

I went here for lunch one afternoon. It was empty except for one other person at the bar. I ordered the oxtail with rice&peas and cabbage. It was ok. I expected more oxtail for the price of the meal (It was about $13). The service was good. I would probably come here again and try something else off the menu. read more

Ok...so I don't know why it has taken me this long to write a review, but anyway here it is. I have been going to Jam for the past few years since moving out here and yes I will say it is Authentic Jamaican food with some African dishes. The owners, husband from jamaica, and wife from Africa. I have tried their vegetarian platter, which for the cost and quantity, never disappoints. Recently turning pescatarian I eat their snapper, which is delicious. My husband has had their oxtails and said it was on point. Now the sides, if you truly know Jamaicans or Carribeans, one thing we can't really re-create is mac and cheese. Don't come here with southern expectations, but what you do get is good enough for me. I've tried their Rasta pasta which is great. Plantains are nice and sweet. Don't care too much for the string beans, collards are ok. Cabbage is good. Now the establishment is clean, there is one pool table and Shawn (the owner) evens lets me play my reggae pandora station. It's true it's never really crowded, but it's because this gem is too hidden. So give it a try. read more

Love Jam cafe. The food is delicious. My favorite is the jerk chicken the sauce is outstanding but all their food is wonderful. The staff is courteous and meets all your needs promptly. I love to eat at Jam Cafe. Fantastic fantastic fantastic. read more

I love there food!!! My favorite dish is the Rasta Pasta!!!!!! I was devastated when they moved .. I thought they closed

Hate giving bad reviews, especially because I love Jamaican food. I've read a few good reviews about this spot on here so decided to give it a chance few days ago with a friend. The place was empty except for two gentleman shooting pool near the bar. I ordered jerk chicken, green beans, and their Mac & cheese. The waitress was really pretty, but was in a bad mood that day. She didn't even check on us or refill our waters once. I even had to get up and find her to ask for our check. The only thing good about the meal was the sauce on the side to go with the chicken. The green beans were from the can and everything tasted like it had been microwaved, except the Mac & cheese it was very cold in the center. If anyone knows of any good Jamaican restaurants around the Virginia beach area, please let me know. Thank you read more

This place is THEEEEEEEE BOMBI absolutely love the pasta. It's made to order and delicious.

Jam Cafe is a great late-night venue! The music was good, mostly reggae. The drinks were reasonably priced! I'll definitely return soon.

Fantastic food! The wife and I went here on a Tuesday night not knowing what to expect. It looked bigger from the outside but that's ok we prefer cozy and personal places. We were greeted quickly and everyone was friendly towards us. I ordered my usual for Caribbean restaurants jerk chicken with rice and peas. Let me tell you this was some of the best in the area! The only complaints I could say is service was a little slow and I had to often flag down my server when we needed a refill. But to his credit he was pretty busy. I will definitely be back the food was good and very reasonably priced! read more

First time trying this place since my husband brought it home for take out. I ordered jerk chicken, rice & peas, and macaroni and cheese. When I opened the container everything looked delicious. I did not care for the rice & peas and macaroni & cheese. Rice was very dry as well as chicken (although he asked for extra jerk sauce). Chicken was flavorful but was not spicy enough and tasted more like grilled chicken vs jerk. My husband ordered shrimp & jerk chicken rasta pasta which was delicious. I guess I will have to try something different next time.... read more

I don't have much experience with Jamaican or African food but I am in the restaurant business and know ideally how food should be prepared. I got the jerk shrimp wrap. The shrimp were HUGE and cooked to perfection, not rubbery unidentifiable lumps like a lot of places. The seasoning was spot on, not too spicy or overpowering. I also got a side salad which was super fresh and delicious. Service was great. Only complaint is the wrap, semi stale and not assembled properly so I ended up eating with a fork and knife which was not cool since I got a wrap specifically so I could eat and drive lol but overall awesome. read more

I visited JamCafe a few times in August. Each was a rewarding experience. I hear the chef - Melvin, is new and his offerings are simply delicious. I thoroughly enjoyed the Jamaican styleeee in all the presentations including the Red Stripe, Dominoes, Reggae and general camaraderie. I'll definitely be back !!!! Denzil read more

Went here for dinner. I had oxtails which were really good and not overpriced for portion size. Server was nice and friendly. I would go again. read more

Friendly people! Amazing food at a great price! I got Stew Chicken with rice and peas and macaroni & cheese. Absolutely delicious. Will HAVE to be back at least once a week. read more

I love this place! I have had the blackened fish (I think that's what it was called), the jerk chicken (I love the spicy sauce on the side), and of course almost all of the sides and beef patties. Customer service is awesome too. read more