2026-08-26. Jamaican Jerk Pit. Ann Arbor, MI. OK. So this is really the only game in town when it comes to Caribbean foods, so it's getting an extra star just for that. In all honesty, the food was definitely nothing to write home about. The menu covered all the staples, Jerk Chicken, Curry Goat, Curry Chicken, Dhalpuri Roti, Oxtail, Rice & Peas, beef patties, and even deep fried plantains. Unfortunately, nothing wowed me. We ordered Jerk Chicken, Curry Goat Roti, Oxtail, and a plate of the plantains. Sides included mixed veggies and rice and peas. Jerk Chicken. The chicken was nicely cooked, but the seasoning was light and I didn't get that semi-blackened finish off the grill like I'm used to. We were sharing all the dishes, so I asked for the spicy sauce on the side rather than smother on. I went with the medium and this spice was on par with what I expected. The taste of Scotch bonnet was front and center and the heat intensified as you put more on. 2 stars. Oxtail. The oxtail was much tougher than it should have been, but the sauce was flavorful. 2 stars. Goat Roti. I had asked for this deconstructed rather than wrapped. The curry goat was deboned and the curry was decently flavoured. The meat was also cooked nicely and not tough. 3 stars. The roti was a different story. When I unwrapped the roti, the yellow split pea (dhal) filling spilled out and surprised me. From my experience, the filing should have been rolled into the dough before cooking and should have been a thin layer as it's typically very dry. On the bright side, the Dhal was prepared properly and was crumbly rather than mushy. The spices were light probably catering to local tastes and only subtle hints of cumin, garlic, and heat was noticeable. 2 stars. Plantains. There are two types of Caribbean fried plantains: Maduros (Sweet) made from very ripe, yellow-to-black plantains sliced on an angle and pan or deep fried once until caramelized and tender. Tostones (Savory) made from green, unripe starchy plantains that are sliced, fried once, smashed flat, dipped in garlic salt water, and double-fried to make them extra cripsy. The plantains here were clearly supposed to be Maduros, but they were under ripened. 2 stars. Overall I've had better pretty much with everything we ordered, but I know this is very subjective and heavily reliant on personal preference. Locals clearly love this place since it has over a 4-star rating, but I have to go against the grain here. There are things that I just can't overlook (the toughness of the oxtail and the dhal with the roti) and these are my primary reasons for the "I've had better" 2-star rating. I am bumping my rating up to 3 stars because this is the only game in town; so if you do have a craving for the Caribbean, something is better than nothing... If you'd like to experience more, come dine-with-me.yelp.com I'd love to have your company! Bon Appétit! read more

See all

Wow, where to start? This unassuming place is packed with flavor and friendly service. We came here on a Thursday for dinner and were seated right away. Not a lot of space, so we were glad to have gotten a table for 6. I asked the person helping us what she would eat if she was there, hungry, for the first time, and she suggested a sort of off-the-menu item of jerk BBQ. It's on there as an appetizer, but they can make it an entree even though it's not listed. I got medium spice. It was so good. The sweetness from the sauce went great with the spice. I upgraded and got the fried plantains, which were also so good. Salty and sweet. The rice and peas were delicious and perfectly made, and that slaw was chef's kiss. Everything was so good! I also appreciate them being able to split the bill easily. I'm a fan! read more

Jamaican Jerk Pit - Jerk BBQ entree - Caribbean Near Me - Ann Arbor, Michigan

Came in for lunch and dined in. They have Caribbean music playing and bright decor. We were seated immediately and told there would be a 30-minute wait for our food, but it arrived sooner. I had a beef patty 10/10, and curry chicken with rice, peas, and cabbage 10/10. Everything was delicious! read more

See all

Jamaican Jerk Pit is one of those places that reminds you why a great meal can change your whole mood. The flavors hit you right away: smoky bold layered and so full of character that you instinctively slow down just to enjoy it. I had that little eyelid sweat going which is always the sign of the perfect level of heat enough to wake you up but never enough to drown out the flavor. Everything on my plate was a win but the chicken stole the show. It was tender juicy and seasoned with that deep jerk flavor that only comes from someone who knows exactly what they are doing. The rice and peas deserve their own shoutout. The texture was spot on and the seasoning tasted intentional like someone put real care into every step. Then the mango cake came out and completely surprised me. Light moist and gently sweet it balanced the spice from the meal in the best way. The turnover was another standout with buttery flaky dough and a warm spiced filling that made it hard to stop eating. From the first bite to the last this meal felt like comfort joy and craft. Jamaican Jerk Pit is easily one of the best dining experiences I have had in a long time. read more

See all

I had a great experience at Jamaican jerk pit. The food was great, and the staff was super friendly and nice. I stopped in on a Tuesday evening. It wasn't super busy, but there was a lot of takeout. I had about a ~20 min wait for my food (which the staff told me before I ordered!) I got the curry chicken roti. It was a bit more expensive than I was expecting ($22) but was very delicious. The chicken and potatoes were nice and tender. The flavor was excellent - delicious and well balanced. I got the spicy spice level and it had the perfect amount of heat. It was a lot of food too - it fully filled me up. The staff here was super nice. I saw them give another customer an insulated carrying bag for their catering order. And service was good despite how busy they were. Overall I'd recommend this place, good food and nice staff means I'll be back :) read more

See all

This spot is pretty hidden and not super busy but very good. What sets this restaurant apart is that the food is unlike many restaurants in Ann Arbor. I don't know of many other Jamaican spots, and even though this place is a little bit spendy, the food is worth it. The spices really come through in all the dishes. The jerk chicken is very good and the rice and vegetables are good as well. Come here if you need a switch up from the common food in Ann Arbor. Also, the spot is quaint and I love sitting down for a meal. read more

Jamaican Jerk Pit - Jerk Chicken - Caribbean Near Me - Ann Arbor, Michigan

I like how the plantains have just the right balance of crispy and tender. The vibe of the restaurant makes you want to visit again. read more

Jamaican Jerk Pit - Caribbean Near Me - Ann Arbor, Michigan

Fantastic home made Jamaican food. First time visitor and as soon as i walked in i could smell the flavors i have been longing for. Not that easy to find parking during the day. But then again i am not that familiar with that area. At ground level is seating to eat. You go downstairs to the main dining area to order food and there are places to sit and eat downstairs as well. There is a great variety of food and drinks that are not commonly sold in every restaurant. I was able to get my soursop juice!! Jerk chicken plantain boat was phenomenal. I was so looking forward to the oxtail dinner. It was good just wish it had a little more seasoning. Rice and peas were delish as well. And its just not right getting Jamaican food without getting a beef patty. Love them. The cook and greeter who took my order were very friendly and welcoming. Provided great service and loved to see the food being cooked fresh in front of me while i waited. read more

See all

The food was amazing and very authentic! Got the oxtail and shrimp and had some lovely Ting!

They were busy so we had to come back after an hour and a half for our order which I was hesitant about at first but I drove all the way to Ann Arbor for this specific place in mind. I got the jerk chicken with Rice and beans, plantains, and veggies. They were out of oxtails for the day- I would have gotten the oxtails over the jerk chicken but once the food was ready, it was really flavorful and spicy. I liked it ! And it's a lot of food so I took the leftovers home. Hoping to try something else next time. read more

Jamaican Jerk Pit - Jerk chicken with rice and beans/ plantains/ veggies - Caribbean Near Me - Ann Arbor, Michigan

We love it here. We ordered the wings dinner with rice and peas. It comes with cabbage on the side as well. We dined in for the first time and when our food came out it was steaming hot. It was steaming the entire time we ate. read more

See all

It took 40 minutes to get our to-go order, and I knew the wait would be worth it. My son and husband had a chicken platter with dark meat. They both loved it. I had a jerk sandwich. The spice level is probably spicier than most places. I like spicy food, and the 3 was perfect. Really, really good. read more

They catered a lunch for us at work and the food was amazing. They usually don't deliver but since our order was so big, they made an exception and delivered making it even better. Highly recommend! read more

First time trying Jamaican Jerk Pit, and it was a lovely experience. There is seating on the ground floor when you walk in with additional seating downstairs. The waitress welcomed us and provided thorough and very helpful recommendations to make our first visit well worth it. Ordered the curry goat and Jamaican chicken and both were packed with flavor with the meat easily falling off the bones. Mixing in the sauce with the rice was a great idea too. Festivals were strangely addicting. Very simple in appearance and taste but I couldn't stop eating them. Crispy on the outside, soft in the inside. I have had fried plantains with sugar before and it was as expected. I would recommend! read more

See all

I had such an amazing experience at Jamaican Jerk Pit!! The food is always incredible so flavorful, fresh, and just overall chef's kiss. Every time I come here, the vibes are unmatched. It's one of those places where you instantly feel comfortable and surrounded by great energy and even better company. Shoutout to Cameron for being such an awesome server--super friendly, attentive, and genuinely makes the whole experience even better. You can tell he really cares about making sure everyone has a great time. Whether you're coming with friends or just stopping by, you're always in great company here. Definitely one of my favorite spots!! read more

The best Jamaican food ever. This food slaps every single time-the beautiful cooks always put their heart and soul into their cooking. I feel like I'm eating at home every time I come in there. I'm craving it now as I'm writing this review read more

MY RATING SYSTEM 5/4 = Exceeds expectations 3 = Meets expectations 2/1 = Does not meet expectations I would not dissuade anyone from trying it once. But I would not chose to eat here again. The service was good but the rest needs improvement to get 3 stars so 2 stars the best. 1. AMBIANCE = 3 You enter from Thayer st. Need to go to lower level to order food. Seatin in upper and lower level. We were before dinner crowd so sat in lower level. Seating is tight in some spots. 2. FOOD/DRINKS = 2 Had water. They offer beverages from cooler. Food was hot not lukewarm. The meal I had was vegetarian and my wife the shrimp. The veggie meal was so-so. I would not order this one again. The shrimp the same. For what you paid it was over priced. Food is bland. 3. SERVICE = 4 We were seated when arrived. Water came to table with menu. Order taken. Food came at the right time. Hot not warm. 4. BATHROOM = 1 They need to take you to the back area for one restroom only. You will need to wait. I5.could use a refresh and cleaning. 5. PRICING = 1 I felt for what we both had it was overpriced. Veggie meal $15.00. should have been $10.00 Coconut shrimp $18.00 should have been $13.00 read more

Food was decent, could have been spicier compared to Jamaica. Place is not accessible at all. They should have a buzzer or phone number because you can sit upstairs but ordering is downstairs. read more

Jamaican Jerk Pit - Steps to get into restaurant. - Caribbean Near Me - Ann Arbor, Michigan

Ive not gotten any dish from them that wasn't on point! Everything is delicious. I drive 65 miles just to get my carribean fix. Love the food read more

Flavor and seasonings in each dish are extraordinary. The portions are overly generous. The owner is accommodating. Perfection by the plate! read more

I've been to Ann Arbor in recent months and noticed they had a Caribbean/Jamaican restaurant near one of the parking structures that I frequent when I visit. This type of cuisine is one of my favorites, so I finally found an opportunity to give this place a chance. As soon as I walked in I was surrounded by the color blue on all sides, getting me in the mood. The actual restaurant is located downstairs, which had plenty more tables and chairs thankfully. When I arrived they opened just a few minutes prior and I could tell they were busy placing carryout orders. They told me that if I placed an order it would likely take 20-30 minutes for it to be ready. This is a good thing because it means the food will likely be fresh and more flavorful, but due to personal time constraints I elected to get the one thing that was ready to eat, PATTIES. They offer beef, chicken and vegetarian versions and I couldn't decide on just one, so I got all three to share with others. If I were to judge this restaurant on the beef patty alone, I would say it's one of the best I've ever had. I most certainly will be back to grab a traditional entree like jerk chicken or oxtail, but this was a good first impression and I am excited to come back. read more

See all

A scrumptious hidden gem in a great location! Menu had so many vegetarian options that all looked incredible- made it hard to choose. Got the Tofu jerk sandwich with medium spice and fried plantains. The best plantains I've ever had!! Basement is small, but wasn't too busy for a table of four on a Friday night. read more

Jamaican Jerk Pit - Jerk Tofu - Caribbean Near Me - Ann Arbor, Michigan

First time trying jamaican food. So yummy! The flavors almost had me dancing to the music in the restaurant LOL. The chicken was really juicy and tender and the spices on it were SO GOOD. I wish i lived closer i would definitely get it more often! read more

Hands down thee best Authentic Jamaican Cuisine I've found. Searched high and low and Jamaican Jerk Pit was worth the ride. From the first bite to the last bite. The beans and rice were perfection along with the cabbage....... My taste buds had being longing for a taste of such exceptional cuisine. I drove from Oakland County to Ann Arbor to get more than my tummy satisfied, but my longing for great food..... Ambiance is very West Indies and befitting of the cuisine and homage to a people.... P.S. Chef we could use a restaurant of your caliber in the Southfield/Detroit area....... read more

Jamaican Jerk Pit - Oxtail - Caribbean Near Me - Ann Arbor, Michigan

See all

First time visiting, son invited me for my Christmas gift. Lucky he had been before, Wings!!! Awesome. Really liked the chicken pasta,so creamy. Goat curry tasty. read more

Food was very good. Nice friendly service. Food was ready when promised. Excellent selection of Jamaican dishes. Prices are reasonable.

This is most definitely a more hidden and lowkey restaurant - seating is in the basement so there's not much reception here. But wow, the food is GOOD and one of my favorites Downtown Ann Arbor restaurants during my time as a student in Michigan. I don't frequent Jamaican Jerk Pit often because it's pretty heavy, but when I come, it's always a tasty time. My go-to is the Jerk Chicken Pasta. The house sauce is super creamy, fatty, and delicious. Jerk chicken adds some kick and spice (I think you can customize how spicy you want the pasta) that balances the creaminess of the sauce. The bowtie pasta is a nice carb that balances and takes in all the flavors of the sauce and jerk chicken. Simply amazing, super filling, and extremely heavy. You WILL food coma. Also lots of chicken!! I tend to separate it into two meals because I don't eat a lot. Very worth. I would come here after a stressful day of classes or studying and it's a great pick-me up. I also liked the Jerk Chicken lunch special! Prior to COVID, I remember it being $8 for a sizable portion of jerk chicken, rice, and veggies. Not sure if it's still this pricing now, but I'd highly recommend this, as well! The jerk chicken here is overall just extremely tasty. read more

Jamaican Jerk Pit - Jerk Chicken Lunch Special - Caribbean Near Me - Ann Arbor, Michigan

See all

steps away from the diag is the jamaican jerk pit. the jerk chicken was incredible- meat falling right off the bone and the plantains were delicious (medium spice is a must!). service was very friendly and attentive. so happy to have tried this gem in the middle of ann arbor! read more

Jamaican Jerk Pit - Jerk Chicken with Plantains - Caribbean Near Me - Ann Arbor, Michigan

Fantastic Food and staff ! Can believe we've missed this hidden gem ... will be back ! read more

Jamaican Jerk Pit - Caribbean Near Me - Ann Arbor, Michigan

See all

This place has the best Wings they are absolutely jampacked with flavor and the portion is a great value

Fun. Good food. Nice workers. Place is a bit of a dump, but that adds to the character of things. Jerk pork and jerk chicken are amazing. Fried plantains are solid. Always get medium or high spice. Plan on a wait and don't be mad when it's slow - you're on island time, so live that way for the moments while you are there. read more

So good. Nice and spicy. They have extra spicy too!!! Amazing institution ive been going to for a long time

Jerk chicken pasta is my family's fav, get extra chicken and cheese though. It's not necessary, there's plenty with the dish, I just remembered right now that I usually forget to ask, so I'm sharing. The spices and flavors are deep, and visiting the restaurant is a treat because of the Jamaican refreshments they display. Years ago I tried their jerk chicken or tropical-type wrap, and it was just ok. But I was young and hadn't even tried salads at that point, I'm sure. read more

The jerk pork pasta was good but really oily. Even though it looks like such a simple dish, it was extremely flavorful. However, it does feel as if it us missing something...I just can't put my tongue on what. Regardless, I would still highly recommend this dish! It was EXTREMELY filling and would definitely cause a food coma afterwards so beware when you eat it!!! read more

Jamaican Jerk Pit - Jerk Pork Pasta - Caribbean Near Me - Ann Arbor, Michigan

One of my favorite places in Ann Arbor. I have had multiple menu items. The jerk chicken is delicious, I always get spicy . Rice and peas is also very good. Lately I've been getting the Tilapia meal (spicy) with red potatoes and cabbage. This place isn't the biggest so expect long wait times (45-60 mins). And it's take out only due to COVID. But it's absolutely worth it. You can feel the good vibes as you walk in and the staff is great! I also believe this is black owned! I highly suggest catching the island vibes! read more

Jamaican Jerk Pit - Escovitch Tilapia - Caribbean Near Me - Ann Arbor, Michigan

I've had jerk chicken before and really enjoyed it, so I was super excited to try Jamaican Jerk Pit. It did not disappoint!!! I got the Jerk Chicken Pasta with Medium spice, which was the perfect spice level. It was just a hint of spicy and very creamy. I would describe it almost like a cajun alfredo type of flavor. The jerk chicken on top was pretty good too, but I would say it was a little dry and overcooked. However, this was not as much of an issue because the chicken was in sauce that helped rehydrate it. It was a little expensive (16.99), but the portion size was huge and definitely could be enough for at least 2 meals. Lots of chicken was given in the portion too. It also came with warm pita bread that would've been great because there was a lot of sauce with it. Overall, I'd give this dish a 7.5 or 8 out of 10. read more

Jamaican Jerk Pit - Jerk chicken cheesy French Fries - Caribbean Near Me - Ann Arbor, Michigan

See all

Great food. Their spicy is SPICY! We had the Jerk Chicken Plate, Roti, Rice and Peas, and Festivals. Everything was great. Definitely check this place out if you live in AA. read more

I really wanted some Jamaican food. This is an authentic place. They gave me another guys order by mistake, but he ordered the fried potatoes and they were really good. I also had some delicious plantains. I wish they would have been crispy, but they were still good. I asked to use the restroom. To get to it you snake your way through the kitchen and pantry storage. I felt like I was in a Steven Seagal movie. The folks are friendly there. I just hate parking in downtown Ann Arbor. Just go straight to public parking and quit driving around. read more

Jamaican Jerk Pit - Menu. I didn't have it in me to try the wing challenge. Next time. - Caribbean Near Me - Ann Arbor, Michigan

We waited 45 minutes for the jerk chicken tropical salad. The salad looked premade in a box so I'm not understanding why it took 45 minutes for some overcooked dry chicken slapped on top. read more

I came here on a Saturday for dinner with some friends, and we were seated immediately. However, after we ordered, it took over forty minutes for the food to arrive. They were pretty busy since it was a game day, and they were getting a lot of togo orders. Despite this, our waitress was extremely attentive, and she gifted us free plantains for our long wait. In regards to food, I ordered the mild curry goat with rice and peas and it was so good!! The flavor of the curry was perfectly spiced, and the goat was so tender and meaty. My only complaint is that the dish was a bit too oily and salty. I definitely recommend checking this place out if you want to try something different in Ann Arbor! read more

Jamaican Jerk Pit - Curry Goat with rice and peas and vegetables (Very delicious!) - Caribbean Near Me - Ann Arbor, Michigan