I don't know where to start. They received 2 stars because they quickly sat us and we got our soft drinks after ordering. The seating is limited, maybe 12 tables then you have the bar area. It is giving much new business but customer service and management training needs to be taught before operating a business. First, let me say I think the employees would have a better and easier flow of working if management would be of help and not dictate. The owners/management pulled the waitresses in every direction instead of taking orders. This made it very overwhelming for my waitress which she stated, "I don't know how much I can take of this." While taking our order, my sister asked for samosas they waiter replied they were out. We continued to order our food. The party of 2 beside us was there before us and said they had been waiting over 30 mins. We still took a chance. We sat for over 45 mins and still no signs of food. We paid for our drinks and decided to leave. We were really looking forward to it, being that we drove 3 hours to visit but we're disappointed in the long run. read more

Drove down all the way from Tuscaloosa to be disappointed. I've been looking for authentic Jamaican oxtails. I called prior to even driving to this establishment to be highly disappointed. The young lady told me it was Jamaican oxtails. That was not the case at all and then they charged almost $30 for two oxtails and plate full of rice and peas and sweet cabbage. The dish is definitely not authentic Jamaican food . One thing no one likes to do is waste their time. read more

Jambo Grill - Caribbean Near Me - Hoover, Alabama

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This was my first time experiencing African food. I ordered jollof rice and spinach. I was pleasantly surprised. The jollof was Good! The spinach was good but not as good as the rice. My daughter ordered the cabbage, Mac n cheese and rice and peas. She thought the food was good as well. The service was outstanding. The service felt really personable and everyone was accommodating. The whole vibe was one of Caribbean. I could definitely see this being a family spot during the day and a dance spot at night. I would go back. read more

Jambo Grill - Great bar for watching sports - Caribbean Near Me - Hoover, Alabama

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4 generous stars. This is a new spot in Hoover (next door to Perfect Note). They've only been open about a week so I tried to give them some grace in this review. Two of my sisters and myself went here for dinner. Right off, I liked the quaint and casual ambiance of the dining space. We were seated immediately by (whom we'd later learn is) the owner Kim. The actual waitress however passed us by with no initial acknowledgement. Kim eventually came back to us to take drink orders and answer menu questions. They had a limited menu so we needed to clarify a couple things and be educated on some of the cultural dishes. Kim was nice, accommodating and knowledgeable... unlike our poor waitress. When she did finally get to us, she didn't know any answers to any questions. On to the food, Kim let us sample the Pepper soup... so good and spicy. I ordered bhajias to start. For my meal, I ordered the oxtail which came with 2 sides, rice and peas and cabbage. I opted out of the rice and peas and went with jollof rice. We waited quite a while for our food to arrive. It seems like the to-go orders may have been priority over us dining. The starters came right before the food and I didn't like that. Although my food was truly yummy, it wasn't very hot. And this is a meal that should be served hot! Oh, my sisters ordered samosas... we agreed they were very good! One had the jerk chicken, I loved it... she hated it. Lol. It isn't too sweet or too spicy but good flavor. Kim really saved the experience and the food was good enough for a return trip. They definitely need time to get a groove with the staff, the kitchen and managing to-go orders. Our waitress had only been there 3 days and we could definitely tell. But if you are in Hoover seeking some Kenyan or Jamaican food. Go try Jambo Grill and lemme know what you think! read more

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Good service and delicious food. What more could you ask for. The portion size was good for the price. I will be back. read more

Jambo Grill - Outside - Caribbean Near Me - Hoover, Alabama

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It's date Night! I am back, of course, with my Boo. When I walked in, Aaliyah recognized me, saying, "you're back"! I felt all welcomed and noticed. The place is empty tonight, but the cook is still present in the kitchen. We started with the Kenyan samosas chased with a couple of bottles of Ting (Jamaican sparkling grapefruit soda)! This stuff here is good! For the meal, Bae got oxtail stew with Jollof rice and cabbage, with a side of Mac and cheese. Delish. I tried the wings, with sauce on the side, Mango Habanero, not my favorite the jerk sauce, much better to my palate. I also tried the pepper soup with white rice, it came highly recommended and it did not disappoint! Y'all already know, we enjoyed and I'll be back Aaliyah! read more

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Been wanting to try this place for a while & it wasn't quite what I expected first of all the spot is decorated cute & our waitress was sweet & very pleasant however I ordered pepper soup & fufu & I wasn't impressed at all the soup had no flavor & although the meat was tender the portion was like they gave me what was left in the pot my daughter ordered the egusi & her portion was a lot better but her dish also lacked flavor plus as soon as it was brought out to us we had to send it back so they could warm it back up i really had my hopes up but left still hungry & extremely disappointed read more

Everything was good until the bill came. The bill included an "Mandatory 18% gratuity. I paid it but it will be the last time. As I sat there eating I considered mentioning the place to a group of guys I eat lunch with several times a month, but the "Mandatory" thing ruined it. When it is mandatory it is no longer Gratuity, it is a service fee. BTW The workers were good, the food was ok. read more

We went here last night on whim. I was craving oxtails, and yelp provided haha. Let me preface this with they are brand new. Service was a little slow, but it didn't really matter. They were kind and attentive once they got to us. The atmosphere is great! The restaurant looks fantastic and features some stunning artwork. It is relaxed and warm and inviting. One of the guys that helped us is also one of the chefs. They were all kind and incredibly helpful. We had the Kenyan samosas for an appetizer! They were delicious! He brought us a chili sauce to try and it was fantastic with them. My partner got the kebobs with fries. They were delicious and moist! There was another hot and spicy sauce on the table that was similar to a spicy ketchup that paired well with the fries. I got the oxtail stew with Ugali and jollof. I normally don't order two starches, but I couldn't resist trying both! It was incredible. The oxtails are by far the best I've had in Birmingham. The jollof was delicious as well, but the thing I was most excited for is the ugali. I have never had it, only heard of it. It was fantastic. It absorbed the oxtail stew so well. We've had a need for more Afro Caribbean food in Birmingham for a while. This was one heck of an addition. I have to say, I'm incredibly impressed with them. The quality of the food is amazing. The people are kind and helpful. The portions are generous, and I got to have some stew for lunch today. Even better the next day! read more

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I went on a Friday a little after 1:30 so the rush crowd had time to clear out. I was so impressed with this place. It's beautifully decorated, the artwork on the walls, the decor, and the music playing truly is an experience. Then there is the food, amazing! I hadn't been there before so I wanted to sample a little of multiple things. I had the samosas, sausage, goat stew with jollof rice, and plantains. Everything was perfectly cooked and the staff was so friendly. I left with a full belly and in a great mood. It was a wonderful experience all around. read more

Jambo Grill - Caribbean Near Me - Hoover, Alabama

Ordered the Jollof rice with meat, plantain, coco bread and mango lassi. The rice was hard, had no flavor and DID NOT taste like Jollof rice (I've had my fair share from various places and this was not it), no spice whatsoever. The chicken that was in the rice had no seasoning, it was literally plain fried chicken (WTH) not even salt. The coco bread was soft and the plantain is the typical Goya frozen plantain (not my preference at all). The mango lassi was good but not worth the another visit. The worst part was I avoided ordering certain things because reviews said they weren't good but what I ordered wasn't good at all. I should have known when I walked in and they weren't busy, sigh! There is another review tell you to stay away and I wish I had read that one before I went, I would NOT recommend this place at all. My whole Jollof experience was ruined and I am not happy about it. The version my husband made for me a while back was WAY BETTER than this! SAVE YOUR MONEY!!! Mad I wasted my dang money and time waiting! At least my dogs are the flavorless chicken but that rice and plantain are going in the trash!!! read more

Very interesting place. The food was okay. Not bad for a little spot if you're craving Caribbean. They did take A LONG TIME. Like if you're hungry- order WAY ahead or find a different spot. The food was alright but the chicken curry is mostly oil. Wasn't able to eat it but the other food (like samosas) and the sides were great! Had the Mac and cheese and cabbage. Prob order just for those next time. read more

The food here is seasoned well! Love the cabbage! You gotta try the oxtails, samosas, jerk chicken, plantains, and bhajias! read more

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Found this place on yelp. Called in my order of samosas and the oxtail stew plate with 2 sides. I asked for jollof rice and cabbage. When I got there to pick up and pay, I noticed that the jollof rice was charged separately. I asked why, since my order came with two sides and she said that the ox tail stew plate already comes with rice and peas. I said that's not what I asked for and that's not what the menu says. So she charged me correctly and when I looked in the bag when I got in the car, there wasn't even any rice and peas with the oxtails! Just the 2 sides that I asked for. So what was she she saying?! Anyway, the samosas were good. Simple but good. The oxtail plate left much to be desired. 18.99 and I barely had 3 oxtails. Smh. And it clearly wasn't an oxtail "stew". The sides were just ok. Nothing special. Gave it try. Wouldn't try it again. read more

Jambo Grill - Oxtail stew with jollof rice and cabbage...18.99 and barely any meat! - Caribbean Near Me - Hoover, Alabama

We came for the shrimp and grits. They didn't have any. We got a drink before we left- it was delicious! -a rum and pineapple concoction served fairly quickly. It was quiet enough to talk, with soft Caribbean music playing in the background. read more

Wish I could be more positive for this small business but we had a terrible experience there a few months back. We had a group of 15 so I personally visited two weeks beforehand to make sure they could handle a big group on a Tuesday and also texted the owner the night before to confirm. Upon arrival the bartender did not seem in a hurry to serve up drinks and keep up with the flow. Then we ordered food and it took over 90 MINUTES for some of the dishes to appear with no explanation. The food, once it came, was just ok and we were at a hunger point that we just ate whatever they put in front of us. Found out the next day they were missing an ingredient for one of the side dishes and the manager on duty went to the store to get it. We would've much rather had a heads up and the option to make a different selection. One person in our party ordered wings and waited 30 minutes only to be told they were out. This is basic stuff. Cannot recommend this, especially with a group. read more

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My party of 5 chose to eat lunch Today. I understand having limited staff during week day consisting of 1 waitress and the owner/ cook. And having to wait a while for our food..Our dining time was at 11:30. I chose not to say the Negatives nor Positives of this place.. just go for yourself. BUT what I will say is I was Very Disappointed in the response that was giving to me by the waitress... Let me explain that I had a flyer coupon that was given to me from my first visit there to get 10% off with next visit meal... waitress stated the Manager/ Owner Would not accept the coupon/flyer stating they was given out when the establishment initially open.. Really?! So not to Honor it left a Sour taste :( I will continue to support this business and other minority business but hopefully you would think twice about your response. read more

absolutely not good food it make me stomach too spicy and I threw up and a really bad test. That's absolutely not delicious food.

Not sure if it was the time we went (6pm) or what but my husband & I were extremely disappointed with the food & service. We ordered drinks from the bar that weren't the best. My LIT was mediocre at best & my husband's henny & coke was more coke than henny. The waiter knew this because when she brought it to the table she asked if it was "too much coke?" For the main course, I ordered the oxtail stew with fries & macaroni just to play it safe & my husband got the jerk chicken with jollof rice cabbage. The macaroni was HORRIBLE, no taste at all & the meat looked & tasted like it'd been cooking all day, rubberish & bland. My husband's jerk chicken was nothing but bones to the point he couldn't even eat it & had to send it back. Overall our entire experience was not good at all. We will not be back or even recommend this restaurant to anyone!! read more

Great vibe. I enjoy the food no matter what I get. And the service is alway like they want to make sure you return!!

Visited last year first time and tried the egusi fufu meal and it was so good, then visited again and had oxtail also yummy. Decor was beautiful very welcoming atmosphere and great music. I've been wanting to visit again but bad anxiety won't allow me to drive, saw them listed on Uber eats and decided to try the goat stew this time and oh my lamb it was sooooo delicious. I plan to try a different meal each time I order but idk the goat stew had me wanting to Uber again, just might be my go to meal. Pepper soup im coming for you next lol. Delicious delicious delicious read more

Jambo Grill - Goat Stew - Caribbean Near Me - Hoover, Alabama

This place is a hidden gem! Nice staff, great music, all around good vibes. I went with my family, but it's the perfect place for a night out with friends. read more

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So, I tried the jollof a few weeks ago and it was some of the best rice I've had! Tried the oxtail stew today and I was only given two oxtails and a plate full of broth . In addition to that, the oxtails were tough and lacked flavor. Totally disappointed. read more

I wouldn't recommend it. I ordered the oxtail stew, mac and cheese, and cabbage to go. I was given exactly one piece of oxtail, cabbage so sweet I'm sure my sugar is through the roof, and there was no cheese on my mac and cheese. I'm not exaggerating. There was no cheese. It was just macaroni noodles. I cannot stress this enough: it was PLAIN PASTA NOODLES. I'm still confused by it. I will say that though the oxtail portion was much smaller than what it should have been the oxtail itself was pretty good-- tender and fatty, just how I like it. Seasoning was okay. I think if I were to try it again I'd stick with their West African food but to be honest that doesn't even sound like something I want to do. read more

When entering the establishment the music places you in a positive vibe of ethnic harmony myself my daughter and her husband waited 20 minutes for a server to come over she finally took our orders for drinks and food 3 couples came in after our seating and ordered their food and drinks and ate paid and left . The server finally came over surprised that she had forgotten about us and wide eyed stated it will be out in a min, by this time it's a rush on the food and I ordered the oxtails with carrots ,potatoes and first time trying Fufu my food was horrible fufu came out in a small bowl and my one orange sized oxtail in another bowl no carrots no potatoes and I sat there like Wow ! I'm thankful for this one oxtail and fufu paid the check and left . read more

Kenyan Samosas are absolutely fantastic! 100% recommend. Fast and helpful and good is great!

This place was such a surprise! The food was excellent! A wonderful experience! My friends and I tried it in a whim and we all loved it!

Good food and service nice vibe Jerk Chicken was good and cabbage amazing overall great visit read more

Food was Amazing. Service was awesome. Atmosphere was so nice and laid back. Jambo Grill is a whole VIBE!!!!!!!

The food and service I got wasn't so good this time. I waited an hour and a half for a pick up order. Exactly, because my order was written down and placed, when I called in. I got there and almost every food I picked was either "not looking good" or "too spicy for me" as told to me by the server. So I had to order totally different from my original order. I end up getting dry Jollof rice, plaintains we're good, and great Samosas. But how does all those sides add up to $29. I could've at least gotten a discount for the huge inconvenience. Yeah I won't be back. I used to always get great food here, so what happened. I'm a foodie so I'm gone be honest. And this ain't it no more. read more

Tried this place for the first time last night and I would not recommend it to a single person. The food took over 60 minutes to come out, everyone around me who came in after received their food first. I asked why and they said they burned my lamb chops and had to redo them..... my $20 oxtails was just one oxtail... my rice and beans were over cooked, how do you mess up rice??? . Service -1/10 food 4/10 I didn't expect anything better after the server told me the cook wasn't there and everything was basically pre-made and sitting in a pot. And as a server and bartender this experience was trash. read more

This place is awesome!! Great food, good ppl, amazing vibes!!!! Anyone want to try something different and with great atmosphere, this is the place!!! Great customer service!!! read more

Everything is amazing at this place I don't have o complaints, I eating here numerous of times never had a bad moment here food great

The food was just okay. I ordered curry chicken and it was black, oily and had little to no flavor. I had to send the food back because it looked like ox tails initially but they sent it back with a chicken leg added and said it was chicken parts. I wasn't impressed and won't be back. read more

Went on a Sunday afternoon. I was pleasantly surprised by how good this dining experience was based on the reviews. We were promptly greeted and our dishes came out thirty minutes exactly after we placed our order (I timed it). we ordered samosas, beef patty, goat, oxtails, and jollof rice. Everything was fresh, flavorful and service was efficient. Highly recommend! read more

Please do yourself a favor and never go to this restaurant (unless you only plan on ordering beef patties). TRUST ME. I've ordered from this restaurant 3 times and every single time they didn't give me the sides I ordered. On top of that, the food is sub par, at best. I've never made a review on a restaurant but I wanted to save yall from wasting your money. I wish somebody would've saved me read more

I tried it out despite negative reviews, it's actually pretty dang good. I dont mind a little wait because the food was worth it. Definitely ordering more often! read more

This place stuck me up! 1 oxtail for $20. Jerk chicken was mostly bones, cabbage was sweet like koolaid... and Kendal had an attitude after I spent $60 and got the bare minimum and it all had a slimy grossness. NEVER AGAIN!! read more

Best jamican food in the city!! Nice customer service great drinks and peaceful atmosphere