It sucks when a good thing goes bad. The old owners knew what they were doing. Horrible customer service from the new mgmt. Not to mention the food quality has gone as well . I used to come all the time, but having to deal with the new cash lady, and her ungrateful attitude just turn me off...I wouldn't recommend this place to noone. Any it says something when a Filipino is running a Jamaican food joint. read more

What ever you order it's gonna be great. Love the roti, and of course the chicken (Jerk or BBQ is good) Food's always fresh. Service is friendly. My stepson can't stay outta this place. Just take it and go. read more

Excellent place to grab inexpensive but tasty food from the Carribbean! Their jerk chicken is tender and spicy. The jerk sauce wasn't overpowering, but was enough to ensure every bite was packed with flavour and heat. The beef patties are flaky, the filling generous. The coco bread soft and divine. Oxtail is my go to dish, fall off the bone, with great ratio of fat to really hit home. The prices are very affordable, a great meal without breaking the bank. read more

Mr Jerk - Caribbean Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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The process of Jamaican "jerking" originated as a means to preserve meats prior to the invention of refrigeration. It evolved to the use of local spices to slowly cook and smoke meats over wood, sometimes called the popular "street food" throughout Jamaica. Jerk cooking is considered a mixture of cooking techniques, flavors, and spices from the indigenous people of Jamaica and Africa. Seafood, meats, tropical fruits, and vegetables are widely used. Mr. Jerk (love that name!) consists of five unpretentious restaurant locations in Toronto, Ontario Canada. In 1979, it had its humble beginnings in the back of a small West Indian grocery chain, Linstead Market. In 1986, the first Mr. Jerk opened in the Peanut Plaza in North York, Toronto. The popular Mr. Jerk in the Cabbagetown suburb of eastern downtown Toronto subsequently opened not long after that. This charming Cabbagetown is known for its many brick Victorian homes built in the 1880's and 1890's by the Irish community at that time, with cabbage patches planted in front of the homes. These homes have since been restored and now reflect the heritage of a charming upscale area of many parks, large trees, coffee houses and restaurants. As with other Mr. Jerk locations, this Mr. Jerk offers jerk chicken/pork ala carte or in sandwiches; rice and peas with ox tails; stewed beef; chicken, beef or goat curry roti; chicken soup; curries (chicken, goat or beef with potatoes and veggies); meat patties; fried or fricassee chicken; fried plantains; escovitch (snapper, kingfish, and salt fish with onions); dinner plates; cole slaw; rum cake; festivals and dumplings; sweet potato pudding; black fruit cake; snacks; and Jamaican drinks such as Ting, tropical juices, sodas and vita malt. However, note that each of the Mr. Jerk restaurants has slight variations in that one location may offer certain menu items that the other locations may not. We've tried the following at Mr. Jerk Wellesley: * Jerk chicken sandwich. We love jerk chicken! Many people comment that Jamaican jerk chicken appears to be burnt on the outside, as there are black patches; however, it is the jerk seasoning that makes it appear that it is burnt, but it is not. The chicken is juicy and tender on the inside, and because it is cooked in a smoker, the interior may be pink, but it is fully cooked with savory smokiness. Note that the jerk seasoning is spicy hot. This sandwich was full of juicy and flavorful chicken that was very filling. Note that Allan's Pastry, which is a popular local Jamaican bakery, makes the tasty golden brown bread. * Meat patties. Encased in a buttery and flaky crust, these slightly spicy meat patties are easy to eat as a quick snack. Similar to an empanada. * Codfish fritters. These were delicious, and you wouldn't have known that scraps of fish were used for these fritters. Very addictive. * Tamarind balls. Jamaican packaged sweet snacks such as these sugar-coated, dried tamarind balls satisfies a sweet tooth. They also carry coconut drops, peanut drops, caramel wafers, and cashew nuts. We are fortunate to have been introduced to this authentic Jamaican cuisine, as its owners were born and raised in Jamaica. Food offerings are very flavorful, mouth-watering, and having us to want more. The few Jamaican restaurants that we have back home in HI come and go and are not authentic, as its food is tailored to diners who are unfamiliar with true Jamaican cuisine. As such, it is a special treat to have these foods when we visit Toronto. Cost-saving lunch specials of jerk, bbq, fried, curry or stewed chicken; jerk pork; or fried fish are offered on weekdays. This is a small take-out restaurant. There's a counter next to the window with four seats; however, with Covid, it is not being presently used at this time. It is good to see diners lining up during the busy lunch and dinner hours. The restaurant is bright and clean, with cool photos of Jamaica adorning the walls. Staff is pleasant and friendly, with smiling faces and ready to assist you with your order. Mr. Jerk is located on Wellesley Street across the street from a fresh fruit market and a Food Basics Supermarket. Close parking may be difficult to find, as most customers are already in the area. We parked a couple of blocks away and enjoyed our leisurely stroll through the quaint neighborhood while eating our delicious lunch and reading a couple of Jamaican community newspapers (that we picked up at Mr. Jerk) at a nearby park with lovely shaded trees. Hours of operation are Mon. to Sat., 11a to 9p; Sun. closed. We look forward to enjoying Jamaican food at Mr. Jerk Cabbagetown again when we return to Toronto in the near future. The amazing flavors with sweet and savory spices and smoky jerk aroma will surely be calling us. read more

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I'm just passing through and my daughter recommended I try this place. So I order a jerk chicken meal and she has the sandwich. In addition I I have a Snapple mango ginger drink. Now I'm a big eater and although there is a fair amount of chicken in my meal there is a considerable amount of rice. You won't go away hungry. The taste is alright. The orders are all to go. The key takeaway is the value you receive for your money. You can't beat it. It cost me USD $17.11. read more

Mr Jerk - Jerk chicken sandwich - Caribbean Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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This place is a 505 if you're just going for the patties. They are really flaky and tender and the filling is super flavorful. Nine times out of 10 I just go here and get patties. I could live off of them if I wouldn't weigh 1,000,000 pounds. Last night we try the rest of the offerings we got the curry goat and the jerk chicken with coleslaw and some festivals (and of course some pink ting). Sadly, the patty was still the best part. The chicken and goat were cooked perfectly but the seasoning wasn't as powerful as I was hoping and the goat was a little greasy. Maybe it was a bad day though. I'm going to give it another go for sure! They are also the most friendly people!! Always leave smiling. read more

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The food is tasty and affordable, and the customer service is pleasant. The patty in coco bread is my go to here. read more

Mr Jerk - Patty in coco bread. - Caribbean Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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I was driving down for work several time and drove the same path, kept passing by Mr Jerk. Finally was able to stop and grab some food . The store owner was very nice and cheerful. Pleasure to chat with her. I bought the Wednesday special which was jerk chicken for $7.99 , came with a drink. It was lunch box full of food! Generous amount of peas and rice. I also ordered curry lamb roti, which tasted amazing. They used good quality lamb, again not cheap on giving big pieces of meat. I also ordered the beef patty which was from Allans, and fried dumplings.. it was very good. Tasted like the Chinese style fried dough that goes with congee. Will definitely stop by again! read more

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New owners, not the same food. Patties are not the same... they used to bake Allen's patties better than Allens! Now they taste like the frozen patties at the grocery store. The Jerk pork is wrong, barely any flavour and spice! And the rice and beans are weirdly wet and bland. I used to make the trip downtown because this location was the best, but not anymore. I will go to the Peanut Plaza Location from now on. read more

I had to stop half way through my lunch here to write the review. Tiny little hole in the wall with mighty jerk. Paid 8 dollars for the lunch special which included 4 pieces of jerk chicken, coleslaw , rice and beans and I bought a dumping for gravy dipping. The jerk is rich , with a bit of heat but dosent overpower. The slaw and rice and beans are nice as well. I'm so full yet all I want to do is finish my chicken! Recommended. read more

Mr Jerk - Bargain lunch special! - Caribbean Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

I just had the worst roti of my life from here. I have ordered from this place for a long time and have always been a huge fan. Tonight my chicken roti came not in a roti skin, but what appeared to be a grocery store wrap. It was tough, dry, and the portion small. Didn't matter because I threw a lot out. Please please Mr. Jerk - fess up that it was a mess up and I will happily take you back as my number one. read more

The Jerk Pork is near perfection, the chared bark from the Jerk seasoning and preparation makes it one of the best mouthfuls you can have ever have. Do yourself a favour and drop by, they have daily lunch specials as well! read more

The jerk chicken itself isn't bad. It's definitely flavorful, but a bit lacking on the seasoning. On the other hand, I feel like other places I've been to tend to *over*-season, so I'll give them credit for not over-seasoning. The portion sizes are good for their price, and the lunch special comes with a drink. The coleslaw tastes a bit bland too, like a salad without dressing, although I suppose that's a good thing, since it's healthier without all the dressing. The lady who works there is nice, so that's a bonus too. All in all, decent place for a lunch and I'll definitely go back again. read more

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I used to come into Mr. Jerk all the time as I lived in the Cabbagetown hood for many years and it was usually good. Moved out of the neighbourhood but got nostalgic and ordered for delivery. Before, when I ordered Half Jerk Chicken a la Carte, the Take-Out container was so full it could barely shut. With white meat and dark meat ( which is breast, thigh, leg, hence half chicken). My container arrived as pictured with the container half empty with the left over shitty parts of the chicken with barely any meat on it. See picture. Called to complain and the owner (y'all know who she is if you know) didn't listen to me at all and kept saying she put in half a chicken. See their idea of half chicken and a regular half chicken at say, oh I don't know, let's say Swiss chalet... this place went DOWN HILL and they give ZERO Fucks about it... judge for yourself... read more

Mr Jerk - Caribbean Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Picked up 2lbs of jerk pork to go, one with sauce and the other without. It used to be $11 a pound, now it's $13 a pound! Very tasty, nice cuts of pork, just the right amount of heat. I made sure to call ahead because YELP showed as closed, but they are open on Saturday. Very satisfied with purchase. I also bought 3 fried dumplings @ $1.50 each but they were very tough and hard when I got it home :( This place has been here for years! I would definitely go back for pork read more

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BEST Jamaican beef patty in Toronto -- Far better than Ritz Caribbean Foods in Kensington. Pastry is more tender and tasty, filling have more gravy to it. WORST BEEF ROTIS: In the last few years, every time I bought one (at least five over time) it was bad -- curry powder used is at times bland, potatoes old and taste off, but how do they ruin stewed beef!? -- always dry and tough, and considering the price, very bad. Great coleslaw, though. But tough, dry meat is a no-go. read more

Stop in while heading to Wal mart Just grabbed a couple of the patties The dough or the crust was excellent and fresh Flavor of the meat was also good read more

This place just nails jerk pork perfectly, at some west indian shops it's actually stewed (yuk) but the only way I'll have it, is this way, slow cooked over fire and allspice wood which gives it that beautiful spicy bark on it, their jerk pork is just divine, I've yet to find jerk pork as good in this city or even in this country to be honest, it's absolute perfection!! Servings are large and filling too. At $10 a dinner, it's worth EVERY penny... Their fried plantains are also done perfectly, as they use very ripe plantains and fry them to sweet perfection, many other places just never seem to get plantains right like this, mainly because of impatience as they don't let the plantains ripen fully before using them. The Jerk chicken is also perfect as well, not stewed, but slow roasted, just so good!! Although the pork is my go to meal here, but when i do have the chicken, I'm never disappointed. Even their Roti is beyond good, whomever makes the curry there is a genius, so delicious!!, as you can see I have zero complaints for this place, as the food is just dynamite!! Can't wait to have it again!! and they deliver too!! (via just eat) read more

I went to high school nearby so I grew up at Mister Jerk so I admit I'm a little biased, however for the price, I haven't found many places with better Jerk Chicken. I just got back from Ochos Rios Jamaica, and had asked a cabbie to bring me to his favourite roadside drum jerk chicken. And honestly, that was THE best jerk chicken I'd ever had, especially with the Jamaican Ketchup and hot sauce. So if that's my measuring stick, Mr. Jerk's chicken is honestly not that far behind. I also love their Curried Oxtail and Jerk Pork. The sauce is really the key. I think the two Mr. Jerk restaurants in Toronto (the other one is located at the Peanut Plaza on Don Mills Rd, north of Sheppard) are run by a Jamaican Chinese family, as I found it quite amusing to see Asian people with a thick creole accents, even though I know there are alot of them in Toronto. Both places are not a sit down restaurant and only wished they had a drive thru window! :) read more

flavourful, consistent, simple, affordable, nice people. what all restaurants should aspire for

I had Mr. Jerk when visiting Toronto in 2009 and it was f'ing delicious. Came back to Toronto for a conference in 2013 f'ing delicious again. Back in Toronto once again for a conference in 2019 this time the guy who was always there cooking and serving was not there this time and I could tell. This time it was two women and this time the food was just ok. The next time I'm in Toronto I'm definitely going back though. Hope its back like I remember. read more

Insanely good Jamaican patties (the best in the city in my opinion) but also try the jerk pork. Very friendly employees as well. Definitely a gem in the area. read more

Another place I had to try on reference basis. First look of the place ... Looks old school run down. But alright. Staff courteous, fast. Took a 1/2 jerk chicken lunch with rice / beans and oxtail sauce. Good quantity of both the rice and chicken. Taste test: chicken was too hard, not moist. As if it had been made long before and reheated again an again. Not appetizing. The rice cooked almost alright but not fully didn't have enough flavour for what they should have in rice and beans. Could barely taste the oxtail. The salad given on top seemed fresh though. Overall disappointing experience. Not a place I'd head back to. read more

Mr Jerk - Jerk Chicken with rice an beans topped with oxtail sauce. - Caribbean Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Great spot! Some of the better jerk chicken and pork I've eaten in Toronto. Owner is really nice guy, laid back, easy going.. place is very small and can get really annoyingly crammed, I just walk away when that line is out the door. Better than Ritz anyday! read more

This location has been here for years always serving a delicious jerk dinner..moderate prices and great customer service

Good old reliable Mr.Jerk. Would use it more often if they were open another hour longer. For a Caribbean take on curry, their version is my personal favourite, completely different & distinct from anything Indian, I also like their Jerk, the seasoning mix is just as I prefer it - and also like how you can get he curried potatoes as a stand alone item when you just want to bring home an exciting side dish. Still one of the best Beef Patties anywhere, although it's not as good as it used to be in the 90's & early 2000's when their patties had that sublime, flaky crust. The downsides - other than obvious lack of an actual restaurant and inconvenience of coming by car - some side dishes tend to be forgettable - Rice & Peas usually a little chalkier than they need to be ,,, the meat_to_bone ratio on the Goat tends to be even more problematic than usual - and while I love the seasoning mix on the Jerk, the meat itself is sometimes a bit dry compared to the very best (maybe a bit longer marinade time and slower cooking would help). for these reasons I don't give it a full 5, but it's still an amazing take-out for the money. read more

I love this place so much. The jerk pork, the curry chicken, the curry beef... Add some rice and peas and top it off with an order of plantain to experience heaven. It's a small place with a lot of customers, so try to visit during non-peak hours to avoid the lineups. Lunchtime when there's school or local construction, and 6pm during the week seem especially busy to me. (It is worth the wait though, believe me.) read more

Mr Jerk - Caribbean Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

I have tried the jerk pork which ok I prefer the Lawrence location , the jerk chicken is good , but today I tried the roties. I got a chicken and a beef. The roti bread was way under Cooked and it tasted awfull, the Curry's were salty, honestly both of them were really bad. Island foods would blow this place out of the water with their curries, dinners and roties. Personally I would not recommend this place, very disappointing . Island foods is way better in flavour and quality read more

okay- i used to go to Mr. Jerk when i was in London. wondered if they had the chain somewhere in North America. well, on a business trip to Toronto- one of my lovely co-workers did some research on the net to find one! i seriously missed the Roti (Trinidadian flat bread). APPARENTLY... there's a Mr. Jerk in West Harlem (NYC). woo! anyway, i will get to that one later... this time around, we headed to the one on Wellesley. besides the Chicken Roti (chicken curry rolled in a flaky-buttery flat bread)- the Jerk Chicken w/ rice, beans and plantain is my staple order. occasionally- i'll crave for a beef patty for the road. please, i recommend NOT putting the gravy on the chicken. no, no, no, my friend! the pineapple jerk chicken is another good choice--- you can get that one for 9.50 pounds in London, i'm too sure about the prices here, though. i've heard great things about the Oxtail dish, but i'm not a fan of that kind of meat. read more

I'm so glad I found this place. It's cash only, everything is fresh made. I had the jerk chicken roti with curry sauce and codfish fritter. It tastes exactly what I used to eat as a kid when my mama was visiting from the islands. It's not expensive, it's quick and it's so filling. I'm already counting down until I'm back for more read more

I love love loveeeee this place. It is located near my high school and I've gone here several times over my high school career. I loved ordering anything on their menu really. Also their beef patties are delicious! Especially with coco bread! YUMMMMM. For those in the area looking for a cheap meal and favourful! This is your place. This place is great for students, they have daily special meals that they offer. But better be quick or else they run out! - CL read more

Needless to say the only items I have ever ordered at Mr. Jerk are the jerk related ones, and so this review is not relevant to the roti or any other dishes! The jerk chicken and pork are both very tasty and appropriately spiced! The shop has a good turnover so it's usually a good bet that the food has not been sitting around for too long, especially on school days! I'm not a jerk expert, so I don't know if this really is the best jerk or not, or whether the jerk sandwich should have any ingredients other than jerk meat and gravy (that's all you'll get here)! I do however wish that they served bread that wasn't basically a square 20c hot dog bun as it is neither the tastiest or healthiest item hugging your jerk meat! Overall very speedy service and tasty Caribbean style meat! read more

Jerk me up before you go go. Jerk it real good. Jerkin on heaven's door. We will, we will jerk you. You get the picture. read more

I'd heard good things about Mr. Jerk but seeing is always believing. I always order the same thing: a curry chicken roti, rice and peas with gravy and a dumpling and the taste never disappoints. The environs are gritty, but when the food can stand on its own like that, it's all good. Dives like this typically have the best food. The curry reminds me of my childhood as does the warmth and friendliness of the owner. One of my favorite things about Mr. Jerk is the motley crew of people lined up inside awaiting their next yummy meal...every colour; every flavor. Now, THAT'S Toronto. A real gem in the city. I would prefer my food be warmer, but I always get take-away so I warm it up again when I get home. read more

Favourite patty place, love the jerk chicken and pork on rice. Affordable and fast but come at a good time. Lunch is busy lol

I've eaten at many carib restaurants but this one takes the cake. I'm a regular here and will drive pass many others to get to mr.jerk. Atmosphere: a whole in the wall so don't expect 5 star dining decor. Food: very reasonable pricing and more importantly YUMMY. $1.50 for the best Jamaican beef patties in town. No brainer! These guys are known for their patties. Standing in line, you will notice everyone that makes an order, includes at least one pattie. They are almost pastry like. Typing this review is making me actually crave one. Service: they only have one poor soul manning the cash and food so it can get backed up but, the wait is worth it. read more

Service: It's a small shop with one lady running the cashier and packing your food. Therefore, during lunch time go early if you don't want to wait. Ambiance: The shop is not exactly located in the best part of town, and the shop is a bit run down, but the food itself makes up for it! Food: I only tried their jerk chicken, and I promise myself every time that i'll try something different. Yet, I still end up getting the jerk chicken, cause it's just that good. The chicken is so tender that it falls off the bone, paired with that bean rice and gravy is like the perfect match. The portions are huge too. I never feel hungry walking out of the shop. It's really reasonably priced too, at $7 plus taxes it also comes with a drink during lunch hours! read more

Popular local spot, but while the jerk sauce is flavorful and the gravy portion generous, the pork itself is easily half fat. Overall not bad, but plenty of other Jamaican places. read more

Mr Jerk - Jerk pork - Caribbean Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

it has become an unpredictable place... some days food is terribly bad... ugly, inedible... some other days, it is astounishingly good... but there is no way you can predict... it always look like a dive place from outside - and inside... read more

Mr. Jerk! I had the pleasure of working next to this little gem and decided to pay a visit around lunch. First off, this is definitely a place where you'd rather grab and go than eat at. The atmosphere is pretty bland and unwelcoming, but who cares? You're only there for the food! I ordered a beef party which I was told was made fresh (don't know whether or not to believe that) and I got the lunch special which consisted of jerk chicken, rice with gravy and coleslaw. Everything was on point! The beef inside the patty was so juicy. The jerk chicken was so tender and flavorful, devoured it in seconds. The rice on its own was pretty bland but the gravy which covered the rice made up for it. The coleslaw was delicious. You could definitely tell that it was made with love! If I'm in the area I'll go back and I do recommend it, but I must add that this is not a place I would travel to get my fix of jerk chicken. read more