Listen, I want 5 stars so bad for this place, but they fell short on a key aspect. The only reason…read morefor 4 stars was because they were out of goat and patties, and the server seemed unforgiving as well. Everything was GOOD. By GOOD I mean delicious and large and tasty and I just wanted to stuff my face, which I did. I had the chicken curry, my second option because they were out of goat. That's cool though because it was still really good, just a TINY BIT dry, but the sauce made up for it. The bowls were huge, which I love because it was a bit expensive. The sauces were so good, honestly reminds me of my days in Florida and frequenting the Caribbean restaurants there. The drinks (agua frescas), PHEW, were AMAZING. I had the Jamaica, my partner got the Guava, and they killed it with those drinks!!! Sooo flavorful and refreshing, paired very well with the savory food. The bar manager came and talked to us because we were the only people in that joint, she was so friendly and funny. She got us cups and ranch, even though ranch isn't on the menu, for my partner because the bowl was spicy even with the neutralizer. The ambiance was cool and the building was separated into two by curtains, one side was the restaurant and the other was the bar. I could tell they get lit and have a good time there for sure, sound systems and security clued me in on that. We ate in the bar side and the table was very thin, probably made for drinks only, but we made it work. The worker at the register seemed tired of disinterested. He didn't help us out nor present any options, just confirmed or denied what we asked. He wasn't super helpful or welcoming, but he seemed tired so I'll let him have that.

We went to Pimento before a show at the Ordway. It definitely has "bar" vibes with the music and…read morelights which wasn't necessarily the ambiance we were looking for BUT the staff were friendly, the food was great, and the quickness was just right. We ordered at the counter so we were ready to catch our show at a moment's notice which was perfect. Not to mention the perfectly filling dinner we had. FOOD: we both had the jerk chicken street option with rice, plantains, and slaw. Such a filling and great option. We also got drinks which were adequately strong and well priced. SERVICE: friendly and perfect AMBIANCE: bar vibes but comfortable and definitely perfectly good for us at least (young 20-something's) Parking; tricky but it's expected in St Paul

This entree was a 7.5 out of 10 I have had better Jamaican food. The customer service was great…read morethough it wasnt any awkward stares or silence. The place is small but you are able to dine in the seats are limited. Also I seen a sign that says no public restrooms. Check out my full review on the food on tiktok @ TreyBentley89

I ordered a large ox tail plate and a regular jerked chicken plate. The portions of meat were…read moreextremely small. $17 for the jerked chicken plate and it came with only a small chicken quarter, $28 for large order of oxtails and it probably had 3 larger pieces and 5 small pieces (size of a quarter). Both plates came with a mountain of rice to deceive you with the weight and fullness of the to go tray. The food was ok but definitely NOT worth the price at all.

So i heard about this place through the Too Good To Go app. When you do these orders, it is a toss…read moreup on what you get. I walked in and waited a couple minutes for my food. The people working there were very friendly. It's a small space so more of a pick up and go. Food was very hot and fresh. I really liked the rice, the rest of it had some decent flavors but just not my cup of tea. I would debate going back and trying to something else if I was in the area.

Wow! My husband and I tried their Jerk chicken combo at the Minnesota State Fair - Kickoff to…read moreSummer event, and that was the best jerk sauce we have ever had. It had enough heat and was flavorful. I am not sure if they will be at the main State Fair event, but they were there by the grandstand in a food truck. The staff working at the fairground were also very uplifting and professional. The food was delicious. The price was good. The portion was enough. I would love to check out their restaurant in St. Paul on University Ave.

I've eaten here a couple of time and it's pretty good Now…read moreI'm no expert on Jamaican cuisine but the one love special that consists of slow roasted jerk pork and fire grilled jerk chicken is my go to order! Meat has alot of flavor and I like the sides with the coconut rice, plantains and slaw and you can add what sauce you'd like Adding slaw always gives that nice crunch texture It's a little spendy for the portion size but so is everything else Service was quick and efficient

Pimento serves some of the most flavorful Jamaican food in the Twin Cities -- their jerk chicken,…read morecurry goat, and oxtail are packed with authentic spices and generous portions. You absolutely cannot leave without grabbing a few hot patties. The staff are friendly and welcoming, and a pro tip: there's a bar next door that turns into a club at night if you're looking for some evening fun. It's a little pricey, but overall a fantastic spot for authentic Jamaican food. Street parking is your best bet.

On my first day in Minneapolis, I decided to walk over to Harry Singh's. I was a little concerned…read moreby the boarded up glass door but decided to forge ahead and I'm glad I did. Harry is a friendly elderly man from Trinidad and Tobago. He is apparently very well known in Minnesota, particularly for his curries which I will be sure to try the next time I'm in state. Personally, I'm never able to resist jerk chicken and so upon sitting down, I promptly placed my order for jerk chicken and plantains. Unfortunately he was out of Caribbean punch but he made me a mixture of sorrel and ginger beer that was pretty good although a bit sweet for me. When my jerk chicken arrived at my table, I was in awe of the sheer amount of food I had unknowingly ordered (and very glad I hadn't ended up ordering the curry as well as one person) and of the smell. It was so hot it was smoking and I could immediately smell the flavors were legit and the chicken would be spicy. This jerk chicken was spicy in a way that sneaks up on you. I was surprised to feel my eyes watering! One of the other patrons was coughing from the spice of his meal so if you're not used to spicy food, definitely order a glass of milk in advance! The plantains were perfectly ripe, sweet and well cooked, just like I would make for myself! Harry was very kind and sweet and kept coming up to my table as well as his tables of regulars to chat and exchange stories. I'm not always the most chatty but I didn't feel uncomfortable speaking with Harry. Overall, I enjoyed my time and my meal at Harry Singh's and will be happy to return the next time I'm in the city

I tried this restaurant after a friend recommended it. I got the jerk chicken with red beans and…read morerice, and a Jamaican meat patty. you get such a huge portion! probably enough for three or four people with the Jamaican jerk chicken and the red beans and rice. I took it to go and brought it home and ate it. My mouth was on fire, and I love spicy food, but I couldn't stop eating it because it was so good!

Great place to have a talk while you're eating good food. I would definitely come here again…read moreconsidering the amazing hospitality and huge portion of food.

I stopped in recently and I highly recommend this restaurant! It's definitely a better pick up…read morefood and take it home than a sit down place but you definitely can sit down if you like. I ordered the brown chicken with beans and rice and it was a 9 out of 10! This is a really good rating especially if you grabbed take out. The staff was awesome, the place clean and neat and I will be adding it to my regular rotation. One final word, the portions are huge so the value is great! My husband and I shared a meal. Delicious

Ate here today. Although it could have been spicier, it was delicious. The beef patties taste just…read morelike the ones used to eat at Tasty Patties in Jamaica. Customer service was excellent.

Came to MOA for some last minute Halloween shopping. Decided on trying something new in the food…read morecourt. Veronica was super nice and accommodating as it was my first time trying Caribbean food. She gave me a huge helping of oxtail and some jerk chicken. Even it being the end of the day, the chicken and oxtail were fantastic. Will definitely have to come back and try it during peak hours.

Time and time again, El Cubano leads the Cuban/Dominican genre in the Twin Cities, IMHO. I've had…read morethe pleasure of dining here multiple times, throughout several years, and it is ALWAYS a guaranteed sensational meal. A 2022 recipient of the Mpls-St. Paul Magazine Golden Fork Award winner, El Cubano is a casual eatery serving traditional Cuban and Dominican small bites, such as empanadas, tequeños, croquettes, sandwiches, and entrees. All meals are cooked to order, so expect a wait as your order is being prepared. This cuisine is intended to be savored fresh, not reheated. After you place your order at the counter, you may choose indoor or outdoor seating while you wait for your meal. During this visit, I had the delight to indulge in: - "Chicken Croquettes": a savory, breaded fritter stuffed with chicken. - "Chicken Empanada": flour dough, fried, stuffed with shredded chicken and cheese. Remarkably delicious! - "Beef Empanada": flour dough, fried, stuffed with minced beef and cheese. - "Pan Con Bistec con Yuca Frita y Mojo": Steak Sandwich loaded with tomatoes, lettuce, potato sticks, mayo, and a thin beef steak, served in between two slices of Cuban bread. My side choice was fried yucca, served with a "mojo": a traditional sauce made from a cooked onion-garlic mixture. - "Picadillo con Moro y Maduros": Mined beef served with "moro", which is a combination of white rice and black beans, cooked together. The maduros are sweet, ripe, yellow plantains that are fried but, due to their sweetness and texture, remain soft even after frying. Paired with the moro and a bit of the picadillo, this meal is a transcendent bite that will have you achieving flow state in no time. - "Ropa Vieja con Arroz Blanco, y Maduros:" Stewed, shredded beef cooked with bell peppers, tomatoes, and onions. This traditional Cuban dish, which translates into "old clothes", is anything but what the name suggests. The tenderness and juiciness of the shredded beef, scooped up with a ball of white rice and sweet plantains, are ethereal, and it's a dish I highly recommend if you're seeking immediate culinary comfort. El Cubano is proof that delectable, authentic Latin-Caribbean cuisine doesn't have to be complicated and can be accessible anywhere in the world with the right hands at the helm. The owner of El Cubano, who is also the cashier and server, has put this restaurant on the map in the Twin Cities. Her culinary roots, blended with her gift for cooking, her understanding of seasons, and her use of fresh ingredients to recreate popular Cuban and Dominican comfort dishes, are truly remarkable. El Cubano doesn't take shortcuts, and you can taste the quality of love poured into this food.

I don't eat meat, so I was a little unsure walking in--but I am so glad I gave this place a chance!…read more This is a smaller spot in west St. Paul and it is authentic in the coolest way - I can't wait to revisit during the summer because their patio looks amazing! Spanish is my rusty second language and the staff smiled as they put up with me practicing, actively communicating and just overall making the whole experience awesome. Most of the existing reviews highlight the meat dishes (which looked amazing, to be fair), so I thought I'd share a vegetarian perspective. I got the vegetarian plate and all of the components were notably fresh and super flavorful. I am glad I asked if they had any hot sauce or salsa on my way out with my to-go order, because the salsa they provided was definitely the cherry on the top of my meal. The yuca fries were so fresh and perfectly fried, but not suuper favorable (as one would expect with most fried root vegetables). So I'd suggest pairing their awesome texture and freshness with a chosen form of sauce, salsa, etc. They are going to be a hit with any kids in your party, for sure! If you're vegetarian and hesitant to try a Cuban restaurant, this is your sign to go. And if you eat meat, you're probably already aware this place is a gem. I'll definitely be coming back!

I'm so glad Brasa is back to being a full service restaurant, it feels so much more welcoming than…read morewhen they switched to QR codes a few years ago. The smothered chicken is my go-to here, and all of the sides are fantastic. A great spot for a family style dinner that hits right in the soul.

Brasa is one of my takeout and dine in staples for over 5 years. They have a few locations…read morethroughout the city and all of them are filled with savory dishes, friendly staff and a great atmosphere. The restaurant is a more casual vibe, but their food is very well curated. Their menu is American creole focused, with dishes inspired by the flavors of the southern US, Mexico and the Caribbean. I've never had a bad meal here, and the quality is always consistent. The portions are big and hearty. Brasa is also incredibly gluten free friendly and vegan/vegetarian friendly. Truly a place where everyone can find something on the menu that they like. My favorites are the classic rotisserie chicken plate served with rice, beans and a side, chillaquilles with red sauce (spicy) and the vegetable and chick pea curry. Brasa is consistent, flavorful and unique. Their menu is impressive, I recommend!