Overall, the food was okay. The brown stew chicken was a bit too salty for my taste. The jerk patty was decent, and so was the rice and beans. The macaroni salad wasn't anything special. read more

Sankofa Cafe - Caribbean Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

See all

I absolutely love Sankofa for it's cuisine and atmosphere! It's like what I would imagine being at an island restaurant. On good weather days they have two patio areas to enjoy your meal while listening to the music. Even without their tasty spirited drinks you just want to dance and sway to the music. Great music beautiful bar hidden in midtown. Usually I get the Oxtails or Goat with sweet potato, rice and peas. But because I am watching my carbs I got the okra and cabbage. I was NOT disappointed. I cheated with some cornbread and a slice of lemon cake I intended to share but couldn't resist the other half of the slice! The guy making the food and drinks has an accent that makes you really feel like you are on some island. The women prepping the plates and packing taking orders is always quick and generally friendly. read more

Sankofa Cafe - Goat, okra, cabbage - Caribbean Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

My friend and I tried this for the first time yesterday and the food was easily a 10/10. I got the jerk chicken with a side of cabbage, rice and peas, and cornbread. She got the oxtail, rice and peas, potato salad and cornbread. Everything was extremely good. The portions were generous, the food was hot and fresh, and the ambiance of the restaurant felt authentic. The lady that took our orders was very welcoming and ensured our experience was nothing short of desirable. Definitely will be back very soon! :) read more

See all

They have the best oxtails in town! The service friendly and engaging. Only place for me to get oxtails read more

This literal Mom & Pop eatery is easily my favorite restaurant of any cuisine. That includes meals I've had in Montego Bay and Kingston! The oxtails are so delicious that I no longer make them myself; portion sizes are very generous. While stuck for a week in St. Louis, I tried a local Jamaican restaurant only to realize that before Sankofa's, it would have been acceptable but I couldn't even finish it. read more

Found this hidden gem when googling Jamaican food near me. I was out with some friends who's never had Jamaica food before. I told them it's a must try! It's one of my FAVORITE cuisine's. I ordered a beef patty, curry goat , ox tails with okra, cabbage with rice and beans. It was SO delicious! The people at the restaurant were very nice, the lady who took my order offered me to sit down own the other side and I must say it was pretty cool. Lots of bright colors and decorated nicely. It's a bar with tables for those who choose to dine in, with a patio for outside seating. I'll definitely be returning when it gets warmer to enjoy the outside patio. Last but not least try the rum punch! read more

See all

I was in town visiting a friend when she got a call from her friend saying she would bring us oxtail for lunch- I was excited so I didn't ask where the food was being purchased. Once she arrived we quickly opened the bags to feast on some Caribbean goodness. Boy! We were disappointed. The food was cold, the rice and peas was mushy and it tasted like they used parboiled rice and canned beans. No seasoning. Cabbage was overcooked the oxtail was few and tough- big pieces but the meat held to the bone- and then I saw the signature grease that accumulates when this particular establishment cooks their oxtail. So I asked what was the name of the restaurant. Behold I had a bad experience here years prior and I see no changes had been made. The oxtail needs to be trimmed down- it's way too much fat and grease. Looking back at the other review pics I can see the oil separating from their oxtail platters as well. The jerk chicken was dry yet tender?? Which is Very odd And it tasted old. The cornbread was also dry. I tasted a spoonful or two of everything so that I could be fair on this review. The food is poorly executed. It lacks flavor and freshness. read more

A hidden gem, somehow I added this place into my KC Collection. Figured there's no time like the present to try them out... I'll get burnt ends on another day. I pulled up and it reminded me of how small joints look in Jamaica. I was the only customer at the time. They had reggae jammin the whole time! I ordered the dark jerk chicken plate, peas & rice, and plantains! Oh yeah, a Ting too! The food didn't take too long to come. It was steaming. I let it cool off a bit before I started eating. The chicken was juicy and spicy! Flavorful! The peas & rice was filling and the plantains were plentiful! If you're tired of bbq, come check them out! read more

Sankofa Cafe - My jerk chicken plate - Caribbean Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

See all

I went on Sunday afternoon and there was a nice casual vibe with some music playing, as this was my first time the nice lady taking my order suggested the combo plate, I got the oxtails, meatballs,brown stew chicken, cabbage and peas+rice and everything was delicious, I plan on going back soon. read more

The food was lousy. It had no flavor was greasy and served. Cold instead of lukewarm service was terrible. I won't go back now.

Best Oxtail hands down! Personable service, cute little place. I will definitely be back

I went in to taste the red snapper. I've been back once a week since for the oxtail meals. Friendly and fast service! Drinks are amazing as well. read more

Sankofa Cafe - Caribbean Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

I heard about this place a while before I tried it, but never got a chance to go there. Me and a few friends finally decided to go after work one day and really enjoyed it. The hostess greeted us with a big smile as soon as we walked in the door and told us about the specials for the day. The restaurant/bar was darker than I preferred and the decor was a little outdated. They played Jamaican music in the background (which you would expect from a Jamaican restaurant) and also had a tv in there as well. At the time we went, they had 2-for-$5 domestic beers and a few food specials as well. I wasn't hungry, so I got rice & peas with curry gravy. My friends got jerk chicken, which came with rice & peas, cabbage and cornbread. The food was good and the prices were reasonable. The waitress was very helpful and the environment was comfortable. I'd recommend this place for anyone wanting to try authentic Jamaican cusine read more

Sankofa Cafe - Caribbean Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

I ate here for the first time today. The food was excellent and the staff are fantastic. I had the oxtail and my friend had the jerk chicken. 12/10, would recommend. Their indoor seating isn't currently open because they're still taking the pandemic seriously. But they do have a small patio. read more

4 times to this restaurant and it's so good each time. And they are just so very nice, yep well be back again

Yes little ole me demolished the food So 45 minutes later. The food is amazing. no I did not get sick no I did not wanna go home. I wanted to sit here and enjoy my meal in a Nice environment. It's beautiful outback and Did I say the food was amazing. Come support #hiddensecrete #supportyourblackbusiness your #Jamaicanbusiness #foodis read more

First time to this establishment, and I'm planning to come back! I really liked the Caribbean vibe from the decor, and they had reggae music on blast, even when we were the first customers there. I ordered the oxtail with rice and peas and fried plantains, and I loved it. I was glad I looked to yelp for people's favorites and ordered that as my first dish, and it was lovely. Rich, gelatinous, perfectly seasoned and spiced. The fried plantains came as a surprise since I was expecting something more thin and crispy and seasoned, but I suspected that it was to balance out the flavors and richness of the oxtail. My friend ordered the chicken curry stew and she liked it a lot too. Overall, it was a great first experience, and I love it when the food is cooked and done right, that now I can't wait to come back to try other offerings on the menu! read more

Sankofa Cafe - Oxtail with 2 sides, rice and peas and fried plantains - Caribbean Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

See all

Clean, bright, smelled like Egyptian Musk incense and they were playing all mid to late 90s R&B (112, 702, any BadBoy signee basically) Service is warm, casual and friendly. Got the combo plate, Ox tails, jerk and curry chicken with rice and peas and a huge slice of cornbread! So good. They had Pink Ting too! Will be back for the fish plate. read more

Sankofa Cafe - Combo plate. Fire ass macaroni salad, curry chicken, ox tails, and jerk chicken. Delicious! - Caribbean Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

See all

I called before coming and was told that they had the best oxtails in Kansas City. Based on this, we decided to try them. Welp...no lies detected here!!! They really were the best my family has had in KC and we'll definitely be back! read more

This was a hearty treat. I ordered takeaway oxtails, cabbage, with rice and peas. Rice and peas are a Jamaican version of red beans (the peas, which are actually black beans) and rice. From simple to complex: They're situated in an established residential neighborhood. Growing up in Chicagoland, I can tell you that some of the best food came from family-run mom-and-pop shops and food carts. The cabbage was seasoned nicely, the rice and peas were also seasoned well, but a pinch more salt would have been nice. (Of course, I could have added my own salt but I didn't, choosing to let them soak up the drippings from the oxtails. Oh yeah!) The oxtails were over-the-top good. Being a connoisseur of oxtail (which I prepare several times per year), I rate them 10/10 forks up. They were seasoned just right, falling off the bone tender, and the portion size didn't leave me feeling cheated. The price was high ($21.75), but that is partly due to an inflated market. Currently, a 15lb case of oxtails costs me $175 - $195 retail (if they even have them) and some places are MUCH higher. Every other meal was priced more reasonably. Overall it's worth the trip to eat here. By the way, they don't take phone orders, but I recommend you call ahead to make sure they have what you plan to order. read more

This is a place what some may call a hole in the wall. I'm about experience and taste not looks so take this as you will: I was the only person in the place (minus delivery driver arriving) which is expected at some family owned businesses. But the lady taking my order still seemed frazzled as if a lot was going on. I am not from kcmo so I asked a good amount of questions around a lunch menu or specials (which they don't have) and I could sense her irritability around that. She thanked the delivery driver for his patience but not a paying customer... Once I got my food she asked if it was my first time there and I said yes (really wanted to say duhhh) and that was the first moment she perked up and stated I would really like the food. With that said I got the jerk chicken and it's nothing special. I really wanted to try the goat but i can't do a 30$ lunch (and I'm here on the company's dime). There's a lot more Caribbean places in the area with better taste. I'd only come back to kill my curiosity on the goat read more

I've been trying to catch up on reviews from last year, but this is the perfect place to kick off my reviews for 2016. Simply amazing! Probably the best oxtails in Kansas City. Tender, fall off the bone, not fatty, and seasoned perfectly. They can seriously make you moan while eating them. The baked sweet potatoes are perfectly cooked and great quality. The cabbage steamed just right to be soft but not mushy. The cornbread had to be made from scratch. Just the best plate of food for a chilly night. They also have some amazing drinks. If you liked rum, this is your place. If you like margaritas, they have at least ten flavors. They have a full bar outside of their drink specials. So glad I found this place. They easily are in my KC to ten. Amazing owners. Local. Everyone needs to stop and support them! I might have to go back this week myself and try another option on the menu! read more

Sankofa Cafe - Caribbean Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

I am a fan of jerk chicken always when trying an Caribbean cuisine restaurant. I feel that's a dish you can't go wrong with. This particular place had a nice vibe. My sister and I came during lunch hour on a Wednesday. It was us and three cop women! We both enjoyed the jerk chicken, it wasn't the best jerk I had, however I am willing to go back to try another dish. We also enjoyed plantains, which I give 3 stars. All in all with out being to hard of a critic, I will Give this place one more chance. This also seems like this may be a cool spot to listen to good music and have good drinks. They have a outside patio, and inside fully stocked bar! read more

Sankofa Cafe - Caribbean Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

All I can say is FUCK!!! the OXTAIL was delicious!!!! I can smell the oxtail stewing the minute I pulled up. read more

Sankofa Cafe - Caribbean Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

They cabbage could have been better. But they jerk chicken was . I'm from Chicago and it reminds me of that good ole chi town jerk chicken!! I will be back read more

We had the curry chicken and ox tails for carry out. The food was good. Wish I had more meat on my ox tail but that is the risk you run. When we were done eating we immediately wanted second helpings. The atmosphere while we waited was cool. I took a look at the drink menu and saw a few things I wanted to try for next time. We will be back. read more

Sankofa Cafe - Caribbean Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

I ate here a couple weeks ago & LOVED it! They have music playing so it's a vibe! I've passed by this place so many times & I'm sad that I've never went in! Upon looking at the menu I couldn't choose what I wanted because I wanted it all! I had the oxtails, rice & beans, cabbage, & cornbread. I wanted plantain but they were all out . The portions were great I had lots of food, even some to take home & they were super nice! I was very satisfied with my first experience with Jamaican cuisine. I'll be back! read more

Sankofa is a really cool restaurant. I have no idea how it sprang up where it did, but it's a very cool little place to dine, drink, and enjoy some tunes. I can't say that I'm a huge fan of roaming around on the east side, but It's not exactly a war zone, either. If Sankofa was anywhere near Westport or Waldo, it'd be slammed at all times. My first impression of the place is that the bar is awesome. You'd never think a restaurant anywhere on Indiana would anything more than a hole in the wall, but the furnishings here make an impressively welcoming atmosphere. The prices are also very welcoming. The owner promptly informed us of the regular drink costs - $2.50 domestics, $3 tequila drinks, and $2 rum drinks(!) - and noted their extensive selections of Caribbean liquors. The sound system is impressive as well and was cranking out some reggae tunes. I'd go see a show here, to be sure. I like the look and sound of the place a lot. Don't worry, the food is good, too! The wife and I got jerk chicken and curry chicken to split with each other, an excellent move. Those dishes were very good. The chicken was extremely moist and literally fell off the bones as you picked it up. Island flavors exploded in my mouth with every bite. Yum! Every meal comes with beans and rice and stewed cabbage, both of which were quite tasty but pretty standard, I suppose. We also had a meat pie that was good but not terribly remarkable. Food prices are very reasonable, and we escaped with our 2 large meals for $20 on the nose. No complaints there! Basically, Sankofa would be a regular hang-out for me if I thought I could convince people to actually go to it. The neighborhood and its general remoteness from any sort of entertainment district is a big strike. Given that fact, though, it's honestly kind of nice that it's on a sleepy street without a bunch of other businesses or homes around. Sankofa is worth the trip and is definitely a one-stop shop for weekend fun. Good Jamaican food and booze for the right price with some groovy tunes is a tough combo to find in this city, so if you ever just NEED some oxtails or delicious jerked meat, get your butt on over to Sankofa. read more

Love the food and the atmosphere here. The patio vibes in the warmer months are a must. Always dine in and enjoy!

My wife and I love to visit Sankofa's they by far have the best Ox Tails in the land hands down. There are other items on the menu but it's hard to get past their Ox Tails so well seasoned slow cooked to a tender masterpiece of meaty bliss, the cabbage, peas & rice as sides will drive you out your mind... Absolutely Love This Place ps. The music is great too read more

Love this place oxtails and curry chicken are the bomb. I had my mom's birthday party on the patio in back. They had a live band for free the artist was Norm Liggins, who I will now follow. Wonderful experience and cool vibes. I eat here often but this was my 1st time catching a band on the patio. read more

The most sweet, adorable woman waited on us and was so accommodating! We loved the food! It is a small menu but quality! First time trying oxtail and OMG YUM! It's like the best beef roast you ever had but you eat them like ribs. Red beans and rice were good, the cabbage was great! Very chill and cozy vibe. The location might scare some people off but DON'T LET IT! We went for dinner then had plans afterwards which I wish we broke because they were setting up for a live poetry jam we should have stuck around for! Great drink prices and a full bar. This place is adorable, perfect volume on the chill reggae jams and felt like I belonged there.... read more

The second we opened the door, we were enveloped by the wonderful smell of this place. Spicy and somehow homey... definitely amazing. The woman who served us was wxtremely welcoming and kind. She happily answered all my questions and made recommendations for myself and our 2 kids who were with us. Very generous portions. Super good margaritas and good happy hour specials. You can't go wrong! We had jerk chicken, which has just enough of a kick but wasn't overwhelming. The curry chicken has the perfect amount of spoc and depth. I am so glad that we decided to stop here tonight! read more

See all

I've dined in and I've ordered take out and the food is really flavorful. It's a small place and the area isn't the best but it's a nice environment inside. The mixed drinks were too sweet and they were off. The portion sizes are great and you'll be full all day. I recommend this restaurant's food for sure. read more

This is not Jamaican food. Maybe in Kansas City it is, but I'm from Atlanta. I've had Jamaican in Florida, New York, and Jamaica and this is not close. They were out of goat which is a sin for a Jamaican restaurant. The flavors were off and the food was not fresh. The beef patties were the same ones you'd get in the grocery store. I'm really sad that I spent my money here, but at least I know not to waste my time again. read more

A true hidden gem...Sankofa is that spot you come to when you want great food, great drinks, great music and tons of Caribbean feel! Don't let the size fool you; this place packs in tons of flavor and you will leave feeling like you just had a meal with friends. I enjoyed a plate of jerk chicken with peas/rice & fried plantains...a cool Coke in the bottle and I dined with a giant smile on my face. I will definitely be back! Plus the band did not disappoint...a little jazz thrown in with a lotta reggae...set the vibe perfectly! read more

Jamaican food? You have got to be kidding me!!! I had the jerk chicken rice & peas and cabbage. The jerk chicken was jerkless! Absolutely no jerk flavor & over salted!!! The rice & peas had no flavor & too gummy to eat. The best thing was the cabbage and it was a 4 out of ten. I was born and raised in KC but I no longer live here. There are not a lot of Caribbean restaurants n KC, it's a shame people have to settle for a bootleg version!! read more

Here's what you need to know about Sankofa. The food was terrific, it came out quickly- under 10 minutes, and the price was beyond reasonable. I need to get back to this place. The goat curry and jerk chicken were great. We need more flavors like this in KC so visit it and make up your own mind. read more

Great service! They were out of most foods when I came in at dinner, but they were on top of their game and recommended the oxtails. For those who haven't had oxtails, here they are like pot roast, only with a bit of heat on them. It will be fantastic comfort food in the fall. The cabbage was unique and spicy, which I really dug. The cornbread wasn't outstanding, but not bad either. It was a very middle of the road cornbread between cakey cornbread versus cornmeal cornbread. The macaroni salad I wasn't a fan of, but it was the only side available when I showed up and I took a chance. read more

7 of us tried here for the first time together on a Sunday afternoon. A superwoman made all our meals in a very timely fashion. We had chicken curries, goat curry, jerk chickens, cabbage, rice and beans, and sweet potatoes. ALL of it was tasty. The meat was tender and the sauces flavorful. I personally loved the cabbage. read more