Tried "Spice - A Carribean Jerk Joint" the other day and I'm already trying to figure out when to go back. The food is good! When you walk in the decor is simple and laid-back, and the first thing you'll notice is the aroma and the food bins of covered food! The spices from the kitchen also was kicking'-- and try to entice you. This place has all the main Jamaican/Caribbean food staples.....Jerk Chicken, Oxtail, Curry Goat, Brown Stew Chicken, Snapper, Callaloo.....you name it!  It's all here and from the dish I had....the flavors are there too. I came with a friend during the lunch hour. It was crowded for the small space but they kept the line moving....which was a "thumbs up" considering how long the wait can be at some Carribean "joints" around the DMV. My friend and I each ordered the small Jerk Chicken & a Oxtail Dinner, because you'd be crazy not to try that first. A true test for finding good Carribean eats around the DMV is to put a restaurant's Jerk Chicken and Oxtails to the test.  If either dish lacks flavor, a spice kick, the gravy seems watered-down, or the meats are bland or tough to chew......run for the hills, save your $$$ and don't ever look back!!  LOL This was not the case here.  The Jerk Chicken was tender, juicy and seasoned to the bone.  It had a nice flavor, but was mild heat....nothing spicy although that's the way I prefer it.  But, I still give it props and it was good. The winner and star was the Oxtails. This dish stood out the most on flavor and a gravy that had me sopping it up between each bite and licking my fingers until the entire platter was all gone. The balance of spices and tender meat...all stewed together with carrots, onion, tomatoes & butter beans was perfect! It was a great, hearty meal and they serve up the right portions. I definitely Along with your main entree most meals comes with two sides: peas and rice, cabbage, baked mac and cheese, greens...to name a few and and are already prepared. In all, a great place for Carribean eats amongst all the many other choices around the DMV, Petwoth, Takoma and Silver Spring neighborhoods. They are not "THE" best in all of the DMV....but definitely rivals most of them. Decent customer service too....which speaks volumes for anyone who has gone into a Carribean takeout and they actually speak/acknowledge you. You would know what I mean, if you frequent Carribean spots around the city....no pun intended. lol I recommend definitely fgiving this place a try and also, go for the oxtails for sure! read more

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Was craving some oxtail and decided to give this spot a try--I ordered it for delivery. It smelled amazing right out of the bag and tasted even better. The sauce on the oxtail had a nice tang to it, which paired really well with the rice and cabbage. My only minor complaint is that the portion of oxtail felt a bit skimpy, but honestly, in this economy, I get it.so it didn't affect my overall rating. Definitely would order again. read more

Spice - Beef patty - Caribbean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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This was a good reminder that reviews are all subjective and I miss out if I only judge restaurants by yelp stars. I tend to be a 4+ stars dining go-er, but my husband and I came across this restaurant while attending Pentworth Porch fest. This is a grab and go establishment with a just a couple sitting areas. Food is prepped already, though seafood was cook to order. I had slim to no expectations for a random Jamaican spot I found on the block (I'm Caribbean, so I take our food serious!) but I will say everything was delicious! We had the ox tail and goat with rice and beans, cabbage and plantains. A friend of ours had the shrimp platter. I was pleasantly surprised by the portions and the costs. This area is a bit out my way, but if I'm ever in the neighborhood I would certainly visit again. (And am wondering if they do catering!) read more

Spice - Cabbage Oxtails Rice and beans - Caribbean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Craving some good Jamaican food? Visit Spice for their lunch specials, two sides and chicken, either curry or jerk, just be warned that the jerk chicken can be a little spicy but totally worth it, this is definitely my go to place when I'm in that side of town. Quick service, great food. read more

Not gonna lie, I was skeptical when I got the food(Brown stew chicken, rice, and cabbage and peas), but once I took that first bite, I was hooked. Man! Yall got me. Congrats! Im a hard person to get. read more

The jerk chicken was not tasty. Barely any flavor. Because the rice didn't have sauce on it it was dry. . The beef patty was not good. It was sitting for a while. It didn't taste fresh at all. I ordered this around 2 pm so everything should've been fresh. I wanted to give this place a try. Not my favorite. read more

Came here for dinner with my wife a couple months ago. The service was very friendly and prompt. The ambience is more that of a fast food joint. My wife and I shared the Jerk Chicken Sandwich and Snapper Escovitched and we had plenty of food for dinner and leftovers at a low price. read more

Spice - Jerk Chicken Sandwich - Caribbean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I come for 1 item and leave with 5! Ha! I will drive across the busy highways and byways for this food. As a picky Jamerican, I can yes this place is a YES. They have sorrel, pine & ginger juice, and an assortment of others. The steam fish is great, oxtail is flavorful, and the cabbage is so good! It's a carry out type of place, they have seating, so I've done both! Did I mention the patty? So flaky and spicy (beef patty)! Veggie patty is flaky and flavorful. Lovesss it! read more

This literally the best jerk in the city. I'm not Jamaican, been a handful of times. Not just to tourist locations either. They consistently serve healthy portions of jerk chicken breast and wings and they're juicy. Rice and peas and cabbage were also delicious . Their plantains remind of my Jamaican godmother's. They are super nice read more

I ordered jerk chicken and it arrived quickly by Uber but I was disappointed with my order. The plaintains were generous and ripe the way I liked it but the chicken was on the dry side. I don't care for white meat but that's all the Carribean restaurants like to use for jerk chicken unless it's wings. It would have been nice if they had included some extra sauce on the side for the chicken and rice with peas. I only ordered from there because it was close to the hospital I was visiting but I won't be back. read more

The food is good. The service can sometimes be slow, but it's not a surprise as most Caribbean spots have that issue.

I had the curry goat, rice and peas, plantains and steam vegetables. My husband had the curry shrimp and same sides. My curry goat was delicious and he was equally pleased with his shrimp. They give you A LOT of meat to accompany the rice which is not common everywhere. The shrimp were also much larger than we expected which was also a major plus. They give you your money's worth, for sure. My husband also got the alcoholic ginger beer and enjoyed that as well. We will definitely continue to come here when we visit DC. read more

I ordered the fried chicken with rice and peas and a side salad. The rice and peas were really great. But the fried chicken tasted like it was cooked a days ago. Super dry and cold. They also didn't provide any dressing for the salad, so basically I ordered rice and peas for dinner. read more

Spice - Old Fried Chicken - Caribbean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

My go to Caribbean restaurant for delivery. I'm unsure what the inside of the restaurant looks like, however, they give me a healthy portion of food and sauce for my orders. The food is flavorful, including the rice which is hard for me to find in the area. read more

Spice - a close up view of the meat and vegetables - Caribbean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I have been eating here for years. They never disappoint. I can't get enough of the brown stew chicken. I order a couple of times a week. Service is also top notch.. read more

No one loves Caribbean food more than me!! I'm willing to drive within a 15-mile radius just to satisfy my cravings. It's quite challenging in the DMV area to find a place that consistently excels in flavor, pricing, and excellent customer service. While the prices at Spice were reasonable and the food was tasty, the customer service left much to be desired. The ladies behind the counter seemed disinterested, not very welcoming, and I felt rushed when placing my order. Upon receiving my order, she handed to me without uttering a word. I might give them another chance, hoping that perhaps they were just having a bad day. I'll update my review after my next visit. read more

This place is so welcoming starting from the staff when you come in. you are greeted with a smile. Sometimes even a wave from the chef through the little window. I go there mainly for the curry goat and when I tell you this is one of the best curry goat's I've had, it's an understatemen. The price is fair. Their beef patty is one of the best. the rum cake is so delish. I would give it a 10 if I could. read more

So, so far the food is ok. However, it will be nice if they paid attention to when you tell them your order. One of the sides I asked for was plantains, instead the young lady saw it fit to give me salad. This just contributes to my trust issues with food establishments. Overall, nice small place BUT check your food before you leave. read more

Discovered this restaurant a few weeks ago because I was looking for a change... most Jamaican restaurants aren't consistent and the normal spot that I like to go to is farther than I would like so I was looking for a place that was midway between where I live and the place I love incase I can't always make the drive - insert Spice. This place is SO good! I've had the oxtail, jerk chicken and curry goat. My favorite would have to be the oxtail.... it's soooo soo good. Definitely in my top 2. For sides, I recommend the rice and peas and plantain. I personally didn't care too much for their cabbage. It had very little flavor but everything else was very tasty and delicious. The oxtail really melts in your mouth! Great and friendly service, they carry beer and wine as well as other drinks. They do get very busy so it's probably worth calling your order ahead. They also do delivery through I think GrubHub. read more

Spice - Caribbean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Great spot to go grab Jamaican food. I usually get their Jerk chicken which is very spicy but yummy. Their Beef patties are a much. Also has a spice to it. read more

I've been going to Spice for years. They have remained consistent with the preparation of the food and their service.

Food is pretty good. I like it. Good go to spot for West Indian food in dc. My personal favorite in dc. They are closed on Sundays or Mondays tho. Exactly when I want some food right lol. Also...I hate to say this but...when I ordered on the phone I definitely got the angry Jamaican lady vibes...you know the type...when you ask for some oxtail gravy on the rice you get that look. Hate to say it but it is what it is lol. But hey, it is a staple of the Caribbean takeout industry you know so not gonna make it like it's just this place that does it. Similar treatment like this takes place in NYC all the time lol. Other than that tho the food is good. Know what you want and don't ask too many questions you should be good. If you inquire about some of the items...which should be cool right??? Idk, you might get the angry vibes lol. Other than that it's all good. Go eat and enjoy. I highly recommend this place.... read more

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The food is decent isnt all of that, has its days and definitely overpriced. The service isn't quite the best. No one greets you, and other times just the energy is off etc soon as I step in. Today was my last day supporting! read more

Highly Recommend, thank you for being in the neighborhood! Great location and food and service.

just purchased two meals from there jerk chicken rice and peas with plantain. The food quality good but alil on the cold side. coco bread I've had better. They gave me one fork and one hot sauce and I have two large meals. I saw the front worker pour the last of the hot sauce in my container. I later asked can I have extra hot sauce and she said there's no more tops do you want me to put more into the container and said no because clearly it's full. Lots of customers good food but if you are running a busy business it's either you didn't want to stop the line to give me more Or y'all really ran out. Either way at least have to go packets on hand. read more

food remains delicious five stars. the restaurant requires their patrons to wear a mask which I was pleased to see. I was however disappointed to see that none of the staff was wearing a mask. It didn't deter me from paying for my order and leaving with my food. However it will make me consider whether or not I'm going to return until covid-19 is over. read more

Spice - Oxtails rice and peas mixed vegetables - Caribbean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I really enjoyed my oxtails, Mac & cheese and rice & peas. I don't live in the city but I plan to go back again and try other things on the menu. The staff is also very friendly. read more

I had the curry chicken ,rice ,beans and sweet plantains . The chicken was falling off the bones and the taste was absolutely delicious. The staff were friendly and informative regarding the status of my order . The prices were very reasonable and they have small but comfortable eating areas . You can also order via uber eats . Enjoy read more

Spice - Caribbean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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BE AWARE! They over charge the price of food once you are paying! Their excuse is that prices are subject to change. They should change the price on menu. They don't warn you that price is different either (THEFT). Patties are good but sandwiches are a rip off ( 3 thin slices of chicken ) bread mayo and tomato. Will never go back with the ladies attitude read more

Spice - Price on menu - Caribbean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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LOVE LOVE LOVE there food everything ALL THATS NEEDED TO BE SAID !!! They are consistent good hours of operation food is very very flavorful and authentic! Regular uptown customer read more

Spice is a go to that I order from routinely while at work. Being Jamaican and from South Florida, I am hard pressed to find a decent caribbean restaurant and Spice is top 2. The thing I appreciate the most is the consistency with which the menu is prepared. Whenever I'm in the mood for a solid Jerk (4/5) Or Brown (4.5/5) Stew Chicken, I know I can get good flavors at Spice. I will say the sides aren't that hot. The plantain is ripe but firm enough (4/5) but the RICE AND PEAS (3/5) could use a bit more coconut milk, pimento, and thyme. And the STEAMED/CURRY VEGETABLES (2.5/5) tend to be cook down too much. And I'm an oxtail snob and very particular, so I'll keep my opinion of that to myself. Overall, I'm happy to order here because I know the chicken is consistently well seasoned. This is major when there are so many duds in DC! read more

I literally just ordered from here and requested a large oxtail with a pineapple ginger drink and I received a corner pocket of oxtail and a pineapple drink! I paid $27 for this and will never do it again. read more

Spice - Order untouched! - Caribbean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Yo! Spice! I don't know how to describe the place but I'm going to do my best but the oxtail like a bite of it makes you feel like an out of body experience. The rice is not too hard not to soft perfect actually. I would definitely come back for the rice alone. Also the plaintain is good. Hard to mess up plantains. The only issue is they only give you 3. Who is the world gets satisfied with 3 plantains. No one! Just side note: Texas oxtail is still better lol. Go to Just oxtail in Houston to have a true out of body experience read more

**Takeout Review** A really great place for takeout. My go to order is the oxtail with 2 sides (rice and plantains). It's always really delicious!! I feel like the portion is more than enough that I can eat the leftovers for another meal. It may be less meat than you expect, but keep in mind oxtail is usually pretty expensive and they keep their prices pretty affordable from $12-$16 depending on the size you get. There's seating available and service is pretty quick. read more

This place was amazing. I ordered takeout from here and it came fresh, hot, and fast. The spice on the jerk chicken was unreal and something I've never tasted before. The scotch bonnet showed out! The sides were delicious as well. I asked for rice and plantain! And my friend got the curried shrimp and loved it! Will be back! read more

Spice - Quarter Chicken with Plantains and Rice - Caribbean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I enjoyed the food from Spice while at 2 HookieLife events this summer so much that I had to find the store front. The first time we visited, the food was pretty good but now 3-4x later it has really gone down over time. I need the chef from this summer to return - or maybe chef needs a break to bring back the food stuff? I really thought I found my new favorite Jamaican spot. Perhaps I'll check back in a few months. read more

My favorite new neighborhood Caribbean joint. Quick service. Good food. Limited seating. Always pleasant customer service. Just stopped by and had ox tails. Yum!! read more

Spice - Caribbean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Small location. Small portions. Food was decent. Staff tends to confuse themselves on customer orders. Even if you've ordered online, expect to wait for a little while. Additionally, you have to be aggressive (meaning you have to ask for help or to place an order) when coming here or else the staff will ignore you; you will not be greeted. read more

I stumbled upon this establishment in the Summer 2018. I was very pleased with the quality and quantity. Some hits and misses along the way. Now, let's fast forward....ordered the Curry Chicken, Rice & Peas w/Cabbage. To my dismay, the food was quite bland. Cabbage: lacked seasoning/Chicken: more bones than meat. I literally picked through the food and wound up throwing the whole container away. I wasted $17 (tip included) and I'm still hungry asf :/ read more

Spice - Curry Chicken dinner - Caribbean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Spice has some of the best jerk and oxtail in dc. It's hard to find good Jamaican food. Spice nails it every time. They are open pretty late as well until 10 which is nice. The jerk is really good as well. If you like spicy get it with the jerk sauce. read more