We went to Sylvias because we heard so much about them. I've got to say that the meat was delicious. My husband ordered the beef stew and I ordered the oxtails. The meat was nicely seasoned and cooked to tender perfection. The downside to the visit was the lack of available sides. I wanted plantains and cabbage, but they didn't have plantains. My husband wanted plantains, and when they weren't available, he wanted yams. Unfortunately, no yams either so we settled for rice and peas, steamed cabbage and he had mac and cheese. While we loved the meat, we weren't impressed with the sides. The folks there were warm and friendly and served us well. However, I've got to say I was disappointed at not being able to have the meal that I truly wanted. read more

Out in the area for work and I always search for hidden gems. This is a diamond!!! The people in line to order, the staff all are friendly and kind, but the food, now that's just puts this place over the top!! I loved the Ox tail!! Everything smelled wonderful and looked even better. I would make sure if you are in the area you don't miss out on this place.. I will absolutely be back again for another visit. read more

If you find yourself in Poughkeepsie, this is a must stop. The friendliest people you will ever meet and lunch was to die for. The jerk chicken melts in your mouth and rice and beans were perfect. Just the right amount of spice and flavor all around. I had such a good experience, I talked about it all day. read more

Sylvia's - Jerk chicken! - Caribbean Near Me - Poughkeepsie, New York

What a find! I love these types of "hole in the wall" local places, and this is top notch in that category! Right off the beaten path, this place offers great smiling service, amazing jerk meats, and affordable full meals. I will be back many times! read more

Generous plate of oxtails and your choice of two sides. Tasty and satisfying. Definitely worth the price. Arrive early. Or arrive late. At prime time, this place getsi busy. read more

The family is professional and personable! The food is consistently delicious! Thank you for your family's committed contribution to our community's local cuisine options!! Dr. Teacher read more

I ordered stew chicken and it was horrible. The chicken didn't have any flavor and it was over cook

The ultimate family run Jamaican spot. The breakfast menu is killer and open super early! Lunch/Dinner menu is very authentic and you can mix and match whatever you like. Family run and very popular. You can easily find out why. read more

My coworker told me about this restaurant, and of course I chose to go there rather than the pizza shop. No lie, the food was delicious; tasty. If you are ever in Poughkeepsie you need to stop at this restaurant. You won't be disappointed. read more

The curried goat was very flavorful and the medium lunch was a big portion. The people are friendly and helpful. The traffic of customers was steady. The food we had was great and we'll definitely be back to try their oxtail! read more

Great authentic Jamaican food. You don't go hear for the environment. They only have about 5 tables. Great for carryout service. My favorites are the jerk chicken and stewed chicken. Their pea soup and goat soup is the absolute the best. read more

Sylvia's just plain rocks. They've been running this place for a long time now and everyone I go someplace else I get disappointed. Food has tons of flavor, huge portions and really nice family. Love the oxtails, jerk pork and stew beef especially. read more

This is the BEST Carribian restaurant in the area with true home cooking recipes. The service is great and the prices are as fair as they can come. I have went to the rest of them but none come close to this. read more

Amazing friendly staff and their oxtail was great! I loved it! I've had food in Jamaica and I'd say this tastes like the food I got straight from there, the woman who owns it has lived here for 13 years and is from Jamaica! Probably why the food tastes so good she even told us about a Jamaican party going on. Super place, I highly recommend it. read more

Up here visiting for a few days and felt the calling for oxtail so we jumped on Yelp and found this gem. Most places we've eaten at in Staten Island and Brooklyn are great but they give you a small amount of Oxtail. Not Sylvia's. The box was packed to the point we couldn't even finish. Rice and peas and Cabbage were awesome as well. This place is s true treat. read more

Been here for lunch several times. Most people take out, but they have a few tables and we like to eat in. Even though it is counter service they will bring the food to you on plates. Now as to the food: It is wonderful! Our favorite dishes are the oxtails and fried chicken. Sides are fantastic. Portions are large. Prices are low. People are friendly. read more

This place has got to be the best Jamaican food in New York! I hadn't been in a while because I was dieting but after having my delicious jerk chicken again I remembered why it's equal to a grill on the streets of Jamaica. Sylvia's has the best food. And all the employees are super friendly. Just a really nice place to eat. Great people, great food. read more

I am a Jamaican native and happened to bump into this place white attending a funeral. This was a happy end to a sad occasion! The oxtail and rice and peas took my pallet back to Jamaica. Delicious!! Family owned business with great service! read more

Authentic Authentic Authentic !!!!! This place is the bomb dot com... Having traveled to Jamaica many times and studying the local cuisine , I couldn't be happier with this place. Friendly staff , consistent food . Whether you go at 11am or 8pm , the food is hot and fresh. Everything on the menu is delicious but I'm partial to the Jerk Pork .. Treat yourself . read more

OMGGGG!!! The best Jamaican food I can locate in the Mid-Hudson area. The service is AMAZING!!!! Also, the cook, Sylvia is the sweetest person. I recommend anyone who is new in the area that wants to try it. I love their oxtail. AMAZING read more

First off, this place is conveniently located on Main Street in Poughkeepsie. Second, the food is AMAZING!!!! Truly authentic Jamaican fair with a down home feel. I usually get oxtails with peas and rice and cabbage. The flavors are intense but not overpowering. Just a hint of spice to make your tongue tingle. What's even better is that it's a family owned spot and they are very welcoming. I've also had the curry chicken and the fried chicken. Looking forward to trying the jerk selections. I fully recommend this place to everyone I meet. You need this place in your life!!! They don't deliver but TRUST ME it's worth the trip. Don't forget dessert!!!!!! read more

Ok this is one of the best Jamaican restaurants that i have ever ate from as a matter of fact this is the best jamaican restaurant that i have been to .They make the best veggie patties the only place in all of new york that i know that makes veggie and spinach patties and that make them from scratch and the carrot cake is a must have as well . the staff is very friendly and accommodating i travel 90 mins on the metro north from the city to upstate to eat here read more

Hand's down, THEE MOST delicious by far. Hefty plates and consistent recipe. Never dissatisfied since I travel from Middletown to Poughkeepsie for her delectable menu. I strongly recommend Sylvia's. God Bless the cook! read more

Not much of ambiance, but who cares when the food is really really good. Jerk chicken, jerk pork, red snapper, rice with peas, and their beef patties are the very best. Plentiful quantity in the $8 takeout. Highly recommended. Take out better. read more

The beef patty filling is probably one of the best I've ever had. And the goat curry is cooked perfectly. The guy at the front who rang me up had a smile on his face and was very warm and pleasant. If I could give this place another star I would. Great value and great food. read more

Large portions of fresh traditional Jamaican food. Ordered over the phone food was ready quickly. Two dinners oxtails and stew fish, well worth the prices!!! In my city these type of dishes and quantity they gave would cost us well over $60, it was only $30 at Sylvia's! Will defiantly take the hour drive again to get more of this amazing food. Don't forget your pound cake for desert, most flavorful and moist I have had ever. read more

Took the review advice and gave this joint a shot. I'm proud to say this was some damn good Caribbean food! The wife and kid loved it! I had the oxtails, she had the curry chicken and the lil guy had brown stew chicken. All meals were on point, even the patties. Hands down one of the top Jamaican restaurants in the area. read more

I/We just love this place. Whether we're eating there or doing takeout the service and the food is great. Get there early in the day for certain things such as plantains. We typically order the jerk chicken and rice and peas and it is delicious. Also, the spicy beef patties are awesome. This is a gem in Poughkeepsie with real Jamaican food. read more

I had been eating here 1 or 2 times every week for the last 5 years! I'm addicted to their oxtail and the fried chicken covered in their stewed gravy. This family owned, friendly establishment should be on everyone's list to try at least once if your interested in trying Jamaican food, but be WARNED! You might find yourself needed "a Fix" within a couple days, it's that good! Portion size vs. price is excellent and everything is made fresh daily. read more

Simply delicious. Jerk pork wonderfully spicy and excellent. The rice was unbelievably delicious. The spinach pattie was great. A must when visiting Poughkeepsie. We ordered and sat down, which was very pleasant, but most people were ordering to go. One could go for a drink beforehand at The Derby. read more

Excellent food at reasonable prices with fast service, good for takeout or a quick lunch. I especially recommend the curry goat and jerk pork or chicken, just the right amount of spice and a nice big portion. Their sliced king fish and ackee are good as well read more

I've been to this restaurant a few times before and never had a problem. This was not the case this last visit. The food was extremely salty and I was unable to enjoy the food. I called the next day to complain and make them aware of my dissatisfaction (2 dinners were purchased). The woman apologized but did not offer to rectify the situation (ie. Replace the meals). I was not looking for anything free (just food I could enjoy not my garbage) and good customer service should of prompted her to do so. read more

Eat here all the time especially while catching the train to NYC. This Jamaican food is super fresh and yummy. Jerk chicken, beef patties and oxtail...yumyum! read more

Yelp won't let me give this restaurant 5 stars or I would. I eat here whenever I am in Poughkeepsie and it is always amazingly delicious! Plus the staff are super friendly. I can't say enough good things about this restaurant! read more

We wandered in by mistake, thinking it was Indian food. I had the curried goat and my friend had the oxtails. Huge portions that were great and plenty for leftovers the next day. So happy we found West Indies! read more

This is a must stop when I come home to Poughkeepsie for a family visit. The oxtail and beef patties are awesome!!

This was one of the best meals I have ever eaten. I had the Jerk pork, which was spicy and delicious, and so good I am 99% sure everything else is as good. I will eat here every time I am in Poughkeepsie. Totally nice to eat in, and many people also take out. read more

the best food i have had since moving from the city of new york thank you for such great food jerk chicken execellent oxtail great plaintains great later i will try my patties read more

The best Jamaican food around. This is the only place that I like the beef patties, and I've tried them at different Caribbean spots, not only here in Poughkeepsie. I'm partial to the Oxtail/rice & peas and the steam cabbage and of course the Escovitch fish. This is as close as I can get to my mom's home cooking. read more

I'll give it a 1 star for convenience. I ordered oxtails and jerk pork with rice and peas and cabbage. The young man began to scoop rice and peas until the entire container was full. Then he took my plate to the back (which I wasn't comfortable with) added 4 pieces of jerk pork and came back to add 3 pieces of oxtail. I asked for dumplin and the lady said give her the last dumplin. Here's where the problems started. There was so much rice and peas in a $10 container, I thought I was feeding a village. Rice is a filler and they should definitely work on portion control. The oxtail was so thin and fatty, I hardly had any meat. Of the 4 pieces of pork, 2 of them were the fatty pieces. The cabbage was mushy and flavorless and I never got my dumplin. The worst part of this was seeing the owner come through the door with bags of food from tropical fresh, she even had a bulk bag of thin, frozen and fatty oxtails. The taste was nothing like Jamaican food. read more