If i could give 10 i would! We stumbled upon this gem on accident. The oxtail plate was a big portion. But the flavor was even bigger! The oxtail empanada makes me want to cryyyy. It's perfectly crisp and the meat inside is absolutely delicious. All i know is they didn't skimp out on their portions and their flavors and we will definitely be regulars! read more

The Smoking Kettle - Oxtail Plate - Caribbean Near Me - Upland, California

Followed them from the farmers market to now their own restaurant. It was nice and clean good music was playing. We walked in and walked right up to order. We got both of the lunch specials and since we saw people outside we figured it would take a while, it didn't at all. Wait time was less than 10 minutes. The oxtail plate was tender and had plantains just the way I like them. The curry shrimp dish was great in flavor. I love the fact that you can get an empanada with the meal, I got beef, and got a bite of the chicken they were both so good. Please DO NOT bypass the lemonade. I got the colada my guest got what the person behind the counter recommended it was mango pineapple. Both drinks were refreshing. Not too sweet just right and they had several flavors to choose from and you can have more than 1 flavor. Would definitely come back here. read more

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I popped into this location for a quick bite on my drive through Upland, and man do I wish I lived closer because it was delicious! The mango passionfruit lemonade was great with fresh fruit chunks, and it was fun to watch it be squeezed right in front of me. My only complaint, if it can even be called that, is making sure the lemon seeds are taken out because I did accidentally chew them after they came up the straw but meh that's also how you know it's fresh fruit. I got a beef empanada and a beef Jamaican pattie (I like beef!) and both were uniquely different in texture and flavor profiles. The real star of my meal shockingly was the mild sauce, which I forgot to snag a picture. I don't even know what's in it but it's like a creamy almost sweet barely spicy sauce and it's so yummy! The empanada and pattie were great to begin with but they were made even more incredible with the sauce poured on top. read more

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We discovered this gem at the Terra Vista farmers market this weekend and wow. Just wow. The food here is fire! We noticed there was a huge line for The Smoking Kettle, but it was worth the wait. We ordered the chicken empanadas and oxtail empanadas and could not get over the flavor! Both were delicious, but the chicken was outstanding. They were also freshly fried, the outer part of the empanadas were super crispy. 10/10, will definitely drop by again! read more

The Smoking Kettle - Oxtail Empanada with mild sauce - Caribbean Near Me - Upland, California

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Oxtails fireee Empanadas fireee!! I loooove this place. And the customer service is amazing. Such sweet people read more

Was at the Terra Vista farmers market and decided to get some food before I left. I was not disappointed! The first time I went I tried the Jamaican beef patties, the oxtail empanada and the chicken empanadas with both their ranch and their hot sauce. The staff was very friendly and I love that this is a woman owned business. The oxtail empanada is to DIE for. The chicken one has a curry like flavor and was also delicious. The beef patty was unlike anything I've had before. The texture of the filling caught me by surprise because it's softer than I expected but once I figured that out I really liked it. Both the hot sauce and the ranch are also delicious, but if you like heat I would definitely recommend the hot sauce the most. In fact I liked this place so much that I went back the next week to get more and at that point also tried the beef empanada. Beef was also delicious! Altogether my favorite was the oxtail hands down, then the Jamaican patty, then chicken, the regular beef. You won't be disappointed with any! I also found that they reheat really well in the air fryer. I microwaved them out of the fridge for about 30 seconds to a minute, just until they were slightly warm to the touch. And then put them in the air fryer at about 350 flipping once for around 6-8 minutes. Amazing! read more

Whenever my schedule permits, i'm here on Saturday morning getting my ox tail and empanada fix. Ox Tail Plate - slow cooked super tender ox tail, rice and beans, spinach, and plantains. Nothing is overpowering and everything just goes so well with each other. Empanadas - my favorite is the beef one but, the chicken and shrimp are also so good. Don't forget to get both sauces! And get plenty because they reheat well in the microwave. *chefs kiss! read more

The Smoking Kettle - Ox Tail Plate - Caribbean Near Me - Upland, California

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To those who are lost looking for this wonderful delightful food place, let me start by saying do not use the address & your app for directions as you will not find them. In addition it's not a restaurant style, or in a building or even find a sign "The Smoking Kettle" if you are lost call the number & they'll direct you. It's how I found it ! This place is part of the Rancho Cucamonga FARMERS MARKET FOOD VENDOR, open on Saturday only from 9-2 This weekend they were located in front of the "Starlight TERRA vista theater" IDK if this is a permanent assignment spot for them, but regardless they will be in the circle/circular part of the food vendor section. It's a tent with white top, & the bottom portion of the tent, it says LATIN...CARIBBEAN & they have pictures of their famous empanada & oxtails plate. The Food was so flavorful and delicious in my opinion. I ordered the oxtails plate and received a good portion. I like that they didn't drown my plate with gravy, & just put enough just to season the rice. I also like the fact that it's not soaked in grease and that the fat from the oxtails were trimmed off. I tried the beef empanada as well and they were delicious, thank you Toni ! I am grateful !!! They have excellent customer service, friendly and kind & fast service as well! Thank you for a great food and experience! Kudos to Shannon and the chef Ashlee !!! Love the food ! I highly recommend. Until next time .... read more

First found this place at a pop up in the 626 food market in the summer of last year. WOW was that the best empanadas i've ever had. I went back multiple times just because of the empanadas. Combine with one (or both) of the sauces they have and it's impossible to leave with just one empanada. Staff is very friendly and very welcoming. Have brought food for friends and family and they all love it. Have been here multiple times and will continue to be back ! read more

The food and customer service are absolutely amazing ! Having traveled to many Caribbean countries this food brought back so many memories. Thank you again for the great experience read more

I only go to the Terra Vista farmer's market in Rancho for these empanadas. I wish I could take a gallon of the cilantro sauce home with me. The beef and shrimp is to die for. read more

I have had this place multiple times on different visits to the farmers market and everything is very good but for me the empanadas and the banana pudding are just so so amazing. My favorites by far. The banana pudding easily the best i've ever had. The empanadas are so packed with meat you really get your moneys worth. I will never not stop when Smoking Kettle is setting up shop. read more

The Smoking Kettle is ALWAYS an amazing experience! The food is beyond delicious everything is fresh, flavorful, and cooked to absolute perfection. Service is always top-notch; the staff are not just staff but REAL FAMILY. Always friendly, attentive, and make sure we have everything we need. I look forward to the Heritage Farmers Market on Saturdays in Rancho Cucamonga to try new menu items or grab my usual oxtail plate. I highly recommend to anyone looking for mouth watering innovative food check out The Smoking Kettle read more

In town visiting and heard this place was THE place. It was poppin but service was fast. I had the oxtail plate and beef empanadas. OMG it was divine! Hot, Flavorful and fresh,wonderful, kind customer service, 100% recommend checking out The Smoking Kettle! Can't wait to visit again!! read more

The food is incredible. The people are super nice and good looking! Can't wait to go back.