Cheesesteaks, hoagies and soft pretzels make the list when iconic Philadelphia food is the topic of conversation. However, these three foods are not the only stand-out dishes in the city. Caribbean food in particular blends a variety of spices that satisfy tastebuds. Here are five Caribbean restaurants in West Philadelphia that offer a flavorful meal and a comforting family element to the experience.
Ibis Lounge
Ibis Lounge sits at 5420 Lancaster Ave. The food here has Trinidadian influences, and unlike other places that make the list, Ibis Lounge houses a full bar. People who dine at the lounge and prefer non-alcoholic beverages should try the passion fruit juice. It is a popular item.
Sunday Best
Stationed at 41 N. 52nd St. is Sunday Best. While popular foods like oxtail (above) and jerk chicken are available, other options like snapper and jerk salmon are also offered here. Sunday Best prides itself on authentic and traditional Jamaican cuisine.
Top Taste
Located just down the street from the 52nd Street elevated train stop, Top Taste, a Caribbean-American restaurant, offers a variety of meats ranging from jerk chicken to curry goat. The best-sellers are the oxtail platters, in which you can choose two different side dishes, including rice and peas or macaroni and cheese.
Caribbean Cuisine
At the edge of 61st Street and Baltimore Avenue is Caribbean Cuisine. The family-run business has been open for 15 years. Wade Murray, the owner, prides himself on the authentic Jamaican food his establishment cooks.
“We use ingredients like pimiento, thyme, bay leaf,” said Murray. “If you don’t put those in your food, it’s not real Jamaican. The food is a process. It takes time.”
Monica Restaurant
On the corner of 55th and Vine streets is Monica Restaurant. As a Dominican restaurant, Monica’s smells of stew chicken. Most of the customers who eat at the restaurant appreciate the to-go option. Many orders are taken over the phone and the people who come in to pick up food are from all ethnicities.
– Text and images by Tonii Mackie and Valerie Vaincoeur
No brown sugar cafe? This list has no credibility.
How in the world did they leave out 48th Street Grill?
You forgot Brown Sugar Bakery and Cafe
How can any list that mentions Carribean food and West Philly not mention Little Delicious. Best Jamaican food hands down.
Little Delicious is my favorite.. and what’s up with Brown Sugar being missing?
Um..Where is Brown Sugar? GO EAT THERE AND REDO THE ARTICLE!
Best food in Philly is definitely Sunday Best. Little Delicious best breakfast but haven’t been in years. J&J should be on this list in SW. Good food & big platters. The Reef has great food too though it may not have been included bc of the club. I go there for food….
What with brown sugar.
Couldn’t agree more Erika!!!
Tropical Choice 52nd and Haverford
Any delicious vegetarian dishes at any of these restaurants?
“Rice & Things” in Overbrook on Haverford Ave. Unbelievable!!!
Is J&J still open?
Yeeeeeah this list must have been compiled by white people. How is Little Delicious not on the list? #fail #notcredible
Brown Sugar & Little Delicious are definitely at the top of my list!
Yeah they missed it my excluding Brown Sugar but Little Delicious is SW.
I’m appalled that Brown Sugar was overlooked. An oversight, to be sure. Top Taste used to be a favorite. Maybe we’ll give them a second chance…
How did you leave out 48th Street Grill? This list is terrible!
Who did the research for this story? 48th Street Grille should be the first one listed.
J&J all day! Best jerk chicken in philly!! They sell out DAILY!
Little Delicious by far is the Best and has been consistent for well over 30yrs . Brown Sugar has Authentic Trinidadian Food and the best Desserts and Healthy Drinks and Vegetarian food as well ! Very friendly employees .
I’m surprised Quality Taste on 4th and Lancaster is not on the list.
Quality Taste Jamaican Food at 40th and Lancaster Ave. Their food is always fresh.