Caribbean Bites and West Indian Cuisine Restaurant & Bakery

- 488 E 98th St, Brooklyn, NY 11212

When New Yorkers crave the genuine, heartwarming flavors of the Caribbean islands, one spot stands out for its delicious food and friendly service: Caribbean Bites and West Indian Cuisine Restaurant & Bakery. Located in the heart of Brooklyn, this neighborhood favorite offers an authentic taste of West Indian cooking, combining the satisfying comfort of traditional stews and curries with a delightful selection of fresh-baked goods and invigorating local beverages. It’s more than just a restaurant; it’s a cultural stop right here in the five boroughs, serving up dishes that transport you straight to the islands.

The dual focus as both a restaurant and a bakery means patrons can enjoy a full, savory meal followed by a sweet treat, or simply stop by for a quick, delicious snack and a fresh drink. From hearty morning meals to rich, slow-cooked dinner plates, Caribbean Bites has established itself as a go-to destination for authentic, high-quality West Indian cuisine. The consistently warm service, highlighted by customer praise for staff like "Kelly," only enhances the experience, making every visit a pleasant and memorable one.

Location and Accessibility

Caribbean Bites and West Indian Cuisine Restaurant & Bakery is conveniently situated in the vibrant Brooklyn borough of New York City, making it highly accessible for local residents and those commuting to the area. Specifically, the restaurant is located at 488 E 98th St, within the 11212 zip code. This location is part of a community rich in diverse culinary options, but Caribbean Bites carves out a niche by specializing in authentic West Indian fare, appealing to both seasoned Caribbean food enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

For patrons traveling via public transportation, the restaurant is easily reachable from several local bus routes, and its proximity to major avenues in Brooklyn makes driving straightforward. Importantly, the venue recognizes the needs of all its potential customers, offering a wheelchair accessible entrance, ensuring that the authentic island flavors are available to everyone in the New York community. Whether you're planning a quick stop for a bite or a casual dine-in experience, the Brooklyn location is geared for convenience and ease of access. The neighborhood setting contributes to the casual and relaxed atmosphere, perfect for enjoying comfort food.

Services Offered

Caribbean Bites and West Indian Cuisine Restaurant & Bakery is dedicated to providing a versatile and convenient dining experience, catering to various needs throughout the day. Their service model combines traditional hospitality with modern convenience, making it a reliable option for busy New Yorkers. The core services available include both on-site dining and convenient off-site options.

• Takeout Service: Perfect for those on a tight schedule or planning to enjoy their meal at home or at work, the full menu is available for easy and efficient takeout. This service is essential for the busy Brooklyn lifestyle.
• Dine-in Option: Patrons are welcome to enjoy the casual and comfortable atmosphere while savoring their meals. The ambiance is set to be welcoming, making it an ideal environment for a relaxed meal.
• All-Day Menu Availability: The concept of all-day menu categories—including Pastries, Snacks, Breakfast, Lunch, and Bread—means customers can satisfy their cravings for sweet or savory West Indian specialties whenever they visit.
• Lunch and Dinner: The restaurant is a popular choice for both midday meals and evening dining, specializing in the hearty, filling comfort foods that are staples of West Indian cuisine, such as the signature Oxtail.
• Solo Dining Friendly: A welcoming atmosphere is noted as being popular for solo diners, providing a great, non-intimidating space for individuals to grab a satisfying bite.
• Payment Flexibility: The restaurant accepts modern payment methods including Debit cards and NFC mobile payments, ensuring quick and hassle-free transactions.

Features / Highlights

What sets Caribbean Bites apart is its commitment to authentic flavors, a wide variety of offerings, and an overall positive customer experience. The combination of a restaurant serving savory plates and a bakery providing sweet treats makes it a unique and valuable stop in Brooklyn’s diverse food landscape.

• Dual Concept: Restaurant and Bakery: The establishment functions effectively as two separate culinary operations under one roof, providing a seamless transition from savory comfort food like Oxtail and Chowmein to a full range of traditional Caribbean baked goods and pastries.
• Signature Bakery Items: The bakery section is a major draw, featuring classic Caribbean pastries. Highlights include Cheese Rolls, golden and flaky delights with melted cheese, sweet Pinetarts filled with pineapple jam, the vibrant Salara with its sweet coconut filling, and the dense, traditional Cassava Pone.
• Authentic West Indian Juices: Patrons can choose from a refreshing selection of local, homemade juices that perfectly complement the rich food. Options like Fruit Punch, the festive Sorrel, the unique bark-based Mauby, and spicy Ginger Beer offer a genuine taste of the islands.
• All-Day Comfort Food: The menu is built on Caribbean comfort food classics. From breakfast staples like Bake & Saltfish to hearty sides like Fried Channa and Spinach, the dishes are satisfying and deeply flavorful, catering to an appetite for rich, well-seasoned meals.
• Excellent Customer Service: The personal, attentive nature of the staff is a recurring theme in customer feedback, with one patron specifically calling out the service as "exceptional," indicating a truly welcoming and professional dining environment.
• Casual and Welcoming Atmosphere: The restaurant offers a Casual dining environment, which makes it an excellent choice for a quick, uncomplicated lunch, a satisfying dinner, or a family outing, as the venue is noted to be Good for kids.

Contact Information

For New Yorkers looking to visit, order, or inquire about the menu and services at this highly-rated Brooklyn spot, the necessary contact and location details are provided below. This information makes it easy to plan your visit or place a takeout order for your next meal.

Address: 488 E 98th St, Brooklyn, NY 11212, USA

Primary Phone: (929) 218-2690

Mobile Phone: +1 929-218-2690

What is Worth Choosing

For first-time visitors or seasoned patrons of Caribbean Bites, the menu offers a wealth of options that embody the best of West Indian cooking, spanning across pastries, breakfast, and main courses. Making a choice from so many enticing options can be a delightful dilemma, but certain items stand out as essential selections for experiencing the restaurant's authentic specialties.

One of the most highly recommended plates is the Oxtail. At $20.00, this lunch and dinner staple is a must-try. Oxtail is revered across the Caribbean for its rich, deep flavor achieved through slow-braising in a savory sauce. The meat becomes incredibly tender, falling off the bone, and the gravy is perfect for soaking up with rice or bread. This dish represents the quintessential Caribbean "comfort food" experience that the restaurant is known for.

For a lighter, yet equally satisfying, meal, the breakfast selection is essential. The Bake & Saltfish ($6.00) is a celebrated West Indian morning meal, combining a lightly fried, fluffy bread ('bake') with a flavorful, seasoned mixture of salted cod ('saltfish'). It's a taste of true island tradition, offering a perfect start to any busy Brooklyn day. The simple Bake ($3.00) or Bake & Spinach ($6.00) are excellent, quick alternatives.

The bakery selection should never be overlooked. The Pinetarts ($4.00) and Cheese Rolls ($4.00) offer a perfect blend of sweet and savory pastry options, ideal for a dessert or a grab-and-go snack. The Salara ($5.00), a soft roll filled with sweet coconut, and the Cassava Pone ($5.00), a dense, sweet cake made from grated cassava, showcase the bakery's commitment to traditional island desserts that are hard to find elsewhere.

Finally, to complete the authentic experience, pair your meal with one of the restaurant’s signature Local Juices. The tangy, spicy Ginger Beer ($8.00) or the sweet and fruity Sorrel ($6.00) provide a refreshing counterpoint to the savory main dishes. These freshly prepared beverages are a critical component of West Indian cuisine, completing the immersive culinary journey offered by Caribbean Bites and West Indian Cuisine Restaurant & Bakery. Whether you’re stopping in for a quick bite or a full dinner, the combination of excellent food, wide variety, and exceptional customer service—as attested to by one patron who praised the "amazing value"—makes this Brooklyn establishment a mandatory visit for anyone in New York seeking authentic island flavor.

Caribbean Bites and West Indian Cuisine Restaurant & Bakery

488 E 98th St, Brooklyn, NY 11212, USA