Island Crave

- 1 W 137th St, New York, NY 10037

For New Yorkers seeking a vibrant culinary experience that transports them straight to the Caribbean, Island Crave in Harlem stands out as a dual-threat establishment. Functioning both as a casual, trendy Jamaican restaurant and a dedicated catering service, Island Crave is your local connection to authentic island flavors. Specializing in the rich, bold, and diverse cuisine of Jamaica, they offer a powerful combination of classic comfort food, healthy options, and hearty meals to satisfy every palate, whether you're grabbing a quick bite or planning a major event.

Island Crave's menu is a testament to the depth of Jamaican cooking, featuring everything from all-day breakfast staples like Ackee & Saltfish to dinner favorites like Braised Oxtail and Savory Jerk Chicken. While the restaurant provides a welcoming, family-friendly, and inclusive atmosphere for daily dining—including breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner—its expertise truly shines in its professional catering services, making it a reliable partner for bringing the "flavors of the islands" to any gathering across the New York region.

As a key local business in Upper Manhattan, Island Crave is popular for solo dining, but the extensive menu and service options are built to serve larger needs as well. They pride themselves on offering a vibrant taste of the Caribbean, aiming to make every meal memorable and every event flavorful.

Location and Accessibility in Harlem

Island Crave is conveniently situated at 1 West 137th Street, right in the heart of Harlem, New York, NY 10037. This strategic location makes it easily reachable for residents and businesses throughout Manhattan and the surrounding boroughs, especially for catering and delivery services. Harlem is a vibrant neighborhood with excellent access to public transportation, making the restaurant a feasible pickup spot for takeout orders.

The location’s position allows it to serve the daily needs of the community, from a morning porridge to a late dinner. The atmosphere of the restaurant is described as Casual and Trendy, providing a lively backdrop for a quick lunch or dinner. While the indoor space may be small, the focus is on efficient service—the perfect "get your food and get out" New York motto—ensuring that speed does not compromise the quality or flavor of the food. It is recognized as a Family-friendly, LGBTQ+ friendly, and Transgender safespace, emphasizing an inclusive environment for all local users.

Services Offered

Island Crave is designed for modern New York convenience, offering a multitude of ways to enjoy their authentic Jamaican cuisine, from daily dining to large-scale events.

• Catering: Professional catering services are available, perfect for corporate events, parties, family gatherings, and other functions across the New York area.
• Delivery: Quick and convenient delivery service, including No-contact delivery for added safety and preference.
• Curbside Pickup: An easy, stress-free option for collecting your takeout order without having to enter the establishment.
• Takeout and Dine-in: Traditional services for both on-the-go meals and a casual eating experience at the counter.
• All-Day Dining: Serving Breakfast (8 am-4 pm), Lunch/Dinner (10:30 am-11 pm), and Dinner Specials (5 pm-8 pm).
• Counter Service: Quick and friendly service for placing and receiving orders efficiently.
• Payment Options: Accepting major Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.

Features / Highlights of the Menu and Catering

Island Crave’s strength lies in its expansive menu which brings the true essence of the Caribbean to New York tables. For catering clients and daily diners alike, these offerings are the major highlights:

• Signature Meat Dishes: Featuring highly sought-after Jamaican staples such as tender Braised Oxtail, flavorful Savory Jerk Chicken, Brown Stew Chicken, Curry Chicken Foot, and Beef Liver.
• Seafood Selection: A substantial variety of seafood, including Sweet Chili Salmon, JERK SALMON, BAR B Q SALMON, Fried Shrimp Meal, and the popular, daily-rotating Seafood Soup (available Fridays).
• Daily Soups: A rotating selection of traditional Jamaican soups, ensuring freshness and variety, such as Chicken Soup (daily), Goat Soup (Thursdays), Cow Foots Soup (Wednesdays), and Vegetarian Red Peas Soup (Tuesdays).
• Island Sides: Essential Caribbean sides including FRIED SWEET PLANTAINS, FESTIVAL (Sweet Dumplins), Fry Dumplings, BAKE MAC N CHEESE, and Macaroni Salad.
• Artisan Beverages: Offering refreshing homemade drinks like HOMEMADE-PASSION LEMONADE, HOMEMADE-GUAVA GINGER, and Homemade-SORREL GINGER, alongside classic Caribbean sodas (Ting, D&G Kola Champagne, etc.).
• Catering Tray Options: For event planning, the catering trays feature essential staples like Stew Chicken, Curry Chicken, Fried Chicken, Jerk Chicken, Curry Goat, Oxtail, Rice and Peas, and White Rice, all available in half-size deep trays for easy serving.
• Dessert: Finish your meal or event with a slice of rich CARROT CAKE.

Contact Information

For daily orders, catering inquiries, or general information, Island Crave can be reached at:

Address: 1 W 137th St, New York, NY 10037, USA

Phone: (646) 478-7722

Mobile Phone: +1 646-478-7722

What is Worth Choosing Island Crave

Choosing Island Crave, whether for a weeknight dinner or for your next catered event, is an excellent decision for several compelling reasons that cater directly to the New York consumer's need for authenticity, variety, and convenience.

Authentic and Broad Jamaican Cuisine: Island Crave offers an exceptionally wide range of classic Jamaican dishes, allowing customers to dive deep into the culture's cuisine. From the rarity of dishes like Curry Chicken Foot and traditional Daily Soups to the crowd-pleasing Braised Oxtail and various preparations of salmon, the menu ensures that every craving is met. A customer review noted that the food is super tasty and boasts great smells, highlighting the vibrant flavors that Jamaican food is celebrated for. This level of menu depth goes beyond typical fast-casual offerings, making it a culinary destination in Harlem.

Reliable Full-Service Caterer: For businesses, residents, and organizations in the NYC area, Island Crave’s specialized catering service is a major advantage. Their ability to prepare and deliver large-format trays of signature dishes like Jerk Chicken and Curry Goat makes them a reliable partner for effortless event planning. Choosing a caterer who specializes in a globally-loved, rich cuisine like Jamaican food ensures your event stands out with exciting and memorable flavors.

Unbeatable Convenience and Accessibility: In a fast-paced city like New York, convenience is paramount. Island Crave excels by offering Delivery, No-contact delivery, Curbside pickup, and extended operating hours from morning to late evening. This flexibility means you can seamlessly fit a delicious, hearty meal into any busy schedule, whether it's an early morning breakfast or a late-night takeout order. The commitment to wonderful customer service further enhances the experience, making every interaction easy to deal with.

In summary, Island Crave is worth choosing for its professional commitment to serving the rich, bold flavors of Jamaica, its exceptional range of catering options, and its dedication to providing highly convenient service options that fit the demanding pace of life in New York City.

Island Crave

1 W 137th St, New York, NY 10037, USA