Island Express

- 998 Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11226

Island Express is a beloved and long-standing institution in the heart of Flatbush, Brooklyn, proudly offering a taste of authentic Caribbean cuisine, with a special emphasis on traditional Guyanese recipes and baked goods. For New Yorkers craving the savory stews, richly spiced curries, and flaky, freshly baked delights of the West Indies, Island Express has been a trusted and popular spot since its original founding in Queens in 1976.

More than just a restaurant, this establishment, located at 998 Flatbush Ave, functions as a Caribbean restaurant, a full-service bakery, and a highly efficient takeout spot—a true culinary triple-threat. It was inspired by the story of Sybil Bernard, a Guyanese native who brought her family and her cherished traditional recipes to New York City, creating a culinary empire that has since delighted generations of local customers and transplants alike. The current location is known for its clean, casual, and friendly atmosphere, making it a comfortable place to grab a quick, high-quality bite whether you are an area local or a tourist exploring Brooklyn's diverse food scene.

Island Express is celebrated for offering a user-friendly and approachable way to experience the complexity and comfort of Guyanese and Caribbean food. The menu is a fantastic showcase of regional favorites, making it an excellent destination for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Its focus on speed and quality has cemented its reputation as one of the best choices for meal takeaway in the area, offering comfort food, healthy options, and satisfying quick bites all in one convenient Brooklyn location.

The dedication to authenticity is a major highlight, with the restaurant proudly showcasing its Guyanese heritage. This is reflected in the extensive bakery section and the unique main dishes that often feature flavors from the diverse culinary traditions of the region, including Indian, African, and Indigenous influences. For those who love Caribbean food or wish to try it for the first time, Island Express provides an accessible and delicious entry point, served with a side of local New York history and community spirit.

Location and Accessibility

Located at the vibrant intersection of New York culture and commerce, Island Express sits right on Flatbush Avenue in the heart of Brooklyn. The exact address is 998 Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11226, USA. This central Flatbush location is highly accessible via public transportation and is a convenient stop for anyone in the neighborhood, including students from nearby Brooklyn College or locals heading home from work.

For New York City subway riders, the restaurant is situated close to a major transit hub. The nearest subway station is the Flatbush Avenue–Brooklyn College station, which is the southern terminal station on the IRT Nostrand Avenue Line. This station is served by the 2 train at all times and the 5 train on weekdays during the day. From the subway exit, the restaurant is just a short, manageable walk away, making it easy to pop in for a quick lunch or pick up a full family dinner.

Driving to the location is also feasible, with both free and paid street parking options available in the surrounding area, though, as with many busy parts of New York City, patience and time should be factored into your journey. Once at the location, Island Express ensures accessibility for all patrons, featuring a wheelchair-accessible entrance and wheelchair-accessible seating options for those who choose to dine in. The casual and cozy atmosphere makes it an inviting spot for groups, families, locals, and tourists alike.

Services Offered

• Takeout Services: A primary focus of the business, ensuring quick and convenient service for customers looking to grab their meal and go.
• Delivery: Offering delivery through multiple platforms, allowing New Yorkers to enjoy authentic Guyanese cuisine without leaving home.
• Dine-in: Provides a casual and cozy atmosphere for patrons who wish to enjoy their meal on-site.
• Catering: Services available for groups and special events, allowing customers to bring the taste of the Caribbean to their gatherings.
• Counter Service: Quick and efficient service model, especially popular for the daily breakfast and lunch rushes.
• Menu Options: Includes full meal options for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner, with a dedicated menu for affordable Lunch Specials.
• Diverse Offerings: The menu successfully caters to various dietary preferences, including robust vegan and vegetarian options, along with healthy selections and classic comfort food.

Features / Highlights

• Authentic Guyanese Cuisine: Proudly serves food made from traditional Guyanese recipes, differentiating itself within the broader Caribbean restaurant scene in NYC. A notable dish often available is Pepperpot, a traditional Guyanese stew.
• Full-Service Bakery: In addition to savory dishes, Island Express operates a highly-praised bakery offering a wide array of fresh bread, patties, and sweet Guyanese pastries like Pineapple Tart, Cheese Roll, Pone, and Tennis Rolls.
• Signature Meat Dishes: Popular menu items include the tender Oxtail in a savory stew gravy (priced at $21.25), the richly seasoned Jerk Chicken ($13.00), and the Thyme infused Stew Chicken ($13.00).
• Curry Specialties: Features a variety of savory curries, including the highly popular Chicken Curry ($12.75), Goat Curry ($16.00), and a flavorful Vegan Curry ($11.00).
• Affordable Lunch Specials: Provides excellent value with Lunch Specials featuring options like a choice of chicken meal with rice or peas and rice for only $9.25, or Vegetable Chow Mein Only for $8.00.
• Freshly Made Patties: Known for both Guyanese-style Cocktail Patties ($3.00) and Jamaican-style Patties ($4.00), available in beef, chicken, and veggie options, with an option to be served on Cocoa Bread for a larger bite.
• Homemade Caribbean Beverages: Offers specialty drinks like Sorrel, Mauby, Peanut Punch, and Carrot Juice ($6.50 each), providing a refreshing, authentic pairing to any meal.

Contact Information

Address: 998 Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11226, USA

Phone: (718) 469-9049

What is Worth Choosing

When planning your next meal takeaway or dining experience in Flatbush, Island Express stands out for several compelling reasons that resonate strongly with the New York local food scene. The commitment to authentic Guyanese recipes, passed down through the family of founder Sybil Bernard, means you are getting more than just Caribbean food—you are getting a specific, rich, and culturally significant culinary experience. This authenticity is a key differentiator that draws dedicated patrons from across the boroughs.

One of the top reasons to choose Island Express is the outstanding balance of quality and affordability. For the budget-conscious New Yorker, the Lunch Specials, priced between $8.00 and $9.25, offer incredibly hearty portions of well-seasoned chicken meals with a choice of rice or noodles, representing a fantastic midday value. Customers consistently praise the Jerk Chicken and the Stew Chicken as being among the best, often citing the savory and tender nature of the meat.

Beyond the main dishes, the combination of a restaurant and an authentic bakery under one roof is a massive advantage. While you wait for your main dish, you can peruse the large selection of fresh-baked goods, a true highlight of the establishment. Don't leave without trying one of the flaky, savory Guyanese patties, whether a small Cocktail Beef Patty ($3.00) or a larger Jamaican Beef Patty ($4.00). The pastries—especially the Pineapple Tart, Cheese Roll, and the comforting Pone ($3.75)—are often called the "real show stoppers" by reviewers and are perfect for a snack, dessert, or a breakfast treat the next day. The fresh-baked breads, such as the Lemon-splashed Tennis Rolls and the buttery Plait Bread ($7.00 per pack), are also a must-try for a truly Guyanese experience.

Finally, the overall experience is one of warmth, speed, and flavor. Customers appreciate the clean and inviting space, the fast counter service, and the consistently high quality of the food. As one satisfied customer noted, the experience is "Affordable, clean, simple, and executed well. Perfect spot to grab and go, or to stay for a quick bite." Whether you are looking for a quick and flavorful lunch, a comforting dinner of Oxtail or Pepperpot, or a selection of unique Guyanese pastries, Island Express provides a slice of the Caribbean right in the heart of Brooklyn, making it a highly recommended spot for local New Yorkers seeking a delicious and reliable meal takeaway option.

Island Express

998 Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11226, USA